The following is the opening paragraph of my novel, "Agnus Dei":

The night sky was a black velvet curtain encrusted with diamonds. It was summer and although the sun had long retired, the evening greeted its inhabitants with a balmy, almost tropical air. An orchestra of crickets had struck up a background symphony, interrupted intermittently by the sound of traffic passing through the night on the nearby motorway. Clouds danced in front of the moon chasing shadows from one building to the next, while the cool waters of the Nerang River whispered gently on their casual journey to the coast. The streets were at peace with just the occasional laugh or raised voice escaping from one of the pubs or restaurants. The car park of one such establishment, the Commercial Hotel was almost full, the cars silent, empty and patiently awaiting the return of their owners.

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