The Grigori: Stalking Tender Prey Part 41

Where's Daniel?' he said, looking at the apparition of health and vigour that was Louis.

Louis put his hand on Barbara's shoulder. I'm sorry, Owen, but Daniel and Verity have gone to stay with my brother and his wife for a few days. I wanted some time to myself.'

I don't believe you,' Owen said.

Louis laughed. But it's true.' He frowned. Why would I lie to you?'

Because you've changed,' Owen said.

Barbara and Louis looked at one another and laughed. If we have, I can't see why that means we've become liars as well!' Barbara said.

I want to look round his room,' Owen said. He knew it was unlikely his request would be granted, but he couldn't let these two creatures of Othman's think they'd convinced him.

That's out of the question,' Louis said, then smiled ruefully. Look Owen, this is difficult, but I really think you should know that Daniel's quite upset by... certain things that have been going on. He wanted to get away. Surely, I don't need to say more? This is quite embarra.s.sing.'

I don't believe you,' Owen said again, although he could feel his determination ebbing.

Louis stepped forward, and spoke in a confidential manner, an avuncular smile pasted across his face. Look, old chap, we all do things when we're young, which are experiments with life. I think it'd be best for everyone if you just accepted that Daniel was curious about... well, you know. But now he's decided it's not for him.'

Owen thought that if Louis looked the way he had the last time he'd seen him, he might believe what he was saying, but this was a man who'd been charmed by Peverel Othman, who'd been altered by him. His resolve was battered by the shame of thinking Daniel might regret their relationship, but that was a thought implanted by Louis. Owen forced himself to remember the last time he and Daniel had been together. There had been no hint of regret. Still, it was clear that short of barging into Low Mede he was going to get no information here. Without another word, Owen turned away. He would have to talk to Lily, maybe even Emma. Daniel was in danger, he was sure of it, and Othman was involved.

Bye!' called Barbara Eager as Owen retreated down the drive.

Louis closed the door, took Barbara in his arms. She pulled away. Lou, are we doing the right thing?'

He kissed her. Barbara, don't! Of course we are. We've been given another chance! Don't fight it.'

But Daniel...' she said. And Verity. What's going to happen to them? We can't just leave them down... there.'

They'll come round,' Louis said. Pev will talk to them. Don't worry! This is a strange, new world for us, and the kids are scared of it. Get one of the guns.'

What?' Barbara took a step backwards. Why?'

Louis shook his head, smiling. Barbara, my dear, we have to feed the poor children. And we don't want them causing any trouble. Now, I'll make some sandwiches, you fetch the gun.' He touched her face softly. Everything will be fine. I know it will.'

Verity had endured a day of terror, a day during which all her phantoms came back to torment her in the dark. Daniel had slept most of the time, but she had talked to him continually, stroking his face, his hair, glad of the contact. At times, she went cold and clammy with fear, thinking of Daniel dying in her lap. Then he would wake up, tell her he was thirsty, and she would tell him she loved him, not to leave her.

I can't!' he said, trying to laugh.

How do you feel?'

Sore. Vez, what are we going to do?'

She squeezed his body. I don't know. Raven will come. I know he will.'

Dad shot him,' Daniel said. I saw.'

It doesn't matter,' Verity answered firmly. He's not just a cat, Danny, something more. He isn't dead. He'll come. We must believe it.'

They'd had to relieve themselves in corners of the cellar, Verity helping Daniel to stagger a distance away from where they were sitting on old sacking and a ragged car blanket. The smell of their own urine and excrement filled the stifling room, until they couldn't smell it any more.

Once, Verity said to Daniel. Can you see anything over there?'

Some small amount of light was leaking in somewhere. They could make out dim outlines in the dark. See what?' Daniel asked.

Verity shuddered. A man.'

No, Vez, no!' Daniel's voice sounded panicked. Don't say things like that. We'll scare each other to death!'

But I know I have ghosts around me, Danny. Peverel Othman told me. I saw him get rid of one of them. He threw it up into the air like a rag.'

Daniel reached for his sister's face. No, Vez. He must have... I don't know, hypnotised you. You mustn't believe what he said, or what he made you see.'

You don't know,' Verity moaned. You don't know about me.' She told him then, about the married professor, who seemed as if he'd give her so much, but had proved to be a weak, puling man, who would not leave his wife, then changed his mind, then changed it back. She told Daniel about how the wife had discovered the affair, the long, useless cruelties of betrayal and indecision which followed, the woman's breakdown and suicide attempts, the professor's decline into depression. Then there was Netty, and Netty's boyfriend. Verity hadn't wanted him as a partner, she just wanted s.e.x, his body. But the fool had fallen in love with her. Her coldness invoked only deeper degrees of infatuation. She'd had to be cruel. She hadn't guessed that he too was so weak, that her denial of his existence would send him plummeting into an abyss of despair, where death seemed the only viable option. Those are my ghosts, Danny,' she said, and Daniel could think of nothing to say. Now, he dared not look too closely into the dark.

When the light came on, they were blinded by it, and clutched each other more tightly. They heard Barbara Eager's voice, Oh, Louis, Louis! Look at them! Oh Louis, the smell!'

Then their father, or a man that sounded like their father used to sound when they were children. Put down the tray, Barbara.'

Verity squinted up the steps. She saw her father holding the gun, pointing it at them. Dad!' she said. Please Dad!'

Louis, you can't...!' Barbara's voice was cut short as Louis slammed the door. They heard the lock turn, but at least the light was left on. Verity glanced up at the naked bulb. It was old. How long would it last?

They've left food,' Daniel said in a dull voice. Vez, I'm too tired to go up the steps. Will you fetch it?'

Of course.' Verity eased herself from under Daniel's body. Now there was light, she could see the swelling on his forehead, the dried cut. His eyes looked glazed. Oh Raven, she thought as she mounted the steps. Come soon.

Barbara left Low Mede in a temper. She walked back to The White House in a daze of confusion. What was she doing? How had she become involved in all this? It was only yesterday that she and Othman had gone to visit G.o.dfrey Thormund, only yesterday when she'd achieved her desires and enjoyed Peverel Othman in Herman's Wood, and later taken her pleasure with the rejuvenated Louis. Now, she felt she was a criminal. It had shocked her to see the condition of Verity and Daniel. How could Louis do that to his own children? And yet, she'd had a part in it herself. She had been the one to inflict the wounds. What should she do now? Call the police? It would mean implicating herself, but she couldn't just leave Verity and Daniel locked in that stinking cellar, injured and hurting.

Louis had let her go. He'd only said, You'll be back.' He was so confident, as if he didn't believe for a minute that she'd betray him. How was she going to explain herself to Barney? Was it possible to claw back that dull, mundane, dissatisfying life with her husband? Now, she yearned for it more than anything.

Yet, by the time she'd reached the hotel, her heart was longing for Louis. It was as if she hadn't seen him for a week. Mrs Moon accosted her in the hallway, wearing an expression of extreme disapproval. The staff all knew, of course, where Barbara had been spending most of her time since yesterday. They'd drawn their own conclusions.

There's things to be seen to,' Mrs Moon said, for Friday.'

Friday?' Barbara had forgotten what was planned.

Your barbecue for All Hallows,' Mrs Moon reminded her. I've got to order rolls.'

Oh, yes,' Barbara said irritably. Can I leave it to you, Mrs M? I'm afraid a few things have cropped up, and I'm really rather too busy to organise Friday night at the moment.'

Charcoal,' said Mrs Moon accusingly, and the bonfire to be built.'

Surely Mr Eager is the person to speak to about that?'

He says it's your do',' Mrs Moon persisted. She folded her arms. He's got things on his mind. I don't like to bother him.'

Oh please! Speak to Shuni, and ask her to get her brothers to help!' Barbara snapped. Shuni knows all about it. I really can't be bothered now, Mrs Moon!'

She escaped upstairs. Fortunately, Barney was absent from the flat. Barbara poured herself a tumbler of gin, and went to sit on the sofa in the lounge. She stared at the cordless telephone for five minutes before she dialled Low Mede. Louis' voice, when he answered, was husky and seductive. She ached to hear it, and began to weep. Louis,' she said. I love you. Don't be horrible, please. Don't become someone else.'

Barbara,' Louis answered in a gentle tone. I'm waiting here for you. Come when you can.'

Your kids...' Barbara began. Louis, I feel dreadful! We've hurt them! I can't live with it! What's happening to us? You must let Daniel and Verity out, get them to a doctor!' She couldn't continue, but rested the phone against her face as she sobbed. She could hear Louis' voice, gentle, soothing.

Everything will be all right. It'll all be over soon. Pev will take care of things.'

Barbara shuddered. Yes. Yes.' She sniffed. I have to go.' She threw the phone down as if it burned her.

The last person Owen wanted to see when he went into the cottage was Peverel Othman, yet there he was, large as life, if a little bedraggled, sitting at the kitchen table as if he'd lived there for years. Owen, hi!' he said.

Owen ignored him and slammed the door. Lily!'

Lily appeared from the pantry, carrying some frozen food. h.e.l.lo, O. Where's Daniel?'

Owen turned to Othman. We'd better ask your friend!'

Othman raised his hands in a placating gesture. Whoa! What do you mean exactly?'

Where's Daniel?' Owen demanded. He's missing and I know you're involved. What have you done to him?'

Othman looked surprised. I don't know what you're talking about! What do you mean, Daniel's missing?'

He wasn't at school today,' Owen said. He turned to Lily. I've been to Low Mede. Babs Eager and Louis Cranton look like serial killers, and they tell me Daniel and Verity have gone to visit relatives. Something's going on. I don't believe a word of it.'

Othman sighed deeply. Great Shem,' he said in an undertone. I think the worst has happened.'

Pev?' Lily walked forward, put her burden down on the table. What do you mean?'

I have to come clean,' Othman said, glancing from Owen to Lily. I'm sorry your friend's got involved in all this, Owen. It was not my intention.'

Involved in what?' Owen's fists were bunched. Lily was afraid he'd hit Othman.

Sit down, both of you,' Othman said. I have something to explain to you.'

Lily sat down, but Owen remained standing. Othman reached for Owen's hand, but Owen s.n.a.t.c.hed it away. Don't touch me! Just talk!'

All right,' Othman said wearily. Please don't shout at me. I've had enough of shouting.' He turned to Lily. I have enemies, people who've been following me. I hoped it would be safe here, but...' He shrugged. I was wrong. If Daniel's gone missing, I wouldn't be surprised if he's been taken by my enemies.'

What?' Owen cried. Then we must do something! Call the police.'

No!' Othman stood up. Owen, you're talking s.h.i.t. You don't know what we're up against. This is Grigori business, and we must deal with it our way. No police. Are you mad? What do you think will happen to you?'

Owen lowered his eyes. We must do something!'

Othman nodded, sat down again slowly as if in pain. I know. But panicking and shouting won't help. Daniel won't be harmed, if that's what you're worried about. They'll interrogate him and he'll tell them what he knows. No torture, just mind control. He's in no danger. Once they're done with him, they'll remove all memory of their existence from his mind, implant alternative memories, then let him go. I've seen it happen a hundred times. I know the routine. All we have to do is wait - and, of course, prepare our defence.'

Our defence!' Owen snapped. We're not your allies, Othman. You can just get out of my house right now! If your enemies come here, I'll gladly tell them all I know about you!'

Othman seemed to buckle beneath Owen's verbal a.s.sault. Lily said, Stop it, Owen! It's not Pev's fault. Look at him, he's sick! Don't be so mean.'

Yeah, he's sick all right!' Owen said harshly.

Othman looked up at him. Hate me all you like. I'm here as your protector. The people looking for me will be after you, too. They're the same ones that drove your family from Little Moor. We are allies, Owen, whether you like it or not.'

Owen looked at Lily. Is this true?'

She looked puzzled. I... I suppose so.' Othman had mentioned nothing of this to her earlier.

Ask Emma Manden,' Othman said. She'll tell you.' His face creased in pain, and he clutched his side. Lily hurried over to him.

Pev, what's the matter?'

He shook his head. It's nothing. Give me wine.'

Yes, yes!' Lily ran into the pantry.

Owen looked down upon Peverel Othman.

You don't trust me,' Othman said. What can I do to make you trust me?'

Bring Daniel back,' Owen said.

I will, I'll do everything I can. Owen, take my hand.'

Owen stared at the offered palm for a few moments, then reluctantly took it. Do you mean it? Will you get Daniel back? I can't wait for these b.a.s.t.a.r.ds, whoever they are, to release him.'

Othman nodded wearily. Yes. Whatever you want. I just need to recuperate, get my strength back. The High Place, the flame.' He lips peeled back from his teeth as he grimaced in pain.

What's wrong with you?' Owen asked him.

Needles,' Othman gasped. In my head, in my heart, old needles, from the past, p.r.i.c.king me.'

He's off his head,' Owen said to Lily as she reappeared with a fresh bottle of wine.

Lily frowned and shook her head to silence him. He'll be fine. He's staying with us. We'll look after him.'

Owen looked doubtful. I don't like having to trust him. You haven't seen what he's done to Babs and Louis.'

I've given them nothing but strength and health,' Othman said, regaining his composure. He still held Owen's hand. One day, you will be able to do such things yourself, then it will not frighten you.'

It doesn't seem to be doing you much good!' Owen said. While Louis Cranton regains health and vitality, you look like h.e.l.l.'

Othman shook his head. My condition has nothing to do with what I've done for Louis Cranton. It's the influence of my enemies. But it will pa.s.s. With your help.'

Out in the garden, Raven sat beneath an upturned wheelbarrow. His leg still pained him, and he could feel the dim desperation of Verity Cranton calling out to him from below the ground at Low Mede. His intelligence was limited in this form, but he was constrained to maintain it most of the time. All he could sense were the strident feelings of the Two Legs, screaming through the air like demented ghosts. He sensed their pa.s.sions, their confusion, their betrayals. And Othman. Raven sensed Othman as a ball of flame, red and black, burning inwards. He was wary of Othman, and sensed him as an intruder. Raven had been awoken for a purpose, and soon it would be fulfilled. Then might come release, or further slumber. In the presence of the dark woman of Low Mede, his bindings were loosened and he could creep forth to touch her. He was aware of her absence in his life, and knew she needed him, but other compulsions dominated his mind at present. Here, in the safety of the garden, he could gather back his strength, direct healing energy into his wound. There was work to do.