Craig's Story by Joe Hakim

Only available on Kindle here

THE COMMUNITY is a sci-fi/horror novel set on the streets of Hull.  It combines social commentary with transrealism.

CRAIG'S STORY is a taster tale for THE COMMUNITY

 ‘What can I do for you today?’ I ask.

‘I want to put my phone in for a couple of days,’ he says, shuffling.

‘I’ll do you a tenner.’

‘A tenner. Piss off,’ he snorts.

‘Well, I’m sorry I can’t help you then,’ I turn to face the monitor again.

‘Come on, do me fifteen. Please, I’m a good customer,’ he’s resorted to full-on pleading. He looks desperate, like he might explode. Despite my instincts telling me otherwise, sympathy creeps in. The guy looks like he could use a break. And I do know him. Sort of.

‘Go on then, but next time it will be a tenner, ok?’ I say.
‘Thank you brother,’ he replies.
​
As he leaves the shop I catch sight of someone through the shop window. A weird looking fucker – tall, thin and bald. A shudder runs through me. I have the feeling of being watched. When Pete leaves the shop, this thing, swivels around and follows him. Maybe he was waiting for him.