Remember Remember

by Alan Wade

  “I know, that was just a hunch, but it paid off I believe, because now we know that Johnson had a lot of opportunity to meet others.”

  Alan rose and smiled at Jacky as she entered the reception, they linked arms, strolled out of the Police Station and turned the corner toward the Brown Cow.

  “What the hell is going on?” she snarled.

  He drew her arm closer, “Nothing love, they think I may have some involvement with that murder in Olu Deniz, that’s all.”

  “That’s all! Murder! That’s all,” she exploded.

  “Shush love, you don’t want to frighten the neighbours,” he teased.

  “It’s not the neighbours who are frightened Alan, it’s me, what the bloody hell have you got me into?”

  “I haven’t got you into anything, all you’ve done is come on holiday with me twice, that’s it, so you can tell them all you know can’t you, which is nothing.”

  “Then why were they interested in the times we were apart and the times we got on and off the ship?”

  “Maybe they are interested in whether or not I met other people.”

  “And did you?”

  “No, not really, I mean obviously I met other people in bars but that’s all I did when I wasn’t with you, I went drinking, which is what I’m going to do now.”

  “You said you had business meetings to go to in Turkey and in Rhodes,” she exclaimed.

  “And did you tell the Major that,” he enquired.

  “No I didn’t, I don’t really like him.”

  “Thanks love, it would be nice if we could keep that our little secret,” he whispered.

  She looked at him but kept her council as they walked around the corner into Hillgate and now could see the Brown Cow.

  “Do you want to come in love?”

  “No, not really, I see enough of the bloody place when I’m working.”

  “Just come in for one and I’ll ring for a taxi for you.”

  “OK,” she acquiesced, “but just one, I know you, you’ll be pissed again in a couple of hours.”

  “I never get pissed, just mellow, you never know what you’re saying when you’re pissed,” he replied.

  He stopped at the top of the steps and looked around then at her, “I suggest we change the subject now love, we don’t want the gang in the snug knowing our business do we?”

  “I wish I knew our business,” she moaned.

  Chapter 11

  December 20th, 73 Sandiway, Bramhall.

  The secure land line telephone rang which was picked up by Sergeant Lawrence who listened intently while making notes. He put the phone down and turned to Major Rock.

  “Good news Sir, we have proof that one gentleman flew into Rhodes on November 29th and flew out again on November 30th. His name was Shan Binal Shid, the same gentleman, or at least name, who was in Olu Deniz when Johnson was there.”

  “That is good news; get onto Inspector Farouk in Turkey and see if he can help with this name, I’ll get onto my boss.”

  He dialled SBCT11 headquarters and passed on the news to the Commander about the name and it was agreed that Rock could stay on the case and be allowed the resource he requested for the time being. However he was ordered to headquarters in January, for a further debrief.

  A voice called out from one of the observers, “Sir, he’s on the move, he’s just walked out of the front door and turned toward Broadway, should we follow?”

  Alan Johnson had woken early on the 20th and decided to test out his theory that he was being watched. He placed small pieces of paper exactly one foot from the bottom of each door between the door and the frame knowing they would drop to the floor if the door was opened and even if replaced, the odds of them being replaced at exactly one foot would be remote. He then garaged his car and placed two strips of paper on top of the door exactly two feet from either edge of the frame, closed the door between the kitchen and the garage, again inserting one piece of paper, walked through the hall and closed the front door behind him.

  He turned left out of the drive toward Broadway which is a long wide road boasting many of the finest houses in Bramhall. Broadway was nearly one mile in length and he knew it would be difficult to be followed on foot without being seen. He walked to the top of Broadway turning once or twice to observe who may be following him and entered a small ginell which came out onto a pedestrian walk way above Bramhall valley. He turned left, walked across fields on one side with the valley on the other which again would make it difficult for anyone trying to shadow him not to be observed.

  He bought a Times newspaper from the local shop and walked back the way he had come, the whole journey taking 45 minutes. He was quite sure he had been followed but the person had been very discreet, however on entry to the house he could see immediately a small piece of paper inserted into the kitchen door but not exactly one foot from the bottom. They had observed him leaving and had access to his house. His entry into the garage proved they had been in there and he assumed that once again his car would be fitted with at least one if not more trackers. He thought this time it would be even more difficult to find them so new a different method of avoidance was needed.

  It was now 11.45 and he decided he would do nothing with regard to the car and that lunch and a few pints at the Brown Cow were in order. He drove the car to the Brown Cow and parked it at the rear knowing he could leave it there and taxi home if he so wished.

  The beer was, as ever, very good, the rare beef sandwich also good and the banter with John and Dave made for a pleasant few hours. Discussions ranged from how better they could run the country to the price of beer and the war in Iraq. Christmas was mentioned and Alan’s thoughts turned to that very lonely time of year. He watched Jacky at the beer pumps thinking again what beautiful legs and backside she had as her muscles tightened whenever she pulled the handles to cream the beer into the glasses. Three more pints were ordered and he asked her what she was doing for Christmas.

  “It’s all about family you know, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, it gets really busy.”

  He smiled at her, “So, what are you really doing?”

  “Don’t know,” she smiled back, “anything for a bloody change, what are you offering?”

  “A good piece of Turkey,” interrupted John.

  “Bugger off John,” she snarled.

  “What about the Belfry on Christmas Day, just you and me and we could even stay the night.”

  “Careful Alan, I don’t want rumours spreading about our relationship, do I?”

  “I think they already have,” teased Dave, “we’re all waiting for the wedding invite, but we don’t think you should wear white Jacky.”

  “You cheeky sod,” she hissed, “you have no idea what goes on between us and just because we’ve been on holiday together a couple of times doesn’t mean we intend to marry or are having it off, so mind your own bloody business.”

  “Sorry,” said Dave holding up his hands.

  “I am serious,” replied Alan, “I have nowhere to go on Christmas Day so why don’t you share it with me and you can taxi home any time you like.”

  “I’ll think about it,” she replied and looking at all three said, “now who’s paying for the beers?”

  Alan proffered a ten pound note and she returned with the change, placed it in his hand, winked at him and said, “You’re on.”

  A genuine smile appeared on his face as he replied, “Great love I’ll get a cab to pick you up about ten o’clock, see you then, if not before.”

  She smiled back then moved away to serve others.

  “Lucky bastard,” ribbed both Dave and John.

  “It’s Christmas, a time of giving and receiving,” smiled Alan.

  December 25th, The Belfry Hotel.

  Jacky replaced her glass onto the table and watched Alan devour the last of his
cheese and biscuits. It had been a superb meal. She was a little apprehensive at the beginning, thinking hotel food on Christmas Day would be average at the best, but she was pleasantly surprised. The fish starter was cooked to perfection and the turkey had been succulent and tasty. The vegetables were crisp and the roast potatoes were to die for. All washed down by good white and red wine followed by pudding then a cheese course. She sighed, a contented, satiated sigh and took his hand in hers.

  “Thanks for a wonderful meal, It’s the first time I’ve been out on Christmas Day and I had no idea what to expect, but it has been fabulous.”

  He squeezed her hand, smiled back and looked around the room. All the other tables were occupied and people were busy eating and drinking, laughing and chatting while being served by courteous and timely staff. The atmosphere was warm, jovial and a little noisy but that gave anonymity to each group and he felt relaxed and full.

  “Shall we have a brandy with our coffee and petit fours love?”

  She smiled back, still squeezing his hand, “are you trying to get me tipsy?”

  “I don’t think I’d be much use to you today, even if you were very tipsy, I don’t think I could rise to the occasion after all the food and booze. I could give you a good snoring though if you wish.”

  “A good snoring on Christmas afternoon, well I never,” she teased, “that’s never happened before.”

  He beckoned to a waiter and ordered the brandies and coffees then teased her saying, “I suppose with your background you couldn’t afford lots of food and drink at Christmas, so you wouldn’t fall asleep in the afternoon would you?”

  She pulled her hand away but was still smiling, “I’ll have you know we had the best corned beef and pickles a woman could ask for, all washed down with a pint of mild.”

  “Wow, you knew how to live!”

  The discussion was ended by the arrival of their brandies, coffees and petit fours. He swirled his brandy around the large bowl of the glass, “Can I change the subject love?”

  “Of course you can,” she replied as she took her brandy and copied his movements.

  “Would you be prepared to go away with me again if I asked you?”

  She took a sip of her brandy and pleaded, “Please don’t spoil this moment for me, I don’t want to be used by you for another one of your business trips.”

  “I haven’t used you.”

  “Please, stop the bullshit,” she whispered, then leaned forward and continued, “I don’t know what you’re up to, but the police would not be interviewing us as they did, if they weren’t suspicious about what you’ve been doing. So please, no more crap.”

  He nodded, “OK, no more crap; I may have to go away again next year. I may not come back because I want to emigrate and thought you might at least join me for a holiday.”

  “Alan, what are we doing as a couple; all we seem to do is go on holiday, bonk each other, then go back home and carry on as normal.”

  “I thought you were OK with that.”

  “I am OK with it, but it’s not my idea of a long term relationship and now you’re asking me to do it again and even emigrate with you.”

  “Do you want a long term relationship?”

  “Of course I do.”

  “With me love,” he asked as he took her hand and gazed into her face.

  She shook her head but smiled, “I don’t know, I don’t know, there’s so much about you I don’t know and this police thing, it scares the hell out of me. There’s something in your past and maybe your future which seems very dark. I’m a barmaid, I get along OK, but you frighten me a little.”

  He smiled back, “You don’t have to be frightened of me love.”

  “No, it’s just what you do.”

  He pulled his hand away, “Let’s change the subject love, this is getting too deep for Christmas Day. What do you say we go to our room for a quick snooze?”

  She laughed out loud, “we must be a couple now, before you’d have taken me for a quick something else, now it’s just a snooze, what’s a girl to do?”

  He laughed back, “Just wait until after the snooze and see what might come up.”

  They both rose together and coupled arms. She laid her head on his shoulder and whispered, “come on then lover boy, give me a damn good snoring.”

  She sat up in bed and snuggled up to him. They had slept, woken at five pm and made love. It was as good as ever and seemed to be stronger than just sex. Maybe she was falling for him but she still had so much doubt about what he was doing.

  “What do you actually do for a living?” she whispered.

  He pulled her into him and stretched his arm around her to caress her naked right breast, “I’ve told you this before, I’m retired love. I was in the army and worked in the Middle East for some years. I made enough money there which combined with my army pension gives me a good standard of living.”

  “But you’re too young to be retired.”

  “Thanks love.”

  “Well, you are too young and too fit. You see it doesn’t make sense to me. All the intrigue in Turkey and then that fight on the cruise. There really is a dark side to you which you won’t talk about and that’s what stops me wanting to get closer to you.”

  He squeezed her nipple, “This seems close enough to me love.”

  She pulled his hand away and moved to the edge of the bed, “I’m being serious, if you want a closer relationship you have to tell people what you do. They need to know what they’re getting involved in, I need to know.”

  “I see your point love but I can’t tell you at this moment, all I can do is ask you to trust me.”

  She rose and padded toward the bathroom, “Meanwhile P.C. Plod and Corporal Clott keep asking me questions.”

  He watched her, gazing at her legs and petite backside, “All the better that you don’t know then love, that way you can’t get into any bother.”

  She turned at the bathroom door, “But that’s the whole point love, if you had nothing to hide you could tell me couldn’t you?”

  “I could also tell you lies, couldn’t I,” he added.

  “I suppose so, I just think that when most normal couples get close they tell each other about what they do, what they think and how they feel,” she replied.

  He jumped out of bed and ran toward her, “Are you telling me you’re getting close to me, he said as he made a play at grabbing her body. She pushed him away and opened the bathroom door.

  “Oh sod off, can’t you take anything seriously,” she closed and bolted the door and shouted through it, “I’ll be quite some time so why don’t you sod off to the bar and start your evening ritual?”

  “Wow,” he thought, “I’ve touched a nerve,” but he did smile at the thought of a close relationship, something he had avoided for a very long time.

  She joined him in the hotel lounge at seven. She looked radiant in a classic little black dress, stockings and high heels, with just sufficient make up and her usual jewellery. He ordered her a glass of champagne and they sat together in a quiet corner of the lounge. She sipped her champagne, looked down at the table and asked, “What’s going to happen to us Alan, I mean, do we have a future as a couple or is it just a sex thing for you?”

  He took both her hands and looked into her eyes then replied, “I’m an ex-soldier, I’ve seen so many comrades killed, my family have died and a past girl friend has died tragically too. To me nothing seems forever and long term relationships have been doomed. I also have a short term problem which may change everything in the coming months. I can’t talk about it and don’t want to either. I’d like us to be close but I don’t want you to get hurt. So I suppose for now the answer to your questions are that I don’t know what’s going to happen in the future, but for now it’s more than a sex thing. I find myself happy to be with you and feel we are closer than we were in Tur
key or on the cruise. Does that make sense?”

  “I suppose so. I don’t want to get hurt again, I don’t want to start to feel something for a bloke who then buggers off or in your case goes to prison.”

  “Who the hell mentioned prison,” he hissed.

  “The police don’t interview people unless they’re pretty sure there’s something going on, do they.”

  “I suppose not, in truth they do have circumstantial evidence which places me near that murder in Olu Deniz, and of course you were there too.”

  “You’re not suggesting I had anything to do with it?”

  “Of course not love, but they are suggesting I did aren’t they?”

  “Yes, and you’ve never denied it.”

  “Jacky, I had nothing to do with the murder of some bloke in Olu Deniz,” he never shifted his gaze from her face, “do you believe me?”

  “Yes,” of course I do.”

  “That’s settled then, now back to a question I asked you over lunch. Would you be prepared to go away with me again if we were still close?”

  She took another sip of champagne, returned her glass to the table and smiled at him, “Yes, I think I would; I think I would.”

  “That’s OK then,” he smiled rising to his feet, “fancy another?”

  “Yes please,” she nodded, pushing her empty glass toward him.

  “You’re not worried that I might be trying to get you tipsy are you?

  “You probably are trying to get me merry, but it’ll cost you, because I can drink an awful lot of champagne.”

  “Good, let’s both get merry together then, I think a bottle will save time queuing at the bar,” he looked at her enquiringly, then smiled, “will Veuve Cliquot do?”

  YEAR TWO

  Chapter 12

  January 12th, Year 2, SBCT11 Headquarters, London.

  Major Rock waited for the entry light to show green and when he entered he was momentarily surprised to see only one person in the room.

  “Please sit down Major,” beckoned Commander Bagshaw, we have 30 minutes for you to update me on the Johnson situation.”