‘That’s more or less how it went.’
‘And none of it frightened you?’
‘No, confused maybe, but I felt no fear.’
‘George tried to phone you, but couldn’t get through.’
‘My battery died.’
They pulled up outside his flat and Alex invited James inside to wait. The first thing he did was to put his phone on charge before struggling out of the overalls so he could have a shower. The water turned black as it poured off him. He felt stronger than the previous day, and appeared to get stronger all the time. He dried and dressed in clean clothes. He walked into his living room and noticed James watching a news channel while drinking a mug of tea. The main headlines were of five men arrested for human trafficking, abduction, and other related crimes.
James laughed. ‘That’s your fault, you ruined their night, oh and I made you a drink.’
‘Well, it makes me feel better. Creeps like them should be locked up forever.’ Alex took a swig of his tea, and realised it was his first drink since the previous morning. He picked up his phone, which was three-quarters charged, and called George.
‘Hello, Alex, I’ve been trying to get in touch with you.’
‘Phone died on me while I was in the mansion, was it anything important?’
‘No, not really, I just wanted to know what you thought of the place. It might sound trivial, but I’ve been a little bored.’
Alex smiled. ‘Bored on what I pay you?’
‘But you don’t know how much you pay me.’
‘That’s true, are you happy with it?’
‘Oh yes, I’m happy, it’s a very good wage.’
Alex sat down with a mug in one hand and phone next to his ear. ‘What about James? Is he happy with his?’
‘It’s his usual rate.’
‘He should be on more, he knows everything I do now,’ said Alex, and James grinned at him.
‘How much more do you want to pay him?’
‘Double it,’ he said, and James put his thumb up.
‘It’ll be no problem.’
‘Well, George, just how bored are you?’
‘Extremely, what do you have in mind?’
‘I’m going to see the girls, and it might be a good idea if you came along to introduce me to the lady of the house.’
‘You’re going to see them so soon?’
‘The mansion will be our home, and things are going well now. Not as quickly as I’d like, but I can’t do much more to the mansion until I have certain information. And I need to spend time with the girls for those answers.’
‘OK, pick me up on your way.’
They left the flat and were heading towards the solicitors, when Alex decided he needed to buy the girls something, and try his bank card to make sure it worked. ‘Can you pull over someplace near a cash machine and a shop?’
James looked in the mirror. ‘What kind of shop?’
‘One which sells chocolate, I thought the girls might like some.’
‘All girls like chocolate, there are plenty down here.’
James pulled up outside a bank. Alex got out and walked over to the cashpoint to try his card. He keyed in the pin number which gave him some options. He pressed check balance on-screen, one hundred thousand pounds. Pocket money George called it, he thought, and withdrew five hundred pounds and stepped into the shop next door. Alex was in there for about fifteen minutes before he emerged with a large box, which he put on the back seat.
James looked over his shoulder. ‘I thought you were getting chocolate.’
‘I did, but I didn’t know which ones to get as there was so much choice, so I bought a few of everything.’
‘Ha-ha, how much did you spend?’
Alex felt somewhat guilty. ‘Two hundred and forty pounds.
James laughed again. ‘That’s a lot of chocolate.’
‘You don’t think they’ll like it.’
‘They’ll love it, did you check for peanuts?’
‘No, the twins are nine years old and will be fine with it.’
‘How do you know that, but not what chocolate they like.’
‘I don’t know, but I know the girls are happy, I can feel it. If they were in danger I’d sense it, but if you asked me what their favourite colour is or what they like doing . . . I wouldn’t know.’
They pulled up outside Mizar & Sons solicitors, where George was waiting. Alex opened the door for the solicitor to get in.
‘I have to say I didn’t expect you to visit the girls so soon,’ said George.
‘Neither did I,’ said Alex, as they drove off. ‘But I realise it can’t be just a home, but a special one. There are things I need to know, and I need to be around my girls for that, is it a problem?’
‘On the contrary, if you’re sure Vesta is the right house, things can get moving much quicker.’
‘Don’t get too excited, I’m not sure how I want it.’
‘Is there anything we can get started on?’
‘Yeah, do you have anybody in mind to organise the work?’
‘A friend of mine. He runs his own building company, and has wanted to work on the mansion for a long time.’
‘There isn’t much building. Maybe a new wall or two, but it’s the electrics and plumbing I want sorted first.’
‘That’ll be fine as he covers all aspects of the trade, and will get the best people in for you.’
‘Then, when you get a chance, tell him I need the power and drainage sorted up to the mansion.’
George nodded and noticed the box. ‘Anything interesting?’
‘Just some chocolate for the girls,’ said Alex, and James sniggered.
‘Am I missing something? It sounds like a wonderful idea to me.’
James laughed. ‘Two hundred and forty pounds worth.’
George raised his eyebrows. ‘Well I’m sure Alex knows what he’s doing.’
Alex frowned. ‘Actually, I had no idea, and that was the problem.’
George smiled. ‘Well at least you have something they’ll like, and they do have other friends including Asima.’
Alex thought about the night with the big guy pointing a gun at his back when she reappeared. ‘I only freed her you know, she saved my life.’
‘I didn’t know that.’
‘Yeah, I don’t understand why she was in one of those cages, as I believe this Asima can look after herself.’
‘She was quite insistent upon going with the girls, and they wanted her to go with them.’
‘Good, I’m happy she’s there, even though I’ve no idea why she’s protecting them. Is it a big house they’re staying at?’
‘Big enough for her needs, it has four bedrooms, and I know because I helped Blaze get it.’
‘Why did she need help?’
‘It’s hard for a single woman to get a house that size. Blaze gave up running a refuge but still takes in women in need now and then, and most of them have been my clients.’
‘Are we paying her?’
‘No, I did offer, but she refused.’
‘I’ll try to talk her round, I’d also like all her bills paid while she’s looking after my girls.’
‘Good luck with that. Blaze is a proud woman with a kind heart, and will not fall for charm off any man.’
‘I won’t use charm, just facts.’
‘Honesty will serve you best, as she doesn’t trust many men.’
‘Has she herself been hurt by a man?’
‘No, her distrust is because of all the abused women she’s had to look after. There’s something else and I’m not sure how you’ll take it.’
‘That sounds ominous, George, but I trust your judgement,’ said Alex, and realised he was putting a lot of trust in things all too quickly.
‘Blaze is gay, she has lots of friends who visit the house, and her friends are gay, and all women.’
Alex smiled, ‘Is it selfish of me to be happy my children aren’t surrounded by men?’
‘No, not to me, so it doesn’t bother you?’
‘Should it? I can’t say I’ve known many gay women, in fact, I can only think of one, and she’s one of the loveliest people I know.’
‘I only told you because Blaze insists I do. She’s a good friend, and I’d rather have someone say something to me than upset her.’
‘Has it caused her problems in the past?’
George rubbed his chin. ‘Yes, many times people have accused her of taking women in because of her sexuality.’
‘You mean she spends her life caring for others, and gets abuse for it . . . that’s a shame.’
‘Yes, she’s a good woman, and a good friend to have on your side.’
Alex thought about it. ‘I could do with more friends.’
‘Good, we are here now.’
The car slowed down outside a house with a beautiful garden, which had a rockery and a waterfall. The other side had flower beds with a myriad of colours. James hadn’t turned off the engine when the front door of the house opened, and two small girls came running down the path.
‘Papa, you came,’ said Adhara.
‘We knew you would,’ said Sarin.
Alex got out and swept them up in his arms, and hugged them. ‘I had to see you.’ If he had any doubts before they had all gone when he looked at them. Adhara had the red hair and brown eyes, Sarin, blonde hair and blue eyes, they were both the most beautiful creatures he had ever seen or held.
George smiled as he walked past them. Alex put the girls down and they took his hands as they followed the solicitor. James took the box off the back seat and carried it into the house.
CHAPTER SIX
The Refuge
Alex stepped into the large tidy living room where ornaments sparkled. He saw George talking to a big woman; she had broad shoulders, and guessed she could handle herself. He could feel a presence as an image popped into his mind. He looked around and saw it on a shelf, an ornament, a dragon holding a glass ball. It had a gold mist inside, and knew the girls would be safe here.
Adhara pulled his hand. ‘Papa, come and meet Auntie Blaze.’
‘Alex,’ said George. ‘Let me introduce you to Blaze Ranger, the lady looking after your girls.’
‘Hey,’ said Alex, he offered his hand and she shook it. ‘Nice to meet you.’
‘And you too, at last,’ said Blaze, as George walked over to James.
Alex could tell she was unsure of him. Blaze looked about fifty with a kind face and short brown hair. ‘I’m grateful to you for looking after my girls, and they look very happy here.’
‘They’re a delight, and I love having them here as do my friends,’ said Blaze, she sounded friendly, but he knew she was trying to work him out.
‘Girls,’ James interrupted, ‘come and see what your father has bought you.’
The girls ran over to him and opened the box, their faces lit up. ‘Wow! Thanks, Papa, it’s chocolate, and lots of it.’
Blaze stared at the amount of chocolate. ‘Is that a good idea?’
Alex smiled at the girls. ‘They think so, and look happy.’
‘Not everything is about them being happy; they have other things they need to learn.’
‘No, at this moment in time it’s all about them being happy, and I intend to make sure they are.’
‘You confuse me,’ said Blaze, with a scolding look. ‘You arrive here in a big posh car, buying them stupid amounts of chocolate. You obviously have plenty of money, but you leave the girls with me.’
‘George left them here, and he believes you’re the best person to look after them.’
‘You could have them anywhere you want.’
‘Yeah, money’s no problem, but they’re happy here.’
‘They are,’ she said, and glared at him. ‘But I’m sure you could have them cared for anywhere you wanted.’
Alex sighed. ‘You’re right, and I’m sorry if it’s been an inconvenience for you, I’ll take them with me.’
Blaze gasped. ‘No . . . I didn’t mean that . . . I love them being here.’
‘It doesn’t sound like it when you’re telling me I should have them elsewhere.’
‘No, I just needed to know why, and you said yourself they look happy.’
‘Yeah, I can see my daughters are well looked after, that’s why you’re going on the payroll.’ Alex hated the tone he had taken with her.
Blaze folded her arms. ‘I’m OK, thanks, I don’t need paying.’
‘George said you wouldn’t accept, but I must insist.’
‘You should have listened to him. I don’t need your money.
‘No, as I said, I insist, you’re feeding and caring for them.’
‘Yes, and I enjoy doing it.’
‘Then you’ll enjoy doing it even more while you’re getting paid.’
‘This could get tiresome — I don’t need your money.’
Alex smiled. ‘Just save it for a rainy day.’
Blaze started to get cross. ‘I don’t think you get it, I don’t want your money.’
‘Which threat do I start with first?’
Blaze folded her arms. ‘You’re going to threaten me?’
Alex noticed how formidable she looked, and smiled at her, it was a genuine smile. He hated using the word threat, but was insistent she would be paid. ‘I could take them away now.’
‘That’s low.’
‘And you’re stubborn. You would’ve accepted the job with pay if you didn’t care for them as much as you do.’
Blaze gave Alex a hard stare, but he could see softness in her. ‘That’s beside the point.’
‘You don’t like the idea of calling it a job . . . you just want to look after them.’
‘Is that so bad?’ she said, looking friendlier.
‘Don’t think of it as payment, but as money you can use if difficulties arise.’
‘You’re very persuasive, I’ll give you that.’
‘This is no charity I’m offering. The money I have is to care for the girls. We’re in this together . . . my money is your money while the girls are with you.’
Blaze looked at Alex differently. ‘I’ll settle for going on the payroll.’
‘What kind of father would I be if I didn’t pay something for their keep?’ he said. What kind of father am I anyway? He thought. A week ago I had no children, now I have two nine-year old daughters.
‘I know, but you’ll take them away when your home’s finished . . . and I’m not going to like that.’
‘They’ll be safe and happy.’
‘You sure? Look at what they’re doing now.’
The girls had taken all the bars and packets of chocolate and put them on the side table. They arranged them to look like a shop counter. Alex laughed as Sarin ran over to him. Her eyes were big and sparkled.
‘Papa, will it be OK if we gave some of the chocolate to our friends?’
He picked her up. ‘The chocolate is yours to do with what you like.’
She hugged is neck. ‘Thanks.’
‘Just remember they might say no, but you must insist on them taking at least one.’ Alex smiled at Blaze, who gave him a sharp look.
‘Yep, maybe even more.’
‘Do you have many friends now?’
‘We’ve lots, and Summer even made us dinner last night.’
‘Who’s Summer?
‘One of our new friends,’
‘Is she a good cook?’
Sarin grinned. ‘She’s the best, we had a lovely roast dinner, and after we had a wonderful yummy chocolate cake.’
Alex’s stomach rumbled, and realised he was hungry. ‘That sounds nice.’
‘It was,’ said Adhara. ‘How did you know we love chocolate?’
‘I had an idea, but you haven’t had any yet.’
‘We like eating it while watching a movie.’
‘You like films?’
‘We love ‘em,’ said Adhara. ‘Claire gave us some last night, and we gonna watch one
later.’
‘Claire is another friend I take it.’
‘Yep, we’ve lots now,’ said Sarin, still in his arms.
He looked into her eyes. ‘I want to know something about your past,’ he whispered to her.
‘We don’t like talking about it . . . it makes us sad.’
Alex could see in her little face how much it hurt, he hugged her even tighter. ‘It’s OK, sweetheart, I just want to know about the good times.’
‘The only good times were when you came and saved us, since then it’s all been good, like today and our presents.’
‘You’ll get many more presents, but what about days out and holidays?’ Alex somehow knew the answer, but had to ask.
Sarin frowned. ‘Don’t remember having any.’
‘What about the cinema? You like films.’
‘Nope, never been to one, only seen films since we been here.’
‘OK, I’ll take you tomorrow,’ he said, and suddenly had two excited little girls in his arms.
Sarin’s eyes grew even bigger. ‘Really . . . ?’
Adhara beamed. ‘What we gonna watch?’
‘That’s up to you two, go and ask your auntie if she has a local newspaper.’ He put them down, and they ran over to Blaze who had already picked up what they wanted and opened it to the cinema listings page.
Asima stepped into the room and George approached her, she was tall and slim with braids.
‘I just need some of your details,’ the solicitor said to her.
‘What for?’ she said, and Alex felt fear in her voice.
‘I’ve taken the liberty in adding you to our list of employees.’
‘Why would you do that?’ said Asima.
She sounded edgy, Alex thought as an idea came to him, but wasn’t sure what it meant.
‘So we can pay you,’ said George.
‘What for? I’m not from here and don’t do anything.’
When she said it, Alex understood. George, it’s me. He sent a thought to the solicitor as he did with the wolves or House.
Do we have a problem?
Maybe, I believe Asima is illegal in this country, can you sort it? I’m going to need her.
Vesta Mansion: Book One - The Power Inside Page 6