Novels by JAMES PRESS

Chapter eight.Brian wasn't bothered with the fact that he was seated at the back. No. He enjoyed the serenity the atmosphere presented him but the first sign of trouble he saw was when he found his good-for-nothing mother-in-law whispering only 'God knows what' to his wife.Yes. His mother-in-law was good, but for-nothing; and Brian had no apologies for calling her that. In fact, he thought she deserved worse.But when he heard Henry Danley rather than Ana Danley, he knew something had gone wrong. And he confirmed it when his eyes caught Ana excusing herself from the hall.Brian quickly followed her.There she was, seated on the stairs and all curled up. Her eyes could not but be teary at the disappointment.A clunking sound, more like a metal hitting a surface, fell on his ears while taking off his jacket, but Brian could not be bothered with anything except the sobbing lady in front of him. She must be cold. He moved and dropped the jacket on her shoulders."Darling, those tears ar

Chapter sevenThree months ago was when it all happened. Yes. Exactly three months, two weeks and six days. Nobody but Brian could remember this, for it was a day he would forever remember.No. Not just a day he would remember but a day that changed the course of his life. And that was something he must deal with."Where to, restaurant boy," came a voice.Brian ignored the voice and continued his quick steps. He didn't even turn either, for he recognize the voice. And soon, he existed the porch of the main villa.Words like this meant nothing to him anymore. He got use to it three months ago. In fact, it became a must if he must survived the harsh environment his marital vows plunged him into.And why shouldn't he?Ethan was the guy who spoke, the guy Ana had ditched. He wasn't just any guy but a rich guy that had vowed to make Brian's life a living hell. And so far, he was doing a pretty good job.Brian let himself into a separate section of two-bedroom apartment where he saw Ana, wh

Chapter sixBrian wasn't left out of the list of surprised people. First, he was asked how he came about the ring; then, an invitation to dinner he almost regretted coming; and now, he was to become a son-in-law?Surprised!But Brian was more than surprised. Everything was happening fast, indeed too fast for him to keep track of. And Mr Danley, the man who dropped the marriage bomb, held the key to his answers.Brian excused himself, shuffling his feet as fast as his twenty-eight years old self could muster. He need to speak to Mr Danley, at least for some clarification. Marriage was the least of his concerns right now. Not with his mom dying at the hospital."Hello sir, hello sir, excuse me," Brian said, trying to put a stop on the man. Despite being sixty-five years old, Mr Danley still had the strength to move quickly. And it was not until he got outside did Brian finally catch up with him.Mr Danley screeched to a halt suddenly, "Yes. Something you want to say?"That question, aga

Chapter five"Where did you get this?"Brian pulled his finger from the seemingly wrinkled grip of the old man sitting across the table.Brian never liked to talk to the customers directly, or serve their orders. That wasn't his duty. He was to make sure that all the customers got what they ordered for, and as fast as possible. But since Jessica and the other workers seemed to have succumbed to the flu, he had no choice.And here was a man, whose face was difficult to put an age on, asking him how he got the ring on his forefinger.Brian had no business answering the question. He had done his job by serving the coffee, and he moved to the next table.The world would have been a better place if people learned to mind their business, at least that's what he thought as he took the next order from two tables away.Few minutes later, Brian was done. He perched his aching ass on a stool to observe the happy customers as they continued their chit chat. Some bunch of happy customers with nowh

Chapter four.Confused.That's what they say when a man can't come to a conclusion among a list of options—not-so-good options by the way.Call it indecision if you like, but none explained the condition of a man who paid his rent five days ago, but came back from work and was denied access into the apartment he paid for.Confused?Hell no.Maybe a stalemate would best explain Brian's condition when he came home and found a chain anchored to his door. A huge padlock hung at its edge.Mr Andrews.His only thought. In fact, they only explanation he found for his plight. No other person in the world would do this but the sixty-five year old retired army captain.Brian kicked, but the century old door wouldn't give in. As far as he could remember, he still owned the place.Once again, he needed an explanation. He reached for his pocket and flipped open the Motorola cell phone. Mr Andrew should better have a good explanation."Hello, Mr Andrews, what's going on?""What do you mean by what'

Chapter threeOne week later.Yes. Exactly one week it was since Brian rid himself of his good-for-nothing girlfriend who was now ex. He could now focus on his work and also got some personal space. So far, the problem was how to raise the the down payment for the surgery.The doctors had made it clear. To pay, or to stop the treatment. No long story.Brian poured himself some coffee and took a few bites from the sandwiches.That was his regular breakfast. He could afford to prepare it during his rush hour.Work.The only thing he thought about as he strolled towards the door. A work that could not afford to take care of his sick mother. Well, he had no choice because he still had to pay his bills.Brian froze when the door swung open.A gray-haired man with some wrinkled face came to sight. The veiny hand became more veiny when the fingers rested on the wooden door frame.Mr Andrews. The least person Brian expected, stood with both arms resting on each side of the door frame.No. Not