Here is the first chapter in the You Write It experiment. Nothing for you to do today except to read it and get a feel for how the story could develop. I will post the second chapter tomorrow, then I shall be looking for your suggestions. If you don't have the faintest idea what I am talking about check out the explanation here.
Chapter 1
It was evenings such as this one that Sarah looked forward to. Her ownership and management of the Riviera Cross Tea Rooms meant that she had very little time to spare, especially since they began staying open for longer hours in order to offer evening meals in addition to their daytime trade. This move had proved to be very popular with both their local trade and the holiday makers, but it did take its toll on Sarah and the rest of the staff.
As Sarah looked across the table at her good friend Pauline, she had a hard time believing that just three short years ago Pauline had been the employer and Sarah the employee. When Pauline had needed to undergo major surgery, her doctor advised her that to continue the stressful running of a business full time could be tantamount to committing suicide. Although Pauline was sure he was exaggerating, she got the point. However, Pauline loved her business that she had dedicated most of her life to and was determined not to see it fall into careless hands.
A few months before this Sarah had received a sizable sum as a reward for her part in locating a hoard of stolen diamonds, so after discussions with Pauline a deal was struck and Sarah Maddison became the proud new owner of the Riviera Cross Tea Rooms.
Although their roles had reversed, the two had remained firm friends and enjoyed nothing more than catching up with each other over a good meal. Tonight it was the turn of the Grand Harbour Hotel in Totnes to attract their custom. They had already finished their starter and were awaiting the arrival of the main course when Pauline told Sarah of her plans for the future.
“I know it made perfect sense for me to sell you the Tea Rooms after my operation, but even now, after three years, I still miss the sense of having a purpose to my life. It might sound idyllic to have nothing to do all day, but when you have been accustomed to being busy all the time, it can come as quite a shock. Instead of having my day mapped out before me when I get up in the morning, I find myself wondering what I can do all day to pass the time. My doctor won’t allow me to take on anything too strenuous so my choices really are limited.”
“Yes, I can understand how you feel. I don’t know what I’d do if I didn’t have the business to run. I’d be really lost. I might have an idea to help keep you occupied, but is there anything else that you are considering?”
“Yes there is. I have in mind starting a support group for women in the village. That recent story of the poor woman who has been suffering abuse from her husband for several years prompted the idea. There is nowhere locally for women like her to go where they can receive help, so I thought I would sound out the idea with the local authorities. I’m sure they could point me in the right direction where I could get support to start the group. That should keep me occupied for a few days each month without causing me too much stress and give some sort of purpose back to my life. What do you think?”
“That sounds like a great idea. It would give some direction to your life and serve the community well. I think you should go ahead with your plan. If there is anything I can do to help just let me know.”
“So, what else did you have in mind for me?”
“Well, as you know, the Tea Rooms go from strength to strength and we don’t seem to be able to put a foot wrong at the moment. However, there are only so many hours in the day and I do seem to be getting stretched a bit thinly just lately. I know you wouldn’t be able to handle any work in the cafe, and I wouldn’t ask you to. Not only would it be too strenuous for you, but it just wouldn’t seem right for you to work there when you used to own it. No, what I’ve got in mind involves something else. The one thing that gets to me is the bookwork that needs to be done on a daily basis to keep the records straight. As you used to run the place you are the ideal candidate to take over the bookwork for me and spare me the chore of keeping it all up-to-date and keep the accountant happy. You don’t need to give me an answer now, but think about it and get back to me when you decide what you want to do.”
By this time their main course had arrived and they tucked in to the excellent food that the chef had prepared for them. He was well aware of the business they were involved in and always put in that little bit of extra effort for Sarah and Pauline, two of his favourite customers.
In no time at all they had finished their meal, enjoyed their coffee and returned to Sarah’s car for the short journey home. As the car ate up the miles they were chatting and laughing, but that died suddenly when Sarah thought she saw someone disappearing into a wheat field just as they are entering Riviera Cross.
“Did you see that Pauline? I could have sworn someone just vanished into that wheat field.”
“No, I didn’t see anything. It was probably just a trick of the light from the headlights made you think you saw someone.”
Not happy with that explanation, Sarah stopped the car in the field gateway and got out. Although it was dark, she tried very hard to see past the darkness, but couldn’t see anything moving at all. Being unable to let it rest there, Sarah decided to take a look in the field to make sure.
“Can you pass me the torch out of the glove box please Pauline. I’m going to take a quick look in the field.”
“You’ve got me worried now. Perhaps it would be best if we carried on home and then had a look tomorrow when it is light.”
“No. There could be someone in trouble out there and, if that is the case, I would never forgive myself if I could have helped them but didn’t.”
“Well go careful then if you are going to insist on this recklessness.”
With Pauline’s warning sounding in her ears, Sarah entered the wheat field. As it was close to harvest time the wheat was standing at its tallest, making little whispering sounds as it moved in the gentle breeze. As she walked through the field, zigzagging to cover as much of the field as possible, Sarah called out to see if there was anyone in there who could hear her. Although she didn’t receive any answer, she continued to search by the light of her torch.
Finally, just as she was about to give up, concluding that perhaps Pauline’s assumption had been correct, she kicked something on the ground as she was walking along. She was just able to save herself from tripping up and shone her torch down to see what it was she had stumbled upon. Sure enough, she saw the body of a woman laying face up on the ground. It took all her self control not to scream, but her discovery, although not unexpected, still came as a surprise.
The woman was wearing a dark coloured track suit and white trainers. Sarah was afraid to actually touch the body as it appeared to be totally lifeless, but she couldn’t help but wonder how the woman got out there and what she was doing. She looked as though she may have been out jogging, but at this time of night, in the dark? Perhaps she fell ill or had a heart attack, but why head into the field instead of out onto the road to get help? It just didn’t make any sense.
When she looked up she could just see over the top of the wheat and noticed that she was not too far from the car despite having been searching for what seemed to be a long time. Making a mental note of where the woman was in relation to the car, Sarah returned to tell Pauline what she had found.
Pauline immediately got her ‘phone out of her bag and rang for the police and an ambulance. She informed Sarah that they expected to arrive in less than ten minutes.
“I’m going back to take another quick look at the woman before the police get here and take over,” Sarah tells Pauline as she gets her camera out of the glove box.
Pauline told her she’s crazy, but Sarah just smiled at her and said she’d be back in a couple of minutes. She just wanted to get a couple of shots of the body before it was removed.
Returning to the spot where she found the body, Sarah was astounded to find the body gone. This made her wonder if perhaps the woman wasn’t dead after all and had got up and moved away. Or perhaps there was someone else around who moved the body, not wanting it to be found. Thoroughly shaken by the whole event, Sarah returned to the car and told Pauline what had happened.
Despite herself, Sarah couldn’t help but feel a little thrill run through her, the like of which she hadn’t known since she and Darren investigated a similar happening three years ago.
Where had the woman gone?
If I see someone disappearing in a field of any sort at night, I won't even give it a second look. Why would anyone stop and get out of the car? Sarah is out of her mind. She could now be the target of a serial killer who's going to play mind games with her for days before attacking her and her suffering the same fate as the female jogger.
Remember, if you are contributing, then her fate could be in your hands.