by carl ashmore
‘Sounds great to me,’ Joe quipped.
‘It’s not great.’ Maria turned on Joe angrily. ‘It was a violent city, with stupid, bad men firing guns at each other nilly willy.’
Uncle Percy chuckled. ‘I think you’ll find the phrase is willy nilly.’ At this, he was met by such a frenzied glare he retracted his statement at once. ‘Actually, ‘nilly willy’ is much better. Anyway, I am one hundred percent confident that we’ll be quite safe in Chicago, Maria. I doubt any gangsters will be at an auction for pirate memorabilia. And I have made sure certain safety precautions are in place.’
‘You’re not strapping bombs to yourself again, are you? Becky asked, recalling the Tracker Pack that Uncle Percy had smuggled to Ancient Crete.
‘I don’t think that’s necessary this time.’ Uncle Percy glanced at Maria, who looked like steam would spurt from her ears at any moment. ‘If I may reiterate … we’re only attending an auction.’
‘Yeah,’ Joe said, ‘but we all know Otto Kruger will probably be there.’
‘OTTO KRUGER?’ Maria shrieked. ‘Otto Kruger will be there?’
‘We don’t know that for sure,’ Uncle Percy said quickly, looking in Joe’s direction for support. ‘Infact, there’s no real reason to think he will be. Is there, Joe?’
‘Er, no,’ Joe lied. ‘I was joking. He won’t be there No chance!’
Maria’s gaze locked on Joe suspiciously. When she spoke it was in a slow, measured, ominous way. ‘I shall be telling you something, Master Joe. Maria has a clothes mangle, a very old, very rusty clothes mangle. If Maria finds out you lie to her, then she hunt you down and use her mangle to squash things that ought not be squashed.’
‘He’s lying,’ Becky said at once. ‘Squash whatever you want.’
Joe looked terrified. ‘No, I’m not,’ he protested. ‘Really, Maria, there’s no reason for Otto Kruger to be there. No reason at all. P - Please don’t mangle my unsquashables…’
Becky couldn’t remember the last time she’d enjoyed a meal quite as much.
*
After dinner, everyone’s spirits improved. Maria’s rage had subsided, and she and Jacob attempted to teach Becky and Joe a traditional Bavarian dance. Gump and Pegasus were allowed the run of the house and, much to Joe’s delight, Sabian chased an increasingly ill-tempered Deirdre around the parlour, until she turned round and gave him a nasty nip on the nose. At seven thirty, Will joined them, bringing with him a Katana sword to show Becky, a gift, he told her, from a Japanese samurai warrior he’d met during the third crusade. Becky, however, seemed much more interested in what role he played in the crusade (about which he seemed surprisingly vague) than in the sword itself. At eight, and despite Maria’s objections, Uncle Percy decided they should play indoor football in the Entrance Hall. All passed without incident, until Joe miskicked the ball, shattering a six hundred year old Murano glass vase.
The next morning, Becky emerged from a deep, untroubled sleep feeling energised and ready for the day ahead. As she lay in bed, cocooned in her duvet, she tracked the misty sunlight that streamed through the curtains to a shimmering object that hung on the wardrobe door. Her heart sank.
‘He’s done it again!’ she mumbled. ‘He’s trying to girlify me!’ With a huff, she flung her duvet to the floor and stomped over to an elegant bubblegum-pink satin dress. ‘Oh, no.’
The bedroom door burst open and Joe thundered in, wearing a blue pinstriped suit, white tie and gleaming patent leather shoes. ‘Are you ready?’ His eager expression turned to one of disappointment when he saw she was still in her pajamas. ‘You’re not even dressed yet?’
Becky stared at his outfit in horror. ‘But you look okay.’
‘I look pretty cool, I reckon.’ Then Joe caught sight of her dress and he grinned. ‘You’re wearing that? Wicked! You’ll look ridiculous.’
Becky agreed, but wasn’t about to show it in front of him. ‘Do you want me to get Maria to mangle your unsquashables?’
Joe didn’t tease her after that.
Thirty minutes later, Becky emerged from her room, a sullen expression on her face. She felt like a fool. The dress clung to her like cellophane and a pair of flat, pointed shoes rubbed uncomfortably against her ankles. Worse still, Uncle Percy had chosen a bell-like cloche hat to complete the look.
She gave a heavy sigh. As far as she was concerned, the only redeeming factor in all of this was that they were travelling again, and to America in particular. Other than the visit to Mammoth Gorge, she’d never been to America, and had always wanted to go. Shuffling down the corridor, she avoided anything with a reflective surface, then turned down the left flight of stairs to see Uncle Percy waiting patiently for her at the bottom. He was wearing a white tuxedo, black bow tie and held a Stephanie rose in his hand. At seeing Becky, his face melted with pride. ‘Becky, you look dazzling.’
‘I look like a dwoob,’ Becky replied.
‘And what exactly is a dwoob?’
‘One step down from a dweeb.’
‘Ah, that would explain everything.’
‘I used to think you were a dweeb.’
‘I think I’d rather enjoy being a dweeb. It sounds fun. Oh, this is for you.’ He passed over the Stephanie rose.
‘Er, thanks,’ Becky replied, not really knowing what to do with it.
‘Now, may I have the honour of accompanying you to breakfast?’ He held out his arm.
Becky pushed it aside. ‘Now you’re being a double dwoob …’ And she barged past him and across the Entrance Hall.
Uncle Percy watched her clomp down the passage that led to the kitchens. ‘A double dwoob, eh? My life is complete.’
*
Becky entered the kitchen to see Joe sitting at the table; fidgety, he chewed his toast at double speed. Becky was about to say something, when his eyes gave the swiftest flick to the far wall. Looking over, Becky saw Maria, her hands firmly positioned on her ample hips, her face cherry red. Becky knew immediately she’d still not come to terms with them going to Chicago.
However, as Maria stared at Becky, something unexpected happened: her glare softened and her skin drained of colour; her bottom lip trembled and she took a series of great, juddering breaths.
‘Maria, are you okay?’
Just then, Uncle Percy breezed into the room. ‘Now, what I think is –’ His words were lost as a deafening wail echoed all around. Exploding into tears, Maria hurtled across the room, throwing her arms around Becky and speaking incoherently in German.
Becky stood there, astonished. Something was very wrong.
It was clear, however, from Uncle Percy’s expression he knew exactly what had made Maria so upset. ‘Oh, crikey,’ he said, dashing over and comforting Maria. ‘My dear lady, please forgive me. I never thought.’
‘Please, sir, no. There is nothing to forgive, ‘Maria replied, tracing a shaky finger down Becky’s cheek. ‘You look beautiful, Miss Becky … like an angel.’
Becky felt confused. What was going on? She was about to say something, when Maria dashed out the room. Uncle Percy sighed heavily, slumped onto the chair, and buried his head in his hands.
‘What was that all about?’ Becky asked, her head whirling.
‘I am a stupid man,’ Uncle Percy replied. ‘An absolute fool.’
‘Why?’ Becky asked.
‘What’s going on?’ Joe asked, disorientated.
‘Idiot!’ Uncle Percy berated himself.
‘I – I don’t understand.’ Becky replied. ‘Uncle Percy, please tell me what’s happening.’
Uncle Percy’s gaze slowly locked on Becky. ‘You reminded Maria of her late-grandaughter,’ he said. ‘Your dress, your hat, your shoes, would have been quite fashionable in Maria’s time. And Maria’s grandaughter was only a few years older than you. It’s the kind of outfit she may have worn. I just never thought.’
‘I didn’t know,’ Becky said. ‘I should go and apologise.’
‘Of course you didn’t,’ Uncle Percy replied.
‘But this is my fault. And it is I who will make the apologies.’
‘What happened to her?’ Joe asked. ‘Maria’s grandaughter, I mean.’
Uncle Percy’s brow creased. ‘It’s a very painful story, Joe … one that involves humanity at its very best, and at its very worst. You see, as you know, Maria and Jacob lived in Germany in the nineteen thirties. And for all decent German people it was a hugely difficult time. You see, as I’m certain you are aware, there were some Germans who were as bad as can be, as bad as mankind has ever seen. Unfortunately, some of these men were in positions of great authority. Anyway, Maria and her family did something in their eyes that was unforgiveable, and Maria’s son, his wife and their daughter paid for it with their lives.’
Becky shivered. ‘What did they do?’
‘They offered protection to those who needed it most. I don’t think now is the time to go into specifics, but I will say that Maria’s family did a noble, courageous, merciful thing … something few others would have done, particularly at that time and in that political climate.’ Uncle Percy hesitated before continuing. ‘And I will say one more thing, just so you understand Maria’s reasons for acting the way she does from time to time ...’
Becky and Joe swapped anxious glances.
Uncle Percy struggled to find the words. ‘It was Otto Kruger that did it. It was Otto Kruger that murdered her family…’
- Chapter 12 -
A Hackneyed Approach
Becky couldn’t eat after that. Dazed and shell-shocked, she stared at her empty plate, unable to find any words that could begin to make sense of the situation. Even Joe had lost his appetite, and together they sat in silence, while Uncle Percy left to talk to Maria. He returned ten minutes later, wearing a somber but satisfied expression. ‘She’s fine,’ he said. ‘I think it was as much the shock as anything else.’
‘Should I get changed and go and see her?’ Becky asked.
Uncle Percy shook his head. ‘She’s all right, really she is. In fact, she’s asked me to apologise to you, Becky, for scaring you …’
‘That’s daft,’ Becky replied. ‘She didn’t scare me. I was just …well, shocked.’
‘I told her that. You see, I know she hasn’t known you long, but she really does care for you both dearly, and perhaps now you have some context as to why she worries so much. In her life, Maria has suffered more than her fair share of loss; I doubt she could function if she endured anymore.’
‘We understand,’ Becky said. ‘Don’t we, Joe?’
‘Course,’ Joe replied. ‘But no one’s gonna lose anyone.’
‘How right you are, young man,’ Uncle Percy said. ‘However, as we know Maria is feeling better, perhaps we should concentrate on the other matter at hand: Chicago. I genuinely don’t expect any trouble at the auction, but I do feel we must have our wits about us.’
‘Agreed,’ Joe said. ‘Is Will coming? If there is trouble, we’ll need him.’
‘He certainly is,’ Uncle Percy said. ‘He’s suited and booted and waiting for us in the Time Room. He’s been helping Barbie make a few adjustments to Beryl.’
Joe cast Uncle Percy a look of surprise. ‘Beryl?’
‘Indeed. I’ve not had the opportunity to do a full service on Bertha, so I thought we’d use another one of my time machines. Her name’s Beryl. Besides, if we do find ourselves in the Caribbean at any point, I think she could be quite useful given the right circumstances.’
‘What do you mean?’ Joe asked.
Uncle Percy smiled mysteriously. ‘Let’s just say I’ve made some major modifications to Beryl.’
*
By mid-morning the sky had turned bruise-black with thick clouds that hung ominously like burnt marshmallows. Becky trailed Joe and Uncle Percy into the Time Room, feeling both excited about the trip, but somewhat embarrassed by her outfit. Once inside, she was surprised to see Barbie hovering high above them, her fingers buried in a small, silver circuit box in the ceiling.
‘How are we doing up there, Barbie?’ Uncle Percy shouted up.
Barbie soared to the ground, landing with a soft clink. ‘All done, sir,’ she replied. ‘The Resceptor Forax has been recombobulated.’
‘Thank you, my dear,’ Uncle Percy replied.
At that moment, a low hissing sound could be heard from their left. Becky spun round to see Will emerge from the Ectolift, wearing a stylish, sheer-black dinner suit, his long brown hair looped in a pony-tail. He was carrying two objects – one that looked like a bicycle pump, and the other, a tanned leather pencil case.
‘Check out James Bond,’ Joe grinned.
‘James Who?’ Will replied.
‘James Bond,’ Joe repeated. ‘Surely you’ve heard of James Bond?’
Will shook his head. ‘I have not. Is that a compliment?’
‘I should imagine so, William,’ Uncle Percy said.
‘Then I shall take it as one,’ Will said to Joe. ‘I thank you.’
‘No sweat,’ Joe said, staring at the objects in Will’s hands. ‘What are they?’
‘They, young man, are a couple of my creations,’ Uncle Percy said as Will slipped them into his jacket pocket. ‘And let’s hope we don’t have need for them.’
Joe was about to press the matter further when Uncle Percy said, ‘Anyway, would you like to meet Beryl?’
‘Deffo,’ Joe said, as Becky nodded.
‘Follow me then.’ Uncle Percy strode over to the staircase which led to the raised platform above. He approached a workstation and spoke into a tiny microphone. ‘Percy Mathias Halifax, TT98…’
A computerised voice responded, ‘Embarkation Procedure activated. Today’s password …’
‘Cumbersome Cucumbers.’
Immediately, the familiar face of a middle-aged woman with long, rust-coloured hair and rather gaudy make-up appeared on the monitor. When she glimpsed Becky and Joe, she gave an earsplitting screech. ‘Becky! Joe! Oh, what a lovely surprise. Get out of the way, Halifax. I don’t want to stare at your ugly mug.’
Uncle Percy stood aside, smiling. ‘Charming.’
‘Hi, Annabel,’ Becky and Joe said at the same time.
‘Look at the two of you … I can’t believe how much you’ve grown. Joe, you’re as tall as a tower. And Becky … Becky -’ Her eyes misted over. ‘- I could cry, really I could. You look stunning.’
‘I look like a stick of Blackpool Rock,’ Becky replied flatly.
‘Nonsense,’ Annabel said sincerely. ‘You’re quite the young lady now.’
‘Whoopee,’ Becky muttered, making sure Annabel didn’t hear.
‘Now let me guess from your beautiful outfits when your destination is... Mmm, the nineteen thirties?’
‘Nineteen twenty nine,’ Uncle Percy said.
‘Very nice,’ Annabel replied, turning again to Becky and Joe. ‘I can’t begin to tell you how pleased I was to hear about your father. We will find him, you know. It’s all the TT’s talk about. I’ve never seen them so determined. They’re searching everywhere for him.’
‘We know,’ Becky replied. ‘And we’re really grateful.’
‘Oh, don’t be silly,’ Annabel replied. ‘We all love John. In fact, if I remember correctly, one or two of the girls in the office used to have a crush on him. He really was quite charming. And very handsome.’
Becky arched her eyebrows. ‘You think?’
‘Oh, yes,’ Annabel replied. She winked at Uncle Percy. ‘Mind you, I’ve only ever had eyes for your uncle.’
‘Stop it, you’ll make me blush,’ Uncle Percy said.
‘You know it’s true,’ Annabel pressed. ‘And you just wait until the Christmas party, Percy Halifax. I’m bringing the mistletoe and I’ll be showing you that old feelings never die.’ Her mouth formed a circle and she blew him a kiss.
‘I think your husband may have something to say about that.’
‘Knowing him, I doubt it. Anyway, where and when are we going today?’
‘Timeline 3. Sector 9. C
oordinates: 9 – 7 – 09’
‘Chicago, eh?’ Annabel typed something on her keyboard.
A buzzer sounded and a cube of Gerathnium fell into the slot below the computer. ‘Indeed.’ Uncle Percy said, picking it up. ‘We’re off to an auction.’
‘An auction, eh? It’s not a livestock auction, is it?’ Annabel asked suspiciously. ‘I mean, we don’t want any, er, I don’t know, winged horses bringing back, do we? Or dodo’s for that matter …’
Becky recalled Uncle Percy mentioning it was Annabel’s responsibility to complete the mountain of paperwork necessary to register any animal brought from the past to the present. She could also tell from Uncle Percy’s reddening face he hadn’t been the one to mention Pegasus or Deirdre.’
‘I-I don’t know what you mean,’ Uncle Percy said, staring fixedly at his feet.
‘You never do, Halifax,’ Annabel smirked. ‘Anyway, on a serious note, please be careful. All of you.’ Her tone turned serious. ‘Time travel has changed. Emerson Drake has seen to that. And we must all change along with it. Please, watch your backs.’ She forced a smile. ‘After all, I’d like to see you all safe and sound at the Enchantment beneath the sea dance at Christmas. Remember, I’m bringing mistletoe …’ And before Uncle Percy could offer a response, she’d gone. The workstation fell still.
‘What’s the ‘Enchantment beneath the sea dance?’ Becky asked.
‘It’s the fancy dress theme for this year’s GITT Christmas party. Traditionally, it’s quite the shindig. Just imagine two-hundred travellers dressed as various sea creatures, getting festive fuelled by Reg’s Olde Noggin’.’
‘So it’s the ultimate geek-fest then?’ Becky said.
‘It may well be,’ Uncle Percy nodded. ‘I just have no idea what that means.’
‘And we can go?’ Joe asked eagerly.
‘I don’t see why not.’ Uncle Percy smiled warmly. ‘But for now shall we return to the matter at hand? Would you like to meet Beryl?’
‘Yes, please,’ Becky said.
‘Very well.’ Uncle Percy arched forwards to the computer’s microphone. ‘Activate Beryl…’