“Lena would never harm her brother. In any case, her father cut her off.”
Again, Spencer chuckled.
“And you’re certain of that?”
“Why wouldn’t I be? I’m pretty good at reading people. Lena has a heart of gold. She couldn’t hurt anyone. Money isn’t her motive.”
Chatterton smiled and began to pour himself a drink.
“What if I had evidence to the contrary? Would you keep an open mind then?”
“Go on. I’m listening,” Luke replied.
Lord Chatterton leaned back in his chair, stretched out both his arms and sighed. Scratching the tip of his long nose he then said, “Have you heard of the term split personality disorder?”
“I have.”
“Well, your friend Lena was diagnosed with that condition many years ago.”
“She seems quite stable to me.”
“And you’ve been studying psychiatry for how long?”
“Just get on with it.”
“To put it in layman’s terms, Lena can appear perfectly normal and charming one day. However, the next day she can be haunted by the most terrible delusions, Mr McGowan. She can become dangerous, both to herself and to others. I’ve seen it with my own eyes! When she was sixteen she very nearly took Claire’s life with a knife. Oh, don’t get me wrong. She’s still a very smart girl. She knows full well that if Lee were to have an accident then she would stand to make a lot of money. Her step father left his entire fortune to Lee, you see. Lena is next in line. She was not cut off!”
“I know Lena was telling me the truth Chatterton. I think you’re the one who’s lying.”
“And your evidence?”
“Instinct. I told you before I’m very good at reading people. Maybe I’ve spent too many years at the poker tables.”
“I don’t follow young man. Please explain.”
“We call them tells. You’ve been giving off a lot of signals.”
“Signals?”
“Hand movements. The way your eyes move when you talk. They tell me you’re telling porkies.”
Chatterton laughed slapping his thighs with both his hands.
“Oh, come now, Mr McGowan. I’m telling you the truth! Lena is ill. She inhabits in her own little fantasy world. In her diseased mind, Lee is at the epicentre of all her problems. I’m not going to pretend I understand everything that’s going on inside her head, but I know that getting rid of Lee has become her priority these last few months. Her delusions simply have engulfed her on this occasion. Claire insisted she would take care of Lena herself. That’s why she had Lee removed. So he would be safe. There really is no mystery to this, Mr McGowan. I’m afraid you’ve simply become tangled up in Lena’s web. I shouldn’t feel so bad. People with her condition are expert at manipulation and deceit. It’s all part of their sickness.”
“I only want what’s best for Lena and her brother. I guess we’ll agree to disagree on this occasion.”
“Very well young man. You stick to what you believe. I know what my niece needs. She needs professional help. If that means she is sectioned again then so be it. Her mother has been far too soft on the girl. It would be in her own best interest. Tell me Luke. Where did you see her last?”
“She took me to a hotel near Chancery Lane.”
“We know that already.”
Luke paused.
“Then that’s all I can tell you. I assume Marshall told you about the safety deposit box?”
“Naturally.”
“Then surely you could have kept tabs on Lena? I was with her for most of the time.”
Chatterton scowled into the shadows. He then said, “We know. I sent Andre to fetch Lena. I obviously underestimated you both. I thought Marshall would do a better job at retrieval, but again, I was proven wrong. He managed to follow you both to the hotel but then made the mistake of tracking you to the safety deposit box. He assumed wrongly that Lena would be waiting back at the hotel. It seems she managed to slip away in the middle of the night. Not for the first time I might add. Lena is proving to be a hard fish to catch.”
Luke glanced towards the shadows himself. Again, there was no movement from Marshall or even an attempt to defend himself.
“I think it’s best I take care of Lena from now on, Chatterton. If she’s sick like you tell me then I’ll do what’s best for her. You don’t have to worry on that account. As for her mother and Lee I’d appreciate it if I could see them. I think Lena has the right to know they are both okay.”
Chatterton finished what was left in his glass. Placing the glass onto the table he then said, “I can see you have my niece’s best interests at heart. For that I’m grateful. I think we should come to a deal.”
“Go on.”
“If I can prove that what I’m saying is true. If I can hand you evidence, hard medical evidence that Lena is unwell, will you help me help her?”
Luke thought carefully.
“Sounds reasonable.”
“Very good. Of course, in return, I’ll take you both to see Claire and Lee. I can’t say fairer than that, now can I, Mr McGowan?”
“And in the meantime?”
“Oh, you will be taken care of while you are here. Don’t worry about that Luke. I’ve already arranged for you stay at one of our finer cottages. Please, follow me this way,” Chatterton instructed lifting himself slowly from the chair and heading towards where Marshall hid within the shadows. Luke followed. Both men now stood before the window. Through its chipped, stone frame, the Chatterton Estate sprawled before them. Luke could see a thin line of distant forest which, he reasoned, marked the estate’s furthest perimeter. Beyond these trees, perhaps a mile or so to the north, a collection of rooftops could be seen. Lord Chatterton pointed towards them.
“Chatterton Village,” he then whispered. “This land has been in our family for countless generations, Mr McGowan.”
A gentle hill rose above the village rooftops. A small cottage, smoke billowing from its stone chimney, rested against the hill’s slope.
“You see her?” Lord Chatterton asked, gesturing once again with his finger. “You see Rose Cottage?”
“Yes. Just about,” Luke replied.
“Well, that’s where you’ll be staying.”
“And if I refuse?”
“Ha! And why on earth would you want to do that?”
“Perhaps I’d prefer a local guesthouse.”
“You’d be lucky to find one in this village, Mr McGowan. There are no guesthouses. No. You will stay at Rose Cottage until such time I have no further need of you. Is that understood?”
Marshall stepped clear of the shadows. He stood himself in front of Luke, his fists clasped together and held just above his belt buckle in preparation. “Is that clear, Mr McGowan? I’m sure we both have Lena’s best interests at heart. You must remember the girl is my niece and I will do anything to find her. At this point in time you hold the key to her location. Am I making myself clear?”
Luke was looking directly into Marshall’s weasel eyes as Lord Chatterton spoke. Neither man blinked. Luke then answered, “I understand.”
“Good man! You’re starting to see sense, Mr McGowan!” Lord Chatterton spoke.
Luke peered deep into Chatterton’s eyes. Taking a step closer towards him he then said,
“I’ll stay and play your little game your Lordship. I’ll wait long enough to look at your medical evidence. I’ll stay for her sake and not because I give a damn about your veiled threats. You see, your clumsy friend Andre didn’t pose much trouble and I doubt very much that your other goon here would do the same. I’ve dealt with Marshall’s type a hundred times. I just had to make that clear.”
Marshall grinned.
“Very well Luke. You’ve made your point. Is there anything else you would like to add while we’re all gathered here? I’d hate to think there were still things eating away at you. That would be simply awful. Awful.”
“I’ll let you know.”
“Splendid! In that case I think we should all retire for a spot of lunch. I don’t know about you, but all this talking has left me feeling so very hungry! What about you Marshall? Are you ready for a nibble?”
“I could eat a little something right now.”
“Very well! It’s settled then. We shall all retire to the library for a spot of lunch. Marshall will then take you to Rose Cottage where you will stay until Lena is found. Is that clear?”
“It sounds like I don’t have a choice in the matter,” Luke replied.
“That’s right young man. You don’t.”
7 - Rose Cottage
All three men had retired to the library. Lord Chatterton had left Marshall and Luke alone for twenty minutes while he went to speak with Mrs Harrison. Neither Marshall nor Luke had exchanged a single word during Chatterton’s absence, preferring to sit in silence. Both men had avoided eye contact as well. Chatterton had returned to find the two men reading.
Having tried and failed to engage both men in conversation, Chatterton had simply pulled a book from one of the library shelves and read it in silence. Mrs Harrison had arrived thirty minutes later with two silver platters on each arm. She placed the platters carefully onto the dining table which sat at the centre of the library and then left. Chatterton had ordered roast ham with vegetables for lunch. All three men had eaten quietly, not once exchanging a word. Finally, Lord Chatterton had been the first to break the deadlock.
“How was your meal Luke?”
“Good, thank you.”
“Would you care for a drink before Marshall takes you to the cottage?”
Having been the first to finish his meal, Marshall had already retreated back to his chair, his book already in hand. He glanced up from the pages when his name was mentioned, his beady, little eyes fixing on Luke. Luke could almost feel his stare.
“No thank you. I’d prefer to get going now if that’s all the same with you Chatterton. I don’t think we have anything else to discuss here.”
“Very well, Mr McGowan. As you wish,” Chatterton replied waving a hand towards Marshall. “When Lena gets in touch with you, you are to tell her to meet you at Rose cottage. Do you understand?”
“Understood.”
“Good. Marshall will pull the jeep around to the front drive. He’ll take you to Rose Cottage. We’ve already packed your belongings for you. You’ll find your bag and extra clean clothes at the cottage.”
“Very kind of you Lord Chatterton.”
“Not at all young man. It’s the very least I could do for my guest.”
Marshall had already left the library by this point. Outside, the sound of an engine revving could be heard. Chatterton and Luke made their way out of the library.
“Remember Luke. If Lena makes contact with you, you are to inform us straight away. Is that clear?” Chatterton repeated once both of them stood outside in the driveway. The sun had long since set. The temperature had dropped considerably and now a thin ground fog hovered across the estate’s gravelled driveway, lapping gently at both men’s boots. As the sound of the jeep’s engine drew closer, two large and orange headlamps floated into view parting the fog.
“Marshall will give you my direct number. Keep it safe. Don’t lose it on any account. The second Lena arrives you are to call me. Marshall will be sent to collect her.”
“I’m not sure that was part of our deal,” Luke replied, rubbing both his hands together against the cold−evening air.
“I don’t follow young man.”
“I seem to recall you saying something about medical evidence.”
Chatterton smiled and patted Luke on the shoulder.
“Of course, Mr McGowan. I will bring all the relevant paperwork. You will have what I promised.”
“And after that? If what you say is true and I agree to help, what happens to Lena?”
“She’ll be brought back here. We’ll have a doctor on hand. There’s no need to worry. The family have been through this many times before. The sooner she is cared for the better,” Chatterton continued. Luke simply nodded. He wasn’t sure who to believe anymore.
“Your ride is here, Mr McGowan. It’s cold out tonight. Plays havoc with my gout! It’s best I’m back inside as soon as possible.”
Mrs Harrison was already hovering beside the hall’s grand entrance, almost invisible behind one of the tall stone pillars.
“I wish you a safe journey,” Chatterton continued, grasping and shaking Luke’s hand before turning and walking back towards the hall. Marshall had brought the jeep a few feet to rest from where Luke stood. Having stepped quickly from the vehicle he now stood patiently beside the jeep holding open the passenger side door. His face was expressionless.
“Don’t forget my number!” Chatterton bellowed wrapping a large arm around Mrs Harrison’s shoulder and leading her back inside the hall.
“Are we going to wait all night?” Marshall then asked.
“I’d rather make my own way to the cottage if it’s all the same with you.”
Calmly, Marshall slipped on a pair of black leather gloves. He then said, “I’ve been told to take you to the cottage myself. That’s what I intend to do.”
The cold air bit at Luke’s ears and exposed fingers. It would, he reasoned, take him an hour to reach the cottage on foot. The chances were he might get lost again and spending the night wandering the village country lanes didn’t appeal to him. Reluctantly, without reply, he climbed into the back seat of the jeep. Marshall closed the door behind him and took his own seat. He adjusted the rear view mirror once inside. For a split second both men made eye contact through the reflection, Marshall’s weasel eyes just visible beneath the broad brim of his hat. Neither man muttered a word. Marshall then slammed the jeep’s door and pulled away at speed; a sandstorm of dust and gravel catapulted into the air as the jeep sped away.
“How long have you worked for Chatterton?” Luke asked ten minutes into their journey. Again, both men eyed each other in the rear view mirror.
“Lord Chatterton you mean?”
Luke smiled.
“I’m not one for airs and graces, Marshall.”
“You have no respect.”
“Oh, come on now Marshall. This isn’t Edwardian England anymore.”
Marshall pushed the jeep into fifth gear. There were no streetlamps as they ploughed deeper along the narrow country lanes. Quite quickly, as they’d left the hall, the jeep’s interior had been thrown into an almost pitch blackness. Marshall snatched a lighter from the jeep’s dashboard. Then, taking both hands off the wheel, he pulled a cigarette from his inside coat pocket. The light from the burning ash momentarily lit up the interior.
“Lord Chatterton and I go back many years,” Marshall then replied between two quick drags of the cigarette. “We were together in the Falklands.”
“Blood brothers.”
“Yes. Something like that.”
~ ~ ~
Chatterton stood before his bedroom window. Marshall and Luke had long since left the estate. If he looked closely enough, the jeep’s tiny yellow headlights were still just visible far up ahead. As they disappeared for good, having twisted and turned out of sight along the narrow country lanes, Mrs Harrison entered the bedroom and stood herself beside Spencer.
“Where is Marshall taking him?” she asked wrapping her arms about Chatterton’s waist and squeezing him tightly.
“To the cottage my dear. Rose Cottage,” Spencer replied caressing her hands gently with his.
“How much longer must we stay in the village, Spencer? It’s not safe for us. It’s not like it used to be. Before, people in the village knew their place. They didn’t ask questions. Now everything is beginning to change and I don’t like it Spencer. Not one bit.”
Slowly, Spencer closed the curtains and turned to face Mrs Harrison. Running his hand through her greying hair he then said, “Not long now, my sweet. Marshall has been given instructions. I think Colombia or Mexico should be our next port of call.
The village has run its course, I agree.”
“And what of Claire and the boy?”
“We shall offer them up to Molek before we leave. One final gesture. Our master will be pleased with that.”
Mrs Harrison hugged Spencer even tighter.
“I knew you would have everything under control. I should have never have doubted you. Forgive me.”
“No need my love. Your loyalty is beyond reproach.”
~ ~ ~
Marshall and Luke had driven the remainder of their journey in silence. After fifteen minutes the narrow country lanes had begun to widen. Soon, they had left the lanes and were driving across country. Several times the jeep would shudder violently as its wheels struck a furrow or mound in the field they crossed. Scores of startled rabbits would scatter in every direction as the jeep ploughed forward. Once or twice a rogue fox would be caught in the jeep’s headlamps. The animal would freeze. Marshall would continue regardless, often missing the animals by millimetres. It didn’t seem to be of any concern. He had a job to do. They continued in this fashion for another twenty minutes, often having to stop to open and then close a field gate. Marshall had lit his third cigarette when, having steered the jeep around a small coppice of woodland, Rose Cottage came into view, resting at the foot of a steep hill. Marshall hit the brakes. The jeep shuddered to a sudden standstill. Before Luke had the time to react, Marshall had left the jeep, stepped into the field and yanked Luke’s passenger door open.
“Get out.”
“We’re not at the cottage yet. Chatterton gave you orders, remember?”
“Get out of the jeep,” Marshall continued.
“I might have to report this,” Luke quipped, stepping outside.
“I don’t much like you McGowan.”
“I would never have guessed.”
“You have a smart mouth. An answer for everything.”
“I’ll tone myself down in the future.”
Marshall slammed the jeep’s door shut and walked over to where the coppice began. He turned to face the trees, unzipped his fly and began to relieve himself.
“I’ve known Lord Chatterton for over twenty years now,” he began to speak occasionally turning his head to look back at Luke. “I saved his life once. I took a bullet in the leg for him.”
The Devil's Blue Eyes Page 13