Page 107 of The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels
OM:What now? Find a new purpose?
GA:Once you’ve fulfilled the reason you came to earth, that’s your moment of completion.
OM:Idie?
GA:The energy of your purpose that keeps you on the earth releases its hold. It’s a triumphant moment, yet it also means you are vulnerable to other forces. Accidents, disease, and the energiesdriving other people’s purposes. I have a strong feeling you are the focus of another’s negative energy …
OM:[He clears his throat, hesitates. EC] Yeah …
GA:There’s someone you’ve worked with. Their energy is inclined to create chaos, perhaps one huge moment of chaos, perhaps a multitude of tiny moments, but chaos always. They appear strong and courageous, yet they are a dangerous person to be the focus of because they are determined to a fault. They won’t stop until their own purpose is fulfilled.
OM:Shit! Thereissomeone, there is …
GA:Ssh. Oliver, ssh. I don’t see your collision with their energy as ending in violence, so much as in slow increments of pain. Drip drip. Drip drip. Does that make sense to you?
OM:Yes. But I’ve spoken to the police. I’ve got lawyers involved. He still stalks me. How can I stop him?
GA:You’re not responsible for them. They’re on a journey and events will play out. Your journey collides with theirs. Like planets aligning in the sky for a short time, before they move away, each on their own predestined orbit. Enjoy freedom in the knowledge there’s nothing you candobut accept it. [A long pause in the convo here. I don’t know what to say, Mand. Poor Ol. This guy has really spooked him. And me. EC]
OM:I’ve got to do this interview, but I don’t … [He’s sobbing. EC]
GA:You can tell everyone that even though I have no memory of The Assembly or events leading up to it, I know I’m innocent of the crime I’ve been convicted of. The Assembly, for me, was a moment of rebirth. My mortal incarnation was torn away and reflected before me. It was a pure white sheet. It’s how IknowI didn’t kill that unfortunate young man. If I had, his murder would overshadow me. Weigh me down. [He pauses here. There’s something about his voice. EC] I also have a specific message for you, Oliver. I’ve dreamed about you. You’re an angel, like me. Your body is mortal but your soul is divine. In my dream you were above an orchard. An orchard will be significant in the events that will finally draw you back to the other side. It’s not a warning, but an assurance. Nowhere is safe now.
UV:[An unknown voice. EC] Time’s up, gents …
[That’s where it ends. Mand, I’m really freaked out. EC]
WhatsApp messages between Ellie Cooper and me, 24 July 2021:
Ellie Cooper
Gabriel has the most compelling, seductive voice I’ve ever heard. He talks and his words bypass my critical mind. Literally I stopped transcribing to listen to him. Had to go back and listen again. What is that?
Amanda Bailey
That’s a charming, highly intelligent, narcissistic psychopath with well-developed people-reading skills. His whole life he’s used his powers of manipulation to survive. He’s not going to stop now. His influence over others is akin to hypnosis, a gift, a sixth sense.
Ellie Cooper
No wonder you had to drive home after this. In minutes Oliver was reduced to a sobbing wreck. How did Gabriel know his father had just died?
Amanda Bailey
Cold reading?
Ellie Cooper
And the trouble he’s having with the mad squaddie? There’s no way he’d know that.
Amanda Bailey
We all have enemies, right?
Ellie Cooper
I don’t – none I’d easily believe would want me dead.
Amanda Bailey
