Mystical Paths Part V

Nick realises that Lewis is an expert on the paranormal and that he can help him to cope with his problems... just as Cuthbert Darcy was a mentor to Jon. He and Lewis have long talks. Nick begins to understand that while his father has good qualities, he has his faults. He cannot cope with family life. Lewis advises Nick that he may well be suited to a ministry of healing.. that just because Jon did not make a success of it does not mean that he will be a failure at it. Nicholas also has to admit that his sexual relationships have been selfish and wrong minded, using working class girls to satisfy his needs while dating posh girls. He begins to wonder if his decision to investigate Christian's death was to try and avoid his own doubts about whether he should be ordained or not, and what field to work in. However he and Lewis still decide to look into his death. They visit London and see Perry Palmer, Christian's best friend who had taken him sailing. Perry was the only one on the boat when he was washed overboard. Perry is a quiet rather dull man who works in the Foreign office. There are rumours that he might have an intelligence job. When they call on him, Perry seems very stressed out. Lewis tries to approach him tactfully but Nick jumps the gun and pressures him. He tries to persuade him to talk to Lewis. This puts Perry on his guard and he is not now willing to open up. Annoyed at Nick's foolishness, Lewis goes back to his home in Starmouth, with his young protege in tow. He introduces him to his daughter Rachel who is a beautiful languages student. Nick is very attracted to her. Lewis is not best pleased. But Nick flirts with Rachel and then asks her to work with him to catch a murderer. Perry arrives in Starmouth. He makes it clear that he was involved in Christian's death, and Nick guesses that the body is hidden in the coal cellar of Perry's flat.