A Perfect Likeness (38 page)

*

Jackie managed to park right outside the block of flats and they made it to the apartment without meeting any of the residents.

‘Here are your keys,’ said Jackie. ‘They were Victoria’s.’

‘No, I want you to keep those. I’ve got mine from Mum.’ He opened the door wide and looked along the passage that led directly into the kitchen.

Jackie stepped back, but Michael turned. ‘No, Jackie, stay with me please. I need you more than anyone. He took her hand and they, together, went into every room. ‘It’s exactly as it was, and it’s spotless. Who’s been looking after it?’

‘I’ve been coming twice a week to see that all was well and cried buckets each time.’

They returned to the living room, still holding hands, and stood at the window looking out over the English Channel. On the window sill was Michael’s favourite photograph of Victoria. Her smile brought more tears to them both.

‘Victoria and I used to stand here, just like
we
are, and watch the world go by. It is such a fantastic view. It’s wonderful to be back home, Jackie.’

‘It’s wonderful to have you back with us, we’ve missed you.’

He squeezed her hand. ‘I know I’m going to need help to get over all that has happened and I appreciate it is not going to be easy. Will you be here for me?’

‘I’ll always be here, Michael. For you and for Victoria.’

He released her hand and placed his right arm across her shoulders. She put her left arm around his waist. They stood, in silence, looking out to sea.

Watching the world go by.

Epilogue

The Draycliffe Argus
was the only newspaper Michael Campbell would speak to, despite pressure and offers from some of the nationals. He was asked whether he felt any bitterness towards the police and whether he received any compensation.

‘I have been released after spending two years in prison for a crime I did not commit. It would be wrong of me not to say it was the worst experience of my life, but I now understand how the evidence available at the time was against me. No, I hold no bad feelings against the police. In fact I shall be indebted to Detective Inspector Deckman and his team for the rest of my life. Likewise I have nothing but the highest praise for private investigator Trish Lister who, somehow, obtained sufficient evidence to kick-start the new inquiry and ended up being badly injured during the investigation. And, of course, there is Jackie who had enough belief in my letter to take that initial step. I will not comment on the question of compensation.’ The front page picture of the four of them was confirmation enough of Campbell’s feelings.

*

Michael and Jackie had become inseparable as she helped him with his return back into society. Into the same society that had branded him a murderer and almost caused his parents to move away from Draycliffe. It was down to Jackie and Mr and Mrs Salter that they didn’t. For some people, even though the new evidence was without any doubt, it was not going to be that simple to accept that Michael Campbell was blameless. Fortunately those people were very few in number, but those who mattered most were delighted and very comfortable with his release.

Michael had been welcomed back into his old job as an Air Traffic Controller at Gatwick Airport, but because of his long term absence it would be some time before he returned to the high level of proficiency he had previously reached. He loved aircraft and airport life and this was considered one of the most important steps forward in the rebuilding of his life.

Although nothing was said by Michael and Jackie, the indications were there. Both sets of parents could see it coming, and between themselves, they had hoped it would. It was more of relief than surprise when they informed the family there was to be a wedding.

On the night of the proposal Jackie became apprehensive and concerned at how Victoria might feel. She sat in bed holding her sister’s photo close to her chest and spoke to Victoria for some time, explaining all that had happened and how they had just fallen in love.

‘It all seemed so natural, Sis, so correct. We were standing at the window of the flat, it was such a beautiful night and the sky was full of stars. Michael pointed out a large passenger ship in the distance with its lights like sparklers. We had been talking about what the future would hold for us and both of us agreed we would get through anything as long as we were together. I told him I had never been on a cruise holiday and he suggested it would be wonderful if we went on one together and better still if it were a honeymoon cruise. I turned and laughed at him and saw he was being serious. I said if that was a proposal then I accept. He said that it was.’

Jackie cried and made silent pleas for her sister to make contact as she looked out of the window. She focussed in on a single bright star, the brightest in the sky. ‘Could that be you, Victoria?’ she said to the star. ‘Sorry, Sis, I know I’m being silly, but I so want to speak with you to get your blessing. It would mean so much to me if I knew you were happy for us.’

At that moment Scottie, who had crept into the room unnoticed, jumped up on the bed, gave a single bark and licked Jackie’s face before curling up next to her feet.

Jackie laughed. ‘Can I take that as your approval, Sis?’ She kissed the photo. ‘I will always love you, Victoria, and will speak to you every night in the hope you can hear me. I promise to always love and care for Michael, just as you had done. Good night my darling sister, God bless.’