Dark Harbour: The Tale of the Soul Searcher Read Free Page A

Wars action figures and Knight Rider on television, the young lad was in a world of his own.
    As he continued his battles against the Empire, Simon was back to playing Sherlock. That was until he eventually came back into the living-room and slunk down onto the settee. He shifted around in his seat for a moment as though he couldn’t get comfortable, and then he got up again and switched off the television.
    ‘Granddad’s in trouble. I’ve found something out.’
    Jeremy put his action figures down. ‘What sort of trouble?’
    ‘Doesn’t matter.’
    Jeremy didn’t know whether to leave it at that or to risk being berated for asking another stupid question. Not knowing what his brother was on about anyway, he got back to the galactic battle.
    ‘I found a letter in his bedroom.’
    Jeremy decided to put his figures down. ‘What did it say?’
    ‘I shouldn’t tell you really,’ Simon replied, facing the window as though talking to a six-year-old was beneath him.
    There was an usually dramatic tone to his words, and Jeremy’s heart was starting to thump. ‘Simon, what did it say? Who was the letter from?’
    ‘I don’t know. He just put his initials: T.H.M.’
    ‘What does that stand for?’
    ‘I don’t know, Jeremy!’
    Simon lowered his head as though he was about to pray, but then Jeremy noticed the letter was in his hands.
    Simon unfolded it. ‘It goes like this: ‘Dear Mr Tuckwell, I understand the angels lead us to paradise, and the martyrs greet you and lead you into the holy city of Jerusalem. Is this not how it goes for you? Do the angels greet you? Did not Lazarus, once also a poor man, find eternal rest? Perhaps you chose to dwell in Dark Harbour for another reason. Perhaps you thought someone else might be able to save you. Alas, you cannot hide under my eyes. Adieu.’ Signed T.H.M.’
    Simon folded the letter up again and there was a cold silence. Jeremy’s mouth had suddenly gone very dry. He didn’t understand what it all meant but he could feel the sentiment of it.
    ‘What should we do?’ Jeremy pressed.
    ‘I think Granddad needs our help. Well, my help at least.’ Simon got up and walked back to his grandfather’s bedroom to replace the letter.
    Jeremy looked back at his action figures but he didn’t feel like playing anymore. What did he mean? How could he help him out? He knew that these were no idle words. Simon meant what he said.
     
    Jeremy did not sleep very well that night. Despite having an enjoyable day in the sunshine of Moonlight Cove, it seemed that an ugly presence had floated along in the form of that sinister letter. He was even a little angry with his brother for reading it to him. Why did he have to go and dig it out?
    The poor youngster had wanted things to be happy again in his new life but it seemed that the clouds of misfortune had been following him over here. He could see it in his grandfather, the ponderous way he stroked his moustache all the time, the way he drummed his fingers at the dinner table, the fact that he could never sit still for longer than five minutes.
    During the next week there was further unfurling of their grandfather’s secret problem. One afternoon, around the time they’d usually set off to meet Simon out of school, Ulric said they were going to have a visitor.
    ‘Who’s coming over?’ Jeremy asked.
    ‘Someone I’ve known for a very long time.’
    ‘Is he a friend?’
    ‘A good friend.’
    Just at that point, there was a knock at the door so Ulric went to answer it. Standing in the doorway was a very smart and commanding gentleman dressed in a black suit and hat. Jeremy guessed he was a fair bit younger than his grandfather by maybe twenty years.
    Feeling a little intimidated, the shy boy tried to peek over his grandfather’s shoulder at the tall man’s eyes but the brim of his hat cast a shadow over them. He was smiling gently to Ulric. A gentleman in the true sense of the word, Jeremy thought.
    He was handsome too. He