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    Tied Up In Knots
    Tied Up In Knots
    Tied Up In Knots
    Ebook81 pages1 hour

    Tied Up In Knots

    By Wayne Mansfield

    ()

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    About this ebook

    Cody has never been lucky in love. In fact, he isn’t feeling very lucky at all. Losing his job and all his money means he has to sell his home. He feels overwhelmed at having to start from scratch again.

    Cody decides to get away from it all, and retreats to a secluded forest for some peace and quiet. But two days into his journey, he’s hit over the head as he’s emerging from his tent. When he wakes up, he discovers he’s tied to a chair in a dark room. He struggles against his bonds, and when he hears someone approaching, he begins to panic.

    Who kidnapped him? What do they want from a man who has nothing left?
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherJMS Books LLC
    Release dateNov 5, 2016
    ISBN9781634861915
    Tied Up In Knots
    Author

    Wayne Mansfield

    Wayne Mansfield is a Western Australian writer. He has been writing for nine years and has been published in Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Additionally, he wrote a monthly erotic story for the German publications Macho and Dreamboys for two years. His novellas and stories usually have a horror, futuristic, or fantasy theme, although he does write contemporary stories such as The Hiding Place, which received Honorable Mention in the 2013 Rainbow Awards.

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      Book preview

      Tied Up In Knots - Wayne Mansfield

      8

      Chapter 1

      Cody watched as the young couple disappeared through the front door of his house, followed by Ellis Tanner, the auctioneer, and his assistant. How happy and nervous the couple looked. Almost as happy and nervous as he had been all those years ago when he’d purchased the property.

      The small crowd on his front lawn wasted no time in dispersing, some people to their cars, and others, those from the neighbourhood who had come along out of curiosity, to the footpath. Cody melted away with them, following along behind one couple who had parked further down the street. He couldn’t help but overhear their words of disappointment. You don’t know what disappointment is, he thought. If they really wanted to know what disappointment was he could tell them how he’d lost the job he’d had for the past fifteen years and, in turn, had lost his home. How he’d gone on so many dates with guys and, without exception, they’d disappointed him, so in the end he didn’t bother anymore. He could explain to them how, due to work, he was unable to visit his mother’s deathbed. How much more disappointing was it not to be able to tell your mother you loved her, and that you were sorry you hadn’t been there more for her? He could further illustrate disappointment by the fact he’d blown his entire inheritance on bad investments. His life, which had shown so much promise at the beginning, was now in the toilet. If they wanted disappointment, he was well qualified to teach them all about it.

      The couple began to bicker.

      We could’ve gone fifty grand higher, grumbled the man. But no. You had to play it safe.

      We couldn’t have gone any higher, Bill, the woman replied sharply. We would’ve been struggling as it is.

      The man sucked his teeth and started shaking his head. You dunno what you’re talking about.

      Cody couldn’t listen anymore and crossed the street.

      At least Mum and Dad aren’t alive to see the depths to which I’ve sunk. No job. No house. The money he got from the auction would pay off all his debts, which was the only silver lining, but there wouldn’t be much left over. He’d have to start all over again. Although…

      Hello there, Cody.

      The elderly woman was dressed in a gardening outfit, which didn’t look as if it had ever seen a speck of dirt. She was waving at him with a trowel in her hand. Her broad-brimmed hat was draped with dark netting, which hid her face, though her effervescent voice was unmistakable.

      Hello, Mrs. Timmins.

      Cody, she said, thrusting the trowel into the dirt. How are you, my love?

      Cody stopped by the gate and watched as she removed her gloves and lifted the netting from her face.

      You’re looking well, he said.

      Mrs. Timmins approached him with her hands held out in front of her. When she reached him, she cupped his face between her palms and kissed him on the cheek.

      Thank you, my dear. And so are you. She made a slight turn towards the front steps of her house. Do you have time for a cup of tea?

      Cody shook his head. Thank you, but I’m just doing a circuit around the block. Killing time, actually. Waiting for the auctioneer to…

      Mrs. Timmins clapped her hands together. That’s right. The auction. How did it go?

      Good. Good. I got a very reasonable price, so I should be in the clear now, with a few cents left over to play with.

      Mrs. Timmins was smiling, though her blue eyes were full of compassion. Only she and one other person, a close friend, knew the extent of Cody’s financial woes.

      Glad it’s all over with, he continued, resting his right hand on the gate. He exhaled sharply, then forced a smile. I suppose it’s a chance for a new beginning.

      It had been an off-the-cuff remark.

      Mrs. Timmins placed a hand on his and nodded. That’s the way to look at it. A new beginning. How exciting. She beamed. A new beginning with unlimited potential. You’re a bright young man. There isn’t anything you can’t do.

      Cody felt suddenly emotional. Thank you, Mrs. Timmins. You’re right. I’m free to do anything I want to do.

      She patted his hand. That’s the spirit.

      Anyway, I suppose I should be going. He removed his hand from beneath hers. Thank you again. It’s been nice chatting.

      You’re always welcome, my love.

      Cody turned and walked back along the footpath, feeling a little brighter. Mrs. Timmins was right. Without the burden of a job and a mortgage, he was free to choose his own way, to do his own thing. He laughed at how a slight shift in perspective had made all the difference.

      When he arrived back at his house, Ellis Tanner was getting into his car. The new owners were nowhere to be seen.

      Oh, hello, said Ellis, noticing Cody approach.

      Hello. All finished?

      All finished. I’ve left a yellow envelope on your kitchen table. There are a couple of things to sign. Drop them into the office next time you’re in town.

      How long have I got to move out?

      Depends on the settlement. It should be sometime in the next two to four weeks. They’ll probably want to move in immediately, so let’s say you’ve got a fortnight. You’re happy with the outcome?

      Cody gave a half-nod. I’m happy with the final price, yes.

      Good. Good. Ellis leaned forward, proffering his hand. We’ll be in touch.

      Cody shook his hand and watched as Ellis got back into his car, reversed down the driveway, and drove away.

      He faced his house, which now, for all intents and purposes, belonged to someone else. It was a bizarre feeling. His home of the past fourteen years was now just a house, a place

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