LIGHTS OUT: Book 1: After The Silence by Devon C. Ford

Author:Devon C. Ford [Ford, Devon C.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2022-03-14T16:00:00+00:00

Harper was eventually wrestled out of her layers and calmed down enough to have a drink, but it was clear to Shaun that the girl wasn’t well. Coming down with a fever at such a young age was bad, he knew that, but without any way to call for help if her condition – God forbid – worsened.

“What do you know, Angus?” Shaun asked. As though the subject was a difficult one to answer, Angus limped his way around the end of the bar and stood locked in thought before selecting one of the finer bottles sitting behind the bar. It wasn’t the regular stuff in the big bottles locked into the rack of optics, but the sound of the cork squeaking wetly from the neck made Shaun’s mouth water.

“None for me, thanks,” he said hurriedly, before the man cold pour two glasses and he wouldn’t be able to say no.

It was strange, he realised in that moment, that he hadn’t even thought about taking a drop since everything started to go wrong. It was all he could do most days to keep it limited to one or two beers, let alone uncorking a bottle and knowing he wouldn’t stop until his consciousness fled, or the bottle ran dry.

“Suit yourself,” Angus said happily. He poured himself a modestly small amount and carefully restored the bottle, reaching under the counter again to pull out two small bottles of mixers. Shaun indicated the orange juice with a grateful point and nodded his thanks as the lid was popped off and the bottle handed to him.

Angus lifted the glass slightly, as if contemplating a toast, but simply nodded and took a sip. Shaun drank too, not enjoying the warm juice but feeling as though he needed the sugars and the hydration.

“Let’s see… yesterday, late morning I believe, there was a big flash in the sky and almost everything electrical died a death. That’s about it. People realised their cars were no good, so some folks here waited it out for a few hours before they gave up and started walking home. Not had anyone come back since, so it’s just me here.”

He finished with a shrug as if the simple facts as stated weren’t up to much.

“And before? Did you see any news broadcasts or anything?”

“Sorry, friend, I was ridin’ a lawnmower at the time. Damn thing crapped out on me and left me with a mile and a half of rough to traverse to get back here.”

“Dammit,” Shaun said, eyes cast down into his Britvic orange as he tried to think.

“What about you? I can tell from the lost look you’re no local…”

“Yeah, I… I flew up a few days ago.”

“For the rugby?” Angus asked, smiling. Shaun vaguely recalled a narrow win in favour of the hosts, so no doubt was about to receive some lighthearted teasing as if he cared about such things.

“No, I came to bury my father and deal with his estate.”

Angus’ face dropped like he’d had a sudden stroke and Shaun suspected he might start babbling an apology.

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