On returning home from a business trip to Australia, Mr Gaskill goes to a pub for a quick pint and ends up saving a woman’s life. However, the woman is not all she appears to be – and Mr Gaskill finds himself in a rather deadly game of cat-and-mouse at the hands of an ancient and terrifying evil.
It was a dark Saturday night. I sat at the bar in Lewey’s nursing my pint as the thunderstorm raged on outside with no sign of letting up. Digby the accountant sat in the corner complaining to his companion about the latest football scores. Toby the pub dog seemed to listen with interest from hi snuggled position underneath their table. I sat there for a good ten minutes enjoying the warmth and atmosphere of the place. Every time I came to Lewey’s I never failed to find comfort in the warmth of the open coal fire and the friendly chatter of the pub regulars. A good number of my work colleagues did not share my opinions, believing this enchanting little public house to be nothing more than a ‘spit-and-sawdust joint’. I disagreed – it was so tranquil, so relaxing…
…I was jolted from my peaceful reverie by a sudden commotion from the far side of the room. A customer I’d never seen before fell to her knees making strangulated choking noises. As Karen the Barmaid rushed to the telephone in a panic, I made my way over to where Den the manager was trying to calm the stricken lady.
“What’s the matter, Den?”
“She ate the special and something’s got stuck in her throat! Karen’s gone to ‘phone for help as it won’t come out”
“Hang on, Den – maybe I can help?”
Den nodded dumbly and moved aside. I tried everything in my repertoire of medical knowledge to remove the offending blockage. Eventually, it became apparent that I had no option but to use the Heimlich manoeuvre – and that seemed to do the trick. A small piece of bone propelled itself at great speed from the depths of her throat – but not in time, it would seem. The lady was not breathing and her heart had stopped. I quickly went into the next part of my medical routine, mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and chest compressions. It took one long minute but finally I got a heartbeat, the lady gave a loud gasp and she began to breath unaided once more. The ambulance crew had by this time arrived and they took over from me. I returned to the bar and Den gave me a pint on the house in appreciation.
As I eventually left the pub to walk home despite the heavy rain and thunder, I heard the sound of high heels tripping lightly from behind and a sweet, tinkling female voice hailed me.
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