The Big House

by Larche Davies

  She fleetingly wondered if she would ever be able to trust people just enough to make friends easily like Dorothy, always with a crowd of chattering boys and girls around her. It really didn’t matter, because the only future she could visualise was the trial, and then more trials.

  Chapter Eight

  The Magnifico’s agents were sniffing around Wales. Thomas had taken a photo of a trusting Lucy on his mobile phone, shortly before the house was burned down, and it had now been retrieved from the holy leaders’ archives and distributed to the agents. It showed the pinched little face of an undernourished child, her hair scraped back flat into a pigtail, squinting into the camera with an air of mixed surprise and pleasure.

  Photos were rarely taken of the Magnifico’s children, so this was the only one the agents had to go on, but written descriptions had been sent out with it. They were looking for a fifteen-year-old girl and her five-year-old brother, both of whom had brown hair and olive skin. The other two were a wiry boy, also fifteen, tall and strikingly handsome with silver-blond hair – and a sixteen-year-old girl called Dorothy, slim with black curls, rosy cheeks and full, red lips.

  *

  Robin was standing outside the school at the top of the hill. He had covered most of the secondary schools across mid-Wales, attended church services and scout meetings, and lurked around playgrounds, but all without success.

  Maybe he should forget about the Magnifico and look for a job in the outside world, because if he didn’t find the kids, he wouldn’t get paid. There wasn’t much of a future in working for the holy leaders these days. His ambition had been to train as a Father, but they’d told him that to be a Father he had to be both handsome and brilliantly clever, and he just didn’t have the brains. That had been quite hurtful, because he knew some of them were thicker than he was, silly old goats. Still, this job was important. Most of the other agents had already gone, so at the moment he was a valuable asset. If he could just pull it off they might pay him enough to buy a nice little finca in Spain with a swimming pool, and then he could disappear.

  He felt in his pocket for credentials and checked that he had the right ones. Criminal Investigation Department, they said – CID. OK, time to go in. He stepped into the school foyer.

  Ten minutes later, he stepped out again. No, they were sorry, but couldn’t help. There was no one called Copse or Drax on their list of pupils. The sense of failure was becoming too familiar. He slouched off, wondering if he might as well throw in the towel and disappear to Spain right now. At least his Spanish was pretty good, thanks to the Mag’s school, and he could always set himself up as a private investigator, or work for some con man.

  As he turned out of the school grounds, a bell rang inside the building and seconds later, children began to pour out of the main entrance. What a bunch of scruffs! He stood near the gates and focused on the heads of hair. There were plenty of fair-haired kids, but not a single silver blond. He’d give it a go for three nights, and then move on down the coast.

  *

  It was Izzy who first noticed the young man standing nonchalantly just outside the school grounds.

  “Wow!” she exclaimed nudging Dorothy with her elbow. “Look at that gorgeous guy!”

  Dorothy took a sideways peep as she hurried through the gates.

  “Don’t stare!” hissed Izzy, while staring brazenly herself.

  Dorothy took another peep. He certainly was very handsome – almost too good-looking. “I wonder who he’s waiting for,” she said. “It must be a teacher. He’s a bit old, even for the sixth-formers.”

  “Never mind his age,” breathed Izzy. “He’s certainly not too old for me.”

  Dorothy laughed. Izzy had no shame! There was no time to talk about handsome men. David and Lucy would be waiting for her at the main road.

  “I’ve got to catch the others up,” she said, and hurried off.

  She didn’t think she’d ever want a boyfriend that good-looking. People like Izzy would always be pursuing him and she’d never feel secure. Tom, last year in London, had been handsome – or so she’d thought at the time – but this one was like a film star. Well, good luck to Izzy! No harm in reaching for the skies! Jason was handsome and a good laugh, and that would have suited Dorothy perfectly – if only she hadn’t had to finish with him.

  *

  Robin was luckier the next night.

  The chattering crowd had thinned out. There was still no sign of an ash-blond boy, and Robin was about to turn away when someone shouted, “See ya, Dorothy!” He looked over quickly and spotted a tall, slim girl with black bobbing curls. She was laughing and waving to a friend.

  His heart lifted. It could be the one. There weren’t many Dorothies around these days. Old-fashioned name — not one he’d choose himself. He took a good look as she walked towards the gate with two other kids. Holy Magnifico! She was a stunner! The description was perfect – tall and slim with dark-brown curls and rosy cheeks. And just look at those luscious lips! She was absolutely ripe for abduction. He could just see her in a cave house attached to his little Spanish finca. Locked in, of course.

  There was still no sign of the ash-blond boy or the scrawny kid from the photo, but he could certainly move in on this one.

  He followed the girl and her two friends from a distance. Halfway down the hill they stopped and waited for a gap in the fast-moving traffic, and then crossed over and turned right up a side street. By the time Robin had managed to cross without being killed, they had disappeared. No problem. This was exciting. He’d have another go tomorrow.

  The following day, he was luckier. Keeping a good distance behind, he saw which house they went into, noted the address and casually walked on past. The holy leaders would have to change their tune about his brains once this job was over. If they still refused to make him a Father, he’d just take his money and go. It’d be their loss.

  A bit of land around the finca would be ideal, with no neighbours to poke their noses into his business. But he mustn’t get carried away. There were three other kids to track down first. One quick and pleasant chat with this Dorothy and he’d probably get all the information he needed. Girls were like that. Give them a bit of charm and flattery and you could get anything you liked out of them – especially when you were a real good-looker like him.

  He’d watch the house on Saturday morning. She was bound to go out into town at some stage, and there would be an accidental meeting – in a bookshop, perhaps, or a café. His heart raced with the thrill of it all. This was surely the best job in the world! He’d show those holy leaders. They wouldn’t be able to deny that his tactics called for intelligence worthy of any Father. There’d be money, promotion and a beautiful wife at the end of it all – if they let him have her.

  *

  “I’m meeting Izzy and some friends on the pier at eleven,” announced Dorothy, at breakfast the following Saturday.

  Miss Clements reminded her, somewhat absentmindedly, that she was not to go out alone, and went off to the kitchen to start on a lemon surprise pudding.

  “Keep far back, as though you don’t belong to me, but near enough in case,” said Dorothy, shortly before eleven o’clock. She put on her mascara and stepped out of the house. Dare she hope that Jason might be there? He’d taken it really well when she explained why she couldn’t commit herself to any one person with exams looming. At first, he’d looked terribly hurt, so she’d explained that she did like him, but the exams were really important because she was going to have to provide for her family. The hurt went from his face. He’d asked no questions, but said she was right, and he needed to swot too. Now she was worried that he hadn’t really been that interested in her. She sighed as she crossed the road. Having boyfriends made life complicated, even after you’d finished with them. It would be much simpler not to bother. The trouble was, it was all so interesting.

  She turned to check that the
others were there. Paul and David were crossing the road, and Lucy was just behind them with Donald on his lead.

  Miss Clements was standing anxiously at the gate. “Don’t rush him, dear,” she called. “He’s not used to exercise. And don’t let him near other dogs. He can be quite aggressive.”

  Dorothy smiled to herself. Life was pleasant even without a boyfriend. She was so lucky.

  *

  Robin moved behind the parked cars and watched. He kept well behind as Dorothy hurried down the hill with those other three trailing after her.

  Wow! Despite her haste, she walked like an angel – sort of skimmed the ground. It took a bit of skill to keep up with them all while trying not to look like a stalker, but he was nothing if not subtle. Holy fire! She was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. He’d not seen her out of school uniform before. No one could say that her weekend clothes were trendy and, in fact, they were decidedly old-fashioned, but she wore them with such elegance it was enough to make a fellow lick his lips.

  But first things first! He must focus on the job in hand – track down the blond boy and the titchy kid in the photo, and report to the holy leaders. Then watch the money roll in. After that, who knew? With money in the bank all things were possible.

  *

  There was no one on the pier when Dorothy arrived. David sauntered over to a bench on the promenade, and Lucy and Paul leaned over the railings to watch the waves as they dashed onto the rocks below. Dorothy was wondering whether to join them or wait on the pier, when a soft, husky voice said, “Hello, Dorothy.”

  She turned and looked into the eyes of a remarkably handsome young man, and recognised him straight away. Her heart missed a beat. How did he know her name?

  “Do I know you?” she asked coldly.

  Robin was taken aback, but quickly recovered his aplomb. “I’m Robin,” he said with his most charming smile. “I work in the admin office up at the school and I see you around. This is your first term, isn’t it? How are you getting on?”

  Dorothy froze. His voice was pleasant and his eyes crinkled attractively as he smiled, but his teeth were too white – fake white, fake smile. There was something wrong. And why would someone who worked in the admin office have been waiting at the school gate the other day?

  David stood up and started walking over towards her. Lucy, Paul and Donald joined him. Before they could reach her, Izzy came hurtling onto the pier shouting that the meeting place had been changed. The young man melted away.

  Dorothy looked at Izzy’s skinny jeans and cropped top, and for the first time in her life was horribly conscious of feeling drab. How on earth could she face the rest of the gang dressed like this?

  “Wow! I just love your funky London outfit!” exclaimed Izzy, looking her up and down. “You’ll make us all feel so non-cool! And that seriously hot male creature you were talking to, we saw him up at the school. Who is he?”

  “No idea,” said Dorothy. “He said his name‘s Robin and he works in the admin office.”

  “No way! And I never noticed him till the other day! Either I’m slipping, or he’s only just started there. I’ll have to make enquiries! Come on. Let’s go and find the others. They’re up on the castle.”

  “He gave me the creeps,” said Dorothy.

  “Each to our own taste! Let’s run. Everyone’s there except Jason. He said he’s swotting but might join us later.”

  So Jason had been genuine when he said he needed to swot. There was nothing fake about him! Dorothy’s spirits soared.

  The two girls ran. Lucy and David waited to give them a head start, and then walked hurriedly after them.

  Paul turned and watched Robin disappearing down the promenade. “Funny walk, that man,” he commented as he caught up with Lucy.

  “Looks normal to me,” she said, glancing back over her shoulder.

  “No. His left foot swings out. See?”

  “Anyway, he’s gone now. Let’s get a move on.”

  *

  That same Saturday evening, the residents of the flat on the Cromwell Road were curled up comfortably on the blue-velvet sofa, sipping their brandies, when Isobel’s phone made a purring noise. She stretched her arm languidly towards the coffee table and picked up the receiver. Suddenly, she uncurled herself and sat up straight and listened intently.

  “OK, right,” she said, “Thank you. Goodbye.” She put the phone down and laughed excitedly. “They’ve found Dorothy!”

  Drax was pleased of course, but puzzled. It was common knowledge that the children had refused to be separated. “Why only her? Surely they’re all in the same place?”

  “Apparently Robin watched the comings and goings from where Dorothy’s living, and there are other children, but not the ones we want. There’s a girl of about twelve and a teenage boy with black hair. There’s also a small boy, but he’s not been seen close-up.”

  “Thanks be to the Magnifico! One Drax kid down and one to go. Never mind about Copse’s kids. With a bit of luck I’ll soon be free.” Drax’s excitement was mixed with frustration. “But I can’t disappear without identities and visas, and just look at me! I’d be spotted straight away. Perhaps I’d better have plastic surgery. Change my nose or lips or something.”

  “Well, I can’t do it here in this flat, or you’d get blood poisoning.” Isobel tried to hide her irritation. All he ever thought about was himself! “I keep telling you, grow a moustache or something. And tell the holy leaders to get a move on with those documents.”

  She stood up. “Come on. I’ll make us some coffee and we’ll open that box of chocolates to celebrate.” She poured the chocolates into a silver dish, and put out tiny cups and saucers, and silver coffee spoons. “Won’t it be lovely to go out to good restaurants again, and sip the most expensive wine on the list,” she sighed. She sat down at the table and poured the coffee.

  Drax chuckled and dropped himself gracefully into his chair. Isobel never ceased to marvel at the elegance of his movements – and how could such a tall man take up so little room? Her hand lay on the table, and he put his over it and stroked it gently with his thumb.

  “Somehow I don’t think our expensive tastes quite fit the Magnifico’s frugality requirements,” he said with a little laugh. “But there you are. Nobody’s perfect.”

  As they sipped their coffees, a second message came through for Isobel. It confirmed that Dorothy had been traced to a school in Wales. The computer teacher, a Mr Owen, had been removed, and his body would be washed up on a beach somewhere along the coast. Isobel was to go down the following day, ready to work as a supply teacher on Monday. If the other children were at the same school, she would be ideally placed to identify them.

  Their celebratory mood was destroyed.

  “Holy fire!” Isobel swore quietly as she filled her suitcase. “May their flesh melt in eternity!” She waved a couple of wigs in the air. “I suppose I’ll have to put these horrible things in, just in case. It’s not pleasant to have to make myself deliberately hideous – and they itch.” She packed her medical equipment carefully and placed a dowdy old mac on top of it. “I hope I don’t have to wear that. Ugh!”

  “You’ll still look lovely underneath it all.”

  “Creep!” laughed Isobel, and then groaned again. “I’ll be in the back of beyond, bored stiff, teaching revolting children to send each other emails.” She took another chocolate. “Ah well! It won’t be forever. The end is in sight.”

  Chapter Nine

  “There’s a new computer teacher,” said Lucy after they’d arrived back from school a few days before the trial.

  All four children were in David’s bedroom. He was sitting on a straight-backed chair, with a large towel over his shoulders. Dorothy had a paint brush in her hand, and was touching up his silver roots with black hair dye.

  “I know,” she said, “I’ve seen her. And she’s not
like a normal computer teacher. She’s stunningly beautiful with wonderful auburn hair, and so charming the boys in my class were falling over to please her. I’m dying to see David’s reaction.”

  She didn’t grudge the new teacher her ravishing looks, but there was something icy cold beneath that charm, and it made her shiver. “I’m so tired of being suspicious of everyone,” she sighed.

  Dorothy was feeling down. She was worrying about the meeting with Robin. Was she being paranoid? Perhaps he’d genuinely meant to be friendly. She didn’t want to hurt people who were just being kind. Supposing she bumped into him again? Should she be polite or ignore him? Izzy had thought he looked like a genuinely nice guy, but Dorothy was not so sure.

  “Well, we can’t be rude to people we don’t know just because they say, ‘Hello, Dorothy’,” said Lucy, “but we do have to be cautious.”

  David snorted. “We’re already so cautious,” he muttered bitterly, “I’ll be suspecting myself soon.”

  *

  Robin had left for London. He would collect his reward for finding Dorothy, and then scoot off to Spain. In a few hours he would be on his way to the airport with enough euros in his wallet to put down the deposit on the finca with a cave house at the back. He’d seen it the last time he was over there, and now he’d have the money. It would be just perfect.

  He would make the cave house nice and secure and, if Dr Isobel Drax managed to track down David and Lucy at the school, the holy leaders would pay him more and then send for him to get Paul. They might be too stupid to see that he had brains, but life had its compensations, and the final pay-off would follow. He’d be rich. His only problem would be to make sure that they didn’t dispose of Dorothy straight away before he had a chance to keep her for himself. But he’d think of something. Maybe they’d let him have her in part payment for Paul.