Bed of Ice

by Sk Quinn

  My eyes scan the monitors. I don’t really know what I’m looking for, but … everything seems the same. So he’s steady at least.

  The nurse hurries into the ward after us. ‘You … you can’t come in here,’ she says, out of breath. ‘Visiting hours are over.’

  ‘How is he doing?’ I ask.

  When the nurse sees my face, her eyes soften. ‘You’re the sister?’

  I nod.

  ‘Okay. There hasn’t been any change. Which is good. He hasn’t got any worse.’

  ‘He needs a guard unit,’ Patrick tells the nurse. ‘The men who did this to him might pay him a visit.’

  The nurse’s eyes widen. ‘I’ll call the police.’

  ‘And in the meantime, I’ll be on guard duty,’ says Patrick.

  ‘Are you a policeman?’

  ‘No.’

  ‘He’s an army officer,’ I say.

  ‘Really?’ The nurse raises an eyebrow and a little smile appears as she takes in Patrick’s handsomeness. ‘But you’re so young.’ She shakes her head, catching herself. ‘Um. I’ll call the police. You can stay here then. Since it’s an emergency.’ She glances over to me. ‘You’ll have to wait outside.’

  ‘She stays with me,’ Patrick orders.

  The nurse looks at Patrick, then at me. ‘Okay then. Until the police arrive.’

  She hurries off.

  ‘So.’ Patrick turns to me. ‘Time to tell me everything.’

  87

  ‘How did you know?’ I ask Patrick. ‘That I’d be at Ray King’s club?’

  ‘I followed you.’

  ‘When?’

  ‘As soon as you left the hospital.’

  I blush. ‘You were following me the whole time?’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘What did you think when I went in Ray’s club?’

  ‘I thought you were looking for whoever hurt your brother.’

  ‘So … why didn’t you stop me?’

  ‘You told me you didn’t want me controlling you. So I let you do what you needed to do. I had no idea you were actually going to try and shoot the guy. Of all the stupid things …’

  ‘I know, I know. I … I was just … I wanted to hurt him. I wanted to hurt him so badly that I didn’t think about what would happen if things went wrong. I thought he’d be dead by now.’

  ‘And you’d be in jail,’ says Patrick.

  ‘No. I had a story planned.’

  Patrick laughs. ‘There are things like forensics these days. Did you know that? They’re pretty good at working out what really happened.’

  ‘Maybe,’ I say, ‘but the police have been after Ray for years. Well. Some of them anyway. The ones who aren’t bent. Plenty of people want to kill Ray. I doubt there’d be much of an investigation. And I don’t think it ever would have led to me.’

  ‘The police are better than you think,’ says Patrick, ducking his head to look at Danny’s monitor.

  ‘Do you really think Ray King’s men will come here?’ I ask.

  ‘You seem to know him best,’ says Patrick. ‘What do you think?’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘So.’ Patrick turns to me. ‘What did he do to you?’

  I take in a deep breath. ‘Ray?’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘Like I said, he didn’t touch me or anything …’

  ‘You already told me that.’

  I feel blood rushing to my face. God, this is so embarrassing. ‘When I used to work for Ray, he ran loads of businesses. One of them was a costume shop on Camden High Street. It sold loads of stuff. Super girl costumes, police woman outfits… stuff like that. Fancy dress stuff.’

  I hesitate, putting my head in my hands. ‘This is so embarrassing.’

  ‘Go on.’

  ‘Ray asked me to model for him,’ I whisper through my fingers. ‘He was doing a catalogue and he needed a girl to wear the costumes …’

  ‘What happened?’

  ‘I modelled some of his costumes, another guy took pictures and Ray paid me.’ I look up. ‘Patrick, this is so humiliating.’

  ‘Just tell me.’

  ‘Okay, okay. There was other stuff in the shop. Like PVC outfits and corsets and stuff. One day I was working at the club, and Ray came in with a bagful of it. He asked me to model them for him. In one of the backrooms.’

  My hands are shaking again, and Patrick snatches them up and holds them tight between his fingers.

  ‘He offered me a few hundred quid,’ I say. ‘At the time, that meant a lot. I was behind with Wila’s school fees and pretty desperate. So I said yes. Fine. I’d wear it.

  ‘Ray took me to the peephole room. Usually, the girls go in there and sit on this big spinning table. And they do stuff. You know. With each other. With themselves. And the customers watch. And if they like the girls they pay for more. It’s got a lock on the door.’

  ‘Ray took me in there for a modelling session. When I saw what those outfits were like I freaked. They were nothing like the outfits Ray had in his shop. They were something else. Really creepy. One of them was like a rubber horse outfit with a hood and collar … and there were all these masks and chains. God I can’t believe I’m telling you this.’

  ‘Just tell me.’

  ‘So. I said I wouldn’t do it. Ray got angry. He roughed me up and then locked me in the room.’

  ‘You said he didn’t touch you,’ says Patrick, his voice low.

  ‘It was only a few punches. Being locked in the room was worse. I kept screaming and screaming. Let me out. But he left me there until the early hours of the morning. When eventually he came back, he told me to get the fucking outfits on. And so I did.

  ‘He made me pose. You know … with parts of me naked. I could hear them all outside … all the men from the club. They were watching …

  ‘After that, he left me there until morning. It was freezing cold. No water, no blankets. No toilet – I had to pee in the corner with everyone watching. By the morning, I was a mess.

  ‘By the time Ray let me out I was so scared. My mind was playing tricks. I thought he was going to leave me in there to starve to death. I ran straight home and never told anyone. Never did anything.’

  Patrick pulls me against his body and wraps his arms around me.

  ‘I wish I’d known you then,’ I whisper into his chest. ‘I wish I’d had you to run to.’

  ‘So do I,’ says Patrick. ‘I promised I’d try not to kill anybody. Does beating within an inch of his life count?’

  ‘Oh please Patrick. No. You don’t know him like I do. He’s so dangerous. He’s done horrible, horrible things – worse than what he did to me. Everyone knows never to cross Ray King.’

  ‘You don’t cross Patrick Mansfield either.’

  ‘Patrick please. I couldn’t stand it if anything happened to you.’

  ‘It won’t.’

  ‘You’ve never lived down here. You don’t know what he’s like. He hurts people. Badly. He said he wanted to kill Danny. Can’t we just leave? Run away back to Scotland? Take Danny with us when he’s better?’

  ‘That’s not the way the world works Seraphina,’ says Patrick. ‘Run away now and you’ll always be running. The same goes for your brother.’

  ‘So what are you going to do?’

  ‘Make sure that bastard is dealt with.’

  ‘Patrick, don’t –’

  ‘I won’t be doing anything. But I have plenty of army friends who can deal with that low life. All I need to do is put in a few calls.’

  88

  Patrick and I sit all night with Danny. As dawn breaks, I see his eyelids fluttering.

  Nurses come in for their morning rounds.

  ‘Hey!’ I say. ‘Over here!’

  No one pays any attention to me.

  Then I hear a beautiful sound.

  ‘Sis?’

  It’s my brother’s voice, croaky and tired.

  ‘Oh my god!’ I throw a hand to my mouth and feel tears prickle. ‘Danny?’

  D
anny’s eyes open the tiniest crack. ‘Where am I?’

  I laugh, almost hysterical. ‘You’re in hospital,’ I say, squeezing his hand.

  ‘In hospital? What for?’

  ‘For being an idiot.’

  ‘Sounds like me,’ Danny croaks. ‘Can I smoke in here?’

  I laugh again. ‘No.’

  Suddenly, one of the nurses notices Danny.

  ‘He’s awake,’ I tell her. ‘He’s talking.’

  The nurse smiles. ‘Well young man. You certainly do have nine lives.’

  ‘Yes he does,’ I say.

  ‘I need some space,’ the nurse says, scooping me back with her arm. ‘The doctor needs to come and check him. He’ll need pain meds. You can come back during visiting hours.’

  I feel the gentle pressure of Patrick’s hand on my arm. ‘Come on Seraphina,’ he whispers. ‘Let them do their job.’

  89

  Patrick pulls me out of intensive care, into a nearby waiting room.

  A moment later, a nurse comes in.

  ‘How is he?’ I ask.

  ‘Very good, all things considered,’ the nurse says. ‘His injuries are very bad. But he’s staying conscious. That’s the main thing.’

  ‘So … is he out of the woods?’

  ‘Very much so.’

  I collapse against Patrick, a big sobbing mess.

  I can’t take it in. I’ve worried for years about my brother. He’s been in and out of prison, always in fights, always in trouble. And sometimes, I’ve worried about him dying. But for him to be so close to dying …

  Danny Harper has nine lives. That’s what everyone says.

  Make that ten.

  Patrick doesn’t say anything. He just holds me.

  ‘I should go see Wila,’ I say. ‘She’ll be wondering what happened to me. I promised I’d see her today.’

  Patrick takes out his phone. ‘I’ll send people to pick her up.’

  ‘Pick her up?’

  ‘So she can come back to Scotland with us.’

  ‘We’re going back to Scotland?’

  ‘It’s where I can keep you safe.’

  ‘But Wila … she has school …’ Even as I’m saying the words, I realise Wila can definitely take a break from school right now. In fact, spending time away from gossiping girls is probably a good idea. At least while she works out what to do.

  ‘It’s better she comes with us,’ says Patrick. ‘The men who did this to your brother … well, let’s just say I want your little sister somewhere I can keep her safe.’

  ‘Okay,’ I say. ‘I think you’re right. God¸ how am I going to tell her about Danny?’

  90

  As the helicopter flies out of London and over green fields, Wila clings to me. Her eyes are red but she’s not crying. I think she must have spent all last night crying. She probably doesn’t have any tears left.

  By the time we fly over Patrick’s estate, Wila stares out the window, one hand on her stomach.

  ‘Pheeny?’ she says, as the castle comes into view. ‘I’m keeping the baby.’

  In spite of everything, I get a little warm glow in my stomach.

  ‘Danny wanted you to,’ I croak.

  ‘Did he?’ Wila’s eyes well up again.

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘What about you?’

  ‘I want you to. But I didn’t want to tell you that until you made your decision.’

  ‘Maybe I can still dance one day,’ says Wila.

  ‘Maybe.’

  ‘This baby is what’s really important,’ says Wila, pushing her face closer to the glass.

  I follow her gaze and see Mansfield Castle through the trees.

  ‘We’re here,’ I say.

  ‘It’s beautiful,’ Wila breathes. ‘Are you sure it’s okay for me to stay?’

  I look at Patrick. We haven’t told Wila about Ray King. Just that Danny is in intensive care and it’s best we leave London while the police find out who put him there.

  ‘What a question,’ says Patrick. ‘Of course you can stay.’

  I stare down at the castle and feel like I’ve come home.

  We land.

  I lead Wila across the grounds to the castle, while Patrick sees off the helicopter.

  Suddenly I hear a squeaking, chirping sound. Out of the trees, a flash of red hurtles towards me.

  I laugh.

  ‘Dan Dan!’ I call, sinking to my knees. I put my arms out, and the little fox jumps straight into them.

  ‘Am I glad to see you,’ I whisper, snuggling into his soft fur.

  ‘What’s that thing?’ asks Wila.

  ‘A fox,’ I say. ‘We found him in the woods.’ My throat feels all warm.

  ‘He’s cute,’ says Wila, stroking his head.

  ‘But a wild animal,’ I say, glancing at Patrick.

  As Wila and I walk towards the castle, Dan Dan stays at my heel.

  ‘You can’t come in,’ I tell Dan Dan, as we reach the castle. ‘Okay? Not after what happened yesterday. Patrick’s right. You belong outside.’

  Dan Dan gives a cheerful little bark.

  ‘Aw Pheeny!’ says Wila. ‘Why can’t he come inside?’

  ‘It’s a long story.’

  Just as I’m deciding whether to tell it or not, the castle door opens.

  Dan Dan barks.

  I grab Wila’s arm.

  ‘Patrick!’ I yell. ‘Patrick!’

  91

  It’s Grey.

  ‘What are you doing here?’ I say.

  ‘Good to see you too.’ He’s tall and handsome as ever. But his eyes aren’t the same. They’re … sort of tired.

  I pull Wila closer.

  Dan Dan runs to Grey and weaves between his legs, chirruping happily.

  ‘Thanks a lot Dan Dan,’ I say. ‘Some guard dog you are. That party was no party. Where did you take me?’

  Grey pats Dan Dan’s head. ‘Let me explain.’

  Patrick comes bounding up behind me. ‘It’s okay Seraphina.’

  ‘What’s going on Patrick?’

  ‘Grey owes you an explanation,’ says Patrick, pushing open the castle door. ‘If you two ladies would care to step inside, we’ll find a place to talk.’

  I look from Patrick to Grey. ‘I’m not going in the castle while he’s here. Not with my sister. Not until I find out what’s going on.’

  ‘Understandable,’ says Grey. ‘Maybe it’s better coming from Patrick. I’ll take a walk.’ He nods at Patrick again. ‘Call me when you want me back.’ Grey looks down at Dan Dan. ‘Come on foxy fellow. You know you’re not allowed in the castle.’ He clicks his mouth and gives a little whistle. To my surprise, Dan Dan trots off after him towards the woods.

  ‘Dan Dan!’ I call.

  Patrick stops me with his long, broad arm. ‘No. The fox should stay outside. He’ll be safe with Grey.’

  ‘Safe! Are you sure about that? What’s going on Patrick? How can you really trust him?’

  ‘Come inside. We’ll talk.’

  Patrick puts his arm around me and ushers Wila and I into the castle.

  ‘There better be a good explanation for this Patrick,’ I say, as Wila and I follow him into the office. ‘If you’ve made me bring my sister anywhere unsafe—’

  Patrick stops in the doorway. ‘Do you really think I’d do that?’

  ‘I … no. Not really. I’m just confused, that’s all.’

  ‘Understandable.’

  We go into the office and take seats.

  ‘What’s going on?’ asks Wila, shuffling in her seat.

  ‘I don’t know yet,’ I say, holding Patrick’s eyes. ‘I guess we’re about to find out.’

  92

  ‘Let me explain,’ says Patrick.

  ‘I’m waiting.’

  ‘Grey and I are brothers.’

  My mouth opens and stays open. Eventually I manage to say, ‘Excuse me?’

  ‘Grey’s my half-brother. On my father’s side. Another product of my father cheating on my mother.
But a good one. We found out about each other when I was fifteen. Father decided to come clean one night after one too many brandies.’

  ‘Does this have something to do with where he took me yesterday?’

  ‘Not exactly. But I need you to know that I trust him with my life. He’s always been loyal. A good friend. A good brother. I want you to remember that when I tell you what was going on yesterday.’

  ‘And what was going on?’

  ‘Grey was trying to kidnap you.’

  I give a shocked laugh. ‘You’re joking.’

  I feel Wila tense beside me. ‘What’s happening?’ she says, her voice small and frightened.

  ‘It’s okay Wila,’ I say. But I’m lying. It’s absolutely not okay. I don’t understand anything right now.

  ‘My father offered Grey a trade,’ says Patrick. ‘You in exchange for Bertie and Anise. On the promise that you wouldn’t be harmed. Just used as a bargaining chip to keep our father out of prison.’

  ‘Bertie and Anise? An exchange? What does that mean?’ My heart is racing.

  ‘Bertie and Anise are being held.’

  ‘Held?’ I pace around like a mad woman. ‘Who’s holding them? Held where?’

  ‘We don’t know. Yet.’

  I run my hand through my hair. ‘I knew something was wrong. When I spoke to Bertie. Why didn’t I trust myself? I knew when I spoke to him … but I just thought … he’s been through so much. Oh my god. If your father is behind this, why can’t we just find your father? Find him, find Bertie, right?’

  ‘No. My father is still in custody.’

  ‘Then who has Bertie?’ My voice is shaking.

  ‘We don’t know. Friends of my father’s, probably. We’re working on it.’

  ‘And Grey? Can you really trust him?’

  ‘His plan was to use you to find out who had Bertie and Anise. He wasn’t going to let you out of his sight. He had no intention of handing you over. He was going to use you to bring the kidnappers out in the open. He knew I’d never agree to it. So he did it without telling me.’

  ‘So if I hadn’t run away … maybe we could have found Bertie by now.’