*** Spoiler Alert ***
This scene —or at least, a variation on this—is in the series.
In fact, at the time of writing this post, I'm workng on the book that's going to centre around this plot point, although this scene appears at the end of the third book in the series, called Grave Secrets
It’s kind of a big deal, and definitely a spoiler, so if you don’t want to know, just skip it, all right?
The next post is a mini bonus story that wasn't in the challenge, so you're not missing out, really. I'll even publish it a few minutes after this one, so you don't feel you're missing out.
Wait, you're still reading?!
You really, really want to know how I'm going to mess up Lucas's day in book 4?
Sure?!
Well, all right. You asked for it…
Lost in thought, Lucas pulled his house keys from his pocket, fidgeting with them as he opened the gate and walked up the garden path to his front door.
The man sat on the doorstep looked up.
Keys clattered unnoticed on the flagstones at Lucas saw a face he’s not seen for over ten long years.
‘Dad?’ he whispered. ‘But, but you’re dead. The War—’
Jim Rathbone stood stiffly and chuckled. ‘Not yet, son,’ he said. And it’s a long story. He gestured to the door. ‘Let’s talk about it over a cup of tea, eh?’
Lucas shook his head. ‘But you’re dead,’ he insisted. ‘You never came back from the trenches.’
Jim winced. ‘I’ll tell you everything inside,’ he promised, stepping forward with his hand outstretched. ‘But first, won’t you shake your old man by the hand?’
Still shaking his head, Lucas took a step backwards, eyes wide, breathing fast and shallow, stomach churning.
No, no, it wasn’t possible…
‘Come along,’ said the stern, clipped tones of the ghostly Mrs Bird. She stepped out from behind the bush she’d been eavesdropping behind—although if pressed, she’d doubtless deny any such claims. ‘Is this any way to behave after all this time?’
‘Not now,’ muttered the men in unison, both glancing at the invited spirit.
There was a long, tense pause.
Lucas and Jim stared at each other, replaying the moment to ensure they hadn’t misunderstood what just happened.
‘You—you can see her too?’ stuttered Lucas eventually, his head spinning.
‘Oh Lucas,’ said his dad softly, shaking his head. ‘My poor boy. I’m so very, very sorry.’
Told you it was a biggie!
Don't forget this is a double day on the blog, so go check out the other post as well, which is kinda less day-ruining for my boy!
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