by S M Stuart
“How far are we going?” I ask, looking at a couple of fallen trees blocking the path further up the hill. We’ve already walked several miles and I’m worried about not getting back to civilisation in daylight. There’s no artificial lighting out here and a fall could mean a serious injury on this severe slope.
“Not too far,” he answers and shifts the backpack more comfortably on his broad shoulders. “Then we’ll have our picnic. I’ve packed some coffee laced with a little something to keep the chills away.” He grins.
I smile shyly in return. Why has he chosen me? He can have any girl he wants. Why me? No, I shan’t question, I’ll just enjoy it while it lasts.
“This looks like a good spot.” He gestures towards a hollow. “It’ll be sheltered from the dripping trees and the overhang has kept the ground relatively dry, look.”
He’s right. The pine needles look dry and the lush green sphagnum moss growing over the roof of the hollow makes it look like a tiny eco-cottage, just waiting for someone to brighten it up with a few home comforts.
I giggle like a teenager as I wriggle backwards into the dark recess. He’s already taken off the backpack and leans out to open it. A large splat of water hits the back of his neck and he yells in frustration. It startles me to see his swift change of mood, his face so screwed up in anger. But it passes just as quickly and he laughs about the surprise shower he’s had.
I sip the coffee gratefully as I’m feeling chilled despite several layers of thermal clothing. January in Upper Weardale – not the most hospitable time or place to come hiking, but it’s one of his favourite spots and it sounded so romantic when he offered to whisk me away for the weekend. I can feel the warmth of the coffee radiating from my stomach – odd, I’ve never felt it so physically before. Wonder what it is he’s laced it with, it’s certainly doing the trick! I even feel a bit light-headed. Wait ’til I let Valerie in on all this, she’ll be so jealous that I’ve found the perfect gent and she’s still looking.
He’s looking at me strangely. He’s still smiling but now it looks cruel. What’s wrong? Why can’t I speak? I can’t move. He takes the coffee mug out of my paralysed hands and pushes me further back into the shallow cave.
“Don’t worry,” he says. “You won’t feel a thing. You’ll soon drift off to sleep. Once hypothermia kicks in it’ll break down all traces of the drug so there’ll be no forensics to show that this was anything more than a tragic incident – a solo walker lost in the woods, sheltering from the cold. Silly girl hiking in January, tut, tut.” He’s laughing as he gathers the picnic things back into the rucksack.
Valerie – VALERIE! Where are you? Help me Valerie. Please answer. Why can’t I hear you?
He’ll not get away with this. Valerie will alert someone if she can’t hear me, surely? My wristchip sends out GPS. They’ll know where I am.
“I know what you’re thinking,” he sneers. “This is one of my favourite gadgets.” He’s holding a pen-drive to my wrist, just like the ones we use at work to back-up data in the labs. “It might look like a pen-drive but it’s a sophisticated chip manipulator. It’s programming your chip to show that you are now walking towards the road. This evening there will be a transaction at your local grocery registered against your credit balance. Nobody will look for you out here. Not for some time anyway.”
Well, the police will have the ground evidence won’t they Mister Cleverclogs? But as he walks away whistling cheerfully I see that the treacherous sphagnum moss is just springing back to shape. No tracks, no boot-prints, nothing. Oh, he’s been so careful – the bastard!
Why did he choose me? He could’ve had any girl he wanted. Why me? No, I shan’t question, I’ll just sleep it off. It’s just a bad dream…
***
“Dez. Dez, are you okay?” Seth came hurtling down the path and grabbed an overhanging branch to stop himself before he careered down the banking. “I heard you screaming from the other side of the park! What’s wrong?”
I was shivering with cold and fear. The apparent reality of another false memory was so strong that I was chilled to the bone, despite the summer sun still being warm overhead. I looked around at the surrounding trees and realised that they weren’t the dour dripping woodland of a northern dale. Gradually the terror subsided. Seth wrapped me in his embrace and I soaked up his warmth.
“Jeez, Dez! You’re freezing. How the hell did you get so cold?”
“It’s all right. I’m fine,” I managed through chattering teeth. “Just a bad dream. Must’ve dozed off in the sun. This hypnotherapy stuff really is tiring.”
“Come off it, Dez. People don’t freeze having bad dreams. Tell me what happened.”
So I did. And as I did, I had a vague feeling of old grief as though I’d already experienced this death but from a different viewpoint. Was it Valerie’s bereavement I felt? Did she know how her PT had died? Had the murderer finally been found?
“Come on. We’ve got to get back. I need to look at your mum’s Handi again.”
Seth looked at me with a quizzical frown then shook his head as if he knew he wouldn’t understand the answer. He helped me to my feet and held my hand all the way back to his house. I welcomed his touch and it never occurred to me to look for him in my head. I was busy trying to reassure Valerie, if she could hear me.
Don’t worry we’ll find the bastard!
CHAPTER 21
The Ritz Hotel, London: July 2096
“You didn’t need to do this,” Sebastian said, sweeping his arm across the table and almost knocking over the three tier cake stand.
“Nonsense, Uncle,” replied Victor. “A champagne tea at The Ritz is the least you deserve after all your guidance and support over the years. I hope I can still call on that support now that I’m the new CEO?”
Sebastian ground his teeth, hoping that his nephew couldn’t see his frustration at being pushed to one side now that the terms of Benjamin’s will enforced Victor’s inheritance of the business. Small consolation but at least Victor still seemed to want him involved in the business. The champagne was making him a little drunk and he realised he might be too careless if he didn’t ease off. One more couldn’t hurt though, could it?
“A toast, dear boy.” Sebastian raised his glass. “To the next generation of Trevalyn geniuses – or is that genii? Ha – sounds like something from Aladdin!”
Victor’s face was unreadable but he could sense his uncle’s increasing tension. He realised that Sebastian loathed the idea of giving up control of the Trevalyn Corporation, despite the huge handshake he was receiving which would keep him amongst the wealthiest in the country. Once again Victor wished the telepathic evolution hadn’t stalled at a singular connection. He wanted to know what everyone was thinking. How they felt. What they were really like inside. What an advantage that would be in business as well as in personal relationships. His lips twitched into a smile as he sensed his PT recoil at the idea.
‘What’s the matter? Will you be jealous if you’re not the only one?’ he mentally sneered.
“You still with us, Victor?” Sebastian waved his arm again. The waiter came hurrying across the room to fulfil the guest’s wishes only to find his attention wasn’t the one the old man had been trying to attract. “Shoo, boy. It’s not time for your tip yet.” The waiter was too well trained to show his real feelings. He smiled politely, collected the empty champagne bottle and discreetly withdrew. His professionalism had a subtle effect upon the two Trevalyn men. The remainder of the tea-party was a civilised, almost happy occasion. After all, each of them was well aware that accidental death had developed a habit of visiting their family members. Life should be enjoyed while one still had the opportunity to do so.
***
Sebastian’s loud voice and wide gestures hadn’t only been noticed by the attentive waiter. A teenage girl had been daydreaming, watching the other guests via the numerous reflections in the mirrored panels of the room. Everyone else was so sedate and relaxed that the man’s exa
ggerated behaviour was out of place amongst the calm surroundings.
“Do you know who that angry man is, Gramps?” she asked.
Matt looked towards the table that Bethany indicated. He held his reaction in check and replied, “It’s Sebastian Trevalyn. He runs a big pharmaceutical company. Or rather he did. I heard his nephew is taking over as the boss now.”
“Ooh, maybe that’s why he’s so angry!” Bethany chuckled. “He doesn’t look old enough to retire. It can’t be nice to be put out to grass before your time.”
Matt smiled at his granddaughter’s assessment. Her judgement was obviously influenced by the busy life he still led running the charitable foundation created in memory of his father. Sometimes he wished for a quieter life but she was right – he wouldn’t like to be forcibly retired either. A brief twinge of sympathy for Sebastian was quickly stifled by the memory of his mother’s distrust of the Trevalyn family.
He turned to his daughter, “Did you ever find anything interesting in Granny Julia’s files?”
“Sorry, Dad,” Jade mumbled, trying to swallow the tiny cake she’d just popped in her mouth. She took a gulp of tea before continuing, “I’ve kept meaning to look at them but you know what it’s like. Life gets in the way.” They both shrugged, disappointed with themselves for allowing their own priorities to overrule their promise to carry on Julia’s search for the truth. Although, it was difficult to know what truth they were supposed be hunting down!
“I’ve got lots of time.” Bethany’s curiosity had been piqued. “Can I help?”
Matt and Jade looked uncertain.
“Plee-ase!” Bethany wheedled. “I’ve nothing better to do this holiday.”
“We’re not even sure what Granny Julia was looking for,” Jade answered. “Do you remember any hints, Dad? Dad?”
Matt was staring towards the Trevalyn table, lost in memories of his mother’s frosty relationship with the old guy – Benjamin. What had he done all those years ago that had upset the Baroness?
“GRAMPS?”
He felt his sleeve being tugged. “What’s the matter? Shush now!”
“You didn’t hear Mum and you looked weird. I thought you were having a stroke or something!” Bethany was indignant to cover up her fear.
“I’m sorry Betty-kins,” Matt replied, hugging her tightly. “I didn’t mean to scare you. Tell you what – you can look at Granny’s papers and if you find anything interesting I’ll …”
“Book ‘Thorny Lyrics’ for my Sixteenth-Eve?”
Luckily her family found her interruption amusing but Bethany hoped she could find something worthy of the cheeky request. ‘Thorny Lyrics’ were the biggest band around.
CHAPTER 22
Ellingham: 2 August 2110
Yes. Here it is!
“Look.” I pointed at one of the news reports in Elizabeth’s Handi, “I was remembering this.”
News Archive: Tuesday 3 March 2105 (UK)
The body of a young woman has been found in a wooded area of the Weardale Estates near the Killhope Lead Mining Museum. Ray Barratt (36), an estate and museum worker, found the body during his routine maintenance of the woodland walks. It is believed that she died of hypothermia. The woman’s wristchip was corrupted and injuries to the body caused by foraging animals make visual identification virtually impossible. Investigations are underway to identify the woman using DNA comparison with the Missing Persons Register. A police source has confirmed that this appears to be the tragic case of an inexperienced hiker falling victim to bad weather. Anyone who has any information or who believes they can help identify this woman should call …
POP-UP: ‘He just had the power to kill her that’s all: to destroy her flesh and blood, the tools without which she could not work.’ The Girl in a Swing: Richard Adams.
(DOM: 18/01)
“There’s that notation again; DOM. What does that stand for?” I wondered aloud.
“Never mind that. What do you mean, you were remembering this?”
“I’m not sure. But, like the murdered lovers in Paris, it felt more like a memory than a dream. I was there, feeling everything that girl felt. Tasting the coffee. Smelling the damp woods. You said yourself – I was freezing, just like she was.”
“How’s that even possible?” Seth’s expressive features showed his confusion, his concern and a little fear. “How can you remember things that haven’t happened to you?”
“Wish I knew!” I sighed and leaned back on the sofa, hoping that he would hold me like he did earlier but he was restless. He stood and began to pace around the room, one hand rubbing the back of his neck and his brow creased in concentration.
“It must be something to do with your open telepathy,” he said, snapping his fingers and grinning at the sudden realisation. “Let’s see what you’re capable of.”
“Whoa! What’re you suggesting?” I held my hands out in a defensive gesture. “I’m not having anyone else messing with my head, thank you very much indeed! It’s bad enough in there as it is.”
“Sorry, Dez. I didn’t mean to scare you. But you need to understand what’s causing these dreaming memories to surface.”
“All right. Just let’s take it one step at a time.” I’d been trying to avoid investigating this latest development in my mental activities, in case it sent me into a psychological free-fall. Even so, Seth was right. We needed to find out where these recollections were coming from. I patted the cushions and he came to sit next to me.
“Take my lead, okay?” I said. “To start with, I think we should see how open this telepathy really is.”
“What’ve you got in mind?”
“Oh, very funny.”
Seth frowned, puzzled at my sarcasm – he hadn’t heard the pun in his question.
“What’ve I got ‘in mind’?” I said, tapping my temple.
“Ah. I see.” His face cleared. “Come on, then. Get on with it – whatever it is,” he added.
“We…ell. I thought I’d try to find you,” pointing at my head again, “then you could let me know what’s happening in your head at the same time.” I looked at him with my eyebrows raised in query. It was a lot to ask. I knew he was uncomfortable with my ability so I wasn’t sure how he’d take to my idea. His lips tightened and his eyes clouded with doubt at the suggestion but he quickly controlled his expression and nodded his acceptance.
“What do I need to do?” he asked.
“Nothing really. I’ll just have a root around in my head to see if I can pick up a sense of you and then try to tune in. Ready?”
He still looked a little unsure but nodded again. “Let’s give it a go then,” he said.
I thought it’d help to look into his eyes and I placed my hands either side of his head as a tangible attempt to make the connection. The jolt I got wasn’t mental it was physical. His eyes were deep pools of smouldering gold, his hair curled softly around my fingers and I saw him catch his bottom lip in his teeth as though to hold back a moan. Before we realised what was happening we were in each others’ arms, kissing with an intensity that made me quiver. His tongue explored my mouth and I responded in kind, tracing his even teeth and savouring his taste. I wanted it to last forever but, eventually, we had to come up for air. We looked at each other with shock and lust in equal measure.
“Er … Did you hear anything then?” he whispered, hoarsely.
“Not a thing. I think I was distracted.”
“Yeah. Know what you mean. What’s going on Dez?” He sounded lost. Why was he so upset? What was wrong with us being together as more than just friends? Before the recent events I would’ve buried my feelings and made a joke, but now I wanted to clear the air. I was tired of hiding things from the people close to me.
“I think I love you, Seth. No, that’s not right. I do love you. I realise now that I always have – in a way. You were my big brother when we were younger, you’ve always been my best friend, but now it’s more than that. I’m sorry if it’s not what you want from
me. I can’t help it and I’ve only just understood it myself.” I was near to tears as I finished.
He waited for my ranting to end then he gently took my flushed face in his hands and tilted it so that he could look me straight in the eye,
“Desirée Hanson. I’ve been in love with you for years but haven’t known how to tell you. I was scared that you’d laugh at me. And then you had so much to deal with recently I didn’t want to add to your problems by putting this on you too.”
My tears did start to fall then. For once, they were happy tears. Seth pulled me into his embrace and we both laughed at the predicament we’d created by masking our feelings.
“That settles it,” I said, when we broke off kissing. “We’ll stick together for now and see how it goes, yeah?”
“Fine by me, boss!”
I gave him a playful punch then grabbed his shirt and pulled him towards me for some more serious lip-synch action. Everything else faded into the background and we spent a while soaking up the new relationship. I gazed at the angles of his face, loving the sweep of his neck that drew my eye to the hollow at its base. I traced my finger down his shirt and unfastened the buttons so that I could slide my hand across his chest. Funny – I’d spent most of my waking hours in his company and seen him down to his swim-shorts so often I’d lost count but I’d not noticed how well-toned he’d become. As my fingers brushed over his nipple I felt it harden.
“Didn’t know that happened to boys too!” I giggled, trying to get his shirt open. He groaned and held my hand still.
