How Far Would You Go?

By Daniel Alan

Luke and Jessica have the perfect life. They're happily married, and are about the have their first child.

When those closest to Luke start tragically dying, his life begins to unravel. Struggling with loss, Luke has to face the truth that a killer is hunting those closest to him. Searching for answers, he learns a horrible truth.

With Luke fighting for his life and trying to prevent others from being killed, the pressure mounts. But how can he fight an unseen enemy, and how far is he willing to go?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Next Chapter
• Release date: Aug 4, 2023

Book preview

PROLOGUE

First, let me start by saying hello. I’m glad you could join me. I’ve been dying to tell this story. Before we start, let me introduce myself. I’m Sam. You can think of me as a sort of narrator, and I’m going to be telling you this story. I only ask two things. Do not ask who I am. All you need to know is that I’m Sam. Second, do not ask me where I’m from. I’ll leave that up to your imagination.

It’s difficult to know where to begin, but I’ll try to skip out some of the unnecessary detail and get to the point. Now you know my name, let’s begin.

This story revolves around a lovely couple, Luke, and Jessica. Happily married. Great jobs, nice house, and lots of friends. They had everything. That’s why this story is so sad. A few years ago, Luke’s life unravelled and it turned into a nightmare. I could not stand by and watch, I had to get involved. But first, I’ll tell you what happened and why Luke’s life went downhill. When I saw him, he was completely deflated. He had lost that spark he once had, and nothing mattered anymore. I had to help him, but more about that later. Are you ready? Make some tea, or coffee, whatever you prefer, and tuck into a few biscuits, then I will begin.

Luke is a good-looking guy. Works as a graphic designer in London. He is good at his job. Manages some big clients, overseeing rebranding, websites, logos, and advertising. At forty years old, he has a good athletic body, keeps in shape and cares about the things he eats. His short blond hair is neatly cut. Not a buzz cut, but short enough. It suits him. Gives him a boyish appearance. His eyes. Deep blue eyes. When you gaze into them it’s like looking in a pool of crystal-clear water, that reminds you of sparkling blue oceans. That is what Jessica finds irresistible about Luke.

The first time they met, she stared into his eyes and was immediately sucked in. That’s what she tells all her friends. She said that when he gazed at her, she felt him looking into her soul and her heart stopped. Love at first site. Very romantic. That was two years ago. They met, they danced, he met her parents, she met his, and after six months, they got married. Too quick? They are in love, soul mates, so why wait? That’s my view anyway. Call me old-fashioned. When you meet your true love, time is meaningless, and you want to be with that person every waking minute of the day. Some people are meant to be together, and when you look at Luke and Jessica, they look like they belong together.

Let me tell you about Jessica. She is three years younger than Luke, 37, or is it 36? I can never remember. Anyway, she is younger than him. Long blond hair down to her shoulders, pale green eyes, and always has the perfect tan. She never uses a tanning salon or goes on holiday every five seconds; she is naturally blessed. People are always asking her if she’s just come back from holiday. She works at a school. Counselling. When it gets too much for the kids, they talk to her, and she sorts out their problems. The kids love her, and she is always busy, managing problems and making things right.

Like Luke, she is athletic. Runs every day. Through the woods, up the hill, down the road and always grabs a single shot, low fat, extra hot, latte for the walk home. It’s her reward for another successful run.

When Luke proposed, he took Jessica to Venice. He arranged for a gondola, and during the trip, the boatman starts singing, ‘Will you marry me, Jessica Hutchings?’ You can imagine, it freaked Jessica out, wondering why a strange man was asking her to marry him. But when she looked back at Luke, he was holding out a box with a huge diamond ring, which gleamed under the sunlight. Jessica laughed, and of course she said yes.

Jessica became Mrs Hill, and it was perfect. Until the day I met Luke.

LUKE

Luke sat quietly on the bench, legs crossed, watching people walk by. This part of the Thames was always busy. Many came here for lunch, and today was especially busy. It had been difficult to find somewhere to sit. Tucked away at the far end of the street was a free bench, where Luke now sat. The fast-flowing river, rushed downstream, pulling the murky water toward the sea. Boats bobbed up and down, tightly secured to their moorings, while others sped down the river.

Luke took a bite out of his chicken sandwich. He pulled out his phone and tapped the screen. He had been planning this for a long time and was excited to tell Jessica his plans. Their two-year anniversary was next week, and Luke had planned to take her back to Venice. They would visit all the places they had before he proposed, and it would end with a gondola trip. The tickets were booked, the hotel was ready, and Luke had arranged with Jessica’s boss for the time off work. Three days in Venice. It would be perfect.

Scrolling through his emails, Luke scanned for a reply from the hotel. He had asked if they could arrange for some flowers and chocolates to be left in the room. He read the reply and smiled. Not only had they agreed but also offered a complimentary meal at the hotel restaurant. He could not have wished for more. He would tell Jessica tonight at dinner and her face would light up with excitement at the news. That is one thing he loved about her. When she was excited, it was like watching a child overcome with joy over the news. He finished his sandwich and dialled her number.

‘Hey, babe,’ she said, answering the call.

It was good to hear her voice. Today had been a terrible day at the office. His boss had moved the deadline up, demanding that the project be finished before Luke took some time off. That meant he would have to work late for a few nights. He hated working late, and often came home when Jessica was asleep.

‘Hey,’ he replied. ‘How’s your day going?’

‘Not bad. Seen five kids already and it’s barely lunch.’

‘Five. Your head must be buzzing?’

‘It’s OK. I’ve got a quieter afternoon. What about you?’

‘My boss is being a jerk again. Wants the project finished by next week.’

‘Next week.’ Jessica sounded surprised. ‘That means working late, doesn’t it?’

‘Yep. I’m sorry, but it will be worth it.’

‘It better be.’ She laughed.

‘You OK for dinner tonight?’ asked Luke softly.

‘Definitely. Better go, someone needs my attention.’

‘Love you.’

‘Love you too. Bye.’

Walking back to the office, Luke smiled. Talking to Jessica always cheered him up and now he was ready to tackle the afternoon. He pulled up his coat jacket to hide from the wind. Leaves whipped up around his feet, and trees shivered from the autumn breeze. He loved this time of year. It was his favourite season. The mixed colours from the leaves littered the ground and the various shades that hung loosely from their branches, changed the landscape around him. The weather was still warm, although a fresh breeze filled the air. Winter was coming, and then he would need to find gloves and a scarf. London was grim in the cold and even though he was only five stops away on the tube, he still hated leaving the warmth of the house and venturing outside.

Is this a good time to pause the story? In case you’ve forgotten, it’s me, Sam. I’m sure you remembered. What do you think of Luke? Nice guy. Really loves Jessica. Planning a trip to Venice, what could be more romantic? You’ll understand why I had to help. I’m sure you don’t want to hear about his day at the office, having to deal with his boss, drinking vast quantities of coffee. Why don’t we skip ahead to the evening when Luke and Jessica are having dinner together?

It was six in the evening. The three-bedroom house located just outside the city was in a quiet neighbourhood. A neatly mowed garden sat proudly outside the front door, filled with pots, and hanging baskets, that in the summer, displayed beautiful varieties of colours. With winter on the way, the trees were becoming bare, and the flowers were reduced to sagging stalks.

Two doors away lived Luke and Jessica’s best friends, Russell, and Debbie. They had known each other since infant school, and ten months ago, moved in down the street. Tonight was all about Luke and Jessica. Russell and Debbie wanted to come round with a bottle and celebrate their two-year anniversary, but Luke insisted that he wanted the evening alone.

The perfect couple, with their perfect lives, sat at the small table, staring into each other’s eyes.

‘I’m so glad it’s the end of the day. It was rubbish,’ said Luke, sipping a glass of red wine.

‘Why don’t you leave, set up that business you’ve always dreamed about?’

‘Let’s not talk about work,’ suggested Luke. ‘I want tonight to be about you and me.’

Jessica smiled and instantly Luke’s heart melted. He really loved Jessica and would do anything for her, and she knew it. All she had to do was give Luke one of her smiles, and he would do anything she asked. He called it her superpower.

‘OK. What do you want to talk about?’ asked Jessica.

‘I have a surprise for you,’ said Luke, pouring them both some wine.

‘Hold that thought. Let me get the chicken out of the oven.’

Luke sat patiently, enjoying the aroma that filled the room. Jessica was a good cook and always produced delicious food. She returned with a glass of water and sat down.

‘What did you have to tell me?’

‘Remember that trip to Venice?’

‘How could I forget. It was perfect. The streets, the people, and how could I forget the gondola. Why?’

‘How would you like to go back?’ Luke smiled cheekily.

‘I‘d love to. Don’t tell me we are going back?’

‘Yep, next week.’

‘Really! Wait. I’ll never get the time off work.’

‘Already done.’

‘You arranged with my boss for time off? How did you do that?’ Jessica laughed.

‘I used my charm and my amazing charisma.’

Luke grinned, like a cheeky schoolboy and Jessica smiled.

‘OK, Mr sophisticated. I can’t believe it. I love you.’

Luke savoured this moment. Jessica looked so happy and there was something else about her, he could not tell, but she looked really happy.

‘I have some news for you too,’ said Jessica, after a few moments.

‘What could possibly be more important than my news?’ joked Luke.

‘I think you will like this. Ready?’

‘Spit it out. You’re not auditioning for X-Factor. The suspense is killing me.’

Jessica gently touched his hand, looked him in the eye and smiled.

‘I’m pregnant, Luke. Can you believe it? I’m finally pregnant.’

‘What! Are you sure?’ Luke sounded genuinely surprised. ‘Are you sure?’

‘One hundred per cent. Remember that girl’s coffee morning?’

‘Sure.’

‘I lied. Sorry. It was a doctor’s appointment. I needed to be sure this time. We’ve had so many attempts, I had to check.’

‘And the doctor confirmed it?’

‘Yep. Definitely pregnant.’

Luke stood up from the table and stepped over to his wife. Reaching over he wrapped his arms around her neck and hugged her tightly.

‘I’m so happy,’ he said, gently sobbing into her neck. ‘I’m so happy.’

Jessica responded to his embrace and allowed herself to cry. Tears of joy flowed down her cheeks and the happy couple allowed themselves to enjoy this moment.

One year ago, they had decided they wanted a family, yet sadly it never happened. Each time they expectantly waited, and then Jessica would tell Luke her period had started. It was always disappointing. As each month went by, they started to lose hope and started believing it would never happen. They both wept joyfully, crying with happiness over the news.

‘I had to be sure, Luke. I had to,’ she cried, sniffing into his arms.

‘It’s OK. I can’t believe I’m going to be a dad. And you a mum.’

‘I know. Can you imagine it? Us parents.’

‘Yes, I can,’ said Luke. He gently kissed his wife and looked at her with great affection.

‘I love you, Mrs Hill.’

‘And I love you, Mr Hill.’

Friday evening went by quickly. They both finished their meal and chatted enthusiastically about their plans and what they would do when their child was born. Luke joked about the trip to Venice now being an anti-climax, and Jessica laughed at his stupidity. At this moment, nothing could go wrong. The world around them did not exist. It was only Luke and Jessica, and their unborn child.

‘Can I tell Russell in the morning?’ asked Luke.

‘Let’s tell them together. Why don’t you invite them over for breakfast in the morning?’

‘Great idea. They will be so happy for us. I think.’

‘Of course they will,’ confirmed Jessica. ‘I’m going to bed. I’m exhausted. Eating for two.’ She grinned, giving Luke a cheeky smile.

‘I’ll clear up and see you upstairs.’

Jessica disappeared up the stairs and Luke reflected on the future. He was going to be a dad. A father to a child who would look up to him, who would need teaching, someone to rely on. Luke wondered if he would be able to manage the responsibility. His own father had worked nonstop, and Luke barely saw him. He vowed that if he had a child, he would always be around, and Luke swore to himself to uphold that promise. Then he started to think about names. Luke Junior. He laughed aloud at the thought. Wait till he told Jessica his idea. She would affectionately punch him in the arm.

If only Luke had known what would happen the following day, he would never have allowed Jessica to leave the house.

JESSICA

Before we start, I must warn you that what happens next is horrific. It will emotionally scar you. I’d like to say I was saddened by what happened, but I would be lying. When I heard the news, I knew what Luke was going through, and I keep asking myself how? Why did this happen to such a nice couple? What went wrong? You’re not like me, so I suggest you think about the wonderful things that happened to them, like telling Russell and Debbie the news over breakfast. It would be better if you think about those things instead.

Russell and Debbie sat on the leather sofa, looking at their best friends with eagerness. Russell was the same age as Luke, yet he looked much older than forty. His belly extended over his shirt and his face was worn with winkles. Whereas Luke was athletic, Russell was unfit and drank too much.

‘What’s this news you wanted to tell us?’ asked Russell, helping himself to some more pancakes. ‘These are delicious.’

‘Russell, patience,’ said Debbie, giving him a look. ‘And how many pancakes can you eat?’

Debbie was the same age as Jessica, and they had known each other since they were five. They had attended the same schools, cried over the same boys, and fallen out many times. But they always fixed their problems and stayed firm friends over these years. Debbie had that natural beauty. She could step out of the house without any make-up, wearing a bin liner, and she would still look amazing. Women hated her, and men wanted to be with her. Russell always counted himself lucky at finding such an incredible woman.

‘Jessica, do you want to tell them?’ asked Luke, pouring everyone another coffee.

‘Sure,’ she said, trying not to grin. ‘You know we’ve been trying to get pregnant?’ She had barely finished her words when Debbie blurted out, ‘You’re pregnant. Are you pregnant?’

Jessica rushed over and hugged her friend. ‘Yes,’ she said. ‘I’m pregnant.’

‘Oh, Jess, that’s wonderful. Come here, Luke. You’re not getting out of this hug.’

The three hugged, as Debbie squeeze the couple affectionally. Luke finally pulled himself away only to be squeezed by Russell.

‘Well done, mate,’ he said. ‘It’s about time.’

‘Boy or girl?’ interrupted Debbie.

‘We don’t really mind, as long as it’s healthy.’

‘Oh shut up! Everyone says that. Which would you prefer?’

‘Boy,’ said Luke. ‘Girl,’ finished Jessica.

‘Oh dear,’ said Russell. ‘Let’s hope for twins. One of each.’ Everyone laughed, and Luke and Jessica looked at each other with concern.

‘I think that deserves a toast. Not you, Jess. Orange juice for you.’

Debbie pulled out a bottle of champagne from a carrier bag and waved it in front of Russell.

‘When did you get that?’ asked Luke, surprised to see the bottle.

‘Let’s just say we had a feeling, and have been saving this for us. Come on, Russell. Make yourself useful and open this.’

The morning went on, and the group discussed names, bedroom colours, changing nappies, and always feeling tired. Russell had joked how Luke would soon look older than him, and if they ever needed babysitters, they were only two doors away.

By lunch time, Russell and Debbie left, saying they had to visit an aunt who was in hospital.

‘Hope the old woman leaves us some cash,’ said Russell with a grin. ‘Could do with a good holiday.’

‘Russell,’ scorned Debbie, slapping his arm. ‘She is your aunt.’

‘Yes. And she is loaded.’

‘That went well,’ said Luke, clearing up the plates and loose bits of pancake Russell had managed to drop all over the sofa.

‘I think so. They looked happy for us. Especially when we asked if they would be Godparents.’

‘Nine months. Not sure I can wait nine months,’ said Luke, rubbing Jessica’s belly.

‘It’s shorter than nine months now. It will go quickly,’ said Jessica. ‘Nearly forgot. I’ve got to pick up that prescription from the doctor. Tablets to help with morning sickness.’

‘You sure you don’t want me to go?’ asked Luke.

‘No, it’s fine. I could do with the fresh air. Be back in an hour.’

‘OK. I’ll clear up and maybe we can watch that film I’ve been going on about.’

‘See you later,’ said Jessica, tenderly kissing her husband, and disappearing out of the front door.

What do you think? Boy or Girl? I was hoping for a boy, someone to carry on the family name. This was a magical moment, that should be locked in time forever. Luke was extremely happy; he was about to become a father. His joy was contagious, but it was short-lived. I’ll tell you the rest, even though it’s not the nicest thing to relate.

Jessica sat in the black Nissan and turned up the radio. The weather had turned, and a strong wind was whipping through the sky. Leaves flew everywhere and the darkened clouds threatened to shower the ground with heavy rain.

‘If you wanna be my lover, you gotta get with my friends,’ the radio was blasting, and Jessica was singing at full volume. ‘Make it last forever, friendship never ends,’ she continued, singing out of tune.

The doctor’s surgery was ten minutes away and she would pick up something for dinner on her way home. Driving steadily she sang and thought about the bundle of life she now carried in her stomach. A car honked behind her, and she noticed the light had changed to green, and carefully pulled out of the junction. She waved apologetically to the driver and sped down the road.

‘If you want to be my lover.’

Jessica signalled to turn right, and eased across the road, looking left and right while she turned the wheel. Slowly the black car moved out into the road. A reflection caught her eye and there was a sudden realisation, an instant moment of fear when she saw the oncoming vehicle. Where had it come from? She was convinced the road had been clear and been safe for her to pull out.

There was little time. The car was rapidly heading toward her at full speed. Jessica pulled hard on the wheel to avoid the oncoming car, feeling her heart rate increase, and accelerated, willing the car to speed across the junction before it reached her. It was too late. No matter how hard she pulled the wheel, no matter how much she accelerated, Jessica could not avoid the impact. She heard the oncoming vehicle screech as the driver slammed on the brakes. Time appeared to freeze. The two cars were locked in place, and all Jessica could think about were Luke, and her unborn child.

The bang was sudden and forceful. The black Volvo screeched and slammed into the side of Jessica’s Nissan. The impact shook the car, sending broken pieces of metal into the air. In that moment, the two drivers locked eyes, staring at one another in panic. Then, Jessica’s view became quickly obstructed and the front windscreen instantly shattered into a million pieces. Freezing air rushed into the car before the Nissan spun round. Jessica screamed, panic in her voice, as she watched the world around her spin out of control. The Volvo was still moving, and pounded the side of the thin metal until it pushed into the passenger seat and squashed the side panels.

Jessica screamed as the song continued to blast over the remaining speakers. The Volvo was heavier than the Nissan and the driver tried to regain control of his vehicle, but it was a losing battle. She cried out again when she felt another strike as his Volvo locked into the Nissan and dragged it down the road. Jessica gripped the steering wheel, pulling and tugging, praying that she could drive herself out of this situation. The Volvo continued its assault, before finally releasing the Nissan into a constant spin. Jessica saw the world rotate round and round like she was on a merry-go-round, and then it stopped. Not because the ride had stopped, but because the spin had caused the vehicle to flip on to its side, and Jessica found herself rolling down the road. The Nissan creaked and groaned while it rolled over and over. Tears were now flowing down Jessica’s face, and she hung on tightly to the wheel, waiting for this nightmare to end. Blood was trickling down her cheek, and she let out a cry of pain as something dug deep into her leg.

‘If you wanna be my lover, you gotta be my friend.’

That was the last thing Jessica heard. Another vehicle had not seen the rolling car, continued to accelerate down the road before turning the corner, only to be greeted by the rolling Nissan. The driver immediately slammed his foot down on the brake, causing his car to skid dramatically across the tarmac. The car quickly lost control and slammed into the battered Nissan.

Jessica groaned in agony. She was barely conscious and tried to understand what had happened. Her concentration was broken because her little car lifted off the road, flipped over and smashed into a side barrier. The impact crushed the metal barricade, and a stray piece of metal punctured straight through the roof of the car, and pierced Jessica’s side. She screamed. The pain was intense, and Jessica gasped for breath. Her last thoughts were of Luke. Through the pain, she imagined their upcoming trip to Venice, and then she remembered the life she was carrying. Jessica was dying, and tears fell down her cheek as her life slipped away. She tried to hold on, fighting between life and death, trying to save her unborn child. Jessica would never hold Luke again, never feel the touch of her baby, or take another breath. There was nothing she could do, and as the car came to rest against the metal barriers, Jessica closed her eyes.

Finally all the cars stopped. The Volvo was facing the opposite direction. The red Toyota that had appeared out of nowhere sat smoking across the tarmac, and the black Nissan lay upside down on the side of the road. Drivers started to emerge from their cars, dazed and confused. They collectively assessed the damage and looked at the Nissan. Nobody moved because they knew the outcome. Jessica was dead.

Why? Why did that happen? It’s wrong. Someone as wonderful as Jessica should have lived a long life. Instead, her death was pointless. Can you imagine how Luke is going to react when he finds out? Don’t worry, there is hope, but we’ll get to that later. I’m sorry you are going to have to find out how Luke reacts, but I’m sure you want to know, don’t you?

LUKE

Luke sat on the sofa checking his watch. His expression was of concern. Two hours had gone since Jessica left to collect her prescription. He looked at the time again. Pulling out his phone, Luke dialled Jessica’s number. He waited while the phone rang and rang until it forwarded to her voicemail.

‘Hey, this is Jessica. You know what to do, leave a message. Beep!’

Luke hung up and tried again. Where was she? Had she decided to stop off somewhere? He knew she would have called if she was going to be late. He told himself not to worry, there had to be a good explanation, and Jessica would burst through the door, carrying shopping bags, and apologising for being late. He needed a distraction.

Starting up his laptop, Luke decided he would scroll through some colour schemes for the nursery. Jessica had mentioned she loved yellow, but Luke wanted purple. ‘What if it’s a boy?’ Jessica had asked. ‘He would hate purple.’ Luke could tell they would have more conversations like this.

Luke stared at the website and thought back to how Jessica had commented on the hundreds of colours, the different shades, and tones that no respectable person would ever consider. He had quickly shut the screen and decided they should take a trip to the local hardware store, pick up some samples and test them out. They could go this afternoon. Luke had noticed how Jessica had sighed at his choice of colours. He wanted bold, outrageous styles. She wanted delicate, discreet colours, and would have preferred to pick the samples by herself.

He looked at his watch again. This was unlike her. If Jessica had taken a detour or was going to be late, she always called or dropped him a quick text. His screen was blank. No missed call, no text messages. Nothing. He was starting to worry and felt the tension rise in his chest. Then he flicked on the T.V., telling himself to calm down. Jessica would be fine. Why did he suddenly feel like this? Luke normally did not panic when Jessica was out. Was it because she was pregnant? If that was the case, he had nine months of stress and nervousness.

The T.V. came to life and Luke randomly flicked through the channels, not paying any attention to the shows. His mind