The Unorthodox Soldier: The Phoenix Project, #1

By Evan J Ridgoth

The Phoenix Project Volume 1: The Unorthodox Soldier

BURN IN THE ASHES

RISE FROM THE FLAMES

Chris Banks finds himself in a desperate struggle for survival. His father, a police officer based in Norfolk, murdered at the hands of a colleague. His house, up in flames. His life, ruined beyond repair. Lost, confused and broken, he seeks out the truth.

It is then when he crosses paths with a soldier who takes him in. Gives him the tools and the knowledge he needs in order to achieve his revenge. Casting aside his old identity, he adopts a new one. In the eyes of the world, Chris Banks is dead. Chris Tyler is very much alive.

All the while, the whispers of a past thought to be long buried begin their ascent from the ashes.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Evan J Ridgoth
• Release date: Apr 5, 2019
• ISBN: 9781386274995

Evan J Ridgoth

I am sure like most people, I left university without any idea what I wanted to do with my life. In the end, I started writing simply because I was bored. I had an idea and I couldn't get it out of my head no matter how hard I tried. I took it slow and gradually drafted a book. Once the first draft was complete, I felt such an overwhelming sense of accomplishment but it didn't last long because before I knew it, I was planning the next one and the next. Writing is something I never thought I would enjoy. Something I never expected to be doing with my life. I write books because I love it. I am not writing to please anyone other than myself. If you like it too, great. If not, doesn't matter. Hopefully one day, I will write one that you do enjoy.  I have a lot of stories I want to tell and I hope you will join me on this adventure. I am in this for the long haul…….

Book preview

Prologue

It was cold. It was bloody cold. The New Year had broken with a vengeance. The exposed skin on my face and hands screamed with a numbing irritation. I tried rubbing my palms together in a vain attempt to regain the feeling. I let out a deep gasp and watched my breath evaporate before my eyes. My body twitched and writhed uncontrollably. I hated the cold, even the purpose of suffering wasn’t enough to take my mind off it.

My eyes were firmly fixed on the screen which I had carefully propped up on my lap. I was almost willing for something to happen, anything, I just didn’t want to sit here anymore.

Relax said Mark who was sitting in the driver’s seat beside me with a stoic calm that I found rather unnerving.

I didn’t answer. Too many mistakes had been made, mistakes I was directly responsible for.  It was down to me to put things right. I would not let this opportunity slip through my fingers.

We don’t even know if he is going to show up he said slowly. The Intel could be useless.

The street was deserted. Cars were abandoned along the side of the road. Nothing had moved for hours. We were slipped in amongst them; just another abandoned car.

Doesn’t matter I muttered under my breath. If there is the slightest chance that this information is accurate then we have to take it.

The apartment was empty aside from an overnight bag in the wardrobe. A quick rummage revealed typical contents a man on the run might need. A change of clothes, money, identity papers which were obvious forged, and a firearm.

Unfortunately, this meant nothing. A small bag with basic necessities could easily have been left from a previous visit. Worse still, if he found out that we were on to him he could just as easily decide to leave it. The only thing it did confirm was that he had been here before and that was a start.

I shifted uncomfortably. I felt frozen. I had barely moved in the last twenty-four hours. It felt like I was sitting on a block of ice. My tired legs ached, as though they were about to go into atrophy.  I rubbed my hands more ferociously, like a scout desperately trying to create fire with a pair of damp sticks.

Jesus Christ. Can you please put the heating on for five minutes?

You’ve been on a stakeout before Mark snorted. You should be used to it, or are you going soft in your old age?

I swore under my breath. I got the distinct impression that Mark was enjoying himself. The cold didn’t seem to bother him. After all, he was still an active soldier. I remember being young and defiant. Maybe he was right, maybe I was getting old.

I glanced at my watch again, more for something to do than because I wanted to know the time. Seven thirty in the morning. Sleep deprived and frozen is a very bad mix, especially at my age.

I tapped the screen on my lap, adjusting the cameras wired directly into the building. Four in all, one outside the front door and three in the apartment. Anyone enters, I would know.

Do we know what alias he is assuming? I asked as I swivelled one of the cameras in a circle.

He shook his head.

I tried running his old ones but got nothing he said airily. It’s not as though I am surprised. The guy is not stupid. He knows full well we are still after him.

It’s been about five years I muttered disappointedly. I was hoping for a slip up long before now. There is no denying his intelligence but he is nowhere near as cunning as his father was.

Silence fell. Neither of us spoke but I knew we were thinking the same thing. In life everyone makes mistakes. It is an inevitability. There is no avoiding it. The only way to combat them is to learn from them. Never make the same mistake twice, that was the key. Even so, in life I believe that there is always one that haunts you, and this was mine.

You need to stop beating yourself up about the past.

I sighed.

That’s the problem. It’s not over. It will not end until this bastard is dead. Not end until I am convinced that all traces of the past are firmly erased.

We did he replied giving me a consoling look. We burned the project to the ground. There is no trace of it left. We won, remember?

I shook my head. Mark didn’t get it. There was far more at stake here. I was not convinced that the past had been entirely buried.

It’s been nearly five years I said again, gloomily staring out of the window. Five years. To me that is ample time to start rebuilding. What if the project has been up and running in secret?

Mark snorted.

It’s not exactly easy to keep such a thing a secret. Think of the personnel, the equipment and facilities needed to run it. Someone would have heard something by now.

I still wasn’t swayed. I know what my gut told me.

It felt too easy I said awkwardly, Five years he has been out of reach. With all the technology at our disposal we should have located him long before now. No, there is only one explanation. He had help.

A small droplet of water slid down the windscreen as more droplets followed in quick succession. After a few moments, the atmosphere completely shifted into a full-blown storm. I swear the temperature fell another notch. I didn’t know how much more of this I could take.

You’re doing it again Johnson he said abruptly as he pinched the bridge of his nose and let out a sigh.

Doing what?

Mark turned his head and gave me a hard stare. I felt like his dark brown eyes were penetrating my very soul. A skill he no doubt picked up in his time in the army. A useful technique. No doubt he’d put it to good use over the years but it wouldn’t work on me.

You know damn well what he said looking agitated. You are keeping things from me again. I told you, no more secrets.

It’s not a secret I said defensively. More of a feeling.

He threw me that penetrating stare once again and I knew I had no choice but to elaborate.

You and I both know his father had resources in the intelligence agencies. Falling completely off the radar in this day and age is virtually impossible without the right help.

So that explains why you won’t ask them for help he said with a small smile. You don’t trust them.

Of course I don’t I snapped. After everything that happened. They ignored our appeal for help. They wanted the project to succeed. They wanted....

I broke off. Heat was rising in my face as I recalled one of the darkest hours in my life. A history I desperately wanted to forget.

No. We are on our own with this one.

I leant back against the headrest. A distant rumble of thunder and a flash across the darkened sky. It was early morning but you wouldn’t have guessed from the weather. Thankfully it was a Saturday so it was going to be a slow start. No morning rush to worry about.

Emmett will help Mark said suddenly. He knows the situation. We wouldn’t be bringing in an outsider should we need aid.

He is training the next generation of recruits, isn’t he? I asked inquisitively.

Mark nodded.

Emmett was a highly-seasoned soldier. Strong, smart and agile. There was no doubt his assistance would prove beneficial, but I didn’t want to remove him from his role as teacher. He was a valuable mentor.

Silence fell again. I played with the cameras but nothing. Not a sign of him. Frustrated, I went back to staring out the window. My eyes snapped to the wing mirror as a pair of headlights popped into view. I watched it with no real enthusiasm. It was just a car. A car that would drive past our position like they all did, completely unrelated to the man we were looking for.

It came as a startling surprise therefore when the car pulled up a few vehicles behind, just outside the apartment. It was a black BMW with tinted windows. One of the newer models.

Adrenaline started to kick in. Could this be our man?

I turned to Mark but he was already eyeing the vehicle suspiciously. Neither of us spoke as we waited for the person to emerge. By now, I had completely forgotten about the cold. In fact, I could feel the heat rising as my blood surged in my veins. My intrigue reaching boiling point.

The car door opened. I leaned round in my seat to get a better look. It was difficult to tell through the heavy rain. The rear window was starting to fog up but I could just make out a figure wearing a black hoody. His face was hidden from view.

I don’t think its him Mark said turning back. Clothes are wrong for a start.

But what about the car? I said, still suspicious.

The figure was acting warily. Almost as if he was afraid. His head swivelled from left to right as he approached the door. He carefully looked over his shoulder towards the other side of the street. As he did, I got a good look of his face.

Not him he said blowing a sigh of disappointment.

The man at the door looked tired. I wasn’t exactly close enough to see in any great detail but he looked sullen and pale. Possibly due to lack of sleep. His clothes seemed dirty. I spotted a large patch of mud on his trousers.

Something’s not right I said awkwardly.

Something was definitely out of place.

Next moment he slipped inside the building and out of sight.

I quickly snatched up my tablet and swivelled the apartment camera around. A few seconds passed. I held my breath as very slowly, he approached the door. He slipped something black out of his pocket, something I recognised instantly.

He’s got a gun.

Mark glanced down at the security feed before retrieving his pistol from the holster within his jacket.

I’m going in Mark said pushing open the car door.

Wait a moment I said grabbing him by the arm.

Wait for what? There is a guy with a gun outside our targets apartment. This needs to be taken care of.

I shook my head and watched closely. He had opened the door to the apartment using a key. Did that mean he was an accomplice? No, if he was then he wouldn’t be gun ready.

I switched to the inside cameras. The man was pressing himself against the kitchen wall. He didn’t want to be seen. His arm was up, gun pointing into every corner of the room. It was methodical but amateurish. He possessed some knowledge but lacked experience. His hands fumbled the weapon as he darted into the bedroom. This guy was no professional. Question was, who was he and why was he here?

After a few moments the man seemed to realise that the apartment was empty. He lowered the gun and pulled off his hood allowing me to see his complete profile. My mouth dropped.

I couldn’t believe it. What was he doing here? Suddenly something clicked. Everything started to make sense. Unfortunately, his presence here meant we now had a serious problem.

I watched the man while he searched erratically around the apartment. This was no robbery, he desired answers. That much was clear to me. He didn’t have a clue what he had just walked into.

He found the overnight bag stashed in the wardrobe and started rummaging through the contents. That would only add to his unanswered questions.

Come on I said putting aside the tablet and pushing the car door open.

What the hell are you doing? Mark asked incredulously.

I want to know the guys story I replied in a matter of fact tone. Are you coming?

The rain had intensified a great deal in the last few minutes. It hammered down on the car like stones falling from the sky. The sound was deafening. Still, could be worse. At least it wasn’t snowing.

I pulled my collar up to shield my neck from the wind. My small tuft of greying hair blew to one side in the swift gust. I planted the walking stick firmly on the ground. My leg was acting up again. I quickly rubbed my thigh, trying to reinvigorate the blood vessels into action. The frequency of problems seemed to have grown of late. Maybe another sign of my age.

I still couldn’t quite believe he was here of all places. How much did he know? The Phoenix Project was top secret. I hoped he knew nothing. But then, why was he here?

Maybe his presence here was the work of fate. I gave a small chuckle. If only I believed in such a thing.

Chapter 1

J esus.... Fuck.

I lurched from the sudden wave of cold water only to find my hands bound. Leather straps locking them in place around the wooden chair I was sitting on.

What the hell was going on? Where was I?

The place was dark. I could barely see a meter in front of me. The ground was covered in dirt. Dried dirt. I could hear it scrape my shoes as I tried to move my legs. I was inside somewhere with no flooring. No windows either. Not a hint of a starry sky or a sunlit morning.

My head hurt. I recalled being struck on the back of the head. I remembered....

Fear shot down my spine. My lips ran dry and my body started shaking uncontrollably.

What do you want with me? I shouted desperately. What the fuck have I done?

I couldn’t move. I was trapped. The darkness was impenetrable. There could be one of them or ten. I had no way to tell. No sound but I knew I wasn’t alone. My clothes dripped with water. A droplet fell off the end of my nose and into my lap. Someone must have thrown it.

Where the fuck are you? I shouted at the top of my lungs.

I pulled hard on the straps but it was no use. They wouldn’t give. I tried to stand with chair but it was too heavy to move. I pulled harder on the straps, desperately trying to free my wrists. They dug deep. My hands turned a ghostly shade of white but they still wouldn’t budge.

I paused, panting from exhaustion. My body ached all over. I shuddered again. What the hell was going on? Why was this happening to me?

It had to be him. It was the only conclusion. He had caught me, but what was he going to do now?

I sat bolt upright. Footsteps. They were just beyond my field of vision; I could hear them getting closer.

Suddenly, a light exploded in my face. It was so blinding, I had to close my eyes to shield my pupils. I blinked rapidly until they fully adjusted. I was right. The ground was dried mud. A few pieces of straw here and there. I glanced up at the roof, if I had to guess, I was in some sort of barn. If so, I was likely in the middle of nowhere. Screaming for help would be useless.

What the fuck do you want with me? I spat.

I tried to put as much anger into my voice as possible. I didn’t want to emanate fear, though in all honesty, I was more scared than I had been in my entire life. I couldn’t see who or what I was dealing with. I was bound and in a ton of pain. I had already been through one terrible ordeal tonight but regardless, I was not going to cave. I would not show them fear.

We are going to ask you a series of questions spoke a deep commanding voice from the darkness. Your fate will be determined by your answers, so I suggest you answer truthfully.

I remained completely silent. It wasn’t him. The voice was too deep and calm. I noticed the term ‘we’ in the sentence. More than one of them. How many were there? Was this one of his friends?

What is your name? the voice asked.

I stared blankly in the direction the voice had come from. That didn’t make any sense. Surely he knew who I was. It hadn’t even been twenty-four hours since....

I gulped. I felt sick just thinking about it.

Your name? the voice repeated sternly.

Chris I muttered, My name is Chris Banks.

Age?

Twenty-two.

What is your occupation?

I frowned. What the hell was this? Were they seriously asking what I did for a living?

I work in housing I said slowly, I’m just an admin assistant. I upload customer details onto the database, run spreadsheets and deal with queries.

There was a horrible breeze that shot straight through to my bones. I was freezing. My teeth were starting to chatter. I clenched them tightly and once again, pulled on the straps.

Your father is Robert Banks, police officer with the Norfolk police and liaison with the missing persons bureau. Is that correct?

I stopped. My gut churning again. This time however, they didn’t appear to require an answer.

Gareth Lacey, you know him?

Who?

I didn’t know the name but there was only one person they could be talking about.

Don’t play dumb with me kid, where is Gareth Lacey?

I didn’t understand. This wasn’t making any sense. If it was him, he would know. He was there. Did that mean....

Who are you? I asked quietly.

Answer the question he repeated, Where is Lacey?

My eyes fell to the floor. I gulped. I had a feeling they wouldn’t like my answer but I couldn’t very well hide it. It was only a matter of time before the truth came out.

Dead I whispered.

Dead.... how?

It was an accident I pleaded, We were struggling and....

Fuck.

I could hear footsteps in the darkness. It sounded like the figure was pacing up and down. I was right. But if it wasn’t him then, who was it? What did they want with this Gareth person?

Your father came a second voice, Where is he?

My stomach rolled. My hands shook violently even though I gripped them in tight fists. The image flashed through my mind causing my heart to pulse painfully.

He’s.... I stammered, He’s.... gone.

I swallowed. The churning in my gut increased. I wanted to throw up.

Please I whispered, Just let me go. I don’t know what the hell is going on. I don’t know this Lacey guy. I am just a normal guy leading a normal life.

Wouldn’t a normal guy wait for the police rather than flee the scene?

It was the second voice again. There was something in his tone that made the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. Despite asking the questions, it sounded as though he already knew everything.

I couldn’t I said quickly, If I had there was no way I would walk away alive.

What makes you say that? the first voice asked.

This Lacey guy, he wasn’t the only one there. There was a second man. Someone my dad knew.

My blood spiked.

He was a fucking police officer I shouted.

There was silence. Without thinking about, I attacked my restraints once again. I pulled and writhed but the leather straps wouldn’t budge. I felt the edge burn as it sliced into my skin. I felt a trickle of blood run down my wrist but I didn’t care. I had to get free.

I see the second voice said thoughtfully, You were looking for answers. Tell me, if we were to let you go, what would you do?

I stopped. I didn’t dare breathe. It might only be hypothetical but if so, that meant they probably wouldn’t kill me, right?

I thought for a second. I didn’t know the correct answer. Did they want to hear I would go to the police and tell my story even if it cost me my life? Did they want me to run or going into hiding? No, I couldn’t do either. There was only one thing I wanted right now.

Kill him I said flatly. I am going to fucking kill him.

It was a stupid answer. An arrogant answer. Right now, I couldn’t do anything but even so, the words came tumbling from my mouth before I could stop them.

OK the second voice said, Why don’t you start from the beginning. I want to hear exactly what happened leading up to this moment. Don’t leave out any details.

I stared blankly in the direction of the voice. Was he serious?

I took a deep breath. My arms relaxed. I couldn’t break free and there was no point in trying further. My body was still aching from the cold and the cut on my arm was starting to throb. My eyes locked onto a small stone on the floor while I thought back. Yesterday had been a normal day like any other. I had gotten up as usual and went about my routine. I closed my eyes, searching for the moment everything had changed. The moment, my life went so very, very wrong.......

Chapter 2

Beep, beep, beep.

My alarm. Relentless. Just like every morning, disturbing my slumber. And like every morning, I ignored it. I was too comfortable. Wrapped up tightly like a sausage roll in my thick duvet. Moving from this position should be considered a crime.

The air outside my duvet was ice cold and uninviting. I didn’t want to get up. Maybe I could skip work today.

My forehead creased as my alarm reached the next stage of urgency. The beeps were growing louder and more frequent to my already tired ears. I pushed my head in-between my pillows in a last desperate attempt to block out the noise.

Unable to ignore it any longer I rolled over and smashed the snooze button with an open palm. The air outside my duvet was just as cold as I had expected. I retracted my arm faster than a trap door spider securing its prey, but the damage was already done.

The brief exposure to the chill had sent a shiver down my spine. Again, I retreated under my duvet, wrapping myself more tightly trying to regain lost warmth. I closed my eyes firmly but my body was still frantic after the shock of the cold air. I was now fully awake. My dreams had slipped through my grasp once again.

I lay there for a while, the house hauntingly silent. I didn’t have any siblings and my mother had left a few years ago. It was just me and dad at home these days.

I didn’t really mind. Dad was often busy with work so I did most of the cooking. I liked to think I was good at it. At least he hadn’t complained about it so that’s what I assumed.

I stared up at the ceiling, letting my mind wander. I tried to recall my dream but now that I was awake it was proving difficult. Everything was foggy, like a grey cloud that refused to take shape. The only detail I remembered was that it had something to do with dragons. Unfortunately, that didn’t really help.

I had a thing for dragons. Had done ever since I was a little kid. My grandad used to tell me stories when I was little. Strange and very tall tales that I am sure he made up but I thoroughly enjoyed them nonetheless. They were the only things I could remember about him. The rest of my memories were vague at best.

The only other thing I could recall were the dragon swords hanging on his wall. That’s where his stories came from. The wielders of those swords and the adventures they had.

He died a while ago now. Those tales now nothing more than a memory. As for the swords, they had been buried with him. Shame, I would have loved them on my own wall.

That is how my fascination with dragons started. Now I had pictures on my computer and on my wall. I had a small collection of figurines lined up on my shelf, all a different colour. From left to right they were red, white, gold, black and green.

Suddenly I was shaken out of my revelry as my alarm thundered out for the last time, breaking the silence. I smacked my alarm and turned it off. It was now quarter to seven and I was already pushing it this morning. I couldn’t put it off any longer. Work wasn’t till nine but that was not the reason for the early rise.

With a hefty sigh, I pulled off the covers and dragged my body out of bed.

I always started the morning with a cold wash. Every morning I regretted it. My skin screamed in protest as the cold water burned against the warmth of my face. The shock however did come with one benefit. I felt more awake without resorting to caffeine.

I glanced up at the mirror, my face a dark reddish colour. My eyes jumped to my hair, light brown and a complete mess. A small cluster was standing on end at the back. A problem I faced every morning.

My hair was thick. Difficult to attack with a comb unless using water or gel. It was getting a little long. Almost covering my ears. Getting it trimmed is too much effort, so for the moment I’m content with leaving it as it is. Besides, in the cold weather it was proving to be a useful asset.

I hastily dampened the back using water and a comb. That would have to do for now.

I chucked on some clothes and slipped on my trainers. Ten minutes later I descended the stairs fully dressed with my music player in hand.

My dad was in the kitchen, fully dressed eating breakfast as usual. I fought with the desire to pinch a slice of toast covered with jam as it tempted me on his plate. Instead I opted for the sink for a quick glass of water before my run. I could eat breakfast later when I got back.

I glanced round at the television. My heart sank a little as I read the bold text. Another missing person’s report.

There is still no news on Margret Tanners who has been missing since the fifth of January said the news reporter trying to sound solemn Margret Tanners, twenty-three was last seen partying with friends the night of her disappearance. She did not make it home. Police are urging anyone with information to come forward to aide in their investigation.

Dads lips tensed ever so slightly.

Is that one of your cases? I asked slowly.

Yeah he said gloomily, One of many. The reports are quite startling.

He wouldn’t go into detail. Policeman’s code, don’t talk about the case you are working to anyone outside the investigation. He had black bags under his eyes. I could tell he hadn’t been sleeping. He has been working way too much lately. At this rate, he was heading for an early grave.

I’m going to be late home tonight dad said as I put my empty glass on the side. I am meeting a Detective Inspector Burrows up in York. He called me a few days ago and organised a meeting. You’re ok sorting yourself out tonight, aren’t you?

I narrowed my eyes. The cheek of it. I did most of the cooking round here. Was he really asking me that?

I’m twenty-two I said a little indignantly, I think I can take care of myself. Besides I’m going out tonight with friends so I’m sorted anyway.

Dad smiled softly. It was a typical dad smile that he gives every time I say I am going out. The type of smile that said, my boy is growing up. I wish he would stop that.

Have fun he said as I pushed open the door, Give my love to Chloe.

I stopped dead. I glanced round to see his is grinning smirk. There was a knowing glint in his eye that I did not like. I felt like my privacy had just been invaded. He was a police officer. It was his duty to be nosey but I didn’t like being on the receiving end of his investigations.

I will I said doing my best to ignore his comments.

I pushed open the door and stepped out into the crisp morning air. My worries were quickly extinguished as I jogged on the spot, desperately trying to warm up my body.

It was still quite dark. The twilight of the morning where the sun hadn’t quite reached. The ground was frosty. The grass a pale shade of white, glistening like a precious stone. The strong smell of salt of the nearby sea stronger than ever.

I quickly cycled through my playlist. Rock and Blues were always a safe bet. Something with a good beat. Excellent running music.

When I was ready I set my watch. Two-mile run starts now.

My feet new the route well. I took a right out of my driveway and headed down Sage Street. I could see the church spire towering in the distance. A black cloud looming over it, drawing ever closer. I crossed my fingers. Hopefully I would miss the rain.

I jogged down the road for a few minutes before veering off past the park. The waterfront dead ahead. I skipped down the steps and landed with a soft crunch onto the sandy beach.

It was a shame the sun was hiding behind the clouds. The sea looked beautiful when touched by the light in all its sparkly glory. That image alone was worth getting up for at this time in the morning.

I set off alongside the water’s edge heading towards the church. It was the perfect run. An easy two miles that I could measure from my front door to the edge of the pier. It provided a visual target. Something to aim for without having to glance at my pedometer.

There were plenty of other places to run around here. The beach was by far my favourite. The smell of the sea. The crashing waves. There was something so peaceful about it. Something I couldn’t explain.

Whenever the tide was in I took the other route, heading into the wooded area. Good for a change of scenery. The rustling of the leaves. Equally as relaxing.

A large gust of chilly wind caught me head on. My hair blew back so violently I thought it would freeze in place. I tried my best not to think of my warm cosy bed. I had been good so far. I had stuck to my new year’s resolution well, though that wasn’t saying much. It was only the second week in January after all.

I had gone through many stints now where I had temporarily given up. It was so easy to sink into a bad habit. I wasn’t exactly unhealthy. In fact, I was healthier than I had ever been in my life. At school, I was terrible at sports. Terrible at running. Unfit and slow. In other words, weak. Once I started college however, all that changed. I even started to enjoy running. Deep down I was determined to keep it going, regardless of how many lapses stood in my way.

I ran past a local out walking his dog. He smiled as I passed. I nodded courteously. Words were not needed. We didn’t know each other personally; we didn’t need to. It was the polite thing to do, especially on a cold wintery morning.

Two songs had now played, the third just starting. The pier drawing closer with every step. I was making good time.

I passed another jogger. Their face was red and slightly puffy. A trickle of snot dripping from their reddish nose. They seemed focused, almost trance like. I doubted they were even aware of their surroundings. Auto pilot, I thought to myself.

I was rapidly approaching my personal best of twenty minutes thirty-two seconds. A time I hadn’t broken for a year and by the looks of it, another day at least.

My pace was starting to slacken. My breathing was heavier. Cold air was attacking my lungs. A stitch in my side started to stab but I ignored it and pushed on. You don’t get anywhere in life if you let a little pain stop you.

I was close now. Two hundred yards maybe and I was done. I was so close to my time. Just a little further.

The pain in my side intensified as I sprinted the remaining distance. I clapped a hand on the pillar holding up the pier, almost bent double from exhaustion.

I stopped my watch. Using the pillar to hold myself up I glanced down at my time. It was better than I had expected but still no cigar. An improvement on yesterday at least.

I leant against the pillar, panting, drinking in the salty air. I felt hot now but my body was cold to the touch. It was a strange feeling.

After a few moments, my breathing returned to normal. I was doing well. I was seeing signs of improvement every day. It won’t be long and hopefully I can break my personal best. What would I do then? Extend my distance maybe?

Two miles was feeling easier now. I needed a new target once I had beaten my record.

As my music finished I heard a deep rumble. I glanced out across the sea. Another ominous black cloud was drawing ever closer, flashing with lightning. The rain was closing in.

Typical I muttered under my breath.

I didn’t want to get caught in the rain. It was too early in the day. I wanted breakfast and a hot shower before work.  Getting soaked on the jog home was not part of the plan.

The journey back always took longer. It gave me time to think and enjoy the scenery. That was why I went early. To allow myself plenty of time to get back and get ready for work.

The sound of thunder echoed again. It roared over my music, drowning it out. A bad sign. It was almost as if I was running from it as it loomed dangerously over my shoulder.

I reached the driveway and felt a single drop of rain hit my cheek. I opened the front door and sprinted over the threshold. I panted for breath, having picked up the pace during the home stretch. As I walked into the kitchen I glanced out the window. It was now hammering it down. It seems I had made it just in the nick of time.

Dad had left for work. The journey to York was a fairly long one. Hopefully he will get some useful information. I hated seeing him so worn out.

I still had just over an hour until I was due at work. I jumped in the shower and cranked up the heat. It felt amazing. The chill of the run ebbed away. I almost didn’t want to get out.

I combed my hair which was more susceptible after the shower. The back stayed down at any rate. I pulled on my work clothes. Standard white shirt and black trousers. I slipped my tie around my neck and grabbed my jacket before heading back down for breakfast. Two slices of toast and scrambled eggs. Shame we didn’t have any bacon. One of the few foods that we always seemed to run out of. No wonder why dad had jam. He would have been the first to break open a new pack.

I quickly flicked through the channels.