Nischal

By Bailey Bradford

There are many ways a man can be held captive.

Nischal and his brother Sabin were captured as snow leopards and have been kept medicated and half starved, put on display for crowds to view. The drugs that are supposed to keep the snow leopards docile also, as Nischal and Sabin discover, prevent them from shifting. After years of captivity, Nischal struggles to retain any kind of hope for freedom. He watches his brother die a little more on the inside every day.

Then one afternoon, a freckled red-headed man stands out from the crowd. Nischal doesn't understand why, especially in his drug-addled state. When that man's life is threatened, Nischal finds a strength within himself he never knew existed.

Preston Hardy's brother went missing over a year ago. The local cops were no help, Preston's parents didn't seem to give a damn, and Preston was left to try to discover what had happened to Paul on his own. His research leads him to a skeezy travelling show, run by a man who immediately sets off warning bells in Preston's head. When he sets out to follow the man, he doesn't have a clue that his whole life and perception of the world is about to change.

And that is only the beginning of Nischal and Preston's adventures as they try to find the truth about what happened to Paul and evade those who would capture the snow leopards again.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Pride Publishing
• Release date: Aug 9, 2013
• ISBN: 9781781844052

Bailey Bradford

A native Texan, Bailey spends her days spinning stories around in her head, which has contributed to more than one incident of tripping over her own feet. Evenings are reserved for pounding away at the keyboard, as are early morning hours. Sleep? Doesn't happen much. Writing is too much fun, and there are too many characters bouncing about, tapping on Bailey's brain demanding to be let out. Caffeine and chocolate are permanent fixtures in Bailey's office and are never far from hand at any given time. Removing either of those necessities from Bailey's presence can result in what is known as A Very, Very Scary Bailey and is not advised under any circumstances.

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Nischal

ISBN # 978-1-78184-405-2

©Copyright Bailey Bradford 2017

Cover Art by Posh Gosh ©Copyright September 2017

Edited by Eleanor Boyall and Nicki Richards

Pride Publishing

This is a work of fiction. All characters, places and events are from the author’s imagination and should not be confused with fact. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or places is purely coincidental.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form, whether by printing, photocopying, scanning or otherwise without the written permission of the publisher, Pride Publishing.

Applications should be addressed in the first instance, in writing, to Pride Publishing. Unauthorised or restricted acts in relation to this publication may result in civil proceedings and/or criminal prosecution.

The author and illustrator have asserted their respective rights under the Copyright Designs and Patents Acts 1988 (as amended) to be identified as the author of this book and illustrator of the artwork.

Published in 2017 by Pride Publishing, Think Tank, Ruston Way, Lincoln, LN6 7FL, UK

Pride Publishing is a subsidiary of Totally Entwined Group Limited.

Leopard’s Spots

NISCHAL

Bailey Bradford

Book nine in the Leopard’s Spots series

There are many ways a man can be held captive.

Nischal and his brother Sabin were captured as snow leopards and have been kept medicated and half starved, put on display for crowds to view. The drugs that are supposed to keep the snow leopards docile also, as Nischal and Sabin discover, prevent them from shifting. After years of captivity, Nischal struggles to retain any kind of hope for freedom. He watches his brother die a little more on the inside every day.

Then one afternoon, a freckled, red-headed man stands out from the crowd. Nischal doesn’t understand why, especially in his drug-addled state. When that man’s life is threatened, Nischal finds a strength within himself he never knew existed.

Preston Hardy’s brother went missing over a year ago. The local cops are no help, Preston’s parents don’t seem to give a damn, and Preston has been left to try to discover what happened to Paul on his own. His research leads him to a skeezy travelling show, run by a man who immediately sets off warning bells in Preston’s head. When he sets out to follow the man, he doesn’t have a clue that his whole life and perception of the world are about to change.

And that is only the beginning of Nischal and Preston’s adventures as they try to find the truth about what happened to Paul, and evade those who would capture the snow leopards again.

Dedication

To Julie B., who always inspires me!

Trademarks Acknowledgement

The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the following wordmarks mentioned in this work of fiction:

Men In Black: Columbia Pictures

PETA: People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals

Twilight: Summit Entertainment

Murano: Nissan Motor Co. Ltd.

Mossy Oak: Haas Outdoors Inc.

Bambi: Walt Disney

McDonald’s: McDonald’s Corporation

Cheetos: Frito-Lay North America, Inc.

Chapter One

Snow leopards are endangered because they’ve been hunted for their beautiful coats and—Suraj paused, a familiar, wry smile twisting his plump lips as he looked out over the small crowd he was speaking to—because there are some very archaic beliefs that claim snow leopards are magical. Not as a whole, living creature, of course, but as minced-up parts.

Several of the people who paid to see endangered animals muttered and scrunched up their faces in distaste. Nischal knew just how they felt. Suraj made him want to vomit, too. One or two of them paled under the hot Texas sun that had flushed the cheeks of just about everyone out in it. Summers in south Texas were hellishly hot, especially around four in the afternoon or so. There was minimal shade for Nischal and his brother. For the gawkers, there was none unless they’d worn a cap. Even then, if they were facing Nischal, the sunlight was directly on their faces.

We are very lucky to have this gorgeous pair of snow leopards in our facility, Suraj continued. Their upkeep is entirely dependent on donations, so we thank you all for being as generous as you can be. After this educational tour, we’ll be returning Sasha and Bijay back to the large cat reserve built for them in Wyoming, so we are very pleased you have gotten a chance to see them now.

Nischal coughed, as close to snorting in disdain as he could manage. Suraj was a lying piece of shit. There was no place for him or Sabin—Bijay, as Suraj called him. Suraj didn’t know Nischal’s real name any more than he knew Sabin’s. He would never know the truth about them.

These snow leopards you see today are especially rare with their white coats. Usually, if you were ever lucky enough to see a snow leopard, it would be a beige or yellow-coated one. These two beauties would be much sought after in Nepal, and not in a healthy way. For this reason, our association rescued them as babies when their mother was killed. We have protected them from poachers and are now able to share their beauty and history with you, here in America.

Nischal and Sabin exchanged bored looks. If they ever got the chance, Suraj would be dinner, or breakfast, or whatever meal they had missed. There were several, and Suraj would claim their thin forms were natural, but they weren’t. Under their thick coats, Sabin and Nischal were both little more than bones. Suraj fed them enough to keep them alive, and not much more. It made it difficult for them to have enough energy to do more than lie around and make the occasional noise.

Nischal would rather die than continue living like this. Sabin’s eyes held less and less life in them every day. Something was going to have to change.

Suraj kept talking, feeding the crowd lies mixed with just enough truth to make it difficult to discern which was which. He allowed a few people to toss over pieces of raw meat into their enclosure. Sabin rolled his head and looked at Nischal.

Nischal closed his eyes against the temptation. They both used to rush to whatever food was offered, but now… He was so hungry, but his brother had been fading before him, and if Nischal lost Sabin, he’d have nothing and no one left in this world. Nischal would just have to die first.

How can we find out more about your…organization?

Something about that deep, rumbling voice pulled Nischal out of his hiding spot in his head. He cracked open one eyelid to see a short, stocky man with red hair and a smattering of freckles across his nose and cheeks tap his foot as he waited for an answer. An answer that he didn’t give Suraj time to come up with. Because, frankly, I’ve never heard of the Big Feline Rescue Association of the World, and I do a lot of volunteer work with all sorts of animal rescue groups. In fact, I came out here because I’d heard things about this organization. The man spat the word out like a mouthful of bad food. "We talk, those of us who care about animals, and no one can find anything other than a crappy webpage—"

Perhaps because you haven’t looked in the right place, Suraj interrupted loudly.

That was his angry voice, Nischal knew it, and it made his hair stand up along his spine.

If, after I finish answering questions here and the rest of the group leaves, you’d like to remain behind, I can answer your, er, questions. Suraj offered up a syrupy smile and Nischal’s stomach cramped from something other than hunger or sickness.

In the years that Nischal and Sabin had been held captive, Suraj had been confronted by more than one person too naïve to recognize the man’s cruelty. Suraj was a sadist and a narcissist, which might be the nicest things anyone could say about him. Nischal had never been sure whether the accusers left behind were dead or alive. What he did know was that Suraj did something to them that ensured they’d never bother Suraj again.

The red-headed man nodded. I’d like that a lot, actually. Then he came closer to Suraj and held out a hand. I’m Preston.

Suraj shook his hand and Nischal felt a strange tug in his gut. He wished Preston would come closer to the fence.

I have to tell you, neither of those leopards looks healthy, either. If the proper authorities need to be notified—

Suraj dropped Preston’s hand and slid a sympathetic look into place as he faced Nischal and Sabin fully. You are very astute to notice. Sasha and Bijay are still adjusting to being brought over from Nepal. We were very much afraid Sasha in particular was going to be lost to us, but he seems to be recovering with the help of our brilliant Dr Yangani.

Nischal didn’t miss the warning look Suraj sent their way. He didn’t care about himself anymore, but Sabin—Nischal wanted him to be free. If it was the last thing he did, he’d find a way.

Preston shifted closer and Nischal’s attention was drawn to the man. The intelligence in his green eyes was obvious, as was the anger in them. There was something about him, something that was just more, though Nischal couldn’t figure it out. Years of being malnourished and abused had left him barely functioning at times. Still, he couldn’t help think that there was more to Preston beneath the surface of what he presented.

Kind of like Nischal himself.

Where is this Dr Yangani? I’d love to speak with her. Preston put his palms up to the fence and leaned in until his nose was poking through one of the openings between links.

Suraj’s jaw twitched as he darted a glance at Preston. You are familiar with Nepalese names, to have recognized hers as a female one.

Preston cocked his head, but he didn’t look away from Nischal. Sabin got up and slowly made his way to the pieces of meat on the ground. Familiar enough, Preston murmured so low that Nischal barely heard him. My brother and I have several friends who are from Nepal originally. Met them in college. Great people. Preston licked his lips and curled his fingers around the fencing material.

Nischal watched that pink tip slick full lips and wondered how long it’d been since he’d been sexually aroused. Too long. He couldn’t manage it now, either, but he thought if he weren’t feeling half dead, Preston would be an interesting fuck. He’d probably have freckles on his shoulders. Nischal had never had a lover. He’d never had the opportunity. Snow leopards weren’t exactly in abundance, even before he’d been captured.

Freckles were interesting. He saw them on people, more on kids than adults. Women tended to cover them up with makeup, and Nischal couldn’t comprehend why. He liked freckles. His own skin had none, although his coat did have numerous black and grey rosettes…

Nischal lost track of Suraj’s scripted speech. People tended not to see past the slick surface of the man, and Nischal had long ago grown weary of watching them fall under his spell. A handsome face and a big smile seemed to convince people of what they wanted to believe anyway. He and Sabin knew the truth.

Chapter Two

Preston watched the two snow leopards just lie there. It was too hot for them to be out. South Texas and snow leopards were two things that should never be together. Preston didn’t know much about the big, pretty cats, but he knew that at least.

He listened half-heartedly as Suraj droned on in what Preston guessed was supposed to be a warm voice. To Preston it just came across as the annoying buzz of a predator.

A murderer. Preston was certain he had the right man. Now he just needed to have the balls to bring his brother justice. And I want to survive, whatever happens. I don’t want that fucker to kill me, too.

Preston closed his eyes for a moment against the pain he always felt when he thought of his twin Paul. The pain always began right in the center of his chest and spread out to every damn inch of his body. Losing Paul had nearly destroyed him. The guilt still threatened to.

A muffled sound from one of the leopards had Preston opening his eyes again. The one closest to him, the one that hadn’t eaten, had rolled over from its side onto its belly and was now looking at him. There was intelligence in those golden eyes, and Preston shivered, wondering if he looked like a tasty dinner to the cat. Probably taste like ginger, he murmured as Suraj kept spewing his line of bullshit to the rest of the crowd.

Crowd was an overstatement. There were a dozen people counting Preston at the Johnsonville fairgrounds. Suraj had rolled into town the night before with the trailer he hauled the leopards and fencing supplies around in. How he’d got permission to set up on the grounds wasn’t Preston’s problem. All that mattered was that he was here.

The leopard stood up and Preston missed neither the very slow preciseness of the cat’s movements nor the way it almost fell right back over before stiffening its legs. His gaze was drawn to the paws on the beast. They were huge and tipped with big black claws. From there he took in the length of the feline’s body and the long, furry tail. He’d bet that’d knock someone for a loop if it caught them just right.

The leopard’s head was a work of art, the way its ears were pointed and lined in black, the wisps of hair and the uptilt of those golden eyes… Preston could see why Paul had been fascinated with the creatures. They truly were majestic. Maybe these two even more so because of their white coats, but Preston was drawn over and over to the closer one’s eyes.

If that cat ever got out and came after him, Preston would likely just stand there and get eaten. He couldn’t seem to look away from the thing.

He is a beautiful creature, is he not?

Preston jolted and barely kept from shooting a nasty look over his shoulder at Suraj. The man was entirely too close to Preston—he could smell Suraj. The hot day had not been Suraj’s friend, and apparently deodorant wasn’t either. Preston thought he was probably just smelling the evil slipping right out through Suraj’s pores.

Suraj gave him a heavy-lidded look that Preston figured was supposed to be seductive. To Preston, it was merely calculating. Now, perhaps we could discuss your questions over a private dinner?

Preston tried his best not to sneer. That wouldn’t get him what he wanted. Instead he carefully controlled his features until he hoped his hate was buried. You’re just going to leave the leopards here?

Suraj shook his head and chuckled. "Of course not. Dr Yangani will be arriving soon to help me get Sasha and Bijay back into their kennels. Before you inquire about those, let me assure you the leopards love them. Much like a dog, the leopards feel safe and cosy in a small area, much like a den for them."

Preston doubted that. One of the leopards made an odd sound and Preston turned back to look at them. He almost pissed himself when he found the leopard he’d been admiring standing only feet away on the other side of the fencing. Jesus, I didn’t even hear it approaching.

Suraj moved to stand beside him. Ah, yes, they are quite the hunters in their native land. Here, they are dependent on charity to survive. Isn’t that right, Sasha?

The leopard ignored Suraj and watched Preston. Why is he watching me like that?

Suraj startled him by caressing Preston’s nape, a too-familiar touch that had Preston struggling not to move away and punch Suraj. Perhaps he’s as entranced by your hair as I am.

It’s orange, Preston said flatly. He and Paul had been teased often enough about it. Preston had made peace with his appearance, mostly, but Paul had fought off the ginger stigma with wax, dyes and fading kits.

"Soft, honey