I\u2019m delighted to share an extract from A Stolen Future. Although this is the 4th book in the series it\u2019s a complete story and can be read as a standalone. The book is due for publication on 1st April 2025 in all formats.<\/h3>\n
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Some days are simply golden, and this turns out to be one of them. By some glorious serendipity, the stars have aligned. Or, more likely, the checks by the police the previous day have expedited matters. Which means I am outside in the car park when Rex arrives in his mother\u2019s car late the next morning, his mother in the driver\u2019s seat. I sign the docket on the clipboard handed to me by the flatbed truck driver and give it back to him. His colleague has already wrapped the towing chains around the front wheels of Rex\u2019s BMW and is hauling it up the ramp and onto the back of the flatbed. Unfortunately for Rex, this action has drawn a crowd as everyone has come out to watch the spectacle.<\/h4>\n\u2018Hey, stop!\u2019 Rex, panicked, leaves the car door open and runs across to the driver. \u2018What are you doing with my car?\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018Been repossessed, mate,\u2019 the driver says, before heading back to the cab.<\/h4>\n\u2018Don\u2019t be ridiculous. And don\u2019t \u201cmate\u201d me. Unload it right now.\u2019 Etched into every word is his entitlement, as is his public school accent.<\/h4>\n\u2018Can\u2019t do that, sir<\/i>.\u2019 He opens the door and makes to climb in.<\/h4>\nRex turns to me. \u2018What do they mean, repossessed?\u2019<\/h4>\nAbigail, immaculate as ever in a sky blue shift dress and jacket along with the obligatory matching heels, joins us on the pavement. \u2018What\u2019s going on?\u2019<\/h4>\nI am happy to provide a summary. \u2018According to their paperwork, Rex has been driving uninsured. The lender has obtained a court order and now they\u2019re taking the car back as he\u2019s breached their conditions.\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018There\u2019s obviously been a mistake,\u2019 Abigail says, because naturally her son can\u2019t possibly have done anything wrong, \u2018anyway,\u2019 and she pounces on an opportunity to lay the blame, \u2018don\u2019t you deal with all that?\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018I used to but Rex prefers to do it himself nowadays, said my work was, what was it, Rex? That\u2019s it, \u201cshoddy\u201d, because apparently he didn\u2019t like the company I\u2019d insured him with.\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018But I did it, I did sort it out, I haven\u2019t been driving uninsured.\u2019 Despite coming across as though he is a spoilt child, he sounds convincing enough, although then he frowns as if second-guessing himself. \u2018No, it must be some mistake. I\u2019ll go in and sort it out.\u2019 He almost turns towards the office, but then gazes longingly back at his car, his arms outstretched, as if he can\u2019t quite bring himself to leave it. \u2018My car\u2026\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018There\u2019s little you can do about it now,\u2019 I say rather callously then, distracted, add, \u2018Oh, the police are here.\u2019 This refocuses Rex on the possibility of preventing the imminent departure of his beloved car.<\/h4>\n\u2018Good, perhaps they can stop these thieving bastards.\u2019 As he walks off towards the officers, every employee remains solidly in place, no one keen to miss the next part of the drama.<\/h4>\nAbigail leans in closer and says, \u2018What have you done?\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018Nothing,\u2019 I say, and I meet her raptor eyes without hesitation before I add, \u2018and I\u2019m offended you would think I had.\u2019<\/h4>\nRex is gesticulating wildly towards his car, in case the officers can\u2019t see it. \u2018Do something. My car\u2019s being stolen and I need you to stop them.\u2019<\/h4>\nThe older of the two, with barely a tilt of his head, sends the other off to the cab to speak to the driver. He is handed the clipboard, and all eyes are on him as he checks through the paperwork. Apparently satisfied, he hands the clipboard back through the window, shakes his head at his partner, and the engine of the flatbed starts. There is a jolt as it pulls away. All present pause as if in suspended animation in anticipation of Rex actually shedding tears as we watch his pride and joy being carried off across the car park.<\/h4>\nThe younger officer re-joins the group, breaking the moment as he says, \u2018He\u2019s not insured. His lender has repossessed.\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018Oh dear, oh dear, that\u2019s not a good start. In fact, that\u2019s serious, that is. Six points on your licence and a minimum three-hundred-pound fine, and, as you\u2019ve seen, your vehicle can be taken away. If <\/i>you were the owner, it could even be destroyed.\u2019 I can\u2019t speak for everyone present, but I thoroughly enjoy how much the older officer appears to relish imparting this information.<\/h4>\n\u2018Destroyed!\u2019 Rex repeats, his voice strained, his eyes wide with disbelief. \u2018Can\u2019t you stop them?\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018Stop them? Oh no. If your lender hadn\u2019t been about to repossess, we would have done so. And what I mentioned before, it\u2019s only the start. If you get taken to court, which in this case you may well be, the fine can be unlimited and you may even get disqualified from driving. Although,\u2019 and he hesitates, \u2018I understand that could be something you\u2019re facing, anyway.\u2019 I can barely keep the smile from my face as the officer tuts quite distinctly. \u2018Do you want to know which section of the Road Traffic Act you\u2019ve violated?\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018No, I bloody don\u2019t! Fucking useless, the lot of you!\u2019 His mother places a restraining hand on his forearm, but he throws it off as he rounds on the officers. \u2018What are you even doing here, anyway?\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018We\u2019ve received a report of a burglary?\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018What! That was on Sunday! And you\u2019re only here now?\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018The thieves had already left the premises when it was reported to us, sir, so it was not an emergency.\u2019 I can sense Rex\u2019s anger is swiftly reaching boiling point and am relieved when Eddie Lumbers steps forward.<\/h4>\n\u2018I can deal with this. Please come this way.\u2019 He indicates towards the gateway to the side of the office block. \u2018I can show you what\u2019s happened. I\u2019ve also sorted out a copy of the CCTV for you.\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018Thank you,\u2019 the older officer smiles and the three men take the route round to the backyard.<\/h4>\n
\u2018Been repossessed, mate,\u2019 the driver says, before heading back to the cab.<\/h4>\n\u2018Don\u2019t be ridiculous. And don\u2019t \u201cmate\u201d me. Unload it right now.\u2019 Etched into every word is his entitlement, as is his public school accent.<\/h4>\n\u2018Can\u2019t do that, sir<\/i>.\u2019 He opens the door and makes to climb in.<\/h4>\nRex turns to me. \u2018What do they mean, repossessed?\u2019<\/h4>\nAbigail, immaculate as ever in a sky blue shift dress and jacket along with the obligatory matching heels, joins us on the pavement. \u2018What\u2019s going on?\u2019<\/h4>\nI am happy to provide a summary. \u2018According to their paperwork, Rex has been driving uninsured. The lender has obtained a court order and now they\u2019re taking the car back as he\u2019s breached their conditions.\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018There\u2019s obviously been a mistake,\u2019 Abigail says, because naturally her son can\u2019t possibly have done anything wrong, \u2018anyway,\u2019 and she pounces on an opportunity to lay the blame, \u2018don\u2019t you deal with all that?\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018I used to but Rex prefers to do it himself nowadays, said my work was, what was it, Rex? That\u2019s it, \u201cshoddy\u201d, because apparently he didn\u2019t like the company I\u2019d insured him with.\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018But I did it, I did sort it out, I haven\u2019t been driving uninsured.\u2019 Despite coming across as though he is a spoilt child, he sounds convincing enough, although then he frowns as if second-guessing himself. \u2018No, it must be some mistake. I\u2019ll go in and sort it out.\u2019 He almost turns towards the office, but then gazes longingly back at his car, his arms outstretched, as if he can\u2019t quite bring himself to leave it. \u2018My car\u2026\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018There\u2019s little you can do about it now,\u2019 I say rather callously then, distracted, add, \u2018Oh, the police are here.\u2019 This refocuses Rex on the possibility of preventing the imminent departure of his beloved car.<\/h4>\n\u2018Good, perhaps they can stop these thieving bastards.\u2019 As he walks off towards the officers, every employee remains solidly in place, no one keen to miss the next part of the drama.<\/h4>\nAbigail leans in closer and says, \u2018What have you done?\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018Nothing,\u2019 I say, and I meet her raptor eyes without hesitation before I add, \u2018and I\u2019m offended you would think I had.\u2019<\/h4>\nRex is gesticulating wildly towards his car, in case the officers can\u2019t see it. \u2018Do something. My car\u2019s being stolen and I need you to stop them.\u2019<\/h4>\nThe older of the two, with barely a tilt of his head, sends the other off to the cab to speak to the driver. He is handed the clipboard, and all eyes are on him as he checks through the paperwork. Apparently satisfied, he hands the clipboard back through the window, shakes his head at his partner, and the engine of the flatbed starts. There is a jolt as it pulls away. All present pause as if in suspended animation in anticipation of Rex actually shedding tears as we watch his pride and joy being carried off across the car park.<\/h4>\nThe younger officer re-joins the group, breaking the moment as he says, \u2018He\u2019s not insured. His lender has repossessed.\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018Oh dear, oh dear, that\u2019s not a good start. In fact, that\u2019s serious, that is. Six points on your licence and a minimum three-hundred-pound fine, and, as you\u2019ve seen, your vehicle can be taken away. If <\/i>you were the owner, it could even be destroyed.\u2019 I can\u2019t speak for everyone present, but I thoroughly enjoy how much the older officer appears to relish imparting this information.<\/h4>\n\u2018Destroyed!\u2019 Rex repeats, his voice strained, his eyes wide with disbelief. \u2018Can\u2019t you stop them?\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018Stop them? Oh no. If your lender hadn\u2019t been about to repossess, we would have done so. And what I mentioned before, it\u2019s only the start. If you get taken to court, which in this case you may well be, the fine can be unlimited and you may even get disqualified from driving. Although,\u2019 and he hesitates, \u2018I understand that could be something you\u2019re facing, anyway.\u2019 I can barely keep the smile from my face as the officer tuts quite distinctly. \u2018Do you want to know which section of the Road Traffic Act you\u2019ve violated?\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018No, I bloody don\u2019t! Fucking useless, the lot of you!\u2019 His mother places a restraining hand on his forearm, but he throws it off as he rounds on the officers. \u2018What are you even doing here, anyway?\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018We\u2019ve received a report of a burglary?\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018What! That was on Sunday! And you\u2019re only here now?\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018The thieves had already left the premises when it was reported to us, sir, so it was not an emergency.\u2019 I can sense Rex\u2019s anger is swiftly reaching boiling point and am relieved when Eddie Lumbers steps forward.<\/h4>\n\u2018I can deal with this. Please come this way.\u2019 He indicates towards the gateway to the side of the office block. \u2018I can show you what\u2019s happened. I\u2019ve also sorted out a copy of the CCTV for you.\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018Thank you,\u2019 the older officer smiles and the three men take the route round to the backyard.<\/h4>\n
\u2018Can\u2019t do that, sir<\/i>.\u2019 He opens the door and makes to climb in.<\/h4>\nRex turns to me. \u2018What do they mean, repossessed?\u2019<\/h4>\nAbigail, immaculate as ever in a sky blue shift dress and jacket along with the obligatory matching heels, joins us on the pavement. \u2018What\u2019s going on?\u2019<\/h4>\nI am happy to provide a summary. \u2018According to their paperwork, Rex has been driving uninsured. The lender has obtained a court order and now they\u2019re taking the car back as he\u2019s breached their conditions.\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018There\u2019s obviously been a mistake,\u2019 Abigail says, because naturally her son can\u2019t possibly have done anything wrong, \u2018anyway,\u2019 and she pounces on an opportunity to lay the blame, \u2018don\u2019t you deal with all that?\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018I used to but Rex prefers to do it himself nowadays, said my work was, what was it, Rex? That\u2019s it, \u201cshoddy\u201d, because apparently he didn\u2019t like the company I\u2019d insured him with.\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018But I did it, I did sort it out, I haven\u2019t been driving uninsured.\u2019 Despite coming across as though he is a spoilt child, he sounds convincing enough, although then he frowns as if second-guessing himself. \u2018No, it must be some mistake. I\u2019ll go in and sort it out.\u2019 He almost turns towards the office, but then gazes longingly back at his car, his arms outstretched, as if he can\u2019t quite bring himself to leave it. \u2018My car\u2026\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018There\u2019s little you can do about it now,\u2019 I say rather callously then, distracted, add, \u2018Oh, the police are here.\u2019 This refocuses Rex on the possibility of preventing the imminent departure of his beloved car.<\/h4>\n\u2018Good, perhaps they can stop these thieving bastards.\u2019 As he walks off towards the officers, every employee remains solidly in place, no one keen to miss the next part of the drama.<\/h4>\nAbigail leans in closer and says, \u2018What have you done?\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018Nothing,\u2019 I say, and I meet her raptor eyes without hesitation before I add, \u2018and I\u2019m offended you would think I had.\u2019<\/h4>\nRex is gesticulating wildly towards his car, in case the officers can\u2019t see it. \u2018Do something. My car\u2019s being stolen and I need you to stop them.\u2019<\/h4>\nThe older of the two, with barely a tilt of his head, sends the other off to the cab to speak to the driver. He is handed the clipboard, and all eyes are on him as he checks through the paperwork. Apparently satisfied, he hands the clipboard back through the window, shakes his head at his partner, and the engine of the flatbed starts. There is a jolt as it pulls away. All present pause as if in suspended animation in anticipation of Rex actually shedding tears as we watch his pride and joy being carried off across the car park.<\/h4>\nThe younger officer re-joins the group, breaking the moment as he says, \u2018He\u2019s not insured. His lender has repossessed.\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018Oh dear, oh dear, that\u2019s not a good start. In fact, that\u2019s serious, that is. Six points on your licence and a minimum three-hundred-pound fine, and, as you\u2019ve seen, your vehicle can be taken away. If <\/i>you were the owner, it could even be destroyed.\u2019 I can\u2019t speak for everyone present, but I thoroughly enjoy how much the older officer appears to relish imparting this information.<\/h4>\n\u2018Destroyed!\u2019 Rex repeats, his voice strained, his eyes wide with disbelief. \u2018Can\u2019t you stop them?\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018Stop them? Oh no. If your lender hadn\u2019t been about to repossess, we would have done so. And what I mentioned before, it\u2019s only the start. If you get taken to court, which in this case you may well be, the fine can be unlimited and you may even get disqualified from driving. Although,\u2019 and he hesitates, \u2018I understand that could be something you\u2019re facing, anyway.\u2019 I can barely keep the smile from my face as the officer tuts quite distinctly. \u2018Do you want to know which section of the Road Traffic Act you\u2019ve violated?\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018No, I bloody don\u2019t! Fucking useless, the lot of you!\u2019 His mother places a restraining hand on his forearm, but he throws it off as he rounds on the officers. \u2018What are you even doing here, anyway?\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018We\u2019ve received a report of a burglary?\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018What! That was on Sunday! And you\u2019re only here now?\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018The thieves had already left the premises when it was reported to us, sir, so it was not an emergency.\u2019 I can sense Rex\u2019s anger is swiftly reaching boiling point and am relieved when Eddie Lumbers steps forward.<\/h4>\n\u2018I can deal with this. Please come this way.\u2019 He indicates towards the gateway to the side of the office block. \u2018I can show you what\u2019s happened. I\u2019ve also sorted out a copy of the CCTV for you.\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018Thank you,\u2019 the older officer smiles and the three men take the route round to the backyard.<\/h4>\n
Abigail, immaculate as ever in a sky blue shift dress and jacket along with the obligatory matching heels, joins us on the pavement. \u2018What\u2019s going on?\u2019<\/h4>\nI am happy to provide a summary. \u2018According to their paperwork, Rex has been driving uninsured. The lender has obtained a court order and now they\u2019re taking the car back as he\u2019s breached their conditions.\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018There\u2019s obviously been a mistake,\u2019 Abigail says, because naturally her son can\u2019t possibly have done anything wrong, \u2018anyway,\u2019 and she pounces on an opportunity to lay the blame, \u2018don\u2019t you deal with all that?\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018I used to but Rex prefers to do it himself nowadays, said my work was, what was it, Rex? That\u2019s it, \u201cshoddy\u201d, because apparently he didn\u2019t like the company I\u2019d insured him with.\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018But I did it, I did sort it out, I haven\u2019t been driving uninsured.\u2019 Despite coming across as though he is a spoilt child, he sounds convincing enough, although then he frowns as if second-guessing himself. \u2018No, it must be some mistake. I\u2019ll go in and sort it out.\u2019 He almost turns towards the office, but then gazes longingly back at his car, his arms outstretched, as if he can\u2019t quite bring himself to leave it. \u2018My car\u2026\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018There\u2019s little you can do about it now,\u2019 I say rather callously then, distracted, add, \u2018Oh, the police are here.\u2019 This refocuses Rex on the possibility of preventing the imminent departure of his beloved car.<\/h4>\n\u2018Good, perhaps they can stop these thieving bastards.\u2019 As he walks off towards the officers, every employee remains solidly in place, no one keen to miss the next part of the drama.<\/h4>\nAbigail leans in closer and says, \u2018What have you done?\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018Nothing,\u2019 I say, and I meet her raptor eyes without hesitation before I add, \u2018and I\u2019m offended you would think I had.\u2019<\/h4>\nRex is gesticulating wildly towards his car, in case the officers can\u2019t see it. \u2018Do something. My car\u2019s being stolen and I need you to stop them.\u2019<\/h4>\nThe older of the two, with barely a tilt of his head, sends the other off to the cab to speak to the driver. He is handed the clipboard, and all eyes are on him as he checks through the paperwork. Apparently satisfied, he hands the clipboard back through the window, shakes his head at his partner, and the engine of the flatbed starts. There is a jolt as it pulls away. All present pause as if in suspended animation in anticipation of Rex actually shedding tears as we watch his pride and joy being carried off across the car park.<\/h4>\nThe younger officer re-joins the group, breaking the moment as he says, \u2018He\u2019s not insured. His lender has repossessed.\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018Oh dear, oh dear, that\u2019s not a good start. In fact, that\u2019s serious, that is. Six points on your licence and a minimum three-hundred-pound fine, and, as you\u2019ve seen, your vehicle can be taken away. If <\/i>you were the owner, it could even be destroyed.\u2019 I can\u2019t speak for everyone present, but I thoroughly enjoy how much the older officer appears to relish imparting this information.<\/h4>\n\u2018Destroyed!\u2019 Rex repeats, his voice strained, his eyes wide with disbelief. \u2018Can\u2019t you stop them?\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018Stop them? Oh no. If your lender hadn\u2019t been about to repossess, we would have done so. And what I mentioned before, it\u2019s only the start. If you get taken to court, which in this case you may well be, the fine can be unlimited and you may even get disqualified from driving. Although,\u2019 and he hesitates, \u2018I understand that could be something you\u2019re facing, anyway.\u2019 I can barely keep the smile from my face as the officer tuts quite distinctly. \u2018Do you want to know which section of the Road Traffic Act you\u2019ve violated?\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018No, I bloody don\u2019t! Fucking useless, the lot of you!\u2019 His mother places a restraining hand on his forearm, but he throws it off as he rounds on the officers. \u2018What are you even doing here, anyway?\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018We\u2019ve received a report of a burglary?\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018What! That was on Sunday! And you\u2019re only here now?\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018The thieves had already left the premises when it was reported to us, sir, so it was not an emergency.\u2019 I can sense Rex\u2019s anger is swiftly reaching boiling point and am relieved when Eddie Lumbers steps forward.<\/h4>\n\u2018I can deal with this. Please come this way.\u2019 He indicates towards the gateway to the side of the office block. \u2018I can show you what\u2019s happened. I\u2019ve also sorted out a copy of the CCTV for you.\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018Thank you,\u2019 the older officer smiles and the three men take the route round to the backyard.<\/h4>\n
\u2018There\u2019s obviously been a mistake,\u2019 Abigail says, because naturally her son can\u2019t possibly have done anything wrong, \u2018anyway,\u2019 and she pounces on an opportunity to lay the blame, \u2018don\u2019t you deal with all that?\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018I used to but Rex prefers to do it himself nowadays, said my work was, what was it, Rex? That\u2019s it, \u201cshoddy\u201d, because apparently he didn\u2019t like the company I\u2019d insured him with.\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018But I did it, I did sort it out, I haven\u2019t been driving uninsured.\u2019 Despite coming across as though he is a spoilt child, he sounds convincing enough, although then he frowns as if second-guessing himself. \u2018No, it must be some mistake. I\u2019ll go in and sort it out.\u2019 He almost turns towards the office, but then gazes longingly back at his car, his arms outstretched, as if he can\u2019t quite bring himself to leave it. \u2018My car\u2026\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018There\u2019s little you can do about it now,\u2019 I say rather callously then, distracted, add, \u2018Oh, the police are here.\u2019 This refocuses Rex on the possibility of preventing the imminent departure of his beloved car.<\/h4>\n\u2018Good, perhaps they can stop these thieving bastards.\u2019 As he walks off towards the officers, every employee remains solidly in place, no one keen to miss the next part of the drama.<\/h4>\nAbigail leans in closer and says, \u2018What have you done?\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018Nothing,\u2019 I say, and I meet her raptor eyes without hesitation before I add, \u2018and I\u2019m offended you would think I had.\u2019<\/h4>\nRex is gesticulating wildly towards his car, in case the officers can\u2019t see it. \u2018Do something. My car\u2019s being stolen and I need you to stop them.\u2019<\/h4>\nThe older of the two, with barely a tilt of his head, sends the other off to the cab to speak to the driver. He is handed the clipboard, and all eyes are on him as he checks through the paperwork. Apparently satisfied, he hands the clipboard back through the window, shakes his head at his partner, and the engine of the flatbed starts. There is a jolt as it pulls away. All present pause as if in suspended animation in anticipation of Rex actually shedding tears as we watch his pride and joy being carried off across the car park.<\/h4>\nThe younger officer re-joins the group, breaking the moment as he says, \u2018He\u2019s not insured. His lender has repossessed.\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018Oh dear, oh dear, that\u2019s not a good start. In fact, that\u2019s serious, that is. Six points on your licence and a minimum three-hundred-pound fine, and, as you\u2019ve seen, your vehicle can be taken away. If <\/i>you were the owner, it could even be destroyed.\u2019 I can\u2019t speak for everyone present, but I thoroughly enjoy how much the older officer appears to relish imparting this information.<\/h4>\n\u2018Destroyed!\u2019 Rex repeats, his voice strained, his eyes wide with disbelief. \u2018Can\u2019t you stop them?\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018Stop them? Oh no. If your lender hadn\u2019t been about to repossess, we would have done so. And what I mentioned before, it\u2019s only the start. If you get taken to court, which in this case you may well be, the fine can be unlimited and you may even get disqualified from driving. Although,\u2019 and he hesitates, \u2018I understand that could be something you\u2019re facing, anyway.\u2019 I can barely keep the smile from my face as the officer tuts quite distinctly. \u2018Do you want to know which section of the Road Traffic Act you\u2019ve violated?\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018No, I bloody don\u2019t! Fucking useless, the lot of you!\u2019 His mother places a restraining hand on his forearm, but he throws it off as he rounds on the officers. \u2018What are you even doing here, anyway?\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018We\u2019ve received a report of a burglary?\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018What! That was on Sunday! And you\u2019re only here now?\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018The thieves had already left the premises when it was reported to us, sir, so it was not an emergency.\u2019 I can sense Rex\u2019s anger is swiftly reaching boiling point and am relieved when Eddie Lumbers steps forward.<\/h4>\n\u2018I can deal with this. Please come this way.\u2019 He indicates towards the gateway to the side of the office block. \u2018I can show you what\u2019s happened. I\u2019ve also sorted out a copy of the CCTV for you.\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018Thank you,\u2019 the older officer smiles and the three men take the route round to the backyard.<\/h4>\n
\u2018But I did it, I did sort it out, I haven\u2019t been driving uninsured.\u2019 Despite coming across as though he is a spoilt child, he sounds convincing enough, although then he frowns as if second-guessing himself. \u2018No, it must be some mistake. I\u2019ll go in and sort it out.\u2019 He almost turns towards the office, but then gazes longingly back at his car, his arms outstretched, as if he can\u2019t quite bring himself to leave it. \u2018My car\u2026\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018There\u2019s little you can do about it now,\u2019 I say rather callously then, distracted, add, \u2018Oh, the police are here.\u2019 This refocuses Rex on the possibility of preventing the imminent departure of his beloved car.<\/h4>\n\u2018Good, perhaps they can stop these thieving bastards.\u2019 As he walks off towards the officers, every employee remains solidly in place, no one keen to miss the next part of the drama.<\/h4>\nAbigail leans in closer and says, \u2018What have you done?\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018Nothing,\u2019 I say, and I meet her raptor eyes without hesitation before I add, \u2018and I\u2019m offended you would think I had.\u2019<\/h4>\nRex is gesticulating wildly towards his car, in case the officers can\u2019t see it. \u2018Do something. My car\u2019s being stolen and I need you to stop them.\u2019<\/h4>\nThe older of the two, with barely a tilt of his head, sends the other off to the cab to speak to the driver. He is handed the clipboard, and all eyes are on him as he checks through the paperwork. Apparently satisfied, he hands the clipboard back through the window, shakes his head at his partner, and the engine of the flatbed starts. There is a jolt as it pulls away. All present pause as if in suspended animation in anticipation of Rex actually shedding tears as we watch his pride and joy being carried off across the car park.<\/h4>\nThe younger officer re-joins the group, breaking the moment as he says, \u2018He\u2019s not insured. His lender has repossessed.\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018Oh dear, oh dear, that\u2019s not a good start. In fact, that\u2019s serious, that is. Six points on your licence and a minimum three-hundred-pound fine, and, as you\u2019ve seen, your vehicle can be taken away. If <\/i>you were the owner, it could even be destroyed.\u2019 I can\u2019t speak for everyone present, but I thoroughly enjoy how much the older officer appears to relish imparting this information.<\/h4>\n\u2018Destroyed!\u2019 Rex repeats, his voice strained, his eyes wide with disbelief. \u2018Can\u2019t you stop them?\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018Stop them? Oh no. If your lender hadn\u2019t been about to repossess, we would have done so. And what I mentioned before, it\u2019s only the start. If you get taken to court, which in this case you may well be, the fine can be unlimited and you may even get disqualified from driving. Although,\u2019 and he hesitates, \u2018I understand that could be something you\u2019re facing, anyway.\u2019 I can barely keep the smile from my face as the officer tuts quite distinctly. \u2018Do you want to know which section of the Road Traffic Act you\u2019ve violated?\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018No, I bloody don\u2019t! Fucking useless, the lot of you!\u2019 His mother places a restraining hand on his forearm, but he throws it off as he rounds on the officers. \u2018What are you even doing here, anyway?\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018We\u2019ve received a report of a burglary?\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018What! That was on Sunday! And you\u2019re only here now?\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018The thieves had already left the premises when it was reported to us, sir, so it was not an emergency.\u2019 I can sense Rex\u2019s anger is swiftly reaching boiling point and am relieved when Eddie Lumbers steps forward.<\/h4>\n\u2018I can deal with this. Please come this way.\u2019 He indicates towards the gateway to the side of the office block. \u2018I can show you what\u2019s happened. I\u2019ve also sorted out a copy of the CCTV for you.\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018Thank you,\u2019 the older officer smiles and the three men take the route round to the backyard.<\/h4>\n
\u2018Good, perhaps they can stop these thieving bastards.\u2019 As he walks off towards the officers, every employee remains solidly in place, no one keen to miss the next part of the drama.<\/h4>\nAbigail leans in closer and says, \u2018What have you done?\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018Nothing,\u2019 I say, and I meet her raptor eyes without hesitation before I add, \u2018and I\u2019m offended you would think I had.\u2019<\/h4>\nRex is gesticulating wildly towards his car, in case the officers can\u2019t see it. \u2018Do something. My car\u2019s being stolen and I need you to stop them.\u2019<\/h4>\nThe older of the two, with barely a tilt of his head, sends the other off to the cab to speak to the driver. He is handed the clipboard, and all eyes are on him as he checks through the paperwork. Apparently satisfied, he hands the clipboard back through the window, shakes his head at his partner, and the engine of the flatbed starts. There is a jolt as it pulls away. All present pause as if in suspended animation in anticipation of Rex actually shedding tears as we watch his pride and joy being carried off across the car park.<\/h4>\nThe younger officer re-joins the group, breaking the moment as he says, \u2018He\u2019s not insured. His lender has repossessed.\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018Oh dear, oh dear, that\u2019s not a good start. In fact, that\u2019s serious, that is. Six points on your licence and a minimum three-hundred-pound fine, and, as you\u2019ve seen, your vehicle can be taken away. If <\/i>you were the owner, it could even be destroyed.\u2019 I can\u2019t speak for everyone present, but I thoroughly enjoy how much the older officer appears to relish imparting this information.<\/h4>\n\u2018Destroyed!\u2019 Rex repeats, his voice strained, his eyes wide with disbelief. \u2018Can\u2019t you stop them?\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018Stop them? Oh no. If your lender hadn\u2019t been about to repossess, we would have done so. And what I mentioned before, it\u2019s only the start. If you get taken to court, which in this case you may well be, the fine can be unlimited and you may even get disqualified from driving. Although,\u2019 and he hesitates, \u2018I understand that could be something you\u2019re facing, anyway.\u2019 I can barely keep the smile from my face as the officer tuts quite distinctly. \u2018Do you want to know which section of the Road Traffic Act you\u2019ve violated?\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018No, I bloody don\u2019t! Fucking useless, the lot of you!\u2019 His mother places a restraining hand on his forearm, but he throws it off as he rounds on the officers. \u2018What are you even doing here, anyway?\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018We\u2019ve received a report of a burglary?\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018What! That was on Sunday! And you\u2019re only here now?\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018The thieves had already left the premises when it was reported to us, sir, so it was not an emergency.\u2019 I can sense Rex\u2019s anger is swiftly reaching boiling point and am relieved when Eddie Lumbers steps forward.<\/h4>\n\u2018I can deal with this. Please come this way.\u2019 He indicates towards the gateway to the side of the office block. \u2018I can show you what\u2019s happened. I\u2019ve also sorted out a copy of the CCTV for you.\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018Thank you,\u2019 the older officer smiles and the three men take the route round to the backyard.<\/h4>\n
\u2018Nothing,\u2019 I say, and I meet her raptor eyes without hesitation before I add, \u2018and I\u2019m offended you would think I had.\u2019<\/h4>\nRex is gesticulating wildly towards his car, in case the officers can\u2019t see it. \u2018Do something. My car\u2019s being stolen and I need you to stop them.\u2019<\/h4>\nThe older of the two, with barely a tilt of his head, sends the other off to the cab to speak to the driver. He is handed the clipboard, and all eyes are on him as he checks through the paperwork. Apparently satisfied, he hands the clipboard back through the window, shakes his head at his partner, and the engine of the flatbed starts. There is a jolt as it pulls away. All present pause as if in suspended animation in anticipation of Rex actually shedding tears as we watch his pride and joy being carried off across the car park.<\/h4>\nThe younger officer re-joins the group, breaking the moment as he says, \u2018He\u2019s not insured. His lender has repossessed.\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018Oh dear, oh dear, that\u2019s not a good start. In fact, that\u2019s serious, that is. Six points on your licence and a minimum three-hundred-pound fine, and, as you\u2019ve seen, your vehicle can be taken away. If <\/i>you were the owner, it could even be destroyed.\u2019 I can\u2019t speak for everyone present, but I thoroughly enjoy how much the older officer appears to relish imparting this information.<\/h4>\n\u2018Destroyed!\u2019 Rex repeats, his voice strained, his eyes wide with disbelief. \u2018Can\u2019t you stop them?\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018Stop them? Oh no. If your lender hadn\u2019t been about to repossess, we would have done so. And what I mentioned before, it\u2019s only the start. If you get taken to court, which in this case you may well be, the fine can be unlimited and you may even get disqualified from driving. Although,\u2019 and he hesitates, \u2018I understand that could be something you\u2019re facing, anyway.\u2019 I can barely keep the smile from my face as the officer tuts quite distinctly. \u2018Do you want to know which section of the Road Traffic Act you\u2019ve violated?\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018No, I bloody don\u2019t! Fucking useless, the lot of you!\u2019 His mother places a restraining hand on his forearm, but he throws it off as he rounds on the officers. \u2018What are you even doing here, anyway?\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018We\u2019ve received a report of a burglary?\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018What! That was on Sunday! And you\u2019re only here now?\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018The thieves had already left the premises when it was reported to us, sir, so it was not an emergency.\u2019 I can sense Rex\u2019s anger is swiftly reaching boiling point and am relieved when Eddie Lumbers steps forward.<\/h4>\n\u2018I can deal with this. Please come this way.\u2019 He indicates towards the gateway to the side of the office block. \u2018I can show you what\u2019s happened. I\u2019ve also sorted out a copy of the CCTV for you.\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018Thank you,\u2019 the older officer smiles and the three men take the route round to the backyard.<\/h4>\n
The older of the two, with barely a tilt of his head, sends the other off to the cab to speak to the driver. He is handed the clipboard, and all eyes are on him as he checks through the paperwork. Apparently satisfied, he hands the clipboard back through the window, shakes his head at his partner, and the engine of the flatbed starts. There is a jolt as it pulls away. All present pause as if in suspended animation in anticipation of Rex actually shedding tears as we watch his pride and joy being carried off across the car park.<\/h4>\nThe younger officer re-joins the group, breaking the moment as he says, \u2018He\u2019s not insured. His lender has repossessed.\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018Oh dear, oh dear, that\u2019s not a good start. In fact, that\u2019s serious, that is. Six points on your licence and a minimum three-hundred-pound fine, and, as you\u2019ve seen, your vehicle can be taken away. If <\/i>you were the owner, it could even be destroyed.\u2019 I can\u2019t speak for everyone present, but I thoroughly enjoy how much the older officer appears to relish imparting this information.<\/h4>\n\u2018Destroyed!\u2019 Rex repeats, his voice strained, his eyes wide with disbelief. \u2018Can\u2019t you stop them?\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018Stop them? Oh no. If your lender hadn\u2019t been about to repossess, we would have done so. And what I mentioned before, it\u2019s only the start. If you get taken to court, which in this case you may well be, the fine can be unlimited and you may even get disqualified from driving. Although,\u2019 and he hesitates, \u2018I understand that could be something you\u2019re facing, anyway.\u2019 I can barely keep the smile from my face as the officer tuts quite distinctly. \u2018Do you want to know which section of the Road Traffic Act you\u2019ve violated?\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018No, I bloody don\u2019t! Fucking useless, the lot of you!\u2019 His mother places a restraining hand on his forearm, but he throws it off as he rounds on the officers. \u2018What are you even doing here, anyway?\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018We\u2019ve received a report of a burglary?\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018What! That was on Sunday! And you\u2019re only here now?\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018The thieves had already left the premises when it was reported to us, sir, so it was not an emergency.\u2019 I can sense Rex\u2019s anger is swiftly reaching boiling point and am relieved when Eddie Lumbers steps forward.<\/h4>\n\u2018I can deal with this. Please come this way.\u2019 He indicates towards the gateway to the side of the office block. \u2018I can show you what\u2019s happened. I\u2019ve also sorted out a copy of the CCTV for you.\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018Thank you,\u2019 the older officer smiles and the three men take the route round to the backyard.<\/h4>\n
\u2018Oh dear, oh dear, that\u2019s not a good start. In fact, that\u2019s serious, that is. Six points on your licence and a minimum three-hundred-pound fine, and, as you\u2019ve seen, your vehicle can be taken away. If <\/i>you were the owner, it could even be destroyed.\u2019 I can\u2019t speak for everyone present, but I thoroughly enjoy how much the older officer appears to relish imparting this information.<\/h4>\n\u2018Destroyed!\u2019 Rex repeats, his voice strained, his eyes wide with disbelief. \u2018Can\u2019t you stop them?\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018Stop them? Oh no. If your lender hadn\u2019t been about to repossess, we would have done so. And what I mentioned before, it\u2019s only the start. If you get taken to court, which in this case you may well be, the fine can be unlimited and you may even get disqualified from driving. Although,\u2019 and he hesitates, \u2018I understand that could be something you\u2019re facing, anyway.\u2019 I can barely keep the smile from my face as the officer tuts quite distinctly. \u2018Do you want to know which section of the Road Traffic Act you\u2019ve violated?\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018No, I bloody don\u2019t! Fucking useless, the lot of you!\u2019 His mother places a restraining hand on his forearm, but he throws it off as he rounds on the officers. \u2018What are you even doing here, anyway?\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018We\u2019ve received a report of a burglary?\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018What! That was on Sunday! And you\u2019re only here now?\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018The thieves had already left the premises when it was reported to us, sir, so it was not an emergency.\u2019 I can sense Rex\u2019s anger is swiftly reaching boiling point and am relieved when Eddie Lumbers steps forward.<\/h4>\n\u2018I can deal with this. Please come this way.\u2019 He indicates towards the gateway to the side of the office block. \u2018I can show you what\u2019s happened. I\u2019ve also sorted out a copy of the CCTV for you.\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018Thank you,\u2019 the older officer smiles and the three men take the route round to the backyard.<\/h4>\n
\u2018Stop them? Oh no. If your lender hadn\u2019t been about to repossess, we would have done so. And what I mentioned before, it\u2019s only the start. If you get taken to court, which in this case you may well be, the fine can be unlimited and you may even get disqualified from driving. Although,\u2019 and he hesitates, \u2018I understand that could be something you\u2019re facing, anyway.\u2019 I can barely keep the smile from my face as the officer tuts quite distinctly. \u2018Do you want to know which section of the Road Traffic Act you\u2019ve violated?\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018No, I bloody don\u2019t! Fucking useless, the lot of you!\u2019 His mother places a restraining hand on his forearm, but he throws it off as he rounds on the officers. \u2018What are you even doing here, anyway?\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018We\u2019ve received a report of a burglary?\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018What! That was on Sunday! And you\u2019re only here now?\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018The thieves had already left the premises when it was reported to us, sir, so it was not an emergency.\u2019 I can sense Rex\u2019s anger is swiftly reaching boiling point and am relieved when Eddie Lumbers steps forward.<\/h4>\n\u2018I can deal with this. Please come this way.\u2019 He indicates towards the gateway to the side of the office block. \u2018I can show you what\u2019s happened. I\u2019ve also sorted out a copy of the CCTV for you.\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018Thank you,\u2019 the older officer smiles and the three men take the route round to the backyard.<\/h4>\n
\u2018We\u2019ve received a report of a burglary?\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018What! That was on Sunday! And you\u2019re only here now?\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018The thieves had already left the premises when it was reported to us, sir, so it was not an emergency.\u2019 I can sense Rex\u2019s anger is swiftly reaching boiling point and am relieved when Eddie Lumbers steps forward.<\/h4>\n\u2018I can deal with this. Please come this way.\u2019 He indicates towards the gateway to the side of the office block. \u2018I can show you what\u2019s happened. I\u2019ve also sorted out a copy of the CCTV for you.\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018Thank you,\u2019 the older officer smiles and the three men take the route round to the backyard.<\/h4>\n
\u2018The thieves had already left the premises when it was reported to us, sir, so it was not an emergency.\u2019 I can sense Rex\u2019s anger is swiftly reaching boiling point and am relieved when Eddie Lumbers steps forward.<\/h4>\n\u2018I can deal with this. Please come this way.\u2019 He indicates towards the gateway to the side of the office block. \u2018I can show you what\u2019s happened. I\u2019ve also sorted out a copy of the CCTV for you.\u2019<\/h4>\n\u2018Thank you,\u2019 the older officer smiles and the three men take the route round to the backyard.<\/h4>\n
\u2018Thank you,\u2019 the older officer smiles and the three men take the route round to the backyard.<\/h4>\n
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Georgia Rose is a writer of suspense. Both romantic and psychological. First came the romantic and suspenseful Grayson Trilogy books: A Single Step, Before the Dawn and Thicker than Water. Following completion of the trilogy she was asked for more and so wrote a short story, The Joker, which is based on a favourite character from the series and the eBook is available to download for free at the retailer of your choice.