Chelsea – London – 11:23pm
Bill Mirren swigged down a glass of brandy. ‘Have you both taken leave of your senses? We can’t run the story. You need to hand this man over to the proper authorities.’
‘Proper authorities, you mean Stovocore. If you do that Bill then you will never see Mr Parker again.’ Dorothy argued.
Mirren looked at Rayman. ‘Have you forgotten what happened today with Sir Alfred. They’ll expose him for what he is.’
‘And what about the relatives of those who disappeared Bill. Don’t they disserve anything? We are talking about the lives of seventy six people against one man’s reputation.’
‘Sir Alfred is the back bone of the Examiner, without him the other newspapers would carve us up like a Christmas roast. He is due to enter the House of Lords.’
‘For Christ’s sake Bill half the men in the House of Lords are closet homosexuals, or worse.’
‘So what we just hand Mr Parker over to the proper authorities and let what could turn out to be the biggest news story of the decade slide.’ Dorothy said. ‘Flight 632 was snatched out of the air, taken by god knows what. This could blow the lid off what the government know about UFOs.’ She looked at Rayman. ‘George is right, what about the people on board that flight? They need someone to fight for them.’
Mirren poured himself another glass of Brandy. ‘If we run a story about a plane that was snatched out of the air by men from Mars then Sir Alfred won’t be the only one who’s reputation will be in tatters.’
‘Look at it this way Bill.’ Dorothy said. ‘Both the American and British governments have always denied the existence of UFOs. If we bring evidence forward that the whole cover story is a hoax then it will bring both Capitol Hill and Whitehall to its knees. We’ll shove plausible deniability back down their throats. Trust me, when this story breaks they won’t be able to touch the Examiner or Sir Alfred.’
Mirren took a sip from his brandy glass, eventually nodding. ‘Where is he now?’
‘In an apartment across town.’ Dorothy took out a small notebook and scribbled down the address handing it to Mirren.
‘Ok we keep him there until the morning then we bring him to the Examiner for a full statement. I’ll contact all the main newspaper and the BBC and organize a press conference at the Examiner. If we do this then I want it down properly. If any other newspaper wants the rights to this story then they’ll have to come through us.’
Rayman smiled.
‘We’re not out of the woods yet fellas. The government will deny everything and Stovocore will stop at nothing to get their hands on Mr Parker.’
Mirren looked at the address on the piece of paper. ‘Are you sure this place is safe.’
Dorothy nodded.
‘You are both to pick up Mr Parker in the morning and then escort him to the Examiner. Then we can get the ball rolling. In the meantime I suggest we both get a good night’s sleep, it’s going to be a busy day tomorrow.’
Chapter 43
Dagenham – London – 9:46am
Thursday 10th February 1955
‘You ready for this George?’ Dorothy said smiling.
‘Absolutely!’ Rayman declared.
Both Dorothy and Rayman climbed the stairs to the door of the flat. Dorothy stopped and stared at the door.
‘What’s the matter?’
Dorothy didn’t answer, she approached the door and pushed it gently.
‘Someone’s broken in.’ Rayman said examining the damage to the lock.
Dorothy rushed through to the living room. She then checked the bedroom and the kitchen. He’s gone!’ She said despairingly.
‘There’s no way he could have left on his own, he was too terrified.’
Both Dorothy and Ryman stood in the living room looking around.
‘We need to get back to the Examiner and tell Bill.’ Rayman said. ‘Shit!’
They both walked out into the hallway of the flat. Three men stood at the front door.
‘You have meddled in our affairs all too often Miss Kilgallen.’ Jacob Barnes said.
Dorothy stood her ground. ‘What have you done with Mr Parker?’ She demanded to know.
‘Who’s Mr Parker?’ Barnes replied calmly.
‘You bastard!’
‘Do you honestly think that this story would have ever seen the light of day?’
‘You can’t hide the truth forever you son of a bitch. The world will eventually know what’s been going on!’
‘By the time the people know anything Miss Kilgallen they won’t care. And the likes of you and me will be dead and buried.’
Dorothy looked at the two men with Barnes. ‘So what now, you going to keep us quiet. You know I still have the device I took from you. If you kill me then you’ll never find it.’
‘Killing you Miss Kilgallen would be a pleasure. But I’m just here to tell you that everything we keep secret is for the benefit of mankind.’
‘Since when have you cared about your fellow men Barnes?’ Dorothy seethed. ‘You’ve done nothing but lie your way through life, killing those who stand in your way.’
Barnes didn’t respond, he turned and left the flat.
Chapter 44
London Evening Examiner – London – 10:30am
Rayman returned to the newspaper office without Dorothy. He headed straight for Mirren’s office to tell him about what had happened.
Mirren listened quietly as he stared out of the window. ‘It’s for the best I’m sure.’
‘What’s that supposed to mean.’ Rayman stated. ‘Oh my god they got to you didn’t they?’
Mirren didn’t answer.
‘What did they threaten you with?’
‘They didn’t threaten me George!’ Mirren barked. ‘I approached them.’
‘Why for Christ’s sake!’
‘Because I had to.’
‘Bollocks!’
Mirren pointed out of the window. ‘Take a look out there George, what do you see. People going about their ordinary lives. The war is still fresh in people’s minds, do you think they are ready to know about lifeforms from other planets.’
‘Those men took Alan away Bill. His mother will never see him again. He’s probably floating face down in the Thames by now. Do you have any idea what you have done?’
‘Yes.’ Mirren replied softly. ‘It’s something I am going to have to live with for the rest of my life.’
‘And what about Alan’s life, what about the lives of those people on flight 632?’
‘Like I said I’ll carry this burden for the rest of my life.’ He looked at Mirren. ‘This is on me George, you have nothing to feel guilty about.’
Rayman glared at Mirren before turning and heading out of the door.
Mirren picked up the telephone and dialed. ‘It’s me, we need to talk, call the others.’
Chapter 45
The Auction
Trinity College Chapel – Cambridge – 12:09pm
Friday 25th March 1955
‘Professor George Winters was a valued member of this institution!’ Professor Paul Dirac addressed the assembled students and lecturers. ‘His contributions to archaeology over the years have pushed the boundaries of what we know about the past. His work continues to inspire the next generation of explorers. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family, all our prayers are with them.’
Frederick bowed his head remembering his friend and colleague. Professor Chester Osborne was stood next to him.
As the assembled members dispersed Frederick stayed behind in the Chapel.
‘I can’t believe he’s gone.’ Osborne said mournfully. ‘I only spoke to him last week.’
‘I find it hard to believe he took his own life.’ Frederick said.
‘He didn’t seem to be troubled, but then again he always kept family life private.’
Professor Dirac approached Frederick and Osborne. ‘Professor Osborne, I need to speak with you.’ Dirac glanced at Frederick. ‘Professor.’ He greeted with a nod.
‘Professor Dirac, thank you for organising this service. George would have appreciated it.’
Dirac said nothing in response making Frederick feel uneasy. He ushered Osborne away.
‘Professor Frederick.’ A voice called out.
Frederick turned to see William Chambers standing behind him. ‘Young master William.’ Frederick smiled.
‘Is it possible for us to speak in private?’
‘I have a lecture until three thirty can we meet in my office around four o’clock?’
Chambers nodded before scurrying off.
A woman approached Frederick. Her eyes swollen for hours of crying.
‘Helen you shouldn’t have come.’
Professor Winters’ wife wiped her eyes. ‘This place meant the world to him Ralph. Cambridge was his life.’
‘Is there anything I can do?’
‘You can find out why he would take his own life.’
‘I wouldn’t know where to start. Were you and George having any problems?’
‘No, we couldn’t have been happier, we were planning a trip to Venice. He came back from his recent expedition in South America very excited. He said he had discovered amazing things while he was over there. He was over the moon, which is why he planned the trip.’
‘I’ll look through his office and see if there is something there which would have made him do such a thing.’
Helen nodded. ‘Thank you Ralph.’
Chapter 46
4:03pm
‘So what can I do for you?’ Frederick asked Chambers.
‘I won’t waste your time Professor I’ll get straight to the point. I have reason to believe that Professor Winters was murdered.’
‘Murdered!’ Frederick said with both shock and surprise. He thought about his conversation earlier that day with Winters’ wife. ‘Dr Winters took his own life William, I know it may be hard to deal with but these things happen. I hope you haven’t approached anyone else about you hypothesis.’
‘I wouldn’t make anything up like that Professor.’ Chambers said defensively. ‘How well did you know Professor Winters?’
‘Very well.’ Frederick replied. ‘Professor Winters took me under his wing when I first started lecturing here.’
‘Do you know anything about what he was working on before he died?’
‘I believe he had just returned from an expedition in South America, Mexico to be precise. He was at Chichen Itza at a dig about two months back.’
Chambers nodded, reaching into his inside pocket. He pulled out an object wrapped in cloth. ‘A few weeks ago Professor Winters came to me with this.’ Chambers handed Frederick the object. ‘He was convinced he’d made some kind of important discovery.’
Frederick unwrapped the cloth which contained a gold amulet. A figure was etched on to the amulet bared striking resemblance to the creatures that Frederick had encountered at Mildenhall several months earlier. Frederick turned the amulet over and stared at the symbol etched on to other side. ‘I don’t believe it!’
Chambers moved in for a closer look. ‘What?’
Frederick moved his hand over the three armed spiral pattern he was familiar with. ‘I’ve encountered this symbol many times.’
‘Where?’
Frederick shrugged. ‘A castle door in Ripley, standing stones in Scotland. Technology demonstrated by the Americans which was recovered at a crash site in New Mexico.’
‘Roswell?’
Frederick nodded, thinking about his last encounter with Janus who had also shown him this symbol.
‘Doctor Winters gave me this amulet two days before he died.’ Chambers produced a piece of paper which he handed to Frederick.
‘He also asked me to pass this on to you.’
Frederick unfolded the note, which was written in Winters’ own handwriting.
Ralph please keep this safe, I know you’ll understand, it’s a matter of life and death
Frederick looked at Chambers. ‘When you last spoke to Professor Winters did he say anything else to you?’
‘We talked about many things. He came to visit me in my dorm.’
‘And?’
‘We got onto the subject of ancient gods. Since our little chat late last year I have been reading up on religious cultures and how they view their gods.’
‘Why?’
‘The legacy that my grandfather left has inspired me to pursue the truth about where we come from and how our past might not be as straight forward as what most of us believe. Professor Winters claimed that he might have discovered the origin of mankind. He was going to tell everyone. Which is why I don’t believe he would take his own life.’
Frederick nodded. ‘Professor Winters’ wife spoke to me earlier today, she wants me to find out if there is anything suspicious about George’s death. Looking at this I’m starting to have my suspicions. ‘I’ll have a look through his office, I know he kept a detailed diary every time he went on an expedition.’
‘I think the main question here Professor is who murdered him.’
Frederick looked back at the amulet. ‘If he was going to tell everyone about what he had discovered in South America then it obviously attracted the wrong attention.’
‘I spoke to the current director of the British Museum last week about viewing some of the artefacts Winters had brought back from Mexico and he basically stonewalled me. Said that there was nothing of significant interest, just a load of old pottery.’
Frederick looked at the note again and then studied the amulet. ‘If you’re up to it Mr Chambers, how about a trip to the British museum tomorrow.’
Chambers smiled at Frederick and nodded. ‘My grandfather spoke highly of you Professor I can see why he chose you to chair The Angel Committee.’
‘Not so much the Angel Committee these days.’ Frederick said, more like Majestic.’
‘With this Jacob Barnes running the whole show.’
Frederick looked at Chambers. ‘Malcolm certainly revealed much to you.’
‘Jacob Barnes is a man to be wary of.’
Frederick nodded. ‘So any ideas where we should start when we get to the Museum?’
The storeroom would be a good place to start.’
‘You know they’re not going to just let us march in there and look around.’
Chambers smiled. ‘You don’t have to worry Professor I know someone on the inside that can let us have access to the museum archives.’
Frederick smiled at the young Chambers admiring his for his spirit. He looked at his watch. ‘I’ll take a look around George’s office to see if I can find his diary.’
Chambers said his goodbyes and left Frederick’s office.
After Frederick had finished setting out the following week’s lectures, he headed for Professor Winters’ office. As he approached the door Frederick became aware of movement in the office.
Professor Dirac was rifling through a filing cabernet.
‘Paul I didn’t expect to see you here.’ Frederick said.
Dirac looked at Frederick startled by his sudden appearance.
‘What are you looking for?’
‘Nothing Ralph.’ Dirac barked.
Frederick sensed that Dirac was frustrated by his presence.
Dirac stopped what he was doing and marched out of the room.
Chapter 47
British Museum – London – 1:16pm
Monday 28th March 1955
Frederick marvelled at the colossal British Museum reading room. With a design by Sydney Smirke work on the Reading Room began in 1854. Three years later it was completed.
Using cast iron, concrete, glass and the latest heating and ventilation systems, it was a masterpiece of mid-nineteenth century technology. The room had a diameter of 140 feet approximately 42 meters and was inspired by the domed Pantheon in Rome.
However, it is not a free standing dome in the technical sense. It was constructed in segments on a cast iron framework. The ceiling was suspended on cas
t iron struts hanging down from the frame and is made out of paper mâché.
The Reading room was hailed as one of the great sights of London and became a world famous centre of learning. Many famous people had occupied this spectacular room. Bram Stoker, Mark Twain, Lenin, and H.G Wells were among some if its readers.
On the train to London earlier that day Frederick revealed to Chambers that he had encountered Professor Dirac in Winters’ office the night before.
‘What do you think he was looking for?’
Frederick shrugged. ‘George’s diary perhaps, something to do with his expedition to South America. He seemed agitated when I walked in on him.’
‘Didn’t want anyone seeing what he was up to. Dirac could have something to do with Professor Winters death.’
Frederick looked at Chambers. ‘We can’t go pointing fingers at anyone William, there is nothing to suggest that Professor Dirac had anything to do with what happened. If we start making accusations like that it could land the both of us in trouble.’
As Frederick and Chambers entered the reading room Chambers smiled as a young man approached. ‘Charlie.’ he greeted with a smile.
‘Hello Willy.’
‘Professor Frederick may I present a good friend of mine Charles Thornton.’ Chambers introduced.
Frederick recognised the young man. ‘Yes, I’ve seen you skulking around Cambridge.’ He smiled shaking Thornton’s hand.
‘Charlie is helping out here at the museum and has access to its archives.’
‘Let’s not tell everyone shall we.’ Thornton said looking around.
Frederick and Chambers were led out of the reading room watched by a man who had followed them into the museum.
The British Museum was established in 1753, largely based on the collections of the physician and scientist Sir Hans Sloane. The museum first opened to the public on 15 January 1759 in Montagu House in Bloomsbury. Its expansion over the following two centuries was largely a result of an expanding British colonial footprint and had resulted in the creation of several branch institutions, the first being the British Museum.
The Angel Conspiracy (The Angel Cronicles Book 2) Page 11