Rigby Taylor

Dome of Death is a thriller revolving around the consequences of climate change and rising seas on unsustainable coastal ‘development’.

Thanks Jeffry, I'm also a retired teacher so share your concerns. But as I mentioned in the end note, I have reservations about the notion of one rule fits all and took great care to present a relationship that challenges that idea, as well as a plot that challenges similar black and white ideas of right and wrong. Thank you sincerely for your kind words; I hope you enjoy Dome of Death as much. It's a little less cerebral, I think. And eventually - after another four books, we will rejoin Robert and Bart.

Thanks for your kind comments and thoughts on this, Bushman. I agree all is not well, and suggest much of the blame lies with the adversarial system. Surely the only thing investigators and judges should be searching for is the truth of the matter, therefore everyone should work together - not turn it into a fight in which everyone loses. It's the same in politics. All elected representatives should be working towards the same goal - what is best for everyone, instead of turning parliament into a point-scoring arena where the sole aim is to discredit the opposite party, even if it makes for bad legislation. A parliament of representatives who discuss and arrive at consensus decisions is the only way to achieve the best outcomes.

Hi, Sweetlion. I wrote this story about ten years ago when there were no surveillance cameras, no smart phones, dial-up internet with nothing very interesting on it. Thanks for commenting but you certainly don't have to comment on each chapter - that would be an imposition on you. Now and again it's wonderful to hear impressions and opinions and comments. I hope you like the next one too.

Thanks Wesley, I'm pleased you kept reading. Sorry about the odd words... I've an odd brain. I hope the next story is also to your taste.

Thanks for the feedback. Robert hasn't really 'lowered' himself - he was defending himself; with reason - and in historical/cultural terms that makes him a hero. Lance, on the other hand, was attacking without reason. That makes him evil. Two different things I reckon. But, like you, I would not like to be in Robert's shoes.

Thanks, Canuk. You always make my day. I taught with a couple of Canadians at an outdoor education school in Scotland, someone called them Canuks; they were not amused... said it was an insult.

‘I don’t trust it. Nothing should be this easy.’ An irritated Inspector Kareltin paced the small room he had commandeered above the main entrance. It was half-past five, they had a believable suspect, and he could close this part of the investigation. Instead of savouring victory, however, he felt cheated. Mountains of interview summaries, forensic reports, facts, opinions and gossip, appeared to point directly to Lance Osbairne, but Kareltin’s instincts screamed, “No!” Lance had continued

Asking for a lawyer is often a sign of guilt, unfortunately.

It appears from this comment that you think Robert should be caught and punished - interesting. I suggest that murder is seldom simple - it is the end product of multiple unpleasant actions that finally need excision if the victim is to retain his/her sanity.

Ha! If you want the real world, read the newspapers, biographies and watch documentaries. They are sometimes real. Fiction is a selective re-creation of reality, so the author can make a point that he hopes will encourage readers to think about the situation.

Only one chapter to go, Take a dozen deep breaths and calm down - what will be will be...

Seriously Timothy, Are you on the side of a murderer? Golly - what is the world coming to? Surely he deserves to suffer the full force of the law?

Lance cowered in bed until his father left for work. Mind empty, unable to think, he dressed, downed a couple of tabs with a swig of whisky, felt a little better, and went over his story for the hundredth time. Panic welled. He couldn’t face school – couldn’t stay home. His father might come back during the day. He never wanted to see him again. As soon as the thought was out he began to cry, blankly, standing in the middle of the cold kitchen, letting the wetness flow over his cheeks. He didn’t

Ha! either you are a clever criminal or a clever strategist... He's pretty smart, but under enormous psychological pressure.... so...

I totally agree, however it does happen, more often that people realise, and therefore should be talked about. I was careful to have supportive parents and a small age and experience gap. Blanket rules hurt as many people as they protect, and we should support genuine relationships... but it's a mare's nest because of religious and social conditioning that precludes rational thinking and discussion. I'm pleased you're enjoying the story. Thanks for the feedback.

When I wrote this story, there were no security cameras in public places. The CD and USB stick were disposed of in separate rubbish bins in the city. Teachers and senior pupils have been engaging in intimate sexual activity since the dawn of time - if it is forced, it is evil, if consensual, as it often is, it can even be beneficial, as long as they don't make it public. That would force the authorities to take a stance, and it has to be said that in the wider interest of protecting students from possible predators, the general rule that teachers and students do not become intimate, is wise. Such activity is severely frowned on here too, and would probably result in dismissal of the teacher. I'd like to make people think about it, rather than simply follow popular opinion. Blanket laws always penalise as many people as they protect. There should be a way for the parents and lovers to present their case so it is acceptable to the authorities, and they don't have to live in fear, with consequences such as Robert's dilemma.

And you could not have given me a greater compliment - thanks.

Mmmm... the slippery slope you reckon? But please don't blame me, I only write what pops into my head - where it comes from I've no idea.

The headmaster’s house was set back from the road in a fenced off piece of the school grounds. Low hedges and a nearby street lamp meant that anyone at the door would be visible from the road, so he had to be quick. Fortunately, there was little traffic. A light went on in what he supposed must be the lounge. Robert crossed the road swiftly, glided up the path, and knocked firmly. The hall light was switched on and the door opened just wide enough for Mr Nikelseer to identify his visitor. S

It gets darker.

Mr Nikelseer supported himself against the wall outside Bart’s office. Knives stabbed through the base of his skull. Panic clutched at his throat. Swallowing became difficult, breathing ragged. Had his whole life been a mistake? Sanity teetered on the abyss - such questions must never be asked. Surely he had been virtuous? Doubt gnawed at his belly. His life had been a beacon of righteousness - hadn’t it? Shame, that murky, quicksand emotion, enveloped him in dread, preventing rational thou

Yes, but he's clever too - surely clever beats cunning?

Indeed he had... But who from? The cops or Robert?

Living is one long moral dilemma, don't you think? re: your Saint Sebastian and the other one... We had a life sized statue of Discobolus in the front entrance of the school - a very secular establishment. Visitors were faced with a muscular torso and a satisfying fig leaf. Those approaching from the corridor could gaze in awe on a perfect set of buttocks.