I Used to Be Robert Jones

By Peter D. Bull

Two young brothers are sexually abused and murdered. They are both reincarnated but to different families. James remembers what happened and bit by bit, relates it to Dennis his father, naming names. He then tracks down Bob, his original dad, and he takes terrible revenge. With the help of an autistic victim, he lures the monks to their deaths. Seven abusers are mercilessly killed, including an ex-detective, who was in charge of the original case. The second brother is found, the brothers are reunited and a new family is made.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Apr 12, 2019
• ISBN: 9780244175658

Book preview

I Used to Be Robert Jones

I USED TO BE ROBERT JONES

By

Peter D. Bull

COPYRIGHT

Published by Lulu Enterprises Inc.

3101 Hillsborough Street

Suite 210

Raleigh, NC 27607-5436

United States of America

Copyright © 2019 PETER D. BULL

Category: Fiction, General

ISBN: 978-0-244-17565-8

Front cover image © PETER D. BULL

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher.

DISCLAIMER

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, corporations, institutions, organisations, events or locales in this novel are either the product of the author’s imagination or, if real, used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons (living or dead) is entirely coincidental.

CHAPTER ONE

Young James Watts was five years of age in 1991.

He was a quiet, studious boy for his age, and was an only child.

His mother who was named Jane, was a house-proud mother and house-wife.

Dennis Watts was a self-employed mechanic, with his own business in a small village in Devon.

He didn’t exactly specialise in farm equipment, but he had the reputation of being able to fix most breakdowns when they occurred. He was a practical man.

James had always received good school reports, and was a model pupil according to his teachers.

He was not one for day dreaming, and was generally known by his school teachers as being rather a serious boy who didn’t mix with many of the more boisterous students, of which there were many.

Since the age of four,  James had surprised his parents on many occasions with comments about subjects that, in their opinions, he had no way of knowing about.

At first, not too much notice was taken as he’d been so young, and to drag out of him how he’d known certain things, was hard work, so for a long time it was just accepted by Jane and Dennis that they would never know how young James had become so knowledgeable about such things.

At four or five years of age, James could articulate no better than any other four or five- year old child. He was average.

One of the first examples of the boy’s unusual insight, was whilst out in the family car driving through the lanes near to their village.

Although they’d driven that way before, it had been over a year since the last time.

Can we visit the animal farm? The five-year-old had asked.

His mother looked at him sitting in the back seat.

Animal Farm? She asked. What animal farm?

Dennis looked at Jane and frowned.

Is he talking about Abbott’s Farm? He asked with a puzzled look on his face.

Jane laughed. He can’t be. She replied. They packed up before he was born.

I know they did but it was just around the next bend if I’m not mistaken. Dennis said.

Sure enough as they approached a rickety old double wooden gate, James pointed it out as being the entrance.

The two parents looked at each other and both looked bewildered.

We haven’t driven down here with him before have we? Jane asked Dennis.

Definitely not. Dennis said. How weird is that?

They aren’t there anymore James. Dennis said apologetically.

We’ll take you to the Abbey instead. You’ll like it there.

I do like it there. James replied. Can we have a cream tea please?

Once again, the two looked at each other with surprise etched on their faces.

What’s going on. Dennis mouthed without making a sound."

Jane merely shrugged her shoulders and curved her mouth downwards.

I used to like playing around the cemetery. James said as he watched the country-side pass by.

"You played around the cemetery? Who with? We’ve never brought you here

before. And how do you know what a cemetery is?"

There was no answer as James thought about the question he’d been asked.

They arrived at the Abbey and were directed to a parking place by a rather outrageously dressed

volunteer.

He’s a bit whacky isn’t he? Jane said to Dennis with a smile of approval. I do like a character.

I like the Fez. Dennis said with a grin.

They all got out of the car and strolled slowly to the grounds.

It was busy, and as James walked on in front of his parents, he headed straight for the cafeteria as if

he’d been there many times before.

We’ve not brought him here before have we? Dennis asked Jane.

I don’t think so. Jane replied. I can’t even remember coming here with you, let alone with James.

Look at him. He’s walking around as though he owns the place. Dennis said.

I don’t understand any of this. He added with a squeeze of his wife’s hand.

Neither do I. Jane replied. I’m a bit spooked by it to be honest.

I keep thinking of the Omen. She added with a grin.

Oh don’t say that for Christ’s sake. Not in a place like this anyway. Dennis almost whispered.

Well I’m only saying. Jane said as they entered the café. He IS acting weirdly today isn’t he?

You can say that again. Dennis said. We should start writing these things down.

Jane visibly shuddered at the suggestion.

Dennis carried a tray with their coffee’s, and Jane carried another tray with their cream tea’s.

They chose a table with wooden benches that was positioned outside under the covered area.

The monks live here don’t they? James said unexpectedly.

They do but how do you know that? Dennis asked with surprise in his voice.

I don’t know how I know. James said. I must have seen them when I was playing here.

Nothing was said, but Jane and Dennis looked at each other and gave each other a look of

bewilderment.

"Who did you play here with James? Dennis asked as he reached for his coffee.

Billy. James said as he looked around at the birds.

Billy? I didn’t know you had a friend named Billy. What’s his second name?

James pondered on the question for a moment or two.

I can’t remember his other name. He finally said. He seemed vague as though searching his mind.

Why don’t you try to catch one of those pigeons? Dennis asked.

Without a word being said, James just stood up and ran towards the birds.

Is he making all this up? Jane asked. Kids do do that sort of thing don’t they?"

Yeah I know they do. Dennis said. But he doesn’t do it in other circumstances does he?

Maybe he’s been here on a school day out that I may have forgotten about. Jane said.

And the farm? What about that? Dennis said with a concerned tone to his voice.

I don’t know. Jane said. I think I’ll have a word with his teacher in the morning. It may well be that they’ve been brought out here on a school day out.

I bet you they haven’t. Dennis said. The way he said that he USED to play here tells me that he did it often, not just once or twice. And when COULD he have played here? If he’s not at school, he’s at home with us isn’t he?

Well I can only ask can’t I? Jane said as she attempted to draw the subject to a close.

The sooner the better. This is becoming a bit spooky to say the least.

The rest of the day passed without incident, and the three of them had a good time.

…………………………………………………………………………

The next day, Jane dropped James off at school and caught his teacher as she walked past her in the playground.

She asked if the school had ever taken the children out to the Abbey or the farm, and was assured that it had never happened.

Well he must be making it all up. Dennis said when he was told that night.

It’s what kids do isn’t it? He added.

If you say so. Jane said. But I still think there’s something weird about the whole thing.

Well there is such a thing as Déjà vu you know. Maybe kids experience it too.

That’s a point. Jane said. I wouldn’t mind betting that’s it. I’ve had it a few times myself.

Well it’s no big deal is it? Dennis said. Whatever the explanation there’s no harm in it.

I suppose not. But it IS weird isn’t it? Jane said for the second time.

A bit I suppose, but I’m fed up with talking about it now to be honest. Can we change the subject?

Of course we can. Jane said. My mum phoned today. They want to visit us.

He looked up and smiled. I’ve got some paperwork to get on with. He said as he stood.

I’ll be out the back. Try to keep him quiet.

Will do. She said as she received a gentle slap on the back-side as he passed by her.

Although Dennis had said that he’d been fed up with talking about the situation, it was only because he had no answers.

He was secretly perplexed, but didn’t want to burden Jane with his concerns.

It’ll sort it’s self out. He thought to himself. Things always do.

All the time that he was trying to concentrate on his invoicing, his mind kept returning to the subject of James’s comments.

Maybe I should mention it to the vicar. He thought. It all sounds a bit supernatural to me.

………………………………………………………………….

CHAPTER TWO

Several months went by, and there were no more worrisome events from James.

The whole thing had more or less been forgotten about.

James seemed to be just like every other five-year-old. He enjoyed his time at school and was doing well.

He did however go into periods of what seemed like deep thoughts.

It was as though he was in another world, and was concentrating hard on something or another.

When he went into those trance- like times, he would sometimes have to be snapped out of it.

On those occasions, sleepless nights followed and when he did sleep, nightmares dogged him.

He would wake up screaming in terror at whatever it had been that had frightened him.

It was Dennis that connected the previous comments from James, to his nightmares.

He mentioned his fears to Jane one morning after a particularly fearful night for his son.

I’m taking him to see the doctor. Jane said. I’m getting concerned about the nightmares and the way he goes into those trances.

Yeah that’s a good idea. Dennis said. Something’s definitely not right with him.

That morning an appointment was made with the surgery.

He couldn’t be seen for a week.

Is that alright? The receptionist had asked.

Well if that’s the best you can do it’ll HAVE to be alright won’t it? Jane said with annoyance in her voice.

The day came around, and she found herself in a waiting room that was full of coughing and sneezing people.

James’s name was called out so she took his hand and led him down the corridor that led to the doctor’s office.

The doctor listened carefully as the whole situation was explained by her.

Alright let’s have a look at you young man. The kindly doctor said as he stood from his chair.

I can’t find anything obvious. He finally said. "He seems to be perfectly healthy to me.

I’ll take some blood for testing if you think he’ll co-operate."

He was given a lollypop from the jar on the desk to take his attention from what was about to happen.

Just a little scratch. The doctor said. What a brave little boy you are James.

My name used to be Robert. James said as his bottom lip started to quiver at the sight of the syringe coming towards him.

The doctor looked at Jane in a questioning way.

I beg your pardon. He said with a smile.

Don’t be so silly James. Jane said. I think you’re making things up again aren’t you?

The needle made contact and it took a matter of seconds before the tears flowed with the unavoidable howling that was expected.

It’s all over now darling. Jane said in a soothing tone. We can get an ice cream on the way home can’t we? Would you like that?

There was no answer from him, he merely pulled his arm away from the doctor in a petulant way.

"This is what I’m trying to explain doctor. This kind of thing is being said all the time.

I know it doesn’t sound very important, but if you put all the things together that have happened over the past year or so, it IS worrying. We’re not just imagining it, we’re not over protective parents I can assure you. Something isn’t right. He’s not at peace mentally."

Well let’s just wait and see what the blood results tell us shall we? The doctor said.

I’ll give you a ring when they’re back. It’ll be about a week I should think.

They said their goodbyes and James was given another lollypop for being such a brave boy.

Dennis was put in the picture whilst he was washing his hands in the kitchen.

He told the doctor that his name used to be Robert. Can you believe that?

I didn’t know where to put my face.

Dennis turned around to face her.

Are you pulling my leg? He asked with a grin.

No I’m not. She said indignantly. It was SO embarrassing. What a thing to say to a doctor.

Call him in. Dennis said. I’ll have a word with him.

James appeared at the door after having been told to go inside by his mother.

Why did you tell the doctor that your name used to be Robert?

There was a short delay before an answer was forthcoming.

James was thinking deeply. Because it was. He finally said whilst looking his father straight in the face.

Dennis’s first reaction was one of annoyance, if not anger.

Don’t be so stupid James, who ever called you Robert?

There was another awkward delay in answering.

My other mummy and daddy. James finally uttered.

Dennis’s mouth dropped open. He called for Jane.

Tell your mother what you just told me. He said. Whoever called you Robert?

James looked up at his mother and then looked down at the floor.

Who called you Robert? Dennis almost shouted.

My other mummy and daddy. James repeated.

Jane burst into tears and ran into the garden.

An early night to bed for you tonight my boy. He said sternly.

You’ve upset your mother with your silly lies. Now go to your room and read.

James just turned and walked to the stairs. My name WAS Robert. He said to himself, but it was loud enough for Dennis to hear.

I’ve had enough of this. He said angrily to Jane. He’ll have to see a shrink if he carries on like this.

That statement had the effect of sending Jane into more floods of tears.

What are we going to do Dennis? She sobbed. What’s the matter with him?

I don’t know, but we’ll find out one way or the other. He said as he cuddled her.

I promise we’ll sort it out.

You don’t think he’s evil do you? She asked.

He was taken back by the direct question. Of course he’s not EVIL, he’s probably just fantasizing that’s all.

She looked up at her husband and sobbed again. Fantasizing about having different parents?

There was nothing more he could say to calm her. He just stroked her hair and kissed her forehead.

When he’d calmed down a bit, he went to James’s bedroom. He cuddled the boy .

Tell me about your other mummy and daddy James. Were they nice?

James appeared to be unsure of his thoughts. He looked around the room as though he was processing them before answering.

Yes they were, and so was my brother. We played with each other all the time. He said slowly and thoughtfully. I miss him.

Your brother? Dennis repeated. You never told us about him before.

Again, James looked up at the ceiling, and around the room.

I forgot about him daddy. He said sadly.

Well we all forget things don’t we James? He said gently. What was his name?

I told you, his name was Billy.

Billy? He was your BROTHER? Dennis asked with surprise.

I thought he was your friend.

James was fidgeting with a piece of paper, and was looking at it intensely.

He was my brother and my friend. He said in a low voice.

For the very first time, Dennis began to wonder if there was truth in what his son was saying.

HE certainly believes what he’s saying. He thought to himself. There’s no doubt about that.

You know what our second name is don’t you James?

Of course I do. He said.

What is it then? Dennis asked.

Watts.

That’s right. Dennis said slowly.

So what was your second name when you were with your other mummy and Daddy?

There was a long delay as James appeared to be silently mouthing something to himself.

He appeared to be mouthing his former name to see if it sounded right to him.

I used to be……Robert Jones.

Dennis delayed saying anything else for a moment. He was thinking about where to go next with his questioning. He knew that he had to tread carefully or risk upsetting his son.

So your brother’s name was…..What?

James looked up at his father.

Billy Jones. He muttered as he looked around the room again.

Dennis couldn’t think rationally under those conditions in the bedroom. For the first time in a year or so, he appeared to be getting somewhere with his son. He didn’t know what to ask next, but he knew that he had to keep going, or James may never open up to him again.

Where did you live James? He asked. Do you remember that? I bet you don’t

Do you remember your address? He asked hopefully.

James appeared to be relaxed as he pondered on the question.

He was in no hurry to answer.

Parish Way. He finally said.

And where is Parish Way? Dennis asked gently and with no pressure.

It’s next to the Abbey. He finally said.

Dennis went cold, and shuddered noticeably.

What do you mean? The Abbey we took you to?

Yes.

There was a break of some two minutes before Dennis continued.

"You’ve been a very clever boy remembering all that about your other mummy and daddy.

Do you think we can talk again tomorrow about it?"

I’m hungry now daddy, what’s for tea?

Dennis smiled at his son and ruffled his hair. What would you LIKE for tea? He asked.

James thought for a moment.

Beans and egg please. He said in anticipation.

Then beans and egg it will be. On toast?

Yes please. James said with a broad grin.

Come on then, let’s tell mummy what you’d like to eat then shall we?

They both went down to the kitchen where Jane was sitting at the table with her head in the palms of her hands. She’d been crying.

Go on then, tell mummy what you would like to eat, and you can tell her all the things you just told me about your other mummy and daddy.

Jane looked up at Dennis