Promises Beyond The Veil Of Light ( PT 47 )

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Part Forty Seven

 

Kendrick and Mina spent a good part of the day down at Birchester police station, filling in forms and giving as much information about Evie as they could. It was middle of the afternoon and the darkness outside caused by extremely bad weather made it feel a lot later than it actually was.

 

Radiators in the waiting area kept father and daughter warm as an officer approached with news. “We had a call earlier this morning from a woman who discovered a dead body in a cemetery.” The officer could see the expression of shock on Mina's face and quickly tried to calm the situation down. “Please, don't worry. I'm not saying this is the woman you're looking for, but I think you should be prepared just in case.” Although the officer was used to handling similar situations, he still hated being the bringer of bad tidings.

 

He studied his notes and took the filled out forms from Kendrick, then came to standing. “Well I think that's all I need for now. Hopefully the officers in charge of this investigation will return soon with more news. If you could stay around the station till we get more details of the body it would be better than if you went away, then had to come back in this awful weather.” The officer grinned at father and daughter trying to make light of the situation, only Mina couldn't see the happy side to anything and just kept a straight face staring down at the floor.

 

As the officer walked away Kendrick let out a huge sigh, it was as if a dark cloud of depression hung over them. “Well butterfly, it looks like it's going to be a long day, but we've not got anywhere to be now and I doubt anyone will want me back at the forest in this blizzard, so we'll just have to sit and be patient.

 

Mina exhaled at the tragedy of it all. It was so upsetting to think that they were waiting to hear about a dead body, even if it wasn't Evie's. Just the thought that someone somewhere would loose a loved one was hard to define. Or what if it were a nameless person! She thought, perhaps they died with nobody to care! Or maybe they were murdered! Mina was drowning in morbid thoughts.

 

Kendrick picked up a Farmers Weekly magazine, not really interested in its contents, but needing a distraction. He noticed an article on how to get the best yield of potatoes and smiled to himself thinking of his friends in Cornwall. Turning to Mina trying to lighten the mood he declared, “didn't we have the best holiday in Tintagel?”

 

Mina was still thinking of dead bodies and worrying about Evie. “I suppose so.” She didn't sound very convincing and went back to her thoughts. It was a slight comfort to think that maybe Evie was with her son David and couldn't get home, but then again Mina was sure she'd have phoned or left a note if that were the case. She knew it was stupid to go over and over the drudgery of it all in her head, but couldn't help herself. If only we knew either way what was going on! She pondered. It all went round and round in her brain and left Mina feeling like it was spinning similar to a treadmill.

 

In the confusion of her thoughts, Mina watched as a man and woman were bought in, struggling and looking high on drugs or alcohol . It reminded her of Ivan and Skylar from the tunnel all those years ago. She wondered whatever happened to Paddy from Kilkenny, the man who saved her from getting lost, then thought to herself! Not all homeless people are bad, some just happened to fall on unfortunate times along the way!

 

Two more police officers came out to reception when they heard the commotion to assist the arresting officers. The male and female who although appeared blue with cold were shouting at the top of their voices as if in a frenzy of anger, they didn't seem to know what was going on and why they'd been arrested. The woman gazed over at Mina, an angry expression fell across her face. “What you f... staring at?” She uttered swearing loudly with frustration.

 

Mina looked away quick, eager not to appear nosy, as the woman uttered something more under her breath, that Mina couldn't quite hear but knew it was directed at her. The look on the woman's face scared the pants off her, but when she spoke again Mina began shaking, sitting on her hands Mina tried to control the trembling as she closed her eyes.

 

Kendrick could see how uncomfortable Mina felt. “Don't take any notice of her butterfly, they're on drugs and won't remember a thing when they come down.” He placed a hand on Mina's knee trying to console her.

 

Mina's body was rigid with fear, but she wondered what difficulties these two carried in their lives for them to act in such a way. “I know dad, it's just how she spoke that frightened me. Why do people get so angry?”

 

“Well, I think we all get a little irate when challenged...even you do butterfly, it's just human nature. You and I will have to stick together, is that okay with you?” Kendrick was desperate to cheer Mina up.

 

She forced a smile knowing her dad had no idea of the homeless people she'd discovered all those years back, but was glad to have him there now. “Yes dad...just you and me.”

 

Desperate for the toilet but afraid to move in case the woman might be in there and scared she'd come after her, Mina pulled on Kendrick's sleeve, “dad, would you take me to the toilet? I don't want to go alone.”

 

Kendrick shook his head not understanding.“What are you worried about butterfly? You're in the safest place possible, nothing's gonna happen in a police station.”

 

Coming to standing Mina wasn't so sure and insisted. “Please! Please dad.” Her face was now flushed as she felt agitated and desperate for a wee.

 

“Okay, okay, but we'd better let reception know, just in case the officer comes back.” Kendrick put the magazine down on the table and came to standing too.

 

Approaching the front desk, Kendrick announced where they were going, then decided to ask the all important question. “By the way, is there any news on the body yet?”

 

The officer looked at his computer screen and typed in some information. “Well, nobody's phoned in as yet, so I presume we're still waiting. I'm afraid it's a long process they're still investigating, we have to get our facts straight as I'm sure you're aware, but hopefully there should be news very soon.”

 

Kendrick exhaled feeling the pressure of doing nothing but sitting around, it was more exhausting than working. “Come on Mina, let's get you to the toilets.” Passing through some double doors into a newer part of the building, father and daughter found the loos.

 

Upon returning the officer they'd spoken to earlier walked towards them with eyes rolling as if dreading this moment. Mina somehow knew immediately something was wrong.

 

“Mr Hunter, would you and your daughter please follow me, we have information on your friend.” The officer knew it was a delicate subject and wanted to take them to a room where there wouldn't be an audience, though Kendrick was desperate to know here and now.

 

Kendrick gazed at Mina then back at the officer feeling frustrated. “What is it? Can't you just tell us?” For the first time Kendrick felt flustered, his face muscles clenching, lines across his forehead etched in anxiety.

 

Calmly the officer spoke. “It would be best if you followed me Mr Hunter.” He took them through double doors that weren't meant for the public, leading them down a corridor to an empty room, which apart from a table, four chairs and a cabinet was empty.” I think you both need to sit down,” the officer spoke mindful of the situation.

 

There was some shouting going on in the distance as Mina knew what he was about to say. “It's Evie...isn't it?” She blurted out. Mina began crying, tears falling down her red cheeks.

 

The officer nodded. “I'm afraid so. Apparently they found Evie's bag beside the body with all her belongings inside. At the moment we have no idea how long she's been dead.” He hated this part of his work, being the bearer of such bad news. Passing a box of hankies off the cabinet to Mina, she took a couple out and cried like she'd never cried before. The officer would never get used to this part of his job. “Look I'm really sorry. Can I get you both some sweet tea? It does help.”

 

Mina never said a word as Kendrick spoke for them both. “Yes, as you can imagine we're both in shock.”

 

But it would take more than sweet tea to console Mina, as she dropped down onto the chair.

 

To be continued...