The Music of Sound

by Ian Jarvis

  The train crossed Wimbledon Common and Putney Heath, the line entering a steep-sided cutting as suburban streets took over from the woodland. Large houses stood on either side, with gardens backing onto the railway, and a station appeared ahead.

  ‘Come on,’ said Rex, bounding along the roof on all fours. ‘We need to get to the back.’

  Watson followed him, precariously jumping from car to car, and relieved that the train was moving slowly. Movie actors made this look simple - they usually paused to have a fight on the roof - but in reality it was bloody terrifying. Reaching the last carriage, Rex climbed over the rear, grabbed Watson’s arm and lowered him onto the railway sleepers as the steam engine braked to ponderously cover the final fifty feet into the station. The wolf leapt down and the pair darted into the shadow of bushes at the side of the track. Watson noticed Rex’s amber eyes glowing in the dark and swallowed uncomfortably.

  ‘Are you going to change back?’ he asked.

  The wolf shook its large furry head. ‘No, if we’re going to get another train into London, we’ll try the blind man and guide dog trick again.’

  The teenager patted his pocket to ensure the sunglasses were there, but realised he’d lost his blind man’s cane when they escaped through the toilet window. Then again, no one would notice such things with the wolf around. No one would notice if he’d lost his trousers.

  A road bridge crossed the line between the station and their hiding spot, and they crouched low behind the hawthorn bushes as two black Range Rovers hurtled over it.

  ‘They looked like the Colonel’s cars,’ said Rex. ‘They’ll have driven from the Richmond Park station to pick up the three who searched the train.’

  ‘No problem,’ said Watson. ‘We’ll just hang around here until they piss off.’

  Five minutes ticked by.

  ‘By the way,’ whispered Watson. ‘Happy birthday.’

  The wolf gave him an incredulous look. ‘Thanks, but I’ve had better.’ He turned back to the station. ‘I can’t see any more movement. The train must have emptied by now.’

  ‘Yeah, Adler’s men will have left.’ The teenager nodded. ‘Come on.’

  They ran quietly along the dark track and watched for a while before climbing onto the platform beside the carriages. Apart from the driver tending to his hissing engine, the little station was now deserted. Descending steps and hurrying through a tiled tunnel beneath a road, they emerged in a larger real station through which ran the main line into the city. Thankfully, this platform was also empty and Watson peered along the tracks to see the lights of a distant express train heading towards them.

  ‘This one isn’t stopping,’ said Rex, sitting dog-fashion beside the youth. ‘We need to wait for a sprinter train into London and then...’

  A tranquiliser dart hit the wolf’s flank and he whipped around snarling. Watson leapt backwards in fright, straight into the arms of Oliver Hardy. The fat man grinned with delight and his blade sprang out, glinting in the moonlight.

  Lafont, Gruner and Stan Laurel stepped out of the darkness of the empty waiting room.

  ‘Retract the knife,’ snapped Gruner, pointing his dart gun at Rex. ‘How many times do I have to tell you? You only use it when I say so.’

  ‘Good advice,’ stammered Watson.

  ‘You’re probably wondering how we found you,’ said Lafont walking up to the drugged wolf. ‘I used a magical technique known as psychometry.’ He held up a crude wolf puppet. ‘I knew you were on the train. I can sense you and home in on you using this.’

  ‘The Padre used your blood to make that,’ said Gruner, grinning. ‘Think of it as a voodoo GPS tracker.’

  ‘Think whatever you like,’ said Lafont, proudly waving the puppet in front of the wolf’s panting face. ‘But know that my magic never fails.’

  ‘This magic of yours...’ said Rex, fury welling inside. ‘Does it allow you to see into the future?’

  ‘I’m afraid not.’

  ‘Shame.’ The wolf’s rear leg kicked out hard. ‘That would have been handy for you.’

  The paw slammed into the Padre’s midriff, launching him backwards off the platform and onto the tracks. Lafont sat up and opened his mouth, but didn’t have time to make any sound as the express train hit him.

  ‘Fuck,’ hissed Gruner, wiping a hot splatter of brain from his cheek. The train braked hard, a deafening metallic squeal filling the station. The Sergeant fired another dart into Rex’s flank and turned to Laurel and Hardy. ‘Pick him up. Get them into the vehicles before that train stops. Move.’

  Rex couldn’t believe he’d done it. He’d actually killed someone and he felt good about it. He looked up at the full moon and snarled gleefully as the tranquiliser drained away his consciousness.

  Chapter 32

  The black Range Rovers sped through the smashed gateway of Charlington Hall, one following the drive to the mansion, where a large Agusta Westland helicopter stood on the lawn, the other heading for the animal enclosures by the river. Gruner pulled up outside the menagerie building and Laurel and Hardy dragged out the unconscious Rex, carrying his naked body into the large end room. The Sergeant clicked on the fluorescent lights and Mister Tigsy lunged at the bars of his indoor cage, snarling furiously with ears pinned back and tail lashing. The tiger detested the sight and unmistakable scent of its Serbian tormentor, but cowered and moved back warily on sensing the supernatural wolf presence.

  ‘Dump him there by the cage door,’ ordered Gruner, fuming with anger and pointing to the tiles. ‘Okay, you two had better get up to the house. The chopper will be leaving for the concert.’

  ‘You’re not coming?’ asked Laurel.

  ‘There isn’t room for everyone and the pilot is making two journeys. I’m waiting for the second flight.’ Gruner glared at the tranquilised man as he began to stir. ‘I intend to have some fun first.’

  ‘Sounds interesting.’ Hardy grinned. ‘Well, Mister Rex, here’s another nice mess you’ve got yourself into.’

  The Sergeant waited until the pair had left before taking out his phone and ringing Adler. ‘The team are on their way to you with the black kid, Ma’am.’ He hesitated. ‘I’m afraid the Padre is dead. The shapeshifter killed him.’

  ‘Damn!’ Adler gritted her teeth, then regained her composure. ‘Tell me you have him. Tell me you have Grant?’

  ‘Oh, yes.’ Gruner pointed his gun at Rex as he sat up groggily. ‘He’s here with me in the menagerie.’

  ‘We’re leaving for the concert,’ said Adler, lowering her voice to an icy whisper. ‘I’ll send the chopper back for Laurel and Hardy and yourself. As for your captive there, he’s served his purpose and he’s definitely earned himself a silver bullet. I’ll tell Ligeia he’ll be meeting her in America.’

  ‘Understood, Ma’am.’

  ‘Do it now,’ growled Adler. ‘I want him dead.’

  ‘Bad news,’ said Gruner, thumbing off the phone and training his gun on Rex. ‘You really upset the Colonel by killing her Padre.’

  ‘Oh, dear.’ Rex shook his head to clear the last effects of the tranquiliser darts. He climbed unsteadily to his feet, realising he was naked and that this was the large tiger room where he’d been brought after Hardy stabbed him. ‘I suppose I’d better apologise and buy her a box of chocolates or something.’

  Gruner laughed. ‘Something tells me that’s not going to do it. No, I’m afraid she wants you dead. She told me to shoot you, but I have a much better idea.’ He pointed the gun at Rex’s stomach. ‘This isn’t a tranquiliser gun and it’s loaded with silver bullets. Open the cage door behind you.’

  ‘What?’ Rex glanced at the huge growling tiger. ‘You’re joking?’

  ‘Not at all. People are coming from a zoo to take the cat to his new home tomorrow morning. Let’s give Mister Tigsy a last bit of fun before he g
oes.’

  ‘Are you out of your fucking mind? I’m not going in there with...’

  ‘Get in, or I’ll shoot you in the stomach and then shove you in. You choose.’

  Rex stared at the pistol and turned to the cage where Mister Tigsy crouched hissing and spitting in the corner. The last time he’d been this close to a big cat, things hadn’t gone particularly well. Gulping uneasily, he slid back the bolt, eased open the barred gate and walked in.

  ‘Thank you.’ Gruner hurried forward to secure the bolt behind him. ‘I used to enjoy dog fighting and bear baiting in my country. A tiger and a wolf will be far better entertainment.’

  ***

  Quist sat on the library couch eyeing the pistols that Adler and Guevara held. Both had recently been fitted with silencers, which wasn’t a good sign. It suggested they intended to use them and he knew the lethal ammunition they contained. He turned to the opening French doors as one of the Colonel’s men arrived and roughly shoved in Watson.

  ‘I can’t say as I’m glad to see you,’ said Quist. ‘I was hoping you’d be well away from this place.’

  ‘Bloody hell, Guv,’ stammered the teenager. He backed up to the huge side window overlooking the moat. ‘You won’t believe what happened. One thing’s for sure, there won’t be any more voodoo.’

  ‘The team are all back, Ma’am,’ said Adler’s guard. ‘They’re boarding the chopper with Doctor Roylott. I’ll be piloting.’

  ‘Very good,’ said the Colonel. ‘You’ll be flying directly to the O2 and then returning for Gruner and Laurel and Hardy. Everything relevant has been sent on ahead to the States, so the Sergeant will finish off here and close up. After the concert, you’ll transport us across the river to the London City Airport for the Miami flight.’

  Quist listened, still watching the guns. ‘Florida will be lovely at this time of the year,’ he said, standing up and joining Watson at the window. ‘Are you alright?’ he asked. ‘They didn’t hurt you?’

  ‘I’m fine,’ said Watson, also staring at the silenced pistols. ‘But I don’t know for how long.’

  ‘How about Rex?’

  ‘I shouldn’t worry about him,’ said Adler. ‘My Sergeant is looking after him.’

  ‘Yes,’ said Quist. ‘You kept your voice low, but I have exceptional hearing and I heard you speaking on the phone.’

  Ligeia and Elva walked into the library, both wearing silver mini dresses. Elva’s anger hadn’t diminished and she stared at Adler with open loathing, her sprained arm still aching from the earlier torture.

  ‘Ah, you’re ready,’ said Adler. Quickly folding her jacket over the silenced handgun to conceal it, she kept the weapon trained on Quist and nodded at Guevara for him to do the same. ‘Come along, ladies, it’s time to leave.’

  ‘We’re going to fly in the helicopter,’ giggled Ligeia. ‘I love flying.’

  ‘That’s right.’ The Colonel slipped her free arm around the singer’s shoulders and walked her back to the door. ‘You’ll see the city all lit up below you; won’t that be beautiful? You and Elva can go with Shane here. Get on the helicopter for your nice flight and I’ll join you shortly.’

  Glowering at Adler, Elva signed to Ligeia.

  ‘Yes, I’ll ask,’ said Ligeia. ‘Where’s Rex? I want him to watch me singing.’

  Adler smiled tightly. Something would definitely have to be done about the mute bitch. The Padre had been right and she was now a liability. ‘He will,’ she said. ‘As I told you, Rex drove on ahead. He’ll be in the audience and he can’t wait to see you perform.’

  ‘I want Bernie to come too.’

  ‘That’s a good idea,’ said Quist. ‘I’d love to watch Ligeia.’

  ‘Bernie and his young friend will be on the next flight,’ said Adler, waving for Guevara and her mercenary to escort the girls out. ‘This one will be full when I’m on board. We’re going to send the pilot back for them and for your friends Laurel and Hardy. Come along now or we’ll be late.’

  Guevara led Ligeia and Elva across the terrace. Bringing out the gun, Adler waited until they reached the large helicopter on the lawn. They climbed on board and she turned to the two men standing at the side window.

  ‘I now know what Ligeia is,’ she said. ‘Thank you for explaining about her. I still find it difficult to accept, but I’m especially grateful for the information about her other voice. I’ll be sure to remember the dangers as I make money from her.’

  ‘There’s still time to stop all this...’ began Quist.

  ‘The chopper is ready to go,’ she said, ignoring him. ‘As I pointed out to Ligeia, there’s no room on board for you two.’

  ‘There’s a surprise,’ said Watson.

  I never had time to discover how you know Rex Grant and why you were looking for him, but I don’t see as it matters any more. He’s gone and, now that Ligeia is safely out of the way, I can say goodbye to you too.’

  ‘Hey, wait a minute...’ began Watson, his eyes widening with fear.

  The Colonel shot the detective in his chest and turned the silenced gun on Watson. Quist snatched the teenager with unbelievable speed and twisted around to use his body as a shield. Wrapping him in his arms and clasping a hand over his face, he launched them both through the huge window as another bullet tore through his shoulder. The glass exploded, falling in shards around Quist as he flipped over on the descent, allowing his assistant to fall on top of him. They hit the moat twelve feet below and vanished into the black depths, three more silver bullets cutting through the lily pads.

  ‘Goodbye,’ shouted Adler. No one surfaced and, realising she couldn’t see a thing in the dark water, she slipped on her jacket and left. ‘It was nice meeting you both.’

  Chapter 33

  Rex wasn’t sure if being torn to shreds by a big cat would prove fatal, but he knew the silver bullets in Gruner’s gun would definitely do the trick. The Sergeant kept the pistol trained on him as he stood naked and trembling inside the tiger enclosure by the bolted door. Seething and snarling in the opposite corner, its body quivering in a tense crouch, the frightened animal could sense the supernatural aura and wasn’t attacking. This didn’t instil any confidence. If tigers were anything like women, decided Rex, it could change its mind at any moment and his chances would be significantly higher in lupine form.

  Gruner watched eagerly, his breath coming in short excited gasps, as Rex bent double, grunting, gasping and quickly transforming. The temperature plummeted, human bones splintering and black fur sprouting, as the huge wolf appeared.

  ‘Yes,’ shouted the Sergeant, grinning crazily. ‘Now do it. Let me see you fight it.’

  The tiger hissed like the air brakes on a truck and pressed itself against the bars, its ears flattened against its skull and tail lashing wildly. Clearly terrified, the cat had no intention of going near this creature.

  ‘No surrender here,’ laughed Gruner, snatching his long cattle prod. ‘You’re fighting, pussy, and this is a fight to the death.’

  The mercenary crackled the electrified prongs on the tiger’s rump and, snarling in pain, it leapt forward involuntarily. Rex swung a high-speed fist, punching the animal’s jaw, and it slumped onto its side unconscious.

  ‘What the fuck?’ Gruner’s mouth fell open in shock. This wasn’t the spectacular battle of titans he’d hoped for. ‘What have you done?’ He dropped into a squat to look through the bars at the twitching animal and assess the injury.

  The wolf stooped too, swiftly grabbing a handful of fresh tiger droppings.

  ‘Ah, it’s only stunned.’ The Sergeant chuckled and adjusted the voltage on his prod. ‘A poke with this should wake...’

  Rex flung the soft dung through the bars, splattering Gruner’s face and blinding him. He fired off several wild shots as Rex kicked open the door and snapped the bolt. Rubbing at his eye
s, Gruner fired three more times before the werewolf rolled across the concrete and knocked the pistol from his hand.

  ‘Oh, very good.’ Gruner cleared his eyes and stared in horror as the creature circled him. ‘So what now? You’re going to kill me, are you? Do you think I’m scared of you? Come on. I’m not scared of you.’

  ‘You look scared,’ growled Rex, saliva drooling from his jaws. ‘You sound and smell scared too, but no, I can’t kill you. I can’t take human life when I’m like this.’ He headed for the door. ‘But there’s something you ought to know.’

  ‘What’s that?’

  ‘I don’t like hurting animals.’ Rex looked over the Sergeant’s shoulder. ‘So I didn’t punch too hard.’

  Gruner twisted and froze to see the stunned cat was back on its feet and pacing slowly through the open door of the enclosure. The supernatural aura of the werewolf was still present, but it no longer concerned the tiger. The sight of Gruner without a cattle prod and without bars between them eclipsed all such sensations. The Sergeant spotted his gun ten feet away by the crush cage and, diving across the floor onto his belly, he snatched it, flipped over onto his back and pulled the trigger.

  ‘Fuck,’ he whispered. Firing at Rex had emptied the magazine.

  With the most recent of several violations still fresh in its memory, the tiger pounced and pinned him to the concrete. The hot breath on Gruner’s face triggered a bizarre childhood memory: he’d once grabbed a neighbour’s cat to throw to a pack of dogs for fun. The startled pet had clamped his hand with its front paws and whirled its rear legs in a blur of motion. After snapping its neck, he’d wondered why it did this, but now realised it was an instinctive scratching action common to all species of feline. It was a highly efficient method of disembowelling prey. He realised this as his shredded bladder and several feet of intestine shot across the floor like sloppy scarlet snakes.

  Rex was unaware of the intimate moments shared by these two in the veterinary crush, but it was obvious this would be their last. The wolf winced and closed the door as Mister Tigsy began to devour the screaming Sergeant alive.