by Daniel Guy Lamb is up early. He’s stepped out of the shower and is drying his slim, pale hairless body with a thick white towel. He’s been contacted by a man called Colonel Kein and asked to attend a meeting at a government building in the city centre this morning, at nine am. He has no idea what it is about. He doesn’t think he’s done anything wrong. He dries his cropped jet black hair, slips into an ironed white shirt and then steps into his best trousers. He finishes dressing and takes a moment to examine himself in front of a large mirror. He knows he’s a good-looking young man, but he knows too that close friends are curious why, despite all the women who fall for him, he’s never able to stay in a relationship long. Lamb looks at his watch. No time for breakfast. He has to leave at once.. Hello Lamb. I’m Kein. Glad you could come so quickly. Come with me. I can brief you on the way.… Now then, I’m project manager for...
Madame Fortuna, an old lady, known for her magic herbal potions, holds out a tiny glass vial of colourless liquid and says, ‘Here you are, my child. Slip this into his drink before he goes to sleep and when he wakes, he will fall in love with the first thing he sees.’ Wendy hesitates before taking it. ‘Ooo, I hope I am doing the right thing. Susan is my dearest sister, and all I want is the best for her. She and Adam are perfect for each other. He’s young, good looking, and as gentle as a rabbit, but he’s afraid of commitment.’ Madame Fortuna lifts her hand and as she brushes a bony finger lightly across Wendy’s cheek, she says, ‘Then my potion is perfect. It’s effect will be to prevent his indecision from ruining their lives. Don’t forget, it worked for you and your husband. He’s never stopped loving you since you gave him some of this.’ Wendy knows the old lady is right. She thanks her, places the vial in her pocket and returns to the city. That night Wendy is hosting party to which...
“Curlz” is a mixed hairdressing salon in the high street, with purple walls and fairy lights around the window. It’s a shabby street, with many shops closed, and the salon provides the only bit of colour and sparkle. Suzi, the manager is a tall, confident redhead with a cheeky smile. Michelle is the new girl. She’s younger, more petite and she works as a nurse during the week and at the salon at week-ends because she’s saving up to buy an apartment. It’s late on a Saturday afternoon and the salon will close in an hour. After sweeping up from the last customer, Michelle walks into the back room. ’That bloke is outside again.’ she says. ‘What, the bloke in the BMW?’ ‘Yeah. He’s parked on the other side of the street. Keeps looking across at the salon.’ Suzi opens up a packet of biscuits and offers one to Michelle. ‘He can’t be wanting another haircut. He had two last week.’ Suzi gets up, walks out into the salon and stands by the cash desk, to get...
Comments
Post a Comment