Free The Whitehall Syndicate: A time travel conspiracy thriller by Malhar Patel

grinned and said, “Well in my opinion you can always tell how good a night was by how bad you feel the next morning.” She smiled and allowed herself a gentle laugh.
    “Then I guess last night was awesome!”
    He did another Cheshire Cat grin and added, “You know the best bit. Thanks to time travel, I got to have my birthday twice!”
    “Does that make you a year older?” The both chuckled.
    She was at the front of the queue now and filled a huge cup of black coffee to the brim. Seeing that the staff lounge had somehow become packed solid, she instead retreated to the calm of her office. Occupying her desk was the summary of what the team had found out so far about decay rates. She leafed through the report, this time thinking about energy release and Chronotrons.
     
    Jack was in a pair of dark beige and olive green khaki's with a black T-shirt on top. Gina had chosen a fruity, stripy top with assorted colours, and a pair of long dark blue jeans, both borrowed from Anisha. The two of them were furiously tidying up now, waiting for Pete to return home with her. Anisha had suggested that now they knew Pete was trustworthy, it would be safer if the four of them all stayed at her apartment.
    Since Anisha already had a spare key for Gina's flat, she had decided to pick up some of their things on the way back from the hospital. As the bell rang, everyone clamoured for the door, wanting to make a good impression. They still had a lot to make up for, Jack in particular. The photographer entered the spick and span apartment, immediately greeted by two smiling faces, eager to make amends.
    Pete could be stern and cruel when he wanted to be, but in general he was an easygoing guy. He knew lots of friends who had made mistakes and he was the first to forgive them all. Jack stepped up to him and shook his hand, looking solemn. “Listen, about last night. I am so sorry-,”
    “It's okay,” interjected Pete softly, “I get it.” They both looked relieved as the tension eased, and then Anisha helped Pete into his room. It was cleaner than it had ever been before: all the magazines had been stacked away and all the FLDs and camera equipment neatly stored out of view.
    Pete crashed onto his king-size mattress, tired and slightly sore from his stay on a hospital bed. He was glad to be out of there and for now he just wanted to rest. The doorbell rang and he heard the quiet, muffled sound of Gina shouting, “I'll get it.” Arching back, Pete didn't even bother to get changed. He simply closed his eyes and heard Anisha say “That's right mate, get some rest.”
    “I'll try,” he replied, in a playful, mocking voice. His eyes were still closed but somehow he knew she was smiling. Then he felt her warm lips on his forehead as she kissed him to sleep.
    Anisha walked back out of the room and tiptoed down the stairs before casually yelling, “So who was at the door?” She came into the living room to find Jack and Gina looking stunned. In between them was an elderly man with wispy white stubble and a sizeable bald patch on his crown.
    She paused, waiting for him to introduce himself. “Hello my dear,” he finally said, his voice slightly weak but full of charm. “I'm Michael Green. I've come from the future.”
     

Chapter 7
     
     
     
    Kim walked into the quiet car park. It was the basement level and the low ceilings and fleeting shadows conjured up a claustrophobic edge to the darkness. A few vehicles remained parked but the majority were gone by now. As she walked to her car she could hear her heels resonating against the hard floor. The car park was chilly and the delicate hairs on her arms stood on end. She listened to her heels. Click Clickety Click Clickety Click Clickety Click. The rhythmic sound was almost soothing. Click Clickety Click Clickety Thud Thud.
    She stopped dead in her tracks and listened intently. Another pair of shoes walked a few more steps before stopping too. Snapping her head right and left, her gaze