A FLIGHT HOME

Casper Watkins was an internationally famous author. His political thriller 'Flame in the Sky' had topped the bestseller lists all over the world and won him critical acclaim. Then for no apparent reason he disappears.

Jenny Millington had recently started work in the fiction department of his London publishers, Knott and Pearson. Under pressure to improve the department's sales figures her inquisitive nature leads her into the trail of intrigue and innuendo that surrounds Casper's life.

Trying to establish a reason for his disappearance she arranges to meet his agent, Henson Littlewood, a known homosexual who dabbles in drugs. Before she can find out much he is murdered. In North Wales, Jenny discovers Casper has an illegitimate brother, Trevor, who only his mother knows about. Caroline Di Angello, one of Caspers's ex-girlfriends, is a page three pin-up actress, who found fame in a 'soap'. Together they were going to make a film of 'Flame in the Sky'. He was said to be putting up some of the money, then he disappeared.

A chance encounter brings Jeny Millington into Casper's life. His new book is a novel of love and passion, based on the stories of the Mabinogion; a collection of eleventh century Welsh tales of romance and drama. When he realises his heroine in the story is Jenny Millington, he has to make her his muse.

Meanwhile, Anthony Rathenberg, tall, handsome, wealthy, Managing Director of Knott and Pearson takes a fancy to Jenny. A weekend at his Sussex mansion clouds many issues.

Somehow, Jenny and Casper combine to put together the pieces of improbity that led to the death of his dear friend and agent Henson Littlewood. 

 

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 Sample extract

 A FLIGHT HOME 

  PROLOGUE

'There isn't anymore. I've given you more than I dare already,' the man said lifting his head off the pillow.

'You were told that this was your last warning,' Raul replied. 'Either you write cheque now or that's it. Those are my instructions.'

'Raul he's disappeared. If I could only make contact there wouldn't be a problem, but I have to speak to him first.'

'That's not good enough my friend,' Raul said. 'It's today or finito.  You know the score.'

'I know, I know,' the man said getting out of the bed. 'Raul .I beg of you, just a few more days.'

The man, who was naked, except for a blue and white polka dot cravat, began to walk out of the bedroom. He was halfway to the door, then turned around.

'It's no good. I refuse to do it. You'll have to wait.'

Raul knew then what he had to do. It was his living, his contract. If he didn't comply, they'd do the same to him.

The man was now moving towards the bathroom. Raul got out of the bed and followed, slipping his large hands over the man's shoulders, just as he'd done so many times before, caressing with a lover's affection. He slid them around the man's neck and fingered the cravat.

'Good-bye my sweet friend,' Raul said. 'You've been good to me.'

Slowly, and tenderly at first, he pulled the two ends of the cravat in opposite directions. Then tighter and tighter, with the strength of his forearms, until the man's eyes bulged. The knot tightened, the skin became taut, their naked bodies were touching, close and warm as they had been in bed. The man struggled, but his tiny frame was no match for Raul's muscular strength.

'No Raul,' the man gasped, choking.

Desperately he tried to free himself. He hooked his leg behind Raul's and twisted. They tumbled. As they fell Raul spotted the bronze figurine. His hand grabbed out for it and as they hit the ground he violently smashed it into the side of the man's head.