Myhr Der Part Three For Myhr waiting in prison it was already too long a sentence. Something had gone wrong, he was certain of it. At first he thought he had it made, a big fat cheque in his bank account and a way to discredit a lawyer. He had nothing against her of course, but when he had been approached in his home-town of Texas by a man he had never seen before, Myhr had thought it too good an offer to refuse. The plan was a simple enough one he just hadn’t thought that he could be double-crossed. Other people would take all the risks. He would just reel off the story to Miss Chandler as he had been requested to do, she would find a way of getting him out of jail, use her friend to help her, the men would be waiting and that would be that. He’d be paid and put it all behind him. But things hadn’t gone that way. In the small amount of time he had met Catherine Chandler he had come to see her loyalty to the man who only ever killed for a reason. And usually to protect her and Myhr could see no reason why he shouldn’t do that. Catherine Chandler was one beautiful woman, and anybody that actually got to love her was one lucky guy. No one knew the face behind the disguise of the guy that cleaned the scum off the streets, but Myhr had heard that he had killed a lot of people and must have one nifty weapon to instil the wounds he inflicted to make it fit his lion like appearance. He was quickly becoming a legend in his own right and Myhr kind of admired the man for that. A sort of vigil anti that no one was able to track. In fact he seemed to disappear into thin air every time. But someone had wanted revenge someone had wanted his blood. A brother of a cousin of a father or something had died at his hands and their life was to be avenged. But Myhr knew now that he couldn’t be the one to help them, he couldn’t let this guy be caught, neither could he implicate his lawyer lover assuming that they were that close. But it troubled him that the plan had suddenly gone cold. One moment his contacts were impressed by his reports and he was awaiting Miss Chandler’s final visit before his escape and the next there was nothing. She simply did not come again. Neither had there been anyone to come in her place. And the day of the trial was approaching fast. He didn’t seriously think they had anything on him and he didn’t seriously worry, but he was growing impatient and he was annoyed that he would not now get his promised money, save for the few thousand he had been given up front. It did not for one moment cross his mind that his own life might now be in danger. No simply a few days from now circumstantial evidence would not be enough to convict him. He would be free, and he was going home. Home to Texas with all this behind him. And that thank God would be the end of that. *** *** *** “Morning Joe.” Catherine walked into her office one morning and greeted her boss whose back was turned to her. He swung round at the sound of her voice. “Cathy! Where have you been, I mean where the hell have you been?” Catherine smiled, “Thanks for worrying Joe. I’m sorry I took off like that Joe but I had some problems to sort out, and they still aren’t sorted. I only came in to hand in my notice.” Joe was stunned, to have her back and see her go again, well he felt as though someone had just cut off his life-blood. “You’re leaving?” “I have to Joe. I’m pregnant.” His mouth fell open, he felt it and his jaw seemed to be paralysed. There was no way he would ever shut his mouth again he was sure of it. Catherine giggled at the sight he represented and placing the index finger of her right hand beneath his chin she deftly closed his mouth. He stared at her and she nodded, “Its true Joe don’t look so surprised, I’m expecting a baby and I am leaving my career to bring up my child.” Joe found his voice, “I suppose it belongs to whatshisname?” “Of course. Be happy for me Joe. Believe me this is all I have ever wanted.” “Then if that’s the case, I am happy for you Radcliffe, only you certainly pick your timing. We are so busy right now.” “You’ll soon find a replacement Joe. Why there will be a whole line of people queuing up to work for you.” “How long will you stay? A month?” “Yes, sorry I can’t give you any longer, but I am moving into his place and its out of town. A month is all I can give you I’m sorry.” “So where is this place or is that classified too?” “Yes Joe I’m sorry I can’t tell you but I’ll keep in touch I promise.” Joe nodded, “Let me give you a big hug kiddo, It’ll never be the same around here without you. I shall miss you lots.” They embraced and Catherine hugged him hard, “You’ve been a good friend Joe, I’ll miss you too. But hey we have another month together so what you got for me?” “Desk job right?” “Desk job.” Catherine nodded. “Well since I handed that Myhr Der case onto Brad, and since it goes to trial tomorrow its too late for you to do anything on that now. Let’s see I think I can find you some mundane domestics that should get you through the month.” “How has the Myhr Der case gone Joe. Was there any further developments?” “Nothing. The guy is sure to get off. They have nothing on him. They don’t even think he knows the guy that does do all this vigil anti stuff anymore either. It was just as he said being in the wrong place at the wrong time, very coincidental but nothing more than that. What’s more the guy actually comes from Texas, so he doesn’t even know New York, he was on holiday here apparently.” Catherine heard alarm bells sound in her head. “Has he been here before?” “Says not.” “How long was his holiday?” “A couple of weeks. Poor guy has been here longer than he expected. Plus he has alibis for all the other attacks that have taken place over the past three years too. He wasn’t even in this city at the time of any of them.” Catherine drew her lips into a thin straight line. Father had been right the fellow had led them on. He couldn’t have been saved by Vincent at some stage that would have been impossible. Nonetheless she wanted to hear it from him. “Joe I would like to go and see him before the trial. Do you mind?” “But why?” “I owe him an apology I’d like to do that. I just stopped seeing him, he must have wondered why.” Joe nodded, “Okay, well I think Brad is going this afternoon, do you want to go with him?” “No if its all right with you I’d like to go now.” “Okay Radcliffe, that’ll give me time to sort out some cases for you.” On the way to the prison Catherine thought over the very many things Myhr had told her. She couldn’t believe she had been so easily fooled. Devin had been right, she and Vincent had been too close to the problem, and in being so it had clouded her judgement. But she was usually so careful and could usually spot a lie like that. Myhr had had her completely fooled, but why? That’s what she wanted to know why had he lied to her? What possible reason was there for him to do so? She arrived at the prison before lunch and was ushered into a waiting room, where Myhr was soon brought to her, his face lit up when he saw her. “Miss Chandler!” “Hello Myhr, I’m sorry I haven’t been to see you, I had some personal problems, and only got back to work today.” “That’s okay, you’re back now. Is the plan on for today?” “No that has been abolished I’m afraid, there were too many risks involved, besides its pretty well considered that you will be set free tomorrow. That video was the only thing that secured you being here so long as it is. I expect you’ll be pleased to get back to Texas after this.” “I’ve certainly seen more of New York than I’d anticipated.” He told her without thinking. “Certainly more than you’ve seen on previous visits anyway.” She laughed and he did too, “I’ve never been be..fore.” The last word came out slowly like he knew he had just dropped himself in it. He sat and stared at her for long moments wondering whether or not she had realised. “Then you must have been rescued by your hero in Texas, you never said. I just assumed he had come to your aid in New York?" “What? Oh yes, yes in Texas, yes that’s right didn’t I make that plain? Yes he came to my aid there.” “So what made you come to New York to find him?” For the life of him Myhr couldn’t think of an answer and out of the blue he placed his head in his hands and started to tremble quite violently. Catherine looked at him, touching his shoulder with one hand, “Myhr what is it?” He looked up at her, she thought he looked as though he would cry, “I lied to you Miss. Chandler. The whole damn lot. My name is Myhr and that’s about the whole truth, and I do live in Texas, but the bit about your friend saving my life that was a lie. The bit about following your cases and being one step ahead of you that was a lie too. The bit about wanting to see what had happened to those three men your friend had attacked that night was also a lie. Everything was put up, I was paid for all those lies, but I can’t continue with this.” “Why not?” “I grew to like you. To respect you. You believed in me, you were even willing to discredit yourself to help me escape. Your friend also felt so bad about me being convicted in his place that he was willing to risk his life for me. Somewhere in the whole of this I saw everything for what it was and I hated myself for allowing myself to become involved.” “I don’t understand, what do you mean by that? Did someone pay you to do all these things?” “Yes. Everything that transpired between us I reported back to them. If you had aided my escape they would have been there waiting. Seems your friend killed someone and a relative has vowed revenge. They’re after him Miss Chandler, they don’t know where he is, but they know he’s wherever you are. All they have to do is follow you, create a scene and he will come running to protect you. Whatever happens Miss Chandler you have to take care of yourself, because believe me they want blood. His.” Catherine felt a cold shiver run through her, “And what of you?” “What do you mean what of me?” “Do you know who these people are? Have you seen them?” “Not the guy that was paying but I his colleagues I guess, yes I’ve seen them. It was they who approached me about this back home in Texas.” “You aren’t safe anymore you know that don’t you?” Myhr looked surprised and then afraid, “Surely they wouldn’t hurt me?” “You know too much Myhr, chances are you would never have been paid off. Except with a bullet.” He shook now as fear consumed him, “They say I will walk free tomorrow Miss Chandler, do you know what that means?” “Yes.”br> “Can you help me?” “Why should I trust you?” “I haven’t an answer to that for a certainty there’s no reason why you should.” His voice trembled. “I’ll see what I can do. Whatever happens, however the trial goes make certain that you don’t leave the building until after dark you got that?” Myhr nodded his eyes wide with fear. Catherine stood, “I’ll see you tomorrow morning Okay?” “Okay.” It was going to be a long twelve hours. *** *** *** “I believe him.” Catherine paced the chamber in front of Father, Devin and Vincent. “You believed him before and look what happened. Look what could have happened?” Father told her gravely. “I know, I know, but this time I really think he is telling the truth.” “It’s not our problem Catherine. He took a risk getting involved for a pay off, and he knew what he was doing, he knew they wanted to flush someone out to kill them. I say we let him take his chances with the rest. He’s not your responsibility Catherine.” “I know that, but he’s an innocent victim. His only crime being that he was tempted to earn an easy buck.” “A bloody buck. Catherine you have got to let this go. You are becoming obsessed with it. Its got nothing to do with us.” “I can’t. I’m sorry Father but I can’t.” Vincent had said nothing. He had listened gravely while Catherine, Father and Devin had reasoned for and against being involved, but now he had a valid interest. “You will do nothing Catherine.” All eyes turned to Vincent. The air was fraught with tension and without thinking straight Catherine rounded on him, “I’ll damn well do as I like. This is my job its what I’m good at, and I can put him on witness protection or something like that.” She seethed, breathing hard and annoyed with both Vincent and herself. Him for saying it and herself for her angry outburst. Vincent never raised his voice, he would never do that with Catherine, but he stood his ground, “And this is my child, while you carry our child everything you do risks the life of that child. You will stay away from this Catherine.” His words brooked no argument, and Catherine knew when she was defeated. She backed down graciously. He was right in effect, but she still didn’t like it. Father was impressed. Never before had he known his son to be so masterful and confident enough to issue demands. Father was proud of his son.Truly overnight Vincent had become a man. Catherine was still peeved two hours later. Vincent could sense that she was cross with him but said nothing. They were in his chamber each reading, or at least pretending to be reading, neither could to save their life have told anyone what the book was about, for all they knew they might have been reading it upside down. No one had told Catherine what to do since she was a child. She didn’t like it, but in a quiet way coming from Vincent it thrilled her. He had never asserted his rights before, but then before he had no rights. Before they’d become lovers they were separate people with their separate lives, now they were as one, and soon the would be parents. That thought alone sent a warm pulsing glow running through Catherine. She signed with gratitude and love and raised her eyes in time to find Vincent observing her. His face was expressionless and she wondered what thoughts lay behind those brooding eyes. It was time to make amends. “You’re right I know you are, but I didn’t like it.” He smiled then, laying down his book at his side and rising to come across to her, he pulled her up into his arms, “I didn’t like doing it, but Catherine we can no longer think only of ourselves. From now on everything we do we must consider another. We created this child between us Catherine, it never asked to be so, and we alone must make sure it has a safe passage both before birth and afterward.” Catherine lay her head on his shoulder, he was right she knew that. She agreed with everything that he said, but what of Myhr? Wasn’t there anything they could do for him? “I know how you feel my love I too wish that there was something we could do. This man got himself into this mess, but indirectly I am to blame. If I had never killed at all I would be guiltless but as it is I am not. I too wish there was some way of helping him, but dare we take that risk now?” “When I try to think of a way, my head goes round and round with the ideas and I dismiss them as fast as they come, I don’t know Vincent, I can’t seem to think about this, and yet I must think of something. The trial is hours away. This time tomorrow night Myhr could be dead and how would that make us feel?” Vincent nodded, “You don’t have to try to convince me, I too wish I could think of something.” “What would you do if it were anyone else?” “If I were protecting someone you mean. Standing ready to kill if the need be?” “Yes.” “Possibly I would bring them here if I thought their lives were still in danger. I certainly don’t anticipate going out to kill the men that will threaten Myhr however. I don’t even know who they are.” “If I was with him, that would lead you.” “No Catherine.” Vincent’s voice was firm. Catherine understood that would be taking them back to square one. “If he was a witness I could find protection for him. And he is a witness in a way. He’s a witness to us. He knows the men that have been hired to kill you. But he can’t take that knowledge to the police because that would mean exposing you, and he won’t do that because he appreciates the things that you do. Whichever way you look at it Vincent, this man Myhr has affection for you enough to risk his life to keep you safe.” Vincent was nodding, “Yes that’s the way I see it too. He’s a good man at heart, and he has been used because he chose a disguise for whatever reason he chose it that just happened to resemble me.” “A disguise...” Catherine murmured, “I wonder?” “What have you thought of?” “A disguise got him into this mess and a disguise could get him out. He would never be able to use the cat outfit again, but that would be a small price to pay for his life. Of course he wouldn’t be able to walk from the court in any particular disguise or he’d be spotted, but if we could get him so far and then disguise him, that might work.” Her voice trailed away as she formed the plan in her mind, “Yes” she mused, “It could be the answer. Vincent what time is it?” *** *** *** Devin was the only one that could do it. He was the only one who had enough brains, guile and downright mischief to carry it through. Posing as a rabbi and keeping his fingers crossed that Joe Maxwell did not make a sudden appearance and have the slim chance of recognising him, Devin waited at the court with his copy of the Holy Writings tucked firmly under his arm for Myhr to be brought in from the prison. No one would try anything near the courthouse that was a fact. There would be absolutely no reason for any killer to draw attention to himself like that. In a case such as this, with an unsuspecting man they would likely wait until he reached his hotel room, or perhaps wait until he was heading for the airport. So Devin felt pretty certain that they would have time to pull it off. With Catherine and Vincent both promising not to make an appearance, he felt positive about the whole thing. With a lot of luck it could be accomplished without any hiccups. Catherine had written Myhr a letter, it was delivered to the jail and simply said, “Don’t wait for me, something’s come up. Sorry I couldn’t say goodbye. Next time use your 'head' and good-luck for the future.” Myhr read it with some distaste, she had let him down at the last moment, or had she? Was there a hidden message there? What had she last said to him? Wracking his brains, in the armoured van on the way to court he drew to mind the last of the previous day’s conversation, and he remembered. She had told him that he wasn’t to leave the court until after dark. He had assumed at that time that she would get her friend to help him and at that moment had marvelled at her trust, now he could see she had had second thoughts about that, and if she trusted him not at all, could he really blame her? So if he didn’t have to wait for night-fall to leave, he could go as soon as they pronounced him innocent. Then he would be out on his own. The thought scared the hell out of him. Surely she wouldn’t leave him to it like that, surely she wouldn’t? At the court his brief awaited him. They went over the notes, and he waited in a cell until his name was called. There were several cases to be seen that day there was no telling when it would be his turn. He thought he should do something. There was no one down here that might get a message to him. He took out the note again, had he missed something? Use your head? Why had she written the word head in inverted commas? It had rankled when first he’d read it. He thought she was being sarcastic. Now he realised that would be unlike her. He read it again. What did she mean, use your head? Myhr had no mirror so he touched his face. There was nothing there that gave him any clues and without his disguise he had just an average sort of face. He drew his brows together. Is that what she meant? Was she referring to his disguise? But the police had confiscated that and besides the killers knew him by it. And Catherine Chandler knew that. If then he was to use his head then he was to change his appearance... Was that it? Myhr’s heart beat frantically now, surely that would be a way? But how could he change his appearance now? He had no razor, he could not shave off his beard, he couldn’t dye his hair or change the style. So what could he do to look different? He couldn’t even walk out of there in the disguise of another animal even if that were possible, for that would be as good a give away as wearing a Tee-shirt with the slogan ‘shoot me’ on the back. Whatever happened he had to wait until after the court hearing. He couldn’t disguise himself just yet and walk out now. Whatever happened he had to wait until then. It wouldn’t give him much time to change, he could have been watched at any time. So he sat in his cell and counted the minutes not really knowing whether each one that passed would be the last one he would see go by at that time of day ever again. He’d been there four hours when they adjourned for lunch. He was starving but could not eat a thing. A few visitors walked down between the cells they were mainly holy men come there to say prayers over the convicts. Myhr found that he watched each one with avid interest, was help in the form of anyone of these men? He had almost given up hope when he a rabbi came right up to his cell and spent longer moments than was necessary looking at him. Myhr held his breath. There was nothing unusual about this man. He wore the typical dress and had the same black beard and beady black eyes that he would associate with one of this religion but as he moved away Myhr could have fainted with relief. The rabbi had winked at him! From that moment on he ate his lunch with relish. He was ravenous and he saw the necessity for eating as much as he could. It might be some time before he could stop to eat again for several hours. Another two hours went slowly by, and Myhr grew worried. The clock on the wall showed him it was almost four p.m. The court usually finished for the day about this time. He had been warned that this might be the case, that he might have to go through it all again the next day. He had just about convinced himself of this some half an hour later when he heard his name called and in a funny kind of way it made him laugh. ‘The state versus Myhr.” He pursed his lips tightly together to stop any sound coming out and handcuffed to an officer he made his way toward the courtroom. The rabbi was nowhere in sight, not that he had expected him to be, and neither did he make a big thing about searching for him. Merely with his eyes he looked without turning his head, but was not able to discern if the fellow was in the courtroom or not. He half listened as his case was read to the jury and he half dwelt on Catherine Chandler’s note for the thousandth time. Use your head. If someone was here in the court to help him then they would need secrecy to carry it off. There was only one possible place. The gents toilets. His mind reeled, of course that had to be it. And if it wasn’t then wherever the rabbi was, he would no doubt be watching and he would follow him into the toilet and they could do whatever needed to be done in there. It had to be the only place possible. “Sir?” Myhr was spoken to several times and touched on the hand before he realised he was being spoken to. “What? Oh er sorry your honour. I was miles away.” He wished that were true. “I said what have you to say for yourself, do you plead guilty or not guilty?” “Not guilty Sir.” The judge nodded and scribbled something down in his book, “Why was this man held in the state prison for the past month when there was only circumstantial evidence against him?” “It was believed Sir that he was the person responsible for all the mysterious deaths over the past three years where the victims were ripped to shreds as if by a large predator.” “And there has been no evidence of this?” “No Sir. None. All of the defendant’s alibi’s have checked out.” “So the wrong man, an innocent man was held in custody and denied bail for a whole month?” “Yes Sir.”br> “Mr Myhr do you seek compensation for unfair treatment?” Myhr had not expected this. “Compensation?” “Yes. A claim must be made within the next ninety days. Perhaps you would prefer to take time to consider this?” “Yes Sir.” “Then you are free to go.” “Free? You mean I can walk out of here?” “Yes. Through that door over there if you like.” The judge indicted with a nod in the opposite direction. Myhr wanted to whoop with joy, but he wasn’t home dry yet. He very much wished that compensation could buy him a suit of body armour and now. So he walked away with as much dignity as he could muster intending to head straight for the gents, but was unprepared to meet a crowd of reporters eager to take his story and pay him for it too. “Excuse me gentlemen but there is simply something I must do first. A trail of laughter followed him to the toilets and words of ‘We’ll be right here.’ Inside Myhr leaned upon the door with relief, and at first felt a stirring of fear when he believed the toilets were empty. He had been so sure the rabbi would be here. But almost as soon as he had thought it, he caught a reflection in the mirror just around one corner and sighed with relief. “Miss Chandler sent you?” He asked hopefully. Devin nodded, and put a finger to his lips. Myhr understood at once, he mustn’t say a word, even walls had ears especially in court-rooms. Quickly Devin discarded his robe to reveal a suit beneath, and placing his book of Holy writings on the counter he opened it to reveal inside a smaller note book but running all around its edges was a frame in which was placed makeup of varying descriptions. Deftly Devin made up Myhr’s face. Darkening his skin and his beard as Myhr shrugged into the robe and secured his head-wear in place. Within the time it takes to use the toilet and wash one’s hands Myhr was for all intents and purposes an ordained rabbi and Devin was just an ordinary reporter with his notepad and pen at the ready. Devin pointed inside the robe to a hidden pocket that opened to reveal a thousand dollars and an airline ticket bound for Colorado. Myhr understood, as much as he wanted to go home, that too would be a dangerous place right now. Maybe he would never get that compensation either for the risks of applying for it were also too big a risk to take on his life. Someone would be expecting that too. Next Devin slipped the Holy Book into the robe, just in case Myhr should drop it and it should fall open but needed to keep it with him. He might need a fresh touch up of make up long before the day was over or during the next few days. That done they shook hands and Devin indicated that he would go inside a toilet and wait there for half and hour before coming out. For all intents and purposes, the rabbi that went into the toilets had come out, and Myhr that had gone in after him was still sat on the loo. It worked. Myhr in his new disguise walked free from the court and out into the late afternoon sunshine. He wanted to run and shout but could do no such thing. Instead he walked on looking at life anew, everything seemed that much brighter, that much sharper, life looked good when you suddenly realised how close you came to never seeing life again. Whoever that fellow was he owed him, and he just hoped that he could get far enough away before anyone discovered the deception. *** ** *** “Got anything for piles Pop?” Devin came down the stairs slowly startling the three sat waiting for him with hearts in their mouths. “Devin!” they cried as one, “You’re back?” “Here take a seat you must be exhausted” Catherine stood up to let him have her chair. “No keep it please. I don’t want to sit anywhere ever again, well not in a good long while anyway.” Catherine smiled at him curiously, whatever was Devin on about now? “I told him I’d give him half an hour, but I didn’t think that was long enough. So I stayed in the toilet sitting on the loo for a while longer to give him a better chance. How was I to bloody well know that the court house was locked on the dot of five!” “Oh Devin!” Catherine exclaimed with laughter creeping into her voice. “They even locked the toilet doors. There was nowhere to sit. The loos had no lids, I had to sit on the damn toilet the whole time, until the cleaner arrived at seven o’clock to let me out.” “So you don’t know if Myhr made it?” “Nope. And I doubt we ever will. He’ll not know how to contact us after all will he?” “No I guess not. But do you think he got away?” “Well there was no blood on the street, and I listened to the bulletins before I came back, oh and one another thing I checked with the airline that the guy bearing that particular ticket number had actually boarded. They confirmed that he had.” “Oh Devin why couldn’t you have told us that straight away?” “Cos, little Miss Chandler I like to see you stew a little. It somehow makes up for the way my backside feels right now.” Catherine burst into laughter, as did Vincent and Father. Perhaps Devin’s choice of words weren’t so bad really, Father mused, in fact sometimes his son really made him laugh. Of course though, he would never tell him so. *** *** *** All of Catherine’s belongings finally made their way from her apartment to her new home in the tunnels bit by bit over the next two weeks, until only the cumbersome furniture which was impossible to slip through the threshold door remained. Catherine organised for a removal team to take it away, and had all her mail diverted to Peter’s address, but after the day Vincent had told her not to risk their child she never went Above again. It was a little after two months when Catherine sorted through the latest batch of mail Peter had brought for her when she came across a postcard addressed to her at the D.A’s office. Obviously Joe had had it sent onto her apartment not knowing anything about Peter handling her mail. Catherine turned the postcard over and it showed a wonderful scene of rugged snow capped mountains and valley full of columbine. Catherine recognised the area and her gasp of delight had Vincent's rapt attention at once. ”What is it Catherine?” “This.” She held up the card and made her way to his desk where he sat filling in his journal. “It’s a postcard, and it answers all our questions. See?” She turned it over and draped one arm around Vincent’s shoulders as he began to chuckle with relief. Myhr had got away then. And what was more he was obviously making a new life for himself in another part of America. “Its great isn’t it?” Catherine’s eyes were bright with happiness. “It certainly is.” Vincent replied drawing her onto his lap and laying his hand tenderly upon her gently rounded belly. Catherine read the words again and again, laughing all the more as she did so. It was sweet and to the point and no one would ever see it and suspect a thing. “Life’s just purrfect in Colorado.”