Truth Seeker: The Dream Catcher Diaries, #5

By Alexander Patrick

Elmscott is a world of lies, whispering walls and shadows that contain men with guns. And at the centre of this dark world sits Martin Harrison, a man defined by secrets, a man who has learned to keep his secrets close to his heart, even from his Truth Seeker, Mathew Fuller.

Harrison does not trust his Dream Catcher. And his Dream Catcher does not trust him. Mathew also has secrets to protect, and soon he is setting in motion his own plans and ambitions.

As friend betrays friend, and no one is quite what they seem, there are twelve children about to die, twelve children sold by child catchers to the man who doesn’t exist. Alexander must find them and save them, knowing, as he does so, that there is one more terrible secret to discover. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Alexander Patrick
• Release date: Apr 9, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386213673

Book preview

Part One

July 2063 – September 2063

Whispering Walls

Chapter 1

Saturday 21 July, 2063

The Red House

The young people had been home for over a month when they decided that they wanted to celebrate their release from the education system. They were upstairs being noisy and preparing to leave for a night out. They were going down to Dungeons, the substrata nightclub. It was an old nightclub, and it had always been seedy. For years it had been for gays only and had called itself Marilyn’s. Now it catered for all tastes. I wandered into the playroom to find Fergus slumped with Lizzy, reading stories to her. She may have been a precocious eight-year-old, but she still enjoyed being read to, and she particularly liked Fergus to do it.

‘Lizzy,’ I said. ‘You need to let Fergus get ready.’

Lizzy glanced up. ‘He’s staying here with me tonight,’ she replied firmly.

‘He’s going down to Dungeons with the others,’ I said.

She put on her stubborn face. It was a look I knew very well. ‘We’ve already talked about it,’ she said. ‘He doesn’t want to go, do you, Fergi?’

‘This is an end-of-term party,’ he said. ‘Nothing to do with me.’

I had other plans. ‘Sorry, Fergus, but you’re on duty tonight. You’re to go down with the boys and make sure they stay out of trouble.’

He looked at me in astonishment.

‘Holiday over,’ I continued. ‘You’re back to work as from now.’

Lizzy was staring at me, open-mouthed. ‘That’s not fair!’ she wailed.

‘I need protection tonight, and you’re it,’ I pressed.

If I had suggested he go out and enjoy himself, Fergus would have refused, but he was struggling with the idea of refusing Matrix, despite every part of his body crying out no.

‘Get ready to go, soldier. You can report to Adam or Robbie,’ I said.

He rose slowly to his feet, resentment etched clearly on his face. I pulled back to allow him to leave. He walked past me and then stopped. ‘Why?’ he asked. The distress in his voice was painful to hear.

‘Because it’s time,’ I said. ‘You are Bràithreachas, and there was always going to come a day when you’d return to your duties. I think that time is now. I think you’re ready.’

He was still staring at me. ‘I am not Bràithreachas!’ he cried, fired up with anger. ‘They destroyed me!’

‘You can never leave Bràithreachas, you know that.’ I returned.

‘I didnae leave; they left me!’

‘Fergus!’

He pulled off his jacket to expose his scarred bare arm. ‘Look at my arm. That’s not the arm of a Bràithreachas soldier; it’s the arm of a traitor!’ he shouted.

‘We both bear scars to prove we’ve suffered,’ I said. ‘We’ve both been to that dark place where we’ve hated ourselves for what others have done to us.’

‘It’s not the same.’

‘It’s exactly the same. I was given a mark of shame, and I made it something to be proud of. I suggest you do the same.’

Still he hesitated.

My voice softened. ‘Fergus, you’re one of mine now. I’ll never relinquish you. You’re here in the heart of my family. You’re here with my daughter. But you are Bràithreachas, and I’m asking you to report for duty.’

He glanced over at Lizzy, who was watching the scene with a mixture of horror and fascination.

‘I’ll read you some stories tomorrow night,’ he said hoarsely.

‘If he’s not on duty,’ I added.

He gave me a sharp look and then, reluctantly, left the room. I saw defeat in every part of his body. He had trusted me, and I had betrayed him.

********************

I gave him two choices: to report to Adam or to Robbie. One would be generous; the other would treat him with contempt. He knew that. I understood his mind and how he worked, and I knew who he would go to. He hated himself too much to do otherwise.

Robbie was upstairs with Gina. Isamu was already asleep. Robbie turned round from getting dressed to find Fergus looming behind him. ‘What do you want?’ he asked harshly.

Gina turned round and frowned. Neither had been kind or forgiving to Fergus, and they showed no sign of changing their minds now. ‘What are you doing in my bedroom?’ said Gina, voice like ice. ‘How dare you? Get out!’

‘Reporting for duty,’ said Fergus, sounding sullen. ‘I’m your protection for tonight.’

They both stared aghast. ‘You’ve got to be kidding?’ they chorused.

And, for the first time, Fergus smiled.

********************

Dungeons Nightclub

Well, I guessed that would happen, just as I guessed Adam would be more open. ‘About time you came back,’ he said when he joined them. ‘And you always enjoy Dungeons.’

Robbie, Gina and Adam were to meet up with Jacob, Bethan, Danni and Jack at Dungeons. Fergus walked with them but remained apart. He wore sunglasses to hide the missing eye, and a loose leather jacket covered his burnt arms. His hair had grown – but was still too short for Brotherhood – and he carried a defiant scowl.

Cadros was on duty when they approached the nightclub. That would have told Fergus that this was not going to be an ordinary night. He almost turned back when he saw his uncle at the nightclub door. But he remained true to Matrix. He walked up to him. It was the first time they had met since this same uncle had tortured him. ‘I’m the protection for tonight,’ he said.

Cadros looked him up and down slowly. ‘Make sure they don’t lose it, soldier,’ he replied.

Fergus waited. He had expected more – disdain at the very least, or denial as to his role – something, anything, but not calm acceptance.

‘Come on!’ said Adam, pushing through. ‘I’m thirsty. ‘I’ll buy you a beer, Fergus.’

Fergus and Adam entered Dungeons and were faced with the sight of a club heaving with Brotherhood. Yet, despite this, Fergus walked in calmly; he didn’t flinch. The presence of Cadros at the door may already have alerted him to the fact that Brotherhood would be present. Nevertheless, he could not have been expecting so many. Adam whistled in amazement and briefly held his breath, taking in the people there. He watched their bodies move, he watched their faces, he listened to every heartbeat and, with his Dream Catcher eyes, he understood everything. He took Fergus firmly by the arm. ‘Let’s get those drinks,’ he said.

Fergus held back. ‘Keep away from me,’ he whispered.

Adam came to an abrupt stop. 

Fergus pulled his gaze away from the crowds and looked at Adam. ‘This is for me,’ he said. ‘I’m many things, but I’m no fool. This is the first time I’ve been out of the house. The General’s been waiting for me. I’m away from your father’s protection, and now I pay the price. This was always going to happen. I don’t want you hurt; stay away and stay safe.’

Adam placed a hand on his arm. ‘Even if what you say were true, I would never leave your side. I’m his true son, a Dream Catcher. In a way, you’ve not left him.’

‘I’m supposed to be protecting you!’ cried Fergus in exasperation. ‘Your father gave me that job, and so I’m telling you to leave my side now!’

‘No, Fergus, it doesn’t work like that. Now let’s get those drinks.’ He kept hold of Fergus and moved towards the crowds. Fergus found himself propelled along as if in some ghastly dream, and, as they approached the throng of Brotherhood and began to push through, they found that people stepped aside to let them pass. Fergus was painfully aware of stares or sly glances. He blushed with shame under their scrutiny but still allowed himself to be carried along by Adam.

Meanwhile, Robbie and Gina were still at the door, glaring at Cadros. ‘What’s my father playing at?’ moaned Robbie, clutching Gina’s hand. ‘I’m not going to let that bastard spoil it for us tonight.’

‘He’s your protection; you do what he says, soldier. You know Brotherhood procedures.’

Gina was gazing at Cadros with a puzzled expression on her face. ‘If you’re here, why do we need that man as well?’ she asked.

Cadros stared into the distance. ‘Now that’s complicated,’ he said.

It was more than just complicated – as they were soon to find out. They walked into the nightclub and, like Adam and Fergus, were quick to see the presence of the Brotherhood and their supporters. At a glance, they spotted six Blood Brothers. ‘Fuck!’ said Robbie appreciatively. He turned to Gina. ‘This is a set up,’ he said.

‘What’s going on?’ she replied, instantly feeling nervous. She may have been Brotherhood herself now, but seeing so many gathered like this was still intimidating.

‘I think they’ve something special planned for our traitor,’ said Robbie with satisfaction.

‘Robbie, I don’t want to see this.’ Gina was now very afraid.

Robbie held her tight. ‘You don’t have a choice. This has been planned. I don’t expect Dad knows about it, but, I can tell you this, the General never forgets or forgives. Look at what he did to Mathew Fuller.’

‘You think that’s what they’ll do ... brand Fergus on the face with the Judas Kiss?’

Robbie shrugged his shoulders. ‘Why not? If I were the General I would mark his face, or at least his neck.’

‘But they’ve marked him already, on his arm.’

‘Oh, that!’ scoffed Robbie. ‘That was to take away the tattoos, but no one can see them, can they? Mark his face or neck and everyone will know him for the traitor he is. I wish Dylan were here to see this.’

‘Robbie, I want to go home.’

He had been gazing around. The place was full of substrata who all had that unmistakable Brotherhood look. They were moving and jostling in too small a space to get to and from the bar. It was good-natured pushing and shoving, with loud laughter and crude shouting. And, in the background, they could hear the steady beat of substrata music. Robbie stared intently into the crowd, trying to pick out people he knew. He seemed to soak in their complete presence with a mixture of pride and ownership. Despite recent events and the shift in the Brotherhood, these were his people. He still had a place; he knew it, and everyone in that club would have known it as well.

He turned round to Gina. ‘You don’t have a choice; you’re Brotherhood, and, more importantly, you’re a friend of Dylan’s. Now come on, let’s get a drink and find the others.’ He pushed into the mass of moving bodies, dragging the reluctant Gina with him.

Adam had already been served, and he and Fergus were now making their way over to where Jacob sat with Bethan, Danni and Jack. Adam could see Robbie and Gina moving up to the bar. He saw Robbie smiling and greeting people as he went. Still playing Godchild, he thought.

Jacob looked up and grinned when he saw Adam. He didn’t notice Fergus at first. ‘Have you ever seen so many bloody Brotherhood,’ he shouted. ‘Something special is happening tonight ...’ He stopped abruptly at the sight of Fergus. ‘Oh, shit!’ he said and paled.

Adam greeted everyone and pulled Fergus down onto a chair beside him.

‘I’m sorry about what happened to you,’ said Bethan, unaware of the consternation among the rest of the group.

‘What happened to me?’ asked Adam, taking a large gulp from his beer.

‘Getting expelled!’ she cried in disbelief.

Adam was about to answer when Jacob interrupted. ‘No offence, pal,’ he said to Fergus. ‘But, if there’s going to be trouble, I don’t want you at our table.’ He turned to Jack. ‘You’re Brotherhood; you evidently knew something was going on. Why didn’t you warn us?’

Jack looked over at Adam. ‘Jacob’s been telling us how he intends to defend the substrata when he gets to be a rich and famous lawyer,’ he said.

‘Is that right?’ said Adam.

Jacob had the grace to blush. ‘That’s different,’ he said. ‘And you know it.’

‘Sure it’s different,’ said Jack. ‘Why defend Fergus? You’ve only known him all your life, as opposed to defending a complete stranger.’

‘I have Bethan to consider,’ said Jacob. ‘And Danni as well,’ he added lamely.

Danni scowled. ‘Don’t include me in your cowardice,’ she said.

Fergus turned to her in surprise.

‘Dylan’s your best friend!’ said Jacob.

‘I know what Dylan would say now. And he wouldn’t be suggesting we desert a friend.’

‘That man isn’t a friend!’ said Jacob, his voice rising.

‘Can anyone tell me what’s going on?’ said Bethan.

‘Come-back is what’s going on,’ said Robbie, coming up to the table. He placed his hand firmly on Fergus’s shoulder. ‘And, on behalf of Dylan and Toby, I’ve no intention of missing this for the world.’

‘Neither do I,’ said Adam, glancing meaningfully at Jack.

Jack grinned. ‘So there we have it, lawyer, what now?’

‘I’m leaving, and I’m taking Bethan and Danni with me,’ said Jacob, rising to his feet.

‘I’m staying,’ said Danni. ‘And if I can protect Fergus I will!’

Jacob groaned. ‘You’re bloody impossible! First you fall for Fuller, and now you defend Fergus. What’s the matter with you?’

‘Leave her alone!’ said Adam.

‘Nobody’s leaving,’ said Gina, walking up. ‘They’ve locked all the doors.’

Chapter 2

The table was silent. It was the only silent table in the whole club. The noise of the crowd and music was loud and raucous, and it almost engulfed them. ‘I’ll go and sit somewhere else,’ said Fergus.

‘You stay here,’ said Robbie and Adam together.

‘Let’s get this straight,’ said Bethan, who was starting to catch on. ‘Are we defending him or giving him up to the Blood Brothers?’

‘We’ve no choice in that,’ said Robbie smugly.

‘No, we don’t,’ said Adam. ‘We’ve no choice but to do the right thing; that’s what we should always do.’

‘And the right thing is?’ asked Bethan.

‘We do what the Godchild would want us to do – what Matrix would have wanted.’ His voice was neutral but firm.

Bethan looked confused.

‘This isn’t Bethan’s fight,’ said Jacob.

‘But it is your fight, Jacob,’ said Adam. ‘This is your first test. Are you for our father or against him? We’ve been nurturing Fergus for bloody months now. You know what he’d say if he were sitting here.’

‘What does the Godchild say?’ asked Jacob, watching Robbie carefully.

Robbie wavered.

‘You may choose to ignore ...’ Adam began.

‘We defend him,’ said Robbie. The words seemed almost to choke him.

‘Robbie!’ Gina cried out in shock.

Danni breathed a sigh of relief. Bethan was still confused. ‘What’s going on?’ she said.

There was no answer. No one said anything. The silence at the table stretched out. For a while Fergus stared into the distance, apparently undecided, and then he seemed to make up his mind. He stood up. Adam was about to remonstrate with him but stopped. Slowly and deliberately, Fergus pulled off his jacket. He was only wearing a T-shirt. His bare arms and the Judas brands were now clearly visible. He threw the jacket over the back of his chair and sat back down. He was taking me at my word – his statement to the world.

Adam understood immediately. ‘I think we’re about to see something quite wonderful,’ he whispered, placing his hand on Fergus’s shoulder, and, as he did so, the noise in the nightclub became hushed and the music was silenced.

Everyone turned in the same direction.

The General of Bràithreachas had walked in.

********************

Without anyone noticing, the dance floor of the nightclub had been organising itself. Blood Brothers were taking control, forming two lines, creating a corridor to hold back the crowds. The General stood at the head of the two lines, flanked by Cadros and Caliph. All the Blood Brothers were standing stiff with their hands pressed against their hearts. And, as they watched, they saw that the movement in the crowds had slowed down, and one by one people were standing still and holding their hands to their hearts.

Jacob grabbed Bethan’s hand, and she felt a thrill of fear sweep through him. He glanced over at Fergus, who had broken out in a sweat at the sight of the Brotherhood in full strength. ‘Okay,’ he muttered. ‘I’ve no idea what these bastards have planned for you, but, for what it’s worth, consider me your lawyer.’

And, to his delight, Bethan squeezed his hand in approval.

I’m not sure Fergus heard him. He had risen to his feet. His eyes remained fixed on the dance floor. All he could see were the long lines of Blood Brothers, men and women he had once considered his equals, his friends, people he could trust. All he could remember was pain at their hands.

Adam stood next to him. Jack had also risen and moved round the table to stand by his other side. Without thinking, they all stood up. ‘Adam, do something!’ hissed Danni.

Adam said nothing.

The Blood Brothers had been watching the General, but then, at some hidden signal, they all turned and faced the other way. They faced Fergus. The General paused and then began to walk between the two lines. He barely acknowledged their presence; he kept his gaze fixed firmly ahead. He had his cold blue eyes fixed onto Fergus, and he never wavered.

Both Adam and Jack stepped away from Fergus. He felt their desertion but said nothing. He couldn’t tear his eyes away from the General. His mind was full of that face, those eyes and the voice. This was the man who had terrorised him for months, had held the brand against his skin and looked him in the eye as he did so. He was terrified, yet still he held his ground. For a moment, he closed his eyes and thought of me, of the man who had shown understanding, and he wondered whether he had been betrayed again.

At last the General stood before Fergus, and they held each other’s gaze. Then, without warning, Angus fell down on his knees before Fergus. Cadros and Caliph, who had been following close behind, fell down on their knees too.

Fergus gasped in shock.

All the people around them came down onto their knees. Like a ripple of water, people dropped to the ground, including Adam and Jack who had both turned to face him. They all had their hands pressed against their hearts, even Robbie and Gina were down on their knees.

Fergus alone remained standing, lonely and bewildered.

And, into the hush, the General, with head bowed, spoke. ‘We are the soldiers of Bràithreachas. We claim to stand for justice; we claim to stand against tyranny. We say we are here to protect the weak and vulnerable. We claim to be the strength and voice of the substrata. This is a tradition to be proud of, and yet we have failed in the most unforgivable way. We have hurt someone we should have cherished; we have damaged someone who only ever gave loyal and courageous service. Our worst enemies would be proud to know how low we have sunk.’

Briefly, he seemed to falter; he had kept his head bowed and his eyes down as he spoke into the silence. Now, he looked once more at Fergus. ‘My son, we do not deserve your forgiveness, but this is what we ask.’

He held out his hand. Cadros rose to his feet and came over to him. He held a knife. The General took the knife. With a swift motion he sliced his arm. The gash quickly created a pool of deep red blood on the dance floor. Angus didn’t flinch. ‘You are my Blood Brother,’ he continued. ‘My life is your life. My blood is your blood. I place my life before yours. I place my heart at your feet, and my soul is yours. This is the Ultimate Oath. It will never be broken. This is the oath that I swear to you. Your pain is now my pain; your enemies are now my enemies. This is the Oath of the Blood Brother. Fergus, forgive me, forgive us, grant us this, and come back to Bràithreachas.’

Fergus simply stared.

At that moment, the whole club spoke the words, the Ultimate Oath. They intoned it as one, never taking their eyes off Fergus.

It wasn’t until they had finished that Fergus finally broke down and wept.

Chapter 3

Fergus sat with the General. He was not the one doing the talking; he was listening to Angus.

Adam came up to Robbie. ‘You did the right thing in the end,’ he said.

‘Because you reminded me where my allegiance lay.’

‘Yeh, but ...’

Robbie spun round to Adam. ‘So where does that leave Dylan?’

‘You know that, if Dylan had been here tonight, he would have been the first on his knees.’

Robbie shook his head. ‘I wish he were here.’

‘We all do.’

‘I’m so bloody worried about him.’

Adam said nothing.

‘He’s alone, unprotected, in the worst possible place ... at Elmscott!’

‘Not alone – you know that.’

‘Is that supposed to make me feel better?’

‘He is protected ...’

‘Do you know what I fear the most?’ interrupted Robbie. ‘I keep thinking we’ve got it all wrong, that we’ve misjudged the whole thing. We’re making a huge leap of faith, and the very worst could happen.’

‘Dylan will be fine.’

‘Not just Dylan – I fear for us all. I fear for you ... for me ... for the death of everything we hold sacred.’

Adam hesitated.

Robbie scrutinised his face. ‘I may not be a Dream Catcher, but I can see that you fear the same thing.’

‘Perhaps,’ said Adam reluctantly.

‘And we’re here in fucking Devon!’ said Robbie bitterly.

********************

Bethan found Danni alone, skulking by the bar. Danni was avoiding her. Bethan marched up, a fierce expression on her face. ‘Are you going to tell me what Jacob meant when he said you’d fallen for Mathew Fuller?’

Danni looked miserable.

‘Come on, Danni, out with it!’

‘I love him,’ she said faintly.

‘What!’ Bethan almost exploded. ‘You’ve got to be kidding?’

Danni closed her eyes. Even saying the words sounded strange, despite having lived with the emotion for months now.

‘You don’t know what you’re talking about!’

Danni stood up, suddenly angry. ‘How do you know what I’m feeling? How do any of you know?’

‘He’s a Madison bastard, I know that; in fact, everyone knows that!’

‘I don’t care. I love him.’

‘How can you love him after what he did to Karin? And what about Adam? I thought you loved Adam! Look what he did to him! He branded him and marked him with a humming bird. And what about Jacob and Robbie? He got me expelled and countless others. For Christ’s sake, Danni, he’s not just any Madison bastard; he’s the nastiest, most sadistic reptile we’ve ever met!’ She paused for breath.

‘I don’t care,’ said Danni. ‘I can’t stop thinking about him. I go to sleep with his image in my head. When I wake up, I’m still thinking about him. He’s there all the time inside me!’ She touched her head. ‘I can even taste his lips on mine,’ she said, remembering that moment when they had both believed they were about to die and how he had reached out and kissed her. A Madison who hated Jews had kissed her and with such passion. She didn’t understand it then, and she didn’t understand it now. But she treasured that memory as if it had been a love affair that had lasted for years.

Bethan was staring at her. ‘You had better get over this, kid, because, make no mistake about it, Mathew Fuller is in the Brotherhood sights. Robbie told me. He’s going to die for all those things he did to us. He’s going to pay, and they’ll make sure his death is long and painful. Remember that when you next fantasise about him!’

‘No!’ sobbed Danni.

‘Our friendship ends tonight,’ said Bethan, ‘unless you tell me you hate him, just like the rest of us.’ And she marched off.

Danni sat sobbing. Someone placed an arm around her shoulder. ‘Did you hear?’ she asked. Gina nodded. She took a tissue and wiped Danni’s face. ‘At least you must understand,’ whispered Danni. ‘You loved Robbie, despite what everybody said.’

‘Danni, I’m sorry, but it’s not the same.’ Gina’s voice was full of sorrow. ‘Robbie loved me, and I loved him. What you feel for Mathew Fuller isn’t natural. For a start, you barely know him, and what you do know is repulsive to say the least.’

Danni sobbed again.

‘But I do know what it is to be caught up in the Madison allure,’ continued Gina, thinking of Yamoto and how he had seduced her. ‘They’re a breed apart. Bethan was right when she likened him to a reptile. That’s exactly what he is – he’s sly, wicked and cold – and yet, somehow, for some reason, that can seem attractive.’

‘There are two Mathew Fullers in my head,’ said Danni. ‘The real one, who is everything you say, and my Mathew, who is kind and compassionate, and I have no idea where that second Mathew has come from.’

‘Out of your imagination and your own kindness,’ said Gina.

Danni sobbed.

‘Bethan is right about one thing,’ said Gina. ‘For your own sake, you must learn to forget him. Otherwise you’re always going to be unhappy, and the real people around you will never be enough, and then ...’

Danni looked at her curiously.

‘When the Brotherhood take him down – and they will; make no mistake about that – you’ll be yet another one of his victims.’

********************

Bethan came and sat back down with Jacob. She stared miserably at her drink. ‘I don’t understand your sister,’ she said.

‘She’s a waste of space sometimes,’ said Jacob.

‘That’s no way to talk about her! You should try to help her!’

‘Why? Because she’s got the hots for Mathew Fuller?’

‘I thought she loved Adam.’

Jacob glanced across at Adam who was, at that moment, desperately trying to interest a girl who was clearly not interested. ‘He seems to be coping,’ he said.

‘You did say he didn’t see Danni in quite the same way ...’

‘Yeh, maybe that’s why she’s fantasising.’

‘So will you try and do something?’

He shook his head.

‘And what about us?’

He grabbed her hand. ‘I love you,’ he said.

‘In a few days, I go back to Songbird. When will we meet again?’

‘Don’t go back.’

‘I’ve got my work to do.’

‘You do the bloody accounts for the camp.’

‘It’s something!’

‘What about all your plans to make a difference?’

‘I don’t know any more,’ she stammered.

‘Still mourning Karin?’

‘Always.’

He sighed. ‘Well, that’s a pity.’

‘Why say it like that?’

‘I’m looking for a partner.’

‘What sort of partner?’

‘Someone who can manage a poor blue lawyer.’

She stared at him.

‘And my home.’

She threw her arms round his neck.

‘Let’s make it for real,’ he whispered.

She grinned. ‘I’ve got so many ideas to make the practice better,’ she said.

‘Then we’ll talk to Samuel.’

He held her tight. The time was coming close when he would need to have another meeting with Uncle Alexander.

********************

Robbie gave it a little longer but could wait no more. He marched up to Angus and Fergus, who were sitting together in deep silence. ‘What do you think, General,’ he said. ‘Time for a spot of music! Stuff to make these bastards get up and dance!’

Angus gave it a microsecond. ‘Now that is a good idea,’ he said. He turned to Fergus. ‘Are you up to it?’

Fergus smiled – his old, slow, slightly crooked smile – and he nodded.

Soon the club was reverberating with the sound of Bràithreachas: Fergus and Adam on the bagpipes, Robbie on the drums and Stewart and Angus playing strings and percussion. It was the beginning of Fergus’s return. He still had his demons to fight, but we all knew that, despite what had been done to him, he had remained true. They had tortured him, and he had held firm. He could have betrayed the truth at any time, but he never did. Because of his strength and courage, everyone in that club knew for sure that they could trust him with their lives.

They had no idea how one day he would put them to the test.

Chapter 4

Elmscott

It may have been a noisy, alcohol-fuelled night at Dungeons, but at Elmscott all was still. The shutters were up on all the windows, and the house was quietly closing down. Servants moved around the house discreetly, seeing to the final needs of their masters and mistresses, and Mathew Fuller sat out on the porch, watching the night and listening to the night sounds. He was frowning. It was doubtful whether he was in the mood to enjoy the beauty of the night – or, in fact, whether his mind was there at all. He was staring, and his stare was fixed and without joy.

‘Mathew?’

He turned and gave a reluctant smile.

Suzanne came up and settled next to him. She held a glass of wine in her hand. But she had barely touched it.

‘You should be in bed,’ he said. ‘It’s late. It’s not fitting for you to be up this late. This is the time for the men.’

‘Does it matter any more?’

He narrowed his eyes slightly. ‘What’s that supposed to mean?’

‘You can’t keep pretending to me, Mathew.’

He flinched at her words.

‘And you can’t keep protecting me,’ she continued. ‘I’ve finally grown up.’

He reached over to touch her face. ‘I doubt that.’

She pulled back and gave him a defiant look. Something he’d never seen in her before. ‘I know what Landon Cooper is saying about me,’ she said.

He sighed.

‘He’s saying terrible things! And I’m in no position to defend myself. I’ll never marry now, will I? I’m damaged goods, and I failed the assessment night.’

‘So what would you rather have had me do?’ he asked coldly. ‘Did you want to marry him?’

She said nothing. Her eyes were full of tears.

‘I had no choice,’ he said. ‘I had no reason to break our father’s promise. I was honour-bound to pursue your engagement. The least I could offer the Coopers was a way out that saved their son.’

‘But it destroyed me!’ she wailed.

‘So, Suzanne, I repeat my question. Would you rather I’d let you marry that sadist?’

‘I’m not sure anymore,’ she said. ‘I thought I would marry. I thought I’d marry well and bring pride to our family. And what about our mother? This is destroying her as well.’

‘I’ll find you a good match, I promise,’

‘How can you? Even you can’t undo the words spoken against me.’

He took her hands in his. ‘I promise you, I’ll find you a husband; you won’t be left­­ ...’

She snatched her hands away. ‘It’ll never take away the disgrace,’ she hissed, and she ran back into the house.

She almost knocked Dylan over as she did so. He was searching for his master.

‘What do you want, Turner?’ asked Mathew harshly. ‘I hope you have a good reason for disturbing my time with my sister.’

‘I’ve just returned from the stables, master. You told me to report to you as soon as I was finished.’

Mathew’s lips curled up in a sinister snarl. ‘I hope for your sake you’ve done exactly what was required.’

‘I’ve just finished, sir. I’ve cleaned all the equipment. Mr Connor supervised me throughout.’

‘I doubt you made a proper job of it.’

Dylan stared at the floor. ‘Please, master, I’ve been working there all day and all evening.’

‘So now you complain?’

‘No, master, never that.’

‘So what do you say?’

‘Thank you for letting me clean your horse’s tack.’

‘Starburst is worth ten of you, you know that, Turner?’

‘Yes, master.’

‘I’m sorry I didn’t quite catch that.’

‘Starburst is worth ten of me. I’m very grateful you let me clean his tack.’

‘It was your day off today, wasn’t it?’

‘Yes, master.’

‘And so you have enjoyed your day off?’

‘Yes, thank you, master.’

‘Good. I want you down at the stables first light tomorrow. I’ll be down, checking everything you say you have cleaned. I expect to find you’ve been lazy, so, substrata who can anticipate my every need, what should you do about it?’

‘I will be there before first light and cleaning all the equipment again, sir.’

‘And ...?’

‘And I will bring your favourite whip.’

‘Your back side must be missing that whip.’

‘Yes, master.’

‘How much I thrash you depends entirely upon you. As always, you are master of your own fate. I do not expect complaints.’

‘I understand, sir.’

‘Am I a good master, Turner?’

‘You are the best of masters. I’m very lucky.’

‘Go and see to your normal duties. You have some catching up to do after taking a day off. When you’ve done that, I want my riding clothes cleaned and prepared for tomorrow.’

‘Yes, sir.’

‘And you’re to make sure I have a spare set.’

‘Yes, sir.’

‘I would like a small supper placed by my bed as well. Some grilled meat. Tell me when that is ready and I’ll come up.’

‘Yes, master.’

‘And then you can go to bed.’

‘Yes, thank you, master.’

Dylan left.

Mathew turned back to the night. He smiled into the darkness, and this time he meant it.

Chapter 5

Sunday 22 July, 2063

The next day, Martin Harrison stood outside, at the top of the wide expanse of steps leading up to the front door, drinking in the bright morning. It promised to be a beautiful day, a warm and sunny one. He knew Mathew was out, and he knew why. He claimed never to look at the recordings taken by his security cameras, but that was a lie; he watched them every night. His computer sorted out items that could be of interest to him, and he took the trouble to check those items. Sometimes the check was casual, often cursory; sometimes he sat and devoured the scenes before his eyes, even the intimate ones – in fact, especially the intimate ones. He stood now watching the world, a world that belonged to him, and thought with some satisfaction about those stolen moments.

Mathew came into sight. He had been out early. Three paces behind him came his manservant, Turner, carrying bags and a small whip. He was limping badly. He moved as if his whole body was sore. Martin smiled to himself; he recognised the way he moved. He had seen it enough times in his own manservant. He had the look of a man who had been severely thrashed. Mathew had chosen to come down hard on him, and he knew why. It had nothing to do with Turner’s competence as a servant and everything to do with his frustration over Suzanne. Turner was paying the price for Landon Cooper. He probably guessed as much. So what? He was the manservant of a great man, and this was part of his role.

‘Good morning,’ said Mathew, coming up to him.

‘Good ride?’

‘Yes, it’s a beautiful morning.’

‘Everything in order?’

‘I was expecting it to be, but I was disappointed.’

Harrison glanced across to Dylan, who remained three paces back, eyes downcast. ‘I expect you put that right,’ he said. ‘Come on, Mathew, time for some breakfast. Turner, I want you washed and at the table, dressed appropriately.’

‘Yes, sir,’ said Dylan. He moved away.

Mathew and Harrison walked into the breakfast room together. ‘I hope you don’t think we made a mistake with regard to Turner,’ said Harrison, reaching out and helping himself to some bacon.

Mathew took note of the word we. ‘I don’t think so. Turner just needs reminding sometimes.’

Harrison nodded. ‘I can arrange an accident. It wouldn’t be problem. I noticed at the interview you checked his family. There’s no one to complain ...’

Mathew laughed. ‘I don’t want to break in another manservant,’ he said. ‘Not now I’ve got this one nearly trained.’

‘Only nearly?’

‘He hasn’t tasted everything in my cupboard yet. I still have some things I’d like to try out on him.’

Harrison smiled his approval. ‘I’m sure I can give you some ideas,’ he said.

Sara was already sitting at the breakfast table. She looked radiant. Mathew walked over to her and kissed her lightly on the forehead. ‘How was it?’ she asked.

‘Everything you could have wished for,’ replied Mathew, sitting down opposite her.

She pouted. ‘I wanted to come with you, but you left early. Why so early?’

Mathew shrugged. ‘I like to ride first thing, especially if the day promises to be a hot one.’

Still she pouted. ‘So where is Turner? I want my coffee.’

‘Wilson can see to you, my dear,’ said Harrison. Wilson moved over to the breakfast table to prepare some coffee.

Dylan came in at that point, changed and white-gloved.

Sara watched him eagerly. ‘Come here, Turner!’ she said sharply. Dylan came and stood next to her. ‘I want coffee. You can take over from Wilson now you’ve finally decided to turn up.’

‘Yes, madam,’ said Dylan, moving away.

Dylan brought the coffee over to her. ‘I hope you prove to be less clumsy from now on,’ she said.

‘I will try harder, madam,’ said Dylan.

‘Turner giving you problems?’ asked Harrison. He knew the answer naturally; he always did.

Dylan was serving Mathew his coffee now. He didn’t falter.

‘Stupid man dropped some of my most valued belongings,’ said Sara.

‘Did he break anything?’

‘He was lucky; nothing was broken.’

Suzanne wandered in at that point, looking pale and tired. ‘Can I have some tea please, Turner,’ she said, sitting down.

Mathew scowled at her. She blushed. ‘I mean, tea now, Turner,’ she said.

‘Yes, madam,’ said Dylan.

‘I thought you at least knew how to talk to the servants,’ said Mathew coldly.

She glared at her plate. The defiance from last night still hung over her.

‘Anyway,’ said Sara. ‘I suggested to Mathew that Turner might like to spend his day off doing something useful to make up for his clumsiness. Didn’t I, darling?’ she said, turning to Mathew. She smiled sweetly.

‘Hence, cleaning out the stables,’ said Harrison.

‘Exactly. I hope he was useful, darling?’

‘There has been some improvement,’ said Mathew.

‘Well, that wouldn’t be hard. But I knew he’d make a poor job of it. I wish you’d taken me to watch you beat him. That was very mean of you.’

For a short while, Mathew remained contained in icy indifference and, when he spoke, his voice was cold and controlled. ‘I think we need to clarify one thing, Sara,’ he said. ‘For my wife to use my manservant to carry out cleaning work can hardly be considered appropriate. From now on, I expect you to use your own maid for such duties. You are never to use Turner again without my express permission. Is that clear?’

‘Don’t be silly, Mathew!’

‘If you disobey me in this, I will strip you down and thrash you with the same whip I used on Turner this morning, and I will invite him to watch. Is that clear enough for you?’

‘You are joking!’ she said.

‘I rarely joke. That is one thing you must have learned about me, at least.’

‘But, Mathew ...!’

‘Enough!’ For the first time he raised his voice. And for the first time she saw the fury in his face. ‘You are a disgrace, and I suggest you apologise to me and Turner now unless you want to sample my cupboard.’

She sneered.

‘And I will not hesitate to mark that pretty little face of yours.’

Everyone in the room seemed to hold their breath. Suzanne turned to her brother in horror. Harrison could barely contain his amusement. Dylan and Wilson stared hard at the carpet.

‘I’m sorry. I got it wrong, Mathew,’ Sara whispered.

Everyone waited.

‘Please, don’t make me apologise to a servant,’ she said.

Mathew began to eat his breakfast.

Everyone waited.

‘I’m sorry, Turner,’ she said.

Dylan bowed his head in acknowledgement. ‘I’m sorry I was so clumsy, madam,’ he said.

She scowled into the silence.

‘More coffee, Turner,’ said Mathew. ‘And make sure it’s hot this time. That last cup was barely warm.’

‘Yes, master,’ said Dylan, moving away.

Sara remained seated, her face creased with resentment and shame. In some ways, she would have preferred a beating rather than being made to apologise to a servant. But she was afraid Mathew would carry out his threat and mark her face. It was not the first time he had threatened her with this, and she remembered the story of Karin Walker too well not to believe he wouldn’t carry out his threat.

Harrison glanced across at her. ‘I hate to see a beautiful woman look sad,’ he said. ‘Perhaps I can cheer you up.’

She seemed to pull herself together. ‘You have good news, sir?’

‘Your father is coming over to visit.’

Her face lightened. ‘Oh, good! Is my mother coming as well?’

‘I’m arranging a political gathering; women are not invited,’ said Harrison severely.

‘Sounds very dull.’

‘You won’t have the chance to find out,’ said Mathew. ‘You will be a good Madison woman and remain in your quarters.’

‘On my own!’

‘You’ll have my sister. That should be enough.’

‘We’ll have a full house,’ said Harrison. ‘I’ve invited Tony Maitland and Gaius Cooper as well.’

Suzanne gave a startled gasp. ‘Is Landon coming?’

‘I hope not,’ said Harrison. ‘There’s no reason for him to; he’s only the younger son.’ He turned to Mathew. ‘But Richard Hunt will be coming.’

‘Richard Hunt!’ Sara spoke the words before thinking.

Mathew glanced at her sharply. She had no idea that she had married a Dream Catcher.

Mathew was not in love with Sara, not now anyway. He may have been in love with her at the beginning. He may have been beguiled by her beauty and charm, and fascinated by her cruel wit and intelligence, but even then, his skill of reading her heart had never been diminished. He had been more affected by Karin Walker than he was by his own wife.

He heard a great deal in those few words.

She caught his look and blushed. ‘But he’s such a vulgar man,’ she said belatedly.

‘A very useful man,’ said Harrison. ‘I’ve invited him to stay for the summer.’

Mathew saw the pleasure before she could mask it. He turned to Harrison. ‘That seems excessive,’ he said.

Harrison smiled. ‘For the last couple of weeks, I’ve had him up north carrying out some very interesting work, but I want him here now.’ He picked