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Portsmouth, Hampshire
Ari arrived by the church on the previous Wednesday and headed straight for the seafront. Albert wasn’t due to die for another hour and a half, so he walked to South Parade Pier, keeping the sea on his right, enjoying the seaside experience. He’d never been to the beach before and loved the freshness of the air and the sea breeze. He still arrived at South Parade Pier far too early so he decided to take a little stroll. He found Canoe Lake nearby – although it was more of a pond really – and sat on a bench to take in his surroundings, a past-time enjoyed by many but especially pleasurable for Ari as Portsmouth and Southsea were of historical significance and boasted several examples of Victorian architecture.
At 19:32, a man whom Ari thought he recognised walked past the lake. He checked his photo gallery and confirmed his suspicions. It was Albert Lavigne. He stood up and followed the man to the main road. Just as Albert started to cross the road, a car accelerated away from the kerb and drove straight at Michelle’s soon to be father.
Albert froze like a rabbit in headlights but then felt himself lifted off his feet, away from the oncoming vehicle. As he lay on the ground, confused, he looked up to see a man dressed in Victorian fancy-dress standing over him. The Frenchman caught his breath.
“You saved my life. Merci, monsieur.”
Ari helped Albert to his feet.
“Do not worry about it. I am just glad that I was here.”
Albert thanked Ari again and set off home, while Ari made his way back to 2073, via 17 October 2031, feeling very pleased with himself.