‘You depressing,’ Fecker said, pulling an apple from his coat and biting it in half.
‘No, Andrej,’ Archer admonished kindly. ‘Tom is right to point out the negative. It would be too easy for us to become so enthusiastic with our schemes that we fail to see other options. We are dealing with a clever man but an insane one. Who knows what action he will take? He could, for all we know, have left the country directly after sending the postcard and already be on his way to my brother. However, we must assume not, and do what we can.’
‘Basically, James said, ‘we don’t know what he’s going to do. Only that, for want of a better word, he invited Archer to Ebb Bay Castle sometime tomorrow.’
‘True,’ Archer said. ‘And I am willing to hear all voices. Go on, James.’
‘Right, so…’ He returned to the map. ‘The meeting place is here, his getaway is here, and between them are serval hours hard riding either across country or by road. That’s risky, I reckoned, so I looked for another escape route, and that is right there.’
He planted his pencil, and Thomas leant in to look.
‘Highcliffe?’ What has that to do with anything?’ He looked at Archer for a reply, but James answered.
‘Highcliffe Halt,’ he said and turned to his timetable. ‘It’s on a branch line from Haverpool, and a freight train passes there at twelve-twenty every morning on its run south.’
‘So?’
‘Its next stop is Kingston docks where his boat will be waiting to sail.’
‘The we should put someone on alert at the docks,’ Thomas reasoned. ‘I’ve been saying it all along.’
‘No,’ James corrected him, bringing a scowl to the butler’s face. ‘Sorry, Tom, but as we know, this must be kept between ourselves.’
‘Then you go and wait at the docks while we do the men’s work.’
‘Thomas,’ Archer snapped. ‘You being sceptical suits our purpose, but you being sarcastic doesn’t.’
Thomas said nothing, but withdrew deeper into his sulk.
The more James tried to help the viscount, the more he alienated Thomas. He couldn’t win and wondered if it was best to accept that Thomas was no longer interested in his affections. It was the last thing he wanted, and the thought left him cold.
He drew another paper from his bag.
‘This is the speed information Archer acquired from the station master,’ he explained. ‘On its way to the docks, the freight train crosses the moors close to Ebb Bay. Quill could reach it easily and board it at Highcliffe Halt. It slows to…’ He checked the specification. ‘Five miles an hour, not much faster than walking speed. It’s quite possible to climb on before it picks up again and reaches… Well, stupidly fast speeds as it travels downhill towards Kingston.’
‘Yeah, I get that,’ Silas said. ‘He’s got a way to escape, but what’s your point and why are only three of us at the castle?’
‘Because,’ James continued. ‘The train then passes through this junction.’ He showed them the symbols on the map. ‘Here, the up-line from Haverpool splits, the train either continuing to the docks some miles away or here to this siding. It’s a dead end. Well, it’s a depot where they turn the engine and shunt the cars backwards to the river.’
‘And,’ Archer picked up the explanation, ‘if we change the points, the driver will see, stop the train and we’ll have Quill trapped. That is if we haven’t caught him before. It’s a backup, and we have James to thank for it.’
Thomas was not impressed at the way Archer praised the footman and crossed his arms as he sat back. Fecker and Silas were more appreciative and declared it a good idea.
‘Which,’ Archer said. ‘I think sets us up, and we now know what we are doing. Andrej, James and I will go on to the castle, while Thomas and Silas make their way to the signal junction. When you see the train approaching, switch the points. If Quill is on it, it will be up to you to fall on him. Thomas, thanks to his country upbringing, has experience with the shotgun.’
‘My place is with you,’ Thomas complained. ‘Why can’t James change the points? Silas, you want to be at Archer’s side, don’t you?’
‘I do, Tommy,’ Silas said. ‘But I can see his logic.’
‘Which is what?’
‘Tom,’ Archer said, placing a hand on the man’s arm. ‘It’s not because I do not appreciate you. You played your part last time and with great valour, but it’s a question of skills.’
‘Are you saying I can’t fight? Or I’m not willing to put my life before yours?’
‘Not at all. It’s simply a case of who is good at what. Fecker, James and I all ride…’
‘So can I.’
‘Yes, but Silas can’t. If this turns into a cross-country chase on horseback, I need my strongest riders. Meanwhile, from the castle to the junction is only a couple of miles. Silas can ride there with you at a slower, safer pace in good time for the train should he seek escape that way. Also, sorry about this, Silas, but you are not quite as physical, and your strengths lie elsewhere.’
‘Yeah, well that’s ’cos of being homeless and starving for the past four years,’ Silas agreed, appearing not to mind being called weak.
‘But together, you and Tom will be strong enough to pull a signal lever. Also, Tom, you might need to break into the signal box, something Silas could probably do in his sleep.’
‘Well,’ Silas laughed. ‘Never done a signal box before, but locks generally ain’t no problem.’
‘And finally, Tom, and again, no disrespect to Silas, you have a level head. You can keep an eye on him.’
‘Like a nanny in the nursery?’ Thomas was not impressed.
‘No, as my trusted first officer,’ Archer said, through gritted teeth. ‘I am asking you to take care of the man I love, and if you are with him, I will not be worried. You do understand?’
‘We’re a team, Tommy,’ Silas said. ‘I don’t mind being called weak, or having a nanny if it’s right for Archer’s plan. I’m happy to do anything to get rid of Quill, as is Fecks, yeah?’
‘Da.’
‘And as am I,’ James said. ‘And do you want to know why, Tom?’
‘Not particularly.’
James’ anger was rising at an equal rate to Thomas’ belligerence. ‘Well. I’ll tell you anyway.’ The words came from below as if spat from a bubbling cauldron. ‘Because, I know how much you think of that man.’ He pointed to Archer. ‘I know how much you care about him and I get why. But, I’m here ’cos of you, Tom. I’ll do whatever Archer says is best, so that no harm comes to him, ’cos I couldn’t bear for you to lose him.’
‘Very righteous.’
‘Thomas, please.’
‘No, Archer,’ Thomas’ face was ugly with anger. ‘I should be with you. I know you, he doesn’t. He can’t read your thoughts like I can. He doesn’t know what you’re likely to do. How can you trust someone who lies to you?’
‘I haven’t lied.’
‘You led me on.’ Raging, he mocked James’ voice. ‘I have to think about this, Tommy, you said. Give me time. Aye, time to wheedle your way into his house, so you could spy on us.’
‘This ain’t helping,’ Silas barked.
‘When what you were really doing was using me so you could make a little money.’
‘It wasn’t like that,’ James pleaded. ‘Honest.’ His anger was crumbling into loss. ‘I knew it from the second I first saw you.’
‘Knew what? That I was an easy way into Archer’s life?’
‘No. Saw that I fucking loved you, Payne. And if you can’t get that through your thick head, then shut your mouth and do what your boss tells you, right?’
James kicked himself away from the table and let free a growl of frustration. He stomped away and threw himself into a window seat.
&nbs
p; ‘Hm,’ Fecker grunted, unimpressed. ‘Wake me when you’ve finished.’ He rested his legs on the facing seat, pulled down his cap and closed his eyes.
Twenty-One
He had been dreaming about telegrams, standing on a high bridge spanning a wide river with his house behind him and a castle ahead. The bridge, for all its strength, was swaying. There was no wind, just an uneven back and forth motion catching him on the wrong foot as he tried to approach the castle. The closer he came, the further it withdrew, and it vanished completely when he woke with a start.
Silas was standing over him, shaking his leg. ‘We’re nearly there,’ he said. ‘It’s just on five.’
James’ eyes stung, he was groggy, and his face was clammy with sweat. The carriage lights had been dimmed, but despite the gloom, the others were collecting their bags, talking in whispers. The bench he had been lying on had left him with a crick in his neck, and he rolled his shoulders to free it. He had been asleep for six hours and had not had time to talk to Thomas.
The man was at the far end of the carriage, leaning from the window. He clicked his fingers to attract attention and pointed ahead.
Understanding, James gathered his things along with his wits, making sure he had all the notes and maps as the train slowed with a grate of metal on metal and several loud screeches.
‘It has been doing that at every stop,’ Archer said in hushed tones. ‘I’m surprised you were able to sleep.’
‘Sorry,’ James replied, aware that his mouth was dry, and his breath probably stank.
‘It’s alright,’ Archer reassured him. ‘We took turns staying awake, so we didn’t sleep past the stop. I couldn’t bring myself to disturb you.’
‘You should have.’
‘And I was going to, but Thomas volunteered to take your watch.’ The viscount leant closer. ‘It’s a start.’
‘Only two men about,’ Thomas said, closing the window. ‘We’ll need the lamps once the train has pulled away.’
The carriage jolted, and with a steamy hiss of relief, the train came to a halt.
The distance from the footplate to the ground was a fair one. Fecker jumped first and then helped the others, lifting James as if he weighed nothing. He was shocked at the change in temperature as an icy wind blasted the last of his drowsiness into the night. They hurried from the tracks, concealing themselves behind a brick building until the two workmen were too busy with a water pipe at the engine to notice.
Putting on gloves, and pulling their dark clothing tightly about them, they waited for Archer’s signal, and on his silent order, followed him, keeping low. The moon, not quite full, afforded them a silvery light when passing clouds allowed, and once free from the depot and descending a hill, they were sheltered from the wind.
The engine built up steam behind them, its whistle sounded, and the heave-pull-clunk of its wheels gathered tempo, slowly fading to an eerie silence as it continued its journey. Archer stopped to light torch-lamps and examine the map. He looked to the sky, found his bearings and said, ‘East is that way. If we take a direct line we should come to the back of Inglestone before dawn. Tread carefully.’
He led them into the night with Thomas at his side and Fecker bringing up the rear. James walked with Silas.
‘You alright, mate?’ Silas asked.
‘Yes, thanks. Are you?’
‘Doing my best,’ Silas replied.
James hadn’t had the opportunity to get to know the viscount’s lover. With two hours walking head, now seemed like a good time. ‘I heard you say something about being homeless?’ he said.
‘That’s right. I was on the streets in the East End until a couple of weeks ago. Same as Fecks.’
‘He’s your mate, right?’
‘The best. You had to have good mates around you.’
‘And you were caught up in Quill’s business?’
‘His murdering of renters? Yeah, we put a stop to that. I hope.’
‘You were lucky to escape. Because of what you used to do.’
‘Had no other choice, Jimmy.’ Silas was unbothered by the topic. ‘Came easy to me, but Fecker only did it when he needed to. He prefers women, see?’
‘I get it. It must have been hard on the streets.’ James couldn’t imagine a life without the comfort of a home.
‘You get used it. It’s fecking freezing out here.’
They walked a little way without speaking until Silas moved close enough for their clothing to rub at the shoulders.
‘What’s going on with you and Tommy?’ he whispered.
‘Nothing.’
‘Ah, mate, we can all see the change in him. I can’t work out if that’s ’cos of you or Archie.’
‘Eh?’
Silas lifted his lantern to his face where it threw shadows beneath his eyebrows, but caught in his eyes, turning their deep blue to flickers of yellow. Even with a letter-box view of his face between his scarf and his hat, James could see he was smiling.
‘Tom’s a bit of a man’s man,’ he said. ‘In love with his master.’
James’ heart hit his boots, and he stumbled on a tuft of grass. ‘Is he?’
‘You must have seen it.’ Silas spoke directly into his ear, his words barely reaching it before they were taken away by a gust. ‘I saw it straight off, but it ain’t what you think.’
‘What do I think?’
‘That Tom’s not interested in you, ’cos he thinks old Tripp put you up to it. Fancying him, I mean.’
‘It’s not like that.’
James had explained this to Archer and now to Silas, who appeared to know already, but he was unable to get the message through to the one who needed to hear it the most.
‘Yeah, I can see that.’ His companion’s words were reassuring. ‘Here’s the thing, Jimmy, if you don’t mind me saying. I’ve only known them a short time, but they’re both easy to read. I got a skill at mimicking people, see, came in useful in my old job, and you learn to read men when you do work like that. Those two are in love with each other.’
If James’ hopes were dashed any further, they would be nothing but pulp on the moorland.
‘But…’ This kind of thought was not easy to express. James wasn’t used to being able to speak so freely. ‘You and Archer are together, aren’t you? Like a couple.’
‘Oh, we are, mate,’ Silas replied. ‘I don’t mean love like that. They’re two best mates, only there’s always been this sexual thing, so Archie says. I don’t get jealous, so it’s not a problem for me, but if you want to win Tommy back, you’re going to have to accept it as well.’
‘I can accept that they are friends despite their stations in life,’ James said. ‘I’ve never had anyone that close, so I can’t comment on the other stuff.’
‘The sex stuff?’
‘Yeah. I don’t have your… experience. Not with people so honest, nor with other men. Only person I’ve told I love is my mum. Oh, and me sister once, but that’s only ’cos I thought she was dying.’
‘Ah, sisters,’ Silas sighed, but James didn’t understand what he meant. There was no time to ask, Silas continued. ‘You don’t have to worry about that side of things with those two. Archer would never let it happen. You know what it’s like. If you want something, but can’t have it, it makes you want it more? Same with them.’
‘But if Thomas feels that way, what hope is there for me?’ The words were coming more easily due to Silas’ openness.
‘You’ve got more than hope on your side, Jimmy,’ Silas said, and nudged him. ‘Tommy fancies you rotten if you ask me. What he’s having trouble with is accepting it. I bet he feels disloyal to Archie even though he’s never going to have him.’
‘He was fine until I admitted Tripp had paid me to seduce him.’ That was the crux of the
problem, surely? Thomas no longer trusted him.
‘That’s his excuse for his behaviour,’ the Irishman said. His breath puffed before his face and was whipped away into the night. ‘All Tommy needs is time and your understanding. You willing to give him time?’
‘If it’s the only way I can prove what I feel, yeah.’
‘Good lad.’ Silas’ arm was suddenly around James’ shoulder. It rested lightly, but the man’s fingers held him tightly enough for the gesture to be a friendly hug. James didn’t object. Although Silas was shorter and lighter, his presence gave James strength.
‘Any idea how long I’ll have to wait?’ he asked.
‘Oh, come off it, mate,’ Silas laughed. ‘I ain’t got all the answers. Now, watch where you’re walking, and don’t you worry about Thomas. Okay?’
‘Thank you, Mr Wright.’
‘And you can feck off with that Mr Wright stuff and all,’ Silas said. ‘We’re mates.’
That was the end of that discussion and little more was said as they trudged cautiously across the moor. Where the ground rose, so did the wind, blowing in off the North Sea. It cut through James’ overcoat and threatened to rob him of his hat. Silas tightened the scarf around his face and James copied. It warmed his skin a little, but the chill troubled his eyes making them water and, perversely, he sweated beneath his clothes while his flesh stung as if he was being pinched by an icy demon.
The ground was springy beneath his feet one moment, and then rocky the next. The smell of heather scented the air when the gusts died, and the only sounds were footfall and the rustle of clothing.
After an hour’s silent walking, they rested to eat what Thomas had provided, and Archer took another reading of their position from the stars. James was impressed. His father had tried to explain navigation to him, using the night sky over Riverside, but he had never been able to understand the method. He wondered what his dad would make of what he was doing now and his new position working for a viscount who thought nothing of chasing down a killer.
Twisted Tracks (The Clearwater Mysteries Book 2) Page 24