After Dark Greed and Power

By Mark Lee Ryan

What if your dreams become REAL?

Following a freak accident Jeremy Patten discovers he has a unique power. When others sleep, he can summon their subconscious or be summoned to help those in need … enter their dreams, communicate with them, unlock their deepest memories and truths. Not only is he able to learn and understand what is happening in other people's lives, he is able to influence their actions in the pursuit of justice and fair play.

Committed to law and order, and helping solve crimes, Jeremy can travel anywhere to enter the dreams of those that he helps. He is another Superhero.

After Dark Greed and Power

Following the successful debut novella and #1 Best seller shortly after release, this full length novel takes readers back to where it all began. Following a freak accident Jeremy Patten discovers that he is able to enter people's dreams summon their subconscious and use his power to expose crime and injustices.

After discovering his superpower Jeremy helps solve the mystery of a major jewelry heist that occurred in Chicago ten years ago. Harnessing and understanding his capabilities he is drawn into an action packed adventure that will keep readers guessing as the main plot unfolds. When Jeremy is summoned by Maria Sanchez, a mother desperate for help to locate her twin daughters who have gone missing, he discovers a seedy underground world of organized crime, human trafficking, political corruption, greed and more. Jeremy is instrumental in exposing and bringing down the lawless villains as he desperately works to free not only the twins, but many more young people caught up in this sordid adventure. Urban fantasy readers will enjoy this science-fiction mystery thriller which has an exciting twist to end. 

What reviewers of After Dark The Story Begins said about the debut novella book ....

I really like the concept of being able to meet other people in a dream world. Mark Lee Ryan has done a great job of describing what I have imagined. Jeremy can summon people to meet in this dream world but he can also be summoned by others. I totally enjoyed this book and look forward to more. Canadian Reader 

This book has fantastic potential. I think the storyline is incredible, and it's a new idea, but based upon solid evidence of real abilities. US Reader

What a great idea for a book, really holds you, you keep wondering what is next and the surprised as to what has happened. Looking forward to other books. Canadian Reader

This slim novella holds the wealth of a story you could expect from a full-length novel, so brilliantly is its succinct precision. UK Reader

A short read, but I was hooked from the prologue. I read the whole thing without stopping. This has got to be one of the most striking concepts I have ever read. US Reader
 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mark Lee Ryan
• Release date: Mar 19, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201235833

Mark Lee Ryan

Mark Lee Ryan lives in Brisbane Australia is married, and has two adult children. A relatively new science -fiction writer, Mark has enjoyed considerable success with his debut book After Dark ‘The Story Begins’ reaching #1 on the Best Seller list on debut. The series of four books has now been converted into a box set and a new series The Osidium has started. Having long held a desire to be an author Mark is pleased with his success from the novellas and is planning to write a longer novel which hopefully will be released in 2017. With a background in finance and banking Mark has enjoyed a number of Senior Management positions in banking over a twenty six year career prior to establishing his own diverse Financial Services business in 2003, which he continues to manage day to day when not plotting his next book.

Book preview

After Dark

Greed and Power

By

Mark Lee Ryan

Copyright

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual locals, businesses, event or persons living or dead is entirely coincidental.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systems – except in the case of brief quotations in articles or reviews – without the permission in writing from its publisher, Mark Lee Ryan.

All brand names and product names used in this book are trademarks, registered trademarks, or trade names of their respective holders. We are not associated with any product or vendor in this book.

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Table of Contents

Contents

After Dark

Greed and Power

Copyright

Join My Newsletter

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

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

Thank You

Other Mark Lee Ryan books

About the Author

Chapter 1

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It is the third day of Jeremy’s holiday and just as he did yesterday and the day before he is enjoying sitting on a park bench overlooking the scenery that surrounds the Chain O’Lakes. The vantage point is perched up high and overlooking the scenery Jeremy feels relaxed and at peace with the world. He has walked around the waterways each day of his holidays, enjoying the country air and open spaces that seem so different from Chicago where he works. It is the middle of April and whilst there has been a chill in the air the last few days, today seems colder and a storm is forecast for later in the day.

Jeremy Patten is a lawyer with Chicago based Carter Gibson lawyers, an old and established firm where he has been employed just over two years. It is Jeremy’s first real holiday since joining the firm straight after he finished university, so he has been looking forward to a week with his mother and her husband. Jeremy is twenty-six years of age, relatively slight in stature and keeps himself in good shape, so he has been enjoying his daily walks around the Chain O’ Lakes.

His parents separated when he was only six and his mother Christine has only recently remarried. He likes Bill her new husband and the two get along well often bantering about politics and sport. Jeremy and his mother are close, and he phones religiously every Sunday evening and often manages a call during the week as well. Even though Fox Lake is only sixty miles from Chicago Jeremy does not visit all that often. He normally makes the drive up every couple of months for a weekend break as his work otherwise keeps him busy in Chicago. So, he is excited to be spending a week with his mother.

Jeremy’s father lives in Fort Lauderdale, or so he hears, and whilst he has tried to open the lines of communication his father has proven unreliable and promises to catch up or even chat via phone have often not eventuated. Jeremy although saddened has accepted over the years that his father is simply unreliable, seemingly a drifter and in and out of work. He has genuinely tried to get together and draws some comfort from the fact that his father knows how to contact him should he wish. It has been a few years and Jeremy for a moment looks vacantly into space and contemplates exactly the last time they spoke. He thinks it is probably two and a half years. He shakes his head, smiles, and again takes in the serenity of the scenery committed to not becoming emotional with thoughts of his father.      

‘Hello Jeremy.’

Jeremy is startled and staring into space did not see Julie Swann creep up from behind. Julie is hand in hand with her husband Ben and the pair are all smiles as Julie adds, ‘enjoying the scenery I see Jeremy and why not. It is glorious, isn’t it?’

‘Superb. Yes, I love it. I have been up here for three days and cannot get enough of the lakes area and its surrounds. It really is pristine.’

Julie and Ben’s house neighbor his mother’s and he often sees them when he visits. They are lovely people both aged in their mid-forties and have lived next door for some twenty odd years moving in shortly after the pair married. Julie is a good neighbor who often pops over and has a coffee with Jeremy’s mother as she works from home as a Graphic Designer. She is a bubbly woman with short blonde hair and Jeremy has always considered her a good looker.  She has been self-employed for over ten years and Ben is employed in Hemmings the local hardware store as a shop assistant. They have two girls Tiffany and Charlotte and having known them for as long as he has, they are almost like family, and he knows his mother certainly thinks that way too.  

‘We both saw you walking from afar yesterday Jeremy, but I do not think you saw us. Your mother has been looking forward to you coming up for a week. She has been pretty excited, so I am sure you are getting spoilt,’ Ben laughs.

‘Oh NO I didn’t see you guys I must have been bird watching. And yeah, Mum has been cooking and cleaning, so she has not hidden that she was looking forward to me coming up. Tiff and Charlotte have shot up since I was here last. How old are the girls now Julie?’

‘Tiffany is nine and Charlotte is twelve.  Charlotte starts middle school next year, so yes the girls are growing up fast.’

‘We have been talking to Christine and plan having you over before you head back to Chicago Jeremy. A nice meal and a few drinks. It will be either Friday or Saturday night most likely. Your mum wasn’t really sure what best suits?’ Ben adds.

‘It won’t bother me. Either night will work but I think she was waiting to see what suits Bill. But yes, I will look forward to it.’

‘Last time we saw you there was a girl on the scene. Janet, I recall was her name? Are you still dating her?’ Julie asks.

‘No foot loose and free now. She was a nice girl, but I think it fizzled out shortly after I last saw you both.’

‘Ah, it will happen Jeremy no need to rush,’ Ben again laughs.

‘We are going to walk up here before we head home,’ Ben points in the direction they are heading. ‘Then back home before the girls get home from school.  Jeremy, you best not muck around too long either as a storm is said to be coming in.’ Ben adds.

‘Nah, I won’t be long, I am just going to finish my normal trek around the lake and then head home,’ Jeremy says.

‘Yes, we know your regular route. We will be able to see you.’ Julie adds.

The couple head off and Jeremy turns in the opposite direction to walk up to the top of the hill beside the lake as he has done the past two days before he too heads home. Jeremy enjoys walking and whilst he is alert to the likelihood of an afternoon storm, he nonetheless is determined to finish his normal trek. He looks up and the cloud cover has intensified slightly but the sky is not dark. There is a well-worn path around the lake and being a man of routine Jeremy is determined to finish off the last part of his daily walk before heading home. The last two days he has sat out on the porch with his mother and Bill drinking coffee and eating scones, so he knows that no doubt his mum will have cooked up something for an afternoon snack when he returns.   

The pathway around the lake is pretty and the countryside opens as he heads up the rather steep hill. The birdlife is a plenty and hardly surprising given the abundance of water. Jeremy spies a couple of ground squirrels scurrying around near a large tree that is just off the pathway. The squirrels are unfazed at his presence and with so many people walking through the area it is no wonder. The wildflowers paint a pretty backstop as he continues his walk up the relatively steep incline.

Taking in the scenery and reveling in the peace and serenity Jeremy has until now been ignorant of the sudden change in weather. He glances up and is taken back. What started out as a relatively clear albeit cold day has suddenly become dark and bleak. Jeremy continues to look up towards the heavens and has a worried look on his face. Light rain is starting to fall and Jeremy although not fazed about a bit of rain is sensing that the storm is not far away now. He starts to gather some pace as he commences his downhill walk home.

Suddenly a loud clap of thunder puts into perspective that the storm has caught him out and has moved in much quicker than he imagined. He again looks up and it is almost as if the sky is becoming a darker shade of grey before his very eyes. The rain is starting to become heavier, and another clap of thunder can be heard this time with a couple bolts of lightning providing a light show not far from home. Jeremy’s clothes are starting to cling to his body as they become wet from the rain that is becoming heavier and heavier. He is still a good ten minutes from home, and he cannot wait to be in front of an open fireplace drinking a large mug of coffee. He picks up his pace yet again in between his head tilting upward to view the now very bleak skyline.

The light show is intensifying and lighting the skyline as he trudges homeward. Claps of thunder too keep Jeremy on edge and although not normally one to panic he is intent on getting out of the open countryside and home.

Rumble

Rumble

BOOM

BOOM! The unimaginable has happened and Jeremy lies motionless on the ground having rolled firstly before coming to a stop. He has been struck by lightning. Not once but twice. Simultaneously two bolts of lightning have hit either side of his body. Smoke is coming from his body and clothes, and he is unconscious and lying outstretched on the ground but alive. The rain is heavy and is slowly extinguishing the heat and smoke that is coming from Jeremy’s dormant body.  

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Chapter 2

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‘Jeremy!’

‘Jeremy!’

The look of fear is evident on Julie and Ben Swann’s face as they rush to his side after calling his name. He is unconscious and the pair desperately check for a pulse. Julie is relieved and yells, ‘He is alive. Oh, thank God... he is alive.’

‘Grab your phone Julie and call an ambulance. Quick!’ Yells Ben.

Julie shuffles in her pocket for her cell phone as she looks down at Jeremy’s seemingly lifeless body.

‘Oh my God,’ she mutters.

She grabs her phone and dials for an emergency.

‘I need an ambulance,’ she yells when she gets through.

‘Where is the emergency?’ The responder asks.

‘Ron is that you? Ron its Julie Swann. Christine Sandon’s son Jeremy has been struck by lightning at Chain O’ Lakes. He is alive but unconscious and we are going to carry him back to Christine’s house which is not far. Do you know where she lives? She is right next door to our house Ron,’

‘Yes, yes. I know where that is, we will head there straight away. See you soon Julie.’  

The pair quickly stands Jeremy up to carry him home. His body is limp, and he remains unconscious as the pair place his arms either side of their bodies to carry him home. Both Ben and Julie are similar in height to Jeremy which helps but he is awkward to carry, nonetheless.  The weather is awful as heavy rain continues and thunder and lightning can still be heard. It is an eerie reminder of what has happened to Jeremy and whilst Julie is thankful that their friend is alive her mind races as she considers all sorts of possibilities and the potential extent of Jeremy’s injuries. The ground is slippery and made worse by the fact that they are dragging a man with them that is motionless and awkward. Jeremy is not of big build which is a good thing but the fact that his body is a dead weight makes the journey home even more challenging.

‘Thank God, we spotted him,’ Ben adds.

‘It is a wonder really as we should have been home too. I think that it came in so quick it caught us out as it did Jeremy. Oh, I so hope he is alright.’ Julie is clearly panicked, and she knows that Christine will be standing outside worrying where he is too.

It is another three or four minutes to home and it cannot come quick enough. The pair has got a good hold of Jeremy and they are moving swiftly but are cold and wet and the weather has not given up. In fact, lightning and thunder continue to make it an eerie night.

Ron the local ambulance paramedic is well known to them, and they know that he will not be far away. It is a small community, and everyone knows everyone. Jeremy still has not stirred, and Julie again ponders the extent of his injuries and prays that he will be okay.

‘Oh NO.’

‘Oh My GOD!’ a distressed female voice yells out.

Julie and Ben look up and out of the darkness they see Christine and Bill rushing frantically toward them.

‘What happened?’ Christine shrieks with fear in her voice.

‘He has been struck by lightning. He’s alive!’ Ben replies.   

Bill gives Julie a rest as he takes over the weight of Jeremy and gives Ben a helping hand. The men quickly scurry along as the ambulance with lights flashing pulls up at Christine Sandon’s home. Ron rushes to help the two men as another paramedic opens the van doors to the ambulance.  

‘Bring him over here and lie him down,’ Ron points to the bed trolley that has now been rolled out of the van. He is still unconscious, and Christine starts crying as she looks at her son’s motionless body.  

In between tears Christine blurts out, ‘Is he alright? Is he going to live? Oh my God he hasn’t moved.’

Christine and Julie hop into the back of the ambulance either side of Jeremy as Ron starts the van and with lights flashing and siren blazing, they transport Jeremy to the local hospital. They are joined by Todd in the back of the van, and he sponges Jeremy and removes the mud from his face.

‘It’s not far ladies as you know so once we get him to the hospital, he will have the best care,’ Todd says trying to comfort Christine and Julie.

Christine is distraught and Julie holds her hand. She is sobbing and staring at Jeremy as he lies without the slightest of movement. Christine then turns to thank her dear neighbor.

‘Thank you. Thank you. Thank God, you found him Julie. Who knows what would happen had you not found him? Look at this weather it’s the worst storm.’

‘Ben and I were lucky that we were able to see Jeremy as he was heading home. We rushed to him as soon as it happened.’ Julie tries to be diplomatic and is light on detail so as not to upset Christine further.

‘You saw it happen? You saw him get hit?’ Christine turns and questions Julie.

‘Yes. We rushed to him as soon as it happened.’

‘Julie you will need to tell the doctor exactly what you saw as it may help when they assess Jeremy,’ Todd politely adds.

They arrive at the local hospital and having radioed ahead two nurses and a doctor are waiting in the ambulance driveway. With the help of Ron and Todd they quickly wheel Jeremy inside and take him to a room for examination. The hospital staff tell Christine to sit down in the waiting room whilst they undress Jeremy and examine him. Christine had only just entered the waiting room comforted by Ron and Todd when Bill and Ben are seen to enter the hospital.

Christine bursts into tears as Bill enters. He hugs her and knows that there is a bond between mother and son, and it is natural for Christine to be emotional. Jeremy is an only son. Her marriage to Jeremy’s father was littered with violence and alcohol abuse and so there was never any thought of another child. Christine and Jeremy are close, and Bill knows that if Jeremy is not to survive his wife will be a bloody mess.

A nurse enters the waiting room.

‘I am Stephanie Mrs Sandon. Your son is hanging in there and the doctor will be out shortly to update you.’ She looks into Christine’s eyes and can see the worry and fear in the middle-aged woman.

‘Julie, can you come with me. Doctor Van der Belt wishes to talk with you.’

Julie follows Stephanie into the examination room. Jeremy has been robed up and bathed and looks peaceful lying-in bed albeit he is still unconscious.

‘Julie, can you tell me what happened?’ the doctor asks. 

‘My husband and I were on the opposite side of the lake but had a pretty good view of Jeremy. It was getting darker and there was rain but we both saw Jeremy get hit by lightning. In fact, he got hit by two bolts, one either side of the body,’ Julie says. 

‘Wow that is rare. I mean you are unlucky to be hit once but to be hit twice......wow. I don’t even know what the odds are,’ the doctor adds as he shakes his head and looks down at Jeremy.

‘Tell me doctor is he alright? I mean is he going to live?’ A worried Julie asks politely.

‘He is unconscious but that is often shock. His clothing is burnt but to be honest I think he is quite lucky as there does not appear to be any serious damage. We will know a lot more when he wakes. He does not even seem to have any serious burns and the fact that he was hit either side of his body and not in the head is a very good thing.’

‘Doctor if you could see his mother, I am sure she would like to know what you have found,’ Julie suggests politely.

‘Yes of course.’

The doctor follows Julie into the waiting room where Christine, Bill and Ben are sitting. Christine jumps up immediately having seen the doctor enter and hurries toward him.

‘He is alive Mrs Sandon.’

‘I am Doctor Van der Belt, and we will take good care of your son. I do not have a lot to tell you right now and will be better placed when Jeremy wakes. I expect that will be soon as he is in shock and otherwise has fared relatively well, but again I will know more when he wakes.’

The doctor tries to comfort Christine but is hesitant to offer too much. He knows that there are many scenarios that could play out. Jeremy could have suffered hearing loss, may have brain damage or there could be other injuries that are not evident at this early stage. The explosive force that lightning produces and the superheat, may have hidden injuries that will only be evident when Jeremy awakens. Doctor Leon Van der Belt is an old school doctor who has lived in the community for over thirty years. He has a full head of grey hair and an almost permanent smile. He is very caring and passionate about his profession and genuinely wants to comfort Christine who is visibly shaken.

‘Doctor, do you know how long it will likely be before Jeremy wakes?’ Christine asks politely.

‘It is hard to say but I expect he will wake soon.’

‘Can I sit with him?’ Christine asks.

‘Yes of course. Just do not startle him or crowd him if he wakes when you are in there. Let him slowly come around and to familiarize himself with where he is.’

Christine follows the nurse into the room where Jeremy is laying down. He is in a room all to himself and is lying peacefully. Bill joins Christine and pulls up a chair.

‘Ben and I will head home to clean up Christine, but I will pop back in later if that’s okay.’

‘Thank you. Thank you so much Julie and you too Ben,’ Christine is again emotional as she thanks Julie and Ben.   

Chapter 3

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It is poised to be a long night, but Christine is determined to sit beside her son’s bed. Bill does not say a word and is committed to being with Christine and holds her hand as she looks stony faced at Jeremy who is lying on his back motionless. Doctor Leon Van der Belt pops his head in, smiles at Christine and Bill then pulls out his stethoscope to check on Jeremy.

‘I am about to finish my shift Mr and Mrs Sandon but will be back on duty first thing in the morning. Dr Barry Schmidt will be in to check on Jeremy and will also be available should for any reason you need him.’

‘Thank you, doctor, you have been most helpful,’ a quietly spoken Christine adds.

‘My pleasure. I had contemplated giving Jeremy a sedative, but I suspect he will wake soon and if he is confused or agitated then simply get the nurse or call for Dr Schmidt. Good night I will see you in the morning.’

The howling wind, and sound of heavy rain can be heard from within the hospital walls and Christine thinks to herself that they are blessed Julie and Ben were on hand to help Jeremy. No sooner had she thought of her close friends and then her cell phone rings, and Julie’s name pops up on the screen.

‘Hello Julie, how are you?’ Christine answers.

‘I’m good darling but more importantly how is Jeremy and how are you