Vortex 184°: A Journey Beyond Now

By Janice Wilson

Follow Lewis and his best friend, Corky, on an amazing journey full of unexpected, and sometimes frightening, adventures. Their friendship is tested to the limit as they encounter a world that has been dramatically changed from the one they know. It is a world inhabited by creatures that are shunned and no longer accepted by their natural environment; where the ‘unknown’ is always a scary possibility.

Can their friendship endure such a life-changing experience? More importantly, will they survive to describe what they have seen?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Austin Macauley Publishers
• Release date: Mar 31, 2022
• ISBN: 9781398437661

Janice Wilson

Janice Wilson lives on the Northern Beaches of Sydney. She has always been captivated by the diverse Australian landscape and the beauty of nature. During her career as a Special Education Teacher, she created stories to motivate students to embrace the world around them. She hopes that the readers of Vortex 184° will not only enjoy the story, but be stimulated to think about the effect their daily decisions have on the environment. She strongly believes that the preservation of this beautiful world for future generations, rests on responsible commitments made today.

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About the Author

Janice Wilson lives on the Northern Beaches of Sydney. She has always been captivated by the diverse Australian landscape and the beauty of nature. During her career as a Special Education Teacher, she created stories to motivate students to embrace the world around them. She hopes that the readers of Vortex 184° will not only enjoy the story, but be stimulated to think about the effect their daily decisions have on the environment. She strongly believes that the preservation of this beautiful world for future generations, rests on responsible commitments made today.

Dedication

I dedicate this book to my parents, Frank and Gloria, who inspired and taught me from an early age to care for the environment. To my husband, Michael, and children, Matthew, Nicole and Mark for their love and enthusiasm. To my grandchildren, Isabella, Leo and Jade, may you inherit a sustainable planet, rich in natural wonders and diverse animal life.

Copyright Information ©

Janice Wilson 2022

The right of Janice Wilson to be identified as author of this work has been asserted by the author in accordance with section 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publishers.

Any person who commits any unauthorised act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

A CIP catalogue record for this title is available from the British Library.

ISBN 9781398437654 (Paperback)

ISBN 9781398437661 (ePub e-book)

www.austinmacauley.com

First Published 2022

Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd®

1 Canada Square

Canary Wharf

London

E14 5AA

Acknowledgement

I would like to acknowledge the support of my immediate and extended family and many friends, without whom this book may not have been written.

Chapter One

Lewis Kesby was a likeable kid who loved to annoy people, not in a harsh way, just trying to be funny. He was a master of practical jokes and would often cause havoc and laughter around his friends.

At school the situation was much the same, his classmates knew to expect the unexpected! Lewis was popular but kept his distance and never revealed his true self to anyone…except his best friend. His pranks were often a disguise that hid his real thoughts and feelings. Somewhat revered by his peers, he was a big build and would stand up to those who liked to harass others; the kind of person you wanted to have onside as there were some at school who were decidedly mean.

One Thursday whilst sitting in the sun contemplating his life in general, Lewis had an uncomfortable feeling, that his day was about to change. He looked behind him, side to side, up the street and even above his head! There appeared that not a single, solitary thing was amiss. The sun warmed his bare arms, the sky was clear and blue, but still, a shiver ran through his body. Lewis had an enormous sense of foreboding…

Don’t be stupid, he muttered, there’s nothing here. He stood up and shook himself but he couldn’t shift the uneasiness building up; a queasy, nauseous feeling like before exams…his stomach rolled in turmoil.

In the distance, he could see someone coming his way. The road was newly made and not yet sealed, so swirls of dust kicked up around the newcomer’s feet. He focussed on the approaching figure with uncertainty, as it grew larger making its way towards him. With recognition, he sighed softly. It was his best mate, James Cork or Corky as he was known far and wide. Corky waved and Lewis acknowledged with a thumbs-up.

Within hearing range now, Corky called out eagerly, There’s some gossip about; some strange things are happening at the old McDougall house…you know the one down on Redders Lane? Some kids are saying it’s haunted.

Lewis showed immediate interest. Closer now the two boys eyed each other and grinned. They had been best friends since their first day at school. Although not as annoying as Lewis with his jokes, Corky had a warped sense of humour; he was good-natured and friendly. They’d got themselves into a few scrapes over the years but they stuck together through every obstacle.

What kind of things? Lewis enquired, as he brushed his long hair out of his eyes.

Ghostly…not sure exactly, Tom Arnold and Benjii Cross are telling anyone who will listen. Seems they took a dare to spend a night in the old place. Jeff Collins had offered them twenty-five dollars each!

Really? said Lewis. I wonder what Collo knows that we don’t?

What do you mean? Corky asked curiously.

Well, he’s not about to part with that amount of money without a good reason.

You’re right, agreed Corky grimacing, there’s more to this than has been told.

The boys discussed the sorts of things that might get Jeff Collins to part with so much money. He had a reputation for intimidating other kids and they wondered about his motives.

Maybe he was setting them up? suggested Lewis.

How and what for? Corky eyed his friend suspiciously. Do you know something I don’t?

No! Not at all! Lewis responded quickly, his forehead creased in a frown. I just mean there may be someone else involved that we don’t know about. His thoughts turned inwards; this news was definitely worth considering. Maybe there was a bit of action for himself and Corky, although he had to admit that spending a night in the crumbling ruin was not his idea of a quick money earner. Nevertheless…he shook his head and that eerie feeling was back. The wind had picked up, but that alone was not making the hairs on his arms stand on end. It didn’t make sense…

Time to investigate, he said briskly.

Corky looked up in surprise. He had been deliberating himself and Lewis had just echoed his very thoughts! Funny how we often think alike, he mused softly. Corky understood Lewis well and had always supported his crazy ideas and sense of adventure. He accepted Lewis could be annoying, but also knew that he was very fair and would never intentionally hurt anyone, not like some others. He considered Jeff Collins. Lewis liked to be in charge and feel important, that’s why he joked a lot. He’d had a rotten time at home after his father had left. Mrs Kesby was a nice lady but she didn’t realise how little time she spent with Lewis and how much his dad’s leaving had affected him. They had shared many exploits and enjoyed a special friendship.

Corky sighed. Adults could be so complicated sometimes! When I get to be one, I’m going to look at things like a kid would…hang on! he yelled loudly.

Lewis stopped whilst he caught up, then chuckled. Thought you would never realise that I had left. The wind was blowing strongly and his good humour had returned. There was a sense of excitement in the story and like the last scary encounter over at Bob’s Farm, he felt the adrenaline pumping through his veins.

Corky noticed that look. When Lewis had THAT look anything could happen…and usually did!

Ahh, what are you thinking about? Corky enquired. He anticipated a favourable reply and was not disappointed.

We are going to get to the bottom of this. I think McDougall’s house is long overdue for some exploration.

Corky shivered; was it the wind which had now suddenly turned icy cold, or was it the mischief that Lewis conveyed in his voice, when he implied, ‘We’re going to find out what’s going on’?

Are you with me? Lewis watched Corky’s face. He casually put his hands in his pockets but he felt the tightness in his chest. His fingers curled and uncurled themselves into balls of sweat. Would Corky, his ever-faithful friend, follow him in on this one? He wasn’t sure. After the last time, Corky had said ‘never again’.

But yes! He saw it in Corky’s resigned expression, the one that said ‘I’m in’. Still Lewis hesitated; he didn’t want to push Corky into something sinister, he had to make his own choice on this venture. Then, slowly there it was, that sign of acceptance.

I’m in, said Corky simply, count me in. If you think you’re going off on some adventure alone, then think again…besides you may need me.

Lewis smiled with relief. He knew deep down that he could depend on his best friend, but he always needed the reassurance. Ever since his dad had told him time and time again that he would always be there, Lewis had learnt a lot about REASSURANCE. He had always thought his father would be around, someone he could rely on, be best of mates and share important times with, but then one day, he was gone. No good-bye, no see-you-soon, nothing. That’s when he, Lewis, started to change…‘It wasn’t fair.’ He sighed sadly for the thousandth time, but it still didn’t make things any better.

The weather had turned quite nasty with big, black, thunderous clouds moving across the lake, was this an ominous threat of things to come?

Let’s get out of here! Corky shouted above the wind.

It will rain, maybe even hail tonight, Lewis predicted. He loved thunderstorms but hated the lightning. The roll of thunder gave him good shivers, but lightning lit up familiar shapes and made them appear menacing and unfriendly…lightning could be unworldly.

The boys ran just as the first few blobs of rain fell. It was going to be an interesting, few days ahead…

Chapter Two

Give it back to me! yelled Tom Arnold, jumping up at Lewis to grab the object swinging from Lewis’s hand.

The old key with the swirling, ornate crest and distinctive, intertwined letters McD dangled enticingly and its purpose was not lost on Lewis. This key could only fit into one lock. In his hand, he held untold possibilities.

I will; when you tell me the story. What’s going on? I’d just like to know a few facts, that’s all.

You’ll have to speak to Jeff Collo, he’s the one with all the info. Tom was getting frustrated and a little scared, trying to muster up more courage than he felt. He knew he and Benjii should have kept their mouths shut. If only Mark Thommo’s dog hadn’t got stuck down that drain near the McDougall’s property, the money would be sitting safely in their pockets right now and they wouldn’t have had to say a word.

There’s nothing much to tell, Tom repeated frantically. Jeff Collins said he would pay us to stay overnight in the old place. Everything was fine, until Bruiser fell down a hole outside the back fence and broke his leg. He howled so loud it was like something out of this world. We weren’t really sure when we first heard it, we thought it was something ghostly making that sound, so we didn’t stick around, we just kept running. We couldn’t collect the money because we hadn’t got into the house and stayed the night.

When you knew it was only the dog, how come you didn’t go back to help him? questioned Lewis. His face was very close to Tom’s nose and his eyes, a blue-grey, peered enquiringly into Tom’s frightened, brown ones.

We didn’t realise it was a dog until we were way down the road and we heard barking and yelping. We were too scared by then to go back. It was only when we saw Thommo looking for Bruiser that we said we thought he might be at the McDougall house. Mark and his dad went to investigate and there he was, stuck in that ditch.

I think you are holding something back, Lewis implied. You’re not telling the whole story. Why does Jeff Collins want to part with his precious, hard-earned cash on two scaredy cats, to spend one night in a derelict house?

Tom Arnold quivered nervously; he squirmed under Lewis’s arm, grabbed the iron ring holding the key and bolted. Lewis gave chase. He was not about to be fobbed off by some kid with a peculiar sense of loyalty to the local school bully.

The boys ran, over the bridge, across the disused quarry and up the clay covered sides. Rocks flew as they scrambled with legs and arms working feverishly to get to the top. Tom hit the grassy knoll with a thud. Winded, he was aware of the panting behind him. Lewis was so close he could feel his hot breath on the back of his legs.

Lewis threw himself at Tom, but missed. He inhaled deeply and cursed. Tom took off like a rocket; his fear was compelling him forward, almost to the brink of exhaustion. Finally, he could run no further. His lungs were bursting from his chest and his heart was palpitating out of control, he would have to give up. Please be kind, he thought as he slumped to the ground.

Almost immediately Lewis was at his side. Okay, the game’s up! He sat next to Tom hoping he could encourage him to ‘open up’. Let’s hear the real story.

Tom shivered and his body drooped with resignation. He said he would kill me if I told anyone.

Who? Collo?

He swore me to secrecy.

You level with me and I promise you’ll have nothing to worry about, declared Lewis. He could see that the young boy was more than a little shaken and a wave of sympathy for Tom overcame him. He changed tactics to put the anxious figure at ease. Come on, tell me what’s going on.

Tom looked up in surprise. What happened? Was this a trick to win his confidence? Locked in the dilemma of mistrust/trust, he hesitated.

Lewis waited. Was the kid ever going to talk? Better not to push him, otherwise he might clam up for good and Lewis would never get the whole story.

They eyed each other warily, as they slowly regained their breath.

Finally Lewis spoke. "Right! Let’s go over this again. I’m really interested in what’s going on and I would never hurt you. Jeff doesn’t throw his money around unless