Scaderstone Pit (The Darkeningstone Series Book 3) (35 page)

When we arrived back at the Ace hotel, the driver pulled up outside the front door, and half turned in his seat, as if looking to Xavier for instructions.

Xavier studied me for a moment. “You’ve done well,” he said. “But now it is over. My advice to you is this—let it go.”

I looked down at my hands, twisting my fingers together. “I don’t know if I can.”

“Jake, you need to take some time. Rest. Then forget that any of this ever happened.”

I looked up at him. “Just like that? Go back to my boring life? My crappy job?”

“Yes. It’s for the best.”

“But I know about the stones,” I insisted. “I know what they can do. If everyone else knew—”

“That can’t happen,” Xavier interrupted.

“Why not?”

“Because we don’t properly understand the stones ourselves,” Xavier said. “All we have are doubts and uncertainties, and that can only cause fear.” He shook his head. “No one wants that. Believe me.”

I chewed my bottom lip. He was right. I’d lived with my knowledge of the black stone for the last four years, and it had made my life miserable. Even so, it seemed wrong to hide the stones away. There was so much yet to discover, so much that people could learn if they only knew that such things existed. I looked at Xavier and wondered how many of the stones’ dark secrets he already knew. “Tell me one thing—are there more of them out there?”

Xavier pursed his lips and nodded once.

“Where? How many?”

“That, we do not know,” Xavier said. “Not for certain. But the stones we know about, they are…protected.”

I studied his expression. He seemed genuine—kind even. There was a warmth in his brown eyes that people like Crawford would never know.

“Go and collect your friend,” he said. “We’ll wait here for you, then we’ll take you to your hotel to gather your belongings. After that, we’ll drive you both to Paris.”

“What do I tell Cally? What am I allowed to tell her?”

“I leave that to you. I can speak with her, if you prefer.”

I didn’t even consider his offer. Cally had been through enough; I’d protect her from any more shocks if I possibly could. “No. I’ll tell her. It’s better coming from me.”

“Yes,” Xavier said. “But if I might suggest something, it would be better to start at the end. Tell her she is safe, tell her you’re both going home. There will be time for explanations later.”

“Yes. I understand.” I let myself out the car. “I’ll be back in ten minutes.” I closed the car door and headed for the hotel entrance.

***

I stood outside Cally’s room and knocked gently on the door three times. “Cally, it’s me,” I called softly. “It’s all right.”

The door opened immediately and Cally stood there, staring at me wide eyed. Her hair was awry, her brow furrowed. “Jake! What happened? Where have you been? Christ, you look awful! What happened to your face?”

“It’s all right, Cally. We’re safe. It’s all over.”

But Cally didn’t move a muscle. She kept her hand on the door as though prepared to slam it in my face. “But what happened to you? You’ve been gone so long.”

I struggled to find the right words. I didn’t want to frighten her, but I had to tell her something. “There was a man waiting for me in my hotel room. He called himself Crawford.”

Cally’s face paled. “Crawford?” She stepped back a little and peered nervously over my shoulder.

I frowned. “You knew him? I don’t understand.”

“He’s dangerous. He threatened me, he…he…” Cally visibly shuddered, and she struggled to speak, gasping for breath.

“There’s nothing to worry about,” I said, keeping my voice calm. “It’s all right, Cally. He’s gone. For good.”

Cally shook her head. “I don’t believe it. A man like that, he—”

I stepped closer to her and put my hands on her shoulders. “It’s true. I got rid of him.”

“What do you mean?”

“Cally, I pushed him onto the stone. I sent him back, as far back as I could. He can never threaten you again.”

She looked me in the eye for a moment then she rushed forward and wrapped her arms around me. I held her tight. Her body was warm and soft. And when I pressed my face against her hair, it smelled like a summer evening.

“I’ve been so worried,” she murmured. “I thought you were never coming back.”

“I know,” I said, and I stroked her hair gently. “But everything’s all right now.”

She pulled away a little then led me into the room, pushing the door closed behind me. She looked up at me. “Is it really all over?”

“Yes. We can go home now.” I hesitated. “I hate to spring this on you, but there’s…there’s a car waiting outside. They’re going to take us to Paris and put us on a flight. We’ll be back in England in no time.”

“What? Who? Is it something to do with Bernard Azoulay?”

I frowned. “I’m not sure who you mean, but this man is called Xavier. He’s all right. He’s with the French authorities. They just want us to get out of the way. They want us to go home and forget about the whole thing.”

“But—”

I didn’t let her finish. “Cally, it’s all right. We’re going home. You’re safe, and that’s all you need to know.”

She looked into my eyes then suddenly, her lips were on mine. Her kiss was fierce, hot, and hungry. And it was wonderful.

We held each other tight, and we didn’t stop kissing until someone knocked at the door.

***

What happened over the next fifteen minutes seemed too ordinary to be real. I introduced Xavier to Cally, and Cally packed a bag. She was clearly still nervous and unsure of Xavier, but she let me lead her downstairs and out to the car.

Cally hesitated when she saw the driver standing beside the car, but the man bowed his head politely, and held the car door open for us.

“You’re sure this is all right?” Cally asked.

I glanced at Xavier and he stepped forward.

“Doctor Freeman,” he said, “I am authorised by the government of France to accord you every hospitality and to ensure that you return safely home. But if there’s anything I can do to reassure you, please let me know.”

I held Cally’s hand and waited for her to make her mind up.

She looked from Xavier to the driver and back again. “Did Bernard Azoulay send you?”

Xavier shook his head. “The minister does not have the correct level of clearance for this. Monsieur Azoulay has been following instructions, but he does not know about the stones, and so he does not truly understand the significance of your being here.”

“And you do?” Cally asked.

“A little,” Xavier said. “I know more than enough. But it is not my job to investigate. I simply protect.”

“Cally,” I said. “After what happened tonight, they could have arrested me, or turned me over to the police. But they didn’t. They brought me back here. I’m pretty sure it’s all legit. They had a SWAT team, for god’s sake.”

She stared at me, her lips moving wordlessly.

“It’s OK, they were there to protect me.” I ran my hand through my hair. “Don’t you see? They’re letting us go.”

Cally shook her head. “I don’t know. Did they break into my room? Did they follow us? Did they—”

“I’m sorry,” Xavier interrupted, “but some of our operatives have been clumsy and heavy-handed. At no time however, were you in danger. Our job was to prevent both of you from seeing the stone. And in that regard, we have failed.”

Cally gave me a sharp look. “You saw it. But you haven’t told me what happened.”

I lifted my chin. “Cally, I can tell you all about it later. But right now, we need to get going.”

“Yes,” Xavier said. “Time is pressing.”

Cally nodded slowly then she took my hand. “All right, but we stay together. No matter what.”

I squeezed her hand. “No matter what, “I said. “You can count on it.”

Chapter 41

1920

BRIAN WIPED THE STEAM
from his shaving mirror and checked his reflection. Yes, he’d done a good job of his shave. And his new moustache was coming along nicely.
It makes me look older
, he thought,
more distinguished
.

Yes.
Distinguished
—that was the word. He dried his razor carefully and put it back in the bathroom cabinet, then he checked he hadn’t got any shaving soap on the collar of his best work shirt. It was important to look his best today.

“My first day,” he murmured. “Opening day.” And he could hardly believe it. It had all been so sudden. But here he was, bright and early: his boots polished, his shirt freshly ironed, and even a dab of Brylcreem in his hair. “Well, Brian,” he said to his reflection. “You certainly look the part.”

He nodded once, checking that his carefully combed hair stayed in place, then he headed for the stairs. The smell of freshly cooked bacon rose to greet him and his mouth watered. He usually just had eggs for breakfast, but his mum was spoiling him. She’d been making quite a fuss of him since she’d heard the news, and she gave him a warm smile when he walked into the kitchen.

“Here he is,” she said. “The new chargehand at Scaderstone Quarry.”

Brian smiled. “Oh, don’t go on about it. I’m nervous enough as it is.”

“Nonsense,” she said. “You’ll be fine. Now, sit down at the table, and I’ll bring you your breakfast.”

Brian did as he was told. “Isn’t Dad coming down?”

His mum sighed. “No, love. His back’s playing him up again. He’ll be down later.” She hesitated. “But he’ll be thinking of you today. We’re really proud of you, son.”

Brian nodded. “I know, Mum.”

“Anyway, we mustn’t hang around chatting. We don’t want you to be late on your first day.”

“No, that wouldn’t do at all.”

Brian’s mum slid his plate onto the kitchen table. “There you go. There’s bacon and egg, and a little bit of black pudding too. It should keep you going until dinner time.”

Brian picked up his knife and fork and stared at his plate. There was fried bread too—his favourite. He didn’t know what to say.

“Go on then,” his mum said. “Tuck in. Eat it while it’s hot.”

Brian set to work on his breakfast, savouring every mouthful.

His mum put two steaming mugs of tea on the table and sat down beside him. “There you go,” she said. “Are you all ready then?”

“I think so. I know roughly what I’ve got to do.” He took a slurp of tea. He’d told his mother all this before, but she kept quizzing him about his new job and he didn’t like to disappoint her. “I’ve got to report to the foreman first thing and get my instructions.” He put down his mug and patted his shirt pocket. “I thought I’d write it all down in my notebook—make sure I don’t forget anything.”

“Have you got a pencil or something?”

“Oh yes,” he said. “And if I need to sharpen it, I’ve got my penknife in my pocket too.”

His mum raised her eyebrows. “Good idea.”

“Anyway, once I’ve got everything straight, I’ve got to set my gang of lads to work and make sure they do everything right.”

“Very good,” his mum said. “And while they’re getting on with it, what do you do?”

Brian frowned. “I expect I’ll find out soon enough. I’ll keep my eyes open and see what needs to be done, I suppose.”

“Good lad. And mind, if you see Mr. Matthews again, be sure to watch your manners.”

“I know, Mum. I’m not daft. And anyway, I’m not too worried about him. He seemed all right. He was the one who gave me the job in the first place.”

His mum sighed. “Fancy that. Hob-knobbing with the owner.”

“It wasn’t like that. I told you, it’s all down to Mr. Marley. He must’ve put in a good word for me. He said he would.” Brian took a long drink of tea. “Mind you, he did say something about me getting the foreman’s job, but maybe that was asking a bit too much.”

“Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth,” his mum said. “You know, your father’s worked hard all his life and he’s never been more than a labourer. You’re doing so well. And who knows? You might be foreman one day.”

Brian nodded thoughtfully. “One day. That would be nice.” He returned his attention to his plate and mopped up the last of the egg yolk with a piece of fried bread. Yes. One day he’d make it. He’d waited a long time for an opportunity like this; he could wait a little longer. And while he waited, he’d watch the foreman carefully and learn what he could. In fact, he’d keep an eye on all the workers. Any sign of laziness or shoddy work and he’d know about it. He’d write it down in his notepad and report it. He’d even send his notes to Mr. Matthews if he had to.

There was no doubt about it, sooner or later the foreman’s job would be his. He was certain of it. Then there’d be no more poking fun at him, no more calling him
Bri
or even
Brian
. He wouldn’t let them. When they finally made him the foreman, he’d set the workers straight and make sure they showed him the proper respect. And from that moment on, they’d have to call him
Mr. Burrows
.

Chapter 42