One Among the sleepless, a novel written and performed for podcast by Mike Bennett. This novel is intended for an adult

audience. Episode 7 7. Lian walked from room to room in the big empty house. She couldn't believe that it was finally hers. At last all the bother with real estate

agents and solicitors was over and she was finally the owner of Meredith House, hers by birthright, and now, despite the machinations of Rick

Galesworthy, hers by law. She suddenly felt tears of joy welling in her eyes and she stopped to

dab at them with her hanky. Once her vision was clear she saw ahead of her the open door of the master bedroom.

Had she left it that way?

She had no recollection of doing so.

Had the real estate agent been here then? Yes, that must be it. She walked down

the corridor past the huge open windows that let the sunlight flood in, the warm morning breeze stirring the long white

curtains, causing them to flutter, dove-like around her as she moved gracefully into the bedroom. Once in she stopped in a horror.

Hello, Leanne, said Rick.

Fancy seeing you here?

He sat on the bed as she... Fancy seeing you here?

He sat on the bed, a sheaf of papers he'd been leaving through lay on his lap.

He tossed them aside.

Ah!

What are you doing here? Leanne asked. What are you doing here?

Lian asked.

She tried to keep the tremor of fear she felt in her heart from reaching her voice.

Why might ask you the same question?

said Rick since this is my house that you're so plainly trespassing in.

Leanne gasped in astonishment.

...