The Disappearance of Anna Popov; Chapter 14; Bleak House, 23 February
Jack arrived ten minutes early. He parked his MG, pulled the Tarot card out of his pocket and checked the street address again, just to make sure. Number 13 – Bleak House – turned out to be an old Victorian mansion. Neglected and in desperate need of repair, the once stately residence had been […]
The Disappearance of Anna Popov; Chapter 13; Rose Cottage; 22 February, 3 a.m.
Jack pulled into his driveway and cut the engine, conscious of the bike’s rumble echoing through the quiet streets. It was three in the morning. Walking up the stairs to his front door, he noticed that the light in the lounge room was still on. Rebecca was asleep in a chair with a book […]
The Disappearance of Anna Popov; Chapter 12; Second Visit to Wolf’s Lair, 22 February; Midnight
Inside, the church was dark and silent. Gone were the lewd dancing girls, the tattooed bikies smoking dope, and the flamboyant DJ. Instead, a nauseating smell of stale beer and cigarette smoke hovered above the deserted bar littered with empty vodka bottles and broken glass. After the obligatory frisking, Jack followed a surly bikie […]
The Disappearance of Anna Popov; Chapter11; Rose Cottage, 21 February
‘Pagliacci and Bald Archy? What on earth was all that about?’ asked Rebecca, climbing stiffly off the chopper. She pulled off her helmet and gave it to Jack. ‘Here, I won’t be needing this again.’ ‘Just because he told me to come alone next time? You’re sulking, admit it.’‘Rubbish.’ ‘Come inside and I’ll […]
The Disappearance of Anna Popov; Chapter 10, First Visit to Wolf’s Lair, 21 February
‘What on earth is that?’ asked Rebecca, pointing to the huge motorbike parked in the driveway of Jack’s house.She paid the taxi driver and walked across to where Jack was polishing the chrome handlebars. ‘Last time it was furniture, now this. I’m getting worried about you, Jack.’ ‘This is a chopper. Every […]
The Disappearance of Anna Popov; Chapter 9; Kuragin Chateau, 17 January, 3 a.m.
Unable to sleep, Jack stared at the ceiling. His body was exhausted but his mind refused to rest.‘I know Anna is alive,’ he heard the countess whisper time and time again. ‘Nikolai has given up hope, but not I. Do you believe in destiny, Mr Rogan? I know you do … I know you […]
