The Book Glasses Read online

  She was amazed to discover a huge number of brands and that they all came in various shapes and sizes and colours. The book glasses became very effective once she started reading about the features of each one.

  She selected the latest models of the most appropriate devices for her purposes and used her debit card to pay for them. It had been almost six weeks since she’d started work at the museum and she couldn’t believe how much money had accumulated in her bank account.

  She immediately entered as many phone numbers as she could into her mobile phone, starting with her volunteer colleagues and the sisters at the refuge. Work numbers were easy because they had given her a contact list but getting details from those she knew from the refuge was more challenging as they were all on different shifts. She needed to pay them a visit.

  “Hi, Sue. You got a minute?” asked Sam, eager and happy to see her.

  Sue’s eyes brightened over the bunch of flowers in her arms. “I have several minutes for you, Sam. Give me a second to put these flowers down. They are from Mary from next door again. I told her she’ll go broke if she continues to give me flowers every day. I really don’t know how she keeps that flower shop open. I never see customers in there.”

  She put the flowers in a vase on her desk and sat down in her office chair. “Okay, now that’s done. Tell me what I can do for you, darling.”

  “I just got a mobile phone and I’d like to add your number to my contact list, please,” Sam said.

  She stared at Sam’s glasses. “Where did you get those glasses? I didn’t know you had glasses, my love.” She reached out for them.

  Ignoring her outstretched hand, Sam took off the glasses and placed them in her pocket. “No, I don’t need glasses, I found them at work and sometimes put them on for fun, that’s all. Anyway, here’s my new mobile. Do you like it?”

  Sue quickly forgot about the glasses and told Sam about all the mishaps and funny things that had occurred at the refuge while she had been away and entered her mobile number into Sam’s phone. Sam breathed a sigh of relief. The less she talked about the glasses, the better. She scolded herself for wearing them constantly. She would have to be more careful.

  Mondays

  Monday was Sam’s favourite day of the week at the museum because it was Tom’s day off and she was left to allocate work herself.

  She loved to take her duster and go sightseeing, pretending to dust all the displays. Always looking around first to ensure no one was watching, she put on the book glasses and opened up a new world of adventure every time she read the displays.

  After checking the coast was clear, she picked up a huge book on dinosaurs and palaeontology. Sitting down in front of the T-rex full-sized skeleton, she commenced reading.

  Evolution Periods

  The Devonian Period about 410 to 360 million years ago—The first land animals evolve.

  The Carboniferous Period about 360 to 260 million years ago—The tetrapods radiate.

  The Permian Period about 290 to 250 million years—Reptiles first dominate the land.

  The Triassic Period about 250 to 210 million years ago—The evolution of the archosaurs and early dinosaurs.

  The Jurassic Period about 210 to 150 million years ago—Dinosaurs dominate the land.

  The Cretaceous Period about 150 to 65 million years ago—The greatest diversity of dinosaurs.

  The evolution periods are documented…

  The glasses’ lenses darkened, and Sam looked up to see what was casting the shadow. Frightened, she dropped the book and fell backwards.

  The glasses slipped down her nose and the shadow disappeared. But when she repositioned them, she was left breathless at what she saw.

  The T-rex skeleton now had skin, teeth, claws, eyes and appeared fully intact before her. But when she took off the glasses, it turned back into a skeleton.

  Sam took off the glasses and put them away, then carefully returned the book to its place on the lectern. She quickly retraced her steps to the workshop to hide. Fighting panic, she wondered what to do next. She spent her entire lunch break there and only left after being called to deal with a couple of spills in the foyer.

  After work, she raced home and barricaded herself in her apartment, not knowing what she was afraid of.

  She decided to put the glasses back on to calm herself down. As usual, they put her back in control and she was able to think straight once more. She made a delicious Quiche Lorraine in no time, opened a cheap bottle of Chardonnay, and ate her dinner while reading all the junk mail and magazines she’d collected from her letterbox.

  A knock on the door startled her and she chuckled, assuming it was Sister Sue coming for a cup of tea. She hurriedly took off the glasses and put them away under her top and went to open the door.

  Two men in dark blue suits stood outside. “Hello, are you Samantha Page?” one of the men asked in a deep voice. He was holding a folder full of papers.

  “Yes, I’m Sam. Who are you?”

  “I’m Detective Terry Roth and this is Detective Jason Gower. Can we come in, please?” He held out a badge and identification.

  Sam showed them in and they each took a seat around the small worn-out kitchen table, Detective Roth pulling up the footstool. She desperately wanted to put on the book glasses but didn’t dare.

  “Ma’am, we are investigating the murder of Mr Charles Harman. Thank you for your statement back at the police station. We have just become aware of new information and are hoping you can help us with it.” Detective Roth opened his folder and showed her some large black and white photos.

  “What are they?” Sam asked, trying to conceal the fact she recognised the object in the pictures.

  “Mr Harman had a false bottom on one of his desk drawers in which we believe he kept a pair of reading glasses, the same ones that appear in these photos. Can you tell us anything about these glasses?” He stared into her eyes.

  For the first time in her life, Sam didn’t panic and stared right back at him without blinking. “No, I’m sorry, I can’t.”

  “You didn’t mention them in your statement; here’s a copy for you. We were hoping that maybe we could help you remember something by showing you these photos, that’s all.”

  “No, nothing, sorry. I can’t help you.”

  “Here, have a closer look.” Detective Roth handed her the photos and both detectives looked at her curiously.

  “Why am I looking at black and white photos of reading glasses? Are they Mr Harman’s?” She put the photos back down on the table.

  “The three men who allegedly murdered Mr Harman were apparently after these glasses because they are unique and extremely valuable. Our sources refer to them as ‘The Holy Book Glasses’ and they are believed to have been made in Europe, most likely Rome, over three hundred years ago. The glasses are priceless, and a seller could pretty much set any price for them. But what is of great concern to us is that there are some people of interest to us who want to get their hands on these glasses and would do anything to do so.”

  She gave nothing away and shook her head. “Why are they called Holy Book Glasses?”

  “Apparently, they were made for the pope of the day and his successors,” the detective said after checking his notebook.

  “Why did Mr Harman have them?”

  “We don’t know but we believe the three men murdered him before taking them.”

  “So, they took the glasses,” Sam said, almost smiling. “And that’s why they murdered him.”

  “That’s right. Look, we are not leaving any stone unturned. If you can help us with anything, please call us. If you remember something, whether tomorrow or next week, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We would appreciate your cooperation.”

  “Sure, if I remember anything, I will.” She looked away to try to conceal her relief that they didn’t suspect her.

  “Thank you for your time. Here’s my card,” said Detective Roth before placing the photos back in his folder.


  Sam silently walked the detectives to the door and let them out. She watched them walk away, closed and locked the door, then leant heavily against it.

  They didn’t suspect she had anything to do with the missing glasses. She put them back on to read the copy of her police statement they had left behind.

  Although the glasses in the photos resembled hers, fortunately, they showed mostly the case and not a close-up of the glasses themselves. She was delighted that they didn’t reveal all the fine details of the Latin script etched into the metal frames.

  Once composed and confident again, she was determined not to waste another moment thinking about what could or may happen; she had the glasses and was going to make the most of them. She felt it might be a good idea to have a similar pair made in case someone who had noticed her using them told the police about it. The only thing she knew for sure was that she couldn’t lose them, not now.

  The next day at work, Sam noticed the same two detectives in Julie’s office. They stayed there most of the morning, so she kept well away, fearing another interrogation. Once they had gone, she moved on to more important things like planning which books to read next.

  Sam discovered that the glasses weren’t effective when reading from a computer or her mobile phone; the visions and transfer of knowledge did not work. So, it was back to the library after work to borrow some books to take home.

  She deliberated over what to read next. She was done with cooking and grocery shopping tips and ideas. Learning other languages was now appealing to her. Fashions and cosmetics were also of interest as she wanted to work on her appearance and develop a new style. Or perhaps mathematics and economics would be a good place to start.

  Learning was her only focus now and gave her a high she had never experienced before. Who knew? she thought. It was incredible to think that something which such a short time ago had been impossibly difficult for her was now so easy.

  Manly Ferry

  The next day after work, Sam couldn’t wait to get to the library. On her way home, she dropped in and chose a selection of books. Once dinner was out of the way, she climbed into bed, put on the glasses, and looked at them.

  She had selected Mathletics by Wayne L Winston, Advanced Math by Richard G. Brow, and Fundamentals of Economics by Dr William Boyes. So, she started reading them.

  On the following Saturday, she had the urge to visit Sue and tell her all about her plan to take the ferry to Manly. Her excitement was unmatched and her confidence high now she had a little money to finally indulge herself. But first, she would take her time getting ready.

  After her shower, with a towel wrapped around her, she put on the glasses, eagerly opened her new makeup kit, and gleefully read out the names of each item: ‘Concealer, foundation, blush, translucent powder, mascara, neutral eye shadow, defining eye shadow and eyeliner.’

  Then, standing in her dingy old bathroom with its peeling paint and stained and cracked tiles, she started to rapidly read Do Your Makeup Like the Stars, a how-to pull-out brochure from a women’s magazine. In no time, she had read it and tossed it to one side.

  Sam was suddenly an expert in applying her makeup, instinctively choosing the right colours and tones to match her fair skin, blue eyes, and brown hair. Keeping the glasses on, although she had to hold them in front of her face to do her eyes and cheeks, the more she took her time, the faster she got. The result was a sophisticated look that only someone practised could achieve.

  She put on the dress she had received from Sue one Christmas a few years before. Her black strapless bra fitted well under the black strapless tube top dress, but her usual basic cotton bikini briefs were out of the question under the form-fitting dress. Instead, she selected a new black lace G-string.

  Pleased with the look, she hurriedly strapped on her black summer sandals, grabbed her imitation black leather back and shoulder bag and left the apartment. Her glasses were safely nestled in her bag that she wore backwards to keep a close eye on it.

  “Who is this thing of beauty? It can’t be Sam! Is that really you?” Sue’s voice echoed through the main hall and into the kitchen, drawing everyone out to see for themselves.

  “Look what you’ve done. Everyone heard you,” Sam said with a smile as she dangled her handbag, back and forth, from one hand.

  The entire staff and the few volunteers rushed out to see what the fuss was about.

  “Is that our Samantha in that little black number?” one of the volunteers said.

  “You finally decided to wear it,” Sister Sue said proudly.

  “You look different, Sam. I mean, aside from the dress, you’re another person. Who did your hair and make-up?” Jan asked.

  “I did it all myself. You like it?” Sam half-smiled and struck a fashion shoot pose.

  They all stood there open-mouthed, until a long-term homeless woman, Betty, walked in and screamed, “You think you’re better than us, do you? Piss off! You think you’re a posh bitch.”

  “Betty, that’s our Sam. Don’t you upset her when she’s gone to all that trouble. You apologise right now. Sorry, Sam. Betty must be back on the drink,” Jan said.

  “Sorry, Sam. I didn’t fucking recognise you,” Betty said, prompting everyone to erupt into laughter, including Samantha.

  “Okay ladies, enough of that. Back to work, please. Betty, you come with me, love. Sam, let me deal with her and then come and see me in my office,” Sue said.

  “Maybe later, Sue. I’m going to Manly for the day, so see ya,” she said with a nod and walked out, still swinging her bag. She saw the disappointed look on Sue’s face and promised herself that she would come back soon to fill her in on the day.

  After boarding the Manly ferry, Sam took a seat on the top deck and savoured the moment with a selfie. She remembered to remove the glasses, having vowed to never to take a photo with them on. The thought of losing them was too frightening to contemplate.

  She felt a jolt on her left arm as someone sat down next to her and bumped her. Annoyed, she glanced over and was pleasantly surprised to find it was a youngish man with golden hair who was reading text messages on his phone.

  Trying her best not to show any interest, she gazed out her window, looking at the reflections in the glass to see if she could locate any vacant seats and figure out why he’d picked the seat next to her.

  The man accidentally dropped his phone and it landed on her foot.

  “Here you go,” Sam said as she handed it to him.

  “Wow, thanks, gorgeous. It just slipped. Sorry about that. I’m Billy. Well, my name is William Ashley, but everyone calls me Billy. What’s your name?” He smiled.

  “Samantha, hi,” she replied, taking a good look at him. Handsome, with hazel eyes, short blond hair and a solid physique, he was probably about thirty years old. He was wearing a yellow smiley-face T-shirt, blue jeans, and runners, but she noticed he wore no wedding ring.

  “Hi, Samantha. Where are you going?”

  “Manly.”

  “Yeah, me too. Are you visiting someone? A boyfriend, maybe?”

  “No boyfriend. Just sightseeing, that’s all.”

  “So, you’re not visiting your boyfriend, or you don’t have a boyfriend?” he asked.

  Sam didn’t know what to say and Billy’s grin grew even larger as he waited for a reply. Finally, she said, “No to both. Where are you going?”

  “I’m going home. I live in Manly. And before you ask, no girlfriend! I just split up with her. Actually, she split up with me. She found someone at uni and dumped me. Apparently, I’m not as smart as he is because I didn’t go to uni,” Billy said, still wearing the same large grin.

  “Sorry to hear that,” Sam said sincerely.

  “That’s okay. It wasn’t going anywhere. For the last couple of weeks, she’d been avoiding me and because of my work, I only had the weekends free to see her. I finally tracked her down at her uni apartment today and that’s when she told me. With no texts or calls for a couple of weeks, I knew this
was going to happen. It didn’t take a genius to figure out she had someone else. Her loss.”

  “What do you do for work?” Sam asked.

  “I work in construction on building sites. I mainly do hard labouring work, but I enjoy it and it keeps me fit. What do you do?”

  “I work at the Australian Museum as a laboratory technician. That’s a fancy way to say cleaner.” Sam felt great saying that for the first time to a stranger.

  “That’s great. I was afraid you were going to say you’re a uni student.” Billy’s large grin swiftly reappeared.

  “No, I wish.” Sam smiled back.

  They were deep in conversation when the ferry docked and she followed him down the gangway, hardly aware they had arrived at Manly Wharf. Sam had been so focused on her chat with Billy, she had forgotten to enjoy her much-anticipated ferry ride.

  “Where are you off to now, Samantha? What sights would you like me to show you?” Billy asked.

  “No, don’t be silly. I’m sure you have better things to do,” Sam said, hoping he didn’t.

  “No, I have all weekend free. Remember, I have no girlfriend now. Also, Manly is my home and I would love to show you around. How about it?”

  “Okay, great. Where do we go first?” Sam’s heart beat fast with excitement. Exploring Manly was no longer her main priority as Billy had fully captured her attention, filling her imagination with unbelievable hopes, desires, and dreams.

  As they walked past a shop window, she caught a glimpse of their reflection in the glass. She was exhilarated to notice he stood so much taller than her and was impressed with his brawny appearance. His voice was calming and his attention to detail in describing things was impressive. But in-between describing all that Manly had to offer, she loved that not only did he let her talk, but he also seemed interested in what she had to say.