by Jason Ayres
After a minute or two, she composed herself and sat up on the bed, looking into the mirror. The angel was still there, but hadn’t spoken during Kay’s traumatic last few moments. Now, as Kay wiped the tears from her eyes, the angel spoke.
“Better now?” she asked.
“I’m not sure I’ll ever be better again,” replied Kay. “I’ve just discovered what it feels like to die.”
“It’s just as well I got you out of there when I did, then,” replied the angel. “In another moment or two you would have been lost.”
“Even though it wasn’t the same body?” asked Kay.
“Yes,” replied the angel. “It may have been a duplicate body, but the essence of what makes you, your spirit if you like, was locked up inside that body.”
“You should have warned me,” said Kay.
“I did try to, remember? But you were a woman on a mission.”
Kay had to concede that the angel was right. She wouldn’t have been able to talk Kay out of going, whatever she had said.
“Well, it’s all over now,” said Kay. “And I’ve got a killer to bring to justice.”
“It seems that you do,” said the angel. “So, I guess I will be seeing you tomorrow for your last trip?”
Kay hadn’t even begun to think about where to go next.
“You know, after what I’ve just been through, I am not sure I want to go back again just yet,” said Kay. “Can you give me a few more days to think about it?”
“It doesn’t really work like that,” replied the angel. “Six days, all in a row, that’s the deal. You can’t bank them for future use.”
“Yes, but imagine the good I could do if I did,” argued Kay. “You saw what I achieved by going back to Christmas Eve. If I go somewhere tomorrow, it will only be for fun, really. I’ve no more mysteries to solve, rights to wrong, or anything else constructive to do in the past.”
“There’s nothing wrong with that, is there? Just indulge yourself. You enjoyed going to see the midnight sun, didn’t you? And going back to Christmas Day as a kid?”
“Of course,” said Kay. “But now I’ve seen the power that this gift can deliver, I feel it would be self-indulgent to waste it.”
“I think you’ve done more than enough,” said the angel. “In fact, you’ve been quite possibly the best subject I’ve ever had. You haven’t just thought about yourself, and I like that. As a reward I think you deserve to pamper yourself on this last day. Choose a special day, and just go back and enjoy it.”
“If you put it like that, perhaps I should,” agreed Kay. “I am sure I will think of something by tomorrow. And what happens after that? Do I never see you again?”
“That’s usually how it works,” replied the angel.
“That’s a pity,” said Kay. “Because Kent and I were talking, and we thinking how great it would be to set up a time-travelling detective agency – one where we could use our trips back in time to solve crimes and right injustices. It wouldn’t be for personal gain, you understand, just two people trying to make the world a better place. I think it would be good for him, too. It would finally give him the chance to solve some crimes to make amends for his less than illustrious policing career.”
“I like the idea,” said the angel. “And I can see the merit in what you are saying. But he’s already used up his six days and you’ve only got one left.”
“But you still think it’s a good idea?”
“I said so, didn’t I?” replied the angel.
“Well, then, how about allocating us some more days in the future so we can do it? Maybe give us some sort of hotline so we can call you up when we need you?”
“I’m not here at everyone’s beck and call, you know,” protested the angel. “There are other people I need to help. You and Kent have got your lives sorted now. I can’t be running back to you every five minutes.”
“That shouldn’t be a problem for you if you are as omnipresent as you claim. I seem to recall you saying you could be any place at any time, so it’s hardly like you need a time-management course, is it?”
“Well, I might have exaggerated a little on that front,” said the angel. “But I will think about it. Meanwhile, I suggest you think about where you want to go tomorrow. I will see you then.”
“Fair enough,” replied Kay. “Now I must go and get on. Things to do, people to see: you know how it is.”
Ten minutes later she was sitting at the kitchen table, cup of coffee in hand and a mince pie on a plate in front of her, nice and warm after precisely seventeen seconds in the microwave. She always found getting the timing on mince pies tricky. They were either lukewarm or exploded in the microwave, but for once she had got it right.
She was feeling much calmer now, the shock of her recent experience slowly fading. Even so, she knew that the memories of the traumatic events would likely be with her for life. It wasn’t the sort of thing anyone was ever likely to forget.
It was time to get to work. She reached for her mobile, and once again texted Kent.
I know who the killer is. Meet me in the pub at 12.30.
He quickly replied with his confirmation.
When she got to the pub, Kent was at the bar with Nobby, who was arguing with Craig.
“Come on, mate: put the racing on the telly. It’s the King George at Kempton Park, today. I’ve been looking forward to this all week.”
“Well, go to the bookies and watch it then,” replied Craig. “Man City v Liverpool kicks off at 12.45, and that lot over there have come in to watch it.”
He gestured towards a bunch of middle-aged men in Liverpool shirts.
“They’ve been cooped up with their families for two days, no doubt itching to get down here to watch the game. I’m not switching it off for some horse race.”
“Suit yourself,” said Nobby. “I was going to give you a tip I’ve had off a mate for a horse running at Wetherby later, but you can stick it now.”
Getting up from his stool, Nobby tucked his Racing Post under his arm and headed for the door, muttering as he did so.
That left the bar area nice and clear for her to talk to Kent while Craig went off to serve the Liverpool supporters. She explained in detail what had happened, including the details of her own ‘death’ at the hands of McVie.
“So there you have it,” she concluded. “We know without a doubt it was him, so what now?”
“We go to Hannah, and try and get her to bring him in,” replied Kent.
“Yes, and we need to be quick about it,” said Kay. “He said he was going up to Scotland for Hogmanay after Christmas. They need to catch him before he leaves.”
“The big issue we have here remains evidence,” said Kent. “Obviously we don’t have any.”
“But there’s nothing to stop them taking him in for enquiries, is there? He was her boss, after all. Then they just need to take his DNA. Surely they can match it to the victims? He raped them all for a start, so that will have left some evidence.”
Saying these words, she winced at the sheer gruesomeness of what the nature of that evidence would be.
“Absolutely,” said Kent. “But she’s still got to have a reason to bring him in. There are all sorts of rules you have to follow, and I should know. I got into all sorts of trouble over not sticking to procedures over the years. It’s bloody frustrating, I can tell you.”
Kay nodded her understanding, as Kent continued.
“The problem with high-profile cases like this is that they attract people with crackpot theories about who could have done it, especially if there’s a reward at stake. You’d be amazed how many would-be amateur sleuths there are out there. Then you’ve got all the vindictive types involved in petty feuds with neighbours, trying to accuse them of all sorts of things they haven’t done.”
“Isn’t that called wasting police time?” asked Kay.
“Yes, but it doesn’t stop them trying it on,” said Kent. “In a case like this, Hannah’s bound to have had a few dow
n the station trying it on.”
“Ah, but I’ve got a secret weapon, haven’t I?” asked Kay.
“What’s that, then?” asked Kent.
“It’s you, of course. You used to be D.I. here and her old boss. She has to listen to you.”
“I’m not sure that’s going to cut much mustard,” replied Kent. “She was dubious enough over my policing skills when I was her boss, let alone now. Still, we can but try.”
“At least you can get me a foot in the door,” said Kay. “Then we will just have to make her listen. Come on: let’s not waste any more time. Give her a call and arrange a meeting.”
An hour later, the two of them were sitting in Kent’s old office at the station, now with the nameplate D.I. Benson on the door. As well as Hannah, PC Adrian Johnson, another of Kent’s old team, was there.
“Well, I didn’t think I’d see this old place again,” said Kent, reminiscing. “I’m glad to see you haven’t changed too much in here.”
“No, not much,” said Hannah. “Though if you were to open that filing cabinet over there you would find it now has actual files in it, as opposed to your stash of crisps and chocolates. Oh, and you left half a bottle of Scotch in there as well, by the way. I think it’s still here somewhere.”
“Actually, I think that was what we had on Christmas Eve,” remarked Johnson. “We didn’t think you’d mind. Hannah has banned drinking on duty since you left, but we had a toast to you for old times’ sake after we went off duty.”
“That was nice of you,” remarked Kent, feeling genuinely touched. “And there was I thinking neither of you liked me. You never wanted to come down the pub with me after work.”
“Of course we liked you,” said Hannah. “You were a real character.”
“Salt of the Earth,” said Adrian. “They just don’t make coppers like you anymore.”
Kent wasn’t sure if Adrian was taking the piss or not, but decided to be gracious.
“Thank you, both of you,” he said. “That means a lot.”
“Now then, down to business,” said Hannah. “It’s very nice of you to come and visit us like this, but you did say on the phone this wasn’t just a social call and you had some vital information for us.”
“Well, it’s Kay who’s got the information, not me. I’ll let her explain.”
Kay briefly outlined what had happened on her version of Christmas Eve, going into great detail about exactly where and when McVie had attacked Anna. Hannah listened intently until she had finished, and now had some questions to ask.
“You say you witnessed all this. If that was the case, why have you left it until now, two days later, to come in and tell us?”
“I was terrified – traumatised, even,” said Kay. “I had a lot to drink that night and carried on drinking after I got home. Then I passed out and lost track of time.”
“You say you had a lot to drink. Is it not possible you imagined all this in a drunken stupor?” asked Hannah. “You also said that this man, McVie, is your landlord and he’s been giving you a hard time. Next thing you accuse him of being a murderer. How am I to know you haven’t just dreamt all this up as a way of getting back at him?”
“Richard said you would say that,” said Kay.
“I did,” said Kent. “But Hannah, listen to her, I’ll vouch for her.”
“Please don’t take this personally, Richard, but with your track record for jumping to the wrong conclusions, I’m not about to take your endorsement as gospel. Remember that lad, Charlie, you had in here a few months back? You reckoned he was a murderer, too, and look how that turned out.”
“So what are you going to do, then?” asked Kent.
“We’ll look into the background of Mr McVie and talk to him, as one of a number of leads we are following up. I can’t promise any more than that for the moment.”
“That’s not good enough!” exclaimed Kay. “He’s killed three times in just over a week. While you are following up your leads, he could be lining up victim number four!”
“I appreciate that, but you haven’t given us anything concrete to go on,” replied Hannah.
“Why don’t we just tell her the truth about how I really found out,” said Kay, more out of desperation than hope.
“She’d never believe you,” said Kent. “Who would?”
“And what is the truth?” asked Hannah.
“Don’t tell her, Kay,” said Kent. “You’ll be laughed out of the station.”
As far as Kay was concerned she had nothing to lose. She would make this stuck-up young policewoman believe her, and if she didn’t she would go and sort McVie out herself.
“What would you say if I told you I had a certain advantage in terms of time?” said Kay.
“What do you mean by that?” said PC Johnson, deciding it was about time he got involved in the discussion.
“What if I told you that I had a way of travelling back in time and I had used it to find out who the killer was?” asked Kay.
Johnson erupted into peals of laughter. “Oh, my, I’ve heard it all now! Time travel!” Turning to Kent, incredulously, he added, “And you believe this? No wonder they drummed you out of the force.”
Before Kent could reply, Hannah interceded. She had not shared Johnson’s mirth, instead maintaining a serious and professional look on her face.
“Adrian, I’ll handle this from here. Why don’t you go and make us all some coffee?”
Johnson left the room, still chuckling.
“Unbelievable!” they heard him say, as the door closed behind him.
“Right, now he’s gone I want to hear what you’ve got to say,” said Hannah. “If you really have travelled in time, I want to know how.”
“You’re not dismissing this out of hand, then?” asked Kent, scarcely able to believe that the level-headed Hannah was even entertaining the notion.
“Let’s just say I’ve got an open mind about this sort of thing,” said Hannah. “But before we go any further, let’s get one thing clear. Whatever is said between the three of us in this room from now on goes no further. We are strictly off the record.”
“Agreed,” said Kay and Kent in unison, both pleasantly surprised and intrigued by Hannah’s interest. Kent couldn’t believe for a moment that she was taking this seriously, but even if she did dismiss what Kay said, they would be no worse off than before.
Kay explained how she had travelled back in time to solve the crime, not leaving out any details. She was aware she was going against the angel’s instructions not to tell anyone else, but it couldn’t be helped.
“So, do you believe me now?” asked Kay.
Before Hannah could answer, Johnson returned with a tray of coffees.
“Thank you, Adrian, that’ll be all,” said Hannah. “Go and help out at the front desk for me, would you?”
“Whatever you say, boss. I’ll give you a call if I hear of any time-travelling police boxes turning up.”
Disappointed when he got no reaction to his joke, Adrian left them to it.
With him out of the way, Hannah said, “OK, I’m willing to trust what you’ve told me is true. I’m taking a big gamble with this, but we’ll bring McVie in for questioning and I’ll make sure we DNA test him, no matter how much he bleats about it. I could well end up with egg on my face over this, but I’ll take this risk this once.”
“Why?” asked Kent. “As soon as time travel was mentioned, I saw your interest perk up. Why didn’t you react like Johnson did? The vast majority of people would have.”
“Let’s just say I have had some experience with this sort of thing,” said Hannah.
“The angel’s visited you, too?” asked Kent. “Blimey, he gets around a bit, doesn’t he?”
“Not exactly,” said Hannah. “I’ve never heard of this angel before today. My experience is more to do with going forward in time, rather than backwards.”
“Well, this is an unexpected development,” said Kent. “Mind you, the angel did tell me once th
at with regard to time travel in this town, that there was a lot of it about.”
“It only happened to me once,” said Hannah. “But I know of others it has happened to as well, but I would prefer not to go into details about that. In my case, Richard, you were indirectly involved the night I time-travelled. You might even remember it.”
“When was it?” asked Kent.
“It was only a couple of months ago,” replied Hannah. “It was just before that unfortunate business with the missing girl. Do you remember that a couple of nights before I went missing?”
Kent racked his brains, trying to remember, but couldn’t recall anything.
“You’ll have to give me more than that,” he said.
“OK,” said Hannah, hoping to jog his memory. “Do you remember that night when you sent me and Adrian down to the railway line to investigate some yobs spraying graffiti around? Adrian had to come back to the station alone because he couldn’t find me after I went to look for the kids who were doing it.”
Kent remembered now. “Yes, I do. I was late getting down the pub that night because we were trying to find out where you had gone.”
“Well, you’ll probably also remember that when I got back here we had an argument about what time it was. That’s because it was much later not only than I thought, but than what my watch was telling me. Something happened to me down at the railway line and I was transported forward about three-quarters of an hour in time.”
“I gave you a right bollocking over that, didn’t I?” asked Kent.
“You did. But it doesn’t matter now.”
“Why didn’t you tell me the truth at the time?” asked Kent.
“At the time I didn’t know what the truth was,” replied Hannah. “I was as confused as you were. But if I had known, would you have believed me?”
“To be fair, probably not,” said Kent. “I would probably have reacted like Adrian did just now. But a lot’s happened since then.”