Chapter 14

Tim and Tess found themselves standing in her room at Ocean Drive and the rest of the house felt quiet and comfortable.

"Wow … we flew just like Superman in the films." Tess said with a slight laugh of disbelief in her voice then looked round expecting everything to be packed away and the room in darkness. She realised that nothing had been touched, the bed was made and the small light on the dressing table had been left switched on so they were not in darkness and knew someone had thought of them. She gave a gasp as she saw a small vase of flowers and a card by the light and went over to look at them. On the front of the card was a picture of a teddy bear holding some flowers, it was open so the inside could be read as well without being picked up and she read the words and recognised Benjy's attempt at writing. 'thank you mummy love Benjy X X' and felt so much loss and love.

Tim saw her sadness in the aura around her as well as her expression put his hand on her arm and said gently but firmly. "Come on we have a visit to make!"

Tess looked at him knowing what he meant by the tone and got scared and pleaded. "No Tim! … He's evil you said there was a barrier around him."

Tim got really cross and exclaimed. "Tess! He could still walk away from your murder if they cannot find a witness it's all circumstantial like the other murders on the island. At least we can make sure he has a restless night! You can stay outside his mind if you like but I'm going in!"

Still hesitant Tess had seen the aura around Tim shimmer wildly as he spoke and knew he was adamant and said. "You've got to find him first."

Tim gave a harsh laugh. "That's easy … he will be at the County Jail." and flicked into darkness.

Tess suddenly felt herself being pulled into the black flash and thought of following Tim hoping it would be enough and she would not find herself in the mortuary with her body.

oxoxo

They materialised in the corridor of the jailhouse. The rooms were walled not opened barred as elsewhere in the jailhouse. The entrance to each room was a steel door, with a small security flap to an opening which the officers used to check and hand things to the occupant.

They noted the room number and walked along the corridor to a room at the end where they heard men chatting. Walking in they saw two men sitting in easy chairs, glancing through papers while chatting and keeping an eye on the wall that was covered with television screens which showed every cell on that floor whether barred or not.. On the desk below the screens were phones, knobs and dials as well as restraint equipment. As Tim noted of all this he realised there was the noise of snoring or muttering and smiled – they had sound and vision just what he wanted.

He nudged Tess and walked out going back where they had materialised knowing it would be the door to Derek's room and stopped and face Tess knowing she would like it and said. "Ok you stay outside his mind but in his room if it looks bad come and get me or just think of me it will be enough to pull me out!"

Tess pleaded remembering what Derek was like when angry. "Tim please don't!" But he was gone. She sighed, fretted for a moment then walked straight at the door and came to a shattering stop as she failed.

She huffed as she got over the shock and then stood back from the door looked it up and down then steeled herself - determined she would get through this time for Tim's sake - and walked through the door.

She saw Tim lying on the floor looking totally feed up, while Derek appeared to be sound asleep in the bed. She smiled hoping Tim would give up now having tried and failed and said gently knowing how he would feel. "Come on let's go."

Tim got up and shook himself and the colours in his aura mixed, reminding her of a dog shaking the water out of its fur after a soaking only they didn't land on the floor like drops of water they went back around him.

She looked around the half darken room, noticing bare white walls and the narrow barred window high up in the wall to allow some natural light in. Apart from the bed there was a table with a small television and radio, a couple of books, newspapers along with paper, pens and a plastic cup of water. It felt cold, bare and harsh but she felt no sympathy for the occupant he had more than Ben had.

Seeing Tim, his aura settled was still eyeing the sleeping figure Tess said hopefully. "You could make a mess of the room if you like before we go … that would give them something to think about!"

Tim ignored Tess he knew he needed to do this for everyone's sake not just his own pride and leant over Derek. Tess saw Tim's aura change to darker shades as he spoke. "Derek! You can not hurt me any more and you're not going to sleep soundly after all you've done! I'm coming in."

As he flickered Tess shouted. "Tim careful!" but he'd vanished.

oxoxo

Tim found himself in a very dark place, it was not the gentle darkness of unconsciousness but an evil darkness that felt hard and uninviting with what he realised were dream or memory balls floating around and they were small and spiky with a fine golden shimmering chain around them as if keeping them compact.

As one headed straight for him fast, he stood his ground and let it land on him, expecting the spikes to hurt in someway or bounce off. It didn't and it didn't hurt and he found himself in the master bedroom at Ocean Drive watching what was happening. He knew it was night time and guessed it was Derek not Ben in bed with Meg; they were in their night clothes resting against the pillows sitting in bed talking. Derek had his arm round Meg's shoulder was making advances to her and she was beginning to respond as she would have had he been Ben, who he was pretending to be.

As they snuggled closer together Tim shouted "No!" angrily and waved his arms at Meg trying and stop her, to his amazement the dream shattered into fragments around him, and he was back in Derek's dark evil space.

Another ball was speeding towards him and disappeared into him as it landed. He found himself again in the master bedroom at Ocean Drive this time watching Maria and Derek in bed making love; he hit out again screaming Derek's name in anger.

It shattered and he was back in the evil darkness but this time it seemed to vibrate and then the words "What the hell!" were all around him. He did not shrink from them as they washed over him he stood his ground believing he should be there and not outside Derek's mind.

oxoxo

In the room at the end of the corridor the two officer's attention was drawn to the screen as Derek started to toss and turn muttering to himself. "Hey Peter! Deadly Derek's stirring put it on speaker and record. Didn't the Doc authorise suicide watch and notification."

Peter checked the machine and his pad. "Yeah, perhaps he'll let something slip. From what I hear the murders are all circumstantial."

"Yup and talking in your sleep is not going to be of use in court!"

Peter laughed and confirmed. "No but the Doc can have fun with it! Fancy kidnapping your brother's wife for all those years. It's going to be her word against his and that's no fun..."

oxoxo

Tim shouted into the darkness. "Hi buddy! Did I wreck your precious dreams? OOPS sorry! Any more?" He looked around at the floating balls there were so many to choose from, but no way of knowing what was in them unless he entered everyone and he didn't want to do that but Derek couldn't know that so shouted casually. "Ok. Let's try this one!"

He moved towards it and let it land on him, - he was in a dark wooded area, and he caught sight of two small boys kicking and hitting another boy to the ground. Then one taunted the boy while the other a kick aimed at his stomach as the boy twisted away getting kicked in the side instead Tim recognised it was a Ben and saw the silent tears of pain and resignation on his face, and knew the taunting child was Derek and shouted. "That's sick Derek!" and shattered it with his fists.

"Tim! … You're dead! These are mine! … You son of a bitch. I killed you!" Derek's voice was all around him again, battering him but he stood his ground again and stayed inside Derek's mind.

Tim knew he didn't need to shout so called out calmly. "Yeah guess you did, but I saved your brother. Been inside his head, nice and neat compared to this lot. And you know what for some reason amongst his links of memory he has one of you even after all you've done to him!"

"What the hell are you talking about! Stupid fools could not be trusted I'll take them down with me! You're a dream!" Derek shouted at him then muttered. "Damn Paramedics must have got there too soon."

Tim butted in not wanting him to settle with one idea. "Never mind that Derek we will leave that for now. Think of it. I can come in here every night of your life and kick all your dreams to bits. Can you recreate them I wonder? How about you and Tess?... Where have you hidden it?... You know when you killed her! Come on let's see that one! I want to compare notes!"

"Oh get lost Tim!" Derek huffed getting tired of this dream that answered back and shouted out. "You were already dead when I killed Tess. Guess what no one saw me; any fingerprints were there because I borrowed the car when dear old Ben's piece of tin broke down! Tess was past her sell by date anyway!"

"Thank you Derek!" Came a soft but harsh edge remark.

"Ah Hell! Tess!" He exclaimed recognising the voice and knowing this dream was getting weird beyond his usual dreams. Her voice came back into his dream cutting off any other thoughts.

"Got it in one Derek! You see Tim and I make a good team. I just thought I would let you know I'm around. I'll wait outside Tim; I think it's a bit small in here for two!" She waited a second then sensing a reply about to come from Derek said quickly. "By the way Derek what about your little books!" then added in a seductive whisper. "Are you sure they are really safe?"

"Bitch!" rang round and vibrated through the darkness as Tim felt Tess disappear and wondered what she was talking about but knew she'd hit the mark what ever it was.

oxoxo

The Officers in the end office carried on discussing what they could see. "He's talking and getting agitated now, do you think we should call Doc?"

"No my son does this all the time. You think he's awake because he's sat up but really he's still asleep. Could be dangerous waking him up suddenly just let him carry on, he'll wind down soon. Its funny he's already said he killed Tim and Tess and the way he's acting anyone would think they are talking to him."

Peter eyed him as he exclaimed. "You know you're trouble you watch too much television!"

"Oh great one! Peter, how many screens?"

"Ssh he's off again. Laughing at what for goodness sake!"

oxoxo

Derek's suddenly laugh threatened to knock Tim outside, so he slipped into a ball that was passing and suddenly there was silence. This one felt different from the others, there was tension in the air and he was in a room watching Derek on his knees packing something away, then pushing it up through a hole in the ceiling and sealing it so no-one would notice it. Tim quietly wondered how he could get Derek admit to what he had just seen. He didn't know where it was and he could not go back to Ben and Ricardo no one would believe them. It had to come from Derek here and now.

He slipped back into the open mind before Derek realised he had been into a deeply hidden memory and could still feel the last bits of laughter and shouted. "Hey what's the book about Buddy? Your finest minutes! The next big seller … too bad no one will publish it!"

The soft voice rumbled back. "I thought I lost you! Go play in someone else's head for a change. My brother would love to have you back! Silly twit."

Tim decided to push. "Nay too much fun here lover boy! Saw you hide the books just going to find some more secrets. Now which one shall I try? Left or Right any preference?"

"They're safe farm boy!" Derek exclaimed.

Tim felt stronger vibrations as Derek moved around more and realised he might wake up too soon and wondered if he would be able to stay with him if he did. He had to work fast rather than take a chance and shouted. "Let me guess Ocean Drive in the roof space!"

Derek's voice sounded cocky. "Wrong, you never could get things right! Thought it was dear old Ben who killed Mark. Just like Mark did when I killed him. Nay, you're just a dream and like the rest of them will be gone in a couple of days! As for the books there safe in Southern Avenue even Tess did not understand everything. Could not trust her either. Now get out!"

Tim resisted the mind shock that surrounded him as Derek tried to push him out and pushed back angrily almost stamping his foot in anger. "No! You wake up and watch what ghosts can do little boy! This room will be easy to wreck! Then what will happen to you!" and laughed which echoed round Derek's head.

Derek shot up off the bed and coming awake while hitting out at Tim who was still in his head screaming at the top of his voice. "Get lost Tim!"

Tim shouted back. "No! Derek! Here forever not like the others! Let's play chase!"

oxoxo

In the office down the corridor there was organised chaos. "Peter! We've got trouble! I'll call Doc, you get the calmer, it's not as strong as the one his brother got but it will do. I'll follow you in a second."

"Ok." Peter picked up stunner and left, and was followed a moment later by his partner leaving a new officer who came into the room to take over watching the monitors.

oxoxo

Tess yelled "Tim!" as she stepped out of Derek's way, trapping herself in the corner of the room, forgetting she was a ghost and could walk through him in safety.

Tim materialised still yelling at Derek goading him to hit him. Derek hit out, ignoring the stiffness in his injured arm and knocked the water and books off the table.

Tim moved behind Derek and taunted him. "You missed! Remember big boy I'm ghost!"

Feeling brave Tess called out from the other side of Derek hoping he could hear her. "Don't forget me!"

Derek could hear their voices as loud whisperings in his head and sense their direction but could no longer see them as he had when he was asleep. He screamed at them with feelings of anger hoping to prove he was in a nightmare which he could wake up from. "Tim! Tess! I killed you once! I rung your bloody necks! You will disappear along with that blasted brother of mine! You wait he'll join you the next time I get my hands on him!"

He was spinning round arms out knocking everything off the table loosing his balance but not enough to fall over. Tim got between Derek and the door of the room just as it swung open and Peter yelled a warning.

Along with the noise of things falling and trying to keep his balance Derek did not notice the door opening. Tim's voice in his head taunting him, "Nay don't think so Derek you're too soft! Hey failed to many times already! I know we are dead, you did it, but we can stay in your head forever!" blocked out Peter's warning.

So Derek carried on moving towards the door as he tried to regain his balance as well as waiving his arms around trying to get Tim even though he could not see him and yelling. "Shut up you bastard!"

Peter did not hesitate and fired the stunner; he thought Derek's lunging and shouting were directed at him.

The wires hit Derek in the chest and arm, sending a stunning shock through him. The air was knocked out of his lungs as he hit the floor hard because his arms and legs turned to jelly. He felt the added pain from his injured arm but failed to lose consciousness, the only clear thing he could hear was Tim's voice in his mind, he'd slipped back in as Derek went down. "I know it's not as bad as Ben's but think of this day after day as you loose your temper with us. Hey! who is going to believe in ghosts talking to you - the Doctors?" Tim giggled then added. "Pleasant dreams till tomorrow or even a couple days time who knows … we've got forever Derek!"

Satisfied Tim slipped out of Derek's fuzzy mind and went over to corner where Tess had stayed, she smiled at him with relief, it had been terrifying watching Derek's arms flashing through Tim's body.

Tim reassured her as they watched Peter check Derek over and with the help of his partner put him on the bed. They rolled him on his side, so he could breathe and strapped his wrists together, then to the side of the bed so he could not move when the affects of the stunner wore off.

Peter was happy with the checks and said. "Just lie still Derek don't fight this. The Doctor will be along in a few minutes to assess you. To be honest I think it's going to be the empty padded cell for you my lad! Don't worry we will be watching and listening to you! Oh yes, Doc's going to have fun listening to tonight's performance so there will be loads of questions for you to answer!"

Derek stayed still too dazed to comment.

The Officers pushed the wreckage from the table into a pile in the corner and left the room.

Tess and Tim watched them go. Then Tim vanished back inside Derek's mind and said. "Perhaps they will use the stronger stunner next time! See you!" He felt a ripple nothing more and left.

Tess was waiting in the corridor and smiled when he appeared beside her. "Come on big boy lets go home! Are you really going to come back?"

Tim smiled and reassured her. "No I just want him to think I will! You know what it is like thinking that something might happen then it does not. But you don't know that till afterward the dead line and I never gave him a time limit so he's going to be on edge every night! Ok let's go to bed. Race you!"