Rat trap

“What makes you think she would want anyone to know where she is?”

“That’s not the point, son. Her parents are worried about her. She dropped out of college and ran off to be with this lot. She’s screwing up her life.”

This was a subject close to my heart, and I had another drink.

“Her life. We’re not all meant to join the rat race.”

“Oh, I just love teenage angst. I wanted to change the world too, in my younger days. Believe me, it doesn’t always turn out the way you planned.”

“Life’s not a rehearsal. If she wants to get out there and live while she still can, who are you to interfere?”

“I’m the guy buying the beers.” And he pushed another one towards me. “I’m the guy prepared to pay a grand for the information I’m looking for.”

Being terminally unemployed, and living from day to day on the streets of Johannesburg, this was a tempting offer. What I would actually do with the money, I had no idea. But first things first.

“So, assuming I’m interested, where do we go from here?”

“I’ll get you a picture. I just need to know if she’s there, if she seems happy or if she’s there against her will, is she healthy, that kind of thing. Just a quick in and out.”

Extract from Burning Roses, a decadent tale of sex, drugs, rock n roll & magick, set in the clubs and bars of 1980s Johannesburg. Available on Amazon.

Or in paperback from Curiosity in Pretoria, and The Real Mackay in Blairgowrie.

And throughout the festive season, you’ll also find my books at Chameleon Village in Hartebeespoort, at The Alternative Geeks Artist Alley, running from the 14th of December to the 12th of January. They’ll be sharing a table with a handful of other local authors’ books.

Or grab a festive copy of Dancing in Valhalla, or Tales from the Crying Room, both free today on Amazon.

Catch Burning Roses free on the Smashwords End of Year Sale.

If you narrowly miss the free period for whatever reason – or if Amazon cancels the free day because it’s decided to promote these books itself – give me a shout and I’ll tell you where to download a (temporarily) free copy.

Till next time.

Cheers.