Just over two weeks ago I received a text message from my very good
friend who had first introduced me to Madam Mimi and Madam Esme. He informed me that he was unable to attend yet another
séance due to work commitments. I wished my good friend all the best. It's fair to say that I had now gained some confidence in
visiting Esme and her family. I didn't really need my friend to accompany me anymore.
And so, ten days ago I was invited along to another meeting. I received a text message from Helene inviting me to another meeting.
It was the first time I had received a text message from Helene. This was most unusual as Madam Esme or Madam Mimi normally sent me the invites. As usual I jumped at the opportunity.
I had become quite addicted to meeting up with Madam Esme and her family.
I had also grown quite fond of Helene. I kept asking myself.
Was I really more interested in Helene than listening to Madam Esme connecting with the spirit world?
Yes, the séances were becoming more and more predictable. Madam Esme falling into a trance and speaking in other tongues.
I must say Helene's presence attracted me more than hearing supposed voices from another spirit world.
On the appointed afternoon I was asked to parked up in a slightly different location on the edge of Dalby Forest.
I was met by Alain and Emmanuel. But where was Helene? I didn't ask.
I was blindfolded and as usual taken by car to Madam Esme's.
We arrived within twenty minutes at Madam Esme's. I was ushered into the parlour where my blindfold was removed.
The atmosphere was less formal I thought to myself.
Madam Esme, Madame Mimi, Alain and Emmanuel were present. There was no Helene.
'Good afternoon, Andy. How are you?' said Madam Esme
'Very well thank you, Madam Esme. How are you?' I replied.
'I'm in very good spirits thank you.' she replied.
'Would you like a drink, Andy?' she asked.
I asked for a cup of tea.
Madam Esme asked all those present if they too would like a drink.
'Emmanuel', tea and scones for everyone please.'
At this Emmanuel left the parlour.
Madam Esme turned to me and began to speak.
'Andy, I have got to know you quite well over the past few months. I feel it is time to cut to the chase. I have a confession to make. The séances that we have enjoyed together over the past few months were just a cover. We have been sounding you out
for something far more important. I also know that you have grown fond of Helene. However, if you wish to see Helene again you will have to agree to the proposition I'm about to put to you.'
My heart sank. Never seeing Helene again. What was Madam Esme talking about?
Madam Esme continued.
'The behaviour on some footy mad boards is becoming increasingly troublesome. There are those in authority who wish to address the troublesome element. In bygone days there used to be the football hooligans who were always spoiling for a fight. Nowadays there are a few internet users who are bringing some footy mad boards into disrepute.
This is where we come in. We have been tasked to bring down the perpetrators on those sites which have become almost no go areas. And so, Andy I have a proposition for you. We would like you to join us in our task. You have the ability to blend into the background without even being noticed. You will be able to operate with state of the art technical support If you accept the offer you will be paid handsomely. If you decline the offer you will never see us again and that includes Helene.
We will just be a figment of your imagination. What is your answer, Andy?'
'Madam Esme, I am quite taken aback by all this.' I said. ' I have enjoyed your company for several months now. This has come as a great shock. What you are proposing is preposterous and dangerous. More to the point it is impossible to bring down the footy mad boards that you claim to be 'no go areas'. I have nothing more to say on the matter.'
I stopped talking and as I did so Emmanuel accompanied by Helene entered the parlour each holding a tray containing china teapots, cups, saucers, milk jugs and some scones.
Helene looked downcast. She did not look in my direction.
If I don't go along with their plans I may never see Helene again. This was emotional blackmail I thought to myself.
My mind was in turmoil. Should I help to bring down some footy mad boards just to be with Helene, a woman that I hardly knew?
I then stood up and asked to leave immediately.
Without further ado Madam Esme summoned Alain to bring the car round to the front of the house. She then turned to look at me.
'Well, Andy it was very nice to meet you, but we will continue without your assistance,' she said.
'If you do report this matter to the authorities they will never believe you.'
She continued. 'Alain, please see Andy safely back to his car. Have a safe journey home, Andy. Oh, and keep watching the footy mad boards. I'm quite sure that by Christmas you will notice a considerable difference.'
She actually believed in what she was saying.
I then looked around the room. Everyone had their heads bowed.
'Goodbye,' I said.
I was then ushered out of the parlour into the hallway by Alain.
I was expecting Alain to produce the customary blindfold. There wasn't one. He opened the front door and led me out on to a pebble strewn driveway. I glanced back at what I can only describe as a two storey stone built cottage with a thatched roof. I then proceeded to climbed into the passenger seat of the car. Alain drove me down the long driveway and out on to a very quiet country lane. It was still daylight.
I wondered why I wasn't asked to wear a blindfold. Surely they did not want their plot to be exposed to the outside world? I would be able re-trace my steps.
Alain drove me down the country lanes and back to my own car. We did not speak. I climbed out of his car. He drove away without a word.
I walked slowly back to my car. I was wondering what I should do next. Should I do anything at all? I drove back to South Yorkshire. I was turning over all the past events over and over in my mind.
Could Madam Esme and her family possibly bring about the downfall of footy mad sites?
I can still see her in my mind's eye speaking those prophetic words,
'Have a safe journey home, Andy. Oh, and keep watching the footy mad boards. I'm quite sure that by Christmas you will notice a considerable difference.'
Madam Esme was right about one thing. If I were to report the plot to the authorities no-one would ever believe me.
Well, I'm disappointed. As a romantic soul I was hoping you would whip out a spare helmet and carry Helene off on your chopper. What's with the car anyway? I was worried when they didn't put the blindfold back on as in my old days with the Canklow Kid's gang this invariably implied you were about to be whacked. Surely you can't end things here?
You will not be disappointed, ridgeway. There will now be more to follow.
'THE END' does not necessarily mean 'the end'.
I'm sure Madam Esme is not finished with me yet.
It's fair to say that I never once mentioned to Madam Esme or Helene that I possessed a chopper.
They might have been mortified to learn that I often ride around the countryside with a powerful throbbing engine at my disposal.
As for the blindfold not being used Madam Esme has allowed me to re-trace my steps back to her cottage.
Watch this space.
As for being 'whacked'. This is something that I now have to consider.
I may have to watch my back from now on.
Madam Esme allowed me to leave her cottage too easily.
You will not be disappointed, ridgeway. There will now be more to follow. 'THE END' does not necessarily mean 'the end'. I'm sure Madam Esme is not finished with me yet. It's fair to say that I never once mentioned to Madam Esme or Helene that I possessed a chopper. They might have been mortified to learn that I often ride around the countryside with a powerful throbbing engine at my disposal.
As for the blindfold not being used Madam Esme has allowed me to re-trace my steps back to her cottage.
Watch this space.
As for being 'whacked'. This is something that I now have to consider.
I may have to watch my back from now on.
Madam Esme allowed me to leave her cottage too easily.
That is a worry to me.
The End is Not the End by House of Heroes. I would have thought Madame Esme or Helene would have surmised you rode either a chopper or a horse from your bow-legged gait. Of course they may have thought you were just pleased to see them.
You will not be disappointed, ridgeway. There will now be more to follow. 'THE END' does not necessarily mean 'the end'. I'm sure Madam Esme is not finished with me yet. It's fair to say that I never once mentioned to Madam Esme or Helene that I possessed a chopper. They might have been mortified to learn that I often ride around the countryside with a powerful throbbing engine at my disposal.
As for the blindfold not being used Madam Esme has allowed me to re-trace my steps back to her cottage.
Watch this space.
As for being 'whacked'. This is something that I now have to consider.
I may have to watch my back from now on.
Madam Esme allowed me to leave her cottage too easily.
That is a worry to me.
The End is Not the End by House of Heroes. I would have thought Madame Esme or Helene would have surmised you rode either a chopper or a horse from your bow-legged gait. Of course they may have thought you were just pleased to see them.
Never had you down as a visitor to a suspect website, ridgeway.
