Beyond Death (16 page)

Ken didn’t know what was happening but for once he wasn’t in pain or abject terror. Instead of struggling or attempting to question his captor, he enjoyed the present and tried not to think about any horrors that the future might bring.

Not much later they arrived at their destination and Ken was deposited on the sofa. He felt as if he were back in his human body, but when he attempted to touch his own arm, there was nothing there. Ron and Claire knew there was a presence on the sofa by the grey light shining from it, and Gabriella explained that her mission had been a success. Ron disregarded the fact that Ken had been in hell and suffered terribly. He remembered how his own daughter had been as a teenager and was furious with Ken for the distress and suffering he’d caused.

‘You bastard! How could you?’

‘Ron, is that you? Oh Jesus, a friendly voice. You don’t know how good it is to hear you, mate. You wouldn’t believe what I’ve been through.’

‘Trust me I would and you deserved most of it, you bastard.’

The clouds in front of Ken disappeared and he could see his former colleague along with Gabriella and Claire. He could also see that Ron was furious and was keen to tell him his side of the story.

‘It just happened, Ron, honestly. We didn’t mean to hurt you and Val finished with me before I died. And anyway,’ they could hear the pleading in his voice. ‘Isn’t having my life cut short and all the horrible things that have happened since then punishment enough?’

‘Oh sweet Jesus!’ whispered Claire, realising that Ken had misunderstood the reason for Ron’s anger.

The confusion cleared from Ron’s face as the truth slowly dawned.

‘You and Val? You. And. My. Wife!’ Ron had turned a bright red and Claire expected steam to come out of his head.

‘You didn’t know.’ Mumbled Ken as he prepared himself for the onslaught.

Ron closed his eyes and clenched his fists. They could see that he was trying to control himself and Gabriella decided that it wasn’t yet time to intervene.

‘So this is why she felt guilty, because she had an affair with the scumbag who traffics innocent young girls,’ he started beating his fists against his thighs in agitation. ‘Why?’

Claire had never seen Ron so angry and upset. She moved to his side as a mark of solidarity and put her hand on his arm hoping to both comfort and restrain him if necessary.’

‘Answer my question.’ Demanded Ron.

‘I know I was a selfish bastard and I’m sorry, Ron. You’ll never know how sorry. If there’s anything I can do to make it up to you, trust me I will.’

‘Trust you, trust you.’ Ron blustered. ‘How can you ask me to trust...’

‘What about the girls?’ Claire folded her arms and looked directly at where the dim light was starting to take the ghostly form of Ken’s former human self.

‘Ah. Pathetic as it now sounds, it was a good little earner.’

‘So, motivated by lack of conscience and pure greed? I can’t listen to any more of this lowlife’s excuses.’ Claire started to walk away but Gabriella called her back.

‘I’ve changed my mind, Gabriella. Can you send him back?’ Ron was back in control and folded his arms over his chest. Claire nodded in agreement.

‘It doesn’t work like that I’m afraid.’ Her look silenced their protests and she turned to Ken. ‘You may have the opportunity to redeem yourself, Kenneth. Would you like that?’

Ken looked at the angel and nodded eagerly. He’s like an excited dog that’s been told it’s time for walkies, thought Claire.

‘In the meantime, get used to your new surroundings and I’ll leave you to get re-acquainted with Ron and to get to know Claire.’ She whooshed away and left the three to their own devices. An awkward silence filled the air with Ken wondering if he’d ever stop paying for his wickedness, Ron still furious with his former friend, and Claire pondering whether souls could actually kill each other.

*****

Graham and Carol had been called to Mel’s school. The head teacher had phoned them both and said that it was a matter of urgency, but that she was unable to explain until they were face to face. Carol had contacted Graham and they’d agreed to meet in the school’s public car park outside the main gates, and to put on a show of solidarity for the sake of their daughter. Graham waited in his car and his ex-partner showed up within two minutes of his arrival. It was the first time they’d seen each other since the acrimonious split and although awkward, this was put to one side because of the concern over their daughter.

‘I wonder what she’s done?’ Carol was still angry with Graham and even being civil was a supreme effort.

‘Why do you always assume that Mel’s in the wrong? It might be something out of her control.’

‘That’s right. Your daughter is perfect and would never do anything wrong would she? Get real, Graham, she’s a teenager and they experiment you know. It’s all part of growing up.’

Carol slammed her car door. Her mouth was set and her eyes blazing. All the signs that she was spoiling for a fight thought Graham.

‘Shall we get on?’ Indicating with his arm that she should go first he smiled, trying to placate her and received a sneer for his efforts. They made their way up the hill to the school and the Head Teacher’s office.

*****

Ken had answered Ron’s questions as best as he could and had said sorry for the hundredth time. Ron was still feeling murderous and Claire couldn’t stand the atmosphere any longer.

‘Shall we go and see my brothers?’ Ron agreed and when Ken asked if he could tag along, the looks he received in return answered his question. In case there was any doubt he was told to stay where he was until further instructions were received from Gabriella. He wasn’t happy but knew he was in no position to argue and at least I’m not in pain thought Ken, knowing very well that his situation could be far worse.

*****

It was a workday and Tony was sitting on the toilet reading the newspaper before having his shower.

‘I’ve got some information you may be interested in.’

‘Jesus Christ, Claire. I’m in the bathroom. Can’t you wait until I’m finished.’

‘But this is important.’

‘And so is this. You shouldn’t sneak up on a bloke like that, you don’t know what could happen.’ It was so typical of his sister. When she was young and wanted one of them to help with something, she ignored their feelings and just barged into the bathroom or their bedrooms with total disregard for their privacy. Tony quickly finished what he was doing and had a rushed shower and shave.

‘Is now convenient?’ His sister’s voice was inside his head as he was dressing.

‘Could you just give me another five minutes?’ He asked, knowing he was pushing his luck and Claire declined.

‘The bottom line, Tony, is that I have details of our new sister’s boarding school for you.’

‘How did you...?’

‘Never mind that. I can’t give it to you until you’ve caught the muggers. Sorry.’

‘Wait a minute.’ Tony left the bathroom and called to his brother as he was getting dressed.

‘Jim, Claire’s here.’ Jim rushed into Tony’s bedroom and closed the door. ‘Quiet for God’s sake. Fiona doesn’t know about all this yet.’

‘Well. You’re going to have to tell her,’ said Claire, ‘because she’s a big part of our plan.’

‘The plan to catch the muggers.’ Tony explained to Jim and they listened while Claire said that she couldn’t hand over the address of Mel’s boarding school until the muggers were not a danger to anyone else. Her voice was in their heads and she was now able to communicate with both at the same time, as if she were in the room talking to them. The twins got the wrong end of the stick.

‘Are you under orders or something, Claire? Is this the only way we can get the address?’

This was a welcome distraction for Ron and he smiled. Her brothers had assumed that this was being imposed upon her and he nudged her and nodded frantically. Encouraging her to deceive them.

She wasn’t prepared to lie outright but if they misinterpreted the information she gave them, so be it. ‘Something like that but let me tell you what I think you should do.’

She outlined the plan that she’d discussed with Ron. Fiona would frequent the street until the youths appeared and Tony and Jim would always be close behind but hidden from sight, so that she was never likely to be in true danger.

‘The gang leader is scared of rats so if you take a rat with you, you can always use that if things don’t go to plan.’

They laughed and Tony shook his head. ‘I don’t think we’ll carry a rat with us thanks very much, Claire. In fact, I don’t think we can help with this except for reporting them to the police.’

‘Then when the police can’t find any evidence and the muggers come up with alibis for the night of the attack, they’ll release them and that won’t do. If you do this my way they’ll be caught in the act and the three of you will be hailed as
have a go heroes
.’ She declined to tell them that the people who’d saved Val from being raped had taken a photograph of the group leader.

‘I can’t put Fiona through that.’ Said Jim.

‘Through what?’ Asked Fiona, opening the door and popping her head around it.

‘And who were you talking to?’

Jim bit his bottom lip and Tony wouldn’t make eye contact with her. They were both guilty of something, but Fiona wasn’t sure of what.

‘What’s going on, Jim?’

‘This will be interesting.’ Said Claire.

‘Shut up, Cl...’

‘No need for that, Tony.’ Fiona’s hands were on her hips and she thrust her head forward. ‘What on Earth is going on?’

‘I wasn’t talking to you, Fi.’ said Tony and turned to his brother. ‘How do we explain?’

‘Try the truth,’ said Claire, ‘and see what she says.’

‘Uh, huh.’

To Fiona, they appeared to be having a conversation with an invisible person. She was used to their weird twin telepathy and knew that was common with some twins, but this was all new to her.

‘Right. You’re freaking me out. Will one of you please explain?’

Jim took a deep breath and nodded. ‘You’re going to think we’re nuts but Claire’s talking to us.’

‘Claire! As in your dead sister?’

‘Yup.’

‘You’re right, I do think you’re nuts.’

‘Tell her I know she’s wearing matching teal coloured underwear.’ Said Claire.

‘Claire said to...’

‘Not you, Jim, Tony.’

‘I can’t say that.’

‘Yes you can. We have to make her believe you.’

‘What the hell’s going on?’ Fiona felt like she was taking part in a farcical stage production.

‘Err, Claire said to tell you she knows what colour underwear you’re wearing.’ Said Tony, looking anywhere around the room so that he didn’t have to look directly at Fiona.

‘And that would be?’

‘Something called teal.’

Fiona looked at both brothers in turn. ‘That could be the weird telepathy between you both.’

‘Don’t be ridiculous.’ Jim was affronted. ‘We don’t do that sort of thing, we’re not perverts.’ He was mortified that Fiona would think that of him. ‘Do you really think I’d do that?’

‘The alternative is that your dead sister is in the room with us. Which do you expect me to believe? I’m out of here.’ She left the room and slammed the door on the way out.

‘That went well.’ Said Jim and Claire told her brothers that she’d be in touch. She was keen to follow Fiona and make a mental note of some of her movements over the next few days. She’d then talk to her brothers again and this time they’d be able to convince Fiona that they were telling the truth.

*****

At the boarding school the gate guard passed their details to the security officer and he was now looking at his list on the millboard held in front of him, while Carol thought it would be easier trying to get into The Queen’s bedroom at Buckingham Palace. They were eventually permitted entry following a call to the School Secretary and she now led the way into the Head Teacher’s office.

Despite her name and incredibly posh voice Mrs Chappleton-Myers was friendly and down to earth, though she did have an air of authority about her that encouraged good behaviour amongst both students and adults.

They were offered refreshments and waited patiently for The Head to explain the urgent nature of the visit.

‘Melanie requested an appointment with me and she refused to speak with anyone else. She gave me some very distressing information.’ She paused to ensure she had their complete attention.

‘She told me that two of her friends have been coerced into performing unsavoury acts of a sexual nature, and have been threatened with violence if they report the information to the police.’

Graham realized that he had been holding his breath and he exhaled heavily. Carol shook her head in confusion.

‘Is she all right?’ Carol said what Graham was thinking and The Head nodded reassuringly.

‘Melanie said that she didn’t go with her friends when this happened. In that respect she’s perfectly fine.’

‘But why hasn’t Mel spoken to me about this? She usually tells me everything.’

‘It seems that Melanie is still annoyed at you for
her whole life being one big lie.
Your daughter’s words I’m afraid, not mine.’

Graham coughed to fill the awkward silence.

Then asked. ‘Are you absolutely sure she’s all right?’ The Head explained that Mel was upset because of the state her friends were in.

‘I’m sure you understand that because of the seriousness of this information I had to go straight to the police. The problem is that the other girls have accused Mel of making it all up and now refuse to speak to her,’ she shuffled some papers on her desk. ‘When they were interviewed they denied any knowledge of Mel’s story. The police say that the accused is known to them. He’s been questioned and also denies the accusations. Mel has been cautioned for wasting police time but is still insistent that what she told me is the truth.’

‘Mel isn’t a liar,’ said Carol. ‘If she said something happened to her friends it’s the truth.’

‘Actually,’ said The Head. ‘I was wondering if it’s anything to do with the change in your circumstances and perhaps she’s attention seeking?’