Max and Star were maintaining their respective identities and keeping a low profile. They had utility bills, passports, credit and debit cards, and driving licenses, all perfectly genuine. Max even had Social Security benefits as Ray Forbes, because of his disability. HMRC were now happy, having received self-assessment tax forms and payment of all penalties. At last, they were independent, genuine UK citizens.
Ray Forbes phoned Max at around 9.00 that morning, to say that he had seen his family the previous day and made his peace with them. He had told them he was going to live in Spain, and would not be returning. They were all relieved he was looking healthy, but because they had all moved on with their lives, having him around was going to cause trouble. Of course, no one said such a thing, but he could read it in their faces. The thought of him safe and well in Spain, and never coming back, changed tense faces into happy ones.
“Max, I need to see you tomorrow at 9.00am, there are important things to sort out, so bring your key and let yourself in.”
Max grew anxious; he could see his house of cards plans collapsing. Would Ray go back into society, moving to Spain? If so, he would need his own identity.
“What do you want to talk about, Ray?”
“Don’t worry Max, things are fine between us, just something you will need to do for me.”
Max was far from convinced things were fine. That night, he paced the floor at the bedsit, not daring to go to bed or try to sleep. He knew if sleep came to him, it would be a flood of nightmares.
He desperately wanted to talk to Star and tell her what Ray had said, but he knew she would fear the worst. Their grand plan had withstood near impossible challenges and setbacks, surely their luck had run out at this final stage?
Early next morning, Max arrived at the flat. Ray did not answer the door bell, so he let himself in. He went straight to the kitchen and made a milky coffee.
Anxiety had built up so much that he paced and looked around the lounge with unseeing eyes, entirely absorbed with his thoughts. Finally he sat down in the only armchair, opposite the television, clutching the hot drink.
Max leaned forward and put the mug down on the coffee table. He spotted the small note by the fruit bowl, which would have been clearly visible, had it not slipped down as Max breezed through to the kitchen.
Dear Max,
I know that your plans have reached their final stage. You will now be wondering what to do about me, the key factor in your secure future, somewhere abroad.
I have much to thank you for, bringing me back from cardboard city, making me well and respectable, so I could say goodbye to those I love.
The least I can do is make the final step as easy as possible for you.
I am aware of the terrible things you have had to do to survive, and avoid capture; I also know that you have been a true friend to me. I often thought that you would simply do away with me, once you had my identity established. Instead, you have listened to my own dark moments and given me the strength to face the world, and my family.
I am ready to go now, and by the time you read this, I will be long gone. I will be in a happier place, so please do not grieve for me. Just say a little prayer over me, where ever you decide to lay me to rest.
Your friend,
Ray Forbes.
Max was stunned with disbelief. He read the letter several times and tried to fathom where Ray could have gone. Then the awful feeling of dread swept over him, and the blood drained from his brain. Panic was setting in and he was hyperventilating.
With a groan, Max hauled himself out of the chair and stumbled to Ray’s bedroom. He appeared to be asleep, under the covers, his clothes neatly folded on the nearby chair.
“Ray, Ray, wake up!” Max shook the man’s shoulder which felt cold and clammy, through the thin cloth of his pajamas, and unexpectedly firm. Ray’s legs and feet moved in sympathy with the shaking of his shoulder. Rigor mortis had set in and he was as stiff as a board.
Max guessed Ray had died early the previous evening. He had probably taken an overdose of tablets, around the time he’d spoken to Max.
Max phoned Star at Anna’s flat and gave her the news that his friend Ray had just passed away. A common enough sort of phone call, everyone gets one someday.