by Quig Shelby
‘Meaning?’ asked Alain.
Verity sighed.
‘Let me spell it out. Groping, an extra five days lock up. Begging to be released, an extra ten days lock up, refusing to obey an instruction an extra month.’
It was going to be hard, or rather it wasn’t.
‘Can I earn early release?’ he asked.
‘No,’ she said ‘and you’ve just earned yourself an extra ten days. Anything else?’
He shook his head.
‘And when you do escape your constraint, you don’t touch.’
‘For how long?’ he asked.
‘You don’t touch, ever. But if you’re asking how much pleasure time, then I say one minute or ten strokes is plenty; whichever takes the quickest to purge you of desire.’
He would be putty in her hands, if he didn’t bang his head on the wall, and knock himself out first.
‘Maybe, and it is just a maybe, in case I need something more than your mouth, I shall unlock you,’ she said.
‘What about bathing?’ he asked.
Verity thought long and hard.
‘I’ll clean you on every visit, but be warned any excitement and you’ll go in the humbler for a beating,’ she said.
Alain was going to be very bruised indeed. Already he was fighting against his cage, like a dog on a leash.
Chapter Twenty Three
‘I couldn’t keep away,’ said Ivy on the doorstep.
‘You should have phoned, Marcus is in,’ said Verity.
‘Darling who is it?’ shouted Marcus from the hallway.
‘My new friend,’ said Verity.
‘Well don’t keep her waiting outside, bring her in.’
And he hoped she was good looking.
‘I’m Ivy’.
‘Indeed you are,’ said Marcus.
He wasn’t disappointed, she was a bombshell.
‘Look I hope I’m not spoiling anything, I can always go,’ said Ivy.
‘Don’t be silly,’ said Marcus ‘you’ll be caught in the rush hour.’
‘Ivy this is Marcus, my husband,’ said Verity.
‘Pleased to meet you,’ and she meant it.
She’d timed her visit to perfection, but would he take the bait? Although he did seem attentive.
‘Let me get you both a drink,’ he said.
Verity was becoming a little embarrassed by Marcus’ drooling, but knew Ivy wouldn’t be interested; he wasn’t an oil painting, he only dealt in art.
‘Sorry I didn’t ask,’ said Marcus putting the tray next to them ‘but I hope you like green tea Ivy.’
‘I’ve never tried it,’ said Ivy.
‘Darling it’s simply divine with chocolate fondants,’ said Verity. ‘Marcus, would you get them from the fridge?’
‘On my way.’
Verity raised her eyes to the ceiling.
‘He’s not always like this,’ she said.
‘I heard that,’ he shouted back.
He carried them in, trying not to stare at Ivy.
‘Look I’m sure you two have plenty to talk about. I’m going out,’ he said.
Verity was surprised but pleased.
Marcus didn’t want to scare Ivy away, and thought the best way to encourage her return was to leave them alone.
‘He’s gone,’ said Verity watching his car pull off through the net curtains.
‘You must phone ahead in future my dear,’ said Verity.
‘Sorry, I just had to see you,’ said Ivy.
‘Because?’
‘I’ve been bad.’
Here we go again thought Verity, but she didn’t mind; she was wound up like Marcus’ favourite grandfather clock, and Ivy was already enjoying the taste of one of her treats.
‘Well this is a surprise,’ said Alain.
‘Sorry to come unannounced,’ said Dr Calder ‘but you did offer.’
Alain was just too kind to push him away, and he had moved Yi to outpatients.
‘Come on in, I’m not doing anything,’ he said.
He’d tried phoning Verity but she wasn’t picking up.
‘Have you heard the news about Adam Blake?’ asked Lawrence, sweeping the sofa with his hand before taking a seat.
Who hadn’t heard, it was all over the TV.
‘It just goes to show,’ said Alain ‘you can’t trust anybody these days. Kettles boiled.’
‘Thanks for the coffee Alain, but I was hoping to go over your ideas,’ said Lawrence.
‘Ah yes, but whatever changed your mind?
‘I gave it some measured thought. It just seemed so ....’
‘Resonant,’ said Alain.
‘Indeed.’
‘Have you made any progress?’ asked Lawrence.
‘You mean have I seen any ghosts from the past?’
‘Yes.’
‘I’m afraid not, and I don’t think I ever will,’ said Alain.
‘That’s a shame, you sounded so enthusiastic before,’ said Lawrence.
He suspected even more that Alain was hiding something.
‘Is there nothing you can tell me?’ pleaded Lawrence.
Alain couldn’t resist the opportunity to air his views.
‘Lives are continuously reborn, well some lives,’ said Alain.
‘Not everyone’s?’ asked Lawrence.
‘I don’t think so.’
‘So then why do some get a second chance?’ asked Lawrence.
‘Unfinished business perhaps,’ said Alain.
‘And history, is it cyclical?’ asked Lawrence.
He was thinking on the right lines thought Alain. Perhaps they could have worked together, if he hadn’t been Heshen’s reincarnation.
‘Take a look at the universe,’ said Alain ‘expanding until what?’
Lawrence shrugged his shoulders, hoping for enlightenment.
‘Eventually it will fall back on itself, only to explode once more. And when it does everything begins again, just as before,’ said Alain.
‘Exactly as before?’ asked Lawrence.
‘Exactly,’ said Alain.
Lawrence relaxed back into the sofa.
‘Alain you’re truly wasted at Monks Hill,’ he said.
Alain smiled, flattery was nice no matter what the source.
‘Do you have anything that could connect a present life with a past one?’ asked Lawrence.
‘Nothing,’ replied Alain.
Lawrence scratched his head.
‘We could start with the neuroleptics,’ he said. ‘You did say that past and present lives colliding leads to schizophrenia.’
‘Hypothetically,’ said Alain.
‘But it makes sense dear boy. The voices aren’t hallucinations at all; they’re reverberations from the past.’
Lawrence was almost ready to dance around the room.
‘What’s the chance of cracking this?’ wondered the doctor.
‘They’ve never found a cure for schizophrenia,’ said Alain.
‘But they’ve been looking in the wrong place all this time,’ said Lawrence, the zealous convert.
‘Thanks for humouring me Doctor Calder,’
‘Please, Lawrence.’
‘But I’ve got a shift tonight.’
‘I’m sorry I’ve already taken up too much of your time, and if you ever need another favour, anything, give me a call.’
He could be quite charming when it suited; when there was something in it for him.
‘Let me go and get your coat,’ said Alain.
Lawrence looked back at the closed front door. Alain was hiding something, but perhaps this might help; he dug the stolen noteboo
k out of his pocket.
Alain went to get his book on the Qianlong Emperor, for his bath, and noticed his old set of notes, his first set, were missing. He sighed; though Calder still had a lot of catching up to do, even if he could decipher his scrawl. But it was highly unlikely he’d make the same revealing mistakes that led to his miracle water; lightening never struck twice.
‘What on earth is happening?’ asked Fu Chung Soo, as the Imperial guards searched through his quarters.
‘Just a precaution,’ said Heshen.
‘Against what?’ asked Fu.
‘The Emperor has many enemies,’ said Heshen.
‘I am not one of them. It is the Emperor who requested to see me, remember,’ said Fu.
‘Indeed you have made quite an impression at Court Fu. As has the lovely Zhen,’ he said.
‘Look I’m satisfied you are not a threat, but tell me where you hid the lantern?’ asked Heshen, revealing his real reason for the intrusion.
‘I have no idea, it was stolen from me a long time ago,’ said Fu.
‘Remind me Fu, what happened to your first love?’ asked Heshen.
‘She was murdered,’ lamented Fu.
‘Indeed, well let’s hope lightening doesn’t strike twice,’ said Heshen ‘it would be a shame to lose a second love. You know I can pay good money for your lantern Fu; in gold.’
‘Like I said, it was stolen,’ said Fu ‘and if I still had it I wouldn’t sell it to you.’
‘Oh I think you’ll find I can buy everything, eventually,’ said Heshen.
The magical lantern could both read, and twist men’s hearts, although Heshen’s was already rotten to the core.
‘Think about it Fu, but don’t take too long, I’m not a patient man,’ and Heshen and his guards were gone.
Alain was frustrated and it wasn’t the cage. Calder had got one over on him, and he should have seen it coming; Heshen was up to his old tricks. But he could also hear Bertrand and Monsignor Jacques talking, and it was far from polite. They wanted to ship him off to France tomorrow, where he couldn’t damage the reputation of the mission. But Alain couldn’t live without Wa, just as he couldn’t live without Verity. He just prayed everything would work out.
Marcus waited outside on the street until the front door opened, and Ivy appeared. He didn’t usually see his wife kiss her friends on the lips, but he had other things on his mind, like kissing her himself.
‘Hi,’ said Marcus.
‘Oh hello, are you just coming back?’ asked Ivy.
‘Yes.’
There was an uncomfortable silence as they both looked at one another, but they knew what each of them wanted.
‘Look, I shouldn’t be saying this,’ said Marcus.
‘Go on.’
‘I know you’re Verity’s friend, but...,’
There was always a but with Ivy.
‘We’re not really that close, and I can keep a secret,’ said Ivy.
Marcus looked at her; she had the tip of her tongue between her lips.
‘Maybe we could go out for a drink one night,’ he said.
‘Sure but what will you tell Verity?’ she asked.
‘Nothing: And you?’
‘Didn’t I just say I could keep a secret,’ she said smiling.
‘How will I get in touch?’ he asked.
‘Oh don’t worry I left my bag behind,’ she said ‘just in case I missed you. I’ll pick it up later this evening; put your number inside.’
She paused.
‘And a present if you like, I’ve got the rent to pay this week.’
It was truly a meeting of minds.
Chapter Twenty Four
‘Fu’s beginning to wish he never came,’ said Zhen.
They were sitting in the summer gardens between the fountains; Wa Yu was holding a parasol.
‘Heshen should not have threatened him, though I’m not surprised,’ said Wa.
‘Would the Emperor intervene?’ asked Zhen.
‘They are as thick as thieves. My advice is not to make a scene,’ said Wa.
Yi brought them a bowl of fruit, then returned to his station several paces behind. Those that could not hurt the Emperor directly might consider harming his favourite concubine, or a jealous rival might attack Wa.
‘But I shall offer you my protection,’ said Wa ‘for what it is worth.’
‘And is there anything I can do in return?’ asked Zhen.
Wa paused. It was difficult knowing who to trust, but Zhen and Fu were captives too.
‘Should a prisoner think of freedom, or is it better to accept ones fate?’ asked Wa.
‘It would depend on the person, and naturally the likelihood of escape,’ replied Zhen.
‘And what if there was someone to rescue them, even if it were only their mind?’ asked Wa.
‘Such a person would have to be cloaked in secrecy,’ said Zhen.
‘Indeed as the implications of such a relationship could be catastrophic for all those involved,’ said Wa.
She bit her lip, had she just said relationship?
‘It is always best that those in peril help one another,’ said Zhen.
Fu was convinced the Emperor would never let him go. Furthermore, if Heshen found the lantern he would be killed.
‘Then that is what we shall do,’ said Wa. And they talked of China, its leaders, and the Imperial Court.
Wa was perturbed to learn that some at Court joked of the Jesuit priest’s love for concubines, because they were closer to the truth than they could imagine. In future they would have to watch their body language, but now she had a messenger to arrange their secret rendezvous.
‘Mistress Wa Yu, the tailor is here to see you,’ said Yi.
‘I shall take a walk,’ said Zhen ‘the gardens are so pretty.’
‘We shall speak when there is news,’ said Wa after her.
Hui was approaching from the orchard, holding a bale of yarn under his arm. Behind him stumbled three weighted assistants carrying more cloth, and another that held a basket of gems lying amidst spools of silk. Hui trod on an apple, losing his balance. Flying in the air he dropped his heavy roll.
Wa squealed, removed her delicate shoe, and rubbed her tiny foot.
‘I am sorry a thousand times,’ said Hui.
He was mopping his sweating forehead with a handkerchief.
‘You are forgiven Hui,’ said Wa ‘I shan’t say a word.’
How she would love to have her feet corrected, and stroll hand in her hand with her lover. Was Alain right; were there doctor’s that could heal her bondage?
Hui was relieved, news that he had struck the Emperor’s favourite concubine, even by accident, would not be received favourably.
‘Madam Wa, the Emperor wishes for you to have a new robe for the summer,’ said Hui.
‘That’s very kind of him,’ said Wa.
Hui clapped his hands, and his assistants ran forth.
‘Perhaps you could pick a cloth?’ asked Hui.
She looked at the silks, feeling the smooth luxurious texture.
‘Is it true this cloth is made by worms?’ she asked Hui.
‘From the cocoons they spin.’
‘And do you know where it is made?’ asked Wa.
‘Indeed,’ said Hui.
‘Then perhaps you could take me one day?’
‘If the Emperor allowed,’ he said.
‘And does he know you carry your scissors on you?’
Hui looked nervous. It went against the Palace decree.
‘Then it is agreed,’ said Wa ‘one day you shall take me.’
Eventually Wa chose an emerald green silk, and Hui measured her once more, checking against his previous
notes. Concubines had a habit of falling pregnant, yet thus far Wa Yu had not provided the Emperor with a child; perhaps it was her revenge.
‘Decorations?’ asked Hui as the basket was presented in her lap.
She pointed her long red nails at the rubies.
‘An excellent choice,’ said Hui.
‘And do you think the green silk will embroider well?’ she asked.
‘Certainly but what did you have in mind?’ asked Hui.
‘Birds,’ she replied.
‘Which one’s Madam?’
‘I don’t mind; as long as they are free,’ she said.
Hui clapped his hands, and everything was gathered up in a flourish.
‘I shall be in touch soon,’ said Hui ‘the Emperor has requested we work day and night.’
‘Thank you Hui,’ said Wa.
‘You know I could have killed him,’ said Yi.
‘Yes, but I’m glad you didn’t. I have a feeling he might come in handy. Besides nothing broken,’ she said, gently slipping her shoe back on ‘and perhaps he will learn to keep his scissors better hidden.’
Hui was at the head of his procession, looking like a man pleased with his station in life. Until Zhen appeared from nowhere, right in front of him, but she was the assistant of the great Fu Chung Soo.
‘Assaulting a concubine is a punishable offence,’ said Zhen.
‘It was an accident, anyone could see that,’ said Hui.
‘That’s what they all say,’ said Zhen ‘until the Emperor’s torturer tears out the truth from their hearts.’
‘So what’s your point?’ asked an increasingly annoyed Hui.
‘Look I don’t wish to make enemies,’ said Zhen.
‘And?’
‘Just that I know, that’s all,’ said Zhen, and she bit down hard on an apple.
‘Delicious, aren’t they?’
‘That’s the Emperor’s fruit,’ said Hui.
‘So tell.’
He decided not to, and his entourage pretended they hadn’t seen or heard anything that afternoon.
The afternoon sun was strong, and Wa was heading back to her rooms.
‘Stop,’ she said to Yi ‘how cruel.’
In the courtyard a local peasant was selling caged doves.
‘They’re meant to be free,’ said Wa.