A Love To Remember E-Book

Peter Samuel

• Herausgeber: Clink Street Publishing
• Kategorie: Abenteuer, Thriller, Horror
• Serie: An Inspector Rupert Mystery
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2024

Seitenzahl: 351

Beschreibung

The year was 1931. Amadeus Rupert and Colin Freeman joined the Metropolitan Police in London at the same time. Total strangers and completely different characters. except for their love of flying, which took them in different directions during World War Two. Colin became a Squadron Leader, flying Spitfires. Amadeus flew with Coastal Command, then Bomber Command. He had fallen head over heels in love with Deborah, who he married in 1933. Love at first sight or so they thought. But the fortunes of war would have a profound effect on all three friends whose lives would change forever.

Leseprobe

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A Love to Remember

Peter Samuel

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CONTENTS

TITLE PAGECHAPTER ONECHAPTER TWOCHAPTER THREECHAPTER FOURCHAPTER FIVECHAPTER SIXCHAPTER SEVENCHAPTER EIGHTCHAPTER NINECHAPTER TENCHAPTER ELEVENCHAPTER TWELVECOPYRIGHT4

5

CHAPTER ONE

Amadeus Rupert, what a name. Often teased about it throughout his school days.

Born on the 3rd of September 1914, the year the great war began.

He had learned from his mother how his father, Thomas Rupert, volunteered and marched off to war with the Coventry pals. An architect by profession, he was drafted into the Royal Engineers, saw action in the early years of the war, then was killed in 1916, when the British forces continued their push on the Somme battlefield.

Amadeus never knew his father, but he knew his mother. As he got older, they would sit by candlelight while his mum would open the photograph album, then reminisce over the times, before he was born, when she and his dad walked the boards of the Empire theatre: acting in amateur dramatics, taking part in operas. Hence the name Amadeus, taken from the Amadeus Wolfgang Mozart opera The Magic Flute, which was their favourite.

It was often thought that young Amadeus would follow in his parents’ footsteps but that was not to be. Although educated in the arts, Amadeus was to choose a different role in life, much to the disappointment of his mum. He always seemed to have his head stuck in a book. Puzzle books mostly, and it wasn’t long before his school teachers recognised that that they had a genius in their class. Amadeus excelled in Maths and Literature, always top of the class in most subjects except sport, he had no time for playing football or cricket, although he did enjoy athletics. He was doing the Times crossword at the age of ten.

He was devoted to his mother, who had struggled after the war to put food on the table. But the theatre rallied round to give her secretarial and typing work, and the firm that his dad had worked for also pitched in to give Amadeus an easy beginning.

Then came the decision as to whether he would go to Cambridge University, or join the Metropolitan Police Force in London, the latter was his choice; that made his mum weep.

6He sent off the application, and received a quick response that he was to report to the Hendon police college in London, to commence training.

Billeted in the college dormitory, he was fed, watered and most of all, had easy access to the library where he spent many an hour of his spare time with his head stuck in a book, although he made it a point to travel back home at weekends when there was no tutorial.

The year was 1931, a lot was going on in the world, especially in Germany.

He was sitting in the lounge enjoying the break from his lessons, browsing through the Times newspaper, deciding to leave the crossword until later.

Amadeus did not know it then, but his life was to change dramatically, when a tall blond-haired recruit sat down beside him. Holding out his hand, “Colin Freeman,” he said with a strange accent. Amadeus put down the newspaper, then introduced himself.

“Yes, I’ve been studying you over the past few weeks, you don’t say very much and don’t go out a lot,” the stranger said with a large smile.

“I go home occasionally, but right now I’m here to study and, hopefully, get through my finals.” He attempted to pick up the newspaper.

“I have no doubt you’ll succeed, Rupert. You, my friend, are the academic type. So fear not because there are great things in store for you.”

“I take it you have a crystal ball in your dormitory.” Amadeus smiled.

“Don’t be so presumptuous, Rupert. I wouldn’t live here if you paid me.” They both laughed. “I have an apartment in Mayfair. You’re welcome to attend the parties, if you get bored with life in the box room.” This brought another laugh. It was from that moment on that the two became close friends.

Colin explained why he spoke with a foreign twang. “I was brought up in Munich, Germany. My parents saw the writing 7on the wall when the brown shirts, they were the Nazi party enforcers, a truly ruthless mob, took to the streets and began to persecute the Jews. That’s when we moved to England and changed our name by deed poll, from Friedman to Freeman. My dad kept his first name of Jacob, but it was advised by relations living in England for me to change from Gustav to Colin, and Frau Anna Friedman, my mother, to Anabela Freeman.” Colin hesitated as if he had said too much, but continued, “It was a wise move by my parents. You only need to look at the way Germany is run today, by thieves and murderers. Herr Hitler especially.”

Colin Freeman said no more, but Amadeus knew the young teenager was hurting.

“Come on, let’s go and take in a matinee at the Odeon cinema, that will release us for an afternoon.” This was to become one of their escapes from reality.

Colin kept his passion for flying a secret, until one Saturday he and Amadeus drove up to North London in the Austin 7 which Colin had taught Amadeus to drive.

As instructed he helped Colin push the Tiger Moth aeroplane out of the hangar, turned the propeller, then chocks away. He watched as the flimsy aircraft trundled down the grass airfield then lifted off into the blue cloudless sky.

Colin had invited his friend on many an occasion to sit in the gunner’s seat of a borrowed aircraft. “No chance, Freeman. I’ll keep my feet on the terracotta clay if you don’t mind.”

However, Amadeus was intrigued by Colin’s skill and decided to put his life on the line, joining his friend in the air. It wasn’t long before Amadeus found a passion for flying, and with Colin’s instruction, soon began to take off and land of his own free will. There were times when they would just sit in the draughty hangar and learn about aircraft maintenance from an aircraft mechanic.

But Amadeus still kept hold of his passion to become a member of the Metropolitan Police Force, much to his friend’s annoyance when he refused to join him at the airfield.

“You must study, Colin. Flying is one thing but your commitment to passing your exams is another.” Amadeus would try 8to encourage his friend to get his head into the police manuals. “There’s a preliminary exam coming up, so you better get studying or you’re out.” It was a warning that Colin paid attention to, and he would burn the midnight oil, to play catch-up on what he had been taught in the lectures.

Much to the surprise of their tutor, both friends passed the final exam that determined whether they were capable of becoming policemen or not. The tutor made it clear that Amadeus was not a problem, but shook his head when Colin was mentioned.

“Don’t worry, sir, I’ll make sure he doesn’t waste your time.” Amadeus studied the tutor’s face before he turned and walked to the library.

The two cadets had become firm friends, relying on each other’s wisdom, passing on any advice that they held and sharing their present situations. It came as a surprise that Colin was in fact very rich. Amadeus never realised that Colin Freeman was part of the Freeman empire, who had stores all over the south coast of England, including counters at the large department stores in the city, although he often wondered how Colin could afford the luxury of owning a car, an aeroplane and a luxury apartment in a residential area of the city. However, he never questioned his friend on his apparent wealth. It was none of his business.

Colin had frequently asked his friend to move out of the police dormitory, and move into the luxury apartment, but Amadeus knew that would be fatal. Because of the parties and Colin’s lifestyle, no work would get done, so it was always a polite refusal explaining why.

With careful persuasion, Amadeus was able to guide his friend through the rigorous moments of study, and it was now approaching their finals, where the boys would be separated from the men. The day that would reveal the outcome of the past two years.

The results were posted on the notice board. It came as no surprise when Amadeus Rupert topped the class with a pass mark of 92%. Those that had a high mark were also mentioned, but the police examiners were more discreet, by mentioning those 9who had scraped through without revealing their percentage mark, and not listing those who had failed at all. The two chums studied the board with enthusiasm. Needless to say, Colin had scraped through, and didn’t really care what mark he got, as long as he succeeded in the game. That was his considered opinion of all this study and the boredom of the tutorials.

His life would be up in the air, and nothing would change that. However, it took all of his friend’s resolve to encourage him to stick it out.

The pass-out parade was held in the Hendon College square where Amadeus received the honour of being the best recruit and accepted the challenge trophy, for the best team out of four. A coveted trophy that had taken in lots of sports, especially athletics.

Amadeus was proud to see his mother and uncle David in the crowd of onlookers, as the cadets were put through their marching drill.

It was on that day he was first introduced to Mr. and Mrs. Freeman. He was quite impressed by their manner, there was no sign of “look who we are” they were just ordinary parents, proud that their son had achieved something in his life.

There were a lot of handshakes and introductions, the cadets posing with their parents and family for photographs. Amadeus and his family were invited to join the Freemans for lunch at the Ritz, but Amadeus turned the invitation down. He wanted to spend as much time with his mother, Emily, and uncle David, as possible before they caught the train back to Coventry.

“Some other time then,” Jacob Freeman said, slapping Amadeus on the back, then indicating to his wife and son it was time to go.

Amadeus and his family went to the food hall, where a buffet had been laid out. There was lots of chatter, and more introductions.

The time had finally arrived when Amadeus saw the family off on the train. “Stay safe” was his mother’s parting advice, with tears flowing down her cheeks as the whistle blew and the steam train moved with a jerk. He stood waving until it was no longer possible to see the carriage that carried his mother away.

10There was still work to be done at the college. Desks had to be cleared, beds changed and made, a tidy up of his dormitory, and two weeks of sheer bliss as the college tutorials and students began to disband, after allocations of police stations were received by the grateful cadets.

Knowing he would eventually be asked to vacate his box room at the police college, Amadeus was lucky to find alternative accommodation quickly. London was not the easiest of places to find affordable places to live; however, he managed to find a basement flat that was affordable to his income. It was handy, since he had been allocated to Holborn Police Station. His basement flat was situated in Eagle Street, not too far from there, so in a way he considered himself lucky.

Colin helped with the decoration, and the moving of accumulated bits and pieces. He had been posted to Chepstow, so there would be little time for fun and games, and Amadeus’s friend seldom visited the basement flat, since he had to settle into his own station.

Colin appeared on the doorstep of the flat one morning, with that huge grin on his face.

“We have another week before we take up our attachments. So come this weekend I have booked us into a hotel in Bournemouth. It is a holiday weekend so there should be plenty of spare crumpet walking about.” He saw the look of consternation on Amadeus’s face. “No arguments please. This is my treat; my way of saying thanks, for all the help you gave me during the police college days, but most importantly, helping me at the airfield. So be packed and ready for Friday. We need a break after all we’ve been through.”

Amadeus knew it was futile to argue, so nodded. “Okay, Friday it is.”

Amadeus had no idea just how much his life was about to change, as he packed his suitcase with shorts and tee shirts for the weekend in Bournemouth. They took the train from Paddington and travelled down to the English Riviera, arriving in the resort in the early afternoon. They booked into the Highcliff Hotel, before 11taking a walk into the town to explore, with a refreshing walk along the pier, to stretch their legs before dinner. Much of the afternoon was spent going in and out of shops, until they agreed that a nap before dinner would set them up for the evening’s search for a girl in need of company. Which Colin was all too eager to indulge in. Amadeus reserved his thoughts on the matter, not wanting to be seen as a predator, or a prude in his friend’s enthusiasm.

After dinner, they set off into the town, and while walking on the promenade, Amadeus pointed up to a clifftop pub. So they made their way up the steps. Out of breath, they took a seat and ordered beer. They sat in the corner, eyeing up who came in and who left. They got into conversation with an old one-armed soldier, who insisted on telling them about the days of the trenches in World War One. This reminded Amadeus of the stories his mother would tell him, and he was glad to be distracted by two teenagers who took a seat by the guard rail overlooking the bay. He said nothing to Colin since he was intrigued by the old man’s stories. They had bought him plenty of beer, as his exploits got grander. He finally changed the subject.

“Those two girls, that came in a while ago, keep looking over here as if they might be interested, certainly not in me.” He gave a loud laugh. “That two at the bar are preparing to pounce so you better be quick.”

It was Colin who took the initiative. Springing from his seat, he walked over to their table. “You girls look as if you’re in need of company and a good time.”

“Bugger off,” the dark-haired girl said, blowing smoke up into his face.

“Amadeus, get over here,” he ordered, paying no attention to the rejection, while pulling a chair over to their table. He quickly introduced them. “This is my friend Amadeus Rupert, and I am Colin Freeman, both in need of company.”

The dark-haired girl guffawed. “I suppose you’re going to tell us you’re part of the Freeman jewellers empire, just sod off will you?”

Amadeus had already drawn in a chair and sat beside the quiet blonde, who paid little attention to the intrusion, and her 12friend’s outburst. The waitress brought over their pints from the other table

“What I want to know is where your friend got his name from, some famous composer no doubt, and why is he not wearing his traditional yellow checked trousers, red polo-neck jumper and scarf?” She laughed at her own inference to Amadeus.

The quiet one spoke up. “Be quiet, Veronica. You, my dear, are becoming a pain in the arse.” Her face went beetroot when she realised what she had said. “Sorry for my outburst.” She encouraged Amadeus to move his chair closer.

She introduced herself as Deborah Fox, and her friend Veronica Courtney, both from the village of Welwyn, in Hertfordshire. The conversation became more civilised after Colin had bought them a drink. They had spent two weeks living with Deborah’s aunt Ada, and needed some excitement.

“Boring,” Veronica said as she lifted her vodka and tonic, swallowing it without a break.

Deborah sipped her white wine. “Pay no attention to her, she just wants to get back to the art school.”

It was Amadeus who picked up on the conversation. “Art school. So you’re an art student, Veronica?”

There was no response as she tapped her empty glass on the table.

“Yes, she’s a student, and a very good one at that,” Deborah said coming to the rescue. “If she works hard she’ll become a name in English art and sculpting.”

“What’s your occupation, Deborah?” Amadeus leaned towards her and got a whiff of her perfume.

“I’m at the teacher’s training college. I still have eighteen months to do, then hopefully I’ll graduate as a teacher.”

“God help the little brats,” Veronica said as she tapped her empty glass again. The conversation was more relaxed as the four sat discussing what they did, their plans for the future, and the holiday weekend. That conversation took pride of place with Colin and Veronica, who were determined to have a ball in the short space of time that was left. So after a few more drinks, they 13paired off, with Colin and Veronica, who were well matched, and Deborah and Amadeus, who were, as they say, caught in a whirlwind romance. It was love at first sight for Amadeus, although Deborah played her cards close to her chest.

Closing time and the foursome made their way out of the lounge entrance. It opened out into a broad street, high above the beach and promenade. Victoria and Colin decided to go to a party that Veronica and Deborah had been invited to, but the latter said she was tired and preferred to walk back to her aunt Ada’s flat. So they split up, each couple going their separate ways.

The walk along the Clifton road was refreshing, and the full moon cast a yellow pale shadow on the two who walked hand in hand in silence towards Deborah’s accommodation.

They stood for a moment. Deborah leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek. “What about tomorrow?” Amadeus asked before she was about to go indoors.

“What about tomorrow?” Deborah teased.

“Well, I thought we could go to the beach, have a picnic, or even take one of the pleasure boats and do a trip along the coast.” He could hardly get the words out before she answered.

“That might be awkward, Amadeus. You have your friend and I have mine; we might want to do something different. So I suggest we leave it at that. Just go and enjoy your weekend.”

Amadeus made a move towards her but Deborah turned quickly and ran up the steps to the main door where she was greeted by the security guard on duty.

He was sure he saw a curtain twitch on the second floor as he looked up to admire the building. Slightly disappointed, he walked back to the hotel alone.

The next morning he was down in the dining room early, and settled for a full English breakfast with coffee and toast.

Colin appeared looking the worse for wear. He moved his clenched fist up and down.

“What in heaven’s name is wrong with you, Freeman, have you got wind or something?” Amadeus said loudly. He knew exactly what Colin was asking before Colin got it out.

14“Well, did you or didn’t you? I gave you every opportunity to give her one,” he said with the hint of a smile.

“Certainly not, Freeman, and if I did I wouldn’t disclose it to you.” Amadeus was slightly put out at the intimate question. “Right, I’m off into the town. I’ll meet you at the boating pond cafe.”

“Failure,” Colin said as the waitress took his order. “I’ll tell you one thing, my friend, Veronica held nothing back; we ended up in bed together, what a girl. However, things began to get out of hand at the orgy so I left while she was smoking her joint, and when she began to kiss a stranger, that was it for me. But it turned out a very good first night.” He paused for a moment. “I have to go down to Cornwall to look at a car. I arranged it last night. If you want to come, that’s fine, otherwise you can spend the time here with Deborah.” He buttered his toast.

“That’s not going to happen, Colin. We parted company on amicable terms. She’s more considerate towards you and Veronica, so we’ll say no more about it.”

“Come off it, Rupert, I saw the way you looked at her, and she at you; it nearly made me throw up.” He hurried with his breakfast. “Needs must, Amadeus, I have a train to catch.” He snatched a piece of toast. “See you tonight, my friend.” His breakfast remained on the plate, and he was gone.

Amadeus picked up the Times and studied the crossword as he sipped his coffee.

It was a sunny August morning so after a shower he dressed in shorts, a light shirt and sand shoes before setting off for the town. There was little to see that he and Colin hadn’t seen last night. Although he did check out the theatre, nothing interested him so he walked along the pier, eventually settling down to get stuck into the Times crossword, He ordered a cold lemonade with cake before turning to the back page. He tapped his teeth with his pen. Five down always was a bugger.

Nicely settled in the shade, he was deep in thought when a soft voice spoke to him. He shielded his eyes and looked up at the handsome girl. “Deborah,” he said with glee in his voice. He looked around for Veronica. No sign, so he asked the obvious question.

15Deborah looked hurt. “She came in at half three in the morning much the worse for wear, her face bruised, and her clothes covered in vomit. I cleaned her up and put her to bed, and that’s where she is, unable to face the day. Aunt Ada is absolutely furious with her, so we’re cutting our holiday short and leaving Bournemouth on the morning train for London.”

“Take a seat, Deborah. Let’s get you a refreshing drink with cake.” She sat down quickly.

Amadeus thought he detected a tear in her eye, but she turned and looked up at the waitress to order, then blew her nose gently.

“I’m at a loose end as well. Colin has gone off to Cornwall, so perhaps we could join forces and spend the day together.”

“I’d like that very much, Amadeus,” she said looking into his eyes.

They finished their cake and juices, then strolled along the pier, taking time on some of the joy rides, and getting photographs taken in Victorian period attire. There was fun to be had on the dodgems, with much laughter on the swing boat.

They were totally at ease in each other’s company, talking about their upbringing and their dreams of the future. After a fantastic lunch, they decided on the cinema, an afternoon matinee, then sadly it was time to say goodbye at Aunt Ada’s apartment block.

Amadeus was sure he saw the curtain move on the second floor, just like the night before. He was about to mention the fact when Deborah spoke softly, “I’ll see what Veronica has planned for tonight, but I’m not going to be dragged to one of her parties. However, you mentioned a picnic, so let’s do it tomorrow. I know an ideal spot that the family used to use in the past, very secluded with plenty of beach to sunbathe.” She paused. “I’ll make up some sandwiches if you buy some orangeade, then we can take the number eleven bus out to the beach.” She gave a radiant smile at his reaction.

“Alright, I’ll meet you here at the tearoom, say ten a.m., and we can take it from there.” After the cinema, he walked her back to Aunt Ada’s apartment. He didn’t care who was watching. He took her in his arms and kissed her passionately. She responded by holding him close.

16Amadeus watched her hips sway as she climbed the steps, then disappeared indoors.

He whooped and jumped into the air several times, as he made his way back to the Highcliff Hotel. There was no sign of Colin before he turned in for an early night. Much as he adored his friend, he didn’t really care, because his mind was only on one thing. After a good breakfast, he made his way down to the store, he bought a number of items, including two beach towels and sun cream. Two bottles of juice and a packet of digestive biscuits. He put the items into his haversack, then walked to the promenade tearoom to meet Deborah. He was early, so ordered a coffee to pass the time. There was no way he could concentrate on the Sunday Times crossword so he left it in the haversack, then sat back, awaiting the love of his life.

Deborah arrived on time, turning down the offer of tea or coffee. “Come on, we have five minutes before the bus leaves, and being a Sunday service there’s not another for two hours.”

Amadeus grabbed the haversack and took her hand as they made their way to the bus stop. Eventually it arrived, Deborah paid the return fare, and told the conductor where they wanted to get off. The distance was three miles, so the journey did not take long. They alighted quickly and heard the two bells rung by the conductor for the driver to proceed. They climbed over the fence and made their way through coarse grass to the secluded beach. Amadeus was amazed at the long spit of sand. “You haven’t seen anything yet,” she said, releasing his hand. “We have our own private swimming pool, if my memory serves me correctly.”

They spread the beach towels out, then stripped down to their bathing costumes. Running towards the sea, Deborah suddenly stopped in her tracks. “We have to wait on the tide to turn. The ebbing tide has strong currents. However, follow me.”

They made their way over a sand dune. Suddenly it appeared. Amadeus gasped at the natural large pool of clear water, trapped by the ebbing tide in a pool. They waded into it and began to swim. Amadeus commented that it was like being in a large hot bathtub.

17They hugged, then swam, then hugged again. Amadeus had never known such pleasure, and he told her so.

They both settled onto the beach towels to sunbathe, letting the heat of the morning dry them off. Deborah turned him over, then began to apply the sun cream to his back, then he did likewise to her. He watched her cover the rest of her body with the cream. They gave each other a hug before lying back to sunbathe.

Now the tide had turned, and they frolicked in the sea, splashing each other with hilarity, Amadeus lifting her out of the water, then throwing her into the surf again. They had much fun, embracing and kissing each other with affection, before running up the beach to the towels. They lay for a moment, before turning to face each other. They knew what each other wanted, and it wasn’t long before they lay naked together, touching each other’s private parts, Amadeus rolled onto her gently. “Be gentle with me,” she husked. “I’m still a virgin.”

This did not deter them, as they made love in the heat of the day. They both got so much pleasure from their encounter that the sun was sinking in the west before they cleansed themselves in the sea. “So much for lunch.” Deborah giggled.

“We can eat the sandwiches on the bus back to Bournemouth,” Amadeus said laughing. They gathered their belongings and made their way across the rough grass to the bus stop, sitting eating their sandwiches before the bus appeared.

The journey back to town was travelled in silence. They both knew that this was their last time together for some time to come. Addresses and phone numbers were exchanged in the silence. “Our train leaves tomorrow morning at eleven a.m. Will you come and see me off?” she asked as they strolled up the steep road to her aunt’s apartment.

“I’ll need to check my diary, but it should be okay,” he said in fun.

Deborah nudged him in the ribs. “If I got down on my knees and pleaded with you, would that change your mind?” She was about to drop down on one knee, when he held her close.

“Wild horses and an army wouldn’t hold me back from seeing you off.” He kissed her with added hardness. “You must come 18up to London and visit me,” he added before they finally broke free of their embrace. The curtain moved on the second floor, so he cheekily waved to the person responsible.

“That’ll be Aunt Ada,” Deborah said with a smile.

Amadeus gave another cheeky wave before kissing Deborah for the last time that evening.

His heart was filled with joy as he made his way back to the hotel.

An alarm call was arranged for the Monday morning early. He set his own alarm clock, just in case, then ventured down to the dining room for dinner. There was still no sign of Colin, and he became anxious. However, when he finished dinner, reception gave him a message that read, Car deal done, returning tomorrow morning. C.

Amadeus had a pint of beer before retiring for the night. He wrote a short note: Gone to see Deborah off on eleven a.m. train, meet back at hotel, eventually. He slipped it under Colin’s bedroom door before he finally went to bed.

Next morning he was up at the crack of dawn. With time to spare, he packed his suitcase before having breakfast. He assumed that he and his friend would be driving back to London later in the day, but first things first. After breakfast he walked to the railway station and sat in the waiting room, patiently awaiting his lover.

The voices on the platform made him stand up and go out to check who it was.

Deborah and Veronica held their suitcases while an older woman looked at her watch. He assumed this must be Aunt Ada; what a battle axe she appeared to be: tweed skirt, a tweed poncho, thick grey stockings, with brown brogues on her feet that stood with legs apart.

Amadeus ignored her, then embraced Deborah, giving her a kiss on the cheeks.

“So you’re the flavour of the month, Rupert. Just like a peacock, strutting about outside my apartment. I was tempted to throw a bucket of cold water over you to cool you down.”

“Oh do be quiet, Aunty, and allow me to introduce him.” The introductions were made.

19Amadeus couldn’t believe Deborah’s description of her aunt on the beach, but now he understood. A woman not to be messed with or lied to. He shook her tight grip with vigour, not letting go until she decided to let go of his hand. They heard the train approaching from the bend in the tracks. A solitary figure ran across the overhead bridge waving his arms. Colin bounded down the steps as the large steam locomotive shuddered to a stop. “Glad I made it, Deborah,” he said trying to catch his breath.

Amadeus lifted her suitcase and walked to the first-class compartment, placing the case in the overhead luggage rack. They stood in the corridor kissing and making promises. The guard arrived to close the door and Amadeus stepped out onto the platform, making sure that the carriage door window was open. He stretched up and kissed her before the whistle sounded and the train began its journey to London. Everyone on the platform was waving frantically, as the carriages disappeared out of sight.

Aunt Ada spoke in a harsh voice, “You take care of my niece, Rupert, or you’ll have me to answer to.” She briefly shook his hand before hailing a taxi.

Colin laughed. “You have your hands full there, my trusty friend. However, come and see my little beauty that I have purchased.” They walked to the red M.G. Convertible two seater. “What do you think?”

Amadeus just nodded, his mind was elsewhere.20

21

CHAPTER TWO

The journey back to London by car was comfortable enough. They talked about the weekend, but it was the only secret he ever kept from his friend.

Amadeus said nothing about his experience on the beach the day before. In fact, the conversation became muted when Deborah’s name was mentioned. Arriving in London, Amadeus was dropped off at his basement flat, after promising to keep in touch.

It was now time for work, each friend made their way to their appointed police station location.

It was quickly recognised that P.C. Rupert had an uncanny knack of solving cases quickly with method and ability. Therefore, it wasn’t long before his name was mentioned in the confines of Scotland Yard. Soon enough, he was transferred to serious crime duties and his skill became the talk of the top brass. He was rapidly promoted to detective sergeant.

He had settled into his position, solving bank raids, serious assaults, and other crimes that embraced the city. Always keeping in touch with Deborah, three, four times a week, more when he could find the time. She would visit him whenever possible, and their time was spent mostly in a horizontal position, in bed.

Then came the news he had least expected. She had become pregnant, due to their unprotected sex on the beach that special afternoon in Bournemouth. She had held it back from him. However, she was now starting to show, and her teaching profession would eventually have to cease until she could resume her studies.

A marriage ceremony was hastily arranged, at the Bow Street Marriage Centre in London.

It was a simple ceremony, with Colin as best man and Veronica as maid of honour.

They stepped out into a cold November wind; Amadeus felt strange. It was all over so quickly that he did not feel married. However, love conquers all and, after a dinner, they made their 22way by taxi back to the basement flat where they would stay until their son Colin was born.

Amadeus was always on the lookout for something better. A place they could call their own, now that he was earning a reasonable wage. That was to improve as he was promoted to Inspector. It had a nice ring to it: Inspector Rupert of the Yard.

This was a name that struck fear in the minds of the crime syndicate bosses in London.

When Inspector Rupert was on a case, it was only a matter of time before an arrest was made; that was how he had gained his reputation. However, everything in the garden was not rosy. Deborah was not completely happy with city life, and they had many heated discussions on the subject. She felt her profession had been snatched away from her, and, with the help of her parents, wanted to resume her studies at the teaching academy in Welwyn, Hertfordshire. This was becoming an everyday discussion at the dinner table. She had informed him there was a place vacant to take up her studies. So it was agreed that she would go back to Welwyn where her step-mum could look after baby Colin. Amadeus could make an application for a transfer to the Hertfordshire constabulary.

That was the way it was to be, much to the disappointment of his senior officers, who insisted it was a bad move, and London was where he belonged and would in time climb the promotional ladder, emphasising that Welwyn was a backwater with little action.

Everything had fallen into place. Deborah had resumed her studies, eventually graduating to teacher status. Amadeus had been accepted into the Hertfordshire constabulary, who were only too glad of an officer with such high esteem from the Scotland Yard team.

There was some hope on the horizon. However, as two new towns were proposed to eradicate the growing housing problem. The first to be built at Letchworth, and another to follow called Welwyn Garden City. The Welwyn Garden City project had been started in 1919, when plans were laid out by the private 23sector, and mostly bungalows and villas had been built. Then in the interim period it was slowly taken over by the public sector, which started to build a new primary and secondary school, an art college and a teacher’s training college. The police headquarters were to be moved from Stevenage to a large five-story police building, which pleased Inspector Rupert, who had to commute around the county (a position commonly known as a floater). The new building might prove that he would be kept in the area. He found a way of combating that by keeping himself busy, he moved around the county whenever the local force needed help. He just had to be patient, and allow things to change at their own speed.

It was on one of those boring days as he stood in the Welwyn police office that he thumbed through a missing persons case in the rotary card system. A case caught his attention dating back to 1933, but there was a much more recent case that he intended to follow up.

A woman had been reported missing over a year ago, in 1937, and the case was not followed up. He understood that after a time most missing persons were traced or simply turned up, it was not listed as a grade one incident until a week had passed, but this was over a year ago; something had gone badly wrong in the missing persons procedure. He would keep a close eye on the situation. Each day he came into work, he focused on the missing woman from Hatfield.

Her name was Molly Stacey, a factory worker from Hatfield, so he took the decision to put together a small team, comprised of a woman police constable and a male police constable, who in fairness were the best of a lethargic bunch.

He called a meeting of every officer in the station.

“Okay, at ease,” he said calmly. “It has come to my attention that there seems to be a lack of enthusiasm in this station and beyond.” He paused. “I didn’t spend my time with Scotland Yard making things easy for lazy officers. Therefore, my uniformed friends, that is about to change. W.P.C. Buckingham, and P.C. Bowman will assist me in the investigation I’m about to undertake.” 24He looked at the smiling officers. “Working with me will not be a walk in the park. I will expect you both to be at my beck and call twenty-four hours a day, is that understood?”

They both nodded sheepishly.

“As for the rest of you, I expect you to go about your police duties with some enthusiasm, and be ready to assist in our investigation.” There was a whispered response. “Right, come tomorrow, Molly Stacey will have been reported missing for over a year. Therefore, I intend to reopen her file. That gives me the opportunity to commence our search for her. Meanwhile, I’ll report my intentions to H.Q. in Stevenage, and while I’m doing that Buckingham and Bowman can revise the case by starting with who made the report and when, along with a name and address we can start with in the morning.”

The trio made their way to Hatfield. As they stepped out of the police car, P.C. Bowman commented on the state of the garden and house, a semi-detached that only needed a lick of paint. Inspector Rupert ignored the comment. “You go round to the back, Bowman, there’s a good chap. Right, Buckingham, you’re with me.”

Inspector Rupert spotted the rusting Austin 7 parked in an overgrown driveway. It took him back to the days when he and Colin would drive up to the airfield, with him at the wheel. They walked carefully up the broken slabs of the uneven path.

He knocked on the door, getting no answer. He knocked louder. Still no response. He opened the letter box and shouted, “Police, open up.” That did the trick.

A badly dressed man appeared, clutching a bottle of beer, a heavy stubble on his face. “What now? Can a man get no peace in his house? I know nothing about any break-ins,” he said taking a drink from the bottle.

“It’s not about any break-ins, Mr. Stacey; it’s regarding your wife’s disappearance. You were supposed to inform us if she turned up. So the question is, has she turned up, or have you heard from her over the period since you reported her missing?” He brushed past the surprised character into an untidy living room.

25“The cow’s never been in touch with me or our two children. Off she went with some lover who was shagging her at the time. Does that answer your question?” He took another drink, spilling some of it onto an already stained jumper.