Wild Fiction

‘He’s an American author. His most famous book is Slaughter House Five. A couple that I can think of that have Kilgore Trout in them are Breakfast of Champions and Timequake, although don’t quote me on that,’ Conrad said.
‘Well, if he’s a published author, perhaps we should ask him if we can be in one of his books and...’
‘And die in the end?’ James said interrupting her.
‘You’re not listening. It isn’t Vonnegut that kills the characters at the end of the story. It’s his fictional character Kilgore Trout. He’s still alive in all the stories. Isn’t he?’ Conrad said with a tired look at the other two.
‘I think he died in Timequake,’ James said scratching his chin trying to remember.
‘Okay, forget about Vonnegut. It’s a funny name anyway, I don’t think I’d like to be in a book by an author with such a wacky name,’ Rebecca said.
‘And I think we should forget about that other little band of authors led by Retir W. Doog,’ Conrad said. ‘I think we’re going to have to help ourselves.’
‘I’m tired, let’s go to bed,’ Rebecca said taking Conrad by the hand and leading him away.

Chapter 37

When Genevieve got home the house was in darkness and all was silent. The long summer evening had painted the sky midnight blue. She pushed open the kitchen door, put her hand on the light switch but removed it without switching it on. She looked around the kitchen, silhouetted in shadows. Miracle walked up to her with a loud meow and rubbed himself against her leg. She pushed him away; he hopped up onto the counter and walked out onto the window ledge. She removed the silk scarf from around her head and dropped it on the table, the car keys landed on top of it with a jangle. She swivelled on her toes, walked back into the garage, and put her hand on the handle to the basement door. It opened without a squeak and she stared down into the gloomy darkness. She pushed the switch and the tubes of florescent lighting flickered alive in an artificial glare. Genevieve took each step one at a time, her eyes wide as the basement came into view.