Brett and Andrew were in David’s office standing in front of his desk as David read from a sheet of paper. He finished reading then took off his glasses and looked up at them.
‘Today’s not been a good day for us has it?’ he asked them.
‘I got him though. Told you to leave it to me,’ Brett said, jutting out his jaw.
‘Two of our men died today. There is another that will probably be dead by morning, and three others with bad injuries. That’s not even including you two!’ David said angrily. ‘But you got him. Well done.’
‘Thanks Dave,’ Brett said, smiling and completely missing the sarcasm.
‘Ok Brett,’ David sighed deeply. ‘Why don’t you go and get yourself cleaned up. Get some food and have a drink. We can speak again in the morning.’
‘Brilliant Dave.’ Brett gave Andrew a boastful look then walked from the office with his chest puffed out.
David looked at Andrew and shook his head. ‘Oh it’s not your fault Andrew,’ David told him before he could speak. ‘The plan was mine and I underestimated the situation. Brett is just too unpredictable. Whatever made me think using him was a good idea?’ He sat back, pulled open a drawer in his desk and took out a bottle of whiskey. A couple of glasses followed, which he placed on the desk before him.
‘Things were obviously very difficult at the beginning,’ Andrew said, looking at the whiskey.
‘It was, and Brett really was helping me a lot. It was a crazy time. Everybody was just looking out for themselves and there were fights breaking out all the time.’ He rubbed at his eyes. ‘By the time you joined us things had changed quite a lot.’
‘I have misunderstood you David and I’m sorry about that. You do actually seem to care about this community.’
‘I do care very much. We have to make this work. What are the alternatives?’
Andrew shook his head. ‘I really don’t know,’ he admitted.
‘Oh well.’ David leant forward to pour whiskey into the glasses. ‘Drink?’ he asked.
Andrew sat down and nodded, then winced as his neck spasmed again.
‘That hurts, I’ll have to remember to stop doing that,’ he said, watching David pouring the whiskey. He leant forward and picked up the nearly full glass then held it up. He raised his eyebrows. ‘So it’s that kind of drink eh?’
‘I think we are going to need it!’ David said, putting the bottle down and picking up his glass.
Chapter twenty two
Nick had lost all sense of time. He knew that he had passed out at least three times and awoke each time to complete unchanging darkness. He was extremely thirsty now and his head was pounding like a drum. It could have been hours or days since he had first woke here. There was no way to tell. He pulled once again at the ropes tying him to the bed but there was still no give in them. He had been tied expertly and his hands and feet were completely numb. Stubborn pride had stopped him from calling out to anyone so far but he knew that he would have to now or he could die of thirst in this cold dark place.
‘Hey,’ he tried to shout. All that came out was a croaking wheeze. His throat was too dry. He coughed then tried again. ‘Hey,’ he managed to say this time. ‘Is there anyone here?’ He asked a little louder, then listened for a while as he tried to work some moisture into his throat. He could hear nothing. A small part of him began to despair. Maybe they just intended for him to die here. He was cold so he figured that he must be underground, probably in a basement of some kind. Claustrophobia struck him suddenly and he began to thrash around, pulling at the ropes. He felt the bed move under him but achieved nothing else. He calmed himself with some effort. Panic would not help here. He took some long and slow deep breaths and then began to rock up and down on the bed. He was thinking that he might be able to break the base away from the head board. The bed was solid though, and all he did was make his head ache worse and make himself feel sick. He lay still for a while waiting for the nausea to settle, then he heard the footsteps.
Beth’s sixth day since they had left their house started very early. She had hardly slept at all as her mind kept jumping from one nightmare problem to another. She rubbed at her eyes and looked around at the others. They were all still fast asleep. She stood up slowly and quietly then went over to the window to look out on the ghost town of Bournemouth. The weather had completely changed overnight. The sky was full of dark black clouds. It didn’t help her depressed mood very much. Where was Nick? She wondered. Her tired mind couldn’t decide what to do now. They had no food or water left. So they would have to do something about that first she supposed. She stretched her back and groaned. Yes, food and water. She would concentrate on one thing at a time.
David Dean hadn’t slept well either and he was up before the sun wishing that he hadn’t drunk so much of the whiskey last night after Andrew had left. He rubbed at his eyes and tried to come up with a solution to his problems. He knew that Brett had brought Nick back last night for a reason. Otherwise he would have just killed him out there where he’d found him. He would no doubt be thinking of arranging something special. He would want to show everybody how tough he was to retrieve his reputation. David could guess what that would be. Some kind of rigged fight, where he thrashes Nick in front of everyone, erasing any thoughts that anyone could beat him. David knew that this would lead to disaster but there was nothing he could do to stop that now. The whole community was aware that this Nick had been brought in last night, and most of them would believe the stupid story that he’d made up.
If only this Nick had been as tough as he had seemed yesterday after the events at the pier. With that in mind David decided that he would pay Nick a visit right now. Before anyone else had the chance to.
The footsteps were coming closer. Nick gave the ropes another pull but nothing gave so he laid back, closed his eyes and calmed himself. Maybe if they thought he was still unconscious they would untie him. He could then possibly fight his way out.
The light came on in the room and then keys rattled in the door. He felt a rush of warmer air as someone entered then he heard the door close again.
‘For some reason I thought you would be bigger.’
Nick heard the cultured tones of the voice and was surprised. He had been expecting Brett.
‘I don’t believe that you are asleep Nick so you may as well open your eyes.’
Nick did so and was surprised again. This man looked like he had just stepped right out of the past. He was immaculately dressed in a dark grey suit and he was even wearing a white shirt and a tie.
‘Hello Nick,’ the man said.
Nick noticed that he kept himself well out of reach. ‘Hi,’ he rasped back. ‘Can you get me some water?’
‘Soon Nick. I’m sorry it has come to this. You shouldn’t be here tied up like this.’
‘You don’t say.’ Nick pulled on the ropes. ‘Just untie me then and I’ll be on my way.’
‘Well at least you still have your sense of humour.’
‘Yeah, it’s just the no sense of feeling in my hands and feet that’s bothering me. Nick stared at this strange man creature from the past. ‘Just what is going on here mister suit man? Why did you attack us and why am I locked up?’
‘Oh that’s a long story and I’m afraid and I don’t have much time.’
‘Why not?’ Nick wheezed. His throat was getting drier as he spoke and his head was pounding.
‘Let’s just say that it would not look too good if I was found down here with you.’
‘Just get me some water before you go then please.’
‘I promise that I will arrange for some to be brought down to you after I have left,’ David told him. ‘I just need to know something.’
‘And what's that?’
‘Do you believe that you could beat our Brett in a fair fight?’
That was the last thing that Nick had expected to hear from this strange man.
‘Ahh,’ Nick tried to laugh but his throat was too dry. ‘What would you li
ke to hear suit man?’ he croaked.
‘I would like to hear you say yes,’ David told him, folding his hands together nervously.
‘Then fuck yes!’ Nick glared at him. If you get me a drink of water and untie me I’ll fucking kill him for you right now!’
‘I am afraid that I can't do that.’ David shook his head slowly. ‘It would have to be a fair fight with the community watching.’
‘Oh this just keeps getting crazier. What type of shit have you got going on here?’
‘Like I told you, it’s a long story.’ David was studying him intently. He unfolded his hands and put his right hand into his jacket pocket, touching the knife that he had hidden there ‘I really do need to know if you are confident that you can beat him. I have obviously heard about the way you handled Brett’s team at the pier yesterday, but after that he did manage to beat you on his own last night. How did that happen?’
Nick lifted his aching head as far as he could and studied the strange man back for a few seconds before answering him.
‘It’s ironic really,’ Nick said, frowning. ‘I underestimated him.’ He then lay back. ‘I can beat him,’ he said quietly, putting as much confidence into his voice as he could manage while lying there tied to a bed and feeling sick.
‘Good,’ David said. ‘I’m so glad that you said that Nick, and I think I believe you.’ David removed his hand from his pocket. ‘I’ll have some food and water sent down to you and I’ll see if I can arrange for some better accommodation.’ With that he turned and opened the door. ‘You had better prepare yourself though Nick,’ he said over his shoulder. ‘Everything depends on you beating him.’ David then left, closing the door quietly and locking it once again.
While she was waiting for the others to wake up, Beth wandered around the wrecked shop looking for some new clothes to change into. She felt crap. She was dirty and tired, and the weather was crap as well. It was actually feeling quite cold today. After searching around she found some thick black leggings, a black sweatshirt and a nice black fleece body warmer. She kept her flat soled, knee high black boots. They were worn in and comfortable. The last thing she wanted right now was blisters on her feet adding to her misery. There was no water so she was unable to wash, but the change of clothes made her feel a little better and more able to face the day. After brushing her hair and tying it back into a pony tail she went to wake the others.
Kay was asking about breakfast as usual and she was sulky because they had no food. She was always hungry, Beth thought smiling slightly to herself. It really did seem that nothing the world could do would change that girl.
Sammy was always moody in the mornings and she was sitting there now scowling at everyone. Beth shook her head. She didn’t think that one would ever change either.
Dan woke up slowly and looked around. Beth knew that he was hoping to see that Nick had come back during the night. He hung his head when he realised that he hadn’t and then he remained quiet.
The movement around him finally woke Bill and he groaned. He was hurting from head to toe and he felt like he’d been run over by a bus. He also had a quick look around for Nick. When he didn’t see him his face became thoughtful. ‘So he didn’t come back then?’ He looked up at Beth.
‘No,’ she answered. Studying him and shaking her head slowly. ‘How are you feeling today?’
‘What you mean is can I take Nicks place now.’
‘Something must have happened to him or he would be back by now,’ Beth said, turning her face away.’
‘He could have just run out on us?’
Beth knew that Bill didn’t really believe that. ‘I don’t think so,’ she said.
Bill slowly stood up and tested his body. He groaned a little then said, ‘doesn’t seem to hurt so much today. I must be getting used to it.’
Beth smiled at him. She knew that that was Bill’s way of saying that he would do his best for them. She turned to watch Dan stand up. He looked so dejected.
‘Come on Dan, cheer up. We’ll find him. I think he must have gone back to the hotel to get his pack. It seemed important to him,’ she told him.
‘Can we go and look for him then?’ he asked her with hope on his face.
‘Yes we will do that, but first we need to find some water.’
‘And some food!’ Kay added.
Chapter twenty three
David made his way back to his suite and sat behind his desk. He was thinking hard. He had just one chance to get everything back on track. If Nick could beat Brett in front of the community then Brett’s reputation would be finished. He would then cease to be a threat to the community. He knew that he should have thought of another way to control the people at the beginning, but what is done cannot be undone, he thought. All that matters is what I do next.
He would have to ensure that Nick got a fair chance. This would entail getting him out of the basement and into a room. He would need food, water and rest before he had to face Brett. Ok, he thought, first things first. He needed to speak to Brett. He stood up, went out of his room and stopped the first person he found. He realised that he didn’t even know the man’s name. That would have to change. He decided then that he would try to learn the names of everyone in the community.
‘Hello,’ he said. ‘How are you this morning?’
The young man stopped. He was carrying a breakfast tray. It held bread, a small pot of red jam and a jug of water. David realised that it was his own breakfast being delivered to his room.
‘I’m fine thank you sir,’ the young man said looking confused. ‘I’m sorry sir. Am I late?’
‘No-no! Certainly not,’ David smiled at the man.
‘It’s just that you are not normally up at this time sir.’
The man looked flustered and David straightened himself up. He realised that he was acting out of character this morning.
‘No. You are completely right young man. I have some things to attend to. Please bring that in.’ David walked back to his door with the young man following behind him. He opened the door. ‘Please place that on the desk for me. Your name is…’
‘Peter sir,’ the young man said, looking confused as he placed the tray on David’s desk.
‘Yes. Peter. I knew it would come to me. Well thank you Peter. Now could you go and find Brett for me and let him know that I would like to speak to him as soon as possible.’
‘Yes sir.’ As the man left the room David sat back down at his desk and poured himself a glass of water.
By the time Brett arrived David had finished his breakfast and he was standing looking out of his window. The good weather seemed to have left them and the sea was a dark grey reflection of the cloudy sky. It made him think about the coming winter. They would have to make sure that they were prepared for that. He hadn’t even thought about it yet. So much to do, so much to think about.
Brett knocked then opened the door without waiting. David didn’t say anything though as Brett came in and then sat down in the chair before his desk. He just turned around and sat down himself.
‘What’s up Dave?’ Brett asked. David noticed that he was looking very smug this morning, and also very healthy. Which was unfortunate.
‘Thank you for coming so quickly Brett. How is your head?’
‘No problems there Dave. Hard as nails me. You know that. I’ve had a lot worse than that I can tell you.’
‘Yes, I’m sure that you probably could.’ David leant forward. ‘We need to decide what to do about that fellow you brought in last night..’ He paused as if he was trying to think of his name. ‘Yes that Mick fellow,’ he finished, smiling.’
‘His name’s Nick Dave.’
‘Yes of course it is. Nick, that’s his name. What about the others who were with him? I suppose you’ll be out looking for them today.’
‘Nah. Let someone else do some work for a change.’
David smiled at that. He doubted that Brett had ever done a proper day’s work in his life.
Bre
tt misunderstood the smile of course. ‘You know what I mean Dave don’t yah? They’re all lazy bastards here. It’s time we came down on them a bit ‘arder don’t ya’ think?’
‘Yes you’re right Brett. So you will not be going out today then?’
‘No. Gonna have a rest today. Got to get ready. I’m gonna have a little fight with Old Nick.’
‘Oh so that’s why you brought him back here. I did wonder.’
‘Yeah! Some of the people here are saying that this Nick is ‘arder than me. Talking about it they are. About how he beat my whole team. I gotta show them Dave. You know what I mean?
‘Of course, of course.’ David was thinking hard. He had been hoping that Brett would want to go out to find the others. Now he had to change his plans again. ‘What about this Nick fellow then.’
‘What about him?’
‘Well you are going to be resting up today, and rightly so. You will need all of your strength for your upcoming fight with the famous Nick.’
‘He aint that famous Dave,’ Brett said frowning.
‘Oh but he is. It is as you said. The whole community thinks he beat you. That he has actually already beat you along with all of your team. He is very famous right at this moment. The community will be very interested in him and they will want to know all about him.’ David paused again for effect. ‘Yes everything about him, I would assume. Even about where he is being kept and how he is being treated.’ David looked Brett right in the eyes. ‘They would be expecting a fair fight Brett and we wouldn’t want them to think that you only beat him because he was in a weakened state. Say due to being tied up and starved or something. That would throw doubt in their minds. It could possibly ruin your victory.’
‘Fuckin’ hell Dave! You’re a fuckin’ sharp one. I never thought of that.’ Brett stood up suddenly. ‘The little bastard’s not gonna ruin my fuckin’ rep anymore!’ He clenched his huge fists.
New World: Nick Smith Book one (Nick Smith Series 1) Page 15