“So,” the vicar said carefully, “you think this is someone from the village? Someone who knows the boys’ secret?”
“I don’t see how it can be anyone else,” Alexander replied. “There’s no other reason for it to happen—why else would someone murder sheep? And on a full moon, too? It’s not as if they’re doing it randomly and eating the meat. But what I don’t understand is why they’re doing it on the moor. Everyone in this room knows Matthew and Isaac change in the caves and have done for many, many years. Wouldn’t it make more sense, if they’re just trying to cause trouble for the lads, to slaughter sheep outside the caves? That would make it look even more suspect, wouldn’t it?”
Matthew nodded thoughtfully, wondering how to answer Alex’s questions without giving away the fact that between himself, Isaac, and Richard, they’d already come to that conclusion. It was absolutely crucial to tread carefully.
“Thanks, Alex,” he said eventually, nodding in the man’s direction. “As much as I dislike the idea—hate it, even—I think you’re right. For some reason, someone is trying to get Isaac and me into a lot of trouble. They’ve got very close to succeeding, too. I haven’t a clue why that person is doing this to us, and although we’ll have a long, hard think about the why, the who is more important. We need to find out who it is and put a stop to this whole sorry business. So we need more volunteers to head out on the next full moon. The vicar and Alex make two. Who else is in?”
Matthew wasn’t surprised to see Kevin Jones and Dennis Elyot stick their hands in the air. He was, however, astounded when Tom Dunwell, Carl Lamb, and John Rayne joined in. Suppressing his shock, he smiled politely. “Thank you, gentlemen. That’s seven. More than enough for the caves, but we could do with several more for the moor.”
A few more hands went up. Matthew looked over at his brother and the vicar. Both seemed pleased.
Richard said, “Fantastic. That should give us plenty of coverage. In the meantime, we’ll keep investigating and hope all this isn’t necessary, but in case it is, make sure you’re not busy in four weeks’ time. We’ll have another meeting with the volunteers closer the time to nail things down. All right, everyone, that’s a wrap. Thank you so much for your time and cooperation.”
“Yes, thank you,” Isaac said.
“Thank you very much—we really do appreciate it,” Matthew added.
As the villagers started to file out of the church, Matthew and Isaac headed over to their friend.
“Mate,” Matthew said, clapping the vicar on the back, “you’re a genius. A wonderful genius. Thank you.”
Richard shrugged. “I’m just doing what any Christian would do.”
“No,” Isaac said seriously, “you’re not. This is way over the bounds of religion. You truly are a wonderful genius, as my brother says, and an even better friend. It won’t go even a millimetre towards expressing how grateful we are to you, but can we buy you a pint and dinner in the pub?”
The vicar grinned. “You know me—never one to turn down a free drink and a good meal. Though you’ve already fed me once today.”
“Well, we’re feeding you again. Come on.” Matthew gestured for his friend and brother to head out of the building in front of him. At the door, he carefully removed the sign, not wanting to damage the old wood, and closed it behind them.
They made a left out of the church, along one of the paths through the churchyard, past Catherine Mompesson’s tomb and out onto the road. There they made another left and continued towards the pub. They didn’t laugh and joke—the situation was still far too grave for that—but the mood was a little lighter.
Matthew felt much better knowing most of the villagers were behind them again, and he suspected the other two men felt the same. In a place as small, as tight-knit, as Eyam, conflict was easily felt, easily inflamed, and incredibly damaging. So as much as he knew it wasn’t a good idea to get his hopes up all over again, he couldn’t help thinking it was only a matter of four short weeks before the culprit was found and he and his brother were off the hook for good.
There was a pleasant buzz as they stepped into the Miners. It seemed several of the people who’d just been in the church had had the same idea and were busily spending money on drinks and meals. Dennis had gone straight back to work and appeared to be in his element. Matthew tipped him a wink, then quickly strode across the room and nabbed a table before it was too late.
“Right,” he said, when the other two caught him up. “What are we having? Sit down—I’ll go and get these.”
“A pint and a whisky chaser,” Isaac said immediately, drawing surprised glances. Shrugging, he coloured a little. “What? It’s been a tough bloody day. And a long one.”
“I won’t argue with you there. Richard?”
“You know what, I’ll have the same. If it’s good enough for the doctor, it’s good enough for the vicar. Need a hand?”
“Nah, I’m all right. If one of you could grab some menus, though, that would be great.”
He approached the bar and got in the queue, which was comprised of people who’d just left the meeting at the church. When they spotted him, they stepped aside to let him go in front of them. Surprised, Matthew thanked each person, his mind whirring. What’s this all about? A mixture of guilt and support, perhaps. Smiling politely, he decided not to worry about it too much—if it got him a drink sooner, he was all for it.
After finishing with the customer he’d been serving, Dennis turned to him with a smile. “What can I get you, mate?”
“Three pints and three whisky chasers, please. And whatever you’re having.”
Dennis wagged a finger. “Oh no. These are on me, Matthew. Coming right up.” He pulled the pints first and handed them over.
Carefully, Matthew grasped the three glasses, carried them over to the table and plopped them down. Isaac and Richard were already perusing the food menus. “Be right back with them chasers, lads.”
“Good stuff,” Isaac said. “I’m ready for it.”
Thanking his friend and boss heartily, Matthew collected the whiskies and took them back to the table. The others received theirs quickly and gratefully and, as though there had been some silent countdown, the trio knocked the peaty liquid back in one.
“Whoa!” Richard said, slamming his glass down hard, then looking at it worriedly. “That was good. So much for a chaser. We’ll have to rename it especially for these occasions. A, uh… un-chaser?”
Isaac snorted. “That’s rubbish. How about a precursor?”
“I like that. A precursor. Fantastic. Thanks, Matthew!”
“Don’t thank me. These were on Dennis.”
His brother quirked an eyebrow. “Fair enough.” He picked up his pint, turned, and gave the landlord a beer-salute. Dennis returned a thumbs-up. “Right, now what to eat…”
The door opened and Sally walked in. Matthew cringed internally. She had horrendous timing—after the day they’d had, her arrival might well send Isaac into another rant. Probably not in the pub, though. Well, there wasn’t an awful lot he could do about it—what had happened had happened, and he couldn’t take it back.
She caught sight of Matthew and waved, then made a beeline for the last remaining table, which happened to be where she’d sat at lunchtime. Wow, had that really only been a few hours ago? It felt like months. After placing her handbag on the table, she turned and walked to the bar. Matthew couldn’t help himself—he watched her backside wiggle the entire way. The only thing better than that view was the same view, but when she was naked.
“—to Matthew? Come in? Anyone home?”
Matthew shook himself and brought his focus to the hand waving in front of his face. “Huh, what?”
Isaac twisted in his seat to see what Matthew had been looking at, then turned back. “Ah,” he said wryly, though Matthew noted he didn’t look pissed off. “I see. No wonder you’re not paying the slightest bit of attention to us. Will you still be eating with us, or do you have other plans now?”
Chapter Twenty-two
“I-I don’t know what you mean,” Matthew said hesitantly, keeping his fingers crossed that this wasn’t the start of a whole new argument. Just because Isaac didn’t look pissed off didn’t mean he wasn’t.
Isaac rolled his eyes. “Don’t play dumb, brother. You know damn well what I’m talking about. If you want to go and sit with her, don’t let us stop you. Our company, wonderful as it is, can’t compare to that of a beautiful woman.”
Matthew glanced at the vicar, who was nodding and sneaking a glance at the woman in question, who’d now got her drink and was back at her table. “Hey,” he said with a grin, “if you don’t go and sit with her, I might.”
Standing abruptly, Matthew let out a sigh. “All right, all right. I’m bloody well going. Anyone would think the two of you were trying to get rid of me.”
Isaac shrugged. “Or maybe we just want you to have a good time for a change.”
There was no arguing with that train of thought, so Matthew flashed his brother and his friend a smile, grabbed his pint and headed over to where Sally was sitting.
“Hello,” he said when he reached her table. “Mind if I join you?”
Sally smiled, then frowned. “Twice in one day? Are you sure people won’t talk?”
Matthew sat down hard, sloshing some of his drink over the sides of the pint glass. “Ugh, I’m fed up of all that crap. If anyone says anything, I’ll just tell them to mind their own business.”
“Fair enough. Then yes, you may join me.” She looked at him pointedly.
“Sorry.” He grinned sheepishly. “It’s just been a tough few hours. Anyway, enough of that. Are you here for dinner? Or just a drink?”
“You do seem to lead a very dramatic life, especially for a man who lives in such a sleepy village.” She paused. “Yes, I’m here for dinner, too. Why do you ask?”
“Would you let me join you? My treat.”
A tiny line appeared between Sally’s eyebrows and Matthew wondered if perhaps she was going to tell him to take a hike. After what felt like hours, but was in reality a couple of seconds, she reached her decision.
“Yes, that would be lovely, but I have to tell you something first.”
“Oh?” His voice was much higher than it should have been and he realised that, at her words, a series of horrible scenarios had run through his head.
She laughed. “It’s nothing bad, Matthew! Christ, your face.”
Frowning, he replied, “Please spit it out, Sally. My brain’s doing overtime here.”
“It’s just… well, I’m going to be here a little longer than a week. I thought I should let you know before we, uh, went any further. I don’t want to cause any trouble for you or create any awkwardness between us. This was meant to be a bit of fun, not a source of stress.”
His eyebrows rose as she spoke. God, she really was a wonderful woman. It was just as well she was a tourist and would be gone soon, because he certainly didn’t deserve her. “Oh, okay,” he said, smiling. “Thanks for letting me know. But, in my opinion, it’s definitely not a bad thing. In terms of causing trouble, I refer you to my earlier statement about people minding their own business, and as for the awkwardness part—it’s not an issue. I’m more than happy to continue having fun for as long as you are.”
With a decisive nod, Sally picked the menu up from the table and handed it to him. “In that case, I’ll have the steak and chips. Medium to well done, and a glass of dry white wine.”
“That sounds fantastic. I’ll go and order.”
*****
An hour and a half later, Matthew and Sally were walking hand in hand through the village. “That was absolutely delicious,” Sally said, using her free hand to rub her stomach. “I can see I’m going to have to do some serious food shopping, otherwise I’ll spend a damn fortune in that pub.”
“But I paid,” Matthew said with a smirk. “I’m glad you enjoyed it, though.”
“You can’t pay for me for the next four weeks, can you, though? Not unless you’re a secret millionaire, or incredibly generous.”
“Four weeks?” He just about stopped himself from baulking. That probably should have been his first question after she’d confessed she was going to be staying in Eyam longer. Recovering quickly, he continued, “Wow, that’s awesome. How come your holiday suddenly went from one week to four? You got the best employer in the world or something?”
“As a matter of fact,” she replied, giving his hand a squeeze, “I have. Me. I’m self-employed. After you left earlier, I checked my emails and a bunch of good things had happened. Sort of. One client I was supposed to be doing some work for has postponed the project. Another who had been holding out on payment finally coughed up, with a nice bonus by way of apology. I thought about it for all of thirty seconds, then decided I might as well make the most of those two things—unexpected free time and extra cash. I contacted the cottage’s owner, and by happy coincidence, it was available for the next three weeks. They did me a good deal. So, while you might have had a tough day, I’ve had a bloody good one!”
“I didn’t say a tough day.” Now he squeezed her hand. “I said a tough few hours. The time I spent with you was brilliant. Actually, brilliant doesn’t cover it, but for some reason, the blood that’s supposed to be operating my brain appears to have flowed elsewhere and I can’t come up with a better word right now.”
Giggling, Sally stopped walking, pulled him to face her, then wound her arms around his waist. “Thank you for both of those lovely compliments. Let’s go and have some more ‘brilliant time’, shall we?”
“I like the sound of that,” he murmured, returning her embrace and leaning down to kiss her. “I like it very much.” Closing the gap between them, he slanted his lips over hers, pausing for just a second before sliding his tongue into her mouth. She tasted of wine and the chocolate torte she’d had for dessert, and as he hauled her harder against him, possessing her mouth with all the need he felt, she moaned.
Her tongue touched his, tentatively at first, then more forcefully as her arousal grew. She arched her back, and he fancied he could feel her heat right through their clothes. Whether it was true or not, Matthew knew for a fact when he got her naked, she would be hot, wet, and ready for him. She was an incredibly passionate woman who clearly liked sex.
He wasn’t sure how he’d got so lucky to find someone so sexy and intelligent to fool around with, but he was sure he was going to make the most of the time they had together. She was certainly a welcome distraction, what with everything that was going on. It was unfortunate she would be leaving just after the next full moon, so he’d end up having to lie to her about his whereabouts on that night if it came up, but otherwise, it was going to be a fun-filled four weeks.
Their kiss continued, growing increasingly frantic, with lips, teeth, and tongues clashing, hands wandering, and brief pauses for air. By now, Matthew’s cock was so hard it ached, and he wished more than anything they were already back at Sally’s cottage so he could bury it deep inside her willing pussy. She was so damn hot, so damn responsive, she drove him crazy.
“Oi, you two, get a room! Woohoo!” The voice came from close behind Matthew, startling him, and he let go of Sally so rapidly she almost fell over.
Spinning around to face the owner of the voice, he growled, “Get lost, kid!” Too late he recognised the teenage boy as the son of one of the villagers who knew what he really was. Two of his friends were behind him. They all looked absolutely petrified, and the one who had originally spoken stuttered a response.
“S-s-sorry, mate. I d-didn’t realise it was you. Sorry!” He turned and ran, his mates close behind him.
Making a supreme effort to get rid of the aggression that had flooded his body when his instincts had kicked in, Matthew waited until his muscles had relaxed, pasted a smile onto his face, and faced Sally. “Hey,” he said gently, “are you all right? I didn’t mean to let go of you like that. Stupid kid made me jump, that’s a
ll.”
Narrowing her eyes, Sally replied, “Yeah, I’m fine, thanks. He made me jump, too. Looks as if he regretted it. I thought he was going to shit himself when you turned around and he realised who you were. Why’s he so scared of you?”
Matthew’s heart skipped a beat then sank a little. Damn, he was being forced to lie to her already. He’d known her for less than twenty-four hours. He shrugged. “I dunno really. Perhaps because I’m a lot bigger than him? And I did spin round pretty fast—my reflexes are shit hot. Probably made him jump just as much as he made us jump. Little bugger.” He laughed, but it sounded hollow even to his ears. “Come on,” he said quickly, reaching for Sally’s hand. “Let’s go get that room he was talking about and continue where we left off. Hopefully without interruptions.”
He had no idea whether Sally had believed his excuse or not, but she allowed him to take her hand. She linked her fingers with his, and they started walking again.
“Do you, uh, have another condom?” she asked, breaking the silence. “Hmm… probably more than one, actually.”
He hadn’t thought about that, but fortunately there was a simple solution. “I don’t, not on me. But I can easily pop home and grab some. How many do you suggest?” He grinned wickedly, glad the tension seemed to have disappeared, and sexy fun was definitely back on the table.
“Oh, I dunno,” she replied with a mock-coy smile. “All of them?”
He released her hand, only to slip his arm around her shoulders, pull her tight to him and press a kiss to her hair. “You, missus, are a minx. Fine, I’ll bring all of the ones I’ve got. But, you know, they’re kinda getting close to being out of date, so we’ll have to make sure we use them all. I do hate to be wasteful.”
Gasping, Sally poked him in the side. “Now who’s being a minx? Or whatever the male equivalent is. Having said that, I quite like your idea.” She looked up at him through her lashes, and his erection suddenly sprang back to life.
The Persecution of the Wolves Page 17