ARTSHACK - DEBUT NOVEL
THE APPOINTMENT
Alex had an appointment at 10 a.m to meet the estate agent at the entrance to Seafield Woods.
He was half an hour early. His heart was hammering loudly, wondering to himself why the absolute hell he had come to view some abandoned shack deep within Seafield Woods.
I must surely have lost my mind, Alex thought. I know I am newly retired as an Art Tutor from Adult Education 'BUT THIS' what the hell am I thinking!
Alex tried to peer into the cool darkness of Seafield Woods. Past the thick expanse of the trees, searching for a chink of hope, sunlight, anything!
He should have been happy! Today was the first day of Autumn. The first day of September. What a beautiful day it was! Cool and crisp, with a cloudless deep blue sky.
Alex breathed in lungfuls of fresh air trying to steady his nerves.
He felt spooked. There was a suffocating clammy silence to this place.
Alex could now feel his legs shaking beneath his jeans. He started to break out into a cold sweat.
He was just about to turn and run, pelt out of this place, when there was a tap on his shoulder.
Alex nearly passed out with the shock!
"Are you o.k Sir?"
"I will be when I have picked my heart up from the floor! Alex laughed.
"Joseph Grimshaw. Grimshaw & Woodrow Estate Agents at your service. Happy to meet you!"
Alex extended his hand "Alex Bainton. Pleased to meet you too Joseph.
They both walked together through the gothic gates which lead into Seafield Woods.