‘I’m not sure when that will be.’ Frederick said grimly.
‘Then it’s over, I’m off.’
‘You can’t just leave.’ Frederick protested.
‘Look, I’ve only been here a few months, I didn’t sign up for this, sorry but you’re on your own.’ The orderly looked at the cell door he had just locked. ‘Your friend is safe inside I suggest you get to the laundry and stay there until help comes.’ He tossed a bunch of keys towards Frederick. ‘Good Luck.’ He said before turning and sprinting off.
Frederick stood alone in the corridor watching as the orderly disappeared.
Chapter 82
The Doctor
10:32pm
Frederick found himself alone staring at the entrance to the canteen. More patients had dispersed and had managed to find their own way back to their rooms. Frederick walked into the canteen and stared at the group of patients sat in a circle with Baxter still stood at the centre. ‘The Doctor is coming!’ He shouted.
Frederick walked over to an unconscious orderly and knelt checking his pulse, which was steady. Frederick then noticed a static discharge building. He stood up and looked all around, as the crackling of static electricity grew.
‘The doctor is here!’ Baxter screamed staring at the ceiling, the circle of patients also looked up.
A blue light streamed through the windows from outside illuminating the canteen. A fire exit door opened and the light intensified. Frederick looked towards the door shielding his eyes. A figure appeared in the doorway and walked into the room.
Janus was dressed in a doctor’s long white coat with a stethoscope around his neck. He looked at the circle of patients and then directly at Frederick. ‘It seems Professor you and I are starting to develop a relationship, people will talk.’
Frederick felt no fear this time he glared back at Janus. ‘What are you doing here?’
Janus glared at him. ‘Still demanding answers to questions you don’t fully understand.’
‘What have you done with Jimmy?’ Frederick demanded to know.
‘Jimmy is safe, he is away from here.’
‘Where?’
‘I think Professor you should be more concerned with what I have shown you.’
The image of Susan on her knees crying flooded back into Frederick’s mind. The Professor holding Elizabeth’s limp body in his arms.
‘You seem determined to go forward despite what you see.’ Janus said. ‘Let me show you more.’
Frederick suddenly became aware of another sound. The crying of another young child. He looked up and stared at a young boy of about three years old, standing next to Susan. Hovering over them was a huge shadow, a figure, but Frederick couldn’t make out who or what it was. Frederick summoned all his strength. ‘The future has yet to be written.’ He stated.
‘Spoken like a true physicist, you have a strong will Professor.’
‘What exactly do you want?’
‘I already have what I want Professor.’
‘Which is what exactly?’
‘Control.’ Janus replied. ‘Your species has much to offer Professor; it can be easily manipulated to suit my purposes.’
‘What purposes?’
‘A new beginning.’
‘What new beginning?’
Janus smiled. ‘Your species has only just discovered that you are not alone in the universe. There are other creatures who have been travelling the stars for millennia and who possess knowledge which your species would take eons to comprehend.’ Blue light started to fill the canteen again and Janus turned towards the exit. ‘My work here is complete, but we will meet again Professor, you can count on that.’ Janus’ outline seemed to melt into the intense light which lingered for a few seconds before vanishing.
Frederick took a deep breath and looked at Doctor Baxter who had a confused expression on his face. The patients that sat in a circle started to stand one by one.
Frederick walked over. ‘Doctor Baxter are you ok?’
Baxter took a few seconds to nod. ‘I think so, what the hell am I doing here?’
Frederick thought for a moment. ‘I don’t know I just walked in here to find you amongst the patients.’
Baxter rubbed his forehead and spotted the orderly who lay on the floor. The man started to move, lifting his head off the floor.
Frederick looked down at the set of keys the orderly had left, he then started running towards the canteen exit
‘HEY!’ Cones shouted. ‘What the hell’s going on, let me out of here, HEY!’
Frederick unlocked the door to find Cones wrestling with the straight jacket. ‘Thank god you’re back to normal.’
‘Get me the fuck out of this monkey suit Professor!’ Cones demanded.
Frederick started to undo the straps. ‘I’m sorry I had to do this to you Agent Cones, you weren’t yourself.’
‘Where the hell am I?’
‘You’re at the hospital.’
‘What? The last thing I remember is that siren going off.’ Cones said throwing the straight jacket to one side.
‘You don’t remember returning with me to investigate the siren?’
Cones shook his head. ‘No.’
Baxter appeared at the cell door. ‘The patients are returning to their cells, now would someone please tell me what’s happened here tonight.’
Chapter 83
Pen-y-Fal Hospital – Abergavenny – South Wales – 0:09am
Wednesday 3rd December 1953
‘Thank you sergeant.’ Frederick said removing the Velcro strap from his arm.
‘You’re shoulder isn’t too bad you’ll have a bit of bruising but it’ll fade in a few weeks.’
Agent Cones walked up to Frederick. ‘I’m sorry I wacked you.’
Frederick shook his head managing a smile. ‘It’s ok you weren’t yourself.’
‘What the hell happened tonight Professor? Why did that Janus show up again?’
‘I don’t know but I’ve a feeling we haven’t seen the last of whatever he is.’ Frederick checked his watch. ‘I suggest we head back to London the committee members need to be briefed on the situation.’
Emneth – Norfolk – 7:20pm
Friday 5th December 1953
Elizabeth Frederick flushed the toilet for the fourth time that day. The morning sickness she had been suffering from the last week had gained momentum and started to plague her throughout the day. Taking a deep breath she walked into the kitchen to find her husband reading the evening paper.
‘Everything ok sweetheart?’ Frederick asked without looking up.
Elizabeth smiled at him. ‘That depends on what kind of mood you’re in.’ She joked.
Frederick looked up from his paper looking at his wife slightly bemused at her comment.
Elizabeth continued to hold her smile. ‘I’m pregnant.’
Frederick drew a deep breath staring into space.
‘Ralph, did you hear me?’ Elizabeth said. ‘I’m expecting a second baby.’
Frederick got up and walked over to his wife, forcing a smile. ‘Darling that’s fantastic news.’ He put his arms around her kissing her on the cheek, while forcing the image Janus had planted out of his mind.
Chapter 84
Doubt
Canterbury – Kent – 12:02pm
Monday 11th January 1954
Professor Wilks poured a small glass of brandy for his friend before handing it to him and sitting down. ‘I can understand your reluctance to go forward Ralph, what this Janus has shown you is enough to put anyone off. I’d certainly have doubts about carrying on.’
‘Janus is able to project images into my mind, I can control them to some extent, but it casts a shadow of doubt on whether I should carry on with The Angel Committee.’
‘I wouldn’t make rash judgements just yet.’ Wilks sipped from his brandy glass. ‘What do you think he wants with us?’
‘Control was one word he used.’
‘For what exactly, it’s not
like we’re a technologically advanced race capable of interstellar travel.’
‘He also mentioned a new beginning.’ Frederick explained. ‘I’ve been thinking about that for the last few weeks.’
‘Some kind of invasion.’ Wilks suggested.
Frederick shook his head. ‘No I don’t think so, but I have been thinking about Edith Jones and the woman I encountered in the East End last year, Rosemary.’
Wilks pondered Frederick’s words. ‘Rebirth, do you think he’s somehow introducing his species into the human race through some sort of genetic manipulation.’
‘It’s a good theory Richard but there is no way to back it up. We know very little about the molecular structure of the human body or whether he is involved with Edith or Rosemary.’
‘Do you know Maurice Wilkins?’
‘Yes.’ Frederick nodded. ‘I worked with him briefly during the war, he worked on improving the function of our radar system, why do you ask?’
‘He and another scientist.’ Wilks thought for a moment. ‘Dr Rosalind Franklin discovered something called DNA last year. It’s all very frontier science at the moment but both are convinced that this DNA could well be the building blocks of life, more to the point the element that makes up all of us.’
‘What’s your point?’ Frederick sipped from his glass.
‘An advanced race of beings could have knowledge of DNA and could alter it to suit their genetic state.’
‘Like a cross breed, half human, half whatever species this Janus belongs to.’
‘Exactly.’ Wilks nodded. ‘Which would explain these so called abduction cases. Edith Jones was pregnant before she was abducted and then retuned minus the baby. The woman last year from London was pregnant, with no knowledge of how she got into that state.’
‘A pattern.’ Frederick said.
Wilks nodded. ‘A pattern.’
‘Then we need to track down another pregnant woman in the hope that we can catch whoever or whatever is behind these abductions. Perhaps discover the reason behind these events.’
‘Do you think this Janus could be linked?’
‘That’s what I plan to find out.’
‘How’s Liz?’ Wilks asked changing the subject.
‘She’s fine.’ Frederick smiled. ‘Glowing at the minute, her parents are over the moon that she’s pregnant again.’
Wilks noted the look on his face. ‘You’ve said it yourself Ralph, the future has yet to be written. Despite what Janus has shown you I don’t believe anyone has the capability to see the future, no matter which part of the universe they originate from.’
Frederick smiled as he sipped some brandy.
‘We’ll look through the data given to us by Vannevar Bush and see if we can track down another candidate, then perhaps we can get to the bottom of all this.’
Chapter 85
Mary and the Witch
Old Manor Guesthouse – Abbotsbury – England – 4:23pm
Wednesday 20th January 1954
Professor Wilks yawned and stretched like an old cat. Together with Frederick both men had set out early from London that morning and had made it to their destination before total darkness set in.
‘I hate these long winter nights I’ll be glad when the clocks go forward.’ Frederick grumbled looking out of a window at the fading light on the horizon.
‘I second that.’ Wilks agreed.
Low cloud drifted in from the sea, masking the low lying hills around the quaint English village, while an icy chill dominated the late afternoon.
Wilks tapped the bell at the reception desk, and stood to attention.
A short woman in her sixties appeared from an open doorway looking the two strangers up and down. ‘Can I help you gentlemen?’
‘Good evening madam.’ Wilks greeted politely. ‘We would like two rooms for three nights please.’
The woman looked over the top of her spectacles. ‘I see, and what manner of business brings you to Abbotsbury may I ask?’
‘We’re just taking in some of your lovely scenery.’
‘A bit early for holidaying isn’t it gentlemen?’ The woman questioned.
‘We are both Cambridge professors.’ Frederick said. ‘Analysing the local wildlife, the beach along the front was used extensively during the war in preparation for the Normandy invasion and we are here investigating the impact it had on the wildlife.’
Wilks nodded adding to Frederick’s story. ‘It had a huge impact on the great spotted worm population.’
The woman drew breath and opened up the guestbook. ‘Well it’s three shillings a night. We have a room with two single beds. I see no point in spreading you out.’
‘Excellent.’ Declared Wilks.
‘There are a few guest rules we have.’ The landlady revealed. ‘No drunkenness or taking the lords name in vain.’
Wilks shook his head. ‘Wouldn’t dream of it madam.’
‘The doors to this establishment shut at ten o’clock.’ She turned and opened a key cabinet behind her. ‘The King’s Galley up the road will serve you supper.’
‘Thank you madam you’ve been most hospitable.’ Wilks said as she handed him both sets of keys.
‘I seem to be having an acute case of déjà Vu.’ Said Frederick as he rested his suitcase on the bed.
‘Really.’ Wilks glanced at him.
‘Stoke Lacy last year, the locals there weren’t too fond of strangers either.’
‘Yes but they were under Janus’ control. You’ll find most villages in rural England like that Ralph, I’ll bet Emneth has its share of people who don’t like outsiders.’
Frederick laughed. ‘Not unless you count Reverend Awdry, he’s not been there long but he’s already made a mark on the village. Gave a local boy a good clip across the ear last year for scrumping apples. Apparently he’s writing a series of railway books featuring a character called Thomas.’
‘Sounds charming.’ Wilks commented clasping his hands and wringing them. ‘Well let’s not sit here talking about trains all evening, The King’s Galley awaits.’
7:09pm
Frederick looked across the bar from the dining area at the locals who seemed oblivious of the two strangers chatting happily amongst themselves.
Wilks mopped up the last of the gravy with a piece of bread and munched on it contently. ‘I have to say, that is the best shepherds pie I have had in ages, even better than my wife’s.’
‘Better not tell her that.’ Frederick smiled. ‘Otherwise you’ll be joining that small band of people getting divorced.’ He indicated to an article in the Times he had just read on growing divorce rates in England.
A young woman in her late teens walked over to the two men. ‘Are you gentlemen finished?’ She said with a tone that made both men look at her with surprise.
‘We have young lady.’ Wilks replied.
The girl picked up Frederick’s plate and then reached over for Wilks’ plate. ‘I take it you are here to pick up Mary tomorrow.’ Her tone continued.
‘I beg your pardon.’ Frederick stated.
‘It’s no good denying it, that old battleaxe from the guesthouse probably called you. The Church should keep their noses out of matters that don’t concern them.’
‘I can assure you young lady we are not from the church.’ Wilks explained.
The girl’s attitude changed abruptly. ‘I’m so sorry I thought you were here to cart Mary away.’
‘And who might Mary be?’ Asked Frederick glancing at Wilks.
‘Just a local girl who’s got herself into a spot of bother.’
‘Any chance you could point us in the direction of this young Mary.’ Wilks said.
The girl eyed him with suspicion. ‘Why?’
‘I’m a doctor.’ Wilks replied quickly ‘I don’t expect you have a doctor in such a small village. I thought I might go out and take a look at her, you know, make sure she’s in fine health.’
‘Ann!’ A loud voice shouted across the bar, the land
lord approached. ‘Don’t bother these nice gentlemen, there’s plenty of washing up to be done in the kitchen.’
The girl scurried off. ‘Sorry dad.’
The landlord walked over to where they were sat. He towered over both Wilks and Frederick. ‘Pay no attention to my daughter gentlemen, she can be too chatty sometimes. You know how these teenagers are.’
Wilks smiled. ‘Of course.’
‘We close at nine tonight so make sure you get yourselves off to the guesthouse. The street lamps go off just before ten, you don’t want to be caught out after dark. I’m sure Mrs Brown has already told you this.’
‘Sounds a bit spooky,’ Frederick joked smiling at Wilks.
The landlord maintained a straight face. ‘It’s no laughing matter.’ His eyes darted about nervously. ‘A witch lives in these parts.’
‘A witch?’ Wilks said.
The landlord nodded. ‘A powerful one at that, put a curse on one of the local girls she has.’
‘A curse, a bit middle ages for this day and age, wouldn’t you say.’ Frederick commented.
‘Say what you will.’ The landlord replied. ‘I’d heed my warning if I were you.’
‘Thank you, we will.’ Wilks said.
‘You’re right about the villagers they are bit odd.’ Wilks said as they made their way back to the guesthouse.
Frederick nodded. ‘These people seem cut off from the rest of the world.'
‘Hey.’ The young woman from the bar called out as quietly as she dared.
Frederick and Wilks glanced behind them to see her running towards them. ‘Are you really a doctor?’ She looked at Wilks.
‘I am.’ He nodded.
‘Mary lives in Stavordale Wood just over the way there.’ She pointed towards the coast.
‘Do you know this girl well?’ Frederick asked.
‘Mary Trembles, she’s a friend of mine, or was, I’m not allowed near her anymore. You see we used to bother with Sarah, the woman who lives in a cottage in the middle of the woods.’
‘This Sarah, is whom your father referred to as a witch.’ Frederick assumed.
Codename Angel (The Angel Chronicles Book 1) Page 28