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‘The Case of the Missing Socks’

12 Friday Dec 2025

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The sun rose at 6.03 on the morning of 6th January 2026 and already the temperature is 26 degrees and climbing.

There was no wind to speak of and for all intents and purposes it looks like a normal summer’s day in Balmain one of Sydney’s inner suburbs not far from the iconic harbour bridge.

Inside their cozy terrace home the Rothchild family are sitting around the kitchen table gulping down bowls of corn flakes with vegemite layered with loads of butter on the side.

‘I bet you are excited about your netball final tomorrow morning Maddie?’ Amy Rothchild asks her daughter while she takes her empty bowl over to the sink.

‘I sure am mum’ replies Maddie replies chewing on her first piece of toast ‘With my super human shooting power and lightning footwork the other team won’t know what hit them.’

Across the table Maddie twin brother Marcus rolls his eyes ‘Netball is easy if you are tall and gawky but you shouldn’t last five minutes in a game of rugby league where you need to be tough and strong and run up and down the field, not stand in one spot waiting for the ball to be thrown to you, no wonder you are getting a little porky Mads.’

Before Maddie gets a chance to say anything Richard Rothschild holds up a hand ‘Marcus say sorry to your sister that remark was uncalled for ‘Sorry sis, I hope you win the game tomorrow and take home player of the match.’

With siblings there can be a fine line between love and intense competition.

After Richard leaves to go to work at his law firm and the twins have gone upstairs to change into their school uniforms Amy sits down to have a well earned cup of coffee and a cold slice of toast.

As she drinks her espresso Amy thinks about her family and how lucky she is to have them in her life.

Sure the twins who will turn 11 years old in May may bicker and fight every now and then but deep down there is a genuine love for each other.

Maddie the elder of the two by one hour is now a little tall for her age and she can be a bit gawky at times but she is a confident extroverted child with lovely long blonde hair and sparkling green eyes who loves to be the centre of attention.

Marcus on the other hand who despite his out burst at breakfast is timid and wary around other people so he spends a lot of time in his room playing video games but since he started playing footy last year Marcus is slowly starting to come out of his shell and unlike his twin he has wavy dark brown hair, green eyes and is of average height for his age.

At the kitchen sink washing up the dishes Amy pats her belly and smiles because she has a secret to share with Richard at their 11th wedding anniversary dinner tonight.

After kissing the twins goodbye, leaving them in the capable hands of their neighbour Catherine Richard drives Amy towards the harbour where they will celebrate their anniversary with family and friends.

‘Bugs and Hugs’ is a seafood restaurant located on the water with a stunning view of the opera house and luna park and it is famous for having the freshest seafood in town that includes of course huge Balmain Bugs.

The extended family eat until they are about ready to burst, around 9 o’clock things begin to wind down and after saying a final congratulations to the happy couple the last of the well wishers depart.

‘Alone at last’ Richard says ‘I can’t believe how fast the years have flown by and why you chose me of me to be your husband when you could have picked someone better looking.’

‘What are you talking about?’ Amy whispers ‘The first time I saw your smile and jet black hair across the room at university I was smitten, you reminded me of a Clark Kent who quickly turned into my superman.’

‘I might have to start wearing my underpants on the outside’ Richard laughs ‘But seriously Amy when I asked you out on our first date I thought that I had died and gone to heaven’

Leaving the restaurant the happy couple drive home hoping that the twins are in bed so they can celebrate their anniversary alone but when Richard pulls in the driveway Catherine the babysitter is standing outside the front door waiting for them. ‘What’s wrong Catherine? Did the twins play up more than usual?’ Amy implores the babysitter. ‘No, Mrs Rothschild ‘But Maddie had a bit of tantrum over a missing sock or something so I thought that I should warn you before you went inside.’

‘Thanks Catherine, come by in the morning and I will pay you for tonight.’

‘Mummy you know that i have a favourite pair of netball socks right?’ Amy nods her head even though she has no idea what her daughter is talking about ‘Just wear another pair to your final, after all it is just a sock what’s the big deal?’

‘WHAT’S THE BIG DEAL?’ Maddie screams ‘I have worn the same pair of socks for eleven weeks straight and we have won every game and now i am supposed to wear another pair of socks for the final game of the year? The other girls will laugh at me, can’t you do anything mum?’

‘Honey I don’t know where your sock has gone to, maybe the tooth fairy took it by mistake. ‘Or’ Marcus says in amusement ‘Maybe your sock has been kidnapped by a rascally gang of thieves who are now all holding their breath after getting a whiff of your stinker.’

Amy and Richard struggle to contain smiles at their son’s strange sense of humour ‘Thank you Marcus for your input’ Richard smirks ‘But you aren’t exactly helping the situation.’

Marcus just shrugs his shoulders before returning to his video game.

‘See mum even my dorky brother isn’t taking my situation seriously.’

‘Calm down Maddie everything will turn out okay, you’ll see.’

But of course everything didn’t turn out okay because after missing two easy shots at goal in her netball final Maddie lost all confidence and was replaced and to make matters worse her team The Heat lost to their fierce rivals The Raptor’s 35-16.

Surprisingly Maddie was cool calm and collected on the way home plus Amy brightened everyone’s mood by stopping at KFC for a huge bucket of finger licking chicken pieces.

After devouring their lunch the Rothschild family all get changed into some ‘I wouldn’t dare wear these daggy clothes in public’ before settling down in front of the big arse TV to watch ‘Frozen’ for perhaps the 27th time.

Halfway through the movie Amy fills the washing machine with dirty clothing and as she does Amy is once again bewildered how a family of four can wear as many clothes as a small army in just a day.

As she loads the machine Amy notices the offending pair of netball socks and smiles ‘Come out nice and clean or better yet just disappear and become a part of the missing sock legend.’

An hour later after hanging out the wash Amy lays down on the couch for her customary 20 minute nanna nap to freshen up but as she snoozed Amy had a nightmare about a huge one eyed purple monster who went on a rampage killing children and stealing all of their socks and to make matters worse when she brought in the dry clothing one of the netball socks was missing

As she prepared dinner that night Amy tried to put the sock that had gone M.I.A out of her mind but she couldn’t shake the feeling that one of the neighbours with a sock fetish was stealing socks to satisfy their sick minds.

After the kids had finished eating they both went into their rooms letting Amy question Richard in private’ Honey, I know that this might sound weird but do you know anyone around here who has a desire to collect socks?’

‘No, but old man Jenkins two doors down likes to wear his wives dresses when he mows his backyard but as far as sock collecting goes nobody springs to mind, why do you ask dear?’

;Well, when i brought the clothes in earlier one of Maddie’s netball socks was missing and i know that I hung them both on the line so I am thinking that we should have a motion detector installed to catch the thief in the act.’

‘Amy don’t you think that you are overreacting just a bit because after all it is just the odd missing sock’ but after seeing the look of dismay on his wives face Richard’s demeaner softens ‘But if a motion detector will put your mind at ease I will look into it and have one installed pronto.’

‘Thank you Richard I knew that you would understand because knowing that someone is coming into yard to pinch some socks gives me the creeps.’

A technician arrives on Wednesday to install the motion detector sensor and immediately he has a feeling that the lady of the house might be a Karen in waiting ‘Excuse me Nigel but please make sure that the sensor picks up any slight movement in every inch of the backyard because I want to catch the sock thief in the act.’

‘Sorry Mrs Rothchild but that isn’t a very good idea because if I do what you ask any small animal like a mouse, cat or a possum crossing your yard will be spotted which means that the sensor light will flash a hundred times a night.’

‘I hear what you are saying Nigel but please do as I ask and make sure that you use the brightest light bulbs on the market.’

‘Sure thing Mrs Rothschild, I have the perfect lights for you out in my van.’

After fetching a couple of bulbs normally used to illuminate a cricket ground Nigel wanders back whistling an old Aerosmith classic ‘Bright Light Fright’.

The Rothschild family are all seated around the dinner table that night talking about their day while they eat when suddenly the motion sensor is activate causing them to dive for cover.

‘Holy crap’ Marcus screams excitedly ‘I think a freaking UFO just landed in our backyard.’

Running towards the back door Maddie hollers out ‘Hopefully E.T is onboard and wants to come inside to play.’

‘Come back here you two’ Richard demands’ Okay Amy what did you tell the technician to do?’

Sheepishly tells her husband that she told Nigel to install the brightest lights that he had ‘I guess he took me at my word.’

‘He sure did Amy, our yard will now surely be visible from outer space.’

Shaking his head Richard goes out and deactivates the motion sensor.

While the ruckus detracted the Rothschild family another sock has been taken from right under their noses.

Once the kids had settled down Richard calls Nigel who promises to come around in the morning in replace the blinding bulbs with more suitable replacements. ‘Please don’t listen to my wife, she has a bad case of the missing socks blues.’

‘I heard that’ Amy yells out from the living room.

Feeling a little sheepish Richard opens the fridge and pours a glass of Amy’s favourite wine from a cask as a peace offering but when the fridge door closes he notices a lone sock draped over a kitchen chair ‘What the fuck’ he whispers not wanting the kids to hear him swear.

After looking under the kitchen table Richard shakes his head in dismay ‘What are you doing in here Richard?’ Amy asks ‘I heard you pour a glass of wine five minutes ago.’

‘Jesus Amy, you scared the crap out of me, I was just looking for something that I misplaced earlier.’

‘Would it happen to be a sock Richard?

‘Well now that you mention, one of my socks I left fraped over a chair has gone walkabout.’

‘Lets not talk about socks anymore, why don’t we go into the living room and relax and maybe talk about trying another Karma Sutra position when the kids are asleep.’

‘Richard the last time we did that you ended up in hospital with a slipped disc in your back so no more Karma Sutra for me thank you very much.’

‘Missionary is nice but who knows what will happen honey bunch.’

‘What are you two whispering about over there? Marcus enquires from across the room.

‘I swear Marcus, you have the hearing of a bat but I was just telling your father that we should donate to the mission church down the street.’

‘Cool, I just thought that you might have been talking about sex that’s all.’

Richard and Amy burst out laughing ‘No son’ Richard replies ‘We are a Christian family who believe in abstinence, now it is time for bed and don’t forget to brush your teeth first.’

‘Come on Maddie, let’s leave before mum and dad alone they decide to some Karma Sutra Christian sex.’

‘Richard about our sock situation, did you know that socks have been mysteriously disappearing all over the world for hundreds of years?’

‘Yes Amy I have heard about the crazy cotton blend sock Bermuda Triangle but can we please talk about something else for a change?’

‘Do you think that I am crazy Richard? Because I will have you know that I will stop searching for the culprit responsible for the missing socks, also Richard did you happen to know that since we moved in here almost fifty socks have done the dipsy doodle, so stick that in your pipe and smoke it.’

‘Amy calm down, you are completely overreacting to a little issue and to tell you the truth I think that you should see your doctor and get a prescription for your mood swings.’

‘Mood swings? Amy screams loudly ‘That’s it Richard you go and perform your Karma Sutra Christian sex position’s one handed but don’t come crying to me when you do you back in again.’

‘I will sleep on the couch where I will get some peace and quiet not having to listen to your chainsaw snoring all night.’

Knowing that he has lost this argument Richard holds his head up and toddles off to bed.

After tossing and turning on the couch Amy decides to go and do something constructive but first makes herself a cup coffee while she decides what household chore to do first.

As she sips the soothing drink Amy’s eyes keep drifting towards the open laundry door where the washing machine of ill repute resides ‘Alright you evil machine, tell me where you have stashed all of my family’s missing socks right this minute because if you don’t I will tear you apart rivet by rivet.’

Leaving the dregs of her coffee behind Amy grabs Richard’s toolbox from a shelf in the laundry ‘Last chance, speak up now or be nothing but a pile of metal by days end.’

‘Daddy wake up, I think that someone is trying to break into our house.’

After a few more shakes Richard finally responds ‘What are you doing in here Marcus, I was having a nice dream about a woman who expertise was, well I will tell you more about it when you turn sixteen.’

‘Daddy stop talking and listen, someone is at the backdoor trying to break in.’

Sticking an ear up Richard clearly hears faint noises coming from the laundry ‘I think you are right Marcus, now go back to you room while I go out to the laundry to see what in the hell is happening.’

‘But Daddy’ a scared Marcus whispers to his father ‘What if it is a big monster trying to break in?’

‘Don’t worry son’ Richard whispers back ‘Monsters are usually inside already hiding in a closet or under a bed now go back to your room and don’t worry.’

When he reaches the bottom of the stairs Richard’s brain tells him that it probably wasn’t a very smart idea to tell his young son that a monster could be hiding somewhere in his bedroom ‘Sorry son, just close your eyes and think good thoughts.’

Knowing that he will need a weapon of some sort Richard picks up an iron poker from the fire place before he silently creeps towards the laundry’.

‘Come out you fuckers I know you in there someplace.’

Upon hearing Amy’s voice Richard quickens his pace to discover a laundry full of discarded washing machine parts and his wife looking frustrated and forlorn.

‘Amy what in the fuck are you doing? You woken up the kids and probably the next door neighbours as well ‘Now what do you have to say for yourself?’

Before Amy can reply approaching police sirens fill the night air ‘Marcus must have called the police’ Richard tells his wife ‘He was one very frightened little boy Amy, he thought a monster was break in but I reassured him that monsters don’t need to break in’

‘I will stop talking now but the police will most certainly will have more to say about having to respond to a false alarm.’

After the police leave Richard comforts his distraught wife ‘Everything will be okay Amy, you let the missing socks get to you that’s all, remember yesterday when you told me that socks have been disappearing for hundreds of years and in all of that time nobody has come up with an answer to the puzzle.’

‘But to put your mind I will arrange for a private detective to come around plus a tradie to put the washing machine out of it’s misery.’

Amy smiles faintly ‘Thanks Richard, it is only 4.30 so we could go upstairs and practice a few more Karma Sutra positions?

‘Sorry’ Richard smiles’ ‘But I tried the one handed position you suggested last night and I think that i have damaged a tendon in my elbow.’

Laughing happily the pair of love birds head upstairs ‘ARRGGGGUUUUHHH’

Amy jumps out of her skin but Richard quickly calms her down ‘Don’t worry honey, Marcus probably thought he saw a monster in the closet, you go and get ready and I ‘Captain Stallion’ will be with you shortly.’

Three days later just after the Rothschild had finished lunch when three louds on the front door startles all of them ‘My God’ Maddie laughs ‘It is the Police Marcus, they have come to arrest you for being the dorkiest dork in dorkland.’

‘Very funny Maddie’ Marcus responds ‘But seeing that you almost set our school on fire last week smoking in the girl’s toilets they will probably put you in handcuffs and throw away the key.’

‘Settle down you two’ Richard demands ‘Maddie your mother and I will be having words with you later on.’

‘Everybody, this William Watkins the private investigator who has come to help us with our sock problem.’

‘I am at your service Mrs Rothschild, now if you wouldn’t mind I would like to walk around your lovely home by myself because one never knows where a clue might appear.’

‘Of course Mr Watkins ‘My husband Richard and I plus our two lovely children Maddie and Marcus will wait for you out in the kitchen.’

With a small nod Watkins wanders away looking for clues beginning upstairs.

In the kitchen Richard and Amy giggle ‘Watkins is obviously ripping off Hercule Poirot from the Agatha Christie novels with his white suit, Panama hat, dyed black hair and fake moustache.’

‘It could have been worse Amy’ he could have come as Mis Marple.’

‘I am afraid that Miss Marple was unavailable today’ Watkins deadpans as he enters the kitchen.

Richard and Amy both turn a deep shade of red ‘Sorry Mr Watkins we didn’t mean anything by with our comments.

‘It is quite alright I assure you’ Watkins mutters from the kitchen window.

‘Would you like a cup of coffee William’ Amy offers.’

‘No thank you Mrs Rothschild but I must be off, your case has been solved.’

‘WHAT, but you have only been here five minutes.’

‘Mr Rothschild I only follow the clues and they have led me to believe that your missing socks are located in the dog kennel out yonder’ Watkins proclaims whilst pointing at the offending structure.

‘Scruffy? Marcus queries ‘But why would little scruff take our socks?

‘Well it is elementary dear boy’ and yes I know that that is a quote attributed to my detective friend Sherlock Holmes but I am sure that he wouldn’t mind me borrowing it for this case.’

‘Now would you all please follow me out to the kennel and I shall demonstrate my findings.’

Marcus has no idea what the weird little man is talking about but he does as demanded.

Hearing footsteps approaching Scruffy a small Scottish Terrier with a big attitude comes out to see who is intruding in his space.

‘Watkins bends down to let the dog sniff the back of his hand ‘I wouldn’t do that if I were you’ Maddie pipes in ‘Scruffy is likely to jump up and rip your face off.

But Scruffy has taken a shine to Watkins and licks his hand in glee ‘Now Scruffy, I know that you have a huge collection of socks inside your abode but your kind owners miss those socks very much and would like them returned post haste.’

With a bark and a guilty look on his face the little dog runs into his kennel and quickly returns with a mouth full of socks and after a few minutes of running back and forth a total of fifty two misplaced socks lay on the grass.

‘How did you work everything out so quickly’ Richard asks ‘I knew as soon as I saw the little doggy door leading out into your backyard that the culprit was none other Scruffy.’

‘But why in the hell would scruffy take the socks in the first place?

‘Mrs Rothschild socks soak up a lot of sweat and when you and husband are out and your delightful children are at school scruffy quickly gets bored and lonely, he steals the socks because they smell of his family so when he feels a little down he goes into his kennel and the odour calms him down because in his mind he thinks that his family is nearby.’

‘The case of the missing socks has been solved but may I suggest that you give scruffy more attention and also buy another small dog to give scruffy some company.’

‘My bill will be in the mail, please pay promptly or I shall sick scruffy onto you.’

THE END.

I trust that you liked this story and if you did please leave a like or a comment and if you have the means please donate some money to help me on my quest to be a better author. Thank You.

‘Monsters Come In All Sizes’

07 Friday Nov 2025

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It is another scorcher in southern Texas not far from San Antonio and ten year old Caleb Matthews is enjoying his summer vacation despite the heat and isolation.

With blonde hair, blue eyes and his favorite pair of faded blue denim dungarees Caleb from a distance could easily be mistaken for a modern day Tom Sawyer or Huckleberry Finn but let me tell that this tiny farm boy from Texas is nothing like the two historical figures he is mean and cruel and is to be avoided at all costs and if you are unlucky enough to get close enough to look deep into his eyes you will see but darkness as black as black can be.

Today Caleb is wandering down a worn dusty track surrounded huge live oak trees towards a creek that meanders through the families large cotton ranch in Dripping Springs.

Due to the drought the creek is but a trickle, Caleb doesn’t notice cause all he wants is to sit in the shade for a while and hopefully a cricket or a cockroach will get close enough for him to snatch up and eat or take home to dismantle at his leisure.

Every now and then a tufted titmouse or a yellow kiskadee would swoop down for a drink but they to didn’t hold much interest for Caleb but just when he was about to head home for lunch when a kite lands twenty feet from with a bright yellow insect in its mouth.

Caleb’s skin tingles with anticipation when the bird dropped its meal on the bank of the creek which was a huge mistake because a young killer like Caleb doesn’t need a written invitation for a chance of a midday snack.

After scaring the kite away he bends down and picks up the struggling insect to devour but something about the black and yellow stripped bug stops Caleb, in his tracks.

After a closer inspection he decides to take his catch home so he shoves it into the bib of his dungarees before heading home.

Along the way the insect recovered from its ordeal crawls out but it doesn’t fly away instead the creature makes its way up before settling on Caleb’s bare shoulder.

At home Caleb is greeted by his ma who astonisably hasn’t noticed that he has a passenger on his shoulder ‘Caleb you really should wear your cowboy hat because after all we are in Texas and more importantly it will keep the sun off your face.’

Caleb nods in agreement as he swallows a bite of his bacon and egg sandwich ‘Okay ma i will but where is pa? I haven’t seen him for a couple of days now.’

He went over to Dallas to buy some parts for the tractor he should be home tomorrow, now take your lunch upstairs while I clean up.’

After picking up his plate Caleb turns back’ Ma why is it so cold in here i am covered in goosebumps.’

Feigning ignorance Mary responds’ Is it cold? Can’t say that I have noticed the thermostat must be broken, when your father gets back I will tell him to fix it.’

Once her son is out of earshot Mary mutters’ Fix it? what a laugh the only thing that that asshole could fix was a horse race and even than the dumb prick still lost.’

After making a cup of coffee Mary unlocks the walk in pantry and gazes happily at her naked dead husband silently swings from a meat hook bolted to the roof.

As sips her beverage the harried housewife sweeps her stringy brown hair back from her face than lets her mind drift back to the fateful day a week prior when her fourth husband Ronnie arrived home in a panic yelling ‘Honey I have lost everything at the races, you will have to sell all of your jewelry to keep the wolves from the door and I will sell my vintage car collection.’

Mary is in the kitchen washing the dinner dishes and after hearing what Ronnie had to say her eyes stared at the meat hook in the pantry left over from a bygone age.

When her husband runs into the kitchen wearing his best business suit Mary grabs him by the shoulders to calm him down’ Everything will alright Ronnie you’ll see, now tell me Ronnie how much do you weigh exactly? Bewildered Ronnie blurts out ‘what does that have to do with anything but if you must know I weigh 190 pounds or thereabouts.’

Mary who only weighs 175 pounds sizes up her target before she pounces on her husband lifting him up off the ground ‘Stop struggling Ronnie, sometimes you act like a little boy, you’d think I was trying to kill you or something.’

On entering the pantry Mary begins to run out of puff but after taking a few quick breaths she lifts her husband’s squirming body a few inches above the hook than with a mighty effort Mary slams Ronnie’s body down onto the meat hook.’ there Ronnie, now that wasn’t so bad after all was it? now you just hang around here for a while and i will go upstairs and ask Caleb if is his up for some chocolate ice cream and I bet he is.’

‘Goodbye dearest hang tight.’

After escaping the arctic freeze downstairs Caleb still a little worried about the whereabouts of his father strides over to the windowsill where his collection of insect body parts sit proudly.

Soon he is joined by the yellow jacket and all thoughts about his pa are put on the back burner.

Caleb is happy to see that the wasp has recovered after almost being devoured by the hungry kite and his smile widens when his friend takes flight again circling his room to strengthen its wings.

After looking over to make sure that his bedroom door is locked Caleb reaches under his bed and pulls out an old green hold all that he found hidden in an abandoned barn.

Expecting to find a shit load of boring papers or maybe some old vinyl records imagine the surprise Caleb had when he opened the bag to see three gleaming human skulls surrounded by packing material.

‘What you been up to Pa?’ Caleb wonders as he strokes one of the skulls tenderly ‘When you come home pa and when I am bigger we should team up and become one of the worst killer duo’s the world has ever seen.’

Downstairs Mary has got off the phone with an auctioneer who is in the process of selling her jewelry and all of Ronnies cars and when he said that the sale of the cars should have been done with Ronnie himself present Mary offered him a huge commission which quickly shut him up but Mary knows that one day will talk so when all of the money has been deposited into her account she will to pay him a friendly visit.

A couple of days later Caleb is sitting at the kitchen table a huge plate of scrambled eggs and a few slices of a weird tasting bacon substitute ‘Ma what is this bacon substitute actually made from?’

‘I’m not quite sure honey probably tofu or something but don’t worry if you don’t like it I will cook you something else but I must say that it is an acquired taste but the texture reminds me of a meal of spicy canine i ate in Thailand years ago.’

It takes Caleb a few seconds to understand what his mother just said but when he does Caleb races towards the bathroom as fast as his little legs will take him. ‘I am joking Caleb’ Mary laughs at her fleeing son but her face suddenly hardens ‘Toughen up Caleb or I will leave you here hanging beside your father.’

After returning from the bathroom Caleb tries to dodge his mother but she smiles sweetly and hugs him tight’ That joke was in poor taste Caleb and I apologize from the bottom of my heart.’

‘Now what are your plans this morning?

‘I was thinking that I would down to the creek and catch myself a huge bass or two.’

Without waiting for a response Caleb rushes outside grabs his fishing pole and wanders off towards the creek.

Just as he about to reach the track the wasp makes an appearance landing on his masters shoulder’ Hello buddy I thought that you were gone for good so welcome back.

Realizing that he hasn’t named the wasp yet Caleb thinks for a moment before remembering one of his pa’s favorite TV shows from when he was a kid ‘Welcome Back Kotter’

‘Come on Kotter lets go catch us a fish or two because I am getting mighty tired of eating the mystery meat that ma has been serving up lately.’

The water level of the creek is still too shallow for catching good sized fish but Caleb knows that further downstream is a big lagoon but it is mighty close to the neighbors fence line but it is a risk worth taking.

He just hopes that he doesn’t run into the pair of redneck cousins that live in a ramshackle shack located a mere 100 yards away as the crow flies.

Leroy Croce is an 18 year old albino with pink eyes like a rat but he is built like a sumo wrestler in training so he isn’t one to mess with.

His cousin Angus on the other hand is as skinny as a rake and stands an even 6′ with jet back hair that Caleb heard comes from a Native American who passed through town 14years ago leaving a stain on the earth behind him.

After baiting a hook with two juicy worms Caleb casts deep into the lagoon then sits back to wait but after twenty minutes he is getting mighty frustrated so he grabs his pocketknife and begins to sharpen the blade keeping one eye on his fishing line.

Once the blade is honed to perfection Caleb starts to doze off not hearing the freaky cousins as they sneak up behind him ‘Well well well Leroy this pecker head has decided that it is wise to fish in our lagoon, what do you think we should do with him’

‘Leroy has no idea what his cousin just said so he grunts a reply whilst struggling to stop his huge belly from dragging along the ground.

Angus is clearly the leader so Caleb focuses is attention on him and all the fear has gone that he had for Leroy and Angus is gone now that he has seen the pair up close ‘First off numb nuts you are trespassing on my families land and two I don’t take kindly to being threatened by the likes of you and lard ass over there, now fuck off back to your reservation so I can get back to my fishing.’

‘Whoa strong words little man now go sit on that log and open up because are about to suck on some prime indian cock.’

Pretending to be interested Caleb sits on the log making sure that his pocketknife is hidden from view ‘There you go boy get started before I kill you instead.’

‘Is that a turtle neck you’ve got there Angus because it looks like it is retreating back into its shell at a fast rate, maybe you should get your mama to coax it back out.’

Leroy erupts with laughter causing his belly to wobble like a huge tub of jello ‘Stop laughing Leroy or you can suck my cock after little man has finished.’

Yeah come sit next to me Leroy, I’m sure that this won’t be the first time that you have gobbled down on your cousin’s teeny weeny man bits.

Leroy’s jowls turn crimson with anger ‘ Angus you told me that when we were together that it was our own special secret so how does Caleb know?’

‘Shut up you idiot I haven’t told anyone.’

Now it is Caleb’s turn to laugh ‘I swear you two are dumber than a bag of rocks.’

Before the two cretins can react Caleb slices open Leroy disemboweling the huge redneck than he grabs Angus by the gonads severing them with one slice.

Covered in blood and gore Caleb calmly shoves the genitals down Angus’s throat ‘Suck on your own cock asshole.’

Leroy whimpers in pain crying out for his mama unaware that his insides are slivering on their own accord towards the lagoon ‘Sorry that it came to this Leroy but you left me no choice but on the positive side, you have never looked slimmer.’

Leroy offers a ghost of a smile before slipping away to the other side.

Angus is still alive when Caleb approaches his eyes pleading for mercy ‘You will get nothing from me Angus not even a goodbye.’

‘May the birds pick your bones clean after the bears and coyotes have had their fill.’

Caleb’s fishing pole is doing a merry dance telling him that a big fish is on the other end ‘Holy fricking hell’ Caleb laughs as he quickly reels his catch to the bank.

After making sure that he isn’t leaving anything behind Caleb bends down and picks up his huge black bass that must weigh at least 10 pounds.

A noise behind him startles Caleb for a second ( His first thought was that the cousins had come back to life) but he soon relaxes as he watches two big black bears dragging the cousins by the back of the neck into the forest.

Once past the danger zone Kotter decides to make an appearance landing on Caleb’s shoulder ‘You aren’t much of a bodyguard Kotter but I guess your time will come.’

Close to home notices that he is covered in gore and flesh and instead of wiping it off he puts a few pieces into his mouth and as he chews on the morsels Caleb realizes that he has tasted something similar recently but he can’t quite put his finger on it.

Kotter decides that it probably wise to stay outside for a while so he flies off leaving Caleb on hos lonesome to face the music but the youngster is beyond caring what his mother thinks anymore so after discarding the bass on the front porch he strides in ‘Sweet lord Jesus’ Mary shrieks’ Did you decide to wrestle a bear or annoy a honey badger Caleb and how in the hell do you think that I will be able to get those bloodstains out of those dungarees, I am not a miracle worker you know.’

‘Now lets out to the kitchen and you can tell all about your adventure.’

Caleb suddenly realizes that his mother is nuttier than a fruitcake but he follows into the kitchen where on the table sits a large green hold all.’

Seeing that her son is about to flee Mary grabs him by an arm and tells him to sit down ‘Don’t worry Caleb you aren’t in any trouble, now talk.’

‘Well me and Kotter were down by the creek’ ‘Hang on Caleb who in the fuck is Kotter? Mary bursts out laughing ‘Don’t tell me son but is Kotter your new imaginary friend? What happened to the last one? Did you disappear in a puff of smoke or run down a hole following Alice into wonder land?

Caleb gives his mother a stare that shuts her up real quick ‘Do you want to hear about my day or what?’

Mary nods her head and Caleb tells her how he killed the two cousins from next door with his pocket knife gutting one and castrating the other ‘Did you bring any meat home with you Caleb it would taste good in a stew.’

Yeah ma I did bring some meat home I caught a bass its out on the patio, I thought that we could eat it for supper tonight.’

‘We shall eat it tomorrow Caleb because I already have supper in the oven, you will love it i promise, I call it hamburger surprise.’

Caleb doesn’t reply because his attention has shifted to the green bag sitting proudly in the center of the kitchen table ‘Yes Caleb imagine horror when I went out to the barn to pay homage to my first three husbands who I cherished dearly only to discover that the bag containing their skulls was missing and lo and behold where do you think I found them Caleb? ‘That’s right under your bed beside your porn mags and also Caleb while you are here, tell me about the weird insect collection on your bedroom windowsill.’

‘Um I don’t know ma, maybe they flew inside one day and couldn’t get back out, then they most likely died from starvation.’

‘That will do for now Caleb now how about we have a small bowl each of my hamburger surprise and save the rest for supper?

As he eats Caleb smiles for the first time in weeks ‘this actually tastes good ma the meat falls right of the bone, Pa would love it.’

‘He sure would son but you know I think that there is a small piece of your father in every bowl.’

After he has finished eating Caleb turns to his mother ‘Okay mother where is Pa? And this time I won’t the truth.’

Mary ponders for a few seconds before answering ‘You asked for it Caleb so here goes, your father is currently hanging from a meat hook over in the pantry.’

‘So that is why it is always so cold in here? Caleb asks as he stares at the closed pantry door.

‘It is okay Caleb the dead can’t hurt you, go and have a look.’

With tiny steps Caleb walks over and opens the pantry door and silently stares at the mottled flayed body of his pa twisting on the meat hook ‘Oh my God I have been eating pa’s flesh all this time haven’t I ma?’

For once in her life Mary is lost for words but finally utters ‘Yes we have Caleb, now how about we have another bowl of hamburger surprise and talk about it?’

Caleb nods his head because even though he hates himself for it after tasting human flesh both raw and cooked he now has an appetite for more.

While mother and son eat the remaining casserole Mary outlines her plan on how to escape ‘Caleb you have murdered two people so the cops will soon come knocking.’

‘I told the ranch manager a few days ago that due to pa’s disappearance that I have forced to sell up plus i sold all of his cars and my jewelry so along with money from that and from the ranch’s sale we will have quite a tidy sum to survive on until we find our feet someplace else.’

‘Why did you do it ma? Why did you kill pa?

‘I didn’t kill your pa Caleb he committed suicide. ‘Yeah right ma am I supposed to believe that?

‘Believe what you want to believe Caleb but it is true I swear on the graves of my first three husbands.’

‘Last Tuesday I was making coffee when your father walked in and without a word he stripped down naked grabbed a kitchen chair and climbed up on it than he reached up grabbing the rafter in the pantry and with lighting speed he impaled himself on the meat hook.’

‘Bravo ma’ Caleb laughs clapping his hands ‘That a good story you should get a job writing for the San Antonio Times, now tell me the truth and nothing but the truth.’

‘You have always been a little too big for your britches Caleb but alright, your father’s eyes began to stray instead of keeping them on the main prize namely me so he had to go.’

‘Now go upstairs and take a long hot shower and afterwards he will feel refreshed ready to take on the world.’

As he showers a million thoughts swirl around Caleb’s brain but in the end he decides to stick close to his mother and see where their next journey takes them.

Early the next morning the duo pack some of their belongings in Mary’s Mercedes Benz station wagon turn back to say a final farewell to Ronnie Matthews than Mary idles the car down to the front gate.

After opening the gate Caleb buckles up ready for the next stage ‘Huh Caleb sit still and whatever you do stay calm, now don’t look but you have a huge yellow jacket on your left shoulder.’

‘I know ma, let me introduce you to Kotter the friendly wasp.’

‘If you say so Caleb, now lets hit the road but first I need to make a pit stop in town on a personal matter.’

Mary can’t believe her luck as she pulls in right out the front of Brett Furguson’s Auctioneer’s office ‘Hang tight Caleb, can I borrow your pocketknife for a moment I have a feeling that I might need it.’

Behind the reception desk sits Daphne Prine a skinny alabaster skinned 80 year old spinster who still sports a beehive hairstyle that was popular back in the 1960’s.

Good morning Daphne I just need to have a quick word with Brett for a moment if you please.’

Daphne purses her lips in distaste ‘I am sorry Mrs Matthews but Mr Furguson is booked solid until the end of the month and make sure that you make an appointment before you come back.’

‘Now don’t get a bee in your bonnet Daphne, let me have a look at your appointment ledger for this morning.’

Once Daphne reaches for the ledger Mary opens the pocketknife plunging the blade into the old bags hand pinning it to her desk.

Daphne’s mouth opens and closes like a goldfish but no sound comes out ‘I tried to be nice to you but you decided that rudeness was the way to go’ Mary scolds turning the ledger around ‘Well look here Brett is free all morning, so you are a liar as well as having no fashion sense.’

Hearing voices outside his office Brett Furguson comes out front to see what is happening and on seeing Mary he takes a step ‘Well look what the cat dragged in, what can I do for you Mary?

‘Well Caleb and I are about to go on a road trip so I need to make sure that the funds from the auction have gone into my account before we leave.’

‘The money from the sale of your jewelry was deposited into your account without any problems but Ronnie’s fleet of vehicles are being held in storage until I personally get an okay from your husband but all attempts to contact him have gone unanswered.’

‘So until I hear from Ronnie the sale of the vehicles will not proceed so please tell your husband to contact this office ASAP to discuss the matter so I am sorry but it looks like you have made a trip into town for nothing.’

Wearing a smug expression on his face Brett grabs May’s arm attempting to steer her towards the exit but then he notices Daphne slumped over her desk with a knife pinning her to it.

Forgetting all about Mary Brett rushes over to his and begins checking for a pulse ‘You crazy bitch, lucky for you it seems that Daphne has fainted, now stay where while I call the police.’

Mary has no intention of sticking around, instead she bounds forward frees the knife plunging it into Brett’s right eye killing him instantly.

Then Mary calmly puts a hand over Daphne’s nose and mouth until she too has died, then she sets fire to the office’s furnishings and carpet to destroy evidence.

Caleb is getting bored sitting around doing nothing, so his relief is evident when his ma finally appears ‘Time to get out of dodge Caleb before all hell breaks loose.’

THE END

Part two coming soon.

I hope that you liked reading this story and if you did please give it a like a comment and share with all of your friends and family.

If you wish to support me financially please feel free because my wish is to become a fulltime writer.

Thank You.

‘ Billy Johnson’s Black Pig’

19 Thursday Sep 2024

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This story is about a small boy and his pet pig who together go on adventures in the woods but end up getting into a whole lot of trouble.

I hope that you enjoy reading my story and if you do please leave a like and a comment. Thank you.

‘Where do you think that you are going Billy?’

‘Thought that I would go down to the creek and catch a big trout or maybe use my bow to shoot a pheasant or a rabbit, Jesus ma even a scrawny rat would be mighty tasty right now.’

‘Don’t say the lords name in vain Billy Johnson, I know times have tough ever since your pa passed away but if you don’t do your lessons than you won’t be able to better yourself and move away from this place.’

Alice Johnson is a slim woman with stringy blonde hair but the lines on her face show the despair and hurt that has dominated her 32 years on earth but she has to stay strong for her son.

‘Please ma I have been stuck inside all day.’

‘Billy it is only 10 o’clock in the morning’ Alice laugh’s ‘But okay you can go hunting but don’t go too far into the woods and be back before lunch because I have turnip and spinach soup on the hob.’

Like his mother Billy also has stringy blonde hair and he is smaller than a ten year old should be but he is an energetic boy who want’s to grow big and strong so he can help his ma put food on the table.

After putting on his best coat Billy walks out into a typical cold English day ‘Bye ma back soon.’

After saying goodbye to her son Alice cleans up a bit before going out to her vegetable garden to pick some spinach and a few tomatoes.

The Johnson family live in a small stone dwelling that has seen better days that Billys father Cyril built by hand just after Billy was born.

Cyril Johnson was a proud man who promised his wife that one day he would more his family to South Hampton or even down to Brighton on the coast but after working seven days a week down in a coal mine where the conditions were terrible Cyril developed a lung condition.

On the morning of 21st June 1768 Cyril Johnson died of the dreaded black lung disease leaving behind a grieving wife and a small child.

It is now 1776 and nothing much has improved for the Johnson family because living in Coventry hunger and disease run rampant but Alice and Billy have managed to survive on nothing much than a wing and a prayer but praying to the heavens doesn’t put food on the table.

Once outside Billy is immediately hit by the stench coming from the open sewer running down the middle of the street ‘God please help me shoot straight today so we can get out of here and go to a better place.’

As he enters the woods the temperature drops and Billys hand me down pants and threadbare coat do little to keep out the cold but the determined boy strides forward along a narrow path that he has travelled many times before.

Old Oak trees with trunks covered in moss and lichen line the pathway and as he makes along Billy smiles when the birds start singing high up in the branches and when a crow appears and lands ten feet in front of him before walking forward along the path Billy follows the bird hoping that he will be led to a good spot to make a kill for supper.

Ten minutes later Billy begins to feel that the crow is taking him on a fool’s errand but when he rounds a bend the crow flies away and Billy walks into a small clearing full of bramble and blackberry bushes a good spot for hares and rabbits to hide.

Taking a seat on the ground Billy places his father’s crossbow on the ground next to him then he grabs a bolt from the quiver and begins to wait.

Lucky for Billy the black clouds overhead clear and the sun shines down onto the clearing causing a large hare to break cover and start chewing on some grass a mere twenty feet from where Billy is sitting.

Moving slowly Billy grabs his loaded crossbow and aims it at the hare who continues to eat oblivious to the danger.

After taking a few deep breaths Billy fires and to his disbelief the bolt hits the hare in the chest killing it instantly.

After performing a little victory dance Billy picks up the large brown hare by it’s ears and heads back towards home but dragging a large animal isn’t easy and twenty minutes later Billy is exhausted so he stops on the side of the path to rest for a while.

OINK OINK OINK.

Billy is startled by the strange noise coming from behind a nearby ditch so he gets up to investigate and to his surprise he finds a small black pig digging up worms with it’s snout ‘Where is your mama boy? I am sure that she will be back soon so hang tight.’

After giving the pig a scratch Billy picks up the hare and trudges off home.

OINK OINK OINK.

Billy laughs when he turns around ‘You can’t come home with me piggy wiggy’ but the pig walks right up to Billy nudging his foot ‘Alright you can come home but you have to promise to behave.’

With a new vigour in his feet Billy hurries home with a hare for supper and a new pet pig.

Leaving the hare outside so as not to get blood inside Billy calls out ‘Hey ma come and see what I caught.’

Alice soon appears smiling broadly when she notices the dead hare ‘Congratulations son, see I told you that you would catch something sooner or later then when she gives Billy a big hug Alice a small black form laying in the grass ‘What is that Billy?’ Alice enquires as she points over to his pig ‘Well ma that is Blackie a pig that followed me home so now I have my very first pet.’

At the mention of his name the small pig runs over and jumps into Billy’s lap ‘See ma he loves me.’

‘But Billy pigs aren’t kept as pets, I will fatten him up and in a couple of years he will be slaughtered and provide us with enough ham and bacon that should get us through the winter.’

Billy is heartbroken but he knows that his ma is right.

‘Also Billy Don’t let any of the people in town see your pig because if they will steal it and roast it over a spit.’

Billy shudders at the thought but doesn’t say anything.

That night the Johnson family eat the hare for supper and for the first times in months their stomachs were full of nourishing food ‘I gave the insides to your pig to eat Billy and when we have eaten all of the meat off the bones I will use them to make a hearty marrowbone soup plus I will sell the pelt to old Mister Morby down the road for a few shillings, imagine that Billy actual money.’

Last night Billy dreams about a distant southern land and a smile light’s up his face as he imagines such a place but suddenly the need to pee interrupt’s his fantasy ‘God dammit’ Billy whispers as he races outside to empty his bladder but when he returns to his straw bed Billy tries to re-capture the dream but it is gone.

Over the following three years Billy and his black pig go on many hunting adventures together and over those adventures Billy’s prowess with his crossbow has improved markedly to the extent that instead of taking home a single kill Billy now shoots four or five animals everyday.

He had to start using an old wooden wheelbarrow to help carry the carcass’s home and lifting all that weight caused Billy to grow into a strapping lad almost ready to take on the world.

Because the Johnson’s now had an excess of fresh meat they were able to barter with the neighbours swapping meat for fresh bread and eggs and Alice was able to plant a bigger variety of vegetables and she even built a chicken coop stocking it with a dozen hens and a noisy rooster.

A week later the hen’s started laying eggs giving the family another source of income and also Billy and Blackie went on what would be there last hunting trip together, even though they didn’t know it at the time.

Having not seen the crow for quite a while Billy was happy to see his spotter again flying from tree to tree leading him along a familiar path but after twenty minutes or so the crow flew down and landed on the edge of the path.

With a final CAW CAW CAW the crow flew away leaving a bewildered Billy behind because there isn’t a fork off the path as far Billy can see but when he wheels his barrow forward notices a narrow path half covered with shrubs and other vegetation.

Blackie walks ahead clearing a path for Billy to follow and soon the pair arrive at a huge meadow covered in lush grass, the perfect place for small animals to hide.

Billy doesn’t understand why he hasn’t stumbled across this meadow before but he is mighty happy that the crow led him here because not only has it lush grass but a small creek runs along the east side of the meadow.

Making a mental note to himself to bring along his fishing line next time Billy settles down to watch for prey whilst Blackie saunters down to the creek to cool off.

Not five minutes later a hare breaks cover and Billy hits it with a bolt bringing it down quickly followed by a quail and a pheasant.

After checking that Blackie is okay and filling his water bottle Billy goes back on the hunt he brings down two more pheasants and a partridge in an oak tree.

With a wheelbarrow full of meat Billy notices Blackie on the edge of the meadow digging for worms so he takes a seat on a large rock so that Blackie can eat his fill and it is just then that Billy notices how large that Blackie is, so he realizes that their time together is running short.

‘Come on boy lets go home because I am mighty hungry, we can come back tomorrow and try to catch ourselves a trout or two.’

Blackie happily trots back to his master’s side but when he gets close to the rock that Billy was sitting on the pig stops a few feet short then he starts sniffing the base of the rock.

Blackie turns around uncurls his tail and points directly to rock ‘What is it boy? Is there a map to a treasure chest underneath?’

The rock is too big for Billy to shift by himself but with Blackie’s help they manage to topple it over ‘Well blow me down and call me King Charles, what do we have here Blackie? Billy gasps as he reaches down and grabs an old leather satchel.

Reaching inside Billy pulls out a handful gold coins ‘Who needs a map when we have already fould the treasure hey Blackie?’

Getting no reply Billy looks around and spots his pig standing at the same edge of the meadow where he was earlier.

A few tears roll down Billy’s cheeks when he realizes that Blackie also knew that it was time to go and start his own family ‘It is alright boy off you go, maybe we will meet again one day.’

Billy lifts the wheelbarrow and walks away leaving a friend and a piece of his heart behind.

Arriving home Billy calls out’ Another full load ma’ Alice walks outside wiping her hands on her apron Good job Billy but where is Blackie?

He is gone ma, when I was hunting he wandered off and didn’t return I think he must have met a female pig.

Alice hugs her boy tight ‘It was bound to happen one day Billy, Better this then being slaughtered.’

Billy nods in agreement ‘Yeah Blackie deserves to have a life of his own, but guess what ma? I found a leather bag full of gold coins.’

‘What? Where Billy?’

‘Under a rock in the middle of this meadow, Here I will show you ma.

Taking a seat at the kitchen table Billy empties the contents of the bag onto the table.

‘Dear God these are all gold sovereigns worth a small fortune.

‘We are rich Ma you will never have to worry about money again and we can move into a big house with a Butler and servants.’

‘You have to take it all back Billy’ Alice says holding up a hand to stop her son interrupting ‘Don’t you see Billy these coins belong to someone else most likely a pirate or a buccaneer from the coast.’

‘But ma it is finders keepers everybody knows that.’

‘Billy pirates are cut throats who will kill us both if they find out who took their gold.’

Suddenly afraid Billy agrees but not before palming two of the gold coins and slipping them into his pocket.

‘You are right ma, I will return to the meadow and put them back under the rock and nobody will none the wiser.’

‘Good boy Billy now go wash up for lunch and first thing tomorrow take those coins back from whence you found them’

After washing up Billy slips another two coins into his pocket ‘Everybody knows that pirates are no good at adding up and minus’s’.

Right after breakfast the following morning Billie leaving the wheelbarrow walks out towards the meadow with the satchel of coins weighing heavy in his pocket.

He feels a little nervous when he enters the meadow because he has a feeling that danger is nearby so he quickly throws the satchel on the ground where he found it, rolls the rock back in place and attempts to slink away unnoticed ‘What are you doing here boy?’

Startled Billy spins around at the sound of the menacing voice and a clean faced man with short hair riding a horse emerges from behind a tree ‘I will ask you again boy, what are you doing hanging around my stash.’

Shrugging his shoulders Billie replies ‘Your stash? I don’t know what you mean I am just here to do a spot of fishing.’

‘Without a pole I don’t think so, now get going before I put a boot up your arse.’

‘Who are you to tell me what to do? Billy demands.

‘Don’t you recognize me boy? I am none other than Pirate Dan the most famous Pirate in the whole of the midlands.’

‘A pirate in the midlands? Pirate’s ride the high seas on a ship and get up to all types of dirty deeds not hang around meadows harassing boys and what’s with the name Pirate Dan it sounds gay to me.’

‘Plus you haven’t got a beard or long hair and where is your parrot? I have read all of the books and they also mention a parrot and a peg leg, what sort of Pirate are you?’

Pirate Dan’s face has turned beet red ‘You have a smart mouth on you boy, I will have you know that I am meaner than I look so clear out before I climb down and beat you to a pulp.’

Billie knows that he better not push his luck any further but he can’t resist having another dig ‘Sorry Pirate Dan but maybe you should head over to the coast get yourself a ship, grow a beard and for God sake buy a parrot.’

Steaming in anger Pirate Dan clambered down from his horse to confront Billie but the youngster is fast on his feet and he quickly disappears into the undergrowth.

‘I will remember your face boy until my dying day you mark my words.’

Pirate Dan rolls the rock away to retrieve his satchel but when he picks it up he knows instantly that some coins are missing ‘So you are a thief boy as well boy, one day we will meet again and I will make you pay for robbing Pirate Dan.’

Once at home Billy realizes that it was a huge mistake to antagonize Pirate Dan because while he didn’t look like your regular pirate he was still a pirate and so a very dangerous man.

‘You look upset Billy did something happen to you this morning?’

‘No ma I was just hoping to see Black at the meadow but when he didn’t appear I just put the coins back under the rock and came home.’

Billy is ashamed that he just lied to his ma but he doesn’t want to worry her about his run in with Pirate Dan.

‘Ma I have been thinking that maybe the time is right for me to concentrate on my school work so I can join the navy and explore the world like Captain Cook .’

‘Good idea son I only want what is best for you and with winter on the horizon there won’t be any animals to hunt anyway.’

‘I have some news also Billy but first sit down at the table and I will bring you a huge egg and pickle sandwich.’

As she prepares her son’s lunch Alice is worried that Billy might not like her news but there is only one way to find out and while Billy chews on his sandwich Alice sighs’ You know that I have been seeing Doctor Forrester right?’

Billy nods as he continues chewing ‘Well he is moving to Portsmouth soon and he wants us to go with him, so what do you think?’

‘After digesting the news Billy is happy for his ma plus the move will be help him in his quest to become an explorer but also it will put a distance between himself and Pirate Dan.

One month later the Johnson family climb aboard a covered wagon and after a short bumpy wagon they arrive at Doctor Foresters two story brick house in Nottingham.

An old man opens the front door to greet the new arrivals ‘Hello my name is Samual Doctor Forester’s butler welcome to Forester Manor.’

Samual rings a bell on the stoop and a small boy hurries out to collect all of the baggage from the wagon but all he can locate is two battered suitcases ‘Sorry master Samual but all I can find are these bags’ the boy shouts holding up the cases ‘The rest of their belongings must be coming on a later date.’

Alice is too ashamed to say that she gave everything else away so she utters ‘Um yes next week I believe.’

Billy is still spellbound by the size of the house and the surrounding open fields but the most striking to the wide eyed boy is the size of the forest across the road ‘I wonder if Robin Hood and his merry men still roam amongst the trees?’

‘Come on Billy and close your mouth or a moth will fly in’ Alice laughs.

Alice has been to the manor a few times so she can completely understand her sons reaction ‘Coming ma’ Billy quips still not believing that this is his new home.

Upon entering the Manor a tall distinguished gentleman that Billy vaguely remembers walks forward and kisses Alice ‘Welcome dear I hope that you will enjoy our time together here?’

‘I am sure that I shall Benedict now let me introduce you to my lovely boy Billy.’

‘Hello master Billy I hope you fit in well at my humble abode.’

Billy trying to comprehend the words spoken nods ‘I will sir of that I am positive.’

‘I am sure you will Billy now lets go to the dining room and have a spot of lunch.’

The dining room table in question has twenty seats surrounding it plus enough food to feed a small army.

Taking a seat next to his ma Billy asks her when all of the other people are arriving but Benedict answers ‘There are no other guests today young man, now you may help yourself or if not Martha will help you choose.’

When Billy doesn’t move Benedict summons Samual who rings another bell and soon a middle aged women hurries in ‘Martha can you please help master Billy with his food selection.’

‘Yes sir, now what would you like young man duck with truffles or roast lamb with all of the trimmings, there is plenty to choose from.’

Billy hands the huge plate in front of him to Martha ‘Um I will some of that and that and what meat is that over yonder? Billy asks Martha pointing to the other end of the table. ‘Fine chose master Billy that is the finest pork in the county slaughtered right here on the manor.’

At the mention of pork Billy suddenly remembers Blackie his faithful hunting companion No thanks Martha, do you have any chicken or rabbit?

‘Stop annoying Martha Billy and eat what is on your plate.’

‘Sorry ma, thank you Martha the food looks tasty.’

The table has enough cutlery on it to sink a battleship and Billy is unsure what to use first but he soon learns to follow his ma and Benedict and he begins to eat what is the finest meal he has ever eaten.

After demolishing the first serving Billy stands up and fills his plate ‘Billy people will think that you haven’t eaten before, now sit down and behave yourself.’

‘Let the boy enjoy himself Alice’ Benedict laughs ‘He obviously enjoys his food.’

During the first month at the manor Billy spent his time walking through the forest hoping to see Robin Hood or even Little John but after not finding anyone Billy soon grew bored with his surroundings.

One night Billy is sitting with his ma in front of the fireplace drinking a cup of hot chocolate when Benedict enters the room and asks Billy if he would like a tour of the house. ‘Sure Mister Forester.’

The pair go upstairs and after checking a dozen rooms Benedict whispers ‘Your mother told me that you are keen to become an explorer and travel the open seas, well Billy I have left my favourite room upstairs to last, now lets see what is inside shall we?

Benedict walks down to the other end of the corridor and opens a huge door than waits for Billy to enter first. Inside Billy can’t believe what he is seeing, on every wall there any painting of famous explorer’s and in the middle is a large green table ‘That is a snooker table Billy, we will have to play a game but above the fireplace is a painting that I think you will like.’

Getting closer Billy gasps ‘Is that Captain James Cook?’

‘Yes Billy it is and I know that he is a hero of yours and that you would like explore the seas one day, well Billy I am friends with Admiral Wellinton of the merchant navy.

‘He recently retired from the navy and I am sure that if I ask him nicely he would gladly come here and tutor you and Billy a fleet of ships will be leaving Portsmouth in a few months to travel down to a southern land that Captain Cook discovered eight years ago.’

Billy remembering the dream he had when he was a kid mutters ‘The great southern land actually exists.’

‘Yes Billy it does and if you study hard you might have a chance to be on one of the ships and fulfill your dream.’

Over the next five months Billy under the tutorship of Admiral Wellinton an old stuff shirt who likes to tell stories of his time on the high seas learns everything there is to know about living and working on a large ship and after teaching his student all that he knows Wellinton calls his mother and Benedict plus all of the household staff who Billy has grown close to into the study.

When everybody assembled in the study Admiral Wellinton got to his feet holding a small of sherry ‘It gives great pleasure to tell you all that master Billy Johnson has passed his studies with flying colours and he will soon live his dream when he boards a ship to travel down to a great unknown land.’

Congratulations on your entry into the British Merchant Navy, all the best on your travels young Billy.’

The room breaks out in applause including Alice who knows that she will miss her son dearly but he has a chance to roam the world so who is she to stop him.

One week later fifteen year old Billy Johnson along with Alice, Benedict and Admiral Wellinton travel down to Portsmouth by wagon reaching the dock just after sunrise on the morning of 13th May 1787.

An armada of 11 ships bob in the water awaiting their passengers one of them being the HMS Sirius a Naval vessel who along with HMS Supply will escort the remaining ships all the way down to their destination.

‘Why is there so many ships Admiral Wellinton? Benedict enquires ‘Well there are two Naval ships one of which is the HMS Sirius and that Billy is the ship that will take you to the other end of the world and the other nine ships will hold criminals who are going down there as punishment for their crimes and some of them will help colonize the great land down under.’

After HMS Supply is loaded with provisions and all of the sailors are onboard the ship leaves the dock with a fanfare and tears from family and friends.

Next HMS Sirius docks so it is time for Billy to say farewell to his ma who he hugs for ten minutes before Benedict taps him on the shoulder ‘You better move along Billy before the ship leaves without you.’

After shaking hands with Admiral Wellinton and Benedict Billy hugs Alice one last time before walking up the gangway.

The dock is crowded with thousands of people eager to see the first fleet leave and when he gets onboard Billy rushes to the gunwale to wave goodbye to his Ma.

At first he has trouble spotting her in the crowd but suddenly he does and with tears flowing he waves frantically until he can’t wave no more so he turns away.

But when a whistle is blown indicating that the HMS Sirius is about to leave the dock Billy turns around for a final farewell but in the chaos he can’t see his ma anywhere but he does notice a tall figure making his way forward to the edge of the dock.

The man looks up at Billy with hatred than he runs a hand across his throat ‘Oh my God it is Pirate Dan.’

Billy waits to see if his nemesis boards but luckily the pirate turns and disappears amongst the crowd.

THE END.

Part Two coming soon.

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