“Did you see the Facebook postings I sent you?”
“Yes, she looks a handful! There are some wonderful pictures.”
“What about the Instagram pictures or all the memes?”
“I watched them all. I love the segments of ‘Chloe’s Adventures, The Early Years’. The little pieces of narrative from her mum are hilariously funny, there’s a lot of talent in that family. You can tell how much she loves her daughter.”
“That comes shining through. Her mum has done her proud, I think she changes her outfit three times a day. I’m sure I saw more on their holidays – I wouldn’t have liked to have carried those cases!”
“I noticed that, she is very themed. Straw hat when visiting the petting Zoo animals. A Sailor Suit when at the beach. And I love the chef’s hat when they go out for a meal. She’s a little cutie. It’s funny how they use the dad as a sort of clown figure, he doesn’t mind, I think he also likes the attention! You can see how close they all are…I’m just thinking,…Chloe must be due going to the school?”
“She is. Her mum has promised to post some pictures when she has bought all her school-wear.”
“That’s lovely. All the family will be extremely proud.”
“They are. I read that they’re having a special breakfast for the grans and grandpas and they will all see her off. She’s going to do a complete section on it. There was talk of a Limo, but I think they decided that would be a bit much. I think they made the right decision.”
“Where would we be without family that loves and looks-out for us?”
“You’re right. I know that I wouldn’t be who I am without the in-put of my mum and dad.
Christ, I’m sorry, where are my manners? I’ve not even asked about you. How are the family? How are things going?”
“Good. Really good. Family are all doing well. Chris has always been and is still the love of my life! Sounds pathetic, I know, but there you go! Having two teenagers is a bit of a challenge for both of us but over-all, they’re good kids.
Work-wise, I’m busy but I like it that way!”
“You making a few quid?”
“It’s never been better!”
“Ah, now, talking about that, are you able to do the usual for me?”
“Of course. It’s never a bother and always a pleasure.”
“As always I’ll leave the timing up to you. Just let me know when you know.”
“No problem. I’ll have a look at their routine and take it from there. Same as always?”
“Of course. Half when you give me the date.”
“That’s Fine. How many days do you want with her?”
“I’d like five, but I think it’ll be safer with four.”
“And of course, the other half after the clear-up.”
“Not a problem.”
“I’ll be in contact soon after. I’m sure one of the group will have chosen another by then.”
literally stories 
This is absolutely chilling and the way that you build to the dreadful conclusion is masterful. dd
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Hugh
Both of us lived in a time (most of my time, I must say) in which this would be science fiction. And yet here it is, already, I bet, commonplace. You nailed the time and the characters perfectly. We have evolved from the poison pen to the poison cyberpost.
Brilliantly observed!
Leila
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Hi Hugh
A pleasant, even hopeful conversation, as I was hopeful along with this family pulling for Chloe. I started feeling and thinking about my own family. Or what it might be in such a tight family unit of “Grans and Grandpas.” I was buying into this fable that life is sweet. This is a great selling job on your part. A true writer of fiction! Then…
A wholly sinister twist! These bastards! I read this twice to get it into my mind what was going on here. All the insidious comments about her dressing up in “themed outfits.” This really creeps up on you! Very subtle, like a walk in the park that ends with a gunshot to the head!
Awful how these so called good working and family people are involved in pedophilia for gain and for their wicked pleasures!
The Godlessness of this story is really startling! The writing is brilliant! Excellent!
Christopher
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