Beyond Life (23 page)

‘It’s very busy at this time of year,’ said the sales rep lying through her teeth. ‘I just sold the last ticket but let me see if I can squeeze you on.’

Tony gave her his most charming smile, grateful she’d given him the information about Val without him having to ask.

‘I need two tickets actually, but if you’re fully booked I’ll have to look for an alternative...’

‘Wait a minute,’ she interrupted while tapping away at her keyboard. ‘There appears to have been a cancellation.’

Yeah, right
. He smiled again. ‘I’ll need a cabin as well please.’

The booking clerk’s day was getting better by the minute and she chatted amiably while waiting for the tickets to print and for his credit card payment to go through.

As Tony left the office there was a furore outside and he glanced toward where the noise was coming from to see his father trying to draw attention away from himself. He was surrounded by a number of keen teenagers all pushing pens and notebooks at him. Tony could see that Graham was trying to keep them quiet but his attempts were having the opposite effect. When he saw Tony leaning against a tree with his arms folded and smirking at the scene, Graham gave up and graciously signed the autograph books. While the teenagers had his father’s attention Tony phoned Jim. He told his brother about the tickets for the trip. Jim said that he was only a few minutes away and would meet him outside the shop, as Val was just sightseeing and shopping.

‘You know that thing where women go into every open shop, look at every item and come out without buying anything.’ Tony hung up feeling sorry for his brother. He’d been shopping with Libby and if her mother was half as bad, Jim had his total sympathy. Jim arrived shortly after and as the teenagers left, the twins approached their father.

‘Nice day for a stroll, Dad.’

Graham ignored Tony’s statement. ‘What are you up to?’

‘Don’t know what you mean, Dad.’

‘You were quizzing Val at the meal the other night. Now you’re following her when you should be having fun with your new wives. What’s going on?’

They knew there was no point lying to him, but they also knew they couldn’t tell their father the truth.

‘I’m really sorry, Dad, but we can’t tell you,’ Tony looked to his brother for support. ‘You just have to trust us on this,’ added Jim.

‘I bloody knew it,’ Graham clicked his fingers. ‘You’re some sort of special agents aren’t you? What’s she up to? Does Libby know?’

‘Don’t be ridiculous, Dad. Jesus. Talk about an over-active imagination,’ Jim sighed.

‘Are you taking something that’s messing with your head?’

Graham studied his sons. So that’s how they want to play it he thought, and understood that in their line of work they couldn’t spill the beans.

‘Okay, let’s just forget I asked any questions. I’ll see you later.’

‘Do you fancy a quick drink, Dad?’

‘No thanks, I’m going back to do some training. Catch you later.’ He walked away hastily and left his sons looking at his disappearing back, dumfounded.

Jim and Tony decided to walk to the nearest coffee shop. They found a secluded corner and ordered their drinks, talking quietly about their strategy for the next few days.

As soon as he thought he’d be out of sight Graham turned. His sons were walking away from the booking agency and he doubled-back and entered the shop. The booking clerk was only too glad to confirm that a man had booked passage and a cabin for two passengers less than a half-hour before. Yes, she could definitely get him onto the same ferry and would print his ticket right away. How would he like to pay?

*****

‘Why do they all believe the special agent stuff?’ said Claire and the others shrugged. Maybe it was a generational thing. Val and her father were quite close in age and perhaps people were easily taken in as they aged. She recalled the saying about the young knowing everything, the old believing everything and the middle-aged suspecting everything, but Val and her father weren’t yet old enough to believe everything.

‘They’re too young to be that gullible. What’s going on, Ron?’

This was a glimpse of the old Claire and not the new one with super-powers. Instead of Ron sighing and being exasperated at her questions like he would have been not so long ago, he was glad that she still needed him and occasionally found him useful.

‘It’s what they want to believe, Claire. Imagine the thrill for your father thinking that his boys are clever enough to be involved in that line of work. And as for Val,’ he did sigh now. ‘It’s probably two-fold unfortunately,’ getting into the swing of educating the two women Ron held his chin with his thumb and forefinger and adopted a thoughtful pose. ‘Firstly, if she honestly believes that the man she calls Gary is really working undercover, this means that he simply cannot be guilty of anything her subconscious may suspect that he is. Secondly, her ego will be swollen with pride that a man so important could be mad about someone who thinks of herself as an ordinary woman,’ he smiled and nodded his head knowingly.

‘You’re so clever, Ron.’

Plainly he wasn’t because he couldn’t work out whether Claire was being sincere or taking the mickey.

‘I want the twins to know that they’ll have company tomorrow,’ Claire quickly changed the subject as was her wont. ‘Coming to the hotel?’

They were all nervous about what was next, both for themselves and their relatives and Claire thought watching the people they loved enjoying themselves might be a pleasant distraction, well for her and Ron anyway. Sandy didn’t seem to have anyone to visit on Earth so was glad to go along with whatever Ron and Claire suggested.

After laying out the problem to the Committee Amanda told Gabriella and Raphael to wait outside while deliberations took place. Raphael knew it was his mother’s way of showing her displeasure for his resignation and he sighed, wondering how long she was going to hold it against him. They didn’t have long to wait before a Seraphim called them back in. They noticed that God had resumed his seat at the head of the Committee and his gentle but commanding voice echoed throughout the chamber telling them to take a seat. They did as bid and he spoke again.

‘Your mother needs a change of scenery. She will accompany you prior, during and immediately after the mortal’s death trip and I will assume my rightful place until I choose otherwise.’

So his mother who was still punishing him for asking to leave the Committee, wanted a break from it herself. The irony wasn’t lost on Raphael. He opened his mouth to comment but Gabriella gave him a warning nudge. If she’d seen the exchange Amanda chose to ignore it and addressed her audience.

‘It’s imperative that we take charge of Big Ed’s soul until we decide what to do with him,’ Amanda didn’t want another evil bastard to be let loose into the ether. ‘We’ve no idea what their plans are for him but I suspect the opposition will be fierce. I want his father too. He’s pathetic but still a trouble-maker.’

‘What’s the plan for the father?’ asked Raphael.

‘The cave.’ Amanda hoped to get rid of Big Ed’s father before the final showdown at Big Ed’s mortal death. The teenager had been a constant irritation but Gabriella had reported an increase in his powers since returning from his last incarnation as a mosquito.

‘Your sister thinks he’s getting worse,’ she didn’t need to explain that sometimes evils appeared to have a power surge when one of their particularly bad relatives was close to accompanying them. They all remembered the disastrous results of an earlier time that this had happened and poor Zach was still down there, having suffered torture and immeasurable humiliation no doubt. They discussed various scenarios and plans for the way forward and countless examples of
what ifs.
Big Ed couldn’t be banished to the cave with his father, the demons would fight to regain his soul so they would have to keep his soul moving, probably in short spells of life where he could be humiliated and have time to reflect on his past sins.

‘I don’t think they’ll be that bothered about the father; he’s merely a lackey and isn’t rated. In fact,’ she looked as if she’d had a brainwave. ‘If you have the opportunity before I arrive let Claire deal with him, under supervision of course.’

‘Brilliant idea,’ Raphael smiled. ‘It’ll do her the world of good when she discovers just how powerful she’s become and,’ he clapped a tune with his hands. ‘Will give her confidence and make her less frightened for the big showdown.’

‘We’re not in a western movie, Raphael.’

An admonishment from his mother could make him feel about five years old and the euphoria from moments before quickly slipped away.

‘What if it makes her over-confident?’ asked Gabriella and their discussions continued, covering all aspects of Big Ed’s earthly destruction.

Much later, exhausted due to the planning and worry if anything went badly wrong, they agreed to go their separate ways and retire to their quarters to rest, before Raphael joined the others on the living plain. Their farewells were filled with melancholy as they confirmed that the next time they’d meet would be when Raphael called for his mother’s and sister’s assistance. None were exactly sure how long that would be in Earth time, but they knew it would be weeks rather than months.

Chapter 15

The teenager looked down at his spirit body in satisfaction. He always hated being an animal, which inevitably meant a punishment of pain. This was a good time for him, back in his comfortable earthly human body and not long before he would be joined by his son. He knew his standing would improve shortly after his son’s death and hoped for an increase in power. He was almost certain that he’d go up a few grades and at long last receive the respect he deserved. Knowing he still had a little time before his son’s ultimate journey, he wondered whether it was worth the risk to visit the woman his son held a torch for. He’d been amazed when he’d discovered this was one and the same woman who he’d helped some boys attack. That amazement had turned to anger when the teenager remembered the suffering he’d had to go through when her attackers had been caught. Throwing caution to the wind and knowing he was already getting stronger, he decided he had time to teach her a lesson before his son’s arrival.

Some of the wedding guests were relaxing at the hotel. Val had returned from buying her tickets and sightseeing, and decided to check in with Marion before going to her room to change into her swimming costume. From the outside bar she scanned the pool area.

‘Cooeee, Marion,’ she called and Marion put down her Kindle and squinted in the direction of the bar. Seeing her friend, she put on her sarong and made her way toward her.

‘Nice morning?’ asked Marion but she could see that Val was dying to tell her something.

‘Well, I did a bit of sightseeing and stuff and had a really pleasant morning...’

‘And?’

‘Walking back to the hotel and it was really weird, Marion. I nearly got knocked over.’

‘Oh, Jesus. Are you okay?’ Marion looked Val over and couldn’t see any obvious marks.

‘I’m fine but it felt as if someone pushed me off the kerb but there was no-one behind me.’

‘That’s weird. I wonder...’

Val cut her off. ‘That’s not the only thing. The driver who swerved to avoid me said that someone else took control of the steering wheel and he would have hit me if they hadn’t’

‘Have you been drinking?’

‘No, seriously, Marion, it was strange. I’m lucky...What the...’

They both moved back involuntary as one of the heavy wooden roof supports dropped from the bar and hit the ground where they’d been standing. Looking at each other in confusion, Marion had felt a push and knew without it she would be under the timber. She shuddered.

‘I think a guardian angel’s looking out for me today,’ said Val and this time Marion didn’t contradict her.

‘I don’t know how much more of this I can take,’ said Claire. ‘He seems to be a lot stronger and I’m absolutely exhausted. She looked at the other two. Sandy had a hand on Ron’s arm in support and was chewing her bottom lip. Ron looked as distressed as Claire had ever seen him.

‘I’d help if I could, Claire. You have to be strong, you’re the only who can save her.’

The teenager appeared in front of them, a look of triumph already on his face. He hadn’t expected to see her and her groupies here and it was a bonus. From previous experience he knew she was strong and talented. But he also knew that his powers had increased ten-fold and there was no way she could beat him this time. He’d had much more time on this side than she and she didn’t have the support of her mentors. Taking her to hell would be a masterstroke and he was sure his rewards would be plenty. He wanted a bit of fun first and Claire didn’t realise what was happening until she heard both Sandy and Ron scream. They were trying their best but it was like a goldfish trying to overcome a polar bear, neither had the strength or power to fight the teenager. Claire summoned her inner resources; the evil had made a major error. Had he fought one-to-one with Claire he might have won, but she hated bullies and had stood up for kids who were being bullied once or twice while she was in school, regardless of the size of their aggressor or their gang. Claire had the same feeling now.

‘I don’t think so,’ she said, and he was surprised at how calm she sounded as he turned to face her. Claire addressed Ron and Sandy. ‘Give me your hands and form a circle around him,’ still writhing in pain neither moved. ‘Now! Concentrate!’ the latter was a command and both moved without thinking. The teenager was encircled but not worried. Looking for the weakest link he lunged at Sandy with his full body weight and although she screamed in pain, she held on to Ron and Claire’s hand, the circle unbroken. ‘Remember what to think,’ said Claire and though hard, they all thought of love and pleasant memories. Claire moved the circle toward the teenager wishing that Raphael and Gabriella were available to help but determined to do the job without them if necessary. She seemed to instinctively know what to do and the teenager had the first doubts about his power. He decided to call for assistance but his request bounced off the good spirits and their circle of love, and got no further. Gaining in confidence Claire told the others to close their eyes and to move nearer to the teenager. No longer frightened, they followed her order.