Catalyst

  She reached up to stroke his head; and passed out.

  That’s how it had happened; how his life journey had started inside her eighteen years ago. She looked up and across at the long concourse opposite as they raced towards the departure gate.

  And there he was.

  Leaning against the glass, his hands high above his head, looking across at her; at the girls. He waved then pointed to something in his left hand. A phone. She could see him pressing the keys and then her own mobile rang.

  “Are you coming? I have the ticket. I can get it to you. Oh, please… ”

  “I can’t, not right now. But I will when I’ve sorted out a few things. Phone me with your address. I’ll come to you as soon as I can.”

  “But… ”

  “Love you. Give my love to Khushi and Prish. I will come; really.”

  “Why can’t you just… ”

  But he had ended the call and turned away.

  And she knew…

  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

  Thanks are due to the many people who contributed in different ways to the production of this book.

  To those who provided me with factual information on aspects of the story: David Burrow, David Gibbons, Andrew Garner, David Monks, Ben Shatliff and, in particular, Alan Isherwood, who gave up his time on several occasions to help me.

  To all my friends who showed such an enthusiastic interest in the book and whose encouragement made it unthinkable that I should not complete it, even when the stream of ideas had reduced to barely a trickle. And especially to Marian Sample, who gave me essential feedback on the manuscript at the beginning which set me on the right course.

  To Gary Smailes of Bubblecow for his detailed editorial critique and invaluable advice following on from this.

  To my family who never doubted the outcome even when I did myself – son Daniel, daughter Hannah, daughter-in-law Annette and brother Geoff. Also, grandchildren Thomas and Ellen who both contributed with ideas for the cover design.

  Lastly, and mostly, to my wife, Carol, for her unstinting support and for putting up with years of my feeling sorry for myself when things were not going as planned.

  MICHAEL KNAGGS was born in Hull in 1944. He moved to Thurso, Caithness, in 1966 to work as an Experimental Officer at Dounreay Atomic Power Station, and relocated to Salford in 1968 to complete a degree in Chemistry. From 1970 up to his retirement in 2005, Michael worked for Kellogg Company – the global breakfast cereal manufacturer – latterly as Human Resources Director with responsibility for pay and benefit policy across the company’s European organisation.

  He lives in Prestwich, Manchester, with his wife, Carol. Their passion is hill-walking and they undertake at least one long distance walk each year. They have two children and two grand-children.