‘That sounds good. I have, after all, got time on my hands now,’ she said mournfully.
‘Pull up on the left, here,’ said Amanda and pointed to the street food vendor. Great! She’d finally have a chance today, usually everything went quickly as she arrived late most days.
Rowanne obligingly drove the car down a side road and parked. They got out and walked back towards the line of people, and joined the queue at the very end in the biting cold. The sky overhead had lightened up and the sun peeked through.
‘Thanks for this,’ said Amanda.
‘Don’t mention it. I’m curious about the food, it had better be as good as you make it sound.’
‘Wait and see,’ said Amanda mysteriously.
They finally reached the front of the queue after ten minutes. ‘What do you want, Rowanne?’ asked Amanda.
The variety of Japanese dishes on offer looked delicious. ‘Hello. I’ll have the Miso Soba Noodle soup, please, and my friend here will have?’ Rowanne turned and looked at Amanda.
‘The Vegetable Yakisoba and Miso soup, please.’ Amanda loved food, she was always hungry; maybe it was from all the workouts she did.
Rowanne rubbed her hands together to try and bring the feeling back into them. Looking at Amanda, you’d think they were in the middle of summer; she had not even brought a coat with her, and appeared quite comfortable in her short blue dress that complemented her striking blue eyes.
Collecting their order, they made their way across the road and sat on the first bench they came across.
Rowanne was quiet as she looked out across the river, watching it churn. The waves slammed against the side of the embankments; Rowanne’s mood was no better, and she wondered if she had made a mistake by taking time off.
She would have no excuse now but to face everything she’d been putting off. At least work would have provided a distraction normally... but she reasoned with herself that she could not go on as she had been.
She would have to get used to being a demon - or a half demon as Alexander put it. I wonder if I am a danger to others... But so far, she had not done anything to put others at risk.
She was also keen to go to Grandmother Angelique’s if it was at all possible today - it depended on whether she was in the country.
Amanda scrutinised Rowanne, who appeared troubled. She wished that she would confide in her, but truth be told, she had not been entirely honest with Rowanne either.
It was not that she didn’t trust Rowanne, it was more a case of finding the right time. Amanda suspected that Rowanne knew there was more to her, especially after the incident with the guard...
She knew all about Rowanne’s trouble with Driskell, who was zealously perceptive; that made him a dangerous man to be around. He probably has his suspicions about me, I’ll have to tread carefully there, thought Amanda.
Amanda was frustrated. What was she supposed to say? Not to mention the fact that she had not yet been given clearance from the others to proceed. She would keep an eye on Rowanne, even if it was from a distance.
She felt sorry for Rowanne, so many people had kept her in the dark for her own good. I wonder whether she’ll see it quite in the same light as we all do...
‘Rowanne,’ said Amanda, bringing her back to reality and out of her troubled mind. Rowanne blinked a couple of times and looked at her questioningly, a small smile on her face. ‘I was just wondering how the case with Driskell was going?’
‘Oh, that! Thankfully, I haven’t been called to the police station again, and nor has the detective called me since,’ replied Rowanne, with a calculated look. ‘Now you tell me, Amanda, has Driskell called you...?’
Amanda looked baffled, ‘Why would he contact me? I’ve nothing to do with the case.’
Rowanne smiled broadly, ‘With the way you both seemed to hit it off, I’d have thought he might have phoned you... Perhaps, the both of you have gone on a-’
Amanda held up a hand to stop Rowanne. ‘Get that ludicrous idea out of your mind. I found him disturbing, not to mention the weird vibes I was getting from him.’
Rowanne laughed, ‘Is that what you call it these days? I would have said it’s chemistry!’
She ducked as Amanda threw a vegetable towards her head.
‘I’m just joking! I know that he’s a man who’s not to be trusted,’ replied Rowanne, as she thought grimly of the flame haired detective. Rowanne was solemn once more as she thought of her spooky experience in her former offices. ‘Do you believe in the supernatural?’ she asked casually, dreading inside that Amanda would think her crazy.
Amanda looked thoughtful, and replied, ‘You’ll probably think I’m crazy for saying this, but I’ve had a strange knowing sensation, ever since I can remember. Even as a child, I felt the hairs on the back of my neck rise, and got goosebumps in the middle of summer whenever I was in an old building, or if I walked past a site or even a person.’
‘You’re not crazy,’ said Rowanne, relieved to have another person to share her feelings and ideas with. She looked curiously at Amanda as she asked, ‘What is a knowing sensation and where does it come from? And how does it work for you?’ she finished breathlessly.
‘Whoa, hold on there. I’m not Yoda! All your answers, I can answer not,’ replied Amanda, as she put on her most pious look.
Rowanne laughed, ‘That was completely rubbish! Great, I’m talking with a Star Wars fan!’
Amanda looked offended, ‘I am actually a devotee, I’ll have you know,’ she sniffed, and continued, ‘getting back to the main point, I think it’s like a sixth sense, and that everyone has it to some degree. It’s like a muscle - the more you use it, the stronger it becomes.’
‘You definitely are a gym freak! Not that I’m one to talk, I’m obsessed with running!’ said Rowanne.
‘Speaking of freaks, you felt a little something yourself didn’t you, back at the old offices? And that’s why you could not wait to get out of there. Admit it!’ Amanda looked at her challengingly, daring her to confess.
Rowanne felt comfortable in Amanda’s company. After all, when you’re with someone as open and seemingly honest as Amanda, you can’t help but open up; besides, her gut instinct was telling her that she could be trusted.
‘Fine, my turn to sound crazy. I absentmindedly went straight into the ruined offices...’ and she began to recap the event, concluding with, ‘and I saw Thomas walk straight through the locked doors!’
Amanda’s expression had not changed, it was not giving anything away. ‘So, you’re saying that you saw a ghost?’
‘I don’t know, it was all very confusing. I ran after him, because it was as if he wanted me to follow him, but I was thwarted by my damn heels!’ replied Rowanne.
‘But they are a very nice pair of heels,’ said Amanda admiringly. For her, the supernatural was the everyday, it wasn’t unusual or frightening; but for someone like Rowanne, it must appear extraordinary.
Rowanne took off her shoes, resting her feet against the cold concrete pavement. ‘What do you think?’ she asked, hoping to get some solid answers. Maybe it was just the journalist in her; never satisfied, always wanting to know more.
‘Inquisitive cats never fare well, but there’s always an exception...’ replied Amanda pointedly. Rowanne looked baffled. ‘Have you not considered that perhaps you were looking at a scene on a permanent loop.’
‘I don’t understand. What do you mean?’ asked Rowanne.
‘If Thomas has...’ Amanda tried to find a delicate way of putting it, ‘sometimes when a person passes over, what’s left behind is the person’s energy. It’s like a mini film of them, it keeps repeating their last moments of life. If they don’t realise that they are no longer of this world, then they might hover in the place they’ve passed, and carry on doing everything they did when they were alive. You see, to them it’s normal.’
‘That’s why you asked me whether it was specifically to get my notice. Now I’m more confused than ever, but one thing you said
could help me. If I follow him this time to the end, then perhaps I can figure out what happened.’ Rowanne felt sick to her stomach at the thought of it, but knew steadfastly that she owed it to Thomas to find out the truth.
‘You are not going alone,’ said Amanda, putting up her hand before Rowanne could protest, and continued, ‘you can’t change my mind. You’ve shared this with me and at some level you trust me. Can you trust this friend to see it through with you?’ Amanda squeezed Rowanne’s arm affectionately.
Rowanne considered her options: it would be better to have two people to go back there. At least if she lost his trail there’d be another person to take over, thereby greatly increasing their chances. But she didn’t want to put Amanda in harm’s way.
‘I think it’s best if I go alone, just in case he doesn’t show up if there’s the two of us. Spooky things are more likely to occur when you’re alone,’ she finished unconvincingly.
‘That’s ridiculous! Since we’ve both experienced something to some degree. I think it’s more a matter of timing, and I don’t like the idea of you going alone, it’s best we go together. Strength in numbers you know,’ said Amanda decisively.
Rowanne reluctantly acceded to her point. ‘What time do you think we should go back?’ she asked wearily; but she already knew the answer.
‘The witching hour, of course!’ replied Amanda in her spookiest voice.
Rowanne rolled her eyes - at least she was not going to be bored, not with Amanda in tow. ‘How do you propose we get into a locked office?’ The logistics of the situation were only now dawning on her.
Amanda finished her cold soup, while she thought of possible solutions. Suddenly, she gave Rowanne a sly look.
‘Don’t even mention it! It’s not even a possibility that I would consider.’
‘And if the occasion demand-’ laughed Amanda.
‘Next suggestion, please!’ interrupted Rowanne, exasperated. He was the last person that she’d ever ask for help from. Damn it, now I’m thinking of him!
‘That was all your own doing. And anyway, he’s an employee, he can sneak us in tonight after everyone’s left.’
‘I think it’s best we limit this to ourselves for now, just in case nothing turns up,’ replied Rowanne. Speaking of nothing turning up, where was Lillian? She metaphorically slapped herself in the head. Of course! I should have asked Lillian to help. She might be able to speak with Thomas, and get the answers that might be out of my reach.
Rowanne would wait until this evening to try and contact Lillian. Every time she called her it took its toll on her. She had not seen Lillian since the last time they spoke, and she wondered if she was back from Demon World.
‘Earth to Rowanne. Hellooo.’ Rowanne looked at her guiltily. ‘Where did you go?’ asked Amanda.
‘I was just going over the plan in my head,’ Rowanne answered smoothly.
Amanda’s phone started to ring shrilly. She swiped it open, and a look of dismay came over her, but she answered brightly if a little reluctantly, ‘Yes, boss. I realise that... I do... Ten minutes. Goodbye.’
‘I take it Eileen isn’t too pleased!’ Rowanne smiled gleefully.
‘Apparently this is now my lunch break! Hello long hours and no break: my reward! David at least will be happy to see me.’ Amanda laughed it off. She knew full well that she was at fault.
‘I’ll drive you back. I’m sorry.’
‘Hey! I’m the one that offered. And I distinctly remember dragging you to the food stall. But I will accept your offer, thanks!’ she smiled sheepishly.
They walked back to the car, and in no time at all reached the office. Amanda insisted on being dropped off on the main road.
‘After all, you’ve just left. It’s silly to go back, and it’s not a long walk. Now don’t forget, we’ll meet here around eleven, eleven thirtyish,’ with that she waved once before skipping back to work; well, it appeared that way with that boundless energy of hers.
Rowanne watched her approach the offices before making a U-turn in the road and heading back in the direction of Westminster Bridge.
The drive back was quick with no traffic to impede her. The sky seemed to darken as the clouds gathered together and blocked out the sun. The city seemed leeched of colour, everywhere she looked was sombre and grey.
She reached her apartment and drove down the ramp that led to the underground car park. She parked in her usual spot and got into the lift, carrying both boxes awkwardly. How Amanda had managed it, she had no idea.
She stabbed a finger blindly at the panel - thankfully it was the right button and the doors closed as the lift whooshed up to the top floor. Getting out, Rowanne walked unsteadily to her door, and put the boxes down to jab the key into the lock.
She stumbled into her apartment, quickly put the boxes down, feeling the life slowly come back into her arms.
She walked into her living room and flopped down onto the sofa. Oh my God, I can’t believe I actually did that! It still felt surreal that she was jobless, even if it was of her own volition.
She got up and went into the kitchen. She had time now and might as well put it to good use. She tried to remember what Alexander had taught her, as she attempted to make Chai tea. She boiled water and added the Chai Tea bags followed by a pinch of mixed spices and sugar. She left it to boil while she got changed.
Rowanne came back out in her favourite jeans and soft jumper. The tea by now had started to boil. Judging it, she decided to add milk to give it a creamy consistency.
Turning off the gas, she poured the tea through a strainer into her favourite silly mug and brought it into the living room. She took a sip to fortify herself - she was ready now to make the all important phone call to her grandmother.
Grandmother Angelique picked up on the third ring, ‘It must be my lucky day, two phone calls within the space of a few days!’
Rowanne cringed - she deserved that. Now, how to delicately bring up the next situation? ‘Hello, Grandmother. How are you?’
‘I’m doing well. Your Grandfather is still away, travelling. I miss him, and this big house feels so empty without him...’
‘I think I can help you there! I was wondering if it would be at all possible for me to come down and visit today?’ asked Rowanne, holding her breath in anticipation.
She needn’t have worried, as her grandmother replied, ‘Finally, my dear, it’s about time! How about you come over now?’ Her grandmother’s voice was full of surprise and happiness at finally seeing her granddaughter again after so many years. ‘We have a lot to catch up on. I can’t wait to see you!’
Rowanne felt her face go red in shame, she felt so bad. How could I have left it for so long? She made a promise to herself to stay in contact more often.
‘Rowanne dear, I’ll let you go, there’s someone at the door. What time do you think you’ll be here by?’
‘I’ll be there by two o’clock and I’ll text you when I’m near. Take care, Grandmother, and I can’t wait to see you, too.’
‘Goodbye, dear,’ her grandmother replied and put down the phone.
Taking a deep breath, she finished the rest of her tea and contemplated her next move. She suddenly realised that her grandmother had moved since last she saw her. Damn it! I’m sure I have the address somewhere around here.
Getting up quickly, Rowanne ran into her bedroom and found her diary, rummaging through it until she found the address, and adding it into her phone.
She went to the kitchen and quickly prepared a lunch of whole wheat pasta with a salad. Whilst she ate, she contemplated asking her grandmother about her past, in the hopes of getting answers to whatever this thing was around her neck.
The necklace radiated warmth, as if acknowledging the fact that she was even thinking of it. Rowanne had the disconcerting idea that perhaps it contained an intelligence within it. She had to stop watching so many sci-fi shows, they were beginning to rot her mind.
Then there was the fact that she had decided to go ba
ck to work to chase a ghost of all things! She didn’t know what she had been thinking, but hopefully tonight would put an end to the mystery, or perhaps she might be able to gather some clues anyway.
Lately she had been getting the feeling that she was being watched, ever since she had first dreamt about Lillian. She remembered vividly that Lillian had also been stalked by something or someone in the dream, but she had been unaware of it.
I should have told Alexander, but with everything happening so quickly, I just didn’t have the chance to mention it. But I will talk to Lillian about it. She had a strong feeling that Lillian would know.
Her attention was brought back by the lightning storm that had now gathered over the city, and she hoped that it would not affect the GPS in the car on the way to her grandmother’s house. Looking out of the window, she watched as the rain pounded the streets.
Rowanne gathered her things and left the dishes in the sink for later. She put on her heavy winter coat and grabbed her bag. She pulled on her knee high boots, and was now ready to brave the weather.
She opened the door to her car and threw everything in, fiddling with the sat nav as she put in the address. And after two frustrating attempts met with ‘address not recognised’, she finally succeeded.
She emerged into a downpour, as the heavens showered the city in its displeasure. She rolled down the window slightly, as she was feeling stuffy and uncomfortable. The flecks of cool rain that occasionally hit her face helped to calm and clear her mind.
She drove across Westminster Bridge and turned onto Victoria Embankment, driving parallel to the river. The windscreen wipers were really being put to the test. It’s almost like someone doesn’t want me to make it to grandmother’s house... thought Rowanne, and laughed nervously.
She turned left onto Northumberland Ave, and was met with traffic that was painfully slow going. Thoughts of her grandmother filled her mind, the ‘elusive adventuress’ - maybe that was part of the reason why she had not really kept in touch as much.
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