The Devil In Her Heart (Beatles Fan Fiction)

Chapter 39

From The London Evening Standard, November 17th 1965

BBC BANS BEATLES

Following the shocking reports earlier today that Beatle George Harrison has been charged with the murder of his girlfriend, Grace Burgess, the BBC has announced all Beatles records will be banned forthwith from its radio and television broadcasts. Miss Burgess was found dead at her home in Chelsea in the early hours of this morning. Following questioning by police, Mr Harrison was charged with her murder this afternoon. A spokesperson from the BBC was quoted as saying, 'We do not find broadcasting Beatles music to be in good taste, following recent events. With this in mind, and out of respect for the deceased and her family we will not be broadcasting any Beatles records in the foreseeable future.'

November 17th 1965 5.00pm

"Paul! Paul! Have you got any comments for us, Paul?!"

The reporters and cameramen all clamored towards him, blocking the road and forcing Paul to stop the car. He shook his head through the glass, holding his palm down on the horn. It made no difference, the journalists didn't move. Paul revved the engine threateningly. They moved slightly apart and Paul inched the car forward. As he finally managed to pull into a space, not too far from number 57's front door, Paul looked in the left wing mirror.

Three girls, fans, Paul supposed, were standing a little way away from the throng of press. The fact George had been charged had obviously already leaked out. The girl's faces were grey, their usual smiles replaced by miserable, tearful expressions. One of the girls shook her head at Paul and mouthed, "It's not true."

Paul turned to the driver's door and stepped out of the car. The press instantly leapt towards him, sticking microphones into his face. Paul leaned back instinctively.

"Paul, what's going on?" one shouted.

"I don't know..." Paul began.

"Have you just come from the police station? Did you speak to Harrison?"

"Yes," Paul said, clearing his throat. "I've been at the station all day, but no, I haven't spoken with George yet."

"Paul, did George murder his girlfriend?"

The frankness of that question took Paul aback. He blinked and then turned more towards the reporter who had asked it. "There is no question over George's innocence. I am outraged that George has been arrested when anyone who knows him knows he would never even contemplate a thing like that. It's very sad that that girl has been killed, but I am certain, George had nothing to do with it."

Paul stopped himself. He glanced back at the fans. The girl managed a weak smile at him and wiped her eyes. Paul smiled back.

"What happened, Paul? Can you elaborate?"

"Paul, who did kill her if it wasn't Harrison?"

"You've got your comment," Paul said, firmly. "Now if you'll excuse me." None of the reporters moved. Paul shoved his way through the throng.

"Paul, where's Brian Epstein?" One of the journalists yelled in his ear as Paul made his way to the front door of the house.

Good question, Paul thought but ignored it. Finally escaping into the house, he closed the heavy door behind him and slid the deadbolt across. As he turned around, Jane appeared in the kitchen doorway and rushed to him, throwing her arms around him.

"Are you alright?" she asked, holding him. "You've been gone forever. I was so worried. What's happened?"

Paul put his arms around her, resting his head on her shoulder and taking a deep breath of her sweet smelling hair. Jane, what would I do without her?