Lino Sterlini was born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1953,

the son of an Irish mother and an Italian father. He met

his wife in Derby while attending college and they
married in 1975. He has lived in Mexico since 1982
and recently retired from his job as English
Coordinator at the Cambridge School in Guadalajara.
He has been writing short stories all his life for
personal enjoyment.










D A R K N E SS A N D L I G H T

V O L U M E T W O











To my wife, Susan, who always believed in me







L i no St er l i ni


D A R K N E SS A N D L I G H T

V O L U M E T W O



























Copyright Lino Sterlini

The right of Lino Sterlini to be identified as author of this work
has been asserted by him in accordance with section 77 and 78 of
the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be
reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any
form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying,
recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the
publishers.

Any person who commits any unauthorized act in relation to this
publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims
for damages.

A CIP catalogue record for this title is available from the British
Library.


ISBN 978 184963 691 1


www.austinmacauley.com

First Published (2014)
Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd.
25 Canada Square
Canary Wharf
London
E14 5LB








Printed and bound in Great Britain







A Mothers Love


Sally Carter was mad at nineteen-year-old Ron Rawlins. He
had been leading her sixteen year old daughter astray, teaching
her to drink alcohol. She didnt want to think what else he
might be teaching her. Her daughter Becky was so naive and
easily led. Sally was a forty year old widow after her husband
had got himself killed in a shooting accident in the Allegheny
National Forest. It wasnt easy bringing up a teenager all on
your own. It infuriated Sally how Ron could be taking
advantage of her sweet child. She had let things go at the
beginning, afraid that any interference on her part might cause
Becky to hightail it. She really dreaded that if she said too
much it might entice Becky to flee, perhaps into a marriage she
would regret for the rest of her life. But as time went on and
the relationship showed no signs of weakening, she could still
her tongue no longer.
You gotta stay away from that good-for-nothin boy!
Hes lazy, doesnt have a job and has no intention to get one, is
how I see it! she said one afternoon.
But I love him, ma, I really do! countered Becky.
Ha! What do you know about love, young lady? Youre
barely out of your kiddy britches.
This really upset Becky and she burst into tears and ran
from the room. Oh dear, Sally said to herself, that couldnt
have turned out worse if Id planned it.
On Sunday evening Ron came to the house to ask Becky if
she wanted to go to the movies with him. Becky was in her
bedroom and Sally opened the door. She looked Ron squarely
in the eye and hissed, If you hurt my little girl in any way, in
any way at all, you wont know what hit you, you shiftless
layabout.

Ron had known that Mrs. Carter didnt like him, but her
attitude towards him shook him and he stood there speechless.
He was saved from a further onslaught of verbal abuse by the
arrival of a smiling Becky.
Hi honey, what you got planned for tonight, eh?
Ron stuttered his reply saying that hed like to take her to
the new movie that was showing in town. Becky didnt notice.
Hey, that sounds great! Theres nothing much on T.V.
anyway, she added as she rolled her eyes.
L lets get going th then, stammered Ron, all his
confidence knocked out of him.
You two be sure to be back by ten thirty, or therell be
hell to pay!
We promise, mom, dont worry, said Becky as they left.
Sally felt ill at ease the rest of the evening and kept her eye
on the clock, but sure enough, at ten twenty five the two
teenagers arrived home.
Thanks for the movie, Ron, I really enjoyed it.
Me too, sweety.
Ron leaned in to give Becky a peck on the cheek but Sally
was quick to intervene before it went any further.
Right young lady. Off to bed with you, school in the
morning!
Obediently Becky said goodnight to Ron, turned, and
headed off upstairs.
Thanks, Mrs. Carter. I mean for letting me take Becky
out.
Sally just glowered at him. I wish youd leave my baby
alone, she said, closing the door on him as his last word left
his mouth.
The next day Sally got a call from the principal of
Allegheny High saying that Becky hadnt turned up for classes
but had been seen near the grounds. He went on to say that she
was seen in the company of an older boy and seemed to be
heading in the direction of the Center Mall. Sally thanked the
principal and hung up. She immediately went to get her coat
and keys and got in her car. On the way to the mall she was
sure she drove over the limit but was afraid to look. She parked

and set off to find the two absentees, determined to give them a
piece of her mind. After half an hour of searching in coffee
shops and clothing stores she finally saw them. Her heart leapt
into her throat when she saw them outside a jewelry store. Oh
god, please just let it be a pair of earrings, or a necklace, or
bracelet, or something. Sally groaned. They hadnt noticed
her and she decided it wasnt the best time to confront them.
Sally returned to her car and headed home.
That afternoon Becky returned and Sally asked if shed
had a good day at school.
Oh, the same old same old, Becky answered casually.
Sally let it go for the time being, but she felt strained and
disappointed, especially as her normally honest daughter had
lied to her.
The next day Becky left for school at the usual time. Sally
let her get two minutes ahead of her before following. She kept
a good distance but remained in sight of her. As she suspected
Becky didnt go to school, instead she took Longvue Avenue
and proceeded to Oakridge Drive where her boyfriend
undoubtedly lived. Sally was livid as she watched her daughter
greet Ron at the door and follow him in. Rather than approach
the house she went back home. She nursed her wrath all that
day.
Becky returned at the accustomed hour as if shed come
from school and Sally confronted her as soon as she was
through the door.
I know where youve been! she said furiously.
I dont know what youre talking about, Becky answered
coolly.
Dont you lie to me, enough of the lies, young lady. You
were at Rons house. I followed you and I saw you.
Oh mom! How could you?
Quite easily when Im trying to save my daughter from a
life of hell.
Mom, you dont understand. You see, ImIm
pregnant.
For a few moments Sally was speechless.
How could you do this to yourself, or to me?

It just happened mom. Were so much in love and we
want to get married.
Over my dead body! Sally shouted.
Sally went to the closet by the stairs and took out an old
shotgun. She checked that it was loaded then got in her car to
go see Ron.
Becky followed, running all the way. Sally got out of her
car after screeching to a halt in front of Rons house. She
walked up the path and banged on the door. A very surprised
Ron answered, when he noticed the shot gun the blood drained
from his face.
You bastard! I told you that if you ever hurt Becky, you
would face the consequences, and this is it!
Just then a breathless Becky arrived on the scene.
No mom, dont! she pleaded, but it was too late. Sally
pulled the trigger. The report was deafening. To Beckys
surprise, it was her mom who fell to the ground and not Ron.
The shotgun had blown up in her hands. She looked at her
mother lying there with half her face blown away. Becky leant
down to hold her mom.
I just wanted to protect you, to keep you out of harms
way. I love you so much, Becky. Those were Sallys last
words. She had killed herself with the same weapon her
husband had. Becky wept at her side as the light in her moms
eyes blinked out. Ron approached and took hold of his girl.
Come on Becky, we gotta call the cops.
The funeral was two days later. Becky had forgiven her
mom for trying to kill Ron. She wept as the casket was
lowered into the ground.
Four months later Becky and Ron were married and three
month after that Becky gave birth to a strong, healthy boy. In
the ensuing years they had a whole bunch of kids, four boys
and two girls in all. Ron had changed after he got married. He
got a job with the forestry commission and was as hard a
working man as the next. Their love for each other lasted a
lifetime.



About Face


Catherine Rawlins met Harry Shackleton at a divorcees party
that her friend Miriam had arranged in her house on Doncaster
Road, Wakefield, one Friday evening. Miriam had invited only
twenty people on purpose, with the plan that ten pairs would
form out of the guests.
Cathy was immediately taken by Harrys well-dressed and
poised look. He was also very funny and told her jokes which
made her snort with laughter. Rather than being turned off by
her snorting, Harry found it endearing. She was petite and very
pretty and she was five years younger than he was. They really
hit it off from the start and Cathy was hopeful that a long term
relationship would form with this delicious man.
Of the ten couples four had been successful, having
hooked up with each other and they left the party well before
the anticipated time. Miriam herself had found an interesting
partner too, Cathy was pleased to note.
Harry asked Cathy if he could take her out sometime. She
grasped at the opportunity and said what better time than the
next night. So the next evening they met at the Greek Delphi
Restaurant, east of Mulberry Hill, Cathy having said while
they were chatting the previous night that she loved Greek
food. They were escorted to a table by the Maitre d and
pleasantly passed a couple of hours. The ambience was totally
Greek with recorded and live music to accompany their meal
which consisted of the special Selino, a delicious pork dish.
How long have you been divorced? she asked him.
Actually Im not divorced, he answered a little
embarrassed. Im a widower. Miriam knew that and cheated a
little. She thought that wed be just right for each other and
after these last two nights, I have to say I totally agree.
Oh, Im so sorry to hear that, about you being a widower,
I mean. What happened if you dont mind me asking?

Well, its been almost two years now, my wife shot
herself while she was cleaning a gun, one from my collection. I
had foolishly forgotten to empty the cartridges from it when I
got back from my practice at the Wakefield Rifle and Pistol
Club. I still feel guilty over the whole affair. I came home from
work that day and I found her sprawled dead on our bed. The
police looked for evidence of a break-in, or such like but found
none. Her sole fingerprints were found on the gun, a Webley
Scott semi-automatic. They also found the cleaning tools lying
next to her so they declared it an accident.
Oh dear, what a tragedy, I must say.
Yes, it was. She was such a beautiful woman, a little like
you in facial features, he added. So, when were you
divorced, Cathy?
Five years ago this spring. He was rather too fond of
drinking and when he had a little too much, he became
somewhat violent. After six years of marriage Id had enough.
Cathy then went on to change the subject and asked Harry
about what he did for a living.
Im a Corporate Finance Executive with a leading,
boutique corporate finance firm partnered with a law firm in
Wakefield.
Ah, so thats the reason for the fancy car then, she said
smiling, remembering seeing him pull up outside the restaurant
in a Jaguar XJ.
Oh, I do all right for myself, he said modestly.
All too soon it was time for Cathy to go home and, as she
had come by taxi, Harry offered to give her a ride home. When
they got to her house Harry walked her to her door. Then he
leaned in and kissed her tenderly. As she kissed back she could
feel little butterflies in her stomach. Before he left she asked
him if hed like to go ice skating with her the next day.
Its been ages, but Im sure I can do my best to break an
arm or a leg. Okay! he said smiling, Eleven a.m. before
lunch, then, he suggested. Youve got yourself a date. He
took her in his arms and kissed her once more, much more
deeply this time. Cathys head was spinning as she watched
him walk away, get into his car and drive off.

He picked her up at eleven as promised and drove to the
Ice N Easy Ice Rink in Rotherham. It was soon obvious to
Cathy that Harry had just been joking about breaking one of
his limbs. He was, as it turned out, quite an accomplished
skater. Cathy was no expert but far from a beginner, yet he
made her appear to be a novice with his tight turns, jumps and
graceful movements. Once they had tired of the skating, they
decided to have a bite and a drink at the Cutlers Arms public
house.
Their romance was without a doubt blossoming and the
days turned into weeks and the weeks into months. One
Sunday afternoon just after having lunch at the Castle Street
Hotel, Cathy was left speechless for a few moments when right
out of the blue Harry proposed to her, presenting her with an
enormous, beautiful diamond ring. She finally found her
tongue and accepted, feeling all giddy with happiness.
So after a whirlwind romance they were married in an
elegant ceremony at St. Georges Minster, simply known as
Doncaster Minster, a Church of England church built in 1858.
Miriam was invited to the wedding and couldnt help but feel
jealous of her friend. Her own romance had blossomed for a
brief spell but then had withered after only a few weeks.
The happy couple spent a glorious honeymoon on the
island of Majorca then returned to start their lives together in
Harrys relatively new home. Cathy was surprised by Harry
when one day he called her by his dead wifes name, Alice. He
immediately noticed his error and apologized, saying Its just
that physically you look so like her, except perhaps for the
nose. He searched for a photo album and showed Cathy a
photo of her. She had to admit there was quite a resemblance,
the shape of the face, the hair colour, even how the corner of
her mouth turned up when she smiled. She understood how he
could have gotten confused and forgave him. She loved him so
much that one day she had an idea. While Harry was at work
she took out the photo he had shown her, put it in her bag, and
went off to see a plastic surgeon she had found advertised in
the Yellow Pages.

Could you make me look like this? she asked Dr.
Robinson.
After a brief inspection of Cathy and the photo, the doctor
smiled broadly at her and said, Wed just have to turn up the
nose a bit and remove a little bone. Piece of cake!
Cathy loved her husband with all her heart so she decided
there and then to go through with the operation. She wanted to
surprise Harry and she just needed an excuse to tell him why
she would be missing for about six weeks while her nose
healed. Then she came up with an idea. Her grandmother, who
lived in Edinburgh, was very old and frail. She could tell him
that she appeared to be dying and wished to be at her side. She
felt a little guilty for using her poor grandma as her excuse.
The ruse worked like a charm, so on the morning of her
appointment at the clinic, she waved Harry goodbye from her
taxi which was supposedly taking her to the train station where
she would board a train for Scotlands capital. Just before
shed left she told him she would call him from her mobile
when she got to her grandmothers.
About three and a half hours later she called him from the
clinic where she was being prepped. The nurse raised her
eyebrows as she listened in on Cathys conversation.
Hi, sweetheart, how are you? he asked.
It seemed a long journey, but Im fine.
Give your grandmother a hug and a kiss from me, will
you? How is she?
Already have and shes not doing so well. The doctor
says it will be a matter of weeks rather than days, though.
Dont you worry your sweet little head, dear. However
long it takes.
Thanks, Ill call you in a couple of days, love you.
Three days later she called him again. Her nose was
bandaged and it hurt like hell.
After Harry heard her greeting he asked what the problem
was, she sounded sort of muffled.
Oh, I think its just this awful Scottish weather, I think
Im getting a cold. Shes still hanging on, were not too sure

how long itll take. Cathy hated herself for deceiving him but
satisfied herself by thinking it was all in a good cause.
Harry, none the wiser, accepted this and they said how
much they loved one another before they hung up.
Six weeks to the day after having entered the clinic, Cathy
arrived home. She was thrilled with the results of the operation
and the pain had thankfully disappeared. She hadnt let Harry
know she was coming home, she wished to surprise him. He
was at work when she arrived and she busied herself by
prettying herself up and brushing her hair in the fashion Alicia
had done. In due course Harry got home after a difficult days
work. Cathy stood next to the fireplace with her back to him as
he entered the living room.
Sweetie, youre home! he said in an excited voice. At
this Miriam turned to face him. His reaction was not at all how
she had hoped or expected. He gave her a surly look as he said
in a quiet, serious voice, What is the meaning of this?
You often said how much I reminded you of Alicia, so I
had my nose done. I thought youd be pleased!
He stormed out of the house and didnt return until much
later when Cathy was in bed crying softly into her pillow. She
heard him come in and expected him to come directly to the
bedroom, but he didnt. About ten minutes later he opened the
bedroom door and approached the bed. When she turned on the
light she was shocked to see he was pointing a gun at her. She
was totally speechless as he said, Youve ruined everything. I
always hated that bitch. Then he aimed at her heart and fired
his weapon.



A Dying Trade


David Bartlett was head of the family business, which was that
of a funeral home in Newcastle, north east England. He was
proud to be the owner of such a prestigious industry which had
served the community for over a hundred years. It boasted a
range of top quality headstones and expertly handmade caskets
for the eternal rest of the deceased. Their trade mark was the
bestowing to the deceased of a gentle smile, making him or her
look contented to be leaving this world behind. David ran the
enterprise with his two sons, David junior and Mark, and his
daughter Alicia who was his only married child.
David senior always found himself to be emotionally
charged when the bodies were brought in for their expert
attention and was especially affected when these were of
children. He always thought that there was something wrong
when mothers and fathers had to bury their offspring and he
often offered generous discounts for his services in these cases.
David junior, on the other hand, was more cynical and
viewed all their clients as equals and often got into arguments
with his father for the markdowns given to the anguished
parents. He also felt uncomfortable in the penguin-like attire
he had to wear as part of the protocol, but put up with it as part
and parcel of the family trade.
Mark and Alicia were with no doubt the white sheep of the
family, sharing their fathers philosophy and sentiments while
David was the black sheep. He enjoyed drinking a little too
much and gambling a lot. He frequented Aspers Casino on
Newgate Street where, as was true with most of the casinos
clients, he more often lost than won. He did however have the
occasional big win and once walked out with two thousand
pounds after a successful night at blackjack. He invariably
drank away his winnings in addition to losing them on the
horses over the next few days.

One Wednesday afternoon as he was standing next to the
elaborate marble columns at the red-carpeted entrance to the
funeral parlour, his brother Mark came up to him and said,
Its going to be a busy afternoon, we have five coming in
within the next hour.
With a sigh of resignation that signaled his dispiritedness,
David junior asked, Have you told Alice yet?
No, Im just about to call her on the mobile, shes gone
shopping to the Market Centre to buy a dress for Lilly. Lilly
was Alicias daughter who was going to celebrate her birthday
party on the Friday when she would be eight.
Well tell her to hurry up, I want to be out of here by ten
tonight, said David brusquely. I feel lucky today, he added.
All that afternoon David senior and his children worked
without respite to prepare the bodies before the grieving family
members and friends arrived for the viewing. Eventually it was
time for David to leave for his appointment at the gambling
tables. He and his brother and sister took turns for the all-night
vigils and Wednesday was one of Davids nights off. He
thankfully stripped out of the penguin suit and changed into a
comfortable polo neck sweater, slacks and loafers, and drove
the couple of miles to the casino.
He occasionally played roulette but blackjack was his
game as he felt that he could use his skill of noting the played
cards and make educated judgments of when to bet high or
low. He began by winning the first four hands and was up
about four hundred pounds, but his luck started to change. In
the next few hands he had lost all his winnings and was now
beginning to lose the five hundred he had come in with. It
wasnt long before he was cashing a cheque for a further five
hundred.
Despite a few wins he soon ran out of this money too, so
cashed a further cheque for the same amount, determined to
recuperate his losses. Concentrate as he might, his losing
streak continued and within an hour he had lost all his money.
In a foul mood he cursed the dealer, cursed the game, and left
the establishment.

He did not sleep easily that night knowing that his
financial situation was not a healthy one. He expected to be
hearing from his bank manager about his overdrawn account
very soon.
The next morning he was again on duty at the home. The
body of a middle aged man had been brought in late last night
and the finishing touches were being put on it by Mark when
David noticed a very expensive-looking watch on the
deceaseds wrist. He asked Mark about it who answered that it
was the wish of the family that their father be buried wearing
his favourite Rolex.
All that day David had been thinking; what a waste to bury
such an expensive watch with the body. He waited until the
last possible moment and just before the casket was
transported to the hearse, he opened it, removed the watch and
put it in his jacket pocket. Later that day he went to a pawn
shop where he exchanged it for fifteen hundred pounds. He
blew most of the money at Aspers the following night and the
rest at High Gosforth Park Racecourse on the Saturday, glad
that hed at least bought himself some lunch and a beer before
doing so.
The next day was a Sunday and things were quiet. An old
woman had been brought in who was apparently the last
surviving member of her family. David was in charge of fixing
the womans hair and makeup and did an excellent job. He
didnt bother with putting the smile on her face as there would
only be a handful of friends of the deceased. His eyes caught
the glint of a beautiful, large, diamond engagement ring. He
looked around and saw Alice attending to the body of an
eighteen-year-old youth who had had the misfortune to die in a
car crash. Her back was towards him. He took the womans
hand and attempted to slide the ring off her finger. It wouldnt
budge. He went to the kitchen and returned with a small rag
which hed soaked in washing up liquid. He applied this to the
womans finger and after a few seconds the ring satisfyingly
worked its way free. He pocketed it and went to Alicia to see if
she needed any help.

Later he got six hundred pounds for the diamond ring
which the pawn shop owner said had been exquisitely crafted.
The next night he went to Aspers and this time his luck was in.
He lost the first three hands in succession but then won the
following ten.David, the dealer, and the small group of
surrounding players could hardly believe in his good fortune.
He was up twelve hundred pounds. He got up with his chips
and moved to the roulette table where he first won on odds and
then evens. He then bet on red and won again. He had a silly
grin on his face as the chips mounted in front of him. This is
more like it, he said to no one in particular, itll certainly
keep the bank manager off my back, he added, to some
laughter from the other players. That night he went home a
happy man, he had won over three thousand pounds.
He promised himself that he would bank two thirds of the
money and keep the other third to feed his gambling habit.
Before undressing and getting into bed he celebrated by
opening a bottle of Beaujolais Domaine de Colette, his
favourite fine wine. As he sat in the cluttered kitchen of his
house which was on the right-hand side of the funeral home,
he toasted the old woman whose engagement ring had brought
him his good luck. He hadnt gotten anywhere with the money
from the Rolex but, being in an amenable mood, toasted the
old gent as well.
Finally, around midnight he stripped, went to the bathroom
and got into bed, still with a smile on his face.
Around three oclock in the morning he suddenly awoke.
He sat up and strained his ears. He thought he had been
awakened by some noise outside his bedroom door. Yes, there
it was again, a light tapping sound.
Whos there? he called out. How did you get in? The
only answer was the insistent tapping which was beginning to
annoy him. Go away, I have a gun! he lied. At his words the
sound changed from a somewhat polite tapping to a thumping
noise. David jumped in his skin and his hair stood on end. He
got out of bed and threw on a robe. He gathered up courage
and started to walk to his bedroom door to see who was
beyond and waking him up at such an unearthly hour, but

when he was halfway there he was astonished to see two
swirling spheres of light pass through the door like smoke
through a net curtain.
David stood with mouth open as the spheres materialized
into the figures of the Rolex man and the ring woman.
What you did was bad susurrated the old woman.
Yes, very bad, said the man.
We want our possessions back, hissed the woman.
Now! exclaimed the man.
David took a step backwards as the two figures floated
towards him, flanking him. His breath was coming too fast and
short. He could feel his heart beat wildly in his chest. Suddenly
his heart skipped a beat and stopped altogether. He collapsed
to the floor. His spirit exited his body and continued to be
hounded by the old couple.
Why did you do it?
Who gave you the right?
What were you thinking?
You dirty thief!
Davids body was found by his siblings the next morning
when they came to see why he hadnt reported for work. He
was lying face up on his bedroom floor with a silent scream on
his face and his hair had turned completely white.



American Dream


Dwayne E. Adams was on a mission. He had come to Scotland
from his home in Atlanta to search for the Loch Ness monster.
Ever since he was a boy, stories of the elusive creature had
haunted and enthralled him, and now that he was retired and
had never got married, he had the time and money to pursue
his dream to catch the animal on film.
He arrived at Glasgow airport one chilly morning, even
though it was in the middle of June, and took a taxi to Glasgow
Central station where he would board a train for Inverness. He
had already been traveling for over fourteen hours and did not
relish the four-hour train journey, although he hoped the
scenery would make it worthwhile.
Dwayne sat in the dining car eating the dubious food
provided by British Rail. Once hed left the grey city behind he
did enjoy the green, rolling hills, then later, the somewhat alien
landscape of the Scottish Highlands as the train meandered
through the purple-blue mountains. In Inverness he picked up a
Fiat 500, courtesy of Europcar, and proceeded to Inverfarigaig
where he had made a reservation at the Aspenwood Cottage
Bed and Breakfast establishment. Inverfarigaig was about
midway along the 37 kilometre loch, which at its deepest point
is 230 metres.
On his arrival, he fetched his suitcase and camera gear out
of the car and walked up to the front door. It was opened by a
very amiable, middle aged woman with an elfin-like face and
five-foot-nothing in height.
Good afternoon, she greeted him with a pleasant smile
showing brilliant white teeth.
Hi, Im Dwayne Adams. I believe you have a reservation
for me.
Certainly, Mr. Adams. Im Maggie McPherson, nice to
meet you, she said proffering her hand. Please follow me,

she continued in the lilting, sing-song accent typical of the
Highlands.
She showed him to his very comfortable room that had a
breathtaking view of the loch.
Can I prepare you a bit o dinner? Ye must be famished
after such a long trip, she asked kindly.
No thanks, I just want to catch up on some sleep. Im
really bushed. That means tired, he added, when he saw that
she didnt quite understand.
I see, Mr. Adams. Ill leave ye tae it, then.
With that she left and he unpacked all of his stuff. He lay
down on the bed without removing his clothes and fell
instantly asleep. He slept for fourteen hours straight and only
awoke when the smell of bacon teased his nostrils as it wafted
up from the kitchen below. The room didnt have an en-suite
bathroom so he got undressed, donned his dressing gown,
grabbed a towel and made his way to the communal bathroom
at the end of a short hallway. He thoroughly enjoyed a shower
with piping hot water.
After shaving and splashing some lotion on his face he
made his way down to the dining room.
Ah, there ye are. Breakfasts ready, Maggie said as he
sat down at one of the four tables in the small room.
He really enjoyed the eggs, bacon, fried tomatoes, and
hash browns brought to him. This was followed by delicious
scones with butter and jam and a pot of strong black tea.
Whit brings ye to this part o the world, Mr. Adams?
Im very interested in your monster, Mrs. McPherson, and
I hope to catch it on film and prove its existence.
Och, just call me Maggie, everyone else does, she said.
Well in that case, call me Dwayne.
I can tell ye, there really is a monster in yon loch, Ive
only seen it meself three times, she said in a matter of fact
way.
Only three times? Thats amazing! Dwayne said,
extremely interested.
Well I used tae live over at Bunloit, on tother side of the
loch. Ive only been here at Inverfarigaig bout five years. It

must be a year last July me an Sally, thats me darling beagle,
were walkin down by the loch when she suddenly started
fussin and barkin at the water. Ye can imagine me
amazement when I saw this long neck towerin above the
water then just submergin. Twas about fifty yards from the
edge and movin off at speed. It left quite a wake, I can tell ye.
Since then Ive seen it twice more, but not so close up.
Dwayne was really excited now, Mrs. McPherson, I mean
Maggie, do you think you could show me where you saw it
last?
Sure, nae problem laddie. We can go down there after
breakfasts oer.
Dwayne finished off the last of the scones on his plate and
went to his room to fetch his video camera. Ten minutes later,
after offering to help Maggie wash up the breakfast dishes,
they were on their way.
As they approached the loch, walking down a narrow
overgrown path between Scots pine and Common oak, Maggie
turned to Dwayne and said wistfully, Aye, me husband-to-be
and meself used to come here a lot when we were winchin as
youngsters. Thats datin to you, she added when she saw his
puzzled look. He died twenty five years ago when he broke
his neck in a fall while he was helpin a farmer to find a couple
of lost sheep. It happened just six months afore we were to be
married.
Oh, Im so sorry to hear that, Maggie! What a tragedy!
But it certainly is a beautiful and romantic spot, especially for
winchin, he added smiling.
They reached the lochs edge and looked out over the
water. It was an unusually good day and the sun danced and
reflected off the ripples caused by a slight breeze blowing from
the south. They stood in silence a few moments admiring its
beauty.
Well, I huftae get back, got things tae do, Maggie said.
Ill see ye later back at the cottage. She smiled at Dwayne as
she turned and made her way back along the path. Dwayne
took out his camera and set about fixing it up to overlook the

loch. He found a log nearby and rolled it into place where he
could sit comfortably for his observations.
Three hours later, with nothing for his troubles, Dwayne
decided it was time to head back. Anyway, the weather had
turned. The clouds had moved in turning the sky grey and
there was a cold wind blowing in from the loch. He shivered as
he put the camera away and walked back to the cottage.
Any luck? Maggie asked when she saw him.
Not today, though I thought I saw something from the
corner of my eye, but when I turned my head I saw nothing,
Dwayne answered dolefully.
Ach, better luck next time then, Maggie said, giving him
an encouraging smile.
Thanks, Im planning to go out again tomorrow.
The next day Dwayne left the cottage after another belly-
swelling breakfast. Maggie had prepared a couple of ham and
cheese sandwiches smothered in mustard for him and put them
in a lunchbox. She handed it to him along with a flask of her
delicious tea and wished him good luck.
This time he decided to go a little further north, in the
direction of Whitefield. The terrain was a little more rugged
and he picked his way along carefully. He found what he
considered to be a perfect spot and set up his gear. The
morning was cool but bright and he settled down to observe
the loch. Two hours had passed with nothing on the loch to
catch his interest. He did notice a couple of men far out in a
rowing boat heading for the far side. He opened the lunch box
and tucked in to the delicious sandwiches and swigged his tea.
After finishing, he decided he would move further up the
slope behind him to get a better vantage point. So he gathered
up the camera and set up the steep incline. He was just about at
the top, below a rocky outcrop, when he slipped and lost his
hold on the camera. He shot out his left hand in an effort to
retrieve it, but failed. He was left hanging precariously from
the outcrop with his right. He was all out of balance and tried
unsuccessfully to swing his left hand onto the outcrop. His
muscles were now aching and he feared he was going to lose
his grip. Just as he was about to fall, a pair of strong hands

gripped him and pulled him up to safety. A rugged-faced man
stood there smiling at him.
Are ye okay, laddie? My, that was a close one! he said.
Dwayne couldnt speak for a moment, trying to catch his
breath following his frightening experience. Thank you so
much, I was almost a gonner there, but you saved me.
Aye. We all do what we can, said the man, who had a
crescent shaped scar on his right cheek.
How can I repay you? asked Dwayne.
Dont you worry your head oer that, laddie, the man
said smiling.
Well thanks again Mr?
Mr. MacDonald, Calum MacDonald.
Mr. MacDonald gave Dwayne one last smile before going
on his way and waved as he disappeared over a rise. Dwayne
looked down the slope and saw to his dismay that his camera
was badly broken up and with no chance of repair.
Guess Ill have to buy a new one, he said to himself as
he began the long walk back to the cottage.
When he returned he met Maggie as she was coming back
from the garden after having hung out some washing.
And how did it go the day? she asked cheerfully.
Not too well, Im afraid. Im lucky I didnt break at least
one leg, or worse!
Whit dye mean, whit happened?
So Dwayne told her of his escape on the overhang with the
help of a stranger.
He had a crescent shaped scar on his cheek. He told me
his name was Calum MacDonald. You may know the man.
Maggie looked at him incredulously and her jaw almost
dropped to the ground.
Know him, know him? I almost married him! You were
saved by my dead husband-to-be, man! she said.



Andrew 0001


Hello, my name is Andrew. Im the first of the new line of
special robots, the SPX series, designed especially to be used
in the home for domestic purposes. My appearance is that of a
twenty year old human male. I am virtually identical to any
young human, except I have no reproductive organs. Under my
blond wig there is access to some sensitive circuitry and there
is a door in my stomach which gives access to my inside
workings. I have just been bought by a very nice family,
consisting of Danny and Susan Burke and their eight-year-old
twin children, Paul and Martha.
As I look around their very smart home I am pleased to see
that Danny must be very successful at whatever he does. They
have all the latest labor saving appliances installed and their
house is spacious. Susan is obviously a keen gardener, as she
has a wide array of beautiful flowers and plants situated
around their large, green, well-kept lawn. At the bottom of the
garden theres a sand box, a climbing frame, and a rope swing.
Andrew, Susan says, your duties will include seeing
that the children are up, washed, and dressed by eight a.m.
every weekday morning ready for school. You will also be
required to prepare lunch every day - there is a daily menu on
the fridge door. I want you to let me know when we are
running out of anything so I can put it on my shopping list.
Of course, maam, is there anything else?
No, thats all for now. Ill let you know if anything comes
to mind, she replies with her beautiful smile which would
melt my heart, if I had one.
Today is Saturday so Im enjoying playing with the
children in the garden. Paul is swinging happily on the rope
swing while Martha is busying herself in the sand box. It is a
very nice day, not too hot, and as I watch over these amazing
two creatures, I delight in their happy sounds and those of the

birds in the trees. I feel so lucky to have been purchased by
this family.
At midday the children have tired of playing outside and
go into the house to draw in their sketch pads. Before I head
for the kitchen I stand watching, amazed at what their little
hands can produce on the paper. Susan is especially gifted and
quickly draws a picture of me standing over her at the sand
box. She smiles up at me as I reluctantly have to go to the
kitchen to cook lunch for the family.
I have been programmed to be an excellent chef and in no
time I have prepared a green salad, veal cutlets with potatoes
and broccoli, and for dessert, chocolate mousse. To drink, a
white Chilean wine for the adults and freshly squeezed orange
juice for the twins.
Thank you, Andrew. That was the best lunch Ive had
since I got married, Danny says, but he smiles and winks at
Susan to make her understand he is only joking. She returns
his smile with a look of tenderness. How I wish I could be the
recipient of such a look.
Im here to serve, I reply, Im so glad you enjoyed it.
Can we have more mousse? ask the children.
Of course, thats why I made extra, I say winking at
them as their faces light up.
The family all go for an after-lunch nap as I clean the
kitchen and wash up, after which I extract a cable from my
side and plug myself in to an electrical output in the wall to
recharge. I have emergency batteries installed in my lower
back but I prefer to be fully charged for any event or task I
may have to perform.
After their siesta is over, the kids run to their father and
beg him to take them to the movies.
Well, seeing that youre just the best kids in all the world,
then yes! Lets go!
Danny kisses Susan just before leaving and I am all alone
with her.
She turns to me and asks So whats it like to be the most
advanced robot ever built?
I feel very proud of that honor, Maam.

Oh just call me Susan, please. But can you really be
proud? Do you have any feelings?
No, not really, but the programmers have installed basic
feelings such as happiness for a job well done, and regret for a
poorly executed one. They have also placed in my memory
banks all the vocabulary thats contained in The Oxford
English Dictionary, so I can safely say that proud fits
perfectly well.
Could you please pour me a little more wine, Andrew?
Yes, of course.
Mmm, this is just delicious, thank you, Andrew.
Im here to serve, Maam, I mean Susan. Her name
sounds like an aria to me sung by an opera star.
I observe her as she raises the glass once more and her
luscious lips touch it as she sips. I cant help but wonder how
they would feel against my own.
A couple of hours later Danny returns with the twins. They
are eating ice-cream and Susan scolds her husband, saying that
he has ruined the kids appetite for supper. I surprise myself by
feeling contentment at her remonstration.
In the kitchen again, I prepare hamburgers with barbecue
sauce and French fries. The children wolf the food down with
no sign of a ruined appetite. I must admit I am a little
displeased at this as Danny has been forgiven.
Soon it is time for bed and they all wish me a good night
and head off upstairs. I accompany the twins to their room and
make sure they wash and brush their teeth before settling down
for the night. I bid them a good night and as I am returning to
go downstairs I catch a glimpse of Susan through her bedroom
door which is slightly ajar. She is sitting in front of a mirror
slowly and sensuously brushing her long dark hair. Her skin
appears to be made of porcelain as I watch her arms moving up
and down. Something inside me seems to move and I realize
that I am falling in love with this young, vibrant woman.
How can this be? I think to myself. Have the programmers
really given me the capacity to love? It is a pleasant but at the
same time, painful yearning I feel in the pit of my stomach.
Just then Danny comes into view and closes the door, closing

off the beautiful scene I have just witnessed. I return
downstairs and hook myself up to the socket in the kitchen.
The next morning after a full breakfast of bacon, eggs,
hash browns, fried tomatoes, toast, and orange juice and
coffee, the family leaves to go to the church where they
worship. I, of course, am not invited, so busy myself with the
washing up, tidying, and tending their beds. Susan had looked
stunning in her Sunday clothes with her dark blue, knee-length
dress and black shoes. The others looked nice too, but my eyes
were only for Susan, she was breath-taking.
Now they are back and after putting on their everyday
clothes, the children want to take turns on the rope swing with
me pushing them. It is a delight for me to do this for them,
especially for Martha, who giggles as she swings to and fro.
Her eyes, which look so much like her mothers, seem to
sparkle and shine in the early afternoon sun.
Lunch is ready! Susan shouts from the kitchen door.
I feel stunned. After all, I am supposed to make lunch. The
children run to their mother and she tells them to go wash their
hands. I approach Susan and I say, I am deeply sorry, I dont
know where the time went. It wont happen again.
Oh dont worry about it, Andrew. You kept the kids out
of our hair, we really appreciate it, she says graciously. She
also gives me an enormous smile to let me know she means it.
My stomach does a flip and I am stuck for words.
The rest of the day goes by lazily for the family. After
lunch comes a siesta and after that we all watch a funny movie
on the television. After a light supper Susan checks Martha and
Pauls homework.
Hey, kiddo! She says as she ruffles Pauls hair, You
havent finished your math problems yet. I can tell she is
looking at him with a feigned disappointed expression, as Paul
tries to thinks of an excuse to give him a way out. She is so
utterly beautiful I could cry, if I had tear glands, that is. I
decide I must make this woman mine somehow.
The next morning I see to it that the children are up and
ready for school. They leave in a small van that comes round
for them every weekday. Danny is finishing his breakfast. I

notice the long bread knife next to the sink on the counter. I
am not thinking clearly. I pick up the knife and walk up to
Danny who has his back to me. With one quick stroke I plunge
it between his shoulder blades and he cries out in pain.
Susan, who had been seeing the kids off at the front door,
sees me holding the knife with her husbands blood still
dripping from it. She screams an anguished scream and I drop
the knife.
She turns to me with a look of horror on her face and asks,
incredulously, What do you think youre doing?
She then picks up the phone and makes a couple of calls.
The first one is to 911, the second one to the company that
made me. The paramedics arrive very soon after and rush
Danny to hospital, accompanied by Susan. My last memory of
her was a look that would have frozen my blood, if I had any
to freeze. I stand there utterly at a loss for words and feeling
helpless. A policeman handcuffs me and waits until a couple of
technicians arrive to take me away.
I am now at the factory where I was born. I am going to be
disassembled and my various parts are to be used on other
robot projects. I hear that the SPX series has been cancelled
temporarily until the programmers find out what the problem
with me was. I of course know what had happened. Its just
that I had fallen hopelessly in love.



Brotherly Love


Ever since Billy Marshall had been six years old he found
himself protecting his little two-year-old brother, Bobby, from
the mindless cruelty of kids. His mother had been forty years
old when she had Bobby and he had unfortunately been born
with Down syndrome. Of course at first Billy had no idea what
that meant, but as time went on he began to understand.
Bobby had short, chubby fingers, the typical flattened
appearance to his face and a high, broad forehead. He had
small ears set low on his face and the telltale protruding
tongue, all of which invited the taunts of the neighborhood
children. Despite his troubles Bobby was always a happy and
smiling child.
On numerous occasions Billy would rescue his brother
from a throng of hooligans who surrounded Bobby, all calling
him names. This led to several fights and more than once Billy
ended up with a bleeding nose. It got even worse the year
Bobby started to go to the same school that Billy went to.
Almost daily Billy came to the rescue of his poor, bewildered
brother. If only they knew how trusting and loving he was,
Billy thought. Having a depressed immune system, Bobby was
plagued with illness and had frequent bouts of colds and
coughs. Despite having trouble with reading at the beginning,
Bobby was an exceptionally bright young boy and later did
surprisingly well at school, especially in geography which he
loved.
Billy was pleased to note that after the first year of school
the other students tired of their mocking and seemed to accept
his brother. Bobby even made some good friends and not only
with those in his class. Billy was especially proud of Bobby
when in fourth grade he ended up receiving an award for his
third position in class.

Something which Billy was not aware of was that Bobby
suffered from a progressive heart problem; a condition he was
later to learn was common in people like him.
One day, the day before Bobbys twelfth birthday, Billy
asked him, What would you like me to get for your birthday,
bro?
I wanna guitar, Bobby answered, an electric one!
Hey, youll have to ask mom an dad for that, theyre real
expensive an I only have twenty dollars!
Well get me a book with maps of all the countries of the
world. I like the colored pictures, Bobby replied.
You mean an atlas. Thats more like it! said Billy.
So the next morning they all sang Happy Birthday to
Bobby before he created an infernal noise on his new electric
guitar. They all stood with their hands over their eyes but
smiling as Bobby acted like a rock star, swaying back and
forth and cavorting round the living room. After ten minutes of
this Bobby tired of the guitar and opened his atlas, which Billy
had bought used for $19.98. A new one would have cost over a
hundred dollars. He spent more than an hour poring over the
book, looking carefully at the countries, especially Africa
which seemed to fascinate him.
That summer the family went on vacation to Lake
Sammamish, Seattle. Bobby watched enviously as Billy swam
and cavorted in the water. Hey Billy, teach me to swim!
Bobby shouted to his brother. Billy looked over at his parents
who nodded their heads, so Billy got Bobby on to his back and
held him with his arms. Relax now. See? Youre floating; as
long as you relax nothing will happen to you. Now kick your
legs one after the other. Dont try to stand. Bobby followed
his brothers instructions and Billy slowly took away his
supporting arms. Now use your arms in a windmill fashion
like you saw me doing. Thats it youre swimming, bro!
shouted Billy as Bobby did the back stroke. Billy walked along
beside his brother with his arms below his body ready to take
his weight if he should falter or tire.
Now that youre confident, lets try the breast stroke,
said Billy. Watch me first. See how I displace the water with

my arms and watch how I move my legs, he instructed. Then
it was Bobbys turn. He started well but after a few strokes
took in a mouthful of water and stood up in the water coughing
and spluttering. Once he had recovered he turned smiling at
Billy and said, Okay, nuff swimming for now. Anyway Im
hungry, ready to eat. That was the thing with Bobby, he
always had a huge appetite and was always ready to eat.
The days went by and Bobbys swimming ability got
better, so much so that he got to be almost as good as his
brother. He really enjoyed being in the water, cavorting and
splashing around. Soon the vacation was over and they headed
back to Seattle.
For Billys birthday that year, his mom and dad bought
him a second hand Ford Escort which he soon learned to drive.
Once he had passed his test he thoroughly enjoyed himself
driving Bobby and a couple of friends round the neighborhood
on the weekends. One weekend, however, he decided to go
further afield and headed north to Portage Bay. Soon Bobby
got hungry so they stopped in at the Portage Bay caf on
Roosevelt Way for a burger.
They were only a couple of miles from home on the return
journey when tragedy struck. A careless driver who had been
overtaking Billy had to suddenly swerve in front of him to
avoid an oncoming truck. This made Billy swerve violently
and he lost control of the car causing it to flip sideways. All
three passengers were injured but Billy died when his neck
snapped.
Bobby and Billys two friends were rushed to Harborview
Medical center for emergency treatment. The doctors noticed
that Bobbys heart had deteriorated as a result of his condition.
Mr. and Mrs. Marshall, I fear that Bobbys heart may give
out any time soon and he really needs a transplant. I
understand that your other son nominated himself as an organ
donor. With your permission we can transplant Billys heart to
Bobby and give him the chance he needs, said the chief
physician.
Bob and Margaret Marshall didnt have to think twice.
They signed the necessary documents and the operation began

soon after. After the operation the doctor told them it had been
very successful.
Bobbys recovery was long and difficult with a couple of
setbacks on the way, but with expert medical care and tender
devotion from his parents his recovery was full. Bobby always
felt proud to be carrying a part of his loving brother with him.



Butch


I dont quite remember when I got sent to the Battersea Dogs
and Cats Home, but after two weeks of being there I was really
frustrated. Many other dogs had come and gone, taken away
by wide-eyed happy kids, all oohing and aahing as they
cuddled their new pets. I dont know whether its because Im
a Staffordshire Bull Terrier or that Im female. Cant they see
Im just adorable and so ready to love?
At the end of my third week, I think it was a Friday
afternoon, I hear the doors open and a family group enter.
They check out the cages and slowly work their way towards
me. The mother of the pack stops at the cage next to mine and
inspects a Labrador pup.
This one looks nice, she says, its a nice color, too.
Oh mum, you know my friend Linda has a dog like this,
and I dont want to have anything like it, said the female
child.
What about this one? yelled the younger male in the
group, pointing to me, hes all white except for that black
patch over his patch over his left eye. I could call him Patch!
Call her Patch, silly. Cant you read? Shes a two year old
female!
I dont care, all I know is this is the one I want!
Yeah, pick me, pick me! I said, coming out as a bark and
a yelp.
You sure, Timmy? asked the older male, who I would
later know to be Jack.
Yup, this is the dog I want for my birthday! Maybe I
could call her Butch she looks kinda tough.
You can call her what you want, Timmy, laughed the
woman, previously referred to as mum. And Sandra, you can
help Timmy look after the pup and take her for walks after
school.

Yippee! I yelped again. I could hardly believe my ears.
Was I really getting out of here at last? A few moments later
they all trooped off to the attendants desk. I thought they had
changed their minds and my heart sank, but presently they
returned with the attendant who opened my cage. I
immediately began to lick all their hands as they petted and
fussed over me. I swear I almost purred like a cat at their
attentions. Jack put a leash around my neck and I was led
outside to their van. We all got in and I sat in the back with
Timmy and Sandra. Im embarrassed to say that I was so
excited I disgraced myself and peed on Timmys lap.
Butch, you naughty girl! he said. But he was laughing,
so I didnt take his remonstration too seriously. About half an
hour later we pulled into a small, neat house just off Bond
Street, in a Cul de Sac named Primrose Terrace. Not many
people know that dogs can read, but we can! We just keep that
knowledge to ourselves, knowing that we are far superior to
cats, who cant read for peanuts but pretend that they can.
So we got out of the van and I was led around to the back
of the house where, to my joy, I saw a long grassy garden with
a single tree at the bottom on which there was a rope swing. At
the foot of the stairs leading to the kitchen, there was a dog
house about twice my height. Next to the dog house there was
a bowl of fresh water which I lapped up in five seconds flat.
She must have been thirsty after the ride, said Jack, did
you see how she finished off that water, Irma?
Yes, I did. Maybe shes hungry, too. Ill get a couple of
sausages for her.
So now I knew all their names. Jack and Irma were the
parents and Timmy and Sandra were the children. I just knew I
would be so happy here with them.
After a tasty bite of grilled sausage Timmy came over to
me with the leash in his hand.
Walkies! Walkies Butch!
I realized he wanted me to take him for a walk and I must
say I was quite excited to explore my new surroundings. As we
walked along Primrose Terrace, I picked up at least a thousand
scents, some I recognized but some were new to me. One of