“All good. I have links to the Middle East. Goes back a while but sometimes I feel it in my blood.”
Lee stared longer than normal at Ms Jones, then looked around the room. “So how should we deal with an evolving Star Wars theme?”
“I would say business as usual. Continue to be a hindrance to those weak people who want a saviour of some shape or form,” Sarge said. But he sensed a softness in his thoughts for the first time in years. A voice told him this was all an act. He hoped his face didn’t give away the doubt that had entered his head.
33 - Down by the river
Lunchtime always brought the crowds and Fridays always brought the smiles. Jack found the river walkway and headed towards the café. He could see Erica sitting and looking towards the water. There were three glasses on the table, and he felt a slight annoyance that the table hadn’t been cleared. She turned and gave an excited wave. His heart fluttered.
He gave her a kiss on the cheek and caught a hint of some perfume. Her hair was shorter than normal, but her smile as lovely as ever.
“Right on time, Jack.” She gave him a quick look up and down. “Still in good shape, I see.”
“Of course.” But he didn’t know how. He nodded toward the glasses “You want me to get rid of those glasses for you?”
Erica pointed towards the river, and Jack turned to see Johnny walking towards him.
“Student free day,” Erica said. “Thought you’d like to see him.”
“You’re right.”
Johnny wrapped his arms around his dad. Another boy walked up behind Johnny.
“Dad, this is Daniel.”
Daniel held out his hand. Jack took his hand and was impressed with the firmness of the shake and the eye contact—his detective ways of sizing someone up. They both smiled. Jack liked the boy already.
“We’re off to a space exhibition at South Bank.”
“Sounds appropriate.”
“Yes. I’m into space but not as much as Daniel. I’m into fact; he’s into fiction. He’s an obsessed Trekkie.”
“Trekkie equals a Star Trek geek,” Erica said.
“Mum, everyone knows that.”
Daniel smiled and offered Jack Spock’s Vulcan salute. Johnny tried to do the same thing but struggled.
They all settled in their seats.
“You should hear Daniel’s explanation of Adventus,” Johnny said.
“Let your dad get settled first.”
“It’s okay, love.” Jack touched Erica’s arm. “I’m genuinely interested. Gets my mind away from work.”
Johnny leant forward. “One of the Star Trek movies had an alien craft orbiting Earth, attempting to confirm humpback whales weren’t extinct.”
Daniel’s face gave the indication that he’d been transported to the movie.
“A movie that was ahead of its time. Made in the eighties. I watched it with the boys. Quite enjoyable.” Erica handed Jack a menu. “You hungry?”
Jack accepted the menu, looked at Erica, and smiled.
He turned to the boys. “So you believe Adventus might be checking on us, making sure we aren’t destroying the planet?”
Johnny had a serious look. “Maybe. There’s lot of talk of nuclear weapons, especially around the Middle East. Some countries still want to blow Israel up.”
“Boys, boys, boys. Let’s get some food underway.”
Johnny and Daniel decided on burgers. Erica opted for pasta, and Jack went for the steak sandwich. They were all happy just to drink water.
He strolled up to the counter to order and heard Erica yell out number twelve in the background. Of course, the table number. He turned and gave her a wave.
“You busy?” Erica asked when he got back to the table.
Jack took time to think about the question. “It’s been a strange week.” Jack looked at the boys. They were up to something on their phones.
Erica had a smile on her face. “The spirit of Elijah is at work.”
What did Elijah have to do with his week? He turned to Erica and leant forward. “Who is this Elijah? The name has been cropping up of late.”
“Sorry. I promised myself not to venture into Bible talk and I’ve blown it already.”
“It’s okay. I need to hear these things, and it’s an appropriate time. So he’s someone from the Bible?”
“Yes. A famous prophet. You’re probably hearing the name because there is talk of him making an appearance before the return of the Lord. A messenger, if you like. Some even say he’s one of the two witnesses who are doing strange things in Jerusalem at the moment.”
