NINE
I woke on Thursday to the sound of my phone telling me I had a text message. It was from Geoff, reminding me that he was picking me up at 8.30. I glanced at the clock by the bed: 7.30.
Now for a man in good physical shape, an hour is plenty to get washed, dressed and breakfasted. For me it was not so easy, and so I missed breakfast.
Geoff took me to the Toyota Dealership and we leased an automatic car. It would be delivered within the week. Then we met some buyers and I watched Geoff trying to do the job I used to be so good at. I put in the odd comment and each one seemed to help. On the way back Geoff thanked me profusely for it seemed my meagre input swung the deal. I doubted it but he repeated that it was so. Once in the office I asked for the contract we were going to sign. It was a mess, I just knew it without knowing how I knew. I tidied it up and gave it to Judy to retype. Geoff's smile grew even broader.
"With your memory, how did you know how to do that?"
"No idea!" I laughed, "it just came to me."
"If you do nothing more than you did today, say, once a month, you'll more than pay your way," he laughed, "You have a real talent in sales and especially contracts; must be in your genes."
"Never wear them!" I quipped. It was a lie. Trish had bought me some.
I reminded him (while commenting on the irony of me reminding anyone of anything), that I would not be full time for a while. I had to get my life sorted out first, but I promised that I'd help out whenever I could. I went home by taxi feeling much better and called at the gym on the way, doing a half hour 'brisk' exercise.
I was making my evening meal when David rang. Was I joining the gang tonight? Yes I was, provided I got a lift. Same as last week it seemed, so by nine we were sitting in our accustomed corner when Colin, and then Keith came in. Once again I sensed an agenda.
David began once everyone had drinks.
"While you were making hay, or sowing your oats with your girlfriend," he said to me with a smile which held no malice, "we've all been hard at work."
"Good," I replied. "I'd hate any of you to be idle. After all you have nothing else to do all day, do you?"
My irony was appreciated. They knew I was grateful that they took the time in their busy lives.
Colin began.
"I contacted York and asked about your missing person file. It was still open after a fashion, so I told them we'd found you but that you had been viciously assaulted. I wondered if they had any info on your last day. They knew basically what we know. I know one of the blokes there and told him I was on the case, and he 'asked me' to follow up the re-opened file." He grinned at the subterfuge.
"That meant I could legitimately go to Fanshaw. I took a DC and we called on Saturday morning. He wasn't delighted to see us. Interesting meeting. I asked him about the PI's report and he told me that they only needed it for the divorce and that he had destroyed it. So I asked him the name of the PI. He couldn't remember.
"Then things became interesting. Ann said she was sure she had his name and address and the photos somewhere and went off to search. Derek was not happy. He muttered and grumbled about losing his Saturday morning to a fruitless search for you Allan. Then Ann returned and she had the man's name and address and these photos."
Colin laid them on the table.
There were four. The first showed a couple having a cup of coffee together, the second the same couple kissing, the third the same couple at the booking office at the railway station, and the fourth the same couple leaving the hotel. I looked at Colin and waited.
"Well that's you, and the woman we're looking for."
I looked at the photos again. So that was what I looked like.
"Yes," said David, very seriously. "You were a good looking bloke, at least that's what the women I know say. Those bastards robbed you of that."
"So what do we do with these, then?" I gestured at the photos.
"I've already sent digital copies to our friend in Sweden," said David, "He was delighted. So it looks as if we may now have some success there." He smiled encouragingly.
"Anyway," Colin added, "I looked Fanshaw's PI up on the register of PIs when I got back to the Station and he wasn't there. I tried the address and it was a fast food take-way. He's retired apparently. I've asked York to look for him and see if he's kept his records."
David took his turn.
"The Swedish man is on the job. He's got a lot of names to get through though, but he's got the photos now. So we wait."
"From the look of these photos," I said dejectedly, "I had a relationship with this woman."
"Don't jump to conclusions," said David, "Let's find out for sure, eh?"
On Friday I was amazed to get my new car. The manual was so thick and detailed that it would take a degree to read it and I was sure there should have been an exam at the end. I skimmed it and opted for the brief guide, which told me all I wanted to know.
My memory was coming back. I remembered university, mainly the work side, though there were flashes of parties and meetings in pubs. I drove around until I felt the car was part of me, and then called in on Geoff. Then on to physio. My physical progress was matching my memory recall. I felt good while aching all over.
On an impulse I called Trish and suggested I come over to Newcastle the next day.
"Checking up on me?" Trish asked. It was light-hearted but stung me. There was an uncomfortable silence.
"Oh Allan, that was crass, I'm sorry. You have every right to check and I know you wouldn't dream of it."
"It's OK, I shouldn't be so sensitive. Perhaps I won't come after all."
"Oh no! Please come. I missed you terribly these past days. Tim asked me out again but I turned him down. I told him it was a big mistake and that my boyfriend was not happy at what we did. That frightened him!"
