The story begins in the 1970s with an eight-year-old, James, witnessing his
father, Ross, a violent alcoholic, exert brutal control over his wife and then the
family. Ross’s sadistic teachings of power and dominance set the stage for
James’s troubled development. Despite the compassionate efforts of Enid
McNolty, a teacher who tries to guide him toward a better path, Ross’s abuse
tightens its grip, and James begins mimicking his father’s violence.
As the years progress, Ross escalates his cruelty, targeting James’s siblings and
driving him to the breaking point.
James transforms into a cunning and manipulative individual in his late teens,
ultimately becoming the monster he loathed. In the end, James Wilfred
Rowland embarks on a life of predation, but not without first exacting revenge
on those who made him.
Abuse, fear, manipulation, and a demented definition of power underscore this
chilling origin story.
The End…I mean, The Beginning
I am a retired teacher who loves to create amazing educational resources for my students, but I also like to write fiction. I hope you enjoy the journey as much as I do.View all by SWSmith
