<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8" standalone="yes"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"><channel><title>Woodcomp on Gromet's Plaza Archive</title><link>/authors/woodcomp/</link><description>Recent content in Woodcomp on Gromet's Plaza Archive</description><generator>Hugo</generator><language>en-us</language><lastBuildDate>Fri, 22 Oct 2010 00:00:00 +0000</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="/authors/woodcomp/index.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title>Bound in Silk</title><link>/stories/2010/10/22/bound-in-silk/</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Oct 2010 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate><guid>/stories/2010/10/22/bound-in-silk/</guid><description>&lt;p&gt;Chapter 1 - A Chance Meeting&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;It had been a long week, finished off with a six hour sales meeting. I
longed to get home, remove this retched suit and take a long,
relaxing bath. I smiled to myself, that is something I&amp;rsquo;ve really been
looking forward to. I glanced in the rear mirror, nothing in sight, just
total darkness. I stared forward, ignoring the hypnotic effect of the
windscreen wipers and gave a loud yawn. My peaceful thoughts were
suddenly shattered by a clanking noise coming from the front of the car.
I came to a jerking hold by the side of the road. Great, this is all I
need, looks like that bath might have to wait. I turned the key in the
ignition in a vain attempt to restart the car. The engine turned but
wouldn&amp;rsquo;t start. I slamed my hands on the steering wheel in frustration.
OK, how will I get home? Looks like I&amp;rsquo;ll have to call for a mechanic. I
reached into the back of the car for the mobile. Where is it? Shit, its
in my trenchcoat, back at the office. Not only would I have to walk for
help but get drenched in the process. I opened the door and stepped out
into the torrent. The rain smashed against my skin, soon causing a cold,
numb sensation as I fumbled to lock the door in the dark. I turned up the
collar on my jacket to prevent rain trickling down my back and then
stared left and right, looking for a sign of civilisation. Nothing. I
know that the last town was eight miles behind me and walking that
distance in this weather did not appeal so I set off following the road
forward, hoping help would soon turn up.&lt;/p&gt;</description></item></channel></rss>