Loss and Renewal Willem sighed as he turned and saw the glazed eyes on his horses and pain ripped through his body. He clutched his chest and cried out in alarm. Liam ran to find Arnold and his mother, and the whole family gathered around Willem as he beckoned to Arnold feebly as he gasped with pain while one of the uncles rendered first aid … Continue reading Fire From the Sky – Chapter 4
The Aftermath of a Firestorm The visiting brothers returned to their car and moved it inside the vehicle sheds for protection then emerged carrying loads of fire masks and protective gear for everyone to wear. One of them spoke to Willem. “There are enough here to see you through the hours ahead so let’s see everyone is wearing one. Where are the boys we need … Continue reading Fire From the Sky – Chapter 3
Preparing for the Worst. Maaike turned to Willem. “Arnold and Eduard are at marriageable age now Willem and I think we need to take an interest in encouraging them to look for life partners. Specially Arnold as the eldest he will be inheriting this property and will need to be producing children to help him run this place. We don’t know what the other children … Continue reading Fire From the Sky – Chapter 2
Lightning Strike Willem Berg sat on the veranda of his spacious home overlooking the valley below. The extended drought had browned the foliage under a hot sun and Willem had disposed of a considerable number of the cattle as he usually did during droughts but kept a limited breeding stock which rotated between the irrigated paddocks close by the river. This property had been in … Continue reading Fire From the Sky – Chapter 1
Emotional Healing and a Happy Ending The next evening as they sat in a restaurant reviewing the work issues of the day Rob noted Daniella was feeling subdued. “Had a hard day, Daniella?” She sat silently plucking up courage and hoping this was not the end of the line for their friendship. Then looked up with tears forming in her eyes. “You know who I … Continue reading Hidden Identity – Chapter 4
Daniella’s Confession ‘Would you let me take you to a restaurant occasionally as well as sports events Daniella? “As friends and nothing more I’d be very interested as it would certainly take away some of the lonely hours I have. But I insist on paying my share when we go out so it’s a deal. But don’t take it beyond friendship Rob as I must … Continue reading Hidden Identity – Chapter 3
Spanish Lessons as an Entry Wedge Rob looked at Daniella and liked the eager expression on her face. It was a beautiful face, and he envied her husband this Mr. Bowen. Rob whispered to the doorman at the Mexican restaurant, and he ushered them to a table in the corner. He was known here as one of his workers was married to the owner of … Continue reading Hidden Identity – Chapter 2
The Mystery Woman Robert Pritchard paused as he stood assigning duties to his assembled social workers in preparation for the day. It was the usual hasty meeting addressing problems the social workers had raised in the early morning assembly and adjusting the schedules where there’d been a no show for the day due to sickness. Their programs for the day had been preassigned and, they … Continue reading Hidden Identity – Chapter 1
Revenge James glanced as they indicated the double-painted window they’d somehow removed. This was well planned, and he suspected there had to be someone on the inside who’d made that possible. The police would question all servants who served the mansion in the morning. The Astor money was not going to fall into the hands of these idiots, and he’d see the security service was … Continue reading The Kidnapping of James Astor – Chapter 2
Ransom Demand Maria Alice Astor shook her husband James awake. “I heard a noise downstairs, and it sounds like the alarm activated. Could something be breaking. Better go see what’s happening. Hopefully Roger and Vincent heard it too so they should be looking into it, and you’ll have support in case there’s a break-in. Servant accommodation is at the back of the mansion so they … Continue reading The Kidnapping of James Astor – Chapter 1
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