The Infernal Pentagram (2001)

[Simon]

   

Zacchary stood on the side of the pool breathing deeply. His latest fetish was trying to gain mastery over his own body, even at his age. He had seen the film Children’s Island while staying with his cousins in Gothenburg last Christmas and was determined to beat the records of endurance set by the boy in that film. His best achievement to date was one-minute-fifty-six ...

Cameron Mars was the manager of the local undertakers. He was a tall man with a mop of hair, just starting to grey. A rather sedentary life-style — whether in the office, the front-room of the deceased, or the hearse — was fast leading to a somewhat unseemly paunch, and the black suits which he invariably wore seemed to emphasise his portly figure.

Michael noticed the silver zip in the black skirt and had an overwhelming desire to slip it down. He wondered how the lady would have reacted, but kept his fingers under control. It was important to get some better accommodation than the cockroach hovel he had been in when he first started at college or commuting from home as he did at present, and first impressions of these lodgings seemed eminently pleasant, apart from the steep climb. He must not do anything to spoil his chances.