As Sara shares her story Jeremy ponders whether his power simply means that there are people like Sara that simply want to share their story. He ponders his own question, as Sara continues to tell him how she feels so alone and isn’t really sure what to do with herself. ‘Have you thought of joining a group, take up a hobby or perhaps even consider volunteering your services at a local hospital or nursing home where others like you may be looking for a friend? Sara’s face lights up and adds ‘That’s a lovely thought Jeremy. I suppose I have become so self-absorbed I haven’t even thought of turning things around and how perhaps I could help others.’ Sara smiles and looks at Jeremy as if he is her inspiration. Jeremy contemplates things too as the pair look at each other and he thinks to himself perhaps that is all that is being asked of me, to provide simple solutions.
He then realises that he had worked with a volunteer group at Carter Gibson, fiddles in his pocket and removes a small key ring. ‘Here, I have worked with this group and there are some lovely people there, why not start by giving them a call.’ Jeremy hands Sara a small key ring with the name Trinity Group Volunteers and their contact number emblazoned on the tag. Sara is very grateful and thanks Jeremy profusely. Jeremy says his farewell to Sara and offers her good wishes. As he is about to leave, he turns and adds ‘I hope that helps Sara, and wish you all the very best.’ Sara grabs Jeremy’s hand clasping it with both of hers and thanks him. ‘Thank you, thank you so much. You have been a big help.’
It was a long day, but Jeremy’s mind is working overtime. He focuses, really focuses and his thoughts turn to Brian Topping. Brian doesn’t even know that Jeremy exists. In a large firm like Carter Gibson, Jeremy is a small player, so after focusing on Brian it seems strange to walk down a street towards a large property and have Brian Topping standing there smiling as Jeremy approaches. But this is the scene that Jeremy has created and Brian greets him with a warm welcome like many before him. Jeremy enjoys the moment. ‘Hello, Jeremy.’ Brian Topping announces as he greets Jeremy. ‘Hello Brian, thank you for meeting with me.’ Jeremy is keen to get answers about the Big Diamond Jewellery store and Brian Topping is the most Senior Partner and the best person to ask.
‘Brian, I sense that the firm has bad memories about the Big Diamond Jewellery store? Brian runs his hand back and forth over his chin as he contemplates a response, whilst staring directly at Jeremy. ‘Well, let’s say there are answers somewhere and even I don’t know what they are……..but certainly as a firm we ended up looking a bit silly.’ ‘Are you embarrassed, Brian at the outcome?’ Jeremy adds. ‘Embarrassed……….oh I don’t know if that is the word’, Brian replies. ‘I suppose the answers didn’t come out. Not so much embarrassed but you know if you get the right result……..the kudos, perhaps a lucky break then you become a better firm.’ ‘So Brian, if the firm gets the right answers it can change perceptions? ‘Jeremy asks. ‘Definitely’, Brian laughs.
Jeremy and Brian speak for what seems like hours. Jeremy shares with Brian everything he knows, inner secrets, names and hopes that Brian will use the information to unlock the secrets of days gone by. Jeremy had earlier written down on a small note the address, Unit 4, 26 Cheltenham Parade, Elmwood Park Chicago and the time 3.00pm written in larger bold writing. He leaves the note on the small breakfast table as he gets up to leave. Jeremy doesn’t really know why he decides to leave the note. It just seems appropriate and he has an overpowering will to do just that.
It has been a long and exhausting day and Jeremy retires for the evening.
Chapter 6
Jeremy’s routine couldn’t have come around any quicker, he picks up his morning paper and exchanges pleasantries with James Walter at the Corner Store, and then almost jogs to the Old Coffee Stop checking his tie is straight and patting his hair back as he crosses the road. He is excited to see Tara and as he opens the big glass door of the shop, Tara is sitting at the same table as the two sat the day before. She smiles gives a silly sort of wave and gestures for him to join her. ‘Can I grab you a coffee Tara?’ Jeremy asks as he nervously leans forward and pecks her cheek. ‘Yes please.’ Tara replies still smiling then adds, ‘I have been waiting for you before I order.’ Jeremy is flattered.
Jeremy returns, carefully places Tara’s coffee in front of her and sits down. ‘What say we go for a drink after work tonight Tara, and get to know each other?’ Jeremy adds. Tara looks at Jeremy and pauses before adding ‘Sure that sounds like a good idea. Where do you propose we meet? Jeremy quickly adds, ‘Well the Downtown Local is a good spot, has a quiet lounge bar and is close for both of us from work?’ ‘Sure, that sounds lovely what say we meet there around 5.30 as I will knock off around 5.00.’ Tara pipes up. Jeremy is nervous and Tara could see that he was being polite and didn’t want to unnerve him further. ‘I will look forward to it Jeremy’, she offers aiming to settle things before adding ‘I really do need to go to work Jeremy. Thank you for coffee and I will see you later today.’ Jeremy smiles and as he had done the day before watches through the window as Tara disappears down the street on her way to work.
Jeremy leaves the Old Coffee Stop and heads off to work. Not long down the road he looks around and to his surprise he spots Sara Worthington whom he had only just seen the night before coming out of the Trinity Group Volunteers building. Jeremy thinks long and hard, as he watches on then turns and walks to the office of Carter Gibson.
Caroline James-Smith is the first to greet Jeremy when he enters the office. ‘How’s Tara? She quizzes with a deep voice and cheeky smile. Jeremy adds a little bluntly. ‘She is good; we are meeting for drinks after work. Caroline jokes with Jeremy adding ‘So it’s not marriage straight away then?’ She laughs as she hangs off of her own words and waits for Jeremy’s response. ‘No.’ Jeremy sighs a little and Caroline can see that he is quite serious and decides to cease her joking antics. ‘I think we just have to see what happens, take it steady’, a serious Jeremy adds as he walks off to start his day.
Jeremy is walking down the passage way with his head buried in a client file, when he passes Brian Topping. Brian looks at Jeremy as if he has seen a ghost. Jeremy smiles out of respect and continues to walk. He turns to look over his shoulder and notices that Brian Topping has stopped, and has turned about face, staring as Jeremy walks down the passage way. He can see that Brian is puzzled. Jeremy goes back to his desk and recollects the events of the past few days.
He thinks long and hard. When he first discovered his powers people would have no recollection of any meeting. Jeremy ponders for what seems like an eternity and then he realises. Yes – just like he could summon an individual when he focusses on them, he discovers that if he leaves a note, a message or gift they recollect the meetings just as some people recollect some vivid dreams the morning after. Yes, yes he thought. I left a key ring with Sara Worthington and she visited the Trinity Volunteer Group the next day, I left a note with Brian Topping and he recollected seeing me. I mean he has never previously acknowledged I even work here. And when I met with Caroline James-Smith, I picked some tulips from the town garden and handed a small posy to her. I know that Caroline loves tulips………. And, yes of course. That’s how she knew about Tara, I shared with her that I had feelings for Tara. Wow…….Jeremy again realises the powers he has discovered.
The evening comes around slowly for both Jeremy and Tara, and they are both excited to meet. Jeremy is already waiting at the Downtown Local in the lounge bar when Tara walks in. The bar has a good atmosphere is quiet and Jeremy knows that they can have a good chat to get to know each other. They both nervously ask questions about one and another, and provide a little more insight into each other’s life. But after a nervous start the pair are soon laughing and giggling, sharing some more stories and the conversation generally flows, which pleases Jeremy.
The pair talk about their goals and life aims. Tara shares that she wants a family where life is uncomplicated and a little more stable than the one she grew up in. Jeremy shares that he too had grown
up in an environment where his parents separated when he was very little, so he too pined for a stable environment. The two are clearly in sync and it reinforces for both of them that their relationship has the makings of a stable foundation, albeit that Jeremy can sense that Tara does not want to move quickly. They talk and talk and neither seems in any real hurry to end the late afternoon, but then Tara looks pointedly at her watch and remarks how time had got away and she needs to go home. Jeremy offers to walk her, but Tara adds ‘I have a few things to do on the way home Jeremy. Thank you, but I will be OK.’ She looks into Jeremy’s eyes and in a comforting manner adds, ‘It was nice to catch up for a drink….let’s do it again?’ Jeremy is delighted, gives Tara a polite kiss on the cheek and the pair go their separate ways.
Chapter 7
The day starts like every other and after a quick dash to the Old Coffee Stop, Jeremy heads to Carter Gibson. Jeremy doesn’t see Tara at the Old Coffee Stop but thoughts of her are constantly in his head. It is to be a busy day, and Jeremy also gives thought to his recent meetings with a number of people. He had spent a lot of time thinking things over and is excited about the day ahead. ‘Good morning Jeremy. How are you?’ An immaculately dressed Matthew Warren asks. ‘I am good boss.’ Jeremy adds, looking Matthew up and down and clearly impressed with his new suit. ‘What’s on today?’ Jeremy asks. ‘Oh court. I’m in court for the whole morning’, Matthew replies. Jeremy watches on as Matthew pulls out a crumpled up piece of paper from his new suit pocket. He unfolds it, pauses for what seems like an eternity and then stares at Jeremy.
Jeremy looks up, smiles and asks, ‘What’s wrong Matthew?’ His boss again pauses, looks at the crumpled note and then after some considerable thought looks up and adds, ‘Jeremy, did I see you last night?’ Jeremy smiles back, and adds ‘Why NO, why what are you thinking?’ Jeremy leaves his boss still pondering and staring at the note that has surfaced in his pant pocket that he could not explain. Jeremy heads to his work station. Matthew Warren stares at the crumpled note which simply reads……. Unit 4, 26 Cheltenham Parade, Elmwood Park Chicago - 3.00pm. Matthew places the note on the corner of his desk and occasionally glances back at it as he prepares to place his court files in his briefcase.
Jeremy is no sooner back at his desk when his mobile phone rings. It’s Tara and Jeremy excitedly answers and says ‘Hello!’ ‘Hi Jeremy’ comes the excited response. ‘Jeremy, I met my Mum last night and was wondering if you wouldn’t mind joining us around 1230pm at Café Loco, just around from where we had drinks last night?’ Jeremy looks at his electronic diary on his computer and replies ‘Yeah OK, that works for me I will see you there.’ Jeremy sits back in his chair, smiles and ponders the rendezvous.
1230 comes around quickly and Jeremy is excited about meeting Tara. He walks confidently into Café Loco and is greeted by her. She introduces him to her mother. ‘Jeremy this is my Mum, Marilyn.’ Jeremy shakes hands with Marilyn and adds ‘It is lovely to meet you Marilyn.’ Marilyn looks at Jeremy and just stares. ‘Did we by chance meet yesterday Jeremy? You look ……..well you look familiar?’ Jeremy smiles and quickly responds, ‘I am sure you may have seen me around here Marilyn, it’s a small community really.’ Marilyn, smiles back and adds, ‘Yes, yes I suppose it is that must be what it is….we must have seen each other around here.’ Jeremy notices that Tara is anxious, smiling but anxious. Jeremy asks ‘Are you alright Tara? You seem a little….well not yourself.’ Tara looks down at the table, pauses and then suddenly her mother grabs her hand to comfort her. She then gathers her thoughts and adds ‘Jeremy I wanted you to join with me because my Mum has just shared with me that……..’ She pauses and then adds, ‘that my father is NOT Michael Tsari but a Tony Draper.’ Mum had an affair with Tony before my dad ….I mean Michael Tsari. Before Michael Tsari was imprisoned and she now wants to clear the air, she wants me to know the truth.’
Jeremy acts surprised. Marilyn had shared with him that Tony Draper did not wish to admit to what the two had shared, and now he could see that she was relieved the truth had come out. Tara too was more than a little relieved, albeit anxious. She looks over to Jeremy and smiles. The coffee shop door opens and in walks Mrs. Nancy Dooley. She walks toward the group and sits down at the table. Marilyn looks over the table at the elderly woman and simply offers, ‘Hello Mrs. Dooley.’ ‘Hello Marilyn’, Nancy replies politely but with little emotion in her face. ‘Coffee, Mrs. Dooley? Marilyn asks. ‘That would be nice, you know what I have.’ Mrs. Dooley sharply retorts. Jeremy by now is clearly miffed as to what is going on. As Marilyn gets up to purchase a coffee for Mrs. Dooley, Tara clasps Jeremy’s hand just as her mother had done earlier for her, and adds, ‘Jeremy, it’s okay, it’s okay.’ Jeremy is still unsure what is going on.
Marilyn returns with Mrs. Dooley’s coffee, sits, pauses and then brakes the silence by adding, ‘Mrs. Dooley, I want you to know……..you deserve to know.’ ‘What, what do I deserve to know’, she grumps back interrupting. ‘Mrs. Dooley, Tony and I were young and silly, but I can’t deny you the grand-daughter you deserve and she is a lovely girl that I am so proud of. Tony will never accept it but ….it’s the truth.’ Mrs. Dooley’s face lights up and tears flow down her cheeks. ‘I……I….think I always knew’, she bleats, and leaps forward to give Tara a big hug which is graciously received by Tara meeting her half way in flight across the coffee table. Jeremy is stony faced and ponders how he had missed all the signs, recounting events that should have given him the clues.
The reunion goes on for some time and whilst Marilyn and Mrs. Dooley keep a friendly distance and reserve their judgement of each other, Tara and Mrs. Dooley can’t hide their delight at being united. Jeremy politely advises the small group that he needs to head back to the office and after receiving a friendly kiss from Mrs. Dooley, and thanks from Tara he slowly walks out and heads towards the office.
Having barely walked out of the Old Coffee Stop he hears the sound of high heels click clacking behind him. He turns and sees that Tara is briskly chasing after him. She smiles, grabs his arm and in an emotional soft voice adds, ‘Thank you, thank you so much Jeremy. I know you may think I am being silly, but given what we shared, I really wanted you to be with me this morning.’ Jeremy smiles and is clearly touched by Tara. ‘I am very flattered to be with you Tara, very flattered!’ Jeremy can see that Tara is tearing up but with tears of joy. She pulls on Jeremy’s arm pulling him towards her, and kisses him quickly, before adding ‘I must get back to my family.’ Jeremy could see that Tara is very happy and whilst thankful to him, is keen to return to Marilyn and Mrs. Dooley.
Jeremy feels very pleased with himself. The day progresses and he looks at his wrist watch. It nears 3.00pm and he smiles and buries his head in his work. As Jeremy focusses on his day, Matthew Warren meanders down the street looking for Unit 4, 26 Cheltenham Parade Elmwood Park Chicago, not really knowing why but walking towards his destination nonetheless. He looks up and sees emblazoned on the building, 26 Cheltenham Parade Elmwood Park and realises that he has found the location. A small army of Police Officers surround the apartment block. As Matthew wanders closer he is confronted by an officer who asks in a regimented voice, ‘Excuse me Sir, but you can’t come any further.’ ‘Oh, really?’ Matthew sheepishly adds as he looks down at the crumpled piece of paper that had given him directions. ‘Who are you Sir, if you don’t mind telling me?’ the officer asks. ‘I am Matthew Warren…..I am a lawyer’, Matthew offers. Immediately the officer, responds ‘Oh, Warren, Matthew Warren, no problem, sorry Sir I didn’t realise……….come this way.’ Matthew is guided down the passageway and enters the apartment of Tony Draper.
Tony Draper is sitting nervously in the corner of the room and eyes Matthew as he enters the room. He turns away disinterested and watches as Police officers scour the room for whatever evidence they are looking for. Matthew is no sooner in the room and hones in on the antique desk in the corner. He doesn’t know why but walks over towards it. Tony Draper is now considerably mor
e anxious and looks on. Without knowing why, Matthew walks over to the banker’s lamp that sits on the desk, turns it upside down and removes the key to the small drawer which is hidden in the felt lining on the base of the lamp. A Police Officer assists Matthew and with the key in hand unlocks the tiny drawer that is beneath the desk.
The drawer is open and Tony Draper sighs and hangs his head knowing all too well, that the contents are sufficient to be his undoing after ten years of freedom. As the contents and jewels are removed from the desk and laid open on the desk top, Tony Draper looks up and again sighs. It is pointless offering any defense he knows that, and the Police officers gather around, in disbelief at their findings. ‘We had a tip off’, Sergeant John Weld declares, ‘A Brian Topping from your office told us to expect you, Mr. Warren. But how did you know? How did you know, what to look for?’
Matthew smiles and after some thought adds, ‘It just came to me………almost in a dream.’ As Matthew turns around in the small room, he notices that Brian Topping has just entered the crime scene and is smiling broadly and looking directly at him. The pair talk as the Police Officers escort Tony Draper away in handcuffs. Brian Topping then looks into Matthew Warren’s eyes and says, ‘Son, I think the newspapers will want to interview Carter Gibson’s newest Partner, the firm now has redemption and whilst I am not sure how you knew what you did, it doesn’t matter. You have done a great job.’
After Dark: The Story Begins (Science Fiction Anthologies Book 1) Page 3