"Short for Jeremy."

"When did he go missing?"

"Three days ago," he walked to the window sill and leaned his hands on it, staring out into the garden. "Damn it! I should have been here."

I jumped as he pounded the windowsill with both fists in an infuriated outburst.

"You weren't to know. What could you have done? Nothing," I walked to him and put my hand on his shoulder. "So, what's our plan? Wait for the police?"

"No, the police probably won't find anything. Luckily, Jez's dad horded information just like a conspiracy theorist. He was sure that the Council were up to something they shouldn't have been. We should find something in his files. That's why Hannah needs our help."

"Okay, then let's go!" I said as I opened the door.

Morgan hadn't moved from the window, he seemed reluctant to follow.

"Rose, are you sure you want to get involved? Even after last night?" he looked me in the eyes and shrugged one shoulder down. "Yes, I know about what happened."

I was slowly realising that although this was a small town, nothing was sacred and everything got noticed. Morgan hadn't had time to speak to Daisy, I was sure, so someone else must have furnished him with the facts, such as they were. But I trusted Morgan, even though I'd only just met him, and I think he knew it.

I scowled. "You're well informed. I want to be involved, especially after last night. You never know, I might find some answers to my own questions while we're at it."

He smiled. "Okay, then let's get those questions answered. Exactly which ones are they?"

"None of your business," I snickered a barb at him; he laughed as we walked back towards the house.

- Chapter Six -.

"So where does Jez live?" I said as we drove along the lane from Daisy's. Morgan's black Audi turned through the corners and smoothly tackled the badly tarmacked lane with ease.

"Bishopstrow. It's on the Salisbury road. It won't take long." Morgan said. He stopped at the end junction and waited for two cars to pass by before fluidly pulling out.

Soon we passed through the main town and turned left, then right onto the small road, with identical semi detached houses either side. Morgan brought the car to a purring halt as I glimpsed a very tidy looking house with small garden and lawn in the front.

I got out, slamming the door closed and waited for him. As Morgan opened the small garden gate the front door opened with Hannah standing in the doorway. She stepped out of the way as someone else came forward. A tall black haired boy with gelled spiky hair greeted us with a wide grin.

"Hey Morgan," he said with a tentative smile.

"Hey mate," Morgan said back. They shook hands and shared a short manly hug. "How are you holding up?"

"I'm okay, the police came round earlier. No more news," Jez folded his arms and stared at me. A big grin told me he was glad to see me.

"Jez, meet Rose," Hannah said, introducing us.

"Hi Rose, nice to see you finally," he put his hand forward and I shook it. Then Hannah stood by my side and draped an arm around my shoulder.

"You okay after last night?" she said, with a worried voice "Yeah. Less said about that the better," I quipped back. Morgan and Jez both laughed, I deduced from Jez and Hannah's fleeting looks that Jez had heard most of the story from Hannah.

Jez piped up. "Come in, I'm upstairs," and led us into the house.

While the others started talking in the hallway I turned my back and used my gift. There was no one else home. If I was going to ask and answer questions I wanted to know exactly who else was within earshot.

It was small inside but comfortable. Off the hallway I could see into the lounge and kitchen. The walls were mostly lilac in colour with a beige carpet. The decor was a little too spartan though, as though the house had not been privy to a woman's touch in a long time. The shelves were bereft of ornaments and sides were devoid of family photographs. The television remote controls were halfway down the arm of the settee. It was definitely just Jez and his dad usually living here.

As I turned back around, Morgan raised an eyebrow at me. I gave him a one sided smile before looking away.

When Jez turned to walk upstairs it was the first time I noticed his emo punkishness. His hair was dyed black and very spiky, and his trousers had buckles and chains attached and the black T shirt was of a rock band that I had never heard of. He wasn't what I expected at all. I had imagined a geekish bookworm with thick rimmed glasses. It was funny how wrong I could be in the perception of people.

At the back of the house we walked into his room which again looked comfortable and tidy. His desk was an array of books, charts and papers much like his walls which were full of book shelves and posters of more rock groups I had never heard of.

Hannah and I sat on his bed, while Morgan sat opposite next to the desk.

"So are you ready?" Jez said with cheer.

"What do you know?" Morgan said looking at a stack of books piled on the floor near his feet. "What happened?"

Jez didn't answer Morgan's question.

"Firstly, Rose, do you know anything about Imber?" he asked me.

"Um, not really, only that it was a village in the middle of Salisbury Plain and it's now derelict. The army use it for training practice," I was glad I had done my research before my arrival here. Apart from that, I had little else to offer. "Oh, Daisy used to live there when she was a girl."

"Really? I didn't know that," Morgan said, giving me an amused smirk.

Jez glowered at him mockingly before continuing. "Imber is a village directly in the centre of Salisbury Plain, as you know," Jez raised his eyes at Hannah and Morgan, grinning. "The Plain is a huge expanse of chalk plateau which largely takes over 300 miles of Wiltshire's area. Another site on 'Jez's magical mystery tour' is, of course, Stonehenge otherwise called 'the Druid's timepiece'. Let's not forget our next door neighbour the Westbury White Horse, which is in Bratton and not Westbury."

He had my full attention now, even Morgan was waiting for Jez to continue.

"But Imber's story ended after the Second World War began. During 1943 the citizens of the village were given forty seven days notice to leave their homes for the war effort. Given false promises of a return the people left their homes to do their bit. Shortly after the US army moved in and used the area for close combat and live firing practice, getting ready for their war in Europe. Once the war ended, the War Ministry wouldn't allow a single person to move back to the village. The people of Imber were allowed to visit on certain days of the year, either to visit graves, or attend a yearly church service at the Church of St Giles but nothing else, that was it. Their family histories and all landmarks are now gone. The houses are now crumbling ruins and wouldn't be fit to live in anyway."

"So, why do you want us to research it?" Hannah said.

Jez breathed slowly before he continued. "The church, St Giles, is 13th century and the 15th century wall paintings are priceless, it's one of the oldest in the county. The walls and ceiling are slowly crumbling and it's suffering from subsidence." At that moment he looked down into his hands. "My dad was investigating an image found on one of the walls. Rumours have it that it was 'out of place' to a 15th century painting.

"What kind of image?" Hannah said.

"Well, I don't know, hence the research. My dad was always on some quest, Rose, busy researching this and that. I couldn't keep track of all his projects."

"So, you think someone kidnapped him, because of something he found in the church?" I said. I thought it was an obvious question.

"My dad went missing three days ago and no one has seen him since." Jez said, sorrow running across his furrowed brow. "Few people knew of his research, but somebody wanted him silenced."

Morgan and Hannah bounced glances off each other. For some reason I wasn't getting the full story, I could tell but I let it go for now. If it was a trust issue with Jez, I knew I had to earn it.

"Have the police anything to go on at all," Hannah asked, avoiding my gaze so I couldn't throw any quizzical glances.

"He was on the top of Arn Hill and then, I don't know, just vanished," Jez said mournfully. His whole manner had changed since our welcome. His posture was now slouched, almost dispirited.

"Isn't that the same hill that Agatha Millard was found on? What was he doing there?" I said.

"Yes, it is. He was checking for Ley Lines from the hilltop. There's a clear view to Cley Hill and beyond. I don't know whether it's true, I've never checked. But he was on to something and I think that's why they've taken him," he answered, but I was beginning to get lost with the information. I must have looked puzzled so he continued.

"Ley Lines were discovered long ago and are natural lines linking old buildings, circle stones, prominent hills, forts and sometime churches and cathedrals. It is said that the straight lines hold some kind of energy, possibly a beacon and they often finish at pagan ritual sites, in Wiltshire particularly. They've often been linked to UFO's which, of course, Warminster is famed for."

Their faces showed knowing expressions, but mine was filled with amazement. I had never heard of these lines, but Jez was for a moment lost in his own thoughts, and Hannah stared at me although I couldn't tell why.

"Jez, who do you think has taken him? You must have some ideas," I said.

"I do, but I don't want to involve anyone else with my assumptions," he gave me a wry grin. "No offence, Rose but I just want to find my dad and this research will help."

"Okay," I said, feeling vexed. "All of you can keep the cryptic going for as long as you want. But if you don't tell me what you know, I'm out of here," I stood up and walked to the door.

"Rose, just wait, please," Morgan held his hands up. "It's not about you. We're just being careful."

"Ever since I arrived I've heard the strangest of stories. If you can't tell me, then why did you even bother calling for my help," I pleaded. "If I'm going to help, you have to tell me what's going on."

"I know, Rose," Hannah said softly. "It's just-"

"Just what?" I answered quickly.

"We don't want this to get back to Daisy," Jez finished Hannah's words.

"Daisy? You think she's involved? No way," I said too quickly, though in truth I really wouldn't know if she was or not.

"We don't think she's involved," Hannah said, her voice still soft. "She's asked Jez to stop interfering. To leave it for her to deal with, get some answers, quiz the police more and hopefully find him with her own sources. Her friend Maggie's husband, Percy Dunbar is missing too."

"And I can't just sit back because she says so. I'm sorry Rose, I know she's your grandmother but this is my dad we're talking about. Wouldn't you do the same for yours?" Jez said.

"Okay, Daisy told you to leave it alone and she'll deal with it. Why would she do that?" I said puzzled.

"She's well connected with the Police, she's worked with New Scotland Yard before, and other authorities," Morgan replied.

"But you don't think that her sources are going to find your dad?" I said to Jez, who shook his head.

"Because?"

"Because of who's involved, who we think is behind the disappearances," Hannah said.

"Sorry, now I'm even more confused," I said. I was no clearer at their meaning than before. "Going back to Daisy, okay? She told you to leave it but, you think or you know, that she won't find out any more information. How am I doing?"

I saw three nods.

"And you think Daisy is telling you to leave it because she knows who is really behind it?"

They all nodded again.

"And whoever is behind it is meticulous in leaving no traces or evidence so there would be no proof for the police to find anyway?"

As they nodded again in response, I continued. "For God's sake, don't you see? Daisy's protecting you. If you find out the same thing as Jez's father, you're in danger of the same fate too?"

"We know. But my dad went out one day and never returned. Daisy was the first person I called. If anyone would know where he might be, she would. Daisy and my father go way back. She spoke to the police and they're keeping her informed with the ongoing inquiry. But it was Daisy that told me the police wouldn't find anything," Jez said.

"So, you think that Daisy not only knows who is behind it all, but may be protecting him?"

"No, she's not protecting him, but she knows how dangerous he is," Jez held up a book. "I need to figure it out from the start, and I will not let my dad down. If I don't try, I might lose him. He's all I've got."

"So, who do you think is behind this? And don't tell me to stay out of it. I'm here now and I can help, especially with Daisy," I said convincingly.

"We hoped you'd say that," Hannah beamed at Jez; while Morgan shook his head and stared at me.

"What are friends for?" I answered. "So, come on. Tell me please!"

"Rumour has it that Ben Deverill has been doing some shady deals for a while now. He's the Governor of the Local Council for the area. He gives the impression of only doing well for the town. There's been a new school, converted town buildings, repairing the old theatre, new old people's homes, we even have a new hospital although it's only in planning stage at the moment," Morgan started.

"It sounds like he's doing well, and what growing town wouldn't want those things?" Hannah said.

"But what isn't widely known is that he's buying large areas of land around the outskirts of the town, all in the councils name, all above board," Jez continued.

"And, what's wrong with that?" I said, feeling the confusion coming on again.

"We think some of the land is old War Ministry land, what is now the Ministry of Defence. You see, the army's getting smaller and they don't need so much space any more. But we also think that Ben is buying up the old premises belonging to the missing persons. You know about Agatha Millard? Well, I bet anything that Ben bought the house from Daisy using the Council as a front." Jez's face was deadly serious; this wasn't a game or history project anymore.

"Have you found any proof?" I said. "There's got to be signed papers or copies of the land registry in the town Library. Usually those documents have to be available for the public to view."

I was met with blank stares.

I explained. "My dad taught me a few house moves ago about legal documents, we've moved a lot."

It was true; my dad thought it would be useful to learn in case something terrible happened to them. He'd started with House Deeds and gone from there.

So, you think that Ben Deverill is behind your dad going missing?" I summed up.

"I do, but Daisy has officially tied my hands," Jez said in a soft voice. "Although unofficially "

He was tough, I'd give him that much. Jez's exterior was rock solid, which he probably encouraged with the use of his image - his jet black hair and black gothic appearance, but he was kind, and seemed to care very deeply for his father.

I had no idea about Daisy, though. She must surely be able to find something out if she had contacts such as Scotland Yard; even her mutually amicable relationship with Mark Pemberton proved that she was a trusted ally. I realised that I still knew very little about her, we hadn't really spent much time together for me to get a bearing on her life. I didn't know who her friends were, having never met them, or where she went when she popped out. All I knew was that I'd have to be more vigilant from now on.

"Right, then," I said. "Let's start at beginning. Why does Ben Deverill want land, and old houses? Have the disappearances been linked specifically?"

"What do you mean?" Morgan said "Well, have you marked on a map the houses or land that's been bought by Mr Deverill?" I looked for a map around the room but couldn't see one. "There's got to be a clue here somewhere, I mean, is it particular areas or buildings that he's interested in? Is he looking for something? Are there mines or underground shelters? We need to chart this down, have you got a town map, Jez?"

He knelt to reach for something under the bed, pulling a long tube.

"This is a new Ordinance Survey map," he said pulling the roll of paper from inside the cardboard tube. "My dad was checking it out for recently discovered burial mounds. I kept it hidden from the police in case they took it."