Caught in a Moment (The Alex Trueman Chronicles Book 1)

by Martin Dukes

  Alex stared at the ceiling. What was the alternative? To ride a manatee? He would need to confide in Kelly and Paulo, convince them to go with him. And then what? Paulo had nearly died. In Reality he lay in a coma. He would need to endure that last instant once more, a terrible lottery, in the knowledge that this time he may die, in order to try to save Kelly’s life. Would he do it? And even if he did, and Kelly survived, none of them would remember it. Their lives would carry on as though 'Sticia had never existed for them. They wouldn’t even know each other. Alex pulled a blanket over his head. It was so difficult. ‘Keep your options open as long as you can’, he told himself. He didn’t have to decide yet. There was still time.

  “What’s going on?” asked Will, later that morning. Paulo had gone out to the park with Kelly and Tanya. Alex was in Kelly’s room, detaching a few long dark hairs from one of her blankets. There could be no mistaking them for Tanya’s occasional blonde ones. Alex carefully coiled the hairs and slid them into Glenda’s envelope.

  Alex told him all that had happened during the previous night, slipping the envelope into the back pocket of his jeans. There was a lot to tell. Will listened, his face growing paler and paler.

  “Never a dull moment, is there?” he said, when Alex had finished. “What are you going to do?”

  “I don’t know,” Alex told him, sitting down to eat manna for a belated breakfast. “I’m putting off making a decision until I absolutely have to.”

  “I’d rather have you than Ganymede,” said Will. “Why don’t you go for the sector, if they’re offering it you?”

  “I guess I don’t trust the offer,” Alex said, swilling water around the bottom of his glass. “That Glenda, she’s slipperier than an eel if I’m any judge. I don’t want to be a pawn in some kind of power struggle between her and Tony. This DNA mask thing may be a load of baloney.”

  “Quite an opportunity though,” said Will, gesturing at him with a crust of manna. “It’s not every day you get a chance to set your foot on the first rung of the angelic career ladder.” He laughed. “I can just see you with a harp.”

  Alex threw a lump of manna at him.

  “I should mind my step,” teased Will. “’Could be thunderbolts next time.”

  Kelly was still not back when Malcolm came to collect Alex for the meeting. Alex regretted this. It was as though getting another clear look at Kelly might have helped him to set his thoughts in order. Malcolm had Ganymede with him so it wasn’t even possible to discuss things openly with him. Ganymede eyed Alex warily. He had helped his rival find the snarks but there was no longer any trust between them. Alex wondered if Ganymede suspected that Glenda had definitely offered him the sector. Malcolm re-materialised them in what proved to be the ante-chamber for a large conference room. Through an open door a long polished table could be seen. Set upon it at intervals were crystal water flasks with glasses placed upside down on them. Along either side were tall backed chairs with plain black upholstery. In the ante-hall, coffee was being served along one of the side tables by an angel dressed as a waiter. Perhaps two dozen angels in dark suits drank coffee and chatted as the hour for the meeting approached. Apart from Malcolm, who looked noticeably uncomfortable in these circumstances, Alex recognised only Glenda. She noticed his arrival and made her way across to him, holding a white cup in one hand. The other held a saucer with two biscuits balancing on the rim of it. Glancing about him, Alex drew the envelope out of his pocket. He was about to hand it to her when two things happened. First, a tall angel of distinguished appearance, touched Glenda’s sleeve and drew her aside. Then, Tony himself appeared next to Alex. He wasn’t manifesting himself as an Angel in these circumstances but was easily recognisable nevertheless. He removed the envelope calmly from Alex’s unresisting fingers and slipped it into the inside pocket of his suit. Over his shoulder, Alex caught a glint of alarm in Glenda’s eye as she was speaking to the tall angel, but then more bodies moved between them and she was lost to sight.

  “Will you excuse me a moment?” Tony asked Malcolm and Ganymede. “I must have a quiet word in Alex’s ear.”

  Taking Alex’s arm in a gentle but insistent grip, Tony led Alex away into a corner.

  “There isn’t time to mince words, young man,” he began, glancing over his shoulder. “Suffice to say, I know from my own sources exactly what has transpired between you and Glenda.” He patted his pocket. “Glenda had no right to make such undertakings to you. Let me make a few things clear. You are, of course, an exceptional individual in this sector, but you will not be sector head. Not so long as Ganymede desires it. Various negotiations have taken place. The outcome of this meeting is not in doubt. I have noted your activities in the sector since last we met. Enough of the damage has been undone for this interstice to be saved. Ganymede will be cautioned, but will be allowed to retain his post. I have secured enough support amongst Council to be able to tell you this with confidence. We must dutifully go through the motions, but the outcome of this enquiry is not in doubt. All that is required from you is that you give your truthful testimony when required.”

  Someone rang a little hand bell, its musical tinkle cutting through the conversation. Angels began drifting through into the conference room.

  “Come on,” said Tony, smugly. “We may as well get the formalities under way.”

  It was the longest, dullest meeting Alex had ever attended. Tony, Head of Intersticia, sat at one end of the long table, Glenda, Head of the enquiry team at the other. A number of angels sitting along the sides of the table were required to give reports on aspects of the sector and the interstice in general. There were technical reports, historical analyses and even a psychological assessment by one elderly female angel with the most monotonous voice in creation. After a lengthy and wearisome discussion of Ganymede’s conduct and behaviour she concluded that he was not actually insane. This must have come as a relief to Ganymede, who stared at her throughout as though he wanted to throw his glass of water over her. Malcolm was called forward to make his own contribution. He was talking confidently about spikes and anomalies when his voice suddenly seemed to falter, and he raised a finger to his ear. Then he glanced at Alex, and swallowed hard.

  “Everything all right, Malcolm?” asked Glenda, her head cocked to one side.

  “Uh, yes..fine,” said Malcolm, taking a sip of water, but after this his delivery seemed to have lost its previous confidence. Alex felt an odd sense of foreboding. He was due to give evidence next, but by common agreement the angels adjourned the meeting for coffee. Malcolm slid up next to him, as they streamed out into the ante-chamber.

  “Trouble,” said the angel, out of the side of his mouth.

  “What?” asked Alex, feeling a sudden dryness in his mouth.

  Malcolm leant close to him, his eyes grave beneath his lank hair.

  “Atrop… I mean Cactus Jack’s back in the sector,” he said. “I just heard.”

  “Jesus!” The world seemed momentarily to whirl around him. He felt unsteady on his feet. Malcolm’s face swam in and out of focus.”

  “Mind your language,” muttered Malcolm. “Remember where we are.”

  “I’ve got to get out of here,” said Alex urgently. There was no Plan A now. There was only Plan B. And time was running out for that one. There had been no time to talk to Malcolm about last night’s arrangement with the snarks. He quickly told the angel what he had in mind to do.”

  “Best of luck.” Malcolm told him, leading him behind a large potted palm that shielded them from the rest of the room. “I can’t come with you. You understand that. I’ve got to give more testimony. You’re on your own, pal. I’ll do what I can to cover for you if it’s needed. Time operates differently with us. You may not even be missed.”

  He held out his hand. Alex shook it. The air shimmered and Malcolm’s hand disappeared. The air reconstituted itself into the form of Gladstone Street. After a moment to re-orientate himself and gather his wits, Alex ran for the front door. It was almost d
usk, the light of day beginning to fade as 'Stician night approached and shadows lengthened in the streets.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Inside, there was what Alex’s mum might have described as an ‘atmosphere’. Will and Tanya were sitting with their backs to the wall. On the other side of the room sat Kelly, her eyes red-rimmed. It was immediately clear she’d been crying. There was a small white handkerchief clutched in her hand. Alex glanced quickly from face to face.

  “Kelly and Paulo had a row,” said Tanya, before Alex could open his mouth to speak.

  “What! Where’s Paulo now?” demanded Alex, regarding Kelly anxiously.

  It was ironic in its way. Ordinarily, at any other time, Alex’s response to such tidings would have been a desire to leap and skip from one end of the street to the other. Now though, he only felt panic clutch at his heart. Paulo was a vital part of his plan. And Paulo was missing.

  “I don’t know,” said Kelly with a shrug. “And I don’t care either.”

  “We’ve got to find him,” said Alex. He stood for a moment and looked at Kelly, his brain working frantically.

  There had to be an easy way of breaking the news to someone that they were…well…dead. But in reality it wasn’t a problem that often cropped up, and Alex had no idea where to begin. He decided there was simply no time for the subtle approach. Brutal honesty would have to do.

  “Kelly, we have to get you out of here,” he said, squatting beside her. “Cactus Jack is coming.”

  She turned to face him, alerted perhaps by something ominous in his tone. Her face was pale, blotched with red around the eyes. She regarded him seriously, her dark eyes wide.

  “He’s coming for you,” he said simply.

  She continued to hold his gaze, her eyes twitching a little wider.

  “Huh?”

  “You’re dead,” said Alex, placing his hand gently on her forearm. “You were killed in a road accident, the one on the Ring Road.”

  He told her about his visit to Ganymede’s house, his furtive look at the Census Return and the grim details it contained. He described his interviews with the angels and his meeting with the snarks. Kelly believed him. She saw that she had no choice but to trust in the snarks.

  “It sounds crazy,” she said. “But what else can I do? I guess I have to give it a go. But you don’t have to do it, Alex. You’re safe here.”

  “I want out of here,” he told her. “And I don’t care how risky it is. If there’s any chance of getting my life back I’ll take it. This isn’t life, Kelly. It’s only existence.”

  She placed her hand on his. There were so many other reasons, so many other things he wanted to say, but couldn’t bring to utterance. His throat was tight. His eyes stung and a sense of helplessness and self-loathing came over him. “Besides, Ganymede wants me out,” he managed to say. “I’m a threat to him so long as I’m here. So he fixed it with the snarks for me. Ganymede loves the snarks and the snarks love Ganymede. That’s the way it is.”

  There was one crucial detail of the story that he left unspoken until the end.

  “But why do we need Paulo?” she asked him, absently pulling back strands of hair from her face. “Can’t we just go and leap on a passing manatee?”

  Alex closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

  “We need Paulo because…because he was the one that killed you,” he said softly, after a moment.

  Kelly’s grip slackened on his wrist. Her other hand flew to her mouth.

  “No!” she groaned. “He didn’t,” but there was no conviction in her voice.

  “Yes,” he said. “Paulo was driving the car. He doesn’t know. The snarks are going to place us back in time, an instant before the accident. I’m just hoping you’ll have a moment to dodge…and Paulo’ll be able to swerve to avoid you.” He rubbed his eyes. “I know it’s a long shot but it’s all we’ve got.”

  “I’ll miss you Kelly,” said Tanya in a small voice.

  Alex had almost forgotten that Will and Tanya were present.

  “I wish we could take you,” he said, turning to them.

  “Not me,” said Will, shaking his head. “Sound’s risky. I’m happy to let nature take its course, or whatever.”

  “I think Paulo might be with Chad,” said Tanya. “He was talking about him earlier.”

  Alex was about to reply but at that moment there was a little flutter of fear within him. It was like a shadow passing across his soul. He knew at once what it was. So did they all. The four of them exchanged nervous glances.

  “Cactus Jack,” breathed Tanya.

  “Come on,” said Alex, stumbling to his feet. “We’ve no time to lose.”

  “Where are we going?” asked Kelly, grabbing at Alex’s arm when they were all out in front of the house.

  “We’re going to find Paulo,” Alex told her.

  “Not me,” said Kelly, her face reddening. “I’ve finished with Paulo. I’m not going crawling to him now.”

  “What!” Alex was aghast. “’Course you are. You’re life depends on it.”

  “I’m not begging him,” declared Kelly adamantly, digging in her heels as Alex tugged at her.

  “Come on, Kelly,” urged Will, jumping up and down with anxiety. “This is no time for amateur dramatics.”

  “Stop it, Kelly,” cried Tanya. “You’re scaring me.”

  But there was a set to Kelly’s jaw that Alex read as potentially fatal stubbornness. “Okay,” he said, recognising defeat. “Will, you come with me. Kelly, Tanya, get yourselves to the insurance office. You know, up by the old library. The manatees pass just beneath its South Face. It’s got a nice flat roof. I reckon if we can get up there we’ve a good chance of making it.”

  “What if we meet Cactus Jack?” asked Tanya, her eyes round with terror.

  “He walks,” Alex told them. “He doesn’t run. You should be able to out-run him in the short term. He wears you down. That’s how he operates. If you see him, run like hell. Lead him round in a big circle. Round the block will do. Keep a look out for us. We’ll meet you by the front entrance as soon as I’ve got hold of the Vegetable King.” Alex frowned, groping in his pocket. “Wait a mo,” he said, drawing out the DNA mask. “Put this on.”

  “What?” Kelly looked suspiciously at the amulet, but took it from his outstretched hand.

  “Just put it on. I haven’t got time to explain properly now. It may help to hide you from Jack.”

  Kelly shrugged and slipped the chain over her head, shaking out her hair.

  “Thanks,” she said.

  “Don’t mention it.”

  Then Alex was away, running as fast as his legs would carry him, with Will puffing and panting behind. Will reckoned Paulo might be in the park. Chad more or less lived there lately, according to Will. It was a mile or so from Gladstone Street to the park. After the first few streets Alex realised he wasn’t going to be able to continue running flat out, settling instead for a steady jog. He found himself wishing he’d worked a bit harder at cross-country running. The school version of this form of torture usually found him dawdling in at the back of the field amongst the bronchitics and the fat wheezy boys. Even this pace was too much for 'Sticia’s own fat wheezy boy. Will lagged further and further behind as Alex’s pounding legs ate up the distance.

  “I’ll…catch…you…up!” he heard Will’s plaintive call from behind him.

  Running past the end of Gordon Road, Alex caught a glimpse of something that filled him with a rising tide of panic. At the other end of the street, marching in the opposite direction there had been a flash of white. The glimpse was too momentary to be definitive but the cold sensation of dread in the pit of Alex’s stomach left no doubt that it had been Cactus Jack. Alex put on another spurt, turning in through the park gates and heading down the parade towards the bandstand, glancing about in all directions. The bandstand was empty. Where was Paulo? He called Paulo’s name. Again and again he called. Alex was desperate. Stitch seared in his side as he lurched
across the bowling green and down past the tennis courts. There was no sign of Paulo. Down by the pool he tripped over a small dog and fell headlong on the path, grazing hands and forearms. Cursing, he staggered to his feet and carried on, calling again, over and over, his voice swallowed up in the 'Stician silence.

  He found Paulo by the children’s play equipment, perched on the bottom of the big slide, whilst Chad dangled off a climbing frame.

  “Hey Big Ears. I thought that was you calling,” observed Paulo laconically, as Alex ground to a halt in the bark chippings in front of him. “What’s your problem?”

  Alex had to waste precious instants controlling his breathing, composing his thoughts, before he could speak coherently.

  “You’ve got to come,” he blurted out, between gasps. “Kelly needs you.”

  “Yeah? Well Kelly can brussel sprout,” said Paulo, through an infuriating grin. “I’ve had it with that potato courgette.”

  Alex, rather than putting his fist straight through the infuriating grin, tried reason.

  “No you haven’t,” he said. “You’ve got to understand something… Kelly’s going to die…You’ve got to help her.” He grabbed Paulo’s sleeve by way of encouragement.