Niccolớ Paganini was the most celebrated violin virtuoso of the 1800s, unparalleled even today. But his reputation is forever tarnished by persistent rumours that his extraordinary speed and skill on his instrument were thought to be a ‘gift from the devil’. It was said that his doppelganger was seen on numerous occasions ‘complete with horns…
Author: Geoffrey David West
The White Lie
“Of course I can’t tell him until we’ve signed the contract. Once we’ve officially committed to buying the big house I can push for a better divorce settlement.” “Poor deluded idiot.” I heard my best friend, Colin, laughing at me from my own bedroom as I stood on the stairs out of sight. “Anyone else…
Zennor Point
The strangest experience of my life happened when I was asked to survey a derelict old inn in Cornwall. Zennor Point. Zennor Point. Where had I heard that name before? It was stuck in my memory somewhere, floating around with all the rest of the unexplained flotsam and jetsam ‘happiness words’, kind of like the…
Stripping Off
I can’t stop thinking about what it felt like to be held in your arms, to have your lips on my nipples, and to feel your hot male strength throbbing deep inside me when you thrust and thrust. . . . I’ve been an upholsterer for thirty years now, but I’ve never found a letter…
The Last Woman I ever loved
“I’m mad about you, I can’t stop thinking about you, please please please can I see you again?” “But you’re married,” the beautiful woman told me. We were relaxing in the large bed in the tiny hotel room, and I was in heaven, unable to believe my luck. The moment I held her in my…
Innocent
“I grabbed the heavy frying pan and bashed him as hard as I could. All the sausages scattered over the floor. Poor Graham slipped on a sausage, fell sideways, crashed to the ground and cracked his skull open on the kitchen tiles. He was so unlucky.” So saying, Wendy burst into tears, sobbing hysterically. Becoming…
The Impossible Dream
“Can I close up the wound now, Doctor?” “Yup nurse. Brilliant work. You’ve done a good job.” She preened and smiled, delighted at my compliment. It always gives me an incredible thrill when I’m called ‘Doctor’. And it’s fantastic to be able to do life-saving operations and procedures in the busy A & E department…
High Voltage
“So why are you giving a murderer a job?” “I believe that everyone deserves a second chance.” “Even though he strangled his girlfriend?” “He sincerely regrets the terrible thing that he did, said that he was driven into a jealous rage when he found out that she was having an affair with his friend.” “And…
Cinderella
“Hello mate, it’s so good to see you,” said the stranger, as he gave my arm a warm, gentle squeeze of affection. He stared at me, concern in his eyes. “How are you feeling?” “Fine, thanks,” I told the man, a bit bemused that he was behaving as if we were very old, very close,…
Waste of Space
“You’re a useless drip. What have you ever achieved in sixty-five years? We’re still stuck in this tiny flat and you’ve got bugger all to your name. You’re a ridiculous failure, a waste of space, and that’s why I’m leaving you!” “Thanks for saving this up for the day after I retire, and I’m feeling…