The Rattler (Rattler Trilogy Book 1) Read Online Free PDF Page A

haired man, had finished packing up
his black 7-series BMW. He looked at an empty black Range Rover parked behind.
He smiled, and opened his driver’s door. Ten year old James was in the front
passenger seat, playing on a Nintendo 3DS.
    “Are
we going now?”
    “Yes,
just waiting for the girls. I’ll be back in a minute,” said Jim, as he entered
the house for the final time.
    2
    Zoe,
a 19-year old blonde, slim, woman, was sitting on the floor, resting against a
wall, in an empty bedroom. She was using Facebook on her iPhone; she typed, A typical August bank holiday, the sun is shining,
and the removal trucks are full!
    Mary,
an attractive blonde woman, entered the room. “Here you are! Everyone’s waiting
outside.”
    Zoe
stood up. “I know mum, it’s just...” she said, wistfully. “It’ll be fine. Think
of it this way, at least you can stay at home for the remaining two years of
Uni,” replied Mary. Zoe walked round the room towards the window. “That was the
whole reason why I chose Oxford in the first place, to get away,” she replied.
She stood and watched as the removal men closed the truck’s rear doors. Deep
down she was sad to be leaving behind happy family memories. Mary walked over
to her and hugged her from behind. “I know, but your father had to take this
new job offer from Uncle Carl, or face redundancy.”
    Jim
entered the room. “Here you are! Come on, everyone is waiting.”
    “OK,”
said Mary, “we’ll finish this conversation in the car, Zoe.”
    3
    As
they all left the house, Zoe turned and took a photograph using her iPhone
before getting into her mother’s Range Rover. Her parents embraced and kissed.
    “I’ll
drive slowly,” promised Mary, solemnly.
    “You’d
better,” replied Jim.
    The
convoy began the long journey towards London. Zoe was in the front passenger
seat, listening to her iPhone’s music whilst texting friends. Mary glanced at
her husband’s car in the rear view mirror, then at Zoe.
    “Aren’t
you happy?”
    “Did
you say something, mum?” Zoe un-plugged her earpieces.
    “Just
wanted to know if you’re happy, that’s all.”
    Zoe
finished writing her text message. “Yes, and no,” she replied whilst looking
out of the window.
    “What
do you mean by that?”
    “Well,
of course I’ll have extra money in the bank saved from Halls, but I feel I’ve
lost my independence again. And I’m certainly not looking forward to the hour’s
journey into Oxford every day.”
    “I
don’t understand, Zoe, what do you mean? Lost your independence? ”
    Zoe
removed her trainers and moved her legs closer to her chest. “I moved to Oxford
for some space, mum. And to experience adulthood.” Mary massaged Zoe’s right shoulder. “I know how you feel hunnie. But your dad,
although, he won’t admit it, missed you last year. He missed your chats and
certainly co-op mode on FOD!” Zoe laughed. “We still played together online,”
she replied, examining her fingernails. “But it’s not really the same, Zoe. I
know he can be a bit embarrassing.”
    “You
think? Do you remember what he said to my friend, Cary, last year? You’ve
got a lovely tan, been on holiday? He wasn’t even embarrassed when she told
him it was her natural colour!”
    “That’s
why I married him, he makes me laugh. And regards the extra journey time,
you’ll pass your test next time. Just keep thinking of the new Mini Cooper. It’s
arriving in eight weeks, so no pressure!”
    “I
know mum, and, until then, dad will just have to act as the taxi.” The pair
laughed.
    4
    James
was playing his 3DS. “What are you playing, son? You’ve not said a word since
we left the house.” James quickly glanced at his dad. “Back Alley Fighting
online.” Jim was puzzled. “Online? How the heck are you doing that?” James
rolled his eyes and pointed to the charging iPhone. “Using
your iPhone as a Wi-Fi hotspot.” Jim was certainly impressed. “Bloody hell, son, you kids and technology! Your