The Attic

By Murth J. Hogan

The Attic is the story of two young couples who are tormented in their homes. Both couples live in separate towns. All they have in common, with each other, is the type of homes they live in. Both couples live in terraced houses in older districts of their towns. Their aims are simple, buy small, renovate and sell on. Then when circumstances, such as the arrival of a family, deem it necessary they will upgrade to a bigger more suitable property.

A ruthless property developer has targeted both couples. He wants their homes for two very different reasons. Mandy and John Downing are his first target. He wants their home as part of his twisted plan to gain revenge on his grandfather, a man he has never met.

Alice and Raymond Dunbar are the other target. This home is located in an area where vast amounts of money are involved. Their home is the prime target. He will do anything, legal or otherwise, to get what he wants.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse UK
• Release date: Sep 20, 2013
• ISBN: 9781491875643

Murth J. Hogan

Murth Hogan was born in Wexford, Ireland in March 1952. He was educated in the Christian Brothers primary and secondary level schools. He left school at fifteen and went to work in the construction industry serving a five year apprenticeship in carpentry. He remained working in construction for a further six years after his apprenticeship was completed. During that time he did a third level course in Interior Design and Construction as a mature student. In 1981 he left Wexford and moved to Cork city on the south coast of ireland where he started a design consultancy business. The business was successful for a couple of years but the recession of the mid eighties virtually wiped out the need for his professional services. In September 1986 he emigrated to Canada living and working in Toronto for three years and then the small city of St. Catherines for three and a half years. It was during his time in St. Catherines that he developed his interest in writing. This interest was very important to him at the time as a means of lessening the lonliness he felt as his young family remained in Ireland. He worked on a number of stories which he wrote in the form of screenplays. He quickly realised the difficulties of getting work in this area and for a long time lost interest in his projects. He returned to Ireland in December 1992 and once again faced the prospect of unemployment. He worked mainly doing odd jobs and some casual work for a building company over the next two years. In January 1995 he was successful in his application for full time employment in a Community based project in his home town. He has worked in this job to the present day. In 2011 he decided once again to work on his ideas only this time to write them as books. The Attic is the first of these stories.

Book preview

Chapter 1

A New Beginning

The heavy curtains are still drawn closed; a thin sliver of bright early morning summer sunlight extends down the full length of the curtains at the centre joining. Whoever pulled the curtains together, the night before, was either too tired, or just did not bother to ensure they were joined together properly. The bedroom is small. There is a single bed placed in the middle of one of the straight walls. The bed fits nicely into the room allowing space for wardrobes and a dressing table. The décor is from some years past. It is still very much in the style that a girl, in her mid to late teens, would have considered to be cool at that time. The person who languishes in the bed this morning is Alice Hawkins.

She spent most of her life in this room, in this happy loving home with her parents Robert and Martha and her younger brother Mike. The only thing that has changed, in the years since she last stayed in the room, is the fact that now it is a tidy place and not a constant mess as it was in her teenage years. On a recent night out with her mother, she did admit to her that she found clothes hangers to be a great modern invention. She never knew what they were for when she was young! After jokingly making this comment, her mother raised her eyebrows to the heavens in grateful thanks. At least, Martha thought, she had learned that much since she had moved out to start her own life. She had given up trying to get her to use the wardrobes which they provided for her, at great expense, a long time ago. This happened after years of pleading with her, but failing miserably, to get even the slightest positive response from her. Now she has become the neat and tidy person she had always hoped for.

The thin shaft of light spreads across the floor of the bedroom and, up the soft quilted bedspread. It spreads its light across the sculptured beautiful face of Alice as she relaxes in her fond memories of this home. Alice is the only daughter in her family and, along with her younger brother Mike, had lived in this house for twenty years of her life. The past few days have been a slightly strange experience for her. She had not slept in this bed, this room, this house, for about five years. She has spent the last couple of nights in her parent’s home before her wedding day, which is today.

On the day she was born as her dad held her, in his arms for the first time, he made a promise to his tiny daughter that she would always have the best opportunities possible in life. He promise his tiny daughter that they would do everything possible, to make all her dreams come true. Within a matter of weeks of her birth they set up a savings account for her. Every week of their lives they lodged money into this account until she began her college life. This gave her a real sense of independence, in those years, as there was quite an amount of money in the account. She was very lucky as most others in her age group, did not have this kind of financial support. She understood the effort her parents had made to put this legacy together for her. She has great respect for them. She showed her respect, by using that money wisely, in the years that followed. It allowed her a lot of extra time for her studies which was a huge help to her. She was different to a lot of her peers, in that regard, as they needed to get part time work to supplement their college funds.

She was a beautiful baby and as she grew up was always a good child. Of course as in every child’s life, especially when her younger brother Mike started to find his feet, the two of them got into bother. It was never anything bad just the usual things that healthy fun loving children get up to. When they got up to this mischief their mother did not greet it with laughter. They knew when she was cross with them. They only had to look at the expression on her face. Just like most other Mums, this expression turned into a smile when she was well out of their sight.

Starting school did not bother Alice in any way; she took all those changes in life in her stride. Her mum was taken aback, just a little, as Alice marched into the classroom on her own. Took her seat and waved goodbye to her without as much as a tear or a sign of worry on her little face. She drove home that morning with tears flowing down her face. She was overcome, with the feeling that her little baby had to grow up. In her opinion, this happened, far too quickly.

Alice loved learning and, even at that young age, she liked nothing better than to sit at her computer finding information about all sorts of things on the internet. From a young age she also had an opinion about a lot of issues. Martha often remembers her coming into the kitchen annoyed and agitated about something. It was, more often than not, some news story in the newspaper or on the television which she didn’t like. Alice was never either shy, or quite spoken about these items. If she disagreed, or didn’t like what was being said or written, she had no problem expressing it. Bankers, property developers and politicians were her pet hates. The three mill stones around the neck of society she called them.

Her mum and dad knew that she was a good reader of character. They believed she would never suffer fools lightly. They hoped this, trait in her character, would continue with her throughout her life. She sailed through the first years of school with great ease, showing a lot of promise even at that very young age. The progression from junior school, to high school, was taken in her stride. The ease of the transition from being a little girl to a teenager, who knew what she wanted, was no surprise to anyone. Alice knew exactly what she wanted. She was never afraid, or shy, of the hard work she had to do to achieve it.

She understood the importance of her second level education and, concentrated on being the very best she could be. Her parent teacher meetings were a joy for her mum and dad. Her brother Mike created the opposite effect for them. Alice will always admit that, while she had this great focus and an absorbing ambition to do well in life, it was her brother Mike who always kept her real and her feet on the ground. He always gave her the best moments of joy and laughter in life. No matter what he did, or for that matter didn’t do, he was always there for her in the good and, more importantly, the bad times. His funny comments, and very endearing cheeky grin, able to lighten the darkest of times. He was the person who really celebrated her achievements. On more than one occasion he celebrated, her achievements, in style. The following morning, suffering greatly with a huge hangover and no sympathy from Alice. When she achieved great results in her university exams he brought her out to celebrate. But as usual he was the one, who ended the night, being brought home and needing lots of care and attention.

He does and, of course will, always claim to be the person responsible for Alice meeting her soon-to-be husband. They were at the beach one summer’s day. Mike was strutting around in a game of football, being the big tough guy, before all the bikini clad beauties. Raymond Dunbar was one of the players and, when Mike went over on his ankle, it was Raymond who helped him off to the side. He helped get him into Alice’s car when, it was evident, he needed to go to the hospital. Alice was waiting for Mike, at the A&E department of the hospital, when the young man who had helped her came in to check on him. Of course he did admit to Mike, one night that he knew bloody well he was going to be alright. He just wanted to meet his gorgeous sister once again. Alice and Raymond started dating from that time.

It was quite a surprise for her parents, and everyone else who knew her, when she choose Architecture and Interior Design as a career. It shouldn’t have been. She always showed a great interest in all types of design and architecture and, especially furniture both antique and new. Alice could be very critical of some modern design when she compared the new, against the classical masters. Many of her friends remember the times when she was full of praise for, particular types of furniture designs and, particular pieces of art. They also remember her constantly reading magazines specifically about this subject. They never put the two, the keen interest and a career choice, together. Her parents were worried, at first, about her choices. That worry quickly turned to delight for them. Her college achievements soon proved, that her choice was exactly right for her. Once she started working her reputation as an excellent designer, and a highly professional person, increased on a daily basis.

Alice had dated other boys before Raymond but, as she said herself, none of them made her feel the way he did. She did refer to most of them as little boys with big egos. She believed the vast majority of them were spoiled brats, and serious mummy’s boys. She wanted a man in her life that would treat her with respect and, as an equal. She found all those traits in Raymond. He never pressured her into anything she didn’t want to do. He never demanded, or expected, anything to happen at his pace. He never acted like a child when he didn’t get his own way. Alice slowly but surely fell very much in love with this man. When it became evident that their relationship was deeply serious and permanent, he gave her the time and space to make the important decisions when it was right for her. One evening, when they had planned to go out, Raymond prepared a meal for them at his apartment. After eating, Alice got very comfortable on the couch, as he was cleaning up in the kitchen. After a short time, going out was the last thing she wanted to do.

She decided then that, this was the life she wanted. The time was right for her to move their relationship to a higher level. She wanted him desperately and, without pressure or prompting from him, she took his hand and led him to the bedroom. They spent the night together. When she woke in the morning and, turned around to see him beside her she knew that this was right for her. She believed from that moment on they would be together for life.

The last couple of days had been an absolute merry go round as she organised the finishing touches in her local church and, the hotel where the wedding reception is to take place. Raymond has also been very busy leading up to the wedding. He had a tight schedule to meet as he worked on the finishing touches of their home. His construction business is going very well. Along with all those commitments, and the house, there is not much time left for anything else. Their lives seem to be a mixture of work and sleep and, the odd moment of time with Alice. Most of their together time is spent with a paint brush, or hammer, in their hands.

It was purely by chance that they found this house. They were on a shopping trip to a new Mall, which had opened, in one of the suburbs. They saw this mid terrace house, in need of repair, with a for sale sign on the wall. Alice’s adventurous side took over immediately. She envisaged what could be done with this property. The mid terraced house is about sixty years old. It definitely needed some tender loving care and attention. She saw great potential in the property and persuaded Raymond of the potential for the property. They arranged a viewing with the real estate agents.

They both loved the house and, after a couple of days discussing the changes they could to it, they decided to take it a step further. They looked at the financial implications for them and knew, without a doubt, this was very possible for them to do. They also knew, when the renovations were complete, that they would have a very nice return on their investment, if they ever sold the property. They pooled a part of each of their savings and paid a deposit. Their parents took some of the financial worry out of this, with substantial gifts of money as wedding presents. They were one of the lucky few, who did not have to borrow a great deal of money for the purchase of the house. They were well able to finance any renovations from their own resources. Their target was to have the house ready to move into when they came back from their honeymoon.

This plan will work out okay, as any small bits and pieces will be finished by one of his staff while they are away. Raymond started the work by moving in a couple of his demolition crew, they cleared the house down to the bare walls. Alice had a better idea of the spaces available to her. She measured up the building room by room. When she had the working drawings completed, for the changes, Raymond set about demolishing the internal walls which were not needed any more.

Within a couple of weeks the new areas were built giving them an open plan area containing kitchen and dining room at the rear of the house. Access to the kitchen is also available through French doors from the living room. As you entered the front door there is a small bright entrance porch, about six square metres in size, a door leads from this into the lounge area. A long narrow hallway extends, from the front of the house to the back. This provides access to the other ground floor rooms directly from it. At the back of the hallway a stairway leads up to the first floor landing. The master bedroom will contain an en-suite shower room. The remaining space will be turned into a smaller guest bedroom.

They also have major plans to convert the attic space into a working office for both of them. It can be changed into another bedroom, should a family arrive sooner than planned. That part of the project is been left on hold. They want to get all the important areas, living room, kitchen, dining, bathrooms and master bedroom completed before the wedding. The important thing is that the house will be ready for living in when they return home. The rest of the work can be completed in time.

Raymond had a different type of lifestyle to Alice. Unfortunately for him, he did not have the same safe secure home life that Alice had. His parents never seemed to agree about anything, even the simplest things ended in an argument. Much of his childhood years were spent wishing that he was somewhere else. He had a good relationship with each of his parents on a one to one basis. He would spend time with his father during holiday times. During school times his mother was the parent who was there all the time. To his surprise when they actually broke up, and divorced, it became easier for him. He was not in the direct line of fire during their constant bickering.

He is not afraid of hard work either and, also has plenty of ambition. He got his interest in construction work from his grandfather, on his dad’s side of the family. He was a carpenter and Raymond wanted to follow in his footsteps. He worked hard in trade school taking every course on offer and, passing each one with very high grades. It didn’t take long for him to be snapped up by a very good building contractor. Working for this company gave him the experience he needed. After spending five years with him, he decided to make a go of it himself and start his own construction company. It was a struggle at times, in the beginning, but over the last couple of years things have changed. His quality work is been rewarded with lots of referrals and lots of contracts.

Everything is organised so this morning Alice has a bit of time, to herself, to relax in bed before getting up for breakfast with her family. Then the long process of getting ready for the big occasion will begin. She sits up in the bed and props the pillows up at her back. She smiles as she thinks about her life here in this house, her parents, and her brother Mike, and the mad and bad things they got up to as children. She knows that if her marriage, and hopefully family, has half of that happiness it will be everything her heart desires. The thought, and hope, that someday they will fill their home with the laughter of a family of their own, brings butterflies to her stomach and a warm feeling in her heart.

There is a slight knock on her bedroom door. She calls out, Come in. The door is pushed open. Her mother bounces into the room, like a young girl, full of excitement about the day. Martha, her mother, is now in her mid-fifties. She is still able to hold her place among the younger ones. She often turns a head or two as she enters a room. She is tall and leggy with thick jet black hair. She does, on the odd occasion, admit that these days the black needs to be helped along in places. She also strives to keep her figure a nice comfortable size twelve. She likes her exercise. She walks and swims several times a week. She does, and always has, enjoyed a good healthy diet. Her ideal night out is a good restaurant with music and dancing to follow. She has always encouraged Alice to eat a very healthy diet and, frowned on the crash diet efforts of some of her friends. Her motto for a long healthy life is to eat well, keep the alcohol to a sensible level, and enjoy sex as often as the one man in your life can manage it and, when you get tired take a well-deserved rest together. As she walks across the room she cheerfully asks.

How is my soon to be gone for good daughter this morning?

Alice throws a pillow at her mother, in mock annoyance at her comments. Their relationship has always been one of fun as well as the serious side of life. Her mum catches the pillow as she crosses the room to the bed. She sits down with her back to the headboard. She swings her legs up onto the bed and settles down for a bit of a chat. Her mother looks a little sad. There is a brief silence before Alice reaches out to her and wraps her arms around her as she tells her.

Don’t look so worried mum. You know more than anyone that I am very happy. I love him so much. Martha smiles as she answers her.

I know you are my dear. Don’t mind me. Your dad and I were just going back over the years, last night that you and Mike were here. It makes us feel a little sad, that both of you are now making it on your own.

Alice kisses her cheek and as a smile crosses her face and a tear trickles down her mother’s face.

Thanks mum for everything you have given me over the years. I just hope you know how grateful I am.

Her mother nods as she tries to hold back another tear. She does not want to feel this way today. A cheeky grin crosses Alice’s face as she decides it is time to get a rise out of her. She often makes her smile with a smart ass comment.

It’s not sad mum, it’s just that you are getting older. That’s all it is mum.

Martha’s only response is an exaggerated sigh as she tries to think of something quick witted and, equally as sarcastic to say back to her daughter. Alice is much quicker off the mark.

Give up mum you know you can’t win this one.

Martha wraps her arms around Alice and whispers.

I love you very much.

She settles down in the bed beside her in a way that only a mother and daughter can be together. Martha constantly brushing back her daughter’s hair from across her face, wanting nothing to block her view of her smiling eyes. Their arms interlocked talking about the past and their hopes for the future. They will stay there for the next hour or so, blissfully unaware of all around them.

Raymond is a happy man today for two reasons. He is about to marry the woman he loves dearly. There is nothing in this world that he would not do for Alice. Secondly, he is happy that they decided on an afternoon wedding. He was up late last night, putting the finishing touches to their bedroom which Alice will only see on their first night together in their home. She had wanted to have a complete set of sliding, mirrored door wardrobes fitted in their bedroom. The manufacturer had let them down with the order. Raymond had told her he would sort something out on a temporary basis for her. He had contacted another cabinet making company and, they agreed to get the work delivered two days before the wedding, on one condition. He had to on site to help, a cabinet maker from the company, get the wardrobes fitted. They finished the work last night and, even though he was exhausted, he sat on the bed and admired Alice’s choice. They looked fabulous in their bedroom.

He has made all the necessary work arrangements with his staff for the two week period he will be away. Raymond has an excellent young site manager and three excellent foremen. They will look after the contracts in progress and, another new start up when he is on honeymoon. He has complete trust in these four men and, knows that everything is in safe hands while he is away.

Raymond is an only child, and the only grandchild on his mother’s side of the family. His grandfather who had passed away some years earlier had left him a substantial amount of money in his will. His grandfather, being a wise old man, had the money invested for him until he was twenty one. Just like Alice, Raymond respected the effort it took for his grandfather to leave him that kind of money. At the time he used it wisely. His father has remarried and, is unable to come to the wedding. His mother will be there. Privately he is a relieved, as usually when his parents meet it ends in an argument. After years of separation, and then divorce, his mother still finds it difficult to understand how his father could remarry and find happiness, without her in his life. On many an occasion, Raymond has been very embarrassed when his parents started bickering while in their company. He feels sad that his father won’t be there but it is for the best. This is one day he does not want tension, or their problems, to spoil things for him and Alice.

Raymond stayed with his best friend and best man, Jack, for the night. When he came back to the apartment Jack had a couple of cool beers waiting for him. They shared a few laughs as they looked back over the years since high school. Jack has always been more like a big brother than just a friend. He is two years older than Raymond. When they met up in school they became great friends. Jack never letting the age difference interfere with that friendship. Jack had always been taller than Raymond, through the school years, and always looked like a much tougher kid. In actual fact he wasn’t, it was usually Raymond who did the standing up to the bully boys and, the hard lads in school. If both of them were asked what would be the one thing that worried them about each other, Raymond would always say that Jack was far too cautious. Jack would always say that, Raymond needed to be careful; someday his burning ambition could actually be his downfall.

Both men have learned to depend on each other, throughout their adult life, as well. They support each other in the bad times, and when things are good, they enjoy each other’s success. Jack knew and, understood, the problem Raymond had with his parents and always advised his friend in a way that he thought best for him. Jack agreed with him that it was better if one of them was not there. He feels the attention should be totally centred on the couple getting married, rather than his parent’s difficulties with each other. Raymond is nice and relaxed in the living room of the apartment. He is a bit surprised as he is not, well not yet anyway, feeling the least bit nervous about the wedding. The apartment is, of course, a bit of a mess after the carry on the night before. Before they got to bed it turned into a bit of a boy’s night, pizza, beer and football on the television, with no clean up at the end of the evening. Everything is still where they left it the night before. Smelly socks and all. Jack comes into the living room with the usual large mug of coffee for breakfast. He is a bit surprised to see that Raymond is so relaxed. He decides that this needs a bit of pot stirring to get the day off to a good start. He flops down in one of the armchairs, he asks Raymond.

Are the get-away bags packed?

He grins at him.

You know you can rely on me, your best buddy, to get you out of this mess you got yourself into. I can and will get you away safely.

Jack is hoping for the usual foul mouthed response from him. In these man moments and as sure as the sun rises, the response from him is loud and clear.

You can fuck right off. I’m sure you would help me leave now. I know what your game is. I’m sure you would be there to console my woman, as soon as my feet touch the ground running.

Jack laughs.

Shit I knew you were too clever for that one. You miserable bastard.

Jack is usually very easy going. Today he is the best man. He is a bit nervous about the speech he has to make. He has always called his friend by his shortened version of the name Raymo. He knows that this is not liked by Alice. He takes out some of his speech notes and, asks Raymond to comment on some of the content.

My best bud Raymo has.

Raymond interrupts him.

You call me Raymo anywhere in your speech today and, Alice will have your nuts for golf balls.

He grins at him.

And you bloody know it.

Jack raises his hands in mock resignation as he replies.

Okay buddy boy. Raymond it is then for the speech, but only for the speech. After that its back to my buddy Raymo whether the gorgeous Alice likes it or not.

He continues with the practice run of the rest of his written material.

To all the single beautiful women of all ages, both here at the reception and, out in the big world. I profusely apologise. I am deeply sorry. I tried my best to get Raymond to change his mind and run for the border over the last couple of days. Instead he decided to abandon his bachelor ways for the gorgeous Alice. She is the only girl for him and now, sad as it may seem, all that you lovely ladies have left, is me.

Raymond interrupts him.

Stop. I don’t want to hear any more from you until this afternoon.

Jack answers him as he folds the pages of his speech.

Ok bud. On your head be it.

Having folded up the pages nice and neatly, he puts them into his pocket. The two relax for a while longer as they are in no hurry. They won’t need to head off to the church for another three hours or so.

The next few hours were endured by Raymond. It seemed like an endless amount of time since he had last seen Alice, two days ago, at her parent’s home. Now he just wants to get to the church, take her hand in his, become husband and wife and start their life together. After several mugs of coffee, and endless pacing up and down the lounge, the nerves begin to tingle as the time to get ready for the wedding quickly approaches. The new shirts are unwrapped. The creases are carefully ironed out. The bow ties, made of the same material as the bridesmaid dress, are carefully laid out beside the shirts. New socks and shoes all sorted. It is like a full blown military operation carried out to perfection. Both of the suits are still hanging in the wardrobe in their protector wraps. Jack has his shower first. He feels the groom might want longer than him to make sure all the bits get a good scrubbing, are squeaky clean and, are perfumed to perfection.

The showering done the boys get dressed. Anyone who would enter the room at this time might well be in need of breathing apparatus. The amount of deodorant spray, after shave lotion and all kinds of good smelling stuff which is used in abundance, hangs in the air like a fog. At last they are dressed for the occasion. Both of them stand in front of the mirror admiring themselves. If the women in their lives were here now they would surely ask the question ‘why they give out so much when women spend so much time in front of the mirror before they go out with their men’. Raymond ordered a taxi to take them to the church. He has their entire luggage in the car, at the hotel, where the reception is taking place.

The car is well hidden from jokers like Jack. He would really like to decorate the vehicle, to an appropriate level, for the occasion. They have their going-away outfits in one of the rooms so, when they leave tonight, it will only be a matter of getting into the car and heading for the airport. Well, that is what they have told everyone any way. What they are really doing is sneaking back to the hotel and staying in the honeymoon suite. They going to the airport in the morning. Everything is arranged with the hotel staff to get them back in that night and, to get them out early in the morning, without anyone seeing them. The taxi arrives, last minute checks take place, the rings, the presents for the bridesmaids, the envelopes with the payments for the minister and the church musicians and singer are all there and ready. All they need now is to go.

As they draw up to the church, in the taxi, some of the guests have already arrived. They are standing around, in the grounds of the church, in small groups. Everyone seems to be in great form. As Raymond and Jack get out of the car, the wedding photographer is happily snapping away recording the memories of the day for them. After welcoming everybody to the church it is decided to get everyone inside, as the bride will be arriving soon.

The groom and his best man are waiting patiently at the altar of the church. Raymond is quietly hoping that Alice will not leave him standing here for too long. He has been filled with stories, over the weeks leading up to the wedding, from all sorts of people about how they were left waiting, in the church for ten to twenty minutes. In some cases the groom had to wait much longer for the bride to arrive. Alice has promised him that she would not do that to him. He is longing to see her enter the church on her father’s arm. He knows, even though he has not seen her dress she, will look stunning in the white wedding gown. He need not have worried because she is already outside. As she got out of the car her bridesmaid, her cousin Nancy was waiting for her. After ensuring that all the bits are in the right places the two girls hug each other and are ready to walk down the aisle.

The signal is given to the organist. The first notes of the wedding march ring out. This quickly drags Raymond out of his daydream. He turns and sees his Alice enter the centre isle of the church. His heart misses a beat. She looks so beautiful. He is filled with pride as she gets closer and closer to him. His soon to be father in law gently guides his only daughter to stand beside him and, then reaches out to Raymond with a warm handshake. Alice faces Raymond. The wedding service begins with the words.

My dear families and friends we are gathered here today to witness the union of this man and this woman.

And ends with these much spoken words.

I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.

The church erupts with loud applause for the young couple, Alice & Raymond Dunbar.

Chapter 2

Strange Happenings in Other Places

About the same time that Alice and Raymond are making their wedding vows, in a small town some two hundred miles from them, a young woman is on a roller coaster ride of fear and torment. Her name is Mandy Downing and her husband of ten years is John. Mandy and John have lived in their home since they were married. They always seemed to be the perfect match for each other. They both like the same things such as nights out with a group of friends which usually involves several beers and, fast food at the end of the night. Every now and then they go on one of their get fit, keep fit drives. That usually lasts for a couple of weeks and if the mood takes them a couple of months. Then they slowly drift back into their old ways until the next time.

Over the years they have renovated their home and are now very happy with their lot, or so Mandy thought, until recently when things started to change. For months her life has been a series of strange happenings in her home. Her husband, whom she thought loved her very much, seems to be hell bent on driving her out of that home and out of their marriage for good. She is very confused, as up to a couple of months ago they had what could only be described as a perfect marriage. They have their home. Both of them are working so money is not a problem. Their sex life has always been, to say the very least of it, exciting and energetic.

Neither Mandy nor John can explain why their marriage has taken this sudden change from one of total trust and commitment to each other, to one of mistrust and constant arguing. The most hurtful part, for Mandy, is that he is denying any wrong doing. He constantly claims that whatever she believes to be happening is all in her own vivid imagination. Arguments often ending with sarcastic hurtful comments such as ‘you are losing it’ or ‘you are reading too many crime articles in the newspapers’. There is never any explanation as to why the events that were happening, had happened at all. Her private possessions, her memories from the past, her clothing have all been damaged or moved about to different places in their home. When she asked, or demanded to know, why her husband was doing these things he has always passionately denied any hand act or part in it. She can’t understand why he is denying his actions so strongly. After all, other than herself, he is the only person to have access