SEASON: 1 EPISODE: 8
Concept date: 11th April, 2017
First published: 14th November, 2017Status: COMPLETED.
Version: STANDARD.
Age recommendation: 12+
Average Reading Time: Approximately 30 Minutes.
Revisions: 3. [Last Edit: November 2018]
Angel-in-charge: Margret Team Assigned: Team 74
Human Time: 2017AD-1438AH Mission: 374911 - 7 - 2290
Mr. Lester Lightfoot was a man of habits; he woke every morning at six o’clock, showered and ate breakfast, then at seven o’clock walked his Scottish terrier: Wellington, around Victoria Park for exactly half hour.
He then returned home to his small apartment; Lester had worked for the local council for over forty years and had taken early retirement, just a few months ago – now he struggled to fill his time. He had worked in various departments over the years; starting at sixteen in the Transport offices, then moving to Property maintenance and finally ending his service collecting Council Tax payments.
Lester was an introvert; he had made few friends over the years and if he was honest with himself, only married his wife by accident!
Their only child; a son, lived in Australia with his family and had little time for his aging parents – David Lightfoot was an Accountant with a taste for the expensive lifestyle, which he pretended to live - on other people's money. To quote the old saying: ‘he borrowed from Peter to pay Paul’.
The Lightfoot’s had not heard from their wayward son in over two years and Lester wasn’t that unhappy about the situation - but he would have loved to see his Grand-daughter.
He sat drinking coffee, watching through the window of his sitting room; at the large wrought iron gates of Victoria Park which lay immediately opposite.
He liked to watch the parade of people passing in and out of that beautiful Victorian gateway – the gates were quite magnificent; with crowned lions and Unicorns holding majestic sceptres of state. He remembered how his wife; Irene, loved to walk their dogs in the park over the years. He sipped the coffee and glanced at the calendar/clock upon the wall; she had been gone now for almost six months. Lester eased himself back into the sofa and watched Wellington sleeping under the window ledge.
Irene had not wanted another dog after ‘Beckett’ died. But Lester had wanted to give a loving home to a deserving canine; he smiled as he recalled the many arguments between them over another dog. But Irene had got her way and Lester never replaced ‘Beckett’ until after she left.
Lester picked up his mobile phone and saw there were no calls or messages recorded for today, he tapped the screen and noticed that he had received nothing for three days. He sighed and slowly lifted his legs upon the sofa and drifted into a troubled sleep filled with odd dreams about strange people and dark places.
It was someone shouting around the park gates that broke Lester’s troubled slumbers and he awoke slowly and noticed that it was already dark; he glanced at his mobile and saw that the time was almost eleven o’clock – he had been asleep for about five hours. He peered through the window and something caught his eye falling into his small front garden.
At first, he thought some drunk had thrown a beer tin or bottle over his fence, so he thought it was safer to let Wellington do his business in the rear garden tonight – it was far too late to walk him through the park.
Lester could see no movement in the street outside or hear any more voices.
He let the dog out and collected a small hand torch from a kitchen cupboard; then he watched Wellington in the rear garden for some minutes, giving the dog some food and biscuits when he returned. Lester than headed for the front garden and shone the torch around neat flower beds, grass and pots.
Nothing obvious appeared in the sharp light; but a gust of wind slapped Lester and he shivered, turning around and headed for his front door, that’s when he saw the mobile phone a few metres from the doorstep.
He picked it up and held the torch light against the battered object; it had a couple of small cracks on the screen – it wouldn’t switch on and Lester turned it over to see the phone had no rear cover, sim card or battery. He sighed and locked the front door behind him, placing the phone upon the hall table – he would dispose of it tomorrow, properly, not slinging the damn thing into someone’s bloody gardens.
Lester shuffled into the bedroom and undressed for bed, he watched with a smile as Wellington jumped upon the bedroom chair and curled up for the night. Lester pulled the sheets over and tried to sleep, but he tossed and turned for some minutes before the dreams returned; ugly, vile people and dark towers crowded into his dreams. He groaned loudly in his sleep, waking Wellington who watched as his master moved continuously under the covers – he called out Irene’s name several times and fell into a deep sleep.
Through the misty dark dream came a shrill ringing noise and Lester awoke very slowly and his hand pushed around the small bedroom cabinet next to his bed. Grabbing his phone, he said quietly; “Hello.” It took a few seconds for Lester to realise that the ringing was continuing and he switched on the lamp and stared at his phone - there was no call registered.
“Who’s bloody calling at Midnight?” Lester muttered and then wondered where the damn ringing was coming from!
That’s when he could hear the phone ringing in the hall. Lester rose slowly from the bed and made for the hallway; not even bothering to put on his slippers or dressing gown. He opened the bedroom door and in the semi-darkness of the small hall could see the phone lit up on his hall table, and it was ringing loudly.
He gasped and covered his face with a trembling hand and shuffled very reluctantly towards the noisy device, as he reached to pick it up, he recalled that this was impossible – the damn phone had no battery or sim card – how the hell could it ring?
He hesitated for some seconds, but the ringing appeared to be getting louder and so he lifted the phone and saw it was showing: “UNKNOWN NUMBER.” Lester ran a hand over his face in surprise at the date, because it was showing: Friday, 1st September 1989 at exactly Midnight: 00.00. - That was some twenty-eight years ago!
The date stirred a dark memory in Lester and with a dry mouth and shaking hands, he answered the caller with a soft spoken; “Hello, Lester here.”
A child's voice spoke quietly in reply; "Hello Mr. Lightfoot, it's Susan - do you remember me?" The child paused for a few seconds and then added; "All the other children are here too, do you remember them Mr. Lightfoot?"
Lester couldn't speak; fear had taken his voice and made his hand shake violently. A clear vision of the child called 'Susan' appeared; her little broken body with torn and bloodied clothes, sprawled before him on the damp grass.
A ghastly sight in the bright warm sunshine.
He could see his trembling and bloodied hands gripping her shoulders and the child's bright green eyes now dull with death.
"I'll call again Mr. Lightfoot; we have so much to talk about - especially how you killed us. Goodbye for now." Susan spoke with no emotion in her voice and the phone went dead.
Lester let it fall from his hand onto the floor and he staggered, leaning upon the walls, until falling on his knees and he cried out in sheer, terror filled horror; "God forgive me! God forgive me!" and collapsed in silence upon the carpet - Wellington sat in the doorway and watched - apparently unmoved by his master's distress.
3. MEMORIES IN A SUITCASE.
The sun was filtering through the blinds, casting short shadows about the small kitchen where Lester sat in silence, sipping a mug of coffee and staring at the RSPCA calendar on the wall opposite. He was unwashed and had failed to shave [the first time that has happened in many years] and so Lester just sat in his crumpled dressing gown and continued to stare at the wall.
When he had awoke this morning, he thought it had all been a bad dream - a really terrible nightmare - but then saw the phone on the hall floor where he had thrown it down and young Susan's voice could still be heard in his troubled head. Sighing hard, he eased from the chair and shuffled to the bedroom and from beneath the unmade bed, dragged out a small, battered old suitcase.
He knelt on the floor for some minutes before pulling it open and slowly removing the sole item it contained; a bright red scrapbook with yellowing pages. Written across the cover with a black felt pen was just a date; Friday, 1st September 1989.
Lester clutched the book to his chest and wandered back to the kitchen, placing it upon the table. But was distracted by Wellington whining at the back door; he needed to go out. Lester unlocked the door and the small dog leapt through and ran about the grass and slabs with some delight - and relief.
Having refilled his coffee cup, Lester gently ran a hand over the old book and steadied his nerves. He couldn't recall the last time he had opened it; maybe several years ago when he still had problems with alcohol. He watched Wellington in the garden for some minutes, then carefully lifted the front cover and stared at the photographs glued upon the first page.
He turned the pages slowly, staring at the newspaper cuttings and various letters of support, then some of threats. Finally a simple colour picture of the little memorial in the School grounds with the seven children listed in alphabetical order. Miss Carol Renauld had been placed at the bottom - a little space separated her from the children's names - she had been their class teacher.
Lester remembered her with great affection; a pretty young woman who always seemed to be smiling and was very caring of the children in her care. She had always treated Lester with respect, not like some of the others he had met over the years.
He closed the scrap book and walked slowly to the front door and stepped out into the pale morning sunshine. He shuffled down the path and opened the gate, stopping to smile at the beautiful gates of Victoria Park. Lester stood on the kerbside for a couple of minutes, then stepped into the roadway just as the gravel lorry approached the green traffic lights at some speed.
Lester must have lived for just a few minutes after the lorry hit him, he mouthed words to the gathering group of shocked motorists and passing pedestrians, but no sound emerged. He died quietly on the blood splattered tarmac and Lyle the collector tapped his soul ledger and spoke gently to Lester, the pair standing by the bus stop; "I'm sorry Lester, but this has to be referred to the Duty Death Angel - your scheduled departure date was in six years time!"
Jericho opened the brown paper folder and read about his latest case, particularly the interview with the soul that had belonged to a certain Lester Lightfoot, now placed in quarantine, like all suicides were, until their final fate was decided by Angel Margret [the current Duty death Angel].
Alex sipped her tea and read her copy of the interview with interest, then tapped the file and said quietly; "The mobile phone call is the key to this." She looked up and smiled as Owen sauntered through the study door and flopped into the chair opposite.
Alex sighed quietly and placed the folder upon the coffee table and repeated; "The mobile phone call is the key to this." Owen nodded and leaned back in his chair; "I wonder if Mr. Harris is going to serve afternoon tea soon?"
Jericho eased himself from the chair and picked up his long dark coat; "Wilson is already at the scene and I think we'll join him. The tea can wait." Owen and Alex followed Jericho to the light room and disappeared to 2017.
Wilson grinned broadly as his companions appeared in the small house, he was standing in the hall, examining the discarded mobile phone. He gestured towards the kitchen; "The scrapbook is there. it makes sad reading,"
Jericho picked up the phone and turned it about in his hand, it was exactly as old Lester had said. He shifted it about, feeling the weight, and then pulled his mirror out, reading about the make and model. He almost smiled and looked up at the little group; "It appears to have gained a little weight since having the battery, rear cover and sim card removed!"
Owen took the phone from him and started to prize it apart, they watched in amazement as a hidden sim fell out into the palm of his hand and he pointed out the miniature battery wired very cleverly at the top. "Probably had enough power for just a couple of calls." Owen grunted and handed it to Alex, who shook her head in disbelief.
They stood in silence and Jericho said quietly; "It appears Lester was driven to an unplanned suicide, a suicide not in the current time line and in our books that's murder."
"Bastard." Muttered Owen and turned to Jericho; "Since its not connected with the 'Dark One's activities, will we be taken off the case now?" Alex shook her head in reply; "I don't think so, Lester still died six years early and that will almost certainly produce minor changes to the Time-Line, that are unwanted."
Jericho rubbed his chin and pulled the time-piece from a deep pocket; "I think we'll brief Angel Margret about what we have found and see what the human detectives come up with." They group vanished in an instant, leaving the scene exactly as they found it.
5. ACCIDENTAL DEATH AND Ms ELLEN CABOT'S CAMPAIGN.
Wilson pushed fingers through his hair with both hands and smiled broadly; "Those dumb, so called coppers, have ruled the death of Lester Lightfoot an accident!" He dropped into the dinning room chair and picked up his knife and fork, waving the fork about he added; "Road traffic accident - the murdering bastard will get away it." The smile dropping away; "They didn't even check the old phone, its bagged up with Lester's possessions awaiting his son's arrival from Australia, to arrange the funeral and collect his fathers effects."
Alex leaned over the table a little and placed her cutlery down; "Jericho is with Angel Margret; apparently there's a real problem with Lester's early death that has appeared down the Time-line, involving the money his son inherited upon Lester's death. Had it been ruled as suicide or murder, his son would not have gained a penny."
Wilson carefully dissected his roast potato's and nodded; "Jericho sent Owen to records; to personally view the Fate Tapes of Lester's life and find out who would have been involved in those six years he should have had."
Alex smiled; "Poor Owen missed afternoon tea and now a wonderful roast dinner - he won't be happy!" That made Wilson chuckle and he started to enjoy his meal, especially when Mr. Harris topped up his wine glass.
"Mrs. Harris has kept a hot plate for young Mister Owen, my lady." Mr. Harris refilled Maude's glass and stood quietly by the fire place until the Dining room door opened and Jericho appeared. Mr. Harris took his coat and disappeared to fetch Jericho's dinner, after pouring him a large glass of wine.
Wilson bought him up to date with the Lightfoot case human outcome and Jericho just nodded, then smiled a little, sipping a most excellent wine. He raised his glass and said quietly; "We're back on the case my friends. It appears that a certain Ms Ellen Cabot, who Lester would have met in seven months had he not jumped in front of that lorry, will save the lives of several people. One of which is vital to the current time line. You see, old Lester not only donated generously to get the campaign started, but would have been mentioned to raise awareness about the dangers of undiagnosed epilepsy and this certain person is so moved by Lester's story that he seeks the medical attention he needs. Lester basically saved his life and the young man goes on to be Prime minster of Great Britain!"
Alex placed her glass upon the table and stopped smiling; "Now Lester's dead, there's no inspiration for that young man to help himself and I assume dies at some point with no treatment." She shook her head and said softly; "The simple fluttering of Butterfly wings can change the universe."
"Quite so." Jericho whispered and sipped his wine. Owen bounced through the door, and jumped into his seat with a big grin upon his face and placed a brown folder upon the table. "I'm looking forward to this!" He exclaimed as Mr. Harris appeared with his dinner.
He took several mouthfuls, then wiped his mouth with the napkin. "The shit really hits the fan some thirty human years down the line. The woman elected as Prime Minster makes a total balls up and everything goes wrong in a big way. But in the original Time-Line the Prime-Minster is hailed as a hero for his handling of the situation." Owen placed his fork down and his usual smile was gone, he spoke directly to Mr. Tibbs; "The Time Controller can only hold for another 24 hours in human time before the new Time-Line takes over."
Everyone sat quietly with little conversation, but Jericho ate in silence until he had finished and pushed his plate to one side. He indicated for Owen to pass his folder over and Jericho read it with great interest. He glanced at the Dinning room clock and smiled a little; it was stopped at 7.35pm - as usual. He stood up and said; "The clock is ticking my friends, back to 2017 and let's avert another bloody balls up for humanity!"
6. THE PHONE THROWER UNMASKED.
The team gathered by the ornate gates of Victoria Park as the growing gloom of night descended, Jericho pointed out Lester's house almost immediately opposite the Park gates and consulted his mirror. "In a few minutes old Lester should appear in his front garden after hearing the noise of some kind of disturbance out here. Then we should see who threw the damn phone into his garden." Jericho spoke quietly and looked about. But it was Wilson that pointed out the two drunks approaching, arm in arm, talking very loudly about Elvis Presley - of all people!
They appeared from the Park and wandered across the road; still almost shouting and laughing. That's when Alex pointed to the parked car whose interior light came on as the door opened. A figure pulled himself from the car and threw something into Lester's garden, then started the engine and drove off; passing the two drunks still talking loudly and laughing.
"Did you get who it was?" Jericho asked Owen, who lowered his mirror and nodded; affirmative. Alex pointed out the old man now in the garden and about to find the phone any second now. They watched as Lester retrieved the phone and disappeared inside.
Owen turned to his colleagues, unsmiling he said simply; "David Lightfoot - his son who is suppose to be in Australia."
Wilson, who was already reading his mirror, grunted and said; "David Lightfoot has some serious money worries, but more important than that, he has a young daughter of eight years and he works as an Accountant; but his big hobby is electric's, computers and mobile phones." Jericho nodded; "A young child's voice is just a child's voice; especially if you've not seen your grand-daughter for four years. Susan's voice was his own grand-daughter."
"How do we stop that murdering rat from getting his hands on Lester's money and ensure that Ellen Cabot has it for her campaign; we know she will give full credit to Lester and may even publicise his story?" Owen pushed the mirror back into his pocket and the little group stood in silence for a few seconds.
Then Jericho smiled to himself and pulled his time-piece out and motioned to Wilson; "Do you have the number of that 'magic' phone on record?" Wilson nodded that he did. "Well then; let's make a little phone call just at the right time."
The little group disappeared into the darkness.
7. A SIMPLE PHONE CALL.
Constable Eric Burke eased himself back into his office chair and flicked open the local paper. There was little of interest for him in this weeks edition, but the story about the old man killed by the gravel lorry did catch his eye.
He rubbed his chin and sipped his mug of tea; where had he heard that name 'Lightfoot' before? Eric wondered about that; he had seen or heard that name somewhere. He looked about the Police Property office and the big polythene bag laid on the bottom shelf was noticed immediately. The old Policeman wandered over and lifted the tag attached to the bag.
It read; 'Lester Lightfoot'.
He grinned to himself; "The old mind is not ready for retirement yet!" and refilled his mug with fresh tea from the large pot that stood on the small fridge.
"Only another seven weeks and its off to Spain for three weeks in the sun and then retirement after twenty-seven years service." Eric muttered and tapped the calendar, he had been counting days now for some nine weeks. He dropped back into his chair and picked the paper up, reading about the accidental death of Lester Lightfoot.
That's when he heard the phone ringing.
Eric walked slowly back to the big polythene bag and stared at the broken phone all lit up and vibrating as well. He tore open the bag and cautiously lifted the phone to his ear; "Hello." He said softly.
Eric sat on his office chair and called the extension of Detective Inspector Reece Norman and waited patiently for the deputy head of CID to answer. The Inspector answered after a few seconds and Eric introduced himself and explained that the 'broken' phone in the property bag of a certain Lester Lightfoot had just received a call about applying for PPI payments compensation - from a very nice women who explained how they could get thousands of pounds for him, for the payments he made, towards an expensive life insurance policy in favour of his only child; David Lightfoot.
He pointed out that someone had deliberately rigged up a broken phone to still actually work and Mr. Lightfoot had it just before he stepped in front of that lorry. He said how sad the scrapbook, mentioned in the paper, must have made the old man. He also wondered what calls were made to the old man on a supposedly broken phone, and more importantly; why?
The Inspector sat in silence for a few seconds then told Eric to bring everything he had for Lester Lightfoot to the CID operations room; this would require looking into.
8. A DIFFERENT VERDICT.
Inspector Reece Norman walked slowly down the steps of the Coroners Court, passing a very disappointed David Lightfoot who pushed through the throng of reporters and curious passer-by's, then jumped into a waiting taxi.
The Inspector stopped in front of the group , and the reporters crowded about him, shouting questions. Mr. Norman stood for a few seconds and then waved the crowd into relative silence. He placed a hand into his pocket and read to the reporters a prepared statement regarding the inquest's verdict into the death of Lester Lightfoot.
Some yards away, a little group stood listening with great interest to Inspector Norman's statement about the verdict of 'Suicide' in the sad case of Lester Lightfoot. He also outlined how the Crown Prosecution Service had recommended charges against David Lightfoot in connection with his fathers death.
He also mentioned that Ms Ellen Cabot's campaign to make people aware of the dangers of undiagnosed epilepsy was to use Lester's sad tale, with full permission of Lester's widow; Irene, who now was looking after the dog 'Wellington'. Smiling a little, the Inspector stated that donations in tragic Lester's name had been flooding in, via the internet, for Ms Cabot's campaign, since the story first surfaced.
"He's sad passing will not be in vain, if just one person is motivated to seek medical help for their condition." The Inspector announced solemnly and the crowd of reporters dispersed to get the story to their papers Editor.
Alex smiled broadly at Jericho and nodded her head in admiration; "That was quite a stroke; getting David Lightfoot investigated, by using the very phone he created to get his hands on his father's insurance money. I particularly liked the touch of using an enquiry about Payment Protection Insurance to set the ball rolling!"
Owen chuckled; "David couldn't really explain what he was doing in London, having never visited either his father or worse; his mother and why he never even told them he was here."
Wilson sighed and placed the mirror into his jacket pocket, then smiled; "His fingerprints were on the concealed battery and sim card - the rest of the phone had been cleaned before he threw it - I guess he forgot that someone might just open the damn phone!" Jericho said nothing, but pulled his mirror from a pocket and they disappeared.
Walking back to the lighthouse, Wilson turned to Alex, still smiling and pointed to Jericho striding out ahead of the group; "Angel Margret is well impressed with the outcome. The Time Controller has informed her that the current time line is back on track - that young man who will become Prime Minster in thirty years, will seek help after being inspired and motivated by tragic Lester's story."
Alex slapped Wilson on the back and with a grin, spoke softly; "A case like this will also do your promotion prospects some good. You'll make Temporal Detective Inspector yet." Wilson nodded; "Right on baby girl!" He loved the idea of managing his own team - but not quite yet.
EPILOGUE:
"This particular mission was quite unusual for team 74, in that it involved NO time travellers, demons or any interference from the 'Dark Side.' The restoration of the current human time line was the sole object achieved. Why David Lightfoot suddenly hatched the plot to kill his father remains a mystery; it did not happen in the original version of his life history!"
Lester Lightfoot killed himself, filled with remorse for the deaths he had caused many years previously. But this state of mind was bought on deliberately, by his son to gain access to Life Insurance money. Lester's soul was collected and processed.
Susan Lightfoot [the voice of the child] eight year old Susan was coached by her father to play the voice of the dead child from the mini-bus accident. This was to haunt the girl for remainder of her life which was filled with conflict and drug abuse. She died, aged 24 and her soul was collected and processed.
Miss Carol Renauld was the teacher who was killed in the mini-bus accident. Lester always remembered her with great fondness. She was 26 at the time of the accident and her soul was collected and processed.
David Lightfoot's plan to collect his fathers life insurance money failed and he was convicted og attempted fraud at Crown Court, he lost his job and family - his wife kicked him out of their home. He worked various jobs over the years and died in 2032. His soul was collected and processed.
Eric Burke - the police officer, finally retired and moved to Kent with his wife and two dogs. He became a 'lolly-pop' man and spend his final years, happily, outside the local school. He died in 2029 and his soul was collected and processed.
Reece Norman, the CID Inspector became quite ill in the Summer of 2020 with cancer of the bowel and subsequently died near Christmas of that year. His soul was collected and processed.
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Angel-in-charge: Margret Team Assigned: Team 74
Human Time: 2017AD-1438AH Mission: 374911 - 7 - 2290
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| "UNKNOWN NUMBER." |
MISSION SUMMARY: "Old Lester Lightfoot hears a disturbance outside the front of his house one night and upon investigation finds that someone has thrown a broken mobile phone into his front garden. It has no battery or Sim card and Lester tosses it on his hall table to dispose of properly in the morning. but at Midnight the phone starts ringing and the dead are apparently calling!"
NOTES: This episode contains strong language and horror with very strong sexual references.
"This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead or actual events is purely coincidental." The Author.
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| 30 Min. |
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| Book Series 4. |
"UNKNOWN NUMBER."
1. THE DISCARDED PHONE.
Mr. Lester Lightfoot was a man of habits; he woke every morning at six o’clock, showered and ate breakfast, then at seven o’clock walked his Scottish terrier: Wellington, around Victoria Park for exactly half hour.
He then returned home to his small apartment; Lester had worked for the local council for over forty years and had taken early retirement, just a few months ago – now he struggled to fill his time. He had worked in various departments over the years; starting at sixteen in the Transport offices, then moving to Property maintenance and finally ending his service collecting Council Tax payments.
Lester was an introvert; he had made few friends over the years and if he was honest with himself, only married his wife by accident!
Their only child; a son, lived in Australia with his family and had little time for his aging parents – David Lightfoot was an Accountant with a taste for the expensive lifestyle, which he pretended to live - on other people's money. To quote the old saying: ‘he borrowed from Peter to pay Paul’.
The Lightfoot’s had not heard from their wayward son in over two years and Lester wasn’t that unhappy about the situation - but he would have loved to see his Grand-daughter.
He liked to watch the parade of people passing in and out of that beautiful Victorian gateway – the gates were quite magnificent; with crowned lions and Unicorns holding majestic sceptres of state. He remembered how his wife; Irene, loved to walk their dogs in the park over the years. He sipped the coffee and glanced at the calendar/clock upon the wall; she had been gone now for almost six months. Lester eased himself back into the sofa and watched Wellington sleeping under the window ledge.
Irene had not wanted another dog after ‘Beckett’ died. But Lester had wanted to give a loving home to a deserving canine; he smiled as he recalled the many arguments between them over another dog. But Irene had got her way and Lester never replaced ‘Beckett’ until after she left.
Lester picked up his mobile phone and saw there were no calls or messages recorded for today, he tapped the screen and noticed that he had received nothing for three days. He sighed and slowly lifted his legs upon the sofa and drifted into a troubled sleep filled with odd dreams about strange people and dark places.
It was someone shouting around the park gates that broke Lester’s troubled slumbers and he awoke slowly and noticed that it was already dark; he glanced at his mobile and saw that the time was almost eleven o’clock – he had been asleep for about five hours. He peered through the window and something caught his eye falling into his small front garden.
At first, he thought some drunk had thrown a beer tin or bottle over his fence, so he thought it was safer to let Wellington do his business in the rear garden tonight – it was far too late to walk him through the park.
Lester could see no movement in the street outside or hear any more voices.
He let the dog out and collected a small hand torch from a kitchen cupboard; then he watched Wellington in the rear garden for some minutes, giving the dog some food and biscuits when he returned. Lester than headed for the front garden and shone the torch around neat flower beds, grass and pots.
Nothing obvious appeared in the sharp light; but a gust of wind slapped Lester and he shivered, turning around and headed for his front door, that’s when he saw the mobile phone a few metres from the doorstep.
He picked it up and held the torch light against the battered object; it had a couple of small cracks on the screen – it wouldn’t switch on and Lester turned it over to see the phone had no rear cover, sim card or battery. He sighed and locked the front door behind him, placing the phone upon the hall table – he would dispose of it tomorrow, properly, not slinging the damn thing into someone’s bloody gardens.
Lester shuffled into the bedroom and undressed for bed, he watched with a smile as Wellington jumped upon the bedroom chair and curled up for the night. Lester pulled the sheets over and tried to sleep, but he tossed and turned for some minutes before the dreams returned; ugly, vile people and dark towers crowded into his dreams. He groaned loudly in his sleep, waking Wellington who watched as his master moved continuously under the covers – he called out Irene’s name several times and fell into a deep sleep.
2. THE MIDNIGHT CALLER.
Through the misty dark dream came a shrill ringing noise and Lester awoke very slowly and his hand pushed around the small bedroom cabinet next to his bed. Grabbing his phone, he said quietly; “Hello.” It took a few seconds for Lester to realise that the ringing was continuing and he switched on the lamp and stared at his phone - there was no call registered.
“Who’s bloody calling at Midnight?” Lester muttered and then wondered where the damn ringing was coming from!
That’s when he could hear the phone ringing in the hall. Lester rose slowly from the bed and made for the hallway; not even bothering to put on his slippers or dressing gown. He opened the bedroom door and in the semi-darkness of the small hall could see the phone lit up on his hall table, and it was ringing loudly.
He gasped and covered his face with a trembling hand and shuffled very reluctantly towards the noisy device, as he reached to pick it up, he recalled that this was impossible – the damn phone had no battery or sim card – how the hell could it ring?
He hesitated for some seconds, but the ringing appeared to be getting louder and so he lifted the phone and saw it was showing: “UNKNOWN NUMBER.” Lester ran a hand over his face in surprise at the date, because it was showing: Friday, 1st September 1989 at exactly Midnight: 00.00. - That was some twenty-eight years ago!
The date stirred a dark memory in Lester and with a dry mouth and shaking hands, he answered the caller with a soft spoken; “Hello, Lester here.”
A child's voice spoke quietly in reply; "Hello Mr. Lightfoot, it's Susan - do you remember me?" The child paused for a few seconds and then added; "All the other children are here too, do you remember them Mr. Lightfoot?"
Lester couldn't speak; fear had taken his voice and made his hand shake violently. A clear vision of the child called 'Susan' appeared; her little broken body with torn and bloodied clothes, sprawled before him on the damp grass.
A ghastly sight in the bright warm sunshine.
He could see his trembling and bloodied hands gripping her shoulders and the child's bright green eyes now dull with death.
"I'll call again Mr. Lightfoot; we have so much to talk about - especially how you killed us. Goodbye for now." Susan spoke with no emotion in her voice and the phone went dead.
Lester let it fall from his hand onto the floor and he staggered, leaning upon the walls, until falling on his knees and he cried out in sheer, terror filled horror; "God forgive me! God forgive me!" and collapsed in silence upon the carpet - Wellington sat in the doorway and watched - apparently unmoved by his master's distress.
3. MEMORIES IN A SUITCASE.
The sun was filtering through the blinds, casting short shadows about the small kitchen where Lester sat in silence, sipping a mug of coffee and staring at the RSPCA calendar on the wall opposite. He was unwashed and had failed to shave [the first time that has happened in many years] and so Lester just sat in his crumpled dressing gown and continued to stare at the wall.
When he had awoke this morning, he thought it had all been a bad dream - a really terrible nightmare - but then saw the phone on the hall floor where he had thrown it down and young Susan's voice could still be heard in his troubled head. Sighing hard, he eased from the chair and shuffled to the bedroom and from beneath the unmade bed, dragged out a small, battered old suitcase.
He knelt on the floor for some minutes before pulling it open and slowly removing the sole item it contained; a bright red scrapbook with yellowing pages. Written across the cover with a black felt pen was just a date; Friday, 1st September 1989.
Lester clutched the book to his chest and wandered back to the kitchen, placing it upon the table. But was distracted by Wellington whining at the back door; he needed to go out. Lester unlocked the door and the small dog leapt through and ran about the grass and slabs with some delight - and relief.
Having refilled his coffee cup, Lester gently ran a hand over the old book and steadied his nerves. He couldn't recall the last time he had opened it; maybe several years ago when he still had problems with alcohol. He watched Wellington in the garden for some minutes, then carefully lifted the front cover and stared at the photographs glued upon the first page.
He turned the pages slowly, staring at the newspaper cuttings and various letters of support, then some of threats. Finally a simple colour picture of the little memorial in the School grounds with the seven children listed in alphabetical order. Miss Carol Renauld had been placed at the bottom - a little space separated her from the children's names - she had been their class teacher.
Lester remembered her with great affection; a pretty young woman who always seemed to be smiling and was very caring of the children in her care. She had always treated Lester with respect, not like some of the others he had met over the years.
He closed the scrap book and walked slowly to the front door and stepped out into the pale morning sunshine. He shuffled down the path and opened the gate, stopping to smile at the beautiful gates of Victoria Park. Lester stood on the kerbside for a couple of minutes, then stepped into the roadway just as the gravel lorry approached the green traffic lights at some speed.
Lester must have lived for just a few minutes after the lorry hit him, he mouthed words to the gathering group of shocked motorists and passing pedestrians, but no sound emerged. He died quietly on the blood splattered tarmac and Lyle the collector tapped his soul ledger and spoke gently to Lester, the pair standing by the bus stop; "I'm sorry Lester, but this has to be referred to the Duty Death Angel - your scheduled departure date was in six years time!"
4. Mr. TIBBS IS PLACED ON THE CASE.
Jericho opened the brown paper folder and read about his latest case, particularly the interview with the soul that had belonged to a certain Lester Lightfoot, now placed in quarantine, like all suicides were, until their final fate was decided by Angel Margret [the current Duty death Angel].
Alex sipped her tea and read her copy of the interview with interest, then tapped the file and said quietly; "The mobile phone call is the key to this." She looked up and smiled as Owen sauntered through the study door and flopped into the chair opposite.
Jericho nodded his agreement with Alex's comment and spoke to Owen directly; "What does Records have on him?" Owen pulled the mirror from his coat pocket and scratched his chin; "Nothing really stands out, except the accident in 1989 and what subsequently happened to him. It completely changed his life, and his personality. He became a drunk, abused his wife who left him and it distanced him from his only child; a son, now grown up. he was blamed for the school mini bus crash that killed the seven children and their teacher. He and three other children survived. Lightfoot was in hospital for two months and was charged with their deaths and received four and a half years in prison. But oddly enough, upon his release was given a job by his old local council employer in their tax office."
Owen fumbled through his pockets and pulled some mints out, he offered them about and then dropped one into his mouth. "The police investigation concluded that Lester had fallen asleep at the wheel and the mini bus left the road and took out a large electrical road sign at some speed." Owen smiled a little and pushed the mirror back into his pocket. "The really interesting thing is the post mortem results on the body. It appears Mr. Lightfoot was an undiagnosed epileptic at the time of the accident [with the truck].
Apparently he told Wilson [who conducted the interview] that he could recall only having three seizures his entire life and the first was behind the wheel of that bus. He had another when Irene left him some years later, and the last one was when he received that call. He was only really guilty of not seeing his doctor regularly!"
Apparently he told Wilson [who conducted the interview] that he could recall only having three seizures his entire life and the first was behind the wheel of that bus. He had another when Irene left him some years later, and the last one was when he received that call. He was only really guilty of not seeing his doctor regularly!"
Alex sighed quietly and placed the folder upon the coffee table and repeated; "The mobile phone call is the key to this." Owen nodded and leaned back in his chair; "I wonder if Mr. Harris is going to serve afternoon tea soon?"
Jericho eased himself from the chair and picked up his long dark coat; "Wilson is already at the scene and I think we'll join him. The tea can wait." Owen and Alex followed Jericho to the light room and disappeared to 2017.
Wilson grinned broadly as his companions appeared in the small house, he was standing in the hall, examining the discarded mobile phone. He gestured towards the kitchen; "The scrapbook is there. it makes sad reading,"
Jericho picked up the phone and turned it about in his hand, it was exactly as old Lester had said. He shifted it about, feeling the weight, and then pulled his mirror out, reading about the make and model. He almost smiled and looked up at the little group; "It appears to have gained a little weight since having the battery, rear cover and sim card removed!"
Owen took the phone from him and started to prize it apart, they watched in amazement as a hidden sim fell out into the palm of his hand and he pointed out the miniature battery wired very cleverly at the top. "Probably had enough power for just a couple of calls." Owen grunted and handed it to Alex, who shook her head in disbelief.
They stood in silence and Jericho said quietly; "It appears Lester was driven to an unplanned suicide, a suicide not in the current time line and in our books that's murder."
"Bastard." Muttered Owen and turned to Jericho; "Since its not connected with the 'Dark One's activities, will we be taken off the case now?" Alex shook her head in reply; "I don't think so, Lester still died six years early and that will almost certainly produce minor changes to the Time-Line, that are unwanted."
Jericho rubbed his chin and pulled the time-piece from a deep pocket; "I think we'll brief Angel Margret about what we have found and see what the human detectives come up with." They group vanished in an instant, leaving the scene exactly as they found it.
5. ACCIDENTAL DEATH AND Ms ELLEN CABOT'S CAMPAIGN.
Wilson pushed fingers through his hair with both hands and smiled broadly; "Those dumb, so called coppers, have ruled the death of Lester Lightfoot an accident!" He dropped into the dinning room chair and picked up his knife and fork, waving the fork about he added; "Road traffic accident - the murdering bastard will get away it." The smile dropping away; "They didn't even check the old phone, its bagged up with Lester's possessions awaiting his son's arrival from Australia, to arrange the funeral and collect his fathers effects."
Alex leaned over the table a little and placed her cutlery down; "Jericho is with Angel Margret; apparently there's a real problem with Lester's early death that has appeared down the Time-line, involving the money his son inherited upon Lester's death. Had it been ruled as suicide or murder, his son would not have gained a penny."
Wilson carefully dissected his roast potato's and nodded; "Jericho sent Owen to records; to personally view the Fate Tapes of Lester's life and find out who would have been involved in those six years he should have had."
Alex smiled; "Poor Owen missed afternoon tea and now a wonderful roast dinner - he won't be happy!" That made Wilson chuckle and he started to enjoy his meal, especially when Mr. Harris topped up his wine glass.
"Mrs. Harris has kept a hot plate for young Mister Owen, my lady." Mr. Harris refilled Maude's glass and stood quietly by the fire place until the Dining room door opened and Jericho appeared. Mr. Harris took his coat and disappeared to fetch Jericho's dinner, after pouring him a large glass of wine.
Wilson bought him up to date with the Lightfoot case human outcome and Jericho just nodded, then smiled a little, sipping a most excellent wine. He raised his glass and said quietly; "We're back on the case my friends. It appears that a certain Ms Ellen Cabot, who Lester would have met in seven months had he not jumped in front of that lorry, will save the lives of several people. One of which is vital to the current time line. You see, old Lester not only donated generously to get the campaign started, but would have been mentioned to raise awareness about the dangers of undiagnosed epilepsy and this certain person is so moved by Lester's story that he seeks the medical attention he needs. Lester basically saved his life and the young man goes on to be Prime minster of Great Britain!"
Alex placed her glass upon the table and stopped smiling; "Now Lester's dead, there's no inspiration for that young man to help himself and I assume dies at some point with no treatment." She shook her head and said softly; "The simple fluttering of Butterfly wings can change the universe."
"Quite so." Jericho whispered and sipped his wine. Owen bounced through the door, and jumped into his seat with a big grin upon his face and placed a brown folder upon the table. "I'm looking forward to this!" He exclaimed as Mr. Harris appeared with his dinner.
He took several mouthfuls, then wiped his mouth with the napkin. "The shit really hits the fan some thirty human years down the line. The woman elected as Prime Minster makes a total balls up and everything goes wrong in a big way. But in the original Time-Line the Prime-Minster is hailed as a hero for his handling of the situation." Owen placed his fork down and his usual smile was gone, he spoke directly to Mr. Tibbs; "The Time Controller can only hold for another 24 hours in human time before the new Time-Line takes over."
Everyone sat quietly with little conversation, but Jericho ate in silence until he had finished and pushed his plate to one side. He indicated for Owen to pass his folder over and Jericho read it with great interest. He glanced at the Dinning room clock and smiled a little; it was stopped at 7.35pm - as usual. He stood up and said; "The clock is ticking my friends, back to 2017 and let's avert another bloody balls up for humanity!"
6. THE PHONE THROWER UNMASKED.
The team gathered by the ornate gates of Victoria Park as the growing gloom of night descended, Jericho pointed out Lester's house almost immediately opposite the Park gates and consulted his mirror. "In a few minutes old Lester should appear in his front garden after hearing the noise of some kind of disturbance out here. Then we should see who threw the damn phone into his garden." Jericho spoke quietly and looked about. But it was Wilson that pointed out the two drunks approaching, arm in arm, talking very loudly about Elvis Presley - of all people!
They appeared from the Park and wandered across the road; still almost shouting and laughing. That's when Alex pointed to the parked car whose interior light came on as the door opened. A figure pulled himself from the car and threw something into Lester's garden, then started the engine and drove off; passing the two drunks still talking loudly and laughing.
"Did you get who it was?" Jericho asked Owen, who lowered his mirror and nodded; affirmative. Alex pointed out the old man now in the garden and about to find the phone any second now. They watched as Lester retrieved the phone and disappeared inside.
Owen turned to his colleagues, unsmiling he said simply; "David Lightfoot - his son who is suppose to be in Australia."
Wilson, who was already reading his mirror, grunted and said; "David Lightfoot has some serious money worries, but more important than that, he has a young daughter of eight years and he works as an Accountant; but his big hobby is electric's, computers and mobile phones." Jericho nodded; "A young child's voice is just a child's voice; especially if you've not seen your grand-daughter for four years. Susan's voice was his own grand-daughter."
"How do we stop that murdering rat from getting his hands on Lester's money and ensure that Ellen Cabot has it for her campaign; we know she will give full credit to Lester and may even publicise his story?" Owen pushed the mirror back into his pocket and the little group stood in silence for a few seconds.
Then Jericho smiled to himself and pulled his time-piece out and motioned to Wilson; "Do you have the number of that 'magic' phone on record?" Wilson nodded that he did. "Well then; let's make a little phone call just at the right time."
The little group disappeared into the darkness.
7. A SIMPLE PHONE CALL.
Constable Eric Burke eased himself back into his office chair and flicked open the local paper. There was little of interest for him in this weeks edition, but the story about the old man killed by the gravel lorry did catch his eye.
He rubbed his chin and sipped his mug of tea; where had he heard that name 'Lightfoot' before? Eric wondered about that; he had seen or heard that name somewhere. He looked about the Police Property office and the big polythene bag laid on the bottom shelf was noticed immediately. The old Policeman wandered over and lifted the tag attached to the bag.
It read; 'Lester Lightfoot'.
He grinned to himself; "The old mind is not ready for retirement yet!" and refilled his mug with fresh tea from the large pot that stood on the small fridge.
"Only another seven weeks and its off to Spain for three weeks in the sun and then retirement after twenty-seven years service." Eric muttered and tapped the calendar, he had been counting days now for some nine weeks. He dropped back into his chair and picked the paper up, reading about the accidental death of Lester Lightfoot.
That's when he heard the phone ringing.
Eric walked slowly back to the big polythene bag and stared at the broken phone all lit up and vibrating as well. He tore open the bag and cautiously lifted the phone to his ear; "Hello." He said softly.
Eric sat on his office chair and called the extension of Detective Inspector Reece Norman and waited patiently for the deputy head of CID to answer. The Inspector answered after a few seconds and Eric introduced himself and explained that the 'broken' phone in the property bag of a certain Lester Lightfoot had just received a call about applying for PPI payments compensation - from a very nice women who explained how they could get thousands of pounds for him, for the payments he made, towards an expensive life insurance policy in favour of his only child; David Lightfoot.
He pointed out that someone had deliberately rigged up a broken phone to still actually work and Mr. Lightfoot had it just before he stepped in front of that lorry. He said how sad the scrapbook, mentioned in the paper, must have made the old man. He also wondered what calls were made to the old man on a supposedly broken phone, and more importantly; why?
The Inspector sat in silence for a few seconds then told Eric to bring everything he had for Lester Lightfoot to the CID operations room; this would require looking into.
8. A DIFFERENT VERDICT.
Inspector Reece Norman walked slowly down the steps of the Coroners Court, passing a very disappointed David Lightfoot who pushed through the throng of reporters and curious passer-by's, then jumped into a waiting taxi.
The Inspector stopped in front of the group , and the reporters crowded about him, shouting questions. Mr. Norman stood for a few seconds and then waved the crowd into relative silence. He placed a hand into his pocket and read to the reporters a prepared statement regarding the inquest's verdict into the death of Lester Lightfoot.
Some yards away, a little group stood listening with great interest to Inspector Norman's statement about the verdict of 'Suicide' in the sad case of Lester Lightfoot. He also outlined how the Crown Prosecution Service had recommended charges against David Lightfoot in connection with his fathers death.
He also mentioned that Ms Ellen Cabot's campaign to make people aware of the dangers of undiagnosed epilepsy was to use Lester's sad tale, with full permission of Lester's widow; Irene, who now was looking after the dog 'Wellington'. Smiling a little, the Inspector stated that donations in tragic Lester's name had been flooding in, via the internet, for Ms Cabot's campaign, since the story first surfaced.
"He's sad passing will not be in vain, if just one person is motivated to seek medical help for their condition." The Inspector announced solemnly and the crowd of reporters dispersed to get the story to their papers Editor.
Alex smiled broadly at Jericho and nodded her head in admiration; "That was quite a stroke; getting David Lightfoot investigated, by using the very phone he created to get his hands on his father's insurance money. I particularly liked the touch of using an enquiry about Payment Protection Insurance to set the ball rolling!"
Owen chuckled; "David couldn't really explain what he was doing in London, having never visited either his father or worse; his mother and why he never even told them he was here."
Wilson sighed and placed the mirror into his jacket pocket, then smiled; "His fingerprints were on the concealed battery and sim card - the rest of the phone had been cleaned before he threw it - I guess he forgot that someone might just open the damn phone!" Jericho said nothing, but pulled his mirror from a pocket and they disappeared.
Walking back to the lighthouse, Wilson turned to Alex, still smiling and pointed to Jericho striding out ahead of the group; "Angel Margret is well impressed with the outcome. The Time Controller has informed her that the current time line is back on track - that young man who will become Prime Minster in thirty years, will seek help after being inspired and motivated by tragic Lester's story."
Alex slapped Wilson on the back and with a grin, spoke softly; "A case like this will also do your promotion prospects some good. You'll make Temporal Detective Inspector yet." Wilson nodded; "Right on baby girl!" He loved the idea of managing his own team - but not quite yet.
EPILOGUE:
"This particular mission was quite unusual for team 74, in that it involved NO time travellers, demons or any interference from the 'Dark Side.' The restoration of the current human time line was the sole object achieved. Why David Lightfoot suddenly hatched the plot to kill his father remains a mystery; it did not happen in the original version of his life history!"
W.A.S.
CHARACTERS:
Lester Lightfoot killed himself, filled with remorse for the deaths he had caused many years previously. But this state of mind was bought on deliberately, by his son to gain access to Life Insurance money. Lester's soul was collected and processed.
Susan Lightfoot [the voice of the child] eight year old Susan was coached by her father to play the voice of the dead child from the mini-bus accident. This was to haunt the girl for remainder of her life which was filled with conflict and drug abuse. She died, aged 24 and her soul was collected and processed.
Miss Carol Renauld was the teacher who was killed in the mini-bus accident. Lester always remembered her with great fondness. She was 26 at the time of the accident and her soul was collected and processed.
David Lightfoot's plan to collect his fathers life insurance money failed and he was convicted og attempted fraud at Crown Court, he lost his job and family - his wife kicked him out of their home. He worked various jobs over the years and died in 2032. His soul was collected and processed.
Eric Burke - the police officer, finally retired and moved to Kent with his wife and two dogs. He became a 'lolly-pop' man and spend his final years, happily, outside the local school. He died in 2029 and his soul was collected and processed.
Reece Norman, the CID Inspector became quite ill in the Summer of 2020 with cancer of the bowel and subsequently died near Christmas of that year. His soul was collected and processed.
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