by J. A. Kerr
***
Niven
Niven arrived at her flat, shaken and distracted. On opening the door she punched in the alarm code. She scooped up the large brown envelope with her usual mix of emotions and put it on the breakfast bar. Another month had slipped by. Her senses and body alight, she had gone from the high of the Braille Club to fear and apprehension. Her anger simmered. Just when something good happened in her life…all her old fears resurfaced. For a time she’d been connected—riding the wave of newfound desire, but that was gone now, only fear remaining. She was so tired of it, tired of being afraid of Toby Fraser. He made her grimace; she would not let him win. She poured herself a glass of white wine and closed her eyes. The Braille session was still vivid in her memory, the experience a revelation. Niven felt stunned by her reaction, she’d left in a daze but the feeling of being watched persisted. Was she being paranoid? The cab driver said there was no one following them. Was her mind playing tricks on her?
The wine helped her relax. Her gaze settled on the envelope and without thinking she ripped it open and poured the contents out. Heart thumping, she opened the first letter and read. Scanning the text quickly, she put it aside for the shredder. She opened another and placed it on the top of the first letter. Disappointed, she poured herself another glass of wine before going back to the task. Wearily, she opened the rest of the letters until only one remained. She wasn’t really paying attention but stopped when she saw the verse. She sat down abruptly, shaking as she read the letter. Everything fitted…the dates, the verse, and the colour of the Bible. It was her mother. She’d finally made contact after all this time.
Overwhelmed, a sob ripped through her. It came from a deep hole in her heart she’d been unaware of. She didn’t see the other letter; it had gotten caught inside the large brown envelope that she had tossed in the bin. She had a good cry but at the end she was smiling through her tears. Her mother had made contact. As she hugged herself, her heart filled with hope.
***
Toby
Toby, cold and stiff, was not happy. Hours wasted watching the parking entrance and still no sign of Harrison or the woman. Cursing, he wondered how much longer he should wait. He stifled a yawn. He was ill-prepared to wait in his car all night; he was hungry and thirsty as well. At 1:00 a.m. he decided to call it a night and come back early next morning. Maybe they were staying inside the place. There was no other explanation.
His fingers were numb as he turned on the engine. He would get some sleep and provisions before resuming surveillance. He was annoyed that he hadn’t planned better, hadn’t thought about warmer clothing, a sleeping bag, perhaps. If only he’d brought a flask and something to eat. He still had a lot to learn, he thought, but hoped Nick Waters would be happy with his achievements today. He’d sent him the encrypted file earlier. Nick wanted visual confirmation as soon as possible. His instructions were specific—avoid detection at all costs. Toby was to keep his distance and never jeopardise his position. However, Nick wasn’t here and Toby had other ideas. He used the latest technology and equipment to observe his favourite girl, but only on his own time. Appeasing Nick came first; his plan depended on the cash Nick sent him. When Toby arrived at Niven’s flat and spotted the cameras and security, he recognised he’d need to rethink his strategy. He could disable the camera given time; he was a quick learner, but breaking in was presenting problems he had no experience with.
Entering his father’s home had been easy. He’d a key for starters, his stepmother had changed the front door lock but he’d had the key for the back door too and their busy work schedule meant the place was often empty during the day. This was not the case with Niven’s flat. After disabling the CCTV, he would need to either break the door down or pick the lock. He had dismissed both ideas. Still on parole, he couldn’t afford to draw attention to himself. Breaking down her door would do that, plus he couldn’t pick locks. That got him thinking; it would be easier if she came to him.
He watched her obsessively when they’d been younger. Fixated, he wanted to know everything about her. Overhearing Clarisse discussing the Bible with his father, he’d been fascinated. Buried amongst her things, it took him a while to find it. He hadn’t given it another thought until he’d stumbled upon an interview Niven gave years ago. Her heartfelt plea to find her birth mother was pathetic but it had given him an idea. It said in the interview there was something contained within the Bible that only her true birth mother would know. He sat racking his brains, thinking hard. He remembered the Bible was old and blue; had opened it, in fact.
He sat and concentrated, searching his memory until he could see it clearly, the inscription and the verse. He was good with detail; his memory had been his greatest comfort while incarcerated. Footsteps in the Sand…he remembered reading it and laughing. Did people really believe that shit? He put the Bible back amongst her things and had forgotten all about it until now. An idea took shape in his head. The more he thought about it, the more he liked it. Timing was everything, and he needed a distraction.
Still annoyed he had to leave, he vowed to be back tomorrow as he turned the car around. Nick Waters must wait another day to find out where his beloved Siena lived. He wanted to go directly to Niven’s flat, but that was out of the question. She’d almost seen him earlier this evening, and whereas he was excited to get the shot, he didn’t want to spook her. No, that wouldn’t be the right approach with Niven. All day long she was surrounded by people looking at her, photographing her, he didn’t like it. She was his and his alone. Soon he would have her, but making the right preparations took time. He had to juggle it with his work. The right location was proving harder than anticipated. It must be soundproof for starters, he didn’t want anyone to hear her screams. He knew from experience she could scream. Also it must have facilities. Although used to a small barren cell, he wanted something more homely for Niven.
His stress levels were rocketing with the pressure, but she was worth it. Should he keep Niven incarcerated as long as his prison sentence? That remained to be seen. If he tired of her, he’d rethink. She would suffer though; she’d forced him to kill. Every time he thought of Maria, he became enraged. The stupid bitch had cost him everything. He didn’t regret stabbing her but that she hadn’t suffered more. He wasn’t stupid, Niven was famous, her disappearance would be reported, which was why he needed a distraction for the police to follow. The appearance of her birth mother would provide that. Niven would appear to meet with her and disappear. He would lead the police on a wild goose chase of reported sightings, but he still had much to do.
The camera he’d planted would continue to record, he’d check the feed as soon as he got home. He must prioritise better, make a list of the things he needed and get started. Too much time had been wasted already. He must focus on the tasks at hand and plan properly. Feeling happier, he collected his equipment and headed for the bedsit.
Chapter 46
The Braille Club, London, One Year On: There was joy and disappointment as envelopes slid through letterboxes. All members would receive an envelope, the system selects at random, but only some contained a ticket.
London 2014
Benedict
Siena and Benedict were the first to arrive at the morning feedback meeting. After their wonderful session had finished, he’d surprised her with an overnight stay at a newly completed suite on the top floor of the club. Drunk on desire, they had barely closed the door before they were in each other’s arms, tearing at clothes, savage in their need for each other. It had been a wonderful night and Siena was glowing this morning, they both were. She approved of the room, thrilled her design choices were finally in place. The outdoor area was still to be finished, complete with hot tub, but would take several more weeks. The meeting room began to fill up. A buzz of excitement filled the air, the participants’ eager to share but unable to meet each other’s gaze. Niven was the last to arrive. Taking her seat hurriedly, they began.
The zone session had been a
great success on lots of different levels. Benedict decided there would be an elite zone and an elite membership, available only to the very select. What they had now was basic. He was considering several possibilities, the curtains would be replaced by a more permanent option. He had big plans. They must work together to produce the technology needed and provide a sumptuous décor. This was at the heart of their meeting today. Guy and Ford had been testing the Braille Key, and he was desperate to hear their feedback. He and Siena were the first ones to trial the new Braille Chair, as there was only one at present. Ford wanted a work in progress report to help him shape and improve his design. Benedict was happy to oblige. Their session had been wonderful.
“Firstly, I would like to congratulate Esme and Ford on their fantastic achievements,” said Benedict, smiling.
Esme, face flushed, nodded her head. Ford, looking worse for wear, didn’t meet his gaze but looked at the table in front of him.
“Esme, can you talk us through the design?” asked Benedict.
“Yes,” she replied confidently.
She spent the next twenty minutes detailing how the two sensory devices worked.
“Okay, now you know how they operate. I need to know how they felt. Does anyone wish to share their experience?” Esme asked.
There was a silence and then Niven spoke. “I found the combination of the suit and sensory devices very different from my sensory sessions. With them, as you know, I felt nothing. Last night was…spectacular in comparison. I felt everything,” she breathed.
“Thank you, Niven,” said Guy. “I have set up a secure file; I want everyone to record their experiences on it. The entries will be anonymous but truthful, so we can ascertain where improvements or adjustments need to be made,” he finished.
Benedict had no desire to publicly share his intimate session with the people in front of him; it was his idea to submit the feedback anonymously.
Niven’s feedback revealed she had been the assignee. However, it would be impossible to pinpoint which experience was which when the feedback was analysed.
“I think it’s fair to say the sensory devices were a success and an invaluable addition,” said Benedict. “I want to design a unique zone that will be available to us during our ongoing research, then offer it to the elite of our members.”
“A completely separate zone and facilities?” Guy asked.
“Yes, I’m thinking private booths, or along those lines,” he said.
“Okay,” said Guy. “We’ll get to work on that straight away.”
“Ford, the chair was fantastic; I’ve got a few ideas to share with you.” Benedict’s normally opaque eyes twinkled.
***
Ford
“Glad you liked it,” Ford mumbled. His hangover was his only focus…that and not throwing up over the conference table.
“Last but not least, how was the Braille Key?” asked Benedict.
Ford groaned inwardly as he tried to sift through his jumbled thoughts. He remembered kissing Esme passionately. He tried to ignore the damn vibrating key. The timing was disastrous but it was hard. The constant vibration in his pocket was a reminder of why they were there. It took all his willpower to refocus and not finish what he’d started with Esme. They’d arrived late because he could not get enough of her.
God, he’d gotten so drunk. He was such an idiot. Esme had been like ice towards him today. He couldn’t remember much after the bar. When he had awoken this morning he hadn’t known where he was. Niven’s voice interrupted his thoughts.
“I must confess I found it nerve racking but exciting,” she said shyly. “The key buzzing made me feel on edge and I was relieved to slot it into the wall.”
Ford felt their gaze and realised everyone was waiting for his input.
“Em, pretty much the same as Niven,” he said lamely, unable to meet anyone’s eyes.
“I would like to add a feature,” Benedict suggested.
“What were you thinking?” asked Guy, interested.
“If the key isn’t used within the allotted time, then it’s deactivated,” Benedict replied.
“Oh, that would be interesting,” said Siena.
“So, if you’re late, you’ll be locked out?” Esme summed up.
“Precisely,” Benedict affirmed.
“I like it,” Siena breathed.
“Ford?” said Benedict quizzically, deducing correctly it was him that was late.
“G-great idea,” he stuttered, his face growing hot under Benedict’s stare.
“I also want to apply the same principle to Braille members arriving at the club. Give it some thought,” said Benedict.
“What, like a password?” asked Siena.
“Yes, something with a time limit or expiry,” mused Benedict.
“Lots of things to think about and work on,” said Guy. “I want to thank Esme and Niven for their time today, it has been very productive. Is there anything further we need to discuss?” he asked.
A general shaking of heads indicated the meeting was at an end.
***
Siena
As they filed out of the room, Siena touched Niven’s arm and then Esme’s.
“Would you ladies be available for lunch sometime?” she ventured tentatively.
“Yes,” they replied in unison and laughed.
“I’m going for coffee, if anyone wants to join me,” said Esme.
“I’d love a coffee,” said Niven enthusiastically.
“Me too.” Siena smiled. “Can you give me a minute?” she asked, excusing herself. Benedict nodded as she spoke to him, his eyes on her mouth, making her insides melt. She re-joined Esme and Niven. She had a feeling they would get on famously.
***
Guy
Guy had hardly lifted his head since the meeting but at last he was making some progress. He looked up as he heard the rap on his door and Benedict’s face appeared. He was carrying several drawings in his hand. Guy got up and walked to the large board he had fitted on the wall. Between them they pinned up the drawings with strong magnetic pegs. Guy was impressed by what he saw, the level of design was breathtaking.
“What are we going to call this new zone and membership?” Guy asked.
“I’m not sure, I need to give it some thought,” Benedict replied. “I must check with planning to make all the necessary amendments and then we can start. It may take a few weeks,” he said.
Guy was relieved, there was so much work to do, and he was totally swamped.
“Guy, I can see how busy you are, I’ve decided I’m going to base myself here for the foreseeable future,” said Benedict.
“That’s fantastic, but what about the office?” asked Guy.
“Don’t worry, I’ve got it covered, in fact I’ve got Matt here. He’s waiting for me now,” Benedict replied.
Guy nodded, pleased. He liked Matt. With Benedict here on a full-time basis things would be better. He might have more time for Anna. She was meeting two local estate agents. Robert had arranged for a firm of removers to pack up his office, complete with furniture, and remove it today. Guy wanted to be there but Anna dismissed the idea. She’d sent Robert a picture of her face but wouldn’t say what she put in her text. It had felt surreal waking up with her this morning, her black eyes still a shock, but her smile tender. Their lovemaking had been fantastic, what they had done together…just thinking of it was making him aroused, so he closed those thoughts down. They were about to start a new chapter. He didn’t know what the future held but he wanted Anna in it. He hoped they could face it together, but only time would tell. Their relationship might never be conventional but he was excited.
When his mobile buzzed with a text and he saw it was Anna, he licked his lips in anticipation.
Chapter 47
The Braille Club, London, One Year On: Elysian Members are treated differently. They are all invited to the Masked Ball. They will receive their ticket by text and have one hour to accept before their invitation expires. T
he lack of notice infuriates them as flustered, they scramble for their diaries.
London 2014
Siena
They settled themselves in the lounge and gave their coffee orders to the attentive waitress.
“This is so lovely,” Siena breathed. “At last I have not one, but two other female perspectives.” She grinned.
Their coffees were served with a small plate of treats each.
“These are fantastic,” said Siena, popping the treat in her mouth. “I adore peanut butter.”
Niven and Esme both did the same, frowning as they tasted theirs.
“Oh, mine is mint, my favourite,” exclaimed Niven.
“Mmm…this one is ginger and dark chocolate,” said Esme, delighted.
“How did they know mint is my favourite?” said Niven, amazed.
“It’s our job to know what you like and to stimulate your senses. As a Braille Member that includes your taste buds,” said Siena.
The group sipped their coffees, letting out a collective moan of pleasure.
“This is so good,” Niven exclaimed.
“Wait until you try the Braille dining experience, it’s stunning,” Siena said and smiled.
“Well, if it’s anything like this coffee, sign me up,” said Esme.
“There is so much to develop and give to our members. The zone experience is at the top of our list but other things are important as well.”