Promethean Shadows

by Patrick Jean-Jacques

  Father Figure

  Oklahoma, 1991… Eleven-year-old Billy Johnson sat at the edge of the creek, swishing his legs forwards and backwards thoughtfully. The shirt on his back was torn and he was sporting a freshly bruised face. As the sun shimmered off the water, Billy was remembering a friend he hadn’t seen in some time.

  “You’ve been fighting again son?” said his mother, as she handed him an ice pack.

  “They were making fun of me mom,” replied Billy angrily. He winced as he flattened the cold bag across his face.

  “Fighting’s not gonna help,” said Ella-May Johnson soothingly. She took the ice pack from him and gently placed it against his head. “Perhaps, you should try to make more friends,” she said with a concerned look.

  “I don’t want to make friends,” said Billy downheartedly. “Besides, they’re not… they’re not like…”

  “Like Will! You miss him, I get that and it’s okay,” said Ella-May and placed a consolatory arm around him. “But one day, you’ll both find each other again. Fate has a funny way of bringing people together,” she reassured him.

  “Thanks mom,” smiled Billy, as he embraced her tightly.

  “Come on, let’s get you cleaned up,” replied Ella-May, tenderly.

  As they walked back into their house, a large flock of birds fluttered away from the trees, as if suddenly startled. A strong breeze swayed and shook the branches, while some ravens screeched and cawed away. As Ella-May ushered Billy into the house, she looked towards the trees, intuitively.

  The next day, Ella-May and Billy went for a walk through the woods. Billy liked running and playing in the forestry, he found it adventurous. It reminded him of all the times he and Will played there together. Ella-May watched on as he ran ahead happily into the woods.

  “He’s growing up into a fine boy Ella-May,” said the man, as he walked out from the trees behind her. “You’ve done exceptionally well on your own.”

  “The years have been kind,” replied Ella-May Johnson. “I was wondering when you were going to show yourself. Aren’t you supposed to be dead?”

  “How long have you known I was here?” asked Cameron Cox unsurprised.

  “Since yesterday,” she said offhandedly. “The wind and the trees told me,” referencing to her Native American culture profoundly.

  “Well, they will talk won’t they?” replied Cameron lightly. He looked around the forest, “How’s the boy?” he asked.

  “Billy’s fine but he yearns for friendship lost and constantly gets into fights,” sighed Ella-May. “I’m not sure what to do him,” she said frustrated.

  “He’s young, he’ll figure it out,” said Cameron. “Besides, he’s strong.”

  “Yes! In some ways, he’s just like his father,” suggested Ella-May. “And in many ways, he’s not,” she said, relieved.

  She looked affectionately into Cameron’s eyes and allowed her shoulders to drop, as she relaxed. Ella-May flung her arms around his neck and they shared a passionate kiss, a lover’s kiss.

  Cameron often returned home to visit his first love. It was always under the pretext of a business trip, to avoid any domestic confrontations. Their relationship bloomed long before Cameron had married Alannah.

  “How long are you staying?” Ella-May asked.

  “A few days,” replied Cameron.

  “We’ll see more of each other then?” requested Ella-May, hopefully.

  “I’d like that!” confirmed Cameron.

  Ella-May hugged Cameron tightly again and looked at him dreamily, “Will you spend some time with him?” she asked.

  “Of course, I will,” replied Cameron assuredly. “After all, a father should spend quality time with his son,” he added. “Who knows, maybe I can encourage Billy to make new friends.”

  Ella-May’s rested her head against Cameron’s chest and felt reassured. A tear rolled down her soft cheek. She never spoke out about it but Ella-May resented how Cameron had chosen Alannah over her. However, her loyalty to Cameron and her son prevented him from having to face any marital complications.

  Cameron never fully explain his rationale to Ella-May but the truth was that he never wanted her to be part of his other life. As a result, he discreetly supported her in every way that he could. Although, deep down, Ella-May knew how much he really loved her.

  They heard Billy shouting, “C’mon mom!”

  “What’ll you do if they found out one day?” asked Ella-May, referring to Alannah and Will.

  “That we’re more than just friends?” replied Cameron, unsurprised by the question. “I’ll cross that bridge when arises, if it arises,” he said tellingly. “Besides, only you, me and the birthing Doctor will ever know and he’s never going to talk.”

  “Mom,” Billy called-out again.

  “I’m coming,” responded Ella-May.

  She embraced Cameron once more and they shared a mutual silence before she trudged off to where Billy had eagerly waiting.

  Cameron watched until Ella-May disappeared into the forest in front of him. Then he stared at the mossy ground and wondered what measures he would take, if this became a problem. He couldn’t afford Alannah finding about his relationship with Ella-May, it would’ve affected his long-term plans.

  The next day, Cameron flew Billy to the US capital and showed him all the iconic monuments and landmarks. In particular, the Washington Monument fascinated Billy so much so, his neck began to ache from staring up at it for so long.

  “Thanks Mr Cox!” said Billy appreciatively. “This is a blast!”

  “You’re welcome Billy,” replied Cameron paternally.

  As he looked at Billy, it dawned on Cameron that he hadn’t fully appreciated what it meant to be a father. He had buried those feelings so much that it caught him by surprise when he’d connected with Billy.

  As they walked, Billy looked up at Cameron, “Can I ask you something?” said Billy, timidly.

  “Of course,” replied Cameron, expectantly.

  “Will, does he know you’re alive?” Billy asked quickly. “I mean, shouldn’t we call him? To let him know,” he said excitedly.

  “Well we can’t just yet Billy!” replied Cameron. “It’d be a big shock and might upset him,” he added dishonestly and promptly changed the subject, “You must hungry?”

  “You bet,” said Billy eagerly.

  “I’m sensing it’s time for burgers and milkshakes,” smiled Cameron.

  An hour later, after finishing off what he thought was ‘the greatest burger ever,’ Billy looked directly at Cameron who was sitting opposite him. “Mr Cox, sir?” he said.

  “You can call me Cameron, Billy.”

  “Cameron sir?” asked Billy, as he slurped the last of his milkshake and wiped the corner of his mouth determinedly. “Why’d you…” he paused.

  “Yes,” interrupted Cameron, knowing exactly what Billy was going to say.

  “…fake your own death?” asked Billy directly.

  Cameron looked into Billy’s eyes and realised that nothing but the truth was going to satisfy him. He saw a steely determination of a young boy that reminded him of himself. As Cameron spoke, he chose his words carefully.

  “I work with people who, shall we say, are committed towards change in society for the better,” he said. “My, our goal is to ensure the government, all governments, give the people a fair shake. Do you understand?” asked Cameron.

  “Uh, I think so,” said Billy hesitantly. “It sounds like you’re trying to do something good, I guess,” he added.

  “That’s exactly what we’re doing,” said Cameron, as he smiled approvingly. “You’re very clever.” Cameron saw that Billy was still looking at him curiously, as though he expected more. “Our job is important and extremely dangerous, and as such creates enemies. Unfortunately, there are lots of people who’d like to see us fail, so anonymity and caution is important,” said Cameron.

  “So, you tricked Will and sent him away for his own safety?” said Billy knowledgeably.<
br />
  “Exactly!” replied Cameron cagily.

  “Can I help?” asked Billy enthusiastically. “Can I join up too?”

  Cameron looked down at the Billy and brimmed with more pride than he’d ever have admitted. His eyes glazed with an emotion that would have overwhelmed most but he kept it to himself.

  During the journey back, Cameron learned more about Billy’s likes and interests. He found out that Billy liked dismantling and fixing old radios. Billy explained how he’d fixed the generator at home.

  Cameron suggested to Billy he’d had developed a flair for electrical engineering, which Billy fondly referred to as ‘Tronics and Gin-eering’. When the subject of finishing school came up, Billy couldn’t be more enthused. His eyes lit up when Cameron offered him a chance to attend the Californian Institute of Technology in the future.

  Billy was fast asleep by the time they got back to the trailer homes. Cameron carried him to bed. The moonlight glowered across the night and reflected off any shiny surface that it could find. The crickets filled the night air with their distinctive croaking and in the distance, there was howling. Wolves asserted their dominance over the other nocturnal wildlife on the prairie.

  Cameron spent time with Ella-May and reassured her of Billy’s newfound eagerness. He also gave her a brief account of how Billy had enjoyed Washington so much that they’d ‘do it again soon’, as often as he could. Before the night was over, Cameron and Ella-May reconnected intimately before he left.

  Several years later, Ella-May and Cameron proudly saw Billy graduating from Caltech with an honours degree in engineering. In turn, Billy filled with a huge sense of humility and appreciation for what Cameron had done for him, would honour his commitment to him.

  During the course of his undergraduate programme, Billy had participated in several internships that Cameron had organised for him. He’d developed a high proficiency and understanding of different aspects of engineering but his favoured areas were civil and mechanical engineering in particular.

  Civil engineering taught Billy how to draft designs and drawings using computerised design techniques. More importantly, it was the time when Cameron introduced him to his long-time associate and friend Nathan Walker.

  Billy excelled in mechanical engineering. It involved understanding and designing systems, such as air conditioning, heating and sometimes, plumbing units. He relished this area of work particularly. It fed into his predilection for dismantling and reassembling mechanical things.

  Another important acquaintance Billy made at that time was a young chemical engineering graduate intern. She’d been working at a renowned chemical technology laboratory in New York City. As to be expected, the attraction between them was instantaneous and obvious.

  ✽✽✽

  New York, 2001… Maya Walker and Billy Johnson were performing some rudimentary analyses of human and plant cells. Billy was multi-tasking by looking into two different microscopes one after the other successively.

  “Well,” she said. “What do you see?”

  “Um, a perfectly formed body,” said Billy cheekily, as he glanced at Maya through the corner of his eye.

  “No, the cell structure!” said Maya.

  “Well, the cellular structure looks amazing,” smiled Billy.

  Maya shook her head and thought Billy wasn’t taking the work seriously. However, after a couple minutes of banter, Billy realised he was verging on being irritating. So he adopted a more professional and serious tone.

  “Okay, the plant and animal cells show signs of deterioration,” said Billy. “…but they’ve decayed at completely different rates.”

  “Good,” said Maya, as she adjusted her glasses. “That’s more like it.”

  “You’re not from around here?” asked Billy.

  “Clearly not!” replied Maya, trying to be aloof.

  “England?” said Billy.

  “Uh-huh,” replied Maya succinctly.

  “What brought you to the land of opportunity?” asked Billy cynically, as he looked down into the microscope again.

  “Opportunity!” replied Maya glibly.

  As Billy lifted his head away from the microscope, smiled and studied her face. Maya started to blush and swept her hair away from her face delicately. She continued to recount how Cameron presented her with an opportunity to progress in biochemistry. As she spoke, Billy became more and more captivated.

  “I had a friend who moved to England, a long time ago,” said Billy offhandedly. “I’d love to see him again. We never really said goodbye,” he added, as he stared down into the microscope.

  “What was your friend’s name?” asked Maya.

  “Will!” replied Billy.

  “I’m sure you’ll see William again,” said Maya positively. “Besides, they do say absence makes the heart grow fonder,” Maya added, when she saw Billy’s glum expression.

  “Thanks!” said Billy, feeling cheerier. “These cells, they’re not quite dead but they are dying,” astutely.

  “Excellent Billy, excellent!” praised Maya. “We’ll make biochemist of you yet.”

  “Dissecting cells isn’t really my deal,” admitted Billy. “I’m more electrical and mechanical engineering.”

  “Why are you here then?” asked Maya candidly. “What is your deal?”

  “…Cameron’s idea,” replied Billy. “He said, quote unquote, that I could learn a lot from you.” Maya’s cheeks flushed again, less by the statement and more because of the way Billy looked at her. “How we go to dinner? We could dissect lobsters and analyse their cellular structures while we eat them.”

  Maya burst into fits of laughter, “If I say no, you’ll only keep pestering me, wouldn’t you?”

  “Absolutely!” confirmed Billy, as he nodded. “I’m relentless, that’s an inherent flaw in my character.”

  “Fine, pick me up at six,” smiled Maya, whose cheeks were still rosy red. “Now, if you’ll excuse me Mr Johnson, I have to go to the ladies,” she said, walking away.

  Later that evening, Maya and Billy would enjoy each other’s company more intimately. Unbeknownst to both of them, Maya would eventually meet Billy’ s friend Will at the Rowling College in Cambridge and they would develop a different type of relationship.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

  Deviance

  Cambridge 2008, four months ago… Inside the Chronicle the entire newsroom was completely dark and the only light came from the conference room. The thick glass wall stretched from ceiling to floor and partitioned it from the rest of the newsroom floor. There were long blinds, which were partially opened and caused strips of light to radiate outwards eerily through the gaps.

  Sitting around a large table was the Daley Hackford, together with Nathan and Maya Walker. They were all watching a widescreen television keenly, as Cameron Cox was about to commence his briefing.

  “We’re a little light thin on the ground,” observed Daley. “Where is everyone?” he asked.

  “I’m only expecting one more person,” said Cameron expectantly. “He’ll be joining us later!”

  “What are we looking at?” asked Maya unenthusiastically. Nathan looked across at his daughter and grimaced at her bluntness.

  On the screen were two plain-clothes detectives, a male and a female sitting at a table. They were dressed in similar fashion and clearly interrogating somebody. No one could tell whom the detectives were speaking with but they could see some interlocked fingers. Even on the video, they could see the figure was nervous.

  “Why is this relevant to us?” said Maya irascibly.

  “Patience my dear, you’ll soon see,” said Cameron calmly. “Perhaps you should get yourself some coffee and a sugary snack from the machine.”

  Cameron and Nathan exchanged smiles. Maya rolled her eyes and got out of her seat still looking irritated. As she walked out, she shot daggers at both Cameron and her father before heading to the nearest vending machine.

  Maya let out a big yawn, as she examined the selectio
ns thoroughly. She was so engrossed in her decision-making that she was unaware of the tall, dark-haired man who’d crept up silently behind her.

  “Make mine black, no sugar dahling,” he whispered closely to her ear.

  Maya jumped slightly before she spoke, “I’d recognise that voice anywhere,” she said, as she composed herself.

  “You should,” replied the man, who was standing very intimately behind her. “We’re not exactly strangers,” he added, before kissing her lightly on the neck.

  Maya turned around, “You made me jump,” she said and thumped him on the shoulder. “What are you doing here?”

  “I’m Cameron’s plus one,” replied Billy Johnson. “How’re you? You look tense.”

  Instinctively, he began to rub her shoulders warmly and Maya instantly succumbed and started to relax before she suddenly grabbed his hands.

  “I’m tired Billy,” said Maya, pushing him away with outstretched arms.

  “Wanna talk about it?” asked Billy empathetically.

  “Not really,” replied Maya. “Come on everyone’s waiting.”

  As they walked in, everyone looked at them. Billy walked around the table and embraced Cameron, before shaking everyone else’s hands. Billy shook Nathan Walker’s hand last. He had a tremendous respect for him, mostly because he was a fellow engineer but also because he was Maya’s father. Like most father’s, Nathan wasn’t oblivious to Billy’s attentions towards his daughter.

  “You asked me all the way here to watch Brit cop shows, Cameron?” said Billy jokingly, as he looked at the screen.

  “No!” said Cameron flatly. “But now that we’re all here, we can begin.” Cameron pressed the rewind button and took the video back a few frames.

  “What is this?” said Billy, as he squinted at the screen.

  “The video that you’re watching was provided courtesy of London’s finest,” said Cameron wryly.

  Maya looked directly at her father, “You hacked the Met?” she asked bluntly.

  “We’re watching a senior DCI and his colleague, a Detective Inspector,” said Cameron. “They’re interviewing someone they suspected was involved Etienne McDonald’s unfortunate death.”