The Last Seven

By K. Monaz

Strange phenomenon takes place around the world. Seven random people on earth woke up the next day to find no one else around; no friends, no family. Whats going on? So many questions left unanswered . . . Each struggled to piece together what needs to be done. Each found symbols directing them to a destination where they must carry out the most horrific quest to save themselves. But, all is not what it seems. . .

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris AU
• Release date: Dec 4, 2014
• ISBN: 9781499033281

K. Monaz

K. Monaz is a young breast cancer patient who lives in Port Pirie, Australia. She has been battling the disease for a few years. In 2010 she had chemotherapy that gave her strange yet interesting dreams and with her passion for creativity, she weaved a fascinating story. This is her debut novel.

Book preview

Copyright © 2014 by K. Monaz.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Rev. date: 12/03/2014

Xlibris

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Contents

Chapter 1    Alice

Chapter 2    Helena

Chapter 3    Janelle

Chapter 4    John

Chapter 5    Patrick

Chapter 6    Osifo

Chapter 7    Sergio

Chapter 8    The Day It Happens… Alice

Chapter 9    The Day It Happens … Helena

Chapter 10    The Day It Happened … Janelle

Chapter 11    The Day It Happened… Patrick

Chapter 12    The Day It Happened … . John

Chapter 13    The Day It Happened … . . Osifo

Chapter 14    The Day It Happened … . Sergio

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

Chapter 44

Chapter 45

Chapter 46

Chapter 47

2⁵TH Of August    Cairo Airport

CHAPTER 1

Alice

A LICE! YOU’VE GOT less than ten minutes! The producer’s voice boomed over the PA system of the Charleston news station. It’s almost four PM, news time and Alice is in the corridor quickly talking to the shows floor manager S uzie.

The stage was abuzz with people tying up loose ends before they go on air. Alice was suddenly shoved from the side. Alice get a move on. Bob’s going off his head ‘cause you’re not in your chair yet. The camera man physically shuffled Alice toward the stage. She did not take kindly to it and pushed back. Do you mind? I was on my way there. She straightening up her jacket and gave him a look of contempt. Alice didn’t like people touching her.

In front of Alice was her second home, her passion; the news desk. A massive curved white desk, contemporary wooden shelving behind her seat tastefully decorated with simple décor.

Candice Lacey the weather reporter sat to Alice’s right, shuffling through her paperwork while stage hands busily walked past her. Candice spotted Alice and gave her a slight smile and half a wave. For the three hours Alice was at work and it is the only time they see each other on stage. Strictly professional and that’s what Alice had ordered from day one of them working together. Alice gave a wave back, half-heartedly, but didn’t smile as she took her place at the throne of the news world.

Alice. A pained voice came up alongside of her and her face was met by a makeup brush. You’re looking gorgeous. It was the makeup artist.

Alice strained her eyes upon him as he flustered around her face. Matt. She groaned, Stop it. I’m fine.

Ok my princess. He left as quickly as he came.

Alright Alice, get ready. Brian called from behind camera one. Alice took a deep breath, held it then gently let it out. It’s go time.

In ten, nine, eight, seven, six. Brian stopped but controlled the count down with hand signals directed to the camera. The teleprompter rolled her script.

Good evening Charleston, I’m Alice Riley and this is the evening news. She smiled then the stations melody played along with the opening credits and went back to Alice; camera two.

"Tonight our top story is one we have been covering from the beginning of last month; this strange phenomenon that is invading our skies and still remains a mystery.

It has been more than three weeks since strange stirrings in the skies began with unusual cloud movements and colorings across the horizons all over the world. These have been making top stories across the world and have called upon the experts to explain such disturbances yet no one has explanations. Jane Finch is reporting live from the lookout. Jane, can you shed some more light on this?"

Jane’s voice popped into her ear plug and her image appears on a small screen.

Hello Alice. I’m at overlooking the town and at the moment the view is clear and incredible. I hope you are able to see the massive streak of yellow coming down the horizon here.

Alice could see Jane pointing out the pale yellow streak in the sky. There was no end or beginning to it. It was just one massive streak of color across the sky as far as the eye could see approximately as wide as a 747 jumbo jet plane.

"But to answer your question, Alice, there is no new news at present as to why this is happening and as I have been reporting for the past few weeks my sources tell me that experts from all over the world from all professions from meteorology to physics; they do not have any clear answers as of yet. Some people across social media are calling this the wrap up to the end of the world, others believe a present is on its way, no one knows what that could be and a couple of locals believe the yellow streaks are actually due to pollution in our skies and this is some sort of mix between chemicals and pollution. A report coming from the Military say that they have sent up a few planes into the sky to get a closer look at the yellow marvel and all they could describe it as is like … passing through clouds. There’s no consistency to them, there’s no solidification the streak, it is just like another cloud except dipped in yellow.

The yellow wonder has been across our skies for many weeks now and its gigantic size in length and width has not appeared to have changed. No one can clarify but in everyone’s mind all over the world it’s no less than mysterious and in my opinion a bit scary.

Now I have some new footage of unusual cloud movement that was taken by a viewer yesterday over the California beach. Now this is the second occurrence of normal clouds suddenly shaping into something strange … take a look."

Alice’s monitor changed picture to a home video of people on a beach. It’s a nice sunny day and the camera was pointed to a yacht located a long way out at sea then suddenly the camera flinched, people gasped in the background and the camera caught clouds abruptly change from large fluffy clouds to pencil thin white lines across the sky. There was nothing in the atmosphere to help them change to what they were—they changed shape without notice or aid. The footage re ran in slow motion.

In slow motion you can see the clouds were normal and fluffy then suddenly change into white planks or streaks across the sky as if they were suddenly and oddly sucked into these shapes. Jane continued. We have heard through our Facebook page and Twitter account about this happening but this is the second footage that shows proof but there are also questions floating around about this second odd phenomenon; it is a hoax? Has this film, as well as the first one, been doctored to coincide with the yellow streaks across the sky and adding to sensationalism? So many questions and speculations but I will keep you posted as they come to hand. Alice, back to you.

Thank you Jane, so many questions surrounding these events and the local authorities would like to remind residents that there is nothing to be afraid of and to all remain calm. We will keep you up to date with events so stay tuned. Alice continued her news reporting for the next few minutes before going to an advert break.

The makeup artist came over again to make sure Alice’s pore less perfect skin was flawless.

I tell you. If I have to report these stupid clouds again I’m going to scream. She grumbled to Matt as she glanced at her notes between brushes on the face.

I hear you girl. He answered, But I must admit it is rather scary I mean this is just not normal.

How?

Matt paused his artistic hand and stared at her with a raised eyebrow. Were you not reading and taking notice of your own headlines girl? This is not normal. There is something going on in this world and I don’t like it. No ma’am, not one bit. Matt said waving the brush in the air then took his tools and left the stage as they announced they are returning to air.

Turning into her driveway Alice parked inside and the automatic door returned to its closed position. Twilight fell on the city and the yellow streak spanned the skies above. The grey clouds did nothing to over shadow its existence. Flustered, Alice entered her home via the access door leading straight into the kitchen and the smell of a roast cooking filled the air. Alice shrugged off her jacket and placed it into the hooks that were positioned next to the garage access. Her husband Rob greeted her from the stove area where he was whipping up some creamy pasta and vegetable dish to accompany roast pork.

Their whole house was white; white tiles that covered the kitchen floor, white walls with hardly any wall hangings on them, white cupboards and marble stone top bench. The carpet that led to the upstairs rooms was off-white shag and the lounge suits in both of their recreational rooms were white.

Stupid drivers around here. Alice groaned as she walked over and planted a kiss on Rob’s cheek.

What happened? He asked.

There’s a crash just up the road. It slowed me down and pissed me off.

Oh. Was there anyone hurt?

Don’t know and honestly I don’t care. Alice sighed taking a seat on a barstool.

Bad day at work dear? Rob’s voice had a hint of sarcasm.

Alice snorted a little from her nose and grinned at Rob, he grinned back. No. I’m just sick of reporting the same shit. She answered removing the scarf from her neck.

What, the strange things in the sky?

Alice nodded taking the earrings out too.

You said the same thing earlier this week. Rob said as he tended to the roast pork in the oven.

Yes well you’re not the one having to repeat yourself every night with the same crap. We get so many phone calls into the station commenting about the clouds going weird and shit. It’s like, yea we know! She mocked with hands in the air.

Alice, don’t forget –. The phone rang. Alice slid off the bar stool and walked over to the phone and took it from the handset close to the stairs. Hello? She asked.

Alice? It’s mom. She sounded distraught.

Mom, what’s wrong? You don’t sound good. Alice turned to face Rob; he wasn’t paying attention to their conversation.

"Love, it’s your father. He’s in the hospital. .*sob*. . He just had a stroke."

Alice’s heart sank. The phone almost slipped from her hands as she stared at the wall in disbelief.

Alice? Her mum called.

Alice blinked several times, I’m here. Oh my God, is he ok? She asked almost in a panic. Helen didn’t answer straight away and Alice’s eyes began to well with tears. Mom, is he ok? Suddenly there was a hand on Alice’s shoulder. It startled her a little bit; it was Rob showing great concern on his face.

Hun, he’s not looking too good. You might have to come down and see him. Helen answered finally.

Oh no Mom! Tears flooded her eyes and one escaped down her face. Well what did the doctors say?

Helen was sounding very upset. There was commotion in the background; chatter amongst nurses and doctors in the hospital. They said he took it pretty bad; the stroke was a big one. Alice, please come down I really need you. She begged.

There was a pause then Alice breathed, Ok. She put the phone back onto the cradle.

Alice? Rob asked softly but she turned around and fell into his arms. He embraced her gently as she began to cry. Alice? What’s the matter?

It’s dad, he’s in hospital. He had a big stroke.

Rob sighed, Oh no baby. Oh no, no, no. I’m so sorry sweetie. He hugged Alice into his chest and breathed into her hair while she continued to cry. It’s going to be ok babe; it’s going to be ok. Peter is a fighter. Did you want to go down and see him?

Alice didn’t answer. She remained in Rob’s embrace sobbing and in shock but managed a nod.

Alice’s dad, Peter hadn’t always been her dad, only when he felt like it through their lives. Growing up with a violent alcoholic wasn’t the easiest thing for Alice and her mum Helen. The constant beatings, criticisms, yelling and lack of food and clothing made up for most of their lives. Her father hardly kept his jobs because he would be drinking or go to work drunk and eventually he’d lose them. Helen was made to stay home and be the wife.

There had been many times where Helen and Alice would try to leave but they were either found out and beaten or Helen was far too scared to step a foot out of the door but once Alice was old enough to leave, she did.

Only a couple of years ago had she managed to patch up the past with her father only to have it almost break during one Christmas when Peter was drinking and relapsed into what he was years ago. Alice was almost at a breaking point and she let her dad know by punching him in the face. Peter vowed to get help, even if it was for a short time. His help had been long and hard; it was trying to teach an old dog new tricks but it made the bond between father and daughter a lot stronger as time went on and now suddenly he was in hospital.

Taking deep breaths Alice pulled away from Rob and fixed up her hair and wiped the tears away. The phone rang again, Alice picked it up.

She cleared her throat, Hello? She asked softly.

It was her mum, crying, she could hardly say a word, Alice. …You have to … to come d-down here right now.

Mom?! What’s the matter? What has happened? Alice raised her voice. Mom?

Alice … Your father has passed away. Suddenly Helen burst into a loud cry, Please come down here I need you to be with me!!

Alice’s heart almost stopped and suddenly collapsed to the floor.

Alice! Rob exclaimed coming to her side, What’s wrong?

She was shaking visibly, a ball formed in her throat as she whispered her father was dead.

Rob fell to the floor beside her and held a hand to her back. He stared at her in disbelief.

Oh my God. He breathed. He noticed Helen was calling down the phone; he took it from Alice’s shaking hands, got up and walked away as he began to chat to her.

Alice wasn’t listening, she was in complete shock. After a minute on the floor feeling numb she managed to feel for the couch beside her, pulling herself up onto it, curled into a ball and slipped into unconsciousness.

CHAPTER 2

Helena

E XITING THE TWO story building, Helena shrugged up her jacket collar to guard against New York’s cold morning chill. She stood on the building steps and took a moment to light up a cigarette then stare enviously at the people who walked past her with purpose. Rejected again . Declined for a job for the third time this week and Helena’s frustration slowly built up. What am I going to do? She thought as tears pricked her eyes. Time to head home and back to square one .

Home was a temporary residence with her cousin Michael on the fifth floor of a modern apartment building that was established close to the city. Helena’s two young sons would be waiting for her, anxious with news that mommy might have a job now. She could see the look on her kids faces in her mind turning from smiles to sadness when she will break the news. It’s happened all week.

Her and her boys immigrated to the United States for a better life, a life away from drugs, violence, poverty and uncertainty in Russia and with the hope of a temporary work Visa; it gave her time to get her citizenship.

Growing up was hard enough for Helena. She never knew her father and never had a father figure as she grew. She only knew of the countless strangers her mother would bring home. Her mom would come home, tired and sore from work and often would go straight to her bedroom and sleep for hours. Helena was looked after by a friend of her mom’s. She wasn’t always there often enough so Helena often fended for herself.

It wasn’t until Helena was older, in her teens that she found out what her mom was doing for a living – an entertainer and prostitute for the rich and famous of Russia. Immediately Helena left home without warning to her mother and moved to another city where she would make her life far better.

Helena had her first child Ivan at age twenty with her husband Igor who later died in civil war then gave birth to James after a rape attack when she was twenty-two. She has never loved them any less and grateful to have them in her life.

Helena sighed heavily then began the journey home via public transport with what little money she had. She walks half a mile down the road to a bus stop on the corner of two major roads.

Helena lit up another cigarette upon arrival to the terminal and glances around. Sitting in the bus shelter were two high school kids playing with their iPods, an old man stood motionlessly a few feet away from Helena, backed up against the blockade of the building before them and two ethnic looking women sitting opposite the kids. A massive yellow colored thing streaked across the sky before them. Above the buildings, high in the sky and stretched at least a few miles across the vastness. It remained a mystery about these abnormal colorings across the skies, reported every night and day on local television stations and current affairs. Helena didn’t take much notice of the phenomenon, occasionally people would point it out in conversation but she didn’t care too much.

Suddenly there was a gasp from one of the kids, Did you see that?! Exclaimed one of the boys’ pointing to the sky. Helena, and everyone else around her, looked to the sky where the boy was pointing but there was nothing. Helena looked at the boys who were excitedly chatting to each other, It disappeared! The cloud was sucked away! The boy said. His eyes were lit up as he looked around at the other people hoping to get a reaction from them as well but no one said anything. It’s real I tell you, I saw it with my own eyes, the cloud had disappeared! He cried. The young boy’s friend wasn’t as concerned but believed his friend.

Helena took a drag of her cigarette and let the boys be. Looking around again she spotted a supermarket across the road. It was a large premise, busy with people doing their shopping. Helena tilted her head in thought, I do need to get some things before I head home. So she decided to cross the busy street and headed to the supermarket.

Once Helena got inside she looked around deciding where to start and walked through the ‘IN’ gateway. She headed to the fruits and vegetables where she slowly fondled some apples and eyeing the people around her cautiously. Her bag was big enough to stow things away and not be detected. Helena felt absolute remorse about this but she had to do something to help her family. She didn’t have the money for all of this so she slipped two apples into her bag and casually walked on - nobody saw her.

Helena went to the section for chocolate bars and selected two items and slipped them into her bag while no one was watching and casually walked away. She rounded the next corner and headed down the next isle. Stopping at the cereals she suddenly felt a hand on her shoulder. Her heart skipped a beat and her knees almost gave way.

’Cuse me ma’m, please come with me. A man’s voice said into her ear quietly. Helena looked around at him wide eyed and scared. It was a security guard; he wasn’t angry but stony faced and motioned her to follow him. He was very tall, heavily built with very short black hair and a moustache. The pair went into a back room where he closed the door behind him and asked Helena to take a seat. The room was small, just enough for a table, two chairs and a kettle set up in one corner on a simple black table.

Helen was trembling when the security guard sat opposite from her. She read his name tag, ‘Ben’.

Now, can you please tell me your name? Ben opened up a pad and clicked open a pen.

Helena was terrified. She had never been caught stealing before and all she could think about was her boys if she went to jail; they would all be devastated. Um. She said shakily brushing her hair behind her ears and eyes darting everywhere. Helena.

Ben wrote it down. OK Helena, do you know why you are here?

Tears began to well up in her eyes. Yes She said with embarrassment. She leaned over and pulled up her bag to the table. She then proceeded to pull out the fruit and chocolate bars and put them onto the table. I’m so sorry sir. I didn’t mean to take these but I don’t have a job –.

Wait, wait Helena. Ben half smiled. Listen, you’re not going to be in trouble OK? I’m not going to call the police. Just relax and listen please. Can you do that for me?

Helena nodded, shocked.

Ben adjusted in his seat. You’re not from America judging by your accent?

No. Russia.

Ben nodded and wrote it down. Citizen?

Almost.

Ben wrote it down. Alright Helena. The boss of this supermarket has a big heart. There are thousands of people in New York who don’t have money or any income. He is very understanding and doesn’t prosecute petty theft. All he asks of you is that you never return to this supermarket again. He raised his eyebrows at her. Helena nodded with acknowledgement. You will be banned from this supermarket sorry Helena but that’s nothing compared to what you could have. Understand?

Yes, yes I do sir. Thank you for not sending me to jail. I have two sons at home and they don’t have a father and our world is falling to pieces. Helena then sighed and relaxed a little now she knew her fate.

I will need some form of ID so we don’t see you here again.

She nodded and pulled out an identification card and handed it to Ben. He wrote down details then gave it back to her. You know what; I’d do the same thing if I was in your situation. Ben said clasping his hands together on the table. So you don’t have a job?

No I’ve been trying but keep getting rejected.

Well Helena, I wish you luck in the future and get your citizenship back soon because that will help you out a lot. Ben said closing the note book and stood up. That is all. You may go. He smiled.

Helena was a bit stunned; the interview was short and sharp. Are – are you sure?

Ben nodded, Yes, yes but just remember not to come back here OK? We have camera around the place so if you’re spotted in here again you will be charged. Understand?

Helena stood up and went to the door but not before facing Ben and saying, Thank you so much. I promise it won’t happen again.

You mean not to come here again.

Helena blinked a couple of times then nodded in response, Yes I don’t want to go to jail and I won’t steal again. Trust me, it’s not who I am.

Ben opened the door for her and she stepped out into the loud, bustling supermarket. She glanced up at the black domes watching her from the roof and suddenly felt humiliated. She bunched up her bag and quickly got out of the building.

Helena finally made it home after taking a couple of buses back to the apartment. It took longer than expected and before she stepped foot inside she peered up at the grand looming building. She tried to figure out a convincing way to tell her kids the job rejection and try to ignore the shop lifting incident.

Helena walked into the apartment. She found her two boys sitting on the couch watching afternoon television. Mama! They said together.

Ivan and James. She said with a smile.

Stepping into the kitchen, her cousin Michael was preparing dinner.

Privet Helena. Michael smiled. He was still in his work clothes, cargo drill pants and shirt. He worked at a construction site overseeing the projects, assisting the managers and has been doing this for well over five years. He too immigrated to the States and successfully gained permanent residence and a job. Michael was a good looking guy; average build but with broad shoulders, short black hair, always with a five o’clock shadow because his facial hair grew fast & thick & he had stunning grey eyes. His nose was a little prominent but it suited him well. He knew about Helena and her past and with no family of his own Michael was more than welcome to have company until they got on their own feet. How did everything go? He asked.

Immediately the thoughts of the shop lifting incident came to mind and Helena’s blood drained from her face. Michael paused looking at her puzzled, Are you okay? He put down the utensils and began to walk over to Helena. She steadied herself on the kitchen island bench and took deep breaths, nodding. Michael put his hand on her shoulder and searched her eyes for answers.

I’m OK. She finally answered, Just had a bad day.

What happened? You look like you had seen a ghost. Michael said pulling up a bar stool for her.

She gingerly sat on it then glanced at the boys who were still watching television, unaware of their mother’s emotions.

Michael. I just can’t take it anymore. She breathed blinking back the tears.

What do you mean? Michael shuffled closer to her, worried.

Helena shrugged and subtly shook her head. It’s just getting impossible. I thought bringing my family here would be a better life but instead we’re struggling more than ever. A tear escaped down her cheek.

Helena, Michael soothed taking a seat next to her, Helena, you are stressed. You need to relax and take it easy. I know things are hard at the moment but you will see everything will get better with time. Michael rubbed a hand over her upper arm to try and relax her. She sat with her hands clasped together on the bench looking down, snivelling.

I’m still going to support you and the boys. Have faith Helena. Your time will come, you’ll see.

She looked up to see the corners of Michaels lips turn up but he was also holding back tears. He gently patted Helena’s shoulder and gave a quick nod as if to say ‘It’s okay.’ Helena sniffed again and smiled a closed smile. He had said this to her many times since they had arrived.

Mommy. James voice was heard. This snapped Michael and Helena from their sad state and Helena cleared her throat. What’s for dinner? James asked trying to climb onto his mother’s lap. Helena blinked several times before she pulled up onto her lap. Cousin Michael is cooking us dinner tonight. She answered, You know how much of a good cook he is. Do you like his food?

James’ eyes lit up and he beamed and smiled at Michael who returned to the stove. I love his food but I don’t like the black round dings. Dey taste funny. A laugh escaped Helena’s mouth, What are you talking about lyubit’?

James began to play with the fake fruit on the bench, You know, dey taste bad. Dey are on pizza’s.

Michael let out a laugh, Olives?

James nodded and smiled a toothy smile, waving the plastic banana in the air. Helena and Michael chuckled.

Mat’ did you get a job today? Ivan asked as he trotted into the kitchen to be by his mother’s side.

She didn’t answer straight away. She sighed, gave it some thought then answered quietly, Not yet sweetie. She hugged James closer, Not yet but soon. Ivan didn’t look too distraught, maybe because he didn’t totally understand what was going on.

Michael, der was aliens on TV. James squealed with delight.

Ah, what were they doing? Michael chirped as he checked on the roast in the oven.

Dey were taking de clouds away.

Helena looked at Michael with concern. The news won’t shut up about them all day. He said to her frowning.

Okay, no more TV for you two. She said scooping Ivan up onto her lap as well. The boys groaned in protest. You will have nightmares tonight.

No we won’t we promise! Ivan exclaimed snatching the banana away from James. James didn’t protest; he grabbed a plastic apple instead. Hey don’t snatch. Helena spoke to a stroppy looking Ivan.

"Don’t forget the Finding Nemo DVD Helena. It’s still in the grocery bag." Michael said motioning to the sink.

Ah thanks for reminding me. She smiled returning the boys to the ground. The boys threw the plastic fruits back up onto the kitchen island bench. Hey, hey no throwing stuff in Michaels house! Helena snapped at the boys. The boys began to jump and yell with delight they wanted to watch Finding Nemo.

Okay, okay I’m getting there. Helena said as she retrieved the DVD from the shopping bag then proceeded into the lounge room. Kneeling in front of the television, the news was still going. She took a minute to watch it as the boys jumped up onto the lounges, excited. The news was reporting on the cloud formations happening around New York. Experts are still unable to answer questions as to why this is happening…. The reporter announced as the station showed an amateur video tape of a bunch of clouds that were normal one second then suddenly sucked behind the horizon in such great speed. They had vanished. This world is falling apart, Helena thought with pursed lips.

At night, Helena put the boys to bed. They shared a double bed in the spare room. In the meantime they have been living with Michael, Helena tried to make the boys feel at home as much as possible.

Ivan and James were sound asleep. Helena sat on the edge of the bed lovingly watching them sleep soundly and listening to their soft breathing in the dark. The bedroom door was ajar to let some of the passage light stream through as a night light for the boys.

Things will get better my loves. Helena whispered to her slumbering sons. She leaned over and kissed them each on their foreheads before retiring to bed.

CHAPTER 3

Janelle

P ERTH, AUSTRALIA. A twenty year old Janelle pulls over to the shoulder of the road. Alarms and flashes on her vehicle’s dashboard alert her there was something wrong. Shit, shit, shit. She cursed as she switched the engine off and yanked the bonnet lock; there was a heavy ‘pop’ from the hood of the car. Janelle was on her way to a house viewing in the company car. She flustered and hurried to get the bonnet up to try and solve the problem so she could get back onto the road to finish her job. Why couldn’t this happen to Bill yesterday? Janelle thought angrily. The main road was very busy and Janelle was also concerned the image she was showing other drivers – her company car breaking down. She was dressed in a beige knee length skirt, red blouse with the company’s real estate logo, small heeled shoes and her short blonde hair blowing in the wind.

She finally pops the hood and has a look. Come one, come on. She mumbled hoping to find something obvious so she could fix it. Nothing that stood out; the motor was hot, there was a small ticking sound but with the hard motor cover on top of everything to was hard to see any problems but Janelle knew that she had no idea what to do with vehicles; fixed or broken. Defeated Janelle pulled out her mobile phone and called her boss. Hi Bill, it’s me. The car has just broken down. She sighed gesturing to the car.

What do you mean? Bill asked from the receiving end.

Well, I dunno. The engine light came on and I pulled over. She answered taking some steps away from the vehicle. A driver passed her and tooted their horn. I’m looking at the engine but I can’t see anything wrong.

Ok ok, calm down. Call the tow truck and get them to have a look. Have you been to the house yet?

No, I’m nowhere near them.

Ok well call the truck and get them to call me afterwards. You need to call the Dunstall family and explain to them what has happened. Maybe re-schedule?

Yep, no worries. Janelle sighed rubbing her forehead. She hung up the phone a moment later then started dialing roadside help and her clients. It’s going to be a long day, she thought.

It took the road side assistance a half an hour to get to her and her clients were a bit annoyed about the predicament but understood. Janelle let the repairmen do their work while she leant against a nearby fence, arms folded, mobile in hand, frowning and waiting.

After some time, one of the workmen approached Janelle rubbing his hands on a rag. His name was Mario - big black beard, stocky build and a big white cheesy grin. He took every chance to talk to Janelle, hence why she was up against a fence well away from them.

Not looking good I’m afraid. Mario smiled at her, The alternator is faulty. How long has your company had the car for?

I dunno. Janelle answered quickly.

Eh, Mario wiped his brow, Well, er, we need to tow it away. Can I call your boss?

Annoyed Janelle brought up John’s mobile on her mobile phone and handed it to Mario. It’s ringing. She said. Mario smiled more and nodded then began to speak to Bill. Janelle remained against the fence while Mario chatted on her phone to her boss. It looks like she wasn’t going far any time soon - this tested her patience.

After a half an hour, Mario returned with her phone and handed it back. Bill said to get the car repaired. Do you want me to take you back to work?

No, no I’ll get a taxi thanks. Janelle dialed the mobile phone.

A taxi dropped her off at the doors of her work place. Janelle entered the automatic opening doors with a sigh. The receptionist peered up from behind the black L shaped counter. Hey babe, car trouble? She mocked.

Lordy Jo, don’t get me started. Janelle groaned as she walked past the counter and straight down the passage way toward her office. As soon as Janelle entered her office Bill, leaned up against the doorway, arms folded. He was an ugly man yet he’s married with four kids. Bill was balding, starting from the front and receding to the back greatly. He also had a moustache that made him seem creepy. Bill was sloppily dressed and a bit overweight around his belly.

You okay? Bill asked with a smirk.

That car just stuffed up my whole days’ work. She raised her voice a few octaves as she flopped into her seat. That car is so shit Bill. You need to buy us a new one.

Did you wanna go out for a coffee with me to relax? He asked.

Janelle wanted to vomit. Ah, um no thanks. She answered with a squint. Peering down she found phone messages on her desk. I’ve got phone calls to return. She picked up the tiny memos and waved them at him.

OK well if you want to you know where my office is. Bill said with a smirk. Janelle froze and watched him leave the room. Exhaling with relief she shook her head then pulled out a can of room freshener from the top drawer of her desk and sprayed a little into the air. The daily newspaper was folded on her desk. It must’ve done the rounds of the office and she was the last to read it. As she unfolded it the headlines read ‘Questions remain unanswered’ in massive black, bold print and a photo of the sky with a yellow streak across it swamped the front page.

Home time was four hours away and home for Janelle was in the outer suburbs of Perth in a three bedroom stone house