The Stone of Madness

by Nick Baker

  ‘As you wish,’ said Fox, sounding suspicious. ‘Viper was still listening in on the conversation when one of the men got up to go to the bar. The man had been drinking heavily, judging by the way he staggered to his feet. He lurched across the room and knocked over some chairs in the process. Viper saw his opportunity and jumped to his feet as if he was about to leave. The men collided in the middle of the bar, and they ended up in a tangle on the floor.

  ‘Fortunately for us, Viper is one of the most accomplished pickpockets of his generation. As the men tumbled to the ground, Viper was able to procure a piece of paper from the man’s pocket. The dullard was too stupid to realise he’d been on the receiving end of a theft but reacted as you’d expect for a man of limited intellect by hitting out. Viper’s reflexes were far too quick, though. He sprang to his feet and disappeared through the crowded bar before the man had any notion of what had happened.

  ‘Viper subsequently passed the piece of paper to his contact at The Firm. There was an address on the note, and because of Lex’s connection with the theft the men had been talking about, I thought we ought to take it seriously.’

  ‘What did it say?’ interjected Price, striding across the room and sitting down beside Saskia.

  ‘Here, see for yourself,’ replied Fox, reaching inside his jacket and withdrawing a grubby, creased piece of paper, which he unfolded and handed over.

  Price studied the note. ‘I presume this has something to do with the stand-off you referred to earlier?’ he enquired, handing it to Saskia.

  ‘Yes. Spindlewick Street is in a rundown area of the East End. It houses a few small factories and businesses. The address refers to a chemical manufacturing plant. Are you familiar with it?’

  Price shook his head.

  ‘We had no idea of the significance of the information Viper procured for us but I decided that we should post a watch on the address. That was weeks ago now, and believe it or not, I was on the verge of withdrawing our surveillance. We’re extremely short-staffed, as well you know, Henry, and I can ill-afford to waste vital manpower on dead end tasks.’

  ‘I presume your luck changed,’ said Price humourlessly.

  ‘Indeed. I received a call at my club this evening from one of our more reliable operatives, a man by the name of Twelftree. He was on watch and was alerted by a sound coming from the factory roof just before seven o’clock this evening, not long after the place had closed for the day.

  ‘Since the surveillance began, we’ve been renting a bedsit on the opposite side of the street; it affords good views of the factory but, unfortunately, not the roof. Twelftree clambered up through a skylight to see if he could get a better view.’

  ‘What did he see?’ asked Price.

  ‘It was dark and the visibility was poor but Twelftree was patient. Eventually, he heard the same noise again. It sounded like someone was drilling, and soon after, there was a loud report and a brief, but very bright, flare. He got a fleeting view of three men on their knees staring down at the factory roof. The flash of light only lasted a few seconds, but it was enough for him to recognise one of the men. It was Pearly Black!’

  ‘Is he certain?’ demanded Price.

  ‘He assures me he’s not mistaken, although we have no idea what Black’s doing there. Twelftree waited, and not long after, he heard the sound of a door being prised open. He could barely make out what the men were up to but he was in a precarious position. He didn’t want Black to find out he was being spied on, and so he hid in the lee of a chimney. From there, he watched the men disappear into the building through a trapdoor in the roof.’

  ‘I presume you know what goes on in this chemical plant?’ asked Price, intrigued.

  ‘We’ve done our homework, Henry. The business goes by the name of CoolFlow Incorporated. It manufactures chemicals with applications in the antifreeze, refrigeration and air conditioning markets. It appears to be nothing out of the ordinary and it’s baffling why Black would sully his reputation on such a small scale operation.’

  ‘I agree,’ said Price. ‘We all know of his links with crime but he’s always managed to avoid proof of any direct involvement. It’s difficult to see why he’d put himself at risk like this. He has any number of men at his disposal to carry out his jobs for him. Do you know who’s in there with him?’

  ‘No, I’m afraid not. Twelftree only had a brief view before the men entered the building. I think he was so taken aback to see Black, he didn’t get a chance to look at the other two.’

  ‘Has anything happened since?’ asked Saskia.

  ‘No. Twelftree contacted me straight away. I mobilised all of my available men and went straight there. I’ve been there ever since; until now, that is.’

  Price looked involuntarily at his watch; it read half past nine.

  ‘So Black’s been inside the factory for the best part of three hours. And you say there’s been no movement?’

  ‘We’ve seen neither sight nor sound of the men since they went in.’

  ‘How do you know they won’t reappear at any moment?’ said Price.

  ‘I don’t think they intend to come out quite yet, Henry. Black knows we’re on to him. We managed to get a tap on the factory’s phone line and we intercepted a call not long after they went in. It wasn’t easy to hear, and we only managed to catch snippets of the conversation, but it was undoubtedly Black. He knew we’d spotted him and that our men were already swarming all over the place.’

  ‘Do you know who he called?’ asked Saskia urgently.

  ‘No. The wire was hastily arranged and we couldn’t trace it. The call was made to a local number and we know he spoke to a woman.’

  ‘Aurelia Nightshade?’ suggested Saskia.

  ‘Likely,’ replied Fox. ‘We know from the call that Black doesn’t intend to leave until he’s found what he went in for, whatever that is. It seems he’s quite prepared to sit it out. Black ended the conversation by saying he was waiting for something, although he didn’t clarify what.’

  ‘Do you think the Order will send reinforcements?’ said Price.

  ‘No,’ replied Fox emphatically. ‘Black made it quite clear that he wants to sort this out for himself.’

  Price eyed Fox pensively but Saskia nodded her head implying she had picked up on something the men had missed.

  ‘As usual, Black seems to have contacts in all quarters, including Internal Security,’ said Price.

  Fox’s face reddened. ‘Are you suggesting my organisation is compromised?’

  Price smiled placatingly. ‘It wasn’t meant as a slight on your department, Nicolas. It’s just that the Order’s tendrils seem to spread far and wide. It wouldn’t be the first time they’d learnt of our movements the moment you gave the order. Just be thankful they weren’t aware of your surveillance.’

  Fox nodded. ‘As usual, Henry, you’re right,’ he said, his colour fading. ‘At least we’ve got them where we want them. They’re cornered.’

  ‘I wouldn’t be so confident, Nicolas. I know how short-handed you are, and I’m not sure your manpower is sufficient where Black’s concerned. Let’s just hope you’re not underestimating him.’

  Fox nodded. ‘Again you’re right.’

  ‘Have you any idea what you’re going to do?’ enquired Saskia, addressing Fox. ‘I presume we are somehow part of your plans,’ she said, enunciating her words clearly so there was no mistaking her intent.

  ‘Your assessment is correct. We need to make sure Black doesn’t slip from our grasp like he’s done before. That’s why I’ve need of your skills, Henry,’ Fox replied, ignoring the implication in Saskia’s words.

  Price was lost in thought but stirred at the mention of his name. ‘Hmm. As I see it, we’ve got to think of a way to draw Black out. He can’t stay in there forever.’

  ‘That’s true,’ said Fox. ‘But it’s a question of how we manage the situation without putting anyone’s life at risk.’

  ‘I believe I know of a way to lure Pearly out,’ sa
id Saskia suddenly.

  The men looked at her in astonishment.

  ‘And just exactly what do you propose?’ said Fox sceptically.

  ‘It’s all to do with whatever Pearly’s waiting for. If I’ve interpreted the situation correctly, I think he’s waiting for you, Henry. Pearly’s a complex man ruled by his ego. You’ll know if you’ve studied anything from his past that Pearly believes he has no equal. His arrogance is, to some extent, founded on fact. Pearly is hyper-intelligent and is unchallenged in many areas, particularly where his alchemical skills are concerned. He’s charismatic, and those who follow him do so unflinchingly. It’s no surprise you’ve never been able to get anywhere near him or his organisation. You know that if he wants to escape, there’s a good chance he will. There’s only one person who can stand in his way, and for some reason, Pearly’s decided he’s ready to accept that challenge once and for all.’

  ‘What makes you deduce all of this?’ demanded Fox, unable to hide the resentment from his words.

  ‘Pearly has always drawn great strength from his rivalry with Henry. In fact, he uses it as a spur to enhance his sense of self-importance. With all of his achievements since he left the Academy, he’s convinced that his supremacy over Henry is absolute. He believes this unflinchingly, but it still rankles that his greatest rival is considered by many as his equal in alchemical and, more recently, political circles. This knowledge is like a festering canker that gnaws at him and undermines his will.’

  ‘You seem incredibly knowledgeable about a man whom you supposedly have had nothing to do with these past years,’ interjected Fox. ‘If what you say is true, then why has Black never publicly challenged Henry before?’

  ‘A question I, too, have asked myself many times before,’ she replied with a wry smile. ‘It’s true that I’ve had no contact with Pearly for quite some time, but I understand him well enough to predict how he might react under certain circumstances.

  ‘Pearly’s had an agenda over recent years that’s been inextricably linked with the Order’s rise. I’ve no doubt that he’s avoided a confrontation with Henry for the very reason that it would interfere with his ultimate plan for the Order, whatever that is. What he has in mind has been the subject of all of our consideration, but in some way, it’s shaped Pearly’s decision to avoid Henry, up until now, that is. Why he should suddenly change his mind, I’ve no idea. It’s not like Pearly to make a hasty, or possibly, irrational decision, after all.’

  ‘All very interesting, but how does this influence what we should do next?’ said Fox.

  ‘Pearly always knew that one day he would have to face his old adversary,’ she said, looking at Price, who had remained uncharacteristically silent throughout Saskia’s deliberations.

  ‘I see,’ said Fox circumspectly, also looking at Price.

  Price stirred and said despondently, ‘Yes, I suppose you’re right. It was always destined to be.’

  ‘But perhaps not as soon as tonight. I’m sure Pearly always had this in mind, but at a time and place that was right for him,’ said Saskia. ‘For whatever reason, circumstances have changed. I suspect Pearly understands the error he’s made by embroiling himself in whatever he wants to steal from this factory.’

  ‘Yes, but Black’s not stupid,’ said Price. ‘Before they went in, he would’ve weighed up the risks and decided they were worth it. I don’t suppose he planned on getting himself hemmed in like this, though.’

  ‘I agree,’ said Saskia. ‘He’ll have anticipated that you’d be briefed about his predicament and you’ll be instrumental in what we decide to do next. He must also realise that, by getting trapped like this, he’s placed the whole future of the Order in jeopardy. Imagine what will happen if we catch Pearly red-handed. The publicity will sully the Order’s reputation, and its popularity will plummet overnight.’

  ‘Making Black a desperate man,’ Price observed.

  Saskia nodded. ‘Absolutely, and I believe the only person he’s willing to negotiate with is you. The reason you’ve seen nothing of him since the situation developed is because he’s waiting. He knows that you’ll come,’ she said emphatically.

  Price nodded. ‘Hmm. I think you’re right.’

  ‘So why should we play into Black’s hands?’ queried Fox.

  ‘I don’t think we’ve any choice,’ Price said with a look of grim determination. ‘Saskia, you must wait here … for Lily’s sake,’ he added apologetically.

  Saskia got up with Price. ‘I’m sorry, Henry. I’m coming with you and there’s nothing you can say that will sway my decision.’

  *

  Price returned the Historoscope to its stand and reclined back in his chair. He rubbed his eyes absent-mindedly and looked up, squinting at the light flooding in through the overhead window. The trepidation he had felt earlier remained. The scene he had just witnessed was merely a prelude to the devastating events that were about to follow, and all it had done was to cause his long-suppressed feelings of guilt to resurface. If only he had persuaded Saskia not to go with him.

  Against his better judgement, he had reluctantly allowed her to accompany him after she had convinced him that her presence would unsettle Black and draw him out from the safety of his bolt-hole. She had also reasoned that, once face to face, a diplomatic solution was more likely if she were present.

  Price recalled the moment they had arrived at Spindlewick Street. They had entered the building appropriated by Internal Security through a back door, and after some careful reconnaissance, they had climbed onto the roof and crossed the divide to the factory on a makeshift ladder.

  Why did I let her go with me? Price asked himself for the umpteenth time. He shook his head disconsolately. He knew he could not stop now and picked up the Historoscope, placing the lens to his eye and returning to the events of ten years ago.

  *

  Price was standing stock-still on the flat roof of a tall building, his long hair gently fluttering in a silent breeze. Saskia was standing a few paces behind him, her features partially obscured by the shadow of a tall chimney bathing in the dull glow of a cloud-obscured moon. A tall aluminium exhaust flue rose from the side of the building, unmistakably marked with a snowflake logo and the name of the company, CoolFlow Inc.

  Price stood calmly appraising the situation. ‘This rooftop will give us the best chance of drawing Black out if he wants to negotiate. Fox has his men stationed on the adjacent rooftops. They should be able to keep Black firmly trained in their sights if he appears.’

  Saskia approached him and pointed towards the opposite corner of the flat roof. ‘It looks like there’s a recess over there,’ she said, her breath condensing in the sub-zero temperature as she spoke.

  ‘I think that must be where they got in.’

  Price did not reply. He turned his head slowly to scan the rooftop as if he were surveying a battlefield, memorising every nook and cranny for future reference. His eyes finally focused on Saskia before he nodded. ‘Come on, let’s take a look.’

  They crossed to the point that Saskia had identified and stooped down to examine a square metal door inset into the otherwise featureless roof. A small, circular hole had been cut in the centre of the door and there was a charred lock at the side.

  Price ran a fingertip across the lock before holding it up to his face. ‘Hmm. You’re right. This is where they got in. They must have drilled through the metal and detonated a small explosive to break the lock. It explains the flare Twelftree saw and also these deposits,’ he said, holding up a blackened finger covered with an acrid residue. ‘I assume whoever broke in passed some kind of instrument through the hole to lever the door open.’

  ‘It sounds like Liquid Lex must be inside with Pearly. This has his name written all over it,’ said Saskia rationally.

  Price nodded. He knelt down and thrust his fingertips into the narrow gap between the casing and the recessed metal door, but no matter how hard he tried, he could not prise it open. After a few moments straining, Price
stood up. ‘I can’t budge it. I suspect the door’s barred on the inside. We’ll need to find another way to open it. Any suggestions?’

  Saskia shook her head.

  ‘Then I’ll just have to employ alternative tactics. I don’t doubt that Black already knows we’re here. Maybe it’s time we let him know what he’s up against. What do you think?’

  ‘What do you have in mind?’ asked Saskia.

  ‘I’m going to create a bit of a commotion. Come on, watch this …’ said Price. He closed his eyes and laid the palms of his hands on the cold surface of the metal door. Slowly but surely, a low hum emanated from the door that built into a resounding wall of sound that gradually became intolerable, and while Price remained motionless, calmly concentrating on what he was doing, Saskia took a step back shielding her ears.

  Suddenly, with an ear-splitting paroxysm, the door exploded, sending Price toppling backwards amidst a cloud of smoke and flying shrapnel. Saskia rushed to his aid, but as the fumes dissipated, he sat up as if nothing had happened.

  ‘Are you all right?’ Saskia yelled.

  He smiled. ‘Of course! What did you expect?’

  ‘You were right about causing a commotion. It was a bit more than that, though. What on earth did you do?’

  Price gave a hollow laugh. ‘Does mechanical resonance mean anything to you?’ he said, picking himself up off the floor.

  Saskia glared at him. ‘Of course it does but I don’t see how that helps.’

  ‘I thought you were the expert on metals. Maybe we’ve just enough time for a physics lesson.’

  ‘I didn’t ask for a lesson. I just want to know how you destroyed a door that’s almost three inches thick,’ she said, looking down at a lethal shard of metal that had come to rest inches from her feet.

  ‘Very well. I don’t intend to go into the building just yet. We’ll wait and see if it draws anyone out.’

  Price straightened himself up and stood with his back to the gaping crater he had created in the rooftop. He brushed some debris off his jacket and extended his neck reflexively after jarring it in the impact. ‘Mechanical resonance occurs when an object absorbs increasing amounts of energy with a frequency that matches its own natural resonance.’