returned to bed as the vehicle started. Pickle went to get out of bed, but Karen held him back. "It's okay. A desperate family are taking the Range Rover on the drive. Let them have it."
Pickle never verbally agreed or disagreed, he just grunted, and then went back to lying down. Pickle turned round on his side, his back now facing hers. "Once we get our energy back, we'll move out the family sometime tomorrow before they begin to smell."
"Defo."
"Good night, Bradley."
"Good night, Harry."
Chapter Thirteen
June 17th
Jason Bonser's host had been worth her weight in gold.
He had decided to stay the night and his host never objected to his stay, although she had a feeling she had no say in the matter despite it being her house. With the calamity that was occurring outside, she thought it would be in her best interests if she decided against standing up to the big man, especially now the land was in a lawless situation. He went into the kitchen as she remained on the sofa, and helped himself to some bread, butter, cheese and the last slice of ham from the fridge.
He switched the kettle on and made himself another coffee. He was planning on getting an early night in the spare room she had mentioned, but had decided to pig out before doing so. After quickly consuming his cheese and ham sandwich, he slurped on his milky coffee and remained standing in the kitchen; he thought about how the world was now.
As far as he was concerned, the world was a better place for him. Sure, he had no wheels, food would eventually run out, and the threat of death was round every corner, but at least he was free. He had no routine to stick to anymore; he could do anything he wanted. Anything!
He finished his coffee and decided to use the woman's toilet before having a wash in the sink upstairs. He had noticed in the dark street that there wasn't a single vehicle left, whether people had decided to flee or the cars were stolen, he didn't know, and realised that his journey on foot was going to be a long one, which was one of the reasons why he stuffed his face. The nearest village was Hazelslade and had decided that that's where he would stay, providing it was safe. Then he would hopefully get himself a car and get to his sister's house to see what had been happening and to see if she was still alive.
He went upstairs feeling flustered and his heart was galloping; he needed to calm down quickly if ever he was going to sleep that night. After a wash, he helped himself to a pair of grey jogging bottoms, a pair of trainers and a black T-shirt that belonged to Jenny's husband, and was glad to finally be rid of the prison attire.
He fell asleep.
His sleep only lasted seven hours as once he awoke at six am, he realised he had been in such a deep sleep, he was never going to drift back off. Also, an audible noise coming from somewhere was not helping. Dazed and confused, he got up and jogged down the stairs to see if the coast was clear. The living room was still in darkness, and he had a peep in the kitchen. Nothing.
He scratched his head in bewilderment and then realised the noise was coming from upstairs. He walked back into the living room and took a look at Jenny, his female host, lying motionless on the sofa.
He walked past the woman he had raped, beaten and strangled to death the previous evening, and began to trudge back upstairs. As he gained towards the landing, his heart began to sink. Before he opened the door he knew what kind of sight was going to greet him. He opened the door to reveal a hungry and raucous baby of around six to eight months standing up in his cot; his hair was a chocolate colour matching his beautiful brown eyes.
Now it was morning, he was aching to get out and feed.
The sight of Jason Bonser, instead of the usual presence of his mother, did nothing to calm his crying, in fact, it made him more hysterical if that was at all possible. Jason shook his head. It all made sense now. He remembered Jenny
K. Sterling
Jacquie Rogers
Rebecca Hamilton, Conner Kressley
Shiloh Walker
Elizabeth Moynihan
Mary Balogh
Tara Fox Hall
Jonathan Maberry
Jane Hunt
James Kakalios