Beyond Death (The Afterlife Series Book 1)

by Deb McEwan

  ‘It doesn’t work like that I’m afraid.’ Her look silenced their protests and she turned to Ken. ‘You may have the opportunity to redeem yourself, Kenneth. Would you like that?’

  Ken looked at the angel and nodded eagerly. He’s like an excited dog that’s been told it’s time for walkies, thought Claire.

  ‘In the meantime, get used to your new surroundings and I’ll leave you to get re-acquainted with Ron and to get to know Claire.’ She whooshed away and left the three to their own devices. An awkward silence filled the air with Ken wondering if he’d ever stop paying for his wickedness, Ron still furious with his former friend, and Claire pondering whether souls could actually kill each other.

  *****

  Graham and Carol had been called to Mel’s school. The head teacher had phoned them both and said that it was a matter of urgency, but that she was unable to explain until they were face to face. Carol had contacted Graham and they’d agreed to meet in the school’s public car park outside the main gates, and to put on a show of solidarity for the sake of their daughter. Graham waited in his car and his ex-partner showed up within two minutes of his arrival. It was the first time they’d seen each other since the acrimonious split and although awkward, this was put to one side because of the concern over their daughter.

  ‘I wonder what she’s done?’ Carol was still angry with Graham and even being civil was a supreme effort.

  ‘Why do you always assume that Mel’s in the wrong? It might be something out of her control.’

  ‘That’s right. Your daughter is perfect and would never do anything wrong would she? Get real, Graham, she’s a teenager and they experiment you know. It’s all part of growing up.’

  Carol slammed her car door. Her mouth was set and her eyes blazing. All the signs that she was spoiling for a fight thought Graham.

  ‘Shall we get on?’ Indicating with his arm that she should go first he smiled, trying to placate her and received a sneer for his efforts. They made their way up the hill to the school and the Head Teacher’s office.

  *****

  Ken had answered Ron’s questions as best as he could and had said sorry for the hundredth time. Ron was still feeling murderous and Claire couldn’t stand the atmosphere any longer.

  ‘Shall we go and see my brothers?’ Ron agreed and when Ken asked if he could tag along, the looks he received in return answered his question. In case there was any doubt he was told to stay where he was until further instructions were received from Gabriella. He wasn’t happy but knew he was in no position to argue and at least I’m not in pain thought Ken, knowing very well that his situation could be far worse.

  *****

  It was a workday and Tony was sitting on the toilet reading the newspaper before having his shower.

  ‘I’ve got some information you may be interested in.’

  ‘Jesus Christ, Claire. I’m in the bathroom. Can’t you wait until I’m finished.’

  ‘But this is important.’

  ‘And so is this. You shouldn’t sneak up on a bloke like that, you don’t know what could happen.’ It was so typical of his sister. When she was young and wanted one of them to help with something, she ignored their feelings and just barged into the bathroom or their bedrooms with total disregard for their privacy. Tony quickly finished what he was doing and had a rushed shower and shave.

  ‘Is now convenient?’ His sister’s voice was inside his head as he was dressing.

  ‘Could you just give me another five minutes?’ He asked, knowing he was pushing his luck and Claire declined.

  ‘The bottom line, Tony, is that I have details of our new sister’s boarding school for you.’

  ‘How did you...?’

  ‘Never mind that. I can’t give it to you until you’ve caught the muggers. Sorry.’

  ‘Wait a minute.’ Tony left the bathroom and called to his brother as he was getting dressed.

  ‘Jim, Claire’s here.’ Jim rushed into Tony’s bedroom and closed the door. ‘Quiet for God’s sake. Fiona doesn’t know about all this yet.’

  ‘Well. You’re going to have to tell her,’ said Claire, ‘because she’s a big part of our plan.’

  ‘The plan to catch the muggers.’ Tony explained to Jim and they listened while Claire said that she couldn’t hand over the address of Mel’s boarding school until the muggers were not a danger to anyone else. Her voice was in their heads and she was now able to communicate with both at the same time, as if she were in the room talking to them. The twins got the wrong end of the stick.

  ‘Are you under orders or something, Claire? Is this the only way we can get the address?’

  This was a welcome distraction for Ron and he smiled. Her brothers had assumed that this was being imposed upon her and he nudged her and nodded frantically. Encouraging her to deceive them.

  She wasn’t prepared to lie outright but if they misinterpreted the information she gave them, so be it. ‘Something like that but let me tell you what I think you should do.’

  She outlined the plan that she’d discussed with Ron. Fiona would frequent the street until the youths appeared and Tony and Jim would always be close behind but hidden from sight, so that she was never likely to be in true danger.

  ‘The gang leader is scared of rats so if you take a rat with you, you can always use that if things don’t go to plan.’

  They laughed and Tony shook his head. ‘I don’t think we’ll carry a rat with us thanks very much, Claire. In fact, I don’t think we can help with this except for reporting them to the police.’

  ‘Then when the police can’t find any evidence and the muggers come up with alibis for the night of the attack, they’ll release them and that won’t do. If you do this my way they’ll be caught in the act and the three of you will be hailed as have a go heroes.’ She declined to tell them that the people who’d saved Val from being raped had taken a photograph of the group leader.

  ‘I can’t put Fiona through that.’ Said Jim.

  ‘Through what?’ Asked Fiona, opening the door and popping her head around it.

  ‘And who were you talking to?’

  Jim bit his bottom lip and Tony wouldn’t make eye contact with her. They were both guilty of something, but Fiona wasn’t sure of what.

  ‘What’s going on, Jim?’

  ‘This will be interesting.’ Said Claire.

  ‘Shut up, Cl...’

  ‘No need for that, Tony.’ Fiona’s hands were on her hips and she thrust her head forward. ‘What on Earth is going on?’

  ‘I wasn’t talking to you, Fi.’ said Tony and turned to his brother. ‘How do we explain?’

  ‘Try the truth,’ said Claire, ‘and see what she says.’

  ‘Uh, huh.’

  To Fiona, they appeared to be having a conversation with an invisible person. She was used to their weird twin telepathy and knew that was common with some twins, but this was all new to her.

  ‘Right. You’re freaking me out. Will one of you please explain?’

  Jim took a deep breath and nodded. ‘You’re going to think we’re nuts but Claire’s talking to us.’

  ‘Claire! As in your dead sister?’

  ‘Yup.’

  ‘You’re right, I do think you’re nuts.’

  ‘Tell her I know she’s wearing matching teal coloured underwear.’ Said Claire.

  ‘Claire said to...’

  ‘Not you, Jim, Tony.’

  ‘I can’t say that.’

  ‘Yes you can. We have to make her believe you.’

  ‘What the hell’s going on?’ Fiona felt like she was taking part in a farcical stage production.

  ‘Err, Claire said to tell you she knows what colour underwear you’re wearing.’ Said Tony, looking anywhere around the room so that he didn’t have to look directly at Fiona.

  ‘And that would be?’

  ‘Something called teal.’

  Fiona looked at both brothers in turn. ‘That could be the weird telepathy between you both.’
/>
  ‘Don’t be ridiculous.’ Jim was affronted. ‘We don’t do that sort of thing, we’re not perverts.’ He was mortified that Fiona would think that of him. ‘Do you really think I’d do that?’

  ‘The alternative is that your dead sister is in the room with us. Which do you expect me to believe? I’m out of here.’ She left the room and slammed the door on the way out.

  ‘That went well.’ Said Jim and Claire told her brothers that she’d be in touch. She was keen to follow Fiona and make a mental note of some of her movements over the next few days. She’d then talk to her brothers again and this time they’d be able to convince Fiona that they were telling the truth.

  *****

  At the boarding school the gate guard passed their details to the security officer and he was now looking at his list on the millboard held in front of him, while Carol thought it would be easier trying to get into The Queen’s bedroom at Buckingham Palace. They were eventually permitted entry following a call to the School Secretary and she now led the way into the Head Teacher’s office.

  Despite her name and incredibly posh voice Mrs Chappleton-Myers was friendly and down to earth, though she did have an air of authority about her that encouraged good behaviour amongst both students and adults.

  They were offered refreshments and waited patiently for The Head to explain the urgent nature of the visit.

  ‘Melanie requested an appointment with me and she refused to speak with anyone else. She gave me some very distressing information.’ She paused to ensure she had their complete attention.

  ‘She told me that two of her friends have been coerced into performing unsavoury acts of a sexual nature, and have been threatened with violence if they report the information to the police.’

  Graham realized that he had been holding his breath and he exhaled heavily. Carol shook her head in confusion.

  ‘Is she all right?’ Carol said what Graham was thinking and The Head nodded reassuringly.

  ‘Melanie said that she didn’t go with her friends when this happened. In that respect she’s perfectly fine.’

  ‘But why hasn’t Mel spoken to me about this? She usually tells me everything.’

  ‘It seems that Melanie is still annoyed at you for her whole life being one big lie. Your daughter’s words I’m afraid, not mine.’

  Graham coughed to fill the awkward silence.

  Then asked. ‘Are you absolutely sure she’s all right?’ The Head explained that Mel was upset because of the state her friends were in.

  ‘I’m sure you understand that because of the seriousness of this information I had to go straight to the police. The problem is that the other girls have accused Mel of making it all up and now refuse to speak to her,’ she shuffled some papers on her desk. ‘When they were interviewed they denied any knowledge of Mel’s story. The police say that the accused is known to them. He’s been questioned and also denies the accusations. Mel has been cautioned for wasting police time but is still insistent that what she told me is the truth.’

  ‘Mel isn’t a liar,’ said Carol. ‘If she said something happened to her friends it’s the truth.’

  ‘Actually,’ said The Head. ‘I was wondering if it’s anything to do with the change in your circumstances and perhaps she’s attention seeking?’

  Graham had heard enough. He stood up and approached The Head, putting both hands on her desk he leaned forward. ‘Now look, Mrs Chappleton-Myers. If our daughter said something happened to her friends then something happened. Did it not occur to you that the girls might be too frightened of the repercussions if they tell the truth?’

  ‘Sit down, Mr Sylvester.’

  Her tone took him back to his school days and Graham obeyed without question, despite the fact that he’d left school over thirty years before.

  ‘Of course that occurred to me. But I’ve spoken to all concerned and the balance of probabilities leads me to believe that Melanie has at least exaggerated on this occasion. I’ve decided not to punish her this time but will be keeping a close eye on her behaviour in future. I’ve also asked her teachers to ensure that she’s looked after and gets plenty of attention.’

  ‘We need to speak to her,’ said Carol turning to Graham. ‘I’m worried.’ It was the most civil she had been to him since their split and he would have smiled had it not been for the shared worry over their daughter.

  ‘Melanie said she didn’t want to see either of you,’ she put up a hand to silence their protests, ‘but I agree, you need to talk to your daughter. I’ll take you to her.’

  They walked along a quiet corridor in a section of the school not usually frequented by students, Graham assumed. The Head knocked and opened the door and they entered. The room was furnished with comfortable chairs, a sofa, television and a refreshment area. Mel sat on the sofa chewing a nail. She looked frightened and forgetting about her daughter’s animosity Carol held her arms out to her. Seeing her parents made Mel realize how much she’d missed them and she ran to her mother and they hugged. When they broke she looked at her father and he gave a tentative smile and opened his arms. Mel had by no means forgiven him but hugged him anyway. She felt a lot better now that her parents had arrived and addressed them both.

  ‘I didn’t lie, honestly.’

  ‘Mr Moore.’ said The Head, ‘if you would, please.’ She held the door open and followed Mr Moore through it, closing it quietly behind them.

  They sat down and before her parents had a chance to ask any questions, Mel blurted out the whole story, including her decision to leave the taxi.

  ‘I know you’ll be annoyed and I shouldn’t have got into it in the first place, but I wanted to show you I could do anything I wanted after what you two did to me.’

  ‘Oh, sweetheart,’ said Graham, ‘I’m so sorry and I know I can’t make it up to you but I thought,’ he looked at Carol. ‘We both thought that it would be better if you didn’t know until you were older.’

  ‘Well you were wrong.’ Mel looked at her parents and temporarily forgot about her own situation for the moment. Seeing their expressions made her feel more like the adult than the child.

  ‘I have to ask you this, Mel. But are you telling us the absolute truth?’

  Back to being a teenager she rolled her eyes then gave both parents a look filled with attitude. ‘I knew you wouldn’t believe me.’ She folded her arms and looked out of the window.

  ‘I’m not saying that we don’t believe you.’ Said Carol and her daughter looked directly at her.

  ‘It’s the whole truth. I obviously don’t know exactly what happened at the so called party but I do know what Drew told me and that she’s had nightmares ever since.’

  They made some drinks and talked for a while longer.

  ‘What happens now?’ asked Mel.

  ‘Well. We tell The Head that we know for a fact you’re not lying. There’s not a lot she can do though,’ said Graham. ‘If the police have already carried out an investigation and your friends won’t tell the truth.’

  ‘We’ll take you home.’ Said Carol.

  ‘But I don’t want to go home, Mum. I haven’t done anything wrong. And anyway, I don’t want to get behind in my studies.’

  What she’d said made sense but they were both worried about her. ‘Are you sure about this?’ Mel nodded at her father. There was only two weeks to half term and then they would see their daughter again.

  ‘Would you like to come and stay with me for a few days at half-term?’ he was desperate to put things right, ‘then I can explain everything to you properly.’

  ‘Can’t you come and stay with us, Dad?’

  ‘That’s not a very good idea at the moment, Mel.’ Said Carol.

  ‘Please, Mum. After all this I need you both.’ She knew she could still get around both of them and so Carol reluctantly agreed that Graham could stay with them when Mel was home from school. She was sure she wouldn’t need to explain that he would be in the spare room.

  They hugged goodbye an
d The Head was along the corridor talking to Mr Moore when Carol opened the door. She made her way back to the room followed by Mel’s Form Tutor. The visit was completed and The Head agreed that Mel shouldn’t be taken out of school until the half-term break.

  ‘Back to your class, Melanie, please.’

  After she’d disappeared Graham and Carol insisted to The Head that their daughter had told the truth.

  ‘I’ve explained my thoughts on the matter, Mr Sylvester, Mrs Dawkins. I think we should now focus on looking after Melanie so that she can concentrate on her studies.’

  Neither parent pushed the matter further though Graham found it difficult to keep quiet. They didn’t want to disrupt their daughter at such a crucial time in her education and she’d had enough upset due to their split. The visit was concluded and their thanks to The Head was luke warm as they left and made their way back to the car park.

  ‘What if she’s in danger and what about her friends’ parents? Do you think we should talk to them...’ Carol was thinking out loud and firing the questions like a machine gun on automatic.

  ‘Hang on, hang on.’ Graham had considered the circumstances on the walk to the car park and although their concerns were the same, thought he’d come up with a few answers. ‘Firstly, we both know how secure the school is. The Head has confirmed that Mel’s confined to school grounds until half term. Secondly, the other parents believe their girls and not Mel. I think that if we talk to them it’ll only make the situation worse. I’m hoping that they’ll notice a change in their behaviour when they’re home at half-term.’

  Carol pulled at her bottom lip with her index finger and thumb as she tried to make sense of the situation.

  ‘Okay, the school’s safe and so is Mel for the time being. I would worry more if she were with you or me because we can’t watch her for twenty-four hours every day. But when the truth does eventually come out, and I’m convinced that it will, none of them will be safe.’

  ‘But the police will be involved then, Carol and they’ll help. All this is really frustrating because they must know that she’s telling the truth, especially if the guy involved has already got a criminal record.’