A Change of Heart: Book One of a Trilogy

By Sam Poidomani and Adrian De Nittis

Tom Wethers is a simple man living a simple life. But due to a change in prosperity and lifestyle, he finds himself in a place where the unimaginable can and does happen to himand where his heart leads him in a direction he never thought possible. All his loved ones have forgiven him, but he soon realises that forgiving himself will be his most difficult challenge.

His change of heart opens new doors and introduces him to new individuals and new accomplishments. The doors remain open for him to enter and exit as he pleases, but he cannot keep the individuals under control. His accomplishments help him; they steer him in the right direction, one that could fix the depressive thoughts that plague him. But it is his accomplishments that are the causes for Toms depression. The individuals who come out of all of his accomplishments clutter his mind and, more importantly, his heart. Only time will tell if hell be able to get his life back in order.

In this novel, a man serving as a lifeline for others finds an unexpected love in the midst of a deep depression.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Balboa Press AU
• Release date: Jan 24, 2017
• ISBN: 9781504306263

Sam Poidomani

Adrian De Nittis was born in Melbourne, Australia. He is also the author of Twisted Tales, Volume 1 and two children’s books. A Change of Heart is the first book in a planned trilogy. The father of two sons, he lives with his wife, Kristy, in South Morang, Victoria, Australia.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

An introduction

W hat if you encountered a chance in life that was far too electrifying to ignore? So you ignorantly went ahead and did it. Everything about it felt right, everything worked out, and it all fell into place perfectly. As time slowly went by, people were hurt, and you finally realised how wrong it actually was. Loved ones had forgiven you, yet it eats at you and consumes you in a way where it affects your daily routines, affects your moods, and makes you feel sick to the stomach. What if you were never able to forgive yourself? How far would you go?

CHAPTER 2

Notice the Signs

I n the dark of the night, a sedan cruises down a main street at a smooth, comfortable speed. The air is clear, and the temperature in the vehicle is adequate. The lighting on the dashboard and the head tuner are both unlit due to a faulty circuit. The visibility in the vehicle is minimal; there are no streetlights to be seen anywhere. In turn, the individuals in the vehicle are practically indistinguishable.

In this dark environment, the poor lighting reveals only a silhouette of woman’s hands gripped tightly to the steering wheel. With a deep breath of the cosy interior air and a mind flooded with many different thoughts, she looks towards the passenger seat. There sits a man who is staring out the windscreen into the nothingness of what’s ahead. She smiles at his deep gaze into the abyss and then redirects her focus back on the road.

Mum? a little girl in the back-seat interrupts whilst glancing at the advertisements outside the car.

Yes, Claire? she answers, looking at Claire in the rear-view mirror.

What do these signs mean? ‘Call help lifeline’? the seven-year-old asks. Claire’s twin brother, Joel, then looks to Claire as she raises herself up off the seat to get her mum’s attention.

Well, honey, a help line is a phone number that you call if you feel sad or angry or sick, and you need someone to talk to. The people you speak to help make you feel better. They are like doctors, she responds whilst still gazing through the rear-view mirror.

But what happens if they can’t help you, Mummy? asks Joel.

Well, people take different measures if they cannot be helped.

"What’s measures mean, Mummy?" asks Claire.

They try something else if the lifeline doesn’t help them.

Is that what Daddy did—take measles? Joel asks.

She giggles at her son’s mistake in pronunciation as she holds back her tears.

But Mummy, you said Daddy was sick. If he was sick, you should have called them for him. They could have made him feel better.

The mother sheds a tear in her right eye. She slightly bows her head whilst keeping her eyes on the road. Interrupting her teary moment is a fast-moving vehicle hurtling past her, startling her. Once she regains focus, she replies, Claire, Daddy never showed that he was sick. Mummy never knew that Daddy was sick. If I did, I would have tried helping Daddy myself. She bursts out in tears and bawls. She then covers her face and turns her head to the right, away from view of the children. With her right hand, she aggressively bangs the steering wheel.

Mummy? Joel says.

She wipes her tears, composes herself the best she can, and answers, Yes, Joel?

I wish Daddy had called these help people. I wish Daddy was here with us.

Yeah, Mummy. I wish Daddy was coming to watch me dance, Claire says sorrowfully.

She cries louder, finding it harder to compose herself. Babies, Daddy is always watching us. Daddy is always looking after us and will always protect us. I want you both to remember that, she says, switching her gaze to the vacant passenger seat beside her.

CHAPTER 3

The Narrator

H i, readers. Please allow me to introduce myself. I am the narrator of this story. You don’t need to know my name, and it’s completely irrelevant to you anyway; you may call me whatever you like. I will be explaining to you exactly how the scenes in this story happen. You may think my presence is not required for the story, but the author wanted me in it, to add something new to your experience.

This story is in real time. How cool is that? Anyhow, bear with me, and I hope you enjoy my narrating.

CHAPTER 4

One Chance

A small sedan parks on the curb in front of a local bar called the Lava Lounge. Established in 2001, the bar has been booming since its opening. Thirteen years later, not only is the bar a home for the locals, but it is also the must-go-to bar when visiting this city. All ages, faces, shapes, and sizes fill this fashionable place.

Stanley Craig! he says as he glances at the front of a closed envelope. He turns the envelope around and reads aloud. The Lava Lounge, Stoke Street, Caulfield, 10:35 p.m. He then clicks the home button on his iPhone to spot the time: 10:20 p.m. With a letter opener sitting on his centre console, he slices the envelope open and removes a small, folded piece of paper. He then unfolds it to reveal a photo of a young man with dark, wet-styled brown hair; blue eyes; and baby-face features. He swipes his iPhone to bring up the camera and then places the paper on his lap to take a snapshot of the person’s face.

The description underneath the photo reads:

Name—Stanley Craig

Gender—Male

Age—23

Confrontation—You must signal him with your index finger pointing up to the ceiling, like you have created a relationship with a waitress who has been serving you all night. He will notice you as soon as you walk into the bar. Upon entering, he should be sitting on your left. Keep your phone visible to match the photo you took with Stanley Craig’s face. Follow Stanley Craig’s orders once you are confronted by him.

Good luck, Wethers.

He gives a quick press of the menu button for a time check. The phone reads 10:33 p.m.

Okay, that’s me. It’s time to do this, he says, exiting the vehicle in a composed manner.

Wethers looks to the name of the bar flashing in neon lights above the entrance door. He walks around the rear of the vehicle and then clicks a button on his remote to open the boot. As it opens, resting on its own in the centre of the boot is a black briefcase. He rests the palms of his hands over the briefcase momentarily and then closes the boot. A simple click of a button on his remote fully locks the vehicle. After removing the phone from out of his pocket, he swipes to unlock and brings up the picture of Stanley Craig. While still holding the phone in his palm, he walks to the entrance door. The security guard nods his head to greet him and then opens the door for him.

Upon entering the Lava Lounge, his first view is of a large fountain with orange lighting in the midst of the streaming water. It is a beauty to look at and is something that everyone notices as soon as they enter. The next view is of a blonde waitress around 165 centimetres tall. She has a very pretty face and is behind the bar, mixing someone’s drink. She looks and smiles at him as he walks in, but Wethers keeps his head down. To his left, he spots Stanley sitting at the bar with a brunette who looks to be in her early twenties; she seems to be enjoying Stanley’s company.

He was supposed to be alone! Wethers mutters under his breath.

The brunette is resting her hand on top of Stanley’s. Stanley then removes the brunette’s hand and reaches for his phone inside his pocket. He clicks the menu button to note the time and then quickly looks to the entrance of the bar. Wethers’s index finger goes up. Stanley acknowledges him and then motions back with his index finger. He whispers secretively into the brunette’s ear and hops off the stool he was occupying.

Upon confrontation, Stanley offers his hand to Wethers, which Wethers happily accepts. Stanley swiftly moves towards Wethers’s ear and says, Mate, I’m not ready yet!

In aggravation, Wethers hurriedly pulls away from Stanley. He shakes his head and moves in towards him to reply, This is a one-chance offer! When I’m gone, I won’t be back.

With a sense of determination, Stanley responds, I just met this beautiful girl at the bar, mate. He points his finger in her direction. I just need a couple of hours, maybe three at the most. Come on, friend. Can you do this for me?

With an irritated look, Wethers answers, It seems to me that you don’t really want to do this. I can walk away right now and never see you again. I’m totally okay with that. It’s better for me and a lot better for you. These things happen all the time. It’s great when my client has a change of heart.

Stanley places his hand on Wethers’s chest and replies, "You don’t understand. I really want this! I’ve thought about this over and over. I guess I just want a night of passion. No! Not passion. You see, this girl relates to me. She is something I have needed in my life for so long now. She is the missing link. The person I could open my heart up to. The person that actually cares about what I’m saying. She listens to me. I met her here last week, and we spoke all night, and that was it. We happened to meet again tonight. What are the odds, right? And that was without any organization or exchange of phone numbers. But I do still want this. I need you to do this for me."

Wethers looks to the brunette.

Stanley continues. I really need to use the restroom, man. Can you give me five minutes?

Wethers nods and makes his way towards the bar. He leans on the bar rail and looks down at the wet mat coaster running through the length of the bench.

The brunette looks to him and places her hand on his bicep to get his attention. Wethers looks to her. She moves in closer to him and says with a soft voice, Is everything okay with Stanley?

He irately responds, Yes, fine.

Are you a friend of his? she continues,

Not quite

Oh, okay. Well, you see, Stanley and I have really connected. He intrigues me. I haven’t met anyone like him before.

Just by that short conversation, Wethers had a feeling that she was in need of someone as much as Stanley was. He offers his hand to her. My name is James.

She offers hers back and replies, Hi, James. I’m Danielle. Pleased to meet you. They shake hands, and seconds later Stanley intrudes as he places his hand over Danielle’s shoulder.

Wethers looks at Danielle and screams over the loud music, Danielle, it’s been a pleasure. He then walks to the entrance door.

Stanley looks to Wethers as he heads toward the door, and he says to Danielle, I’ll be back! While holding his index finger vertically, he adds, One sec! He walks hastily to Wethers and places his hand on his shoulder to stop him from walking out. Are we still good for later on?

Yeah, we’re good. Just enjoy your night. Wethers walks out the entrance door towards his vehicle. Stanley watches him walk out and then heads back to Danielle.

Is everything okay, Stanley?

Yeah, everything is perfect, Stanley replies with a smile.

Is James a friend of yours? He came across as a very strange person, but friendly …

James? Stanley repeats, dumbfounded.

Your friend James. The man who was just in here talking to you?

Oh, James! He smiles. Yes, he is strange, but he’s a nice person. He’s very supportive!

CHAPTER 5

Phone Call at 11:15 a.m.

W hile sitting tranquilly in his vehicle with his phone to his ear, Wethers listens to the dial tone of the person on the other end of the line. After three sets of rings, a deep voice answers.

Judging by this phone call, I’m assuming it didn’t work out with Stanley Craig?

You are correct in your assumption.

Was it a change of heart?

Not quite. He requested more time!

Was it a length where it exceeded our agreement?

That’s correct.

So I guess I will expect a phone call from Stanley sometime soon?

I’m not sure about that.

Well, that’s a lot better on all of us, then.

Indeed. He met some woman, and she too was in need of someone. The signs were there; they will prevail.

Okay. Well, I have an envelope for another client in my drop box. When you are ready, you can come get it.

I will collect it in thirty minutes.

Good luck, Wethers. The conversation ends there.

CHAPTER 6

Thirty-three Minutes Later

A re you sure you want to do this? It’s so wrong, but feels so right. These people depend on me. These people … they nee d me.

He bangs the steering wheel in his car with his right hand, knowing that to the left of him on the passenger seat sits another unopened envelope. He stares unkindly at it. He doesn’t want it, but he needs to have it. He needs to open it up. He just can’t seem to shift his hand to reach over and grab it. His mind is telling him to get it, but his brain isn’t commanding his hand to grab it. Just grab it! he tells himself. After several deep breaths, he reaches over and finally grabs it. He turns it over and reads aloud, Janey Lane. His trusty letter opener rests serviceably over his centre console, awaiting his repetitive slice.

He’s an absolute expert at the slice of the envelope and does it cleanly, almost at a point where it looks like it’s still unused. He pulls out the folded piece of paper and unfolds it to notice a young-looking girl. He halts in angst and then shakes his head. No … No, no, no. No bloody way. The girl is very pretty; she has shoulder-length red hair, of a light ginger hue. Her eyes are green, her lips are strawberry red, and she has a smile that could stop anybody in his tracks. The description reads:

Name—Janey Lane

Gender—Female

Age—16

Place—Clover Park, 104 Clover Rd., Huntingdale. 4:25 p.m. Tuesday, 4 April

Confrontation—Client will be standing beside a very large tree in the far distance of the park. You will know the tree; it will stand out like the apple tree did to Adam and Eve. She will notice you when she sees you searching for her. When you approach her,