Attrition of the Gods: Book 1 of the Mystery Thriller series Gods Toys. by P.G. Burns

his first stretch in military prison. His reliance on violent conflict resulted in him behaving in the same way as a junkie, except that he had an insatiable appetite for breaking bones and removing teeth just like a drug addict or alcoholic he was trying to fill a hole that had manifested deep inside him.
    But all this seemed to directly contradict another trait that defined Shane, one that was more difficult to analyse: his unwavering need for veracity and righteousness. Yes, Shane did commit many ferocious attacks but they were always linked to people who had a disregard or contempt for what was fair and right.
    The CO of Shane’s regiment fought hard to get him released, stating his bravery and popularity amongst his fellow soldiers as well as his ability and accuracy with a rifle. After promising to keep Shane under control, the CO got his wish and Shane was let loose on the Taliban once more. Unfortunately Shane soon found himself back in the slammer after he lost his temper with a new recruit who had jokingly asked Shane if he had a sister worth fucking. The new recruit’s war was cut short and Shane was back inside. After six years in the army, three of which were spent in the nick, Shane was finally dishonourably discharged.
    Back on Civvie Street, Shane became the scourge of doormen and licensees all over Manchester, abusing their hospitality and getting into fights all over the town. He had a group of friends who were more like hangers-on. They would start the fights and Shane would finish them. He thought of himself as a good guy. In his mind he never hit anyone that didn’t either deserve it or whose job it was to fight. When Shane discovered cocaine, he loved it and quickly realised most of the dealers were scared of him so he took what he wanted and never bothered to pay. Shane was revolting against the world but he was doing it in his own way. Anyone who chose to be involved in the underworld was a legitimate target. Bullies of any kind would get battered, although Shane’s definition of a bully sometimes got blurred.
    When Mickey Brown, the local drug baron, decided that Shane had gone too far he called his friends in Glasgow to sort him out. Although Shane was out every night, he still hit the gym every day. The skinny little lad who had been knocking big men out was now a big man himself. Every morning he would spend at least three hours either on the weights or at the bags. The Glasgow firm knew exactly where to find him and when he left the gym to find four burly meatheads waiting by his car, he knew what to expect. He was admitted to hospital with a broken jaw and two broken ribs: the guys did a good job on Shane. Only respect for his courage and their own painful wounds stopped them from causing more serious harm.
    Shane never held a grudge against his attackers. He knew from their accents they were brought in for the job and it was nothing personal. In fact, they did him a favour. While Shane was in hospital for three weeks the young doctor in attendance was Sara May, a kind and lovely-looking young woman. Shane had his pick of the type of girls who liked his troubled, hard-man reputation, but he had never spent any time with someone like Sara.
    They instantly shared a connection and soon after Shane had been discharged they began seeing each other. Within a few weeks Shane moved in. Things moved quickly and naturally and his world seemed to have taken a 360-degree turn. For the first time in his life things were going right, though he feared it was all too good to be true. The next six months were the happiest he had ever experienced. Unfortunately his joy would not last.
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    Leo knows all this about Shane and still Shane knows very little about him.
    “You’re late old man,” Shane says as Leo finally approaches the table.
    “Yes, I’m sorry, I have had a lot of things to prepare,” replies Leo.
    “We’re in prison. What the fuck do you need to prepare for in