Wickham

By Mike Carter

It is said that we fear that which we do not understand.
That we cloak those fears with doubt, and that over time,
they become fairy tales and nightmares.
But what would happen if our fears became a reality?
And so it came to pass.
~~~~
For some speak in hushed tones of the dark ones.
They say they wait and watch from the shadows.
DCI Crawford knew the truth,
for he had faced those very demons and survived.
Now only months away from retirement,
he is assigned one last case.
A series of strange and inexplicable murders.
And as the killer weaves a trail of deception,
an old adversary returns
to orchestrate a new reign of terror
from the shadows.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse UK
• Release date: May 23, 2012
• ISBN: 9781468578850

Mike Carter

Mike Carter is the founder and president of Tours & Crawls of Annapolis and Baltimore, which has been in operation since 2002. His Annapolis Ghost Tours are consistently rated among the top five paranormal tours in the country, while his Baltimore tours are quickly becoming just as popular and well received. He earned his BA from the University of Maryland, College Park. Julia Dray is a professional musician, writer and performer. After attending St John's College in Annapolis she worked as a restaurant manager, technical writer, magazine editor and pianist before joining Annapolis Ghost Tours in 2007. Locals and visitors alike know her as the "ghost tour lady."

Book preview

1

Rain, predictable incessant, Judith tried in vain to prevent her umbrella from turning itself inside out. Typically the rain was partnered by wind it howled down between the buildings taking no prisoners.

As usual the traffic was heavy, and to make matters worse the lights were out and crossing the busy road was like a game of roulette. She paused for a moment to check her watch, irritated by the fact that she was late, and by almost twenty minutes. She knew her boss Neville would never understand, after all he had his air conditioned limo, and weather was an inconvenience to him nothing more.

Just then a bus pulled into the kerb, there was the screech of air breaks, accompanied by the remnants of a large puddle decorating her new tights. She stepped back a little but the damage was already done. More expense as if money wasn’t tight enough, she smiled at the unintended pun. Moments later the bus pulled away, she watched it with indifference as it turned left at the Junction. The rain seemed to be getting heavier as she hurried head lowered against the wind towards the office block, and her desk on the third floor.

Juliet, Juliet is that really you, fancy seeing you here? She smiled at the absurdity of the question. Abigail well I never it’s been a few days, you’re a long way from home not working today?"

Working I wish, no not at the moment, could be off for a few more weeks yet hard to say really.

Sorry to hear that I hadn’t heard you know about you being ill.

Oh heaven forbid no nothing like that. Jury service I knew they would get me sooner or later. Yes I am up at the bailey can’t talk about it naturally. But because I know you are discreet I suppose it will be okay. Not a word mind, I will be in something called contempt, if it gets out that I have said anything, Juliet smiled.

Well Abigail we could always meet up for coffee after work if you like. I was going out but you know how things are, cancelled at the last minute. What say you?

Yes that sounds good; it will be nice to play catch up. Six thirty okay for you Frintons restaurant?

That sounds fine, sorry to rush you but I am late, almost half an hour and this rain is finally working its way under my collar, I’m sure you understand.

Oh sorry Juliet of course, but tell me are you not even a little bit curious about the case?

Of course I am what court are you in?

Glad you asked, court number one, it’s that serial killer. You know been terrorising the city for weeks.

Really, oh yes I remember now has a brother doesn’t he. A policeman I think, I feel sorry for him already, the policeman that is. He must be going through all kinds of hell with his colleagues. Good news for us though you know about his brother. London is a lot safer place to live; now they have him under lock and key. Well it was nice talking to you Abigail, see you tonight. Oh and I wish you all the best with the Crawford case.

2

Wickham

The only source of light came from a cobweb covered grating in the far corner of the cellar.

And there at its centre long since made redundant stood the old boiler. It had once provided all the heat for the wards above. But times had changed and the boiler room remained nothing now but a monument to progress.

Suddenly amid the rusting pipes and dusty webs something stirred. It had waited for a sign, it watched as season greeted season, and soon the years blurred into memory. But with awareness came fear and with fear a determination to succeed, and as it waited it dreamed.

The furrows in the wheat field were awash with blood, and the air filled with the haunting screams of anguished souls. And all too soon the star filled night played host to comrades gathered around an open fire. A mist descended, silence fell upon the ground like a blanket to comfort the weary. It brought with it a sense of loneliness, leaving nothing but the night as a companion. Then a sound almost a whisper, as if likened to the passage of air over an owl’s wing as it hunted beneath the trees.

The dark ones had retreated into the shadows and all was still but it was not yet ended. For this was but a day, one day of many in the eternal battle for the light. Then the moon rose majestic in the night sky. And the dark ones emerged singing songs of battle, and mourning the loss of their own. All those present sensed a change, for now there was strength in numbers. And death swept once more over the wheat field, and night did give way to day and the dark ones retreated. And as the shadows grew longer the sun began to bathe the land with light. But there was no room for benevolence, no room for mercy for they were as one with the darkness.

A great cry went up to destroy the slayers. But it was not to be, for the slayers were mighty, defeating the darklings forcing them back into the shadowy realm. And the slayers wore the skins of the hosts but in so doing became weak. And so the dark ones lapsed into silence as the slayers retreated from the battlefield. But in their defeat lay determination and ambition. And as the first snow of winter blanketed the ground in the December of eighteen seventy one, a plan was laid. And soon the remaining darklings began to leave. One by one until only the sleeper remained, a sentinel bound by blood and waiting for the day that was to come.

It withdrew from its memory, for now it knew what must be done. It had waited for a sign, and up above beyond the darkness, in the brightly lit corridors he had arrived. It was time for an awakening at Wickham.

3

"Good evening Ladies and gentlemen, members of the press. I would like to thank you on behalf of the board of trustees for agreeing to attend this opening of the new isolation wing. And for your generous contributions that have enabled the project to be completed in less that fourteen months.

As most of you are aware, Wickham sanatorium was designed and funded by Sir Henry Wickham in the year eighteen twenty, as a monument to his great grandfather rear admiral Joseph Wickham. And to this day the sanatorium still bears his name.

Construction actually began in eighteen sixteen here in the Essex marshes, other than new extensions and some draining of the surrounding acreage; it remains much as it did one hundred and fifty years ago. And of course in its time the sanatorium has hosted several remarkable patients. Possibly one of the most memorable was Barnabus Chase, the privateer who during his interment endeavoured to escape several times. On his fourth attempt he was successful, and after several days of freedom went on to kill a man in a bar room brawl. He was hanged several miles away on gallows hill. Which I might add today still survives as a place of local interest. Over the years several other, shall we say notorious characters. Lived and died within the confines of the sanatorium. Of course today while most of the original structure remains, it now forms part of the rebuilt sanatorium. And as stated earlier we are here to officially open the new isolation wing, are there any questions please?"

Yes if I may, I understand that the new wing has been unofficially open for several months, is that correct?

Yes that is the case; it was opened ahead of time to accommodate a patient.

The wing was opened for just one person?

Yes a high profile patient who required a very special facility to house him.

I see is there any truth in the rumour that you are treating the serial killer who recently terrorized the capital?

Please now you know I cannot disclose information in relation to any of the patients currently receiving treatment here. In addition I would respectfully request that you guard against idle speculation on such issues.

You are treating him here then?

Look if it will help put an end to these ridiculous stories, no we are not currently treating him, however we have been involved in his assessment. But that is as much as I am prepared to say at the moment. I can state categorically that the public have absolutely nothing to worry about, and you are more that welcome to quote me on that. The new wing is the most secure in Europe and once a patient is admitted, they will remain secure until such time as they are deemed well enough to return into the community. Once again I would like to extend my thanks for your attendance this evening, now ladies and gentlemen shall we proceed with the presentation?

4

They suspect you know I think they have done for some time.

No why would they?

Well I think he’s right, I saw him watching last night, oh he pretended that he wasn’t but he was.

Are you sure that’s what you saw?

Hey I believe him, why can’t you, it’s not the first time you know. Do you remember that incident over the tablets?

Yes how could I forget, after all he was trying to poison me. But he didn’t succeed because I was too clever for him.

Yes and me

Hey you two don’t forget I found out about the visitors.

I don’t think your memory is doing you justice because it was me, and I can tell you exactly when, because I wrote it down, you know just in case I forgot.

I don’t believe you show me.

No I can’t do that at the moment, you see I hid it, I didn’t want them to find it now did I.

Somewhere off in the distance a bell tolled mournfully,

Hey stop,

What is it?

Just stop will you I am trying to count.

No need its eleven o clock.

Oh yea and how do you know that?

Because I did the counting last time, don’t you remember it was ten?

Yes you did I remember now.

They are late tonight.

I don’t think so, it’s the moon.

What has the moon got to do with them being late?

Take a look out of the window; can you see how it’s partially obscured by cloud?"

Yes but they are still late.

Yes but I keep trying to tell you, they rely heavily upon the light. The shadows need to be as dark as midnight; it doesn’t work unless they are.

What are you two talking about now?

The visitors I was just saying that they are late."

Does it really matter if they are late or not?

Well I think it does.

Well I disagree they kept me up most of the night with all that whispering, what about you, didn’t it bother you?

No I welcome them, they have such interesting things to tell me, things that I have never really thought about before.

Well they better hurry up that’s all I can say, because the light will be going out soon and the moon is not at its best.

You worry too much, have they ever let us down before?

I don’t think so, but I don’t really remember it seems such a long time since they were here.

No its not it was two nights ago.

He’s right I didn’t see them but I certainly heard them, yes they were whispering for hours.

Hey best be quiet for a minute, someone is coming.

The small observation hatch in the door slid open and a face appeared.

Everything okay tonight, do you need anything before lights out, a sedative perhaps?

No everything is fine thank you nurse, couldn’t be better.

Well goodnight then, the hatch slid back into the closed position.

Do you think he believed us?

Of course he did why wouldn’t he, we haven’t caused any problems for a long time.

Will you two be quiet I’m tired, and will you tell the visitors to keep it down a little tonight, you know what I mean the whispering.

Yes just for you why not, and don’t forget they don’t like it when you call them visitors.

I don’t call them visitors but that’s what they are, they don’t live in our room do they?

Well they prefer their given name and it wouldn’t do to make them angry.

I agree with him don’t make them angry.

Very well anything for a little peace, please just tell them to keep it down okay.

Tell who?

Oh very well the darkling’s of course.

Unobserved the hatch opened slightly.

Hey Joe come over here a minute but keep it quiet he’s at it again.

Nah can’t be bothered seen it all before, the match is on soon I might check him out later.

Okay your loss, but the poor bloke is sitting having a conversation with his shadow. Hard to believe he killed all those people.

Joe gave him a disdainful look, "don’t be fooled by him, he would slit your throat as soon as look at you.

Yes a right nasty piece of work, come on match is about to start and I have a brew on."

Back in the room he relaxed a little, told you he was spying on us didn’t I, but you wouldn’t believe me, well you saw it for yourself.

Will you two be quiet I am trying to get some sleep.

Patient 184673 shrugged his shoulders and sat back eagerly awaiting his visitors.

5

Place de la revolution August 1791

It was raining as the first cry went up from the crowd. A cacophony of sound as the carriage stopped

In the middle of a large space left around the scaffold. On each corner of the square stood a cannon

And armed militia as far as the eye could see. The guards stepped forward and opened the carriage door

And seized the occupant’s arms, his voice was calm almost lost to the wave of noise.

Wait I beseech thee, allow me the dignity of removing my neck cloth and making ready my shirt.

The path that led up to the scaffold was rough underfoot; the prisoner almost stumbled and leaned heavily upon the priests shoulder. The man of the cloth slowed for a moment, as if fearing that the prisoner was about to fall and his courage desert him.

But as they approached the last step the Priest was gently pushed to one side, and the count began to climb. Upon his arrival he stood before the Jeering multitude and signalled for silence.

"I die with innocence upon my lips, for I am not guilty of the Charges laid before me. Having said this I do this day and on this anointed hour, pardon those who have brought about my death. And so I give prayer to god that the blood shed on this day, will never again be visited upon my fellow countrymen and France.

A guard stepped forward and addressed the crowd.

I say unto you let the drums beat.

But his call was lost among the many as they urged the executioner on.

The count was forced to his knees and positioned beneath the blade. Then it descended and a great roar swept across the square. One of the guards stepped forward and immediately seized the head, lifting it aloft so that all may see it. Some of the crowd surged forward dipping material into the counts blood, before disappearing back into the crowd.

Twenty three year old Philippe Casteel slipped from his place of concealment and stepped into the shadows.

6

Outskirts of Wickham Psychiatric Hospital 16.15hrs:

The rain was beating down incessantly against the windscreen reducing visibility and causing the driver to curse under his breath as he missed the turning.

Damn same thing happened last time I visited this god forsaken place.

He selected reverse and then opened the driver’s door to get a better view. The rain hit him full on stinging his eyes soaking his shirt and tie. Slowly but surely he reversed back until the entrance on his right came into view. He slammed the door shut and with a turn of the wheel entered the narrow lane.

Almost immediately he came upon the wrought iron gates and over to the right the familiar black sign embossed in gold proclaiming this to be the Wickham sanatorium. Underneath the sign was a smaller one inviting visitors to ring a bell. He cursed again opened the door and dashed forward. On the third attempt he heard a distinctive click as the gates began to roll back on oiled hinges. He quickly made his way back to the car, then wiping the rain from his eyes; he selected a gear and moved slowly forward. The driveway was reminiscent of the one in a place he had come here to talk to one of the patients about. He vividly remembered the avenue of sycamores that came to an abrupt end just before the lodge on the now infamous crag side estate.

Now barely two years on and a new case was moving towards its conclusion. As he selected full beam he caught sight of the building. It was large imposing and built in the gothic style. Off to the left a large tower dominated the skyline. As he approached he could now see several lights ablaze on all three floors, fighting against a darkening sky and the relentless rain. Suddenly there was the flash of lighting and roll of thunder. For a brief moment he thought he detected a face at one of the windows, but then darkness returned and it was gone. Finally he pulled up outside and parked in the space allocated to visitors. He quickly locked the car and ran across to the front door, yet another bell he rang and while waiting turned his collar up against the rain.

Good evening sir, please come in your expected. Let me take your coat, perhaps you would like to wait in the library and I will bring you some fresh coffee, you’re usual, black with sugar?

Yes thanks, that would be nice, I take it the superintendent is on his rounds? I rather expected him to meet me when I arrived.

Yes sir he extends his apologies there was an incident a few minutes ago. Unfortunately the thunder and lightning disturbed one of the patients, and Mr Bream is administering a sedative. Please come and sit by the fire and dry yourself a little, I am sure you will not have to wait too long.

Thanks Jarvis foul weather for the time of year, it was so different the last time I was here.

Yes sir it is surprising what difference a month can make.

Tell me Jarvis how is the patient I understand that you have got to know him quite well since he arrived?

Yes sir; however like many in similar circumstances his behaviour is unpredictable. Indeed for most of the time he acts rationally and is very friendly. He does engage in a lot of conversation with old Enderby.

Ah yes the world war one veteran, I am sure those conversations must be very thought provoking.

Yes sir as I said for the most part he is calm and cheerful, but there is a dark side fortunately it is predictable you see it always begins the same way.

Oh you mean his obsession with the shadows?

Oh you know about that sir.

Yes the superintendent briefed me; all begins with whispers from the darkness apparently.

Yes sir, he claims that something hides in the shadows where it just watches and waits. Shame really because he’s quite engaging, I don’t trust him but engaging. Well sir if you will permit me I will go and make you that coffee

By all means please do.

The visitor sat down next to the fire, already the heat causing wisps of steam to rise from his shirt and trousers. Suddenly the door opened.

Hello it’s good to see you again, sorry about the delay all sorted for now, and I must admit I was surprised to hear that you had requested another meeting with the patient. I thought everything had been resolved a month ago but clearly not?

No unfortunately, I hate loose ends and now we have one. It only came about during the case review a few days ago, a new piece of evidence surfaced and it’s changed everything.

I see I must admit to being intrigued, after all the patient has been here for several weeks now.

Well yes but it isn’t really about him.

Really you do surprise me, so if it’s not inappropriate of me to ask, why have you travelled all the way from London in such appalling weather couldn’t it have waited?

No that wasn’t possible I’m afraid, the defence team have requested clarification with respect to a couple of points, and Riverside wants it resolving quickly.

I see so there are still some aspects of the case which have not been satisfactorily resolved at least by the lawyers for the defence?

I wish I could say no, but it’s been complicated by another incident, and that incident has some remarkable similarities to the case, certain aspects of the modus operendi that could only have been known by the killer.

What you’re saying is literally impossible; you have a suspect who is under twenty four hour observation. There is no way he could have left here and carried out another attack.

I don’t recall saying that he had.

Then just what exactly are you saying?

With the greatest of respect I thought you might have worked it out by now. You see I think your patient had an accomplice, in other words we have only partially solved this case. And that in fact there is still a suspect out there, who will not stop until caught. You see that’s why I am here because one way or another, your patient is going to tell me everything I need to know.

Do you really think he will give you a name?

Name oh no I already have a name; I just need to bring the final pieces together, yes that’s it just tie them together. Outside there was another flash of lightning as thunder began to roll across the sky.

7

Marcus Jones pinched the bridge of his nose, and reached for the mug of coffee that had been sitting neglected on the small table for almost ten minutes. Damn it Luke warm that’s all I need, he replaced the mug on the polished veneer and reached for the folder lying open on his knee. He turned the pages quietly muttering under his breath.

Well Nathaniel Mellowes at last, it’s taken me such a long time to identify you. But I still don’t understand your connection with Barston Vale. However I am convinced that the answer has to lie somewhere within these pages. Why do I keep returning to you? Something is missing a key that will unlock this mystery and I need to find it. And yet for the life of me I can’t understand why Crawford put so much emphasis on the year sixteen forty four. There was nothing of any relevant historical significance during that year.

He continued to turn the pages seemingly engrossed in the contents. The knock on the door almost went unnoticed but not the second time.

Come in the doors open.

Marcus relaxed into the chair, Ah Detective Chief Inspector Crawford good to see you again I was told to expect you over an hour ago was there a problem?

Yes please accept my apologies Marcus, but I had a prior appointment with the superintendent relating to the case. It went on a little bit longer than I expected, and to further complicate matters there was a traffic accident on the bypass. The diversion added about fourteen miles to the trip. It would have been halved if I hadn’t missed a turning, it’s becoming a bit of a habit.

Sorry habit?

Yes missing turnings, I missed the one into the drive, heavy rain poor visibility you know how it is.

Marcus smiled, not a problem would you like some coffee? Oh and please do sit down and take the weight of your feet I bet you’re ready for a bit of a breather, it certainly sounds like it has been a very busy day.

"I had coffee earlier, but another one wouldn’t go amiss. And yes you’re right it certainly has been busy, very busy.

Anyway it’s good to see you again so soon, and I am sure there is a lot for us to catch up on. However the main reason for requesting a meeting with you is because the last time we met you said that you were prepared to give me some additional background information on the case. I have to say that would be very helpful. I must admit there are still some gaps in the investigation, which I feel would benefit from your recollections. Now as I understand it your involvement began a little over four months ago would you agree with that?"

Yes that’s about right, in fact if I remember correctly it was Valentine’s Day, or maybe a couple of days later. Yes it was a little later, in fact after the discovery of the first victim. I recall it clearly now, I received a call at the university.

Yes Marcus so I believe; now the first murder was at the end of January, and then subsequent incidents escalated from there.

Yes the poor girl hadn’t been in the city very long, moved from Halifax, apparently she had ambitions in the city. Such a shame only twenty seven and pregnant at the time of her death, Stan looked on quizzically.

Yes it’s all there is the pathologists report, you mentioned that she was on the move from Halifax, we also discovered during the course of the investigation that she has an estranged sister still attending college there. But the move wasn’t in the report; oh wait a minute stupid of me of course. You had access when you were preparing the profiles didn’t you?

Yes Stan, but think nothing of it, oh yes I almost forgot I’m so sorry, about Laura. I heard from a colleague at the hospital it must still be painful.

Yes, very painful, well look Marcus if I am to understand the bigger picture your involvement in the case could well be the key to issues that are still unresolved. It would really help if you could take me back to when it all began.

Well I would like to help of course but you see I wasn’t party to all of the facts. Just issues directly relating to the victims, you know creating the forensic profiles. I do recall visiting some of the crime scenes of course but not all of them. Stan sighed.

Well you see Marcus that’s one of the areas that I have a specific interest in. If you have no objection and with my help I would like you to try and recall your first introduction to Ridges. Marcus replaced the open file on the table. Ridges really, well yes of course I don’t know how helpful it will be. But it’s as good a place as any to start, more coffee?

Okay if I pass?

Sure, but to understand what happened we need to go back to the very beginning.

Outside it continued to rain, rivulets of water cascading down the window as if seeking to isolate the two men in the room. Well Stan it all began late on that Tuesday afternoon, I had just finished a lecture and was gathering my notes together when the phone began to ring. Stan settled back into the chair it was going to be a long night.

8

It knew instinctively that danger was close by; it also knew that if it was to remain concealed it must protect its hiding place. For now there was danger at every turn, with every word, with every gesture. But it was strong it had killed and would kill again. Try as the hunter may it would not give up without a fight, it had history on its side and those things that dwelt in dark places, things that whispered and smiled for it was not alone. But it grew restless and eager for blood, eager for torn flesh on its eternal quest for revenge.

This hunter was different for he knew, it was certain he knew. And when the time came he would face the final battle. But the hunter held secrets of his own, secrets he thought known only to a few. But it knew, and when the time came they would turn the hunter against himself.

Suddenly the room was bathed in bright light it withdrew into the host where it would watch and wait until the time came for it to strike.

9

Laura shook the umbrella and with practiced ease folded it and slipped the strap over her wrist. It hadn’t stopped raining for almost an hour and what with heavy traffic the journey through central London had proved to be a nightmare. On more than one occasion she had come close to being hit by bicycle couriers. Not something she was accustomed to in the east end. But for now all that was behind her and she was looking forward to the meeting with her old friend. She walked up to the front desk and rang the bell, moments later a door opened and a uniformed sergeant entered.

Good morning madam how can I be of help?

Good morning sergeant, could you please inform Detective Chief Inspector Crawford that I have arrived?

Certainly is he expecting you?" She gave him the withering look she normally reserved for parking attendants and taxi drivers.

Yes sergeant he is expecting me and before you ask the next question it’s Laura Mills.

Yes madam if you would just give me a moment, he picked up the receiver from the phone dialled an extension and spoke.

Sir you have a visitor in reception says you are expecting her, name of Laura Mills, yes sir, yes thank you sir. He replaced the receiver on its cradle.

Someone will be along shortly to escort you to DCI Crawford’s office, in the meantime if you would like to take a seat.

No thank I prefer to stand, just as she finished the sentence the door opened.

Ah PC Roberts that was quick, would you please escort this young lady up to DCI Crawford’s office. And Roberts there won’t be any need for you to hang around waiting to escort her back.

The policeman gestured for Laura to follow him pausing to let her pass through the door first, his politeness hadn’t gone unnoticed. But for the rest of the journey along several corridors and up two floors in the lift the policeman said nothing. On exiting the lift he pointed down the corridor ahead.

Third on the right miss there is a nameplate on the door, you will be fine from here.

He smiled and re-entered the lift, she made her way quickly to the door and knocked.

Come in I don’t stand on ceremony, she smiled and turned the handle.

Hi Stan I see they fully intend keeping you busy right up until your last day on the force. He smiled stepped forward and kissed her on the cheek.

You know how it is; it’s really good to see you come in sit down take the weight off your feet. Now what can I do for you. You seemed very cagey on the phone, oh while I think about it how about some tea earl grey isn’t it?

No thanks, look let me get right to the point I have a proposition to put to you.

Really" he winked, she smiled back.

You know I have been talking about going into business for myself, well it wasn’t all pie in the sky. One of the reasons we haven’t seen a lot of each other recently, is because I have been doing the rounds and a lot of research. I got to thinking about the fact that you are on the verge of retiring, and of course in my case I am at a bit of a loose end.

Oh I see you class being fired from your last job as editor of connect magazine as a loose end do you?

Now, now Stan less of your sarcasm it doesn’t suit you. Like I said I have been making some enquires in and around the local area.

You certainly don’t let the grass grow under your feet do you Laura?

Stan please be serious just for a moment, look tell me what do you think about the name Ridges, does it appeal to you? She turned towards the window as if willing the rain outside to stop.

Ridges you mean like on hillsides and such, she turned.

No Ridges as in finger prints, Stan sighed and began to fidget with the pen he held in his hand.

Laura why not cut to the chase and explain your proposition.

Well we both know you only have a few months left before you receive your pension. And I thought why not a partnership. It just may be the sort of thing that would appeal to you; you know fifty, fifty straight down the middle. What with your experience over the years and detective skills, and my contacts of course, well it would be altogether perfect.

Laura perfect for what? Where are you going with this conversation, and is it ever going to get there.

Stan I am talking about us starting up in business together, I mean I can look for premises you know organise furniture, get the phone connected arrange the advertising. By the time it’s all sorted you should be fairly close to your retirement date. I’m really serious about this Stan I have been thinking about it long and hard for quite some time. And yes even if I say so myself, the idea has really grown on me. So there you have it I am offering you a partnership in Ridges, Hackney’s new premier detective agency.

Stan leaned back heavily in his chair the beginning of a smile on his face.

A Detective agency, well I must admit that doesn’t sound bad not too bad at all. Look tell you what why don’t you put something down on paper. You know give me some idea of the investment expected, and projected running costs Etc. Once you have done that I will look it over and then run it by my solicitor or yours if you prefer.

Thanks Stan this means a lot to me and I just know it can work.

Well to be honest Laura I did intend looking further into the issue of the missing Cornish gold.

Yes I know Stan, but let’s face it there wasn’t a lot to go on. Not only that, it would mean opening up old wounds again. And I am fairly sure that Thorne would not make you very welcome on his patch after the Raven ripper case.

Yes your probably right, certainly didn’t do his reputation or ambition any favours now did it. Go on then what are you hanging around here for, you have some calls to make. As for me well I have three days backlog of paperwork.

10

The office felt claustrophobic and to make matters worse there was the lingering smell of stale cigar smoke in the air. She placed her portfolio on the glass topped table careful not to dislodge the pile of glossy out of date magazines. Unbuttoning her jacket she settled down to wait. Fortunately she didn’t have to wait long as the door opened and Giles Morrison swept in, he threw his coat onto a chair this followed quickly by his briefcase.

There we go that’s much better, good morning my apologies for keeping you waiting did my secretary offer you coffee. Hope so it is our policy after all, like to keep clients sweet if you forgive the pun.

His visitor smiled, yes as a matter of she did, I declined but it was a kind gesture thank you.

My pleasure I know that this meeting was arranged for eleven fifteen, and I am as a rule on time, doesn’t pay to be late you know especially when it comes to first impressions.

She was beginning to think that Giles was perhaps a little eccentric not a trait she was altogether familiar with, and for once she felt a little outside of her comfort zone. She scratched idly at the back of her hand with well-manicured nails and turned her attention back to Giles.

But today young lady I was delayed with a client and traffic is of course seasonally high, ah is that your portfolio on the table?

She smiled yes if you recall you did request that I bring my most recent work. She picked it up and passed it over the desk, Giles began to turn the pages.

Tell me how long you have had an interest in photography?

I’m sorry I didn’t quite catch that. The truth was that she had been distracted by one of the certificates displayed on the wall.

Well your work consists mainly of photographs therefore I assume your forte is photography.

Primarily yes but in fact it isn’t my only interest, by way of an explanation I actually consider myself more an artist than anything else.

He continued to turn the pages, I see I have to say your work is very well presented and certainly of interest unusual subject matter. Do you have a particular affinity with the working classes?

No I wouldn’t really go as far as to say that, you see it’s all about faces. Well to be more specific the majority of the work I do involves the study of emotion at varying levels, not the easiest thing to capture.

I beg your pardon.

Well emotions are dependant and triggered by prevailing circumstances, circumstances that are sometimes not always easily defined, if you take my meaning. For example the third or fourth photograph was taken during the internment of Jackson Small. He is best remembered for his appearance on Television during the early sixties. Now his wife Josie has a marvellous bone structure, especially for someone in her late seventies. But as you can imagine obtaining that shot proved to be extremely difficult but worth it. I think her expression of grief says it all don’t you?

Yes I take your point; I also note towards the end of your portfolio that you have had some experience in forensic photography.

Yes thought I would include those to show the diversity of my work. I consider myself lucky really because I have a good contact in one of the main teaching hospitals.

"Well I have to say you have an interesting range of work that is certainly in my opinion worth putting on display in one of the city’s