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    The Cull

    Jon Jacks

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    Other New Adult and Childrens books by Jon Jacks

    The Caught The Rules Chapter One The Changes Sleeping Ugly

    The Barking Detective Agency The Healing The Lost Fairy Tale

    A Horse or a !ing"o# Charity The $ost Beautiul Things The Last TrainThe Drea# S%allo%ers &y'( )ran""aughter o the &ight *onah an" the Alligator

    )laston+ury Sirens Dr *ekyll,s $ai" The -../0ear Circus

    1 The 2n"less )a#e Doria& A 3yr" )irlHeartache High 45ol 67 Heartache High8 The 1ri#er 45ol 667 Heartache High8 The 3akening 45ol 6667

    $iss Terry Char#9 $erry !ris $ouse : The Silver 2gg Seecrets The 3icker Slippers

    Text copyright20! Jon Jacks

    All rights reser"ed

    #$ashwords %dition& 'icense Notes

    Thank you (or downloading this (ree ebook) Although this is a (ree book& it re$ains

    the copyrighted property o( the author& and $ay not be reproduced& copied and

    distributed (or co$$ercial or non*co$$ercial purposes) +( you en,oyed this book&

    please encourage your (riends to download their own copy at #$ashwords)co$&

    where they can also disco"er other works by this author)

    Thank you (or your support)

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    -lessed are the (irst one*hundred and (i(ty*three) .or they are the "ery (irst

    Jas$ines& who will spread their branches& take root& and su((use the world in the

    glorious scent o( Truth)

    The Book O *as#ine

    Chapter

    /#ure + said + hoped shed die -ut that didnt $ean + actually %ante"her to die

    + couldnt belie"e it)

    Nobody could belie"e it)

    1ary #al(ord was dead)

    And so$ehow her (riends see$ to think +$ so$ehow responsible) And all

    because wed had an argu$ent yesterday)ey& i( ha"ing an argu$ent with 1ary $ade $e a possible suspect (or $urder& that

    $ade hal( the school potential suspects

    /+ts a (igure o( speech& 'i3& thats all) 4ou know what a (igure o( speech is& right5

    'ike& 67et out o( $y (ace8

    Jee3

    a"ent these girls got anything better to do than pester $e about this5

    + $ean& were all shocked& right5

    %"en + didnt hate 1ary that $uch that + wanted her dead

    4ou dont& do you5 9hen you say& 6+ hope you die8& youre ,ust angry: thats all

    4oure not really conte$plating $urder

    -esides& ,ust how do these nu$bskulls (igure + $anaged to get 1ary to step outinto the road in (ront o( an onco$ing car5

    /#he was upset 'i3 screa$s back in $y (ace)

    Ob"iously& 'i3 doesnt understand e"eryday expressions like /7et out o( $y (ace)

    /1ary wasnt thinking straight Thats why she wandered out into the road

    9ow& so that,sit5

    That,show 1arys (riends think +$ responsible (or her death5

    Not because they think + so$ehow pushed her out into the road)

    Not because they think + was secretly dri"ing the car that sent her (lying back onto

    her own lawn)

    No no: they think +$ responsible because +d upsether so $uch she was walking

    around in a da3e/#ince when was 1ary upset by what anyone said to her& 'i35 And i( being upset

    was a reason to wander out in (ront o( a passing car& + think 1ary would ha"e an

    aw(ul lot o( deaths on herhands& wouldnt she5

    1ary was 1iss #arcas$par e'cellence;

    #he could hit you bang centre where it hurt $ost) it you with a co$$ent dripping

    with acid) One that would burn away at your "ery core (or days a(terwards)

    'ike& /ey& Ja3: is that your idea o( $akeup) Or ha"e you ,ust taken up

    pro(essional boxing5

    4eah& thats what our argu$ent had been about)

    #o& ;est +n

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    =

    ow did + get into an argu$ent about $akeup5

    +t sounds like +"e got one heck o( a short (use& right5-ut look& 1ary had been ribbing $e (or ages about a nu$ber o( things& right5

    Thats how she does > well& how she use"to do it)

    #he had that knack o( knowing ,ust which parts o( you to tweak) And shed know it

    no $atter who she was talking to)

    A tweak here) A tweak there)

    A push o( this button) Then that button)

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    ?oes stating the ob"ious $ake $e a bad person5

    +n $any peoples eyes& it probably does)

    +n #yeyes it $akes $e a bad person)

    There are intelligent kids out there who su((er heartache and worse si$ply because

    o( their looks)

    Then there are others who ,ust bree3e through li(e purely because they"e got greatbone structure)

    Course& +$ not saying this is an i"ealstate o( a((airs

    +ts ridiculous)

    +ts un(air)

    -ut thats how it is)

    #o get o"er it)

    +t isnt helping anyoneto try and pretend it isnt really like that)

    -ecause it $eans no ones (acing up to the (acts)

    1e& +ll ad$it right up (ront that $ost o( $y own personal su((ering co$es (ro$

    lusting a(ter guys who& to be honest& are %ayout o( $y league)

    And& o( course& they %oul"n,tbe out o( $y league i( + was e"en hal(*decentlooking)

    #o (or $e& when it co$es to light reading& its the $aga3ine articles on cle"er

    $akeup shading) -rightening up your hair with tints) 7etting the dress that $akes the

    $ost o( so$e cur"es and hides the others)

    All in"aluable stu(()

    Then again& it was thanks to one o( these articles that + ended up with a (ace way

    too hea"y on the blue eye*shadow and yellow blusher)

    4eah& what was + thinking& right5

    1ary& youd got $e dead to rights on that one)

    Oops& sorry: its ,ust a (igure o( speech& okay5

    =

    /Ja3 Ja3

    +ts one o( the kids (ro$ the lower years: Josie& Jolie& or so$ething like that)

    9hats she want5

    /4eah5

    /4oure wanted in the head$istresss o((ice) + think the police are there

    The police54oure kidding $e

    Crap

    #urely thepolicedont think + had anything to do with 1arys death5

    9hat the hecks 'i3 been telling the$5

    =

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    Chapter 2

    /Now Jas$ine& + need you to be per(ectly honest with $e on this: did you ha"e anargu$ent with 'i3 and her (riends when classes ended (or the lunch break5

    1iss

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    /9here were you this $orning5 Can you pro"e you were in class all $orning5

    The policewo$an hadnt bothered with any o( 1iss the police $ight as well go whistling up the wall be(ore expecting any

    help (ro$ $e)

    =

    /+$ going to ha"e to take you down the station& 1iss

    The "oice behind $e is gru((& authoritati"e)

    + whirl around& shocked and angry)

    /9hat5 Are you kiddi >

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    /9ow 4our (ace& Ja3 +$ glad +$ nota cop) 4oud probably ha"e taken $y

    head o(( ,ust with that e"il glare o( yours

    /2vilglare5 + glare e"illy at hi$)

    e raises his hands in $ock surrender)

    /Okay& okay: angryglare then) + bet that really $ade your day& didnt it5 -eing

    called to the head$istresss o((ice& an"the police are waiting there (or you + bet you,ust couldnt wait to gi"e the$ whate"er help they wanted& right5

    /9ord gets around @uick in this school& doesnt it5 +n this case&

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    Chapter !

    Next $orning& the schools going all out to $ake sure no ones going to (orgetwere talking about the deaths o( three innocent kids and a $u$ here)

    And were not going to be allowed to (orget that laughing and ha"ing (un doesnt

    (it in with $ourning their passing)

    1orning asse$bly is all tear(ul speeches& re$inding us how wonder(ul 'i3& Boe

    and #arah were) And how were all going to really $iss the$)

    The audience& too& is all tear(ul kids)

    4ou wouldnt belie"e how $any o( the$ are suddenly $aking out they were the

    "ery "ery "ery best (riend o( 'i3& Boe or #arah)

    #o they,reparticularly a((ected by their sad loss)

    9ow& the a$ount o( (riends you suddenly gain when youre dead is truly a$a3ing

    1e& +$ ,ust the opposite&

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    + say /sliding in& but

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    /7et out o( the way you idiot the dri"er (uriously yells out) /9hat the hell do you

    think youre doing5

    es standing up in his seat& leaning o"er his steering wheel) es wildly wa"ing

    his (ists at so$eone + cant see lying beyond the buss large glass (ront)

    e turns back to us to explain the delay)

    /Theres an idiot blocking our path e swung right out in (ront o( $e as we werecrossing the tracks

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    Chapter E

    /7et out o( the way 7et out o( the wayThe dri"er screa$s uselessly at the car blocking our path) e presses his horn

    again and again)

    The teacher& 1iss ?ruen& is standing close to hi$) #he looks (lustered& (rightened)

    /-ack up

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    Outside the coach& a (ew bra"e adults ha"e rushed onto the railway line) Theyre

    reaching up to help the (irst o( the kids cla$ber out o( the exit windows)

    The door at the (ront has also been opened at last& the kids hurriedly (iling out)

    As soon as theyre outside the bus& the kids dash (or the sa(ety o( the other side o(

    the gates)

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    Chapter F

    One $inute > no& onesecon"> +$ at the back o( a $ass o( kids& all trying to getthrough a window exit that only lets two through at any one ti$e)

    The next& theres a blinding (lash)

    The sound o( two planets colliding)

    The (orce o( a hurricane*like gust o( wind)

    +$ suddenly (lung upwards& spinning& tu$bling)

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    Chapter G

    This ti$e& the loss o( li(e is so great that the school is shut down (or a (ew days)1iss ?ruen died too) The dri"er was a$ongst the se"erely in,ured)

    .ortunately& the train in"ol"ed in the accident had been a goods train) The engine

    dri"er had died so @uickly he wouldnt ha"e su((ered& were all assured)

    The press and news channels ha"e descend on the area& seeking to inter"iew

    anyone they can)

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    9hy would an angel bother rescuing $e5 9hy would he let all those other poor

    kids die so horribly5

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    +t was all so chaotic: people shouting e"erywhere)

    The di"er #ightha"e been paying attention to

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    Chapter L

    %ither $u$ or dad will send the policewo$an o(( with a (lea in her ear)As they always do)

    /+( you get any proble$s (ro$ her& let $e know& dad had said to $e a(ter she

    called round the (irst ti$e& ,ust a(ter the accident)

    Now she co$es round at least once a day) #o$eti$es e"en twice)

    /+( + could ,ust ha"e a word with Ja3& then>

    Thats usually about as (ar as she gets be(ore either $u$ or dad cuts her o(()

    Theyll cite whate"er law or restriction they can thats basically telling her to go

    take a hike& unless shes here to $ake an o((icial charge)

    #hes persistent& +ll gi"e her that)

    9e cant keep turning her away (or e"er& can we5

    #ure we can)+ ha"ent been able to (ollow the con"ersation taking place downstairs)

    -ut + hear the door being sla$$ed shut)

    + watch as she languidly $akes her way back to the car& ignoring the hailstor$ o(

    @uestions thrown her way by the ,ournalists ca$ped outside)

    #uddenly& she glances back and up& catching $e at the window)

    Theres a sour& deter$ined look on her (ace)

    A look that says& +$ going to get you one day)

    =

    Today& the school is opening its doors once $ore)

    The ,ournalists are out in (orce) Theyre hanging outside both the school gates)

    Theyre hanging outside the ho$es o( each kid who sur"i"ed the accident)

    The police are also out in (orce) Theyre there to keep the news crews (ro$

    pestering any o( the school kids& their parents& or the sta(()

    #ur"i"ors like $e ha"e been o((ered a police escort into school) Not wishing to

    (ace any @uestioning (ro$ the waiting papara33i& +"e accepted the o((er)

    -ut i( + so $uch as catch a gli$pse o( that bloody policewo$an waiting outside& +

    wont be going anywhere)

    Thank(ully& when the cops arri"e shes nowhere in sight) +ts two police$en +"e

    ne"er seen be(ore)

    %"en so& + use a pair o( binoculars +"e borrowed o(( dad to peer through the

    upstairs window) + 3oo$ into the car they"e parked at the kerb& $aking sure that

    shes not waiting (or $e in there)

    The cops stand either side o( $e as we $ake our way to the car) They aggressi"ely

    (end o(( any ,ournalist $o"ing too close to us)

    They open the cars rear door& helping $e slip into the back seat) Just to gain the

    space we need& they ha"e to threaten so$e o( the ,ournalists with arrest)

    The cops @uickly cla$ber into their own seats up (ront)

    The dri"er starts up the car) e begins to pull away (ro$ the kerb)

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    #uddenly& be(ore the car has picked up any real speed& the rear door on the other

    side to $e is wrenched open)

    #o$eone wearing an old ,acket and ,eans slips in beside $e)

    +ts her)

    +ts the policewo$an)

    =

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    Chapter M

    The cars now going too (ast (or $e to open the door and ,u$p out)+ $ight as well (ace up to whate"er it is she wants to say to $e)

    9hat can she really do a(ter all5

    Tricking $e like this breaks 7od*knows how $any laws and legal rights) Anyone

    e$ployed to de(end $e would easily ha"e any charges against $e thrown out o(

    court)

    /+ ,ust want a @uick& (riendly word& the cop says& s$iling like shes here to bring

    ,oy to the world)

    /#ee$s like youre already ha"ing one) 9hether + want to or not)

    /9hy did you re(use counselling& Ja35 +t could help you& you know5

    /+ts ,ust indoctrination: the authorities catching you at a weak point in your li(e)

    Dsing it to instil their own ideas o( whats right and wrong)/Thats one heck o( a hard*headed attitude (or a girl like you to take& isnt it5 +t

    $ight ha"e actually helped you channel all that anger and aggression youre (eeling

    into so$ething $ore positi"e and worthwhile) + can see that you (latter yoursel(

    youre tough enough to handle all that shock: but + reckon youre in $ore danger than

    anyone else that its going to a((ect you badly) And you probably wont e"en

    recognise the e((ect its ha"ing on you)

    /#ee what + $ean about authority5 4oure already using it as an excuse to change

    $e) To $ake $e co$e round to your way o( seeing things)

    /4ou $ight not realise it Ja3& but + really a$ trying to help you here) #ee& +"e seen

    whats happening to you happen so $any ti$es to other kids) -right kids& (ull o(

    potential& going astray because schools no longer gi"ing the$ the sti$ulation theyneed) %"erythings too easy& right5 1eanwhile& you ha"e to hang around waiting (or

    the du$ber kids to catch up)

    Not a word + expected: du$ber) Not

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    +( + hadnt $anaged to (igure out (or $ysel( how (ortunate + a$& +d sure as heck

    know it by now) + couldnt count how $any ti$es +"e been told that +"e been

    blessed with opportunities denied $ost other kids)

    +ts ,ust about the (irst thing a teacher brings up whene"er + $ake the $istake o(

    co$plaining that +$ being gi"en tasks +"e already learnt in lower school)

    + was being sel(ish& wasnt +& thinking + had a right to lessons $atched to $yability5

    9hat about all those other& $ore un(ortunate& $ore vulnera+lekids who were

    already struggling to keep up5

    ow $uch harder would it be (or the$& eh& i( + insisted on e"eryone being taught

    the sa$e as $e5

    ?idnt they deser"e the chance in li(e +d been lucky enough to ha"e been gi"en5

    ?idnt they deser"e $ore attention than $e5

    + was the bright kid& a(ter all) + didnt need the attention they needed)

    ?id + really want all the attention to be (ocused on $e5 To soar while they all (ell

    (urther behind5

    %@ual opportunities (or all& see5And how can we pro"e we"e pro"ided that unless it results in e@ual outco$es5

    #trange thing is& theres a part o( $e saying these teachers $ight ha"e a point: that

    yeah& these poor kids do need $ore o( a helping hand than + do)

    #o + end up hating the other part o( $ysel( that says it cant be right that +$ being

    held back at school& si$ply because +$ lucky enough to ha"e good parents)

    + $ean& what next5 9ill the good parents ha"e to swap their kids (or $ore

    un(ortunate ones to $ake things (air5

    Then again& do you reckon the kids o( the politicians who"e (orced all this on us

    are held back like this5

    No chance&

    #ee& its all to the rich kids ad"antage& isnt it5 No $atter how du$b they are&

    theres no bright kids co$ing up (ro$ below to threaten their positions& are there5

    =

    /ow co$e you know all this5 + say to the cop)

    /'ike + said& +"e been there $ysel(: seen other intelligent kids going through the

    sa$e thing youre going through) 4oure bored by school& e"en though you used to

    en,oy it) 4ou see kids getting praise e"en though theyre getting it all wrong) #eethe$ getting lenient treat$ent when theyre $essing round) 4ou& though& you get told

    o(( (or e"en $inor in(ringe$ents) All that intelligence in that head o( yours is ,ust

    churning away with nothing to (ocus on) #o you start looking (or other(or$s o(

    sti$ulation)

    #he says otherlike it could $ean anything (ro$ drug running to $aster$inding a

    $ultibillion heist on a city bank)

    #he s$iles) #he knows shes got $e down to a T)

    /#o you no longer think + had anything to do with 'i3 and her $u$s death& right5

    + gi"e $y @uestion hints o( both doubt and hope)

    #he chuckles& shakes her head)

    /+"e got to ad$it& at (irst + was a bit suspicious) + thought& $aybe& that it $ightha"e been a prank that had gone horribly wrong) #o$ething that was supposed to do

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    nothing $ore than scratch the car) Or shake e"eryone up a bit) +"e seen the kids +"e

    $entioned do worse& belie"e $e) -ut when it ca$e to thewell)

    + can tell shes wanting to a"oid $entioning the accident) Just in case it reawakens

    bad $e$ories +"e $anaged to keep in check so (ar)

    /The bus& + say to help her out)

    /4eah& the +us: well& it was pretty ob"ious you had nothing to do with that) #o it$ade $e start to think& well& $aybe + ha"got you wrong)

    /Are you any closer to catching the wo$an who caused it5

    +d seen on the news how the dri"er whod held up the bus hadnt been a $an& like

    wed all (irst assu$ed) #hed escaped by re"ersing back through the people trying to

    block her way) #hed abandoned the car only a (ew $iles away)

    /9e traced her through her car>

    /-ut shed "anished& right5 Along with her husband& her kids) er parents and his

    parents too& according to so$e o( the sites +"e read) ow can they all ,ust disappear

    like that5

    /Truth is& they cant) They $ight be hiding out so$ewhere& but her youngest is

    ter$inally ill) #he needs a regular supply o( drugs ,ust to keep going) Theyre going toha"e to gi"e the$sel"es up soon)

    /4oure going the wrong way -rian)

    The cop in the passenger seat is pointing back the way we"e co$e)

    The dri"ers turned o(( the $ain road into a @uiet side street) es slowing down&

    s@uir$ing in his seat& unclipping his seat belt like hes unco$(ortable)

    /+ ,ust need to>

    -e(ore the di"ers (inished speaking& theres a loud yet $u((led bang)

    The cop in the passenger seat "iolently ,erks to one side) e strikes the door with a

    dull thu$p)

    -lood spurts e"erywhere& spreading in a sudden thick splurge across the door

    window)

    /7erry the policewo$an shrieks& leaping (orward in her seat to try and help her

    in,ured (riend) /-rian& whats happened to 7erry5

    The dri"er whirls around& bringing up a gun and resting it on the seatback)

    /#orry Jane)

    The gun goes o(( again& this ti$e with a dea(ening bang)

    Janes thrown back& the side o( her body erupting) A (ountain o( (lesh and blood

    splatters against the seat and rear window)

    -rian swings the gun& ai$ing it at $e)

    /Out Out now& or +ll shoot

    Neither Jane nor 7erry are $o"ing)Theyre both dead)

    1y (u$bling (ingers slip on the handle& but + $anage to wrench open the door)

    + hal( cla$ber& hal( throw $ysel( out) #o$ething dull and hea"y strikes $e across

    $y back) .or a $o$ent& + wonder i( +"e been shot)

    Then +$ tu$bling pain(ully across the ground)

    The dri"er roars o((& the open door swinging shut with a sharp clang)

    =

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    Chapter

    + pick $ysel( up)+$ shaking) 9ringing $y hands)

    9hatwhat ,ust happened there5

    ow do + explain this to anyone5

    9hat do + say5

    + look about $e& seeing people standing at the windows o( their ho$es) Theyre

    staring out blankly& like theyre trying to (igure out what all the noise was about)

    9here do + go5

    To school5

    #hould + start walking to school5

    #hould + cry out (or help5

    ow canthey help $e5+$ not in any danger any $ore)

    9ait5 9asnt + hit5

    + (eel $y back& where +d (elt so$ething hit $e as +d (allen (ro$ the car)

    +$ hal(*expecting it to be wet with $y blood) -ut its dry) And theres no pain&

    e"en when + press hard against it)

    -ut + could ha"e sworn +d been hit there by so$ething) 'ike the dri"er had thrown

    so$ething at $e)

    'ooking back to where +d (allen (ro$ the car be(ore tu$bling across the grass& +

    see so$ething by the kerb edge)

    A book) A large& black book)

    ?rawing closer& + realise its a -ible) The pages are creased and s@uashed whereits (allen open on the ground)

    9hat would the dri"er want to throw a -ible at $e (or5

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    + take out $y $obile)

    /

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    Chapter 0

    4ahweh& the ebrew na$e (or 7od& occurs one*hundred and (ty*three ti$es inthe book o( 7enesis)

    Archi$edes re(erred to the nu$ber one*hundred and (ty*three as being /The

    1easure o( the .ish)

    +ts a$a3ing how @uickly you can (inds things out ,ust by googling it)

    %ach $onth& the a"erage A$erican watches one*hundred and (ty*three hours o(

    tele"ision)

    Oh& and the chances o( a ?NA $olecule (or$ing by chance5 Ten to the power o(

    one*hundred and (ty*three)

    ?espite the $ention o( (ish& the piece on Archi$edes doesnt really see$ to ha"e

    anything to do with the -iblical passage)

    +ts one o( his $athe$atical principles& in this case regarding the al$ond shape youget when two circles intersect) According to Archi$edes& its shaped like /the bladder

    o( a (ish& or /"esica piscis)

    The ratio o( the height to the width is one*hundred and (ty*three to two*hundred

    and sixty*(i"e& or the s@uare root o( three)

    4eah& + was getting a bit lost at this point too)

    9heres it all leading $e5

    Nowhere& (ar as + can see)

    =

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    /9ell you could do what $ost girls would do& + suppose: get your hair done&

    wander around > ouch

    + gi"e hi$ a play(ul nudge to his gut)

    /#exist Are you saying $y hair needs doing5

    /Course not + like it)

    is eyes wander o"er $y hair& like he really does appreciate the way it looks)/Co$e on ouch

    + scowl) e laughs& letting $e know he was winding $e up)

    /4ou"e changed& changed a lot since then Ja3

    /9hat& $e a swan5 Oh& go on

    4eah& like /go on with all this (lattery please

    #ure& +$ acting all nonchalant& all coy) -ut hell yes +$ pleased)

    Any guy says that to you& its the sa$e e((ect as a couple o(

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    +$ not allowed to be)

    +$ still regarded as being so$ehow responsible (or their deaths)

    'ike + led the$ out there that day on purpose) 'ike + arranged the stalling o( the

    bus& the arri"al o( the goods train)

    'ike + knew what was co$ing) And thats how + $anaged to be sa"ed)

    +t hurts& hurts to be thought o( in this way) urts to be excluded (ro$ the sharing o(su((ering and the re$e$bering o( better ti$es)

    + $iss those kids too)

    +$ horri(ied by the way they lost their li"es)

    -ut i( + ha"e to deal with this hurt without the help o( the other kids& then + will)

    1y $u$ and dad and

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    9ow) #traight o"er $y head that one) And + (latter $ysel( that +$ intelligent5

    9hat was this doing in the back o( her car5 .ro$ what +d read o( her so (ar& she

    didnt ha"e any scienti(ic background) And neither did her husband)

    #he was a social worker) e& ironically& was a teacher) -ut hed taught art)

    9ait

    One/hun"re" an" ity/three;+ts right there& in the (or$ula>-?%u!)

    -ut what does it $ean5

    ?oes it help $e5

    No)

    +$ ,ust $ore con(used than e"er)

    =

    9hile +$ trying to work all this out& alar$ bells ring)

    No& + $ean they really "oring)

    The (ire alar$)

    1iss .urrier re$ains cal$)

    /Now& + want you all to lea"e your things and

    +$ not sure anyone is listening)

    Theyre all looking at $e)

    %"en 1iss .urrier is looking at $e)

    %"eryone is looking at $e with (ear and hatred in their eyes)

    =

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    Chapter

    ow can + be held responsible (or a (ire5+ didnt start it)

    +"e been here all along)

    ?o all these people really think +$ so$ehow bringing all this bad luck down on

    the$5

    Theyre not saying) Theyre all (iling out in good order) Joining the other

    s$oothly& swi(tly $o"ing colu$ns out in the corridor)

    +ts all well organised) Theres hardly any panic) 9hat there is co$es (ro$

    indi"iduals who are soon cal$ed or taken under the wing o( a teacher)

    1at@

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    + both ,u$p and instincti"ely duck as so$ething nearby cracks loudly) Thick& black

    clouds o( s$oke rush towards us& like they"e ,ust been released (ro$ con(ine$ent)

    /O"er there 'ook

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    Chapter 2

    The s$oke swells and undulates around us as i( its ali"e)+ts hard to see where were heading) The s$oke $akes e"erything indistinct) Our

    eyes are weeping& stinging)

    9ere choking& gasping (or air) %"en though we"e got our (aces co"ered with our

    hands)

    9e know were supposed to get to the (loor& where the air will be clearer& $ore

    breathable) -ut i( we did& wed be dead anyway) The (la$es are $o"ing rapidly&

    rushing towards us like were in a race)

    A race to the death)

    -ehind us& e"erything the (la$es touch cracks& explodes) -eco$es yet another part

    o( the hungry& e"er*growing (ire)

    9e can (eel the heat on our backs) Our necks burn hotter and hotter as the (la$esad"ance)

    /9here are we5 + cant see where were going any$ore

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    =

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    Chapter !

    +$ no longer choking& gasping (or air)+$ breathing naturally& easily)

    A$ + dead5

    + touch $y chest& al$ost expecting $y hand to pass through it as i( +$ already a

    ghost)

    + look about $e)

    The (ire is still raging around us& still (eeding hungrily o(( the cellar and its

    contents)

    -ut + cant (eel its heat)

    The boo$ing and cracking is subdued& like +$ hearing it through water)

    As + rise to $y knees& +$ al$ost expecting to see $ysel( lea"ing $y body behind&

    $y soul (loating upwards to ho"er abo"e it)+ look down at

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    Chapter E

    The angel s$iles)#$iles as youd expect an angel to s$ile: beati(ically)

    /9howho are you5

    /4ou would ha"e died) + had no choice but to re"eal $ysel()

    /?ied5

    /#o it is written in this world)

    /And twice)

    /-ut not the others)

    /No other children ha"e been har$ed today)

    /-ut what about the bus5 9hy didnt you help the$5

    /+ cannot help e"eryone) That is not the task set $e)

    /Task5

    /To help bring the Truth to those who li"e in lies) -ut + ha"e told you enough& +belie"e)

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    9e"e already passed into the corridors lying beyond the doors at the top o( the

    stairs)

    The (ire still rages here& but not as strongly as it does downstairs) %"en so& it would

    be i$possible to walk through this spitting& snarling in(erno i( it werent (or the

    protecti"e ball o( light)

    /ow a$ + a part o( your task5 And

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    =

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    Chapter F

    The da$age to the school wasnt anywhere near as bad as e"eryone had originally(eared it would be)

    +t was thank(ully con(ined to a relati"ely s$all section too)

    And& o( course& there wasnt a single loss o( li(e)

    No one knows how the (ire was started yet)

    No one suspects $e)

    9ell& no one suspects that +physicallystarted the (ire) + was in class when the

    alar$ was raised)

    %"en so& e"ery pupil& e"ery teacher& eyes $e suspiciously)

    'ike +$ working in collusion with ?eath hi$sel()

    'ike + brought all this bad luck down on the$ all)

    #ure& + was the one that al$ost died this ti$e)4et +d sur"i"ed& hadnt +5

    1iraculously too)

    The way the (ire had oh*so con"eniently blasted a hole in an otherwise solid wall&

    enabling $e to escape)

    The way +d $anaged to drag an unconscious a sudden surge o( oxygen causing the (la$es to explode in an

    al$ost sun*like intensity > were& as a (ire o((icer put it& /beyond all reasonable belie()

    +( it hadnt been (or that incredible stroke o( luck& hed added& wed probably both

    be dead)

    Only

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    =

    %"en though we hadnt co*ordinated our stories& both

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    9hat %asall that about5

    'ooking at the rough notes +"e $ade on the passage containing the scienti(ic

    (or$ulae& one*hundred and (i(ty*three could ha"e anything to do with (re@uency&

    $e$ory or @uantu$ $echanics)

    Or perhaps none o( the$ at all)

    There doesnt see$ to be any ob"ious links to the notes + $ade a(ter (inding thehighlighted -iblical passage: the 1easure o( the .ish& the /"esica piscis& the ratio o(

    one*hundred and (ty*three to two*hundred and sixty*(i"e)

    The thing is& no $atter how weird the angels answer was& at least it de$onstrated

    a connection between hi$ and the nu$ber one*hundred and (ty*three)

    There was also that strange& 7regorian*chant like hu$$ing& which + suppose also

    gi"es us a link tore=uency)

    And a ratiois linked to har$onies& right5

    +ts not $uch to go on: but its all +"e got)

    .re@uency is $easured in ert3s& so + google /F!h3)

    Nothing)

    9ell& nothing that see$s i$$ediately rele"ant to whate"er it is +$ searching (oranyway)

    Though as + dont really know what +$ searching (or& that $akes it pretty di((icult

    to know what + should be looking (or& doesnt it5

    #o& what about the second part o( that ratio& F!H 2GF5

    + google /2GFh3)

    Ah Theres so$ething about /1usic o( the #pheres: and didnt

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    ?a$n)

    9ait: how about /angelic$usic scale5

    +s there such a thing5

    well& whaddya know5

    #econd down on the list: /#ol(eggio #yste$ > #ounds o( 9onder) And in the

    passage ,ust beneath& theres a listing o( (re@uencies)+ click through)

    Oh no

    +ts ,ust another list o( links

    'ots o( the$

    +t could be any one o( the$ that + need

    Or none o( the$

    -ut wait a $inuteH /?NA and #ol(eggio)

    ?idnt the nu$ber one*hundred and (ty*three ha"e a connection with ?NA5

    Oh yeah: it was the chances o( a ?NA $olecule (or$ing) Ten to the power o( one*

    hundred and (ty*three)

    Co$e to think o( it& ?NA is also the per(ect (or$ o( #e#orystorage& isnt it59hat the heck: + click on the link)

    A pd( starts loading up)

    Oh oh: too$uch in(o

    9here do +start5

    + start by @uickly scrolling through it& hoping so$ething catches $y eye > and yes&

    thank(ully it does

    A chart o( so$e kind& containing (re@uency (igures)

    Across the top& theres a nu$ber o( di((erent $usic scales once again)

    ?own the side& theres a list o( a "ariety o( things linked to or a((ected by the

    scales and their (re@uencies)

    One o( these is ?NA) + run $y (inger along the row)

    Two (re@uencies i$$ediately next to each other grab $y eye: F2M 3 and F! 3)

    Thats ,ust either side o( F!0 3)

    + run $y (inger up the colu$ns to the scales listed abo"e)

    F2M 3 is in the2arthly#cale) F! 3 is in theDivine#cale)

    Thats it

    F!0 3 lies between the intersecting physical and spiritual worlds& the earthly and

    the di"ine

    9hich $eans

    Nothing& actually)

    -ut its the nearest +"e got to an answer so (ar)Okay& one last try)

    #o& i( were talking o( an2arthly#cale& what happens i( + google /?na F2Mh35

    Oh $y

    /Can F2M 3 (re@uency heal your ?NA5

    And its ,ust about a whole page o( links like that

    %"en $ore a$a3ingly& were talking real scientists here too& rather than pseudo*

    scientists and crackpots)

    Thats got to be it& the link +"e been searching (or& hasnt it5

    Or has it5

    9asnt + really trying to (ind out how one*hundred and (ty*three was connected to

    the "eaths& the #ur"ers5ow is healthy ?NA connected to so$eone being killed5

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    %radicatingaulty?NA5

    =

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    Chapter G

    As a reason (or $urdering so$eone& eradicating(aulty ?NA doesnt really $ake$uch sense)

    %"en so& + try and (ind what + can about each police o((icers $edical history)

    #ure& + realise +$ not going to co$e across their $edical records) -ut + $ight be

    able to (ind the odd re(erence to any illness they $ight ha"e su((ered in the "arious

    newspaper articles (eaturing inter"iews with their relati"es)

    Theres a surprising a$ount o( in(or$ation about the$

    Jane in particular co$es across as a really genuine& take*$e*as*you*(ind*$e*

    because*+$*great sort o( person)

    'ike she hinted to $e& she was the bright kid at school who went o(( the rails (or a

    while) -ecause she didnt (eel she was being challenged)

    #he got hersel( back in order) #aw it as her purpose in li(e to help other kids who$ight per$anently go astray i( theres no one around to put the$ straight)

    +( Jane were still around& you know what5 + could ha"e really liked her)

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    =

    /4ou $ight be on to so$ething)

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    =

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    Chapter L

    +$ shrouded in $ottled light)A $ix o( wa"ering& inter$ingling dark shade and bright light)

    A$ + dead5

    No: +$ standing in the thick co"er o( a copse o( large bushes and s$all trees o(( to

    the side o( the road)

    Through the o"erhanging branches and lea"es& + can see the bus continuing on its

    way)

    -ut + can s$ell the burning rubber o( urgently braked tyres)

    orns are blaring) ?ri"ers are shouting angrily) 'ike they cant understand why the

    bus suddenly screeched to a halt like that)

    9hats going through the bus dri"ers $ind5 ?id + suddenly "anish5

    ?oes hewonder why he suddenly braked like that59hate"er hes thinking& hes $o"ing again)

    /Thank(ully& e"en those who saw anything are con(used: theyre telling the$sel"es

    they $ust ha"e i$agined that a stupid girl was standing out in the road)

    +ts the angel) es alongside $e)

    /Ja3& Ja3 9hats happening5 + heard a horn& a screech

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    =

    /a"e you e"er thought o( writing a book5

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    Chapter M

    /4ou"e $et hi$5 4ou"e $et the angel5/e sa"ed $y li(e: like he sa"ed yours)

    /9hen5 9hen did he sa"e your li(e5

    /9hen 1ary died) + would ha"e died too& i( 7ariel hadnt sa"ed $e)

    /ow do you know his na$es 7ariel5 9hat do you $ean& when 1ary died5

    This is cra3y + dont know which o( the @uestions +"e got (lowing around $y

    head to ask her (irst)

    /9hy did he sa"e you5 No& no sorry: +$ asking you too $any @uestions arent +5

    #he giggles)

    + still ha"ent asked her (or herna$e

    That will ha"e to wait)

    /Okay& okay& + say& trying to slow $y own whirling $ind down) /1ary (irst& right5?o you $ean you were there when 1ary died5

    #he nods)

    /#he was pulling $e) Thats why we both ended up out in the road)

    /9hat was she pulling you (or5

    /-ecause she was 1ary) #he was always hitting $e& teasing $e) #he said she was

    going to throw $e in (ront o( the next car) 'aughing& like it was a ,oke) 9hen the car

    ca$e& + didnt think she really $eant to do it: but she did)

    /-ut she stu$bled& ending up (alling in (ront o( it instead o( you5 and that you would let $e

    know $ore about that when the ti$e was right

    =

    Jolie hadnt $entioned to anyone that she had been present at 1arys death)

    /9hod belie"e $e5 4ou know& when + said + would"e died too i( an angel hadnt

    rescued $e5 + knew +d ,ust get into trouble) #o$eone would start saying + $ust"e

    so$ehow $ade 1ary end up in the road)

    /9hy didnt he sa"e 1ary i( he was there5 +t wouldnt ha"e been too hard& would

    it5

    + say it out loud& but +$ not really expecting Jolie to ha"e an answer)

    /+ asked hi$ that) e said it was her ti$e)

    /er ti$e5

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    /+ asked hi$& she says innocently)

    + ne"er thought o( asking hi$ his na$e) +t see$ed a bit i$polite so$ehow& a bit

    silly& asking an angel i( he has a na$e)

    /?id he tell you anything else be(ore he le(t you5

    /+ would let you know& right5

    #he nods (erociously& her eyes sparkling with eagerness)

    /Thing is Jolie& +$ a(raid + ha"ent got the (aintest idea what +$ supposed to be

    doing) #o + dont know how youre supposed to help $e

    Jolie looks a little hurt by $y (rustrated outburst)/#orry Jolie& sorry +$ not angry at you& honest +$ ,ust,ust so exasperated

    because + dont know what the heck +$ supposed to do (or hi$ + dont e"en know

    what these -lessed Jas$ines are that he says youre going to be

    /One o( the (irst one*hundred and (i(ty*three& 7ariel said

    er whole (ace lights up)

    /4ousureyou didnt askthe angel what he $eant5 + say)

    /Angel& Jolie giggles) /+ thought he was an angel too

    /Thoughthe was an angel5 1eaning what exactly5 That he isn,tan angel5

    #he both nods and shakes her head& like shes unsure what the correct response to

    $y "arious @uestions should be) #he laughs)

    /ow do you know hes not an angel5 + say)

    /+ asked hi$)

    /.igures) And he said > what5

    /e laughed) e said he wouldnt want $e thinking that he was an angel: he said it

    $ight cause co$plications)

    /Co$plications5 ow would thinking hes an angel cause co$plications5

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    Chapter

    /No& no: it still doesnt $ake sense& ra gestoru$: thats 'atin (or #iracle)

    e calls up another page& this ti$e one o( an intense close up o( what looks like

    hexagonal crystals)

    /The clustered water $olecules (or$ing the supporti"e $atrix o( healthy ?NA&

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    Chapter 20

    9ithin the con(ines o( what are you5 4oure notan angel& right5

    e bows his head slightly& de$urely)

    /+ a$ a

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    /#o this book youre expecting $e to produce: is it the -ook o( Jas$ine5

    e laughs again)

    /#o $uch #oreis expected o( you& Jas$ine 4es& the -ook o( Jas$ine is regarded

    by $any as an ad$irable work: but it is not the-ook

    /#o thats at least two books expected o( $e) And + ha"ent written either one o(

    the$ yet/#hould we say& you arepre"icte"to write it5

    e grins wryly at his own ,oke)

    /Are you saying the (uture canbe predicted5

    /.or the $any& yes: their (uture is already written) -ut you are not o( the $any) #o

    you $ay alter it& and alter it too (or the $any) 4our in(luence will be ti$eless& as $y

    own presence de$onstrates)

    /-ut all this is cra3y 4oure $aking $e sound like so$e kind o( god

    /No no: not at all) -ut you showed us that we are all7od& in our way)

    /4oure ,ust $aking $e $ore con(used with all these riddles

    /These are truths)

    e s$iles)e shi$$ers& "ibrates)

    e "anishes)

    =

    /+snt all this so$ething like that paradox you $entioned5 Jolie says be(ore + can

    gi"e

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    /;ight& + say)

    %"ery ti$e a choice is o((ered to so$eone& e"ery possible outco$e takes place&

    each outco$e creating a whole new& parallel world) #o$e o( these worlds are al$ost

    like our own) 1any di"erged long ago& so that we would (ind the$ unrecognisable)

    /9ow 7ot it straight away you know& words like 6the8 as opposed to words

    like 63ebra8 > e"ery language co$es out looking the sa$e& (ollowing whats called

    Bip(s 'aw) And so do the alkalines o( our ?NA)

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    parallel world& how would anything+ co$e up with a((ect hi$5 +d be a((ecting this

    world& not his)

    /Can + s$ell burning5 #uddenly& the whole roo$ shudders "iolently)

    The chairs ,u$p)

    The table rattles)

    The co$puter leaps& slides across the table& goes blank)

    9ere bounced into the air& sent stu$bling ungainly)

    9ere all shocked& clinging on to whate"er we can grab nearest to us)

    /?id so$ething ,ust hit the house5

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    Chapter 2

    ow can we be (alling so (ar59heres the earth gone5

    9heres 7ariel5

    +snt he going to sa"e us this ti$e5

    =

    +ts true: ti$e slows down as you rush to $eet your death)

    #o$ething to do with your $ind working at super(ast speed)

    + can hear that relaxing& $elodious note: 1+& the $iracle tone)Then + realise its Jolie) Jolies hit the note per(ectly)

    And suddenly 7ariels there) is glow su((using e"erything)

    #lowing e"erything)

    #lowing e"erythingphysically& not ,ust #entally)

    Our (all is languid now) As is the (alling o( the re$ains o( the house raining down

    around us)

    +ts probably $y i$agination& but at last& the ground > sooner than we do) +ts hard

    enough to knock the breath out o( hi$ too)

    + (loat down to a so(t landing& closely (ollowed by Jolie)

    The re$ains o( the house land around us ,ust as unhurriedly) 9hether huge chunksor s$all& shattered sections& they touch the rock o( the ground with a dull cru$p)

    They slowly topple& slowly settle& like e"erything is taking place at the botto$ o( a

    deep lake)

    + glance o"er at

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    Chapter 22

    /No'eaping to $y (eet& + throw $ysel( at

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    /is role in your de"elop$ent is o"er) is presence (ro$ now on would only

    de(lect you (ro$ your task) +t is not only the di((erence between the success or (ailure

    o( the $ission& but the di((erence between billions sa"ed and billions lost)

    /ow can you (ail5 Jolie asks worriedly) /4ou wouldnt be who you are& a

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    /+ explained the i$portance o( our $ission) They were eager to aid its co$pletion)

    /9hy Jane5 ow was that supposed to put $e on the right path& or whate"er all

    these deaths were supposed to do5

    /+ a$ not responsible (or all the deaths surrounding you that were necessary (or

    your de"elop$ent) +n this world& 1arys death was a natural accident) +n the case o(

    her (riends& their bullying would ha"e been a distraction) As (or the police wo$an& inso$e worlds she persecutes you relentlessly (or their deaths: in others& she belie"es

    she is helping you& but is actually drawing you away (ro$ the righteous path)

    /Oh $y 7od: its all been so$e sort o( culling& gasps

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    Chapter 2!

    +t was a sinkhole)Caused& we were told as we were (inally li(ted out& by an old coal $ine running

    deep beneath the house)

    + was worried that the newspapers would co"er the accident under banners along

    the lines o( /The unluckiest girl in the world)

    .ortunately& o( course& $y na$e hadnt been re"ealed in relation to $ost o( the

    other e"ents) This ti$e& too& $y na$e is withheld& /(or essential reasons o( pri"acy

    and to allow the "icti$s space to reco"er (ro$ their indi"idual trau$as)

    + was o((ered e"en $ore ti$e o(( school)

    + took the o((er up)

    + cant (ace going in and being deliberately a"oided by e"eryone)

    And& lets (ace it& they ha"e e"ery reason to a"oid $e& dont they5

    =

    /?o you think hes planning on causing a #assiveloss o( li(e next5

    Jolies eyes are wide& like the horror o( so$e great cala$ity is already opening up

    be(ore her)

    /+ $ean& the way he said so$e people only turn to 7od when they su((er so$e

    $assi"e tragedy5

    /4eah& adding that it helps i( it in"ol"es so$eone close to you&

    /The (re@uencies Jolie al$ost ,u$ps up into the air in her excite$ent) Those eyes

    are wider& $ore sparkling than e"er) /%"ery ti$e& we co$e back to the i$portance o(there=uencies

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    /#ure& but what about the$5

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    Chapter 2E

    + wouldnt ha"e been able to get any o( the other kids to help $e& but so$ehow

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    +ts hard to see where the road ends& where e"en the houses let alone the kerb

    starts)

    The rain blends e"erything into an indistinct grey $ass)

    /ow can we ha"e a party in this5 the kids wail)

    Their enthusias$s waning)

    Theyre soaked& $ud*splattered& weary)/+ts like e"en the weathers against us&

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    Chapter 2F

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    At (irst& + think yes& there it is& see5

    Now theres ,ust the one line& registering a regular tone)

    /That shouldnt be there& he says)

    e glances up at the surrounding hills)

    /7ariels causing all this all right: and hes controlling the "ery ground were

    standing on)

    =

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    Chapter 2G

    Dndulating like languorously exercised $uscles& the stor$ clouds rolling abo"e usare so dark it could be late e"ening (or all the little light we ha"e)

    9ere heading up into the hills) Dp to where the s$all ri"er that runs through the

    town splits o(( as an o((shoot (ro$ the larger ri"er Ner)

    The Ner continues down another& $ore or less uninhabited "alley& a $uch gentler

    slope to the $ore precipitous route our own ri"er A(on takes be(ore it (lattens out and

    passes through town)

    That $eans a tiring walk (or us) Although the A(on "alley is the easiest way (ro$

    town up into the hills& its still steep enough to re@uire a winding road)

    /?o you know what $ost ri"ers are called5

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    And once this ri"er bank goes& its not ,ust the whole school thats gonna disappear

    o(( the $ap)

    +ts the entire town)

    =

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    Chapter 2L

    9e $o"e away (ro$ the work party& partially heading back down the hill so thatwere out o( their sight)

    /9e ha"ent got any choice& + say to

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    /9hate"er it is5 4ou see5 4oustilldo not understand: you cannot acco$plish

    when you do not understand)

    /Then tell $e Tell $e what it is& and +ll do it

    /+ cannot tell you) +t has to co$e (ro$ within you to be genuine& to be The

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    $ore disco"ery (or you to $ake& so that you $ay realise that which you already

    know) + a$ so close: + cannotgi"e up now

    is body @ui"ers& the light rippling like its ali"e)

    Then hes gone)

    =

    The earth itsel( ru$bles o$inously& like a waking dragon)

    The ground beneath our (eet shakes) There isnt one o( us who isnt suddenly

    unsteady on their (eet)

    9e all swap anxious& (rightened glances)

    O"er the hills& a lightning (lash brie(ly illu$inates the peaks)

    The crack o( burning air and the $enacingly ru$bling thunder $akes us ,u$p) 9e

    instincti"ely yet (oolishly duck)

    The rain beco$es an e"en $ore aggressi"e downpour& striking us& pu$$elling theground& like each drop is a steel ball bearing)

    /9hat now5

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    Chapter 2M

    + can hear the speakers hu$$ing in the town below us)+ts like +$ looking down on a huge hi"e o( excited& e"en angry bees)

    /Turn the "olu$e up As high as it will go + shriek at

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    /9here did you get it (ro$5 + ask Jolie) /This ?e"ils +nter"al5 9here did you

    hear o( it5

    /+"e been looking at that #ol(eggio scale: you know& the one that ga"e us 1+5

    + nod)

    A$ + i$agining it& or are we not shaking so $uch5

    /9ell& there was an inter"al between 1+ and .A& Jolie continues& /one sodiscordant they actually called it the ?e"ils +nter"al: and + thought that sounds

    pro$ising)

    /+ dont think its raining so hard any$ore& one o( the other kids cries out

    excitedly)

    #o$e o( us look up& like were so stupid we think thats the only way to check i(

    the rains slowing down)

    /The clouds& + screa$ out to e"eryone& /+ think theyre dispersing: + think theyre

    breaking up

    =

    + gi"e Jolie the tightest& $ost ecstatic hug +"e e"er gi"en anyone)

    9ow& what a pri3e this little girl is

    #he giggles happily)

    The rains easing) The thunder still rolls& but its passed o"er us now) +ts weakly

    ru$bling in the distance)

    /?id %edo it5 one o( the kids wonders out loud) /Or was it ,ust a natural stor$5

    %"eryone laughs& like hes cra3y& like were all a bit cra3ed a(ter our experience)

    /-ut has hegone5 so$eone else wonders)

    /Only one way to (ind out: Jolie& try and call hi$)

    er beauti(ul eyes sparkling with ,oy& Jolie begins to hu$)

    #o$e o( the other kids $ust be $usically inclined too: they see$ to recognise the

    note& ,oin in)

    They all grin ecstatically& like theyre going to break into laughter any $o$ent)

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    Chapter 2

    /4es5 7ariel says proudly)/9ill you stop your attack5 + ask) /Or should we continue to (ight5

    /+t isnt an attack: it is the bringing o( Truth)

    /+t would cost too $any li"es: no truth is worth that)

    /The Truth protects us& de(ends the $any) %"en though we bene(it (ro$ the

    glorious presence o( 7od within us& the ?e"il $ay enter and set up ho$e in the

    unwary lest we take care)

    is body o( rippling light is now like the wa"es o( a sea dashing itsel( against

    rocks) The wa"es rush back on other wa"es& breaking the$ up& scattering the$ in

    glistening (oa$)

    Theres strain on his (ace& like hes struggling to hold e"erything together)

    /

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    -ut this ti$e when he dissol"es away into nothing& + dont think hes still in

    control)

    =

    The rain is now only a light dri33le)

    The skys still an o(( grey& but sheets o( brightness are (lapping across the

    upper$ost edges o( the clouds) The sun is breaking out at last)

    A gloriously bright triple rainbow arches across the (ar side o( the "alley) +t could

    be taken as a sign& i( you want it to be)

    .or $e& the best sign that things are all right once $ore is that +$ holding

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    Chapter !0

    As we approach Jolies house& her dad opens the door and stands on the doorstep&like hes been looking out (or her&

    es gri$ing like hes won a (ew $illion on the lottery)

    + cant re$e$ber e"er seeing hi$ look pleased& let alone happy)

    -ehind hi$& a wo$an appears in the doorway)

    #hes s$iling too) 'ike shes a ,oint winner)

    /1u$ Jolie screa$s ,oyously)

    #he rushes (orward)

    All three o( the$ throw their ar$s around each other) They hug each other like&

    yeah& theyre nevergonna let go)

    /?id it work5 Are you cured5 Jolie asks)

    /4es& yes + didnt think what they could do would everbe possibleJolie and her parents only partially let go o( each other when

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    =

    The a+ove is a aithully ren"ere" transcript o events as relate" to The Blesse"

    *as#ine *olie +y The First Blesse" *as#ine;6t +eca#e the inspiration an" oun"ation or the First )o"spel O *olie;

    End

    2'tra $aterial8

    The Divinatory Book O *as#ine

    and copy or copy& paste and print o(( the hexagra$s at the (ront o( this book)

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    +llu$ination& knowledge and truth) 1odesty and discretion) 1oody and aloo()

    %$inently (e$inine& $ysterious& secreti"e and intuiti"e)

    #urprising and unexpected re"elations $ay be co$ing) A power(ul ad"isor)

    Pnowing all& but expressing secrets by $easure& or through sy$bolis$) A well o(

    knowledge& but only a cup at a ti$e is dispensed)

    1ay o(ten represent the sub,ect& i( (e$ale& or the ob,ect o( the sub,ects desire& i($ale) Also& perhaps a suggestion (or introspection or $editation)

    But i Regulatory 2le#ents are t%o Locules8

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    1erci(ul& (orgi"ing& kind& respectable& duti(ul) A teacher and a counsellor)

    A good and bene"olent in(luence helping the sub,ect understand the correct path) A

    priest& rabbi& or perhaps a guru) One who enlightens) 'earning and li"ing by the rules

    o( society and o( spirituality)

    +n so$e contexts& howe"er& in(lexible and unyielding) Dnwilling to accept

    de"iation (ro$ the con"entional)Also represents ,oining and accepting) #o$eti$es interpreted to suggest $arriage)

    But i Regulatory 2le#ents are t%o Locules8

    ;e,ection o( traditional $orals) A renegade) Anti*establish$ent) -reaking the

    rules) Con"ersely& could represent excessi"e stubbornness& stodginess& in(lexibility or

    con(or$ity) +n certain contexts& could suggest di"orce) Also& perhaps a warning o(

    respiratory in(ections such as cold and (lu)

    G

    .ollowing the heart) Trust) ;elationship) ;esponsibility) Co$$it$ent) Also

    partnership and cooperation)

    1ay be an indicator o( a lo"e a((air& but has $ore to do with $aking good choices)

    ;ecognise the di((erence between lo"e and in(atuation)

    But i Regulatory 2le#ents are t%o Locules8

    ;elationship proble$s)

    +t could be passionate lo"ers kept apart by their (euding (a$ilies) +t could be

    discontent resulting (ro$ a poorly considered $arriage) The unhappy conse@uences o(

    bad choices) +n so$e contexts the harbinger o( breakups or di"orce)

    L

    O"erco$ing obstacles) Con@uest& control) %xploration& ,ourneys)

    Triu$ph and $astery& not easy and swi(t but achie"ed through care(ul planning&

    hard work& (orce o( will and (ore$ost by harnessing disparate (orces to work in

    unison) #el(*control& con(idence& co$$it$ent& e((ort and (ocus that produce success)

    Also& o(ten relates to tra"el) A trip or a $o"e $ay be co$ing soon)

    But i Regulatory 2le#ents are t%o Locules8

    ;ashness) +ndecision) Accidents& de(eats& delays)

    ?i((iculty or (ailure coordinating disparate (orces) 'ack o( control) 'ashing out)

    1o"ing in circles)

    #o$eti$es interpreted as a warning o( stress related illness& such as ulcers) Also

    possibly "ehicle or tra"el proble$s)

    M

    .ortitude& patience& perse"erance& endurance) 1astery& (ocused inward) .orce o(

    will) #el(*control)

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    The courage& con(idence and persistence to (ollow through to the success(ul

    conclusion& in spite o( di((iculties) arnessing ones own talents and strengths)

    1ay represent pro"iding a cal$ing in(luence on others) #o$eti$es& lo"e o(

    ani$als& particularly cats)

    But i Regulatory 2le#ents are t%o Locules8

    Anger& tyranny& weakness& cruelty& i$patience) A"oidance) Cowardice)

    Not in control) Dnable to harness inner (orces) %xtre$es o( anger or ti$idity)

    Dnable to break bad habits or o"erco$e addictions)

    #o$eti$es a warning o( health proble$s related to anger and agitation& such as

    high blood pressure

    +ntrospection) #pirituality) 9isdo$& reser"e& $editation& secrecy)

    'ooking ob,ecti"ely at the world around) 'earning (or the sake o( learning)+ncreasing knowledge (or the sake o( doing so) #tepping back (ro$ the (ast pace o(

    li(e (or a while to take stock o( where you are)

    +t $ay be ti$e to consider the lessons o( the past) A need (or space and ti$e alone)

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    #o$eti$es representing courts and the legal syste$& it could indicate winning a

    court case)

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    1erging apparently opposite ele$ents to create a whole greater than the parts)

    Adapting to the en"iron$ent)

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    ?isruption& oppression& sub,ugation& persecution)

    +llusions o( sol"ing the proble$ without really doing it) 4ou $ay think you ha"e

    s$oothed things o"er& but catastrophe and tur$oil are waiting (or you around the

    corner because you ha"e not really addressed the underlying proble$s)

    L

    ope& inspiration& (aith& pro$ise)

    ope (or the (uture) ;e,u"enation will co$e& although perhaps not ,ust yet) Though

    doors ha"e closed& windows will surely open as ti$e passes)

    But i Regulatory 2le#ents inclu"e an Ovule8

    ?isappoint$ent& instability& poor choices)

    A lack o( hope& at least (or the present) Opportunities are absent& and troubles

    persist)

    M

    1ystery) Night$ares) ?rea$s) #ecrets) idden ene$ies& deception& illusion&

    danger& terror& lunacy& plots)

    The (ears that grow in the dark) The gateway between the physical and

    $etaphysical& the conscious and subconscious real$s) %ntering this world is

    (rightening& but can also be re"ealing and inspirational)

    #uggests creati"ity and intuition)

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    But i Regulatory 2le#ents are t%o Locules8

    'esser happiness& passion& pride& $isunderstanding)

    An obscuring o( clarity) ;e(usal to open ones eyes to the possibilities) The

    enthusias$ and abilities are there& but the (ocus is clouded) 1ost likely this will be ate$porary delay) Dlti$ately& the clouds should clear up)

    The pri3e is right there& but to attain it& cynicis$ $ust be o"erco$e

    20

    ;esurrection) ;enewal& awakenings& repentance& change)

    Accepting the past and throwing o(( its burdens) .orgi"eness& especially o( ones

    sel(& but also o( others) 1a,or decisions which $ay result in $a,or li(estyle changes)

    But i Regulatory 2le#ents are t%o Locules8

    +nability to change or progress) ?elay& stagnation& postpone$ent& indecision)

    Troubled or a((ected by the past)

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    .earlessly taking risks& not o( bra"ery but o( nai"etV) A new start& and a blank

    page) An open $ind& and an ad"enturous heart) A child sa$pling li(e) %xploring

    where your whi$s take you)

    Anything is possible) -ut you $ay be studying the stars when you should be

    looking where your next step will land)

    1ay be a likely "icti$ o( trickery and deception) An easy target (or bullying orusury)

    But i Regulatory 2le#ents inclu"e an Ovule8

    .ore$ost& the "icti$ o( recklessness) %xcesses or irresponsibility) .oolish choices)

    A(ter a pain(ul landing& you $ay shy away (ro$ risk taking& beco$e suspicious& or

    (ear(ul) +n so$e contexts& $ay be seen as a call to accept responsibility and @uit acting

    the (ool)

    2!

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    -ut o"ersensiti"ity $ay result in e$otional withdrawal due to (eeling

    underappreciated)

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    A $essage) News o( the new and exciting) #uggests enthusias$ and 3eal)

    #urprising& consistent& (aith(ul and help(ul)

    A youth with "igour and a$bition& working hard to achie"e a goal) %xcite$ent and

    dedication (or pro,ects or hobbies)

    -ut could also be bad news) 'ack o( interest or re,ection o( new pro,ects)

    Dnwilling to help others)

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    A $essage about health& business or (inance& $ost likely good news) Analytical)


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