Death of Time (SpaceFed StarShips Series Book 4) 2nd Edition.: A thrilling, psychological, Mystery and Suspense, sci-fi detective thriller. (SpaceFed StarShips Trilogy)

by Gerry A. Saunders

  “Well, it would be great to see you Cedrick, but we think it would be better if we keep our distance, for the time being,” Micky replied.

  Although he knew that the real reason was that he hadn’t wanted to bring the killer to SEID’s HQ.

  “OK, you know best. Anything else?”

  “Yes, one other thing.”

  Micky turned to Charlie. “You do know that your ‘peashooter’ won’t be allowed on the plane, don’t you?”

  “Yes. I’ve already been told to leave it with our armed escorts when we get to Heathrow.”

  “Good,” he said, then spoke to Cedrick again.

  “Cedrick, I’ll need my revolver and can you sign one out for Charlie, please.”

  “OK. I guess you want someone to drop them off to you at the hotel as well?”

  “Yes. As soon as we arrive if possible. I’m sure the killer will follow us over.”

  “Consider it done then Micky. I’ll get Harry to deliver them, and plenty of ammo.”

  “Thanks, Cedrick. We’ll talk to you when we get to the hotel.”

  “OK. Take care both of you,” he replied ending the call.

  Micky sighed with relief, knowing that Cedrick was located in Chicago and a long way from him.

  He was sure that whoever the killer was, he would eventually find him. The killer knew that he had to remove him, and his abilities, from the equation.

  The other problem for Micky was to keep Charlie safe, yet still carry out the checks on the late professor and his team.

  The BA flight to Newark International Airport was uneventful. They had a reasonably tasty onboard meal, accompanied by a lot of friendly chatter between them both. Then, they slept intermittently and occasionally exchanged passionate kisses. All of which made the almost 8-hour long flight seem to pass swiftly.

  Charlie thought the more than 3450-mile long flight, which had cost her father, or, more accurately the police, a mere £460 each was a great deal.

  Once they had cleared Customs, Micky hailed a Cab.

  “Hilton Hotel, 1170 Spring Street, Elizabeth. Just off the freeway,” Micky instructed, putting their cases in the trunk.

  The cabby looked offended.

  “Yes sir, I know where it is. I know it well.”

  “I’m sure you do. Likewise,” he replied, which was, of course, a lie; he’d never actually been to the Hilton.

  They got in and buckled up as the cabbie drove out of the airport and joined the expressway. Then a short time later turned off to Spring Street.

  “Micky, what’s our living arrangement going to be while we’re here?”

  “I’m not sure. I asked Cedrick for two rooms, but it depends on what he’s been able to book.”

  “Well, do you think they’ll be connecting rooms?” she asked sounding anxious.

  “I seem to remember from a brochure that the hotel only has a few. So probably not.”

  He noticed a worried frown on Charlie’s face.

  “What?”

  “I’m not sure having single rooms is a good idea.”

  “Why Charlie?”

  “Well, I’m in a different country now. With this murderer around I would feel vulnerable in a room on my own. No, we’d be better off together.”

  “I like the sound of that,” he replied, smiling while noticing that she was blushing slightly.

  Twenty minutes later, they finally arrived at the Hilton Hotel and got out of the cab.

  “Five dollars 40 cents,” the cabbie said as he took their luggage from the boot.

  “Keep the change,” Micky replied as he paid the driver. While Charlie picked up her luggage and headed for the hotel reception.

  He took his luggage and followed her into the hotel, ignoring the cab driver’s moans about the small tip.

  As he entered, Micky carried out another mental sweep but found nothing out of the ordinary.

  The hotel’s reception area was large and impressive. There were three receptionists behind the desk, one man and two women.

  Charlie was already propped up against the desk as Micky came over.

  “Micky Sanderson?” The man asked.

  “Correct,” he said handing over his government-issued photo ID and his credit card.

  The lady wishes to change your booking sir, from two single rooms to one double room?”

  “Well, it’s usually the other way around,” he joked. “But, yes, that would be suitable if you have one.”

  “Yes, sir. Are you paying?”

  “Yes.”

  “Your passport and documents, as well, please…. Miss,” he said as Charlie’s gaze followed the receptionist’s glance at her ringless fingers.

  “No ring yet, but I’m sure I’ll persuade him before we leave,” she chirpily informed him. Starting to feel happy with the situation.

  As they both signed in. The receptionist glanced down at his screen, discretely checking the mug shots of wanted criminals, which was always displayed, just out of sight.

  “Right, that’s everything,” he said handing the electronic room keys to Micky. Room 27, on the 2nd floor, take the lift over there. Breakfast’s included. You can see everything you need to know in the room’s welcome booklet.”

  “Just one thing,” Charlie said. “I assume we can order a sandwich or something, from room service, yes?”

  “Certainly Miss, what would you like?”

  “A tasty beef and salad sandwich for me,” Micky said. “What about you Charlie?”

  “The same, please. I don’t feel like a big meal tonight.”

  “I’ll get it sent up to your room, in about 15 minutes. You also have tea and coffee-making facilities in the room, and, of course, a drinks vendor.”

  “That’s great,” Charlie acknowledged.

  “Let me know if you need anything else, sir. Though I can see you’ll have your hands full,” he ended, with a knowing smile.

  “Thank you,” Micky said, ignoring his comment.

  The hotel porter had been hovering and picked up their luggage, then took them up to their room.

  After tipping the porter, they were alone at last.

  “Better unpack enough to last a few days Charlie,” he said as he looked around.

  The suite was exceptionally large, with a super-sized bed. A table with internet access, a TV, and two chairs. It also had a two-seater sofa, coffee table, spacious built-in wardrobe. Plus a smart en-suite bathroom. All in all, he thought it was ideal.

  “I thought there might have been two beds,” she complained, wondering if she had done the right thing, after all.

  “And I thought you were pushing for a wedding ring,” he joked.

  She ignored him and went into the bathroom. “This is quite a large en-suite,” she called out, as she checked everything.

  “Good,” he said as he put his laptop on the table, turned it on and connected the scrambler device. Then he saw the web access socket, which had a notice above it.

  Meanwhile, Charlie had started perusing the hotel’s welcome-booklet.

  “Micky. Do you realize there’s a charge for internet access?”

  “Yes I do now,” he answered, having read the notice. Then, swearing in frustration added. “This damn plug won’t go in either.”

  “Here, don’t keep poking it, let me try… See. It’s easy,” she said as she pushed the plug in.

  “I hope you’re not going to do that to me,” she added. Then blushed, realizing what she had just said, and its connotation.

  “Once or twice will do me,” he joked back.

  At that, Charlie burst into laughter, her laughter flooding his emotional senses.

  They both stopped, and looked into each other’s eyes.

  “I…” he started to say something.

  “Shush,” she said forcefully, moving closer to him. Then undid his trouser belt, all the time looking directly into his eyes. Then she slid the zip slowly down while pushing it against his body.

  Then, the doorbell rang, a
nd the moment was gone.

  She pulled his zip up, violently, finding it difficult to suppress her amusement as he uttered a groan.

  “Saved by the Bell,” he muttered, feeling more disappointed than relieved as she headed for the door.

  Micky, automatically reacting to the situation, quickly scanned the area before she reached the door and was relieved to find that everything outside was as it should be.

  “It’s ok, Charlie,” he said.

  Then she opened the door, to find the porter standing outside with their food. Feeling a bit miffed she took the tray from the porter and closed the door on him, forgetting to tip him. Thought about opening it again, then decided against it as she remembered what he had interrupted.

  By the time they had eaten and had drunk half of a bottle of wine from the vendor, it was almost 21:00.

  Charlie, feeling tired now, said, “I’ll shower first Micky,” as she left the room.

  “Ok. I’ll call Cedrick, then we’re done for tonight,” he replied as she went into the bathroom. Then noticed she had left the door partially open affording him a view of her as she undressed.

  ‘H’m,’ he thought as he rather slowly tapped in Cedrick’s number, watching her undress out of the corner of his eye. ‘She’s really something,’ he thought.

  Cedrick’s voice startled him, bringing him back to the here and now.

  “Hello, pest.”

  “Now, now, Cedrick, I only want to know what time to expect Harry?”

  “Sorry, but he won’t be with you until 10:30 tomorrow… Well?”

  “Well, what?”

  “The room, do you like it?”

  “It’s splendid Cedrick. Thanks for your help.”

  “Right. I’ll talk to you tomorrow then. Don’t forget, half past ten. Oh, which room?”

  “Room 27, of course.”

  “Well, how would I know which of the two rooms you are in?”

  “I know you booked two rooms, Cedrick. But Charlie thought one would be safer so I can take care of her.”

  “I like her already.”

  “I suppose that’s because she’s saved you money?”

  “Yes, I like it. I’ll let Harry know the room number.”

  “Good. We’ll be waiting.”

  “It’s about time you gave me some praise, Micky.”

  “Yeah right, Cedrick,” Micky replied as he ended the call.

  Micky closed the laptop just as Charlie stepped out of the shower then wrapped a towel around herself. As she walked out of the bathroom, she noted that Micky had probably been able to watch her undressing, and smiled to herself.

  “Your eyeballs will fall out in a minute,” she said starting to dry herself.

  He didn’t answer her but went into the bathroom, undressing as he went. Showered and roughly dried himself. Then, putting his bathrobe on as he went, walked slowly over to Charlie, who was sitting on the sofa waiting. Both of them now dressed only in their robes.

  He stood silently in front of her.

  “Shall we finish up the wine?” he asked.

  “Or do you want to do something else?” He suggestively asked.

  “Later,” she said. Then stood up, and they headed into the bedroom and stood by the bed. She moved really close to him. Then slowly slid her hands inside his bathrobe and touching his legs, moved her hands slowly up the inside of them.

  They were mesmerised by the emotions they were both feeling, and their breathing quickened. When she reached the top of his thighs, she stopped as she finally touched what she had been reaching for. Her hands enclosed it. He could feel her level of excitement increasing as she realised that it was, hard, and throbbing. She then dropped her hands slightly for a moment, before holding, then squeezing it, making him gasp and jerk involuntarily.

  Slowly, she stepped back from him, still with her hands firmly clasping him.

  Eagerly, he undid her bathrobe, and his hands found her firm and voluptuous breasts. He rubbed them sensuously making her nipples stand out in anticipation as he bent to kiss and fondle them.

  By this time, Charlie was squirming with desire. Then, unable to wait any longer, threw off her bathrobe, pushed him backwards onto the bed, and climbed on top of him with her open legs holding him tightly.

  Both of them breathed ever more quickly as she put her hand down and guided him in. Then, as she felt his hardness inside her, she leaned forward over him until her breasts tantalisingly touched his upturned face and he kissed them again repeatedly. They rolled over until Micky was on top. Then their rhythmic lovemaking started, in earnest.

  But Micky was so excited he was unable to control himself and within few minutes came in her.

  Charlie, by now gripped with a craving desire, rolled back on top of him and they continued their rhythmic movement until her body shook with the ecstasy she felt as she reached her orgasm.

  They both lay breathing heavily as they slowly recovered, but after a time had found themselves unable to keep their hands off each other, then the cycle began again, and again. First with him on top then her, finally both collapsed back on the bed, hot, exhausted, and entirely satisfied. For the moment.

  Chapter 12.

  Death of a Friend.

  Next morning, it took several minutes to unwind themselves from each other. They showered together, but the shower cubicle was meant for one so once again they found themselves pressed close to each other, which neither of them seemed to mind. Then the inevitable happened again, and Micky felt an erection coming on.

  They looked at each other. Charlie shook her head, then playfully slapped him.

  “Come on Micky, there’s no time for that. We're late as it is. You’ve still got to shave and dress.”

  “Spoilsport,” he said, then got moving.

  At twenty to nine, and unsurprisingly feeling hungry, they went down for breakfast. It was a buffet, but there was a wide selection of food, so they were able to find something to suit their differing tastes.

  During breakfast, Micky spent some time debating whether or not he should ask Charlie a personal question. Then decided he should, after all, it was better to know he thought.

  “Um, Charlie. Are you on the pill?”

  She looked at him as if unsure what to say, then said, “Yes. Well, I was. But in our hurry to leave the flat I forgot to pack them.”

  Noting that her emotional level was now a lot higher than he would have expected. Micky, foolishly, grinned at her.

  “What are you grinning at?” She asked as a tear rolled down her cheek.

  “So, you’re a hot chick?”

  “No. I’m not. But after last night, it’ll be just my luck if I get pregnant.”

  “Would that be a bad thing?”

  “Yes,” she said tearfully. “You might not want to stay with me.”

  “Didn’t our fantastic sex last night mean anything?”

  “Of course it did.”

  “Well then, you dope, I’ve got the hots for you. Mind you, I’ll expect last night, every night.”

  “You’ll be lucky,” she said frowning. Then she thought about it. “On the other hand, I did enjoy it, so yes.”

  “Yes, what?”

  “We’ll enjoy ourselves while we can.”

  “And if you get pregnant?”

  “I guess, you’ll walk,” she said resignedly.

  “Don’t be silly. I want you, Babe, whether you’re pregnant or not,” he said and leaned across to kiss her nose.

  Her emotions immediately dropped back to a reasonable level, which pleased Micky.

  Yes, everything seemed perfect to him today. Except, of course, for the fact that someone was out to kill him. And Charlie if she gets in the way he realised.

  Interrupting his thoughts, Charlie asked. “How can you distinguish between different types of emotions? Surely they must all look or feel the same.”

  “They did at first. Then, when my wife Alesha was shot, I set about enhancing my mental ability. Two of my close fri
ends worked with me a lot and helped me to improve it.”

  “How did that work?”

  “Just by helping me to concentrate my thinking, and to develop my ability to delve deep into other people’s minds, but to do it an unobtrusive way. It worked well, so much so that it eventually became almost second nature to me.”

  “So, do you see these emotional changes, as colours?”

  “No, more like, um…like a ‘flavour.' Or, for instance, like when a wine-taster smells or tastes wine and is then able to tell where that wine came from. I can’t really explain it. All I know is that it works.”

  After breakfast, they headed back to their room, and after a short discussion agreed that finding the Parker ‘family’ was their number one priority, so they set to work.

  Later, a knock sounded on the door, interrupting them both. Micky turned his laptop off and quickly checked his watch realising that it was 10:30 already.

  He mentally scanned the person outside, and, with relief showing in his face, decided that it was Harry. Having scanned his close friends many times, he was familiar with the slight differences in their emotional patterns.

  Smiling broadly, he opened the door.

  “Harry. It’s nice to see you. Come in,” he said, shaking Harry’s hand as he ushered him inside.

  Harry was a burly man, in his forties. He was clean shaven, with hazel coloured eyes and wavy blond hair. Dressed in a smart grey well-cut suit, it was easy to see he was a confident man. He was carrying a small case.

  “Harry, this is my colleague Charlie.”

  “Hello Charlie,” Harry said as he looked her over. “You must be very special,” he said with a disarming smile. “Micky doesn’t usually introduce me to anyone.”

  “Yeah, yeah. So, what have you got Harry?” Micky impatiently asked.

  “Put your laptop on. We’ve got some great footage from the Brits, and I’ve got SEID’s analysis of the weapon, based on the current evidence. I’ll tell you more about this after you’ve seen this video.”

  “Excellent,” Micky said turning his laptop back on.

  Meanwhile, Harry placed his black case on the table and opened it. Inside were the two Magnum 38 semi-automatic pistols they had been waiting for, along with several boxes of ammunition, and various other items.