The Eden Effect Read Online Free PDF Page A

ridiculous. Arthur was looking at himself in the bedroom mirror. He had to open the wardrobe door, the mirror was attached to the inside of the door. The door kept swinging closed and his image moved with it, making it look all the more bizarre. He was all white. Martin had not been joking. In his hungover state Arthur managed to find the right sized uniform and put it on. All white-shirt, short jacket, trousers, socks, shoes and a white bow tie, for God’s sake.
    He kept staring at his image swinging in the mirror. He was transfixed. A strange thought came into his mind. It was lucky that Marie and the kids could not see him. He could imagine what they would have thought.
    â€˜Arthur, you ready?’ Martin’s voice shook him back to reality.
    â€˜All ready, Martin. Be right out’ he called as he closed the wardrobe door and hurried out of his room. Martin was standing in the hallway hands on hips. Arthur thought he was looking at himself in the mirror again. The clothing was identical, just the face was different.
    â€˜You look great Arthur’, Martin said. He was smiling broadly. ‘You had breakfast?’
    â€˜No, not yet.’
    â€˜It’s 5.15. You’ve got fifteen minutes. When I said 5.30, I meant we leave at 5.30. You have fifteen minutes to have breakfast.’
    â€˜It’s OK, Martin. I’m not really breakfast eater. Do I have time for a coffee? I don’t think I’d be much use to you without one.’
    â€˜Sure but make it quick. Coffee is in the kitchen.’ Martin’s voice had a tinge of annoyance in it. Arthur hurried into the kitchen, headed to the kitchen bench, assuming coffee meant instant. He was pleasantly surprised. On the bench stood a black Nespresso machine, its light steady meaning it was ready. And next to it was a large array of coffee pods. Every colour that Nestlé made complete with the chart identifying each one. Arthur’s spirits lifted. This is a good start he thought. He loved his coffee and had had a similar machine at home and at work in the past. He did not need to refer to the chart at all. He went straight to the purple pod, Arpeggio, intensity nine, his favourite. Strong but not too bitter. He popped in a pod, pressed the half cup button, then a second pod, half cup again. He needed a double in the morning to get him going.
    â€˜Arthur, 5.25, let’s go,’ Martin’s voice boomed from the hallway. Arthur had had the foresight to use the disposable cup that was standing next to the coffee machine. He quickly put the plastic lid on and headed out of the kitchen. Martin had the back door open already. They headed out to the van which was parked only a few metres away.
    â€˜You can drink the coffee while I drive. You’ve got six minutes before the first delivery stop.’
    They climbed into the van, a VW Transporter, white of course. It looked spotless. As he sat down Arthur noticed that the upholstery was white. He was not surprised. Martin reversed the van into the street and they were off. The Transporter had a surprisingly smooth ride. It must have great suspension Arthur thought. He was able to remove the plastic lid from the cardboard cup and drink the coffee without any of it spilling. He refused to drink coffee with the lid on, through that small slit that always reminded him of the training cups his children used when they were little.
    â€˜Are you awake Arthur?’ Martin asked as Arthur was halfway through his coffee.
    â€˜I’ve told you it’s not rocket science but now you need to pay attention because our first delivery is coming up in three minutes.’
    Arthur said nothing, he waited.
    â€˜Look behind you Arthur.’ Arthur turned, being careful not to spill his coffee. The back of the Transporter was open to the cabin. It was a very high vehicle and Arthur could see rows and rows of milk cartons, bottles of cream and jars of yoghurt. There seemed to be three or four