About the Author

Initially Gerald Botteley trained as a maker and restorer of fine

stringed instruments however much of his working life was spent
teaching at both Oakham and Oundle schools. His interest in
writing spans over 70 years and he has been widely published in
poetical anthologies. As an enthusiastic chess player he is also a
former British Open Seniors Chess Champion.

Dedication

For my wife and family who have put up with my eccentricities

with unfailing good humour.

Copyright Januarius (2015)

The right of Januarius 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: 9781784552787 (paperback)

9781784552800 (hardback)

www.austinmacauley.com
First Published (2015)
Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd.
25 Canada Square
Canary Wharf
London
E14 5LB

Printed and bound in Great Britain

6

Chapter One

Lucy was fed up. It was Saturday morning again. If Im

honest, she was sick to death of the boring hum drum life she
was now living. Up at seven every morning, getting the
breakfast, making the sandwiches, seeing the kids off to school
by 8.15 so that she would be at work by nine, day in and day
out. This is not what life should be like, she thought, and it was
time to take stock. She knew it, her boss knew it. The kids
suspected it, but life for them had been so traumatic since Dad
had left home, that almost anything was better than being
bawled at by Mum for nothing at all most of the time and so
they didnt much care. Weekends were the worst. Before dad
went off, they would go to Cromer to their holiday home
almost every Friday night. Then on Saturday, he would play
golf, while they would go to the beach with Mum. Sometimes
David, who was sixteen, would caddie for him, while Jane, his
twin sister, went horse riding. The thrill she felt at the
unrestrained power between her legs gave her an indescribable
pleasure; but all that was over now, and if Mother wasnt
crying, she was complaining.
What the hell does he see in that skinny little tart? she
would wail over and over again, varying the theme from day to
day until at last it had become clear to her that he was gone for
good.
She had awoken that Saturday morning realising she was
over it. Revenge! That was what she needed, she thought.
9

Once she had got even, she could start again. But how? Black
thoughts pervaded her mind. Then she almost hit top C in her
excitement.
Ive got it! she screamed at the top of her voice.
David and Jane came rushing down the stairs to see what
the commotion was all about.
Dont ask questions, she said, when asked what was
wrong. Ill tell you both in good time. Im going out, and I
maybe late getting back, she added. Auntie Rachel will be
here soon. Let her get her own breakfast. Tell her, mother has
had to go out, and ask her to look after things until I return.
Rachel often came for the weekends these days. To keep
her sister Lucy company was her excuse. But the truth of the
matter was that she was a lazy parasite, and would do anything
for a lounge around and a free meal. This will be a shock to
her, mused Lucy, packing her small suitcase in record time and
grabbing her booty.
Now be good, kids, while Im away, she called out,
banging the front door as she went.
What the hells got into her? asked Jane, trying
unsuccessfully to hide her concern.
Oh dont worry, replied David. Its something to do
with the menopause, I think.
Dont be bloody stupid! retorted Jane. Shes not old
enough. Then looking out of the window together, they saw
her get into her small red Mini and drive away at an
unaccustomed speed.
I bet it has got something to do with Dad, said David
darkly.
Lucys first stop was five miles away in Cambridge, about
a half a mile from the college where her husband, Charles,
lectured in philosophy. The boutique was well known amongst
the undergraduates for its tarty clothes, and she set about
10

transforming her image with gusto. She was thirty-six with

almost jet black hair, and a figure that any teenager would have
been proud of. Half an hour later, with a large bag of goodies,
she was almost glowing with satisfaction.
Meanwhile, back at home, Rachel had arrived and had
consumed a hearty breakfast, cooked by Jane. Upon being
given Lucys message by David, she suddenly remembered
that she had a most important meeting in Birmingham later
that morning.
Sorry my lovelies, she bleated, must fly. Im sure
Mumsie wont be long. With that, she was off down the
garden path, into her car, and gone in a flash leaving behind a
cloud of exhaust fumes.
Good riddance to bad rubbish, called out Jane quietly.
The twins, both dark with intensely blue eyes, slim and
athletic, stood looking at each other and burst out laughing.
Hey Jane, David chuckled mischievously. You know
what this means, dont you?
What does what mean? she queried.
Well, he continued, Moms gone off for the weekend,
and we are all alone with no one to tell us what to do, or when
to do it.
How can you be so sure?
Come on, he continued, surely you saw her suitcase in
her hand as she went down the drive.
I saw a couple of Dads first editions underneath her
arm, she replied. Then after a few second thoughts, continued,
What would she want those for, do you think?
I havent a clue, concluded her brother, but the fact
remains this is a great opportunity to have a party.
Oh, should we? cautioned Jane.

11