Zak and Hector's Bedtime Stories: Story Time with Zak and Hector, #1

By Christopher Mentzer

Since becoming a parent to Zak and his dog, Hector, Chuck has been trying to be a model father. Recently, he decided to read bedtime stories for the boys only to learn that they've heard most, if not all, of them from the Askinar Towers Library. In an effort to keep them amused, Chuck calls on some friends to help him find stories that have not yet been available to the public.

Now there are demands, by the boys, for a ghost story. Chuck's wife, Patty, is not happy with such a request fearing for nightmares. Will he abide by his wife's request or give in to the boys' demands?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christopher Mentzer
• Release date: Jan 31, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201745103

Christopher Mentzer

Having read the Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis, and all fantasy books by David Eddings, Chris took a stab at Fantasy with minimal success.  He even attempted Science Fiction with a couple of buddies while in college. The bottom line was, he lacked discipline and the desire to stick with any one project. All that would change in 2005, because in November of that year, Chris entered his first writing challenge held by the National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) website. Although the goal was 50,000 words, he obtained his personal goal of 25K, which went on to be the foundation of book 1 of The Askinar Towers Trilogy. He later wrote foundations for books 2 and 3 in ’07 and ’09 respecitvely. His inspiration for the towers books came from John DeChancie’s Castle Perilous series and Doctor Who’s Paradise Towers. Chris lives in Mesa, AZ. He is currently employed in the retail industry working as a personal shopper. In his spare time, when not writing or stalking the social media streams, Chris loves to read books by fellow indie authors.

Book preview

The Evening Visitor

Chuck signed off from his latest blog entry and closed his laptop. He drank the last of his lemonade and sighed contently. He looked around the Floor 17 Café and smiled. Clancy, the head Maître D, walked over to him.

Another successful post, Mate? He asked.

"Yes! Not a lot to say in this one but with Founder’s Day now behind us, I won’t have much to say. Chuck replied. Unless something exciting happens."

Well, they can’t all be award-winning entries, Clancy said.

Speaking of awards, I heard you got Stacey Leeds to record a couple of songs for your new movie.

"Yes! She, along with Buddy Nelsen and His Gentlemen of Jazz, have recorded two new songs, plus a new version of Together at Last featuring Colin and Maggie in the lyrics! The shooting is almost complete."

And yet, I still wonder why you remain as a Maître D here at the café, Chuck commented.

Such is one of life’s many mysteries, Clancy replied with a wink.

I still haven’t seen your Ray Gunn sequel yet, Chuck said.

"And you won’t either; I never completed it. However, I got with Nancy Parker and Lionel Davenport and plan to do Ray Gun: Mission to Zazznia as a 13-episode serial for Thin Dime Novel Theater."

That sounds great! It’s probably a lot cheaper to do a radio serial than a sci-fi movie, Chuck commented

You’re not kidding! Clancy replied. Are you headed up to pick up the boys?

Chuck checked his watch. They should be finished with their shift at the Floor 68 Public Park in about thirty minutes.

Fatherhood suits you well, Mate, Clancy remarked.

Think so? Thank you! Chuck said. I just started reading bedtime stories to them. The problem, though, is that they’ve heard or read most of what’s up in the library.

You’ll just have to think outside the box, Clancy said.

What does that mean? asked Chuck.

It means, you need to find storytellers that don’t have books readily available in any shop or library, Clancy replied.

You mean like bards or professional storytellers? asked Chuck.

Exactly! I’m sure you know enough people who have a yarn to spin that haven’t put them in book form, Clancy said.

You know what? You’re absolutely right! Thank you, Clancy, Chuck said.

No problem, Mate! Now get out of here and go get those children of yours.

#

Zak was playing peek-a-boo with his new sister, Gwen, while Patty, his mother, sat nearby reading a book; and Chuck, his father, sat at his desk working on his laptop. Just outside, barking was heard.

Zak, why is Hector barking? asked Chuck.

I think he’s angry about something, Zak replied.

And how do you know that?

Because he’s barking in French, Zak replied, standing up. His parents looked at him after this response.

How can you tell? asked Patty.

It’s a distinctive bark, Zak said, then handed his sister a rattle.

You better go out and see what the commotion is about, said Chuck, I don’t want our neighbors complaining about the noise. You know how Cassendra gets when she’s upset.

Right! Johano’s hair is still blue, Zak said.

Don’t forget, I’m reading a new bedtime story to you and Hector tonight. So don’t dawdle.

And wear a jacket, honey, said Patty, The weather thermostat is still set for Autumn.

All right. Zak grabbed his jacket and hurried out the back door. It didn’t take long for him to find Hector, a German Shepherd; his protector. The dog was bouncing on his front legs and barking at a tree just out back of their cottage near the stream.

As Zak got closer, he noticed what had Hector’s undivided attention. Up in one of the higher branches, was an animal known as an owl. The owl was snowy white with gold highlights at the tips of its feathers.  Piercing black eyes looked down at the dog in a most quizzical fashion.

Hector, Dad wants you to be quiet. You’re going to disturb our neighbors. Once Hector sat down, Zak walked over and scratched behind the dog’s ears as