Holding On

By Chris Towndrow

British undercover cops Tom and Kate, stuck in a faulty lift, have to come to terms with their complex personal and professional relationships.
Which will break first—the cable, or them?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Chris Towndrow
• Release date: Jun 5, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005630850

Chris Towndrow

Chris Towndrow has been a writer since 1991.He began writing science fiction, inspired by Asimov, Iain M Banks, and numerous film and TV canons. After a few years creating screenplays across several genres, in 2004 he branched out into playwriting and has had several productions professionally performed. This background is instrumental in his ability to produce realistic, compelling dialogue in his books.His first published novel was 2012’s far-future, post-war space opera “Sacred Ground”. He then changed focus into Earth-centric, near-future sci-fi adventures, and the Enna Dacourt pentalogy was completed in 2023. In a similar vein, “Nuclear Family” was a venture into post-apocalyptic fiction.He has always drawn inspiration from the big screen, and 2019’s quirky romantic black comedy “Tow Away Zone” owes much to the films of the Coen Brothers. This spawned two sequels in what became the “Sunrise trilogy”.His first historical fiction novel, “Signs Of Life”, was published by Valericain Press in 2023. With a number of excellent reviews, this Western romance has been his most popular title.In 2023, Chris returned to his passion for writing accessible humour and will devote his efforts to romantic comedies. Three such scripts are currently in development.Chris lives on the outskirts of London with his family and works as a video editor and producer. He is a member of the UK Society of Authors.

Book preview

Holding On

Holding On

A short drama

Chris Towndrow

© 2023 Valericain Press

Tom thought he heard a rat, but it was probably just his mind making judgements. Such judgements were easy to make in a place like this. As he walked the dimly lit corridor, he was sure the floor was slightly tacky. The graffiti on the walls was certainly plain as day.

Behind him, the other pair of footsteps ushered him onwards. Sergeant Kate Connors seemed even keener than he to get out of the faintly dystopian tower block.

She hadn’t said a word since leaving the flat—probably processing what had just transpired, as was he. There was always what a suspect didn’t say, as well as what they did. Even with both officers in plainclothes—arguably less threatening than the full blues—lips could remain sealed.

Quickly they reached the lift lobby. Spray-painted tags adorned both grimy sets of doors. Across one was rudely taped Out Of Order. As they’d found out on the way up, the other barely qualified as being in order. But one was better than a slog up and down dank stairs.

Tom pushed the button to call the lift, looked at his finger and wiped it on his jacket. ‘Do you believe him?’

‘I think he’s about as reliable as a cheap pen.’

The lift doors opened. The was no announcing ‘ping’, but Tom was surprised at how quickly it arrived. He gestured theatrically. ‘At least something here is in our favour.’

‘Seriously? The place is deserted. It’s probably been sat here since we arrived.’

They stepped inside, and she thumbed the button for the ground floor.

‘Yeah, charming spot.’

Kate sniffed. The odour of stale urine was predictable but no less tolerable for it. ​‘You take me to all the best places.’

‘The case is the case. I’m just a humble detective.’

She jabbed the G button again. Its embedded light didn’t illuminate—although it made no odds. The lift doors closed with a creak. She and Tom winced and exchanged a look.

‘Death traps are just a bonus.’ She raised an eyebrow in concern. ‘I’m amazed anyone still lives in this shithole.’

The lift rumbled into life as if it would rather not have. It started to descend.

He nodded. ‘Hardly Chelsea, is it?’

‘Takes all sorts to kill a man. But I think here is a better bet.’

‘He looked nervous—Wilks. Despite the calm excretion of bullshit.’

‘So let’s hope he makes a mistake. Assuming you’re right.’

Tom pulled out his mobile. ‘I’m going to request a trace on his phone.’ His face fell. ‘Damn. No bars.’

Katie got a similar result. ‘Yeah.’

‘I suggest we watch the building in case he bolts. You pull the car around to the fire exit. I’ll watch the lobby.’

‘If he makes a run, that’s reason enough to pull him in. Plus, that would save on having to do the trace.’

A loud noise erupted from above and outside. The report of a gun? Metallic clangs followed. They both instinctively winced and ducked.