Zombies by the Sea – Excerpt 1

  The town council of Littlehampton by the Sea was having a panic session.Trade in the town had fallen drastically and people no longer saw the town as their first choice for a holiday by the sea, Drastic measures must be taken.

All the council were sat waiting, as was his way, the Mayor was fashionably late. and as per usual the meeting had proceeded without him.

‘Let us be perfectly frank!’ stated the Deputy Mayor, ‘The name of  the town Littlehampton, does us no favours, it sounds like the Mayor’s shrivelled appendage, the one he can’t see for his enormous stomach.’

‘That sort of talk is in bad taste, there’s a lady present,’ objected the treasurer. ‘It’s quite alright,’ said the old spinster Miss Mellors ‘ I’ve seen it all before!’ ‘I’m sure the old bat is going deaf?’ said the Deputy Mayor. ‘What is wrong with my hat?’ said Miss Mellors. ‘Nothing my dear, it looks perfectly delightful!’ Replied the treasurer trying to get back to business.

Sanjay Patel, who due to his numerous business interests in the town had managed to secure a seat on the council, raised his voice to state his own opinion, ‘When is something going to be done about this ridiculous state of affairs, we are all losing money, doesn’t anybody care, am I the only one here who does?’

‘Of course, we are all concerned,’ agreed the treasurer, ‘But what do we do?’  ‘I would have thought that was obvious,’ Stated Sanjay, ‘We have to find a relatively inexpensive way of promoting the town.’ ‘No decisions can be made until the Mayor gets here?’ stated his deputy, ‘Where the hell is he, It’s time he was here.’

The Mayor was apparently almost on his way, he was pulling up his enormous Y-fronts after gallantly attempting to service the Treasurers wife, a lady of even more ample proportions than his own. Attempting to make love doggy fashion to a lady with a more than ample rear, when you, yourself have a somewhat ample stomach, does tend to present some interesting logistical problems, but after several near misses, he managed to grasp her rather matronly bosoms and using those for leverage, penetration was achieved, a few grunts and moans and she had achieved her climax once again.

The Mayor to give credit where its due, was a crass overweight braggart, but he must have something as a string of middle- aged married ladies would attest. He took advantage of any and all opportunities.

(C) Damian Grange 2018

 

 

 

The Darkness Within – Excerpt 14

  I had learnt a lesson, or so I thought, I was fine until something occurred that triggered the bloodlust, But once the hunger came over me, I had to have blood, it was not just a compulsion, more a definite need!

I tried to obtain blood from other prostitutes with similar results and was warned off by their pimps who gave me a good kicking. I obviously had to find another source of blood. The more I drunk , the more my hunger increased, it could not be sated.

I now roam the streets at night, looking for young girls who are the worse for drink or the transients sleeping in shop doorways. Anything and  anyone who can satisfy my thirst for blood.

I know now that I will never again see my homeland again, or my parents and siblings. I’m glad that they will never see what I have become. My money has all but run out, but the urge grows stronger, I know before long I will have to kill again.

I pray that soon I will be caught and punished, I loathe and detest the creature I have become, the thing I dreaded most, The sanguinarian, a  drinker of blood, A Vampire!

(C) Damian Grange 2018

Double in Trouble – Excerpt 38

  ‘I thought maybe you knew each other, you seemed quite relaxed together?’ She queried. ‘We both have roles to play in this remember, I am Palenkov and Sergei is my lieutenant, we have to gel together or this doesn’t work.’

‘I’m sorry, you are quite right I’m overthinking things, when there really is a simple answer.’ I was a little concerned that Kat had suspicions, at this stage of the proceedings, I didn’t want her scrutinising my every move, things were complicated enough with Schultz breathing down my neck, I for one will be glad when this caper is over.

But for now, we returned to our room, after breakfast tomorrow it seemed the fun would start. I had managed to pinch a word with Schultz, he was quite happy to show me the Warheads, and let me get acquainted with them. If he knew my intentions he wouldn’t have been so eager. But then, he thought he was running the show, only I knew different.

Its back to the waiting game, that is the only problem of an operation of this type, you spend so much time living on your nerve ends just waiting for everyone to arrive and be in position, so that you can set the plan in motion.

I suppose in a flight of fancy, you could liken it to a game of chess, all the main pieces are in place on the board, you are just waiting for the pawns to arrive and take their places, then the game can commence.

(C) Damian Grange 2018

 

Apologies to my followers

I will not be publishing again until Monday. I have had a problem with my service provider, it seems fixed now but I need to be certain. Also my apologies regarding likes and comments. Only about 1/3 of my comments have been getting through, the other 2/3 have been coming back with an error message, whether this is a server or WordPress error I’m not sure.

So on Monday I will Publish the next excerpt of Double in Trouble.

Once again my Apologies   Regards Malkie

 

Jack the Ripper – A Love Story ( Excerpt 36 )

  When I returned from my work at the Infirmary, Mary had gone, she had taken all her things and left no address where she might be found. I half expected this, since her abortion things have been a little strained between us.

I had hoped that it was just my imagination, but I fear the void between us was getting wider by the day. I have been fooled and taken in by yet another woman, will I never learn. Am I always destined to be the fool, whilst lesser men find love.

I sincerely hope she has considered this move, she has left a good and loving home, for what, a place in the gutter alongside her friends, where she can be had for two pence worth of Gin.

But if that’s the life she prefers then God forgive her, for I’ll be damned if I will, if she prefers the dregs of the gutter, then good luck to her, for she will surely need it.

I cannot pretend that I am not upset by her decision, but it was her decision to make, she should have tried to explain, maybe we could have talked it through, but she obviously had so little faith in me. It may be best that it has ended, maybe it was pre-ordained.

But this time I won’t hit the bottle, I refuse to punish myself. I know the cause of this problem, this cancer that has lured my Mary away. Her so called friends, the poxy whores, I know them all and they are marked for death, unless the Grim Reaper beats me to them.

(C) Damian Grange 2018

 

 

Major Willy Coppens – The Belgian Balloon Buster 1892 / 1986

Coppens was born in Watermael Boitsfort, the son of Omer Coppens, a Belgian Impressionist Painter who studied at the  Ghent Royal Academy.

He was conscripted in to the army in 1912, to serve in the 1st Grenadiers, In 1914, following the German invasion of Belgium, Coppens transferred to the Motor Machine Gun Corps.

In early September 1915, he signed up for flight training with the Compagnie des Aviateurs, Due to inefficiencies in the Belgian training. He took eight weeks leave to train to fly, he and 39 fellow Belgians came to England at their own expense to learn to fly. He received his Pilots certificate on the 9th December 1915.

After his training in Britain, he received further training at the Farman School in Etampes, France. He joined the Belgian 6eme Escadrille as a Sergent 1st class on the 8th of April 1917, flying BE2c Two Seaters. Later that month he was assigned to 4eme Escadrille to fly a Farman Pusher. On the 1st of May 1917, he received a Sopwith 11/2 Strutter which he promptly used in Aerial combat.

In mid July He transferred to the 1ere Escadrille de chasse, a fighter sqdn. He was assigned the last remaining Nieuport 16, all the other pilots had upgraded to the Nieuport 17. When Hanriot HD1’s were offered to the Esc. he was the only pilot initially to fly one. Due to his enthusiasm for the aircraft many of his colleagues also took to them. The Hanriot was a French machine but it was used primarily by the Belgians and Italians.

On the 19th of August 1917, Coppens was promoted to Adjutant, he continued his nervy but unsuccessful combat career against enemy Aircraft. But on the 17th of March 1918 he carried out his first attack on German Observation Balloons although handicapped by a lack of Incendiary ammunition he still managed to down two German Balloons.

A legend was about to be born!  to be continued!

(C) Damian Grange 2018

The Darkness Within – Excerpt 13

  The cut on her hand was not deep, so she wrapped her handkerchief round it. I watched it change colour as the blood seeped into it. I tapped her on the shoulder and signalled her to go outside.

As soon as we were clear of the premises, she asked me, ‘Did I want business?’ I should have known? she was a whore. Be that as it may, she had blood and I needed blood.

Once I had confirmed that I had money, and was willing to pay for her services, she held my arm and led me down a dark alley. Once we had reached the far end, where we were hidden by the darkness, She asked for payment in advance, which I handed her.

She pulled up her skirt, she had no knickers on. I unbuttoned my trousers and took out my penis, she took it in her hand and jerked it to erection. I looked down and I could see the blood-soaked handkerchief as she pulled me to her.

I entered her and her features seemed to change to those of Irina, My only love, and as I pumped inside her, I felt the bloodlust return and bit in to her exposed neck and drunk of her blood. She went limp for a moment, then screamed at the top of her voice. Her screams echoed all around the alley and beyond.

I pulled out of her, adjusted my clothing as best I could, then staggered back up the alley. Intent on escaping the scene as fast as I could, before anyone appeared to check out the noise. My only fear was that the Police might apprehend me, being a foreigner I had a healthy respect for them.

(C) Damian Grange 2018

 

Double in Trouble – Excerpt 37

  Thankfully the call to the evening meal was given, so we made our way to the dining room. It was a room and a half, I’m not sure how many the table could seat, but it must be two dozen  at least.

Besides Kat and myself, there was Mayhew and Schultz, Sergei, who I was introduced too, and his numerous relatives and the two technicians. The food appeared to be Polish, which was hardly surprising, for starters we had a beetroot soup which was quite tasty, followed by a meat dish, I wasn’t certain of its provenance, but like the soup it was edible.

After we had eaten our fill, we were shown through to an annexe laid out with tables and chairs and a small corner bar. Schultz announced, anything you would like to drink just ask the barman.

I went to the bar and Sergei joined me, He said that everything was prepared and ready, I gave him a smile and a nod of approval, then ordered two whisky and sodas for Kat and myself.

So far, everything was ticking over nicely, but I mustn’t get complacent, there were so many things that could go wrong, even at this late stage. But look on the bright side, all is well at the moment.

I passed Kat her whisky and soda, She smiled and thanked me and asked, ‘What were you and Sergei discussing, you looked like old friends?’ ‘He was just explaining to me, that if all the bidders arrive on time, the auction will be held the day after tomorrow!’

(C) Damian Grange 2018

 

Jack the Ripper – A Love Story ( Excerpt 35 )

  I turned back to Cathy Eddowes, who credit to her, had followed my instructions and staunched the flow of blood. I bade her to keep Mary calm whilst I summoned a carriage, I was taking Mary home, The only place where she would receive comfort and care.

I knew Mrs Mc Ginty would care for her, for she was too Christian a woman, not too. I could safely trust Mary to her care. My only concern was that due to the shock and loss of blood she may develop sepsis. But she is young and strong, I pray that she survives.

All I would have to do is check her medical recovery. If that sounds callous and uncaring, it is not. Mary is but one of the many patients I must care for, The populace of Whitechapel is entrusted to my care, she is but one of them.

Due to the no doubt splendid care she received from Mrs Mc Ginty, Mary was soon on the mend, She was still recuperating in bed, but the colour was returning to her cheeks and she seemed none the worse for her ordeal.

When I visited and sat with her, she never broached the subject and neither did I. I am sure that we both wished that it had never happened. Mary seems a little estranged toward me, whether this is guilt for not confiding in me about our child, or discomfort because she feels she owes me her life, I know not.

Mary Kelly’s dairy 10th December 1886

I feel I should be happy, but I’m not, I’m still here at Jack’s but its not the same. Once he looked at me with love and longing, but now all I see is pity, and when he tires of pitying me. What then! Will I be told to go, get out there and fend for myself. As soon as I am well enough, I will leave, with my pride intact, for I have nothing else of value. I don’t want to go, but I can’t stay with a man who doesn’t love me.

(C) Damian Grange 2018

 

The Darkness Within – Excerpt 12

  I know now for a fact, that given a certain set of circumstances and that the instinct for survival is strong enough in the individual. That person will commit horrendous acts if they are necessary to prolong or assure his or her own survival.

I was given two months off work to recover from my injuries and the trauma of being incarcerated underground. I felt fine until I decided to go for a drink in the Miners Welfare. The moment I walked in the bar, all conversation’s stopped and all eyes seemed to be upon me, or so it seemed. Did they all know what I had done, was it feelings of guilt or just my paranoia that made me feel this way.

Then as one they stood and applauded me, all my shift mates were offering to buy me drinks. This was ridiculous, they were treating me like a hero, not the coward and killer that I was. This was bizarre, it made me feel even more paranoid. I made my excuses and left rapidly.

I decided to head in to the city, at least there I could be anonymous. I frequented several public houses, intent on getting myself drunk, at least then my thoughts might not be quite so lucid. Closing time was fast approaching so I ordered a couple of pints for the road. I was happily drunk but not yet incapable.

A young woman staggered towards me, and lurched in to me, knocking my glass from my hand and cutting herself in the process. I had been fine, But the moment I saw the blood running, all the old urges returned. I had to have her!

(C) Damian Grange 2018