by Ian Jarvis
‘Absolutely.’ Adler laughed. ‘But I’m here to talk about you, not Ligeia. Your strength impressed me last night. You threw Gruner across the room as though he were nothing. I like that strength and I like your power. Tell me, can you change any time you feel like it?’
Rex snorted and smoked his cigarette.
‘You will answer and you’ll answer truthfully. I’m remarkably adept at spotting deception. If I believe you’re lying, I’ll shoot you in the kneecap.’ The Colonel aimed her gun. ‘There will be no second warning. Now can you change at any time?’
‘Yes,’ hissed Rex. ‘Any time between sunset and sunrise.’
‘Do you control the wolf, or does it control you?’
‘It’s my mind in a wolf’s body; it isn’t like those horror films. I don’t go running wildly around villages eating peasants, if that’s what you mean.’
‘Good to know.’ Adler smiled. ‘Well, if you can control the beast, it can’t be too difficult.’
Rex pulled a sarcastic face at the insult as the Colonel took out her phone and thumbed a number.
‘Bring her in, would you?’ said Adler. Pocketing the mobile, she turned back to her captive. ‘I’ve witnessed your amazing recuperative powers. Ollie’s blade had no effect, but what does harm you?’
‘Silver doesn’t do me any favours.’ Rex gestured to the gun. ‘But you seem to have worked that out for yourself.’
He heard the corridor door open as Gruner arrived with Elva.
‘Ah, there you are, my dear.’ The Colonel took the tiny girl’s hand and drew her to the enclosure door where Rex could see her through the hatch. She gestured for the Sergeant to leave and smiled warmly. ‘Do you know how I’m so successful, Rex? If I see an opportunity, I always take it. No debating. I take it and deliberate later.’
‘You’ve told me this already.’ Rex eyed Elva warily, wondering why Adler had asked for her. ‘You obviously spout that same shit whenever you can.’
‘You answered my questions when I threatened you with the gun. Call me intuitive, but I didn’t think you’d comply with my next instruction without additional motivation.’ Adler rolled up her left sleeve and pulled Elva close to her. The girl’s face contorted in silent pain.
‘What are you doing?’ Spitting out his cigarette and rushing to the hatch, Rex shoved his face through to see Elva’s arm being twisted up her back. ‘Let her go, you mad bitch.’
‘An arm for an arm.’ Adler shoved her free hand through the aperture. ‘Bite mine, or I’ll break hers.’
‘Are you insane?’ shouted Rex. ‘I can’t do that.’
‘Do it,’ snarled Adler. She twisted cruelly and Elva bent forward in agony, silently sobbing. ‘Do it now, or I swear I’ll tear this bone from the socket. Do it now.’
Rex snatched the offered arm and sank his teeth into the flesh. The Colonel grunted at the pain and swiftly withdrew it.
‘Thank you.’ She released Elva, who ran out weeping. ‘There, we’ll see how that goes. If it doesn’t work, nothing ventured, nothing gained, eh?’
Rex ran to snatch his water bottle, his mind spinning at the enormity of what had just taken place. Not wishing to accidentally swallow any blood, he spat out several mouthfuls of water and made a huge effort to quell the anger and think straight. The bite probably wouldn’t work while he was in human form. Then again, why didn’t he bite her entire fucking arm clean off? If he’d had the time to transform, he would have done. He hated this woman.
‘You have no idea how to handle this,’ he whispered, furiously. ‘You just did it?’
‘I’ve had all night to think about it.’ Adler inspected the bloody marks in her flesh. ‘Mmmh, nice, neat bite. I see you have good, expensive dentistry to go with those male model looks. As I said, if I see an opportunity, I take it. It’s made me one of the wealthiest women in the world.’
‘You don’t know what you’ve done.’
‘Of course I do,’ hissed Adler. ‘I know exactly what I’ve done. If this works, I’ve gained your strength, your power and those amazing recuperative abilities. Will my eye grow back?’
‘Bad luck,’ growled Rex. ‘If it works at all, you’ll remain as you are at the time of the bite. In your case, a one-eyed fucking lunatic.’
‘Thank you.’ Adler laughed loudly, slammed the barred panel shut and bolted it. ‘Thank you for your help, Rex.’
***
Further along the menagerie building, Quist sat on the concrete floor in a lotus position with his back against the wall and legs crossed beneath him. Concentrating upon his Scheherazade melody, he regulated his deep breathing, but Watson’s profanities and grunts of frustration made it difficult. The detective turned to watch as his assistant squatted by the door, pushing one of his knife tools into the keyhole and turning again and again. Watson had tried moving the barred hatch, but it was bolted from the outside. A padlock secured the metal gate from this chamber into the outdoor animal enclosure, but it too seemed impervious to cheap SAS knives that were made in China
‘I thought I had it then,’ muttered the youth, twisting and pulling. ‘It wouldn’t hurt for you to help me instead of sitting on your arse like Buddha.’
‘The yoga and breathing exercises control my emotions,’ sighed the detective. ‘I can feel the full moon rising and you wouldn’t want to be locked in with an angry werewolf, would you? I honestly believed I had the advantage earlier. I allowed that woman to lead us into this building in the hope that she’d show her hand and explain about Rex. I never, for one second, expected her to be armed with silver bullets. I can only deduce that she’s discovered his secret.’
‘Instead of sulking over it, why not try and deduce a way out of here?’
‘You’re wasting your time with that knife. That’s an advanced security lock and I saw a bolt on the outside too.’
‘What if they didn’t use the bolt? Maybe they’re not as clever as they think. I hid the knife down my sock and they never looked there when they frisked us. Besides, trying to pick the lock takes my mind off this and stops me crapping myself. It’s better than just chucking in the towel.’
‘You’re confusing patience with surrender,’ said Quist, climbing to his feet. ‘I’m awaiting darkness. During this lunar phase, I can always sense when the sun is setting and that’s when I’ll get us out. I noticed the keys to these enclosures are left in the doors. If I can bend those bars in that hatch, I should be able to reach out and unlock it.’
The teenager leapt away startled as the hatch in question suddenly slid down with a clang. He looked up, his eyes widening to see two men in bowler hats and bow ties peering through the aperture. The fat one sported a tuft of moustache and both smiled amiably. Sometimes visual information is too confusing for the brain to process and the mind momentarily locks up. Watson’s head felt numb as he stared blankly at Laurel and Hardy. Quist had seen many strange things over the centuries, but even his mouth fell open.
‘Mmmh, just the kind of young black guy I like to eat,’ said Laurel, licking his lips and somewhat ruining the illusion.
‘What the fuck...’ whispered Watson. Whoever these men were, they were identical to the celebrated movie comedians. ‘What in the name of...’
‘Hello,’ said Quist, warily.
‘Good afternoon,’ said Hardy. The visitors politely tipped their hats. ‘So you’re the Colonel’s new guests?’
‘Is it me?’ asked Watson, staring blankly. ‘Or has this just got really weird?’
‘Very nice to meet you,’ said Hardy. ‘I’m sure we’ll be seeing more of one another.’
‘I’d like to see a little more of the kid,’ said Laurel, running an appreciative eye over Watson’s trim body. ‘He looks delicious.’
‘Stan and Ollie?’ Quist moved to the hatch for a closer look. ‘So what are you two doing her
e? Moving a piano? Selling fish? I’ve seen all your movies and I have to admit, I’m a bit of a fan.’
‘Well, that’s good to know,’ said Hardy. ‘It’s always nice to meet admirers.’
‘Why not come in for a chat?’
‘No, I don’t think so.’ Laurel slammed the barred window shut. ‘We just wanted to see you. We’ll be getting acquainted soon enough.’
The pair headed away down the passage laughing.
‘I don’t believe what I just saw,’ stammered Watson. ‘Who the fuck were they?’
‘I saw the size of Oliver Hardy,’ said Quist. ‘I don’t know how they did it, but something tells me we just met the killer Alistair Ramson.’
Chapter 26
The Colonel strolled into Charlington Hall fingering the antiseptic dressing on her forearm. The pain seemed to be receding, which was an excellent sign. If this bite healed as quickly as she anticipated, it meant her impulsive gamble had paid off.
Guevara hurried out of the library. ‘Gruner has paid off your extra security,’ he said. ‘They’ve packed and they’re leaving.’
‘Good.’ Adler nodded. ‘We’re finished with Charlington. We won’t be returning after tonight’s concert.’
‘There could be a problem with that. Ligeia’s in there and she’s upset that your team won’t allow her to see Grant.’
‘Really?’ Adler smiled thinly. ‘She doesn’t know it yet, but she won’t be seeing him again.’ As soon as it was certain this wolf bite had worked, Grant would be getting the double treat of a silver bullet in the head and an evening swim in the Thames. Alternate lovers could soon be found for Ligeia: young men who would relish the chance to sleep with her and who would have far less baggage and no unpredictable lupine streak.
‘She keeps asking about the other guy who gate-crashed the garden party,’ said Guevara. ‘We have the concert in a few hours and she’s unhappy.’
‘Don’t worry. We have plenty of time to lighten her mood. The helicopter is picking us up at nine and taking us directly to the O2 at Greenwich.’
‘Can’t you let her see this private eye? That will cheer her up.’
The Colonel snorted. ‘I don’t believe that would be wise right now. I have a little surprise for her instead.’
‘If her mood doesn’t improve, cancelation is always an option. We can say she’s ill.’
‘Where’s your professional pride, Shane?’ chuckled Adler. ‘The final sell-out gig in Britain? I really don’t think so. Those tickets retailed at obscene prices and I’ve no intention of reimbursing anyone.’
Guevara shook his head. ‘The sales from Water Music could buy a country. The Music of Sound is the most anticipated album in history and it will sell even more. It’s ready to launch so it won’t matter if she misses one concert. Do you know how unbelievably wealthy we are? These inflated concert tickets are bringing in...’
‘You say we.’ Adler stared icily. ‘I made you a multi-millionaire, Shane, but I’m looking towards a great deal more. I intend to be one of the most powerful and wealthiest women on the planet. Go make the final preparations and leave this to me.’ Adopting a wide grin, she opened the library door and strolled in to see Ligeia sitting on one of the couches.
The singer looked up with a sullen pout. ‘Your friends won’t let me see Rex.’
‘I’m sorry, my dear.’ The Colonel sat beside her and wrapped a motherly arm around Ligeia’s shoulders. ‘He’s already left for your concert and he’s really excited. There isn’t going to be room in the helicopter so he’s driving there instead.’
‘I don’t understand why he had to stay in the zoo building. Why wasn’t he here in the house with me? I wanted to sleep with him last night.’
‘He said he had a bad headache and besides, he loved it in there. I think he likes Mister Tigsy.’
‘I wanted to see him before he left.’ Ligeia frowned. ‘Where’s the nice man from the tent? I want to see him too.’
‘Ah, Bernard Quist? Yes, he is a nice man, isn’t he? How do you know him?’
Ligeia folded her arms, her sullen pout suggesting she didn’t want to answer questions.
‘I’ll see to it, I promise you,’ said the Colonel, standing up. ‘But first I’ve organised something for you. A little treat.’
Ligeia watched moodily as she opened the library door and gestured for Laurel and Hardy to enter.
‘Time to start earning your keep.’ Adler leant close to Hardy’s ear, her voice a threatening whisper. ‘Have you mastered it? Tell me you watched the recording and you know this.’
‘Don’t worry.’ Laurel tried an American accent and lifted his bowler hat to scratch his head. ‘We know it just fine, Miss Colonel, Ma’am.’
Adler returned to the unhappy girl, grinning widely. ‘Surely you must trust me?’ she said, squeezing her tiny shoulders again. ‘You must know that everything I do has your best interests at heart. I’ve done so much for you, my dear. Look at this lovely house with its funfair and the wonderful river. I bought you Mister Tigsy, your beautiful tiger, and I arranged for your favourite silly men Laurel and Hardy to stay with us. Now, I’d like you to enjoy this.’
Ligeia watched curiously as the pair stood side by side in front of her.
Hardy began to sing. ‘In the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia...’
‘Oh yes.’ Ligeia’s face lit up. ‘I love this so much. They sing it in that film.’
‘That’s right,’ said Adler, holding her hand and smiling sweetly as Laurel joined in with the melody. ‘Why don’t we go to see the Blue Ridge Mountains when we live in America? There’ll be rivers and lakes there and huge waterfalls.’
‘And the ocean,’ enthused Ligeia. ‘You said we’d live by the ocean.’
‘Yes, we will.’ Adler glared at the two killers and nodded to their feet, reminding them to dance as they sang. ‘We’re going to be in a place called California with thundering waves right outside and sunsets over the sea.’
‘It sounds lovely,’ said Ligeia, listening to the song.
‘It does, doesn’t it?’ Adler cuddled her. ‘So do you think we’ll have a lovely concert tonight?’ she asked quietly.
‘Yes, of course we will.’
‘That’s a good girl.’ The Colonel kissed her cheek. ‘We’ll soon be having an exciting ride in a helicopter.’
‘Again,’ laughed Ligeia, as Laurel and Hardy came to the end of their dance routine.
‘I’ll leave you to enjoy this,’ said Adler. Standing, she glanced meaningfully at the killers. ‘Trust me. They’ll sing and dance as many times as your little heart desires.’
Oblivious to her leaving, Ligeia watched the two men singing, clapping her hands joyfully. Elva slipped in from the hall, glancing behind and hurrying to the couch.
‘She hurt me,’ signed Elva. ‘The Colonel really hurt me.’
‘What?’ Ligeia gasped. ‘I’m sure it was a mistake.’
‘No, she almost broke my arm.’ Elva rubbed the tenderness and glanced at Laurel and Hardy. ‘Ask them to go.’
‘Will you leave us, please?’ said Ligeia.
Thankful to stop dancing, the pair tipped their bowler hats and gave a forced smile before heading for the door.
‘But I don’t understand,’ said Ligeia. ‘Why would the Colonel hurt you? She’s a nice lady. She gives us both nice things.’
‘I don’t believe she is a nice lady,’ signed Elva. ‘Not any more. She twisted my arm and she’s keeping Rex locked up.’
‘What do you mean? The Colonel said he’d left to see my concert.’
‘No, she lied. I don’t know why, but Rex is in a locked room in the menagerie. Those men who came to the tent are locked up there too.’
‘Then we’ll let them out,’ said Ligeia. ‘Come on. Let’s go now.’
>
Elva shook her head. ‘The Colonel and her friends wouldn’t like that and they’d stop us,’ she signed. ‘You stay and I’ll get Rex out. They don’t bother to watch me.’
‘And the other man too,’ said Ligeia. ‘The nice man from the boat.’
Elva frowned slightly. ‘What boat?’
Chapter 27
‘Great plan, Guv,’ said Watson, still attempting to pick the door lock with his knife. ‘We sail into Charlington Hall, literally sail in, introduce ourselves and get shoved in a fucking cell. Yeah, as plans go, I can’t see how we could have come up with anything better.’
Quist sat on the floor of the menagerie enclosure behind him, pondering over Laurel and Hardy and Ligeia’s intriguing greeting. ‘Sail in?’ he muttered, thoughtfully.
‘They’re obviously ahead of us.’ The youth knelt on the tiles, twisting his can opener blade in the keyhole. ‘The one-eyed bird was ready with silver bullets, so she obviously knows what she’s dealing with. We came to help Rex. Hah! That’s a laugh. These people have him and now they have us, so I’d say that ship has sailed. Do you think he’s okay or...’ Watson noticed the detective’s stunned expression. ‘Hey, what’s wrong?’
‘Sailing in?’ repeated Quist. ‘Ship?’ He smacked the palm of his hand to his brow. ‘Good heavens, I don’t believe this.’
Watson stood up. ‘What?’
‘Of course. I have met her before.’
‘Ligeia? Seriously? You met the biggest pop star in the world and you managed to forget about it?’
‘It was so long ago and such a brief meeting.’ Quist rubbed his eyes and climbed to his feet. ‘Remembering her face was the last thing on my mind that night. Her hair was blonde, as I recall, and very different; she wore it piled up as the fashion dictated back then.’
‘Er...’ Watson looked puzzled. ‘The fashion back when?’
‘1912. We were on the Titanic together.’
‘Okay.’ The teenager stared for several seconds. ‘You are joking!’
‘Do I look as if I’m joking?’
