LOGINShare
Chapter Six
Last Updated:
2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
Beatrice Beecham's Cryptic Crypt Chapter Seven
CHAPTER SEVENGuided by VoicesShe found it quite odd, but for some reason Beatrice couldn’t decide what to wear. It was only a walk along the promenade but her focus had become as fogged as kitchen windows beneath a pan of simmering pasta. Anxiety mixed with excitement, clarity clouded by unfamiliarity.It wasn’t long before she’d keyed Patience’s number into her cell phone.‘What were you thinking of wearing?’ Patience said. .Beatrice told her.‘Call the fashion police,’ Patience moaned. ‘We have a crime in progress.’‘Not good, eh?’ Beatrice said. It was apparent she was totally rubbish at such things. No real surprise since most of her short life had been spent on dressing dishes, not herself.‘What you need is something subtle but not understated. It is your first real date after all.’‘It’s my first date ever,’ Beatrice reminded her.‘Then it’s even more important to create the right impression, right?’‘I suppose,’ Beatrice replied.‘You have that summer dress,’ Pat
Beatrice Beecham's Cryptic Crypt Chapter Eight
CHAPTER EIGHTSeaside RendezvousThe pier had been a late addition to Dorsal Finn, a gift from the Pontefract family back in the 1960’s—a time when piers and ancient bands like The Beatles and The Who were popular. It was a thing of strange beauty. It’s black, wrought iron struts rising from the sea and climbing into impressive archways crowned with huge wooden slats, which supported a pavilion and a few small gift shops.Beatrice walked towards the pier, her eyes watching it grow as she drew closer, and as the elongated structure began to consume her horizon, so did the anxiety of meeting up with Marcus Macbeth. She’d tried to suppress it for most of the day, but now it was loose and hungry and baying for attention. Her heart thumped in her chest, her breathing felt shallow and useless, and when she saw his tall, regal figure—still clad in his smart Blue Thunder suit—standing at the railings, she faltered.‘Giddy goodness, get a grip of yourself,’ she cursed under her breath, her
Beatrice Beecham's Cryptic Crypt Chapter Nine
CHAPTER NINECruel Intentions‘What was that all about?’ Patience said to Lucas when The Newshounds turned a corner and Beatrice and Marcus were no longer in view. ‘Why were you so mean to Beatrice?’‘Why did you guys lie about where she’d be tonight?’ Lucas snapped back. ‘You knew didn’t you?’‘About Marcus? Yeah, I knew,’ Patience retorted. ‘And we didn’t lie about anything. We just played it down. Judging by how stupid you’ve been, I think we did the right thing. Anyone would think that you’re jealous.’No sooner had the words popped out and worked their magic, Lucas’ behaviour made sense to Patience. He flinched a little as though what she’d said contained something unsavoury.‘OMG,’ Patience said, hands framing her face. ‘You are jealous! All that red-eye stuff in Eccleston’s is because you like Beatrice, and you saw them together!’‘Yeah,’ he said bitterly. ‘I saw them.’ Lucas turned to face the sea. Anything was better than seeing the shock on Patience’s face. Elmo put a
Beatrice Beecham's Cryptic Crypt Chapter Ten
CHAPTER TENClutterbuck and Postlethwaite InvestigateGeorge Beecham made his way into the parlour whilst working his way through the post. A wad of large envelopes was held securely under one arm as he rifled through several smaller ones in his hands. With the shop being busy during the week, he tended to leave Saturday’s post until Sunday morning, giving him ample time to address any pressing matters.‘If bills were paycheques we’d be millionaires,’ he said to Maureen as he sat down at the kitchen table.‘We’re not doing too badly,’ she smiled, placing a mug of tea in front of him and kissing the top of his balding head. ‘Things have been worse.’‘Indeed they have,’ Mr Beecham said softly and sipped his tea. He smacked his lips. ‘Nice brew, love. Almost as good as the one Thomas brought us in bed earlier. Well, what I managed to salvage after I dropped it in shock.’‘It’s going to take a few washes to get the tea stain out of the duvet.’‘Look on the bright side,’ George Beech
Beatrice Beecham's Cryptic Crypt Chapter Eleven
CHAPTER ELEVENVeil of EvilAgnes was already hunched over a thick book by the time Maud had made her way down the narrow staircase leading from the librarian’s flat to the main reading area. In typical fashion, Agnes’ glasses were balanced on the tip of her nose, her keen eyes fervently scanning the text.‘What ye got there, Agnes?’ Maud asked standing at her shoulder. The pages under scrutiny were etched with neat text and black and white photographs.‘It’s worse than we could ever imagine,’ Agnes said without looking up from the pages.‘Then tell me,’ Maud said, her face severe.Agnes finally looked at her friend, and in her face Maud could see dread, pure and simple. ‘Upstairs I said that this was all about perspectives, right? What if the villains in the Blue Bolt comic aren’t villains at all?’‘Ye’re goin’ to have to un-muddy that for ol’ Maud.’‘It’s easier if I read this passage to you,’ Agnes said turning back to the book on the reading desk. ‘He is no master people;
Beatrice Beecham's Cryptic Crypt Chapter Twelve
CHAPTER TWELVEThe Cryptic CryptSt. Norman’s Church occupied a space in a small, sedate part of town, not too far away from the library. It was hidden amongst large oak trees and weeping willows, and several dense thickets peppered with bright yellow flowers. The building was made up of a high bell-tower with squared walls and a flat, featureless roof which butted up to a long narrow structure, housing the main hall, giving it the appearance of a clumsy letter “L” that had fallen over on its back.To the left of the horizontal structure was a small cemetery with many headstones, each covered with green moss and lichen, and leaning on the undulating landscape like the misshapen molars of some giant stone ogre. And it was through these tombstones that Patience Userkaf and Elmo hastily made their way, eager to get to the church before the sun shut up shop for the day.‘Why us?’ Patience muttered. ‘That’s all I have to say.’‘If only that was true,’ Elmo said.‘Sorry?’ Patience said
Beatrice Beecham's Cryptic Crypt Chapter Thirteen
CHAPTER THIRTEENBirthday Surprise!Over the next few days, Beatrice focused on the birthday dinner, in an attempt to distract her from many concerns and anxieties.Those who knew her understood cooking was the only thing that diverted her attention from the real world. As she considered the recipe she was able to diffuse thoughts of Lucas and his hurtful words, the strange behaviour of her parents and Thomas. Even the information Patience had since told her relating to the Cryptic Crypt.A sense of calm descended over her as the recipe—the task—consumed her. The relief that came with it was embraced like a good friend.As the evening of Uncle Badru’s birthday celebration arrived, Beatrice was in complete control—a welcomed state of mind, yet short-lived.***The guy standing at the door to The Blue Thunder HQ was large and square. The scalp of his bald head twinkled in fading sunlight. His brow shimmered with beads of sweat. One of these rivulets trickled down his temple and on
Beatrice Beecham's Cryptic Crypt Chapter Fourteen
CHAPTER FOURTEENWolf at the DoorIf Miller’s garden was a tangled hotchpotch of junk, inside the shack was three times worse. There were spindly chairs blocking the narrow hallway, the boys having to navigate around them before finding themselves in a large living space littered with newspapers and magazines. Here and there buckets had been strategically placed to catch rainwater from the creaking, buckled roof. A table in the middle of the room appeared as though it would collapse if so much as a glass of milk were placed on it, and a small camping bed was under the large window, piled high with coarse, crumpled sheets and blankets.To Lucas it felt as though he was in the belly of a pirate’s galleon; one that had been peppered with Royal Navy cannon balls and was a hairsbreadth away from sinking below the waves. The wooden walls were warped and split, deep grooves in the grain giving the unsavoury impression of bloated veins.Over in a corner, lying on a coarse, grey blanket, Wo
Latest chapter
Beatrice Beecham's Cryptic Crypt Epilogue
EPILOGUEThe Vague HorizonBeatrice stared at the ocean, the gulls and a few mottled clouds the only things marring an otherwise azure sky.It was three weeks later and, on the surface, life in Dorsal Finn had returned to some semblance of normalcy. This was not much of a surprise given the town was never that far away from the unusual in the first place.Investigations followed, and allegations were made. Fingers pointed, but those in Dorsal Finn shrugged them off. The Blue Thunder Foundation collapsed and Mayor Codd was absolved given the national scale of duplicity that the organisation had managed to orchestrate.Xavier Pontefract had disappeared on the night that the Nazi army had been brought back to life and reacquainted with death. It was an issue for Beatrice knowing her arch nemesis remained at large, yet she knew that he would neither be caught or resurface for some time. But she had more pressing matters to occupy her time.Once the Blue Thunder Foundation had relinqu
Beatrice Beecham's Cryptic Crypt Chapter Nineteen
CHAPTER NINETEENBattle Beneath the EarthThe doors to the school hall clicked open, those guarding the interior moving to one side to allow their comrades access.The captives inside the hall groaned with fear and dismay as they watched twenty children file into the hall and line up facing them.Agnes couldn’t believe when she saw Thomas Beecham among them, and even Edna Duffy was officially lost for words as twenty MP40s trained on the crowd in the middle of the hall.Marcus Macbeth walked into the hall and addressed those cowering before the guns.‘You are the first to bear witness to the New Reich! Weep if you must, kneel to your God, but today is for the young. Today is for the Reich!’Marcus turned to his comrades and lifted his arm. ‘On my command, open fire!’***‘Oh, this is starting to annoy me,’ Patience said sternly to the big man barring their way. ‘Haven’t you people got anything better to do than take over the world and make a general nuisance of yourselves?’T
Beatrice Beecham's Cryptic Crypt Chapter Eighteen
CHAPTER EIGHTEENMarch of the CadetsDennis Hodges woke with a start, his head pounding fiercely.‘Dear Lord, stop yer drummin’ in me noggin',’ he said to the ceiling. A cool breeze whipped across his face, and he relished the moment. Then he heard the rumble of thunder.‘Couldn’t ’ave shut me bedroom window,’ he said, opening an eye. Then he saw the black, nebulous clouds overhead. ‘Couldn’t ’ave made it home, either.’After helping Albert and Maud load the transmitters into the back of the Metro, Dennis had decided to treat himself to a Cinder’s Cider or two. Problem was, when Hodges talked about two, he usually meant jugs. In a way, he felt it was a minor celebration given that the immediate danger had passed with the transmitters now safely in their possession.He risked sitting up, his hands grasping the surface supporting his large frame. He felt wooden slats against his palms; recognising where he was immediately since he often found his way to this place when out on a nig
Beatrice Beecham's Cryptic Crypt Chapter Seventeen
CHAPTER SEVENTEENChamber of HorrorsPatience couldn’t believe what was going on, despite the evidence playing out before her very eyes. Albert’s car was on its side and on fire. Its owner was on his knees, hands clasped behind his head, an unearthly howl playing on his lips and reverberating around the street. But amid the howl was one word that had Patience moving towards him, fast.Maud.‘Albert, what’s the matter?’ Patience crouched beside him.Albert looked up suddenly, his confusion matching that of the olive skinned girl squatting next to him.‘Patience?’ he said. ‘Maud, the car ... ’‘Are you saying Maud’s in the car?’ Patience clarified. ‘The burning car?’Albert nodded, the lump on his head glistening in the lamp light. ‘Seatbelt’s jammed.’Patience looked around and espied the cold chisel. She grabbed it and sped to the car, the heat almost making her hesitate. She fought on. She got to the open door and peered in, thick smoke hampering her vision as she
Beatrice Beecham's Cryptic Crypt Chapter Sixteen
CHAPTER SIXTEENTime nor TideMaud struggled against her seatbelt.‘Trussed up like a kipper,’ she groaned. ‘Never saw that comin’ when I woke up this mornin’.’‘Don’t worry, Maud,’ Albert said unclipping his belt. ‘I’ll have you out of there in a jiffy.’‘Me hero.’ Maud grinned. ‘Who said men are good fer nowt most of the time?’‘I think that was you, wasn’t it?’‘Ye know somethin’, ye might be spot on.’‘Yes,’ Albert said positioning himself so he could assist Maud’s escape from her confined and indignant position. ‘Good job I ignore such rubbish.’‘Aye, ye’re a good un, no doubt about it,’ Maud conceded, patting him on the arm.‘Don't you be going soft on me now, Maud,’ Albert said working on the seatbelt mechanism which appeared stuck.‘Me? Nah,’ Maud said. ‘It’s this blood rushin’ to me noggin.’‘Well, I’m working on it,’ Albert grimaced as he yanked on the seatbelt clip.‘Hold up, Albert,’ Maud said, her nose wrinkling suddenly. ‘Ye smellin’ that?’Albert sniffed th
Beatrice Beecham's Cryptic Crypt Chapter Fifteen
CHAPTER FIFTEENThe Last SupperThe Macbeth’s were staying in a rented cottage not far away from Dorsal Finn’s museum. The cottage was compact, yet consisted of many rooms that led away from a hallway made even smaller by wallpaper with deep purple flowers. There were many pictures dotted around the small wooden cupboards and dressers in the hall.Beatrice noticed what she presumed to be images of the many stages of Alice Macbeth, one with raven hair and unblemished skin. Another had an image of a middle aged woman leaning on a cane with a moorland scene in the background.‘Welcome, my dear,’ Macbeth said. ‘It’s good to see you again.’‘Thank you, Ms Macbeth,’ Beatrice said politely despite her nervousness.'Oh, call me Alice! Please go through to the lounge,’ Alice said gesturing with her hand to a door a few metres away. ‘Marcus is just putting together a little supper, seeing as we’ve brought our tea date forward a day or so.’‘There really isn’t any need,’ Beatrice said, not
Beatrice Beecham's Cryptic Crypt Chapter Fourteen
CHAPTER FOURTEENWolf at the DoorIf Miller’s garden was a tangled hotchpotch of junk, inside the shack was three times worse. There were spindly chairs blocking the narrow hallway, the boys having to navigate around them before finding themselves in a large living space littered with newspapers and magazines. Here and there buckets had been strategically placed to catch rainwater from the creaking, buckled roof. A table in the middle of the room appeared as though it would collapse if so much as a glass of milk were placed on it, and a small camping bed was under the large window, piled high with coarse, crumpled sheets and blankets.To Lucas it felt as though he was in the belly of a pirate’s galleon; one that had been peppered with Royal Navy cannon balls and was a hairsbreadth away from sinking below the waves. The wooden walls were warped and split, deep grooves in the grain giving the unsavoury impression of bloated veins.Over in a corner, lying on a coarse, grey blanket, Wo
Beatrice Beecham's Cryptic Crypt Chapter Thirteen
CHAPTER THIRTEENBirthday Surprise!Over the next few days, Beatrice focused on the birthday dinner, in an attempt to distract her from many concerns and anxieties.Those who knew her understood cooking was the only thing that diverted her attention from the real world. As she considered the recipe she was able to diffuse thoughts of Lucas and his hurtful words, the strange behaviour of her parents and Thomas. Even the information Patience had since told her relating to the Cryptic Crypt.A sense of calm descended over her as the recipe—the task—consumed her. The relief that came with it was embraced like a good friend.As the evening of Uncle Badru’s birthday celebration arrived, Beatrice was in complete control—a welcomed state of mind, yet short-lived.***The guy standing at the door to The Blue Thunder HQ was large and square. The scalp of his bald head twinkled in fading sunlight. His brow shimmered with beads of sweat. One of these rivulets trickled down his temple and on
Beatrice Beecham's Cryptic Crypt Chapter Twelve
CHAPTER TWELVEThe Cryptic CryptSt. Norman’s Church occupied a space in a small, sedate part of town, not too far away from the library. It was hidden amongst large oak trees and weeping willows, and several dense thickets peppered with bright yellow flowers. The building was made up of a high bell-tower with squared walls and a flat, featureless roof which butted up to a long narrow structure, housing the main hall, giving it the appearance of a clumsy letter “L” that had fallen over on its back.To the left of the horizontal structure was a small cemetery with many headstones, each covered with green moss and lichen, and leaning on the undulating landscape like the misshapen molars of some giant stone ogre. And it was through these tombstones that Patience Userkaf and Elmo hastily made their way, eager to get to the church before the sun shut up shop for the day.‘Why us?’ Patience muttered. ‘That’s all I have to say.’‘If only that was true,’ Elmo said.‘Sorry?’ Patience said
