Fireside Chat With Johnson Nottidge from Belle Vue

Today we have part two of our C S Alleyne interview weekend and a Fireside Chat with Johnson Nottidge from her novel, Belle Vue.

Fireside Chat with Johnson Nottidge

“Welcome everyone, to another Fireside Chat. I’m Richard Dale, your host. Today, our guest is the Honorable Doctor Johnson Nottidge, of the Belle Vue Asylum.” Richard Dale holds out a hand in greeting.

Nottidge gazed at the outstretched hand with a slight moue of distaste. He brushed a non-existent speck from the lapel of his frock coat and, after carefully adjusting his straight legged trousers, seated himself.

Richard Dale takes his own seat, a slight scowl on his face. “Why don’t we begin with a bit of your life story, shall we?”

“Let’s not. I am here at the behest of a chum, who is Chairman of the Metropolitan Asylums’ Board solely to provide information about my role in capturing that murderess Mary Grady who dared to bring Belle Vue into disrepute. Her poor sister, an inmate at the asylum, who died in unspeakable pain. I knew immediately it was that shameful trollop and was more than happy to play a key part in revealing the culprit and her guilt and see justice done.”

“I see. Perhaps we’ll get to that later. For now,” Richard leans forward slightly, “describe your relationship with your father.”

“Distant. Which suits me. His lordship has a sense of noblesse oblige whereas I have none at all. Every man for himself. It used to worry him, he even threatened to disinherit me but my exposing the murderess has seemingly made him feel I can be in his words ‘saved’. The title and estates will be mine on his demise and I shall carry on as normal doing exactly what I want.” Nottidge gives a broad smile but his eyes remain cold.

“Interesting. What is your involvement with the Mephisto Club?”

“What is that?” Nottidge leaned forward his piercing gaze raking Richard’s face as though seeking any malicious intent. “I am of course a member of the best clubs in London but don’t recall one with that name. If it exists, perhaps it is some sort of secret society who doesn’t want all and sundry,” Nottidge’s mouth tipped upwards for a bare second, “poking their noses and causing undesirable consequences for themselves.”

The sound of clinking cups interrupts the tense conversation, as a distinguished gentleman enters the room carrying a tea tray.

Richard eyes his guest and says, “Ah, here’s Jenkins with refreshments” Richard turns to the butler. “What’s on the menu today, Jenkins?”

“I have a lovely Darjeeling tea today. And some scones fresh from the oven, as well as strawberry jam.” Jenkins sets the tray down and asks Nottidge, Would you care for a cup, sir?”

“No thank you.”

Richard adds. “My usual cup, please. And one scone.”

Jenkins pours one cup and serves Richard Dale, before retreating.

Nottidge takes out an impressive gold watch from his fob and opens it. He raises his eyebrow then puts it away. “Are we done yet?” Nottidge asks with not a smidgeon of enthusiasm.

Richard Dale takes a sip of his tea and asks, “Almost. We’ll continue with a more mundane question. Tell us about a fond childhood memory?”

“You’re assuming I had any. Or would speak about them to you. Your questions are very impertinent. The past is over and nothing can change it. The present and future are what interest me and how I can profit from and enjoy whatever it is I choose to do. That will create the memories I want to retain. Mary Grady’s hanging next week will be one for instance.

“A sad affair that. Of course, you got involved in that sordid mess through your work. How do you find your career at Belle Vue? Fulfilling?”

“Not fulfilling, rather the means to an end. The dregs of society are off-loaded in ever increasing numbers to the Belle Vue Lunatic Asylum. I study them. Study—and experiment—on them. On occasion that part of the work is fulfilling but mostly dealing with the imbeciles, cretins, drunks and worse from the rookeries and workhouses—and my responsibility is for the female inmates—can be extremely tiresome. They want so much attention and I am an extremely busy man who has far more important matters to deal with. But they have their uses…” Nottidge stopped there and this time the smile did reach his eyes.

Richard Dale’s eyes and lips narrow and his fingers tighten over the arm of his chair. “Let’s get a bit philosophical. What would you consider your perfect life?”

“I have it now. I do what I want, I have everything – and everyone - I want.  Little bothers me. I love the gambling tables as the element of risk is what excites me.  My only concern is that life becomes boring. So it’s about continually raising the stakes. Winner takes all.”

Richard Dale nods. “In your own opinion, what are your best features, and your worst habits?”

“My best is that I always win. Anything less is not acceptable. It may take a little while – as Mary Grady has found out to her cost – but I will not rest until I am the victor in whatever battle I choose. I think your definition of worst habits and mine would greatly differ. And I am not going to share them with you as doing such a thing creates vulnerability. That is a failing I despise. It is something I will never suffer from.”

“One last question. What does morality mean to you?” Richard Dale finishes his tea as he waits for an answer.

“Nothing I need worry about. That is for the lower orders. Like religion, it keeps them in their place.”

“Thank you, Doctor Nottidge, for joining us today.” Richard Dale doesn’t offer his hand to his guest, nor does he rise as the man sees himself out.

 

Check out Belle Vue on Amazon

You can read an excerpt of Belle Vue here: 

Prologue and first two chapters

OWSCyCon Blog Tour: Horror, Vampires, and the Darkness Within

What if your neighbour was a vampire?

That is the premise that began the story I tell in my novella, Chronicles of the Undead. What if that charming, sophisticated pair next door hid evil secrets, did horrific things behind closed doors. What if they were killers?

How would you react? Would you reject the darkness or embrace it?

Those were the questions I posed to my three protagonists in the book, as the vampires they encounter become part of their social circle, reveal their secrets and make them all differing offers of alliance and friendship.

The novella explores not only the darkness of the vampires but the darkness in the hearts of the human characters as well. Temptations prove too much, choices are made in the name of obsession, and determination blooms to end the madness.

This inner turmoil is all set against the backdrop of Georgian England when superstition and old belief was giving way to modern science and yet the primal still called within souls...

Read Chronicles of the Undead for Free

For more of the Blog Tour, check out these authors.

The Darkness Within Blog Tour

Naching T. Kassa

K. Matt

Kayla Krantz

Alice De Sampaio Kalkuhl

Michael Salt

A Fireside Chat with Kent St. James from Alexandria Rising

Today, dear readers, I have another Fireside Chat. Our intrepid fictional interviewer Richard Dale sits down with Kent St. James from the thriller Alexandria Rising by author Mark Wallace Maguire. Plus, be sure to stop by tomorrow as well when I present an interview with the author of Alexandria Rising, Mark Wallace Maguire. Now enjoy the Fireside Chat!

Fireside Chat with Kent St. James

“Welcome everyone, to another Fireside Chat. I’m Richard Dale, your host. Today, our guest is the enigmatic Kent St. James, secret society member and Director of The Organization. Welcome Mr. St. James.” Richard Dale holds out a hand in greeting.

St. James takes the hand warmly, holds onto the hand a bit too long for Richard’s comfort and stares hard into his eyes. A silence bordering on uncomfortable surrounds the two before Kent finally says: “Of course, thank you, Richard, though enigmatic might be a bit over the top.”

“Why don’t we begin with some personal tidbits, shall we? Exactly who is Kent St. James? What makes you tick?”

“What an interesting question. You can call me The Director. I oversee the efforts of what we now call The Organization, but, prior has been called everything from The Guardians to – in a nod to our Latin roots - The Tutores. My job – such a vulgar word isn’t it? – or rather my calling has me overseeing the work of The Organization which is engaged in everything from cultural manipulation to neo-psychological research and archaeology across the globe. And, what makes one tick? We’re all motivated by something, are we not? If anything makes me tick it is the betterment of our species I am always seeking to create new avenues to improve on our species’ condition. Rather faux noble or hubristic some might say but true nonetheless.”

Richard Dale smiles. “Fascinating. Such views makes one ponder your upbringing. Which brings me to my next question. What is your fondest childhood memory?”

“This might sound trite, but we had a gardener, Old Eckbert. He was rather harmless, but was large, strong, quite muscular. One day, he dug up some peonies by mistake. He only scooped out one or two and they could have easily been re-planted, but the way my father handled him made a deep impression on me. He did not yell or even raise his voice, but with his sheer words, he had the man trembling and, soon thereafter, weeping. I learned then that while brute force is important there are other, more potent ways in which to control your inferiors. I also realized then that my father was not ordinary and I wanted to be like him.”

“I see.” A slight note of disapproval creeps into Richard Dale’s tone. “While at Oxford University a close friend of yours died under mysterious circumstances. How did you deal with that incident, and how did it effect you?

“Pardon me? How did you come across that — er- information? Richard von Licht was my friend. A close friend. As to how he died, I have no idea. I was in Surrey visiting my mother that weekend. They found him on the chapel steps at Magdalen College at Oxford. Rather frightening….That is all I have to say on the matter. I was cleared by the police, you know. That happened more than 50 years ago. I am afraid I can’t help you much there, old boy. Sorry.”

Richard leans forward slightly. “Why are you a member of a secret society Mr. St. James? Why did you join the Organization?”

“I guess the question would truly be, ‘why not?’ I was recruited, rather invited, to join The Organization to help develop this orb into a better place. I did not seek it, they, rather, sought me. It is an honor and one I do not hold lightly, Richard, and so should you if you care to finish this interview.”

Richard chuckles slightly.“It wouldn’t be the first time someone walked out on an interview Mr. St. James. But as you’re still here, care to elaborate on the workings of this society? Perhaps in regards to the Slendoc Meridian?”

“Ah, well, if we’ve waded this far, I will humor you. The Slendoc Meridian is a curvature of stones that runs through the earth’s core. Slendoc: The name is of old Atlantean origin so, of course, you don’t recognize it. It means quite simply, ‘sacred’ for lack of a better word though it has also been interpreted as ‘magic’ or ‘light-giving’ – ‘illuminated.’ It is not a straight line, like latitude and longitude, but a curvature. We’ve lost large portions of it, however, due to time. Plates shift. Earthquakes and the like. But, back to your point, we, The Organization, work to gather, secure these stones. Then we harness its power to grant us illumination which we then use to aid humanity. Real power is not in conquering land or shaping politics – though we do have a hand in that as well - but in true change. Like the birth of the Industrial Age, the discovery of flight, the Atomic Bomb, this technological revolution we’re undergoing right now. We’ve been gathering the fragments from The Meridian for the last hundreds of years. We hope to make some major breakthroughs soon.”

“Ah, there’s Jenkins with our refreshment. What do you have today, Jenkins?”

“I have a delightful English Breakfast tea, sir. And fresh from the over blueberry scones with clotted cream and raspberry jam.” Jenkins turns to Kent St. James. “Would you care for a cup and a scone, sir?” Jenkins sets the tray down and waits.

“No scone for me. And tea? Are we old ladies? I prefer something more fortifying. Do you mind if I smoke?”

Richard nods politely at his guest. “Go ahead.” He turns back to Jenkins. “It looks scrumptious as always, our guest’s loss for not partaking. I’ll have my usual cup, and a scone with jam.”

As Kent St. James lights a cigarette, Jenkins pours one cup and prepares the scone. He serves Richard before retreating.

Richard Dale sips his tea and asks, “In your own opinion, what is your best feature, and your worst habit?”

“My best features are my intelligence, my lack of fear and my ability to act without hesitation. All traits of a good leader. My worst habit? I really don’t have any, though  I have been told I enjoy tobacco too much for my own good.”

“What is your opinion of human beings, Mr. St. James?”

“We are a fairly dreadful species who can’t seem to stay out of own way. We are weak. Despondent. Easily distracted. We need help, direction and motivation and that is what The Organization does.”

“Who, Mr. St. James, would you consider your enemies?”

“Until recently, I thought I had none. Now, I am gathering reports of a splinter group within the Organization. I do not know who they are, but, trust me, they will be dealt with strictly when they are discovered. And discovered they will be."

“To end on a lighter note, what is your favourite era of human history?”

“The one I am about to enact.”

Richard Dale leans back into his chair with a cold smile. “Thank you, Kent St. James, for this intriguing interview.”

And don't forget, tomorrow we have an interview with the author of Alexandria Rising, Mark Wallace Maguire. 

Alexandria Rising by Mark Wallace Maguire

Rand O'Neal, an ambition-less newspaper reporter, is given a single task upon the death of his grandfather: Destroy a mysterious map. What should be a simple errand thrusts Rand into a journey across three countries chased by unknown pursuers into a world he never could have imagined.

Alexandria Rising is available on Amazon

Drabble Wednesday: Bad Guys

Today’s Drabble Wednesday comes via inspiration from the Suicide Squad, and gives voice to the villains...

Not So Bad

You may have heard some horrible things about me on the news.

About how I’m a insane sociopath. How many people I’ve killed. Of the threat I pose.

All true. But hey, that’s not the real me. Well, mostly not.

I have other qualities. I love kittens and stuff. Love walks on the beach, sunsets. You know, the clichés.

The thing is, I’m more misunderstood than evil. Simply a reflection of today’s society. A walking, talking narcissistic image of humanity.

Don’t be afraid because I have my finger on the button.

Really, what’s a little fiery world apocalypse between friends?

~*~

Crosshairs

One human being bottled into a narrow viewpoint, lined up in the scope. The rest of the world blotted out. Just one focus. One goal.

Breathe in, breathe out.

Watching, waiting, one tiny helpless life caught in the crosshairs. Doesn’t know what’s coming. Never will. That’s power. That’s control.

Breathe in, breathe out.

Every hope, every dream, down to this moment. Immovable, suspended, transcendent infinity. Perched on the precipice of damnation.

Breathe in, breathe out.

Perfect shot, center mass. Steady hands. Squeeze the trigger, slowly.

Breathe in, breathe out.

Bang.

She’s dead.

Pack up and go home. With a smile.

~*~

Breaking Point

I got tired of it, you know.

All the rules.

Be a good girl. Be a lady. Don’t be aggressive. Don’t be such a bitch.

The good old sexist double standard.

Who makes up all this crap?

The boys don’t play by those rules.

Why should we?

Why should we shut our mouths? Why should we dress the way they tell us to?

They have no right.

Do this, do that. Behave.

No way.

I say, shut up.

‘Cause, I stopped playing by your rules.

I hit my breaking point.

And I broke some skulls.

And guess what?

You’re next.

© A. F. Stewart 2016 All Rights Reserved

#CoffinHop Day 8: A Halloween of Villains

On this, the last day of Coffin Hop, I present to you a little song I composed. Just don't ask me to sing, it won't be pretty.

This one is for the geeks…

This ditty is to be sung as a duet, with one singer crooning in the traditional Twelve Days of Christmas style, and the other doing spoken asides of the words in brackets. The first line should be sung together, and the last two lines are to be spoken.

On the Dark Eve of Halloween, my true love gave to me...

Twelve Trolls Fighting (Over who gets the last holiday cookie)

Eleven Witches Brewing (And it wasn’t coffee)

Ten Lords a-Sithing (Sithing, really? That’s not even a word. They’re Sith Lords; it’s a title)

Nine Nazgul Riding (Run, Frodo, Run)

Eight Wicked Pirates (Sorry, no Captain Jack Sparrow)

Seven Zombies a-Snacking (Brains! Braaains!)

Six Borgs assimilating (Resistance is futile)

Five Golden Dragons (A hot time in the old town tonight)

Four Arkham Escapees (Batman’s got his hands full)

Three A.I.’s (It’s HAL, the Matrix, and Skynet)

Two Malicious Mutants (Call the X-Men, quick!)

And an Evil Queen with an Apple (Poisoned, of course)

I'm going to need more room on my collectables shelf (you got that right).

For more scary stuff on this last day, scroll down for the list of Coffin Hoppers, and don't forget to enter the Rafflecopter contest, it’s your final chance. Winners of all the contests will be announced tomorrow.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Celebrate the Villains

Every writer has their favourite characters, the ones they adored creating. For me it is not the heroes to whom I loathe to say farewell, but the villains. Here’s a few of my favourite wicked creations:

Henri Forain: One of the vampires from Chronicles of the Undead, he is an unrepentant killer. He is handsome, charming and sophisticated Frenchman, willing to suck the blood out of your veins until you are dead. He fits easily into 17th century English society, spreading death and corruption where his whims take him.





Balthazar: The rakish and ruthless demon bounty hunter from Victorian Shadows, Balthazar is a centuries old killer with a fierce temper who holds a grudge. He has no problem killing enemies, friends of his enemies or innocent bystanders if it gets him what he wants. He will be back for more adventures, including his brief escapade as a pirate.

Fluffy the Clown: Some sort of demonic spirit (he hasn’t told me what type yet, and I’m not about to ask) that has a penchant for children’s books and toys. A disembodied phantom with a mile long murderous streak, he haunts the Fluffy the Clown storybooks and dolls (hence his name; I’m sure he has another, but again he’s not talking). He uses mind manipulation when possessing the books to corrupt others into doing his killing (as seen in Fluffy the Clown and the Mystery Writer) and seems to possess the dolls directly for hands-on mayhem (as in Dear Mom).

Emily Langley: A nasty killer of children who was executed for being a witch. But she didn’t let a little thing like death stop her from pursuing her hobby of murder and mayhem. Existing across the ages as a ghostly legend, her spirit, accompanied by her ghost dogs, comes back to wreak bloody vengeance. She was last seen in The Legend of the Haunted Tree killing off a bunch of hapless teenagers on Halloween.

Rjsh the Night Wraith: This supernatural creature makes his appearance in Ruined City (although not by name) and is an unrepentant killer. He is a carnivore by nature, and his chosen meat is human. He is a hunter and loves to play with his food before devouring it at his leisure (quite often while the food is still alive).



Stories and Books:

Victorian Shadows can be found in the ebook Killers and Demons

Fluffy the Clown and the Mystery Writer can be found in the ebook, Once Upon a Dark and Eerie...

Dear Mom can be found for free on my Goodreads Profile

The Legend of the Haunted Tree can be found in the ebook, Once Upon a Dark and Eerie...


Chronicles of the Undead is my vampire novella

Ruined City is my dark fantasy book

 
And don't forget to check out the Coffin Hop Web Tour, Monday Oct. 24th.