The Emperor

by N. M. Brown

  “Ms. Headly…” McQueen let out a frustrated sigh. “If you would like to fill out a report please see the front desk-,”

  He tried to spew the company line, but forgot who he was dealing with. For those few, short, sweet weeks she’d been gone from his life, he forgot and that made him a fool. He felt the first nudge by his thigh, before he suddenly felt strong pressure right in his crotch. His knee-jerk reaction was to clamp his thighs closed but of course, that just made the whole area that bit more… compact.

  “Echo!” He hissed, twisting in his swivel chair, to dislodge her. “What the Hell is wrong with you?” he snapped.

  “Hell, indeed, Queenie.” Echo whispered, leaning forward with both elbows on the desk. “What in the dark, depths of Hell do you think got into me?”

  Every word was emphasizedand as McQueen looked back into those emerald green and hazel eyes, he found himself back in church speaking to the Father once more. What was real and what was fake? What were delusions and what could be real?

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” McQueen breathed but even to his ears it wasn’t convincing.

  Echo leant forward more until she could whisper in his ear. “Relax Queenie. I’m not here to punish you for your sins. Not yet anyway.”

  McQueen felt a rush of relief when she sat back, lounging on the chair. It was like he held his breath whenever she was around, and he was only allowed to breath on her say-so.

  “Why are you really here?” He asked, straightening his tie. He almost wished for Hale to come back and save him but then he remembered what his partner thought of Ms. Headly and decided best not.

  “Can I not just come to see an old friend?” Echo asked picking up a pen, twisting it through her fingers before putting it down again. “That is a shame. I guess I’ll just drop her off and go then.” Echo sighed.

  “Drop who off?” he asked before he could think better of it.

  “Your wife. Anna.”

  McQueen let out a solid laugh that filled his chest and this time heads did turn to look. “Nice try Echo but my wife is in Dublin. And besides, if it wasn’t for Pari Badal and Sydney you wouldn’t even know I had a wife.” McQueen shook his head.

  “I wasn’t joking Queenie. I would never lie to you.” Echo admitted before another feminine voice called out, making McQueen's blood crack like ice and this time, he could taste vomit.

  “Canice ,

  Looking up, McQueen took in Anna: his wife, long term girlfriend and first love, as she walked across the station floor. He was vagally aware of Echo saying how ‘she’d known his face would be worth every minute,’ but he was distracted as his wife - his actual wife - planted a kiss on his lips.

  “Anna” He breathed as she sat on his lap, something she hadn’t done since high school. “Anna what are you doing here?”

  “Canice, how could ask such a thing? I’m here to see you of course.” She smiled down at him, her glossy, sticky lips shining in the light of his desk lamp. He desperately wanted to wipe his lips of the berry goo, but he was still in such a state of shock he couldn’t move.

  “Don’t worry Anna darling. He had the exact same reaction to me when he asked what I was doing here.” Echo piped up, clearly enjoying this moment.

  McQueen didn’t miss the slight scowl Anna send Echo’s way, and he had no doubt Echo didn’t missed it either, but he was still stuck on the fact his wife was here. His wife, who he hadn’t seen for three years; happily, hadn’t seen. “Well, I know my Canice doesn’t like surprises, so I do feel bad. But I’m just so excited to see him.” She bounced in his lap still smiling widely. It was a smile that should have been contagious and clearly Anna was expecting the same joy from McQueen, but joy was not the emotion he was feeling right now.

  “Anna I-… I thought we agreed…?”

  Immediately Anna deflated, and he saw the tension grow in her shoulders. “Canice. I know we made agreements and arrangements, but I thought… I thought after so much time had passed…” Anna trailed off. She hung her head like a kicked puppy and drew tight circles on his chest with a perfectly manicured nail.

  “We made arrangements for a reason, Anna.” Suddenly McQueen remembered that Echo was there and looked her way. He’d expected scorn or disgust, but Echo looked like a kid in the cinema: wide eye, giving her full, undivided attention. “Please get up.” He spoke quietly.

  Slowly, as if waiting for McQueen to change his mind, Anna stood and once up, straightened her dress. Sweeping back her hair as is she could sweep off the awkward moment, she smiled at McQueen and patted his shoulder. “Well, it’s obvious you’re tired from work and with such a sudden surprise it’s a lot to take in. We’ll have to talk later.”

  “Anna, there’s nothing to talk about. Please? Let’s not discuss it here.” McQueen kept his voice low. The last thing he wanted was to make a scene.

  “No, no. Discuss it now.” Echo pleaded from the corner. The only thing she was missing was a box of popcorn. “You have so much to talk about, I'm sure; so much history. Start now.” The she-devil ordered.

  He was about to tell her to shut up and go home, when a booming voice bounced across the floor. “McQueen. What’s this?” Hale strode over, coffee mug in hand and reached out to shave Anna’s hand. “Did I hear correctly that you’re Mrs. McQueen? You’re far too stunning for that.”

  Anna giggled like a schoolgirl and McQueen swallowed, nervous and stood as well. “Detective Hale, this is my wife Anna.”

  “Detective? Please McQueen, no formalities are needed.” Turning to Anna, Hale bent at the waist and kissed her on the knuckles, like a prince to his beloved. “You may call me Jackson, Mrs. McQueen.”

  Anna blushed. “Well kind sir, you may call me Anna.” And the two of them shared a smile like they were fast friends. McQueen had never actually seen Hale smile like this, and it was as if he actually... liked people.

  But a short, surly voice broke the moment. “I think I’m going to vomit.” Echo had lost all earlier interest and was back lounging on McQueen's witness chair, full of distaste and boredom.

  “Ah, Ms. Headly. Are you here for a reason?” He asked, smiling with a crook, like he had to put in extra effort, hiding his real question: are you under arrest again?

  “I brought the lovely Mrs. McQueen to the station. She was lost in Rippling and as the good neighbour I am, I had to bring her straight to her husband.” Echo explained with a voice too innocent for her actions. Hale knew this. McQueen knew this. Anna didn’t.

  “Yes. Oh, it was so embarrassing. I went to the wrong house and everything.” She laughed at her own silliness.

  “Well,” Hale spoke up again, “I’m sure you must be starving from your trip. Can I escort you to Sia Ambro’s Diner across the street for some pies and cake Mrs. Anna?” Hale bowed at the waist and held out a hand to escort her.

  Anna smiled, charmed already. This attention was the kind she’d been expecting from McQueen. The realisation made him deflate. “Why yes, I’m very peckish. Thank you, Jackson.” She then looked at him, an eyebrown quirked. “Are you coming husband?”

  “I do have paperwork to finish…” McQueen said lamely, but suddenly Echo was on her feet too, ready and rearing to go.

  "Paperwork holds nothing compared to catching up with your wife, Queenie. No excuses.” A sticking cold fist clenched McQueen’s gut as Echo casted that same wicked smile. “Besides, I’m starving!”

  ◆◆◆

  The greasy juke box in the corner of the diner was always playing despite the fact McQueen had never seen anyone put money in it. The tune of the day must have been picked in the earlier hours and then place on repeat because it was always the same song skippingoften, and playing at the wrong pitch. Despite all this however, it filled the awkward silence in the red leather booth.

  "More coffee Hale?" The fifty-something waitress with a fake American accent asked, popping her gum. He was the only one with a plate of food in front of him while the rest of their group had opted
for coffee which all remained untouched. McQueen had taken one sip and promptly vowed never to take a sip more.

  "Thank you Sia" Hale answered while he chomped on a crispy bit of bacon. He, it seemed, came here often enjoying not only the food, but the fake American deco too.

  So far, they’d spoken about the weather, the extortionate prices of train journeys, how there had been a smelly person near Anna on the train and how Ireland was so much greener than England. Anna might have gone on to say more, but they’d thankfully been interrupted. Once the server had left, Anna cleared her throat and McQueen held his breath. "So, Emma, how long have you known my Canice? "

  "It's not Emma dear. Its Echo. Easy mistake.” Echo gritted her teeth in a smile, but continued to lounge, un-impressed next to Hale. Anna smiled apologetically and took a delicate sip of her coffee, though McQueen didn't think his wife was the slightest bit sorry. As for Echo… he’d never seen her so pleasant. It set his nerves on edge. "And well, I’ve known McQueen for what seems like a lifetime. We were drawn together quit unexpectedly. If you’re looking for exact numbers I couldn't guess. A few months, maybe.”

  "Oh, such a short time.” Anna interlinked her fingers and tilted her head to gaze longingly at McQueen. It had been no competition of who sat next to him as Anna had glued herself to his side from the moment he stood from his desk. Like that would stop Echo though. She’d opted to sit opposite him and had once again lost all control of her foot. So far, she onlylightly rubbed his calve, but all Anna had to do was push the wrong button and Echo wouldn't hold back. "I've knows my Canice since we were fresh, baby faced kids.” She sighed.

  "You grew up together?" Hale said looking between the couple. "That’s admirable. Few couples can survive such a long period.”

  “Well clearly something happened if McQueen’s here and you’ve been held up in Dublin.” Echo countered. “And who’s to say not a lot can’t happen in ‘such a short time'.” Eco’s eyes flickered to McQueen, who swallowed. “What did we survive again? A serial murderer? Guns? Knives?"

  It was a pissing contest; who knew him best and McQueen should have at least been embarrassed, but instead he was just scared. Nothing good could come from this.

  Listening to Echo’s words, Anna’s smile soured causing her to fling her arms around her husband. "Oh honey. Why did you hide this from me? I would have been so worried. A serial killer? How did you get their attention? I though they didn’t go for cops?"

  McQueen felt a cold sweat brake out on his forehead. Pari Badal’s attention had come from a very big misunderstanding but he didn’t think Anna would take his word for it. He might not have slept with Echo, but what he did do was enough in the eyes of a killer.

  "I... ugh, you know; being a Detective and all, getting too close to the arrest.” Echo chose that moment to move her footup andMcQueen’s whole body clamped down, the tension vibrating in his muscles.

  "Oh, look at you my poor baby. You’re still shaking all over.” Anna clutched him tighter. But slowly McQueen peeled her off, pushing her arms back to herself.

  "It wasn't that much of an ordeal.”

  Echo snorted loudly. "No, no Queenie. Don't sell yourself short. It took some real bravery to get though what we did.” Looking to Anna, Echo pushed down with some pressure again. "He saved my life you know. Gave me mouth to mouth for... Ooooo, it must have been at least half an hour. They called it the kiss of eternity; keeping me on the edge of death just long enough to survive. I'd be dead without him.”

  Anna's face went emotionless. "Well that's my Canice. Always putting those below him ahead of his own life.”

  The table went eerily silent after that and the unease in McQueen rose. "Well, we should be getting back to work.” He found himself saying just to say anything. “Hale and I... lots of cases to solve.” He sounded stupid even to himself, but he wanted out of this conversation now.

  Hale tapped his paper napkin across his mouth and let out a sigh. “Actually, I have that new case to look over. It was a transfer from a smaller village station, and they would like some help. I'll look over the case so no need for you to pull any more hours. Apart from that cold case McQueen, you have no reason to return to the station.” He gave McQueen a wink while sliding out of the booth “Go home. Enjoy your wife while she’s here.”

  McQueen’s lips trembled with a rebuttal, but Hale didn’t give him a chanc, walking out the diner only stopping to give Sia, the waitress a quick thanks .

  "Well, you heard the boss, honey.” Anna smiled, pulling on McQueen’s arm and clutching her purse tight. “We should go. I’m excited to see this quaint tiny town. I’m sure it has the most fabulous boutiques. I could find a quaint souvenir before we head back home.”

  "... We? Home?" McQueen said looking to his wife wide-eyed.

  "Yes 'we'.” Anna laughed, high pitched and feminine. "When we go home.” She smiled before digging into her purse and pulling out a tart pink lip gloss.

  "Anna. I'm not going back to Dublin. What on earth would make you think that?"

  "Not Dublin silly.” Anna answered; her lips puckered as she checked herself in the compact mirror. "To your house, or apartment, or wherever you live.”

  "No.” The words were out before McQueen could even processhe'd said them.

  "No?" Anna's freshly painted lips wobbled, and she clutched her bag tighter. She looked hurt, then angry which made McQueen heart ache. He was distantly reminded of how things were, so long ago. "What do you mean no?"

  "I... ugh... I, "

  "No, means no. Or have you never read the anti-rape posters?" Echo’s cool voice spoke up from behind. She was now sat on top of the back rest, her feet sinking into the leather upholstery."What he means by no Anna, is he-,”

  “What I mean,” McQueen quickly interrupted, “Is, that my new place is-… my place is too small.”

  "I'm sure you can find room for me.” Anna's eyes trailed over and watched him through hooded dark lashes.

  "I... I'm sorry Anna. I have new housemates who wouldn't appreciate another person there.” McQueen felt like shit. She was his wife and yet he was running to the hills from her. He'd run to Rippling from her. Her and other more unfortunate events.

  "Well where should I stay? You can't afford a hotel.” Anna stamped her foot and a crinkle of annoyance appeared between her brow. McQueen shuddered at his sudden conundrum. His salary was already split in two, half going to her in Dublin by order of his mother and his guilt-ridden conscience, while the other went on his own rent. He couldn’t afford to pay hotel fees while she was here and who knew how long she was planning on staying for?

  “Relax.” Echo jumped off the seat and stood close enough to McQueen that he was uncomfortable. “You can come stay with me and my family. I have a lovely spacious apartment at the top of the house. There’s plenty of room.”

  “No.” McQueen’s mouth was once again running away without him.

  “Why not Queenie? Have you changed your mind about allowing Anna to stay with you?” Echo batted her eyelashes, every blink a challenge.

  “I-… erh, no.” Muscle’s in McQueen's neck begged him to hang is head but with everyone watching, he’d dare not. “I don’t feel Anna would be… comfortable at your place. You are a stranger-,”

  “I found Echo’s home to be quite pleasant.” Anna sniffed. There was no doubt she liked the antiques, crystal chandeliers and fabric wallpapers, McQueen thought. Luxuries were Anna McQueen’s catnip.

  Echo nodded with a smile, shooting McQueen a knowing look. “And my family is very… accommodating. They always take is the low and strays. Do you not think Anna will be safe and looked after in my home?” McQueen felt a cold sweat collect under his arms as he remembered all that went on in Echo’s ‘home.’

  Looking at Anna, he couldn’t help but see the sweet young girl he had played with amongst the cemetery stones after Sunday service. He couldn’t help but see her long strawberry hair hang over her shoulder as they played in the local lake when they we
re teens. They’d been inseparable, innocent…But then he thought back to sooner time: the fights they had. The scandal. He remembered her leaving through the front door telling him not to wait up for her. He remembered her sleeping in until past mid-day, missing work and always calling in sick until they just took her off the roster. He remembered all those times vividly ...