An Old Acquaintance

28 November , 1924 

The alarm bell  signalled the end of the day's work at the United Blast Furnaces  Limited . All the workers coming out on their cycles moved  in a symmetrical position. United Blast Furnaces Limited was the largest factory in operation around Ipswich county .The owner of the Factory was Edmund Potter , a household name in the country's Industrial Scions of the  Potter Family .

It was exactly 5.30 pm in the evening , Phillip as like the other workers came out at the usual time , holding his lunchbox and smoking a  cigarette  walking down the Queens Road towards the Town Hall . 

Phillip was a native of Ipswich .He was a man raised in hard surroundings , when everyday was a struggle for survival  , a reflection of early 20th Century England. He had served as a soldier in the Great War . He was a man of his word and principles . He didn't talk much ,  yet people listened with sheer attention when he spoke . 

Three months ago in August  he married the love of his life Emily . Phillip's family was against the marriage ,as they didn't like the girl and neither her family.  But Phillip was ready to fight any battle that he had to for he believed this cause to be genuine enough .  However , his parents agreed on a condition that the couple shall live somewhere else and start responsibly this  chapter of family life . Phillip arranged for a tiny apartment near Charlesville through the  monetary help of his Factory's Branch Supervisor Mr Simmons .

It was on 7th August 1924 , when they both exchanged the sacred vows . That was the most happiest moment of their lives . Initially , they both started living in his Parent's house.

Life was moving towards a positive direction , with his savings and income he somehow was repaying the loan in installments to Mr Simmons  that stood at 2000£ . It would take him another year and a half to fully remit the payment . 

In October , Emily broke the news at a family function that she was expecting a baby . It was a joyous occasion and Phillip was over the moon , he raised a toast " To Emily " .

6.00 P.M. 

Phillip knocks on his apartment door which is unlocked . He enters the house with suspicion ,and  shouts "Emily , where are ya , I have told you countless times to keep the doors locked ".  

He steps in the kitchen to find the Tap Water running . With pitch darkness and no sign of Emily in the house , Phillip's suspicion turns into fear . He enters his room and finds a note

 "Philip Berkley , just like the days in Passendale . Your life today hangs on the outcomes of your actions , so much has changed and yet things seem so similar as we left it . I'll be disappointed if you would have forgotten me by now . Don't try to act smart , for I have something that is of utmost importance to you. "

Regards 

H.F.