Seeds of Fear
(A David Blaine Story)
by Atonia
Chapter 1
Sir Brennan listened quietly while Blaine relayed the whole story of his Kurdish affair. His face was impassive and displayed none of the anger building inside of him. It wasn’t all directed at Blaine.
“Why did you feel you had to come and tell me this?”
“Because I realized that I do have an allegiance to England. It is where I was born and although I have not always lived here, it is my home. I see people like Fadi and Julian and they make me ill. I do not want to be like them and yet I took this job from Fadi knowing what he was.”
“People like that have their uses. Why did you let Bladen walk?”
“I did not know what awaited me in the airport. I realized we were not working for the same people while we were in flight. To tell you the truth, I was afraid. I don’t even know who Fadi was working for. I was in over my head and I just wanted it to end. I think I have made a mistake in taking the job.”
“Yes, you have. You’ve opened yourself up to Fadi and his ilk. He knows how to get to you now and he will. Oh, yes, he will.” Sir Brennan ran a hand over his eyes. "He knows where your friend lives and how to contact her now. He’ll use her if he wants you again.”
“What do you mean? Christine is in danger?”
“I honestly don’t know.”
“I don’t know what I could have done, she was with me when he approached me.”
“You could have told him to bugger off.”
“I know and I wish I had.”
“I wish you’d held onto Bladen.”
Blaine looked up. “Why?”
“Because, Blaine, he’s one of ours. Yes…I know he’s a rogue.” Sir Brennan got up from his desk and walked to the bank of mullioned windows. “He’s not always trustworthy but he’s useful from time to time.”
“I cannot believe you would ever trust one such as Julian Bladen. I nearly shot him.” Blaine held his temples between his hands. “Well, I see I have made another mistake in coming here.”
“No, no, Blaine, you have not.”
“If he was yours, why was he detained and imprisoned in Kurdistan?”
“Someone tipped him. As for why he was imprisoned…you know that yourself. His job was to find out who was supplying the PPK. He accomplished that but then the money went missing and he returned to Erbil.”
“I think he stole the money.”
“He may have.”
“That does not bother you?”
“It wasn’t our money and it may deter the PPK from trying it again. I don’t approve of him or his methods but he does, in his way, get the job done.”
“Did you put him on the airship?”
“No, I did not.”
“I believe he sabotaged it and killed all those people…innocent people. They let him off and within twenty-four hours the ship disappeared.”
“No trace of that airship was ever found, Blaine. If he had sabotaged it something would have been left behind. It simply disappeared off the radar blips. The area was searched where it was last known to be and nothing was found. Are you sure this isn’t personal with you?”
“Of course it is personal. I went after him because I’d known him in Nantes and for no other reason. I did not like what I found. So…yes, it is personal with me and I do not care if he is one of yours or not. I would not go after him again. I should go now.” Blaine stood up and picked up his jacket.
“Blaine, I’m glad you came in. I will tell you that I have been upset with you over Kazan. You had no right to do what you did. No right to take him from here. It’s done…over with. I know you want no part of this place or what it represents.” Sir Brennan leaned against this desk and looked up at Blaine. “If I have need of you…can I call on you?”
Blaine looked at him a moment. “You are correct; I do not care for this place or what it represents. If you need me…yes, but it depends, Sir Brennan. I won’t be used again.”
“Have you had dinner?”
“No, Sir, I have not eaten since breakfast.”
“Stay with us for awhile, have dinner and we’ll talk a bit.”
Blaine stayed for dinner but left right afterwards. He wanted to unload the burden of Fadi and his misdirected trip to Kurdistan. However, he wasn’t free of Fadi. Sir Brennan was right. He had led him right to the source of control. If he threatened Christine in anyway – he had him. The problem was he didn’t know what to do about her.
He had the driver take him straight home. It was late when he arrived and walked into his house at Gravesend. The familiar scent of polish and roses welcomed him. The children were in bed asleep but Billy was up having a drink and watching TV in the den. Blaine followed the sound of the TV.
“Blaine, I didn’t know you were coming home.”
“I had to come sometime. How are you, Billy?” He went over and embraced him and sat down on the sofa with a knee tucked underneath him.
“I’m well, everything’s tip-top here. How are you? You look tired, want a drink?
“Yes, I do, thank you.” Billy poured him a whiskey and brought it to him.
“Good to have you home. How’s France?” He always referred to Christine as France.
“France is very good. Oh, Billy, you will not believe what I have done.”
“You got married?” Billy was only half kidding.
“Oh, God, no. Worse than that.” He told Billy where he’d been and what he’d done.”
“Bloody hell, Blaine…Fadi?”
“I know. Sometimes I do not know what I am doing.”
“I hope to hell the plonker was worth it.” Billy took a drink from his glass.
“He wasn’t and that makes it all the more ridiculous. Do you know he’s one of Sir Brennan’s spies?”
“It’s a dirty business, Blaine.”
“I know and do you know I told Sir Brennan if he needed me to call.”
“I think you’re losing your mind. I’m surprised he’d even talk to you after what you did with Kazan.”
“He let me know about that. Maybe I have lost my mind. I just…I have this desire to be useful for something. I cannot sit here in the country all the time. I…I start to produce seeds in my pockets.”
“What?”
“Produce seeds…no, what is it…go to seed.”
Billy laughed.
“You think I am amusing.”
“I think you get bored…and yes, you are amusing. It’s a shame you can’t find something else besides Sir Brennan’s outfit. Why don’t you start a tree farm or buy some bloody sheep or something?”
Blaine fingered Billy’s collar. “I don’t know. I wish I could be satisfied with that. I’d move up to the farm…no I cannot do that. I am no good at being domestic. I am worried about Christine. I did not think, you know, that now Fadi knows where she lives. He sent packages there for me. He has seen her with me. He has no morals, Fadi. I let Julian go after all the money he paid out for him. Maybe they will pick him up in Paris. I do not know…I was so sick of the whole thing. I was afraid, Billy. I don’t often feel fear.”
“You had a right to be afraid. You walked into a nest of vipers. You did the right thing to get out as quickly as you could. Does France know anything about this, about where you were or what you were about?”
“No, she only knew I was gone. I left all of my identification with her. I was Alain Manet.”
“Julian know who you were?”
“I told him Blaine was a fake name. After all, he was Gustav so it was not unusual. He does not know of my association with Sir Brennan.”
“Does he know about France?”
“No.”
“What do you want to do about her?”
“I don’t want to do anything; I want things to remain as they are. That is what I want. What should I do? Should I wait for Fadi to make a move? What if he never makes a move? I don’t want to disrupt her life. I don’t want her to be afraid.”
“You are though…you’re afraid for her.” Billy ran a hand over his hair. “Bring her over here.”
“No, I do not want to do that.”
“Put a body guard on her then.”
“I may have to do that for my own peace of mind as well as her safety. I’m sorry I didn’t mean to lay all this on you tonight.” Blaine set his empty glass on the coffee table.
“Want another drink?”
He shook his head. “What I’d really like is a soak in the tub and bed.”
“I’ll get it ready for you.”
“Billy, you don’t have to-“
“Yes, Blaine, I do. Otherwise, I’d grow seeds in my pockets or something.” He grinned and headed for the stairs.
Blaine sighed and leaned back on the sofa. He picked up the remote and turned the TV off. It felt good to be home…safe. But he’d left someone out in the cold. If something happened to Christine because of her relationship with him…he’d never forgive himself. He couldn’t bear the thought of it. He had to do something…something.
Chapter 2
The next morning Blaine placed a call to his Uncle Trevor. He left a message for him to call. He didn’t know where his uncle was at the moment. Needing something physical to do he went out and attacked his garden. His gardener did a good job but it was a large property. The borders were his to look after and they showed their neglect. Fall flowers were in bloom amongst fading summer stalks that needed cutting down.
Billy came out from time to time to see if he needed anything. Willy came out to ‘help’ for awhile. He’d taken Lyssa to school in tears because she wanted to be home with him. He came in for lunch in the breakfast room. Fish was glad to see him home and tweaked his cheek.
“Looks like you’re making some headway out there,” Billy observed.
“A lot more ground to cover. My uncle has not called the house phone has he?”
“No, no calls this morning that I know about.” Billy looked at his watch. “I’m on at 3:00 today you’ll have to pick up Lyssa from school.”
“I was going to do that anyway. Billy, you don’t know of a bodyguard do you? Someone trustworthy and lethal if need be.”
“Can’t say as I do.” Billy broke his bread up and dipped it in the gravy. “I still say the safest bet is to bring her over here. If you don’t want her in the house then there’s the flat in London and the farm. Do you even think she’d come?”
“Well, the thing is…she would anything I ask.”
Billy looked at him a moment. “Are you in love with this woman, Blaine?”
“Yes, Billy, I am but it frightens me. I have been here before. She is different and I do not want to change her.”
“You mean different from Mandi?”
“Very…very different from Mandi.”
Billy picked up his glass, “Why don’t you want her here?”
“Because here is perfect with you. We have our children here. I do not want to change anything here. Is that what you wanted to know? “
“I never know what you’re going to do, Blaine. I just asked.”
“That makes two of us. I do not know anymore myself. I think things are good. They are going well for all of us and then I go and do something stupid. Why do I do these things? I’m not a child…I should have more self discipline than this.” Blaine pushed his plate away and picked up his glass.
“Stop beating yourself up. I agree you did a dumb thing. Hell, Fadi had a contract to off you last year. Maybe he’s got another one now. You worry me. From now on if you go off I go with you.”
Blaine looked up,”That is not necessary.”
“You don’t think so? Look at you.”
“I’d rather not.”
“Right.”
Blaine rested his face in his hands. “Maybe I can get her to come to London for awhile. Lara is there now. I can send the plane for her.”
“Go make the call…do it now, Blaine.”
“Yes, I will.”
He knew she wouldn’t understand and he couldn’t make himself tell her why she should come to London. Instead he told her she would be closer and he would see her. He also told her Lara was in London now. She already knew Lara had the townhouse. She was hesitant accepting but in the end he talked her into it. She wanted a few days to put things in order. He agreed but immediately upon hanging up he wished he hadn’t.
Billy came to the door with Willy on his hip. “Everything okay?”
“Yes and no. She will come but wants a few days to put things together. Should I go to her now?”
“No, I don’t think you’ve got any business in France right now. If somebody wants to cause a problem they’d love to get their hands on you. I’ll go, Blaine. Just a quick over and back. I’m supposed to work tonight but I’ve got the next four days off. I can leave first thing in the morning.”
“I don’t like this…I will call her and let her know you are coming for her.”
Billy landed in Marseilles. They decided it was better to be in a public place. Christine was waiting for him.
“Billy Wright?” He turned and looked at her. Her impression was of a tall man with dark hair. He wore dark glasses and so she could not see his eyes. It felt strange to see him. Now he was real. David’s male lover was real.
“Christine?” Billy shouldered his bag and walked over to her. She was everything he thought she might be. Very female and pretty. He could see why Blaine would be attracted to her.
“I have my car. It is…good to meet you.”
“Good to meet you too. Guess we’d better get on.”
“Yes.” She bit her lip and walked him through the airport to her car. “We have about a 30 minute ride.”
They talked of the weather and the countryside after leaving the city. Billy called Blaine to let him know he was with her.
She listened to him talk with David…her David. “Just coming up on some narrow winding streets. I don’t know where the hell I’m at. We’re cool, Blaine. I’ll talk to you later…I’ll do that…bye love. He sends you his love, Christine.”
She smiled. “I keep it always.”
Billy smiled and looked out of the window.
She parked her car on the street and unlocked the door. A short hallway opened up into a living room. Another room through French doors let to a small dining room. The kitchen was beyond that and it opened onto a courtyard and garden. Steps led up from the hall to the second level. Two bedrooms and a bath. Another set of steps led up to her bedroom. She took Billy on a tour of the house.
It was only when they came back downstairs and into the kitchen that she looked him full in the face and saw his eyes. Soft brown and expressive. He was a handsome man, broad at the shoulder and narrow through the hips. He was someone she would notice as a woman.
“Tea or coffee?”
“Coffee would be good.”
“How is he?”
“He’s all right. He’s worried about you.”
“Why…why does he worry?”
“He worries because of the man that you met called Fadi. He’s not a nice sort of bloke. Blaine didn’t quite complete his mission and he’s afraid of some kind of retaliation. That’s why he wants you in London until this thing blows over. He’s not taking any chances with you. I’m here to bring you to London.”
“He didn’t tell me this.”
“He couldn’t but I can. You need to know, Christine.”
“Aiiee, I don’t want to know this.” She took down two mugs.
Billy looked around her kitchen. It was small but well used. She was a cook. He thought of Blaine sitting at the same little table where he sat. She cooked for him…he had to love that.
“Sorry, I don’t mean to upset you.”
“David is in danger?”
“He’s safe at home working in his flower borders.”
Christine set the coffee before him with slices of bread and butter. “Flower borders…I don’t know him there. I cannot imagine him there…only here.”
“Well, that’s his fault, isn’t it?”
“When he said you were coming. I did not know what to expect.”
“Are you disappointed?”
“No…no, not at all. It is strange for me to meet you. I knew about you only recently.”
“I’ve known about you from the beginning. He doesn’t hide much from me.”
“It does not bother you?”
“No. He needs a woman in his life. I’ve always known that about him.”
“You live with him…with the children. I envy you that.”
“Don’t envy me, Christine. We both love him. He’s carved out a place in his life for you. I can’t go there.”
She looked at him and then into her coffee mug. David sent his lover for her. She wanted to be jealous of Billy. Jealous of the life and intimacy they shared. “Why do you think he wanted us to meet?”
“I don’t think it was that so much as he knows he can trust me to get you to London. He knows I won’t let any harm come to you. He couldn’t come himself so he sent me.” Billy didn’t say it was his idea. In his mind Blaine would have come to the same decision eventually. “The flat’s nice, it’s just been redone. Might not be to your taste but its comfortable and within walking distance to most things.”
“I am sure it will be fine. How long do you think I will stay there?”
“Couldn’t say.” Billy sipped his coffee and reached for the buttered bread. “Did you make this?”
“The bread? No, there is a bakery just down the street. “
“I like your house and I can understand why he likes to stay here.” Billy smiled at her. He could understand quite well the attraction she held for Blaine.
“It is an old house, very old, but I like it. It has been home for me for a long time.”
“I hate to take you away from it. Blaine hates it too. Maybe it won’t be for long.”
Blaine pulled out a clump of zebra grass and sat down hard on his bottom. He sat there for a moment with his head resting on his knees. He could not live like this…in fear of Fadi. Something had to be done. His phone chimed.
“Is this David Blaine?”
“Yes, who is this?”
“My name is Richard Danforth, I’m an aide of Sir Brennan’s. Mr. Blaine, as an agent you are required to attend a training session once a year. It’s a two week course and we’re set up for October 1st. I’m entering your name into the roster so you will need to clear your calendar for the first two weeks in October. “
“You are having a joke with me. What do I need to train for?”
“You have to qualify, Mr. Blaine, like everyone else.” He gave him the name of an airfield in Norfolk where he was to report. “0700 the plane leaves. If you’re not on board your license is revoked immediately.”
“License? I do not have a license.”
“According to my records, you are a M4 agent. We will expect you in Norfolk. Good day, Mr. Blaine.”
Blaine sat looking at his phone for a moment. “This is ridiculous.” He said under his breath.
Chapter 3
Blaine had a long conversation with his Uncle Trevor.
“You are full of surprises, David. I never figured you’d go back to Sir Brennan. I see he’s planted the seeds of fear in you.”
“Am I not right to be afraid? It is very real.”
“I don’t think Fadi will come after you, you’ll be useful to him. I can see where he’d use your girl as leverage though because you won’t be so eager to do his bidding. He has no qualms about using whatever method works for him. With her in France and you here…yeah, I think you’re right to be afraid.”
“I have sent Billy to bring her to London. At least there will be people around her there that she knows and I am not that far away.”
“Why don’t you bring her to Gravesend?”
“It is too complicated.”
“You and your complicated life. Me, I just like them one at a time.”
“How is Lara?”
“Lara is good. We’re kinda keeping things on the quiet until her divorce is settled.”
“What are you doing now that you are retired? I called you to locate a bodyguard but we decided on Billy.”
“Me and retirement are still at odds. I’m finding it hard to fill up the days. So, you’re going to boot camp eh? Ha, ha. I imagine they’ll take it easy on you because of your past injuries.”
“Ah, it is something I do not want. What is it about anyway?”
“They teach you to look after yourself and how to kill. That about sums it up. You have to qualify with weapons.”
“I know how to pull a trigger and at close range I could probably hit a target. I am no gunman.”
“You will be by the time you’re outta there.”
“Did you ever know of Julian Bladen?”
“Nope, never heard of him until you told me about him.”
“I cannot believe Sir Brennan acknowledges him. I suppose it takes all kinds in this dirty business. Still, I would not trust him.”
“You’re a part of this dirty business now, David; don’t be thumbing your nose at your colleagues. They are not all clean and shiny like you.”
“I am no longer clean and shiny. It was him and Fadi that made up my mind about becoming an agent. I must go, Uncle Trevor; time to pick up Lyssa.”
“Give her a hug for me and remember I’m here if you need me for anything.”
Blaine took Willy with him to pick up his daughter from school.
The night passed in Christine’s house without incident. Billy took a room on the second floor in the back. He left his window open so if anyone wanted entrance to the house there was an invitation. No one came. She cooked him a good breakfast and nibbled on her croissant while he ate.
“What is it you think will happen here, Billy?”
“Nothing, I hope. What is it you have to do to be ready to go?”
“I have to have my gas and electrics turned off. Notify my neighbor that I will be away for awhile and I have to pack. There are things here I need to see to, I cannot leave my fridge full of food.”
“Don’t tell anyone you’re going to be away…just a precaution.”
“But who will look after my cat and my dog?”
“Bring them with you.”
“Ooo, my cat is French and very used to his surroundings.”
“I haven’t seen him.” Billy looked around the kitchen.
“He stays outside.” The little dog was at her feet as usual. “Oh, I do not like this.”
“I know, Christine.”
“People will know I am not here or else they will be breaking down the door to see why I do not answer. What will you have me do? I cannot just disappear.”
“Just don’t tell anyone where you’re going. If you have to tell someone make it one person you can trust.”
“Oh, well, that would be Monsieur Bonet. He is a fine gentleman that lives two houses down. He is my good friend and dinner companion. I think he will watch out for Toulouse . Is it cold in London?”
“It’s cool, it will get colder. Better pack some warm clothes.”
“I am not sure I have that many. Such a bother.” She stood up and cleared the table. “But I will do it. I will do it for David.” She turned and looked over her shoulder. “I will do anything for him.”
“We have that in common. So would I.”
“How long have you known him?”
“Six or seven years.”
“You have been with him all that time and loved him?”
“Not continuously. I was employed by his first wife for awhile. I didn’t really fall in love with him until I was called back to look after him after his accident.”
“I do not know all of his history. He told me his back was broken. He has suffered so much.”
“Yeah, he has.” It wasn’t all physical suffering either but Billy wasn’t going to elaborate. If Blaine wanted her to know he’d tell her.
“Anything I can do to help?”
“I was only going to do the washing up.”
“I’ll dry. I’m domesticated.” He grinned and caught the towel she threw at him.
Billy went around with her to run her errands and lounged across the street while she visited with M. Bonet. He saw him when he opened the door. Tall and gray-haired. Safe. He was beginning to realize how much Christine loved Blaine. She organized her life around his visits.
She came back out with her dog on his lead. “Billy, I cannot take my dog. M. Bonet says there is quarantine. England won’t let me bring him.”
“Ah, I’d forgotten about that.”
“He will keep him for me but…oh.” She bent down and petted her baby. “We will cry for each other.”
“It won’t be forever, Christine. A few weeks maybe. I don’t know and I wish I did.”
She wiped her eyes and stood up. “You must think I am mad. They are all I have without David.”
“You’ll have him in London. I’m sure of that. He won’t be able to stay in the country knowing you’re that close by.”
“Does he love me that much? I shouldn’t be asking you this. I’m sorry.” She touched his arm and turned down the walk.
“He told me he’s in love with you.” She stopped in front of him. “He can do that, you know. He can love more than one. I’ve never doubted that he loves me. You shouldn’t doubt it either.”
“I don’t doubt him. It is the separation, you understand.”
“Yes, I do understand. He’s not always with me.” He could see how their situations were mirrored. It was probably worse for her. “Want to have lunch somewhere?”
“We can do that. There is a little place I know.”
A dim little hole in the wall place with good smells filling the room. “Do you bring Blaine here?” He knew what the answer would be and he didn’t think it would hurt but it hit him in the chest.
“Yes, it is one of our favorite places for a little meal.”
Billy cleared his throat. “What’s good?” He picked up the menu.
Later she asked him to come up and get her luggage down from the top of her closet. He tried not to look at the big bed.
“Help me figure out what to take. I don’t know what they wear in London.”
He went through her closet with her and noticed some of Blaine’s clothes hanging there. What did he expect? Of course his things would be there.
“Billy, how do you love him? Do you kiss him and fondle him?”
“Yes.”
She turned back to the clothes again. “We are not so different you and I.”
“No…I guess in a way we aren’t. I’d take this…you’ll need a raincoat.”
“If I have said anything to make you feel uncomfortable today…I’m sorry. I wanted to be jealous of you and I think I am a little. I can see why he loves you.”
They were standing in her closet. “I can see why he loves you too. I’m not…not usually jealous of anyone. I think it’s because he wants to keep it all separate. You in one place and me in another.”
“That is it, I think. I’m glad you came because I want to know you. We have someone very special between us.” She dropped the raincoat and hugged his neck.
“We cannot be enemies, you and I.”
“No, no we can’t…we aren’t.” He hugged her back and kissed her cheek. “Better get this job done.”
He carried her bags down stairs leaving a small one for the morning. Christine sat on the side of the bed and thought about Billy. She wanted to make love to him because David did. But…no. She would not do that. He was David’s lover, not hers.
Chapter 4
Billy stood across the street while she took her little dog to her neighbor. He saw her knock on the door and then open it. He called Blaine.
“Hey, we’re about ready to leave. She’s taken the dog to a Monsieur Bonet. Bags are in the car.”
“Good, the sooner you are in the air the better. The plane is waiting in Marseilles. No problems?”
“No, I did explain why she has to go to London and she took it pretty well.”
“I am sorry it has to be this way. I should see you in a few hours. I’ll meet you at Heathrow.”
“All right.” Billy folded his phone and looked again at the door. He could hear the dog barking across the street. Something…he walked across the street and knocked on the door. It came open with the pressure from his knock.
“Christine?, Christine?” Billy ran though the house. The back door was open and the dog was in the back garden. No sign of Monsieur Bonet. He opened the back garden gate into the alley and the dog bolted ahead of him. Hoping the damn dog knew where he was going Billy ran after him. “Christine!” He kept calling her name.
The alley ended against a stone wall and the dog ran around in circles for a moment and then back the way they’d come. He was barking at a gate. Billy opened it and they both raced toward the back of the house. “CHRISTINE!”
The house was empty and the front door open. “Son-of-a-bloody-bitch,” Billy exclaimed. The dog stood on the side of the street barking. He felt his eyes sting with tears of frustration. Who to call? The police? “Oh, God, oh God.” He leaned against the house and called Blaine.
“Blaine, she’s gone.” He was out of breath with fear and exertion. “I heard the dog bark and went into the house. Followed the dog up the alley and through another house. Must…must have been a car waiting. I don’t know who to call…police? Sir Brennan? Who the hell…oh, Blaine.”
“FUCK!” Blaine slammed his hand against the wall. “Ah, Fuck.” He felt nauseated.
“I’m sorry, Blaine.”
“Not your bleeding fault. Get the police there and tell them she was abducted. Don’t say who…just…oh, God.”
“I’m on my way down the street…police right on the corner.”
“I’m going to get off here and call Sir Brennan. Anything at all call the house phone.”
“Right.” Billy set off running toward the police station and the little dog ran along beside of him.
Blaine tried desperately to get his emotions under control as he hit the number for Sir Brennan’s direct line .
“If this is about the-“
“They’ve got her. Just now…just now. They’ve got Christine.”
“Wait a minute. How do you know who’s got her?”
“Who the hell else is out there?” He yelled into the phone. “I don’t know what to do? Billy’s there I sent him to the police.”
“Blaine, calm down. They won’t hurt her. We talked about this, Blaine.”
“I’m going to Marseilles.”
“No…no wait until they contact you. Don’t go off half cocked, Blaine. Are you listening to me? Blaine?”
He wiped his eyes with his sleeve. “I’m here. He is a dead man, Sir Brennan. When I find him…he is dead.”
“Listen to me, you don’t know who has taken her. You don’t’ even know where to look. Now…slow down. I understand you want to kill Fadi. I don’t doubt that day will come but you need to wait until they contact you.”
“I’m going to Marseilles. I am going to her house. I will stand in the middle of the bloody street until they see me and come for me. I will not play games with Christine’s life.”
Sir Brennan let out a breath. “All right go. Keep Billy with you, Blaine. We need to find out who we’re dealing with here.”
“A fuckin’ dead man, that’s who.” Blaine tossed his phone on the desk. “Toomes!”
A minute later she came running to the door of his den. “Yes, Sir?” She and Fish had heard his outburst in the kitchen.
“I have to go to France. Now …this minute. Could you please get my bag ready.”
“Yes, Sir, I’ll do it now.” He didn’t look good…he didn’t look good at all.
Fish came hesitantly to the door holding a dish towel. “Is it Mr. Billy?”
“No, Fish, it’s not Billy. It’s Christine.” He was looking for the number of the travel agency he’d used in the past to find the next flight to Marseilles.
His phone chimed. “Yes?”
“It’s me, Blaine. I’ll have a plane waiting for you at the airport.”
“Thank you, Sir Brennan.”
He went upstairs to change his clothes. Fish came up for Willy while Toomes searched his closet not knowing exactly what to pack.
“Sir, I…will you be wanting a suit?”
“I don’t really care what you pack. Jeans, slacks.” He pulled the knit shirt over his head and tossed it on his bed. His sweat pants went next.
Toomes was trying not to look at him as she folded his things to fit in his leather bag. He pulled on clean jeans and a couple of shirts out of his drawers. He didn’t seem to know or care that he’s stripped in front of his children’s nanny. He went into the bathroom and came out with his sponge bag. It was one he kept for travel. Toomes put it in the bag and zipped it up.
“Thank you.” He kissed her red blushed cheek and left.
“Whooo,” she let out a breath. She and Fish would have something to talk about now. Christine? They didn’t know her.
Billy stayed with the police. They found Bonet taped to a dining room chair. He was alive and able to give some information.
“They came in from the garden and before I could utter a word taped my mouth and dragged me in here. There were two men with hoods on their head…you know like the young people wear.”
“Hoodies,” Billy said.
“Yes, well, black ones and they had something over the bottom of their faces like a scarf. Just the eyes showing. Very rough they were with me. They left me in here facing the wall and I couldn’t see. They took her didn’t they?”
“Yes,” Billy said.
The police questioned him at length. It seems the men never said a word. He thought they were young men wearing jeans and the black hoods. He didn’t hear Christine say anything after she came into the house. The dog barked a great deal.
The police went up and down the streets and alley’s questioning everyone. A black car had been spotted in front of the house for sale. No one saw her being put inside of it. Christine was known in the neighborhood and her abduction caused anguish among her friends.
Blaine arrived some three hours later. He’d hired a car at the airport and drove himself in. Billy went back to Christine’s house to wait for him.
He filled Blaine in on the particulars they knew. Blaine was strangely emotionless as he listened. He picked up the little dog that’d been at his legs wanting attention. “ It shouldn’t be long now. I’m here. The stupid fuckers could have called me and said would you do this?” He looked down at the dog and kissed the top of its head.
“Sir Brennan know?”
“Oh, yes, he knows. Sent a plane for me. He says I should wait for them to contact me. He says we don’t know for sure who has her. Who else would have her but Fadi?”
“What are you going to do?”
“I intend to kill the bastard. Do you think I might have a cup of coffee?”
“Oh, yeah.” Billy got up from the table and tried turning on the gas. “I forgot everything’s cut off this afternoon…gas and electric.”
“No matter. We’ll go out.”
“Blaine, are you alright?”
“No, but I will be.”
Billy understood. “I’m right with you on this.”
“I know. I love you, Billy. I do not blame you for this. It was going to happen.”
Billy lay a hand on his shoulder. “Let’s go find that coffee. The police wanted a picture of her and I gave them this one I took yesterday.”
Blaine bit his lip as he looked at the picture of Christine on Billy’s phone. “Well…it is done.”
“Blaine, are you carrying?”
“Yes.”
“I need to find something myself.”
“You be careful here. Sir Brennan has no influence with the French Police.”
Billy smiled. “The French police have a number of guns locked in a case. I saw them earlier today.”
“Like I said…be careful.”
They sat out on the sidewalk sipping their coffee. Blaine lit a cigarette and kept his eyes on the street traffic.
“How did you get into the country with a weapon?”
“I did not have one when I came into the country. It was handed to me in a paper bag by a customs agent who told me I’d forgotten something. One of ours I hope.”
Billy shook his head and looked out over the street.
“I cannot think about it, Billy. I cannot think about her or I will go crazy. I think about Fadi and how he will die.”
“That doesn’t sound like you.”
“Well, you had better get used to it. This is the new me.” He stubbed out his cigarette and motioned for more coffee.
“I got to know her a little while I was here.”
“Oh…really?”
“Not that way, Blaine. What I know is…she loves you. When this shite is over you need to think about her situation. It’s not fair to her.”
“Please, Billy, now is not the time to talk about this,” Blaine said quietly.
“All right…but I’m not forgetting it.”
Chapter 5
“I cannot just sit here.” Blaine was up and moving. Billy ran to catch up with him. Blaine walked up the street and turned onto Christine’s lane. He went to see Bonet.
“Monsieur Blaine, please come in.”
Blaine questioned him for any detail he might remember.
“They did not speak so I cannot say where they were from. They were dressed in denim jeans and black hoods. Um, wet.” He frowned.
“Wet?”
“Wet; one of them was wet to his knees, both feet were wet.”
Blaine digested that bit of information. “Did you tell the police he was wet?”
“No, I just this minute remembered it.”
“Will you look after Pepe, Monsieur Bonet?”
“Of course, yes, bring the little dog and Toulouse too. I am in charge of the animals.”
They left and went back to Christine’s house.
“You know, this little dog knew where he was going. He followed her right up the alley and through that empty house.” Billy said giving the dog a pet. He looked up and didn’t think Blaine was listening to him. Blaine was leaning on the kitchen sink staring at nothing.
“It has not rained here today or yesterday?”
“No, it’s been pretty nice.”
“They came by water. How do you get wet to your knees about the city? They came by water and not to the ports where you would step out dry. Billy, go to the police and tell them this.”
“You aren’t coming?”
“No, it is better they do not know I am here.”
Left in the darkening house alone Blaine wandered around and went up the stairs to her room where they’d spent so many hours in her bed. It wasn’t just the bed. The view from her windows…her scent in the room. The doors that opened onto a little balcony. The morning sun came in there.
He let his fingers move over her vanity touching her things. Later he wouldn’t remember how he fell onto the bed. The big wave of emotion got the best of him and he broke down and sobbed. It was too much to bear.
Billy found him there over an hour later curled up holding a pillow. His tears were spent but the pain went deep and still held him in its grasp.
“Blaine, come love.” He pulled him up and into his arms and held him. The last rays of sun were coming in through the back windows. “You’re all right now, you’ve got it all out.” Billy kissed him softly on the lips. Blaine’s arm went around his neck for a moment and then he broke away and sat up.
“What did the police say?”
“They’re looking for the car along the coast. Got a good description from some folks up the street. They’ll find it.”
“She will not be in it.”
“No, probably not.” Billy ran his hand across Blaine’s back. “Can you eat something?”
Blaine shook his head, no.
“Do you want me to leave you alone?”
Blaine took Billy’s hand in his. “No…I’m going to be all right.” He lifted his head and looked around the room again. His eyes fell on his bag Billy had brought up for him. “I can’t stay in this room. It is…her room.”
“Two more downstairs,” Billy suggested.
“Why are we in this house; why are we here in the dark?”
“Well…in case somebody wants to contact you.”
“No one is going to contact me. They wait for me to find them.”
“What do you want to do?”
“I don’t know. Why is it always up to me to know? I am helpless here.” His voice rose and he looked at Billy. “Would you please take my bag to the car.”
“Which car?”
“The one I hired.”
“What are we doing?”
“I have an idea where he may be. The same place he found me at Chateau d’If. Tourist season is over and the place is closed now for visitors. I remember that from when Christine and I went there. The island is uninhabited and accessible only by water…wet feet.”
“Where is this place?”
“Marseilles.”
It took them over an hour to get there with Billy uncomfortable driving at night on the wrong side of the road in an unfamiliar country. He relied on the GPS and Blaine’s interpretation. They pulled up in the car park where the ferry was parked. Aside from a few merrymakers on some docked boats the area was deserted.
“I doubt we’ll find a boat this time of night to take us out there,” Billy said.
“The docks are full of boats. Let’s find one that suits us and borrow it for awhile.”
Billy grinned and walked along with him looking down at the various boats tied up. “How about that one, a speed boat.”
“Yes, but can we get it started without a key.” They stepped down into the boat and Billy found a flashlight. He checked for a hidden key.
“Found it. Do you know how to drive one of these?”
Blaine looked at him a moment. “I can drive the Medea. This is a child’s boat compared to that. Do we have fuel?”
“Three quarters of a tank but there’s a can back here. It’s half full.”
“I once had a sailboat in China. It had an auxiliary motor.”
They pushed away from the dock letting the boat drift a bit before starting the motor. Blaine drove it out of the harbor into the open sea.
The prison fortress loomed dark and forbidding. Blaine took the boat around the far side of island and found a place to pull in. Billy jumped out and pulled a rope to a shrubby tree and anchored the boat. Now they were both wet to the knees and more assured they’d come to the right place. Billy looked up at the cliff face which was dotted with windows and covered in vines.
“Are we going up?”
“No, we’re going in.” Blaine led the way through an arch and into a maze of corridors. They had the flashlight from the boat and another battery powered lantern. He led them forward…always going forward toward the actual prison where he and Christine had toured. Steps appeared cut out of stone and they began going up.
Billy had light-fingered a knife at the police station. The gun case was too risky. He brought it out. The old fortress might be uninhabited now but he felt the weight of past inhabitants. It was an eerie feeling. Blaine felt it too but he was of a single minded purpose. Find Fadi and kill him.
As they groped along the corridors and climbed the steps Billy thought about Blaine’s back. This was a lot of steep climbing. “You okay?” he whispered.
“I am,” Blaine lied. The pain was there but it kept him sharp and focused. “Douse the light.”
They’d come up on the central ground inside of the prison walls.
Moonlight illuminated the courtyard. They stood silently underneath the arch and listened. Something had caught Blaine’s attention. Laughter…
He crept up the stairs to the next level and looked through a dimly lighted barred window. He placed a finger on his lips and looked at Billy. Through the arched doorway and into a dark corridor they moved.
There were two men inside the room lit with a camping lantern. They were playing cards and passing a bottle back and forth. Blaine stood perfectly still for a moment and then stepped into the door he shot twice and hit both targets. One he killed, probably by accident, and the other fell over grabbing his arm. Billy rushed in looking for a weapon and took a gun off the dead man. He pointed at the man coming to his feet and holding his bleeding arm.
“Where is the woman?” Blaine asked in French. The young man shook his head. “Tell me where she is or you will look just like your friend…dead.” Billy disarmed the young man while Blaine spoke to him.
Blaine’s eyes widened feeling something poking him in the back.
“She’s in the Monte Crisco suite enjoying what luxury this place affords.” Fadi gave Blaine a shove in the back . “Tell your friend to drop the guns or I will shoot you.”
Blaine locked eyes on Billy willing him not to drop the guns. He made a little move and Billy dropped one and palmed the smaller weapon behind him. Fadi pushed him into the cell.
“I’ll take your gun, Blaine. I didn’t expect you quite so soon. You have exceeded my expectations tonight. Have a seat there where my poor cousin’s son recently sat. Now then, you have cost me a lot of Euros. Money from my own pocket I gave you to bail your lover out of jail. And still I am empty handed.”
“Let the woman go.” Blaine said looking up at Fadi.
“Why should I? I have her exactly where I want her and now I have you.”
Billy kept an eye on the young man who was trying to fashion a tourniquet out of a bandanna. The gun was still on the floor where he dropped it but he knew Fadi saw it too and was waiting for him to make a move. He switched the little revolver to his right hand and the knife to his left. In one quick motion he brought the gun up and shot Fadi in the hand causing him to drop the gun.
“Aiieeee,” he screamed and grabbed his hand.
Blaine had the gun pointed at him now and Billy had the other one. “You,” he said to the young man. “Take him to the woman.”
“I’m not leaving you.”
“Yes you are.”
Billy handed him the other gun hoping he could at least hit him with one of them.
Fadi had himself under control. “I don’t think you want to do this, Blaine. I know you are angry about the woman but I had to get your attention. You don’t fuck with me.”
“You don’t fuck with me either. Your days of fucking with anybody have come to an end.” He shot again and this time took off part of his ear. Frustrated he couldn’t shoot straight he kicked Fadi over backwards onto the floor and placed a foot on his neck. Aiming straight down he shot him in the head and backed off. He was still moving about on the floor. Blaine shot again and he went still in a pool of blood.
Billy was torn hearing the shots but he pushed the man along the corridor.
“She’s in there.”
“All right, open the damn door.”
The light from the young man’s lantern flashed in the room and showed a woman huddled against the wall. Billy turned toward the man and knifed him leaving him in a heap by the door he took the lantern.
“Christine, Christine, it’s me, Billy.”
Christine ran to him and grabbed him around the neck crying hysterically. Billy finally picked her up and carried her down the corridor and up a few steps to the level where he’d left Blaine.
Chapter 6
Blaine left the bloody room behind him and walked out as Billy came up the steps.
“I’ve got her, Blaine.”
“Is she all right?”
“David, oh, oh, David.” She struggled from Billy’s arms and ran to Blaine and went into his arms.
He held her closely with his eyes closed. “I am so very, very sorry. So sorry.”
“You came, oh, David, you came.”
“Are you okay, Christine?” He held her back from him by her shoulders.
“Yes, yes, I am now. I was so frightened and I heard the shots…I didn’t know what was happening.”
He looked at Billy, “Let’s get out of this place. Go…go with Billy, I’m slower.”
“No, no, I will help you.”
“Please, Christine…go with Billy.”
“Come on, love,” Billy said reaching for her arm he took her along “Blaine, why don’t you wait out at the main entrance and I’ll pick you up at the dock. No reason for you to come back this way. He sensed Blaine wanted to be alone.
“Thank you, I will wait there.”
He made it to the dock and called his pilot in Marseilles. Billy went along the outside of the fortress along the banks. He found the boat belonging to Fadi and his dead mates and decided to take it instead of walking all around to the other side.
Blaine sat down on a bench and looked at the city of Marseilles lit up and curving around the bay. He was glad it was over…no more Fadi. He didn’t know what would come next but he knew something would. That was the way of it. That was the way of his life. Because of him Charlie was dead. Because of him Mandi was gone, because of him…Ali was dead and Renee. How long before…before Billy took a hit because of him? He could not risk it again…would not put Christine in danger…again. The lights blurred in his wet eyes. He was in too deep with her. He loved her too much. That’s why it hurt…hurt so bad. It had to be done before it was too late.
Billy came into the dock too fast and hit it giving Blaine a jolt. He grabbed a rope and straightened the boat out so that he could climb aboard.
“I’ll take it.” Blaine took the wheel and backed the boat out and turned it toward the shore.
Billy removed his jacket and wrapped it around Christine. She couldn’t take her eyes off David. Something was wrong.
“Billy, what is wrong with him?”
“I don’t know, Christine. He’s…he’s killed some people and…could be, you know. He needs to be alone with it for awhile.”
After a fifteen minute ride across the dark ocean he came into the bay and slowed the boat looking for a place to dock. He parked it smartly beside another boat and Billy jumped up on the dock to tie it off. Blaine helped Christine off the boat and climbed out himself. He walked straight to the car and got behind the wheel.
“Where are we going?” Billy asked.
“Marignane - airport.”
“My bags are in my car, yours are too, Billy.”
Blaine didn’t comment. She’d gotten in on the passenger side but Blaine was backing out and driving. He was quiet.
“How did you find me?” She asked him.
“It was Monsieur Bonet. He noticed one of the men was wet to his knees. It came to me that he’d take you there. Tourists have gone now.”
“You are my hero.” She smiled and touched his thigh.
“I am no one’s hero, Christine.”
He drove carefully but fast once out on the highway. Billy and Christine talked a little about her ordeal and he told her about Pepe leading him down the alley and through the house.
“My sweet baby, I wish I could take him with me.”
Blaine pulled the car up to the entrance of the airport and popped the trunk.
“Christine, I can barely live with myself for what’s happened to you because of me. I’ve loved you too much.” He kissed her deeply. “Good bye, Christine.” He got out of the car and went around pulling his bag from the trunk.
Billy got out of the car. Christine was in shock.
“What are you doing, Blaine?”
“I’m going home.” He handed the car keys to Billy. “Take her back to her house and stay with her until she’s …settled. Come home when you can.”
“I…I don’t understand…you can’t bloody well leave her.”
“I bloody well can. Do you think I want her to end up like Charlie? It’s better this way…a clean break.”
“There’s nothing clean about it. You can’t do this…Blaine, what the devil is wrong with you?”
“I kill everything I love. You’d better watch your back, Billy, you might be next.”
Christine got out of the car and walked over to him. She’d heard what he said to Billy.
“I know what you are doing. It won’t work, David. You cannot save me by throwing me away. This is not goodbye. There will never be a goodbye between us. I know you love me and you know I love you. This is not the end of us. You need some time I think. But I will be here waiting for you to come back. However long it takes you. I will be here. Yes, you cry for me and I will cry for you.” She kissed his lips and stepped back to the car.
Blaine blinked the tears from his eyes and turned and walked into the airport.
Christine sagged against Billy. He watched Blaine until he was out of sight and turned her to the open car door. He’d never in life wanted to hit Blaine until now. He wanted to hit him, shake him and make him see reason. He started the car and looked over at her. “You’re a class act, Christine.” He patted her arm and pulled away from the curb.
She stared straight ahead on the way home and said not a word.
Blaine didn’t go home. He went to London to the flat to sort himself out. He needed some time alone and after calling Toomes to check on the children he turned his phone off. He was exhausted mentally and physically. He stripped, took a shower and three pain pills and crawled into the bed.
“Do you want to stay here tonight? We can go to a hotel?” Billy asked.
“It does not matter. I will stay here. I want my baby home.”
“I’ll go and get him. The electric and gas are off.”
“I know. I have some candles.”
While Billy went up the street for her dog she found candles and placed them in holders. She sat down in her living room with an old silver candelabrum on the coffee table. She felt numb.
Billy told Mr. Bonet a lie and it’s one he would pass on to the police. She’d been abducted and taken for a boat ride to Marseilles. There she was let off and found a phone to call him to come and get her. To the police he described the boat as the one they’d left on the island. Let them make of it what they would.
When he came back from the police station she was still on the sofa with her dog who’d settled in her lap.
“Christine, is there anything I can do for you?”
“No,” she shook her head. “Tell me about Charlie?”
Billy took a breath and leaned back in his chair. “Charlie was Blaine’s first wife and the mother of his daughter. I think they were married about four years. He was coming out of a shop in the village where they lived with Charlie and Lyssa. A gunman killed her in front of him while she was holding the baby. He was a hired assassin. Hired by someone in Blaine’s past.
“Blaine got to the bottom of it and ended up killing the bastard in an elevator. That’s how he broke his back. The elevator was in a free fall. He loved Charlie. I think she was the first woman he’d ever loved. He’s afraid the same thing might happen to you. Don’t be too hard on him.”
“I am not being hard on him. I am only trying to understand him. It changes nothing. My feelings for him are the same.”
“He’s not an easy one to understand, Christine. I know him about as well as anyone and he…he upset me tonight. I know how he feels about you. Regardless of what he thinks right now, he hasn’t done anyone a favor. He’s going to regret this.”
“What I said to him, I meant. I will be here when he comes back. There can be no one else for me.”
Billy was surprised at his own reaction to Blaine’s break with Christine. Because he loved him he knew how she felt. He sympathized with her instead of Blaine. Now that he’d had some time to contemplate he understood Blaine’s reasoning, wrong though it was. He admired Christine’s strength. She didn’t dissolve into tears or strike out as he might have done. She was quietly comfortable with their love for each other. It was a storm to weather and she was holding up as well as could be expected.
He wasn’t quite sure what his role was supposed to be. Stay with her until she’s settled? What did that mean exactly?
“Well, I’ll get the bags from your car.”
“Yes, I’d forgotten. Thank you, Billy.” She stood up dislodging her dog and walked around the room and out into the hall. Why had David left Billy with her? She could manage on her own…she was used to it.
“Oh, I’ll lead the way with the candles. Don’t want you to fall down the stairs.” She took the candelabra and led the way up the stairs pausing while he set his bag back in the room he’d had before.
He put her bags in her room and she set the candelabra down on her dresser.
“Billy, will you…stay with me tonight. I’m not asking for anything except your warmth. I feel so cold, you know? So very…cold.”
Billy put his arms around her and comforted her. “Are you sure you want me in here? I’m not Blaine.”
“I know who you are. I know he loves you…he did not cast you aside. Tonight I do not want to be alone.”
Blaine woke mid morning feeling heavy and sluggish; a result of drug induced sleep. He checked his phone and had a message from Sir Brennan. He wasn’t ready to talk to him yet. There was nothing from Billy. He didn’t want to think about Christine. He lit a cigarette and ran a hand through his tangled hair. He couldn’t help but think about her.
Christine was at the police station making her statement about her abduction. Billy told her what to say before she went down there. Her description of her kidnappers was sketchy and could apply to most any young man in the area. Dark, dark eyes and wearing jeans and hoodies. She told them they spoke in a dialect she didn’t understand. They were high on drugs and she didn’t know why they took her or why they let her go.
Blaine was on his second cup of strong coffee when she and Billy left the police station and stopped at a little café for coffee and doughnuts. Afterward they went by the utility company to have her gas and electrics turned back on. They shopped the market and she tried to think it was all normal. This was something she did every day. Nothing had changed.
Billy was ready to come home. The longer he stayed with Christine the more involved with her he was going to become.
Blaine shopped down the street at a little grocery store. He stopped at a pub for lunch. All the while putting off the big thing that sat before him. He had some decisions to make. He had three pints with lunch and the beer made him sleepy. He slept away most of the afternoon.
Billy called Gravesend to check on the children and to see if Blaine was there. Toomes told him he was in London. Blaine didn’t go home. He toyed with the idea of calling him but didn’t. If he was at the flat he wasn’t ready to see anybody or probably talk to anyone. It worried him not knowing Blaine’s state of mind.
Blaine’s state of mind was fuzzy at the moment. He’d washed down a pain pill with a shot of whiskey he’d found in the flat. The combination kept reality far enough away that it couldn’t touch him. He turned on the TV for company because the silence of the flat bothered him. There were hurtful things at the edge. Sometimes he could see them plainly and other times they were just there waiting out of his line of sight. He struggled with his demons all evening. He’d gotten over his addiction to painkillers and he didn’t need them now. They were a crutch and he leaned on them heavily until they put him under.
Chapter 7
By 4:00 PM Sir Brennan knew Fadi was dead. His aides kept up with the information about Christine’s abduction and her release in Marseilles. The stolen boat had been found at Chateau d’If and then the bodies were discovered. Still he had not heard from Blaine. His patience was running thin on the ground. He had a dinner to attend in London and before he left the estate he told his aide to find Blaine.
10:00am the next morning two of Sir Brennan’s aides knocked on the door of the flat.
Blaine ignored the first two assaults on his door. Finally he made his way to the door and opened it.
“David Blaine?”
“Yes.”
They identified themselves. “Sir Brennan sent us to bring you to the country.”
“Well, I’m not…I’m not seeing anyone…not well.”
The aides looked at each other and pushed the door open and came inside. “It’s not an invitation you can refuse, Mr. Blaine.”
“Get…get out of…here.”
“Drugs,” one of the aides said picking up several prescription bottles on the kitchen counter.
“Right, well, a good cold shower should bring you around. Make some coffee will you Cyril?”
“Wha…what are you doing?”
“You’re a big boy, Mr. Blaine, but I’ve got a twelve year old at home and I reckon if I can get him in the shower I can do the same for you. Which way is the bathroom?”
He came out of the shower shivering but more awake than when he went in. He allowed the man to wrap him in a terrycloth robe and lead him to the table where a hot cup of coffee waited.
They’d bagged his medications on the kitchen counter. His head was pounding but he was coherent.
He wasn’t taken directly to Sir Brennan. He was taken up to the medical wing along with his plastic bag of medications. There he was given a full medical exam. He didn’t fight it and let them do whatever they wanted with him. The doctor did give him something for his headache.
They left him in his old room at the estate.
Christine said goodbye to Billy and watched him drive away in Blaine’s rented car. She was all right. Her normal day to day life had resumed. One day David would return to her and she would be there waiting. She was convinced of this. Their bond was too strong.
Billy tried calling Blaine after he left Christine’s house but it went straight to voice mail. Blaine had his phone off. He called Gravesend and let them know he was coming home.
Like a well brought up child, Blaine stood when Sir Brennan entered his room. “Sir Brennan.”
“Blaine, are you feeling better now?”
“I’m sober.”
“Good to hear that.” He looked at Blaine a moment and sat down. Blaine sat down and waited.
“I want to hear everything about your trip to France.”
Blaine blinked and recounted every detail including his decision to break with Christine.
“Reports say it was a messy job.”
“Yes, it was messy. I didn’t clean up after myself. Didn’t know where the broom and mop closet were.”
“Questions are already arising from this incident but as no one knew you were there I believe we’re safely out of it.”
“I hope so, Sir.”
“Where is Billy Wright in this?”
“I left him with Christine to see her home and…he’ll come home when he’s ready. He was with me all the while. He has been handling the police in Toulon.”
“Blaine,” Sir Brennan looked down at his hands and twisted a signet ring on his little finger. “I know you carry a heavy burden. You’re not a harbinger of death to your loved ones. I agree the circumstances have been unusual surrounding you. You’re not to blame yourself for Renee’s death.”
“I beg to differ with you. Death follows me like a black cloud and descends upon those I choose to love.”
“Doesn’t stop you, though, does it? You still have the ability and the inclination to fall in love. That’s what makes you human, Blaine. You don’t want to lose that.
“Now, I’ve seen the medical reports and you appear to be in good condition. Allowances will be made for your past injuries but you’re ready for boot camp.”
“I’d forgotten about that.”
“Hmm, I imagine you did or you wouldn’t have been abusing drugs for the past 48 hours. You’ll be tested, you know. You’ve got five days to detoxify yourself and I suggest you do it here. You’ll get a written doctors report to take with you.
“Sir Brennan, do you know what comes next? What thing is going to present itself on my path? Fadi cannot be the end of this thing that trails after me.”
“Fadi was but a little man who thought himself in a grand position. His passing will be noted but that’s the price you pay when you fall in with the wrong people.”
“Who are the wrong people?”
“There’s not just one and there’s the problem, isn’t it. Get some rest, Blaine. You’ll need it. The purge starts tonight.”
Right after Sir Brennan left a nurse came in with a jug of water. “You’ll need to drink this, all of it by nine o’clock.
Blaine nodded…purge?
It was a week designed in hell for Blaine but by the end of it he was off the drugs completely. He had the weekend and then he was to report to the airfield. He went home to Gravesend. By then he’d sent a text message to Toomes to let her know where he was. He was glad to see Billy home and embraced him warmly with a kiss.
“What were you doing in the country with Sir Brennan?”
“Oh, well, I was getting sober again. Monday I have to start boot camp. I’m clean, Billy, for the first time in a long, long time.”
“How does it feel?”
“Good, my mind is clear and sharp…well, as sharp as I can be which is not very.”
“You look good.”
“So do you. How is Christine?”
“She seemed to be all right. I left her after two days. She’s not budging from her stand with you.”
Blaine smiled a little and looked away. “I only have today and tomorrow morning. I’ll go back to London for part of the night and then head out for Norfolk before daybreak. A short weekend.”
“What are you going to do about Christine?”
Blaine sighed, “I cannot do anything, Billy. It is better for her to stay away from me I can only bring her trouble…serious trouble. I…I fell in love with her…fell deep. Sometimes I think there is no way out but I must find it. I am no good for her. You see already her life was in danger. I am not heartless, Billy, I know you think I am. I’m just not good at goodbyes. I guess it was sudden and perhaps too much to take in at the time. It was not easy for me because I love her. It is because I love her that I had to break it.”
“She’s not broken…bruised a little, I think. I believe you have underestimated her. Six months, six years from now…she’ll still be waiting for you. She’s in deep too.”
Blaine shook his head and went over to his desk and fanned through the mail.
“You ought to at least call her, Blaine.”
“Billy…please. Do you think I don’t feel the pain? I…I cannot go there now. I have nothing to take off the edges of sharp pain. I went off in London when I came back. Forty eight hours I was stoned. If not for Sir Brennan I would still be there. I know how she suffers because I suffer the same. Leave it alone…please.”
“I’m sorry, Blaine.” Billy took a breath, “So, how long is this boot camp going to last?”
“Two weeks and maybe more for me. I am not so good at this spy business.
“You seem pretty damn good at it to me.”
“I have been lucky and the jobs I have done were simple things. Go and find this person and bring them back. I have never really been tested.”
“I’m not sure I like you being a real spy. What the hell am I supposed to do while you’re off spying?”
“Same thing you do now. I am only here half the time anyway.”
“I noticed. This time you won’t be in the arms of a beautiful woman when you’re away. Makes a difference…the worry level goes up a few notches.”
“Don’t worry, my affairs are in order.”
Billy threw a pillow from the sofa at him.
Blaine grinned and threw it back. “Damn, I missed.”
“You can’t even hit me with a pillow. I’ve seen you shoot…up the level a few more notches.”
“Ah, but I am to be taught the fine art of shootmanship.”
Billy smiled. It was good to have him back clear headed, playful and sexy as he ever was. He was going to worry. He was always going to worry about him when he wasn’t there.
It was around noon when Blaine arrived back in London. He stopped for lunch and then went to the flat intending to watch a game on TV and having an early night. He opened the door and locked it behind him; dumping his bag in the floor he walked to the kitchen and filled the kettle. It took him a moment to realize the mess he’d left behind when Sir Brennan’s men had come for him had been cleaned up. No dishes in the sink, the countertop was clean. He looked up quickly across the kitchen bar into the lounge.
“I just wanted to see you. I’m not going to stay because I know you do not want me here.”
“Christine.”
“If you have nothing to say to me, I will go. I have a return ticket. I still had the key Billy gave me before everything fell apart. I…I found the card I was supposed to give to the postman to have my mail forwarded. I had forgotten to…to give it to him. There was the address and I thought it was worth a try.”
He went to her slowly and took her in his arms. “It is not going to work…is it?”
“No, I didn’t think it would. There is too much between us.”
“I cannot deny you. I love you, I love you.” He kissed her and held her tightly against him. “When did you come here?’ He held her back a little and looked into her eyes.
“Yesterday.”
“We need to talk, Christine. There is much I need to tell you and we haven’t much time. I have to leave here by four in the morning.”
“Well, let’s don’t waste any time. Do you want to talk now or later after we make love?”
He lifted her chin and ran his tongue over her lips. “Later.”