Being Grey (Beings Trilogy)

by Gina Keliher

  “MJ’s.” We both say in unison.

  “Be careful.” Poppy stresses.

  It takes me a little by surprise. Yes we’re young but I don’t think of myself as a child anymore. “If I can take care of damned Beings, I can certainly take care of Jason Long Legs.” I say flippantly.

  Poppy isn’t laughing. “Just try not to get too emotionally involved. I know you like him Alice and I’m sure it will all turn out fine, but….”

  “But don’t fall madly in love and don’t go over to the dark side.” I’m trying to do a Darth Vader voice but I sound more like Yoda.

  “And don’t try and do impersonations unless you really want to scare him away.” She isn’t laughing but the exasperated Poppy is better than the serious Poppy.

  I’m dressed appropriately I think. Jason has shorts and a t-shirt on. And he’s wearing a grin.

  “So where are we going?” I ask.

  “Can’t tell you, but it’s going to be a little over an hour’s drive. Is that ok with you?”

  “Perfect. I have something I wanted to ask you anyway. What will you be doing on the fifth?”

  “Of June?”

  “No November, yes June. It’s Poppy’s birthday. Her eighteenth.”

  “Ah. The infamous manor house party I’m guessing.”

  He doesn’t sound very enthusiastic. I can’t just jump in with bring your mates as I don’t really know them. I don’t really know Jason that well….

  “Is that a yes or a no? Because I think I just asked you out and you didn’t answer.” That came out a little snippy.

  “I’ve enjoyed meeting up with you again Alice, but I’m not sure I’m ready for a Preppy Poppy Party. It’s a different crowd than I’m used to. All that upper class snobbery.”

  “Poppy is so not a snob. And Lady Howard is one of the most down to earth people I’ve ever met.” I sound as if I’m a whiny little brat now.

  “Listen to you Alice, ‘Lady Howard.’ I didn’t mind it when I was younger but it’s just not my scene now. I am flattered that you asked though.”

  This is not how I expected this conversation to go at all. Now what do I do?

  “I just thought you’d want to be my date. No problem if you don’t.” My arms are folded, I know I’m pouting and I’m wondering whether to just ask him to turn around and drop me home.

  “Alice, you just said it’s Poppy’s eighteenth. You’ll be hanging out with her and having fun. Why do you even need a date?” Have you ever heard a parent say no to an eight year old? Where every reason why not is enunciated with gritted teeth? That’s how Jason sounds now.

  “That’s true,” I feel an opportunity open up, “but you could always bring your friends.”

  “Yea, what friends of mine would want to go to……” but he ran out of steam as I saw the light bulb go on in his brain. “Well let’s just enjoy today and we’ll talk more about this later. We have a couple of week’s right?”

  “Yup.” I don’t trust myself to say anymore as this hasn’t started out as my dream date. We drive the rest of the way in silence.

  “Close your eyes now and I’ll let you know when you can open them. We’re just pulling in so it won’t be long.”

  I feel the car slow down as we pull in somewhere. Jason puts his window down, says ‘Cheers’ to someone and then the car picks up speed again.

  “Can I open now?” I ask

  “Patience, two minutes max.”

  Ha ha, me, patience. I’m trying to casually roll my head back and open my eyes the teeniest bit so I can see but it’s making me dizzy to be honest.

  “No peeking. I’m parking now but wait until I come around and open the door.”

  I hear his car door open then slam, gravel crunching and then I hear the boot open and slam before he gets to my door. He takes my hand in his.

  “Open up!”

  I have no idea where we are but what I do see is Jason looking excited with a picnic basket in his hand. Please don’t giggle.

  “Oh, Where are we?” no enthusiasm at all. Oops.

  “We’re on a picnic. Come on, the Deer Park is right this way.”

  Ok, so it’s kind of sweet but I’d rather be shovelling popcorn in the movies. We’re sat on a blanket and there are deer roaming around freely. Scotch eggs, sausage rolls and diet Pepsi is not terribly romantic but I do appreciate the thought.

  “Do you realize that Adam has wanted to go to one of Poppy’s parties for years? When we bumped into you the other day the first thing Adam asked me later was ‘Is her preppy friend still having those ‘do’s’? And now you’re inviting us.” He’s shaking his head amused.

  “I don’t remember him wanting to go.” I lie. “So before you turn me down completely why don’t you ask him? Like you said, I’ll be with Poppy a lot so while I do want you there as my date, it would be more fun for you if you brought the boys.” I’ll be a good liar one day but it sounded fake to me. Jason looks at me with an unreadable expression.

  “Listen Alice, things have changed in the last several years. We’ve grown up. Me and the boys got into a little trouble a while back. You still look at everyone as if there’s nothing but goodness in the world, but bad things happen. Adam has had some bad luck.”

  You’re kidding right. There are bad people out there, really? I want him to go on so I don’t say anything.

  “I want to tell you this as I want you to understand me and my friends. How close we all are. You seem to want to know, so here goes.

  “We were on our way to a concert. There were 5 of us in the car. Myself, Adam, Ian, David and Phil. Phil was driving. To cut a long story short Phil’s grandmother had knitted him this god awful scarf. Remember the old Dr. Who?”

  I nod.

  “It looked like that. Well we had the music turned up, trying to remember some of the lyrics so we could sing along later. Adam was sat behind Phil and we were just messing around. Ian was in the front playing with the volume and it just happened so fast. I was sat next to Adam in the back seat, David the other side of me. Adam had his arms wrapped around the head rest teasing Phil and the next thing I know he’d pulled the scarf up over Phil’s eyes.”

  “You said Phil was driving?” I asked incredulous.

  He just nods. “It was only a second.”

  I give him a minute. “What happened Jason?”

  “Phil panicked and pulled on the wheel. Lost control of the car. We crashed.”

  I don’t know what to say at first. I start hesitantly, “But you’re ok now obviously.”

  “I am yes. Phil wasn’t so lucky.”

  “Phil got hurt? That’s why you didn’t mention him the other night. Is he still in hospital?”

  “Phil died Alice. He didn’t have his seatbelt on. The wheel crushed him and as Adam flew forward the headrest did more damage to Phil on the bounce back. He didn’t make it to the hospital.”

  “He died?” I’m not screaming but I feel like I should be. “Adam killed Phil with his stupid prank. How can you be so irresponsible? Why isn’t he in jail? I knew when I saw you both. Damn you and damn Adam.”

  “Whoa there, what are you talking about? You knew what?”

  Open mouth insert other foot. I knew your Being was dark? That Adam was beyond hope. Don’t think that’ll fly. “I don’t know what I’m saying. I’m just amazed Adam isn’t rotting in jail. Maybe even all of you, conspirators.”

  “Why do you hate him so much? What did he ever do to you? Do you think he doesn’t hate what happened? We all agreed to say nothing. What was the point? Phil was gone, he wasn’t coming back. Better to just say he lost control of the car and leave it at that.”

  "You all agreed?"

  For a split second, he pauses, "Of course, all of us."

  I think that pause before the answer means it’s a lie. I raise an eyebrow to question it.

  "Look," he says, "Phil was dead. It was an accident. Why should Adam get the blame when all of us were messing about?”

  "Did
he put the rest of you up to that story?" I don't get an answer, just a far away look. Is Adam really that manipulative of his friends? I speak softer now, “You’re letting a murderer walk free. Are you crazy or just protecting yourself?”

  “Am I crazy?" He's angry again. "What is with this crusade against Adam? It was an accident. Yes someone died but it was an accident. We were all upset but we all stick together. That’s what friends do Alice.” Who's he trying to convince?

  “Are you sure it was an accident?”

  “I think you’ve had too much sun, come on, I’m taking you home.”

  He throws the remainder of lunch in the basket and grabs my wrist. I’m not worried about him hurting me. He’s already done that. I don’t think we can save him. I think Jason’s Being will end up damned.

  Chapter Eighteen

  I ask Jason to drop me off at the manor house. That’s the full extent of the conversation home.

  I can’t speak to Poppy; she’ll see how upset I am. If I speak to mum, she’ll tell me not to bother with any of them; someone else will take care of them. It would be her way of protecting me. Adrian? Well, he’d call a group meeting and then I’d be ashamed and embarrassed in front of everyone. I’d love to speak to Stefan or Robbie but they’re boys, who’s side would they take? Annabel would certainly bring me back down to earth with a bump, but it would hurt. I feel hurt enough already.

  I don’t understand why he’d tell me a story but not expect me to react and be mad. Shocked at the very least. I don’t get the guy thing at all.

  “Miss Alice, what a pleasant surprise. Was Lady Howard expecting you?”

  I’d been kicking the leaves off the porch one by one and I look up into Parker’s friendly gaze. The tears are starting to come now and I can’t seem to pull my bottom lip back in.

  “Come in. Cook made cake this morning for the staff. I think maybe a piece of that and a cup of tea may help.

  I let Parker lead me into the kitchen. I realize I’ve never been in here and it’s fabulous. There’s a huge stove that looks like it’s made of cast iron and the room centres on a huge butchers block with at least 20 stainless steel pots and pans suspended over it.

  Parker pulls out a stool for me and wanders off to put the kettle on and cut me a piece of cake.

  I suddenly realize I haven’t said a word since I knocked on the door.

  “Is Lady Howard home?”

  “No Miss Alice, she left this morning to get a few items for the party and to meet with a building crew.”

  “For what?” I can’t even muster up the energy to sound enthusiastic. The one person I thought I’d be able to speak to isn’t here. Now what am I going to do? And I’m stranded in Surrey.

  “Here you go.” Tea and cake are placed in front of me. “Now, I don’t think you came all the way here to talk about building crews. I can see you’re upset. Do you want to talk about it?”

  Yeah right. I’m pushing the cake around my plate. I love Parker but he’s an old man. Older. 60’s. I’m really going to talk to him about Jason Long Legs and damned Beings and a potential ‘Taker’ and uh oh, here come the tears.

  “It’s all so much today.” I sob.

  “Miss Alice, look at me.”

  I look up through my tears, do a half attempt at a smile and continue playing with my cake.

  “Alice Shaw for the first time in your life will you look at me when I’m talking to you.”

  I do. I actually knock the stool over as I jump back to look at him. Parker, been around forever, Lord and Lady Howard’s right hand man. I think he just shouted at me.

  “I think I can help he says.” His eyes now crinkling at the edges as he picks up my stool.

  So I look. I really look and my mouth drops open. How did I never see this?

  “I’m old, retired from the hunt but I still have a little of it. Do you see?”

  It’s definitely white but it’s more like he’s stood in front of a cloud. Next to Poppy and Lady Howard you wouldn’t notice that Parker has a mist. Why would I ever have looked for it even?

  “But how? I mean what? I mean who. I mean, Parker why didn’t you tell me?” I say exasperated by today more than ever.

  “I’m retired now. I’ve watched you and Miss Penelope grow up for years. I’ve known about you even if you didn’t notice me. I noticed something special in you the very first time I laid eyes on you, shooting with Miss Penelope in the grounds. There was no need for me to tell you. You have a great mentor in Adrian, you have a tremendous group of friends, and what could an old guy like me do to help you develop yourself? But don’t think when I saw you on the doorstep looking like you were going to explode into tears I’d turn you away. No, I’m retired but not useless you know.” He’s patting my hand. My grandfather used to do that and I feel better already.

  I have a million questions and they all come out at once. “Does Poppy know? You’ve worked here forever, were you still hunting while you were a…a…. butler? Chauffeur? Do any of the others know? How well do you know Adrian? Oh my god, does my mum know?”

  “One question at a time Miss Alice. Drink your tea, eat your cake and I’ll answer them on one condition.”

  “Mmph, sure, anything.” I’m cramming cake in my mouth and trying to swallow it down with tea at the same time as nodding. This is huge. And exciting. And I fell comforted by it all without even knowing why.

  “I’ll tell my story then you tell me what upset you so much.”

  “OK. Thanks Parker.” I think I can do that.

  “Well I don’t want to go too far back for fear of making you fall asleep with a long story, but I was actively ‘Gifted’ once, just like you. I rescued pure Beings and eliminated damned Beings. When I was in my, let’s see, must have been mid thirties I was approached by my mentor, Rachel,”

  “There are female mentors?” I ask, crumbs flying everywhere.

  “Why yes, why wouldn’t there be? As I was saying, Rachel, my mentor approached me and asked if I wanted to mentor. At first I wasn’t sure if it was something I could do. Everyone is introduced to their ability through their parents but to help develop skills, explain how to dispose of remains. Ensure everyone knew self defence? To explain to young adults there may come a time in your life when you could get caught. What if I didn’t do a good enough job? What if one of my ‘Gifted’ got caught disposing of a damned Being and ended up in jail? Can you even imagine that?”

  Parker gets up to pour more tea. I hadn’t thought about that. Imagine being imprisoned with so many damned Beings; hundreds of them, maybe thousands. You couldn’t kill them all in an enclosed place like a prison. You could try but I wonder how many you’d take out before someone took you out? But if you didn’t try you’d go insane.

  “I didn’t mean to scare you Miss Alice but it has happened.”

  I didn’t realize I was shaking. “So what did you do?”

  “I deliberated for many years. One day I just realized that I couldn’t have made it through life without Rachel and I wanted to pass on what she had taught me to other ‘Gifted’. I’ve mentored for 28 years.”

  I’m so amazed that Parker is telling me this story. Parker. Back up. “What was that last bit?”

  “I mentored for 28 years now.” He’s smiling now.

  “But you said you were retired.”

  “I am. From most of my students. But I chose to stay close to my most successful student.”

  “Who?” I ask but I know the answer don’t I? “Lady Howard?”

  Parker smiles and says something about the drawing room and he’s left me alone for now. I know it’s so I can think about what he’s told me. Parker is Lady Howard’s mentor just as Uncle Thomas was my mum’s. Wow, it’s really cool. I wonder how many generations this has been passed on for. This is the first time I’m really interested in the history behind us. I know Lady Howard is hierarchy so what does that make Parker if anything? So many questions and do I ask Adrian as my mentor, or Parker as my new found friend,
and soon to be my new ally? Because I know I’ll tell him everything about today. He’s sure to have heard it all before!

  Chapter Nineteen

  We’re in the grounds. Parker had left me for 20 minutes while my head spun and apart from him suggesting a walk, nothing else has been said.

  As soon as we’ve passed the gardeners trimming the maze I begin. “I have so many questions suddenly.”

  “And you have Adrian to answer them. But now it’s your turn. What upset you so much today Miss Alice?”

  It doesn’t feel at all awkward anymore. Parker looks straight ahead and doesn’t interrupt me. I imagine this feels a bit like confession. Getting it all off your chest without being judged. I’ve never been to confession. I think you can guess why.

  I tell the entire story, from years ago to today and am now more angry than upset. “What is this bonding thing between men? Why do your ‘mates’ come before common sense? How can he be so stupid?”

  “How do you feel Miss Alice, when Jason calls Miss Penelope ‘Preppy Poppy’?”

  “What does that have to do with these lunatic murdering….. boys?”

  “You asked about the bonding thing. Answer my question.” Parker is very calm. I don’t understand why he isn’t sympathizing with me.

  “I hate it. She’s not ‘Preppy’ she’s bubbly and fun. He makes it sound derogatory, as if she’s beneath him almost. As if she’s fake. She isn’t Parker. You’ve known her all your life, how can you question me on this?”

  “You’re defending her.”

  “To the death.”

  Bingo. He is one good mentor. I look at him and he’s still staring straight but he’s nodding.

  “What I mean is…”

  “You mean exactly that Miss Alice. She is your friend, your good friend and you would defend her to the death.”

  “But this is different.” I implore.

  “Oh, very much so. But let’s ignore the circumstances for now. Let’s just break down the friendship, the ‘bonding of mates’. Is that right?” It sounds funny with his posh accent.