*
“We really must stop meeting like this.”
The gravelly voice was familiar to Pierce and as he opened his eyes he was slowly able to focus on the man occupying the chair opposite of him. Sitting comfortably with a highball of whiskey and ice was the leader of the intruders from the previous night. He was an imposing figure draped in his long black leather jacket. His hair was a similarly dark colour and his tanned face was tough looking, with the hint of a scar above his left eye. But despite his dangerous appearance, Pierce felt that he was not a malicious thug. There was a calculating alertness behind the man’s eyes, but it was not threatening. He grabbed a second glass for the side table and leaned forward, delivering it to his prisoner.
“Take this, it will help you regain your senses. This one is not drugged, I assure you,” continued the man in the dark leather coat, sensing Pierce’s disbelief.
“I’m sorry Percival had to resort to the drugs, but you were not easily convinced.”
“You told me not to come here!” retorted Pierce after swallowing a mouthful of whiskey.
“Yes, and you passed the test admirably. We wanted to see if you had the nerve to ignore a threat and follow through. You arrived here as planned.”
“So you broke into my house as a test?”
“Obviously we don’t want someone who would shirk at the first moment of danger, would we?”
“I have no idea! I don’t know what’s going on!”
“Surely you must have gleaned something during your interview this afternoon?”
“I’m afraid that wasn’t possible Tiberius.” The voice came from Drummond as he appeared from one of the two doors. “I’ve discovered he has been tapped early and we couldn’t go into detail. However due to the apparent necessity of his recruitment I was forced to rely on the drugs. He was not easily convinced.”
“I see,” ruminated the man known as Tiberius. “Very well, shall we tell him then?”
“Tell me what? What’s going on?” Pierce asked in exasperation.
“I think not. It is too early,” said Mr. Drummond, ignoring Pierce.
“Well we must explain some things. We cannot keep drugging him.”
“Very well if we must,” replied Mr. Drummond pulling one of the chairs over to the two occupied by Pierce and Tiberius. “Well Mr. Pierce, what would you like to know?”
“What am I doing here?”
“I explained that earlier.”
“You mean everything you said before about this club is true?”
“Every word.”
“What did you leave out then?”
“More than I can possibly explain in our short amount of time. But none of it should cause you to worry about your wellbeing.”
“Except the fact I’ve already been drugged once,” Pierce retorted quickly. “What about this Manor?”
“There is a manor where you will live, just as I said earlier,” explained Mr. Drummond.
“What about this hunting business?”
“The hunt is a pivotal part of the club. As I said I am the Hunt Secretary. Tiberius here is a Whip,” and then motioning to the two other men at the door Mr. Drummond continued, “and these two, whom you’ve already met, are the Hounds.”
“Hounds?”
“Yes. You see, you really are joining a Hunt Club. As a member you will become a Huntsman along with your fellow members. They are all well educated, professional, and sophisticated people. They range from doctors, to lawyers, to military men. However the actual hunt excursions are very few in number. The rest of you time is spent in the Manor or the surrounding countryside. If I may say, it is a life of luxury.”
“Are either of you members?”
“No, we are both employed by the Manor and its Club. I have worked there for years and would give anything for the opportunity before you.”
“So let me get this straight,” began Pierce, “I have been recruited to join a hunt club and live in a mansion, being catered to every hour of the day? Not only do I not believe you, but I think you’re both crazy. I’m leaving!”
“Very well leave!” exclaimed Mr. Drummond. “This has been a waste of time and I for one am glad you’re not going to become a member of this hollowed Club!” The distaste for Pierce that Mr. Drummond had kept at bay throughout the two interviews finally shone through. Although seated, he was able to give the impression of looking down his nose at Pierce. Again that smug look began to creep onto his face.
With that Pierce got up and headed for the door he had entered that morning. As he got closer to the door, the two guards blocked his way, stepping in front of it.
“I’m afraid I can’t let you do that,” came the voice of Tiberius from behind him. “You might not realize it, but you must come with us.”
“Why?” screamed Pierce in exasperation, turning to face Tiberius who had also risen from his chair. “Why do you want me to come, while Mr. Drummond over there could care less?”
“It’s not my place to tell you. You must enter into this with an open mind. But know this, it is necessary,” pleaded Tiberius.
Mr. Drummond then came over to add, “if you don’t come with us, you will be unable to get the antidote for the poison that is now coursing through your veins.”
Chapter 3
A Malevolent Manner (Patrick Pierce #1) Page 7