Excerpt: To Bury the Dead

A beat-up Ford pickup truck slammed to a halt in front of the cemetary gates. It was clear from its many dents and scratches, as well as the speed with which it approached, that its owner was not the most careful or law-abiding of drivers. Leah squeezed her siblings' hands more tightly, and swallowed nervously as they walked towards their only parent. The unshaven man acknowledged their presence by jerking his head towards the back of the truck. (...) Matt involuntarily wrinkled his nose at the offensive smell of old beer bottles which seemed to permeate the vehicle. Slamming the door shut behind herself and her siblings, Leah had the ominous feeling that a problem-free existance with her father was, indeed, just as impossible as she had feared. Tyres squealing, they drove off at no small speed along the dangerous curves and bumps in the road. When their father spoke at last, Leah's doubts were confirmed. "Damn bitch Caity never gave me anything but trouble. First the cancer, now the brats."