The Black Maria

by Rupert Colley

  And she missed him, too. Dmitry’s painting stared at her. It no longer gave her pleasure; it was all too long ago. Perhaps, she’d get Irina to post it to Richard in London. It could be a wedding present. Poor Dmitry, she often wondered how much he’d really loved her. How much easier life would have been for him had they never met. She reached out to the table and picked up the wooden bear. She ran her fingers along the carved contours of its body and pressed her finger gently against the sharpness of the teeth. She flipped open the lid. The empty bottle was still inside, and within the bottle there was still a slight hint of the perfume that had, for so many years, remained trapped inside. She smiled as the faint smell brought back the memory:

  ‘What a funny little bear.’

  ‘Funny? Looks quite vicious to me. Grrl!’

  ‘That sounds more like a lion.’

  ‘Either way, the perfume is to remind you how much I love you.’

  ‘And the bear...?’

  ‘The bear? Well, he’s there to protect you, of course – for ever.’

  The perfume had long since gone but the bear... Well, it was still there; still protecting her.

  THE END

  Other works by Rupert Colley

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  This Time Tomorrow, Part One of the Searight Saga

  This Time Tomorrow, Part One of the Searight Saga

  ‘Two brothers. One woman. A nation at war.’

  A compelling story of war, brotherly love, passion and betrayal during World War One.

  I’m the author of several historical novels and works of non-fiction. I’m also the founder of the History In An Hour series.

  More information at:

  http://rupertcolley.com/

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  Get in Touch

  I was born one Christmas Day, which means, as a child, I lost out on presents. Nonetheless, looking back on it, I lived a childhood with a “silver spoon in my mouth” – brought up in a rambling manor house in the beautiful Devon countryside.

  It’s been downhill ever since.

  I was a librarian for a long time, a noble profession. Then I started a series called History In An Hour which I sold, along with my soul, to HarperCollins UK.

  I now live in London with my wife, two children and dog (a fluffy cockapoo) and write historical fiction, mainly 20th century war and misery.

  The photo is of a much younger me as a wannabe New Romantic. I look a bit older now.

  Do feel free to email me: Rupert@historyinanhour.com

  Thank you for purchasing this novel and taking the time to read it.

  With kindest regards,

  Rupert.

  http://www.historyinanhour.com

  http://rupertcolley.com

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  One last thing...

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