Bed of Ice

by Sk Quinn

  ‘As far as I’m concerned, it was always too great a risk,’ says Patrick. ‘Even with Grey there. I’m glad you ran away. The thought of what might have happened if anything had gone wrong …’

  ‘Wait a minute.’ Wila shakes her head. ‘That man outside wanted to kidnap you?’

  ‘He had no choice, Wila,’ I say, understanding a little more now. ‘Or at least, he thought he didn’t.’ I turn to Patrick. ‘So you still trust him?’

  ‘With my life. His plan was never to let you come to harm.’

  ‘Oh god.’ I slap a hand to my forehead. ‘I’m such an idiot. If only I’d have gone along with it.’

  ‘No. It wasn’t the right way. Now I know what’s going on … we’ll get Bertie and Anise back. I swear it to you.’

  My stomach softens a little. Because as horrible and hopeless as this situation sounds, there’s one thing I know for certain.

  Patrick doesn’t lie.

  93

  ‘So what do we do now?’ I ask.

  ‘You won’t be doing anything,’ says Patrick.

  ‘Yes I will,’ I say, putting my hands on my hips. ‘They have Bertie.’

  ‘I forgot about that tiger that gets inside you sometimes.’

  ‘The tiger is always there. Especially when it comes to my children …’

  ‘Seraphina—’

  ‘There’s no point arguing Patrick. If you don’t let me help you, I’ll just go looking for Bertie on my own.’

  ‘No.’

  ‘Then let me help you.’

  ‘You’re impossible. Do you know that?’

  ‘Yes. You’ve told me before.’

  ‘Fine. If this is how it has to be …’

  ‘So what now?’ I ask.

  ‘There’s someone we need to see.’

  ‘Who?’

  ‘Grandmother.’

  ‘Whose grandmother?’ Wila asks, her eyes all big and confused.

  ‘Patrick’s grandmother lives here,’ I explain to Wila. ‘Her name is May Mansfield. But … it’s sort of a secret.’

  ‘Huh?’ Wila blinks.

  ‘No one’s supposed to know she’s here,’ I say. ‘She faked her own death. A few years ago. So her son Dirk could inherit some money.’

  ‘I don’t get it,’ says Wila.

  ‘I know the feeling,’ I say.

  Patrick clears his throat. ‘My grandfather, May’s husband, made a very clever will. He made sure my father couldn’t get any money out of my grandmother. Until she died. But then my father gambled a lot of money away. He was on the verge of bankruptcy. So … my grandmother, saint that she is, decided to fake her own death. And my father, scoundrel that he is, made a secret home for her here at the castle.’

  ‘Uh huh,’ says Wila, nodding slowly. ‘Weird.’

  ‘That’s my family,’ says Patrick.

  ‘Why are we going to see May?’ I ask.

  ‘Grandmother knows my father extremely well.’

  ‘I wish someone would tell me what’s going on,’ says Wila, her big blue eyes wider than ever.

  Patrick crouches down and puts a gentle hand on Wila’s shoulder. ‘Me and big sis are going to see my grandmother now. Okay? But I think it’s better if we put you up in one of the guest rooms while we get everything sorted out. I’ll have a meal sent up for you and some movies.’

  ‘I don’t really feel like eating,’ says Wila.

  ‘Even so,’ says Patrick. ‘You can rest. Have a sleep. Just relax.’

  ‘Pheeny?’ Wila looks a little confused.

  ‘It’s okay Lala. Patrick’s right. It’s a good idea. Just while we get everything sorted.’

  I sound more confident than I feel. Inside everything is churning.

  We have to find Bertie. We have to.

  94

  When Patrick and I reach May Mansfield’s room, the door is slightly open.

  I hear talking – female voices.

  I feel afraid for a moment. But when I look at Patrick he’s not tense or on guard. So I suppose he’s expecting someone else to be up here.

  ‘Hello,’ Patrick calls.

  May’s crackly old voice floats out into the hallway. ‘Patrick?’

  ‘It’s me.’

  ‘Who’s that with you?’ May asks. ‘Seraphina?’

  ‘Yes, Seraphina’s with me,’ says Patrick, pushing the door open.

  May’s sitting up in bed. She has a pair of narrow reading glasses on her nose.

  There are papers, photos and newspaper clippings scattered all over the duvet and floor.

  Beside May is someone I absolutely don’t want to see.

  Zara.

  She’s lounging on the duvet, propped on her elbow. Her black curls tumble over her tanned shoulders and her chest pushes against a tight dress.

  ‘Well, well. If it isn’t the lovebirds,’ she says, her voice so relaxed it sounds almost drunk. ‘Enchanté. Don’t be frightened. I don’t bite. Much.’ She throws Patrick a wink.

  ‘Make your jokes some other time, Zara,’ says Patrick.

  ‘What’s she doing here?’ I ask.

  ‘I could say likewise about you,’ says Zara.

  ‘Seraphina wanted to come,’ says Patrick. ‘Despite my best attempts to keep her safe and out of the way.’

  ‘Patrick tried to keep you away, did he?’ says May, a twinkle in her eye.

  ‘You could say that.’ I throw a confused glance at Patrick, wondering why Zara is here.

  As usual, he reads my mind.

  ‘Zara can help us,’ he tells me. ‘She knows my father very well – just like Grandmother does.’

  ‘Right.’ I don’t like the idea of Zara being involved in all this, but right now there are more important things to worry about.

  ‘You said Patrick’s new girlfriend was sparky,’ Zara stage whispers to May. ‘She doesn’t seem very sparky to me.’

  ‘Oh Zara dear, stop being a bitch.’ May smiles and catches my eye. ‘If you’re going to whisper, do it properly. Or tell Seraphina to her face. I can tell you in no uncertain terms that Seraphina is sparky. But she cares a great deal for Bertie. She must be very upset right now.’

  ‘She was only his nanny,’ scoffs Zara.

  ‘A good nanny gets attached,’ says May. ‘And lucky she did. Because now we have someone else who can help find Bertie.’

  ‘Why didn’t she try and help before?’ says Zara. ‘When we first found out?’

  ‘She didn’t know,’ barks Patrick. ‘I didn’t tell her.’

  ‘What a great relationship you have,’ says Zara lightly.

  ‘Behave yourself Zara,’ says May.

  ‘I didn’t tell her because I thought she’d do something stupid and dangerous,’ says Patrick. ‘And I wanted to keep her safe. But since then I’ve discovered that Seraphina will do something stupid and dangerous no matter what I say. So it’s best she stays with me. At least that way, I can keep an eye on her.’

  ‘Do we know anything about where Bertie might be?’ I ask. ‘Anything at all?’

  ‘Not yet,’ says May, smoothing down the bedclothes. ‘Only guesses. And we’ve tried out all of them.’ She sighs. ‘I’m truly sorry. For the monster I raised. I never in a million years thought Dirk capable of anything like this. To kidnap an innocent child …’

  ‘You can’t keep blaming yourself,’ says Patrick. ‘He’s an adult now. He makes his own choices.’

  ‘Even from behind bars it seems,’ says May.

  Patrick nods. ‘I underestimated my father. He’s a powerful man. I should never forget that.’

  ‘He’s that all right,’ says May. ‘What a shame he doesn’t use his power for good. Zara and I have been talking. And there are some more places we think you should try.’

  ‘Where?’ Patrick asks.

  ‘Dirk has some very good friends in Dubai. They were around a lot before you were born. And I know he keeps in touch with them. Dirk has shown me some of their business exchanges. In an effort to convince me to give him mone
y.’

  Patrick frowns. ‘Sounds familiar. Who are these people?’

  ‘They buy British cars and sell them to expats in Dubai. They’re not of our cloth, but they’re reasonably wealthy. They own a casino too, I think. In Las Vegas. And a few racehorses here and there.’

  ‘They’re living in Dubai?’

  ‘Last I heard,’ says May.

  ‘Then Bertie and Anise aren’t with them,’ says Patrick. ‘Every airport, public and private, is manned. They haven’t left the UK.’

  ‘But I thought they went to Euro Disney?’ I say.

  ‘They did.’ Patrick’s frown deepens. ‘They were taken when they got back.’

  It’s all too much. The thought of Bertie, taken days ago without me even knowing.

  I feel the vomit shooting up my throat and desperately look around for somewhere to throw up.

  There’s a lovely hand-painted Victorian bowl on May’s dresser. I throw up into it.

  ‘Sorry,’ I murmur.

  Zara laughs. ‘Well, Patrick. Interesting to see the sort of girl you’ve finally chosen to bring home …’

  ‘Shut up Zara.’ Patrick puts an arm around my shoulder. ‘Are you okay?’ he asks.

  I nod, leaning into him.

  ‘Here.’ Patrick plucks a tissue from a silver box. He wipes my mouth. ‘We’ll find him. Okay?’

  ‘I just feel so guilty. To think we were out in the woods—’

  Zara raises an eyebrow. ‘So it was you.’

  95

  ‘Was me what?’ I snap.

  ‘The girl the Thorburns saw. The one who stole their fox.’

  ‘It wasn’t their fox,’ I snap.

  ‘Try telling Regan that,’ says Zara. ‘He was about to kill it and you stopped him. That’s like sitting on his cock and then jumping off before the final moment. You stopped his orgasm.’

  May frowns. ‘Zara dear. I know I’m very old, but there are some things—’

  ‘How did you know about the fox?’ I ask Zara.

  ‘Blake told me.’

  ‘You’ve been meeting the Thorburns?’ Patrick thunders.

  Zara shrugs. ‘I’ve always got along with the Thorburns. Even if you haven’t.’ She gives Patrick a wink. ‘And so has Anise. In case you’d forgotten.’

  ‘Careful Zara,’ says Patrick, his voice low.

  Zara laughs. ‘It was a long time ago, Patrick. And Anise—’

  ‘ZARA!’ Patrick slaps a hand on the dresser. ‘We’re moving off the subject.’ He turns to May. ‘What else?’

  May picks up a handful of papers. ‘Nothing worth mentioning yet. But we’ll keep trying.’

  ‘Actually I wasn’t moving off the subject,’ says Zara. ‘Thinking about your little Harper girl stealing the fox has reminded me of something. I might just know where Anise is.’

  96

  ‘You’d better not be playing games,’ Patrick growls.

  ‘Where’s Bertie?’ I ask.

  Zara throws me an infuriating smile. ‘If you’ll excuse me, I’m talking to Patrick.’

  ‘Stop it Zara,’ says Patrick. ‘This isn’t a game.’

  ‘Isn’t it?’ Zara laughs.

  ‘No it fucking isn’t,’ I snap.

  ‘Temper, temper,’ says Zara. ‘Oh … fine. If you’re not going to let me have any fun … it’s just a guess. But it’s a good one. I think Anise and Bertie could be with the Thorburns.’

  ‘No.’ Patrick purses his lips. ‘My father despises Regan Thorburn. There’s no way.’

  ‘Exactly,’ says Zara. ‘So what better place to hide Bertie and Anise?’

  ‘It’s impossible,’ says Patrick. ‘Regan Thorburn is many things, but a kidnapper …’ He shakes his head. ‘No. And he would never help my father.’

  ‘Well that depends on whether he sees it as kidnapping,’ says Zara. ‘Doesn’t it?’

  She and Patrick share a look.

  ‘What?’ I ask. ‘Why are you looking at each other like that?’

  ‘You mean you don’t know?’ Zara says, in a voice that tells me she knows full well I don’t know.

  ‘Know what?’

  ‘Who Bertie’s father is?’

  97

  ‘She doesn’t know,’ says Patrick.

  ‘But I thought you loved her,’ says Zara, in a mock innocent voice. ‘It seems you’ve kept a lot hidden …’

  ‘I do love her. More than words. More than life.’

  ‘Even after she threw up in your grandmother’s antique bowl …’

  ‘I wouldn’t care if she threw up in every antique bowl in the house.’

  ‘What is it about her?’ asks Zara. ‘When we were together, you couldn’t care less. Oh you were a gentleman. No one can take that away from you. But it was always just sex.’

  ‘We were never right for each other,’ says Patrick.

  ‘We were right when it suited you.’

  ‘I was always honest about what I could offer,’ says Patrick. ‘About who I was. I never loved you Zara.’

  Zara sighs. ‘Yes. Yes, okay Patrick. No one’s doubting your precious bloody honesty.’

  ‘Will someone tell me who Bertie’s father is?’ I ask. ‘Is he Regan Thorburn?’

  ‘In a manner of speaking,’ says Patrick.

  ‘What on earth does that mean?’

  ‘It’s complicated,’ says Zara.

  ‘So you don’t know either then?’ I counter.

  Zara smiles. ‘On the contrary, I know about how Bertie came into the world better than anyone.’

  ‘That’s not something to be proud of,’ Patrick roars.

  ‘Oh don’t pretend you’re so uptight,’ says Zara in a sugary voice. ‘We both know you’re not.’

  Patrick stares out of the window.

  ‘Patrick?’ I ask.

  ‘Maybe the Thorburns could be involved in the kidnapping,’ says Patrick. ‘Okay. I’ll pay them a visit.’

  ‘No,’ says Zara, her voice firm. ‘If they do have Bertie and Anise, they’ll be waiting for you. They’ll see you coming and move Anise before you’re within a mile of the place. It’s a bad idea Patrick. The Thorburns may be many things, but they’re not stupid.’

  Patrick runs a hand through his hair. ‘Christ.’

  ‘They might not invite you into their home,’ says Zara. ‘But they will me. If I go alone.’

  ‘There’s no way Zara,’ says Patrick.

  ‘You’d do that?’ I ask. ‘You’d go there alone? To their farm?’

  ‘Don’t sound so surprised,’ says Zara. ‘Anise is my best friend. We’re like sisters. I’d do anything for her.’

  ‘I had no idea the two of you were so close,’ I say.

  ‘We’ve known each other since we were children,’ says Zara, and for once her voice sounds sincere. ‘I love Anise.’

  ‘You’re not going to the Thorburn farm alone,’ says Patrick. ‘And that’s final.’

  ‘So what are you saying?’ says Zara. ‘You and I go together?’ She laughs. ‘Oh hello Regan. I’ve brought Patrick with me. The man you’ve hated for years. Can we come in for tea and biscuits? You’re being silly Patrick. I’ve been going over to the Thorburn farm for years. They like me. And Blake wouldn’t let anyone hurt me.’

  Patrick stalks back and forth. ‘Regan and Riley might have their own ideas. No Zara, it’s too dangerous.’

  I swallow, my mouth tasting of acid. ‘Um … I have an idea.’

  I can’t believe I’m about to say this. ‘If you need a way to get Regan and Riley off the farm while Zara checks it out, I think I have a way.’

  ‘What way?’ Patrick asks.

  I take a deep breath. ‘Dan Dan.’

  98

  ‘Who’s Dan Dan?’ Zara asks.

  ‘The fox cub,’ I say. ‘He’s still around. He’s grown sort of attached.’

  ‘You think a fox cub is going to get you onto the Thorburn farm?’ says Zara. Then understanding sinks in. ‘Oh wait. You mean the fox cub. The one you stole.’

&nb
sp; ‘Regan was pretty desperate to hunt him,’ I say. ‘He was furious when I wouldn’t hand him over.’

  Patrick drums fingers on the dresser and stares out of the window.

  ‘We can bring Dan Dan into the woods,’ I say. ‘Or pretend to. Regan and Riley will come out to hunt him. Zara can go to meet Blake and check out the farm. See if Bertie and Anise are there.’

  Zara puts her hands on her curvy hips. ‘Well. It looks like the stage is set. You get brothers one and two out of the house. And I’ll go see Blake.’

  ‘You’d really do that?’ I say.

  ‘Of course I would,’ says Zara.

  ‘I’m … sort of surprised,’ I admit. So far, all I’ve seen of Zara is a selfish, careless girl who’s chatting up my boyfriend. It’s nice to see there might be more to her. Well. A little more to her …

  Zara laughs. ‘I’m not all bad you know. Patrick will tell you.’

  I grimace. ‘I was almost getting to like you.’

  ‘It’s settled then,’ says Zara. ‘I’ll go round and keep Blake company. Patrick tells Regan and Riley to set off on their fox hunt. And I’ll check all the hidey holes for Anise and Bertie.’

  ‘I still don’t like you going there alone,’ says Patrick.

  ‘Oh relax Patrick. I’ve been to Thorburn farm dozens of times. So has Anise. Nothing’s going to happen to me. It’s the Mansfield men they hate. Not the girls.’

  ‘I’m well aware of that,’ says Patrick.

  ‘Can you think of a better idea?’ says Zara.

  Patrick’s jaw goes firm. ‘No. No I can’t.’

  ‘We’ve had some fun together with the Thorburns. Anise and I …’

  ‘Spare me the details,’ Patrick snaps.

  ‘Fine, fine.’

  ‘Okay. We should find Grey. Tell him what’s going on.’ Patrick looks up at the ceiling. ‘God help us.’

  99

  We find Grey walking back across the grass, Dan Dan following like a little puppy dog.

  Dan Dan does a few little hops when he sees me and comes scampering over.

  I kneel down to stroke him.

  Patrick and Zara tell Grey the plan.

  He’s none too happy.

  ‘Look, it’ll just be Blake in the house and I can handle him,’ Zara insists. ‘We’re just pretending. Okay big boy?’