by carl ashmore
Saying nothing to each other, Becky and Joe followed Uncle Percy to the ski-lodge. Entering, Becky was stunned to see the long oak table decked with the five Eden Relics. For the first time, she stared at them without fear, without dread, just pure, unfettered awe. Silently, she, Joe and Uncle Percy stood there for what seemed like an eternity, basking in their magnificence, before a voice broke their concentration.
‘Ah, you’ve arrived,’ Barbie said, emerging from the kitchen, followed by Kenneth. ‘‘Now would anyone care for a cup of tea?’
Becky looked astonished. ‘Barbie … you’re here,’ she gasped. ‘How’s Dad?’
‘Oh, he’s fine, Miss Rebecca,’ Barbie replied. ‘Better than fine, actually.’
Her pulse racing, Becky said, ‘Then I’d like you to take me to him, please.’
Another voice echoed from the top of the staircase. ‘Well you won’t have to go far.’ Freshly shaven, his hair cut short, John Mellor stood there for a second, enjoying the surprised expressions of those down below. He wore a corduroy jacket, loose fitting jeans and a smile that looked like it would never fade. Then he dashed down the stairs at a breakneck speed.
Becky charged over to him and they embraced at the foot of the stairs. ‘D-Dad? But you -’ Her eyes dampened. ‘- You look great. Are you better?’
‘Yes.’
‘How long have you been away?’
‘Four months,’ Mellor said. ‘And those four months crawled by more slowly than seven years in any of Drake’s hell holes. But I wanted to wait until I looked barely human before seeing you both again. You’ve been through enough; the last thing you needed to see was your old man in the state I was…’
‘I-I wouldn’t have cared,’ Becky replied, tears spilling down her face. ‘I’m just glad you’re okay.’
‘Don’t cry … because I am,’ Mellor replied. ‘I needed some time to fix my head as well as my body, but I’m good now. And seeing you and Joe again – well, I’ve never felt so happy.’ He looked up. ‘Where’s Will?’
‘Will’s gone, Dad,’ Joe said. ‘I’ll tell you about it later.’
Mellor could tell from Joe’s tone something serious had happened. ‘Okay.’ He ruffled Joe’s hair. ‘I have missed you, son. Now come on … be honest - are Man City still rubbish?’
Joe smiled. ‘They’ve won the Premiership twice since you’ve been away.’
Mellor’s face dropped. ‘Really?’
‘And the Champions League.’
Mellor feigned a look of annoyance. ‘I can’t believe I missed that. Anyway, as soon as we get back to the twenty first century you and me are going to a game. In fact, we’re getting season tickets. We’re going to be there every week, wherever in the country they’re playing. Plus, we’re going back to Wembley in 1966 to watch the World Cup Final. I’ve seen it quite a few times, but it’ll be even better seeing it with my boy.’
‘That’d be brilliant, Dad.’
‘Now how’s your mum?’ Mellor said. ‘Barbie tells me she didn’t remarry.’ He smiled. ‘Phew. I don’t mind telling you, it was such a relief.’
‘She’s never got over you, Dad,’ Becky said.
Mellor smiled. ‘I certainly never got over her. And is it true she still doesn’t know anything about time travel?
‘Hasn’t a clue.’
‘Then I’m gonna be in such trouble when she finds out.’
‘You really are,’ Becky smiled. ‘And rightly so.’
Mellor nodded. ‘Yes. I might actually be safer back in the prisons.’
‘But she’ll forgive you.’
‘Maybe,’ Mellor replied. ‘But it’ll take some intense grovelling on my part, probably for the rest of my life… and that’s fine by me.’ His gaze found Uncle Percy. ‘And will you forgive me, Percy? I made so many mistakes, and I am so deeply sorry for things I said and did.’
‘We both made mistakes, John,’ Uncle Percy replied kindly. ‘And there is nothing to forgive. It’s just so good to see you again.’
‘And you.’ Mellor extended his hand and the two men shook. ‘I don’t know what to say, but thank you for keeping your eye on Becky and Joe.’
‘It’s been my pleasure.’
‘And Dad,’ Becky said. ‘There’s other stuff you should know … about Edward Timmerson.’
Deep regret lined Mellor’s face. ‘You know about him?’ He gave a sigh that seemed to reverberate through his entire body. ‘Oh, I made such mistakes, Becky. If I could change things I would but I –’
‘He’s alive, Dad. Better than that - he made a full recovery and actually became a really nice bloke.’
‘But that’s impossible.’
‘It’s not, John,’ Uncle Percy said. ‘She’s right. I arranged for Doctor Aziz and some other experts to treat him and they restored him to full health.’
‘But Drake told me he was dead.’
‘Then Drake lied,’ Uncle Percy replied.
Overcome with emotion, Mellor spoke in barely a whisper, ‘Thank God. And once more, I am in your debt, Percy.’
‘Not at all, John.’
Still in shock, Mellor turned and surveyed the relics. ‘So there they are – the actual Eden Relics. Bernard Preston and I spent years looking for them. They are beautiful, magnificent, but they’re also the reason I lost seven years of my life.’ He looked at Becky and Joe. ‘Barbie tells me you’ve been on some pretty wild adventures to track them down?’
‘You could say that,’ Joe replied.
‘So what are you going to do with them?’ Mellor asked Uncle Percy. ‘They can’t be destroyed, but they can’t exactly go on display in a museum…’
Uncle Percy looked uncertain. ‘I’m not sure yet.’
Barbie stepped forward. ‘I believe I have an answer, sir. Kenneth and I have discussed it and we’ve come to a decision if you’re in agreement: Kenneth takes three of the Relics, I take the other two, and separately we hide them at undisclosed locations, somewhere in history, known only to us. That way no human, including the four of you, ever knows where they are. We both know some excellent sites far away from mankind’s reach.’
‘Actually, that makes perfect sense, Barbie,’ Uncle Percy replied. ‘Yes, we’ll do that.’
‘Good.’ Barbie smiled. She approached the table and picked up the Golden Fleece and the Box of Eternity. Kenneth did the same, collecting Excalibur, The Spear of Fate and The Sacred Chalice.
‘Be back in a second,’ Barbie said.
In two separate explosions of light, the two robots vanished. A moment later, Barbie and Kenneth, who was dripping with water, reappeared, empty-handed.
The Eden Relics had gone.
‘There,’ Barbie said. ‘It’s done.’
‘Thank you, Barbie,’ Uncle Percy replied.
Joe gave an enthusiastic clap. ‘Fantastic. Then if we’re all done, can we get some grub? I’m starving.’
‘Actually, young sir,’ Barbie said. ‘There’s just one more thing to do.’ She extended her hand toward Kenneth. When he didn’t move straight away, she added, ‘Don’t you want to take my hand then, Kenneth?’
Kenneth didn’t need to be asked twice. ‘Oh, yes, please,’ he said, beaming.
Barbie looked at the others. ‘Now, Kenneth and I have had a little talk and we’ve agreed it’s best we leave.’
‘What do you mean leave?’ Becky asked.
‘It’s vital no one ever finds the Eden Relics again,’ Barbie replied, ‘and as Kenneth and I have their whereabouts embedded into our Locatiator chips, it’s clear we must disable those chips.’
Something about Barbie’s voice made Becky anxious. ‘And what happens when you disable them?’
Barbie was about to reply when Uncle Percy interrupted –
‘Kenneth and Barbie cease to be,’ he said in a curious tone.
Becky took a second to process this, before the ramifications of the words hit her. She looked at Barbie and Kenneth. ‘You mean you’re committing suicide?’
�
��It’s hardly the finale of Romeo and Juliet,’ Kenneth said. ‘It’s not like we’re in love or anything. Besides, it’s just a matter of -’
Barbie leaned over and kissed his cheek.
Stunned for a moment, Kenneth didn’t finish his sentence. Instead, he began to hop up and down with joy. ‘Oh, my …. Oh, my!’
‘Don’t make me regret it,’ Barbie said with mock irritation. ‘Not when I’m beginning to think you shouldn’t be melted down and made into nail clippers. So are you ready?’
‘I am, Miss Barbie.’
‘Barbie, Kenneth, NO!’ Becky yelled.
But before she could do anything about it, electrical sparks flickered in both Kenneth and Barbie’s eyes. A moment later, they were no more than empty metallic shells, any sign of life having left them completely.
Tears surged into Becky’s eyes. ‘No,’ she breathed, turning to Uncle Percy, who wore a bemused look on his face.
‘Well wasn’t that dramatic?’ Uncle Percy said. ‘Still, I don’t know about you but I think their self-sacrifice just shows you how the Gynoid Programme has made such remarkable advances in terms of Strong Artificial Intelligence. I really do have to give myself a pat on the back for that one.’
Anger swelled within Becky. ‘They’ve just killed themselves and you’re bragging about how clever you are? Don’t you -’
‘- Becks,’ Joe interrupted. ‘I’m pretty sure Unc - ’
‘No, Joe,’ Becky cut him down. Her eyes burned into Uncle Percy. ‘Barbie and Kenneth have just made the ultimate sacrifice and you’re just -’
Uncle Percy raised his hand to stop her. ‘Becky, my dear,’ he said. ‘They’ve destroyed their Locatiator chips … and that’s it. I can replace the chips as quickly as replacing a phone battery, and they’ll be exactly the same, their personalities, their memories will not be affected, with the exception of the last ten or so locations they’ve visited.’ He placed his hand on her arm. ‘I promise you, Barbie and Kenneth will be as good as new in no time at all…’
Embarrassment flooding her, Becky said, ‘Oh, I’m err, I’m sorry. I’m really sorry.’
Joe sniggered loudly. ‘Div!’
Uncle Percy smiled at her. ‘Come on, Becky … do you really think I’d let anything happen to Barbie and Kenneth? They’re family now. And surely you’re aware I’ve fixed a thing or two in my time. As a matter of fact, rumour has it I’m something of an inventor …’
Chapter 36
A Night to Remember
Two weeks later, a waning sun blushed Addlebury railway station and a distant church bell pealed six, urging those from the drowsy village to attend an evening service.
Becky, who was wearing an ankle length chocolate brown silk dress she’d been given the previous Christmas for the Enchantment Beneath the Sea Dance, was standing on the platform, staring into the distance and nervously awaiting the train that carried her mother. One thought filled her mind:
How would her mum cope with all they had planned?
Joe and Uncle Percy, who each wore black dinner suits and bow-ties, were throwing pebbles at the rusty station sign, which swayed lightly in the slender breeze.
With no train in sight, Becky turned and looked at Joe. She felt a curious sense of pride. He looked so much older, distinguished even, in his formal wear, and even though she knew she’d regret it the following words tumbled from her mouth. ‘You look really handsome, Joe.’
‘I know,’ Joe said with a grin. ‘You just look weird.’
Becky laughed. ‘I know.’
Joe’s face turned serious. ‘Actually, sis, and don’t expect me to say this again, but you do look beautiful … really beautiful. In fact, if you looked like that a bit more often you might even stand a chance with Dan Hardman. Or has he joined One Direction now Zayn’s left?’
‘Oh, shut your gob,’ Becky grinned back at him.
Just then, a train hooted in the distance and they looked up.
‘Your mother’s here,’ Uncle Percy said. ‘And we’re going to give her a night to remember.’
Becky surveyed the incoming train as it squealed to a halt. A single door opened and Mrs Mellor stepped onto the platform. She wore a long black dress, high heels, and carried a small suitcase.
‘Catherine,’ Uncle Percy bellowed, rushing over to her in six long strides. He kissed both her cheeks. ‘I’m so glad you’re here.’
‘Thanks, Percy. I’m delighted to be here.’
‘As ever, you look wonderful,’ Uncle Percy said. ‘Allow me.’ He reached over and took her suitcase.
‘I look like mutton dressed as lamb,’ Mrs Mellor replied, ‘but you told me to dress for a party so I did my best.’ Her face dropped when she saw Becky and Joe. ‘Percy, what have you done with my children?’ She beamed with a mixture of shock and pride. ‘Who is this striking young woman and suave young man I see?’ She gulped. ‘Actually, I think I might cry…’
‘Don’t start, Mum,’ Becky said, before muttering, ‘You’ll be doing plenty of that later.’ She approached her mother and kissed her cheek. ‘Are you okay?’
‘I’m a bit stunned you two scrub up as well as you do.’
‘Hi, Mum,’ Joe said.
‘Hello, Joe.’ Mrs Mellor’s gaze moved from his feet to the crown of his head. ‘Now will you stop growing? You’re making me feel old.’
‘It’s all in the genes,’ Joe replied. ‘Did you have a good trip?’
‘Very nice,’ Mrs Mellor replied. ‘Most of the stops were quite pretty, with the possible exception of Crewe.’
‘Crewe might not be especially pretty to look at,’ Uncle Percy said, ‘but it’s the birthplace of some of the finest people. In point of fact, I was born there.’
‘Is that so?’ Mrs Mellor laughed.
‘I am indeed a Crewie,’ Uncle Percy replied. ‘Anyway, shall we make tracks?’
‘Lead the way,’ Mrs Mellor said.
As they walked along the platform, Mrs Mellor slipped her hand into Becky’s. ‘How’ve you been?’ she asked quietly.
‘What do you mean?’
‘Since London.’
‘Oh, I’ve forgotten all about that,’ Becky replied ‘Nah, I’m great. In fact, I’m better than great. I’ve just had the best few weeks ever.’
‘Oh, I am glad,’ Mrs Mellor replied. ‘And I heard on the news today the terrorist that caused it all, Emerson Drake, has been found dead. He took his own life, apparently, so good riddance to bad rubbish, I say. Hopefully the world can rebuild itself now.’
‘Yes,’ Becky replied. ‘But let’s not talk about any of that. Not tonight.’
They passed through a side gate, and followed a narrow passageway until they reached a small car park, at the far end of which, parked beneath the shade of an overhanging tree, was an ancient silver car.
‘The Silver Ghost,’ Mrs Mellor breathed with delight. ‘I was hoping you still had it, Percy.’
‘Oh, I’d never get rid of Alice,’ Uncle Percy replied.
‘Alice?’ Becky said, surprised. ‘Is that her name?’
‘Yes,’ Uncle Percy replied. ‘Haven’t I mentioned that before?’
‘No.’
‘Ah, well, Alice has always been my favourite name,’ Uncle Percy replied. ‘Anyway, climb aboard everyone.’
With Mrs Mellor sitting up front beside Uncle Percy, and Becky and Joe on the back seat, the Silver Ghost purred though the Cheshire countryside with ease, passing acre upon acre of green fields and yellow pasture.
‘I can see why you love driving a car like this, Percy,’ Mrs Mellor said. ‘And she can go at quite a speed for her age.’
‘Oh, she can go much faster than this,’ Uncle Percy replied. ‘But then I have made some minor modifications to make it a tad more suited to modern driving.’ He glanced back and winked at Becky.
Stifling a giggle, Becky recalled their being ultra-boosted to speeds of over three hundred miles per hour on their first trip in the Silver Ghost.
‘So what hav
e you two been up to?’ Mrs Mellor asked Becky and Joe.
‘Just chilling, really,’ Joe said.
‘And we’ve been helping plan this party,’ Becky added.
‘Oh, yes, this mysterious party,’ Mrs Mellor said. ‘What’s exactly is it all about, Percy? You wouldn’t tell me over the phone.’
‘I suppose you’d call it a welcome home bash. The guests are already here and waiting. It promises to be a smashing night.’
‘A welcome home bash? Why … who’s been away?’
‘A friend of mine,’ Uncle Percy replied. ‘He’s just – well, he’s just got out of prison.’
Mrs Mellor looked stunned. ‘You have a friend who’s a jailbird?’
‘Oh, yes,’ Uncle Percy replied. ‘He’s more than a friend, really. He’s actually family. Close family.’
‘You’ve a close family member who’s an ex-con? I just don’t believe it…’
‘Well, it’s true,’ Uncle Percy said. ‘But in all fairness he was innocent.’
They drove on for a further ten minutes, and then turned into a side road lined with a thick wall of trees on both sides. Then they curved left and drove through a towering gate, which had on this rare occasion been left open. Negotiating the winding driveway, it wasn’t long before Bowen Hall swelled on the horizon. Uncle Percy brought the Silver Ghost to a halt beside the marble fountain and everyone climbed out.
Awestruck, Mrs Mellor looked up at the enormous stately home, its countless glass panes gleaming in the sunlight. ‘Percy, I never tire of looking at that view.’
‘Great,’ Uncle Percy replied cheerily. ‘Then come and live here.’
The words shocked Mrs Mellor for a moment, and then she laughed. ‘You know I won’t. I have a job in Manchester, and Becky and Joe have school.’
‘Think on it.’ Uncle Percy smiled. ‘And I’ll devote my evening to changing your mind.’
The front door opened and Maria and Jacob emerged.
Glancing up at them, Becky was gobsmacked to see Maria wearing a long floral gown, her frizzy black and grey hair piled high in what could only be described as a tower. She wore a thick coat of badly applied make up and jewellery that looked so heavy and cumbersome she might topple over at any given moment.