Thisbookisaworkoffiction.Names,characters,places,andincidentsaretheproductoftheauthor’simaginationorareusedfictitiously.Anyresemblancetoactualevents,locales,orpersons,livingordead,iscoincidental.Anyconnectionbetweenthemusicreferencedinthestoryandcultsispurelyfictitiousandtheuseoflyricsintheworkisnotintendedtobeassociatedwithanycultsorgroupsinreallife.
Copyright?2023byJ.K.Rowling
CoverdesignbyDuncanSpilling
Coverphotographs:figures?DuncanSpilling,
scenes/texture?Shutterstock
Covercopyright?2023HachetteBookGroup,Inc.
HachetteBookGroupsupportstherighttofreeexpressionandthevalueofcopyright.Thepurposeofcopyrightistoencouragewritersandartiststoproducethecreativeworksthatenrichourculture.
Thescanning,uploading,anddistributionofthisbookwithoutpermissionisatheftoftheauthor’sintellectualproperty.Ifyouwouldlikepermissiontousematerialfromthebook(otherthanforreviewpurposes),pleasecontactpermissions@hbgusa.com.Thankyouforyoursupportoftheauthor’srights.
MulhollandBooks/Little,BrownandCompany
HachetteBookGroup
1290AvenueoftheAmericas,NewYork,NY10104
littlebrown.com
twitter.com/littlebrown
facebook.com/littlebrownandcompany
Firstebookedition,September2023
PublishedsimultaneouslyintheUKbySphere,September2023
MulhollandBooksisanimprintofLittle,BrownandCompany,adivisionofHachetteBookGroup,Inc.TheMulhollandBooksnameandlogoaretrademarksofHachetteBookGroup,Inc.
Thepublisherisnotresponsibleforwebsites(ortheircontent)thatarenotownedbythepublisher.
TheHachetteSpeakersBureauprovidesawiderangeofauthorsforspeakingevents.Tofindoutmore,gotohachettespeakersbureau.comoremailhachettespeakers@hbgusa.com.
Little,BrownandCompanybooksmaybepurchasedinbulkforbusiness,educational,orpromotionaluse.Forinformation,pleasecontactyourlocalbooksellerortheHachetteBookGroupSpecialMarketsDepartmentatspecial.markets@hbgusa.com.
ISBN978-0-316-57213-2
E3-20230828-JV-NF-ORI
Contents
Cover
TitlePage
Copyright
Dedication
Epigraph
Prologue
PARTONE
Chapter1
Chapter2
Chapter3
Chapter4
Chapter5
Chapter6
Chapter7
Chapter8
Chapter9
Chapter10
Chapter11
Chapter12
Chapter13
Chapter14
Chapter15
Chapter16
Chapter17
Chapter18
Chapter19
PARTTWO
Chapter20
Chapter21
Chapter22
Chapter23
Chapter24
Chapter25
Chapter26
Chapter27
Chapter28
Chapter29
Chapter30
Chapter31
Chapter32
Chapter33
Chapter34
Chapter35
Chapter36
PARTTHREE
Chapter37
Chapter38
Chapter39
Chapter40
Chapter41
Chapter42
Chapter43
Chapter44
Chapter45
Chapter46
Chapter47
Chapter48
Chapter49
Chapter50
Chapter51
PARTFOUR
Chapter52
Chapter53
Chapter54
Chapter55
Chapter56
Chapter57
Chapter58
Chapter59
Chapter60
Chapter61
Chapter62
Chapter63
Chapter64
PARTFIVE
Chapter65
Chapter66
Chapter67
Chapter68
Chapter69
Chapter70
Chapter71
Chapter72
Chapter73
Chapter74
Chapter75
Chapter76
Chapter77
PARTSIX
Chapter78
Chapter79
Chapter80
Chapter81
Chapter82
Chapter83
Chapter84
Chapter85
Chapter86
Chapter87
Chapter88
Chapter89
PARTSEVEN
Chapter90
Chapter91
Chapter92
Chapter93
Chapter94
Chapter95
Chapter96
Chapter97
Chapter98
Chapter99
Chapter100
PARTEIGHT
Chapter101
Chapter102
Chapter103
Chapter104
Chapter105
Chapter106
Chapter107
Chapter108
Chapter109
Chapter110
Chapter111
Chapter112
Chapter113
Chapter114
Chapter115
Chapter116
Chapter117
Chapter118
Chapter119
Chapter120
Chapter121
PARTNINE
Chapter122
Chapter123
Chapter124
Chapter125
Chapter126
Chapter127
Chapter128
Chapter129
Chapter130
Chapter131
Chapter132
Chapter133
EPILOGUE
Chapter134
Chapter135
Chapter136
Acknowledgements
DiscoverMore
Credits
AlsobyRobertGalbraith
PraiseforRobertGalbraith
Tomygoddesses,LynneCorbett,AineKielyandJillPrewett,Juno,CeresandAstarteExplorebookgiveaways,sneakpeeks,deals,andmore.
Tapheretolearnmore
When,likearunninggrave,timetracksyoudown…DylanThomasWhen,LikeaRunningGraveIttookalongtimeforthingstogosofar.Itcameaboutbecausethingsthatshouldhavebeenstoppedwerenotstoppedsoonenough.TheIChingorBookofChangesPROLOGUE
Allindividualsarenotequallyfittedtoconsulttheoracle.Itrequiresaclearandtranquilmind,receptivetothecosmicinfluenceshiddeninthehumblediviningstalks.RichardWilhelmIntroductiontoTheIChingorBookofChanges
LettersbetweenSirColinandLadyEdensorandtheirsonWilliam
13March2012
Will,
Wewereappalledtolearnfromyourpersonaltutoryesterdaythatyou’vedroppedoutofuniversityandjoinedsomekindofreligiousmovement.We’reevenmoreastoundedthatyoudidn’tdiscussthiswithus,orbothertotelluswhereyouweregoing.
Unlesswe’rebeingliedtobythewomanwhoanswersthephoneattheheadquartersoftheUniversalHumanitarianChurch,handwrittenlettersaretheonlymeansofcontactingmembers.Shegavemeherwordthatthisletterwouldbepassedtoyou.
YourmotherandIdon’tunderstandwhyyou’vedonethis,whyyoudidn’ttalktousfirst,orwhatcanhavepersuadedyoutoabandonyourcourseandyourfriends.We’reextremelyworriedaboutyou.
PleasegetintouchIMMEDIATELYyoureceivethis.
Dad
16April2012
DarlingWill,
Theladyatthechurchheadquarterssaysyou’vereceivedDad’sletter,butwestillhaven’theardfromyou,sowe’restillveryworried.
WethinkyoumightbeatChapman’sFarminNorfolk.DadandIwillbeattheNewInn,Roughton,thisSaturdayat1p.m.Please,Will,comeandmeetus,sowecantalkeverythingover.Dad’sbeendoingabitofresearchontheUniversalHumanitarianChurchanditsoundslikeaveryinterestingorganisationwithworthyaims.Wecancertainlyseewhy
Wearen’ttryingtorunyourlife,Will,wereallydojustwanttoseeyouandknowthatyou’reallright.
Withlotsoflove,
Mumxxx
29April2012
DearWill,
Yesterday,IvisitedtheUHC’sCentralTempleinLondonandspoketoawomanwhoinsistedthatourpreviouslettershavebeenpassedontoyou.However,asyoudidn’tcomeandmeetusonSaturdayorsendusanyword,wehavenomeansofknowingwhethershe’stellingthetruth.
Ithereforefeelitisnecessarytostate,foryourbenefitorforthebenefitofwhoevermightbeillegallyopeningyourmail,thatIknowforafactthatyou’reatChapmanFarm,thatyouneverleaveitunaccompaniedandthatyou’velostasubstantialamountofweight.Ialsoknowthatit’simpossibleforanyoneexceptmembersofthechurchtovisitthefarm.
You’reahighlyintelligentindividual,Will,butthefactremainsthatyou’reautisticandthisisn’tthefirsttimeyou’vebeenmanipulated.UnlessIhearbackfromyoubyphone,orinaletterwritteninyourownhandwriting,bythe5th,Iwillcontactthepolice.
I’vebeenintouchwithanex-memberoftheUniversalHumanitarianChurchwhomI’dlikeyoutomeet.Ifthechurchhasnothingtohideandyou’reremainingatChapmanFarmofyourownfreewill,theycanhavenoobjectiontoyoumeetingus,orspeakingtothisindividual.
Will,Irepeat,unlessIhearfromyoubythe5thofMay,Iwillcontactthepolice.
Dad
1May2012
DearColinandSally,
Thankyouforyourletters.Everythingisfine.IamveryhappyintheUHCandInowunderstandmanythingsthatIneverunderstoodbefore.Infact,Iamnot‘onthespectrum’.That’salabelyou’veattachedtometojustifythelevelsofcontrolyou’veexertedonmeallmylife.I’mnotyourfleshobjectand,unlikeyou,I’mnotmotivatedbymoneyormaterialistconsiderations.
Iunderstandfromyourlastletterthatyou’vebeenhavingChapmanFarmwatched.I’manadultandthefactthatyoucontinuetotreatmeasaninfantwhoshouldbespiedonjustproveshowlittleIcantrustyou.
Ialsoknowexactlywhich‘ex-member’oftheUHCyouwantmetomeet.He’saverydangerous,maliciousmanwho’sdoneharmtomanyinnocentpeople.Iadviseyoutohavenomorecontactwithhim.
TheDrownedProphetWillBlessAllWhoWorshipHer.
Will
2May2012
DarlingWill,
Weweresohappytogetaletterfromyou,butwe’realittlebitconcernedbyit,becauseitreallydoesn’tsoundlikeyou,darling.
Will,pleasemeetus.Ifwecanmeetyouface-to-face,we’llbereassuredthatyou’rehappyandknowwhatyou’redoing.That’sallweask,aface-to-facemeeting.
Darling,Iwanttobecompletelyhonestwithyou.DaddidhavesomebodywatchingChapmanFarmbecausehewassoworriedaboutyou,butIpromisethat’sallfinished.Dad’scancelledthearrangement.Nobody’sspyingonyouandwedon’twanttocontrolyou,Will.Weonlywanttoseeyouandhearfromyourownlipsthatyou’rehappyandthatyou’reactingofyourownfreewill.
Weloveyou,andIpromiseweonlywantthebestforyou.
Mumxxx
12May2012
DearColinandSally,
IwillmeetyouattheCentralTempleinRupertCourt,London,on23rdMayatmidday.Donotbringanyonewithyou,especiallyanyex-memberofthechurch,becausetheywon’tbeadmitted.
TheDrownedProphetWillBlessAllWhoWorshipHer.
Will
24May2012
DearColinandSally,
IagreedtomeetyouyesterdaytoproveI’mcompletelyhappyandfullyincontrolofmyownchoices.BothofyoudemonstratedhighlevelsofegomotivityandweredisrespectfultomeandabusivetowardspeopleIesteemandlove.
IfyoucontactthepoliceorstarthavingmewatchedagainIwillbringchargesagainstyouincourt.TheChurchhasarrangedformetobeassessedbyadoctorwhowilltestifythatIhavefullcapacityandthatyouaretheonestryingtoexertundueinfluenceonme.IhavealsoconsultedtheUHC’slawyers.MytrustfundismyownandasGrandpaleftmethatmoney,notyou,youhavenorighttopreventmefromusingmyinheritanceforgood.
TheDrownedProphetWillBlessAllWhoWorshipHer.
Will
16March2013
DarlingWill,
IknowIsayitineveryletter,butplease,pleasecontactus.WeunderstandandrespectthefactthatyouwanttoremainwiththeUHC.Allwewantistoknowthatyou’rehappyandwell.Mostofall,we’dliketoseeyouinperson.It’sbeenoverayear,Will.Wemissyousomuch.
IsentyourbirthdaypresenttoChapmanFarm.Ihopeyougotitallright.
Please,Will,getintouch.Nobody’sgoingtotryandpersuadeyoutoleavetheUHC.Allwewantisyourhappiness.Daddeeplyregretssomeofthethingshesaidwhenwelastmet.Wearen’tangry,Will,wejustmissyoudesperately.
Dad’sgoingtoaddhisownnote,butIjustwanttosaythatIloveyouwithmywholeheartandsimplywanttoknowthatyou’reOK.
Mumxxxxxx
Will,
IsincerelyapologiseforwhatIsaidaboutthechurchlastyear.Ihopeyoucanforgiveme,andthatyou’llgetintouch.Mummissesyouverymuch,asdoI.
Withlove,
Dadx
ExtractsfromaletterfromlegalfirmCoolidgeandFairfaxtoMrKevinPirbright,formermemberoftheUniversalHumanitarianChurch
18March2013
PRIVATEANDCONFIDENTIALLEGALCORRESPONDENCE
NOTFORPUBLICATION,BROADCASTORDISSEMINATION
DearSir…
Thisletteriswrittenontheunderstandingthatyouareresponsiblefortheblog‘ExposingtheUniversalCult’,whichyouwriteunderthename‘Ex-UHCMember’…
BlogPostofApril2012:‘TheAylmertonConnection’
On2April2012youpublishedablogposttitled‘TheAylmertonConnection’.ThepostcontainsseveralfalseandhighlydefamatoryclaimsabouttheUHC.Theopeningparagraphsread:
Unbeknownsttothevastmajorityofitsboomingmembership,who’vebeendrawntothechurchbyitsmessageofequality,diversityandcharitableservice,theUniversalHumanitarianChurchwasbornoutoftheAylmertonCommunity,anotoriousNorfolk-basedcommune,whichin1986wasrevealedasafrontforthepaedophiliacactivitiesoftheCrowtherMostmembersoftheAylmertonCommunitywerearrestedalongwiththeCrowtherfamily,butthosewhowereluckyenoughtoescapeprosecutionremainedonthecommunity’sland,whichtheyre-christened‘ChapmanFarm’.ThisdiehardgroupwouldbecomethefoundingmembersoftheUHC.
AnyreasonablereaderwouldunderstandbythisthattheUHCis,ineffect,acontinuationoftheAylmertonCommunityunderanothername,andthattheUHC’sactivitiesresemblethoseoftheAylmertonCommunity,specificallywithrelationtopaedophiliacactivity.Bothassertionsarefalseandhighlydefamatoryofourclients.
Furthermore,thephrases‘luckyenoughtoescapeprosecution’and‘diehardgroup’wouldsuggesttothereasonablereaderthatthosewhoremainedonthecommunity’slandhadcommittedunlawfulactssimilartothoseforwhichtheCrowtherfamilyandotherswerejailed.Thereisnotruthwhatsoeverinthisassertion,whichisfalseandhighlydefamatoryoftheUHC’smembersandCouncilofPrincipals.
TheTruePosition
Infact,onlyonememberoftheUHCwaseverpartoftheAylmertonCommunity:MrsMazuWace,thewifeoftheUHC’sfounderandleader,JonathanWace.
MazuWacewasfifteenyearsoldwhentheAylmertonCommunitywasdisbandedandshegaveevidenceagainsttheCrowtherbrothersattheirtrial.Thisisamatterofpublicrecordandeasilydiscoverablethroughcourtdocumentsandpressreportsofthecase.
MrsWacehastalkedopenlyofhertraumaticexperiencesattheAylmertonCommunity,includingatchurchgroupsyoupersonallyattended.Farfrombeing‘luckyenoughtoescapeprosecution’,MrsWacewasherselfavictimoftheCrowthers.Theimputationthatshewascomplicitin,orotherwiseapprovedof,theCrowthers’vile,unlawfulbehaviourishighlydefamatoryandhascausedMrsWacesignificanthurtanddistress.Ithasalsocaused,andislikelytocontinuetocause,seriousreputationalharmtoMrsWace,andtotheUHC.Thisexposesyoutosignificantliability.
BlogPostof28January2013:‘TheGreatCharityCon’
On28January2013,youpublishedaposttitled‘TheGreatCharityCon’,inwhichyoustate:
Infact,thesolepurposeoftheUHCisgeneratingmoney,anditisremarkablygoodatthis.Whilebetter-knownmembersareallowedmerelytoproselytiseinpressinterviews,therankandfileareexpectedtobeoutonthestreetswiththeircollectingtinseveryday,andtoremainoutside,nomattertheweatherortheirownstateofhealth,foraslongasittakesforthemtomaketheir‘offering’.Thisistheminimumonehundredpoundsperdayeachfootsoldiermustreturnwith,unlessheorshewishestofacethewrathofthechurch’svolatileenforcerTaioWace,whoistheelderofJonathanandMazuWace’stwosons
ThedescriptionofMrTaioWaceasa‘volatileenforcer’willbeunderstoodbythereasonablereadertomeanthatMrTaioWaceisaggressive,unpredictableandabully.ThiscategorisationishighlydefamatoryofMrTaioWaceandlikelytocausesignificantreputationalharmtohim,asaPrincipaloftheChurch,andtotheUHCitself.
Youfurtherwrite:
Wheredoesallthemoneygo?Goodquestion.Visitorstothechurch’sChapmanFarm‘retreat’willnotethatwhileordinarymembersare‘enjoying’theexperienceofpre-mechanisedfarming,sleepinginunheatedbarnsandswappingtheircollectingtinsforhoesandhorse-drawnploughs,theaccommodationofferedtoPrincipalsandcelebritymembersisrathermorecomfortable.Themainfarmhousehasbeenenlargedandrenovatedtoadistinctly21st-centurystandard,completewithswimmingpool,jacuzzi,gym,saunaandprivatecinema.MostPrincipalsdrivebrandnew,top-of-the-rangecarsandtheheadofthechurch,JonathanWace(knowntomembersas‘PapaJ’),isknowntoownpropertyinAntigua.VisitorstotheCentralTempleinRupertCourtcanalsoseetheincreasinglyopulentfixturesandfittings,nottomentionthegold-embroideredrobeswornbyPrincipals.‘Simplicity,HumilityandCharity’?Try‘Venality,DuplicityandVanity’.
Again,anyreasonablereaderofthispostwouldunderstandittomeanthattheCouncilofPrincipalsisillegallyappropriatingfundsdonatedforcharityandredirectingiteitherintotheirownpockets,orintoluxuriousaccommodationorclothingforthemselves.ThisisentirelyfalseandhighlydefamatoryoftheCouncilofPrincipals.
TheTruePosition
ItisamatterofpublicrecordthatMrsMargaretCathcart-Bryce,awealthy,long-standingchurchmember,donatedsubstantialfundstothechurchwhilealivetorenovateChapmanFarm,andthatwhenshediedin2004,theCouncilofPrincipalswasthesolebeneficiaryofherwill,enablingthechurchtopurchasesuitablepropertiesincentralLondon,BirminghamandGlasgow,forcongregantstomeet.
Yourblogpostcontainsseveraloutrightfalsehoods.ChapmanFarmcontainsneitherajacuzzinoraswimmingpool,andMrJonathanWacedoesnotown,norhasheeverowned,propertyinAntigua.AllcarsownedbytheChurchPrincipalswereboughtoutoftheirownsalaries.Yourassertionthatchurchmembersarerequiredtocollectonehundredpoundsperday,ortheywillfacethe‘wrath’ofMrTaioWace,islikewisewhollyfalse.
TheChurchisopenandtransparentinallitsfinancialdealings.NomoniescollectedforcharitablepurposeswereeverusedtomaintainorrenovateChapmanFarm,ortopurchaseorupgradetheUHCheadquartersinLondon,ortopersonallybenefitthePrincipalsinanyway.Again,thesuggestionthattheUHCoritsCouncilofPrincipalsis‘venal’,‘duplicitous’and‘vain’ishighlydefamatorybothoftheChurchanditsCouncil,andlikelytocauseseriousreputationaldamage.Thisincreasesyourliability.
BlogPostof23February2013:‘TheDrownedProphet’
On23February2013,youpublishedaposttitled‘TheDrownedProphet’,inwhichyoumadeaseriesofdefamatoryanddeeplyhurtfulassertionsaboutthedeathbydrowningin1995ofMrandMrsWace’sfirstbornchild,Daiyu,whoisconsideredaprophetwithintheUHC.
UHCmembersarewellawarethatwhileallprophetsare,theoretically,equal,oneisfarmoreequalthanothers.TheDrownedProphethasbecomecentraltothecultoftheUHC,withherownritesandseparateobservances.DoubtlesstherewasaninitialdesireonthepartofMazuWacetokeepherdeaddaughter[DaiyuWace]‘alive’insomesense,butshemilksandexploitsherassociationwiththeDrownedProphetateveryavailableopportunity.Veryfewofthebrainwashedarebraveenoughtoask(eveninwhispers)whatmadeadrowned7-year-olddeservingofprophetstatus.StillfewerdarenotethestrangecoincidencethatJonathanWace’sfirstwife(alwaysairbrushedoutofUHChistory)alsodrownedoffCromerbeach.
Theassertionsandinsinuationscontainedwithinthisparagraphcouldhardlybemoreoffensive,hurtful,ordefamatoryofMrandMrsWace,oroftheUHCasawhole.
ThesuggestionthatMrsWace‘milks’or‘exploits’thetragicdeathofheryoungdaughterisavileslurandhighlydefamatoryofMrsWace,bothasamotherandasaPrincipalofthechurch.
Moreover,areasonablereaderislikelytoconcludefromyouruseofthephrase‘strangecoincidence’,whenreferringtotheaccidentaldrowningofMrsJenniferWace,thatthereissomethingsuspect,eitheraboutMrsJenniferWace’sdeath,oraboutthefactthatDaiyuWacemetherendinatragicallysimilarfashion.
TheTruePosition
On29July1995,7-year-oldDaiyuWacedrownedintheseaoffCromerbeach.Asisamatterofpublicrecord,andeasilydiscoverablethroughcourtrecordsandpresscoverageoftheinquestintoherdeath,Daiyuwastakentothebeachintheearlymorningbyachurchmemberwhohadn’taskedpermissionfromDaiyu’sparents.MrandMrsWaceweredevastatedtoheartheirdaughterhaddrownedwhileswimmingunattended.
ItispartofthebeliefsystemoftheUHCthatsomedeceasedmembersofthechurchbecome‘prophets’afterdeath.ReligiousbeliefisprotectedunderEnglishlaw.
AtrueaccountofMrsJenniferWace’stragicdeathislikewiseavailablethroughcourtrecordsandpressaccountsoftheinquest.MrsJenniferWacediedonaBankHolidayafternooninMay1988.Anepileptic,shesufferedagrandmalseizureinthewaterandinspiteofeveryattemptofnearbyswimmerstosaveher,shedrowned.NumerouswitnessesgaveevidenceattheinquestthatMrJonathanWacewasnotintheseaatthetimeMrsWacedrowned,andthatheranintothewateruponrealisingwhatwashappening,butwastoolatetosavehiswife.MrWacewasdistraughtathisfirstwife’suntimelydeath,andfarfromwishingto‘airbrush’heroutofhispersonalhistory,hehascommentedpubliclyonthefactthatthetragedydeepenedhisburgeoningreligiousfaith,towhichheturnedforsolace.Anysuggestiontothecontraryisfalse,maliciousandhighlydefamatoryofMrJonathanWace.
Furthermore,itishighlydefamatorytodescribethechurchasa‘cult’ortosuggestthatitsmembersare‘brainwashed’.AllmembersoftheUHCattendthechurchoftheirownfreewillandareabletoleaveatanytime.
Inconclusion…
Emailsbetweenex-UHCmemberMrKevinPirbrightandSirColinEdensor
KevinPirbright
20March2013
Lawyer’sletterfromUHC
To:SirColinEdensor
DearColin,
ThismorningIgotalawyer’sletterfromtheUHCorderingmetotakedownmyblogorthey’llmakemepay,takemetocourtetcetc,theusualthingtheydotoallex-members.Good!Iwantthistogetintocourt.ButIhaven’tgotmoneyforalawyersoIwonderedifyoucouldhelpmeasIdon’tthinkyoucangetlegalaidfordefamation.I’mdoingthisforallthebrainwashed,includingWill.Lighthastobeshoneonwhatthesebastardsaredoing.
Thebook’sgoingreallywell.Plus,everythingthey’redoingagainstmerightnowisjustaddingnewchapters!
Best,
Kevin
SirColinEdensor
20March2013
Re:Lawyer’sletterfromUHC
To:KevinPirbright
DearKevin,
I’dbedelightedtohelpwithlawyers’fees.Irecommendmyownlawyers,Rentons,whoarealreadyawareoftheUHC’snefariousactivitieswithregardstoourson.Keepmepostedondevelopmentsandverygoodnewsthatthebook’sgoingwell.Ithinkitwillmakeabigdifference.
Sincerely,
Colin
AnexcerptofaninterviewwithactressNoliSeymourinZeitgeistmagazine,January2014
IaskaboutthetwosmallChinesecharacterstattooedjustbeneathSeymour’sleftear:newadditionstoheralreadyextensivecollectionofbodyart.
‘Oh,Igotthemdonelastmonth.Theymean“J?nzi”;“gold”,inEnglish.It’sareferencetotheGoldenProphetoftheUniversalHumanitarianChurch.’
I’dbeentoldthatSeymourwon’tbeansweringquestionsonhermembershipofthecontroversialUHC,butasshe’sbroughtitup,Iaskwhatshemakesofpersistentnegativerumoursaboutthechurch.
‘Thatisn’tsomethingNoliwantstodiscuss,’saysSeymour’sPRman,buthisclientignoreshim.
‘Oh,please,’shesays,rollingthosedazzlingbabyblues.‘There’ssomethingSOsinisteraboutwantingtohelpthehomelessandgivekidswho’recarersaholiday,right?Seriously:dopeoplenothavebetterthingstodothanbashaplacethatdoesnothingbutgood?
‘Genuinely,’shesays,leaningtowardsmeforthefirsttime,lookingearnest,‘theUniversalHumanitarianChurchis,like,themostprogressivereligionofalltime.It’sallintegrated.Itlooksforuniversality,becausethat’swhatlifeis,andhumanityis:thesearchforonenessandwholeness.That’soneofthethingsthatreallyattractsmeaboutit.It’slike,therearefragmentsoftruthinallreligions,butuntilwegetasynthesis,wewon’tseeit.Soyougetmassivediversitythere.WestudyeveryandanyHolyBook.Youshouldcometoameeting.Tonsofpeoplecomeoutofcuriosityand,like,neverleave.’
Notentirelytomysurprise,Seymour’sPRmanintervenesatthispoint,remindingNolithatwe’reheretodiscussherlatestmovie.
EmailsbetweenSirColinEdensorandhislawyerDavidRenton
SirColinEdensor
27May2014
WillEdensortrustfund
To:DavidRenton
DearDavid,
Iapologiseforbecomingheatedonourcallthismorning.AsIknowyouappreciate,thiswholesituationistakingitstoll,particularlyinlightofSally’srecentdiagnosis.
IfullyappreciatethatWillisover-ageandthathe’srefusingtosubmittoafurtherpsychiatricassessment,butI’mfrustratedbythechickenandeggsituationinwhichwefindourselves.YousaytherearenogroundsonwhichajudgewouldcurrentlyruleWilltobementallyunfit.Hejoinedadangerouscultandcutoffallcontactwithfamilyandformerfriends.Surelythis,inandofitself,isproofthathe’sunstableandprovidesgroundsforafurtherassessment.
ThemerefactthatDrAndyZhouisaPrincipalintheUHCoughttodisqualifyhimfromtreatingorassessingmembersofthechurch.IappreciatethatZhouremainsapractisingpsychologist,butonewouldthinkZhou’smembershipoftheUHCrepresentsatbestaglaringconflictofinterestwhenitcomestoassessingthementalhealthofvulnerablechurchmembersinpossessionoflargetrustfunds.
Asyouknow,IwasoverruledatthemeetingofWill’strusteesonThursday,wherethemajorityviewwasthattherearenolegalgroundsonwhichtowithholdfundsfromhim.ThisbringsthetotalsumofmoneythatWillhastakenoutofhistrustsincejoiningtheUHCto￡95k.Idon’tbelieveWilleverhadanyintentionofputtingadepositonahouseorbuyingacar,becausehe’sstilllivingatChapmanFarmandthere’snoevidenceofhimtakingdrivinglessons.
AsItoldyouonthephone,KevinPirbrightiswillingtotestifyincourtthatwealthyindividualssuchasWillaregiventemplateletterstocopyoutintheirownhandwritingwhenapplyingforfunds.NobodywhoknowsWillcouldpossiblybelievehewrotethelasttwoletterssenttotheBoardofTrusteeshimself.Ialsonotethathedoesn’tmentiontheDrownedProphetwhenit’saquestionofgettinghishandsoncash.
I’dappreciateanyadviceonhowtobreakthroughtheimpasseinwhichwefindourselves.IbelieveSally’sillnesshasbeencausedbythestressofthelasttwoyearsandwebothremaindesperatelyconcernedaboutourson.
Yours,
Colin
DavidRenton
27May2014
Re:WillEdensortrustfund
To:SirColinEdensor
DearColin,
Thankyouforthis.IcompletelyunderstandthatthisisanimmenselystressfulsituationforyouandSally,andyouhavemysinceresympathy,especiallyinthelightofSally’srecentdiagnosis.
WhileyouandImighthavedoubtsandquestionsabouttheUniversalHumanitarianChurch,itisalegallyregisteredentityandhasneverbeensuccessfullyprosecuted.
Unfortunately,IhaveconcernsaboutKevinPirbright’scredibilityifwebringhimbeforeajudge.He’salreadybeenforcedtoretractinaccuraciesinhisblogpostsabouttheUHC,andsomeofhisallegationsaboutthechurchstraincredulity,particularlyhisaccountsoftheManifestationofProphets,whichhecontinuestoattributetosupernaturalcauses.
Ifyouknowofanyotherex-UHCmemberswhocouldbepersuadedtotestifyastotheuseofcoercivecontrol,templatelettersandsoforth,Ithinkwemighthaveacase,butI’mafraidIthinkyourchancesareveryslimifyouproceedwithKevinasyoursolewitness.
I’msorryforthisgloomyprognosis,Colin.Ifyoucantrackdownfurtherex-churchmembers,I’llbegladtorethink.
Best,David
AnexcerptofaninterviewwithauthorGilesHarmon,ClickLitmagazine,February2015
CL:Somereadershaveseenareallyprofoundshiftinyourthinkingonreligioninthislatestnovel.
GH:Itisn’treallyashiftatall.It’sadevelopment,anevolution.I’mmerelyafewstepsfurtheralongthepaththanIwaspreviously.Allthat’shappenedisthatI’vestumbleduponauniquewayofmeetingwhatIfeelistheuniversalneedforthedivine,whichdoesn’tbringinitswakeanyoftheattendantevilsoftraditionalreligions.
CL:You’llbedonatingallroyaltiesfromOneHolyDawntotheUniversalHumanitarianChurch?
GH:Iwill,yes.I’vebeendeeplyimpressedbythechangetheUHChasmadeinthelivesofmany,manyvulnerablepeople.
CL:Therewasanincidentatyourfirstreading,whereanex-memberoftheUHCwasescortedfromthevenue.Canyoucommentonthat?
GH:Thepolicetoldmethepoorman’squiteseriouslymentallyill,butIdon’tknowanymorethanthat.
CL:AreyouawareofthepubliccommentsSirColinEdensorhasmadeabouttheUHC?Specifically,thatit’sacult?
GH:That’spurenonsense.Icanhardlyconceiveofanygrouplesslikeacult.Theplaceislitteredwithintelligentprofessionalpeople–doctors,writers,teachers–andthewholeethosistofreelyinquireintoanyandallphilosophiesandbeliefsystems,includingatheism.I’dencourageanyopen-minded,intelligentpersondisillusionedwithtraditionalreligiontodropinonaUHCmeeting,becauseIthinktheymightbeverysurprisedbywhattheyfindthere.
EmailsbetweenSirColinEdensorandKevinPirbright
SirColinEdensor
2March2015
GilesHarmon’sReading
To:KevinPirbright
DearKevin,
IwasextremelyunhappytoreadaboutyourbehaviouratGilesHarmon’sbookreading.I’mmystifiedastohowyouthinkitwillhelpanyofusforyoutostandupinpublicandstarthurlingabuseatarespectedauthor.GiventhattheyalsopublishHarmon,Iwouldn’tbesurprisedifRoperChardterminatedyourcontract.
Colin
KevinPirbright
20March2015
Re:GilesHarmon’sReading
To:SirColinEdensor
Ifyou’dbeenthereyou’dunderstandexactlywhyIstoodupandtoldHarmanwhatIthoughtofhim.ThesefuckingrichprickslikehimandNoliSeymourneverseewhathappensatChapmanFarm.They’rebeingusedasrecruitmenttoolsandthey’retoofuckingdumbandarroganttorealiseit.
Thebook’sstalled,soRoperChardwillprobablydropmeanyway.I’mdealingwithalotofstuffIthinkIrepressed.TherewasanightwhenallthekidsweregivendrinksthatInowthinkmusthavebeendrugged.I’mhavingnightmaresaboutthepunishments.TherearealsobigstretchesoftimewhereIcan’trememberanything.
IcanfeelthepresenceoftheDrownedProphetallaroundme.Ifanythinghappenstome,she’llhavedoneit.
Kevin
LettersfromSirColinandLadyEdensortotheirsonWilliam
14December2015
DearWill,
ThedoctorshavenowgivenMum3monthstolive.I’mbeggingyoutocontactus.Mum’stormentedbytheideathatshemightneverseeyouagain.
Dad
14December2015
DarlingWill,
I’mdying.Please,Will,letmeseeyou.Thisismydyingwish.Please,Will.Ican’tbeartoleavethisworldwithoutseeingyouagain.Will,IloveyousoverymuchandIalways,alwayswill.IfIcouldhugyouonemoretimeI’ddiehappy.
Mumxxxxxxxxx
2January2016
DearWill,
Mumdiedyesterday.Thedoctorsthoughtshehadlonger.Ifyou’reinterestedinattendingherfuneral,letmeknow.
Dad
PARTONE
Ching/TheWellTHEWELL.Thetownmaybechanged,Butthewellcannotbechanged.TheIChingorBookofChanges1
…thesuperiormaniscarefulofhiswordsAndtemperateineatinganddrinking.
TheIChingorBookofChanges
February2016
PrivatedetectiveCormoranStrikewasstandinginthecornerofasmall,stuffy,crowdedmarqueewithawailingbabyinhisarms.Heavyrainwasfallingontothecanvasabove,itsirregulardrumbeataudibleevenoverthechatterofguestsandhisnewlybaptisedgodson’sscreams.TheheateratStrike’sbackwaspumpingouttoomuchwarmth,buthecouldn’tmove,becausethreeblondewomen,allofwhomwerearoundfortyandholdingplasticglassesofchampagne,hadhimtrappedwhiletakingitinturnstoshoutquestionsabouthismostnewsworthycases.Strikehadagreedtoholdthebaby‘foramo’whilethebaby’smotherwenttothebathroom,butshe’dbeengoneforwhatfeltlikeanhour.
‘When,’askedthetallestoftheblondesloudly,‘didyourealiseitwasn’tsuicide?’
‘Tookawhile,’Strikeshoutedback,fullofresentmentthatoneofthesewomenwasn’tofferingtoholdthebaby.Surelytheyknewsomearcanefemaletrickthatwouldsoothehim?Hetriedgentlybouncingthechildupanddowninhisarms.Itshriekedstillmorebitterly
Behindtheblondesstoodabrunetteinashockingpinkdress,whoStrikehadnoticedbackatthechurch.She’dtalkedandgiggledloudlyfromherpewbeforetheservicehadstarted,andhaddrawnalotofattentiontoherselfbysaying‘aww’loudlywhiletheholywaterwasbeingpouredoverthesleepingbaby’shead,sothathalfthecongregationwaslookingather,ratherthantowardsthefont.Theireyesnowmet.Herswereabrightsea-blue,andexpertlymadeupsothattheystoodoutlikeaquamarinesagainstheroliveskinandlongdarkbrownhair.Strikebrokeeyecontactfirst.JustasthelopsidedfascinatorandslowreactionsoftheproudgrandmothertoldStrikeshe’dalreadydrunktoomuch,sothatglancehadtoldhimthatthewomaninpinkwastrouble.
‘AndtheShacklewellRipper,’saidthebespectacledblonde,‘didyouactuallyphysicallycatchhim?’
No,Ididitalltelepathically.
‘Sorry,’saidStrike,becausehe’djustglimpsedIlsa,hisgodson’smother,throughtheFrenchdoorsleadingintothekitchen.‘Needtogivehimbacktohismum.’
Hemanoeuvredpastthedisappointedblondesandthewomaninpinkandheadedoutofthemarquee,hisfellowguestspartingbeforehimasthoughthebaby’swailswereasiren.
‘Oh,God,I’msorry,Corm,’saidfair-haired,bespectacledIlsaHerbert.ShewasleaningupagainstthesidetalkingtoStrike’sdetectivepartnerRobinEllacott,andRobin’sboyfriend,CIDofficerRyanMurphy.‘Givehimhere,heneedsafeed.Comewithme,’sheaddedtoRobin,‘wecantalk–couldn’tgrabmeaglassofwater,couldyou,please?’
Fuckinggreat,thoughtStrike,watchingRobinwalkawaytofillaglassatthesink,leavinghimalonewithRyanMurphywho,likeStrike,waswelloversixfeettall.There,theresemblanceended.Unliketheprivatedetective,whoresembledabroken-nosedBeethoven,withdark,tightlycurlinghairandanaturallysurlyexpression,Murphywasclassicallygoodlooking,withhighcheekbonesandwavylightbrownhair.
Beforeeithermancouldfindasubjectofconversation,theywerejoinedbyStrike’soldfriendNickHerbert,agastroenterologist,andfatherofthebabywho’djustbeenassaultingStrike’seardrums.Nick,whosesandyhairhadbegunrecedinginhistwenties,wasnowhalfbald.
‘So,how’sitfeeltohaverenouncedSatan?’NickaskedStrike.
‘Bitofawrench,obviously,’saidthedetective,‘butwehadagoodrun.’
Murphylaughed,andsodidsomebodyelse,rightbehindStrike.Heturned:thewomaninpinkhadfollowedhimoutofthemarquee.Strike’slateAuntJoanwouldhavethoughtthepinkdressinappropriateforachristening:aclinging,wraparoundaffairwithalowVnecklineandahemlinethatshowedalotoftannedleg.
‘Iwasgoingtooffertoholdthebaby,’shesaidinaloud,slightlyhuskyvoice,smilingupatStrike,whonoticedMurphy’sgazeslidingdowntothewoman’scleavageandbackuptohereyes.‘Ilovebabies.Butthenyouleft.’
‘Wonderwhatyou’resupposedtodowithachristeningcake?’saidNick,contemplatingthelarge,uncutslaboficedfruitcakethatlayontheislandinthemiddleofthekitchen,toppedwithablueteddybear.
‘Eatit?’suggestedStrike,whowashungry.He’dhadonlyacoupleofsandwichesbeforeIlsahadhandedhimthebabyand,asfarashecouldsee,hisfellowguestshaddemolishedmostoftheavailablefoodwhilehe’dbeentrappedinthemarquee.Again,thewomaninpinklaughed.
‘Yeah,butaretheresupposedtobepicturestakenfirst,orwhat?’saidNick.
‘Pictures,’saidthewomaninpink,‘definitely.’
‘We’llhavetowait,then,’saidNick.LookingStrikeupanddownthroughhiswire-rimmedglasses,heasked,‘Howmuchhaveyoulostnow?’
‘Threestone,’saidStrike.
‘Goodgoing,’saidMurphy,slimandfitinhissingle-breastedsuit.
Fuckoff,yousmugbastard.
2
Sixinthefifthplacemeans…Thecompanionbiteshiswaythroughthewrappings.Ifonegoestohim,Howcoulditbeamistake?
TheIChingorBookofChanges
Robinwassittingontheendofthedoublebedinthemaritalbedroom.Theroom,whichwasdecoratedinshadesofblue,wastidyexceptfortwodrawerslyingopenatthebaseofthewardrobe.RobinhadbeenacquaintedwiththeHerbertslongenoughtoknowNickwouldhaveleftthemlikethis:itwasoneofhiswife’sperennialcomplaintsthatheneitherpushedindrawersnorclosedcupboarddoors.
LawyerIlsawascurrentlysettledinarockingchairinthecorner,thebabyalreadygulpinggreedilyatherbreast.Asshecamefromafarmingfamily,Robinwasunfazedbythesnufflingnoisesthebabywasmaking.Strikewouldhavefoundthemvaguelyindecent.
‘Itmakesyousodamnthirsty,’saidIlsa,who’djustgulpeddownmostofherglassofwater.HavinghandedRobintheemptyglasssheadded,‘Ithinkmymum’sdrunk.’
‘Iknow.I’venevermetanyonehappiertobeagrandmother,’saidRobin.
‘True,’sighedIlsa.‘BloodyBijou,though.’
‘Bloodywhat?’
‘Theloudwomaninpink!Youmust’venoticedher,hertitsarevirtuallyhangingoutofherdress.Idetesther,’saidIlsavehemently,‘she’sgottobethecentreofattentionallthebloodytime.ShewasintheroomwhenIinvitedtwootherpeopleatherchambers,andshejustassumedImeanther,too,andIcouldn’tthinkofanywayoftellingherno.’
‘Hername’sBijou?’saidRobinincredulously.‘Asinresidence?’
‘Asinman-hungrypaininthearse.Herrealname’sBelinda,’saidIlsa,whothenaffectedabooming,sultryvoice,‘“buteveryonecallsmeBijou”.’
‘Whydothey?’
‘Becauseshetellsthemto,’saidIlsacrossly,andRobinlaughed.‘She’shavinganaffairwithamarriedQC,andIhopetoGodIdon’tmeethimincourtanytimesoon,becauseshe’stolduswaytoomuchaboutwhattheygetuptoinbed.She’squiteopenabouttryingtogetpregnantbyhim,togethimtoleavehiswife…butmaybeI’mbitter…well,Iambitter.Idon’tneedwomenwho’resizeeightaroundme,rightnow.Thisisasizesixteen,’shesaid,lookingdownathernavydress.‘I’veneverbeenthisbiginmylife.’
‘You’vejustgivenbirthandyoulookabsolutelylovely,’saidRobinfirmly.‘Everyone’sbeensayingso.’
‘See,thisiswhyIlikeyou,Robin,’saidIlsa,wincingslightlyattheenthusiasticsuckingofherson.‘How’rethingsgoingwithRyan?’
‘Good,’saidRobin.
‘What’sitbeennow?Sevenmonths?’
‘Eight,’saidRobin.
‘Hm,’saidIlsa,nowsmilingdownatherbaby.
‘What’sthatmean?’
‘Corm’shatingit.HisfacewhenyouandRyanwereholdinghandsoutsidethechurch.AndInoticeCorm’slostatonofweight.’
‘Hehadto,’saidRobin,‘becausehisleggotsobadlastyear.’
‘Ifyousayso…Ryandoesn’tdrinkatall?’
‘No,Itoldyou:he’sanalcoholic.Sobertwoyears.’
‘Ah…well,heseemsnice.Hewantskids,’addedIlsa,shootingaglanceatherfriend.‘Hewastellingmeso,earlier.’
‘We’rehardlygoingtostarttryingforababywhenwe’veknowneachotherbarelyeightmonths,Ilsa.’
‘Corm’sneverwantedkids.’
Robinignoredthiscomment.SheknewperfectlywellthatIlsaandNickhadhopedforseveralyearsthatsheandStrikewouldbecomemoretoeachotherthandetectivepartnersandbestfriends.
‘DidyouseeCharlotteintheMail?’askedIlsa,whenitbecameclearRobinwasn’tgoingtodiscussStrike’spaternalurgesorlackthereof.‘WiththatThingyDormer?’
‘Mm,’saidRobin.
‘I’dsay“poorbloke”,buthelookstoughenoughtohandleher…mindyou,sodidCorm,andthatdidn’tstopherfuckinguphislifeasbadlyasshecould.’
CharlotteCampbellwasStrike’sex-fiancée,withwhomhe’dbeenentangledonandoffforsixteenyears.Recentlyseparatedfromherhusband,Charlottewasnowfeaturingheavilyingossipcolumnsalongsidehernewboyfriend,LandonDormer,athrice-married,lantern-jawedbillionaireAmericanhotelier.Robin’sonlythoughtonseeingthemostrecentpaparazzipicturesofthecouplewasthatCharlotte,thoughasbeautifulaseverinherredslipdress,lookedstrangelyblankandglassy-eyed.
Therewasaknockonthebedroomdoor,andIlsa’shusbandentered.
‘Theconsensus,’Nicktoldhiswife,‘isthatwetakepicturesbeforecuttingthechristeningcake.’
‘Well,you’llhavetogivemeabitlonger,’saidtheharriedIlsa,‘becausehe’sonlyhadoneside.’
‘Andinothernews,yourfriendBijou’stryingtochatupCorm,’Nickadded,grinning.
‘She’snotmybloodyfriend,’retortedIlsa,‘andyou’dbetterwarnhimshe’sacompletenutcase.Ouch,’sheaddedcrossly,glaringdownatherson.
Downinthecrowdedkitchen,Strikewasstillstandingbesidetheuncutchristeningcake,whileBijouWatkins,whoseChristiannameStrikehadaskedhertorepeatbecausehehadn’tbelieveditthefirsttime,wassubjectinghimtoarapid-firestreamofgossiprelatingtoherjobpunctuatedbycacklesoflaughteratherownjokes.Shespokeveryloudly:Strikedoubtedwhethertherewasanyoneinthekitchenwhowasn’tabletohearher.
‘…withHarkness–youknowGeorgeHarkness?TheQC?’
‘Yeah,’liedStrike.EitherBijouimaginedthatprivatedetectivesroutinelyattendedcourtcases,orshewasoneofthosepeoplewhoimaginethateveryoneisasinterestedintheminutiaeandpersonalitiesoftheirprofessionastheyare.
‘…soIwasontheWintersoncase–DanielWinterson?Insidertrading?’
‘Yeah,’saidStrike,glancingaroundthekitchen.RyanMurphyhaddisappeared.Strikehopedhe’dleft.
‘…andwecouldn’taffordanothermistrial,obviously,soGerrysaidtome,“Bijou,I’llneedyouinyourpush-upbra,we’vegotJudgeRawlins…”’
ShecackledagainasafewmaleguestslookedaroundatBijou,somesmirking.Strike,whohadn’texpectedtheturntheconversationhadtaken,foundhimselfglancingdownathercleavage.Shehadanundeniablyfabulousfigure,small-waisted,long-leggedandlarge-breasted
‘…youknowwhoJudgeRawlinsis,right?PiersRawlins?’
‘Yeah,’Strikeliedagain.
‘Right,so,he’sarealonefortheladies,soI’mwalkingintocourtlikethis…’
Shepressedherbreaststogetherwithherupperarmsandemittedathroatylaughagain.Nick,who’djustreappearedinthekitchen,caughtStrike’seyeandgrinned.
‘…andso,yeah,wewerepullingoutallthestops,andwhentheverdictcamein,Gerrysaidtome,OK,nexttimeit’llhavetobenoknickersandyoujustkeepbendingovertopickupyourpen.’
Sheburstoutlaughingforthethirdtime.Strike,whocouldjustimaginehowhistwofemaleco-workers,Robinandex-policewomanMidgeGreenstreet,wouldreactifhestartedsuggestingthesestrategiesforgettinginformationoutofwitnessesorsuspects,settledforaperfunctorysmile.
Atthismoment,Robinreappearedinthekitchen,alone.Strike’seyesfollowedherassheslidthroughthecrowdtoNicktotellhimsomething.He’drarelyseenRobinwearherstrawberryblondehairup,anditsuitedher.HerlightbluedresswasfarmoredemurethanBijou’sandlookednew:boughtintributetoMasterBenjaminHerbert,Strikewondered,orforthebenefitofRyanMurphy?Ashewatched,Robinturned,sawhim,andsmiledovertheseaofheads.
‘’Scuseme,’hesaid,cuttingoffBijoumid-anecdote,‘needtotalktosomeone.’
Hepickeduptwoofthepre-pouredglassesofchampagnestandingbesidethechristeningcakeandcleavedhiswaythroughthejumbleoflaughing,drinkingfriendsandrelativestowhereRobinwasstanding.
‘Hi,’hesaid.There’dbeennochancetotalkatthechurch,thoughthey’dstoodsidebysideatthefont,jointlyrenouncingSatan.‘Wantadrink?’
‘Thanks,’saidRobin,takingtheglass.‘Thoughtyoudidn’tlikechampagne?’
‘Couldn’tfindanylager.Didyougetmyemail?’
‘AboutSirColinEdensor?’saidRobin,droppinghervoice.Inunspokenagreement,thepairedgedawayfromthefrayintoacorner.‘Yes.Funnilyenough,IwasreadinganarticleabouttheUniversalHumanitarianChurchtheotherday.Yourealisetheirheadquartersareabouttenminutesfromouroffice?’
‘RupertCourt,yeah,’saidStrike.‘ThereweregirlsoutwithcollectingtinsinWardourStreetlasttimeIwasthere.Howd’youfancymeetingEdensorwithmeonTuesday?’
‘Definitely,’saidRobin,who’dbeenhopingStrikewouldsuggestthis.‘Where’shewanttomeet?’
‘TheReformClub,he’samember.Murphyhavetoleave?’Strikeaskedcasually.
‘No,’saidRobin,lookingaround,‘buthehadtomakeaworkcall.Maybehe’soutside.’
Robinresentedfeelingself-consciousasshesaidthis.Sheoughttobeabletotalknaturallyaboutherboyfriendwithherbestfriend,butgivenStrike’slackofwarmthontherareoccasionsMurphycalledforherattheoffice,shefounditdifficult.
‘HowwasLittlejohnyesterday?’askedStrike.
‘Allright,’saidRobin,‘butIdon’tthinkI’veevermetanyoneasquiet.’
‘MakesanicechangeafterMorrisandNutley,doesn’tit?’
‘Well,yes,’saidRobinuncertainly,‘butit’sabitunnervingtositnexttosomeoneinacarforthreehoursintotalsilence.Andifyousayanythingtohim,yougetagruntoramonosyllable.’
Amonthpreviously,Strikehadsucceededinfindinganewsubcontractorforthedetectiveagency.SlightlyolderthanStrike,CliveLittlejohn,too,wasex-SpecialInvestigationBranch,andhadonlyrecentlyleftthearmy.Hewaslargeandsquare,withheavy-liddedeyesthatgaveanimpressionofperennialweariness,andsalt-and-pepperhairthathecontinuedtowearmilitaryshort.Atinterview,he’dexplainedthatheandhiswifewantedamorestablelifefortheirteenagechildren,aftertheconstantupheavalsandabsencesofarmylife.Ontheevidenceofthepastfourweeks,hewasconscientiousandreliable,butStrikehadtoadmithistaciturnitywastakentoanunusualextreme,andhecouldn’tremembersofarseeingLittlejohncrackasmile.
‘Patdoesn’tlikehim,’saidRobin.
Patwastheagency’sofficemanager,animplausiblyblack-haired,chain-smokingwomanoffifty-eightwholookedatleastadecadeolder.
‘Idon’tgotoPatforcharacterjudgement,’saidStrike.
He’dnoticedtheofficermanager’swarmthtowardsRyanMurphywhenevertheCIDmanturneduptopickRobinupfromtheofficeanddidn’tappreciateit.Irrationally,hefelteveryoneattheagencyshouldfeelashostiletoMurphyashedid.
‘SoundsasthoughPattersonreallymesseduptheEdensorcase,’saidRobin.
‘Yeah,’saidStrike,withanunconcealedsatisfactionthatstemmedfromthefactthatheandtheheadoftherivaldetectiveagency,MitchPatterson,detestedeachother.‘Theywerebloodycareless.I’vebeenreadinguponthatchurchsinceIgotEdensor’semailandI’dsayit’dbeabigmistaketounderestimatethem.Ifwetakethejob,itmightmeanoneofusgoinginunderdeepcover.Ican’tdoit,theleg’stoodistinctive.ProbablyhavetobeMidge.She’snotmarried.’
‘NoramI,’saidRobinquickly.
‘Thiswouldn’tbelikeyoupretendingtobeVenetiaHallorJessicaRobins,though,’saidStrike,referringtoundercoverpersonasRobinhadadoptedduringpreviouscases.‘Itwouldn’tbenine-to-five.Mightmeanyoucouldn’thavecontactwiththeoutsideworldforawhile.’
‘So?’saidRobin.‘I’dbeupforthat.’
Shehadastrongfeelingthatshewasbeingtested.
‘Well,’saidStrike,whohadindeedfoundoutwhathewantedtoknow,‘wehaven’tgotthejobyet.Ifwedo,we’llhavetodecidewhofitsthebillbest.’
Atthismoment,RyanMurphyreappearedinthekitchen.RobinautomaticallysteppedawayfromStrike,towhomshe’dbeenstandingclose,soastokeeptheirconversationprivate.
‘What’reyoutwoplotting?’askedMurphy,smiling,thoughhiseyeswerealert.
‘Noplot,’saidRobin.‘Justworkstuff.’
Ilsanowreappearedinthekitchen,holdingherfinallysated,sleepingson.
‘Cake!’shoutedNick.‘Godparentsandgrandparentshereforpictures,please.’
Robinmovedintotheheartofthepartyaspeoplecrowdedintothekitchenfromthemarquee.Foramomentortwo,she’dbeenremindedofthetensionsofherformermarriage:shehadn’tlikedMurphy’squestion,norhadsheappreciatedStrikepushingtofindoutwhethershewascommittedtothejobasmuchasthesingleMidge.
‘YouholdBenjy,’saidIlsa,whenRobinreachedher.‘ThenIcanstandbehindyou.I’lllookthinner.’
‘You’rebeingsilly,youlookgreat,’murmuredRobin,butsheacceptedhersleepinggodsonandturnedtofacethecamera,whichwasbeingheldbyIlsa’sred-faceduncle.Therewasmuchjostlingandrepositioningbehindtheislandonwhichthechristeningcakestood:cameraphoneswereheldhigh.Ilsa’stipsymothertrodpainfullyonRobin’sfootandapologisedtoStrikeinstead.Thesleepingbabywassurprisinglyheavy
‘Cheese!’bellowedIlsa’suncle.
‘Itsuitsyou!’calledMurphy,toastingRobin.
Outofthecornerofhereye,Robinsawablazeofshockingpink:BijouWatkinshadfoundherwaytoStrike’sotherside.Theflashwentoffseveraltimes,thebabyinRobin’sarmsstirredbutslepton,andthemomentwascapturedforposterity:theproudgrandmother’sblearysmile,Ilsa’sanxiousexpression,thelightreflectedonNick’sglassessothathelookedvaguelysinister,andtheslightlyforcedsmilesonthefacesofbothgodparents,whowerepressedtogetherbehindtheblueicingteddybear,StrikeruminatingonwhatMurphyhadjustsaid,RobinnoticinghowBijouleanedintoherdetectivepartner,determinedtofeatureinthepicture.
3
Tobecircumspectandnottoforgetone’sarmouristherightwaytosecurity.
TheIChingorBookofChanges
StrikearrivedbackinhisatticflatinDenmarkStreetateightthatevening,withthegassysensationchampagnealwaysgavehim,feelingvaguelydepressed.Usuallyhe’dhavegrabbedatakeawayonthewayhome,butonleavinghospitalafterathree-weekstaythepreviousyearhe’dbeengivenstrictinstructionsaboutweightloss,physiotherapyandgivingupsmoking.ForthefirsttimesincehisleghadbeenblownoffinAfghanistan,he’ddoneasthedoctorsordered.
Now,withoutmuchenthusiasm,heputvegetablesinanewlypurchasedsteamer,tookasalmonfilletoutofthefridgeandmeasuredoutsomewholegrainrice,allthetimetryingnottothinkaboutRobinEllacott,andsucceedingonlyinsofarasheremainedawareofhowdifficultitwasnottothinkabouther.Hemighthavelefthospitalwithmanygoodresolutions,buthe’dalsobeenburdenedwithanintractableproblemthatcouldn’tbesolvedbylifestylechanges:aproblemthat,intruth,he’dhadfarlongerthanhecaredtoadmit,butwhichhe’dfinallyfacedonlywhenlyinginhishospitalbed,watchingRobinleaveforherfirstdatewithMurphy.
Forseveralyearsnow,he’dtoldhimselfthatanaffairwithhisdetectivepartnerwasn’tworthriskinghismostimportantfriendshipfor,orjeopardisingthebusinessthey’dbuilttogether.Iftherewerehardshipsandprivationsattachedtoalifelivedresolutelyaloneinasmallatticflatabovehisoffice,Strikehadconsideredthemapricewellworthpayingforindependenceandpeaceaftertheendlessstormsandheartacheofhislong,on-offrelationshipwithCharlotte.YettheshockofhearingthatRobinwasheadingoffforadatewithRyanMurphyhadforcedStriketoadmitthattheattractionhe’dfelttowardsRobinfromthemomentshe’dfirsttakenoffhercoatinhisofficehadslowlymutatedagainsthiswillintosomethingelse,somethinghe’dfinallybeenforcedtoname.Lovehadarrivedinaformhedidn’trecognise,whichwasdoubtlesswhyhe’dbecomeawareofthedangertoolatetoheaditoff.
Forthefirsttimesincehe’dmetRobin,Strikehadnointerestinpursuingaseparatesexualrelationshipasadistractionfromandasublimationofanyinconvenientfeelingshemighthaveforhispartner.Thelasttimehe’dsoughtsolacewithanotherwoman,beautifulasshe’dbeen,he’dendedupwithastilettoheelpunctureonhislegandasenseofgrimfutility.Hestilldidn’tknowwhether,intheeventofRobin’srelationshipwithMurphyending,ashedevoutlyhopeditwould,he’dforceaconversationhe’doncehaveresistedtotheutmost,withaviewtoascertainingRobin’sowntruefeelings.Theobjectionstoanaffairwithherremained.Ontheotherhand(‘Itsuitsyou!’thatprickMurphyhadsaid,seeingRobinwithababyinherarms),hefearedthebusinesspartnershipmightbreakupinanycase,becauseRobinwoulddecidemarriageandchildrenappealedmorethanadetectivecareer.SoherestoodCormoranStrike,slimmer,fitter,cleareroflung,aloneinhisattic,pokingbroccoliangrilywithawoodenspoon,thinkingaboutnotthinkingaboutRobinEllacott.
Theringingofhismobilecameasawelcomedistraction.Takingsalmon,riceandvegetablesofftheheat,heanswered
‘Awright,Bunsen?’saidafamiliarvoice.
‘Shanker,’saidStrike.‘What’sup?’
Themanonthephonewasanoldfriend,thoughStrikewouldhavebeenhardpressedtorememberhisrealname.Strike’smother,Leda,hadscrapedthemotherlessandincurablycriminalsixteen-year-oldShankeroffthestreetafterhe’dbeenstabbedandbroughthimhometotheirsquat.ShankerhadsubsequentlybecomeakindofstepbrothertoStrike,andwasprobablytheonlyhumanbeingwho’dneverseenanyflawsintheincurablyflighty,novelty-chasingLeda.
‘Needsome’elp,’saidShanker.
‘Goon,’saidStrike.
‘Needtofindageezer.’
‘Whatfor?’saidStrike.
‘Nah,itain’twhatyoufink,’saidShanker.‘Iain’gonnamesswiv’im.’
‘Good,’saidStrike,takingadragonthevapepenthatcontinuedtosupplyhimwithnicotine.‘Whoishe?’
‘Angel’sfarver.’
‘Whosefather?’
‘Angel,’saidShanker,‘mestepdaughter.’
‘Oh,’saidStrike,surprised.‘Yougotmarried?’
‘No,’saidShankerimpatiently,‘butI’mlivingwiv’ermum,in’I?’
‘Whatisit,childsupport?’
‘Nah,’saidShanker.‘We’vejustfoundoutAngel’sgotleukaemia.’
‘Shit,’saidStrike,startled.‘I’msorry.’
‘An’shewantstosee’errealdadan’weain’gotnoideawhere’eis.’E’sacunt,’saidShanker,‘justnotmykindo’cunt.’
Strikeunderstoodthis,becauseShanker’scontactsthroughoutthecriminalworldofLondonwereextensive,andcouldhavefoundaprofessionalconwithease.
‘Allright,givemeanameanddateofbirth,’saidStrike,reachingforapenandnotebook.Shankerdidso,thenasked,
‘’Owmuch?’
‘Youcanowemeone,’saidStrike.
‘Serious?’saidShanker,soundingsurprised.‘Awright,then.Cheers,Bunsen.’
Alwaysimpatientofunnecessaryphonetalk,ShankerthenhungupandStrikereturnedtohisbroccoliandsalmon,sorrytohearabouttheillchildwhowantedtoseeherfather,butneverthelessreflectingthatitwouldbeusefultohaveafavourinhandwithShanker.Thesmalltip-offsandbitsofinformationStrikegotfromhisoldfriend,whichweresometimesusefulwhenStrikeneededbaitforpolicecontacts,hadescalatedsharplyinpriceasStrike’sagencyhadbecomemoresuccessful.
Mealmade,Strikecarriedhisplatetothesmallkitchentable,butbeforehecouldsitdownhismobilerangforasecondtime.Thecallhadbeenforwardedfromtheofficelandline.Hehesitatedbeforepickingitup,becausehehadafeelingheknewwhohewasabouttohear.
‘Strike.’
‘Hey,Bluey,’saidaslightlyslurredvoice.Therewasalotofbackgroundnoise,includingvoicesandmusic.
ItwasthesecondtimeCharlottehadphonedhiminaweek.Asshenolongerhadhismobilenumber,theofficelinewastheonlywayofcontactinghim.
‘I’mbusy,Charlotte,’hesaid,hisvoicecold.
‘Iknewyou’dsaythat…’m’inahorribleclub.You’dhateit…’
‘I’mbusy,’herepeated,andhungup.Heexpectedhertocallagain,andshedid.Heletthecallgotovoicemailasheshruggedoffhissuitjacket.Ashedidso,heheardarustleinhispocketandpulledoutapieceofpaperthatshouldn’thavebeenthere.Unfoldingit,hesawamobilenumberandthename‘BijouWatkins’.Shemustbeprettydeft,hethought,tohaveslippedthatintohispocketwithouthimfeelingit.Hetorethepieceofpaperinhalf,binnedit,andsatdowntoeathismeal.
4
Nineinthethirdplacemeans:Whentempersflareupinthefamily,Toogreatseveritybringsremorse
TheIChingorBookofChanges
Ateleveno’clockonthelastTuesdayinFebruary,StrikeandRobintravelledtogetherbytaxifromtheirofficetotheReformClub,alarge,greynineteenth-centurybuildingthatstoodonPallMall.
‘SirColin’sinthecoffeeroom,’saidthetailcoatedattendantwhotooktheirnamesatthedoor,andledthemacrossthevastatrium.Robin,who’dthoughtshelookedreasonablysmartinblacktrousersandasweater,whichwouldalsoworkforhersurveillancejoblater,nowfeltslightlyunderdressed.WhitemarblebustsstoodsentinelonsquareplinthsandlargeoilpaintingsofeminentWhigslookedbenignlydownfromgoldframes,whilecolumnsofflutedstonerosefromthetiledfloortothefirst-floorbalcony,thenuptoavaultedglassceiling.
Thecoffeeroom,whichhadimpliedasmallandcosyspace,provedtobeanequallygranddiningroom,withgreen,redandgoldwalls,longwindowsandgiltchandelierswithfrostedglassglobes.Onlyonetablewasoccupied,andRobinrecognisedtheirpotentialclientatonce,becauseshe’dlookedhimupthepreviousevening.
SirColinEdensor,who’dbeenbornintoaworking-classfamilyinManchester,hadenjoyedadistinguishedcareerinthecivilservice,whichhadculminatedinaknighthood.Nowpatronofseveralcharitiesconcernedwitheducationandchildwelfare,hehadaquietreputationforintelligenceandintegrity.Overthepasttwelvemonthshisname,whichhadhithertoappearedonlyinbroadsheets,hadfounditswayintothetabloids,becauseEdensor’sscathingremarksabouttheUniversalHumanitarianChurchhaddrawnfirefromawiderangeofpeople,includingafamousactress,arespectedauthorandsundrypopculturejournalists,allofwhomdepictedEdensorasarichmanfuriousthathissonwassquanderinghistrustfundtohelpthepoor.
SirColin’swealthhadcometohimthroughhismarriagetothedaughterofamanwho’dmademanymillionsfromachainofclothingstores.Thecoupleappearedtohavebeenhappytogethergiventhatthemarriagehadlastedfortyyears.Sallyhaddiedbarelytwomonthspreviously,leavingbehindthreesons,ofwhomWilliamwastheyoungestbytenyears.RobinassumedthetwomensittingwithSirColinwerehiseldersons.
‘Yourguests,SirColin,’saidtheattendant,withoutactuallybowing,thoughhistonewashushedanddeferential.
‘Goodmorning,’saidSirColin,smilingashegottohisfeetandshookhandswiththedetectivesinturn.
Theirprospectiveclienthadathickheadofgreyhairandthesortoffacethatengenderslikingandtrust.Therewerelaughterlinesonhisface,hismouthwasnaturallyupturnedatthecornersandthebrowneyesbehindhisgold-rimmedbifocalswerewarm.HisaccentwasstillperceptiblyMancunian.
‘TheseareWill’sbrothers,JamesandEdward.’
JamesEdensor,whoresembledhisfather,exceptthathishairwasdarkbrownandhelookedratherlessgood-humoured,stooduptoshakehands,whereasEdward,whohadblondhairandlargeblueeyes,remainedseated.RobinnoticedascarrunningdownEdward’stemple.Awalkingstickwasproppedagainsthischair.
‘It’sverygoodofyoutoseeus,’saidSirColin,whenallhadsatdown.‘Wouldyoulikeanythingtodrink?’
WhenStrikeandRobindeclined,SirColinclearedhisthroatslightly,thensaid,
‘Well…IshouldprobablystartbysayingI’mnotsureyou’regoingtobeabletohelpus.AsItoldyouoverthephone,we’vealreadytriedusingprivatedetectives,whichdidn’tgowell.Itmightevenhavemadethingsworse.However,youwerehighlyrecommendedtomebytheChiswellfamily,whoIknowofold.Izzyassuredmethatifyoudidn’tthinkyou’dbeabletohelp,you’dtellmesoatonce–whichIthoughtahighcompliment.’
‘Wecertainlydon’ttakecasesweconsiderhopeless,’saidStrike.
‘Inthatcase,’saidSirColin,puttinghisfingerstogether,‘I’lloutlinethesituationandyoucangivemeyourexpertopinion.Yes,please,goahead,’headded,answeringStrike’sunaskedquestionasthedetectivereachedforhisnotebook.
Evenifhehadn’tknownSirColin’spreviousprofession,Strikewould’veknownhewasamanwell-practisedingivinginformationinanorganised,cogentfashion,sohemerelyreadiedhispen.
‘Ithinkit’sbesttostartwithWill,’saidthecivilservant.‘He’souryoungestchildandhewas–Idon’tliketosayanaccident,butSallywasforty-fourwhenshefellpregnantwithhimanddidn’trealiseforquiteawhile.Butweweredelighted,oncewegotovertheshock.’
‘JamesandIweren’t,’interjectedEdward.‘Nobodylikestothinktheirforty-somethingparentsareuptothatwhenthey’renotlooking.’
SirColinsmiled.
‘Allright,well,let’sjustsayitwasashockallround,’heresumed.‘ButwealldotedonWilloncehe’darrived.Hewasalovelylittleboy.Will’salwaysbeenveryclever,butbythetimehewassixorsevenwewereworriedtherewassomethingslightlyoff.Hehadpassionateenthusiasms–obsessions,youmightalmostsay–anddislikedupsetstohisroutine.Thingsotherchildrentookintheirstrideunsettledhim.Hedidn’tlikebiggroups.Atchildren’spartieshe’dbefoundupstairsquietlyreadingorplayingonhisown.Wewerealittlebitanxiousabouthim,sowetookhimtoseeapsychologistandhewasdiagnosedasbeingonthemildendoftheautisticspectrum.Weweretolditwasnothingdramatic,nothingserious.Thepsychologistalsotoldushe’sgotaveryhighIQ.Thatwasn’treallyasurprise:hisabilitytoprocessinformationandhisrecallwerebothextraordinaryandhisreadingagewasatleastfiveyearsaheadofhisactualone.
‘I’mtellingyouallthis,’SirColinwenton,‘becauseIbelieveWill’sparticularcombinationofabilitiesandquirksexplain,atleastpartially,howtheUHCwasabletorecruithim.There’dbeenapreviousincidentwhichworriedusalot,andwhichshouldhavebeenawarning.
‘WhenWillwasfourteenhefellinwithacoupleofboysatschoolwhotoldhimtheywereradicalsocialists,wagingakindofgeneralwaronauthority.Willwasquitevulnerabletopeoplewhoseemedtolikehim,becauseatthatpointhe’dneverhadmanyveryclosefriends.Heboughtintotheirphilosophyofgeneraldisruptionandstartedreadingallsortsofsocialisttheory.Onlywhentheyconvincedhimtosetfiretothechapeldidwerealisewhatwasgoingon.Hecamewithinahair’sbreadthofbeingexpelled,andonlyalate-stageadmissionfromaschoolmatesavedhim.SheknewtheseboyswereperpetuatingateaseonWillforthefunofseeinghowfartheycouldpersuadehimtogo.
‘Wesathimdownafterthat,SallyandI,’saidSirColin,‘andhadaverylongtalkwithhim.ItbecamecleartousthatWillhaddifficultytellingwhenpeoplemightbeduplicitous.He’squiteblackandwhiteandexpectsotherpeopletobeasstraightforwardasheis,whichwasanirresistibletemptationtotheboyswhoputhimuptoarson.
‘Thatincidentaside,though,Willnevergotintrouble,andtheolderhegot,themoreeasilyheseemedtomakefriends.Characteristically,hewentandboughtbookstoresearchautism,andhecouldbeveryfunnyaboutit.Bythetimehecametohisfinalyearatschool,SallyandIwereconfidenthe’dbefineatuniversity.He’dalreadyprovenhecouldmakegoodfriendsandhisgradeswereoutstanding.’
SirColintookasipofcoffee.Strike,whoappreciatedthewayinwhichthecivilservantwasrelatingtheinformation,posednoquestions,butwaitedforhimtocontinue.
‘Then,’SirColinsaid,settingdownhiscup,‘threemonthsbeforeWillwasduetoleaveforDurham,Edwasinvolvedinaveryseriouscarcrash.’
‘Alorry’sbrakesfailed,’explainedEd.‘Itcrashedrightthroughsometrafficlightsandhitmycar.’
‘God,’saidRobin.‘Wereyou—?’
‘Hewasinacomaforfivedays,’saidSirColin,‘andhadtolearntowalkagain.Asyoucanimagine,allSally’sandmyattentionwasonEd.Sallywasvirtuallylivingatthehospital.
‘Iblamemyselfforwhathappenednext,’saidSirColin.Bothhissonsmadetoprotest,butSirColinsaid,‘No,letmesayit.Willwentofftouniversity,andIwasn’tcheckinginwithhimasoftenasIwouldhavedone.Ishould’veaskedmorequestions,shouldn’thavetakenthingsatfacevalue.Hementionedpeoplehewashavingdrinkswith,toldmehe’djoinedacoupleofsocieties,hiscourseworkdidn’tseemaproblem–butthenhedisappeared.Simplypackedupandvanished.
‘Histutoralertedusandwewereextremelyworried.Iwentuptotheuniversitymyselfandspoketosomeofhisfriends,whoexplainedthathe’dbeentoaUHCtalkheldattheuniversity,wherehegottalkingtosomememberswhogavehimsomeliteraturetoread,andaskedhimtoattendaservice,whichhedid.Thenextthingthathappenedwasthathereappearedinhiscollege,strippedhisroomandtookoff.Nobodyhasseenhimsince.
‘WetrackedhimdownviathetempleinRupertCourtandfoundouthewasatChapmanFarm,inNorfolk.That’swheretheUHCoriginatedandit’sstilltheirlargestindoctrinationcentre.Membersaren’tpermittedmobilephones,sotheonlywaytocontactWillwastowritetohim,whichwedid.Eventually,underthreatofthepolice,wemanagedtoforcethechurchtoletusmeetWillattheirCentralTempleinRupertCourt.
‘Thatmeetingwentextremelybadly.Itwasliketalkingtoastranger.Willwastotallyunlikehimself.HemeteverythingwesaidwithwhatInowknowtobestandardUHCtalkingpointsandjargon,andherefusedpoint-blanktoleavethechurchorresumehisstudies.Ilostmytemper,whichwasabigmistake,becauseitplayedrightintothechurch’shandsandenabledthemtopaintmeashisenemy.Ishould’vedonewhatSallywasdoing:simplypouroutloveandshowweweren’ttryingtocontrolormisleadhim,whichofcourseiswhatthechurchPrincipalsweresayingaboutus.
‘IfI’dletSallyhandlethings,wemighthavehadachanceofgettinghimout,butIwasangry–angryhewasthrowingawayhisuniversitycareer,andangryhe’dcausedsomuchfussandworrywhenwestilldidn’tknowwhetherEdwasgoingtobewheelchair-boundfortherestofhislife.’
‘Whatyearwasthis?’Strikeasked.
‘2012,’saidSirColin.
‘Sohe’sbeenintherenearlyfouryears?’
‘Correct.’
‘Andyou’veonlyseenhimoncesincehejoined?’
‘Oncefacetoface,andotherwiseonlyinphotographstakenbyPattersonInc.Ed’sseenhim,though.’
‘Wedidn’ttalk,’saidEd.‘ItriedtoapproachhimlastyearinWardourStreetandhejustturnedtailandranbackintotheRupertCourtTemple.I’vewalkedtheareaafewtimessinceandI’vespottedhimfromadistance,outwithhiscollectingtin.Helooksill.Emaciated.He’sthetallestofallofusandhemustbeseveralstoneunderweight.’
‘Apparentlythey’rechronicallyunderfedatChapmanFarm,’saidSirColin.‘Theydoalotoffasts.Ifoundoutalotabouttheinnerworkingsofthechurchthroughayoungex-membercalledKevinPirbright.Kevingrewupinthechurch.Hewastherefromtheageofthree.’
‘Yeah,’saidJames,whoforthelastfewminuteshadgiventheimpressionofamanstrugglingtokeepaguardonhistongue.‘Hehadanexcuse.’
Therewasamomentofchargedsilence.
‘Sorry,’saidJames,thoughhedidn’tlookit,butthen,evidentlyunabletoholdthewordsback,hesaidforcefully,
‘Look,Willmighthavebeentoomuchofanidiotnottorealisesettingfiretoaschoolchapelwon’tsolveworldpoverty,butcomeon.Comeon.Ofallthetimestojoinacult,hechoosestheexactmomentwe’rewaitingtofindoutwhetherEd’sgoingtobeparaplegicfortherestofhislife?’
‘Willdoesn’tthinklikethat,’saidEd.
‘No,becausehe’saself-centred,monomaniacallittleshit,’saidJameshotly.‘Heknowsperfectlywellwhathe’sdoingandhe’shadplentyofopportunitiestostopdoingit.Don’tgothinkinghe’ssomeinnocenthalfwit,’hethrewatStrikeandRobin.‘Willcanbebloodypatronisingtoanyonewhoisn’tascleverasheisandyoushouldhearhiminanargument.’
‘James,’saidEdquietly,buthisbrotherignoredhim.
‘MymotherdiedonNewYear’sDay.OneofherlastconsciousactswastowritealettertoWill,begginghimtoletherseehimonemoretime.Nothing.Nothingback.Heletherdiefrettingabouthim,desperatetoseehim,andhedidn’tturnupforthefuneral,either.ThatwashischoiceandI’llneverforgivehimforit.Never.There.I’vesaidit,’saidJames,slappinghishandstohisthighsbeforegettingtohisfeet.‘I’msorry,Ican’tdothis,’headded,andbeforeanyoneelsecouldspeak,he’dmarchedoutoftheroom.
‘Ithoughtthatwasgoingtohappen,’mutteredEd.
‘I’msosorry,’saidSirColintoStrikeandRobin.Hiseyeshadbecomewet
‘Don’tworryaboutus,’saidStrike.‘We’veseenfarworse.’
SirColinclearedhisthroatagainandsaid,withaslighttremorinhisvoice,
‘Sally’sverylastconsciousactwastobegmetogetWillout…doexcuseme,’headded,astearsbegantoleakfrombeneaththebifocalsandhegropedforahandkerchief.
Edstruggleduptomoveintotheseatbesidehisfather.Ashemovedaroundthetable,Strikesawhestillhadapronouncedlimp.
‘C’mon,Dad,’hesaid,placingahandonSirColin’sshoulder.‘’S’allright.’
‘Wedon’tusuallybehavelikethisinpublic,’SirColintoldStrikeandRobin,strivingforasmileashemoppedhiseyes.‘It’sjustthatSally…it’sallstillvery…veryrecent…’
WithwhatRobinfeltwasdeplorabletiming,anattendantnowarrivedbesidetheirtabletoofferlunch.
‘Yes,verygoodidea,’saidSirColinhuskily.‘Let’seat.’
Bythetimemenushadbeenprovidedandfoodordered,SirColinhadregainedhiscomposure.Oncethewaiterwasoutofearshothesaid,
‘Ofcourse,Jamesisright,uptoapoint.Will’sgotaformidableintellectandhe’sadevilinadebate.I’msimplytryingtoexplainthatthere’salwaysbeena–aworryingnaivetyalliedtoWill’sverypowerfulbrain.He’sthoroughlywellintentioned,hetrulywantstomaketheworldabetterplace,buthealsolikescertaintyandrulestocleaveto.BeforehefoundtheprophetsoftheUHC,itwassocialism,andbeforethathewasaverytiresomeCubScout–tiresomefortheCubleaders,becausehedidn’tlikenoisygames,butequallytiresomeforus,withhisendlessgoodturns,andwantingtodebatewhetheritwasagoodturnifitwassomethinghe’dbeenaskedtodo,orwhetherhehadtothinkuphisownactsofbenevolenceforthemtoqualify.
‘ButWill’srealproblem,’saidSirColin,‘isthathedoesn’tseeevil.It’stheoreticaltohim,afacelessworldforcetobeeradicated.He’sutterlyblindtoitwhenhe’supclose.’
‘AndyouthinktheUHC’sevil?’
‘Ohyes,MrStrike,’saidSirColinquietly.‘Yes,I’mafraidIdo.’
‘Haveyoutriedvisitinghim?Arranginganothermeeting?’
‘Yes,buthe’srefused.OnlychurchmembersareallowedatChapmanFarmandwhenEdandItriedtoattendaserviceattheRupertCourtTempletotalktoWill,wewererefusedentry.It’saregisteredreligiousbuilding,sotheyhavealegalrighttobarvisitors.Wededucedfromthefactweweren’tallowedinthatthechurchhavepicturesofWill’sfamilymembersandhaveinstructedchurchofficialstokeepusout.
‘AsItoldyouonthephone,that’showPattersonIncmessedthingsup.Theysentthesamemanwho’dbeenstakingoutChapmanFarmtothetemple.ChapmanFarmhascamerasallaroundtheperimeter,sothechurchauthoritiesalreadyknewwhatthemanlookedlike,andwhenhearrivedinRupertCourttheytoldhimtheyknewwhohewasandwhoheworkedfor,andthatWillwasawareIwashavingprivatedetectivesfollowhim.AtthatpointIterminatedmycontractwithPattersonInc.They’dnotonlyfailedtofindoutanyinformationthatwouldhelpmeextractWill,they’dreinforcedthechurch’snarrativeagainstourfamily.’
‘Will’sstillatChapmanFarmthen,ishe?’
‘Asfarasweknow,yes.HesometimesgoesoutcollectingmoneyinNorwichandLondon.HeoccasionallystaysovernightattheRupertCourtTemple,butotherwisehe’satthefarm.Kevintoldmerecruitswhodon’tprogresstorunningseminarsandprayermeetingsusuallyremainintheindoctrinationcentres–orspiritualretreats,asthechurchcallsthem.Apparentlythere’salotofhardlabouratChapmanFarm.’
‘Howdidyoumeetthis–’Strikecheckedhisnotes‘–KevinPirbright?’
‘IcontactedhimthroughhisblogabouttheUHC,’saidSirColin.
‘Wouldhebeamenabletotalkingtous?’
‘I’msurehewouldhavebeen,’saidSirColinquietly,‘buthe’sdead.HewasshotinAugustoflastyear.’
‘Shot?’repeatedStrikeandRobinsimultaneously.
‘Yes.AsinglebullettotheheadathomeinhisflatinCanningTown.Itwasn’tsuicide,’saidSirColin,forestallingStrike’squestion.‘Therewasnogunfoundatthescene.Pattersonspoketoapolicecontact:theybelieveitwasadrug-relatedkilling.ApparentlyKevinwasdealing.’
‘Wereyouawareofthat?’
‘No,butIwouldn’thavebeen…Ithinkthepoorchapwantedtoimpressme,’saidSirColinsadly.‘Wantedtoseemmorewellbalancedthanhereallywas.Hedidn’thaveanyoneelse,becausetherestofhisfamilyarestillintheUHC.Inevervisitedhisflatanditwasonlytowardstheendthatheadmittedhowmuchofatollitwastakingonhim,writingabouteverythingthathadhappenedtohim,tryingtopiecetogetherhismemoriesforhisbookabouttheUHC.Ishould’verealised,Ioughttohavegothimsomekindofcounselling.Should’verememberedhewasadamagedhumanbeing,insteadoftreatinghimasakindofweapontobeusedagainstthechurch.
‘Ididn’thearfromhimatallinthemonthbeforehewasshot.Sally’sillnesshadbeendeclaredterminal,andI’dtickedKevinoffforbehavingerraticallyandunhelpfully:Imean,inwaysthatweredamagingtohimself,quiteapartfrommywishtogetWilloutoftheUHC.HemadeasceneatGilesHarmon’sbooksigning,swearingandshouting.Iwasconstantlytryingtoimpressuponhimthatthosekindsoftacticscouldonlybackfire,buthewasveryangry,verybitter.’
‘Doyouthinkitwasadrug-relatedhit?’
Edglancedsidewaysathisfather,whohesitatedbeforesaying,
‘IwasinratheranoverwroughtstatewhenIheardhe’dbeenshotand…ifI’mhonest,mythoughtscertainlywentstraighttotheUHC.’
‘Butyou’vechangedyourmind?’
‘Ihave,yes.Theydon’tneedguns;they’vegotexpensivelawyers.They’reexpertatshuttingdowncriticism:articlesbysympatheticjournalists,celebritiesdoingPR…Kevinwasverysmallfry,really,evenifhe’dmanagedtofinishhisbook.They’dalreadyforcedhimtotakedowneveryseriousallegationhemadeonhisblog,andthey’dalsomadeaccusationsofabuseagainsthim.’
‘Whatkindofabuse?’
‘Sexual,’saidSirColin.‘Theyclaimedhe’dabusedhissisters.AccordingtoaletterKevinreceivedfromtheCouncilofPrincipals,bothgirlshadmadefairlydetailedallegationsagainsthim.Now,Iknowaswellasanyonethatsexualabuseisendemic.OneofthecharitiesIworkwithhelpssurvivors,soI’monlytoofamiliarwiththestatisticsandI’mnotdeluded:plentyofapparentlycharmingpeopledoterriblethingsbehindcloseddoors.Obviously,Ican’tdiscountthepossibilitythatKevindidabusethosegirls,butonewouldhavethought,ifthechurchtrulybelievedhimguilty,they’dhaveinformedthepolice,notwrittenKevinathreateningletter.Onbalance,Ithinkitwasjustonemoreattempttofrightenhim,andgivenwhatKevintoldmeabouttheinternalworkingsofthechurch,Ithinkitlikelyhissisterswereintimidatedintosigningthosestatements…IwantedtoattendKevin’sfuneral,’SirColinsaidsadly,‘butitwasn’tpossible.Imadeenquiries:hismother,who’sstillinsidethechurch,chosetoburyhimatChapmanFarm.Imustadmit,Ifoundthatveryupsetting…Kevinhadfoughtsohardtoleave…’
Theirfoodnowarrived.Strike,who’dorderedseabassratherthanthesteakhereallyfancied,asked,
‘Cananythingbedonelegally,withregardstoWill?’
‘Believeme,I’vetried,’saidSirColin,pickinguphisknifeandfork.‘Will’sgotatrustfund,whichwaslefttohimbySally’sfather.He’snowtakenouthalfthemoneyinthereandgivenittotheUHC.Iwantedtohavehimassessedbyapsychiatrist,butwhenthechurchgotwindofthattheyarrangedforhimtoseeoneoftheirown,whogaveWillacompletelycleanbillofhealth.He’sofageandhe’sbeendeclaredmentallycompetent.It’satotalimpasse.
‘I’vetriedtointerestpoliticalcontactsinthechurchandthewayit’soperating,buteveryoneseemsafraidoftakingiton,giventhecelebrityfollowersanditsmuch-vauntedcharitablework.There’soneMPIstronglysuspectofbeingamember.HeagitatesfortheminParliamentandbecomesveryaggressivetowardsanyonewhocriticisesthem.I’vetriedtointerestsomeofmypresscontactsinanin-depthexposé,butthey’reshyofbeingsuedaswell.Nobodywantstotouchit.
‘KevinwaskeentotaketheUHCtocourtonthegroundsoftheirabuseofhimandhisfamily.SallyandIweremorethanhappytofundthecase,butmylawyersfeltthechancesofKevinsucceedingwereveryslim.Itwasn’tjustthathe’dalreadybeenforcedtoadmittomistakesonhisblog;hehadsomeveryoddbeliefs.’
‘Suchas?’
‘Hewasconvincedthespiritworldwasreal.Asamatteroffact,hethoughttheUHCcouldconjurethedead.Pattersontriedtofindotherpeoplewhomighttestifyanddrewacompleteblank.’
‘HaveyoueverconsideredtakingWillbackbyforce?GrabbinghimoffWardourStreet?’
‘SallyandIdiscusseddoingso,asalastresort,’SirColinadmitted,‘butwewerescaredoutoftheideawhenwefoundoutwhathappenedtoayoungmanwhosefamilydidexactlythat,backin1993.HisnamewasAlexanderGraves.Hecamefromawealthyfamily,too.Hisfatherliterallykidnappedhimoffthestreetwhenhewasoutcollectingmoney.Graveswasinaverypoormentalstatewhentheygothimout,andacoupleofdayslaterhangedhimselfatthefamilyhome.
‘I’vereadextensivelyaboutmindcontrolinthelastfewyears,’SirColincontinued,hisfoodgrowingcoldashetalked.‘IknowfarmorethanIdidinthebeginningaboutthetechniquestheUHCareusing,andhoweffectivetheyare.Kevintoldmealotofwhatgoesoninthereandit’sclassiccultmanipulation:restrictionofinformation,controlofthoughtsandemotionsandsoon.IunderstandnowwhyWillchangedsorapidly.He’sliterallynotinhisrightmind.’
‘Hecan’tbe,’agreedEd.‘NottocomewhenMumwasdying,nottoattendherfuneral.Jamesandhiswifehadtwinboyslastyear,andhe’sneverevenmetthem.’
‘Sowhatexactlyareyoulookingtoachieveinhiringus?’askedStrike.
SirColinsetdownhisknifeandforktoreachunderhischairforanoldblackbriefcase,fromwhichheextractedaslimfolder.
‘BeforetheUHC’slawyersmadeKevinbowdlerisehisblog,Iprintedoutcopies.TherearealsotwolongemailsfromKevininhere,whichexplainhisfamily’sinvolvementinthechurchandsomeincidentshewitnessedorwasinvolvedin.Hementionspeopleandplaces,andmakesatleastonecriminalallegationaboutJonathanWace,theUHC’sfounder.IfanyoftheotherpeopleKevinmentionsinthesedocumentscouldbepersuadedtotalk,oreventotestify,especiallyaboutcoercionormindcontrol,Imightbeabletodosomething,legally.Atabareminimum,I’dliketopersuadetheUHCtoletmeseeWillagain.’
‘Butideally,you’dliketogethimout?’
‘Ofcourse,’saidSirColin,‘butIacceptthatmightnotberealistic.
‘PattersonInc’sreport’sinhere,too,forwhatit’sworth.TheyfocusedmainlyonobservingWill’smovementsandthecomingsandgoingsatRupertCourtandChapmanFarm.Theirideawastogetabusiveorintimidatingbehaviouroncamera,oranindicationfromWillthathewasunhappyorbeingcoerced.Acoupleoftheirpeopleapproachedhiminthestreet,undercover,andtriedtoengagehiminconversation,butheinsistedhewasperfectlyhappyandtriedtorecruitthemorpersuadethemtohandovercash…so:whatdoyouthink?’saidSirColin,lookingfromStriketoRobinandbackagain.‘Isourcasehopeless?’
BeforeStrikecouldanswer,RobinhadheldoutherhandforthedocumentsSirColinhadbroughtwithhim.
‘No,’shesaid.‘We’dbeveryhappytohelp.’
5
Sixinthefifthplacemeans:Givingdurationtoone’scharacterthroughperseverance.Thisisgoodfortuneforawoman…
TheIChingorBookofChanges
‘It’sfine,’saidStrikeanhourlater,inresponsetoRobin’sapologyforacceptingthecasewithoutconsultinghim.‘I’d’vesaiditmyself,butIhadamouthfulofpotato.’
ThetwopartnershadretiredtoanearbypubafterleavingtheEdensors.TheGoldenLionwassmall,Victorianandornatelydecorated,andtheyweresittingonhighleatherbarstoolsataroundtable.
‘IwaslookingattheUHC’swebsitelastnight,’saidRobin,whowasdrinkingorangejuice,becausesheneededtoleaveforhersurveillancejobshortly.‘Theyownalotofprimerealestate.ThatplaceinRupertCourtmust’vecostthemafortune,banginthemiddleoftheWestEnd,andthat’sbeforeyougettothetemplesandcentresinBirminghamandGlasgow.Cantheybemakingallthatmoneylegally?’
‘Well,they’refloggingself-realisationcoursesupanddownthecountryatfivehundredquidadayandprayerretreatsatagrandatime.They’vegottenthousand-oddmemberscollectingmoneyforthem,donatingafifthoftheirsalariesandmakinglegaciesintheirfavour.Allthat’llmountup.You’dthinktheInlandRevenuewouldbealloverthem,soeitherthey’reclean,orthey’vegotashit-hotaccountantwhoknowshowtohidethedodgystuff.Buttakingcashfromidiotsisn’tacrime,unfortunately.’
‘YouagreewithJames,doyou?Will’sanidiot?’
Striketookasipofbeerbeforeanswering.
‘I’dsaypeoplewhojoincultsgenerallyhavesomethingmissing.’
‘WhataboutGilesHarmon?Rich,successfulwriter,reallyclever…’
‘I’mwithOrwell,’saidStrike.“Someideasaresostupid,onlyintellectualsbelievethem”…youknow,Ican’tseeanywayofdoingthisproperlyotherthangettingsomeoneintoChapmanFarmundercover.’
Robinhadspentthelastcoupleofdayspreparingforthisveryconversation.
‘ThatmeansattendingtheRupertCourtTemplefirst.I’velookedintoit:youcan’tjustturnupatChapmanFarm,youhavetobeinvitedthere,whichmeansbeingrecruitedatoneofthetemples.WhoeverturnsupatRupertCourtwillneedafullyworked-uppersonawithbackstory,whichtheyusefromtheirfirstcontactwithchurchmembers,andIthinktheyshouldlookasthoughthey’vegotalotofmoney,tomakethemareallyattractiveprospectforrecruitment.’
Strike,whoknewperfectlywellhewaslisteningtoapitch,said,‘AndI’mguessingyoudon’tthinkBarclay,ShahorLittlejohnwouldbeconvincingaswealthyGod-botherers.’
‘Well,’saidRobin,‘IdoubtBarclaywouldlastanhourbeforestartingtotakethepissoutofitall.Littlejohnwouldbeperfectifthechurchwasasilentorder—’
Strikelaughed.
‘—andDev’sgotsmallkids,sohe’snotgoingtowanttobeawayforweeks.Midgeisapossibility,butshe’snevergoneundercoverbefore.IknowIhaven’t,notlikethis,’Robinsaidquickly,beforeStrikecouldmakethatpoint,‘butI’veneverhadacoverbroken,notevenwhenIwasbeingVenetiaHalleveryday,intheHouseofCommons.’
‘Andwhatifthejoblastsweeks?’saidStrike.
‘Thenitlastsweeks,’saidRobin,withaslightshrug.
ItsohappenedthatStrikehadalreadydecidedRobinwasthebestpersonforthejob,buthehadasecondarymotiveforacceptingherproposal.Afewweeks’enforcedseparationwhileshewasatChapmanFarmmightjustputabitofstrainonherrelationshipwithRyanMurphy,andtherewaslittleStrikewantedmorethanthat.However,ashedidn’twanttoagreetooreadily,lesthebesuspectedofanulteriormotive,hemerelynoddedandsaid,‘OK,well,thatcouldwork.Itneedsthinkingthrough,though.’
‘Iknow.Ican’twearawigatChapmanFarm,soI’mthinkingofaradicalhaircut.’
‘Really?’saidStrike,withoutthinking.Helikedherhair.
‘I’llhaveto,I’vebeenwalkingaroundinthevicinityofRupertCourtforafewyearsnow.Thelastthingweneedisanyonerecognisingme,especiallyifthey’veseenmecominginandoutoftheoffice.’
‘OK,fairpoint,’saidStrike,‘butnoneedtoshaveyourhead.’
‘I’mnottryingtogetintotheHareKrishnas,’saidRobin.‘Iwasthinkingmaybeshortandaniceboldcolour.Aprivatelyeducatedgirlwhowantstolookabitalternative,butnotsoradicalit’llscareherparentsintostoppingfootingherbills.Maybeshe’shadarecentbadbreak-upand,youknow,nowshewantsasenseofpurposeandsomethingtofillthespacewhereshethoughtaweddingwasgoingtobe.’
‘Youhavegiventhisalotofthought,’saidStrike,withagrin.
‘OfcourseIhave.Iwantthejob.’
‘Why?’askedStrike.‘Whyd’youwantitsomuch?’
‘I’vealwaysbeeninterestedinmindcontrol.Wetouchedonitonmycourseatuni.’
Robinhadbeenstudyingpsychologybeforeshedroppedoutofuniversity.TheiruncompleteddegreeswereoneofthethingssheandStrikehadincommon.
‘OK,well,thatallsoundsgood.WorkoutafullcoverandwecanreadjusttherotasoyouprioritiseSaturdaymorningsattemple.’
‘Theonlyproblemisclothes,’saidRobin.‘Idon’tlooklikeI’vegotloadsofmoney,clothes-wise.’
‘Youalwayslookgreat,’saidStrike.
‘Thankyou,’saidRobin,flushingslightly,‘butifI’mgoingtoconvincetheUHCI’vegotalotofmoney,stufflikethis,’shehelduphershoulderbag,whichwassixyearsold,‘won’tcutit.Is’poseIcouldhireacoupleofdesigneroutfitsandhandbags.I’veneverdoneit,butIknowyoucan.’
‘Mightbeabletohelpwiththat,’saidStrike,unexpectedly.‘YoucouldborrowstufffromPru.’
‘Who?’
‘Mysister,’saidStrike.‘Prudence.Thetherapist.’
‘Oh,’saidRobin,intrigued.
She’donlyevermettwoofStrike’seighthalf-siblings,andthoseonlybriefly.Hisfamilywas,tosaytheleast,complicated.Strikewastheillegitimatesonofarockstarhe’dmetonlytwice,andadeceasedmotherhabituallydescribedinthepressasasuper-groupie.WhileRobinknewStrikehadfinallyagreedtomeethishalf-sisterPrudenceforthefirsttimesomemonthspreviously,she’dhadnoideatheywerenowonsuchtermsthatshemightlendexpensiveclothingtohisdetectivepartner.
‘Ithinkyou’reaboutthesame…’Strikemadeavaguegestureratherthansay‘size’.‘I’llaskher.Youmighthavetogoroundtoherhousetotryiton.’
‘Noproblem,’saidRobin,slightlytakenaback.‘That’dbegreat,ifPrudencewon’tmindlendingstufftoatotalstranger.’
‘You’renotatotalstranger,I’vetoldherallaboutyou,’saidStrike.
‘So…it’sgoingwell,then?’saidRobin.‘YouandPrudence?’
‘Yeah,’saidStrike.Hetookanothersipofbeer.‘Ilikeheralotmorethananyofmyfather’sotherkids–lowbar,admittedly.’
‘YoulikeAl,’saidRobin.
‘Vaguely.He’sstillpissedoffatmebecauseIwouldn’tgotothatbloodypartyforRokeby.Where’reyouheadingafterthis?’
‘TakingoverfromDevinBexleyheath,’saidRobin,asshecheckedthetimeonherphone.‘Actually,Ishouldgetgoing.Whataboutyou?’
‘Afternoonoff.I’llscanthisstuffbackattheofficeandemailittoyou,’saidStrike,indicatingthecardboardfolderofdocumentsColinEdensorhadhandedRobin.
‘Great,’saidRobin.‘Seeyoutomorrow,then.’
6
Sixinthefourthplacemeans:Atied-upsack.Noblame,nopraise.
TheIChingorBookofChanges
Robinspentthesix-minutewalkfromtheGoldenLiontoGreenParkstationdoingthethingshe’dresolutelyschooledherselfoverthepasteightmonthsnottodo:thinkingaboutCormoranStrikeinanycontextotherthanworkandfriendship.
Thelong-delayedrealisationthatshewasinlovewithherworkpartnerhadburstinuponRobinEllacottthepreviousyearuponfindingoutthathewashavinganaffairhe’dcarefullyconcealedfromher.Atthatpoint,Robinhaddecidedthattheonlythingtodowastofalloutoflove,anditwasinthatspirit,afewweekslater,thatshe’dagreedtoafirstdatewithRyanMurphy.
Sincethen,she’ddoneherutmosttokeepaninnerdoorfirmlyclosedonwhatevershemightfeelforStrike,hopinglovewouldwitheranddieforlackofattention.Inpractice,thismeantturningherthoughtsfirmlyawayfromhimwhenalone,andrefusing,ever,tomakecomparisonsbetweenhimandMurphy,asIlsahadtriedtodoonthedayofthechristening.When,inspiteofherbestefforts,certainunwelcomememoriesintruded–thewayStrikehadhuggedheronherweddingday,orthedangerous,drunkenmomentoutsidetheRitzbaronherthirtiethbirthday,whenhe’dmovedtokissher–sheremindedherselfthatherdetectivepartnerwasamanperfectlyhappywithasinglelifepunctuatedbyaffairswith(usuallygorgeous)women.Hewasforty-oneyearsold,hadnevermarried,voluntarilylivedaloneinaspartanatticovertheoffice,andhadadeeplyentrenchedtendencytoerectbarrierstointimacy.WhilesomeofthisreservehadrelaxedwhereRobinwasconcerned,shehadn’tforgottenhowquicklyithadreturnedafterthatnightattheRitz.Inshort,Robinhadnowconcludedthatwhatevershemightoncehavewanted,Strikehadn’teverwanteditatall.
ItwasthereforeapleasureandarelieftobewithMurphy,whosoclearlywantedtobewithher.AsidefromthefactthattheCIDmanwashandsomeandintelligent,theyhadinvestigativeworkincommon,whichmadeaverywelcomecontrasttothewell-paidaccountantshe’ddivorced,who’dneverunderstoodRobin’spreferenceforwhatMatthewhadconsideredaneccentric,insecurecareer.Robinwasalsoenjoyinghavingasexlifeagain:asexlife,moreover,thatwasconsiderablymoresatisfactorythanthatshe’dhadwithherex-husband.
YetthereremainedsomethingbetweenherandRyanthatshefoundhardtoidentify.Guardednessperhapsexpresseditbest,anditsprung,shewassure,fromthefactthateachhadafracturedmarriageintheirpast.Bothknewjusthowbadlypeopleinthemostintimaterelationshipscouldhurteachother,andtreatedeachothercarefullyinconsequence.Wiserthanshe’dbeenduringheryearswithMatthew,Robinmadesureshedidn’ttalktoomuchaboutStrikewhenwithRyan,didn’tmentionStrike’swarrecord,ortellanyanecdotesthatcasthimintooamusingorattractivealight.SheandMurphyhadnowsharedplentyofdetailsoftheirrespectivehistories,butRobinwasawarethatshe,likeRyan,wasofferinganeditedversion.Perhapsthatwasinevitable,onceyoureachedyourthirties.IthadbeensoveryeasytoopenherhearttoMatthew,whomshe’dmetatschool:thoughshe’dbelievedatthetimeshewastellingallhersecrets,shelookedbackandrealisedhowlittle,atthetime,she’dhadtotell.IthadtakenRobinsixmonthstotalktoRyanaboutthebrutalrapethathadendedheruniversitycareer,andshe’domittedmentionofthefactthatamajorfactorinthefailureofhermarriagehadbeenMatthew’spersistentjealousyandsuspicionofStrike.Forhispart,Ryannevertalkedmuchabouthisdrinkingyears,andhadgivenherwhatshesuspectedwasasanitisedaccountofthewayheandhisex-wifehadsplitup.Sheassumedthesethingswouldbediscussedeventually,iftherelationshipcontinued.Inthemeantime,aprivatelifewithoutjealousrowsandgrindingresentmentmadeaverynicechange.
Allthisbeingso,broodingontheemotionalsubtextofStrike’sconversationcoulddonobodyanygood,andmadeRobinfeeldisloyaltoMurphy.Strikeprobablyfeltsafetosaythingslike‘youalwayslookgreat’and‘I’vetoldmysisterallaboutyou’becauseshewasnowinasteadyrelationshipwithanotherman.Asshedescendedintothestation,shetoldherselffirmlythatStrikewasherbestfriend,nothingmore,andforcedherthoughtsbackontothejobinBexleyheath.
7
Thishexagramindicatesasituationinwhichtheprincipleofdarkness,afterhavingbeeneliminated,furtivelyandunexpectedlyobtrudesagainfromwithinandbelow
TheIChingorBookofChanges
Strikehadmeanttoreturntotheofficeoncehe’dfinishedhispint,buttheGoldenLionwassopleasant,itoccurredtohimthathecouldjustaseasilyreadthedocumentsprovidedbyColinEdensorthere,wheretherewasalsobeer.Hethereforeboughthimselfasecondpintandtookthefirstopportunitytoleavehisbarstoolforavacatedleatherbenchatalowertable,whereheflippedopenthefolder.AtthetopofthepileofpaperinsidewasalengthyemailtoSirColinfromthelateKevinPirbright.
DearColin,Apologiesinadvanceifthisislong,butyouaskedaboutmyfamily’sinvolvementwiththeUniversalHumanitarianChurchandhowIcametoleaveetc,sohereitis.MymotherjoinedtheUHCwhenIwas3andmysisterswere6and8.It’simportanttosaythatmymother–IwasraisedtocallherLouise,becausetheUHCforbidsnamingbloodrelationships–isn’tstupid.Shegrewuppoorandnevergotthechancetogotouniversityoranything,butshe’sbright.ShemarriedmydadreallyyoungbutheleftthefamilywhenIwas1.IrememberLouisebeingveryprettywhenshewasyounger.Idon’tknowwhenshefirstheardJonathanWacespeak,butIknowshefellinlovewithhim.LoadsofthewomenintheUHCarecrazyabouthim.Anyway,shepackedupourcouncilhouseandtookusofftoChapmanFarm.(I’vehadtopieceallthistogetherfromstuffmysisterstoldmelater,becauseI’vegotnomemoryofourlifebeforetheUHC.)Afterthat,wehadnowheretogootherthanUHCaccommodation.Thisisreallycommon.Peoplesinkeverythingintothechurch,asproofoftheircommitmenttotheirnewlives.Somemembersevenselltheirhousesandgiveallthemoneytothechurch.ChapmanFarmiswheretheUHCwasfounded.Thefiveprophetsareburiedthereandbecauseit’sindeepcountrysideasopposedtoacity,ittendstobewheremembersaresentforre-indoctrinationiftheyneedit.ThereareothercentresandmyoldersisterBeccaspentthreeyearsattheoneinBirmingham(she’squitehighupinthechurchnow),andEmilywasallowedtogooutcollectingmoney,butLouiseandIneverleftthefarm.TheUHCteachesthatnormalfamilyrelationshipsormonogamoussexualrelationshipsareaformofmaterialistpossession.Ifyou’reagoodperson,you’respirit-bondedtoeveryoneinsidethechurchandyoulovethemalljustthesame.Louisetriedtosticktothatoncewewereinside,butthethreeofusalwaysknewshewasourrealmother.Mostofthekids’educationconsistedofreadingUHCtractsandmemorisingthem,butLouisetaughtme,BeccaandEmilythingslikeourtimestablesonthesly,whilewewerecleaningoutthechickens.WhenIwasveryyoung,IliterallythoughtJonathanWacewasmyfather.Weallcalledhim‘PapaJ’andIknewaboutfamilyrelationshipsbecausetheyappearedintheBibleandotherholybookswestudied.ItwasonlygraduallyIrealisedIwasn’tactuallyrelatedtoPapaJ.Itwasreallyconfusingforasmallkidbutyoujustwentwithit,becauseeveryoneelsedid.MazuWace,PapaJ’swife,grewupatChapmanFarm.ShewasthereintheAylmertonCommunitydays—
Strikestoppedreading,staringatthelastfourwords.
TheAylmertonCommunitydays.
TheAylmertonCommunity.
AylmertonCommunity.
Therundownbarns,thechildrenrunningriot,theCrowtherbrothersstridingacrosstheyard,thestrangeroundtowerstandingaloneonthehorizonlikeagiantchesspiece:hesawitallagain.Hisstonedmothertryingtomakedaisychainsforlittlegirls;nightsinramshackledormitorieswithnolocksonthedoor;aconstantsensethateverythingwasoutofcontrol,andachildishinstinctthatsomethingwaswrong,andthatanundefinabledangerlurkedcloseby,justoutofsight.
Untilthismoment,StrikehadhadnoideathatChapmanFarmwasthesameplace:ithadbeencalledForgemanFarmwhenhe’dlivedthere,withamotleycollectionoffamilieswhowereworkingtheland,housedinaclusterofrundownbuildings,theiractivitiesdirectedbytheCrowtherbrothers.Eventhoughthere’dbeennohintofreligionattheAylmertoncommune,Strike’sdisdainforcultssprangdirectlyfromthesixmonthsatForgemanFarm,whichhadconstitutedtheunhappiestperiodofhisunstableandfragmentedchildhood.ThecommunehadbeendominatedbythepowerfulpersonalityoftheelderCrowtherbrother,arangy,round-shouldered,greasy-hairedmanwithlongblacksideburnsandahandlebarmoustache.Strikecouldstillvisualisehismother’sraptfaceasMalcolmCrowtherlecturedthegroupbyfirelight,outlininghisradicalbeliefsandpersonalphilosophies.Heremembered,too,hisownineradicabledislikeoftheman,whichhadamountedtoavisceralrevulsion.
Bythetimethepoliceraidedthefarm,Ledahadalreadymovedherfamilyon.SixmonthswasthelongestLedacouldeverbeartoremaininoneplace.ReadingaboutthepoliceactioninthepapersoncebackinLondon,she’drefusedtobelievethatthecommunitywasn’tbeingpersecutedfortheirpacifism,thesoftdrugsandtheirback-to-theearthphilosophy.Foralongtimeshe’dinsistedtheCrowtherscouldn’tpossiblyhavedonethethingsforwhichtheywereeventuallycharged,notleastbecauseherownchildrentoldherthey’descapedunscathed.OnlyafterreadingaccountsofthetrialhadLedareluctantlycometoacceptthatthishadbeenmoreluckthanjudgement;thatherpastoralfantasyhadindeedbeenahotbedofpaedophilia.Characteristically,she’dshruggedoffthewholeepisodeasananomaly,thencontinuedtherestlessexistencethatmeanthersonanddaughter,whennotdumpedontheirauntanduncleinCornwall,movedconstantlybetweendifferentkindsofinsecurehousingandvolatilesituationsofherchoosing.
Strikedrankathirdofhisfreshpintbeforefocusinghisattentiononcemoreonthepageinfrontofhim.
MazuWace,PapaJ’swife,grewupatChapmanFarm.ShewasthereintheAylmertonCommunitydaysandit’slikeherprivatekingdom.Idon’tthinkshe’severvisitedtheBirminghamorGlasgowcentresandsheonlygoesuptotheLondonTempleoccasionally.IwasalwaysterrifiedofMamaMazu,aschurchmembersaresupposedtocallher.Shelookslikeawitch,verywhiteface,blackhair,longpointednoseandweirdeyes.Shealwaysworerobesinsteadofthetracksuitstherestofushadtowear.IusedtohavenightmaresaboutMazuwhenIwaslittle,whereshewaspeeringinatmethroughkeyholesorwatchingmefromskylights.Mazu’sthingwascontrol.It’sreallyhardtoexplaintoanyonewhohasn’tmether.Shecouldmakepeopledoanything,evenhurtthemselves,andIneveroncesawanyonerefuse.OneofmyearliestmemoriesfromChapmanFarmisateenagercalledJordanwhippinghimselfacrossthefacewithaleatherflail.Irememberhisname,becauseJonathanWaceusedtosingthespiritual‘Roll,Jordan,Roll’wheneverhesawhim.JordanwasmuchbiggerthanMazu,andhewasonhiskneesandhisfacewascoveredinwelts,andhekeptwhippinghimselfuntilshesaiditwastimetostop.InspiteofeveryonetellingmehowgoodandholyMazuwas,Ialwaysthoughtshewasaterribleperson.Lookingbacknow,hatingMazuwasthebeginningofmequestioningtheentirechurch,althoughatthetimeIjustthoughtMazuwasmean,notthattheentirechurchculturewasrotten.MazuneverlikedLouiseandalwaysmadesureshewasgiventheworstjobsatthefarm,outsideinallweathers.AsIgotolder,IrealisedthiswasbecauseJonathanandmymotherweresleepingtogether.MazuneverlikedthewomenJonathanwassleepingwith.ExplaininghowIwokeupiscomplicated.AfewyearsafterwejoinedtheUHC,anewfamilymovedintoChapmanFarm,theDohertys:mother,fatherandthreekids.DeirdreDohertygotpregnantagainwhiletheywerelivingatthefarm,andgavebirthtoafourthkid,adaughterMazucalledLin.(MazugetsnamingrightsoverallkidsbornatChapmanFarm.SheoftenaskstheIChingwhatthebabyshouldbecalled.‘Lin’isthenameofoneofthehexagrams.)Iwas12whenthefather,Ralph,tookoffinthemiddleofthenight,takingthethreeoldestkidswithhim.Wewereallsummonedintotemplenextmorning,andJonathanWaceannouncedthatRalphDohertywasmaterialistandegomotivated,whereashiswife,who’dstayedbehindwithLin,wasashiningexampleofpurespirit.Icanrememberusallapplaudingher.IwasreallyconfusedandshockedbyRalphandthekidsleaving,becauseI’dneverknownanyonedoitbefore.Wewerealltaughtthatleavingthechurchwouldruinyourlife,thatmaterialistexistencewouldliterallykillyouafterhavingbeenpurespirit,thatyou’dendupgoingcrazyandprobablycommittingsuicide.Then,afewmonthsafterRalphhadleft,Deirdrewasexpelled.ThatshockedmeevenmorethanRalphleaving.Icouldn’timaginewhatsinDeirdrecouldhavecommittedtomaketheUHCforceherout.Usually,ifsomeonedidsomethingwrong,theygotpunished.Ifapersongotreallyill,theymightbeallowedtoleavetogetmedicalhelp,buttheUHCdidn’tusuallyletpeoplegounlessthey’dbrokendownsomuchtheycouldn’tworkDeirdreleftLinbehindwhenshewent.Ishouldhavebeenglad,becauseLinwouldstillbeabletogrowuppurespiritratherthanruiningherlifeinthematerialistworld.That’showmostofthememberssawit,butIdidn’t.AlthoughIdidn’thaveanormalparent–childrelationshipwithLouise,Iknewshewasmymotherandthatmeantsomething.IsecretlythoughtDeirdreshouldhavetakenLinwithher,andthatwasthefirstseriouscrackinmyreligiousbelief.IfoundoutwhyDeirdrewasexpelledbytotalaccident.IwasonPunishmentforkickingorpushinganotherkid.Ican’trememberthedetails.IwastiedtoatreeandIwastobeleftthereallnight.Twoadultswentpast.ElectrictorchesareforbiddenattheFarm,soIdon’tknowwhotheywere,buttheywerewhisperingaboutwhyDeirdrehadbeenexpelled.OnewastellingtheotheronethatDeirdrehadwritteninherjournalthatJonathanWacehadrapedher.(Allchurchmembersovertheageofnineareexpectedtokeepjournalsaspartoftheirreligiouspractice.Higher-upsreadthemonceaweek.)Iknewwhatrapewas,becauseweweretaughtthatitwasoneoftheterriblethingsthathappenedoutinthematerialistworld.Insidethechurch,peoplehavesexwithanyonewhowantsit,asawayofenhancingspiritualconnections.Weweretaughtthatrapewasdifferent,aviolentformofmaterialistpossession.Ican’ttellyouhowhearingthatDeirdrehadaccusedPapaJofrapemademefeel.ThisishowindoctrinatedIwas:IrememberthinkingI’dratherhavetobetiedtothattreeforafullweekthanhaveheardwhatI’djustheard.I’dbeenraisedtothinkJonathanWacewastheclosestthingtoGodonearth.ThechurchteachesthatallowingbadthoughtsaboutourleaderorthechurchitselfmeanstheAdversaryisworkinginsideyoutoresurrectthefalseself,soItriedchanting,thereinthedark,whichisoneofthetechniquesyou’retaughttostopnegativethoughts,butIcouldn’tforgetwhatI’djustheardaboutPapaJ.Fromthenon,Igotmoreandmorescrewedup.Icouldn’ttellanyonewhatI’doverheard:foronething,ifMazuheardmetellingastorylikethat,Godknowswhatshe’dhavemademedotomyself.Itriedtosuppressallmybadthoughtsanddoubts,butthecrackinmybeliefwasgettingwiderandwider.Istartednoticingthehypocrisy,thecontrol,theinconsistenciesintheteaching.Theypreachedloveandkindness,buttheyweremercilessonpeopleforthingstheycouldn’thelp.Forinstance,Lin,Deirdre’sdaughter,startedstammeringwhenshewasreallysmall.Mazumockedherforitconstantly.ShesaidLincouldstopifshewantedto,andsheneededtoprayharderMyeldestsisterBeccawasonacompletelydifferentcoursefromtherestofusbythistime,travellingroundthecountrywithWaceandhelpingrunseminarsandself-realisationcourses.MyothersisterEmilywasveryenviousofBecca.Shesometimesgottojoinmissionoutings,butnotasoftenasBeccadid.TheybothlookeddownonmeandLouise,whoweretheno-hopersonlyfittostayonthefarm.Igotreallybadacneinmyteens.WhenUHCmembersgooutinpublic,they’resupposedtolookgroomedandattractive,butLin,LouiseandIweren’tallowedouteventocollectmoneyonthestreet,becausewedidn’tfitthechurchimage,mewithmyacneandLinwithherstammer.Louisewentgreyearlyandlooksalotolderthansheis,probablyfromworkingoutsideallthetime.Thenextbitishardtowrite.InowknowIstartedplanningtoquitthechurchwhenIwasnearly23,butasyounevercelebratedbirthdaysinthereitwasn’tuntilIgotoutandfoundmybirthrecordsthatIevenknewwhatdayIwasborn.Ittookoverayearformetoactuallygo,partlybecauseIneededtogetupmycourage.Ican’temphasisehowmuchthechurchdinsintoyouthatyouwon’tbeabletosurviveoutside,thatyou’reboundtogocrazyandkillyourself,becausethematerialistworldissocorruptandcruel.ButthemainthingholdingmebackwasthatIwantedLouisetocomewithme.Therewassomethingwrongwithherjoints.Ihadn’theardofarthritisbeforeIleftthechurchbutIthinkitmustbethat.TheywereswollenandIknowshewasinpainalotofthetime.Ofcourse,shewastoldthiswasasignofspiritualimpurityOnedaywhensheandIwereassignedlivestockdutytogether,Istartedtellinghermydoubts.ShestartedliterallyshakingthentoldmeIshouldgototempleandprayforforgiveness.ThenshestartedchantingtoblockoutwhatIwassaying.NothingIsaidgotthroughtoher.Intheendshejustranawayfromme.Iwasterrifiedshe’dtellthePrincipalsIwashavingdoubtsandknewIneededtoleaveimmediately,soIcrawledoutthroughafenceintheearlyhoursofthefollowingmorning,afterstealingsomecashfromoneofthecharityboxes.IgenuinelyfearedI’ddropdeadonceIwasoutsideonthedarkroad,alone,thattheDrownedProphetwouldcomeforme,outofthetrees.IusedtohopeLouisewouldfollowmeout,thatmegoingwouldwakeherup,butit’sbeennearlyfouryears,andshe’sstillinside.Sorry,thishasbeenreallylong,butthat’sthewholestory–Kevin
Thefirstemailfinishedthere.Strikepickedupthesecondand,afterfortifyinghimselfwithmorebeer,continuedtoread.
DearColin,Thanksverymuchforyouremail.Idon’tfeelbrave,butIreallyappreciateyousayingit.Butyoumightnotthinkitanymore,onceyoureadthis.YouaskedabouttheprophetsandtheManifestations.Thisisreallyhardformetowriteabout,butI’lltellyouasmuchasIcan.Iwasonly6whenDaiyuWacedrowned,soIhaven’tgotveryclearmemoriesofher.IknowIdidn’tlikeher.ShewasMazu’sprincessandalwaysgotspecialtreatmentandlotmoreleewaythantherestofthelittlekids.OneoftheteenagegirlslivingatthefarmtookDaiyuonthevegetablerunearlyonemorning(thechurchsoldfarmproducetolocalshops)andtheystoppedoffatCromerbeachonthewayback.Theybothwentinforaswim,butDaiyugotintodifficultiesanddrowned.Obviously,that’sahugetragedyandit’snotsurprisingMazuwasdevastated,butshewentprettyweirdanddarkafterwards,andinhindsight,Ithinkthat’swherealotofhercrueltytowardsmymotherandkidsingeneralcamefrom.Sheespeciallydidn’tlikegirls.Jonathanhadadaughterfromhispreviousmarriage,Abigail.MazugothermovedoutofChapmanFarmtooneoftheotherUHCcentresafterDaiyu’sdeath.Ican’tsayforsurewhentheideaofDaiyubeingakindofdeitystarted,butovertime,JonathanandMazuturnedherintoone.Theycalledheraprophetandclaimedshe’dsaidallthesespirituallyinsightfulthings,whichthenbecamepartofchurchdoctrine.EvenDaiyu’sdeathwassomehowholy,likeshe’dbeensuchpurespiritshedissolvedfromthematerialworld.MysisterBeccausedtoclaimDaiyuhadhadthepowerofinvisibility.Idon’tknowifBeccaactuallybelievedthis,orjustwantedtocurryfavourwithJonathanandMazu,buttheideathatDaiyuhadbeenabletodematerialiseevenbeforeshedrownedgotaddedtothemyth,too.TherewerealreadytwopeopleburiedatChapmanFarmwhenDaiyudied.Ineverknewthefirstguy.HewasanAmericancalledRustyAndersen,whousedtoliveonapatchofgroundontheedgeoftheAylmertonCommunity.Hewasanarmyveteranandhesoundslikewhatyou’dcallasurvivalistthesedays.MazuandJonathanclaimedAndersenhadjoinedthechurchbeforehedied,butIdon’tknowwhetherthat’strue.Hewashitandkilledbyadrunkdriverontheroadoutsidethefarmonenight,andtheyburiedhimatthefarmTheothermanburiedonthelandwascalledAlexanderGraves,whodiedinhistwenties.Hewasdefinitelypartofthechurch.Ivaguelyrememberhimbeingoddandchantingallthetime.Graves’familykidnappedhimwhenhewasoutonthestreetcollectingmoneyfortheUHC,butsoonaftertheytookhimbacktothefamilyhome,hekilledhimself.He’dleftawillsayinghewantedtobeburiedatthefarm,sohewas.WeallknewAndersen’sandGraves’stories,becausetheywereusedasobjectlessonsbyJonathanandMazu,illustrationsofthedangerofleavingthefarm/church.Overtime,AndersenandGravesbecameprophets,too–itwaslikeDaiyuneededcompany.AndersenbecametheWoundedProphetandGravestheStolenProphet,andtheirsupposedlyholysayingsbecamepartofchurchdoctrine,too.ThefourthprophetwasHaroldCoates.Hewasastruck-offdoctorwho’dbeenonthelandsincetheAylmertonCommunitydays,too.Eventhoughthechurchbansallmedicines(alongwithcaffeine,sugarandalcohol),Coateswasallowedtogrowherbsandtreatminorinjuries,becausehewasoneofus.TheymadeCoatestheHealerProphetalmostassoonashewasburied.ThelastprophetwasMargaretCathcart-Bryce,whowasthefilthy-richwidowofsomebusinessman.Shewasover70whenshearrivedatthefarm,andcompletelyinfatuatedwithJonathanWace.Herfacehadbeenliftedsomanytimesitwastightandshiny,andsheworethisbigsilverwig.MargaretgaveWaceenoughmoneytostartdoingamassiverenovationofChapmanFarm,whichwasreallyrundown.Margaretmusthavelivedatthefarmfor7or8yearsbeforeshediedandlefteverythingshehadtotheCouncilofPrincipals.ShethenbecametheGoldenProphet.OncetheygottheirhandsonallofMargaret’smoney,theybuiltapoolwithastatueofDaiyuinthemiddleofit,inthenewcourtyard.Thentheydugupthefourbodiesthatwerealreadyburiedthere,andreburiedthemintombsaroundthepool.Thenewgravesdidn’thavetheirrealnames,onlytheirprophetnames.TherewasnotombforDaiyu,becausetheyneverrecoveredherbody.Theinquestfoundshehitariptideneartheshoreandjustgotsuckedstraightouttosea.Sothestatueinthepoolishermemorial.Allfiveoftheprophetswereincorporatedintothereligion,butDaiyu/TheDrownedProphetwasalwaysthemostimportantone.Shewastheonewhocouldblessyou,butshe’dcurseyouifyoustrayed.Thisnextbitisdifficultforpeoplewhohaven’tseentheprooftounderstand.Spiritsarereal.Thereisanotherworld.Iknowthatforafact.TheUHCisevilandcorrupt,butthatdoesn’tmeansomeofwhattheybelieveisn’ttrue.I’veseensupernaturalhappeningsthathaveno‘rational’explanation.JonathanandMazuarebadpeopleandIstillquestionwhetherwhattheyweresummoningwerespiritsordemons,butIsawthemdoit.Glassesshatteringthatnobodyhadtouched.Objectslevitating.IsawJonathanchant,thenliftatruckunaided,rightofftheground.TheywarneduswrongdoingwouldresultintheAdversarysendingdemonstothefarm,andIthinkIsawthem,once:humanformswithheadsofpigs.Thedayofeachprophet’sdeathismarkedbytheirManifestation.You’renotallowedtoattendaManifestationuntilyou’veturned13,andtalkingaboutittooutsidersisabsolutelyforbidden.I’mnotcomfortablewritingdowndetailsoftheManifestations.IcanonlytellyouthatI’veseenabsoluteproofthatthedeadcancomeback.Thatdoesn’tmeanIthinktheprophetsthemselvesweretrulyholy.Ionlyknowtheycomebackontheanniversariesoftheirdeaths.TheManifestationoftheStolenProphetisalwaysprettyfrighteningbuttheManifestationoftheDrownedProphetistheworstbyfar.Evenknowingit’scomingupchangestheatmosphereatChapmanFarm.Idon’tknowwhethertheDrownedProphetcanmaterialiseanywhereotherthanthefarm,butIdoknowsheandtheothersstillexistintheotherworldandI’mafraidofcallingherforthbybreakingconfidencearoundtheManifestations.MaybeyouthinkI’mcrazy,butI’mtellingthetruth.TheUHCisevilanddangerous,butthereisanotherworldandthey’vefoundawayintoit.Kevin8
Nineinthefifthplacemeans…Itfurthersonetomakeofferingsandlibations.
TheIChingorBookofChanges
Twodaysafterthey’dtakenontheEdensorcase,andhavinggivenalotofthoughttohowbesttoproceed,StrikecalledRobinfromtheoffice.Robin,whowashavingadayoff,hadjustarrivedatthehairdressers.Havingapologisedtothestylist,who’donlyjustpickedupherscissors,Robinanswered.
‘Hi.What’sup?’
‘HaveyoubeenthroughalltheEdensordocumentsIsentyou?’
‘Yes,’saidRobin.
‘Well,I’vebeenthinkingaboutitandagoodfirststepwouldbegettingholdofcensusrecords,tofindoutwho’sbeenlivingatChapmanFarminthelasttwentyyears.Ifwecantrackdownex-UHCmembers,wemightbeabletoconfirmsomeoftheclaimsPirbrightmadeaboutwhat’sgoingoninthere.’
‘Youcanonlyaccesscensusrecordsupto1921,’saidRobin.
‘Iknow,’saidStrike,who’dbeenperusingtheNationalArchivesonline,‘whichiswhyI’mbuyingWardleacurrytonight.Wanttocome?Itippedhimoffaboutthattosserwho’spayingforeverythingwithfaketenners,andheagreedtotryandgetholdofthefullpolicereportintoPirbright’sshootinginreturn.I’mbuyinghimcurrytosoftenhimup,becauseIwanttopersuadehimtogetusthecensusrecords,aswell.’
‘I’msorry,Ican’tcome,’saidRobin,‘Ryan’sgottheatretickets.’
‘Ah,’saidStrike,reachingforhisvapepen.‘OK,justthoughtI’dask.’
‘Sorry,’saidRobin.
‘Noproblem,it’syourdayoff,’saidStrike.
‘I’mactuallyabouttohavemyhaircut,’saidRobin,outofadesiretoshowthatshewasstillworkingonthecase,evenifshecouldn’tmeetStrike’spolicecontactthatevening.
‘Yeah?Whatcolourhaveyoudecidedon?’
‘Don’tknow,’saidRobin.‘I’veonlyjustsatdown.’
‘OK,well,IwasalsogoingtoaskwhetheryoucouldcomeovertoPrudence’stomorrowevening.She’shappytolendyousomeclothes.’
UnlessMurphy’sgotticketsforthefuckingopera,ofcourse.
‘That’dbegreat,’saidRobin.‘Wheredoesshelive?’
‘StrawberryHill.I’lltextyoutheaddress.We’llhavetomeetthere,I’mtailingBigfootuntilfive.’
Thisplanagreed,Strikehungupandsatscowling,whiletakingdeepdragsonhisvape.TheideaofMurphybuyingtheatreticketsaggravatedhim;itsuggestedadangerousdegreeofeffort.Eightmonthsintotherelationship,thepolicemanshouldsurelyhavestoppedpretendinghe’dratherwatchaplaythanhaveadecentmealfollowedbysex.Pushinghimselfupfromthepartners’desk,Strikemovedintotheouterroom,wheretheofficemanager,Pat,wastypingawayatherdesk.Evidentlyshe’dheardpartofhisconversationwithRobinthroughtheopendoor,becausesheasked,electroniccigaretteclamped,asusual,betweenherteeth,
‘Whyd’youcallhimBigfoot?’
‘BecausehelookslikeBigfoot,’saidStrike,ashefilledthekettle.
Themaninquestionwasthewealthyownerofasoftwarecompany,whosewifebelievedhimtobevisitingsexworkers.Havingbeenforcedtoshareacrowdedliftwithhimduringhislastboutofsurveillance,Strikecouldtestifytothefactthatthetargetwasnotonlyextremelytall,hairyandunkempt,butsmelledasthoughhislastshowerwasadistantmemory.
‘Funnyhowbeardscomeandgo,’saidPat,stilltyping.
‘It’scalledshaving,’saidStrike,reachingformugs.
‘Haha,’saidPat.‘Imeanfashions.Sideburnsandthat.’
AnunwelcomememoryofMalcolmCrowthersittingbythecampfireatForgemanFarmsurfacedinStrike’smind:Crowtherhadasmallgirlandwasencouraginghertostrokehishandlebarmoustache.
‘Wantacupoftea?’Strikesaid,dismissingthementalimage.
‘Goon,then,’Patreplied,inthedeep,gravellyvoicethatoftencausedcallerstomistakeherforStrike.‘ThatHargreaveswomanstillhasn’tpaidherinvoice,bytheway.’
‘Callher,’saidStrike,‘andtellherweneedhertosettleupbytheendofthemonth.’
‘That’sMonday.’
‘Andshe’sgotmillions.’
‘Richertheyare,slowertheypay.’
‘Sometruthinthat,’admittedStrike,settingdownPat’smugonherdeskbeforereturningtotheinnerofficeandclosingthedoor.
HespentthenextthreehourstryingtotrackdowntheabsentfatherofShanker’scommon-lawstepdaughter.Themanhadhadmultipleaddressesoverthepastfiveyears,butStrike’sresearchfinallyledhimtoconcludethemanwasnowgoingbyhismiddlename,probablytoavoidbeingtrackeddownforchildmaintenance,andlivinginHackney.Ifhewasindeedtherightperson,hewasworkingasalong-distancehaulagedriver,whichdoubtlesssuitedamankeentoevadehisparentalresponsibilities.
HavingsentsubcontractorDevShahanemailaskinghimtoputtheHackneyaddressundersurveillanceandtakepicturesofwhoeverenteredorleftit,StrikesetofffordinnerwithEricWardle.
Strikehaddecidedastandard,cheapcurryhousewouldn’tbesufficienttosoftenuphispolicemanfriend,fromwhomheintendedtoaskacensus-relatedfavour.He’dthereforebookedatableattheCinnamonClub,whichlayashorttaxirideaway.
TherestauranthadoncebeentheWestminsterLibrary,soitsmanywhite-tableclothedtablesstoodinalarge,airyroomwithbook-linedwalls.Strike,whowasfirsttoarrive,removedhissuitjacket,loosenedhistie,orderedapintandsatdowntoreadtheday’snewsoffhisphone.HerealisedWardlehadarrivedonlywhenthepoliceman’sshadowfelloverthetable.
‘BitofastepupfromtheBombayBalti,’commentedthepoliceman,ashesatdownoppositeStrike.
‘Yeah,well,businesshasbeengoodlately,’saidthelatter,slippinghisphonebackintohispocket.‘How’reyoudoing?’
‘Can’tcomplain,’saidWardle.
Whenthey’dfirstmet,Strike’sfriendEricWardlehadbeenboyishlyhandsome.Thoughstillgoodlooking,hisoncefullheadofhairwasreceding,andhelookedasthoughhe’dagedbymorethanthesixyearsthathadactuallypassed.Strikeknewitwasn’tonlyhardworkthathadetchedthosegroovesaroundWardle’smouthandeyes;he’dlostabrother,andhiswife,April,hadlefthimsixmonthspreviously,takingtheirthree-month-oldbabywithher.
Talkranalongconventionallineswhilebothperusedthemenu,andonlyoncethewaiterhadbroughtWardleapintandtakentheirorderdidthepolicemanhandafolderacrossthetable.
‘That’severythingIcouldgetontheKevinPirbrightshooting.’
‘Cheers,’saidStrike.‘How’sourcounterfeitingfrienddoing?’
‘Arrested,’saidWardle,raisinghispintinatoast,‘andIthinkhe’sgoingtobepersuadableintodobbinginthehigher-ups,aswell.Youmightwellhavesecuredmealong-overduepromotion,sodinner’sonme.’
‘I’dratheryoupaidmeinkind,’Strikereplied.
‘Knewyouhadn’tbookedthisplaceonawhim,’sighedWardle.
‘Let’sorderandI’llexplain.’
Oncetheyhadtheirstarters,Strikeaskedthefavourhe’dcomefor:Wardle’sassistanceinaccessingcensusrecordsthegeneralpubliccouldn’t.
‘WhytheinterestinthisChapmanFarm?’
‘It’stheheadquartersoftheUniversalHumanitarianChurch.’
‘Oh,’saidWardle.‘Thatplace.Aprilwenttooneoftheirmeetingsafewyearsago.Afriendofhersfromyogaclassgotinterestedinitandtookheralong.Thefriendendedupjoining.Aprilonlywenttheonce,though.’
Wardlechewedandswallowedbeforeadding,
‘Shewasabitweirdaboutit,afterwards.Itookthepissandshedidn’tlikeit,butIwasonlysayingitbecauseIneverhadanytimeforthewomanwhotookher.Shewasintocrystalsandmeditationandallthatshit.Youknowthetype.’
Strike,whowellrememberedLeda’sintermittentphasesofchantingcross-leggedinfrontofajadeBuddha,saidhedid,andasked,
‘Aprilthoughttherewassomethinginit,then,didshe?’
‘Ithinkshegotdefensivebecausesheknewhowmuchheryogafriendsgotonmytits…probablyshouldn’t’vebeenanarseholeaboutit,’Wardleadmitted,chewingmorosely.‘So,whichcensusrecordsd’youwant?’
‘Allfrom’91onwards.’
‘Bloodyhell,Strike.’
‘I’mtryingtotraceex-members.’
Wardleraisedhiseyebrows.
‘Youwanttowatchyourself.’
‘Meaning?’
‘They’vegotareputationforgoinghardafterpeoplewhotryanddiscreditthem.’
‘SoI’veheard.’
‘Whattrumped-upreasondoIgivethecensusoffice?Theydon’tgiveoutinformationeasily.’
‘SofarI’vegotcoercivecontrol,physicalassaults,oneallegationofrapeandagoodbitofchildabuse.’
‘Christalmighty.Whynotchuckinmurderandgetthefullset?’
‘Givemetime,I’veonlybeenonthecasetwodays.Speakingofwhich:thisshootingofPirbright—’
‘Samegunusedintwopreviousdrug-relatedshootings.Iwasn’tonthecase,neverheardoftheblokeuntilyourangme,butI’velookedoverthestuff,’saidWardle,noddingatthefile.‘Looksprettyclearcut.He’dhavetohavebeenoutofhishead,thestateofhisroom.Havealookatthephotoonthetop.’
Strikepushedawayhisemptyplate,openedthefolderandtookoutthepicture
‘Shit.’
‘Yeah,there’sprobablysomeinthere,underneaththerestofthecrap.’
Thepicturesshowedasmallandsqualidroom,clothesandrubbishlyingeverywhere.Pirbright’sbodylaycoveredinaplasticsheetinthemiddleofthefloor.Somebody–StrikeassumedPirbright–hadscribbledwordsalloverthewalls.
‘Niceexampleofjunkiedécor,’saidWardle,asthewaiterreturnedtoremovetheirplates.
‘Anythingstolen?HewassupposedtohavebeenwritingabookontheUHC.’
‘Lookslikehewaswritingitonthewalls,’saidWardle.‘That’stheroomexactlyashislandlordfoundit.Theyfoundabagofhashandarolloftwentiesinthebottomofthewardrobe.’
‘Theythinkhewaskilledoverabagofhash?’
‘Thatmight’vebeenalltheyleftbehind.He’dprobablynickedgearfromsomeoneheshouldn’thave,orpissedoffthewrongpunter.’
‘Where’sthisplace?’
‘CanningTown.’
‘Prints?’
‘OnlyPirbright’s.’
‘Howdidthekillergetinandout,anyidea?’
‘Wethinktheyusedaskeletonkeytogetinthefrontdoor.’
‘Organisedofthem,’saidStrike,takingouthisnotebookandstartingtowrite.
‘Yeah,itwasfairlyslick.GuyonthesamefloorclaimedheheardPirbrighttalkingtosomeonebeforeheletthemin.Probablythoughthewasabouttomakeasale.TheneighbourheardamuffledbangandPirbright’smusicstoppedplaying.Thekillermust’veusedasilencerbecauseotherwisehalfthestreetwould’veheardashot,butit’scredibletheneighbourheardit,becausethedividingwallsinthebuildingweren’tmuchmorethanplywood.Themusicendingfits,too,becausethebulletpassedrightthroughPirbrightandhitthatoldradioyoucanseeinpieces.’
StrikescrutinisedthepictureofPirbright’sroomagain.Theshatteredradiolayinfragmentsonaverysmalldeskinthecorner.Twoleadswerepluggedintothesocketbesideit.
‘Somethingelsewasthere.’
‘Yeah,lookslikealaptoplead.Laptopwasprobablytheonlythingintheroomworthnicking.Don’tknowwhathewasbotheringwitharadiofor,ifhehadalaptop.’
‘Hewasskintandhemightnothavebeenfamiliarwithdownloadingmusic,’saidStrike.‘FromwhatI’velearnedaboutChapmanFarm,hemightaswellhavegrownupinthelateeighteenhundreds,foralltheexperiencehehadwithtechnology.’
Theircurriesnowarrived.Strikepushedthepolicefileaside,butkepthisnotebookopenbesidehim.
‘Sotheneighbourhearstheshotandthemusicstopping.Whatthen?’
‘Neighbourgoesandknocksonthedoor,’saidWardlethickly,throughamouthfuloflambpasanda,‘butgetsnoanswer.Wethinktheknockingspookedthekillerintoleavingviathewindow,whichwasfoundopenwithmarksconsistentwithglovedhandsontheoutersill.’
‘Howhighwasthewindow?’
‘Firstfloor,buttherewasaneasylandingonabigcommunalbindirectlybelow.’
‘Nobodysawthemcomingoutofthewindow?’askedStrike,whowasstillmakingnotes.
‘Thetenantswhosewindowsfacedoutbackwerealloutorbusyinside.’
‘CCTVanyhelp?’
‘Theygotasmallbitoffootageofastockyblokeinblackwalkingawayfromthearea,whocouldpossiblyhavebeencarryingalaptopinareusableshoppingbag,butnoclearviewoftheface.Andthat’sliterallyallIknow,’saidWardle.
StrikereplacedthephotographinthepolicefileasWardleasked,
‘RobinstillseeingRyanMurphy?’
‘Yeah,’saidStrike.
‘Youknowhe’sanalcoholic?’
‘Ishe?’saidStrike,maskinghisexpressionbydrinkingmorebeer.Robintoldhimsolittleaboutherrelationshipthathehadn’tpreviouslyknownthis.Perhaps,hethought(withaleapofsomethingstronglyresemblinghope),Robindidn’tknow,either.
‘Yeah.Onthewagonnow,though.Buthewasameandrunk.Realarsehole.’
‘Inwhatway?’
‘Aggressive.Madeapassatanyoneinaskirt.TrieditonwithAprilonenight.Inearlyfuckingpunchedhim.’
‘Seriously?’
‘Ohyeah,’repeatedWardle.‘Nosurprisehiswifewalkedout.’
Buthisexpressionsaddenedafterhe’dsaidit,remembering,perhaps,thatMurphywasn’ttheonlypersonwhosewifehadlefthim.
‘He’sdriedoutnow,though,hashe?’askedStrike.
‘Yeah,’saidWardle.‘Wherearethebogsinhere?’
AfterWardlehadleftthetable,Strikesetdownhisknifeandflippedopenthepolicefileagain,stillforkingbeefMadrasintohismouth.Heextractedthepost-mortemfindingsonKevinPirbright’scorpse,skippingthefatalinjurytothehead,andconcentratingonthelinesconcerningtoxicology.Thepathologisthadfoundalowlevelofalcoholinthebody,butnotraceofillegaldrugs.
9
Butinabolishingabusesonemustnotbetoohasty.Thiswouldturnoutbadlybecausetheabuseshavebeeninexistencesolong.
TheIChingorBookofChanges
Robin’sneckfeltexposedandchillyasshetravelledbytraintoPrudence’shouseinStrawberryHillthefollowingevening.Shesincerelyhopedtheaccountantwouldletherclaimatleasthalfthecostofhernewhaircutasabusinessexpense,becauseitwasthemostexpensiveshe’deverhad.Chin-length,withalong,graduatedfringe,withtheendsbleachedandthendyedpaleblue.Afteronelookofshock,Murphyhadbeamedandtoldherhelikedituponmeetingthepreviousevening,which,trueornot,hadmadeherfeelslightlylessself-consciousastheyenteredtheDukeofYorkTheatre,towatchTheFather.
‘Blue,eh?’wereStrike’sfirstwords,whenRobingotintotheBMWoutsideStrawberryHillstation.‘Looksgood.’
‘Thanks.I’mhopingitalsosays,“Hi,I’vegotmoremoneythansense.”’
‘Maybeonceyou’vegottheposhclotheson,’saidStrike,pullingoutofthecarpark.
‘HowwasBigfoot?’Robinasked,astheydrovepastalonglineofsolidEdwardianvillas.
‘Disappointinglycelibate,’saidStrike.‘Butforamanwho’sworthacoupleofmillion,you’dthinkhecouldaffordacomb.’
‘Youreallydon’tlikescruffiness,doyou?’saidRobin,amused.
‘Notinpeoplewhohaveachoice.Howhardisittobloodywash?’
Striketookarightturnbeforesaying,
‘DevfoundtheblokeShanker’safter,bytheway.’
‘Ohgood,’saidRobin.WhileshewasundernoillusionsaboutShanker’sdeeplycriminalnature,hehappenedtohaveoncehelpedherescapeanassaultbyalargemurdersuspect,forwhichsheremainedgrateful.‘How’sthelittlegirldoing?’
‘Hedidn’tsay,buthopefullyseeingherdadwillcheerherup…herewego…’
EarlierthanRobinhadexpected,theyturnedintothedriveofaparticularlylargeEdwardianhouse,whichnotonlymadeRobinfeelslightlyintimidated,butalsomadeherthinkruefullyofherownflimsilybuiltflat,inwhichshehadtoendurethealmostconstantnoiseofthemusicfromthemanupstairs.
Thefrontdooropenedbeforetheyreachedit,revealingStrike’shalf-sister,whowasthedaughterofawell-knownactressandtherockstarwho’dalsofatheredStrike.PrudencewaswearingaplainblackdressthatlookedunexceptionaltoStrike,butwhichRobinguessedwouldhavecosttheequivalentofherownmonthlymortgagerepayment.
LikeSirColinEdensor,Prudencehadthekindoffaceitwashardtodislike,orsothoughtRobin.Thoughnotquiteasbeautifulasheractressmother,shewasveryattractive,withfreckledskinandlong,wavyblackhair.Eyesthatslantedupwardsatthecornersandasmall,smilingmouthaddedaslightlyPuckishlook.Thoughbynomeansoverweight,shewascurvy,somethingRobin,who’dbeenafraidshe’dbestickthinandflat-chested,sawwithrelief.
‘Comein,comein!It’ssonicetomeetyou,’saidPrudence,beamingassheshookRobin’shand.
‘You,too.Myhairisn’tusuallylikethis,’Robinsaid,andthenwishedshehadn’t.She’djustcaughtsightofherreflectioninPrudence’shallmirror.‘It’sallpartofmycover.’
‘Well,itlooksgreat,’saidPrudence,beforeturningtoStrikeandhugginghim.
‘Blimey,bruv,welldone.There’slessofyoueverytimeIseeyou.’
‘IfI’dknownitwouldmakeeveryonethishappy,I’d’vegottheotherlegamputated.’
‘Veryfunny.Comeonthroughtothesittingroom.I’vejustopenedsomewine.’
Sheledthetwodetectivesintoalargeroomofexquisitetaste.Beautifullyproportioned,withlargeblackandwhitephotographsonthewalls,stackedbookcasesandalow,darkleathersofaonatubularmetalframe,itmanagedtobesimultaneouslystylishandwelcoming.
‘So,’saidPrudence,gesturingStrikeandRobintothesofaandsettlingintoalargecreamarmchairbeforepouringtwoextraglassesofwine,‘clothes.DoIgettoaskwhatthey’refor?’
‘Robinneedstolooklikearichgirlwho’satenoughofalooseendtojointacult.’
‘Acult?’
‘Well,that’swhatsomepeoplewouldsayitis,’temporisedRobin.‘They’vegotakindofcompoundinthecountryside,andI’mhopingtoberecruitedsoIcangetinthere.’
Tobothdetectives’surprise,Prudence’ssmiledisappearedandwasreplacedwithalookofconcern.
‘Thiswouldn’tbetheUHC,wouldit?’
Startled,RobinglancedatStrike.
‘That’saveryswiftbitofdeduction,’hesaid.‘Whyd’youthinkitwouldbethem?’
‘BecauseitstartedinNorfolk.’
‘You’vegotaclientwhowasinthere,’saidStrike,onasuddenhunch.
‘Idon’tbandyaroundclients’identifyingdetails,Cormoran,’saidPrudence,hervoicemock-sternasshepushedhisglasstowardshimacrossthecoffeetable.
‘Pity,’saidStrikelightly.‘Weneedtofindex-members.’
Prudencelookedintentlyathimforamomentortwo,thensaid,
‘Well,asI’vegotadutyofconfidentiality,Ican’t—’
‘Iwasbeingglib,’Strikereassuredher.‘I’mnotafteranameandaddress.’
Prudencetookasipofwine,herexpressiongrave.Finally,shesaid,
‘Idon’tthinkyou’llfinditveryeasy,gettingex-memberstotalk.There’salotofshameattachedtohavingbeencoercedinthatway,andoftensignificanttrauma.’
Seeingthemfacetoface,Robinspottedherpartner’sresemblancetoJonnyRokebyforthefirsttime.Heandhishalf-sistersharedthesamedefinedjaw,thesamespacingoftheeyes.Shewondered–shewhohadthreebrothers,allofthesameparentage–whatitfeltlike,tomakeafirstacquaintancewithabloodrelativeinyourforties.Buttherewassomethingmoretherethanafaintphysicalresemblancebetweenbrotherandsister:theyappeared,already,tohaveestablishedanunspokenunderstanding.
‘Allright,’saidPrudence,underStrike’ssemi-jocularquestioning,‘Idotreatanex-UHCmember.Asamatteroffact,whentheyfirstdisclosedwhathadhappenedtothem,Ididn’tthinkIwastherightpersontohelpthem.It’sspecialisedwork,deprogrammingpeople.Someover-indulgeinthingstheyweredeprivedofinside–foodandalcohol,forinstance.Someindulgeinriskybehaviours,asareactiontobeingsocontrolledandmonitored.Readjustingtoalifeoffreedomisn’teasy,andbeingaskedtodisinterthingstheysuffered,orwereforcedtodo,canbeimmenselydistressing.
‘Luckily,IknewofanAmericantherapistwho’sworkedwithalotofcultsurvivors,soIgotintouchwithhim.Hedidafewvirtualsessionswiththeclient,whichhelpedhugely,andI’venowtakenover,withsomecontinuedassistancefromtheAmerican.That’showIknowabouttheUHC.’
‘Howdidtheclientgetout?’askedStrike.
‘Why?Isthatwhatyou’vebeenhiredtodo,getsomeoneout?’
Strikenodded.
‘Thenyouneedtobeverycareful,’saidPrudenceseriously.‘Ifthey’reanythinglikemyclient,they’llbeexceptionallyfragileandyou’lldomoreharmthangoodifyou’reheavy-handed.You’vegottounderstand:peopleincultshavebeenrewired.Expectingthemtojustsnapbacktonormalisn’trealistic.’
‘Howdidyourclientmanageit?’
‘They…didn’tleavebychoice,’saidPrudencehesitantly.
‘Youmeantheywereexpelled?’
‘Itwasn’taquestionof…theyhadhealthissues,’saidPrudence,‘butIcan’tsaymorethanthat.Sufficetosay,theUHCdoesn’tletmembersleavethroughthefrontdoorunlessthey’vestoppedbeingofuse.You’llneedtobeverycareful,Robin.HaveyoueverreadRobertJayLifton?ThoughtReformandthePsychologyofTotalism?OrCombattingCultMindControl,byStevenHassan?’
Robinshookherhead.
‘I’lllendyoumycopies.I’llgivethemtoyoubeforeyougo.Beingabletoidentifytheirtechniqueswillhelpyouresistthem.’
‘Robin’ssmart,’saidStrike.‘She’snotgoingtobuywhateverthey’reselling.’
‘Beingclever’snoprotection,notonitsown,’saidPrudence.‘Restrictedfood,enforcedchanting,rigidcontroloveryourphysicalenvironment,diggingintoyourpsychefortheplacestheycanapplymostpressure,love-bombingyouoneminute,tearingyoudownthenext…nobody’sinvulnerabletothat,cleverornot…
‘Anyway,’saidPrudence,standingup,‘let’stryonsomeclothes.’
‘Thisisreallykindofyou,Prudence,’Robinsaid,asthetherapistledherupstairs.
‘Itisn’t,’saidPrudence,nowsmilingagain.‘I’vebeendyingtomeetyou,giventhatyou’reclearlythemostimportantpersoninCorm’slife.’
ThewordsgaveRobinasensationlikeanelectricshockinthepitofherstomach.
‘He’s–he’sreallyimportanttome,too.’
Theypassedtheopendoorofaverymessybedroom,whichRobincouldtellbelongedtoateenagerevenbeforeablack-hairedgirlinamini-skirtcameboundingoutofit,clutchingaleatherjacketinonehand,andasatchelintheother.
‘Ooh,’shesaid,blinkingatRobin.‘Coolhair!’
Withoutwaitingforaresponseshehurriedpastthem,runningdownstairs.Prudencecalledafterher,
‘Textmewhenyouneedpickingup!’
‘Iwill,’shoutedthegirl,andtheyheardhercall,‘Laters,newuncle,’beforethefrontdoorslammed.
‘ThatwasSylvie,’saidPrudence,leadingRobinintoalargebedroomofluxurioussimplicity,andthenintoamirroreddressingroomlinedwithclothingracks.‘Cormsaidyou’dneedtwoorthreeoutfits?’
‘Ideally,’saidRobin.‘IpromiseI’llbeverycarefulwiththem.’
‘Oh,don’tworryaboutthat,I’vegotfartoomanyclothes…it’smyweakness,’Prudenceadmitted,withaguiltysmile.‘Sylvie’sjustgotoldenoughtostartborrowingstuffIcan’tgetawaywithanymore,soI’mkindofhangingoffgivingitalltocharity.Whatsizeshoesdoyoutake?’
‘Six,’saidRobin,‘but—’
‘Perfect.Sameasme.’
‘—youreallydon’thaveto—’
‘Ifyou’retryingtolookwealthy,accessoriescount,’saidPrudence.‘Quiteexcitingreally,helpingsomeonegoundercover.Corm’sverycageyaboutwhatyoutwogetupto–professionally,Imean,’sheadded.
ShebeganpullingoutdaydressesandvarioustopsandhandingthemtoRobin,whosawlabelsshecouldneverhaveafforded:Valentino,Chanel,YvesSaintLaurent.
‘…andthatwouldreallysuityou,’Prudencesaidfiveminuteslater,addingaChloédresstotheheavyloadRobinwasalreadyholding.‘Right,tryitallonandseewhatworks.You’llbecompletelyprivateinhere,Declan’snothomeforanotherhour.’
AsthebedroomdoorclosedbehindPrudence,Robinputthepileofclothesdownonthedoublebed,thentookoffhersweaterandjeans,lookingaroundattheroomasshedidso.Fromtheoakfloorboardsandthewidemahoganysleighbedtothesleek,modernchandelier,longgauzecurtainsandwall-mountedflat-screentelevision,everythingspokeofgoodtasteandplentyofmoney.Strikemightbelivinglikethis,Robinthought,ifhe’dswallowhisprideandrage,andaccepthisfather’slargesse–though,ofcourse,shecouldn’tbesureitwasJonnyRokebywho’dboughtthishouse.
Downstairs,PrudencehadrejoinedStrikeinthesittingroom,holdingtwobooks.
‘ForRobin,’shesaid,puttingthemonthecoffeetablebetweenthem.
‘Cheers,’hesaid,assherefilledhiswineglass.‘Listen,canIaskyousomething?’
‘Goon,’saidPrudence,sittingdownoppositehim.
‘DidthisclientofyourseverwitnesssupernaturaleventsatChapmanFarm?’
‘Corm,Ican’ttalkaboutthat.’
‘I’mnotgoingtogolookingforyourclient,’heassuredher.‘I’mjustinterested.’
‘I’veprobablysaidtoomuchalready,’saidPrudence.
‘Igetit,’saidStrike.‘Nomorequestions.’
Leaningforwards,hepickedupCombattingCultMindControl,turneditoverandreadtheblurbontheback.
‘You’vegotmemoreworriedaboutRobingoingintherenowthanIwashalfanhourago,’headmitted.
‘Good,’saidPrudence.‘Sorry,Idon’tmean“good,you’reworried”,Ijustthinkit’sbestsheunderstandswhatshe’sgettinginto.’
‘Whythehelldopeoplejoincults?’musedStrike.‘Whywouldanyonegiveoverthatamountofcontroloftheirlives?’
‘Becausetheydon’trealisetotalcontroliswhereit’sgoingtoend,’saidPrudence.‘Ithappensincrementally,stepbystep,afterthey’vebeenofferedapprovalandvalidationandasenseofpurpose…surelyyoucanseetheallureofdiscoveringaprofoundtruth?Thekeytotheuniverse?’
Strikehalf-shrugged.
‘OK,well,whataboutbelievingyoucanmakearealdifferencetotheworld:alleviatesuffering,curesocialills,protecttheweak?’
‘Whyd’youneedtobeinaculttodoanyofthat?’
‘Youdon’t,’saidPrudence,smiling,‘butthey’reverygoodatconvincingpeoplemembershipisthebestpossiblewayofachievingparadiseonearth,nottomentionheavenafterwards.
‘TheonlykindofpeopletheUHCprobablycouldn’tdomuchwith,notthatthey’dwanttorecruittheminthefirstplace,areapathetic,couch-potatotypes.TheUHC’safteridealiststheycanturnintoevangelists,althoughIbelievetheyhavelowergradesofrecruitatChapmanFarm,justtogettheactualfarmingdone…mypoorclientknowsonlytoowellthatotherpeoplethinkthey’restupidandweak-willedforhavingfallenforitall,whichispartofthereasontheyfeelsomuchshame.Butthetruthis,beingidealisticandintellectuallyinquiringmakesyoumuchmorevulnerabletoideologiesliketheUHC’s…willyoutwostayfordinner?It’spasta,nothingfancy.’
‘Youdon’thavetofeedusaswell,’saidStrike.
‘Iwantto.Pleasestay,Declanwillbehomesoon.Robinseemslovely,bytheway.’
‘Yeah,sheis,’saidStrike,glancingupattheceiling.
Upstairs,Robinhaddecidedonherthreeoutfits,thoughshestillfeltdiffidentabouttakingsuchexpensiveclothesawaywithher.She’djustgotbackintoherownjeansandtopwhenPrudenceknockedonthedoor.
‘Comein,’calledRobin.
‘Chosen?’
‘Yes.Ifit’sOK,I’dliketoborrowthese.’
‘Great,’saidPrudence,scoopinguptherestoftheclothesandheadingbacktowardstherailstoputthembackonhangers.‘Youknowwhat?’shesaid,overhershoulder,‘Youshouldjustkeepthem.It’seasier.’
‘Prudence–Ican’t,’saidRobinweakly.Sheknewperfectlywellthattheclothesshe’dselectedwereworthatleasttwothousandpounds,evensecond-hand.
‘Whynot?Ifyou’dwantedthis,’saidPrudence,holdinguptheChloédress,‘I’d’veaskedforitback,becauseDeclanreallylikesmeinit,buthonestly,Ieasilycandowithoutwhatyou’vechosen.I’vealreadygottoomuchstuff,youcanseethat.Please,’shesaid,asRobinopenedhermouthtoprotestagain,‘it’llbethefirsttimeanyofushavebeenallowedtogiveCormanything,evenbyproxy.Nowlet’sfindshoes.’
‘Ireallydon’tknowwhattosay,’Robinsaid,flummoxed.ShewasworriedStrikewouldn’tbehappyshe’dacceptedthegift.Asthoughshe’dreadRobin’smind,Prudencesaid,
‘IknowCorm’stouchyashellabouttakinganythingfromDad,butnoneofthiswasboughtbyJonnyRokeby,Ipromise.ImakeverygoodmoneyandDeclanearnsamint.Comehereandchooseshoes,’sheadded,beckoningRobinbackintothedressingroom.‘Theselookgreatwiththatdress.Trythem.’
AsRobinslidafootintoaJimmyChoopump,sheasked,
‘Areyouclosetoyourdad?’
‘Um…’saidPrudence,nowonherkneesassherifledthroughherboots,‘…Isupposeascloseasyoucaneverbewithsomeonelikehim.He’skindofjuvenile.Theysayyouremainforeverstuckattheageyougotfamous,don’tthey?WhichmeansDad’sneverreallyagedoutofhislateteens.Hiswholemindset’sinstantgratificationandlettingotherpeoplepickupthepieces.Iamfondofhim,buthe’snotaparentintheusualsense,becausehe’sneverreallyneededtolookafterhimself,letaloneanyoneelse.IcanseeexactlywhyCorm’spissedoffathim,though.Youcouldhardlyimaginetwomoredifferentpeople.Trythese,’sheadded,handingRobinapairofboots.AsRobinpulledthemon,Prudenceadded,
‘Dad’sgotagenuinelyguiltyconscienceaboutCorm.Heknowshebehavedreallybadly.Hetriedtoreachoutacoupleofyearsago.Idon’tknowexactlywhatwassaid—’
‘Rokebyofferedhimmoneytomeet,’saidRobinbaldly.
Prudencewinced.
‘OhGod,Ididn’tknowthat…Dadwould’vethoughtthatwasgenerousorsomething…bloodyidiot…he’ssousedtothrowingmoneyatproblems…Thoselooktootight.’
‘Theyare,abit,’Robinadmitted,unzippingthebootsagain.‘Youknow,’sheaddedimpulsively,‘I’mreallygladyouandCormoranareintouch.Ithinkyoumightbe…Idon’tknow…whathe’smissing.’
‘Really?’saidPrudence,lookingpleased.‘BecauseI’vewantedtomeethimforyears.Years.Itisn’teasy,beingthebiracialillegitimateamongtherestofthem.Weallgetonallright,don’tgetmewrong,butI’vealwaysbeensortofhalf-in,half-outoftheRokebyclan,andknowingCormwasoutthere,notgivingadamn,makinghisownway…
‘Ofcourse,he’sperenniallyscaredI’mgoingtostartpsychoanalysinghim,’addedPrudence,nowhandingRobinapairofManoloBlahniks.‘I’veexplainedtohimmultipletimesthatIwouldn’tbeableto,evenifIwanted.Therelationship’stoo…it’sjusttoocomplicated…he’sbeenakindoftalismantomeforalongtime.Justtheideaofhim.Youcan’tbeobjectivewithsomebodylikethat,ever…You’llstayfordinner,won’tyou?I’vejustaskedCorm.’
‘I–areyousure?’saidRobin,feelingslightlyoverwhelmed.
‘God,yes,it’llbefun.DeclanreallylikesCormandhe’llbethrilledtomeetyou.OK,soyou’regoingtotakethesethree,right?’saidPrudence,settingasideanotherfewhundredpounds’worthoffootwear.‘Nowlet’sfindahandbag…’
Downstairsinthesilentsittingroom,StrikewasagainporingoverthephotographofKevinPirbright’sroomthatWardlehadgivenhim,andwhichhe’dbroughtwithhimtoshowRobin.Forseveralminutes,he’dbeensquintingatit,tryingtomakeoutafewthingsthatpuzzledhim.Finallyheglancedaroundandspottedexactlywhatherequired:anantiquemagnifyingglasslyingdecorativelyontopofapileofartbooks.
Tenminuteslater,Robinreappearedinthesittingroomandemittedasurprisedlaugh.
‘What?’saidStrike,lookingup.
‘SherlockHolmes,Ipresume?’
‘Don’tmockituntilyou’vetriedit,’saidStrike,holdingoutbothphotoandmagnifyingglass.‘ThisisKevinPirbright’sroom,asthepolicefoundit.Wardlegotitforme.’
‘Oh,’saidRobin.ShesatbackdownonthesofabesideStrikeandtookbothpictureandmagnifyingglassfromhim.
‘Haveashuftiatwhathe’swrittenonthewalls,’saidStrike.‘Seewhetheryoucanreadanyofit.Thatpicture’sallwe’vegot,unfortunately,becauseIcalledthelandlordthisafternoon.Oncethepolicehadfinishedwithit,herepaintedtheroom.’
Robinmovedthemagnifyingglasstoandfro,tryingtomakeoutthescrawledwords.Shewasconcentratingsohard,thesoundofthefrontdoorbangingopenmadeherjump.
‘Hi,newuncle,’saidadarkteenagedboy,pokinghisheadintotheroom.HeseemeddisconcertedtofindRobinthere,aswell.
‘Hi,Gerry,’saidStrike.‘Thisismydetectivepartner,Robin.’
‘Oh,’saidtheboy,lookingvaguelyembarrassed.‘Cool.Hi.’
Hedisappearedagain.
Robinresumedhercloseexaminationofthephoto.Afteraminute’sintenseconcentration,shebegantoreadaloud.
‘“Fiveprophets”…what’sthatoverthemirror?Isit“retribution”?’
‘Ithinkso,’saidStrike,shiftingclosertoheronthesofa,sotheirthighswerealmosttouching.
ManyofthescrawlsonPirbright’swallswereillegible,ortoosmalltoreadfromthephotograph,buthereandthere,awordstoodout.
‘“Becca”,’readRobin.‘“Sin”…“stra”something…straw?“Ithinkthat’s“plot”,isn’tit?’
‘Yeah,’saidStrike.
‘“Thenightbefore”…thenightbefore…Ican’treadtherest…’
‘NorcanI.Whatd’youmakeofthat?’
Strikewaspointingatsomethingonthewallovertheunmadebed.Asbothleanedintolookcloser,Strike’shairbrushedRobin’sandshefeltanothersmallelectricshockinthepitofherstomach.
‘Itlooks,’shesaid,‘asthoughsomeone’striedtoscrubsomethingoff…or…havetheychippedawaytheplaster?’
‘That’swhatIthought,’saidStrike.‘Lookstomelikesomeone’sliterallygougedsomeofthewritingoffthewall,buttheydidn’ttakeitall.WardletoldmePirbright’sneighbourcamebangingonthedoorafterhearinghismusicstop.Possiblythatpersuadedthekillertoleaveviathewindow,beforethey’dhadtimetoremovethewholething.’
‘Andtheyleftthat,’saidRobin,lookingatthelastremnantofwhatseemedtohavebeenasentenceorphrase.
Writtenincapitalsandcircledmanytimeswasasingle,easilylegibleword:PIGS.
10
Sixinthesecondplacemeans:Contemplationthroughthecrackofthedoor.Furtheringfortheperseveranceofawoman.
TheIChingorBookofChanges
LargelybecauseofPrudence’swarnings,StrikespentthenexttwoeveningsreadingCombattingCultMindControlinhisatticflat.Asaresult,heinsistedonRobinspendinglongerthanusualoncreatingherundercoverpersonabeforemakingherfirstappearanceattheRupertCourtTemple.WhilehehadtotalconfidenceinRobin’sabilitytothinkonherfeet,someofwhathe’dread,andparticularlyPrudence’swarningthatthechurchsoughtoutweakplacesinmembers’psychesthebettertomanipulatethem,hadlefthimfeelinguneasy.
‘Thereshouldn’tbeanypointsofresemblancebetweenyourownlifeandRowena’s,’hetoldher,RowenaEllisbeingthepseudonymRobinhadchosen(itwasalwayseasier,especiallywhenexhaustedorcaughtoffguard,tohaveapseudonymthatwasvaguelyfamiliar).‘Don’tgodrawingonyourrealpast.Stickwithpurefiction.’
‘Iknow,’saidRobinpatiently,‘don’tworry,I’vethoughtaboutthatalready.’
‘Anddon’tchangeyouraccenttoomuch.That’sthekindofthingthatslipswhenyou’reknackered.’
‘Strike,Iknow,’shesaid,half-irritated,half-amused.‘ButifIdon’tgetintheresoon,thishaircut’sgoingtohavegrownoutandI’llhavetogetitredone.’
OntheFridaybeforeherplannedappearanceincharacterattheUHC’sLondontemple,StrikeinsistedontestingRobinattheofficebyaskingquestionsaboutRowena’sschooling,universitycareer,family,friends,hobbies,pets,ex-fiancéandthedetailsofhersupposedlycancelledwedding,allofwhichRobinansweredwithoutpausingorhesitating
‘AfriendofmineshowedmeaninterviewwithNoliSeymour,’saidRobin,‘allaboutuniversalityanddiversity,soIagreedtocome.Itseemedinteresting.I’mnotcommittingtoanything,ofcourse!’sheadded,withaconvincingshowofnerves.‘I’monlyheretohavealook!’
‘Bloodygood,’admittedStrike,sittingbackinhischairatthepartners’deskandreachingforhismugoftea.‘Allright:allsystemsgo.’
Sothefollowingmorning,RobinroseearlyinherflatinWalthamstow,atebreakfast,dressedinapairofValentinotrousers,anArmanishirtandaStellaMcCartneyjacket,slungaGuccibagoverhershoulder,thensetoffforcentralLondon,feelingbothnervousandexcited.
RupertCourt,asRobinalreadyknew,havingworkedintheareaforyears,wasanarrowalleywayhungwithglasslampsthatconnectedRupertStreetandWardourStreetatthepointwhereChinatownandSohoconverged.Ononesideofthepassagewaywerevarioussmallbusinesses,includingaChinesereflexologist.Mostoftheothersidewastakenupbythetemple.Ithadprobablyoncebeenanondescriptcommercialbuildinghousingrestaurantsorshops,butthelowerwindowsanddoorshadbeenblockedup,leavingonlyonemassiveentrance.AsfarasRobincouldseeovertheheadsofthemanypeoplequeuingpatientlytogetin,theheavydoubledoorshadbeengivenanornate,carvedandembellishedframeofredandgold,thecoloursechoingtheChineselanternsstrungacrossWardourStreetbehindher.
Assheshuffledclosertothedoorwiththerestofthecrowd,shecovertlyexaminedherfellowtemple-goers.Althoughtherewasasmatteringofolderworshippers,theaverageageseemedtobebetweentwentyandthirty.Ifsomelookedalittleeccentric–therewasoneyoungmanwithbluedreadlocks–mostwereremarkableonlyfortheirordinariness:nofanaticalglares,novacantstares,nooutrégarborstrangemutterings
Oncecloseenoughtoseetheentranceclearly,Robinsawthattheredandgoldcarvingssurroundingthedoorrepresentedanimals:ahorse,acow,arooster,apig,apheasant,adogandasheep.She’djusthadtimetowonderwhetherthiswasanobliquereferencetotheUHC’sagriculturalbirthplacewhenshespottedthedragonwithbrightgoldeyes
‘Welcome…welcome…welcome…’twosmilingyoungwomenweresaying,ascongregantspassedoverthethreshold.Bothwerewearingorangesweatshirtsemblazonedwiththechurch’slogo,whichcomprisedtheletters‘UHC’displayedwithintwoblackhandswhichweremakingtheshapeofaheart.Robinnoticedhowthetwowomenwerescrutinisingtheapproachingfaces,andwonderedwhethertheyweretryingtomatchupmentalimageswiththosetheyconsideredundesirables,likeWillEdensor’sfamily.
‘Welcome!’sangtheblondegirlontheright,asRobinpassedher.
‘Thanks,’saidRobin,smiling.
Theinteriorofthetemple,ofwhichRobinhadalreadyseenpicturesonline,wasevenmoreimpressiveinreality.Theaisleleadingbetweenrowsofcushionedpewswascarpetedinscarlet,andledtoaraisedstagebehindwhichwasalargescreenalmostthesizeofacinema’s.Thiswascurrentlyshowingastaticimageoftensofthousandsofpeoplewearingdifferentcolours,predominantlyredandorange,standinginfrontofwhatlookedlikeaholybuildingorpalaceinIndia.
Whetherornottheaureateglowemanatingfromthewallsandcorniceswasduetogenuinegoldleaf,Robindidn’tknow,butitreflectedthelightfromlow-hangingorbsofglass,whichcontainedmultiplebulbs,likebunchesofglowinggrapes.Naivefigureshadbeenhand-paintedallaroundtheupperportionofthewalls,holdinghandslikethepaperdollsRobin’smotherhadoncetaughthertocutout,asachild.Everyethnicitywasrepresentedthere,andRobinwasremindedofDisneylandParis,whichshe’dvisitedin2003withherthenboyfriend,laterhusband,Matthew,andtheridecalled‘It’saSmallWorld’,inwhichbargesrolledmechanicallyaroundcanals,anddollsfromallovertheworldsangcannedmusicatthevisitors
Thepewswerealreadyfillingrapidly,soRobinslidintoanavailablespacebesideayoungblackcouple.Themanlookedtense,andhispartnerwaswhisperingtohim.WhileRobincouldn’theareverythingthegirlwassaying,shethoughtshecaughtthewords,‘keepanopenmind’.
OnashallowshelfattachedtothepewinfrontofRobinlayanumberofidenticalpamphlets,oneofwhichshepickedup.
WelcometotheUniversalHumanitarianChurch!OurMission,OurValues,OurVision
Robinslippedthepamphletintoherbagtoreadlaterandglancedaround,tryingtospotWillEdensor.Therewasnoshortageofgood-lookingyoungattendantsinorangesweatshirtsbustlingaroundthetemple,showingpeopletoseats,orchattingandjokingwithvisitors,buttherewasnosignofhim.
Noticingafewcongregationmemberslookingupwards,Robinnowturnedherattentiontotheceiling.Amuralhadbeenpaintedthere,whichwasofaverydifferentstyletothedoll-likepeoplepaintedaroundthewalls.ThislookedlikeDisney’stakeonMichelangelo.FivegiganticfiguresinswirlingrobeswereflyingacrossaTechnicolordawn,andRobindeducedthatthesewerethefiveprophetsofwhomKevinPirbrighthadwritteninhislongemailtoSirColinEdensor.
ThefiguredirectlyoverheadRobinwasdark-haired,beardedandwearingorange.Heappearedtobebleedingfromacutonhisforeheadandtherewerebloodstainsonhisrobes.ThiswassurelytheWoundedProphet.Thentherewasabenevolent-lookingoldmanwithawhitebeardandbluerobeswhoheldtherodofAsclepius,astaffwrappedwithaserpent:theHealerProphet.TheGoldenProphetwasdepictedasasilver-hairedwomanwhoseyellowrobesbillowedoutbehindher;sheworeabeatificexpression,andwasscatteringjewelsupontheearth.
Thefourthfigurewasagaunt,unsmilingyoungmanwithshadowedeyes.Heworecrimsonrobesand,toRobin’sslightconsternation,hadanoosearoundhisneck,theropeflyingbehindhim.This,Robinassumed,wastheStolenProphet,AlexanderGraves,who’dhangedhimselfaweekafterbeingforciblykidnappedbackbyhisfamily.Shefounditbothstrangeandsinisterthatthechurchhadchosentodepicthimwithasunkenfaceandthemeansofhisdestructionaroundhisneck.
However,itwasthecentralfigurethatdrewmostofRobin’sattention.Smallerandslighterthanthefourothers,shehadlongblackhair,worewhiterobes,andeventhoughshewasdepictedasairborne,shewastrailingwavesinherwake.TheDrownedProphet’sovalfacehadaseverebeauty,but,whetherbecauseofatrickofthelightornot,the
‘Areyouherealone?’saidavoicebesideRobin,whostarted.Theyoungblondewomanwho’dwelcomedheratthedoorwassmilingdownather.
‘Yes,’saidRobin,‘myfriendwassupposedtocomewithmebutshe’sgotahangover!’
‘Ohdear,’saidthegirl,stillsmiling.
‘Iknow,Iwasabitannoyed,’saidRobin,withalaugh.‘She’stheonewhowantedtocome!’
She’dplannedallthis,ofcourse:bestnottolooktookeen,toodesperatetoaskquestions;betterbyfartoletherclothesandseveralhundredpounds’worthofhandbagmaketheirownalluringimpression.
‘Therearenoaccidents,’saidtheblonde,beamingdownatRobin.‘I’velearnedthat.Noaccidents.You’vechosenareallyauspiciousdaytocome,aswell,ifthisisyourfirstvisit.You’llunderstandonceservicebegins.’
Theblondewalkedaway,stillsmiling,asaloudbangtotherearofthetemplesignalledtheclosingofthedoors.Abellrangsomewhere,givingonesingledeeppeal,andthecongregationfellsilent.Theorange-sweatshirtedattendantshadretreatedtostandingpositionsalongthewalls.
Then,toRobin’ssurprise,thefirstnotesofawell-knownpopsongbegantoplayoverhiddenspeakers:DavidBowie’s‘Heroes’.
Thestaticimageonthecinemascreenhadunfrozenandtheorange-cladtempleattendantsbeganclappingintimeandsingingalongwiththesong,asdidsomeofthecongregation.
Onscreen,thecamerawasmovingthroughlaughingpeoplethrowingcolouredpowdersateachother,andRobin,who’dlivedinmulticulturalLondonlongenoughtoknow,thoughtsherecognisedthefestivalofHoli.Thetemplelightswereslowlydimming,andwithinaminutetheonlylightwasemanatingfromthecinemascreen,wherejoyfulHindusofbothsexescontinuedtolaughandchaseeachother,andrainbowcoloursflewthroughtheair,andtheyseemedtobedancingtoBowie’ssongandpersonifyingitslyrics,eachofthemakingoraqueenwho,inthisgloriousmass,could‘beatthem’,whoevertheywere…
Thefilmcastflickering,multicolouredlightsoverthefacesofthecongregation.Asthesongfadedout,sotoodidthefilm,tobereplacedbyastaticimageoftheHinduGodShiva,sittingcross-leggedwithasnakewrappedaroundhisneck,agarlandoforangeflowershangingdownoverhisbarechest.Abrilliantwhitespotlightnowappearedonthestage,intowhichamanstepped,andasthebrightnesshadmadethesurroundingdarknessseemsodeep,heappearedtohavecomeoutofthinair.Someofthosewatchingbrokeintoapplause,includingallofthebeamingattendants,whoalsoemittedafewwhoopsofexcitement.
Robinrecognisedthemanstandinginthespotlightatonce:hewasJonathanWace,knowntohisadherentsas‘PapaJ’,thefounderoftheUniversalHumanitarianChurch,makinganunusualin-personappearanceatoneofhistemples.Ahandsome,tallandfit-lookingmaninhismid-sixties,hecouldhavepassedinthislightforacoupleofdecadesyounger,withhisthick,darkshoulder-lengthhairthreadedwithsilver,hislarge,darkblueeyesandsquarejawwithadimpleinhischin.Hissmilewasthoroughlyengaging.Therewasnosuggestionofbombastortheatricalityinthewayheacknowledgedtheapplause,but,onthecontrary,awarmandhumblesmile,andhemadeadeprecatorygesture,as
‘Goodmorning,’hesaid,placinghishandstogetherintheattitudeofprayerandbowing.
‘Goodmorning,’chorusedatleasthalfthecongregationinreturn.
‘Welcometotoday’sservice,which,assomeofyouwillknow,isaparticularlyimportantoneformembersoftheUniversalHumanitarianChurch.Today,thenineteenthofMarch,marksthebeginningofouryear.TodayistheDayoftheWoundedProphet.
‘This,’saidWace,gesturingtowardstheimageonscreen,‘isthekindofimagemostofusassociatewithadivinity.HereweseeShiva,thebenignandbeneficentHinduGod,whocontainsmanycontradictionsandambiguities.He’sanascetic,yetalsoaGodoffertility.Histhirdeyegiveshiminsight,butmayalsodestroy.’
TheimageofShivanowfadedfromthecinemascreen,tobereplacedwithablurryblackandwhitephotographofayoungAmericansoldier.
‘This,’saidWace,smiling,‘isn’twhatmostofusthinkofwhenimaginingaholyman.ThisisRustyAndersen,whoasayoungmanintheearlyseventieswassenttowarinVietnam.’
TheimageofRustyAndersenfadedandwasreplacedbygrainyfootageofexplosionsandmenrunningwithrifles.Low,ominousmusicwasnowplayingoverthetempleloudspeakers.
‘Rust,ashisfriendscalledhim,witnessedandenduredatrocities.Hewasforcedtocommitunspeakableacts.Butwhenthewarwasover…’Themusicbecamelighter,morehopeful.‘Hewenthomeforthelasttime,packedhisguitarandhisbelongings,andwentwanderinginEurope.’
Thescreennowshowedasuccessionofoldphotographs,Andersen’shairbecominglongerineachone.HewasbuskingonwhatlookedlikethestreetsofRome;makingthepeacesigninfrontoftheEiffelTower;walkingwithhisguitaronhisbackthroughtheLondonrain,pastHorseGuardsParade.
‘Finally,’saidWace,‘hearrivedinalittleNorfolkvillagecalledAylmerton.There,heheardofacommunitylivingofftheland,andhedecidedtojointhem.’
Thescreenfadedtoblack,themusicfadedaway.
‘ThecommunityRustjoinedwas,sadly,noteverythinghehopeditwouldbe,’saidWace,‘butasimplelife,livingclosetonature,remainedhisideal.Whenthatfirstcommunitybrokeup,Rustcontinuedtoliveinthecabinhe’dbuilthimself,self-sufficient,self-reliant,stilldealingwiththetraumaleftbythewarhe’dbeenforcedtofight
‘ItwasthenthatImethimforthefirsttime,’saidWace,asaswellofnewmusicfilledthetemple,nowjoyous,uplifting,andapictureofRustyAndersenandathirty-somethingJonathanWacefilledthescreen.ThoughRobinguessedtheyweren’ttoomanyyearsapartinage,theweather-beatenAndersenlookedfarolder.
‘Hehadawonderfulsmile,Rust,’saidWace,withacatchinhisvoice.‘Heheldfiercelytohissolitaryexistence,thoughoccasionallyI’dcrossthefieldstopersuadehimtocomeandeatwithus.Anewcommunitywasstartingtoformontheland,onethatcentrednotonlyonanatural,butaspirituallife.ButspiritualityheldnoattractionforRust.He’dseentoomuch,hetoldme,tobelieveinman’simmortalsoulorGod’sgoodness.
‘Then,onenight,’saidWace,asthephotographenlargedslowly,sothatRustAndersen’sfacefilledtheentirescreen,‘thisbrokenwarriorandIwentwalkingtogetherfromdinneratthefarm,backacrossthefieldstohiscabin.Wewerearguing,asever,aboutreligionandman’sneedfortheBlessedDivinityandatlastIsaidtoRust,“Canyouknow,forsure,thatnothingliesbeyondthislife?Canyoubecertainthatmanreturnstothedarkness,thatnodivineforceactsaroundus,orinsideus?Canyounotevenadmitthepossibilityofsuchthings?”
‘AndRustlookedatme,’saidWace,‘and,afteralongpause,replied,“Iadmitthepossibility.”
‘“Iadmitthepossibility,”’repeatedWace.‘Thepowerofthosewords,fromamanwho’dturnedresolutelyawayfromGod,fromthedivine,fromthepossibilityofredemptionandsalvation!Andashesaidthoseastonishingwords,IsawsomethinginhisfaceI’dneverseenbefore.Somethinghadawokeninhim,andIknewinthatmomentthathishearthadopenedtoGodatlast,andI,whomGodhadhelpedsomuch,couldshowhimwhatI’dlearned,whatI’dseen,whichmademeknow–notthink,notbelieve,nothope,butknow–thatGodisrealandthathelpisalwaysthere,thoughwemaynotunderstandhowtoreachit,orhowtoevenaskforit.
‘LittledidIrealisethen,’saidWace,asthemusicdarkenedagain,andAndersen’ssmilingfacebegantofadefromthescreen,‘thatRustandIwouldneverhavethatconversation,thatI’dnevergetthechancetoshowhimtheway…becausewithintwenty-fourhours,hewasdead.’
Themusicstopped.Thesilenceinthetemplewasnowabsolute.
‘Acarhithimoutontheroadoutsideourfarm.AdrunkdriverkilledRustintheearlyhoursofthefollowingmorning,whileRustwastakinganearlywalk,whichheoftendid,beinganinsomniac,andamanwhothoughtbestalone.Rustwaskilledinstantly.’
Anotherpicturefilledthescreen:ofagroupstandingwithheadsbowed,overafreshlydugandcoveredmoundofearth,outsideRustAndersen’scabin.
‘Weburiedhimatthefarm,wherehe’dfoundameasureofcomfortinnatureandinsolitude.Iwasdistraught.Itwasanearlytestofmyfaithand,Ifreelyadmit,Icouldn’tseewhytheBlessedDivinitywouldletthishappen,sosoonafterthepossibilityofTheirrevelationtoatroubledsoullikeRust.ItwasinthisstateofdespairthatIsettoworktoclearoutRust’scabin…andonhisbed,Ifoundaletter.Aletteraddressedtome,inRust’shandwriting.Afteralltheseyears,Istillknowitbyheart.ThisiswhatRustwrote,hoursbeforehisdeath:
DearJonathan,Tonight,Iprayed,forthefirsttimesinceIwasalittleboy.ItoccurredtomethatifthereisapossibilitythatGodisreal,andthatIcanbeforgiven,thenI’dbeafoolnottotalktoHim.Youtoldmehe’dsendmeasignifhewasthere.Thatsignhascome.Iwon’ttellyouwhatitwas,becauseyoumightthinkitstupid,butIknewitwhenithappened,andIdon’tbelieveitwascoincidence.NowI’mexperiencingsomethingIhaven’tfeltinyears:peace.Perhapsitwilllast,perhapsitwon’t,buteventohavethisfeeling,oncemorebeforeIdie,hasbeenlikeaglimpseofheaven.I’mnotgoodattalkingaboutmyfeelings,asyouknow,andIdon’tevenknowwhetherI’llgiveyouthisletter,butsettingallthisdownfeelsliketherightthingtodo.I’mgoingforawalknow,afteranightofnosleep,butthistime,forthebestofreasons.Yours,Rust.
BesideRobin,theyoungblackwomanwaswipingawaytears.
‘Andafewshorthoursafterthat,whileIslept,Rustwastakenhome,’saidJonathanWace.‘Hediedhoursafterthesignhe’dbeengiven,whichhadcausedhimanightofjoyandofthepeacethathadbeendeniedhimsolong…
‘Itwasonlylater,whileIwasstillgrievingforhim,stilltryingtomakesenseoftheeventsofthatnight,thatIrealisedRustAndersenhaddiedatthetimeofHoli,animportantHindufestival.’
NowthecinemascreenbehindWacewasagainshowingthefilmofjoyfulpeopleincolourfulrobes,throwingpowderateachother,laughinganddancing,packedtightlytogetherinthestreet.
‘Rustdidn’tlikecrowds,’saidWace.‘HewanderedonfromcitytocityafterVietnam,lookingforhispeace.Atlast,hesettledonapatchofuninhabitedland,andheeschewedhumancompany.Thejoyofcommuningwithotherpeoplewasonehepartookofsparinglyandusuallyunwillingly,onlyoutofneedformoney,orfood.AndasIthoughtaboutHoli,andIthoughtaboutRust,IthoughthowincongruousitwasthatheshouldhavereturnedtoGodatsuchatime…butthenIsawhowwrongIwas.Iunderstood.
‘RustwouldfindHoliinthelifebeyond.Allthathe’dmissed:connection,laughter,joy,wouldbethereforhiminheaven.TheBlessedDivinityhadsentRustasign,andintakingRustonthatday,theDivinityhadspokenthroughhimtoallwhoknewhim.“Rusthasnofurthertoseek.Hehasachievedwhathewassetupontheearthtodo:togainknowledgeofme,whichinturn,teachesyou.Celebratethedivineintheconfidentbeliefthatoneday,youtoowillfindthehappinesshesought.”’
Theriotouscoloursfadedagainfromthecinemascreenandapictureofmanydivinefigurestooktheirplace,includingShiva,GuruNanak,JesusandBuddha.
‘ButwhatistheBlessedDivinity?OfwhomamIspeaking,whenIspeakofGod?Whichofthese,orcountlessothers,shouldyouprayto?Andmyansweris:all,ornone.Thedivineexists,andmenhavetriedtodrawthedivineintheirownimage,andthroughtheirownimaginations,sincethedawnoftime.Itdoesn’tmatterwhatnameyougiveThem.Itdoesn’tmatterwhatformofwordsyougiveyourworship.Whenweseebeyondtheboundariesthatseparateus,boundariesofcultureandreligion,whicharemanmade,ourvisionclears,andwecanatlastseethebeyond.
‘Someofyouheretodayarenon-believers,’saidWace,smilingagain.‘Someofyoucameoutofcuriosity.Somedoubt,manydisbelieve.Someofyoumightevenhavecometolaughatus.Andwhynotlaugh?Laughterisjoyous,andjoycomesfromGod.
‘IfItellyoutodaythatIknow–knowbeyonddoubt–thatthereislifebeyonddeath,andadivineforcethatseekstoguideandhelpanyhumanwhoseeksit,you’lldemandproof.Well,Isay,youarerighttoaskforproof.I’dratherfaceanhonestscepticthanahundredwhobelievetheyknowGod,butarereallyinthralltotheirownpiety,theirinsistencethatonlythey,andtheirreligion,havefoundtherightway
‘AndsomeofyouwillbediscouragedifIsaytoyouthatnothingonthisearthlyplanecomeswithoutpatienceandstruggle.Youwouldn’texpecttoknoworunderstandthelawsofphysicsinaninstant.Howmuchmorecomplexistheoriginatorofthosephysicallaws?Howmuchmoremysterious?
‘Yetyoucantakeafirststep,now.Afirststeptowardsproof,towardstheabsolutecertaintyIpossess.
‘Allthat’sneededistosaythewordstheWoundedProphetspoke,aquarterofacenturyago,whichgavehimthesignheneeded,andwhichledtohisexultation,andhisascensiontoheaven.Willyousayonlythis:“Iadmitthepossibility”?’
Wacepaused,smiling.Nobodyhadspoken
‘Ifyouwantasign,speakthewordsnow:“Iadmitthepossibility.”’
Afewscatteredvoicesrepeatedthewords,andatitterofnervouslaughterfollowed.
‘Together,then!’saidWace,nowbeaming.‘Together!“Iadmitthepossibility!”’
‘Iadmitthepossibility,’repeatedthecongregation,includingRobin.
Theattendantsbeganapplauding,andtherestofthecongregationfollowedsuit,sweptupinthemoment,someofthemstilllaughing.
‘Good!’saidJonathan,beamingatthemall.‘Andnow–attheriskofsoundinglikethelowestoflowrentmagicians–’morelaughter,‘–Iwantyoualltothinkofsomething.Don’tspeakitaloud,don’ttellanyoneelse,justthink:thinkofanumberoraword.Anumber,oraword,’herepeated.‘Anynumber.Anyword.Butdecideonitnow,insidethetemple.’
Forty-eight,thoughtRobin,atrandom.
‘Soon,’saidWace,‘you’llleavethistempleandgoaboutyourlife.Ifitshouldhappenthatthatword,orthatnumber,forcesitselfuponyournoticebeforemidnighttonight–well,itcouldbecoincidence,couldn’tit?Itcouldbechance.Butyou’vejustadmittedthepossibilitythatitissomethingelse.You’veadmittedthepossibilitythattheBlessedDivinityistryingtotalktoyou,tomakeTheirpresenceknowntoyou,throughthechaosanddistractionsofthisworldlyclamour,tospeaktoyoubytheonlymeansTheyhaveatTheirdisposalatthistime,beforeyoubegintolearnTheirlanguage,beforeyou’reabletostripawaythedrossofthisearthlyplane,andseetheUltimateasplainlyasI,andmanyothers,do…
‘Ifnothingelse,’saidWace,astheimagesofdeitiesonthecinemascreenbehindhimfaded,andRustAndersen’ssmilingfacereappeared,‘IhopethestoryoftheWoundedProphetwillremindyouthateventhemosttroubledmaygainpeaceandjoy.Thateventhosewhohavedonedreadfulthingsmaybeforgiven.Thatthereisahometowhichallmaybecalled,iftheyonlybelieveitispossible.’
Withthat,JonathanWacegavealittlebowofthehead,thespotlightvanishedand,asthecongregationbegantoapplaud,thetemplelampsbegantoglowagain.ButWacehadalreadygone,andRobinhadtoadmirethespeedwithwhichhe’dabsentedhimselffromthestage,which,indeed,gavehimtheairofamagician.
‘Thankyou,PapaJ!’saidtheblondegirlwho’dspokentoRobinearlier,mountingthestageandstillapplaudingasshebeamedaround.‘Andnow,’shesaid,‘I’dliketosayawordortwoabouttheUHC’smissionhereonearth.Weseekafairer,moreequalsocietyandweworktoempowerthemostvulnerable.Thisweek,’shesaid,movingasidetoletanewfilmappearonthecinemascreen,‘we’recollectingfortheUHC’sYoungCarers’Project,whichprovidesholidaysforyoungpeoplewho’recaringforchronicallyillanddisabledfamilymembers.’
Asshetalked,anumberoffilmclipsbeganplaying,showingagroupofteenagers,firstlyrunningalongabeachtogether,thensingingaroundacampfire,thenabseilingandcanoeing.
‘AttheUHCwebelievenotonlyinindividualspiritualenlightenment,butalsoinworkingforthebettermentofconditionsformarginalisedpeople,bothinsideandoutsidethechurch.Ifyou’reabletodoso,pleaseconsidergivingadonationtoourYoungCarers’Projectonthewayout,andifyou’dliketofindoutmoreaboutthechurchandourmission,don’thesitatetotalktooneoftheattendants,who’dbedelightedtohelp.I’llleaveyounowwiththesebeautifulimagesofsomeofourlatesthumanitarianprojects.’
Shewalkedoffthestage.Asthedoorshadn’topened,mostofthecongregationremainedseated,watchingthescreen.Thetemplelightsremaineddim,andDavidBowiebegantosingagainasthestationarycongregationwatchedfurtherfilmclips,showinghomelesspeopleeatingsoup,beamingchildrenraisingtheirhandsinaclassroominAfrica,andadultsofdiverseraceshavingsomekindofgrouptherapy.
Wecouldbeheroes,sangDavidBowie,justforoneday.
11
Sixinthefifthplace…Shockgoeshitherandthither…However,nothingatallislost.
TheIChingorBookofChanges
Strike,whowaseagertohearhowRobin’sfirsttriptothetemplehadgone,didn’treceiveherfirstfewattemptstocontacthimbecausehewassittingontheTube,withacarrierbagfromHamleysonhislap.Robin’sfifthattempttocontacthimfinallycamethroughwhenhe’dleftthetrainatBromleySouth,andwasonthepointofpressinghernumber.
‘Sorry,’washisfirstword.‘Didn’thavereception.I’monmywaytoLucy’s.’
Lucywasthehalf-sisterwithwhomStrikehadgrownup,becauseshewashismother’schild,ratherthanhisfather’s.WhilehelovedLucy,theyhadverylittleincommon,andoutsiderstendedtoexpressdisbeliefthattheywererelatedatall,giventhatLucywassmallandblonde.Strikewasundertakingtoday’svisitoutofasenseofduty,notpleasure,andwasanticipatingadifficultcoupleofhours.
‘Howwasit?’heasked,settingoffalongtheroadunderaskythatwasthreateningrain.
‘NotwhatIexpected,’admittedRobin,who’dwalkedseveralblocksawayfromthetemplebeforefindingacaféwithseatsoutsidewhere,duetothechillinessoftheday,shehadnoeavesdroppers.‘Ithoughtit’dbeabitmorefireandbrimstone,butnotatall,it’swall-to-wallsocialjusticeandbeingfreetohavedoubts.Veryslick,though–filmsshownonacinemascreenandDavidBowieplayingoverthe—’
‘Bowie?’
‘Yes,‘Heroes’–butthebignewsisthatPapaJwasthereinperson.’
‘Washe,now?’
‘He’sverycharismatic.’
‘He’dneedtobe,’gruntedStrike.‘Anyonetryandrecruityou?’
‘Notexplicitly,butablondewoman,whoIthinkknowshowmuchPrudence’sclothesmust’vecost,interceptedmeonthewayout.SaidshehopedI’denjoyedmyselfandaskedwhetherIhadanyquestions.Isaidithadallbeenveryinteresting,butIdidn’tshowmassiveinterest.Shesaidshehopedshe’dseemethereagain.’
‘Playinghardtoget,’saidStrike,who’djustfeltthefirstspotoficyrainonhisface.‘Goodcall.’
‘Ihadtobungatwentypoundnoteintothecollectingbucketonthewayout,’saidRobin,‘giventhatI’mcarryingafivehundredquidhandbag.ImadesuretheboyonthedoorsawhowmuchIwasgiving,though.’
‘Takeitoutofourpettycash,’saidStrike.
‘AndI–wow,’saidRobin,half-laughing,half-startled.
‘What’sthematter?’
‘I–nothing.’
TwoyoungAmericanmen–tall,well-nourished,beardedandbaseball-capped–hadjusttakenatabletwoawayfromRobin.Onewaswearingapoloshirt,theother,aNASCART-shirtemblazonedwiththenameJimmieJones,andalarge48
‘Nothingimportant,I’lltellyoulater,’saidRobin.‘Justwantedtotouchbase.I’llletyougo,ifyou’reofftoLucy’s.SeeyouMonday.’
Strike,whodidn’tparticularlywanttoforfeitthedistractionoftalkingtoRobinwhileheheadedtowardsanencounterhewasdreading,saidgoodbye,thencontinuedwalking,hisfeelingofforebodinggrowingeverdeeper.Lucyhadsoundedthrilledthathewascomingover,whichmadetheprospectofdeliveringhisnewsevenlesspalatable.
ThelargemagnoliatreeinLucyandGreg’sfrontgardenwas,naturally,sportingnoflowersonthiscoolMarchday.Strikeknockedonthedoor,whichwasopenedalmostimmediatelybyhisfavouritenephew,Jack.
‘Bloodyhell,’saidStrike.‘You’vegrownabouteightinchessinceIlastsawyou.’
‘BeweirdifI’dshrunk,’saidJack,grinning.‘You’rethinner.’
‘Yeah,well,Ineededshrinking,’saidStrike,wipinghisfeetonthedoormat.‘You’llunderstandonceyoureachmyage…Igotthoseforyou,LukeandAdam,’headded,handingJackthecarrierbag.
Lucynowappearedinthehall,andonhearingthesewords,beamedatStrike.She’dpreviouslyexpresseddispleasurethathesoobviouslyfavouredhermiddleson.
‘Thisisalovelysurprise,’shesaid,huggingherbrother.‘Luke’soutatfootballwithGreg,butAdam’supstairs.Comethrough,I’vejusttakenbananabreadoutoftheoven.’
‘Smellsgreat,’saidStrike,followingherintothekitchen,withitsglassdoorsoverlookingalawn.‘Givemeasmallbit.I’mstillastoneoffmytargetweight.’
‘I’msogladyoucalled,becauseI’mabitworriedaboutTed,’saidLucy,takingacoupleofsmallplatesoutofthecupboard.Tedwastheirwidoweduncle,wholivedinCornwall.‘IranghimthismorningandhetoldmethesamestoryhetoldmelasttimeIcalled,wordforword.’
‘Thinkhe’slonely,’saidStrike,sittingdownatthekitchentable.
‘Maybe,’saidLucydoubtfully,‘butI’vebeenthinkingImightnipdownandseehim.Wouldyoucome,too?’
‘Yeah,withabitofnotice,’saidStrike,whowasexperiencingthefamiliarsenseofconstrictionLucyoftengavehim,wherebyhewasaskedtocommitimmediatelytofuturearrangements,andoftenhadtodealwithherirritabilitywhenhecouldn’tinstantlyfallinwithherplans.Today,however,Lucymerelysetasliceofbananabreaddowninfrontofhim,followedshortlyafterwardsbyamugoftea.
‘So,whythevisit?NotthatI’mnotpleasedtoseeyou.’
BeforeStrikecouldrespond,bothJackandAdamappeared,eachholdinganAirStormFiretekBow,whichhadbeenboughtbyStrikewiththeexpresspurposeofgettingLucy’ssonsoutintothegardenwhilehetalkedtoher.
‘Thisisawesome,’saidAdamtoStrike.
‘Gladyoulikeit,’saidStrike.
‘Corm,youshouldn’thave!’saidLucy,clearlydelightedthathehad.Giventhenumberoftimeshe’dforgottenhisnephews’birthdays,Strikewaswellawarethesegiftsmightbesaidtobeoverdue.‘Pityit’sraining,’saidLucy,glancingoutofthewindowatthegarden.
‘Notmuch,’saidStrike.
‘Iwanttotryit,’saidJack,confirminghispositionashisuncle’sfavourite.‘I’llputonmywellies,’hethrewathismother,ashehurriedoutofthekitchenagain.ToStrike’srelief,Adamfollowedhisolderbrother.
‘So,whyareyouhere?’Lucyaskedagain.
‘I’drathertalkoncetheboyscan’thearus,’saidStrike.
‘OhmyGod–areyouill?’saidLucy,inpanic.
‘No,ofcoursenot,’saidStrike.‘Ijust—’
JackandAdamcamehurryingbackintothekitchen,bothcarryingwellingtonboots.
‘Andcoats,boys,’saidLucy,tornnowbetweenapprehensionatwhatStrikewasabouttotellher,andtheneedsofhersons.
Atlast,whenthetwoboysdisappearedintotherainwiththeircoatson,Strikeclearedhisthroat.
‘OK,IwantedtotalktoyouaboutacaseI’vejusttakenon.’
‘Oh,’saidLucy,wholookedslightlyreassured.‘Why?’
‘Becauseifwe’resuccessful,whichislongoddsatthemoment,butifweare,there’sachanceit’llbeinthepress.Andifthathappens,there’salsoaslimchancethatthere’llbesomethingaboutus–youandme–inthere.Thatsomethingmightbedugup.’
‘Likewhat?’saidLucy,inaslightlybrittlevoice.‘They’vedoneitallalready,haven’tthey?“Sonofsuper-groupie.”“Notoriousgood-timegirlLedaStrike.”’
‘Thiswouldn’tjustbeaboutMum,’saidStrike.
HenoticedLucy’sslighttighteningofexpression.Shehadn’tcalledLeda‘Mum’sinceshewasfourteenandwasexplicit,thesedays,aboutthefactthatshe’dconsideredtheirlateaunt,Joan,hertruemother.
‘What,then?’saidLucy.
‘Well,’saidStrike,‘I’vebeenhiredtoinvestigatetheUniversalHumanitarianChurch.’
‘So?’
‘So,theirheadquartersarewheretheAylmertonCommunityusedtobe.’
Lucyslumpedbackinherchairasthoughthewordshadhitherphysically,herexpressionblank.Atlast,sheswallowedandsaid,
‘Oh.’
‘IgotahellofashockwhenIrealisedthat’swheretheystarted,’saidStrike.‘Ionlyfoundoutoncewe’dtakenthecaseand—’
Tohishorror,Lucyhadbegunnoiselesslycrying.
‘Luce,’hesaid,puttingoutahand,butshe’dwithdrawnherownfromthetable,andnowwrappedherarmsaroundherself.ThiswasafarworsereactionthanStrikehadimagined;he’danticipatedangerandresentmentthathewasonceagainexposinghertogossipattheschoolgatesaboutherunorthodoxpast.
‘Christ,’saidStrike,‘Ididn’t—’
‘Didn’twhat?’saidLucy,withatraceofanger,tearsnowtricklingdownherface.
‘I’msorry,’saidStrike.‘Igotashockmyself,whenIsaw—’
Lucygottoherfeetandblunderedtowardsthesidewherekitchenrollstoodonametalstand.Rippingoffseveralpiecesshemoppedherface,tookadeepbreathandsaid,clearlyfightingtoregaincontrol,
‘I’msorry.Ijust–Ididn’texpect—’
Shebrokedowncompletely.Strikepushedhimselfupfromthetableandwalkedtowardsher.Hehalf-expectedhertopushhimaway,butshelethimputhisarmsaroundherandpullherclose,sothatshewassobbingintoherbrother’schest.They’dstoodthusforbarelyaminutewhenthefrontdooropened.
LucypushedStrikeawayatonce,hastilywipingherface.Withfalsegaietyshecalledout,
‘Howdiditgo,Luke,didyouwin?’
‘Yeah,’calledLukebackfromthehall,andStrikenoticedthathisvoicehadbrokensincehe’dlastseentheboy.‘Three–one.Theywerepathetic.’
‘Fantastic!Ifyou’remuddy,getstraightintheshower,’calledLucy.‘UncleCorm’shere,’sheadded.
Lukemadenoresponsetothis,butranstraightupstairs.
Strike’sbrother-in-lawnowenteredthekitchen,histracksuitbottomsdamp.Strikesupposedhemustcoachormanagehisson’steam.GregwasaquantitysurveyorforwhomStrikeentertainedfeelingsthathadneverquitereachedthelevelofliking.
‘Everythingallright?’hesaid,lookingfromStriketoLucy.
‘JustbeentalkingaboutTed,’saidLucy,toexplainherreddenedeyesandheightenedcolour.
‘Oh.Well,I’vebeentellingher,it’sonlynaturalhe’sgettingabitforgetful,’GregtoldStrikedismissively.‘What’shenow,eighty-odd?’
‘Seventy-nine,’saidLucy.
‘Well,that’seighty-odd,isn’tit?’saidGreg,headingfortheloafofbananabread.
‘Comethroughtothelivingroom,’LucytoldStrike,pickinguphertea.‘Wecantalkitalloverthere.’
Greg,whoevidentlyhadnodesiretotalkabouthisuncle-in-law’swell-being,madenoobjectionatbeingexcludedfromtheconversation.
Thelivingroom,withitsbeigethree-piecesuite,wasunchangedsincethelasttimeStrikehadbeeninthere,exceptthathisnephews’schoolphotoshadbeenupdated.AlargepictureofUncleTedandAuntJoan,datingfromtheeighties,stoodinprideofplaceonashelf.Strikewellrememberedthecouplelookinglikethat:Joan’shairasbigasElnettcouldmakeit,stiffintheseabreezes,Ted,thelargestandstrongestmemberofthelocallifeboatmen.AsStrikesatdownonthesofa,hefeltasthoughheshouldturnthepicturetofacethewallbeforedraggingupmemoriesoftheAylmertonCommunity,becausehisauntandunclehaddedicatedsomuchoftheirlivestotryingtoprotectthenieceandnephewwhomLedadumpedonthem,thenremoved,asunpredictablyasshedideverything.
Havingshutthedoorcarefullyontherestofherfamily,Lucysatdowninanarmchairandplacedhermugofteaonasidetable.
‘I’msorry,’shesaidagain.
‘Don’tapologise,’saidStrike.‘Believeme,Iknow.’
‘Doyou?’shesaid,withanoddnoteinhervoice.
‘Itwasafuckingterribleplace,’saidStrike.‘Don’tthinkI’veforgotten.’
‘AreanyofthepeoplewhowereattheAylmertonCommunitystillthere?’
‘Onlyone,asfarasIknow,’saidStrike.‘SheclaimstohavebeenavictimoftheCrowthers.She’smarriedtothechurch’sleader.’
‘What’shername?’
‘Mazu,’saidStrike.
‘OhGod,’saidLucy,andshecoveredherfacewithherhandsagain.
HorriblesuspicionswerenowassailingStrike.He’dbelievednothingmoreseriousthanfeelingscaredandsometimeshungryhadhappenedtoeitherofthemattheAylmertonCommunity;thatthey’dnarrowlyescapedwhathadlaterbeenalloverthepress.Inhismemory,he’dalwaysbeenwithLucy,stickingclose,tryingtomakesureshewasn’tinvitedanywherebyeitheroftheCrowtherbrothers.Fromtheiradjoiningmattressesonthefloor,brotherandsisterhadwhisperedatnightabouthowmuchtheyhatedtheplace,abouthowmuchtheywishedLedawouldtakethemaway.Thatwasallthathadhappened,surely?Thatwaswhathe’dbelieved,foryears.
‘Luce?’hesaid.
‘Don’tyourememberher?’saidLucysavagely,droppingherhands.‘Don’tyourememberthatgirl?’
‘No,’saidStriketruthfully.
Hismemorywasusuallyexcellent,butAylmertonwasablurtohim,morefeelingthanfact,anominousblackmemoryhole.Perhapshe’ddeliberatelytriedtoforgetindividuals:betterbyfartoconsignthewholelottoafacelesssloughthatneedneverbewadedthrough,nowitwasallover.
‘Youdo.Verypale.Pointednose.Blackhair.Alwayswearingkindoftartyclothes.’
SomethingshiftedinStrike’smemory.Hesawapairofverybriefshorts,athinhalter-necktopandstraggly,dark,slightlygreasyhair.He’dbeentwelve:hishormoneshadn’tyetreachedtheadolescentpeakatwhichtheslightestsignofunsupportedbreastscauseduncontainable,sometimesmortifyinglyvisible,excitement.
‘Yeah,thatringsabell,’hesaid.
‘Soshe’sstillthere?’saidLucy,nowbreathingfast.‘Atthefarm?’
‘Yeah.AsIsay,shemarried—’
‘Ifshewasavictim,’saidLucy,throughclenchedteeth,‘shesureashellspreaditaround.’
‘Whyd’yousaythat?’saidStrike.
‘Becauseshe–becauseshe—’
Lucywasshaking.Foracoupleofsecondsshesaidnothing,thenatorrentofwordsexplodedfromher.
‘D’youknowhowgladIwas,knowingIwashavingaboy,everysingletimetheyscannedme?Everysingletime.Ididn’twantagirl.IknewI’d’vebeenalousymothertoagirl.’
‘You’d’vebeen—’
‘No,Iwouldn’t,’saidLucyfiercely.‘I’dhavebarelyletheroutofmysight!Iknowithappenstoboystoo,Iknowitdoes,buttheodds–theodds–itwasonlythegirlsatAylmerton.Onlythegirls.’
Lucycontinuedtobreatheveryhard,intermittentlydabbinghereyeswithkitchenroll.Strikeknewitwascowardice,becausehecouldtellLucyneededtotellhim,buthedidn’twanttoaskanymorequestions,becausehedidn’twanttoheartheanswers.
‘Shetookmetohim,’saidLucyatlast.
‘Towho?’
‘DrCoates,’saidLucy.‘Ifellover.Shemust’vebeenfifteen,sixteen.Shehadmebythehand.Ididn’twanttogo.“Youshouldseethedoctor.”Shewashalf-draggingme.’
Anotherbriefsilenceunrolledthroughtheroom,butStrikecouldfeelLucy’sragebattlingwithherhabitualreserveandherdeterminationtopretendthatthelifetowhichLedahadsubjectedthemwasaslongdeadasLedaherself.
‘Didhe,’saidStrikeslowly,‘touch—’
‘Hepushedfourfingersinsideme,’saidLucybrutally.‘Ibledfortwodays.’
‘Ohfuck,’saidStrike,wipinghisfacewithhishand.‘WherewasI?’
‘Playingfootball,’saidLucy.‘Iwasplaying,aswell.That’showIfell.Youprobablythoughtshewashelpingme.’
‘Shit,Luce,’saidStrike.‘I’mso—’
‘It’snotyourfault,it’smyso-calledmother’sfault,’spatLucy.‘Wherewasshe?Gettingstonedsomewhere?Screwingsomelong-hairedweirdointhewoods?AndthatbitchMazushutmeinwithCoates,andsheknew.Sheknew.AndIsawherdoingittootherlittlegirls.TakingthemtotheCrowthers’rooms.That’swhatItalkaboutmostintherapy,whyIdidn’ttellanyone,whyIdidn’tstopotherlittlegirlsgettinghurt—’
‘You’reintherapy?’blurtedoutStrike.
‘ChristAlmighty,ofcourseI’mintherapy!’saidLucy,inafuriouswhisper,assomebody,probablyGreg,nowfullofbananacake,walkedpastthesittingroomdoorandheadedupstairs.‘Afterthatbloodychildhood–aren’tyou?’
‘No,’saidStrike.
‘No,’repeatedLucybitterly,‘youdon’tneedit,ofcourse,soself-sufficient,soun-messed-up—’
‘I’mnotsayingthat,’saidStrike.‘I’mnot–bloodyhell—’
‘Don’t,’shesnapped,armswrappedaroundhertorsoagain.‘Idon’twant–nevermind,itdoesn’tmatter.Exceptitdoesmatter,’shesaid,tearstricklingdownherfaceagain,‘Ican’tforgivemyselffornotspeakingup.TherewereotherlittlegirlsbeingledawaybythatMazubitch,andIneversaidanything,becauseIdidn’twanttosaywhathadhappenedtom—’
Thesittingroomdooropened.StrikewasastonishedbytheabruptchangeinLucy,asshewipedherfacedryandstraightenedherbackinaninstant,sothatwhenJackentered,pantingandwet-haired,shewassmiling.
‘Thesearegreat,’JacktoldStrike,beaming,ashehelduphisbow.
‘Gladtohearit,’saidStrike.
‘Jack,godryyourselfoffandthenyoucanhavesomebananabread,’saidLucy,foralltheworldasthoughshewereperfectlyhappy,andfortheveryfirsttimeintheiradultlives,itoccurredtoStrikethathissister’sdeterminationtoclingtostabilityandhernotionofnormality,heriron-cladrefusaltodwellendlesslyontheawfulpossibilitiesofhumanbehaviour,wasaformofextraordinarycourage.
OncethedoorhadclosedonJack,heturnedbacktoLucy,andsaidquietly,andalmostsincerely,
‘Iwishyou’dtoldmethisbefore.’
‘Itwould’veupsetyou.Anyway,you’vealwayswantedtobelieveLedawaswonderful.’
‘Ihaven’t,’hesaid,nowbeingcompletelyhonest.‘Shewas…whatshewas.’
‘Shewasn’tfittobeamother,’saidLucyangrily.
‘No,’saidStrikeheavily.‘Ithinkyou’reprobablyright,there.’
Lucystaredathimforafewsecondsinblankastonishment.
‘I’vewaitedyearstohearyousaythat.Years.’
‘Iknowyouhave,’saidStrike.‘Look,IknowyouthinkIthinkshewasperfect,butofcourseIbloodydon’t.D’youthinkIlookatthekindofmotheryouare,andrememberwhatshewas,andcan’tseethedifference?’
‘OhStick,’saidLucytearfully.
‘Shewaswhatshewas,’repeatedStrike.‘Ilovedher,Ican’tsithereandsayIdidn’t.Andshemight’vebeenafuckingnightmareinloadsofways,butIknowshelovedus,too.’
‘Didshe?’saidLucy,wipinghereyeswithkitchenroll.
‘Youknowshedid,’saidStrike.‘Shedidn’tkeepussafe,becauseshewassobloodynaiveshewasbarelyfittoopenafrontdooronherown.Shefuckedupourschoolingbecauseshehatedschoolherself.Shedraggedfuckingterriblemenintoourlivesbecauseshealwaysthoughtthisonewasgoingtobetheloveofherlife.Noneofitwasmalicious,itwasjustbloodycareless.’
‘Carelesspeopledoalotofdamage,’saidLucy,stilldryinghertears.
‘Yeah,theydo,’saidStrike.‘Andshedid.Mostlytoherself,intheend.’
‘Ididn’t–Ididn’twanthertodie,’sobbedLucy.
‘Jesus,Luce,Iknowyoudidn’t!’
‘IalwaysthoughtonedayI’dhaveitalloutwithher–andthenitwastoolate,andshewasg-gone…andyousayshelovedus,but—’
‘Youknowshedid,’saidStrike.‘Youdo,Luce.Rememberthatserialstorysheusedtomakeupforus?Whatthefuckwasitcalled?’
‘TheMoonbeams,’saidLucy,stillsobbing.
‘TheMoonbeamfamily,’saidStrike.‘WithMummyMoonbeamand…’
‘…BomboandMungo…’
‘Shedidn’tshowlovelikemostmothers,’saidStrike,‘butshedidn’tdoanythinglikeotherpeople.Doesn’tmeanlovewasn’tthere.Doesn’tmeanshewasn’tfuckingirresponsible,either.’
Foracoupleofminutestherewassilenceagain,butforLucy’ssteadilydecreasingsniffs.Atlast,shewipedherfacewithbothofhandsandlookedup,eyesred.
‘Ifyou’reinvestigatingthatso-calledchurch–what’sitcalled?’
‘TheUHC.’
‘JustmakesureyougetthatbitchMazu,’saidLucyinalowvoice.‘Idon’tcareifshewasabusedherself.I’msorry,Idon’t.Sheenabledthemtodoittoothergirls.Shewaspimpingforthem.’
StrikeconsideredtellingherthatgettingMazuwasn’twhathe’dbeenhiredtodo,butinsteadsaid,
‘IfIgettheopportunity,Idefinitelywill.’
‘Thankyou,’mumbledLucy,stillwipingherpuffyeyes.‘Thenit’dbeworthyoutakingthejob.’
‘Listen,therewassomethingelseIwantedtotellyou,’hesaid,wondering,evenasheheardhimselfsayit,whatthehellhewasplayingat.Theimpulsecame,inaconfusedway,fromadesiretobehonest,asshe’dbeenhonest,tostophidingfromher.‘I–er–I’vemadecontactwithPrudence.Youknow–Rokeby’sotherillegitimate.’
‘Haveyou?’saidLucy,andtohisamazement–he’dhiddentheburgeoningrelationshipfromheroutoffearthatshe’dfeeljealous,orthatshewasbeingreplaced–shewassmilingthroughhertears.‘Stick,that’sgreat!’
‘Isit?’hesaid,thrown.
‘Well,ofcourseitis!’shesaid.‘Howlonghaveyoutwobeenintouch?’
‘Dunno.Afewmonths.ShevisitedmeinhospitalwhenI–youknow—’
Hegesturedwithhisthumbtowardsthelungthathadbeenpuncturedbyacorneredkiller.
‘What’sshelike?’saidLucy,whoappearedcuriousandinterested,butinnowayresentful.
‘Nice,’saidStrike.‘Imean,she’snotyou—’
‘Youdon’tneedtosaythat,’saidLucy,withashakylaugh.‘Iknowwhatwewentthroughtogether,Iknownobodyelsewilleverunderstandthat.Youknow,JoanalwayswantedyoutomakeitupwithRokeby.’
‘Prudenceisn’tRokeby,’saidStrike
‘Iknow,’saidLucy,‘butit’sstillgoodyou’reseeingher.Joanwouldbehappy.’
‘Ididn’tthinkyou’dtakeitlikethis.’
‘Whynot?Iseemydad’sotherkids.’
‘Doyou?’
‘OfcourseIdo!Ididn’twanttogoonaboutit,because—’
‘YouthoughtI’dbehurt?’
‘ProbablybecauseIfeltguiltythatI’vegotarelationshipwithmydadandhalf-siblings,andyouhaven’t,’saidLucy.
Afterashortpause,shesaid,
‘IsawCharlotteinthepaper,withhernewboyfriend.’
‘Yeah,’saidStrike,‘well,shelikesacertainlifestyle.Thatwasalwaysaproblem,mebeingbroke.’
‘Youdon’twish—?’
‘Christ,no,’saidStrike.‘That’sdeadandburied.’
‘I’mglad,’saidLucy.‘I’mreallyglad.Youdeservesomuchbetter.You’llstayforlunch,won’tyou?’
Giventherevelationsofthemorning,Strikefelthehadnochoicebuttoagree.
12
Theinferiorthingseemssoharmlessandinvitingthatamandelightsinit;itlookssosmallandweakthatheimagineshemaydallywithitandcometonoharm.
TheIChingorBookofChanges
Strikemadeanuncharacteristicefforttoappearcheerfulwhileatlunch,toleratinghisbrother-in-lawandeldestnephewwithagracehe’drarelyshownbefore.Hedidn’trushawayafterwards,butstayeduntiltherainhadpassedoff,whenthewholefamilywentintothebackgardenandwatchedLuke,JackandAdamplaywiththeirFiretekBows,even
Onlyoncehe’dleftthehousedidStrikeallowhisfacetoslacken,losingthedeterminedgrinhe’dwornformuchofthelastcoupleofhours.HavingfirmlyresistedLucy’soffersofalift,hewalkedbacktothestationunderagreysky,broodingoneverythinghe’djustheard.
Strikewasamentallyresilientmanwho’dsurvivedplentyofreversesinhislife,notleastthelossofpartofhisrightleg.Oneofthetoolsofself-disciplinehe’dforgedinyouthandhonedinthearmywasahabitofcompartmentalisationthatrarelyfailedhim,butrightnow,itwasn’tworking.Emotionshedidn’twanttofeelandmemorieshegenerallysuppressedwereclosinginonhim,andhe,whodetestedanythingthatsmackedofself-indulgence,travelledbacktowardsDenmarkStreetbroodingsodeeplythathebarelyregisteredthepassingTubestationsandrealised,almosttoolatetodisembark,thathewasalreadyatTottenhamCourtRoad.
Bythetimehearrivedbackathisatticflat,hefeltasgrimlyunhappyashe’dbeenforalongtime.Inconsequence,hepouredhimselfadoublewhisky,refilledhisvapepen,satdownathiskitchentableandstaredintospacewhilealternatelydowningScotchandexhalingvapourinthedirectionofhisdraughtywindow.
He’drarelyfeltasangryathismotherashedidthisafternoon.She’ddiedofwhathadbeenruledanaccidentaloverdosewhenStrikewasnineteen,anoverdosewhichStrikebelievedtothisdayhadbeenadministeredbyherfaryoungerhusband.Hisreactiontothenewshadbeentodropoutofuniversityandjointhemilitarypolice,adecisionheknewhisunconventionalmotherwouldhavefoundbothinexplicableandvaguelycomical.Butwhy?hedemandedoftheLedainhishead.YouknewIwantedorder,andboundaries,andalifewithoutendlessfuckingmess.Ifyouhadn’tbeenwhatyouwere,maybeIwouldn’tbewhatIam.MaybeI’mreapingwhatyousowed,sodon’tyoufuckinglaughatthearmy,orme,youwithyourpaedophilematesandthesquattersandthejunkies…
ThesethoughtsofLedaledinevitablytothoughtsofCharlotteCampbell,becauseheknewthatplentyofarmchairpsychologists,includingclosefriendsandfamilymembers,thoughthe’dbeensoirreparablydamagedbyLeda’sparenting,he’dbeeninevitablydrawntoasimilarlychaoticandunstablewoman.ThishadalwaysirritatedStrike,anditirritatedhimnowashesatwithhiswhisky,staringoutofhisatticwindow,becauseitsohappenedthatthere’dbeenprofounddifferencesbetweenhisex-fiancéeandhislatemother.
Ledahadhadabottomlesscompassionforunderdogsandanincurableoptimismabouthumannaturethathadneverfailedher.That,indeed,hadbeentheproblem:hernaive,unconquerableconvictionthatgenuineevilwasonlyfoundintherepressionsofsmall-townrespectability.Shemighthavetakenendlessrisks,butshewasn’tself-destructive:onthecontrary,she’dfullyexpectedtolivetoahundred.
Charlotte,ontheotherhand,wasprofoundlyunhappy,andStrikesuspectedhewastheonlypersonwhotrulyknewthedepthsofhermisery.ThesurfaceofCharlotte’slifemightlookglamorousandeasy,becauseshewasextraordinarilybeautiful,andcamefromarichandnewsworthyfamily,butherrealvaluetothegossipcolumnswasherinstability.TherewereseveralsuicideattemptsinCharlotte’spast,andalonghistoryofpsychiatricevaluations.He’dseenthepresspicturesofher,dead-eyedinherredslipdress,andhisonlythoughthadbeenthatshe’dprobablytakensomethingtogetherthroughanothernightofrevelry,asuppositionbackedupbythefactthatshe’dcalledhisofficeatmidnightonthesamenight,leavinganincoherentmessageontheanswermachine,whichhe’ddeletedbeforeanyoneelsecouldhearit.
StrikewaswellawarethatLucy,andsomeofhisfriends,believedhimtrappedperpetuallyintheshadowcastbythosetwodarkcaryatids,LedaandCharlotte.Theywantedhimtostrideoutintothesunlight,freeatlast,tofindalesscomplicatedwoman,andaloveuntaintedbypain.Butwhatwasamansupposedtodoifhethoughthemightfinallybereadytodothat,anditwastoolate?Aloneofthewomenjostlinginhisthoughts,Robinbroughtfeelingsofwarmth,thoughtheyweretingedwithabitternessnolesseasiertobearbecauseitwasself-directed.Heshouldhavespokenup,shouldhaveforcedaconversationabouttheirrespectivefeelingsbeforeRyanMurphyswoopedinandcarriedofftheprizeStrikehadcomplacentlythoughtwashisforthetaking.
Fuckthis.
Theskyoutsidethewindowwasrapidlydarkening.Hegotupfromthetable,wentintohisbedroom,returnedtothekitchenwithhisnotebookandlaptop,andopenedboth.Workhadalwaysbeenhisgreatestrefuge,andthesightofanemailfromEricWardleheadedCensusinformationatthetopofhisinboxfeltlikeanimmediaterewardforturningawayfromalcohol,andbacktoinvestigation.
Wardlehaddonehimproud.ThelastthreecensusesforChapmanFarmwereattached:1991,2001and2011.StriketypedoutabriefmessageofthankstoWardle,thenopenedthefirstattachment,scanningthelistofnamesprovided.
Afteranhourandahalfofonlinecross-referencing,andhavingfoundabonusintheformofaninterestingarticleaboutthechurchdatingfrom2005,duskwasdrawingin.Strikepouredhimselfasecondwhisky,satbackdownathistableandcontemplatedtheimmediateresultsofhisresearch:alistofnames,onlyoneofwhichsofarhadanaddressbesideit.
Hecontemplatedhismobile,thinkingbackonthedayshe’doccasionallycalledRobinathome,whileshewasstillmarried.Thosecalls,heknew,hadsometimescausedtrouble,givenMatthew’sresentmentofhiswife’sgrowingdedicationtothejob.ItwasSaturdaynight:RobinandMurphymightbeatarestaurant,orthebloodytheatreagain.Striketookanotherswigofwhisky,andpressedRobin’snumber.
‘Hi,’shesaid,answeringonthesecondring.‘What’sup?’
‘Gotamomenttotalk?I’vebeendigginginformationoutofthecensus.’
‘Oh,great–Wardlecamethrough?’
Strikeheardtherattleofwhathethoughtmightbeasaucepan.
‘Sureyou’renotbusy?’
‘No,it’sfine,I’mcooking.Ryan’scomingoverfordinner,buthe’snothereyet.’
‘Imighthaveacoupleofleads.There’sawomancalledSheilaKennettwholivedatChapmanFarmwithherlatehusbanduntilthenineties.She’sknockingonabit,butI’vegotanaddressforherinCoventry.Wonderingwhetheryou’dminddrivingupthereandinterviewingher.Oldlady–betteryouthanme.’
‘Noproblem,’saidRobin,‘butit’llhavetobeweekafternext,becauseMidgeisawayfromWednesdayandI’mcoveringforher.’
‘OK.I’vealsofoundanarticlewrittenbyajournalistcalledFergusRobertson,whogotanex-memberoftheUHCtospeaktohimanonymouslyin2006.Therearealotof“allegeds”:violenceusedagainstmembers,misappropriationoffunds.Theyprotecttheirsources,journalists,butIthoughttheremightbestuffRobertsoncouldn’tputin,forfearoflitigation.Fancycomingwithmeifheagreestotalk?’
‘Dependswhenitis,’saidRobin,‘I’vegotaheavyweekonthenewstalkercase,but–ouch—’
‘YouOK?’
‘Burnedmyself–sorry,I–hangon,that’sRyan.’
Heheardherwalkingawaytowardsthedoor.Slightlydespisinghimself,Strikehungon:hereallywantedRyanMurphytoarriveandfindRobinonthephonetohim.
‘Hi,’heheardhersay,andthencameMurphy’smuffledvoice,andtheunmistakeablesoundofakiss.‘Dinner’snearlydone,’shesaid,andMurphysaidsomething,Robinlaughed,andsaid‘No,it’sStrike,’whileherdetectivepartnersatfrowninginfrontofhislaptop.
‘Sorry,Cormoran,’saidRobin,hermouthtothereceiveragain,‘carryon.’
‘Ihaven’tfoundcontactdetailsforanyoneelsewholivedatChapmanFarmyet,butI’llkeepdiggingandemailyouwhatI’vegot,’saidStrike.
‘It’sSaturdaynight,’saidRobin.‘Takeabreak.No!’sheadded,laughing,andheassumedthiswasdirectedatMurphy,whoselaughterhecouldalsohear.‘Sorry,’shesaidagain.
‘Noproblem,I’llletyougo,’hesaid,asshehadearlier,andbeforeshecouldreply,hehungup.
Thoroughlyirritatedathimself,Strikeslappedhislaptopclosedandgotuptoexaminethecontentsofhishealthilystockedfridge.Ashetookoutapacketofwhathewasstartingtothinkofas‘morefuckingfish’tocheckthesell-bydate,hismobilerang.Hereturnedtothetabletocheckbeforeanswering,becauseifitwasanothercallforwardedfromtheofficephone,hewasn’tgoingtoanswer:thelastthingheneededrightnowwasCharlotte.Instead,hesawanunfamiliarmobilenumber.
‘Strike.’
‘Hi,’saidabold,huskyvoice.‘Surprise.’
‘Who’sthis?’
‘Bijou.BijouWatkins.Wemetatthechristening.’
‘Oh,’saidStrike,amemoryofcleavageandlegsblottingoutdarkerthoughts,andthis,atleast,waswelcome.‘Hi.’
‘Is’poseyou’vegotplans,’shesaid,‘butI’malldressedupandmyfriendIwass’posedtobemeetingtonight’sill.’
‘Howdidyougetmynumber?’
‘Ilsa,’saidBijou,withthecackleoflaughterherememberedfromtheHerberts’kitchen.‘ToldherIneededadetective,foracaseI’mworkingon…Idon’tthinkshebelievedme,’sheadded,withanothercackle.
‘No,well,she’squicklikethat,’saidStrike,holdingthemobilealittlefurtherfromhisear,whichmadethelaughslightlylessjarring.Hedoubtedhecouldstandthatforlong.
‘So…wantadrink?Ordinner?Orwhatever?’
Helookeddownatthecellophanedtunainhishand.Herememberedthecleavage.He’dgivenupsmokingandtakeaways.RobinwascookingdinnerforRyanMurphy.
‘Yeah,’hesaid.‘Whynot?’
13
Nineatthebeginningmeans:Thefootprintsruncrisscross.
TheIChingorBookofChanges
TheextremetaciturnityofCliveLittlejohn,theagency’snewestsubcontractor,wasstartingtograteonpeopleotherthanRobin.
‘There’ssomethingwrongwi’him,’Littlejohn’sfellowsubcontractor,Barclay,toldRobinonWednesdaymorning,asbothsatwatchingtheentrancetoablockofflatsinBexleyheathfromBarclay’scar.
‘BetterhimthanMorrisorNutley,’saidRobin,loyallyparrotingStrike’sline.
‘That’salowfuckin’bar,’saidBarclay.
‘He’sdoingthejobOK,’saidRobin.
‘Hejustfuckin’stares,’saidBarclay.‘Doesn’tblink.Likeafuckin’lizard.’
‘I’mprettysurelizardsblink,’saidRobin.‘Wait–isthatoneofthem?’
‘No,’saidBarclay,leaningforwardstosquintthroughthewindscreenatamanwho’djustexitedthebuilding.‘He’sfatterthanours.’
Insidetheblockofflatstheywerewatchinglivedtwobrothersintheirfortieswho,unfortunatelyfortheagency’snewestinvestigation,closelyresembledeachother.Oneofthem–afewdays’surveillancehadn’tyetidentifiedwhich–wasstalkinganactresscalledTashaMayo.Thepoliceweren’ttakingthematterseriouslyenoughfortheclient,whowasstartingtobecome,inherownwords,‘freakedout’.Aseriesoftrivialincidents,atfirstmerelyirksome,hadlatelyturnedsinisterwiththepostingofadeadbirdthroughthewoman’sletterbox,andthenwiththegluingupofthekeyholeonherfrontdoor.
‘Imean,Iknowthepoliceareoverstretched,’TashahadtoldRobin,whilethelatterwastakingdownthedetailsofthecaseattheoffice.‘Igetthat,andIknowthere’sbeennodirectthreat,butI’vetoldthemwhoIthink’sdoingit,I’vegiventhemaphysicaldescriptionandwherehelivesandeverything,becausehe’stoldmemostofhislifestoryinsegments.He’salwayshangingaroundthestagedoorandI’vesignedaboutfifteenpostersandbitsofpaper.ThingsturnednastywhenItoldhimIhadn’tgottimeforanotherselfie.AndhekeepsturningupplacesIgo.Ijustwantittostop.Someonekeyedmycarlastnight.I’vehadenough.Ineedyoutocatchhimintheact.’
Thiswasn’tthefirststalkingcasetheagencyhadtackled,butnonehadyetinvolveddeadbirds,andRobin,whofeltsympathetictowardstheclient,washopingtocatchtheperpetratorsoonerratherthanlater.
‘Midgefanciesher,’saidBarclay,watchingthesuspect’swindow.
‘Who,TashaMayo?’
‘Aye.Didyeseethatfilmshewasin,aboutthosetwoVictorianlesbians?’
‘No.Wasitgood?’
‘Fuckin’dreadful,’saidBarclay.‘Hourandahalfofpoetryandgardening.Thewifelovedit.Ididn’t,becauseapparentlyI’maninsensitiveprick.’
Robinlaughed.
‘Midgecouldbeinwithashot,’Barclaywenton.‘TashaMayo’sbisexual.’
‘Isshe?’
‘Accordingtothewife.That’dbethewife’sspecialistsubjectonMastermind:sexliveso’thestars.She’sawalkingfuckin’encyclopaediaonit.’
TheysatinsilenceforafewminutesbeforeBarclay,stillstaringupatthefourthfloor,asked,
‘Whyaren’ttheyworkingforaliving?’
‘Noidea,’saidRobin.
‘Behandyifwecouldnailthemonabenefitsscam.Nicebito’communityservice.Hewouldn’thavetimetaegoafterher,then.’
‘Communityservicewouldendeventually,’saidRobin,sippinghercoffee.‘Troubleis,Idon’tknowhowyoustopsomeonebeingobsessed.’
‘Punchthem?’suggestedBarclay,andafteramoment’sthoughtheadded,‘D’yethinkLittlejohn’dsaysomethingifIpunchedhim?’
‘Maybetryandfindatopicofmutualinterestfirst,’saidRobin.
‘It’sfuckin’bizarre,’saidBarclay,‘nevertalking.Justsittingthere.’
‘That’soneofthem,’Robinsaid,replacinghercoffeeinthecupholder.
Amanhadjustleftthebuilding,walkingwithhishandsinhispockets.Likehisbrother,hehadanunusuallyhighforehead,whichwaswhyBarclayhadnicknamedthepairtheFrankensteinbrothers,whichhadbeenswiftlyabbreviatedtoFrankOneandFrankTwo.Shabbilydressedinanoldwindcheater,jeansandtrainers,hewasheading,Robinguessed,towardsthestation.
‘OK,I’lltakehim,’shesaid,pickingupthebackpacksheusuallytookonsurveillance,‘andyoucanstayhereandwatchtheotherone.’
‘Aye,allright,’saidBarclay.‘Goodluck.’
Robin,whowaswearingabeaniehattocoverherdistinctivenewhaircut,followedFrankOneonfoottoBexleyheathstationand,afterashortwait,gotintothesametraincompartment,whereshekepthimundercovertobservationfromseveralseatsaway.
Afteracoupleofminutes,Robin’smobilerangandshesawStrike’snumber.
‘Morning.Whereareyou?’
‘WithoneoftheFranks,’shesaidquietly.‘We’reheadingintoLondon.’
‘Ah.Well,Ijustwantedtotellyou,I’vepersuadedthatjournalistImentionedtotalktome.FergusRobertson,meetinghimlaterattheWestminsterArms.Haveyoureadhisarticleyet?’
‘Yes,’saidRobin,‘andIreadhisfollow-up,too,aboutwhatthechurchdidtohimafterthefirstonewaspublished.Theydon’tlikecriticism,dothey?’
‘I’dsaythat’sanunderstatement,’saidStrike.‘Inothernews,I’vejustspottedWillEdensor.He’scollectinginSohoagaintoday.’
‘Ohwow,really?’
‘Yeah.Ididn’tapproachhim,justtobeonthesafeside,buthelooksbloodyterrible.He’soversixfoottallandprobablyweighslessthanyoudo.’
‘Didhelookhappy?Allthetempleattendantswerebeamingnon-stop.’
‘No,definitelynothappy.I’vealsogotPattohavealookattherota.YoucouldgouptoCoventryinthelatterhalfofnextweek,ifthatsuitsyou.I’vegotSheilaKennett’snumber–theoldwomanwholivedatChapmanFarmforyears.IfItextittoyou,couldyouringher?Seewhethershe’dbeamenabletoaninterview?’
‘Yes,ofcourse,’saidRobin.
She’dbarelyreturnedherphonetoherpocketwhenitrangagain:Ilsa.
‘Hi,’saidRobin,‘what’sup?’
‘Whatthehellisheplayingat?’saidIlsahotly.
‘What’swhoplayingat?’
‘Corm!’
‘Idon’t—’
‘He’ssleptwithbloodyBijouWatkins!Well–Isay“slept”–apparentlyitwasstandingup,againstherbedroomwall.’
Robinrealisedshewasgaping,andclosedhermouth.
‘He–hasn’tmentionedittome.’
‘No,I’llbethebloodyhasn’t,’saidIlsaangrily.‘Shemadeupsomebullshitreasontogethisnumberoffme,andIcouldn’tthinkofanywayofnotgivingittoher,butIthoughthe’dhavethesense,aftermeetingherandseeingwhatshe’slike,ofnotgoingwithinahundredmilesofher.Youneedtowarnhim:she’sinsane.Shecan’tkeepherbloodymouthshut,halfofChamberswillhaveheardallthedetailsbynow—’
‘Ilsa,Ican’ttellhimwhotosleepwith.Orshagstandingupagainstabedroomwall,’Robinadded.
‘Butshe’satotalnutcase!Allshewantsisarichhusbandandababy,she’scompletelyopenaboutit!’
‘Strike’snotrich,’saidRobin.
‘Shemightnotrealisethat,afterallthosehigh-profilecaseshekeepssolving.You’vegottowarnhim—’
‘Ilsa,Ican’t.Youwarnhim,ifyouwantto.Hissexlife’shardlymybusiness.’
Ilsagroaned.
‘Butwhyher,ifhewantsadisplacementfuck?’
‘Idon’tknow,’saidRobin,completelyhonestly,andthen,droppinghervoice,sheasked,‘andwhatd’youmean,a“displacementfuck”?’
‘Oh,please,’saidIlsairritably.‘Youknowperfectlywellwhat—shit,that’smyQC,I’llhavetogo.Bye.’
ThisconversationleftRobinwatchingFrankOne’sreflectioninthedirtytrainwindow,preytomanyconflictingemotionsshewasn’tsureshewantedtodisentangle.AveryvividmentalpicturehadpresenteditselftoherwhileIlsatalked,ofBijouinhershockingpinkdress,longtannedlegswrappedaroundStrike,anditwasn’timmediatelypossibletoerasetheimage,especiallyasherimaginationhadgivenStrikequiteahairyarse.
ThetrainstoppedatlastatWaterlooEast.RobinfollowedhertargetonfootandthenontoaTubetrain,wherehedisembarkedatPiccadillyCircus.
TheywerenowsoclosetoTheatrelandthatRobin’shopeswererisingthatshe’dpickedtherightbrothertofollow.However,insteadofheadingtowardsShaftesburyAvenueandthetheatrewhereTashaMayo’splaywasshowing,FrankOnewalkedintoSoho,andtenminuteslater,enteredacomic-bookshop.
Aseveryoneshecouldseethroughthewindowswasmale,Robindecidedshe’dmadeherselfconspicuousbyfollowinghim,sosheretreatedafewyardsandtookoutherphonetocallthenumberStrikehadsenther.
Anout-of-breathvoice,slightlycracked,eitherfromage,smoking,orboth,answered.
‘Hello?’
‘Hello,isthatMrsKennett?’saidRobin.
‘Yes.Who’sthis?’
‘Myname’sRobinEllacott.I’maprivatedetective.’
‘You’reawhat?’saidtheelderlywoman.
‘Aprivatedetective,’saidRobin.
Understandably,therewasashortpause
‘Whatd’youwant?’saidthevoiceontheendofthelinesuspiciously.
‘I’vebeenhiredbysomebodywho’sveryconcernedaboutarelativeoftheirs,who’samemberoftheUniversalHumanitarianChurch.IwashopingyoumighttalktomeabouttheUHC.Justforbackground.YouusedtoliveatChapmanFarm,didn’tyou?’
‘Howd’youknowthat?’saidSheilaKennettsharply;shecertainlyseemedtohaveallherfaculties.
‘Justfromrecords,’saidRobin,deliberatelyvague:shedidn’twanttobandyaboutthefactthatStrikehadobtainedcensusreports.
‘Thatwasalongtimeago,’saidSheilaKennett.
‘We’rereallyjustafterbackground,’saidRobin.‘IthinkyouwerethereatthesametimeasthePirbrightfamily?’
‘Iwas,yeah,’saidSheila,stillsoundingsuspicious.
‘Well,we’relookingintosomeclaimsKevinPirbrightmadeaboutthechurch,sowewonderedwhether—’
‘He’sdead,isn’the?’
‘I–yes,heis,’saidRobin.
‘Yeah,Isawitinthepaper.WonderedifitwasourKevin,’saidSheila.‘Havetheygotwhodidityet?’
‘NotasfarasIknow,’saidRobin.
Therewasanothershortpause.
‘Allright,’saidSheila.‘Idon’tmindtalking.I’vegotnothingtolose,notanymore.’
‘That’swonderful,’saidRobin,thenthoughthowinsensitivethathadsoundedandadded,‘Imean,thankyou.You’reupinCoventry,aren’tyou?’
‘Yeah.’
‘HowwouldnextThursdaysuityou?Aweektomorrow?’
‘Yeah,allright,’saidSheila.‘Robin,didyousayyournamewas?’
‘That’sright.RobinEllacott.’
‘Man’sname,’saidSheila.‘Whydidyourparentsgiveyouaman’sname?’
‘I’veneverasked,’saidRobin,withalaugh.
‘Hm.Allrightthen.Whattime?’
‘Wouldmiddaybeallright?’askedRobin,rapidlycalculatingthedistancetoCoventry.
‘Yeah.Allright.I’llhavethekettleon.’
‘Thankyousomuch.I’llseeyouthen!’saidRobin.
RobintextedStriketotellhimshe’darrangedtheinterviewwithSheilaKennett,thencrossedtheroad,thebettertowatchthecomic-bookstorefront.
Thedaywascoolandcloudy,andRobinwasgladofherbeaniehat.She’donlyjustregisteredhowcloseshewastotheRupertCourtTemplewhenshespottedfouryoungpeoplewithcollectingtins,headingintoBerwickStreet.
RobinrecognisedWillEdensoratonce.Helookedillanddefeated,nottomentionverythin.Theshadowsunderhiseyes,whichRobincouldseeevenfromtheothersideofthestreet,gavehimanunpleasantlikenesstotheimageoftheStolenProphetshe’dseenonthetempleceiling.Likehiscompanions,hewaswearinganorangetabardprintedwiththechurch’slogo,whichwasrepeatedontheircollectingtins.
Theothermaninthegroupseemedtobegivinginstructions.Unliketheotherthree,hewasoverweight,andworehishairinastragglybob.Hepointedalongthestreet,andthetwogirlsheadedoffobedientlyinthedirectionindicated,whereasWillremainedwherehewas.HisdemeanourmadeRobinthinkofadonkey,usedtoabuse,andnolongercapableofprotest.
ThesecondmanturnedbacktoWillanddeliveredwhatlookedlikealecture,throughwhichWillnoddedmechanicallywithoutmakingeyecontact.Robinyearnedtogetcloseenoughtohearwhatwasgoingon,butdarednotmakeherselfrecognisabletoeitherofthem.Beforethelecturehadfinished,FrankOneemergedfromthecomic-bookshop,andRobinhadnochoicebuttofollow.
14
Nineinthesecondplacemeans:Penetrationunderthebed.Priestsandmagiciansareusedingreatnumber.
TheIChingorBookofChanges
TheWestminsterArms,whereStrikehadagreedtomeetjournalistFergusRobertson,layclosebesideWestminsterAbbeyandtheHousesofParliament.AsStrikewalkedtowardsthepubhefeltsmalltwingesofpainemanatingfromthebackofhisstump.Althoughhishamstringhadpreviouslybeentorn,ithadn’tgivenanytroubleforthelastfewmonths,largelybecauseitwasbeingaskedtosupportalotlessweight.Heknewexactlywhathadcausedthismildrecurrenceofsymptoms:thenecessityofholdingupBijouWatkins,who’dexpressedaloudanddrunkenpreferenceforbeingnailedupagainstthebedroomwallthemomentthey’denteredherflatonSaturdaynight.
Thepaininhislegturnedhisthoughtsbacktothatevening.Hesupposedtwoandahalfhoursofmindlessconversationhadbeenjustifiedinlightofthetenminutesoffrills-freesexthathadfollowed.She’dlookedbetterthanshefelt–herimpressivebreasts,ashe’ddiscoveredinthebedroom,werefake–buttheupsideoffindingherobnoxiouswasatotalabsenceofguiltabouthislackofresponsetothethreetextsshe’dsenthimsince,allofwhichhadbeenstrewnwithemojis.Hisoldestfriend,DavePolworth,wouldhavecalledthatbreakingeven,andStrikewasinclinedtoagree.
OnenteringtheWestminsterArms,StrikespottedFergusRobertson,whohe’dGoogledearlier,sittinginacorneratatablefortwo,typingonalaptop.Ashort,rotundandalmostentirelybaldmanwhoseshiningpatereflectedthelighthangingoverthetable,Robertsonwascurrentlyinhisshirtsleeves,vigorouslychewinggumasheworked.Strikefetchedhimselfadrink,notingajuniorministeratthebar,beforeheadingforRobertson,whokepttypinguntilStrikearrivedatthetable.
‘Ah,’saidthejournalist,lookingup.‘Thefamousdetective.’
‘Andthefearlessreporter,’saidStrike,sittingdown.
Theyshookhandsacrossthetable,Robertson’scuriousblueeyesscanningStrike.Hegaveoffanairofroughgoodhumour.ApackofNicorettechewinggumlaybesidethelaptop.
‘YouknowDominicCulpepper,Ihear,’Robertsonsaid,referringtoajournalistwhoStrikedisliked.
‘Ido,yeah.He’satit.’
Robertsonlaughed.
‘Iheardyoushaggedhiscousin.’
‘Can’trememberthat,’liedStrike.
‘GotaviewonBrexit?’
‘Nonewhatsoever,’saidStrike.
‘Shame,’saidRobertson.‘Ineedanotherthreehundredwords.’
Heflippeddownthescreenonhislaptop.
‘So…goingaftertheUHC,areyou?’Robertsonsatbackinhischair,stillchewing,lacinghisshortfingerstogetheroveralargebeerbelly.‘DoIgetexclusiverightstothestoryifyoufindabodyunderthetemplefloor?’
‘Can’tguaranteethat,’saidStrike.
‘Thenwhat’sinitforme?’
‘Thesatisfactionofagoodturndone,’saidStrike.
‘DoIlooklikeaBoyScout?’
‘IfIfindoutanythingnewsworthythatdoesn’tcompromisemyclient,’saidStrike,who’danticipatedthisconversation,‘youcanhaveit.’
‘I’llholdyoutothat,’saidRobertson,unlacinghisfingerstopopanotherpieceofnicotinegumoutofitspacket,shovingitinhismouthandthendrinkingmorebeer.
‘Youhaven’tbeenscaredoffwritingaboutthem,then?’saidStrike.
‘Notifyoucangetmesomesolidinformation.They’reabunchofcunts.I’dbefuckingdelightedtohelpbringthemdown.’
‘Theygaveyouahardtime,Igather?’
‘Nearlylostmyjoboverthatpiece,’saidRobertson.‘Lawyersupmyarse,papershittingitself,myex-wifegettinganonymouscallstothehouse—’
‘Really?’
‘Oh,yeah.Andyoushould’veseenwhatthefuckersdidtomyWikipediapage.’
‘GotaWikipediapage,haveyou?’saidStrike,surprised.
‘Ididn’thavebeforeItangledwiththem,butaftermypiecewentout,theUHCmadeoneforme.“DisgracedjournalistFergusRobertson.”“NotoriousalcoholicFergusRobertson.”“DomesticabuserF—”Ineverlaidafingeronmyex,’addedRobertson,alittledefensively.‘So,yeah:ifyougetanythingprovable,I’llfuckingprintitandthey’llruethefuckingdaytheywentafterme.’
Striketookouthisnotebookandpen.
‘Whatmadeyoulookintotheminthefirstplace?’
‘Istarteddiggingintothefatcatsandthecelebswho’vejoined.’
‘What’sinitforthem?’
‘Forthefatcats,theygettorubshoulderswiththecelebs.Forthelatter,theUHClinesupphotoops:noworkneeded,justturnupan’getyourpicturetakenwithyoungcarersorthehomeless.PeoplelikeNoliSeymourliketolookspiritual,youknow.Thenyou’vegotDrZhou.’
‘Ihadn’theardofhimuntilIreadyourarticle.’
‘Takeityoudon’twatchbreakfastTV?’
Strikeshookhishead.
‘He’sgotaregularslotononeoftheshows.LookslikeBruceLee,ifhe’dbeeninacaraccident.He’sgotaclinicinBelgraviawhereheseespeoplewithmoremoneythansense.Allkindsofbullshit.Cupping.Hypnosis.Pastliferegression.’
‘YousaidinthepiecehewasrecruitingfortheUHCfromhisclinic.’
‘Ithinkhe’soneofthemainpointsofentryforthebigdonors.ThatwasoneofthethingstheUHClawyersmademeretract.’
‘Theex-memberyoutalkedtoforthearticle—’
‘Poorlittlecow,’sighedRobertson,notunkindly.‘ShewastheonlyoneIcouldgettotalk.’
‘Howlongwassheinthere?’
‘Fiveandahalfyears.Taggedalongtoameetingwithamaleschoolfriend.Thefriendleftafterthefirstweekandshestayed.She’salesbian,’saidRobertson,‘andDaddydidn’tlikeherlikingwomen.TheUHCwassellingitselfasbeingallaboutinclusivity,soyoucanseehowshefellforit.She’sfromaverywealthyfamily.Thechurchmilkedherofmostofherinheritancebeforetheyspatheroutagain.’
‘Andshetoldyoushe’dbeenbeaten?’
‘Beaten,starved,madetogowithmen,yeah–butIcouldn’tgetanyofitcorroborated,whichiswhyeveryotherwordis“alleged”.’Robertsontookanothersipofbeer,thensaid,‘Icouldn’tusealotofwhatshetoldme,becauseIknewthepaperwouldhaveamassivelawsuitonitshands.’Course,thatnearlyhappenedanyway.Should’veslungthewholelotin,itwould’vecometothesame.’
‘Sheclaimedfundswerebeingmisappropriated?’
‘Yeah,mainlycash.Shetoldmethatiftheywerecollectingonthestreet,theyhadtomakeacertainamountbeforetheywereallowedtostop.Bearinmindthey’vegotpeopleoutdoingthatinLondon,Birmingham,Glasgow,Munich,SanFrancisco–didyouknowthey’reinGermanyandtheStates,aswell?’
‘Yeah,Isawthatontheirwebsite.’
‘Yeah,so,shesaidthekidscollectinghavegottogetahundredquidbeforethey’reallowedtositdownoreat.Shetoldmenobodyknewwhereitallendedup,butoldPapaJdoeshimselfverywell.He’srumouredtohaveapropertyinAntigua,wherethePrincipalsgoforspiritualretreats.NobloodyChapmanFarmforthem.’
‘Soyouheldsomestuffbackbecauseitwastoohottoprint,didyou?’
‘Hadto.IwantedtoprotectthesourceIknewpeoplewouldthinkshewasaloonifIusedeverythingshewasclaiming.’
‘Wouldthishavebeensupernaturalstuff?’
‘Alreadyknowaboutthat,doyou?’saidRobertson,jawsstillworkinghardonhisnicotinegum.‘Yeah,exactly.DrownedProphet.’
‘Ex-membersseemprettyscaredoftheDrownedProphet.’
‘Well,shecomesafterthemiftheyleave,see.’
‘Comesafterthem,’repeatedStrike.
‘Yeah.Themembership’staughtiftheyrevealtheDivineSecrets,she’llcomeandgetthem.’
‘WhataretheDivineSecrets?’
‘Shewouldn’ttellme.’
Robertsonnowdownedtherestofhisbeer.
‘Twodaysaftershetalkedtome,shesawtheDrownedProphetfloatingoutsideherbedroomwindowintheearlyhoursofthemorning.Sherangme,hysterical,sayingshe’dsaidtoomuchandtheDrownedProphethadcometogether,butIshouldstillprintthestory.Itriedtotalkherdown.Toldhersheneededatherapist,butshewashavingnoneofit.Shekeptsaying,“There’ssomethingyoudon’tknow,there’ssomethingyoudon’tknow.”Gotoffthephone,lockedherselfinherparents’bathroomandslitherwristsinthebath.Shesurvived–just.’
‘Shit,’saidStrike.
‘Yeah.Herfatherblamedme,thefuckingprick–hewasstillbeingashittoherforjoiningthecultandgivingthemallhermoney,soontheonesideIhadthesource’sfamilyclaimingItippedherintosuicide,andontheother,UHCthreateningtobankruptthepaperforwhattheysayarefakeclaims,andI’mstuckinthemiddlewithmyjobhangingbyathread.’
‘Where’sthegirlnow?’
‘NewZealand,lastIheard.Thesuicideattemptpanickedherfamily,thefatherfinallystoppedbullyingherandgothersomehelp.Packedherofftosomerelativesdownunder.Freshstart.’
‘Didyouputittoherthatwhateversupernaturalstuffshe’dseeninthechurchmust’vebeenfaked?’
‘Yeah,butshewouldn’thaveit.’Robertsonnowextractedalargeballofchewedgumoutofhismouth,presseditintooneoftheemptyslotsinthepacket,tookoutafreshpieceandbeganchewingagain.‘Shesworeshe’dseenghostsandmagic–buttheydidn’tcallitmagic,obviously.Purespirits,thatwastheterminology.Purespiritscoulddosupernaturalstuff.’
‘Sowhatwastoohottoprint?’
‘Icoulduseanotherpint,’saidRobertson,pushinghisemptyglasstowardsthedetective.
Strikeheavedasigh,butgotbacktohisfeet,hishamstringthrobbing.
Whenhe’dreturnedtothetableandsetdownthefreshpintinfrontofRobertson,thejournalistsaid,
‘D’youknowwhoMargaretCathcart-Brycewas?’
‘Richoldwoman,leftherentirefortunetotheUHCin2004,buriedatChapmanFarm,nowknownastheGoldenProphet.’
‘That’stheone,’saidRobertson.‘Well,itwasn’tagooddeath.’
‘Meaning?’
‘Theydon’tbelieveinmedicineintheUHC.MysourcetoldmeCathcart-Brycediedinfuckingagony,beggingforadoctor.ShesaidtheWaceswerescaredthatiftheyletoneintoseeher,she’d’vebeentakenintohospital,whichwould’vemeantnextofkinbeingalerted.Theydidn’twantsomedistantrelativeshowingupandpersuadinghertochangeherwill.IfIcould’veprovedthat…butnocorroboration.Youcan’tslingsomethinglikethatinwithoutcheckingitout.ItriedtogetholdofsomeofCathcart-Bryce’srelatives,buttheclosestshehadwasagreat-nephewinWales.He’dalreadyresignedhimselftothefacthewasn’tgettingasniffofhermoneyanddidn’tgiveafuckwhathadhappenedtoher.Hadn’tseentheolddearinyears.’
Strikemadeanoteofallthis,beforeasking,
‘Anythingelse?’
‘Yeah,’saidRobertson.Heglancedaroundandloweredhisvoice.‘Sex.’
‘Goon,’saidStrike.
‘Theycalledit“spiritbonding”,whichbasicallymeansfuckingwhoeveryou’retoldtofuck.Thegirlsprovethey’veabovematerialconsiderationsbyputtingoutforanyonethey’retoldto.’
‘Really?’saidStrike.
‘Itonlystartshappeningonceyou’reinproperly.Don’twanttoscarethemofftooearly.Butmysourcetoldme,oncethey’refullmembers,they’renotsupposedtorefuseanyonewhowantsit.IwentasclosetotalkingaboutitasIcould,inthepiece–plentyof“itisrumoured”and“sourcesclaim”–butmyeditordidn’twantanyofthebetter-knownmemberssuingusforsayingtheywererapinganyone,soIhadtotakeallthatout.’
Strikemadeafurthernotebeforesaying,
‘Wasyoursourcetheonlyex-memberyoucouldpersuadetotalk?’
‘Yeah,’saidRobertson.‘EveryoneelseItriedtoldmetofuckoff.Someofthemwereashamed,’hesaid,takinganothersipofbeer,‘embarrassedtheyeverfellforit.They’vegonebacktonormallivesanddon’twanttheirpastsalloverthepapers.Youcan’tblamethem.Otherswerestillarealmess.TherewereacoupleIcouldn’ttrace.Might’vedied.’
‘Don’ts’poseyoukeptalistofex-members?’
‘Idid,yeah,’saidRobertson.
‘Haveyoustillgotit?’
‘Mighthaveitsomewhere…quidproquo,though,right?Igetthescoop,ifyougetastory?’
‘Absolutely.’
‘Allright,I’llseeifIcandigitout…’
Robertsonchompedonhisgumforabriefspell,beforesaying,
‘So,whendidSirColinEdensorhireyou?’
‘Idon’tidentifymyclientstojournalists,’saidStrike,withnochangeofexpression.
‘Worthapunt,’saidRobertson,eyestwinkling.‘Edensor’sbeenprettyvocalaboutthechurchinthelastcoupleofyears.’
‘Hashe?’
‘Is’posetheremightsomeotherrichkidsinthere,though,’saidRobertson,watchingStrikeclosely.‘OtherthanWillEdensor.’
‘S’posetheremight,’saidStrikenon-committally,lookingoverhisnotes.‘Shetoldyou,“There’ssomethingyoudon’tknow”?AndthiswassomethingotherthanCathcart-Brycebeingdeniedadoctor,wasit?’
‘Yeah,she’dalreadytoldmeabouttheoldgirl,’saidRobertson,whonowflippedopenhislaptopagain.‘Sureyouhaven’tgotaviewonBrexit?Howwoulditaffecttheprivatedetectivetrade,ifweleavetheEU?’
‘Notatall,’saidStrike,gettingtohisfeet.
‘SoIcanputdownCormoranStrikeasaBrexiteer,canI?’
‘Youcanfuckoff,iswhatyoucando,’saidStrike,andheleftthejournalistchucklingbehindhim.
15
Infriendshipsandcloserelationshipsanindividualmustmakeacarefulchoice.Hesurroundshimselfeitherwithgoodorwithbadcompany;hecannothavebothatonce.
TheIChingorBookofChanges
‘God,it’shorribleoutthere,’wereRobin’sfirstwordstoStrikethenexttimetheymet,whichwasonEasterMonday.
StormKatiewascurrentlyravagingLondon,knockingdowntreesandpylons,andRobin’scolourwashigh,herhairwindblown.ThewindowsoftheofficeweregentlyrattlingasthewindhowleddownDenmarkStreet.
‘Ididtextyou,offeringtocatchupbyphone,’saidStrike,who’djustputthekettleon.
‘IwasprobablyalreadyontheTube,’saidRobin,tuggingoffhercoatandhangingitup.‘Ididn’tmindcomingin.Quitebracing,really.’
‘Youwouldn’tsaythatifyou’dgotsmackedintheheadbyaflyingbin,’saidStrike,who’djustbeenwatchingplasticconestumblingdownCharingCrossRoad.‘Coffee?’
‘Great,’saidRobin,tryingtodetangleherhairwithherfingers.‘Patgotthedayoff?’
‘Yeah.Bankholiday.Onegoodthingaboutthisweather,it’llprobablykeeptheFrankbrothersin.’
‘Hopefully,’agreedRobin.‘Inothergoodnews,IthinkI’mgettingclosertobeingrecruited.’
‘Really?’saidStrike,lookinground.
‘Yes.ThatblondewomanImetlasttimemadeabeelineformethemomentIwalkedinonSaturday.“Oh,I’msogladyoucameback!”ItoldherI’dreadtheirpamphletandfounditinteresting—’
‘Wasit?’
‘No.It’smostlygeneralitiesaboutself-fulfilmentandchangingtheworld.I’mstillplayingitcool.ItoldherfriendsofmineweretryingtowarnmeofftheUHC,tellingmetherewererumourscirculatingabouttheplace,aboutitnotbeingwhatitseemed.’
‘Whatdidshesaytothat?’
‘ThatshewassureIwasn’tclosed-mindedenoughnottogivethechurchafairhearingandthatshecouldtellIwasafreethinkerandaveryindependentperson.’
‘Veryastuteofher,’saidStrike,withasmirk.‘PapaJthere?’
‘No.ApparentlyIgotveryluckyseeinghimlasttime,becausehedoesn’toftenappearinpersonthesedays.WegotBeccaPirbrightinstead–Kevin’soldersister.’
‘Yeah?’saidStrike,asheopenedthefridgeandtookoutmilk.‘What’sshelike?’
‘Verypolishedandchirpy.Perfectteeth–shelooksAmerican.Youdefinitelywouldn’tknowherbrotherwasshotthroughtheheadafewmonthsago.Ifshehadn’tbeenwearingorangerobes,you’dhavethoughtshewasamotivationalspeaker.Pacingupanddown,lotsofbiggestures.
‘Oh,andNoliSeymourwasthere.Theactress.Thatcausedabitofexcitement,whenshewalkedin.Lotsofwhisperingandpointing.’
‘Specialtreatment?’
‘Very.Oneofthetempleattendantswentrunningtowardsherandtriedtoleadhertoaseatatthefront.Shemadekindofafussaboutnottakingitandslidingintoaspaceinthemiddle.Veryhumble.Shemadesuchafussaboutbeinghumble,everyonewaslookingatherbythetimeshetookherseat.’
Strikegrinned.
‘IreadyournoteaboutyourmeetingwithFergusRobertson,’Robinwenton.
‘Good,’saidStrike,handingRobinamugandleadingthewaythroughtotheinneroffice.‘Iwantedtotalktoyouaboutthat.’
Robinthoughtsheknewwhatwascoming.Oneofthereasonsshe’dbeensodeterminedtobattleherwaythroughStormKatietotalktoStrikefacetofacewasasuspicionthathewasabouttosuggest–notwithstandingthehoursofworkshe’dputintocreateRowenaEllis’spersona,andtheexpensivenewhaircut–thatoneofthesubcontractorsshouldgoundercoveratChapmanFarm,insteadofher.
‘So,youreadaboutthespiritbondingstuff?’Strikeasked,asbothtooktheirseatsoppositeeachotheratthepartners’desk.
‘We’reusingtheUHC’seuphemism,arewe?’saidRobin,eyebrowsraised.
‘Allright,ifyouprefer:didyoureadaboutwomenbeingcoercedintosleepingwithwhoeverthechurchsaystheyshouldsleepwith?’
‘Idid,yes,’saidRobin.
‘And?’
‘AndIstillwanttogoin.’
Strikesaidnothing,butstrokedhischin,lookingather.
‘They’reusingemotionalcoercion,notphysicalforce,’Robinsaid.‘Iwon’tbeindoctrinated,willI?Sothat’snotgoingtoworkonme.’
‘Butifyou’reshutupinthere,andthat’stheconditionofmaintainingyourcover—’
‘Ifitcomestoactualattemptedrape,I’llleaveandgostraighttothepolice,’saidRobincalmly.‘Missionaccomplished:we’vegotsomethingonthechurch.’
Strike,who’dexpectedthisattitude,stilldidn’tlikeit.
‘What’sMurphy’sviewonthis?’
‘Whatthehell’sitgottodowithRyan?’saidRobin,withanedgetohervoice.
Recognisinghisstrategicerror,Strikesaid,‘Nothing.’
Therewasabriefsilence,inwhichrainpoundedagainstthewindowandwindwhistledthroughtheguttering.
‘Allright,well,Ithoughtweshoulddivideuptheseex-memberssowecanworkourwaythroughthem,seeifanywilltalk,’saidStrike,breakingeyecontacttoopenafileonhiscomputer.‘I’vesentyouthecensusnamesalready.Robertsonsentmehislistlastnight.TherewasonlyonenameIdidn’talreadyhave:CherieGittins.Henevermanagedtotraceher,butIfoundoutabitaboutheronline.ShewasthegirlwhotookDaiyuWaceswimmingonthedayshedrowned,butIcan’tfindanytraceofherafter1995.’
‘Wantmetohavealook?’saidRobin,flippingopenhernotebook.
‘Couldn’thurt.Inbetternews,I’vefoundtheDohertyfamily–thedadwholeftwiththreeofthekids,andthemotherwhowasexpelledlater.’
‘Really?’
‘Yeah,butI’vehadahard“no”toaninterviewfromthefatherandtwoofthekids.Thefatherwasbloodyaggressiveaboutit.Theotherkid–Isaykid,they’realladultsnow–hasn’tgotbacktomeyet.That’sNiamh,theeldest.Ican’tfindanytraceofthemother,Deirdre,andI’mwonderingwhethershe’schangedhernameorgoneabroad.NodeathcertificatethatIcanfind.Ihaven’thadmuchluckwithJordan,either–that’stheblokeKevinPirbrightclaimswaswhippedacrossthefacewithaleatherflail.He’snotonanyofthecensusreports,sohemust’vecomeandgonebetweencensuses.
‘ButImighthavefoundJonathanWace’solderdaughter,Abigail.IfI’mright,sheswitchedtousinghermother’smaidenname,Glover,aftersheleftthechurch,andshe’safirefighter.’
‘Aliteral—?’
‘Hose,siren,theworks,ifI’vegottherightwoman.Unmarried,nokidsthatIcansee,andshe’slivinginEaling.IalsothinkI’veidentifiedthegaygirlwhojoinedupinherteens,theoneRobertsonspoketoforhisarticle.’
‘Already?’
‘Yeah.She’sonthecensusfor2001andhername’sFloraBrewster.Ageanddatestally.HerFacebookpageisfullofpicturesofNewZealandandshecomesfromaverywealthyfamily.Hergrandfatherstartedamassiveconstructioncompany:HowsonHomes.’
‘“You’ll-Be-Oh-So-Happy-in-a-Howson-Home”?’saidRobin,asthejinglefromaninetiesadvertshedidn’tknowshe’drememberedcamebacktoher.
‘Untilthedividingwallsfalldown,yeah.Notfamousforbeingwellbuilt,HowsonHomes.’
‘Haveyoucontactedher?’
‘No,becauseherFacebookaccount’sinactive;shehasn’tpostedanythingthereforoverayear,butIhavefoundaguycalledHenryWorthington-Fields,who’saFacebookfriendofherslivinginLondon.Ithinkit’spossiblehe’stheguywhogotherintoit,whoonlystayedaweek.Hetalksabouthavinganoldfriendthechurchnearlydestroyed.Veryangry,verybitter,darkhintsaboutcriminality.I’vesenthimamessage,butnothingbacksofar.Ifhe’swillingtotalk,ImightbeabletofindoutwhatlaybehindFlora’scommenttoFergusRobertson,“There’ssomethingyoudon’tknow.”’
‘Iwasthinkingaboutthatgirl–Flora–afterIreadyouremail,’saidRobin.‘Thatmakestwopeoplewhokilledthemselves,ortriedto,rightafterleavingthechurch.It’sasthoughtheyleavewithinvisiblesuicidevestsonthem.ThentheDrownedProphetshowsupandmakesthemdetonateit.’
‘Fancifulwayofputtingit,’saidStrike,‘butyeah,Iknowwhatyoumean.’
‘DidItellyouAlexanderGravesispaintedonthetempleceilingwithanoosearoundhisneck?’
‘No,youdidn’t.’
‘It’ssick,isn’tit?They’reclosetoglorifyingsuicide,puttingthatontheceiling.Equatingittomartyrdomforthechurch.’
‘I’dimagineitsuitstheUHCfinetohavequittersfinishthemselvesoff.Self-solvingproblem.’
‘ButitaddsweighttowhatPrudencesaid,doesn’tit?AboutnottakingWillEdensorouttooquickly,notexpectinghimtojustsnapbackto—’
Atthatmoment,theyheardajingleonthelanding,andthedoortotheouterofficeopened.StrikeandRobinbothlookedround,surprised:nobodyelseshouldhavebeenthere,giventhatthatMidgewasonholidayandallothersubcontractorsonjobs.
ThereinthedoorwaystoodCliveLittlejohn,stockyandsolidinhisrain-speckledcoat,hiscrewcutunchangedbythehighwinds.Hisheavy-liddedeyesblinkedatthepartnersvisiblethroughtheopeninnerdoor.Otherwise,heremainedexpressionlessandstationary.
‘Morning,’saidStrike.‘Thoughtyouwereonthenewclient’shusband?’
‘Ill,’saidLittlejohn.
‘Ishe?’
‘Shetexted.’
‘So…youneededsomething?’
‘Receipts,’saidLittlejohn,puttinghishandintotheinsideofhiscoatanddrawingoutasmallwadofpaper,whichhelaidonPat’sdesk.
‘Right,’saidStrike.
Littlejohnstoodforanothersecondortwo,thenturnedandlefttheoffice,closingtheglassdoorbehindhim.
‘It’slikehegetstaxedpersyllable,’saidRobinquietly.
Strikesaidnothing.Hewasstillfrowningtowardstheglassdoor.
‘What’sthematter?’askedRobin.
‘Nothing.’
‘Yes,thereis.Whyareyoulookinglikethat?’
‘Howwasheplanningtogetin?Ichangedtherotalastnightsowecouldhaveacatch-up,otherwiseI’d’vebeentailingFrankTwoandyouwouldn’thavehadanyreasontobehere–especiallyduringanearhurricane,’Strikeadded,astherainthumpedagainstthewindow.
‘Oh,’saidRobin,nowlookingblanklyafterLittlejohnaswell.‘Didyouhearkeysbeforethedooropened?’
‘Hehasn’tgotakey,’saidStrike.‘Orheshouldn’thave.’
Beforeeithercouldsayanythingelse,Robin’smobilerang.
‘Sorry,’shesaidtoStrike,oncheckingit.‘It’sRyan.’
Strikegotupandheadedintotheouteroffice.HisruminationsonLittlejohn’sstrangebehaviourweredisruptedbyRobin’svoice,andherburstoflaughter.Evidentlyeveningplanswerebeingchanged,duetotheweather.Thenhisownmobilerang.
‘Strike.’
‘Hi,’saidIlsa’svoice.‘Howareyou?’
‘Fine,’saidStrike,whileRobinloweredhervoiceintheinneroffice,andhisfeelingofirritationincreased.‘What’sup?’
‘Look,Ihopeyoudon’tthinkI’minterfering.’
‘Tellmewhatyou’vegottosay,thenI’lltellyouifyou’reinterfering,’saidStrike,withoutbotheringtosoundtoofriendly.
‘Well,you’reabouttogetacallfromBijou.’
‘Whichyouknow,because—?’
‘Becauseshejusttoldme.Actually,shetoldme,andthreeotherpeopleIwashavingaconversationwith.’
‘And?’
‘Shesaysyouhaven’tansweredhertexts,so—’
‘You’vecalledtotellmeofffornotansweringtexts?’
‘God,no,thereverse!’
Intheinneroffice,RobinwaslaughingatsomethingelseRyanhadsaid.Themansimplycouldn’tbethatfuckingfunny.
‘Goon,’StrikesaidtoIlsa,stridingtowardstheinnerdoorandclosingitrathermorefirmlythanwasnecessary.‘Sayyourpiece.’
‘Corm,’saidIlsaquietly,andhecouldtellshewastryingnottobeoverheardbycolleagues,‘she’scrazy.She’salreadytold—’
‘You’vecalledtogivemeunsolicitedadviceonmylovelife,isthatright?’
Robin,who’djustfinishedhercallwithRyan,gottoherfeetandopenedthedoorintimetohearStrikesay,
‘—no,Idon’t.So,yeah,don’tinterfere.’
Hehungup.
‘Whowasthat?’saidRobin,surprised
‘Ilsa,’saidStrikecurtly,walkingbackpastherandsittingbackdownatthepartners’desk.
Robin,whosuspectedsheknewwhatIlsahadjustcalledabout,settledbackintoherchairwithoutsayinganything.Noticingthisunusuallackofcuriosity,StrikemadethecorrectdeductionthatIlsaandRobinhadalreadydiscussedhisnightwithBijou.
‘DidyouknowIlsawasplanningtotellmehowtoconductmyprivatelife?’
‘What?’saidRobin,startledbybothquestionandtone.‘No!’
‘Really?’saidStrike.
‘Yes,really!’saidRobin,whichwastrue:shemighthavetoldIlsatotalktoStrike,butshehadn’tknownshewasgoingtodoit.
Strike’smobilenowrangforasecondtime.Hehadn’tbotheredtosaveBijou’snumbertohiscontacts,but,certainwhohewasabouttohear,heanswered
‘Hi,stranger,’saidherunmistakeablyloud,huskyvoice.
‘Hi,’saidStrike.‘How’reyou?’
Robingotupandwalkedintothenextroom,onthepretextoffetchingmorecoffee.Behindher,sheheardStrikesay,
‘Yeah,sorryaboutthat,beenbusy.’
AsitwasRobin’sdeterminedhabitthesedaysnottothinkaboutherpartnerinanytermsotherthanthoseoffriendshipandwork,shechosetobelievethemingledfeelingsofannoyanceandhurtnowpossessingherwerecausedbyStrike’sirritabilityandthenearslammingoftheofficedoor,whileshe’dbeentalkingtoRyan.Itwasentirelyhisbusinessifhewantedtosleepwiththatvilewomanagain,andmorefoolhimifhedidn’trealiseshewasafterhimforthefortunehedidn’tpossess,orthebabyhedidn’twant.
‘Yeah,OK,’sheheardStrikesay.‘I’llseeyouthere.’
Makingadeterminedefforttolookneutral,Robinreturnedtothepartners’deskwithfreshcoffee,ignoringherpartner’sairoftruculentdefiance.
16
Thelineatthebeginninghasgoodfortune,thesecondisfavourable;thisisduetothetime.Thethirdlinebearsanauguryofmisfortune,thefifthofillness…
TheIChingorBookofChanges
Forthenextcoupleofdays,StrikeandRobincommunicatedonlybymatter-of-facttexts,withneitherjokesnorextraneouschat.Robinwasmoreannoyedwithherselffordwellingonthedoorslammingandtheaccusationthatshe’dbeengossipingwithIlsabehindherpartner’sbackthanshewasatStrikefordoingeitherofthesetwothings.
Strike,whoknewhe’dbehavedunreasonably,madenoapology.However,anaggingsenseofself-recriminationwasaddedtohisirritationatIlsa,andbothwereintensifiedbyhisseconddatewithBijou.
He’dknownhewasmakingamistakewithinfiveminutesofmeetingheragain.Whileshe’droaredwithlaughteratherownanecdotesandtalkedloudlyabouttopQCswhofanciedher,he’dsatinnearsilence,askinghimselfwhatthehellhewasplayingat.Determinedatleasttogetwhathe’dcomefor,heleftherflatafewhourslaterwithafaintfeelingofself-disgustandastrongdesirenevertoseteyesonheragain.Theonlysmallconsolationwasthathishamstringhadn’tsufferedthistime,becausehe’dindicatedapreferenceforbeinghorizontalwhilehavingsex.
WhileitwashardlythefirsttimeStrikehadsleptwithawomanhewasn’tinlovewith,neverbeforehadhescrewedsomeoneheactivelydisliked.Thewholeepisode,whichhenowconsideredfirmlyclosed,hadintensifiedratherthanalleviatedhislowmood,forcinghimbackupagainsthisfeelingsforRobin.
LittledidStrikeknowthatRobinandMurphy’srelationshiphadsuffereditsfirstseriousblow,afactthatRobinhadnointentionwhatsoeverofsharingwithherbusinesspartner.
TherowhappenedonWednesdayeveninginabarnearPiccadillyCircus.Robin,whowasduetoleaveforCoventryatfiveo’clockthefollowingmorning,hadn’treallyfanciedamid-weektriptothecinemainthefirstplace.However,asMurphyhadalreadyboughtthetickets,shefeltshecouldn’tobject.Heseemeddeterminednottoslideintoapatternwherebytheymerelymetateachother’sflatsforfoodandsex.Robinguessedthiswasduetoafearoftakingherforgrantedorgettingintoarut,whichshe’ddeduced,fromobliquecomments,hadbeenacomplaintofhisex-wife’s.
ThetriggerfortheirargumentwasacasualremarkofRobin’saboutherplannedstayatChapmanFarm.ItthenbecameclearthatMurphywaslabouringunderamisapprehension.He’dthoughtshe’donlybegoneforsevendaysifshemanagedtoberecruited,andwasshockedtodiscoverthat,inreality,she’dcommittedtoanopen-endedundercoverjobthatmightlastseveralweeks.MurphywasnettledthatRobinhadn’texplainedthesituationfully,whileRobinwasirateatthefacthehadn’tlistenedproperly.ItmightnotbeMurphy’sfaultthathewasbringingbackunpleasantmemoriesofherex-husband’sassumedrighttodictatethelimitsofherprofessionalcommitment,butthecomparisonwasunavoidable,giventhatMurphyseemedtothinkStrikehadpressuredRobinintodoingthisonerousjob,andshehadn’tbeenassertiveenoughtorefuse.
‘Ihappentowanttodoit,’RobintoldMurphy,speakinginanangrywhisper,becausethebarwascrowded.Themomenttheyshouldhaveleftforthecinemahadslidpasttwentyminutespreviously,unnoticed.‘IvolunteeredbecauseIknowI’mthebestpersonforthejob–andforyourinformation,Strike’sbeenactivelytryingtopersuademeoutofit.’
‘Why?’
‘Becauseitmighttakesolong,’saidRobin,lyingbyomission.
‘Andhe’sgoingtomissyou,isthatwhatyou’resaying?’
‘Youknowwhat,Ryan?Sodoff.’
Indifferenttothecuriouslooksofagroupofgirlsstandingnearby,who’dbeencastingthehandsomeMurphysidelongglances,Robindraggedhercoatbackon.
‘I’mgoinghome.I’vegottogetupatthecrackofdawntodrivetoCoventry,anyway.’
‘Robin—’
Butshewasalreadystridingtowardsthedoor.
Murphycaughtupwithherahundredyardsdowntheroad.Hisapology,whichwasfulsome,wasmadewithinsightofthecupid-toppedShaftesburyMemorialFountainwhereherex-husbandhadproposed,whichdidnothingtodispelRobin’ssenseofdéjàvu.However,asMurphygallantlytookalltheblameonhimself,Robinfeltshehadnochoicebuttorelent.GiventhatHail,Caesar!wasalreadyhalfover,theywentinsteadforacheapItalianmealandparted,atleastsuperficially,ongoodterms.
Nevertheless,Robin’smoodremainedlowasshesetoffnorthinheroldLandRoverthefollowingmorning.Yetagain,she’dbeenforcedtofacethedifficultyofreconcilinganykindofnormalpersonallifewithherchosenlineofwork.She’dthoughtitmightbeeasierwithRyan,givenhisprofession,buthereshewasagain,justifyingcommitmentssheknewhewouldn’thavegivenasecondthoughtto,hadhebeentheonemakingthem.
HerjourneyuptheM1wasuneventfulandthereforeofferedfewdistractionsfromherunsatisfactorymusings.However,assheapproachedNewportPagnellservicestation,whereshe’dbeenplanningtostopforacoffee,Ilsacalled.TheLandRoverdidn’thaveBluetooth,soRobinwaiteduntilshewasinStarbucksbeforeringingIlsaback.
‘Hi,’shesaid,tryingtosoundmorecheerfulthanshefelt,‘what’sup?’
‘Nothing,really,’saidIlsa.‘JustwonderedwhetherCorm’ssaidanythingtoyou.’
‘AboutBijou?’saidRobin,whocouldn’tbebotheredtopretendshedidn’tknowwhatIlsawastalkingabout.‘Otherthanaccusingmeoftalkingtoyoubehindhisback,no.’
‘OhGod,’groanedIlsa.‘I’msorry.Iwasonlytryingtowarnhim—’
‘Iknow,’sighedRobin,‘butyouknowwhathe’slike.’
‘NicksaysIshouldapologise,whichisnicebloodysolidarityfrommyhusband,Imustsay.I’dliketoseeNick’sfaceifBijougetsherselfknockeduponpurpose.Idon’ts’poseyouknow—?’
‘Ilsa,’saidRobin,cuttingacrossherfriend,‘ifyou’reabouttoaskmewhetherIquizStrikeonhiscontraceptivehabits—’
‘Yourealiseshetoldme–withfiveotherpeoplewithinearshot,incidentally–thatshetookausedcondomoutofthebin,whileshewashavinganaffairwiththatmarriedQC,andinserteditinsideherself?’
‘Jesus,’saidRobin,startled,andverymuchwishingshehadn’tbeengiventhisinformation,‘well,I–Isupposethat’sStrike’slookout,isn’tit?’
‘Iwastryingtobeagoodfriend,’saidIlsa,soundingfrustrated.‘Howevermuchofadickheadheis,Idon’twanthimpayingchildsupporttobloodyBijouWatkinsforthenexteighteenyears.She’dmakeanightmarishmother,nearlyasbadasCharlotteCampbell.’
BythetimeRobingotbackintheLandRover,shefeltmoremiserablethanever,andittookaconsiderableeffortofwilltorefocusherattentiononthejobinhand.
ShearrivedinSheilaKennett’sroadatfiveminutestotwelve.AsshelockeduptheLandRover,Robinwonderedhow,givenwhatKevinPirbrighthadsaidaboutchurchmemberssinkingalloftheirmoneyintotheUHC,Sheilahadmanagedtoaffordeventhissmallbungalow,shabbythoughitlooked.
Whensherangthedoorbellsheheardfootstepsofaspeedthatsurprisedher,giventhatSheilaKennettwaseighty-fiveyearsold.
Thedooropenedtorevealatinyoldwomanwhosethinninggreyhairwasworninabun.Herdarkeyes,ofwhichbothirisesshowedmarkedarcussenilis,wereenormouslyenlargedbyapairofpowerfulbifocals.Slightlystooped,Sheilaworealoosereddress,navycarpetslippers,anoversizehearingaid,atarnishedgoldweddingringandasilvercrossaroundherneck.
‘Hello,’saidRobin,smilingdownather.‘Wespokeonthephone.I’mRobinEllacott,the—’
‘Privatedetective,areyou?’saidSheila,inherslightlycrackedvoice.
‘Yes,’saidRobin,holdingoutherdrivinglicence.‘Thisisme.’
Sheilablinkedatthelicenceforafewseconds,thensaid,
‘That’sallright.Comein,then,’andmovedasideforRobintopassintothehall,whichwascarpetedindarkbrown.Thebungalowsmelledslightlyfusty
‘Yougointhere,’saidSheila,pointingRobinintothefrontroom.‘Wanttea?’
‘Thankyou–canIhelp?’askedRobin,asshewatchedthefragile-lookingSheilashufflingawaytowardsthekitchen.Sheilamadenoanswer.Robinhopedthehearingaidwasturnedup.
Thepeelingwallpaperandthesparse,shabbyfurniturespokeofpoverty.Agreensofasatatrightanglestoafadedtartanchairwithamatchingfootstool.Thetelevisionwasold,andbeneathitsatanequallyantiquatedvideoplayer,whilearicketybookcaseheldamixtureoflarge-printnovels.Theonlyphotographintheroomstoodontopofthebookcase,andshoweda1960swedding.Sheilaandherhusband,Brian,whosenameRobinknewfromthecensusreports,werepicturedstandingoutsidearegistryoffice.Sheila,who’dbeenveryprettyinheryouth,woreherdarkhairinabeehive,herfull-skirtedweddingdressfallingtojustbeneathherknees.Thepicturewasmadetouchingbythefactthattheslightlygoofy-lookingBrianwasbeaming,asthoughhecouldn’tbelievehisluck.
SomethingbrushedRobin’sankle:agreycathadjustenteredtheroomandwasnowstaringupatherwithitscleargreeneyes.AsRobinbenttotickleitbehindtheears,atinklingsoundannouncedthereappearanceofSheila,whowasholdinganoldtintrayonwhichweretwomugs,ajugandaplateofwhatRobinrecognisedasMrKipling’sBakewell
‘Letme,’saidRobin,assomeofthehotliquidhadalreadyspilled.SheilaletRobinliftthetrayoutofherhandsandsetitonthesmallcoffeetable.Sheilatookherownmug,placeditonthearmofthetartanarmchair,satdown,puthertinyfeetonthestool,thensaid,peeringattheteatray,
‘Iforgotthesugar.I’llgo—’
Shebegantostruggleoutofthechairagain.
‘That’sfine,Idon’ttakeit,’saidRobinhastily.‘Unlessyoudo?’
Sheilashookherheadandrelaxedbackintoherchair.WhenRobinsatdownonthesofa,thecatleaptupbesideherandrubbeditselfagainsther,purring.
‘He’snotmine,’saidSheila,watchingthecat’santics.‘He’snextdoor’s,buthelikesithere.’
‘Clearly,’saidRobin,smiling,assheranherhandoverthecat’sarchedback.‘What’shisname?’
‘Smoky,’saidSheila,raisinghermugtohermouth.‘Helikesithere,’sherepeated.
‘WouldyoumindifItakenotes?’askedRobin.
‘Writethingsdown?That’sallright,’saidSheilaKennett.WhileRobintookoutherpen,SheilamadeakissingsoundinthedirectionofSmokythecat,butheignoredher,andcontinuedtorubhisheadagainstRobin.‘Ungrateful,’saidSheila.‘Igavehimtinnedsalmonlastnight.’
Robinsmiledagainbeforeopeninghernotebook.
‘So,MrsKennett—’
‘YoucancallmeSheila.Why’veyoudonethattoyourhair?’
‘Oh–this?’saidRobinself-consciously,raisingahandtotheblueedgesofherbob.‘I’mjusttryingitout.’
‘Punkrock,isit?’saidSheila.
DecidingagainsttellingSheilashewasapproximatelyfortyyearsoutofdate,Robinsaid,
‘Abit.’
‘You’reaprettygirl.Youdon’twantbluehair.’
‘I’mthinkingofchangingitback,’saidRobin.‘So…couldIaskwhendidyouandyourhusbandgotoliveatChapmanFarm?’
‘Wasn’tcalledChapmanFarmthen,’saidtheoldlady.‘ItwasForgemanFarm.Brianandmewerehippies,’saidSheila,blinkingatRobinthroughthethicklensesofherglasses.‘Youknowwhathippiesare?’
‘Yes,’saidRobin.
‘Well,that’swhatmeandBrianwas.Hippies,’saidSheila.‘Livingonacommune.Hippies,’shesaidyetagain,asthoughshelikedthesoundoftheword.
‘Canyourememberwhen—?’
‘Sixty-ninewewentthere,’saidSheila.‘Whenitwasallstarting.Wegrewpot.Knowwhatpotis?’
‘Ido,yes,’saidRobin.
‘Weusedtosmokealotofthat,’saidSheila,withanotherlittlecackle.
‘Whoelsewasthereatthebeginning,canyouremember?’
‘Yes,Icanrememberallthat,’saidSheilaproudly.‘RustAndersen.American,hewas.Livinginatentupthefields.HaroldCoates.Irememberallthat.Can’trememberyesterdaysometimes,butIrememberallthat.Coateswasanastyman.Verynastyman.’
‘Whyd’yousaythat?’
‘Kids,’saidSheila.‘Don’tyouknowaboutallthat?’
‘AreyoutalkingaboutwhentheCrowtherbrotherswerearrested?’
‘That’sthem.Nastypeople.Horriblepeople.Themandtheirfriends.’
Thecat’spurrsfilledtheroomasitlolledonitsback,Robinstrokingitwithherlefthand.
‘Brianandmeneverknewwhattheywereupto,’saidSheila.‘Weneverknewwhatwasgoingon.Wewerebusygrowingandsellingveg.Brianhadpigs.’
‘Didhe?’
‘Helovedhispigs,andhischickens.Kidsrunningaroundeverywhere…Icouldn’thavenoneofmyown.Miscarriages.Ihadnine,alltold.’
‘Oh,I’msosorry,’saidRobin.
‘Neverhadnoneofourown,’repeatedSheila.‘Wewantedkids,butwecouldn’t.Therewasloadsofkidsrunningaroundatthefarm,andIrememberyourfriend.Biglad.Biggerthansomeoftheolderboys.’
‘Sorry?’saidRobin,flummoxed.
‘Yourpartner.CondomanStrikeorsomething,isn’tit?’
‘That’sright,’saidRobin,lookingathercuriously,andwonderingwhethertheoldlady,whomightrepeatherselfalot,buthadseemedbasicallyalert,wasinfactsenile.
‘WhenItoldNextDooryouwascomingtoseeme,shereadmeoutanarticleaboutyouandhim.Hewasthere,withhissisterandhismum.Iremember,becausemyBrianfanciedLedaStrikeandIcouldtell,andwehadrowsaboutit.Jealous.I’dseehimwatchingherallthetime.Jealous,’Sheilarepeated.‘Idon’tthinkLedawould’velookedatmyBrian,though.Hewasnorockstar,Brian.’
Sheilagaveanothercrackedlaugh.Doingherbesttodissemblehershock,Robinsaid,
‘Yourmemory’sverygood,Sheila.’
‘Oh,Irememberallwhathappenedonthefarm.Don’trememberyesterdaysometimes,butIrememberallthat.IhelpedlittleAnngivebirth.HaroldCoateswasthere.Hewasadoctor.Ihelped.Shehadarougholdtime.Well…shewasonlyfourteen.’
‘Really?’
‘Yeah…freelove,see.Itwasn’tlikeitisnow.Itwasdifferent.’
‘Wasthebaby—?’
‘Itwasallright.Mazu,Anncalledher,butAnntookoff,notlongafter.Leftheratthecommune.Didn’tlikebeingamother.Tooyoung.’
‘SowholookedafterMazu?’askedRobin,‘Herfather?’
‘Don’tknowwhoherfatherwas.IneverknewwhoAnnwasgoingwith.Peopleweresleepingwithwhoever.NotmeandBrian,though.Weweretryingtohaveourownkids.Busyonthefarm.Wedidn’tknoweverythingthatwasgoingon,’saidSheila,yetagain.‘Policecomeintothefarm,nowarning.Somebodytippedthemoff.Wewasallquestioned.MyBrianwasatthestationforhours.Theysearchedalltherooms.Wentthroughallourpersonalthings.MeandBrianleftafterthat.’
‘Didyou?’
‘Yeah.Awful,’saidSheila,andyetagain,sheemphasised,‘Wedidn’tknow.Weneverknew.It’snotliketheyweredoingitintheyard.Wewerebusywiththefarming.’
‘Wheredidyougo,whenyouleft?’
‘Here,’saidSheila,indicatingthebungalowwithhermottledhand.‘Thiswasmymumanddad’splace.Ooh,theywereangryaboutallthethingsinthepapers.AndBriancouldn’tgetajob.Igotone.Officeclerk.Ididn’tlikeit.Brianmissedthefarm.’
‘Howlongwereyouaway,Sheila,canyouremember?’
‘Twoyears…threeyears…thenMazuwrotetous.Shesaiditwasallbetterandtheyhadagoodnewcommunity.Brianwasgoodatthefarming,see,that’swhyshewantedhim…sowewentback.’
‘Canyourememberwhowasthere,whenyoureturned?’
‘Don’tyouwantacake?’
‘Thankyou,I’dloveone,’liedRobin,reachingforaBakewellslice.‘CanI—?’
‘No,Igotthemforyou,’saidSheila.‘Whatdidyoujustaskme?’
‘AboutwhowasatChapmanFarm,whenyouwentbacktheretolive.’
‘Idon’tknowallthenames.Therewasacoupleofnewfamilies.Coateswasstillthere.Whatdidyouaskme?’
‘Justaboutthepeople,’saidRobin,‘whoweretherewhenyouwentback.’
‘Oh…RustAndersenwasstillinhiscabin.AndtheGravesboy–posh,skinnyboy.Hewasnew.He’dgoupRust’splaceandsmokehalfthenight.Pot.D’youknowwhatpotis?’sheasked,again.
‘Ido,yes,’saidRobin,smiling.
‘Itdoesn’tdosomepeopleanygood,’saidSheilawisely.‘TheGravesboycouldn’thandleit.Hewentfunny.Somepeopleshouldn’tsmokeit.’
‘WasJonathanWaceatthefarm,whenyouwentback?’askedRobin.
‘That’sright,withhislittlegirl,Abigail.AndMazuhadababy:Daiyu.’
‘WhatdidyouthinkofJonathanWace?’askedRobin.
‘Charming.That’swhatIthought,then.Hetookusallin.Charming,’sherepeated.
‘Whatmadehimcomeandliveatthefarm,d’youknow?’
‘No,Idon’tknowwhyhecame.IfeltsorryforAbigail.Hermumdied,thenherdadbroughthertothefarm,andnextminuteshe’sgotasister…’
‘Andwhendidthewholeideaofachurchstartup,canyouremember?’
‘ThatwasbecauseJonathanusedtogiveustalksabouthisbeliefs.Hehadusmeditatingandhestartedmakingusgooutonthestreetandcollectmoney.Peoplewouldcomeandlistentohimtalk.’
‘Lotsmorepeoplestartedcomingtothefarm,didthey?’
‘Yeah,andtheywerepaying.Someofthemwereposh.ThenJonathanstartedgoingontrips,givinghistalks.HeleftMazuincharge.She’dgrownherhairdowntoherwaist–longblackhair–andshewastellingeveryoneshewashalf-Chinese,butshewasneverChinese,’saidSheilascathingly.‘Hermumwasaswhiteasyouandme.TherewasnoChineseman,ever,atChapmanFarm.Wenevertoldherweknewshewaslying,though.Wewerejusthappytobebackatthefarm,meandBrian.Whatdidyouaskme?’
‘Justaboutthechurch,andhowitbegan.’
‘Oh…Jonathanwasrunningcourses,withhismeditationandallhisEasternreligionsandthings,andthenhestartedtakingservices,sowebuiltatempleatthefarm.’
‘Andwereyouhappy?’askedRobin.
Sheilablinkedafewtimesbeforesaying,
‘Itwashappysometimes.Sometimesitwas.Butbadthingshappened.Rustgothitbyacaronenight.Jonathansaiditwasajudgement,forallthelivesRusttookinthewar…andthentheGravesboy’sfamilycameandgrabbedhimoffthestreet,whenhewasoutinNorwich,andweheardhe’dhangedhimself.Jonathantoldusthat’swhatwouldhappentoallofus,ifweleft.HesaidAlexhadgotaglimpseoftruth,buthecouldn’tcopewiththeworldoutside.Sothatwasawarningforus,Jonathansaid.’
‘Didyoubelievehim?’askedRobin.
‘Ididthen,’saidSheila.‘IbelievedeverythingJonathansaid,backthen.SodidBrian.Jonathanhadawayofmakingyoubelieve…awayofmakingyouwanttomakeeverythingallright,forhim.Youwantedtolookafterhim.’
‘TolookafterJonathan?’
‘Yeah…youshould’veseenhimcrying,whenRustandAlexdied.Heseemedtofeelitworsethanalltherestofus.’
‘Yousaiditwashappyatthefarmsometimes.Werethereothertimeswhen—?’
‘Nastythingsstartedhappening,’saidtheoldlady.Herlipshadstartedtotremble.‘ItwasMazu,notJonathan…itwasn’tJonathan.Itwasher.’
‘Whatkindofnastythings?’askedRobin,herpenpoisedoverhernotebook.
‘Just…punishments,’saidSheila,herlipsstilltrembling.Afterafewseconds’silence,shesaid,
‘Paulletthepigsout,byaccidentandMazumadepeoplehithim.’
‘CanyourememberPaul’ssurname?’
‘Draper,’saidSheila,afteraslightpause.‘EveryonecalledhimDopey.Hewasn’tnormal.Bitretarded.Theyshouldn’thavehadhimlookingafterthepigs.Heleftthegateopen.DopeyDraper.’
‘Doyouknowwhereheisnow?’
Sheilashookherhead.
‘DoyourememberaboycalledJordanwhippinghimself?’
‘Therewaslotsoftimespeoplewaswhipped.Yeah,IrememberJordan.Teenager.’
‘Wouldyouhappentorememberhissurname,Sheila?’
Sheilathoughtalittle,thensaid,
‘Reaney.JordanReaney.Hewasaroughsort.Beenintroublewiththepolice.’
AsRobinmadeanoteofJordan’ssurname,thecatbesideher,boredofinattention,leaptlightlyoffthesofaandstalkedoutoftheroom.
‘EverythinggotworseafterDaiyudied,’saidSheila,unprompted.‘YouknowwhoDaiyuwas?’
‘JonathanandMazu’sdaughter,’saidRobin.‘Shedrowned,didn’tshe?’
‘That’sright.Cherietookhertothebeach.’
‘ThisisCherieGittins?’askedRobin
‘That’sright.Sillygirl,shewas.Daiyubossedheraround.’
‘WouldyouhappentoknowwhathappenedtoCherieafterDaiyudied,Sheila?’
‘Punished,’saidSheila.Shenowlookedverydistressed.‘Allthemwhowereinvolvedwerepunished.’
‘Whatd’youmean,“allofthem”,Sheila?’
‘Cherie,andtheoneswhodidn’tstopit.Theoneswhosawthemleavinginthetruckthatmorning–buttheydidn’tknow!TheythoughtDaiyuhadpermission!MyBrian,andDopeyDraper,andlittleAbigail.Theywasallpunished.’
‘Hit?’askedRobintentatively.
‘No,’saidSheila,suddenlyagitated.‘Worse.Itwaswicked.’
‘What—?’
‘Neveryoumind,’saidSheila,hersmallhandsballedintoshakingfists.‘Leastsaidaboutthat…buttheyknewBrianwasillwhentheydidittohim.Hekeptlosinghisbalance.Jonathanhadbeentellinghimtogoandprayintemple,andthenhe’dbebetter.Butaftertheypunishedhim,hewasmuchworse.Hecouldn’tseeproperly,andtheystillmadehimgetupandgocollectingonthestreet…andintheend,’saidSheila,heragitationincreasing,‘Brianwasscreamingandmoaning.Hecouldn’tgetoutofbed.Theycarriedhimintothetemple.Hediedonthetemplefloor.Iwaswithhim.He’dbeenquietforawholeday,andthenhedied.Allstiffonthetemplefloor.IwokeupnexttohimandIknewhewasdead.Hiseyeswereopen…’
Theoldladybegantoweep.Robin,whofeltdesperatelysorryforher,glancedaroundtheroomforasignofatissue
‘Tumour,’sobbedSheila.‘That’swhathehad.Theyopenedhimuptofindoutwhatitwas.Tumour.’
Shewipedhernoseonthebackofherhand.
‘Letme…’saidRobin,gettingupandleavingtheroom.Inthesmallbathroomoffthehall,whichhadanoldpinksinkandbath,shepulledoffalengthoftoiletrollandhurriedbacktothesittingroomtogiveittoSheila.
‘Thanks,’saidSheila,wipinghereyesandblowinghernoseasRobinsatbackdownonthesofa.
‘Isthatwhenyouleftforgood,Sheila?’Robinasked.‘AfterBriandied?’
Sheilanodded,tearsstilltricklingoutfrombehindthebifocals.
‘Andtheythreatenedme,tryingtostopmegoing.TheysaidIwasabadpersonandthey’dtelleveryoneI’dbeencrueltoBrian,andtheysaidtheyknewI’dtakenmoney,andthey’dseenmehurtingtheanimalsonthefarm…Ineverhurtananimal,Ineverdid…
‘Wicked,’shesaid,withasob.‘Wicked,theyare.Ithoughthewassogood,Jonathan.Hesaidtome,“Brianwasnearlybetter,Sheila,buthewasn’tpurespirityet,andthat’swhyhedied.Youstoppedhimbeingpurespirit,shoutingathimandnotbeingagoodwife.”Hewasn’tnearlybetter,’saidSheila,withanothersob.‘Hewasn’t.Hecouldn’tseeproperlyandhecouldn’twalkright,andtheydidterriblethingstohimandthentheywereyellingathimbecausehehadn’tcollectedenoughmoneyonthestreet.’
‘I’msosorry,Sheila,’saidRobinquietly.‘Ireallyam.I’msosorry.’
Aloudmewpiercedthesilence.Smokythecathadreappeared.
‘He’safterfood,’saidSheilatearfully.‘Itisn’ttime,’shetoldthecat.‘You’llhavemeintroublewithNextDoorifIstartgivingyoulunch.’
Sheilaseemedexhausted.Robin,whodidn’twanttoleaveherinthisstate,turnedtheconversationgentlytocatsandtheirvagranthabits.Aftertenminutesorso,Sheilahadregainedhercomposuresufficientlytotalkaboutherowncat,who’dbeenrunoverinthestreetoutside,butRobincouldtellherdistressstilllayclosetothesurfaceandfeltitwouldbecrueltopressforfurtherreminiscences.
‘Thankyousomuchfortalkingtome,Sheila,’shesaidatlast.‘Justonelastquestion,ifyoudon’tmind.DoyouknowwhenCherieGittinsleftChapmanFarm?Wouldyouhaveanyideawheresheisnow?’
‘SheleftnotlongafterBriandied.Idon’tknowwhereshewent.Itwasherfaultitallhappened!’shesaid,witharesurgenceofanger.‘Itwasallherfault!’
‘IsthereanythingIcandoforyou,beforeIgo?’askedRobin,returninghernotebooktoherbag.‘Maybecallyourneighbour?Itmightbegoodtohavesomecompany.’
‘Areyougoingtostopthem?’askedSheilatearfully,ignoringRobin’ssuggestion.
‘We’regoingtotry,’saidRobin.
‘Youneedtostopthem,’saidSheilafiercely.‘Wewerehippies,Brianandme,that’sall.Hippies.Weneverknewwhatitwasallgoingtoturninto.’
17
Foryouthfulfollyitisthemosthopelessthingtoentangleitselfinemptyimaginings.Themoreobstinatelyitclingstosuchunrealfantasies,themorecertainlywillhumiliationovertakeit.
TheIChingorBookofChanges
‘Yougotahellofalotoutofher,’saidStrike.‘Excellentwork.’
Robin,whowassittingintheparkedLandRovereatingatunasandwichshe’dboughtfromanearbycafé,hadn’tbeenabletoresistcallingStrikeafterleavingSheila.Hesoundedconsiderablylessgrumpythanthelasttimethey’dspoken.
‘Awful,though,isn’tit?’shesaid.‘Nobodygettingherpoorhusbandanymedicalhelp.’
‘Yeah,itis.Troubleis,hemadethechoicenottogotohospital,didn’the?Soit’dbeveryhardtomakeacriminalchargestick.It’snotlikeMargaretCathcart-Bryce,whowasactivelyaskingforadoctor.’
‘Allegedlyasking,’saidRobin.‘We’vegotnocorroborationforthat.’
‘Yeah,that’stheproblem,’saidStrike,whowascurrentlystandinginthestreetoutsidetheFrankbrothers’blockofflats.‘Whatwereallyneedissomethingcriminalthathadmultipleeyewitnesseswho’repreparedtostandupincourtandtalk,whichI’mstartingtothinkisgoingtobeabloodytallorder.’
‘Iknow,’saidRobin.‘Ican’tseeSheila’saccountsofbeatingsandwhippingsbeingbelievedafterallthistimewithoutcorroboration.I’llstartlookingforPaulDraperandJordanReaney,though.’
‘Great,’saidStrike.‘Withluck,theycanconfirmtheirownandeachother’sassaults–oh,herehecomes.’
‘Who?’
‘OneoftheFranks.Ican’ttellthemapart.’
‘FrankOne’sgotabitofasquintandFrankTwo’sbalder.’
‘It’sTwo,then,’saidStrike,watchingtheman.‘Hopehe’sheadingforcentralLondon,otherwiseI’llhavetogetDevtotakeoverfrommeearly.I’minterviewingtheFacebookfriendofhousingheiressFloraBrewsteratsix.Hecalledmelastnight.’
‘Oh,great.Whereareyoumeetinghim?’
‘TheGrenadierpub,Belgravia,’saidStrike,settingoffafterhistarget,whowasheadingforthestation.‘Hischoice.Apparentlyit’snearhisplaceofwork.Healsoclaimswe’vegotamutualfriend.’
‘Probablyaclient,’saidRobin.ThenumberofveryrichLondonerswho’dcometotheagencyforhelphadbeensteadilyincreasing,yearonyear,andthey’drecentlydonejobsforacoupleofbillionaires.
‘Sothat’sallSheilasaid,isit?’askedStrike.
‘Er–yes,Ithinkso,’saidRobin.‘I’llwriteupmynotesandemailthemtoyou.’
‘Great.Well,I’dbettergo,we’reheadingforatrain.Safetravels.’
‘OK,bye,’saidRobin,andhungup.
Shesatforamoment,contemplatingthelastbitofhersandwich,whichwasverydry,beforeputtingitbackintoitspaperbagandreachinginsteadforayoghurtandaplasticspoon.HerslighthesitationbeforeansweringStrike’slastquestionwasduetothefactthatshe’domittedmentionofhispresenceattheAylmertonCommunityasaboy.RobinassumedthatStrikedidn’twanttotalkaboutthat,giventhathehadn’trevealedithimself.
Unawarehowclosehe’dcometoaconversationhedefinitelydidn’twanttohave,StrikespentthejourneyintoLondonfeelingslightlylessdisgruntledattheworldafterrestoringfriendlyrelationswithRobin.Hismoodwasfurtherelevated,thoughforlesssentimentalreasons,whenFrankTwoledhimtoNottingHill,thenmadehiswaytothevery
‘He’sbeenskulkingbehindparkedcars,lookingupatherwindows,’StriketoldDevShahanhourlater,whenthelatterturneduptotakeoversurveillance.‘I’vetakenafewpictures.Hehasn’tgluedupanykeyholesyet.’
‘Probablywaitingfornighttime,’saidShah.‘Moreromantic.’
‘HaveyouspokentoLittlejohnlately?’Strikeasked.
‘“Spoken”,’repeatedShah,musingly.‘No,Idon’tthinkyoucouldcallitspeaking.Why?’
‘Whatd’youthinkofhim?’saidStrike.‘Offtherecord?’
‘Weird,’saidShahflatly,lookingdirectlyathisboss.
‘Yeah,I’mstartingto—’
‘Heresheis,’saidShah.
Thedooroftheactress’shousehadopenedandaslight,short-hairedblondesteppedoutontothepavement,aholdalloverhershoulder.ShesetoffatabriskwalkinthedirectionoftheTube,readingsomethingoffherphoneasshewent.TheyoungerFranktookoffinpursuit,hismobileraised:heseemedtobefilmingher.
‘Creepyfucker,’wereShah’slastwordsbeforesettingoff,leavingStrikefreetoproceedtotheGrenadier.
HenryWorthington-Fields’chosenvenueforhismeetingwithStrikewasapubthedetectivehadvisitedyearspreviously,becauseithadbeenafavouriteofCharlotte’sandherwell-heeledfriends.Thesmartlypaintedfrontagewasred,whiteandblue;flowerbasketshungbesidethewindowsandascarletguard’sboxstoodoutsidethedoor.
TheinteriorwasexactlyasStrikerememberedit:militaryprintsandpaintingsonthewalls,highlypolishedtables,redleatherbenchesandhundredsofbanknotesindifferentcurrenciespinnedupontheceiling.Thepubwassupposedtobehauntedbyasoldierwho’dbeenbeatentodeathafterbeingdiscoveredcheatingatcards.Themoneyleftbyvisitorswastopaytheghost’sdebt,butthishadn’tworked,asthespectralsoldiercontinuedtohauntthepub–orsothetourist-friendlystorywent.
AsidefromacoupleofGermans,whowerediscussingthebanknotesontheceiling,theclientelewasEnglish,themenmostlydressedinsuitsorthekindsofcolouredchinosfavouredbytheupperclasses,thewomeninsmartdressesorjeans.Strikeorderedhimselfapintofzero-alcoholbeerandsatdowntodrinkitwhilereadingFergusRobertson’sarticleabouttheforthcomingBrexitreferendumoffhisphone,glancingupregularlytoseewhetherhisintervieweehadyetarrived.
StrikeguessedHenryWorthington-Fields’identityassoonasheenteredthepub,mainlybecausehehadthewarylookcommontothoseabouttospeaktoaprivatedetective.Henrywasthirty-fouryearsold,thoughhelookedyounger.Tall,thinandpale,withamopofwavyredhair,heworehorn-rimmedglasses,awell-tailored,single-breastedpin-stripedsuitandaflamboyantredtiepatternedwithhorseshoes.Helookedasthoughheworkedeitherinanartgallery,orasasalesmanofluxurygoods,eitherofwhichwouldhavefittedwiththeBelgravialocation.
Havingboughthimselfwhatlookedlikeaginandtonic,HenrypeeredatStrikeforasecondortwo,thenapproachedhistable.
‘CormoranStrike?’Hisvoicewasupperclassandveryslightlycamp.
‘That’sme,’saidStrike,holdingoutahand.
Henryslidontothebenchoppositethedetective.
‘Ithoughtyou’dbe,like,hidingbehindanewspaper.Eyeholescutoutorsomething.’
‘IonlydothatwhenI’mfollowingsomeoneonfoot,’saidStrike,andHenrylaughed:anervouslaugh,whichwentonalittlelongerthanthejokewarranted.
‘Thanksformeetingme,Henry,Iappreciateit.’
‘That’sOK,’saidHenry.
Hetookasipofgin.
‘Imean,whenIgotyourmessage,Iwaskindoffreakedout,like,whoisthisguy?ButIlookedyouup,andCharlottetoldmeyou’reagoodperson,soI—’
‘Charlotte?’repeatedStrike.
‘Yeah,’saidHenry.‘CharlotteRoss?IknowherfromtheantiquesshopwhereIwork–ArlingtonandBlack?She’sredecoratingherhouse,we’vefoundacoupleofreallynicepiecesforher.Iknewfromlookingyouupthatyoutwousedto–soIrangher–she’slovely,she’s,like,oneofmyfavouriteclients–andIsaid,“Hey,Charlie,shouldItalktothisguy?”orwhatever,andshesaid,“Yeah,definitely”,so–yeah–hereIam.’
‘Great,’saidStrike,determinedlykeepingbothtoneandexpressionaspleasantashecouldmakethem.‘Well,asIsaidinmymessage,Inoticedyou’vebeenquiteoutspokenabouttheUHConyourFacebookpage,soI—’
‘Yeah,so,OK,’saidHenry,shiftinguncomfortablyinhisseat,‘Ineedtosay–Iwantedtosay,like,beforewegetintoit–it’skindofacondition,actually–youwon’tgoafterFlora,willyou?Becauseshe’sstillnotright.I’monlytalkingtoyousoshedoesn’thaveto.Charlottesaidyou’dbeOKwiththat.’
‘Well,it’snotreallyCharlotte’scall,’saidStrike,stillforcinghimselftosoundpleasant,‘butifFlora’shavingmentalhealthproblems—’
‘Sheis,she’sneverbeenrightsinceshelefttheUHC.ButIreallyfeel,like–well,somebodyneedstoholdtheUHCaccountable,’saidHenry.‘SoI’mhappytotalk,butonlyifyoudon’tgonearFlora.’
‘IsshestillinNewZealand?’
‘No,itdidn’tworkout,she’sbackinLondon,but–seriously–youcan’ttalktoher.BecauseIthinkitmighttipherovertheedge.Shecan’tstandtalkingaboutitanymore.Lasttimeshetoldanyonewhathappenedshetriedtokillherself,afterwards.’
NotwithstandingHenry’sfondnessforCharlotte(gaymen,inStrike’sexperience,werethemostlikelytoseenoflawinhisbeautiful,funnyandimmaculatelydressedex),StrikehadtorespectHenryforhiswishtoprotecthisfriend.
‘OK,agreed.So:haveyoueverhaddirectcontactwiththeUHCyourself?’
‘Yeah,whenIwaseighteen.Imetthisguyinabar,andhesaidIshouldcomealongtoChapmanFarm,todoacourse.Yogaandmeditationandstuff.Hewashot,’Henryadded,withyetanothernervouslaugh.‘Good-lookingolderguy.’
‘Didhetalkaboutreligionatall?’
‘Notlike–morelikespirituality,youknow?Hemadeitsoundinterestingandcool.Like,hewastalkingaboutfighting,like,materialismandcapitalism,buthealsosaidyoucouldlearn–Iknowthissoundscrazy,butkindoflearn…notmagic,buttomakethingshappenwithyourownpower,ifyoustudiedenough…I’djustfinishedschool,so…IthoughtI’dgoalongandseewhatitwasaboutand–yeah,IaskedFloratocomewithme.Wewereschoolfriends,wewereatMarlboroughtogether.Wewerekindoflike–wewerebothgayorwhatever,andwewereintostuffnobodyelsewas,soIsaidtoFlora,“Comewithme,we’lljustdoaweekthere,it’llbealaugh.”Itwasjust,like,somethingtodointheholidays,youknow?’
‘Areyouallrightwithmetakingnotes?’
‘Er…yeah,OK,’saidHenry.Striketookouthisnotebookandpen.
‘So,youwereapproachedinabar–wherewasthis,London?’
‘Yeah.Itisn’tthereanymore,thebar.Itwasn’tfarfromhere,actually.’
‘Whatwasthemancalledwhoinvitedyou,canyouremember?’
‘Joe,’saidHenry.
‘Wasthisagaybar?’
‘Notagaybar,’saidHenry,‘buttheguywhoranitwasgay,so,yeah…itwasacoolplace,soIthought,like,thisguy,Joe,mustbecool,too.’
‘Andthiswasin2000?’
‘Yeah.’
‘HowdidyouandFloratraveltoChapmanFarm?’
‘Idrove,thankGod,’addedHenryfervently,‘becausethenIhadthecarthere,soIcouldgetaway.Mostoftheotherpeoplehadcomeonaminibus,sotheyhadtowaitfortheminibustotakethemback.IwasreallyfuckinggladItookmycar.’
‘Andwhathappenedwhenyougotthere?’
‘Er–well,youhadtocheckinallyourstuffandtheygaveyouthesetracksuitstowear,andafterwechanged,theymadeusallsitdowninthisbarn,orwhatever,andFloraandIwerelookingsidewaysateachother,andwewere,like,crackingup.Wewerethinking,“Whatthefuckhavewedone,cominghere?”’
‘Thenwhathappened?’
‘Thenwewenttothisbigcommunalmeal,andbeforethefoodarrived,theyplayed“Heroes”,byDavidBowie.Overspeakers.Yeah,andthen…hecamein.PapaJ.’
‘JonathanWace?’
‘Yeah.Andhetalkedtous.’
Strikewaited.
‘And,Imean,youcanseehowpeoplefallforit,’saidHenryuneasily.‘Whilehewastalking,itwaslike,hewassaying,peoplechasethings,alltheirlives,thatnevermakethemhappy.Peoplediemiserable,andfrustrated,andtheynever,kindof,realiseitwasallthereforthemtofind.Like,thetrueway,orwhatever.Buthesaid,peopleget,like,buriedinallthismaterialisticbullshit…andhewasreally…he’sgotsomething,’saidHenry.‘Hewasn’t,like,somebigshoutyguy–hewasn’twhatyou’dthink.FloraandIfeltlike–wediscussedit,afterwards–hewas,like,oneofus.’
‘Whatd’youmeanbythat?’
‘Like,hegotwhatit’slike,tobe…whatitfeelslike,nottobe…like,tobedifferent,youknow?Ormaybeyoudon’t,Idon’tknow,’Henryadded,withalaughandashrug.‘ButFloraandIweren’ttakingthepissanymore,wekindof…yeah,anyway,wewentofftoourdormitories.Separate,obviously.Theyputmenandwomenindifferentdorms.Itwaskindoflikebeingbackinboardingschool,actually,’saidHenry,withanotherlittlelaugh.
‘Nextday,theywokeusupat,like,5a.m.orsomething,andwehadtogoanddomeditationbeforebreakfast.Then,afterwe’deaten,wegotsplitintoseparategroups.Iwasn’twithFlora.Theysplituppeoplewhokneweachother
‘Andafterthatitwas,like,reallyintense.Youhardlyhadaminutetothinkandyouwereneveralone.TherewerealwaysUHCpeoplewithyou,talkingtoyou.Youwereeitherinalecture,oryouwerechantinginthetemple,oryouwerehelpingworktheland,orfeedingthelivestock,ormakingstufftosellonthestreet,orcooking,andpeoplewereconstantlyreadingUHCliteraturetoyou…ohyeah,andtherewerediscussiongroups,whereyouallsataroundandlistenedtooneoftheUHCpeopletalkandyouaskedquestions.Youhadactivitiesuntil,like,11o’clockatnight,andyouweresotiredattheendoftheday,youcouldhardlythink,andthenitallstartedat5a.m.again.
‘Andtheytaughtyouthesetechniquesthat–like,ifyouhadanegativethought,like,aboutthechurch,oraboutanything,really,youhadtochant.Theycalleditkillingthefalseself,because,like,thefalseselfisgoingtostruggleagainstthegood,becauseit’sbeenindoctrinatedbysocietytothinkcertainthingsaretrue,whenthey’renot,andyou’vegottofightyourfalseselfconstantlytokeepyourmindopenenoughtoacceptthetruth.
‘Itwasjustacoupleofdays,butitfeltlikeamonth.Iwassotired,andreallyhungrymostofthetime.Theytoldusthatwasdeliberate,thatfastingsharpensperception.’
‘Andhowdidyoufeelaboutthechurch,whileallthiswasgoingon?’
Henrydrankmoreginandtonicbeforesaying,
‘Forthefirstcoupleofdays,Iwasthinking,Ican’twaitforthistofuckingend.Buttherewereacoupleofguysinthere,propermembers,whowerereallyfriendlyandhelpedmedostuff,andtheyseemedreallyhappy–anditwas,like–itwasadifferentworld,youkindoflost–lostyourbearings,Is’pose.Like,they’reconstantlytellingyouhowgreatyouare,andyoustartedwantingtheirapproval,’saidHenryuncomfortably.‘Youcouldn’thelpit.Andallthistalkaboutpurespirit–theymadeitsoundlikeyou’dbeasuperheroorsomething,onceyouwerepurespirit.Iknowthatsoundsinsane,but–ifyou’dbeenthere–itdidn’tsoundinsane,thewaytheyweretalking.
‘Onthethirdday,PapaJgaveanotherbigspeechinthetemple–itwasn’tthekindoftemplelikethey’vegotnow,becausethiswasbeforethereallybigmoneystartedcomingin.Thefarmtemplewasjustanotherbarn,then,butthey’dmadeitthenicestbuildingandpaintedtheinsidewithallthesedifferentsymbolsacrossreligions,andputanoldbitofcarpetdownwhereweallsat.
‘PapaJtalkedaboutwhatwillhappeniftheworlddoesn’twakeup,andbasicallythemessagewas:normalreligionsdivide,buttheUHCunites,andwhenpeopleuniteacrosscultures,andwhentheybecomethehighestversionofthemselves,they’llbeanunstoppableforceandtheycanchangetheworld.AndtherewereloadsofblackandbrownpeopleatChapmanFarm,aswellaswhitepeople,sothatseemed,like,proofofwhathewassaying.AndI–youjustbelievedhim.Itsounded–therewasnothingthereyoucould,like,disagreewith–endingpovertyandallthat,andbecomingyourhighestself–andPapaJwasjust,like,someoneyou’dwanttohangoutwith.Like,hewasreallywarmandheseemed–hewas,like,thedadyou’dhaveifyoucouldchoose,youknow?’
‘Sowhatchangedyourmind?Whydidyouleave,attheendoftheweek?’
ThesmilefadedoffHenry’sface.
‘Somethinghappenedanditkindof…kindofalteredhowIfeltaboutthemall.
‘Therewasthisreallyheavilypregnantwomanatthefarm.Ican’trememberhername.Anyway,shewaswithourgrouponeafternoonwhenwewereploughing,withShirehorses,anditwasbloodyhardwork,andIkeptlookingatherandthinking,shouldshebedoingthis?But,youknow,Iwaseighteen,sowhatdidIknow?
‘Andwe’djustfinishedupthelastbitweweresupposedtobedoing,andshekindofdoubledover.Shewaskneelingintheearthinhertracksuit,andclutchingherbelly.Iwasterrified,Ithoughtshewasgoingto,like,givebirththereandthen.
‘Andoneoftheothermemberskneltdownbesideher,buthedidn’thelpheroranything,hejuststartedchantingloudlyinherface.Andthentheothersstartedchanting.AndIwaswatchingthis,andIwasthinking,“Whyaren’ttheyhelpingherup?”ButIwaskindof…paralysed,’saidHenry,lookingshamefaced.‘Itwas,like–thisishowtheydothingshereandmaybe…maybeit’llwork?SoIdidn’t–butshewaslookingreallyill,andfinallyoneofthemranofftowardsthefarmhouse,whileeveryoneelsewasstillchantingather.
‘Andtheguywho’dgonetogethelpcamebackwithWace’swife.’
Forthefirsttime,Henryhesitated.
‘She’s…shewascreepy.IlikedWaceatthetime,buttherewassomethingabouther…Icouldn’tseewhytheyweretogether.Anyway,whenshereachedus,everyonestoppedchanting,andMazustoodoverthiswomanandjust…staredather.Shedidn’tevenspeak.Andthepregnantwomanjustlookedterrifiedandshekindofstruggledup,andshestilllookedlikeshewasinaloadofpainorwasgoingtopassout,butshestaggeredoffwithMazu.
‘Andnoneoftheotherswouldlookmeintheeye.Theyactedlikenothinghadhappened.Ilookedforthepregnantwomanatdinnerthatevening,butshewasn’tthere.Ididn’tactuallyseeheragain,beforeIleft.
‘IwantedtotalktoFloraaboutwhathadhappened,butIcouldn’tgetnearenoughandobviouslyshewasinadifferentdormitoryatnight.
‘Then,onthelastnight,wehadanothertalkfromPapaJ,inthetemple.Theyturnedoutallthelightsandhestoodinfrontofthisbigwatertrough,whichwaslitupinside,like,withunderwaterlights,andhemadethewaterdostuff.Like,itroseupwhenhecommandeditto,andmadespiralshapes,andthenheparteditandmadeitcomebacktogether…
‘Itspookedme,’saidHenry.‘Ikeptthinking,“It’sgottobeatrick,”butIcouldn’tseehowhewasdoingit.Thenhemadethewatermakeaface,ahumanface.Onegirlscreamed.Andthenallthewatersettleddownagainandtheyputonthetemplelights,andPapaJsaid,“Wehadaspiritvisitorattheend,there.Theycome,sometimes,especiallyiftherearemanyReceptivesgatheredtogether.”Andhesaidhethoughtthenewintakemustbeparticularlyreceptiveforthattohappen.
‘Andthenwewereaskedwhetherwewerereadytoreborn.Andpeoplewalkedforwardsonebyoneandgotintothetrough,wentunderthewaterandwerepulledoutagain,andeveryonewasclappingandcheering,andPapaJhuggedthem,andtheywenttostandbesidethewallwiththeothermembers.
‘Iwasshittingmyself,’saidHenry.‘Ican’tevenexplain–itwas,like,thepressuretojoin,andtohaveallthesepeopleapproveofyou,wasreallyintense,andeveryonewaswatching,andIdidn’tknowwhatwasgoingtohappenifIsaidno.
‘AndthentheycalledFloraforwards,andshejustwalkedstraighttothetrough,gotin,wentunder,waspulledoutandshewenttostandagainstthewall,beaming.
‘AndIswear,Ididn’tknowifIwasgoingtohavethestrengthtosayno,butthankGodtherewasthisgirlaheadofme,ablackgirlwithatattoooftheBuddhaonthebackofherneck,andI’veneverforgottenher,becauseifshehadn’tbeenthere…so,theycalledhername,andshesaid,“No,Idon’twanttojoin.”Like,reallyloudandclear.Andtheatmospherejustturnedtoice.Everyonewas,like,glaringather.AndPapaJwastheonlyonewhowasstillsmiling,andhegaveherthiswholespielabouthowheknewthematerialworldhadastrongallure,andbasically,hewasimplyingshewantedtogoandworkforBigOilorsomething,insteadofsavingtheworld.Butshedidn’tbudge,eventhoughshegotkindoftearful.
‘Andthentheycalledmyname,andIsaid,“Idon’twanttojoin,either.”AndIsawFlora’sface.ItwaslikeI’dslappedher.
‘Thentheycalledthelasttwopeopleforwards,andtheybothjoined.
‘Then,whileeveryone’scheeringandclappingallthenewmembers,Mazucameuptomeandthegirlwho’dsaidnoandsaid,“Youtwocomewithme,”andIsaid,“IwanttospeaktoFlorafirst,Icamewithher,”andMazusaid,“Shedoesn’twanttotalktoyou.”Florawasalreadybeingledoffwithallthemembers.Shedidn’tevenlookback.
‘Mazutookusbacktothefarmhouseandsaid,“Theminibuswon’tbeleavinguntiltomorrow,soyou’llhavetostayhereinthemeantime,”andsheshowedusthislittleroomwithnobeds,andbarsoverthewindow.AndIsaid,“Icameinacar,”andIsaidtothegirl,“D’youwantaliftbacktoLondon?”andsheagreed,sowewent…
‘Sorry,Ireallyneedanotherdrink,’saidHenryweakly.
‘It’sonme,’saidStrike,gettingtohisfeet.
Whenhe’dreturnedtothetablewithafreshginandtonicforHenry,hefoundtheyoungermanwipingthelensesofhisglasseswithhissilktie,lookingshaken.
‘Thanks,’hesaid,puttinghisglassesbackon,acceptingtheglassandtakingalargeswig.‘God,justtalkingaboutit…andIwasonlythereaweek.’
Strike,who’dmadeextensivenotesoneverythingHenryhadjustsaid,nowflippedbackacoupleofpages.
‘Thispregnantwomanwhocollapsed–youneversawheragain?’
‘No,’saidHenry.
‘Whatdidshelooklike?’askedStrike,pickinguphispenagain.
‘Er…blonde,glasses…Ican’treallyremember.’
‘DidyoueverseeviolenceusedagainstanyoneatChapmanFarm?’
‘No,’saidHenry,‘butFloradefinitelydid.Shetoldme,whenshegotout.’
‘Whichwaswhen?’
‘Fiveyearslater.Iheardshewashome,andIcalledher.Wemetupforadrink,andIwasreallyshockedathowshelooked.Shewassothin.Shelookedreallyill.Andshewasn’tright.Inthehead.’
‘Inwhatway?’
‘God,justin–ineveryway.She’dtalkkindofnormallyforabit,thenshe’dstartlaughingatnothing.Like,thisreallyartificiallaugh.Thenshe’dtryandstop,andshesaidtome“That’smeputtingonmyhappyface”,and–Idon’tknowifitwassomethingtheywereforcedtodo,like,laughiftheyfeltsadorwhatever,butitwasfuckingfreaky.Andshekeptchanting.Itwaslikeshehadnocontroloverherself.
‘Iaskedherwhyshe’dleftandshetoldmebadthingshadgonedown,butshedidn’twanttotalkaboutthem,butaftershe’dhadtwodrinksshe,like,startedspillingallthisstuff.Shesaidshe’dbeenflogged,withabelt,andshetoldmeaboutthesexstuff,like,shehadtosleepwithwhoevertheytoldherto,andshekeptlaughingandtryingtostopherself–itwashorrible,seeingherlikethat.Andafterathirddrink,’saidHenry,droppinghisvoice,‘shesaidshe’dseentheDrownedProphetkillsomebody.’
Strikelookedupfromhisnotebook.
‘Butshewouldn’tsay–like,shedidn’tgivemedetails,’saidHenryquickly.‘Itmight’vebeensomethingshe–notimagined,but–Imean,shewasn’tright.Shewasfuckingterrifiedaftershe’dsaidit,though.Shewasdrunk,’saidHenry,‘she’dgotrat-arsedonthreedrinks.Shehadn’thadalcoholforfiveyears,soobviously…’
‘Didn’tshetellyouwho’dbeenkilled?’
‘No,theonlythingshesaidwasthatmorepeoplethanherhadwitnessedit.Shesaidsomethinglike,“Everyonewasthere.”Thenshegotreally,properlypanicky,andtoldmeshehadn’tmeantit,andIshouldforgetit,thattheDrownedProphetwouldcomeforhernext,becauseshe’dtalked.Isaid,“It’sOK,Iknowyouwerejustjoking…”’
‘Didyoubelievethat?Thatitwasajoke?’
‘No,’saidHenryuncertainly,‘shedefinitelywasn’tjoking,but–like,nobody’sreportedanythinglikethat,havethey?Andiftherewerealoadofwitnesses,you’dthinksomeonewouldhavegonetothepolice,wouldn’tyou?Maybethechurchmadeitlooklikesomeonehadbeenkilled,toscarepeople?’
‘Maybe,’saidStrike.
Henrynowcheckedthetimeonhiswatch
‘I’mactuallysupposedtobesomewhereintwentyminutes.Isthat—?’
‘Justacouplemorequestions,ifyoudon’tmind,’saidStrike.‘ThisJoeindividual,whorecruitedyou.Didyouseemuchofhim,onceyouwereatthefarm?’
‘Hewaskindofaround,’saidHenry.‘ButIneverreallygottotalktohimagain.’
‘Whatwashedoinginabar?Alcohol’sforbiddenbythechurch,isn’tit?’
‘Yeah,’saidHenry.‘Idon’tknow…maybehewasdrinkingasoftdrink?’
‘OK…weretherealotofchildrenaround,atthefarm?’
‘Quiteafew,yeah.Thereweresomefamiliesstayingthere.’
‘CanyourememberamancalledHaroldCoates?Hewasadoctor.’
‘Er…maybe,’saidHenry.‘Kindofanoldguy?’
‘He’dhavebeenfairlyoldbythen,yes.Didyoueverseehimaroundthekids?’
‘No,Idon’tthinkso.’
‘OK,well,Ithinkthat’severything,’saidStrike,nowpullingabusinesscardoutofhiswallet.‘Ifyourememberanythingelse,anythingyou’dliketotellme,givemearing.’
‘Iwill,’saidHenry,takingthecardbeforegulpingdowntherestofhissecondginandtonic.
‘Iappreciateyoumeetingme,Henry,Ireallydo,’saidStrike,gettingtohisfeettoshakehands.
‘Noproblem,’saidHenry,alsostanding.‘IhopeI’vebeensomeuse.I’vealwaysfeltsoshitabouthavingtakenFlorathereinthefirstplace,so…yeah…that’swhyIagreedtotalktoyou.Well,byethen.Nicemeetingyou.’
AsHenrywalkedtowardsthedoor,adarkwomanenteredthepub,andwithangerandasenseofabsoluteinevitability,StrikerecognisedCharlotteRoss.
18
Thunderandwind:theimageofDURATION.ThusthesuperiormanstandsfirmAnddoesnotchangehisdirection
TheIChingorBookofChanges
StrikehadsuspectedCharlottewasonherwayfromthemomentHenryhadmentionedtheirmutualconnection.Headswereturning;Strikehadwatchedthishappenforyears;shehadthekindofbeautythatranthrougharoomlikeanicybreeze.AssheandHenrymadeexclamationsofsurprise(onHenry’sside,probablygenuine)andexchangedpleasantriesatthedoor,Strikegathereduphisthings.
‘Corm,’saidavoicebehindhim.
‘Hello,Charlotte,’hesaid,withhisbacktoher.‘I’mjustleaving.’
‘Ineedtotalktoyou.Please.Forfiveminutes.’
‘AfraidI’vegottobesomewhere.’
‘Corm,please.Iwouldn’taskifitwasn’t–please,’shesaidagain,moreloudly.
Heknewshewascapableofmakingasceneifshedidn’tgetwhatshewanted.Shewasanewsworthywoman,andhe,too,wasnowofinteresttothepapers,andhefearedthat,ifsuchascenehappened,therewouldbegossip,andmaybealeaktoajournalist.
‘OK,I’llgiveyoufiveminutes,’hesaidcoldly,sittingbackdownwiththelastinchofhisnon-alcoholicbeer.
‘Thankyou,’shesaidbreathlessly,andimmediatelydepartedforthebar,tobuyherselfaglassofwine.
Shereturnedwithinacoupleofminutes,shruggedoffherblackcoattorevealadarkgreensilkdress,whichwascinchedatthewaistwithaheavyblackbelt,thentooktheseatHenryhadjustvacated.Shewasthinnerthanhe’deverseenher,thoughasbeautifulasever,evenattheageofforty-one.Herlongdarkhairfelltobeneathhershoulders;hermottledgreeneyeswerefringedwiththick,naturallashes,andifshewaswearingmake-up,itwastoosubtletosee.
‘Iknewyou’dbehere,asyou’veprobablygathered,’shesaid,smiling,willinghimtosmileback,tolaughathercunning.‘IsuggestedthispubtoHen.He’slovely,isn’the?’
‘Whatd’youwant?’
‘You’velostatonofweight.Youlookgreat.’
‘What,’Strikerepeated,‘doyouwant?’
‘Totalk.’
‘About…’
‘Thisisdifficult,’saidCharlotte,takingasipofwine.‘OK?Ineedamoment.’
Strikecheckedhiswatch.Charlotteglaredathimovertherimofherwineglass.
‘OK,fine.I’vejustfoundoutI’vegotcancer.’
WhateverStrikehadexpected,itwasn’tthat.Asunpalatableandpossiblyunjustifiedasthesuspicionmighthavebeen,hefoundhimselfwonderingwhethershewaslying.Heknewhertobenotonlyhighlymanipulative,butreckless–sometimesself-destructivelyso–inpursuitofwhatshewanted.
‘I’msorrytohearthat,’hesaidformally.
Shelookedathim,hercolourslowlyrising.
‘YouthinkI’mlying,don’tyou?’
‘No,’saidStrike.‘That’dbeafuckingdespicablethingtolieabout.’
‘Yes,’saidCharlotte,‘itwould.Areyougoingtoaskmewhatkind,orhow—?’
‘Ithoughtyouwereabouttotellme,’saidStrike.
‘Breast,’shesaid.
‘Right,’saidStrike.‘Well.Ihopeyou’reOK.’
Tearsfilledhereyes.He’dseenhercryhundredsoftimes,outofdistress,certainly,butalsofromrage,andbeingthwarted,andhewasn’tmoved.
‘That’sallyou’vegottosay?’
‘WhatelsecanIsay?’hesaid.‘Idohopeyou’reOK.Foryourkids’sake,apartfromanythingelse.’
‘Andthat’s…that’sit?’whisperedCharlotte.
Once,shemighthavestartedscreaming,indifferenttothepresenceofwitnesses,buthecouldtellsheknewthattacticwouldbeunwisenowthathewasn’tboundtoher.
‘Charlotte,’hesaidinalowvoice,leaningtowardshertomakesurehewasn’toverheard,‘Idon’tknowhowmanydifferentwaysIcanmakethiscleartoyou.We’redone.Iwishyouwell,butwe’refinished.Ifyou’vegotcancer—’
‘SoyoudothinkI’mlying?’
‘Letmefinish.Ifyou’vegotcancer,youshouldbefocusingonyourhealthandyourlovedones.’
‘Mylovedones,’sherepeated.‘Isee.’
Shesatbackagainsttheleatherbenchandwipedhereyeswiththebackofherhand.Acoupleofmenatthebarwerewatching.PerhapsCharlotte,too,hadsensedshehadanaudience,becauseshenowcoveredherfacewithherhandsandbegantosob.
Forfuck’ssake.
‘Whenwereyoudiagnosed?’heaskedher,tostophercrying.
Shelookedupatonce,moppinghersparklingeyes.
‘Lastweek.Friday.’
‘How?’
‘IwentforaroutinecheckonTuesday,and…yeah,sotheyphonedmeonFriday,andtoldmethey’dfoundsomething.’
‘Andtheyalreadyknowit’scancer?’
‘Yes,’shesaid,toofast.
‘Well,asIsay…Ihopeyou’reOK.’
Hemadetogetup,butshereachedacrossthetableandgrabbedhiswristtightly.
‘Corm,pleasehearmeout.Seriously.Please.Please.Thisislifeanddeath.Imean,thatmakesaperson…youremember,’shewhispered,staringintohiseyes,‘afteryougotyourlegblownoff…Imean,myGod…itmakesyourealisewhat’simportant.Afterthat,youwantedme.Didn’tyou?Wasn’tItheonlypersonintheworldyouwanted,then?’
‘DidI?’saidStrike,lookingintoherbeautifulface.‘OrdidIjusttakewhatwasonoffer,becauseitwaseasiest?’
Sherecoiled,lettinggoofhiswrist.
Allrelationshipshavetheirownagreedmythology,andcentraltohisandCharlotte’shadbeentheirsharedbeliefthatatthelowestpointofhislife,whenhewaslyinginahospitalbedwithhalfhislegandhismilitarycareergone,herreturnhadsavedhim,givinghimsomethingtoholdonto,tolivefor.Heknewhe’djustshatteredasacredtaboo,desecratingwhatwasforhernotonlyasourceofpride,butthefoundationofhercertaintythat,howevermuchhemightdenyit,hecontinuedtolovethewomanwho’dbeengenerousenoughtoloveamutilatedmannowcareer-lessandbroke.
‘Ihopeyou’llbeOK.’
Hegottohisfeetbeforeshecouldrecoverherselfenoughtoretaliate,andwalkedout,halfexpectingabeerglasstohithimonthebackofthehead.Byahappystrokeofprovidence,avacantblackcabslidintoviewashesteppedoutontothepavementand,barelytwominutesafterhe’dlefther,hewasspeedingaway,backtowardsDenmarkStreet
19
Nineatthetopmeans:Thestandstillcomestoanend.
TheIChingorBookofChanges
‘…aconspiracysovast,itisliterallyunseeable,becausewelivewithinit,becauseitformsourskyandourearth,andsotheonlyway–theonlyway–toescape,istostep,quiteliterally,intoadifferentreality,thetruereality.’
ItwasSaturdaymorning.RobinhadbeensittingintheRupertCourtTempleforthreequartersofanhour.Today’sspeakerwasthemanshe’dseenlecturingWillEdensorinBerwickStreet,who’dintroducedhimselfasPapaJ’sson,Taio.Thishadearnedhimasmatteringofapplause,inwhichRobinjoinedwhilerecallingKevinPirbright’sdescriptionofTaioastheUHC’s‘volatileenforcer’.
Taio,whoworehishairinadark,stragglybob,hadthesamelargeblueeyesashisfather,andmightalsohavehadJonathan’ssquarejaw,hadhenotbeencarryingseveralstoneofextraweight,whichhadaddedasecondchinbelowthefirst.HeputRobininmindofanoverfedrat:hisnosewaslongandpointedandhismouthunusuallysmall.Taio’sspeechwasforcefulanddidactic,andwhiletherewereoccasionalmurmursofagreementfromthecongregationashetalked,nobodyweptandnobodylaughed.
Inthefrontrowofthetemplesatthewell-knownnovelistGilesHarmon,whoRobinhadrecognisedwhenhepassedherintheentrance.Ashortmanwhoworehissilverhairdandyishlylong,Harmonhadfine,almostdelicatefeatures,andcarriedhimselfself-consciously,likeamanexpectingtobewatched.He’dbeenaccompaniedintothetemplebyastrikingmanofaroundforty,whohadblackhair,Eurasianfeaturesandadeepscarrunningdownfromthesideofhisnose,whichwasslightlycrooked,tohisjaw.Thepairhadmoveduptheaisleslowly,wavingtoacquaintancesandtempleattendants.UnlikeNoliSeymour,thetwomenmadenoshowofhumility,butsmiledapprovinglyastemple-goersmadewayforthem,andmovedarowback.
Getonwithit,Robinthoughtwearily,asTaiocontinuedtotalk.Ryanhadstayedoverthepreviousevening,andaftersexthere’dbeenalotoftalk,primarilyabouttherisksofgoingundercover.Robinwasneitherignorantnorarrogantenoughtothinkshestoodinnoneedofadvice,butherlastthoughtbeforefallingasleepwas,thankGodIdidn’ttellyouaboutthespiritbonding.
Atlonglast,TaioWacewounduphistalk.Theapplause,whilerespectable,wasn’tasenthusiasticasithadbeenforeitherhisfatherorBeccaPirbright.Thetemplelightsbrightened,andDavidBowiebegantosingagain.Robinwasdeliberatelyslowtorisefromherseat,fumblingoverherGuccihandbag,hopingtheblondeattendantwasgoingtoapproachheragain.GilesHarmonpassed,noddinggrandlytotheleftandright.Histallercompanionremainednearthestage,thecentreofaknotofpeople.
Robinlingeredintheaisle,smilingvaguely,lookingupattheProphetspaintedontheceilingasthoughitwasthefirsttimeshe’dseenthem.ShewasalmostdirectlybeneaththeDrownedProphetinherwhiterobes,withhermalevolentblackeyes,whenafamiliarvoicesaid,
‘Rowena?’
‘Hi!’saidRobin.Theblondewho’dpreviouslyapproachedherhadappeared,beamingasbeforeandholdingapileofpamphletsthatwerethickerthanthosethatusuallylayontheshelvesonthebacksofthepews.‘It’ssogreatyou’rehereagain!’
‘Iknow,’saidRobin,smilingback,‘Idon’tseemtobeabletostayaway,doI?’
Astheblondelaughed,Robinbecameawareofsomeonestandingimmediatelybehindher.Turning,shefoundherselfalmosteyetoeyewithTaioWace,andexperiencedaspasmofdislike.Shecouldn’tremembereverhavingfeltsuchastrong,immediateantipathytoaman,andittookeveryounceofherself-disciplinetosmilebackathim,wide-eyedandfriendly,andsay,
‘Thatwassoinspiring.Yourtalk,Imean.Ireallylovedit.’
‘Thankyou,’hesaid,smilingcomplacentlyasheplacedahandlightlyonherback.‘Verygladyouenjoyedit.’
‘ThisisRowena,Taio,’saidtheblonde.‘Ifeellikeshe’s—’
‘VerymuchaReceptive,’saidTaioWace,hishandstillrestinglightlyonRobin’sbrastrap.‘Yes,that’sobvious.’
Robinfeltastrongimpulsetohithisarmaway,butstoodherground,smiling
‘Wouldyoubeinterestedincomingtooneofourretreats?’Taioasked.
‘That’sexactlywhatIwasgoingtosay!’saidtheblonde,beaming.
‘Whatwouldthatinvolve?’saidRobin,everynerveprotestingagainstthecontinuingpressureofTaioWace’shandonherback.
‘Aweekofyourtime,’hesaid,gazingintohereyes.‘AtChapmanFarm.Toexplorethingsalittlemoredeeply.’
‘Oh,wow,’saidRobin,‘thatsoundsinteresting…’
‘Ithinkyou’dfinditverystimulating,’saidTaio.
‘It’sreallygreat,’theblondeassuredRobin.‘Justtobewithnature,andexploreideasandmeditate…’
‘Wow,’saidRobin,again.
‘Couldyougettimeoffwork?’askedTaio,hishandstillonRobin’sback.
‘I’mactuallykindofbetweenjobsatthemoment,’saidRobin.
‘Perfecttiming!’trilledtheblonde.
‘Whenwouldthisbe?’askedRobin.
‘We’vegotaminibusleavingfromoutsideVictoriaStationat10a.m.nextFriday,’saidtheblonde.‘We’veactuallygotthreegroupscomingtoChapmanFarmthatday.Here…’
SheofferedRobinoneofthepamphletsinherhands.
‘That’salltheinformationyou’llneed,whattobring…’
‘Thankssomuch,’saidRobin,smiling.‘Yes,I’dlovetocome!’
TaioWace’sslidhishanddowntothesmallofRobin’sbackbeforebreakingcontact.
‘We’llseeyouonFriday,then,’hesaid,andmovedaway.
‘Thisissogreat,’saidtheblonde,embracingRobin,wholaughedinsurprise.‘Youwait.Honestly,I’vejustgotafeelingaboutyou.You’regoingtogopurespiritreallyfast.’
Robinheadedfortheexit.Anotherfemaletempleattendantwaspressingoneofthepamphletsonathin,brown-skinnedyoungmaninglassesandaSpidermanT-shirt.Thetall,handsomemanwiththescarredfacewasnowchattingtooneofthecharitycollectorsonthedoor.AsRobinmadetopasshim,hiseyesflickeredfromherfacetothepamphletinherhand,andhesmiled.
‘Lookingforwardtoseeingyouatthefarm,’hesaid,holdingoutalarge,dryhand.‘DrZhou,’headded,inatonethatsaidbutofcourse,youknewthat.
‘Oh,yes,Ican’twait,’saidRobin,smilingathim.
ShewasbackonWardourStreetbeforesheletherfacerelaxfromitsfixedsmile.Afterglancingoverhershouldertomakesuretherewerenotempleattendantsinhervicinity,RobinpulledhermobileoutofherhandbagandcalledStrike.
‘Thirdtimelucky…I’min.’
PARTTWO
Shêng/PushingUpwardWithintheearth,woodgrows:TheimageofPUSHINGUPWARD.ThusthesuperiormanofdevotedcharacterHeapsupsmallthingsInordertoachievesomethinghighandgreat.TheIChingorBookofChanges20
Overtheearth,thelake:TheimageofGATHERINGTOGETHER.ThusthesuperiormanrenewshisweaponsInordertomeettheunforeseen.
TheIChingorBookofChanges
‘Rightthen,’saidMidge,who’dbeenbackfromherholidayinCaliforniaforaweek,butwhosedarktan,whichemphasisedhergreyeyes,showednosignoffading.Shesmoothedoutamaponthepartners’desk.‘Hereitis.ChapmanFarm.’
ItwasWednesdaymorning,andStrikehadloweredtheblindsintheinneroffice,toblockoutthewateryAprilsunshine,whichdazzledwithoutwarming.Adesklampshoneontothemap,onwhichweremarkedmanyannotationsinredink.
Barclay,MidgeandDevhadspenttheprevioussevendaysrotatingbetweenLondonandNorfolk,makingacarefulsurveyoftheenvironsoftheUHC’sbasewhileensuringthatthecamerasdidn’tpickupanyindividualfacetoooften.Midgehadusedacoupleofdifferentwigs.They’dalsoaffixedfalsenumberplatesoneachoftheirvehiclestodrivearoundthefarm’sperimeter.
‘These,’saidMidge,pointingataseriesofredcrossesthethreesubcontractorshadaddedtotheperipheryofChapmanFarm’sland,‘arecameras.They’reseriousaboutsecurity.Thewholeperimeter’sundersurveillance.Butthere–’shepointedatacircledredmark,whichwasontheedgeofapatchofwoodland‘–istheblindspot.Barclayfoundit.’
‘You’resure?’saidStrike,lookingaroundattheScot,whowasdrinkingteaoutofaCelticmug,inwhatwasusuallyStrike’schair.
‘Aye,’saidBarclay,leaningforwardstopoint.‘Thetwocameraseithersidearefixedtaetrees,an’they’reaweebittoofarapart.They’venoticedit’snaeproperlycovered,becausethey’vefortifiedit.Extrabarbedwire.Thegroundinsidethefencewascoveredinnettlesan’brambles,aswell.’
‘“Was”?’saidRobin.
‘Aye.I’vecutapaththroughit.That’showIconfirmedtheycan’tseeanythingthere:naebodycametotellmetogetootan’Iwasthereacoupleofhours.Igotinoverthebarbedwire,nearlyfuckin’castratedmeself–ye’rewelcome–an’cutitallback.There’saweeclearingtherenow,hardbytheroad.IfIhadnaedoneit,’BarclaytoldRobin,‘ye’dhavehadtoexplainwhyyoukeepgettin’coveredinstingsandlacerations.’
‘Bloodygoodgoing,’saidStrike.
‘Thanks,Sam,’saidRobin,warmly.
‘Lastthingwedidwascheckwhathappenswhentheydoseesomeonecominginovertheperimeterfence,onthesecuritycamera,’saidMidge,pointingtoacircledbluecross.‘Iclimbedoverthefencehere.Fiveminuteslater,Ihadaguyrunningtowardsmeholdingascythe.Iacteddumb.Aramblerwhothoughtthefarmmighthaveaniceshop.Hebelievedme.Thefarm’supatrackoffalocalwalk,Lion’sMouth.Beautyspot.’
‘OK,’saidStrike,nowliftingarealistic-lookingplasticrockoffachairontothedesk,‘thisisgoingtobeattheblindspot,rightbytheperimeterfence.’
HeopenedittoshowRobinthecontents
‘Penciltorchandpenandpaper,justincasetheydon’tgiveyouanyinside.Youwriteusanote,putitbackintherockandplaceitinthespotwherethecamerascan’tseeyou.WecollectiteveryThursdayeveningatnine,putinareturnmessageyoucanreadonthespot,thentearup.
‘IfyouskipaThursdayletter,oneofusstaysinthevicinityandkeepscheckingtherock.Ifwehaven’theardfromyoubySaturdayevening,wecomeinthefront.’
‘Toosoon,’saidRobin.‘MakeitSunday.’
‘Why?’
‘BecauseifI’mworriedabouthittingeveryThursdaydeadline,I’matriskofmessingup.Ijustwantabiggermargin.’
‘Whatinstructionshavetheygivenyou?’MidgeaskedRobin.
‘Nophonesoranyelectronicdevices.Theysayyoucanchecktheminwhen—’
‘Don’ttakethem,’saidMidgeandBarclaysimultaneously.
‘No,youdefinitelydon’twanttheUHChavingpossessionofyourphone,’agreedStrike.‘Leaveithere,intheofficesafe.Housekeys,aswell.Takenothingintherethattiesyoutoyourreallife.’
‘AndI’mtobringawaterproofcoat,’saidRobin,‘threechangesofunderwear,andthat’sit.You’regiventracksuitstowearwhenyouarrive,andyouleaveyourdaywearinalocker.Noalcohol,sugar,cigarettesordrugs,prescriptionorotherwise—’
‘Theymakeyouleavemedication?’saidBarclay.
‘Thebodywillhealitselfifthespiritispureenough,’saidRobin,straight-faced.
‘Fuck’ssake,’mutteredBarclay.
‘Faceit,theUHCdoesn’twantpeoplewhoneedmedication,’saidStrike.‘Nodiabetic’sgoingtostanduptothatstarvationregimeforlong.’
‘Andnotoiletries.Thoseareallprovided,’saidRobin.
‘Youcan’teventakeyourowndeodorant?’saidMidgeindignantly.
‘Theydon’twantyouremindedofyourlifeoutside,’saidRobin.‘Theydon’twantyouthinkingofyourselfasanindividual.’
Afewseconds’silencefollowedthisremark.
‘You’regonnaebeallright,areye?’saidBarclay.
‘Yes,I’llbefine.Butifanythinggoeswrong,I’vegotyoulot,haven’tI?Andmytrustyrock.’
‘Dev’sgoingtodriveuptheretonightandputtherockinposition,’saidStrike.‘Youmighthavetofeelaroundabittofindit.Wewanttomakeitlooklikeit’sbeenthereforever.’
‘Right,’saidBarclay,slappinghisthighsbeforegettingtohisfeet,‘I’mofftaetakeoverfromLittlejohn.FrankOneshouldbereadyforabito’lightstalkingoncehe’shadhislunch.’
‘Yeah,IshouldgorelieveDev,’saidMidge,checkingherwatch.‘SeewhatBigfoot’supto.’
‘Hashemetanyoneyet?’saidRobin,who’dbeenburiedsodeepinherpreparationforChapmanFarm,andresearchonex-UHCmembers,thatshehadn’thadtimetoreadtheBigfootfile.
‘He’sbeentoStringfellows,’saidMidgedismissively,‘butthewife’snotgoingtogethalfhisbusinessjustbecausehehadalapdance…notthatI’mreallyarsedabouthergettingit,snottycow.’
‘We’reTeamClient,evenifthey’rebastards,’saidStrike.
‘Iknow,Iknow,’saidMidge,headingfortheouteroffice,whereherleatherjacketwashangingup,‘butyougetboredofhelpingoutpeoplewho’veneverdoneaday’sbloodyworkintheirlives.’
‘WhenIfindastarvingorphanwhocanaffordtohireus,I’llpassthemstraighttoyou,’saidStrike.
Midgereturnedasardonicsalute,thensaidtoRobin,
‘IfIdon’tseeyoubeforeyougoin,goodluck.’
‘Thanks,Midge,’saidRobin.
‘Aye,besto’luck,’saidBarclay.‘An’iftheworstcomestaetheworst,an’ye’reonthevergeofgettin’brainwashed,takearustynailanddigitintaethepalmofyourhand.WorkedforHarryPalmerintheTheIpcressFile.’
‘Goodadvice,’saidRobin.‘I’lltryandsmuggleonein.’
Thetwosubcontractorslefttheoffice.
‘Ihadsomethingelsetotellyou,’RobintoldStrike,nowsittingdownonherusualsideofthepartners’desk.‘IthinkI’vefoundJordanReaney.Theguywhowasforcedtowhiphimselfacrossthefacewiththeleatherflail?HewasusinghismiddlenameatChapmanFarm.Hisrealname’sKurt.’
Shetyped‘KurtReaney’andswungthescreenofherPCroundtofaceStrike,whowasconfrontedwiththemugshotofaheavilytattooedman.Anaceofspadeswasinkedontohisleftcheek,andatattooedtigercoveredhisthroat.
‘Hewassentencedtotenyearsforarmedrobberyandaggravatedassault.KurtJordanReaney,’saidRobin,rollingherchairaroundthedesktocontemplatethemugshotalongsideStrike.‘He’llhavebeeninhislateteenswhenSheilaknewhim,whichfits.I’vetrawledthroughalltheusualonlinerecords,andgotasmanyaddressesforhimasIcanfind.There’sagapinonlinerecordsfrom’93to’96,thenhereappearsinaflatinCanningTown.WeknowtheUHCJordanwasfrightenedofthepolice,becauseKevinPirbrightsaidthat’swhatMazuwasthreateninghimwith,whileshewasmakinghimwhiphimself.’
‘Soundslikeourguy,’saidStrike,‘butyoucan’tjustringupablokeinjail.’
‘Maybealetter?’saidRobin,thoughwithoutmuchconviction.
‘“DearMrReaney,havingseenyourmugshot,youstrikemeasthekindofblokewho’dverymuchliketohelpacriminalinvestigation…”’
Robinlaughed.
‘Whataboutnextofkin?’saidStrike
‘Well,there’sawomanwiththesamesurnamelivingathislastaddress.’
‘I’lltryandgetathimthroughher.Whatabouttheotherkidwhogotbeatenup?’saidStrike.‘TheonewiththelowIQ?’
‘PaulDraper?Haven’tfoundanytraceofhimyet.CherieGittinsseemstohavevanishedoffthefaceoftheearthtoo.’
‘OK,I’llkeepdiggingonthemwhileyou’reatChapmanFarm.I’veleftamessageatAbigailGlover’sfirestation,aswell.’
‘Wace’sdaughter?’
‘Exactly.’
Strikenowmovedtothedoorseparatingtheinnerofficefromtheouter,wherePatsattyping,andclosedit.
‘Listen,’hesaid.
Robinbracedherself,tryingnottolookexasperated.Murphyhadsaid‘listen’inexactlythattoneonFridaynight,fiveminutesafterejaculating,andimmediatelybeforeembarkingonhispreparedspeechabouttherisksofgoingunderdeepcover.
‘Iwantedtotellyousomething,beforeyougointhere.’
Helookedserious,buthesitant,andRobinfeltatinyelectricshockinthepitofherstomach,justasshehadwhenPrudencesaidRobinwasthemostimportantpersoninStrike’slife.
‘There’saslightchance–veryslight,actually,butit’sstillbetteryouknow–thatsomeoneintheremightsaysomethingaboutme,soIwantedtoforewarnyou,soyoudon’tlookshockedandgiveyourselfaway.’
NowRobinknewwhatwascoming,butsaidnothing.
‘IwasattheAylmertonCommunityforsixmonths,withmymumandLucy,backin1985.I’mnotsayingpeoplewillrememberme,Iwasjustakid,butmymotherwasaminorcelebrity.Well,she’dbeeninthepapers,anyway.’
Forafewseconds,Robindebatedwhatbesttosay,anddecidedonhonesty.
‘Actually,SheilaKennettrememberedyouandyourmum.Ididn’twanttosayanything,’sheadded,‘unlessyoutoldmeyourself.’
‘Ah,’saidStrike.‘Right.’
Theylookedateachother.
‘Fuckingterribleplace,’saidStrikebluntly,‘butnothinghappenedtomeinthere.’
He’dunintentionallyplacedaslightemphasisontheword‘me’.
‘I’vegotanotherreasonfortellingyouthis,’saidStrike.‘ThatMazuwoman.Don’ttrusther.’
‘Iwon’t,shesoundsreally—’
‘No,Imean,don’tassumethere’sanysenseof–’hegropedfortherightword‘–youknow–sisterhoodthere.Notwhenitcomestospiritbonding.Ifshewantstotakeyoutosomebloke—’
Therecameaknockonthedoor.
‘What?’calledStrike,withatraceofimpatience.
Pat’smonkeyishfaceappeared,scowling.ShesaidtoStrike,inherdeep,gravellyvoice,
‘There’sawomanonthephone,wantingtotalktoyou.NameofNiamhDoherty.’
‘Putherthrough,’saidStrikeatonce.
Hemovedaroundtohissideofthedesk,andthephonebegantoringwithinseconds.
‘CormoranStrike.’
‘Hello,’saidatentativewoman’svoice.‘Er–myname’sNiamhDoherty?Youleftamessagewithmyhusband,askingwhetherI’danswersomequestionsabouttheUniversalHumanitarianChurch?’
‘Idid,yes,’saidStrike.‘Thanksverymuchforgettingbacktome.’
‘That’sallright.CanIaskwhyyouwanttotalktome?’
‘Yes,ofcourse,’saidStrike,eyesonRobin’s.‘Myagency’sbeenhiredtoinvestigateclaimsaboutthechurchmadebyanex-member.We’reaftercorroboration,ifwecangetit.’
‘Oh,’saidNiamh.‘Right.’
‘Thiswouldbeanoff-the-recordchat,’Strikeassuredher.‘Justforbackground.Iunderstandyouwereprettyyoungwhenyouwerethere?’
‘Yes,Iwastherefromageseighttoeleven.’
Therewasapause.
‘Haveyoutriedmyfather?’Niamhasked.
‘Yes,’saidStrike,‘buthedeclinedtotalk.’
‘Hewould…Iunderstandifyoucan’tsay,butwhyareyoutryingtocorroboratetheseclaims?Areyouworkingforanewspaper,or—?’
‘No,notanewspaper.Ourclient’sgotarelativeinsidethechurch.’
‘Oh,’saidNiamh,‘Isee.’
Strikewaited.
‘Allright,’saidNiamhatlast,‘Idon’tmindtalkingtoyou.Actually,ifyoucouldmanagetomorrow,orFriday—’
‘Tomorrowwouldbenoproblem,’saidStrike,whohadhisownreasonsforfavouringThursday.
‘Thankyou,that’dbegreat,becauseI’moffwork–we’vejustmovedhouse.And,it’sabitcheekytoaskthis,butwouldyoumindcomingtome?I’mnotfarfromLondon.ChalfontStGiles.’
‘Noproblemwhatsoever,’saidStrike,reachingforapentotakedownheraddress.
Whenhe’dhungup,StriketurnedtoRobin.
‘FancyatriptoChalfontStGileswithmetomorrow?’
‘She’sagreedtotalk?’
‘Yep.Begoodifyouheardwhatshe’sgottosay,beforeyougoin.’
‘Definitely,’saidRobin,gettingtoherfeet.‘WouldyoumindifIgohomenow,then?I’vegotafewthingstosortoutbeforeIleaveforChapmanFarm.’
‘Yeah,noproblem.’
OnceRobinhadleft,Strikesatdownathiscomputer,hisspiritsratherhigherthanthey’dbeenonwakingup.He’djustscupperedthepossibilityofRobinspendingthewholeofherlastfreedaybeforegoingundercoverwithRyanMurphy.Ifhisactionsrecalled,howeverfaintly,CharlotteRoss’smachinationswithregardtohimself,hisconscienceremainedsurprisinglyuntroubledasheGoogledpleasantplacestohavelunchinChalfontStGiles.
21
Thedangerofheavenliesinthefactthatonecannotclimbit…Theeffectsofthetimeofdangeraretrulygreat.
TheIChingorBookofChanges
ThevillageStrikeandRobinenteredthefollowingmorning,whichlayanhourfromLondon,hadasleepyEnglishprettiness.Astheydrovepasthalf-timberedbuildingsoverlookingavillagegreen,Strike,who’dacceptedRobin’soffertodrivehisBMW,lookedoutatthestonegreyNormantoweroftheparishchurch,andspottedasignproclaimingthattheywereinBuckinghamshire’sbestkeptvillage.
‘Noneofthiswillcomecheap,’hecommented,astheyturnedofftheHighStreetintoBowstridgeLane.
‘We’rehere,’saidRobin,comingtoahaltbesideasquare,detachedhouseoftawnybrick.‘We’retenminutesearly,shouldwewaitor—?’
‘Wait,’saidStrike,whohadnodesiretohurrythroughtheinterview.Thelongerittook,themorelikelyRobinwouldwantsomethingtoeatbeforereturningtoLondon.‘Youallpackedandreadyfortomorrow?’
‘I’veputmywaterproofcoatandunderwearinaholdall,ifyoucancallthatpacking,’saidRobin.
Whatshedidn’ttellStrikewasthatshe’drealisedforthefirsttimeyesterdaythatshewouldn’tbeabletotakecontraceptivepillswithherintoChapmanFarm.Havingcheckedthesmallprintonthepamphletshe’dbeengiven,theywerespecificallylistedasbannedmedications.NorwassheabouttotellStrikethatsheandMurphyhadhadsomethingclosetoanargumentthepreviousevening,whenMurphyhadannouncedthathe’dtakenthedayofftospenditwithher,asasurprise,andshe’dtoldhimshewasdrivingofftoBuckinghamshirewithStrike.
Strike’smobilerang.CallerIDwaswithheld.
‘Strike.’
‘Hi,’saidafemalevoice.‘ThisisAbigailGlover.’
Strikemouthed‘JonathanWace’sdaughter’atRobinbeforeturninghismobiletospeakerphonesothatshecouldhearwhatwasgoingon.
‘Ah,great,’hesaid.‘YougotthemessageIleftatthestation?’
‘Yeah,’shesaid.‘Wossthisabout?’
‘AbouttheUniversalHumanitarianChurch,’saidStrike.
Absolutesilencefollowedthesewords.
‘Areyoustillthere?’askedStrike.
‘Yeah.’
‘Iwaswonderingwhetheryoumightbewillingtotalktome,’saidStrike.
Moresilence:StrikeandRobinwerelookingateachother.Atlastasinglemonosyllableissuedfromthephone.
‘Why?’
‘I’maprivate—’
‘Iknow’ooyouare.’
Unlikeherfather’s,Abigail’saccentwaspureworking-classLondon.
‘Well,I’mtryingtoinvestigatesomeclaimsmadeaboutthechurch.’
‘’Ooseclaims?’
‘AmancalledKevinPirbright,’saidStrike,‘who’snowdead,unfortunately.Didheevermakecontactwithyou?Hewaswritingabook.’
Therewasanothersilence,thelongestyet.
‘Youworkingforanewspaper?’sheaskedsuspiciously.
‘No,foraprivateclient.Iwonderedwhetheryou’dbehappytotalktome.Itcanbeofftherecord,’Strikeadded.
Yetanotherlengthysilencefollowed.
‘Hello?’
‘Idunno,’shesaidatlast.‘I’llneedtofinkaboutit.I’llcallyoubackifI…I’llcallyoulater.’
Thelinewentdead.
Robin,whorealisedshe’dbeenholdingherbreath,exhaled.
‘Well…Ican’tsayI’msurprised.IfIwereWace’sdaughter,Iwouldn’twanttoberemindedofit,either.’
‘No,’agreedStrike,‘butshe’dbeveryuseful,ifshewashappytotalk…IleftamessageforJordanReaney’swifeyesterday,afteryouleft,bytheway.Trackedherdowntoherplaceofwork.She’samanicuristataplacecalledKuti-cleswithaK.’
Hecheckedthetimeonthedashboard.
‘Weshouldprobablygoin.’
WhenStrikepressedthedoorbelltheyheardadogbarking,andwhenthedooropened,awire-hairedfoxterriercameflyingoutofthehousesofastheflewrightpastStrikeandRobin,skiddedonthepavedareainthefrontofthehouse,turned,ranbackandbeganjumpingupanddownonitshindlegs,barkinghysterically.
‘Calmdown,Basil!’shoutedNiamh.Robinwastakenabackbyheryouth:shewasinhermid-twenties,andforthesecondtimelately,Robinfoundherselfcomparingherownflattosomebodyelse’shouse.Niamhwasshortandplump,withshoulder-lengthblackhairandverybrightblueeyes,andwaswearingjeansandasweatshirtwithaquotationbyCharlotteBront?printedonthefront:Iwouldalwaysratherbehappythandignified.
‘Sorry,’NiamhsaidtoStrikeandRobin,beforesaying,‘Basil,forGod’ssake,’seizingthedogbyitscollaranddraggingitbackinside.‘Comein.Sorry,’sherepeatedoverhershoulder,asshedraggedtheoverexciteddogalongthewoodenfloorboardstowardsakitchenattheendofthehall,‘wemovedinlastSundayandhe’sbeenhypereversince…getout,’sheadded,forciblypushingthedogoutintothegardenthroughabackdoor,whichsheclosedfirmlyonhim.
Thekitchenwasfarmhousestyle,withapurpleAgaandplatesdisplayedonadresser.Ascrubbedwoodentablewassurroundedbypurple-paintedchairs,andthefridgedoorwascoveredinachild’spaintings,mostlyblobsofpaintandsquiggles,whichwereheldupwithmagnets.Therewasalso–andthis,Robinthought,explainedhowatwenty-five-year-oldcametofindherselflivinginsuchanexpensivehouse–apictureofNiamhinabikini,arminarmwithamaninswimmingtrunks,wholookedatleastforty.AsmellofbakingwasmakingStrikesalivate.
‘Thanksverymuchforseeingus,Mrs—’
‘CallmeNiamh,’saidtheirhostess,who,nowthatshedidn’thaveafoxterriertomanage,lookednervous.‘Please,sitdown,I’vejustmadebiscuits.’
‘You’vejustmovedinandyou’rebaking?’saidRobin,smiling.
‘Oh,Ilovebaking,itcalmsmedown,’saidNiamh,turningawaytograbovengloves.‘Anyway,we’reprettymuchstraightnow.IonlytookacoupleofdaysoffbecauseIhadleaveowedtome.’
‘Whatd’youdoforaliving?’askedStrike,who’dtakenthechairnearestthebackdoor,atwhichBasilwasnowwhiningandscratching,eagertogetbackin.
‘Accountant,’saidNiamh,nowliftingcookiesoffthebakingtraywithaspatula.‘Tea?Coffee?’
BythetimethetwodetectivesandNiamhhadtheirmugsoftea,andthebiscuitsweresittingonaplateinthemiddleofthetable,Basil’swhineshadbecomesopiteousthatNiamhlethimbackintotheroom.
‘He’llsettle,’shesaid,asthedogzoomedaroundthetable,tailwaggingfuriously.‘Eventually.’
Niamhsatdownherself,makingunnecessaryadjustmentstothesleevesofhersweatshirt.
‘Who’stheartworkby?’Robinasked,pointingattheblobbycreationsonthefridge,andtryingtoputNiamhmoreatease.
‘Oh,mylittleboy,Charlie,’saidNiamh.‘He’stwo.He’swithhisdadthismorning.NigelthoughtitwouldbeeasierformetotalktoyouwithoutCharliehere.’
‘Itakeitthat’sNigel?’askedRobin,smilingasshepointedatthebeachpicture.
‘Yes,’saidNiamh.Sheseemedtofeelsomethingneededexplaining.‘Imethimatmyfirstjob.Hewasactuallymyboss.’
‘Howlovely,’saidRobin,tryingnottofeeljudgemental.GivenNigel’shairloss,thecouplelookedmorelikefatheranddaughterinthepicture.
‘So,’saidStrike,‘asIsaidonthephone,we’reafterbackgroundontheUniversalHumanitarianChurch.IsitOKifItakenotes?’
‘Yes,fine,’saidNiamhnervously.
‘CouldwestartwithwhatyearyouandyourfamilywenttoChapmanFarm?’askedStrike,clickingoutthenibofhispen.
‘1999,’saidNiamh.
‘Andyouwereeight,right?’
‘Yes,andmybrotherOisinwassixandmysisterMaevewasfour.’
‘Whatmadeyourparentsjoin,doyouknow?’askedStrike.
‘ItwasDad,notMum,’saidNiamh.‘Hewasalwaysabit,um…it’shardtodescribe.Whenwewerelittlehewaspoliticallyquitefarleft,buthe’saboutasfarrightasyoucangothesedays.Iactuallyhaven’tspokentohimforthreeyears…hejustgotworseandworse.Weirdrantingphonecalls,tempertantrums.NigelthinksI’mbetteroffwithoutcontactwithhim.’
‘Wasyourfamilyreligious?’askedStrike.
‘NotbeforetheUHC.No,IjustrememberDadcominghomeoneevening,incrediblyexcited,becausehe’dbeentoameetingandgottalkingtoPapaJ,whoconvertedhimonthespot.ItwaslikeDadhadfoundthemeaningoflife.Hewasgoingonandonaboutasocialrevolution.He’dbroughthomeacopyofPapaJ’sbook,TheAnswer.Mumjust…wentalongwithit,’saidNiamhsadly.‘Maybeshethoughteverythingwouldbebetterinsidethechurch,Idon’tknow.
‘Shetoldusit’dbefun.Wecriedaboutleavinghome,andallourfriends,shetoldusnottodoitinfrontofDad,becausehe’dbeupset.Anythingforaneasylife,thatwasMum…wehatedit,though,fromthemomentwegotthere.Noclothesofourown.Notoys.IcanrememberMaevesobbingforthecuddlybunnysheusedtotaketobedeverynight.We’dtakenittothefarm,buteverythingwaslockedup,themomentwearrived,includingMaeve’sbunny.’
Niamhtookasipoftea,thensaid,
‘Idon’twanttobehardonMum.FromwhatIcanremember,shehadatoughtimewithDad’smoodswingsandhowerratichewas.Shewasn’tverystrong,either.She’dhadsomekindofheartconditionsincechildhood.Irememberherasverypassive.’
‘Areyoustillincontactwithher?’askedRobin.
Niamhshookherhead.Hereyeshadbecomedamp.
‘Ihaven’tseenhersinceweleftherbehindatChapmanFarm,in2002.Shestayedbehind,withouryoungersister.That’sactuallypartofthereasonIsaidI’dseeyou,’saidNiamh.‘I’djustliketoknow…ifyouhappenedtofindoutwhathappenedtoher…Iwrotetothechurchafewyearsago,tryingtofindoutwhereshewas,andIgotaletterbacksayingsheleftin2003.Idon’tknowwhetherit’strue.Maybeshecouldn’tfindusafterwegotout,becauseDadtookustoWhitby,wherewe’dneverlivedbefore,andhechangedoursurname.Maybeshedidn’twanttofindus,Idon’tknow,orpossiblyDadtoldhertostayaway.Ithinkhemighthaveheardfromher,though,orfromtheUHC,afterweleft,becausehegotafewlettersthatmadehimreallyangry.Maybetheywereforwardedfromouroldaddress.Anyway,he’dtearthemupreallysmallsowecouldn’treadthem.WewereforbiddenfromevermentioningMum,afterweleftChapmanFarm.’
‘Whatmadeyourfathertakeyouaway,doyouknow?’askedStrike.
‘Ionlyknowwhathewassayingashedraggedusoutofthere.Itwasnight-time.Wehadtoclimboutoverfences.WeallwantedMumtocomewithus–wewerebeggingDadtoletusfetchher,andMaevewascallingforher,andDadhither.HetoldusMumwasaslut,’saidNiamhmiserably,‘whichwasjustmad,becauseinthechurch,thewomenaresupposedto…Imean,they’reshared,betweenallthemen.ButDadmust’vethoughtMumwasn’tjoininginwithallthat,whichjust–itbeggarsbelief,itreallydoes,butit’ssotypicalofhim.Hethoughthecouldjointhechurchandjusthavethebitsheliked,andleavetherest,whichwasidiotic:thechurchiscompletelyanti-marriage.Everyone’ssupposedtosleeparound.FromwhatIheardhimtellingouruncleafterwards,hedidn’tbelieveLinwashis…Ireallyhatesayingallthis,becausefromwhatIrememberofMum,shewasquite–youknow–prim.Idon’tthinkshe’dhavewantedtosleepwithpeopleotherthanDad.Thewholething’sso…sobizarre,’saidNiamhbleakly.‘Youcan’texplain,topeoplewhodon’tunderstandabouttheUHC.IusuallytellpeoplemymumdiedwhenIwaseleven.It’sjusteasier.’
‘I’msosorry,’saidRobin,whoreallycouldn’tthinkofanythingelsetosay.
‘Oh,I’mallright,’saidNiamh,whonolongerlookedyoung,butfarolderthanheryears.‘ComparedtoOisinandMaeve,I’vedonefine.They’venevergotovertheUHC.Maeve’salwaysatthedoctor’s,constantlysignedoffsickfromwork,ontonsofdifferentmedication.Shebingeeats,she’sgotreallybigandshe’sneverhadastablerelationship.AndOisindrinksfartoomuch.He’shadkidswithtwodifferentgirlsalready,andhe’sonlytwenty-three.Heworksreallymenialjobs,justtogetdrinkingmoney.I’vetriedtohelp,tolookafterbothofthemabit,becauseI’mtheonlyonewhomadeitthroughthewholethingkindofintact,andI’vealwaysfeltguiltyaboutthat.Bothofthemareangryatme.“It’sallrightforyou,youmarriedaricholdman.”ButIcopedbetter,rightfromthemomentwegotout.Icouldrememberourpre-churchlife,sothechangewasn’tsuchashock.IcaughtupatschoolquickerthantheothertwoandI’dhadMumaroundlonger…buttothisday,Ican’tstandDavidBowie.TheUHCusedtoplay“Heroes”allthetime,togetpeoplerevvedup.Itdoesn’tevenhavetobethatsong.Justthesoundofhisvoice…whenBowiedied,andtheywereplayinghismusicnon-stopontheradio,Ihatedit…’
‘Wouldyouhappentohaveanyphotographsofyourmother?’Strikeasked.
‘Yes,butthey’reveryold.’
‘Doesn’tmatter.We’rejusttryingtotienamestofacesatthemoment.’
‘They’reupstairs,’saidNiamh.‘ShallI—?’
‘Ifyouwouldn’tmind,’saidStrike.
Niamhleftthekitchen.Strikehelpedhimselftoabiscuit.
‘Bloodynice,’hesaid,throughamouthfulofchocolatechips.
‘Don’tgivehimany,’saidRobin,asBasilthedogplacedhisfrontpawsonStrike’sleg.‘Chocolate’sreallybadfordogs.’
‘Shesaysyoucan’thaveany,’Striketoldthefoxterrier,crammingtherestofthebiscuitintohismouth.‘It’snotmydecision.’
TheyheardNiamh’sreturningfootsteps,andshereappeared.
‘That’sMum,’shesaid,passingafadedPolaroidtoStrike.
Heguessedithadbeentakenintheearlynineties.Fair-hairedDeirdreDohertylookedupathim,wearingapairofsquare-framedglasses.
‘Thanks,’saidStrike,makinganote.‘Wouldyoubeallrightwithmetakingapictureofthis?Iwon’ttaketheoriginal.’
NiamhnoddedandStriketookaphotographonhismobile.
‘SoyouwereatChapmanFarmforthreeyears?’StrikeaskedNiamh.
‘That’sright–notthatIknewituntilwegotout,becausetherearenoclocksorcalendarsinthere.’
‘Really?’saidRobin,thinkingofherThursdaynightappointmentswiththeplasticrock.
‘No,andtheynevercelebratedbirthdaysoranything.Icanrememberwalkingthroughthewoodsandthinking,“Todaycouldbemybirthday.Idon’tknow.”Butthepeoplerunningtheplacemusthaveknownourdatesofbirth,becausecertainthingshappenedwhenyoureacheddifferentages.’
‘Whatkindofthings?’askedStrike.
‘Well,uptotheageofnine,yousleptinamixeddormitory.Thenyouwentintoasingle-sexdormitory,andyouhadtostartkeepingajournalforthechurchelderstoread.Obviously,youdidn’tsaywhatyouwerereallythinking.IsoonfoundoutifIwroteonethingI’dlearnedandonethingI’denjoyed,I’dbeOK.“TodayIlearnedmoreaboutwhatthefalseselfis,”’shesaid,adoptingaflatvoice,‘“andwaysoffightingmyfalseself.Iunderstandthatthefalseselfisthebadpartofmethatwantsbadthings.Itisveryimportanttodefeatthefalseself.Ienjoyeddinnertonight.Wehadchickenandriceandthereweresongs.”’
Beneaththetable,Basilhadfinallysettleddown,hiswoollyheadrestingonRobin’sfoot.
‘Then,whenyouturnedthirteen,youmovedintotheadultdorms,’Niamhcontinued,‘andyoustartedattendingManifestationsandtrainingtogopurespirit.Thechildrenwho’dbeenraisedinthechurchtoldmepurespiritsgetspecialpowers.IrememberfantasisingatnightthatI’dgopurespiritreallyfast,andblastapartthewallsofthedormitoriesandgrabMum,OisinandMaeveandflyawaywiththem…Idon’tknowwhetherIthoughtthatwasreallypossible…afteryou’dbeeninthereawhile,youdidstarttobelievemadthings.
‘ButIcan’ttellyouhowyougopurespirit,’saidNiamh,withawrysmile,‘becauseIwasonlyelevenwhenweleft.’
‘Sowhatwastheroutine,foryoungerkids?’askedStrike.
‘Rotelearningofchurchdogma,lotsofcolouringin,andsometimesgoingtothetempletochant,’saidNiamh.‘Itwasincrediblyboringandwewereveryheavilysupervised.Noproperteaching.Veryoccasionallywewereallowedtogoandplayinthewoods.
‘Irememberthisoneday–’Niamh’stonelightenedalittle,‘–inthewoods,OisinandIfoundahatchet.Therewasthisbigoldtreewithahollowinit.Ifyouclimbeduphighenoughintoitsbranches,youcouldseedownintothehollow.OnedayOisingotalongbranchandstartedpokingaroundinsidethetrunk,andhesawsomethingatthebottom.
‘Itwasaboutthatbig,’Niamhheldherhandsafootapart,‘andthebladewassortofrusty-looking.It’llhavebeenusedforchoppingwood,butOisinwasconvincedithadbloodonit.Wecouldn’tgetitout,though.Wecouldn’treach.
‘Wedidn’ttellanyone.Youlearnednevertotellanyoneanything,evenifitwasinnocent,butwemadeupthiswholestoryinsecretabouthowMazuhadtakenanaughtychildintothewoodsandkilledthemthere.Wehalf-believedit,Ithink.WewereallterrifiedofMazu.’
‘Youwere?’saidRobin.
‘God,yes,’saidNiamh.‘Shewas…likenobodyI’veevermet,beforeorsince.’
‘Inwhatway?’askedStrike.
Niamhgaveanunexpectedshudder,thenahalf-ashamedlaugh.
‘She…Ialwaysthoughtofheras,like,areallybigspider.Youdon’twanttoknowwhatitmightdotoyou,youjustknowyoudon’twanttobenearit.That’showIfeltaboutMazu.’
‘We’veheard,’saidStrike,‘thattherewerebeatingsandwhippings.’
‘Theykeptthechildrenawayfromanythinglikethat,’saidNiamh,‘butsometimesyou’dseegrown-upswithbruisesorcuts.Youlearnednevertoaskaboutit.’
‘Andweknowoneboywastiedtoatreeinthedarkovernight,’saidRobin.
‘Yes,that–thatwasquiteacommonpunishment,forchildren,Ithink,’saidNiamh.‘Kidsweren’tsupposedtotalkaboutwhathadhappenedtothemiftheyweretakenawaytobedisciplined,butofcoursepeoplewhisperedaboutit,inthedorms.Inevergotabadpunishment,personally,’Niamhadded.‘ItoedthelineandImadesureOisinandMaevedid,too.No,itwasn’tsomuchwhatactuallyhappenedtoyou,aswhatyouwereafraidmighthappen.Therewasalwaysthisfeelingoflurkingdanger.
‘MazuandPapaJcouldbothdosupernatural–Imean,obviously,theyweren’tsupernaturalthings,Iknowthatnow,butIbelieveditatthetime.Ithoughttheybothhadpowers.Bothofthemcouldmakeobjectsmove,justbypointingatthem.Isawhimlevitate,aswell.Alltheadultsbelieveditwasreal,ortheyactedasiftheydid,so,ofcourse,wedid,too.ButtheworstthingforthechildrenwastheDrownedProphet.Youknowabouther?’
‘Weknowabit,’saidRobin.
‘Mazuusedtotellusstoriesabouther.Shewassupposedtohavebeenthisperfectlittlegirlwhoneverdidanythingwrongandwasmarkedforthisimportantdestiny.Weweretaughtthatshe’ddrownedonpurpose,toprovethatspiritisstrongerthanflesh,butthatshecamebacktoChapmanFarminthewhitedressshedrownedin,andappearedinthewoodswheresheusedtoplay–andwesawher,’saidNiamhquietly.‘AcoupleoftimesatnightIsawher,standinginthetrees,staringtowardsourdormitory.’
Niamhshuddered.
‘Iknowitmusthavebeenatrick,butIhadnightmaresaboutitforyearsafterwards.I’dseeheroutsidemybedroomwindowinWhitby,soakingwetinherwhitedress,withlongblackhairlikeMazu’s,staringinatme,becausewe’dallbeenbadandleftChapmanFarm.AllthekidsatChapmanFarmwerepetrifiedoftheDrownedProphet.“She’slistening.She’llknowifyou’relying.She’llcomeandfindyou,inthedark.”Thatwasenoughtoscareusallintogoodbehaviour.’
‘I’msureitwas,’saidRobin.
Strikenowreachedintohisbreastpocketandpulledoutafoldedlist.
‘CouldIgothroughsomenameswithyou,andseewhetheryourememberanyofthesepeople?’heaskedNiamh,whonodded.However,sheshowednosignofrecognitionofthefirsthalf-dozennamesStrikereadout.
‘Sorry,it’ssolongago,andunlesstheywereinourdormitory…’
ThefirstnameNiamhrecognisedwasthatofKevinPirbright,andRobincouldtellfromherreactionthatshedidn’tknowhewasdead.
‘KevinPirbright,yes!Irememberhimandhissister,Emily.Theywerenice.Andtheyhadanoldersister,Becca,whocamebacknotlongafterwe’darrived.’
‘Whatd’youmean,“cameback”?’askedStrike,hispenattheready.
‘She’dbeenattheBirminghamcentreforthreeyears.She’dbeenkindoffast-trackedbyPapaJ,asafuturechurchleader.Shewasreallybossy.AbigfavouriteofPapaJ’sandMazu’s.Ididn’tlikehermuch.’
Strikekeptreadingoutnames,butNiamhkeptshakingherheaduntilStrikesaid‘FloraBrewster’.
‘Oh,yes,IthinkIrememberher.Shewasateenager,right?Ihelpedhermakeherfirstcorndolly–theymakethemalot,atChapmanFarm,tosellinNorwich.’
Strikecontinuedworkinghiswaydownthelistofnames.
‘PaulDraper?He’dhavebeenolderthanyou.Ateenager,aswell.’
‘No,can’trememberaPaul.’
‘JordanReaney?Alsoateenager.’
‘No,sorry.’
‘CherieGittins?’
‘No.Imean,theymighthavebeenthere,butIcan’trememberthemiftheywere.’
‘MargaretCathcart-Bryce?’
‘OhGod,yes,Irememberher,’saidNiamhatonce.‘Shewasreallystrangeandstretched-looking,she’dhadsomuchworkdoneonherface.Shewasoneoftherichwomenwhousedtovisitthefarmallthetime.Therewasanotheronewholikedgroomingthehorses,andsomeoftheotherstook“yoga”withPapaJ,butMargaretwastherichestofthelot.’
Strikekeptreadingoutnames,buttheonlyoneNiamhrecognisedwasthatofHaroldCoates.
‘Hewasadoctor,wasn’the?’
‘That’sright,’saidStrike.‘Didyouusedtoseemuchofhim?’
‘Ididn’t,butMaevedid.Shekeptgettingnervousrashes.Heusedtotreather.’
Strikemadeanoteofthis,hisfaceexpressionless.
‘D’yourememberJonathanWace’sdaughter?’askedRobin.
‘Well,no,’saidNiamh,lookingconfused.‘Shewasdead.’
‘Sorry,notDaiyu–Imeanhiselderdaughter,Abigail.’
‘Oh,didhehaveanotherone?’saidNiamh,surprised.‘No,Inevermether.’
‘OK,’saidStrike,havingmadeafinalnote,‘that’sbeenhelpful,thankyou.We’retryingtoestablishatimeline,findoutwhowasthere,andwhen.’
‘I’msorryIdon’tremembermore,’saidNiamh.
Cupsofteafinished,theyallrosefromthetable,RobindisengagingherfootcarefullyfromBasil.
‘If,’saidNiamhtentatively,‘youfindoutanythingaboutMum,willyouletmeknow?’
‘Ofcourse,’saidStrike.
‘Thankyou.SincehavingCharlie,IthinkaboutMumsuchalot…OisinandMaevesaytheydon’tcare,butIthinkitwouldmeanalottothem,too,ifwecouldfindoutwhathappenedtoher…’
Strike,Robinnoticed,lookedunusuallysevereasthethreeofthemheadeddownthehall,evenallowingforthenaturalsurlinessofhisrestingexpression.Atthefrontdoor,RobinthankedNiamhforhertimeandthebiscuits.Basilstoodpantingbesidethem,tailwagging,evidentlyconvincedhemightyetwheedlefunandtreatsoutofthestrangers
Strikenowturnedtohispartner.
‘Yougoon.I’dlikeaprivatewordwithNiamh.’
Thoughsurprised,Robinaskednoquestions,butleft.Whenthesoundofherfootstepshaddisappeared,StriketurnedbacktoNiamh.
‘I’msorrytoaskthis,’hesaidquietly,lookingdownather,‘buthasyouryoungersisterevertalkedtoyouaboutwhatHaroldCoatesdid,tocureherrashes?’
‘Ithinkhegavehersomecream,that’sall,’saidNiamh,lookingnonplussed.
‘She’snevertalkedaboutanythingelsethathappened,whenhewastreatingher?’
‘No,’saidNiamh,fearnowdawninginherface.
‘Howold’syoursisternow–twenty-one?’
‘Yes,’saidNiamh.
‘HaroldCoateswasapaedophile,’saidStrike,andNiamhgaspedandclappedherhandstoherface.‘Ithinkyoushouldaskherwhathappened.She’sprobablyinneedofmorehelpthananti-depressants,anditmightbearelieftohavesomeoneelseknow.’
‘OhmyGod,’whisperedNiamhthroughherfingers.
‘I’msorry,’repeatedStrike.‘Itwon’tbemuchconsolation,Iknow,butMaevewasfarfromtheonlyone.’
22
Nineatthetopmeans:Looktoyourconductandweighthefavourablesigns.
TheIChingorBookofChanges
‘Fancysomelunchwhilewedebrief?’saidStrike,oncehewasbackinthecar.‘Niamhrecommendedagoodplacejustroundthecorner,’helied.Infact,he’dfoundtheMerlin’sCaverestaurantonline,thepreviousday.
Robinhesitated.Havingtakenthedayoff,Murphywouldbeexpectingherbackassoonaspossible,tospendtheirlastfewhourstogether.Yettheirslightlytensephoneconversationofthepreviousevening,inwhichMurphyhadjustrefrainedfrombecomingopenlyannoyed,hadirkedher.Herboyfriend,whosupposedlywantedheraswellpreparedaspossiblebeforegoingundercover,hadresentedherspeakingtoalastwitnessbeforeshewentin,andhisbehaviourwasalltooreminiscentofhermarriage.
‘Yes,OK,’saidRobin.‘Ican’thangaroundtoolong,though,I–er–toldRyanI’dbeback.’
‘Fairenough,’saidStrike,happytohavegainedlunch.Hopefully,theservicewouldbeslow.
Merlin’sCave,whichstoodonthevillagegreen,wasacountrypubwithatimberedandredbrickfa?ade.StrikeandRobinwereshowntoatablefortwoinapleasantrestaurantarea,withglasswindowsoverlookingareargarden.
‘IfIdriveback,’saidStrike,astheysatdown,‘youcandrink.LastchanceforalcoholbeforeChapmanFarm.’
‘I’mnotbothered,Icanhaveadrinklater,’saidRobin.
‘Murphy’sOKwithyoudrinkinginfrontofhim,ishe?’
Robinlookedupfromthemenuthewaitresshadjusthandedher.Shedidn’trememberevertellingStrikethatMurphywasanalcoholic.
‘Yes,he’sfinewithit.DidIlsa—?’
‘Wardle,’saidStrike.
‘Oh,’saidRobin,lookingbackdownatthemenu.
StrikehadnointentionofrelayingwhatWardlehadsaidaboutMurphy’sbehaviourwhenstilladrinker,largelybecauseheknewhowhe’dmakehimselflooktoRobin,bysayingit.Nevertheless,hesaid,
‘Whatmadehimgiveup?’
‘Hesayshejustdidn’tlikehimself,drunk,’saidRobin,preferringtokeeplookingatthemenu,ratherthanStrike.ShehadasuspicionthatStrikewaslookingforawaytoimpartinformationsheprobablywouldn’twanttohear.GivenStrike’srecentirritationatwhatheconsideredIlsa’smeddling,shethoughtitgrosslyhypocriticalforhimtostartquestioningheraboutMurphy’spast.
Sensingtheslightincreaseinfroideurfromacrossthetable,Strikeprobednofurther.Whenbothhadorderedfood,andStrikehadaskedforbread,hesaid,
‘So,whatdidyoumakeofNiamh?’
Robinloweredhermenu.
‘Well,apartfromfeelingreallysorryforher,Ithoughtshegaveusafewinterestingthings.Especiallythatphotographofhermother.FromHenryWorthington-Fields’descriptionofthepregnantwomanhesawcollapsing,whileploughing—’
‘Yeah,IthinkthatwasDeirdreDoherty,’saidStrike,‘andnowweknowshehadaheartconditionwhich,alongwithhardmanuallabourandafourthpregnancy,wouldseemamplegroundsforfainting,orwhatevershedid.’
‘Butweknowshesurvivedthefaintingfit,gotthroughthebirthOKandlivedforanothertwoyears,atleast,’saidRobin.
ThewaitressnowsetdownRobin’swater,Strike’szero-alcoholbeerandabasketofbread.Striketookaroll(thedietcouldberesumedonceRobinwasatChapmanFarm)andwaiteduntilthewaitresswasoutofearshot,beforesaying,
‘YouthinkDeirdre’sdead?’
‘Idon’twanttothinkso,’saidRobin,‘butit’sgottobeapossibility,hasn’tit?’
‘Andthelettersherhusbandkepttearingup?’
‘TheymightnothavehadanythingtodowithDeirdreatall.Ican’tbelieveitwouldhavebeenthathardtotrackherfamilydown,ifshereallydidleaveChapmanFarmin2003.Anddon’tyoufinditfishythatsheleftheryoungestdaughterbehindwhenshewasso-calledexpelled?’
‘IfKevinPirbrightwasright,andLinwasJonathanWace’sdaughter,Wacemightnothavebeenpreparedtogiveherup.’
‘IfKevinPirbrightwasright,’saidRobin,‘Linwasaproductofrape,andifDeirdrewaspreparedtowriteitinherjournalthatWacehadrapedher,shewasarealdangertohimandtothechurch.’
‘YouthinkWacemurderedher,buriedheratChapmanFarmandthentoldeveryonehe’dexpelledherinthenight,toavoidaDNAtest?BecauseallWacehadtodowassaythesexwasconsensual,getafewcultmemberstostateontherecordthatDeirdrewalkedhappilyintohisbedroomofherownfreewill,andit’dbeveryhardtogetaconviction.Asyou’vejustpointedout,DeirdrestayedatChapmanFarm,evenaftertherestofherfamilytookoff.Thatwouldn’tlookgreatincourt.Norwouldthefactthatherhusbandthoughtshewasaslutanddidn’twantanythingmoretodowithher.’
CatchingtheexpressiononRobin’sface,Strikeadded,
‘I’mnotsayingIthinkanyofthoseargumentswouldbefairorvalid.I’mjustbeingrealisticaboutDeirdre’soddsofconvincingajury.’
‘Whydidshewriteabouttherapeinherjournalatall?’askedRobin.‘Sheknewthejournalwouldbereadbyahigher-up,whichdoesn’treallytallywiththewayNiamhdescribedhermother.Itdoesn’tfeelliketheactofapassivewoman.’
‘Maybeshewasdesperate,’saidStrike.‘Maybeshehopedthejournalwasgoingtobereadbysomeoneshethoughtwouldhelpher.’Hetookabiteofbread,thensaid,‘I’llkeeptryingtotrackDeirdredownwhileyou’reatthefarm.She’dbeabloodygoodwitness,ifwecanfindher.’
‘Ofcourse,sheneedn’thavebeenmurdered,’saidRobin,stillfollowingherowntrainofthought.‘IfshehadaweakheartbeforegoingtoChapmanFarmandwasmadetoworkwithoutadequatefood,shecouldhavediedofnaturalcauses.’
‘Ifthathappened,andtheydidn’tregisterthedeath,we’vegotacrime.Troubleis,toproveit,weneedabody.’
‘It’sfarmland,’saidRobin.‘Shecouldhavebeenburiedanywhere,overacres.’
‘Andwe’renotgoingtogettheauthoritytodigupallthefieldsonanevidence-freehunch.’
‘Iknow,’saidRobin.‘There’salsothatthingaboutnocalendarsandwatches—’
‘Yeah,Iwasgoingtotalktoyouaboutthat,’saidStrike.
‘Evenifwemanagetofindpeoplewho’repreparedtotalk,they’regoingtohavecredibilityproblems,’Robincontinued.‘“Whendidthishappen?”“Ihaveliterallynoidea.”It’dmakefakingalibisapieceofcake.Onlythepeopleatthetopknowwhattimeofdayitis–literally.’
‘Yeah,butthemoreimmediateproblemis,you’regoingtohavetofindawayofkeepingtrackofthedayswithoutanyoneknowingyou’redoingit.’
‘I’llthinkofsomething,’saidRobin,‘butifyoucouldputdatesanddaysoftheweekonyournotestome,that’llhelpkeepmeorientated.’
‘Goodthinking,’saidStrike,pullingouthisnotebookandmakinganotetothiseffect.
‘And,’saidRobin,feelingslightlyawkwardaboutaskingthis,‘ifIputtheoddnoteforRyanintherock,alongwithmyreportforyou,wouldyoumindpassingiton?’
‘Noproblem,’saidStrike,makingafurthernote,hisexpressionimpassive.‘Domeareturnfavour,though:ifyougetachancetogettheblood-stainedhatchetoutofthehollowtree,besureandtakeit.’
‘OK,I’lltry,’saidRobin,smiling.
‘Doyourfamilyknowwhatyou’reabouttodo,bytheway?’
‘Nodetails,’saidRobin.‘I’vejustsaidI’llbeundercoverforabit.Ihaven’ttoldthemwhereI’mgoing.Ryan’sgoingtocallthemwithupdates…IreallyhopeAbigailGloverdecidestotalktoyou,’Robinadded,againkeentogetoffthesubjectofMurphy,‘becauseI’dlovetohearsomemorebackgroundonherfather.Thereisn’tmuchaboutWace’spastoutthere,haveyounoticed?’
‘Yeah,Ihave,thoughInotehedoesn’tmindpeopleknowinghewaseducatedatHarrow.’
‘No,butafterthatitallgetssketchy,doesn’tit?Hisfatherwasa“businessman”,butnodetailonwhatkindofbusiness,andhisfirstwifediestragically,hefindsreligionandfoundstheUHC.That’sbasicallyit.’
Theirfoodarrived.Strike,whowasstillabstainingfromchips,lookedsoenviouslyatRobin’sthatshelaughed.
‘Havesome.IonlyorderedthembecauseI’mgoingtobeonstarvationrationsfromtomorrow.’
‘No,’saidStrikegloomily,‘Istillneedtogetanotherstoneoff.’
He’djustcutintohischickenbreastwhenhismobilerangagain,thistime,fromanunknownLondonnumber.Settingdownhisknifeandforkagain,heanswered.
‘Hello?’
‘Oh–’iya,’saidawoman’svoice.‘AreyouCameronStrike?’
‘That’sme,’saidStrike,whorarelybotheredtocorrectthemistake.‘Who’sthis?’
‘AvaReaney.Youleftamessageformetocallyou?’
‘Yes,’saidStrike,scribblingReaneywifeonhisnotebookandturningittofaceRobin.‘Idid.Iwasactuallywonderingwhetheryoucouldgetamessagetoyourhusbandforme,MrsReaney.’
‘ToJordan?Wha’for?’saidthevoicesuspiciously.Therewasalotofbackgroundnoise,includingpopmusic.StrikeassumedAvaReaneywasathernailsalon.
‘I’mtryingtofindasmanypeopleasIcanwho’velivedatChapmanFarm,’saidStrike.
‘What–thatcultplace?’askedAvaReaney.
‘That’stheone.Ithinkyourhusbandwasthereinthenineties?’
‘’Ewas,yeah,’shesaid.
‘So,couldyou—?’
‘No,’shesaid.‘We’vesplitup.’
‘Oh.Sorrytohearthat,’saidStrike
‘’E’sinside,’saidAva.
‘Yeah,Iknow,’saidStrike,‘whichiswhy—’
‘’E’sabastard.I’mdivorcing’im.’
‘Right,’saidStrike.‘Well,couldanyoneelsetakeamessagetohim,toseewhetherhe’dbepreparedtotalktomeabouttheUHC?’
‘Icanask’issister,ifyouwant,’saidAva.‘She’sgoingupnextweek.Hey,areyouthatblokewhatcaughttheShacklewellRipper?’
‘Iam,yeah,’saidStrike.
‘Itis’im,’Avasaidloudly,apparentlytosomebodystandingnearby,beforesaying,‘Soyou’reafterpeoplefromtheUHTareyou?No,’shecorrectedherself,‘that’smilk,innit?’
‘DidJordanevertalktoyouabouthistimeinthere?’askedStrike.
‘Notmuch.’Egetsnightmaresabou’it,though,’sheadded,withacertainmalicioussatisfaction.
‘Really?’saidStrike.
‘Yeah.Abou’thepigs.’E’sfrightenedofpigs.’
Shelaughed,andsodidtheunknownpersonstandingnearher.
‘OK,well,ifyouwouldn’tmindaskingJordan’ssistertogivehimmymessage–you’vegotmyphonenumber,haven’tyou?’
‘Yeah,Iwill.OK.Seeya.’
Strikehungup.
‘ApparentlyJordanReaneyhasnightmaresaboutpigs,datingfromhistimeinChapmanFarm.’
‘Really?’
‘Yeah…D’youknowmuchaboutthem?’
‘What,pigs?Notreally.’
‘Shame.Ilooktoyouforfarmingexpertise.’
‘Theboarscanbereallyaggressive,’saidRobin,‘Iknowthat.OurlocalvetgotbadlyinjuredbyonewhenIwasatschool.Itslammedhimupagainstmetalrailings–hehadsomenastybitesandbrokenribs.’
Strike’smobilenowbuzzedwiththearrivalofatext.Robinglimpsedalotofemojisbeforeherpartnerswipedthephoneoffthetableandreturnedittohispocket.
Shededuced,correctly,thatthetextwasfromBijouWatkins.Foramomentortwo,sheconsideredpassingonIlsa’swarningaboutBijou’sbedroombehaviour,butgivenStrike’sreactionthelasttimesomeonetriedtointerferewithhisnewrelationship,shedecidedagainstit.Afterall,thiswasthelasttimeshewasgoingtoseeherbusinesspartnerforawhile,andshepreferrednottopartonbadterms.
23
Nineatthebeginningmeans:Fellowshipwithmenatthegate.
TheIChingorBookofChanges
Athalfpastninethefollowingday,RobinwalkedoutofVictoriaStationintothecool,overcastmorning.Foramoment,shestoodwithherhalf-emptyholdalloverhershoulder,lookingaroundattaxis,swarmingcommutersandbuses,andexperiencedamomentofpanic:therewasnominibus,andshegropedinherpocketfortheUHCpamphlet,tocheckshehadtherightstationandtime,eventhoughsheknewperfectlywellshedid.However,justasshefoundthepamphlet,shespottedanorange-tabardedwomanholdingupasignwiththechurch’sheart-handslogoonit,andrecognisedBeccaPirbright,Kevin’soldersister,who’dledthesecondtempleserviceRobinhadattended.
ThoughRobinhadpreviouslycomparedBeccatoamotivationalspeaker,itnowstruckherthatshewasmorelikeanidealisednotionofaGirlGuide:prettyandneat,withthick-lasheddarkeyes,glossybrownhairandacreamy-skinned,ovalface,whichdimpledwhenshesmiled.Beckoninghesitantarrivalstogatheraroundher,sheprojectedacheerynaturalauthority.
BesideBeccastoodashort,heavy-setyoungmanwhohadalowforehead,darkeyes,fuzzydarkhairandanunderbite.AsRobinlookedathim,shenoticedaslightticinhisrighteye;itbegantowink,apparentlyuncontrollably,andhehastilyraisedahandtocoverit.Hetoowaswearinganorangetabard,andheldaclipboard.SevenoreightpeoplewithbackpacksandbagshadalreadycongregatedaroundthepairbythetimeRobinjoinedthegroup.
‘Hi,’shesaid.
‘Hello!’saidBecca.‘Areyouoneofus?’
‘Ithinkso,’saidRobin.‘RowenaEllis?’
Theyoungmanwiththeclipboardmarkedoffthename.
‘Great!I’mBecca,andthisisJiang.He’sgoingtobeourdriver.’
‘Hi,’saidRobin,smilingatJiang,whomerelygrunted.
Thename‘Jiang’madeRobinwonderwhethertheyoungmanwasanothersonofJonathanWace’s,althoughhedidn’tresemblethechurchleaderintheslightest.
Robin’sfellowinitiateswereaneclecticbunch.Sherecognisedtheyoung,brown-skinnedmaninglasseswho’dwornaSpidermanT-shirtinthetemple,buttheotherswereunfamiliar.Theyincludedapink-facedmanwholookedtobeinhislatesixtiesandhadtheairofaprofessor,withhistweedjacketandwispywhitehair;twoteenagedgirlswhoseemedinclinedtogiggle,oneofwhomwasplump,withbrightgreenhair,theotherpale,blondeandmuch-pierced.Anatmosphereofnervoustensionhungoverthegroup,whichsuggestedpeoplewaitingtoturnovertheirpapersinanimportantexam.
Byfivetoten,thegrouphadswelledtotwentypeopleandeverybody’snamehadbeencheckedoff.Beccaledthegroupacrossthebusyroadandupasidestreet,toasmartwhiteminibuswiththeUHClogoonitsside.Robinfoundherselfawindowseatdirectlybehindthetwoteenagedgirls.Thespectacledyoungmansatbesideher.
‘Hi,I’mAmandeep,’hesaid.
‘Rowena,’saidRobin,smiling.
Astheminibuspulledawayfromthepavement,Beccapickedupamicrophoneandturned,kneelingonafrontseat,toaddressthenewcomers.
‘So,goodmorning!I’mBeccaPirbright,andI’vebeenblessedtobeamemberoftheUniversalHumanitarianChurchsinceIwaseightyearsold.I’mgoingtobegivingyouabriefrundownonwhatyoucanexpectduringyourweek’sretreat,andthenI’llbehappytoansweranyquestionsyou’vegot!Let’sjustgetoutofLondon,soI’mnotarrestedfornotwearingmyseatbelt!’shesaid,andtherewasalittletitteroflaughterassheturnedtotakeherseatagain.
AstheydrovethroughLondon,quietconversationsbrokeoutinsidetheminibus,butthereseemedtobeanunspokenagreementthattheseshouldbekeptrespectfullylow,asthoughtheywerealreadyinsideareligiousspace.AmandeeptoldRobinhewasdoingaPhDinengineering,RobintoldhimabouthercancelledweddingandherimaginarycareerinPR,andmostofthebusheardthesixty-somethingmanannouncethathewasaprofessorofanthropologicalphilosophycalledWalterFernsby.Becca,Robinnoticed,wasobservingthepassengersinamirrorpositioneddirectlyoverthewindscreen,whichwasangledtowatchtheseatsratherthantheroad.TheslightmovementofBecca’srightshouldersuggestedthatshewasmakingnotes.
WhentheminibusreachedtheM11,Beccaturnedonhermicrophoneagainand,speakingtothepassengersintheangledmirror,shesaid,
‘Hi!So,nowwe’refullyonourway,I’llgiveyousomeideawhattoexpectwhenwereachChapmanFarm,whichhasareallyimportantplaceinourchurch’shistory.HaveanyofyoureadPapaJ’sbookTheAnswer?’
Mostpassengersraisedtheirhands.Robindeliberatelyhadn’treadJonathanWace’sbookpriortoentryintothechurch,becauseshewantedbothapretextforquestions,andtopresentherselfassomeonewhostillneededtobeconvincedofthechurch’struths.
‘Well,asthosewho’vereadTheAnswerwillknow,wefollowtheteachingsofthefiveprophets,whoareallburiedormemorialisedatChapmanFarm.
‘Yourstayatthefarmwillfocusonwhatweliketocallthethree“S”s:study,serviceandspiritualpractice.You’llbeundertakingawiderangeofactivities,someofthempracticaltasksoutinthefreshair,othersfocusingonyourspiritualneeds.Wefindthatpeoplelearnalotaboutthemselves,perhapsevenmorethantheylearnaboutus,duringtheseretreats.
‘Togetyoustarted,I’mgoingtopassbacksomequestionnaires.Pleasefilltheminasbestyoucan–I’mpassingoutpens,too.We’recominguptoanicestraightbitofmotorway,sohopefullynobodywillgetmotionsickness!’
Therewasanotherrippleofnervouslaughter.Beccapassedapileofstapledquestionnairestooneofthepeoplebehindher,andahandfulofpens,whichwerethenpassedaroundthepassengers,whotookoneofeach.
Robinnoticedasshetookapenthatithadbeennumbered.Sheglanceddownthelistofquestionsonthepaper.She’dhalf-expectedamedicalquestionnaire,butinsteadsawwhatshequicklyrealisedwasakindofpersonalitytest.Thepersonansweringwassupposedtomarkaseriesofstatements‘stronglyagree’,‘somewhatagree’,‘somewhatdisagree’or‘stronglydisagree’,andtowritetheirnameatthetopofthepage.
1OnceImakeupmymind,Iseldomchangeit.
2Iprefertoworkatmyownpace.
3Ihavemanyfriendsandacquaintances
4Peopleliketocometomewiththeirproblems.
5Igainsatisfactionfromachievingmygoals.
Thequestionnaireranovertensidesofpaper.Manyofthestatementswererewordedversionsofthosethathadgonebefore.Robinsettowork,answeringinthepersonaofRowena,whowasbothmoregregariousandmoreconcernedaboutotherpeople’sapprovalthanhercreator.Thetwoteenagedgirlsintheseatinfrontweregigglingastheycomparedanswers.
IttookfortyminutesforthefirstcompletedquestionnairetobepassedbacktoBecca.Robinhandedinherownshortlyafterwards,butdeliberatelykeptholdofherpen,toseewhathappened.Whenatlastallthequestionnaireshadbeenhandedin,Beccatooktothemicrophoneagain.
‘I’mmissingpenstenandfourteen!’shesaidgaily,andRobinmadeashowofrealisingshe’dabsent-mindedlyputpentenintoherpocket.Penfourteenwaslocatedrollingunderaseat.
‘We’regoingtohaveaquickbathroombreakhere,’saidBeccaoverthemicrophone,astheminibusturnedintoaShellservicestation.‘You’vegotthirtyminutes.Don’tbelatebacktotheminibus,please!’
AsRobindescendedtheminibussteps,shesawBeccawasflickingthroughthequestionnaires.
Havingvisitedthebathroom,Robinwalkedbacktowardsthecarpark.Knowingwhatlayahead,shefeltastrongdesiretobuychocolate,eventhoughshewasn’thungry.Instead,sheexaminedthefrontpagesofnewspapersintheshop.Theever-nearingBrexitreferendumdominatedthem.
‘Well,Ihopeyou’reallfeelingrelieved!’saidBeccamerrilyintothemicrophone,aftereveryonehadgotbackontothebus,elicitinganotherlittlelaughfromherpassengers.‘We’vegotjustoveranhourleftuntilwearriveatChapmanFarm,soI’mgoingtosayalittlebitmoreaboutwhatyoushouldexpectthere,andthengiveyoutheopportunitytoaskanyquestions.
‘Asyouprobablyknow,oneoftheUHC’sprioritiesistoeffectmeaningfulchangeinthematerialistworld.’
‘Amentothat!’saidWalterFernsby,theprofessorofphilosophy,whichmademanyofhiscompanionslaughagain.
‘Ourmaincharitableconcerns,’continuedthesmilingBecca,‘arehomelessness,addiction,climatechangeandsocialdeprivation.Alltheseissuesare,ofcourse,inter-related,andareillsgeneratedbyacapitalist,materialisticsociety.Thisweek,you’llbejoiningusinoureffortsto,quiteliterally,changetheworld.Youmightthinkyourcontributiontoosmalltomatter,butourteachingisthateverysingleactofmercyorgenerosity,everyminuteoftimegiventobettertheworld,ortohelpanotherhumanbeing,hasitsownspiritualpowerwhich,ifharnessed,canbringaboutalmostmiraculoustransformations.
‘Andthischangewon’tmerelybeexternal.Aninternalchangetakesplacewhenwecommittolivesofservice.Webecomemorethanwe’veeverdreamedwecouldbe.I’vepersonallywitnessedpeoplecomingintotheirfullspiritualpower,sheddingallmaterialism,becomingcapableofextraordinaryacts.
‘OnarrivalatChapmanFarmyou’llbedividedintosmallgroups.Icanpromiseyou,youwon’tbebored!Groupsrotatethroughdifferentactivities.You’llattendtempleandlectures,butyou’llalsobecraftingobjectsthatwesellforcharityandlookingaftertheanimalswekeepatthefarm,whoarepartofourcommitmenttoethicalfarmingandalifeinharmonywithnature.Youmayevenbeaskedtodosomecookingandcleaning:actsofsimplecaretakingwhichprovecommitmenttoourcommunityandcareofourbrothersandsisterswithinthechurch.
‘Now,doesanyonehaveanyquestionsforme?’
Halfadozenhandsshotintotheair.
‘Yes?’saidBecca,smilingattheplump,green-hairedgirl.
‘Hi–um–howquicklydomostpeoplegopurespirit?’
‘Igetaskedthatquestioneverysingletime!’saidBecca,andthepassengerslaughedalongwithher.‘OK,so–theansweris,thereisnoanswer.I’mnotgoingtolietoyou:formostpeople,ittakesawhile,buttherearedefinitelyindividualsforwhomithappensfast.Thefounderofthechurch,whomwecallPapaJ–buthe’sexceptional–hewasshowingsignsofbeingpurespiritagedthirteenorfourteen,althoughifyoureadTheAnswer,you’llknowhedidn’tyetrealisewhyhecoulddothingsmostpeoplecan’t.Yes?’shesaid,totheblondeteenagersittingbesidethefirstquestioner.
‘Dowegettochooseourgroups?’
‘I’mafraidnot,’saidBeccakindly.‘Wewantyoualltohavethebestpossibleindividualexperienceduringtheretreat,whichmeanswetendtoputpeoplewhoknoweachotherintodifferentgroups.’
Robinsawtheteenagedgirlsglanceateachother,crestfallen,asBeccawenton,
‘Don’tworry,you’llstillseeeachother!You’llbesharingadormitoryatnight.Butwewantyoutohaveanindividualexperiencethatyoucanprocessinyourown,uniqueway…yes?’shesaid,toWaltertheprofessor.
‘Ifwehaveaspecificskillsetthatmightbeusefultothechurch,shouldwedeclareit?Sowecanbeofmoreuse?’
‘That’sagreatquestion,’saidBecca.‘Wehavesomeverygiftedindividualswithinthechurch–I’mtalkingaboutartists,doctors,scientists–whoinitiallyundertakewhat,inthematerialistworld,wouldbeconsideredquitemenialtasks,knowingthatthisisasteptowardsenlightenment.Thatsaid,wedoassessindividualmembersoncethey’vecompletedwhatwecallService,soastoplacethemwheretheycanbestservethechurchanditsbroadermission.
‘Yes,thegentlemanintheglasses?’
‘WhatdoyousaytopeoplewhoclaimtheUHCisactuallyacult?’askedAmandeep.
Beccalaughed.Robindidn’tseeevenasplitsecondofconsternation.
‘I’dsaythechurchdefinitelyattractsslursandnegativeattention.Thequestionweshouldbeaskingis,why?We’rearguingforequalityacrossraces,wewantredistributionofwealth.I’lljustsay,judgeforyourselves,afteraweek.Keepanopenmind,anddon’tletthemainstreammedia,orpeoplewithavestedinterestinthestatusquo,tellyouwhattruthis.You’reonthethresholdofseeingtruthsthat,honestly,willamazeyouI’veseenithundredsoftimesnow.Scepticscomealongoutofcuriosity.Someofthemareactivelyhostile,buttheycan’tbelieveit,whentheyseewhatwe’rereallyabout…yes?’
‘WillPapaJbeatChapmanFarm,whenwe’rethere?’
Thequestionerwasamiddle-agedwomanwithwhatlookedlikehome-dyedgingerhairandlarge,roundglasses.
‘You’reMarion,aren’tyou?’saidBecca,andthequestionernodded.‘PapaJmovesbetweenourtemplesandcentres,butIbelievehe’sgoingtobedroppingintoChapmanFarmthisweek,yes.’
‘Oh!’sighedMarion,beamingasshepressedherhandstogether,asthoughinprayer.
24
Thedarkforcepossessesbeautybutveilsit.Somustamanbewhenenteringtheserviceofaking.
TheIChingorBookofChanges
TheminibushaddriventhroughNorwichandarrivedincountryside.Afterhalfanhour’stravelalonglanesborderedbyhedgerows,RobinfinallysawthesignforLion’sMouth,anarrow,tree-linedroad.Robin,who’dmemorisedthemapwiththesubcontractors’annotations,spottedcamerasplaceddiscreetlyintreestotheright.
NotlongafterenteringLion’sMouth,theyturnedupawell-maintainedtrack.Electricgatesopenedattheminibus’sapproach.Thebusdroveupashortdrivewayuntilitreachedacarpark,inwhichtwoidenticalminibuseswerealreadyparked.Aheadlayalong,one-storeyedificeoflightbrickwhich,inspiteofitsGothicwindows,appearedrecentlybuilt,andfaraway,onthehorizonbeyondthefarm,Robinspottedatall,circulartowerthatlookedliketherookofachess-playinggiant.
Thepassengersdisembarked,carryingtheirholdallsandrucksacks.Beccaledtheminside,wheretheyfoundaroomthatresembledthechangingroomofanupmarketgym.Oppositethedoorwasawalloflockers.Totherightwasacounter,behindwhichstoodasmilingblackwomanwithlongbraids,wearinganorangetracksuit.Ontheleft-handsidewereaseriesofchangingcubicles.
‘Allright,everyone!’saidBecca.‘LineupheretoreceiveyourtracksuitsfromHattie!’
‘OK,everyone,listen,please!’saidtheattendant,clappingherhands.‘WhenI’vegivenyouatracksuit,footwear,pyjamas,bagandlockerkey,youchangeinthecubicle.Putyourwaterproofcoat,underwearandpyjamasinyourUHCbag.Thenputyourdayclothes,jewellery,phones,money,creditcards,etcintothebagyou’vebroughtwithyou,andputitinthelocker!I’llaskyoutosignachit,toshowwhichlocker’syours,andyou’llhandmebackthekey.’
Robinjoinedthelineandsoon,equippedwithwhitecottonpyjamas,aslightlywornpairoftrainers,asizemediumorangetracksuitandabagmadeofhessianwiththechurch’slogostampedonit,proceededintoacubicleandchanged
Havingputonhertracksuitandtrainers,andstuffedherpyjamas,underwearandcoatintothehessianbag,Robinplacedherholdallintothelocker–she’dbroughtnocreditcards,astheywereallinRobinEllacott’sname,onlyapursecontainingcash–handedherkeybacktothewomanwithbraidsandsignedachittosayherpossessionswereinlocker29.
‘Justaquickcheck,’saidtheattendant,andsherifledthroughRobin’shessianbagtocheckthecontents,thendirectedherwithanodtositonabenchwiththeotherswho’dalreadychanged.
TheblondeteenagerwasnowtearfullydemandingwhyHattiewantedhertoremovethemanystudsandhoopsfromherearsandnose.
‘Thiswasclearlystatedinyourpamphlet,’saidtheattendantcalmly,‘nojewellery.It’salldownthereinblackandwhite,honey.Justputitinthelocker.’
Thegirllookedaroundforsupport,butnonecame.Eventuallyshebegantuggingoutthebitsofmetal,eyesfulloftears.Hergreen-hairedfriendwatched,andRobinthoughtsheseemedtornbetweensympathyandadesiretoblendinwiththesilentwatchersonthebench.
‘Wonderful!’saidBecca,onceeveryonewascladintheirorangetracksuits,andhadtheirhessianbagsovertheirshoulders.‘OK,everyone,followus!’
Thegrouprose,bagsovertheirshoulders,andfollowedBeccaandJiangthroughaseconddoor,whichopenedontoapathleadingbetweensquarebuildingsofpalebrick.Multicolouredpicturesofchildren’shandprintshadbeenstucktothewindowsofthebuildingtotheleft.
‘Someofourclassrooms!’Beccacalledoverhershoulder,‘andthechildren’sdormitories!’
Atthatmoment,aprocessionofsmallchildren,alldressedinminiatureorangetracksuits,appearedoutofoneoftheclassrooms,ledbytwowomen.Thenewrecruitspausedtoletthechildrenpassintotheoppositebuilding,andthechildrengazedatthem,round-eyed.Robinnoticedthatalloftheirhairhadbeencroppedclosetotheirheads.
‘Aww,’saidthegreen-hairedteenager,asthechildrendisappeared.‘Suh-weet!’
Asthegrouppassedthroughthearchwayattheendofthepath,Robinheardgaspsfromthosedirectlyaheadofher,andwhenshe,too,emergedintothepavedcourtyardbeyondthearch,sheunderstoodwhy.
Theywerefacinganenormousfive-sidedbuildingbuiltofruddystone.Whitemarblecolumnsstoodeithersideofaflightofbroadwhitemarblesteps,whichleduptoapairofgoldendoors,currentlyclosed,butwhichhadasimilar,ornatescarletandgoldcarvedsurroundtotheentrancetothetempleinRupertCourt,featuringthesameanimals,butonafarlargerscale.
Infrontofthetemple,inthecentreofthecourtyard,werefourplainstonesarcophagi,whichhadbeenpositionedaroundacentralfountainandpool,likeraysofthesun.Inthemiddleofthepoolstoodthestatueofalittlegirl,whoselonghairswirledaroundher,asthoughinwater,whosefacewastiltedtolookupwardsandwhoserightarmwasraisedtotheskies.Thefountainspoutingbehindhermadethesurfaceofthesurroundingpooldimpleandsparkle.
‘Ourtemple,’saidBecca,smilingatthelooksofsurpriseandaweonthenewcomers’faces,‘andourprophets.’
Sheledthemnowtowardsthepool,wherebothsheandJiangkneltquickly,dippedafingerintothewateranddabbeditontotheirforeheads.Togethertheysaid,
‘TheDrownedProphetwillblessallwhoworshipher.’
Robindidn’tlooktoseehowherfellowinitiatesreactedtothisunusualbehaviour,becauseshewasprimarilyinterestedinmemorisingthelayoutofthebuildings.Thebuildingontheleft-handsideofthecourtyardlookedliketheoriginalfarmhouse.Originallyaplain,undistinguishedhousewithwallscoveredinroundedflints,ithadclearlybeenenlargedandsubstantiallyrenovated,withextrawingsandareworkedentrancewithdoubledoors,onwhichapairofdragonshadbeencarved.
FacingthefarmhouseontheothersideofthecourtyardwerefourmuchplainerbuildingsthatRobinthoughtlookedlikemoredormitories.
‘Allright,’saidBecca,‘thewomenaregoingtofollowmeandthemen,followJiang.We’llreconvenebythepool.’
Beccaledthewomenintothedormitoryonthecentreright.
TheinteriorremindedRobinofalarge,old-fashionedsanatorium.Rowsofmetal-framedbedsstooduponshiningtiledfloors.Thewallswerepaintedastarkwhite.Alargecopperbellhungfromthemiddleoftheceiling,whichwasconnectedtoathickropewhoseenddangledbesidetheentrance.
‘Chooseanybedthatdoesn’talreadyhavepyjamasonit,’saidBecca,‘andputyourbagsintotheboxesunderyourbeds.You’llfindjournalsonyourpillows!’shecalledafterthewomenwhowerealreadystridingawayfromher,tofindtheirsleepingplaces.‘Weaskyoutorecordyourthoughtsandimpressionsdaily!Thisisawayofmeasuringspiritualprogress,andalsoameansofhelpingthePrincipalsguideyoubetteronyourjourneywithus.Yourjournalswillbecollectedinandreadeverymorning!Pleasewriteyournameclearlyonthefrontofthejournal,andpleasedonottearoutpages.’
Mostofthewomenhadgravitatednaturallytowardsthefarendofthedormitory,wheretherewerewindowsoverlookingwoods,butRobin,whowantedabedascloseaspossibletothedoor,spottedonebythewalland,bydintofwalkingfasterthananyoneelse,managedtosecureitbyplacingherpyjamasonthepillow.Herblankjournalhadapenciltiedtoitwithalengthofstring.Glancingaround,shesawthreeorfoursmallwoodentablessupportingthekindofsturdy,crank-turned,desktoppencilsharpenersshe’dusedatprimaryschool.Havingputherhessianbagintothewickerboxunderthebed,shewrotethenameRowenaEllisonthefrontofherjournal.
‘Ifanyoneneedstheloo,’calledBecca,pointingthroughadoorleadingtoacommunalbathroom,‘it’srightthroughthere!’
Thoughshefeltinnoneedofthetoilet,Robintooktheopportunitytoexaminethecommunalbathroom,whichhadarowoftoiletsandarowofshowers.Tamponsandsanitarytowelslayinpacketsinopenbaskets.Windowsweresethighoverthehandbasins.
Whenallthewomenwhowishedtodosohadusedthebathroom,Beccaledthegroupbackintothecourtyard,wheretheywerereunitedwiththemen.
‘Thisway,’saidBecca,leadingthegroupon.
Astheywalkedaroundthetemple,theypassedafewchurchmemberswalkingintheoppositedirection,allofwhombeamedandsaidhello.Amongthemwasateenagedgirl,sixteenatmost,whohadlong,finemouseyhair,sun-bleachedattheends,andenormousdarkblueeyesinathin,anxiousface.Shesmiledautomaticallyatthesightofthenewcomers,butRobin,glancingback,sawthesmiledisappearfromthegirl’sfaceasthoughaswitchhadbeenflicked.
Behindthetemplewasasmallercourtyard.Totheleftlaywhatappearedtobeasmalllibrarybuiltofthesameredstoneasthetemple,itsdoorsstandingopen,acoupleofpeopleinorangetracksuitssittingattablesinside,reading.Therewerealsoolderbuildings,includingbarnsandshedswhichlookedasthoughthey’dbeentherefordecades.Anewerbuildinglayahead,which,whilenotasgrandasthetemple,muststillhavecostahugeamountofmoney.Itwaslongandbroad,madeofbrickandtimber,andwhenBeccaledtheminside,itprovedtobeaspaciousdininghallwithabeamedceiling,andmanytrestletablesstandingonaflaggedstonefloor.Atoneendwasastage,withwhatRobinsupposedwouldbecalledahightablestandingonit.Soundsofclanging,andafaint,depressingsmellofcookingvegetables,proclaimedthecloseproximityofakitchen.
Aroundfortyorange-tracksuitedpeoplewerealreadysittingatatrestletable,andRobin,rememberingthatminibuseshadalsobroughtrecruitsfromcitiesotherthanLondon,supposedshewaslookingatmorenewcomers.Sureenough,Beccatoldherowngrouptojointhosealreadyseated,thenmovedasidetohaveaquietconversationwithafewofherfellowmembers.
NowRobinspottedWillEdensor,whowassotallandthinthathistracksuithungoffhim.Afewinchesofhairyanklewerevisiblebetweenthetopofhistrainerandthehemofthetrousers.Heworeafixedsmileashestoodinsilence,apparentlywaitingforinstructions.BesideWillstoodpointy-nosed,stragglyhairedTaioWace,whowasfarfatterthanalltheotherchurchmembers.BeccaandJiangwereconsultingclipboardsandnotes,andtalkingquietlyamongthemselves.
‘WalterFernsby,’saidaloudvoiceinRobin’sear,whichmadeherjump.‘Wehaven’tmetyet.’
‘RowenaEllis,’saidRobin,shakingtheprofessor’shand.
‘Andyou?’Fernsbysaidtotheplumpgreen-hairedgirl.
‘PennyBrown,’saidthegirl.
‘Allright,everyone,ifIcouldhaveyourattention!’saidaloudvoice,andsilencefellasTaioWacesteppedforwards.‘Forthoseofyouwhodon’tknowme,I’mTaio,sonofJonathanWace.’
‘Oooh,’saidMarion,theginger-haired,middle-agedwoman.‘He’shisson?’
‘You’regoingtobesplitintofivegroups,’saidTaio,‘whichmaychangeasyourstayprogresses,butfornow,thesewillbeyourworkmatesasyoubeginyourWeekofService.
‘ThefirstgroupwillbeWood.’
Taiobegantocalloutnames.AsfirsttheWoodGroup,andthentheMetalGroup,wereformedandledawaybyachurchmember,Robinnoticedthatthoseinchargewerenotonlydividingpeoplewhoevidentlykneweachother,butalsomixingtogethertheoccupantsofthethreeminibuses.WillEdensordepartedthedininghallattheheadoftheWaterGroup.
‘Firegroup,’saidTaio.‘RowenaEllis—’
RobinstoodupandtookherplacebesideTaio,whosmiled.
‘Ah,’hesaid.‘Youcame.’
Robinforcedherselftosmilebackathim.Hispale,pointednoseandsmallmouthremindedhermorethaneverofanalbinorat.
TaiocontinuedreadingoutnamesuntilRobinwasstandingwithelevenothers,includingtheginger-haired,bespectacledMarionHuxley,andPennyBrown,theteenagerwithshortgreenhair.
‘FireGroup,’saidTaio,handinghisclipboardtoBecca,‘you’llcomewithme.’
FromtheslightflickerofsurpriseonBecca’sface,Robinhadthefeelingthishadn’tbeentheplan,andshehopedverymuchthatTaio’sdecisiontoleadFireGrouphadnothingtodowithher
Taioledhisgroupoutofthedininghallandturnedright.
‘Laundry,’hesaid,pointingatthebrickbuildingbehindthedininghall.
Aheadwasopenfarmland.Orangefiguresdottedthefields,whichstretchedasfarastheeyecouldsee,andRobinsawtwoShirehorsesinthedistance,ploughing.
‘Chickens,’saidTaiodismissively,astheyturnedleftalongatrackborderedbycowparsleyandpassedagiganticcoopinwhichbothspeckledandbrownhenswerestruttingandscratching.‘Backthere,’hesaid,jerkingathumboverhisshoulder,‘we’vegotpigsandbeehives.These,’headded,pointingaheadatacollectionofsmallerbrickbuildings,‘arethecraftingworkshops.’
‘Oooh,fun,’saidgreen-hairedPennyhappily.
Taioopenedthedoorofthesecondbuilding.Thenoiseofsewingmachinesmetthem.
Twoyoungwomenandamanweresittingatthefarendoftheroom,usingthemachinestomakewhatlookedlikesmall,floppypouches,untilRobinrealisedthatthesmallgroupofpeoplesittingatthenearertablewerefillingthemwithstuffingandturningthemintosmall,cuddlyturtles.Theworkerslookedaroundattheopeningofthedoor,smiling.Theyweresittingachairapart,leavingspaceforeachofthenewcomerstositbetweentwochurchmembers.
‘FireGroup,calledtoservice,’saidTaio.
Afriendlylookingmaninhisearlyfortiesgottohisfeet,holdingahalf-stuffedturtle.
‘Wonderful!’hesaid.‘Takeaseat,everyone!’
RobinfoundherselfaspacebetweenaveryprettygirlwholookedChinese,andwassittingalittlefurtherfromthetablethaneveryoneelse,duetothefactthatshewasinlatepregnancy,andamiddle-agedwhitewomanwhoseheadwasentirelyshaven,onlyatinyamountofgreystubblepokingthrough.Hereyebagswerepurple,andthejointsofherhandswere,Robinnoticed,veryswollen.
‘I’llseeyouallatdinner,’saidTaio.HiseyeslingeredonRobinasheshutthedoor.
‘Welcome!’saidtheactivityleaderbrightly,lookingroundatthenewcomers.‘We’remakingtheseforstreetsales.AllproceedswillbegoingtoourHomesforHumanityproject.Asyou’reprobablyaware…’
Ashebegantalkingabouthomelessnessstatistics,andthewaysinwhichthechurchwastryingtoalleviatetheproblem,Robintookcovertstockoftheroom.Large,framedsignshungonthewalls,eachcontainingashortdeclarativesentence:IAdmitthePossibility;IAmCalledtoService;ILivetoLoveandGive;IAmMasterofMySoul;ILiveBeyondMereMatter.
‘…delightedtosayourLondonhostelshavenowtakennearlyathousandpeopleoffthestreet.’
‘Wow!’saidgreen-hairedPenny.
‘Andinfact,wehaveabeneficiaryoftheschemeherewithus,’saidtheactivityleader,indicatingthepregnantChinesegirl.‘Wanwasinaverybadsituation,butshefoundourhostel,andnowshe’savaluedmemberoftheUniversalHumanitarianfamily.’
Wannodded,smiling.
‘Allright,so,you’llfindstuffingandemptyskinsbesideyou.Onceyourboxisfull,carryitbacktoourmachinistsandthey’llsealupourturtlesforus.’
RobinreachedintotheboxbetweenherselfandWan,andsettowork.
‘What’syourname?’theshaven-headedwomanaskedRobininaquietvoice.
‘Rowena,’saidRobin.
‘I’mLouise,’saidthewoman,andRobinrememberedthatKevinPirbright’smotherhadbeencalledLouise.
ShewonderedwhyLouise’sheadwasshaved.Intheoutsideworld,she’dhaveassumedshe’dbeenthroughchemotherapy,buttheUHC’sspiritualbeliefsmadethatunlikely.Louise’sskinwasweatheredandchapped;shelookedasthoughshespentmostofherlifeoutofdoors.
‘You’refast,’sheadded,watchingRobinbegintostuffthetoyturtle.‘Whereareyoufrom?’
‘PrimroseHill,inLondon,’saidRobin.‘Wheredoyou—?’
‘That’sanicearea.Haveyougotfamily?’
‘Ayoungersister,’saidRobin.
‘Arebothyourparentsalive?’
‘Yes,’saidRobin.
‘Whatdotheydo?’
‘Mydad’sahedgefundmanager.Mymum’sgotherownbusiness.’
‘Whatkindofbusiness?’
‘SheprovidesexternalHRsupporttocompanies,’saidRobin.
Louisewasworkingslowly,duetothestiffnessofherhands.Herfingernails,Robinnoticed,wereallbrokenoff.Allaroundthetable,thechurchmembersweretalkingtothenewcomertotheirright,andfromwhatRobincouldhearoftheconversations,theywererunningverymuchalongthelinesofhersandLouise’s:quick-firequestionsintendedtoelicitalotofpersonalinformation.InverybriefpausesinLouise’squestioning,sheoverheardMarionHuxleytellingherneighbourthatshewasawidow,who’drunanundertakerswithherhusband.
‘You’renotmarried?’LouiseaskedRobin.
‘No…Iwasgoingtobe,butwecalleditoff,’saidRobin.
‘Oh,that’sapity,’saidLouise.‘WhatmadeyouinterestedintheUHC?’
‘Itwasactuallyafriendofmine,’saidRobin.‘Shewantedtogo,butthensheletmedownandIendedupattendingthetempleonmyown.’
‘Thatwasn’tacoincidence,’saidLouise,justastheblondehadsaid,onRobin’sfirstvisittothetemple.‘Mostpurespiritswerecalledlikethat,bywhatfeelslikechance.Doyouknowthefableoftheblindturtle?Theblindturtlewholivesinthedepthsoftheoceanandsurfacesonceeveryhundredyears?TheBuddhasaid,imaginetherewasayokefloatingontheocean,andheaskedwhatthechancesthattheold,blindturtlewouldsurfaceatexactlythepointthatmeanthisneckwouldpassthroughtheyoke.That’showharditistofindenlightenmentformostpeople…you’reagoodworker,’Louisesaidagain,asRobincompletedherfourthstuffedturtle.‘Ithinkyou’llgopurespiritreallyfast.’
OnRobin’sotherside,Wanhadbeguntotellherneighbourtheparableoftheblindturtle,too.ShewonderedwhethershedaredaskLouisewhyherheadwasshaved,butdecideditmightbetoopersonalaquestiontostartwith,soinsteadshesaid,
‘Howlonghaveyou—?’
ButLouisespokeacrossher,asthoughshehadn’theard.
‘DidyouhavetotaketimeoffyourjobtocometoChapmanFarm?’
‘No,’saidRobin,smiling.‘I’mnotactuallyworkingatthemoment.’
25
Thecorrectplaceofthewomaniswithin;thecorrectplaceofthemaniswithout.
TheIChingorBookofChanges
ThelateafternoonsunpiercedStrike’sretinasthroughthesidesofhissunglassesashewalkedalongSloaneAvenue,readytotakeoversurveillanceofBigfoot.HisthoughtswereentirelywithRobinashewonderedwhatwashappeningrightnowatChapmanFarm,howshewasfindinghernewenvironmentandwhethershe’dbeabletofindtheplasticrockhiddenjustinsidetheperimeterfence.
AsStrikeapproachedhisdestination,Shah,who’dbeenwatchingthelargehotelcalledtheChelseaCloisters,walkedaway,whichwasusualprocedureforahandoverwhenfacingamany-windowedbuilding,fromwhichpeoplemightbewatchingthestreet.However,aminutelater,Strikereceivedacallfromthenowout-of-sightsubcontractor.
‘Hi,what’sup?’
‘He’sbeeninthereanhourandahalf,’saidShah.‘It’schock-fullofsexworkers.EasternEuropean,mainly.IwantedawordaboutLittlejohn,though.’
‘Goon.’
‘DidhetellyouheworkedatPattersonsforacoupleofmonths,beforecomingtous?’
‘No,’saidStrike,frowning.‘Hedidn’t.’
‘AguyIusedtoknowthere,who’snowheadofsecurityataCitybank,toldmeyesterdayLittlejohnwasworkingforthem.TheguyresignedbeforeLittlejohnleft.Heheardhewassacked.Nodetails.’
‘Veryinteresting,’saidStrike.
‘Yeah,’saidDev.‘He’sdefinitelyex-army,ishe?’
‘Yeah,ex-SIB,Icheckedhisreferences,’saidStrike.‘Hisstorywashehadn’tworkedforacoupleofmonthsbeforehecametous.OK,thanks.I’lltalktohim.’
Strikewasonthepointofslippinghismobilebackintohispocketwhenitvibrated,andhesawanotheremoji-strewntextfromBijou.
HeystrongandsilentinternationalmanofmysteryFancya“gettogether”sometimethisweek?JustboughtanewbraandsuspenderbeltandnobodytoshowthemtoCansendpicsifyoulike
‘Christ,’mutteredStrike,returninghismobiletohispocketandtakingouthisvapepeninstead.ThiswouldbethesecondtextfromBijouhe’dignored.Twoshagsdidnot,inStrike’sview,necessitateaformalnoticeoftermination,althoughhesuspectedmostofthewomenheknewwouldhavedisagreed.
Acrossthestreet,acoupleofteenagedgirlsemergedfromtheChelseaCloisters,wearingwhatlookedlikepyjamaswiththeirtrainers.Talkingtogether,theypassedoutofsight,returninghalfanhourlaterwithchocolatebarsandbottlesofwater,anddisappearedbackinsidethelargebrickandstonebuilding.
AfternoonhadshadedslowlyintoearlyeveningbeforeStrike’stargetemergedfromthebuilding,unknowinglyfilmedbyStrike.Ashairyandunkemptasever,Bigfootwalkedoffalongthestreet,apparentlytextingsomeone.Evidentlyoneoftheadvantagesofowningyourownsoftwarecompanywasboththetimeandmeanstospendhoursofaworkdayatahotel.AsStrikefollowedBigfootbacktowardsSloaneSquare,thedetective’smobilerangagain.
‘Strike.’
‘Hi,’saidafemalevoice.‘It’sAbigailGloveragain.Wespokeyesterday.’
‘Ah,yes,’saidStrike,surprised,‘thanksforgettingbacktome.’
‘Ijustwannabitmoreinfo,’saidAbigail.‘I’mnotagreeingtoanyfing.’
‘Fairenough,’saidStrike.
‘Whoareyouworkingfor?’
‘Can’tdisclosethat,I’mafraid,’saidStrike.‘Clientconfidentiality.’
‘YoumentionedthatguyPirbright.’
‘Yes.AsIsaid,I’vebeenhiredtoinvestigateclaimsKevinwasmakingaboutthechurch.’
Bigfoothadsloweddownandnowwithdrewintoadoorwaytoreadanothertext.Pretendedtobeequallyabsorbedinhisownphoneconversation,Strikealsostoppedwalking,andfeignedinterestinpassingtraffic.
‘Pirbrightwaswritingabook,wasn’’e?’saidAbigail.
‘Howd’youknowthat?’
‘Hetoldme,whenhephonedmeatwork.’
StrikehadahunchheknewexactlywhatwasbotheringAbigail.
‘Ihaven’tbeenhiredtohelpfinishPirbright’sbook.’
Whenshedidn’trespond,hesaid,
‘Ourclient’stryingtogetarelativeoutoftheUHC.Pirbrighttoldtheclientaboutcertainincidentshewitnessedwhileinthechurch,andtheclientwantstofindouthowmuchtruth,orotherwise,therewasinPirbright’sclaims.’
‘Oh,’saidAbigail.‘Isee.’
Bigfoothadsetoffagain.Strikefollowed,mobilestillclampedtohisear.
‘I’mnotlookingtoidentifyex-churchmembers,orexposetheiridentities,’hereassuredAbigail.‘It’llbedowntoindividualwitnessestodecidewhethertheywanttogoontherecord—’
‘Idon’t,’saidAbigailquickly.
‘Iunderstand,’saidStrike,‘butI’dstillliketotalktoyou.’
Upahead,Bigfoothadstoppedagain,thistimetotalktoaslim,darkteenagegirlwhowasheadinginthedirectionofthehotelhe’djustleft.Strikehastilyturnedhismobiletocameraandtookacoupleofpictures.Whenhe’dplacedthephonebacktohisear,Abigailwastalking.
‘…weekend?’
‘Great,’saidStrike,hopingshe’djustagreedtomeethim.‘Wherewouldyou—?’
‘Notatmyflat,mylodger’sbloodynosy.I’llmeetyouatsevenonSundayintheForesteronSeafordRoad.’
26
TheJoyousisthelake…itisasorceress;itismouthandtongueItmeanssmashingandbreakingapart…
TheIChingorBookofChanges
Robinhadnoideahowlongshe’dstuffedtoyturtles,butataguess,itwasacoupleofhours.Duringthattimeherfakeidentityhadbeensothoroughlytestedthatshecouldonlybegladshe’ddevotedsomanyhourstobringingRowenatolife.WhenLouiseasked,Robinwasabletogivethenamesofbothherimaginaryparents’imaginarycats.
ShemighthaveworriedthatLouise’smeticulousquestioningofherindicatedsuspicionofherbonafides,exceptforthefactthatallthenewrecruits,asfarasshecouldhear,werebeingsubjectedtosimilarinterrogations.Itwasasthoughtheestablishedmembershadbeengivenarotaofquestionstoask,andRobinhadafeelingthatthemostimportantpartsofwhatshe’dtoldLouisewouldhavebeenmemorised,andpassedinduecoursetosomebodyelse.
TheroominwhichFireGroupwasmakingthetoysbecameprogressivelystuffierastheyworked,andtherelentlessquestioninghadleftsolittletimetothink,thatRobinwasrelievedwhenBeccacametothedoor,smilingandlettinginacoolbreeze.
‘Thankyouforyourservice,’shetoldthegroup,pressingherhandstogetherasthoughinprayer,andbowing.‘Now,pleasefollowme!’
EveryonetroopedafterBecca,backpastthechickencoop,insidewhichWoodGroupwasusheringthehensbackintotheirshed.Seeingthelow-hangingsun,Robinrealisedshemusthavespentlongerwiththetoyturtlesthanshe’dimagined.Therewerenolongerpeopleinorangedottedoverthefields,norcouldsheseethetwoShirehorses.
BeccanowledthemtowhatRobinguessedwastheoldestpartofthefarm.Aheadlayanoldstonesty,andbeyondit,amuddyacreoffield,wherepigswereroaming.Robincouldseeacoupleofteenagersinbee-keepinghatsandgloves,tendingtothehives.Tetheredatawallnearbystoodthetwomassivehorses,stillwearingharnesses,theirbodiessteaminginthecoolingair.
‘AsIexplainedtosomeofyouontheminibus,’saidBecca,‘thisisstillaworkingfarm.Oneofourcentraltenetsistoliveinharmonywithnature,andcommittoethicalfoodproductionandsustainability.I’mgoingtohandyouovertoJiangnow,who’llinstructyou.’
Jiang,theminibusdriver,nowmovedforwards.
‘OK,you–you–you–you,’mutteredJiang,pointingatfourpeopleatrandom,‘youfindwellingtonsintheshed,yougetthebucketsofswill,yougetthepigsbackinthesty.’
RobinnoticedashespokethatJianghadseveralmissingteeth.LikeLouise,hisskinwascoarseandchapped,givinghimtheappearanceofbeingoutsideinallweathers.Ashebegantogiveinstructions,histicrecurred;ashisrighteyebeganitsuncontrollablewinkingagain,heclappedhishandoveritandpretendedtoberubbingit.
‘Youfour,’saidJiang,pointingatRobinandthreeothers,‘yougettheharnessoffthehorses,thenyourubthemdownandbrushtheirfeathers.Therestwillcleantheharnesswhenitcomesoff.’
Jianggavethegroominggroupbrushesandcombsandleftthemtotheirjob,disappearingintothestable,whilebehindthem,thosetryingtoenticethepigsintothestycalledandcajoled,shakingtheirbucketsoffood.
‘Didhesayfeathers?’askedgreen-hairedPenny,puzzled.
‘Hemeansthehairovertheirhooves,’Robinexplained.
Ayellfromthefieldmadethemalllookround:widowedMarionHuxleyhadslippedinthemudandfallen.Thepigshadchargedthoseholdingthebuckets:country-bornRobin,whoseunclewasafarmer,couldhavetoldthemtheyshouldhaveputthefoodinthetroughandopenedthegatebetweenstyandfield,ratherthantryingtoleadthepigsin,PiedPiperstyle.
Therewaspleasureindoingaphysicaltask,andnotbeingbombardedwithquestions.Theharnesstheyremovedfromthehorseswasveryheavy;RobinandPennystruggledtotakeitintothestablewheresomeoftheirgroupsatwaitingtocleanit.TheShirehorsesstoodovereighteenhandseach,andtookalotofgrooming;Robinhadtostandonacratetoreachtheirbroadbacksandtheirears.Shewasbecomingincreasinglyhungry.She’dwronglyassumedthey’dbegivensomethingtoeatuponarrival.
Bythetimetheineptpig-wranglershadsucceededinpersuadingtheirtemporarychargesbackintotheirstyandboththehorsesandtheirharnesshadbeencleanedtoJiang’ssatisfaction,theredsunwassinkingslowlyoverthefields.Beccanowreturned.Robinhopedshewasabouttoannouncedinner;shefelthollowwithhunger.
‘Thankyouforyourservice,’saidthesmilingBecca,puttingherhandstogetherandbowingasbefore.‘Nowfollowmetotemple,please!’
Beccaledthembackpastthedininghall,thelaundryandthelibrary,thenintothecentralcourtyard,wheretheDrownedProphet’sfountainwasglintingredandorangeinthesunset.FireGroupfollowedBeccaupthemarblestepsandthroughdoorsthatnowstoodopen.
Theinteriorofthetemplewaseverybitasimpressiveastheoutside.Itsinnerwallswereofmutedgold,withmanyscarletcreatures–phoenixes,dragons,horses,roostersandtigers–cavortingtogetherasunlikelyplaymates.Thefloorwasofshiningblackmarbleandthebenches,whichwerecushionedinredandappearedtobeofblacklacquer,werearrangedaroundacentral,raisedpentagon-shapedstage.
Robin’seyestravellednaturallyupwards,towardsthehighceiling.Halfwayupthehighwalls,thespacenarrowed,becauseabalconyranallthewayaroundthetemple,behindwhichwereregularlyspaced,shadowyarchedrecesses,whichremindedRobinofboxesatatheatre.Thefivepaintedprophetsintheirrespectiverobesoforange,scarlet,blue,yellowandwhitestareddownatworshippersfromtheceiling.
Awomaninlong,amber-beadedorangerobeswasstandingontheraisedstage,waitingforthem.Hereyeswereshadowedbythelongcurtainsofblackhairthatfelltobelowherwaist;onlythelong,pointednosewasclearlyvisible.OnlyasRobindrewnearerdidsheseethatoneofthewoman’sverydark,narroweyeswassetnoticeablyhigherthantheother,givingherastrangelopsidedstare,andforreasonsRobincouldn’thaveexplained,atremorpassedthroughher,suchasshemighthaveexperiencedonglimpsingsomethingpaleandslimywatchingherfromthedepthsofarockpool.
‘Nho,’shesaid,inadeepvoice.‘Welcome.’
ShemadeawordlessgestureofdismissalatBecca,wholeft,closingthetempledoorsquietlybehindher.
‘Please,sitdown,’saidthewomantoFireGroup,indicatingbenchesdirectlyinfrontofher.Whenalltherecruitshadtakentheirseats,shesaid,
‘MynameisMazuWace,butchurchmemberscallmeMamaMazu.MyhusbandisJonathanWace—’
MarionHuxleyletoutatinysigh.
‘—founderoftheUniversalHumanitarianChurch.Youhavealreadyrenderedusservice–forwhichIthankyou.’
Mazupressedherhandstogether,prayerstyle,andbowedasthey’djustseenBeccado.Thecrookedlyset,shadowedeyesweredartingfromfacetoface.
‘I’mabouttointroduceyoutooneofthemeditationtechniquesweuseheretostrengthenthespiritualself,becausewecannotfighttheillsoftheworlduntilweareabletocontrolourfalseselves,whichcanbeasdestructiveasanythingwemayencounteroutside.’
Mazubegantopaceinfrontofthem,herrobesfanningoutbehindher,glitteringinthelightfromhanginglanterns.Aroundherneck,onablackcord,sheworeaflatmother-of-pearlfish.
‘Whoherehassometimesbeenpreytoshame,orguilt?’
Everyoneraisedtheirhands.
‘Whoheresometimesfeelsanxiousandoverwhelmed?’
Allputtheirhandsupagain.
‘Whosometimesfeelshopelessinthefaceofworldissueslikeclimatechange,warsandrisinginequality?’
Theentiregroupraisedtheirhandsforathirdtime.
‘It’sperfectlynaturaltofeelthosethings,’saidMazu,‘butsuchemotionshamperourspiritualgrowthandourabilitytoeffectchange.
‘I’mnowgoingtoteachyouasimplemeditationexercise,’saidMazu.‘Hereinthechurch,wecallitthejoyfulmeditation.Iwantyoualltostandup…’
Theydidso.
‘Spreadoutalittle–youshouldbeatleastanarm’slengthapart…’
Therewassomeshuffling.
‘Webeginwitharmshangingloosebyyoursides…now,slowly…slowly…raiseyourarms,andasyoudoso,takeinadeepbreathandholdit,whileyourhandsjoinoveryourhead.’
Wheneveryonehadclaspedtheirhandsovertheirheads,Mazusaid,
‘Andexhale,slowlyloweringyourarms…andnowsmile.Massageyourjawasyoudoso.Feelthemuscles’tightness.Keepsmiling!’
Atinygustofnervouslaughterpassedthroughthegroup.
‘That’sgood,’saidMazu,staringdownatthemall,andshesmiledagain,ashumourlesslyasbefore.Herskinwassopale,herteethlookedyellowbycontrast.‘Andnow…Iwantyoutolaugh.’
Anotherrippleoflaughterranthroughthegroup.
‘That’sit!’saidMazu.‘Itdoesn’tmatterifyou’refakingatfirst.Justlaugh.Comeon,now!’
Acoupleofrecruitsforcedfakedlaughs,whichelicitedrealonesfromtheircompanions.Robincouldhearherownfakelaughterovertheapparentlysinceregigglesofgreen-hairedPenny.
‘Comeonnow,’saidMazu,lookingdownatRobin.‘Laughforme.’
Robinlaughedmoreloudly,andcatchingtheeyeofamousey-hairedyouthwhowasdeterminedly,thoughveryinsincerely,guffawing,foundherselfamusedandbrokeintoreallaughter.Theinfectioussoundmadeherneighboursjoinin,andsoon,Robindoubtedwhethertherewasasinglepersonnotgenuinelylaughing
‘Keepitup!’saidMazu,wavingherhandaroundatthem,asthoughconductinganorchestra.‘Keeplaughing!’
Forhowlongthegrouplaughed,Robindidn’tknow;perhapsonlyfiveminutes,perhapsten.Everytimeshefoundherfaceaching,andrevertedtoforcedchuckles,shefoundgenuinelaughterovertakingheroncemore.
Atlast,Mazuraisedasinglefingertoherlipsandthelaughingstopped.Thegroupstood,slightlybreathless,stillgrinning.
‘Youfeelthat?’saidMazu.‘Youhavecontroloveryourownmoodsandyourownstateofmind.Graspthat,andyouhaveplacedyourfootonthepaththatleadstopurespirit.Oncethere,you’llunlockpoweryouneverknewyouhad…
‘Andnowwekneel.’
Thecommandtookeveryonebysurprise,butallobeyedandinstinctivelyclosedtheireyes.
‘BlessedDivinity,’intonedMazu,‘wethankyouforthewellspringofjoyyouhaveplacedinallofus,whichthematerialistworldtriessohardtoextinguish.Asweexploreourownpower,wehonouryours,whichliesforeverbeyondourfullunderstanding.Eachofusisspiritbeforeflesh,containingafragmentoftheforcethatanimatestheuniverse.Wethankyoufortoday’slessonandforthismomentofgladness.
‘Andnow,rise,’saidMazu.
Robingottoherfeetwiththeothers.Mazudescendedfromthestage,thetrainofherrobesripplingovertheblackmarblesteps,andledthemtowardstheclosedtempledoors.Assheapproachedthem,shepointedapalefingeratthehandles.Theyturnedoftheirownaccordandthedoorsslowlyopened.Robinassumedsomeoneelsehadopenedthemfromoutside,buttherewasnobodythere.
27
Thundercomesresoundingoutoftheearth:TheimageofENTHUSIASM.ThustheancientkingsmademusicInordertohonourmerit,AndoffereditwithsplendourTotheSupremeDeity…
TheIChingorBookofChanges
‘Didyouseethat?’breathedPennyinRobin’sear,astheydescendedthetemplesteps.‘Sheopenedthedoorswithouttouchingthem!’
‘Iknow,’saidRobin,carefullyastonished.‘Whatwasthat?’
Shewascertainthedooropeningmusthavebeenatrick,usingsomekindofahiddenmechanism,butthethinghadlookedunnervinglyconvincing.
Ahead,intheotherwisedesertedcourtyard,stoodBeccaPirbright.Glancingback,RobinsawthatMazuhadretreatedinsidethetempleagain.
‘HowwastheJoyfulMeditation?’Beccaasked.
Therewasasmallchorusof‘itwasgreat’sand‘amazing’s.
‘Beforewegotodinner–’thankGod,thoughtRobin,‘–I’dliketojustsayawordaboutanotherofourspiritualpracticesattheUHC.
‘This,’saidBecca,gesturingtowardsthestatueinthepool,‘istheDrownedProphet,whoinlifewascalledDaiyuWace.Iactuallyhadtheprivilegeofknowingher,andIwitnessedherperformingextraordinaryspiritualfeats.
‘Eachofourprophets,whenalive,exemplifiedaprincipleofourchurch.TheDrownedProphetteachesus,firstly,thatdeathmaycometoanyofus,atanytime,soweshouldholdourselvesalwaysinspiritualreadinesstorejointhespiritworld.Secondly,herself-sacrificeshowsustheimportanceofobediencetotheBlessedDivinity.Thirdly,sheprovestherealityoflifeafterdeath,becauseshecontinuestomovebetweentheearthlyandspiritualplanes.
‘Wheneverwepassherpool,wekneel,anointourselveswithherwater,andacknowledgeherteachingsbysaying,“TheDrownedProphetwillblessallwhoworshipher.”BywhichwedonotmeanthatDaiyuisagoddess.Shemerelyembodiesthepurespiritandthehigherrealm.Iinviteyounowtokneelatthepoolandanointyourselvesbeforedinner.’
Tiredandhungryastheywere,nobodyrefused.
‘TheDrownedProphetwillblessallwhoworshipher,’mutteredRobin.
‘Allright,FireGroup,followme!’Beccasaid,smiling,whenallhadmadethetributetotheDrownedProphet,andsheledthembacktowardsthedininghall,Robinawareofthecoolspotofwateronherforeheadasthebreezehitit
FireGroupwasthelasttoentertheroom.Robinestimatedthatahundredpeoplewerealreadysittingatthetables,althoughtherewasnosignofanysmallchildren,whopresumablyhadbeenfedearlier.Freespacesweredottedabout,sothemembersofhergroupwereforcedtosplitupandfindplaceswherevertheycould.RobinscannedtheroomforWillEdensor,finallyspottinghimatacrowdedtablewhichhadnofreespaces,soshetookaseatbetweentwostrangersinstead.
‘HereforyourWeekofService?’saidasmilingyoungmanwithwavyblondhair.
‘Yes,’saidRobin.
‘Ithankyouforyourservice,’hesaidimmediately,pressinghishandstogetherandperformingalittlebow.
‘I–don’tknowwhattosaybacktothat,’saidRobin,andhelaughed.
‘Theresponseis,“AndIforyours.”’
‘Withthebow?’askedRobin,andhelaughedagain.
‘Withthebow.’
Robinpressedherhandstogether,bowedandsaid,
‘AndIforyours.’
Beforeeithercouldspeakagain,musicstartedfromhiddenspeakers:DavidBowie’s‘Heroes’.Theblond-hairedmanwhoopedandgottohisfeet,asdidnearlyeveryoneelse.Cheersbrokeout,asJonathanandMazuWaceenteredtheroom,handinhand.RobinspottedMarionHuxley,theundertaker’swidow,pressingherhandstoherfaceasthoughshe’djustseenarockstar.Jonathanwavedattheexcitedchurchmembers,whileMazuworeagracioussmile,thetrainofherrobesslidingoverthepavedfloor.Thereweremanycriesof‘PapaJ!’asthepairclimbeduptothetoptable,whereTaioWaceandBeccaPirbrightwerealreadysitting.Glancingaround,RobinsawJiangsittinginfrontofhiscleantinplateamongtheordinarymembers.ThesimilarityofJiang’sandMazu’snarrow,darkeyesmadeRobinsuspectthathewas,attheveryleast,Taio’shalf-brother.Asshewatched,Jiang’seyebegantotwitchuncontrollablyagain,andheconcealeditswiftlywithhishand.
Mazutookherseatatthetoptable,butJonathanwalkedinfrontofit,handsraised,gesturingforthechurchmemberstosettledown.Robinwasonceagainstruckbyhisstrikinggoodlooks,andhowlittlehelookedlikeamaninhismid-sixties.
‘Thankyou,’hesaidwithhisself-deprecatingsmile,wearingawirelessmicrophonethatamplifiedhisvoiceoverhiddenspeakers.‘Thankyou…it’sgoodtobehome.’
WillEdensor,whowaseasytospotgivenhisheight,wassmilingandcheeringwiththerestoftheroom,andforamoment,rememberingWill’sdyingmother,shefoundherselfcompletelyinsympathywithJamesEdensor,who’dcalledWillanidiot.
‘Weshallreplenishourmaterialbodies,andthenwe’lltalk!’saidJonathan.
Morecheersandmoreapplausefollowed.JonathantookhisseatbetweenMazuandBeccaPirbright.
Kitchenworkersnowappearedfromasidedoor,wheelingalonglargemetalvats,fromwhichtheyladledfoodontothetinplates.Thefouratthetoptable,Robinnoticed,werebeingbroughtchinaplatesalreadyfulloffood.
Whenherturncame,Robinreceivedadollopofbrownsludgethatseemedtocompriseovercookedvegetables,followedbyaladlefulofnoodles.Thevegetableshadbeenflavouredwithtoomuchturmericandthenoodleshadanovercooked,glueyconsistency.Robinateasslowlyasshecould,tryingtofoolherstomachintobelievingithadconsumedmorecaloriesthanithad,becausesheknewthenutritionalvalueofwhattheywereeatingwasverylow.
Robin’stwoyoungmaleneighbourskeptupasteadystreamofchat,askinghername,whereshewasfromandwhathadattractedhertothechurch.ShesoonfoundoutthattheyoungmanwithwavyblondhairhadbeenattheUniversityofEastAnglia,whichhadhostedoneofPapaJ’smeetings.Theother,whowaswearingabuzzcut,hadbeentooneofthechurch-runaddictioncentresandbeenrecruitedthere.
‘Haveyouseenanything,yet?’thelatteraskedRobin.
‘Youmeanthetourofthe—?’
‘No,’hesaid,‘Imean–youknow.Purespirit.’
‘Oh,’saidRobin,cottoningon.‘IsawMazumakethetempledoorsopen,justbypointingatthem.’
‘Didyouthinkitwasatrick?’
‘Well,’saidRobincautiously,‘Idon’tknow.Imean,itcouldhave—’
‘It’snotatrick,’saidtheyoungman.‘Youthinkitisatfirst,thenyourealiseit’sreal.YoushouldseethethingsPapaJcando.Youwait.Youthinkatfirstitmustallbealoadofbull,thenyoustartseeingwhatitmeans,beingpurespirit.Itblowsyoureffingmind.HaveyoureadTheAnswer?’
‘No,’saidRobin,‘I—’
‘Shehasn’treadTheAnswer,’saidthemanwiththebuzzcut,leaningforwardstoaddressRobin’sotherneighbour.
‘Oh,dude,you’vegottoreadTheAnswer,’saidtheblondman,laughing.‘Wow.’
‘I’lllendyoumycopy,’saidthemanwiththebuzzcut.‘OnlyIwantitback,becausePapaJ’swrittensomethinginthereforme,OK?’
‘OK,thanksverymuch,’saidRobin.
‘Wow,’hesaid,shakinghisheadandlaughing,‘Can’tbelieveyouhaven’treadTheAnswer.Like,itgivesyouthetoolsanditexplains–Ican’tdoitaswellasPapaJ,youneedtoreadhisactualwords.ButIcantellyoufirst-hand,there’slifeafterdeath,andaspiritualwarraginghereonearth,andifwecanwin—’
‘Yeah,’saidthewavyblondyoungman,whonowlookedserious.‘Ifwewin.’
‘Wehaveto,’saidtheotherintensely.‘Wehaveto.’
Throughagapbetweenthetwodinersoppositeher,Robinspottedtheshaven-headedLouise,whowaseatingveryslowly,andkeptglancingupatthetoptable,ignoringthechatterofthoseoneithersideofher.Thereweremanyothermiddle-agedwomendottedaroundthehall,Robinsaw,andmostofthemlookedlikeLouise,asthoughthey’dlongsinceabandonedanyinterestintheirappearance,theirfacesdeeplylinedandtheirhaircroppedshort,thoughnoneofthemwereentirelyshaven-headedlikeLouise.Watchingher,RobinrememberedwhatKevinhadsaidabouthismotherbeinginlovewithJonathanWace.Hadthefeelingsurvivedalltheseyearsofservitude?Haditbeenworththelossofherson?
OneofthepeoplewhocametoclearawaytheplateswastheteenagedgirlRobinhadnoticedearlier,withthelong,mousey,sun-bleachedhairandlarge,anxiouseyes.Whentheplateshadbeenclearedaway,morekitchenworkersappearedwithstacksofmetalbowlsontheirtrolleys.Theseprovedtobefullofstewedapple,whichRobinfoundverybitter,doubtlessbecauserefinedsugarwasforbiddenbythechurch.Nevertheless,sheateitall,whileherneighbourstalkedacrossherofholywar.
Robinhadnoideawhattimeitwas.Theskyoutsidethewindowwasblack,andithadtakenalongtimetodishoutfoodforahundredpeople.Finallythebowls,too,wereclearedaway,andsomebodydimmedtheoverheadlights,thoughleavingthetoptablespotlit.
Atonce,thoseatthetrestletablesbeganclappingandcheeringagain,someofthemevenbangingtheirtinwatermugsonthetable.JonathanWacestoodup,walkedaroundthetable,hismicrophoneswitchedbackon,andonceagaincalmedthecrowdbymakingadampeningmotionwithhishands.
‘Thankyou,myfriends.Thankyou…Istandbeforeyoutonightwithbothhopeandfearinmyheart.Hopeandfear,’headded,lookingsolemnlyaround.
‘Iwanttotellyou,firstly,thatthischurch,thiscommunityofsouls,whichnowstretchesacrosstwocontinents—’
Therewereafewmorewhoopsandcheers
‘—representsthesinglebiggestspiritualchallengetotheAdversarythattheworldhaseverseen.’
Theroomapplauded.
‘Ifeelitspower,’saidJonathan,holdinghisclenchedfisttohisheart.‘IfeelitwhenIspeaktoourAmericanbrothersandsisters,IfeelitinwhenIspokeearlierthisweekatourMunichtemple,IfeltittodaywhenIre-enteredthisplace,andwhenIwenttotempletopurify.AndIwanttosingleoutsomeindividualsthisevening,whogivemehope.Withindividualsliketheseonourside,theAdversaryshouldrightlytremble…’
Wace,whowascarryingnonotes,nowcalledoutseveralnames,andaseachpersonwasidentified,theyeitherscreamedorshouted,boundingtotheirfeetwhilethosesittingaroundthemcheeredandclapped.
‘…andlast,butneverleast,’saidWace,‘DannyBrockles.’
TheyoungmanwiththebuzzcutbesideRobinjumpedtohisfeetsofasthehitherhardontheelbow.
‘OhmyGod,’hewassaying,overandoveragain,andRobinsawthathewascrying.‘OhmyGod.’
‘Comeuphere,allofyou,’saidJonathanWace.‘Comeon…everyone,showyourappreciationforthesepeople…’
Thedininghallrangwithfurthercheersandshouts.AllthosecalledhadburstintotearsandseemedovercometohavebeenrecognisedbyWace.
Wacebegantalkingabouteachmember’sachievements.Oneofthegirlshadcollectedmoremoneyonthestreetthananyoneelse,overafour-weekperiod.AnothergirlhadrecruitedadozennewmemberstotheWeekofService.WhenfinallyJonathanWacereachedDannyBrockles,theyoungermanwassobbingsohardthatWacewalkedtohimandembracedhim,whileBrocklescriedintothechurchleader’sshoulder.Thewatchers,bynowcheeringwildly,gottotheirfeettogiveDannyandWaceastandingovation
‘Telluswhatyoudidthisweek,Danny,’saidWace.‘TelleveryonewhyI’msoproudofyou.’
‘Ic-c-can’t,’sobbedDanny,completelyovercome.
‘ThenI’lltellthem,’saidWace,turningtofacethecrowd.‘OuraddictionservicescentreinNorthamptonwasthreatenedwithclosurebyagentsoftheAdversary.’
Astormofbooingbrokeout.Thenewsabouttheaddictioncentreseemedtohavebeenunknowntoeveryonebutthetoptable.
‘Wait–wait–wait,’saidJonathan,makinghisusualcalminggestureswithhislefthand,whileholdingDanny’sarmwithhisright.‘BeccatookDannyalong,toexplainhowmuchithadhelpedhim.Dannystoodupinfrontofthosematerialistsandspokesoeloquently,sopowerfully,thatheensuredtheservice’scontinuation.Hedidthat.Dannydidthat.’
WaceraisedDanny’sarmintotheair.Astormofcheersensued.
‘WithpeoplelikeDannywithus,shouldtheAdversarybeafraid?’shoutedJonathan,andthescreamsandapplausegrewevenlouder.Jonathanwascryingnow,tearsfloodingdownhisface.ThisshowofemotioncausedalevelofhysteriainthehallthatRobinstartedtofindalmostunnerving,anditcontinuedevenafterthesixselectedpeoplehadresumedtheirseats,untilatlast,moppinghiseyesandmakinghiscalminggesture,Jonathanmanagedtomakehimselfheardagain,hisvoicenowslightlyhoarse.
‘Andnow…withregret…Imustbringyoubulletinsfromthematerialistworld…’
AhushfelloverthehallasJonathanbegantospeak.
HetoldofthecontinuingwarinSyria,anddescribedtheatrocitiesthere,thenspokeofmassivecorruptionamongtheworld’spoliticalandfinancialelites.HespokeoftheoutbreakofZikainBrazil,whichwascausingsomanybabiestobemiscarriedorbornseverelydisabled.Hedescribedindividualinstancesofappallingpovertyanddespairhe’dwitnessedwhileattendingchurch-runprojectsinboththeUKandAmerica,andashetoldoftheseinjusticesanddisasters,hemighthavebeendescribingthingsthathadbefallenhisownfamily,sodeeplydidtheyseemtotouchhim.RobinrememberedSheilaKennett’swords:hehadawayofmakingyouwanttomakeeverythingallright,forhim…youwantedtolookafterhim…heseemedtofeelitworsethanalltherestofus.
‘That,then,isthematerialistworld,’Jonathansaidatlast.‘Andifourtaskseemsoverwhelming,itisbecausetheAdversary’sforcesarepowerful…desperatelypowerful.TheinevitableEndGameapproaches,whichiswhywefighttohastenthecomingoftheLotusWay.Now,Iaskyoualltojoinmeinmeditation.Forthosewhohavenotyetlearnedourmantra,thewordsareprintedhere.’
Twogirlsinorangetracksuitsmountedthestage,holdinglargewhiteboards,onwhichwereprinted:LokahSamastahSukhinoBhavantu.
‘Adeepbreath,raisingthearms,’saidJonathan,andthoughthebenchesatthetableswerecramped,everyarmwasslowlyraised,andtherewasauniversalintakeofbreath.‘Andexhale,’saidJonathanquietly,andtheroombreathedoutagain.
‘Andnow:LokahSamastahSukhinoBhavantu.LokahSamastahSukhinoBhavantu.LokahSamastahSukhinoBhavantu…’
Robincaughtthepronunciationofthemantrafromherneighbours.Ahundredpeoplechanted,andchanted,andchantedsomemore,andRobinbegantofeelastrangecalmcreepingoverher.Therhythmseemedtovibrateinsideher,hypnoticandsoothing,withJonathan’stheonlydistinguishablevoiceamongthemany,andsoonshedidn’tneedtoreadthe
Atlast,thefirstbarsofDavidBowie’s‘Heroes’blendedwiththevoicesofthecrowd,atwhichpointthechantsbecamecheers,andeveryonejumpedtotheirfeet,andbeganembracing.RobinwaspulledintoahugwiththeelatedDanny,thenbyherblondneighbour.Thetwoyoungmenembracedeachother,andnowtheentirecrowdwassingingalongtoBowie’ssongandclappingintime.Tiredandhungrythoughshewas,Robinsmiledassheclappedandsangalongwiththerest.
28
ThishexagramiscomposedofthetrigramLiabove,i.e.,flame,whichburnsupward,andTuibelow,i.e.,thelake,whichseepsdownward…
TheIChingorBookofChanges
StrikehadtochangetherotatoaccommodatehisinterviewwithAbigailGloveronSundayevening.OnlythendidheseethatCliveLittlejohnwasoffworkforfourdays.AsStrikewantedtoseeLittlejohn’sreactioninpersonwhenheaskedwhyhehadn’tdisclosedhispreviousemploymentatPattersonInc,hedecidedtopostponetheirchatuntilitcouldbedonefacetoface.
StrikespentSaturdayafternoonatLucy’s,becauseshe’dpersuadedtheirUncleTedtocomeforashortvisit.TherewasnodoubtthatTedhadagedconsiderablysincetheiraunt’sdeath.Heseemedtohaveshrunk,andseveraltimeslostthethreadofconversation.Twice,hecalledLucy‘Joan’.
‘Whatd’youthink?’LucywhisperedtoStrikeinthekitchen,wherehe’dgonetohelpherwithcoffee.
‘Well,Idon’tthinkhethinksyouareJoan,’saidStrikequietly.‘Butyeah…Ithinkweshouldgethimlookedatbysomeone.Someonewhocanassesshimfordementia.’
‘It’dbehisGP,wouldn’tit?’saidLucy.‘First?’
‘Probably,’saidStrike.
‘I’llringandseeifIcanmakeanappointmentforhim,’saidLucy.‘Iknowhe’llneverleaveCornwall,butit’dbesomucheasiertolookafterhimhere.’
Guilt,whichwasn’tentirelyduetothefactthatLucydidconsiderablymorelookingafterTedthanhedid,promptedStriketosay,‘Ifyoumaketheappointment,I’llgodowntoCornwallandgowithhim.Reportback.’
‘Stick,areyouserious?’saidLucy,astonished.‘OhmyGod,thatwouldbeideal.You’reabouttheonlypersonwhocouldstophimcancelling.’
StriketravelledbacktoDenmarkStreetthateveningwiththenowfamiliarfaintdepressiondogginghim.TalkingtoRobin,evenonworkmatters,tendedtolifthismood,butthatoptionwasn’topentohimandmightnotbepossibleforweeks.AnothertextfromBijou,whicharrivedwhilehewasmakinghimselfanomelette,causedhimnothingbutirritation.
Soareyouundercoversomewhereyoucan’tgettextsoramIbeingghosted?
Heatehisomeletteatthekitchentable.Oncefinished,hepickeduphismobilewithaviewtodealingwithatleastoneproblemquicklyandcleanly.Afterthinkingforafewmoments,anddismissinganyideaofendingwhat,inhisview,hadneverstarted,hetyped:
Busy,notimeformeetupsforforeseeablefuture
Ifshehadanypride,hethought,thatwouldbetheendofthematter.
HespentmostofachillySundayonsurveillance,handingovertoMidgeatfouro’clock,thendroveouttoEalingforhismeetingwithAbigailGlover.
TheForesteronSeafordRoadwasalargepubwithanexteriorfeaturingwoodencolumns,windowbasketsandgreentiledwalls,itssignshowingastumpwithanaxestickingoutofit.Strikeorderedhimselftheusualzero-alcoholbeerandtookacornertablefortwobesidethewood-panelledwall.
Twentyminutespassed,andStrikehadstartedtowonderwhetherAbigailhadchangedhermindaboutmeetinghim,whenatallandstrikingwomanenteredthebar,wearinggymgearwithacoathastilyslungoverit.Theonlypicturehe’dfoundofAbigailonlinehadbeensmallandshe’dbeenwearingoveralls,surroundedbyfellowfirefighterswhowere
‘Abigail?’hesaid,gettingtohisfeettoshakehands.
‘SorryI’mlate,’shesaid.‘Timekeeping’snotmestrongpoint.Theycallme“thelateAbigailGlover”atwork.Iwasinthegym,Ilosttrackoftime.’Smystressbuster.’
‘Noproblem,I’mgratefulyouagreedto—’
‘D’youwannadrink?’
‘Letm—’
‘’S’OK,I’llgetmeown.’
Sheshruggedoffhercoat,revealingaLycratopandleggings.Oneofthemenshe’dalreadygreetedatthebarwolf-whistled.Abigailgavehimthefingerwithonehand,whichelicitedgalesoflaughter,whilerummaginginhergymbagforherpurse.
Strikewatchedherbuyingadrink.Herrearviewshowedalotofmuscle,whichmadehimreflectthathisowndailyexercisesweren’thavingnearlysuchadramaticeffect.Shewasalmostasbroadacrossthebackasthemannearesther,whoevidentlyfoundherveryattractive,thoughshedidn’tseemtoreturnhisinterest.Hewonderedwhethershewasgay,thenwonderedwhetherwonderingthiswasoffensive.
Havingsecuredherdrink,AbigailreturnedtoStrike’stable,satdownoppositehimandtookalargegulpofwhitewine.Oneofherkneeswasjoggingupanddown.
‘Sorrywecouldn’tdothisatmeflat.Patrick,mylodger,’e’sapaininthearseabouttheUHC.’E’dgetoverexcitedifheknewyouwasinvestigatin’’em.’
‘Hashebeenyourlodgerlong?’askedStrike,purelytomakeconversation.
‘Freeyears.’E’sallright,really.’Egotdivorcedan’neededarooman’Ineededrent.On’y,eversinceItold’imwhereIgrewup’e’sbeenbangin’on,“youshouldwriteabookabou’yourchild’ood,makesomepropermoney.”WishI’dneversaidnuffingto’imaboutit.Ijust’adtoomuchwineonenight.I’dbeenouttoabloodyterrible’ousefirewhereawomanan’twokidsdied.’
‘Sorrytohearthat,’saidStrike.
‘’Sthejob,’saidAbigail,withaslightshrug,‘butsometimesitgetstoyou.Thatonedid–arson–thefarverdidit’imself,trynaworkaninsurancescamon’isshop,downstairs.’Egotoutallright,bastard…I’ateitwhenthere’skidsinvolved.Wegottheyoungeroneoutalive,butitwastoolate.Smokein’alationdonefor’im.’
‘Whatmadeyoujointhefireservice?’
‘Adrenalinejunkie,’shesaidwithafleetinggrin,herkneestillbouncingupanddown.Shetookanothergulpofwine.‘IgotouttaChapmanFarman’Ijustwan’edtofuckin’live,wan’edtoseesomeactionanddosomefingwivapointtoit,insteadofmakin’effingcorndolliestosellforstarvin’kidsinAfrica–ifthat’swherethemoneyevenwen’.Doubtit.ButInever’admucheducation.I’adtostudyforGCSEswhenIgotout.Scrapedfreeof’em.Older’nalltheotherkidsintheclass.Still,Iwasoneo’theluckyones.LeastIknow’owtoread.’
Asshepickedupherglassagain,abeardedmanpassedtheirtable.
‘BeenonTinder,’aveyou,Ab?’
‘Fuckoff,’saidAbigailcoldly.
Themansmirked,butdidn’tmoveaway.
‘Baz,’hesaid,holdingouthishandtoStrike.
‘Terry,’saidStrike,shakingit.
‘Well,youwatchyourself,Terry,’saidBaz.‘Shegoesfroomenlikediarrhoea.’
Heswaggeredaway.
‘Bastard,’mutteredAbigail,lookingoverhershoulder.‘Wouldnacomein’ereifI’dknown’e’dbe’ere.’
‘Workmate?’
‘No,’e’safriendofPatrick’s.Iwen’outforadrinkwiv’imacouplatimesan’thenItold’imIdidn’wannasee’imagain,an’’ewaspissedoff.ThenPatrickgetsdrunkwiv’imandblabsstuffabou’whatItold’imabou’theUHC,andnow,wheneverthatarseholeseesme,’eusesitto…s’myfault,’shesaidangrily.‘Ishould’vekep’memoufshut.Whenmen’ear…’
Hervoicetrailedawayandshetookanothergulpofwine.Strike,whoassumedBazhadbeentoldaboutthechurch’sspiritbondingpractices,wonderedforthefirsttimehowyounggirlswerewhentheywereexpectedtojoinin.
‘Well,asIsaidonthephone,thistalk’sstrictlyofftherecord,’saidthedetective.‘Nothing’sgoingtobepublished.’
‘Unlessyoubringthechurchdown,’saidAbigail.
‘Youmightbeoverestimatingmycapabilities.’
Shewasrapidlyemptyingherwineglass.Afterconsideringhimforamomentortwooutofherdarkblueeyesshesaid,alittleaggressively,
‘FinkI’macoward,doyah?’
‘ProbablythelastthingIwasthinking,’saidStrike.‘Why?’
‘Don’youfinkIshouldtry’natoexpose’em?Writeoneofthembloodymiserybooks?Well,’shesaid,beforeStrikecouldrespond,‘they’vegotfarbetterlawyersthanIcanaffordonafirefighter’ssalary,an’IgetenoughgriefabouttheUHC,justfrompeoplelikethatarseholeknowing.’
ShejabbedanangryfingeratBaz,whowasnowstandingaloneatthebar.
‘Iwon’tbepublicisinganything,’Strikeassuredher.‘Ionlywantto—’
‘Yeah,yousaidonthephone,’sheinterrupted,‘an’IwannasaysomefingaboutthatKevinPirbrightblokewhatrangme.Therewasthisonefing’esaidan’itreallybloodyupsetme.’
‘Whatwasthat?’
‘Itwasabou’memum,’saidAbigail,‘an’’owshedied.’
‘Howdidshedie,ifyoudon’tmindmeasking?’saidStrike,thoughhealreadyknew.
‘Shedrowned,offCromerbeach.Shewasepileptic.She’adafit.Wewasswimmingbacktothebeach,racin’eachother.Ilookedroundwhenitwasshallowenough,andIfortI’dwon,but…she’ddisappeared.’
‘I’msorry,’saidStrike,‘thatsoundsextremelytraumatic.Howoldwereyou?’
‘Seven.ButthatbloodyKevinguy,onthephone…’ewantedmetosaymyfatherdrowned’er.’
Abigaildrainedherglassbeforesayingforcefully,
‘’Snottrue.Myfarverwasn’eveninthewaterwhenit’appened,’ewasbuyingicecream.Hecomesprintin’backwhen’e’eardmescreamin’.’Ean’anuvvermandraggedMumbackontothesand.Dadtriedtogivehermouf-to-mouf,butitwastoolate.’
‘I’msorry,’saidStrikeagain.
‘WhenPirbrightsaidDadkilled’er…itwaslike’ewastakingsomefing…it’sabouttheonlygoodfingI’veever’adto’oldonto,frombeforeChapmanFarm,thattheylovedeachovver,an’ifI’aven’tgotthat,thenit’sallshit,youknow?’
‘Yes,’saidStrike,who’dhadtoworksohardtoholdontothegoodinhismemoriesofhisownmother,‘Ido.’
‘Pirbrightkeptsayin’,“’Ekilledher,didn’’e?’Edid,didn’’e?”An’Iwassaying,“No,’efuckin’didn’”an’Iendeduptelling’imtofuckoffandI’ungup.Itshookmerightup,’imfindingmeandringingmeatwork,’saidAbigail,withanairoffaintsurpriseatherownreaction.‘I’adacoupleofreallybaddays,after.’
‘I’mnotsurprised,’saidStrike.
‘’Esaid’e’dbeendroppedby’ispublisher.Seemedtofink,ifIgive’imenoughgorydetails,’e’dbeabletogetanotherdeal.You’veread’isbook,’aveyou?’
‘Thereisn’tone,’saidStrike.
‘What?’saidAbigail,frowning.‘Was’elying?’
‘No,buthislaptopwasstolen,presumablybyhiskiller.’
‘Oh…yeah.I’adthepolicecallme,after’egotshot.They’dfoundthestationnumberin’isroom.Ididn’understandatfirst.Ifort’e’dshot’imself.’Esoundedweirdonthephone.Unstable.ThenIseeninthepaper’ewasdealingdrugs.’
‘That’swhatthepolicethink,’saidStrike.
‘It’sev’rywhere,’saidAbigail.‘That’stheon’yfingtheUHCgetsright,nodrugs.I’vedraggedenoughjunkiesouttashitholestheysetonfirebyaccident,Ishouldknow.’
Sheglancedaround.Bazwasstillstandingatthebar.
‘I’llgetit,’saidStrike.
‘Oh.Cheers,’shesaid,surprised.
WhenStrikereturnedwithafreshglassofwine,shethankedhim,thensaid,
‘So’owd’youknowabou’theseallegations’emadeaboutthechurch,iftherewasnobook?’
‘Pirbrightwasemailingourclient.D’youmindifItakenotes?’
‘No,’shesaid,butshelookededgyashedrewouthisnotebook.
‘Ijustwanttomakeonethingclear,’saidStrike.‘Ibelieveyourmother’sdeathwasanaccident.I’monlyaskingthefollowingquestionstomakesureI’vecoveredeverything.Wastherealifeinsurancepolicyonher?’
‘No.Wewasbrokeaftershedied.Shewasalwaystheonewivthesteadyjob.’
‘Whatdidshedo?’
‘Anyfing–workedinshops,didabitofcleaning.Wemovedaroundalot.’
‘Didyourparentsownproperty?’
‘No,wealwaysrented.’
‘Couldn’teitherofyourparents’familieshavehelpedout,financially?’askedStrike,rememberingtheoldHarrovianbackground.
‘Myfarver’sparentsemigratedtoSoufAfrica.’Edidn’getonwiv’em.Probably’causetheysent’imto’Arrow,but’eturnedoutagrifter.Ifink’eusedtoweaselbitsofmoneyoutof’em,buttheygotsickof’im.’
‘Washeeveremployed?’
‘Notproperly.Therewasafewdodgyschemes,get-rich-quickstuff.Itwasallgettin’byontheaccentandthecharm.Irememberaluxurycarbusinesswhatwentbust.’
‘Andyourmother’sfamily?’
‘Workin’class.Skint.MymuvverwasveryprettybutIfinkmyfarver’sfamilyfortshewasrough–probablyannuverreasontheydidn’approve.Shewasadancerwhentheymet.’
Wellawarethattheword‘dancer’mightnotnecessarilyimplytheRoyalBallet,Strikechosenottoenquirefurther
‘HowsoonafteryourmotherdieddidyourfathertakeyoutoChapmanFarm?’
‘Couplamonfs,Ifink.’
‘Whatmadehimmovethere,d’youknow?’
‘Cheapplacetolive.’Abigailswiggedmorewine.‘Offthegrid.’Idefrom’isdebts.An’itwasagroupwivapowerwhatsitatthetop…vacuum…youknowabou’that?Abou’thepeople’oowasatChapmanFarm,beforethechurchstarted?’
‘Yeah,’saidStrike,‘Ido.’
‘Ionlyfoundou’afterIleft.Therewasstillafewof’emthere,whenwearrived.Myfarvergotridofanyone’edidn’twant,but’ekeptpeople’oo’dbeuseful.’
‘Tookchargeimmediately,didhe?’
‘Ohyeah,’saidAbigail,unsmiling.‘If’e’dbeenabusinessmanorsomefing…butthatwastooordinaryfor’im.But’eknew’owtomakepeoplewannadofings,an’’ewasgoodatspottingtalent.’Ekeptthecreepyoldguy’oosaid’ewasadoctor,an’thiscouple’ooknew’owtorunthefarm,an’therewasthisguycalledAlexGraves,’oomyfarverkeptbecause’isfamilywasrich.An’Mazu,ofcourse,’saidAbigail,withcontempt.‘’Ekept’er.Thepoliceshouldn’ofletanyof’emstaybehind,’sheaddedfiercely,beforetakinganotherlargegulpofwine.‘It’slikecancer.You’vegottacutthe’olefingout,oryou’lljus’bebackwhereyoustarted.Sometimes,yougetsumfingworse.’
She’dalreadydrunkmostofhersecondglassofwine.
‘Mazu’sMalcolmCrowther’sdaughter,’sheadded.‘She’sthespitof’im.’
‘Really?’
‘Yeah.WhenIgotout,Ilooked’emup.An’Ifoundoutwhattheovverbruvverdid,too,an’Ifort,“Ah,thasswhereshelearneditall.’Eruncle.”’
‘Whatd’youmean“learneditall”?’askedStrike.
‘Geraldwasakids’magicianbefore’ewen’toliveatthefarm.’
AnothermemorycamebacktoStrikeatthatmoment,ofthefatterofthetwoCrowtherbrothersshowinglittlegirlscardtricksbyfirelight,andinthatmomenthefeltnothingbutsympathyforAbigail’scomparisonofthecommunitytocancer.
‘Whenyousay“that’swhereshelearneditall”—?’
‘Slate–no,sleight,isit?–of’and?Shewasgoodatit,’saidAbigail.‘I’dseenmagiciansonthetelly,Iknewwhatshemus’beupto,buttheovverkidsfortshecouldreallydomagic.Theydidn’callitmagic,though.Purespirit,’saidAbigail,herlipcurling.
SheglancedoverhershoulderintimetoseeBazleavingthepub.
‘Good,’shesaid,gettingupimmediately.‘Wan’anuvverbeer?’
‘No,you’reallright,’saidStrike.
WhenAbigailhadreturnedwithherthirdwineandsatdownagain,Strikeasked,
‘HowsoonafteryoumovedintoChapmanFarmwasyoursisterborn?’
‘Shewasneverborn.’
Strikethoughtshemusthavemisunderstoodhim.
‘I’mtalkingaboutwhenDaiyu—’
‘Shewasn’mysister,’saidAbigail.‘Shewasalreadytherewhenwearrived.Mazu’ad’erwivAlexGraves.’
‘Ithought—?’
‘Iknowwhatyoufort.AfterAlexdied,MazupretendedDaiyuwasmyfarver’s.’
‘Why?’
‘BecauseAlex’sfamilytriedtogetcustodyof’er,after’ekilled’imself.Mazudidn’wannagiveDaiyuup,soshean’myfarvercookedupthestorythatDaiyuwasreally’is.Alex’sfamilytookittocourt.IrememberMazugoingberserkwhenshegottalegallettersayin’she’adtoprovideDaiyu’sDNAsamples.’
‘Thisisinteresting,’saidStrike,whowasnowtakingrapidnotes.‘Werethesamplesevertaken?’
‘No,’saidAbigail,‘’causeshedrowned.’
‘Right,’saidStrike,lookingup.‘ButAlexGravesthoughtDaiyuwashis?’
‘Oh,yeah.’EmadeawillandnamedDaiyuasthesolebene–ben–what’sit?’
‘Beneficiary?’
‘Yeah…toleyouInever’adnoeducation,’Abigailmuttered.‘Shouldreadmore,prob’ly.SometimesIfinkabou’tryin’todoacourse,orsomefing.’
‘Nevertoolate,’saidStrike.‘Sotherewasawill,andDaiyustoodtogeteverythingGraveshadtoleave?’
‘Yeah.I’eardMazuan’myfarvertalkin’abou’it.’
‘Didhehavemuchtogive?’
‘Dunno.’Elookedlikean’obo,but’isfamilywaswealfy.Theyusedtocomean’see’imatthefarmsometimes.TheUHCweren’asstrictabou’visitorsthen,peoplecouldstilljus’drivein.TheGraveswasposh.Myfarver’adGraves’sistereatin’outof’is’and.Chubbygirl.Myfarver’dtryan’getinwivanyone’oo’admoney.’
‘SoafterDaiyudied,yourstepmother—’
‘Don’callherthat,’saidAbigailsharply.‘Ineverusetheword“muvver”forthatbitch,notevenwiv“step”infrontofit.’
‘Sorry,’saidStrike.‘Mazu,then–shepresumablyinheritedallGraveshadleft?’
‘Is’pose,’saidAbigail,withashrug.‘IwasshuntedofftotheBirming’amcentrenotlongafterDaiyudied.Mazualways’atedthebloodysightofme,shewasn’gonnaletmestayif’erdaughterwasdead.IranawayfromthestreetinBirming’amwhenIwasoutcollectin’forthechurch.Theday’stakingspaidforacoachtickettoLondonan’mymum’smum.It’s’erflatIliveinnow.Sheleftittome,bless’er.’
‘Howoldwereyouwhenyouleftthechurch?’
‘Sixteen,’saidAbigail.
‘Haveyouhadanycontactwithyourfathersince?’
‘None,’saidAbigail,‘whichisjus’thewayIlikeit.’
‘Henevertriedtofindyouorcontactyou?’
‘No.IwasaDeviate,wasn’I?Thasswhattheycallpeoplethatleave.Hecouldn’’aveadaughter’oowasaDeviate,notthe’EadoftheChurch.’Ewasprobablyas’appytoseethebackofmeasIwasof’im.’
Abigaildrankmorewine.Herpalecheekswerebecomingpink.
‘Y’know,’shesaidabruptly,‘beforethechurch,Iliked’im.Prob’lyloved’im.Ialwayslikedbeingoneofthelads,an’’e’dmessaroundwivme,an’chuckaballaroundandwhatever.’Ewascoolwivmebeingatomboyandeveryfing,butafterMazu,’echanged.She’safuckin’sociopath,’saidAbigailviciously,‘an’shechanged’im.’
Strikechosenottorespondtothiscomment.Heknew,ofcourse,thatalchemicalchangesofpersonalitywerepossibleunderastronginfluence,especiallyinthosewhosecharactersweren’tfullyformed.However,byAbigail’sownaccount,Wacehadbeenacharismatic,amoralchancerevenwhenmarriedtohisfirstwife;hissecond,bythesoundsofit,hadmerelybeentheidealaccompliceinhisascenttothestatusofMessiah
‘’EstartedtellingmeoffforallthestuffMazudidn’likeaboutme,’Abigailwenton.‘Shetold’imIwasboymad.Iwason’yeight.Ijustlikedplayingfootball…andthen’etoldmeIcouldn’tcall’im“Dad”anymore,I’adtosayPapaJ,likeeveryoneelse.
‘It’saman’sworld,’saidAbigailGlover,throwingbackherhead,‘an’womenlikeMazu,theyknowwherethepoweris,an’theyplaythegame,theywannamakesurethemenare’appy,an’thenthemen’lllet’em’aveabitofpowerthemselves.Shemadeallthegirlsdo…stuffshedidn’t’avetodoShedidn’doit.Shewasupthere’Abigailraisedonehandhorizontally,ashighasitwouldgo,‘an’weweredownthere,’shesaid,pointingatthefloor.‘Shetrodonallofussoshecouldbethefuckin’queen.’
‘Shefeltdifferentlyaboutherowndaughter,though?’saidStrike.
‘Oh,yeah,’saidAbigail,takinganotherglugofwine.‘Daiyuwasaspoiledbrat–butthatdon’mean…what’appenedto’er…itwasbloodyterrible.Shewasannoyin’,but–Iwasupset,too.Mazudidn’finkIcared,butIdid.Itbroughtitallback,what’appenedtoMum,an’all.Ifuckin’’atethesea,’Abigailmuttered.‘Can’tevenwatchPiratesofthefuckin’Caribbean.’
‘WoulditbeOKtogobackoverwhathappenedtoDaiyu?’askedStrike.‘I’llunderstandifyou’drathernot.’
‘Wecan,ifyouwan’,’saidAbigail,‘butIwasatthefarmwhenit’appened,soIcan’tellyoumuch.’
Hertonguewasmuchloosernow.Strikeguessedshehadn’teatenanythingbetweengymandpub:thewinewashavingadefiniteeffect,largeframedthoughshewas.
‘DoyourememberthegirlwhotookDaiyutothebeachthatmorning?’
‘Iremembershewasblonde,an’abitolderthanme,butIcouldn’pick’eroutofaline-upnow.Youdidn’’avefriends,youweren’s’posedtogetclosetopeople.Theyusedtocallitmaterialpossessionorsomefing.SometimesI’dgetpeopletrynasmarmuptomebecauseIwasmyfarver’sdaughter,buttheysoonrealisedthatdidn’countfornuffin.IfI’dputinagoodwordforanyone,Mazu’dprob’lymakesuretheywerepunished.’
‘Soyou’vegotnoideawhereCherieGittinsisnow?’
‘Thatwas’ername,wasit?IfortitwasCheryl.No,Idunnowhereanyof’emare.’
‘I’veheard,’saidStrike,‘thatCheriedrovethetruckoutofChapmanFarmpastyouandtwootherpeople,onthemorningDaiyudrowned.’
‘The’elld’youknowthat?’saidAbigail,seemingmoreunnervedthanimpressed.
‘MypartnerinterviewedSheilaKennett.’
‘Bloody’ell,isoldSheilastillalive?I’d’vefortshewaslonggone.Yeah,mean’thisladcalledPaulan’Sheila’s’usbandwasallonearlyduty–you’adtofeedthelivestockan’collecteggsan’startbreakfast.ThatgirlCheriean’Daiyucomepastusinthevan,offtodothevegetablerun.Daiyuwavedatus.Wewassurprised,butwefortshe’adpermissiontogo.Shegottodoatonofstufftherestofthekidsdidn’.’
‘Andwhendidyoufindoutshe’ddrowned?’
‘Nearlunchtime.Mazu’adalreadygonefuckin’berserk,findin’outDaiyu’adgoneoffwivCherie,an’wewasintheshit,theones’oo’dseen’emgobyan’notstopped’em.’
‘Wasyourfatherupset?’
‘Oh,yeah.Iremember’imcryin’.’Uggin’Mazu.’
‘Cried,didhe?’
‘Oh,yeah,’saidAbigaildourly.‘’Ecanturnonthewaterworkslikenomanyouevermet…butIdon’tfink’elikedDaiyumuch,really.Shewasn’’is,an’mendon’neverfeelthesameabou’kidsthataren’theirs,dothey?We’vegotaguyatwork,theway’etalksabou’’isstepson…’
‘I’veheardyouwereallpunished–Cherie,andthethreeofyouwhosawthetruckgopast?’
‘Yeah,’saidAbigail.‘Wewere.’
‘Sheila’sstillveryupsetaboutherhusbandbeingpunished.Shethinkswhateverwasdonetohimcontributedtohispoorhealth.’
‘Itwon’t’avebloody’elped,’saidAbigailinaclippedvoice.‘Sheilatoldyourpartnerwhat’appenedtous,didshe?’
‘No,’saidStrike,whojudgeditbetternottolie.
‘Well,ifSheila’snottalkin’,I’mnot,’saidAbigail.‘That’sthesortafingthatPirbrightblokewantedoffme.Findoutallthesala–salaysh–allthedirtyfuckin’details.I’mnotdiggin’itallupagain,sopeoplecanpicturemeonmyfuckin’–forgetthat.’
Abigail’svoicewasveryslightlyslurrednow.Strike,whowasn’tentirelywithouthopethathemightyetgetdetailsofthepunishmentshe’dsuffered,turnedafreshpageinhisnotebookandsaid,
‘I’veheardCheriespentalotoftimewithDaiyu.’
‘MazupalmedDaiyuoffonoldergirlsalot,yeah.’
‘DidyouattendtheinquestintoDaiyu’sdeath?’
‘Yeah.Brian’addiedbythen,poorbastard,butmean’Paul’adtogiveevidence,becauseofseeing’empassinthevan.I’eardCheryldidarunnerafteritwasover–don’tblame’er.Mazuo’nylet’erstayalivethatlong’causeoftheinquest.Oncethatwasover,shewasonborrowedtime.’
‘D’youmeanthatasafigureofspeech?’
‘No,Imeanitforreal.Mazuwould’vekilled’er.Ormade’erkill’erself.’
‘Howwouldshedothat?’
‘You’dunderstandifyou’dmet’er,’mutteredAbigail.
‘Didshemakeyoudothings?Imean,thingstohurtyourself?’
‘Allthefuckin’time.’
‘Didn’tyourfatherintervene?’
‘Istoppedgoin’to’imortalkin’to’imabou’anyofit.Nopoint.Therewasonetime,inRevelation—’
‘What’sthat?’
‘You’adtosaythingsyouwereashamedofan’getpurified.So,thisonegirlsaidshemasturbatedan’Ilaughed.Iwasprob’lytwelveorsomethin’.MazumademesmackmyheadoffthetemplewalluntilIwasnearenoughconcussed.’
‘Whatwouldhavehappenedifyou’drefused?’
‘Somefingworse,’saidAbigail.‘Itwasalwaysbesttotakethefirstoffer.’
ShelookedatStrikewithanoddmixtureofdefianceanddefensiveness.
‘ThassthesortafingPatrickwantsmetoputinmybook.Tellthe’oleworldIwastreatedlikeshit,sopeoplelikefuckin’Bazcanthrowitbackinmyface.’
‘I’mnotgoingtopubliciseanyofthis,’Strikereassuredher.‘I’mjustlookingforconfirmation–ornot–ofthingsPirbrighttoldmyclient.’
‘Goon,then.Whatelsedid’esay?’
‘Heclaimedtherewasanightwhenallthechildrenweregivendruggeddrinks.Hewasyoungerthanyou,butIwonderedwhetheryoueverheardofanyonebeingdrugged?’
Abigailsnorted,twirlingheremptyglassbetweenherfingers.
‘Youweren’allowedcoffee,orsugar,orbooze–nuffin’.Youweren’evengivenparacetamol.’Ewasbabblingtomeonthephoneabou’peopleflyin’.’E’dprobablyratherfinkitwasdrugstheyslipped’im,than’ewastrickedbysomeofMazu’sbullshitmagictricks,or’ewascrackin’up.’
Strikemadeanote.
‘OK,thisnextone’sodd.KevinthoughtDaiyucouldturnherselfinvisible–orsaidthatoneofhissistersbelievedshecould.’
‘What?’saidAbigail,half-laughing.
‘Iknow,’saidStrike,‘butheseemedtoattachsignificancetothis.Iwonderedwhethershewentmissingatanypoint,priortoherdeath.’
‘NotthatIremember…butIwouldn’t’veputitpast’ertoclaimshecouldbeinvisible.Make’erselfoutt’bemagic,like’ermuvver.’
‘OK,thisnextquestion’salsoodd,butIwantedtoaskyouaboutpigs.’
‘Pigs?’
‘Yeah,’saidStrike.‘Itmightmeannothing,buttheykeepcroppingup.’
‘’Ow?’
‘SheilaKennettsaysPaulDrapergotbeatenforlettingsomeescape,andJordanReaney’swifesaysheusedtohavenightmaresaboutpigs.’
‘’Oo’sJordanReaney?’
‘Youcan’trememberhim?’
‘I…oh,maybe,’shesaidslowly.‘Was’ethetallonewhooverslept,whoshould’vebeenonthetruck?’
‘Whattruck?’
‘If’e’stheoneI’mthinkin’of,heshould’vebeenwithCheryl–Cherie–onthevegetablerun,themorningDaiyudrowned.If’e’dgone,therewouldn’ofbeenroomforDaiyu.Itwasasmallflatbedtruck.On’yroomfortwoupfront.’
‘Idon’tknowwhetherhewassupposedtobeonthevegetablerun,’saidStrike,‘butaccordingtoPirbright,ReaneywasforcedtowhiphimselfacrossthefacewithaleatherflailbyMazu,forsomeunspecifiedcrimesheseemedtothinkmeritedthepolice.’
‘Itoldja,thatsortafing’appenedallthetime.An’why’sReaney’swifetalkin’for’im?Is’edead?’
‘No,injailforarmedrobbery.’
‘Wasteofagun,’mutteredAbigail.‘’EknowswhereMazuis.’
‘KevinPirbrightalsowrotetheword“pigs”onhisbedroomwall.’
‘Sure’ewasn’talkin’abou’thepolice?’
‘Hemight’vebeen,but“pigs”mightalsohavebeenaremindertohimself,aboutsomethinghewantedtoincludeinhisbook.’
Abigaillookeddownatheremptyglass.
‘Anotherone?’suggestedStrike.
‘Trynagetmedrunk?’
‘Repayingyouforgivingmeyourtime.’
‘Charmer.Yeah,fanks,’shesaid.
WhenStrikereturnedwithherfourthdrink,Abigailtookagulp,thensatinsilencefornearlyaminute.Strike,whosuspectedshewantedtotalkmorethanperhapssherealised,waited.
‘Allrigh’,’shesaidsuddenly,‘’ereitis:ifyouwannaknowthetroof.Ifpeople’oowereatChapmanFarmintheninetiesare’avingnightmaresaboutpigs,itwon’bebecausefuckin’farmanimalsgotout.’
‘Why,then?’
‘“Thepigactsintheabysmal.”’
‘Sorry?’
‘’SfromtheIChing.Knowwhatthatis?’
‘Er–abookofdivination,right?’
‘Mazusaiditwasanorac–whasstheword?’
‘Oracle?’
‘Yeah.That.ButIfoundout,afterIleft,shewasn’usin’itproperly.’
Giventhathewasn’ttalkingtoRobin,whowasfamiliarwithhisviewsonfortunetelling,Strikedecidednottodebatewhetheritwaspossibletouseanoracleproperly.
‘Whatd’youmeanby—?’
‘It’ss’posedtobe,like,usedbytheperson’oo’safter–y’know–guidance,orwisdom,orshit.Youcountoutyarrowstalks,thenyoulookupthemeaningofthe’exa-fingyou’vemade,intheIChing.MazulikesanyfingChinese.Shepretendstobe’alfChinese.Myarse,sheis.Anyway,shewouldn’letanyoneelsetouchthestalkfings.Shegavereadings,an’sheriggedit.’
‘How?’
‘Sheusedittodecidepunishmentsan’stuff.She’dsayshe’dconsulttheIChingtofindout’oowastellin’thetruth.See,ifyou’repurespirit,thedivinevibration’(Abigail’svoicewasfullofscorn)‘worksfrooyou,soifyoudosomefingliketheIChing–orcards,orcrystals,orwha’ever–they’llwork,butnotfr’anyone’oo’snotaspure.’
‘Andwheredopigscomein?’
‘’Exa-fing–gram–twenny-nine,’saidAbigail.‘TheAbyss.It’soneo’theworst’exagramstoget.“WateristheimageassociatedwiththeAbysmal;ofthedomesticanimals,thepigistheonethatlivesinmudandwater.”Istillknowitoffbyfuckin’’eart,I’earditsooften.Soif’exagramtwenny-ninecameup–an’itcameupfarmoreoftenthanitshould’vedone,becausetherearesixty-fuckin’-fourdiff’rent’exagrams–youwasafilfyliar:youwasapig.An’Mazumadeyoucrawlaroundonallfours,untilshesaiditwastimetogetupagain.’
‘Thishappenedtoyou?’
‘Oh,yeah.Bleedin’’andsandknees.Crawlin’throughmud…onthenightafterDaiyudrowned,’saidAbigail,hereyesglassy,‘Mazumademe,oldBrianKennett,PaulDraper,thatJordanguyan’Cheriestripnakedan’crawlroundtheyardinfuckin’pigmasks,wiveveryonewatching.Forfreedaysan’freenights,we’adtostaynakedandonallfours,an’we’adtosleepinthepigstywivtherealpigs.’
‘JesusChrist,’saidStrike.
‘Sonowyoufuckin’know,’saidAbigail,whoseemedhalf-furious,half-shaken,‘an’youcanputitinafuckin’bookan’makeatonofmoneyoutofit.’
‘I’vealreadytoldyou,’saidStrike,‘thatisn’tgoingtohappen.’
Abigaildashedangrytearsoutofhereyes.Theysatinsilenceforacoupleofminutesuntil,abruptly,Abigailthrewbackthelastofherfourthglassofwineandsaid,
‘Comeou’sidewivme,Iwannafag.’
Theyleftthepubtogether,Abigail’sgymbagandcoatslungoverhershoulder.Itwascoldoutside,withastiffbreezeblowing.Abigaildrewhercoatmorecloselyaroundherself,leanedupagainstthebrickwall,litaMarlboroLight,inhaleddeeply,andblewthesmokeupatthestars.Sheseemedtoregainhercomposureasshesmoked.WhenStrikesaid,
‘Ihadyoufiguredasakeep-fitbuff,’sheanswereddreamily,eyesonthesky,
‘Iam.WhenI’mworkin’ou’,I’mworkin’out.An’whenI’mpartyin’,I’mpartyin’’ard.An’whenI’mworkin’,I’mfuckin’goodatit…Thereisn’enoughtimeintheworld,’shesaid,lookingsidewaysathim,‘tonotbeatChapmanFarm.Y’knowwhatImean?’
‘Yeah,’saidStrike.‘IthinkIdo.’
Shelookedathim,alittleblearily,andshewassotalltheywerealmosteyetoeye.
‘You’rekindasexy.’
‘Andyou’redefinitelydrunk.’
Shelaughedandpushedherselfoffthewall.
‘Should’veeatenafterthegym…shouldadrunksomewater.Seeya,Crameron–Cormarion–wha’everyourfuckingnameis.’
Andwithagestureoffarewell,shewalkedaway.
29
ThusinallhistransactionsthesuperiormanCarefullyconsidersthebeginning
TheIChingorBookofChanges
StrikearrivedbackinDenmarkStreetalittleafterten,havingdonesomefoodshoppingontheway.Afterajoylessdinnerofgrilledchickenandsteamedvegetables,hedecidedtomovedownintothedesertedofficetopursuethetrainofthoughtengenderedbyhisinterviewwithAbigailGlover.HetoldhimselfthiswasbecauseitwaseasiertoworkatthePCthanathislaptop,butwasdimlyawareofadesiretositatthepartners’desk,whereheandRobinoftenfacedeachother.
ThefamiliarsoundsoftrafficgrumblingpastonCharingCrossRoadmingledwithoccasionalshoutsandlaughterfrompassers-byasStrikeopenedthefolderonhiscomputerinwhichhe’dalreadysavedtheaccountofDaiyuWace’sdrowninghe’dfoundintheBritishLibraryarchives,whichgavehimaccesstodecades’worthofpressreports,includingthoseinlocalpapers.
Thechild’sdeathhadmeritedonlybriefmentionsinthenationals,thoughnotallofthemhadcarriedthestory.However,northNorfolkpaperstheLynnAdvertiserandtheDissExpresshadprintedfullerreports.Strikenowre-readthem.
DaiyuWacehaddrownedearlyinthemorningof29July1995,duringwhatwasdescribedasanimpromptuswimwithaseventeen-year-oldgirldescribedasherbabysitter.
TheLynneAdvertiser’sarticlecarriedpicturesofthetwogirls.Evenallowingfortheblurryeffectofnewsprint,Daiyuwasdistinctlyrabbityinappearance,withanoverbiteemphasisedbyamissingtooth,dark,narroweyesandlong,shininghair.CherieGittins’pictureshowedateenagedgirlwithcrimpedblondecurlsandwhatlookedlikeanaffectedsmile.
Thefactsgiveninbothpaperswereidentical.CherieandDaiyuhaddecidedtotakeaswim,Daiyuhadgotintodifficulties,Cheriehadtriedtoreachher,butthechildhadbeenpulledoutofreachbyapowerfulcurrent.Cheriehadthenexitedthewaterandtriedtoraisethealarm.She’dhailedpassers-byMrandMrsHeatonofGardenStreet,Cromer,andMrHeatonhadhurriedofftoalertthecoastguardwhileMrsHeatonremainedwithCherie.MrHeatonwasquotedassayingthatheandhiswifehadseen‘ahystericalyoungwomanrunningtowardsusinherunderwear’andthatthey’drealisedsomethingwasveryamissuponspottingthepileofdiscardedchild’sclothinglyingonthepebblesashortdistanceaway.
Strike,whowasCornish-born,withanuncleinthecoastguard,knewmoreabouttidesanddrowningthantheaverageperson.AripcurrentsuchasDaiyuappearedtohaveswumintocouldhavecarriedawayaseven-year-oldchildwithease,especiallyasshe’dhavehadneitherthestrengthnor,presumably,theknowledgethatsheshouldswimparalleltotheshoretoescapethedanger,ratherthantryingtofightaforcethatwouldchallengeevenapowerfulandexperiencedseabather.ThearticleintheDissExpressconcludedbyquotingalifeguardwhogavepreciselythatadvicetothoseunluckyenoughtofindthemselvesinasimilarsituation.Strikealsoknewthatthegasesthatcausebodiestorisetothesurfaceformfarmoreslowlyincoldwater.EveninlateJuly,theearlymorningNorthSeawouldhavebeenverychilly,andifthesmallbodyhadbeendraggedoutintodeepwaterandsanktotheseabed,itmightsoonhavebeenstrippedbycrustaceans,fishandsealice.Strikehadheardsuchstoriesasachildfromhisuncle.
Nevertheless,Strikefoundcertainincongruitiesinthestory.Whileneitherlocaljournalistmadeanissueofthis,itseemedodd,tosaytheleast,thatthetwogirlshadvisitedthebeachbeforesunrise.Ofcourse,theremighthavebeenaninnocent,undisclosedreason,suchasadareorabet.SheilaKennetthadsuggestedthatDaiyuhadthewhiphandintherelationshipwiththeoldergirl.PerhapsCherieGittinshadbeentooweak-willedtoresistthepressureofthecultleaders’child,who’dbeendeterminedtopaddlenomatterthehourandthetemperature.Cherie’ssimperingsmiledidn’tsuggestastrongpersonality.
Whiletheskydarkenedoutsidetheofficewindow,Strikemadeafreshsearchofthenewspaperarchives,thistimelookingforreportsintoDaiyu’sinquest.HefoundonedatedSeptember1995intheDailyMirror.Certainfeaturesofthecasehadclearlypiquedthenationalnewspaper’sinterest.
CHILDRULED‘LOSTATSEA’Averdictof‘lostatsea’wasdeliveredtodayattheNorwichCoroner’sOffice,whereaninquestwasheldintothedrowningof7-year-oldDaiyuWaceofChapmanFarm,Felbrigg.Unusually,theinquestwasheldintheabsenceofabody.Headofthelocalcoastguard,GrahamBurgess,toldthecourtthatinspiteofanextensivesearch,ithadprovedimpossibletofindthelittlegirl’sremains.‘Therewasapowerfulcurrentnearthebeachthatmorning,whichcouldhavecarriedasmallchildalongdistance,’Burgesstoldthecourt.‘Mostdrowningvictimsrisetothesurfaceorwashashoreeventually,butsadlyaminorityremainunrecoverable.I’dliketooffertheservice’ssincerecondolencestothefamily.’17-year-oldCherieGittins(pictured),afriendofDaiyu’sfamily,tooktheprimaryschoolerforanearlymorningswimon29thJuly,afterthepairhaddeliveredfarmvegetablestoalocalshop‘Daiyuwasalwaysnaggingmetotakehertothebeach,’avisiblydistressedGittinstoldthecoroner,JacquelinePorteous.‘Ithoughtshejustwantedapaddle.Thewaterwasreallycold,butshejustdivedrightin.Shewasalwaysreallybraveandadventurous.Iwasworried,soIwentafterher.Oneminuteshewaslaughing,thenshedisappeared–wentunderanddidn’tcomeup.‘Icouldn’treachher,Icouldn’tevenseewhereshewas.Thelightwasbadbecauseitwassoearly.IwentbacktothebeachandIwasscreamingandshoutingforhelp.IsawMrandMrsHeatonwalkingtheirdog.MrHeatonwenttophonethepoliceandthecoastguard.‘IneverwantedanyharmtocometoDaiyu.Thishasbeentheworstthingthat’severhappenedtomeandI’llnevergetoverit.IjustwanttoapologisetoDaiyu’sparents.I’mso,sosorry.I’dgiveabsolutelyanythingifIcouldbringDaiyuback.’Givingevidence,MurielCarter,ownerofabeachsidecafé,saidshesawGittinstakingthechilddowntothebeach,shortlybeforesunrise.‘TheyhadtowelswiththemandIthoughtitwasasillytimetobegoingswimming,that’swhyitstuckinmymind.’Interviewedaftertheinquest,bereavedmotherMrsMazuWace(24)said:‘Ineverdreamedanyonewouldtakemychildwithoutpermission,letalonetakeherswimminginthesea,inthedark.I’mstillprayingwe’llfindherandbeabletogiveheradecentburial.’MrJonathanWace(44),fatherofthedeadgirl,said:‘Thishasbeenanappallingtimeandofcourse,it’sbeenmadefarworsebytheuncertainty,buttheinquesthasgivenussomesenseofclosure.MywifeandIaresustainedbyourreligiousfaithandI’dliketothankthelocalcommunityfortheirkindness.’
StrikereachedforthenotebookthatwasstillinhispocketfromhisinterviewwithAbigailGlover,re-readtheMirrorarticleandmadeanoteofacoupleofpointsthatstruckhimasinteresting,alongwiththenamesofthewitnessesmentioned.HealsoscrutinisedthenewpictureofCherieGittins,whichseemedtohavebeentakenoutsidethecoroner’scourt.Shelookedmucholderhere,hereyelidsheavier,thepreviouslybabyishcontoursofherfacemoredefined.
Strikesatinthoughtforafewmoreminutes,vaping,thenmadeanothersearchofthenewspaperarchives,nowlookingforinformationrelatingtoAlexGraves,themanwho,ifAbigailwastobebelieved,wasDaiyu’sbiologicalfather.
Ittooktwentyminutes,butStrikefinallyfoundGraves’obituarynoticeinacopyofTheTimes
Graves,AlexanderEdwardThawley,passedawayathome,GarvestoneHall,Norfolk,on15thJune1993,afteralongillness.BelovedsonofColonelandMrsEdwardGraves,anddearlymissedbrotherofPhillipa.Privatefuneral.Noflowers.DonationsifwishedtoTheMentalHealthFoundation.‘Saynotthestrugglenaughtavaileth.’
AsStrikewouldhaveexpected,thecarefullywordedobituaryconcealedmorethanitrevealed.The‘longillness’surelyreferredtomentalhealthproblemsgiventhesuggestionfordonations,whilethe‘privatefuneral’,forwhichnodatewasgiven,hadpresumablybeenheldatChapmanFarm,whereGraveshadbeenburiedaccordingtothewishhe’dstatedinhiswill.Nevertheless,theobituary-writerhadbeendeterminedtostatethatGarvestoneHallwas‘home’
StrikeGoogledGarvestoneHall.Althoughitwasaprivateresidence,therewerenumerouspicturesofthehouseonline,duetoitsmedievalorigins.Thestonemansionhadhexagonaltowers,rectangularleadedwindowsandspectaculargardens,whichfeaturedtopiary,statuary,intricatelylaid-outflowerbedsandasmalllake.Thegrounds,Strikeread,wereoccasionallyopenedtothepublictoraisemoneyforcharity.
Exhalingnicotinevapourinthesilentoffice,StrikewonderedagainhowmuchmoneyGraves,whoaccordingtoAbigailhadlookedlikeahobo,hadleftthegirlhebelievedwashisdaughter.
Theskyoutsidetheofficewindowwasadeep,velvetyblack.Almostabsent-mindedly,StrikeGoogled‘drownedprophetUHC’.
ThetophitledtothewebsiteoftheUHC,butanumberofidealisedpicturesofDaiyuWacealsoappeared.Strikeclickedon‘images’andscrolledslowlydownthroughmanyidenticalpicturesofDaiyuassheappearedintheRupertCourtTemple,withherwhiterobesandherflyingblackhair,stylisedwavestrailingbehindher.
Towardsthebottomofthepage,however,Strikesawapicturethatcaughthisattention.ThisshowedDaiyuasshe’dlookedinlife,althoughinfarmoresinisterform.Theaccomplishedpencilandcharcoaldrawinghadturnedtherabbityfaceskeletal.Wherethereshouldhavebeeneyes,therewereemptysockets.ThepicturewastakenfromPinterest.Strikeclickedonthelink.
ThedrawinghadbeenpostedbyausercallingthemselvesTormentTown.Thepagehadonlytwelvefollowers,whichdidn’tsurpriseStrikeintheslightest.AllTormentTownhadpostedweredrawingsthathadthesamenightmarishqualityasthefirst.
Asmall,long-haired,nakedchildlayinthefoetalpositionontheground,facehidden,withtwoclovenfeetstandingeitherside.Theimagewassurroundedbytwohairy,clawedhandsmakingaheart,aclearparodyoftheUHCsymbol.
Thesamehairyhandsformedtheirheartaroundadrawingofanakedman’slowerbody,althoughtheerectpenishadbeenreplacedbyaspikedclub.
Agaggedwomanwasdepictedwithoneoftheclawedhandsthrottlingher,thelettersUHCdrawnontobothdilatedpupils.
Daiyuappearedrepeatedly,sometimesonlyherface,sometimesfulllength,inawhitedressthatdrippedwaterontotheflooraroundherbarefeet.Theeyeless,rabbityfacestaredinthroughwindows,thedrippingcorpsefloatedacrossceilingsandpeeredoutfrombetweendarktrees.
AloudbangmadeStrikestart.Abirdhadhittheofficewindow.Fortwoseconds,heandtheravenblinkedateachotherandthen,inablurofblackfeathers,ithadgone.
Heartratenowslightlyelevated,StrikereturnedhisattentiontotheimagesonTormentTown’spage.Hepausedonthemostcomplexpictureyet:ameticulouslyrendereddepictionofagroupstandingaroundablackfive-sidedpool.Thefiguresaroundthepoolwerehooded,theirfacesinshadow,butJonathanWace’sfacewasilluminated.
OverthewaterhoveredthespectralDaiyu,lookingdownatthewaterbelow,asinistersmileonherface.WhereDaiyu’sreflectionshouldhavebeen,therewasadifferentwoman,floatingonthesurfaceofthewater.Shewasfairhairedandworesquare-framedglasses,butlikeDaiyushehadnoeyes,onlyemptysockets.
30
…aprincessleadshermaids-in-waitinglikeashoaloffishestoherhusbandandthusgainshisfavour.
TheIChingorBookofChanges
Thewomeninthedormitorywerewokenat5a.m.asusualbytheringingofthelargecopperbellonRobin’sfourthmorningatChapmanFarm.Afterthesamescantbreakfastofwateryporridgethey’deateneverydaysofar,newrecruitswereaskedtoremaininthedininghall,becausetheirgroupsweretobereconfigured.
EverymemberofFireGroupotherthanRobinlefttojoinothergroups.Hernewcompanionsincludedtheprofessor,WalterFernsby,AmandeepSingh,who’dworntheSpidermanT-shirtintemple,andayoungwomanwithshort,spikyblackhaircalledVivienne.
‘’Owzitgoing?’shesaid,onjoiningtheothers.
Inspiteofherbesteffortstodropheraitches,Robinnoticed,asVivienneexchangedremarkswiththeothers,thatheraccentwasreallyirremediablyuppermiddleclass.
Robinwasalmostcertainthenewlyformedgroupswerenolongerrandomlyselected.FireGroupnowseemedtoconsistonlyofuniversity-educatedpeople,mostofwhomclearlyhadmoneyorcamefromwell-offfamilies.MetalGroup,bycontrast,containedsomeofthepeoplewho’dhadmostdifficultywithdailytasks,includingbespectacled,ginger-hairedwidowMarionHuxley,andacoupleofrecruitswhomRobinhadalreadyheardcomplainoffatigueandhunger,likegreen-hairedPennyBrown.
Afterthere-sortingofthegroups,thedayproceededinthesamewayasthepreviousones.RobinandtherestofFireGroupwereusheredthroughamixtureoftasks,somephysical,somespiritual.Afterfeedingthepigsandputtingfreshstrawinthechickens’nestingboxes,theyweretakentotheirthirdlectureonchurchdoctrine,whichwasconductedbyTaioWace,thenhadachantingsessioninthetemple,duringwhichRobin,alreadytired,enteredapleasant,trance-likestatewhichleftherwithafeelingofincreasedwell-being.ShecouldnowreciteLokahSamastahSukhinoBhavantuwithoutneedingtocheckthewordsorpronunciation.
Aftertemple,theywereledtoanewcraftingworkshop.
‘FireGroup,calledtoservice,’saidBeccaPirbrightastheyenteredaslightlylargerspacethanthatinwhichthetoyturtleshadbeenmade.Thewallswerehungwithmanydifferentkindsofwovenandplaitedcorndollies:stars,crosses,hearts,spiralsandfigures,manyofthemfinishedwithribbons.Inafarcorneroftheroom,twochurchmembers–Robinrecognisedthewomanwho’dstoodatthereceptiondeskwhentheyarrived,andthepregnantWan–wereworkingonalargestrawsculpture.Pilesofstrawalsolayonalongcentraltable,infrontofeveryseat.AttheheadofthetablestoodMazuWaceinherlongorangerobes,withthemother-of-pearlfisharoundherneck,holdingaleatherboundbook.
‘Nho,’shesaid,gesturingforFireGrouptotaketheirseats.
Therewerefewerpermanentchurchmembersseatedatthetablethanattheturtle-makingsession.Amongthemwastheteenagegirlwithlong,finemouseyhairandlargeblueeyeswhomRobinhadalreadynoticed.Robindeliberatelyselectedaseatbesideher.
‘Asyouknow,’saidMazu,‘wesellourhandiworktoraisefundsforthechurch’scharitableprojects.WehavealongtraditionofmakingcorndolliesatChapmanFarmandgrowourownstrawspecificallyforthispurpose.Todayyou’llbemakingsomesimpleGloryPlaits,’saidMazu,walkingtothewallandpointingataflat,plaitedcorndollywithwheatheadsfanningoutofthebottom.‘Regularmemberswillhelp,andonceyou’reworkingproperly,I’llreadyoutoday’slesson.’
‘Hi,’Robinsaidtotheteenagegirlbesideher,asMazubeganleafingthroughthebook,‘I’mRowena.’
‘I’mL-L-Lin,’stammeredthegirl.
RobinknewatoncethatthegirlmustbethedaughterofDeirdreDoherty,who’dbeen(ifKevinPirbrightwastobebelieved)theproductofJonathanWace’srape.
‘Thatlookshard,’Robinsaid,watchingLin’sthinfingersworkingthestraw.
‘Itisn’tr-r-really,’saidLin.
RobinnoticedMazuglanceupirritablyfromherbookatthesoundofLin’svoice.AlthoughLinhadn’tlookedatMazu,Robinwascertainshe’dregisteredherreaction,becauseshebeganshowingRobinwhattodowithoutwords.RobinrememberedKevinPirbrightwritinginhisemailtoSirColinthatMazuhadmockedLinforherstammersincechildhood
Onceeveryonehadsettoworkinearnest,Mazusaid,
‘I’mgoingtotalktoyouthismorningabouttheGoldenProphet,whoselifewasabeautifullesson.TheGoldenProphet’smantraisILivetoLoveandGive.ThefollowingwordswerewrittenbyPapaJhimself.’
ShedroppedhergazetotheopenbookinherhandsandnowRobinsawTheAnswer,byJonathanWaceprintedonitsspineingoldleaf.
‘“Therewasonceaworldly,materialisticwomanwhomarriedwiththesoleaimoflivingwhatthebubbleworldconsidersafulfilled,successfulli—”’
‘Areweallowedtoaskquestions?’interruptedAmandeepSingh.
Robinsensedanimmediatetensionamongtheregularchurchmembers.
‘Iusuallytakequestionsattheendofthereading,’saidMazucoolly.‘Wereyougoingtoaskwhatthe“bubbleworld”is?’
‘Yeah,’saidAmandeep.
‘That’sabouttobeexplained,’saidMazu,withatight,coldsmile.Lookingbackatherbook,shecontinuedreading.
‘“Wesometimescallthematerialistworldthe‘bubbleworld’becauseitsinhabitantsliveinsideaconsumer-driven,status-obsessedandego-saturatedbubble.Possessioniskeytothebubbleworld:possessionofthingsandpossessivenessofotherhumanbeings,whoarereducedtofleshobjects.Thosewhocanseebeyondthegaudy,multicolouredwallsofthebubblearedeemedstrange,deluded–evenmad.Yetthebubbleworld’swallsarefragile.IttakesjustoneglimpseofTruthforthemtoburst,andsoitwaswithMargaretCathcart-Bryce.
‘“Shewasarichwoman,vainandselfish.Shehaddoctorsoperateuponherbody,thebettertoapetheyouthsoveneratedwithinthebubbleworld,whichlivesinterrorofdeathanddecay.Shehadnochildrenbychoice,forfearthatitwouldspoilherperfectfigure,andsheamassedgreatwealthwithoutgivingawayapenny,contenttolivealife
RobinwascarefullyfoldingthehollowstrawsunderLin’ssilentdirection.Outofthecornerofhereye,shesawthepregnantWanmassagingonesideofherswollenbelly.
‘“Margaret’ssicknesswasoneoffalseself,”’readMazu.‘“Thisistheselfthatcravesexternalvalidation.Herspiritualselfhadbeenuntendedandneglectedforaverylongtime.Herawakeningcameafterherhusband’sdeathbywhattheworldcallschance,butwhichtheUniversalHumanitarianChurchrecognisesaspartoftheeternaldesign.
‘“Margaretcametohearoneofmytalks.Shetoldme,later,thatshe’dattendedbecauseshehadnothingbettertodo.Ofcourse,Iwaswellawarethatpeopleoftenattendedmymeetingspurelytohavesomethingnewtotalkaboutatfashionabledinnerparties.YetI’veneverscornedthecompanyoftherich.Thatinitselfisaformofprejudice.Alljudgementbasedonaperson’swealthisbubblethinking.
‘“SoIspokeatthedinnerandtheattendeesnoddedandsmiled.Ididn’tdoubtthatsomewouldwritemechequestosupportourcharitableworkattheendoftheevening.Itwouldcostthemlittleandperhapsgivethemasenseoftheirowngoodness.
‘“ButwhenIsawMargaret’seyesfixeduponme,IknewthatshewaswhatIsometimescallasleepwalker:onewhohasgreatunawakenedspiritualcapacity.Ihurriedthroughmytalk,eagertospeaktothiswoman.Iapproachedherattheconclusionofourtalkandwithafewshortsentences,I’dfallenasdeeplyinloveasI’deverdoneinmylife.”’
Robinwasn’ttheonlypersonwhoglancedupatMazuatthesewords.
‘“Somewillbeshockedtohearmetalkoflove.Margaretwasseventy-twoyearsold,butwhentwosympatheticspiritsmeet,so-calledphysicalrealitydissolvesintoirrelevance.IlovedMargaretinstantly,becausehertrueselfcalledtomefrombehindthemasklikeface,pleadingforliberation.Ihadalreadyundertakensufficientspiritualtrainingtoseewithaclarityphysicaleyescannot.Beautythatisofthefleshwillalwayswither,whereasbeautyofthespiritiseternalandunchange—”’
Thedooroftheworkshopopened.Mazulookedup.JiangWaceentered,squatandsulleninhisorangetracksuit.AtthesightofMazu,hisrighteyebegantoflickerandhehastilycoveredit.
‘DoctorZhouwantstoseeRowenaEllis,’hemuttered.
‘That’sme,’saidRobin,holdingupherhand.
‘Allright,’saidMazu,‘gowithJiang,Rowena.Ithankyouforyourservice.’
‘AndIforyours,’saidRobin,puttingherhandstogetherandbowingherheadtowardsMazu,whichearnedheranothercold,tightsmile.
31
Nineinthefifthplace…Oneshouldnottryanunknownmedicine.
TheIChingorBookofChanges
‘Youcatchonquick,’saidJiang,asheandRobinwalkedbackpastthechickencoop.
‘Whatd’youmean?’askedRobin.
‘Knowingtherightresponses,’saidJiang,againrubbingtheeyewiththetic,andRobinthoughtshedetectedahintofresentment.‘Already.’
Totheirleftlaytheopenfields.MarionHuxleyandPennyBrownwerestaggeringoverthedeeplyruttedearth,leadingtheShirehorsesintheirendlessploughing,apointlessexercise,giventhatthefieldwasalreadyploughed.
‘MetalGroup,’saidJiangwithasnigger.Confirmedinherimpressionthatthismorning’sgroupreconfigurationhadbeenarankingexercise,Robinmerelyasked,
‘WhydoesDrZhouwanttoseeme?’
‘Medical,’saidJiang.‘Checkyou’rereadytofast.’
Theypassedthelaundryanddininghall,andthentheolderbarns,oneofwhichhadacobwebbedpadlockonthedoor.
‘Whatdoyoukeepinthere?’Robinasked.
‘Junk,’saidJiang.Then,makingRobinjump,hebellowed,
‘Oi!’
JiangwaspointingatWillEdensor,whowascrouchingintheshadeofatreeoffthepathandappearedtobecomfortingachildofmaybetwo,whowascrying.WillEdensorjumpedupasthoughhe’dbeenscalded.Thelittlegirl,whosewhitehairhadn’tbeenshavedlikethatoftheotherchildren,butstoodoutaroundherheadlikeadandelionclock,
‘Areyouonchildduty?’JiangshoutedatWill.
‘No,’saidWill.‘Shejustfellover,soI—’
‘You’recommittingmaterialistpossession,’shoutedJiang,andspecksofspittleissuedfromhismouth.RobinwassureherpresencewasmakingJiangmoreaggressive,thathewasenjoyingassertinghisauthorityinfrontofher.
‘Itwasonlybecauseshefellover,’saidWill.‘Iwasgoingtothelaundryand—’
‘Thengotothelaundry!’
Willhurriedoffonhislonglegs.Thelittlegirlattemptedtofollowhim,tripped,fellandcriedharderthanever.Withinafewseconds,Louisehadscoopedthechildupandretreatedwithherintothetreeswheretherestofthelittleoneswereroaming.
‘He’sbeenwarned,’saidJiang,headingoffagain.‘I’mgoingtohavetoreportthat.’
Heseemedtotakepleasureintheprospect.
‘Whyisn’theallowednearchildren?’askedRobin,hurryingtokeepupwithJiangastheyroundedthesideofthetemple.
‘Nothinglikethat,’saidJiangquickly,answeringanunspokenquestion.‘Butwe’vegottobecarefulaboutwhoworkswiththelittleones.’
‘Oh,right,’saidRobin.
‘Notbecauseof–it’sspiritual,’growledJiang.‘Peoplegetegohitsfrommaterialistpossession.Itinterfereswithspiritualgrowth.’
‘Isee,’saidRobin.
‘You’vegottokillthefalseself,’saidJiang.‘Hehasn’tkilledhisfalseselfyet.’
Theywerenowcrossingthecourtyard.WhentheycroucheddownatthepooloftheDrownedProphetbetweenthetombsoftheStolenandGoldenProphets,Robinpickedupatinypebblelyingonthegroundandhiditinherlefthandbeforedippingtheforefingerofherrightintothewater,anointingherforeheadandintoning‘TheDrownedProphetwillblessallwhoworshipher.’
‘Youknowwhoshewas?’JiangaskedRobin,ashestoodupandpointedatthestatueofDaiyu.
‘Er–hernamewasDaiyu,wasn’tit?’saidRobin,stillwiththetinypebbleheldinherclosedhand.
‘Yeah,butd’youknowwhoshewas?Tome?’
‘Oh,’saidRobin.She’dalreadylearnedthatthenamingoffamilyrelationshipswasfrowneduponatChapmanFarm,becauseitsuggestedacontinuingallegiancetomaterialistvalues.‘No.’
‘Mysister,’saidJianginalowvoice,smirking.
‘Canyourememberher?’saidRobin,carefultosoundawed.
‘Yeah,’saidJiang.‘Sheusedtoplaywithme.’
Theyproceededtowardstheentranceofthefarmhouse.AsJiangdrewalittleaheadofhertopushopenthedragon-ornamenteddoorsofthefarmhouse,Robinstowedthetinypebbleoutofsightdownthefrontofhersweatshirt,insideherbra.
TherewasamottoinlaidinLatininthestonefloorjustinsidethedoorsofthefarmhouse:STETFORTUNADOMUS.Thehallwaywaswide,pristinelycleanandimmaculatelydecorated,thewhitewallscoveredinChineseart,includingframedsilkpanelsandcarvedwoodenmasks.Ascarlet-carpetedstairwaycurveduptothefirstfloor.Anumberofcloseddoors,allpaintedinglossyblack,ledoffthehall,butJiangledRobinpastalloftheseandturnedright,intoacorridorthatledintooneofthenewwings.
Attheveryendofthecorridor,herappedonanotherglossyblackdoorandopenedit.
Robinheardawoman’slaughter,andasthedooropenedshesawactressNoliSeymourleaningupagainstanebonydeskandapparentlylostinmerrimentaboutsomethingDrZhouhadjustsaidtoher.Shewasadark,elfinyoungwomanwithcroppedhair,wearingwhatRobinrecognisedashead-to-toeChanel.
‘Oh,hello,’shesaidthroughherlaughter.RobinhadtheimpressionNolivaguelyrecognisedJiang,butcouldn’trememberhisname.Jiang’shandhadagainleapttohiswinkingeye.‘Andy’sjustmakingmeroar…Ihadtocomedownheretogetmytreatments,’shepoutedslightly,‘seeingashe’sabandonedusinLondon.’
‘Abandonedyou?Never,’saidZhou,inhisdeepvoice.‘Now,you’llstayforthenight?PapaJ’sback.’
‘Ishe?’squealedNoli,clappingherhandstoherfaceindelight.‘OhmyGod,Ihaven’tseenhiminweeks!’
‘Hesaysyoucantakeyourusualroom,’saidZhou,pointingupstairs.‘Themembershipwillbedelightedtoseeyou.Now,Ihavetoassessthisyounglady,’hesaid,pointingatRobin.
‘Allright,darling,’saidNoli,offeringherfacetobekissed.Zhouclaspedherhands,peckedheroneachcheek,andNoliwalkedoutpastRobininacloudoftuberose,winkingasshepassedandsaying:
‘You’reinverysafehands.’
ThedoorclosedonNoliandJiang,leavingRobinandDrZhoualone.
Theluxurious,meticulouslytidyroomsmelledofsandalwood.Aredandgoldartdecoruglayonthedarkpolishedfloorboards.Floor-to-ceilingshelvesofthesameebonyastherestofthefurniturecarriedleatherboundbooksandalsowhatRobinrecognisedashundredsofjournalsofthekindlyingonherbed,theirspineslabelledwiththenamesoftheirowners.Behindthedeskweremoreshelvescarryinghundredsoftinybrownbottlesarrangedwithprecisionandlabelledinminusculehandwriting,acollectionofantiqueChinesesnuffbottlesandafatgoldenBuddha,sittingcross-leggedonawoodenplinth.Ablackleatherexaminationcouchstoodbeneathoneofthewindows,whichlookedoutontoapartofthepropertyscreenedfromthecourtyardbytreesandbushes.Here,Robinsawthreeidenticalcabinsbuiltoftimber,eachofwhichhadslidingglassdoors,andwhichhadn’tbeenshowntoanyofthenewrecruitsasyet.
‘Please,sitdown,’saidZhou,smilingashegesturedRobintothechairoppositehisdesk,whichlikethedeskwasmadeofebony,andupholsteredinredsilk.Robinregisteredhowcomfortableitwasasshesankintoit:thechairsintheworkshopwereofhardplasticandwood,andthemattressofhernarrowbedveryfirm.
Zhouwaswearingadarksuitandtieandapristinewhiteshirt.Pearlsshonediscreetlyinthebuttonholesofhiscuffs.Robinassumedhewasbiracialbecausehewaswelloversixfeettall–theChinesemenshewasusedtoseeinginChinatown,neartheoffice,weregenerallymuchshorter–andhewasundeniablyhandsome,withhisslicked-backblackhairandhighcheekbones.Thescarrunningdownfromnosetojawhintedatmysteryanddanger.ShecouldunderstandwhyDrZhouattractedtelevisionviewers,eventhoughshepersonallyfoundthesleeknessandslightbutdetectableauraofself-importanceunappealing.
ZhouflippedopenafolderonhisdeskandRobinsawseveralsheetsofpaper,withthequestionnaireshe’dcompletedonthebuslyingontop.
‘So,’saidZhou,smiling,‘howareyoufindinglifeinthechurchsofar?’
‘Reallyinteresting,’saidRobin,‘andI’mfindingthemeditationtechniquesincredible.’
‘Yousufferfromalittleanxiety,yes?’saidZhou,smilingather.
‘Sometimes,’saidRobin,smilingback
‘Lowself-esteem?’
‘Occasionally,’saidRobin,withalittleshrug.
‘Ithinkyou’verecentlyhadanemotionalblow?’
Robinwasn’tsurewhetherhewaspretendingtointuitthisabouther,oradmittingthatsomeofthehiddensheetsofpapercontainedthebiographicaldetailsshe’dconfidedinchurchmembers.
‘Um…yes,’shesaid,withalittlelaugh.‘Myweddinggotcalledoff.’
‘Wasthatyourdecision?’
‘No,’saidRobin,nolongersmiling.‘His.’
‘Familydisappointed?’
‘Mymum’squite…yes,theyweren’thappy.’
‘Ipromise,you’lllivetobeverygladyoudidn’tgothroughwithit,’saidZhou.‘Muchsocietalunhappinessstemsfromtheunnaturalnessofthemarriedstate.HaveyoureadTheAnswer?’
‘Notyet,’saidRobin,‘althoughoneofthechurchmembersofferedtolendmehiscopy,andMazuwasjust…’
ZhouopenedoneofthedeskdrawersandtookoutapristinepaperbackcopyofJonathanWace’sbook.Theimageonthefrontwasofaburstingbubble,withtwohandsmakingtheheartshapearoundit.
‘Here,’saidZhou.‘Yourowncopy.’
‘Thankyousomuch!’saidRobin,feigningdelightwhilewonderingwhenonearthshewassupposedtohavetimetoread,inbetweenthelectures,theworkandthetemple.
‘Readthechapteronmaterialistpossessionandegomotivity,’Zhouinstructedher.‘Now…’
Heextractedasecondquestionnaire,thisoneblank,andtookalacqueredfountainpenoutofhispocket.
‘I’mgoingtoassessyourfitnesstofast–whatwecallpurification.’
HetookdownRobin’sage,askedhertostepontoscales,noteddownherweight,theninvitedhertositdownagainsohecouldtakeherbloodpressure.
‘Alittlelow,’saidZhou,lookingatthefigures,‘butit’snearlylunchtime…nothingtoworryabout.I’mgoingtolistentoyourheartandlungs.’
WhileZhoupressedthecoldheadofthestethoscopetoherback,Robincouldfeelthetinypebbleshe’dtuckedinsideherbrastickingintoher.
‘Verygood,’saidZhou,puttingthestethoscopeaway,sittingandmakinganoteonthequestionnairebeforecontinuinghisquestionsonpre-existinghealthconditions.
‘Andwheredidyougetthatscaronyourforearm?’heasked.
Robinknewatoncethattheeight-inchscar,whichwascurrentlycoveredbythelongsleevesofhersweatshirt,musthavebeenreportedbyoneofthewomeninthedormitorywheresheundressedatnight.
‘Ifellthroughaglassdoor,’shesaid.
‘Really?’saidZhou,forthefirsttimeshowingsomedisbelief.
‘Yes,’saidRobin.
‘Itwasn’tasuicideattempt?’
‘God,no,’saidRobin,withanincredulouslaugh.‘Itrippeddownsomestairsandputmyhandrightthroughaglasspanelinadoor.’
‘Ah,Isee…youwerehavingregularsexwithyourfiancé?’
‘I–yes,’saidRobin.
‘Wereyouusingbirthcontrol?’
‘Yes.Thepill.’
‘Butyou’vecomeoffit?’
‘Yes,theinstructionssaid—’
‘Good,’saidZhou,stillwriting.‘Synthetichormonesareexceptionallyunhealthy.Youshouldputnothingunnaturalinyourbody,ever.Thesamegoesforcondoms,caps…alldisrupttheflowofyourqi.Youunderstandqi?’
‘Inourlecture,Taiosaidit’sasortoflifeforce?’
‘Thevitalenergy,composedofYinandYang,’saidZhou,nodding.‘Youhaveaslightimbalancealready.Don’tworry,’hesaidsmoothly,stillwriting,‘we’lladdressit.HaveyoueverhadanSTD?’
‘No,’liedRobin.
Infact,therapistwho’dendedheruniversitycareerhadgivenherchlamydia,forwhichshe’dbeengivenantibiotics.
‘Doyouorgasmduringsex?’
‘Yes,’saidRobin.Shecouldfeelablushrisinginherface.
‘Everytime?’
‘Prettymuch,’saidRobin.
‘YourtypologytestplacesyouinthedecantFire-Earth,whichistosay,Gift-Bearer-Warrior,’wentonZhou,lookingupather.‘That’saveryauspiciousnature.’
Robindidn’tfeelparticularlyflatteredbythisassessment,notleastbecauseshe’dansweredasthefictionalRowena,ratherthanherself.Shealsohadafeeling‘Gift-Bearer’mightbeasynonymforfinancialtarget.However,shesaidwithenthusiasm,
‘That’ssointeresting.’
‘Idevisedthetypologytestmyself,’saidZhou,withasmile.‘Wefinditveryaccurate.’
‘Whattypeareyou?’askedRobin.
‘Healer-Mystic,’saidZhou,evidentlypleasedtobeasked,ashadbeenRobin’sintention.‘EachquintantcorrespondstooneofourprophetsandoneofthefiveChineseelements.Youmayhavenoticedthatwenameourgroupsfortheelements.However,’saidZhouseriously,nowsittingbackinhischair,‘youmustn’tthinkIsubscribetoanyonerigidtradition.Ifavourasynthesisofthebestofworldmedicine.Ayurvedicpracticeshavemuchtorecommendthem,butasyou’veseen,Idon’tdisdainthestethoscopeorbloodpressuregauge.However,IhavenotruckwithBigPharma.Aglobalprotectionracket.Notasinglecuretotheirnames.’
Ratherthanchallengingthisstatement,Robinsettledforlookingmildlyconfused.
‘Truehealingisonlypossiblefromthespirit,’saidZhou,placingahandonhischest.‘There’sampleevidenceofthefact,butofcourse,ifthewholeworldsubscribedtotheUHChealingphilosophy,thosecompanieswouldlosebillionsinrevenue.
‘Areyourparentsstilltogether?’heasked,withanotherswiftchangeofsubject.
‘Yes,’saidRobin.
‘Youhavesiblings?’
‘Yes,asister.’
‘Dotheyknowyou’rehere?’
‘Yes,’saidRobin.
‘Aretheysupportive?Happyforyoutoexploreyourspiritualgrowth?’
‘Er–they’reabit–Ithink,’saidRobin,withanotherlittlelaugh,‘theythinkI’mdoingitbecauseI’mdepressed.Becauseoftheweddingbeingcancelled.Mysisterthinksit’sabitweird.’
‘Andyou,doyouthinkit’sweird?’
‘Notatall,’saidRobindefiantly.
‘Good,’saidZhou.‘Yourparentsandsistercurrentlyregardyouastheirfleshobject.Itwilltaketimetoreorientateyourselftoahealthierpatternofbonding.
‘Now,’hesaidbriskly,‘youarefittoundergoatwenty-four-hourfast,butweneedtoaddressthisqiimbalance.Thesetinctures,’hesaid,gettingtohisfeet,‘areveryeffective.Allnatural.Imixthemmyself.’
Hechosethreesmallbrownbottlesfromtheshelf,pouredRobinaglassofwater,addedtwodropsfromeachbottle,swilledtheglassthenhandeditovertoher.Wonderingwhetheritwasrecklesstodrinksomethingofwhichshedidn’tknowtheingredients,thoughreassuredbythetinyquantities,Robinfinisheditall.
‘Good,’saidZhou,smilingdownather.‘Now,ifyouhavenegativethoughts,youknowwhattodo,yes?Youhaveyourchantingmeditationandyourjoyfulmeditation.’
‘Yes,’saidRobin,smilingasshesettheemptyglassbackonthedesk.
‘Allrightthen,you’refittofast,’hesaid,inatonethatwasacleardismissal.
‘Thankssomuch,’saidRobin,gettingup.‘CanIask–’shepointedatthetimbercabinsvisiblethroughthestudywindow‘–whatarethose?Wedidn’tseethemonourtour.’
‘RetreatRooms,’saidZhou.‘Butthey’reforuseonlybyfullchurchmembers.’
‘Oh,Isee,’saidRobin.
Zhoushowedhertothedoor.RobinwasunsurprisedtofindJiangwaitingforherinthecorridor.She’dalreadylearnedthattheonlypermissiblereasontobeleftunattendedwastovisitthebathroom.
‘It’slunchtime,’saidJiang,astheywalkedbackthroughthefarmhouse.
‘Good,’saidRobin.‘I’mfastingtomorrow,betterbuildupmystrength.’
‘Don’tsaythat,’saidJiangseverely.‘Youshouldn’tprepareforfasting,exceptspiritually.’
‘Sorry,’saidRobin,intentionallysoundingcowed.‘Ididn’tmean–I’mstilllearning.’
Whentheysteppedoutintothecourtyardtheyfounditfullofchurchmembersheadingtowardsthedininghall.TherewassomethingofacrowdaroundthepooloftheDrownedProphetaspeoplewaitedtoaskforherblessing.
‘Actually,’RobinsaidtoJiang,‘Imightjustniptothebathroombeforelunch.’
Sheleftbeforehecouldprotest,headingintothewomen’sdormitory,whichwasdeserted.Havingusedthebathroom,shehurriedtoherbed.Tohersurprise,asecondobjectlayonherpillowbesidehernightlyjournal:averyold,dog-earedcopyofthesamepaperbacksheheldinherhands.Openingit,shesawaflamboyanthandwritteninscriptioninside.
ToDanny,Martyr-Mystic,myhope,myinspiration,myson.Withlovealways,PapaJ
RobinrememberedDannyBrockles’insistencethatshereturnthebooktohim,sosheplacedherowncopyofTheAnsweronthebedandpickeduphistotakeittolunch.Shethendroppedtoherknees,extractedthetinypebblefromtheyardfromherbraandplaceditcarefullybesidethreeothers,whichshe’dhiddenbetweenthebedframeandmattress.She’dhaveknownitwasTuesdaywithoutthismethodofcountingthepassingdays,butshealsoknewthatifherfatigueandhungerworsened,checkingthenumberofpebblesshe’dcollectedmightbeheronlyrecourseforkeepingtrackofthepassingdays.
32
Thesuperiormanisonhisguardagainstwhatisnotyetinsightandonthealertforwhatisnotyetwithinhearing…
TheIChingorBookofChanges
CliveLittlejohnreturnedtoworkonWednesday.Striketextedhimatninetosayhewantedaface-to-facetalkatoneo’clockattheoffice,oncebothhadhandedovertheirseparatesurveillancejobstoothersubcontractors.
Unfortunately,thisplanwentawry.Attenpastnine,shortlyafterStrikehadtakenuppositionoutsidetheFrankbrothers’blockofflatsinBexleyheath,Barclaycalledhim.
‘YeontheFranks?’
‘Yeah,’saidStrike.
‘Aye,well,Ithoughtyeshouldknow:it’sbotho’them,’saidBarclay.‘Notjus’theyoungerone.I’vebeenlookingatthepicturesItookoutsideherhouselastnightan’itwastheolderonewhowasskulkin’aroundthereatmidnight.They’reinittaegether.Pairo’fuckin’freaks.’
‘Shit,’saidStrike.
They’djusttakenonanothercaseofpossiblemaritalinfidelity,sothenewsthatthey’dneeddoublethemanpowerontheFrankswasunwelcome.
‘You’reofftoday,right?’saidStrike.
‘Aye,’saidBarclay.‘Dev’sonthenewcheatin’wifean’Midgeistryin’taetalktaethatsexworkeryouphotographedtalkingtaeBigfoot.’
‘Allright,’saidStrike,brieflyconsideringbutrejectingtheideaofaskingBarclaytoforgohisdayoff,‘thanksforlettingmeknow.I’lllookattherota,seehowwecankeepbothundersurveillancegoingforwards.’
ImmediatelyafterBarclayhadhungup,StrikereceivedatextfromLittlejohn,sayingthatBigfoot,whorarelywentintohisoffice,hadchosentodaytodriveouttothecompanyinBishop’sStortford,whichlayfortymilesawayfromwhereStrikewascurrentlystanding.MuchasStrikehadwantedtolookLittlejohninthefacewhenaskinghimabouttheomissionofPattersonIncfromhisCV,henowdecideditwouldbequickestandcleanesttodothejobbyphone,socalledLittlejohnback.
‘Hi,’saidLittlejohn,onanswering.
‘Forgetthemeetingatone,’Striketoldhim.‘Wecantalknow.Wantedtoaskyouwhyyoudidn’ttellmeyouworkedforMitchPattersonforthreemonths,beforecomingtome.’
Theimmediateresponsetothesewordswassilence.Strikewaited,watchingtheFranks’windows.
‘Whotoldyouthat?’saidLittlejohnatlast.
‘Nevermindwhotoldme.Isittrue?’
Moresilence.
‘Yeah,’saidLittlejohnatlast.
‘Mindtellingmewhyyoudidn’tmentionit?’
Thethirdlongpausedidn’timproveStrike’stemper.
‘Listen—’
‘Igottheheaveho,’saidLittlejohn
‘Why?’
‘Pattersondidn’tlikeme.’
‘Whydidn’the?’
‘Dunno,’saidLittlejohn.
‘Didyoufuckup?’
‘No…personalityclash,’saidLittlejohn.
Youhaven’tgotafuckingpersonality,though.
‘Therewasarow,wasthere?’
‘No,’saidLittlejohn.‘Hejusttoldmehedidn’tneedmeanymore.’
Strikewascertaintherewassomethinghewasn’tbeingtold.
‘There’sanotherthing,’hesaid.‘WhatwereyoudoingattheofficeonEasterMonday?’
‘Receipts,’saidLittlejohn.
‘Patwasoff.Itwasabankholiday.Nobodyshould’vebeenattheoffice.’
‘Iforgot,’saidLittlejohn.
Strikestoodwithhisphonepressedtohisear,thinking.Hisgutwasissuingawarning,buthisbrainremindedhimtheywouldn’tbeabletocoverallpresentcaseswithoutLittlejohn.
‘Ineedthisjob,’saidLittlejohn,speakingunpromptedforthefirsttime.‘Thekidsaregettingsettled.I’vegotamortgagetopay.’
‘Idon’tlikedishonesty,’saidStrike,‘andthatincludeslyingbyomission.’
‘Ididn’twantyouthinkingIcouldn’thandlethework.’
Stillfrowning,Strikesaid,
‘Considerthisaverbalwarning.Anymorehidinganythingfromme,andyou’reout.’
‘Understood,’saidLittlejohn.‘Iwon’t.’
Strikehungup.Difficultasitwastofindnewsubcontractorsoftherequiredquality,hethoughthemightneedtostartlookingagain.WhateverlaybehindLittlejohn’sfailuretomentionhistimeatPattersonInc,Strike’sexperienceinmanagingpeople,insidethearmyandout,hadtaughthimthatwheretherewasonelie,therewerealmostcertaintobemore.
Thephoneinhishandnowrang.Answering,heheardPat’sdeep,gravellyvoice.
‘I’vegotaColonelEdwardGravesonthephoneforyou.’
‘Puthimthrough,’saidStrike,who’dleftamessageforAlexanderGraves’parentsonanold-fashionedansweringmachineonMondaymorning.
‘Hello?’saidanelderlymalevoice.
‘Goodmorning,ColonelGraves,’saidStrike.‘CormoranStrikehere.Thanksforcallingmeback.’
‘You’rethedetective,yes?’
Thevoice,whichwasdistinctlyupperclass,wasalsosuspicious.
‘That’sright.IwashopingIcouldtalktoyouabouttheUniversalHumanitarianChurchandyourson,Alexander.’
‘Yes,soyousaidinyourmessage.Why?’
‘I’vebeenhiredbysomeonewho’stryingtogetarelativeoutofthechurch.’
‘Well,wecan’tadvisethem,’saidthecolonelbitterly.
DecidingnottotellGravesthathealreadyknewhowbadlywrongtheplantoextractAlexanderhadgone,Strikesaid,
‘Ialsowonderedwhetheryou’dbepreparedtotalktomeaboutyourgranddaughter,Daiyu.’
Inthebackground,Strikeheardanelderlyfemalevoice,thoughthewordswereindistinguishable.ColonelGravessaid‘Gimmeaminute,Baba,’beforesayingtoStrike,
‘Wehiredadetectiveourselves.MancalledO’Connor.Doyouknowhim?’
‘No,I’mafraidnot.’
‘Mighthaveretired…allright.We’lltalktoyou.’
Takenaback,Strikesaid,
‘That’sverygoodofyou.Iunderstandyou’reinNorfolk?’
‘GarvestoneHall.Youcanfindusonanymap.’
‘Wouldnextweeksuityou?’
ColonelGravesagreedthatitwould,andameetingwasarrangedforthefollowingTuesday.
AsStrikewasputtinghisphonebackintohispocket,hesawasighthehadn’texpected.BothFrankensteinbrothershadjustemergedfromtheirblockofflats,asshabbilydressedasever,wearingwigsthatpartiallydisguisedtheirhighforeheads,yeteasilyrecognisabletoStrike,who’dbecomefamiliarwithboththeirlimitedstockofclothingandtheirslightlyshamblingwalks.Intriguedbythispaltryeffortatdisguise,Strikefollowedthemtoabusstop,whereafteraten-minutewait,thebrothersboardedthenumber301bus.TheyascendedtotheupperdeckwhileStrikeremainedonthelower,textingMidgetosaytheFrankswereonthemove,andthathe’dletherknowwheretomeethim
Forty-fiveminuteslater,theFranksdisembarkedattheBeresfordSquarestopinWoolwich,Strikeinpursuit,hiseyesonthebacksofthebadlyfittingwigs.Afterwalkingforawhile,thebrotherspausedtodongloves,thenenteredaSportsDirect.Strikehadahunchthatthedecisionnottogotoasportsshopnearertheirhomewaspartofthesamemisguidedattemptatsubterfugethathadmadethemdonwigs,soaftertextingMidgetheircurrentlocation,hefollowedthemintotheshop.
Whilehehadn’tclassifiedeitherofthebrothersasgeniuses,hewasrapidlyrevisinghisestimateoftheirintelligencedownwards.Theyoungerbrotherkeptglancingupatthesecuritycameras.Atonepointhiswigslippedandhestraightenedit.Theyambledwithstudiednonchalancearoundthestore,pickinguprandomobjectsandshowingthemtoeachother,beforemakingtheirwaytotheclimbingsection.Strikenowstartedtakingphotos.
Afterawhisperedconversation,theFranksselectedaheavylengthofrope.Amuttereddisagreementthenensued,apparentlyoverthemeritsoftwodifferentmallets.Finallytheyselectedarubberone,thenheadedforthecheckout,paidforthegoods,thenambledoutofthestore,unwieldlypackagesundertheirarms,Strikeinpursuit.Shortlyafterwards,thebrotherscametorestinaMcDonald’s.Strikefeltitinadvisabletofollowtheminthere,soheskulkedonthestreetwatchingtheentrance.He’djusttextedMidgetoupdateherwhenhisphonerangyetagain,thistimefromanunknownnumber.
‘CormoranStrike.’
‘Yeah,’saidanaggressivemalevoice.‘Whatd’youwant?’
‘Who’sthis?’Strikeasked.Hecouldhearbackgroundclangingandmalevoices.
‘JordanReaney.Mysistersaysyou’vebeenpesteringmyfuckingfamily.’
‘There’sbeennopestering,’saidStrike.‘Icalledyourex-wifetoseewheth—’
‘She’snotmyfuckingex,she’smewife,sowhy’reyoupesteringher?’
‘Therewasnopestering,’repeatedStrike.‘Iwastryingtogetamessagetoyou,becauseIwantedtotalktoyouabouttheUHC.’
‘Thefuckfor?’
‘BecauseI’mconductinganinvesti—’
‘Youkeepthefuckawayfrommywifeandmysister,allright?’
‘I’vegotnointentionofgoingneareitherofthem.Wouldyoubeprepar—?’
‘I’vegotnuffingtofuckingsayaboutnuffing,allright?’saidReaney,nowalmostshouting.
‘Notevenpigs?’askedStrike.
‘Whatthefuck–whypigs?Who’stalkedaboutfuckingpigs?’
‘Yourwifetoldmeyouhavenightmaresaboutpigs.’
ApresentimentmadeStrikemovethemobileslightlyawayfromhisear.Sureenough,Reaneybegantobellow.
‘THEFUCKDIDSHETELLYOUTHATFOR?I’LLFUCKINGBREAKYOURLEGSIFYOUGOTALKINGTOMYFUCKINGWIFEAGAIN,YOUFUCKINGCOCKSUCKING—’
Thereensuedaseriesofloudbangs.StrikesurmisedthatReaneywasbashingthehandsetoftheprisonphoneagainstthewall.Asecondmanyelled,‘OI,REANEY!’Scufflingnoisesfollowed.Thelinewentdead.
Strikeputhismobilebackintohispocket.Forafulltenminuteshestoodvapingandthinking,watchingthedooroftheMcDonald’s.Finally,hepulledouthisphoneagainandcalledhisoldfriendShanker.
‘AwrightBunsen?’saidthefamiliarvoice,answeringafteracoupleofrings
‘How’sAngel?’askedStrike.
‘Startedtreatmentlastweek,’saidShanker.
‘Didshegettoseeherdad?’
‘Yeah.Hedidn’twanna–cunt–butIpersuaded’im.’
‘Good,’saidStrike.‘Listen,Ineedafavour.’
‘Nameit,’saidShanker.
‘It’saboutaguycalledKurtJordanReaney.’
‘And?’
‘Iwashopingwecouldtalkaboutthatfacetoface,’saidStrike.‘Wouldyoubefreelatertoday?Icancometoyou.’
Shankerbeingamenable,theyagreedtomeetlaterthatafternooninanEastEndcaféwellknowntobothofthem,andStrikehungup.
33
Slightdigressionsfromthegoodcannotbeavoided…
TheIChingorBookofChanges
HavinghandedoversurveillanceoftheFrankstoMidge,StriketooktheTubetoBethnalGreenstation.He’dgonebarelytenyardsalongtheroadwhenhisever-busyphonevibratedinhispocket.Drawingasidetoletotherpeoplepass,hesawyetanothertextfromBijouWatkins.
Youlessbusyyet?Coshere’swhatyou’remissing.
She’dattachedtwophotographsofherselfinlingerie,takenwithamobileinthemirror.Strikegavetheseonlyacursoryglancebeforeclosingthendeletingthemessage.Hehadnointentionofevermeetingheragain,butthosephotographsmighttendtoweakenhisresolve,becauseshelookedundeniablyfabulousinabrightredbra,suspenderbeltandstockings.
Pellicci’s,whichlayonBethnalGreenRoad,wasanEastEndinstitution:asmall,century-oldItalian-runcaféwheretheartdecowoodenpanelsgavetheincongruousfeelingofeatingchipsinacompartmentontheOrientExpress.Strikechoseacornerseatwithhisbacktothewall,orderedcoffee,thenreachedforanabandonedcopyoftheDailyMailapreviousdinerhadleftlyingonthetablebesidehis.
SkippingtheusualdiscussionoftheBrexitreferendum,hepausedonpagefive,wheretherewasalargepictureofCharlottewithLandonDormer,bothofthemholdingglassesofchampagneandlaughing.ThecaptioninformedhimthatCharlotteandherboyfriendhadattendedafundraisingdinnerforDormer’scharitablefoundation.Thestorybelowhintedatapossibleengagement.
Strikestudiedthispicturefarlongerthanhe’dlookedatBijou’s.Charlottewaswearingalong,clinginggolddressandlookedentirelycarefree,onethinarmrestingonDormer’sshoulder,herlongblackhairstyledinwaves.Hadsheliedabouthavingcancer,orwassheputtingonabraveface?Hescrutinisedthelantern-jawedDormer,whoalsolookeduntroubled.Strikewasstillexaminingthepicturewhenavoiceabovehimsaid,
‘Wotcha,Bunsen.’
‘Shanker,’saidStrike,tossingthepaperbackontotheneighbouringtableandextendingahand,whichShankershookbeforesittingdown.
Gauntandpale,ShankerhadgrownabeardsinceStrikehadlastseenhim,whichdisguisedmostofthedeepscarthatgavehimapermanentsneer.Hewaswearingill-fittingjeansandabaggygreysweatshirt.Tattooscoveredhiswrists,knucklesandneck.
‘Youill?’hedemandedofStrike.
‘No,why?’
‘You’velostweight.’
‘That’sintentional.’
‘Oh,right,’saidShanker,nowrapidlyclickinghisfingers,atiche’dhadaslongasStrikehadknownhim.
‘Wantanything?’saidStrike.
‘Yeah,Icoulddoacoffee,’saidShanker.Oncethishadbeenordered,Shankerasked,‘Whatd’youwantwivReaney,then?’
‘D’youknowhimpersonally?’
‘Iknow’oo’eis,’saidShanker,whoseextensiveknowledgeoforganisedcrimeinLondonwouldhaveshamedtheMet.‘UsedtorunwivtheVincentfirm.I’eardaboutthejob’egotbangedupfor.Sillycuntsnearlykilledthatbookie.’
‘Wouldyouhappentoknowwhereheis?’
‘Yeah,HMPBedford.Gotacoupleofmatesinthererightnow,asitgoes.’
‘Iwashopingyou’dsaythat.Reaney’sgotinformationthatmighthelponeofourinvestigations,butheisn’tbeingcooperative.’
Shankerseemedunsurprisedattheturntheconversationhadtaken.ThewaitressnowsetdownShanker’scoffeeinfrontofhim.Strikethankedher,asShankerseemedtohavenointentionofdoingit,thenwaiteduntilshe’dmovedawaybeforeasking,
‘Howmuch?’
‘Nah,youcan’avethisoneonme.You’elpedmeoutwivAngel’sfing.’
‘Cheers,Shanker.Appreciateit.’
‘Thatit?’
‘Yeah,butIwantedyouropinionaboutsomethingelse.’
‘Iwantsomefingtoeat,then,’saidShanker,lookingaroundrestlessly.‘Waitthere.’
‘Themenu’shere,’saidStrike,pushingthecardtowardsShanker.Hehadlongstandingknowledgeofhiscompanion’susualwayofgettingwhathewanted,whichwastodemand,thenthreaten,irrespectiveofwhetherhisrequestwaspossibletofulfil.Shankerbrushedthemenuaway.
‘Wannabaconroll.’
Havingordered,ShankerturnedbacktoStrike.
‘Whatelse?’
‘TherewasashootinglastyearinCanningTown.GuybythenameofKevinPirbright,shotthroughtheheadwiththesamemakeofgunusedintwopreviousdrug-relatedshootings.Thepolicefounddrugsandcashinhisflat.Theirtheoryis,heranafoulofalocaldealer,butpersonally,Ithinkthey’reworkingbackwardsfromthegunthatwasused.
‘Thedeadguygrewupinachurch,’Strikecontinued.‘Idoubthe’dknowwheretogethishandsondrugs,letalonestartdealinginquantitiestodisruptlocaldruglords.Iwonderedwhatyourtakewas–professionallyspeaking.’
‘Whatkindagun?’
‘Beretta9000.’
‘Popularshooter,’saidShankerwithashrug.
‘It’syourmanor,CanningTown.Haveyouheardanythingaboutayoungblokegettingshotinhisflat?’
Shanker’srollarrived.Onceagain,StrikethankedthewaitressintheabsenceofanyrecognitionfromShanker.Thelattertookalargemouthfulofbaconroll,thensaid,
‘Nope.’
StrikeknewperfectlywellthatifthehitonPirbrighthadbeencarriedoutbyacolleagueofShanker’s,thelatterwashardlylikelytoadmitit.Ontheotherhand,he’dhaveexpectedsomeretaliatoryaggressionifStrikeseemedtobeproddingaroundinShanker’sassociates’affairs,whichwasn’tforthcoming.
‘Soyouthink—?’
‘Frame-up,innit,’saidShanker,stillchewing.‘Sureit’snotsomebentpig?’
Strike,whowasinuredtoShanker’stendencytoattributehalfthewrongdoinginLondontocorruptpolice,said,
‘Can’tseewhytheforcewouldwantthisparticularblokedead.’
‘Could’ve’adsomefingonapig,couldn’’e?MeauntiestillfinksitwasacopperwhatshotDuwayne.’
StrikerememberedShanker’scousinDuwaynewho,likePirbright,hadbeenshot,hiskillernevercaught.DoubtlessitwaseasiestforShanker’saunttolayonemoredeathattheMet’sdoor,giventhatherothersonhaddiedinahigh-speedchasewithpolice.AtleasthalfofShanker’ssprawlingfamilywereengagedinsomelevelofcriminalactivity.AsDuwaynehadbeeninagangfromtheageofthirteen,Strikethoughttherewereplentyofpeoplemorelikelytohaveexecutedhimthanthepolice,anopinionhewastactfulenoughnottoexpress.
‘ThepeoplePirbrighthadstuffondefinitelyweren’tpolice.’
Hewastryingtoconvincehimselfhedidn’twantabaconroll.Shanker’ssmelledverygood.
‘Reaney’sscaredofpigs,’Strikesaid.‘Theanimal,Imean.’
‘Yeah?’saidShanker,mildlyinterested.‘Don’tfinkwe’regonnabeabletosmuggleapigintoBedford,Bunsen.’
AsStrikelaughed,hismobilerangyetagainandhesawLucy’snumber.
‘HiLuce,what’sup?’
‘Stick,Ted’sgotaGPappointmentforaweekFriday.’
‘OK,’saidStrike.‘I’llbethere.’
‘Really?’saidLucy,andheheardherincredulitythat,foronce,hewasn’tsayinghe’dcheckhisdiaryorbeingirritableaboutbeingaskedtocommittoadate.
‘Yeah,Itoldyou,I’llbethere.Whattime?’
‘Teno’clock.’
‘OK,I’llgetdownthereThursday,’saidStrike,‘andI’llringTedandtellhimI’mcomingwithhim.’
‘Thisissogoodofyou,Stick.’
‘No,it’snot,’saidStrike,whoseconsciencecontinuedtotroublehimafterLucy’srecentrevelations.‘LeastIcando.Listen,I’minthemiddleofsomething.I’llcallyoulater,OK?’
‘Yes,ofcourse.’
Lucyrangoff.
‘Everyfingawright?’askedShanker.
‘Yeah,’saidStrike,slippinghisphonebackinhispocket.‘Well,myunclemighthavedementia,Idon’tknow.Mymum’sbrother,’headded.
‘Yeah?’saidShanker.‘Sorryto’earthat.Fuckin’bitch,dementia.Myoldman’adit.’
‘Didn’tknowthat,’saidStrike.
‘Yeah,’saidShanker.‘Earlyonset.LasttimeIsaw’im,’enever’adaclue’ooIwas.Mindyou,’e’adthatmanykids,hecould’ardlyremember’ooIwasevenwhen’eweren’tsenile,randyoldfucker.Why’aven’tyou’adanykids?’askedShanker,asthoughthethoughthadonlyjustoccurredtohim.
‘Don’twantthem,’saidStrike.
‘Youdon’wan’kids?’saidShanker,histonesuggestingthiswasakintonotwantingtobreathe.
‘No,’saidStrike.
‘Youmiserablebastard,’saidShanker,contemplatingStrikewithincredulity.‘Kidsiswha’it’sallabou’.Fuckin’’ell,lookatyourmum.Youfreewaseveryfingto’er.’
‘Yeah,’saidStrikeautomatically.‘Well—’
‘Youshouldseefuckin’Alyssa,wivAngelbein’ill.That’sfuckin’love,man.’
‘Yeah–well,givehermybest,OK?AndAngel.’
Strikegottohisfeet,billinhishand.
‘Cheersforthis,Shanker.I’dbettergetgoing.Gotalotofworkon.’
Havingpaidforthecoffeesandthebaconroll,StrikeheadedbackupBethnalGreenRoad,lostinnotentirelyproductivethought.
Youfreewaseveryfingto’er.
StrikeneverthoughtofLedaashavinghadthreechildren,buthisoldfriendhadremindedhimoftheexistenceofsomebodywhomStrikeprobablythoughtaboutonceayearatmost:themuchyoungerhalf-brotherwho’dbeentheproductofhismother’smarriagetoherkiller.Theboy,who’dbeengiventhepredictablyeccentricnameSwitchbyhisparents,hadbeenbornshortlybeforeStrikeleftforOxfordUniversity.Thelatterhadfeltliterallynothingforthesquallingbaby,evenasabeamingLedainsistedheroldersonholdhisbrother.Strike’smostvividmemoryofthattimewashisownfeelingofdreadatleavingLedainthesquatwithherincreasinglyerraticandaggressivehusband.Thebabyhadbeenmerelyanadditionalcomplication,forevertaintedinStrike’seyesbybeingWhittaker’sson.Hishalf-brotherhadjustturnedonewhenLedadied,andhadthenbeenadoptedbyhispaternalgrandparents.
HefeltnocuriosityaboutSwitch’scurrentwhereaboutsandnodesiretomeetorknowhim.Asfarasheknew,Lucyfeltthesameway.ButthenStrikecorrectedhimself:hedidn’tknowhowLucyfelt.PerhapsSwitchwasoneofthehalf-siblingswithwhomshemaintainedcontact,hidingthisfromtheelderbrotherwho’darrogantlyassumedhekneweverythingabouther.
Strikere-enteredBethnalGreenstation,burdenedwithguiltandunease.He’dhavecalledRobinhadshebeenavailable,nottoboreherwithhispersonalproblems,buttoletherknowShankerwaspreparedtohelploosenJordanReaney’stongue,thatShanker,too,thoughtthepolicewerewrongaboutPirbright’smurder,andthattheFrankbrothershadgoneoutindisguisetobuyrope.Onceagain,thefactthatshewasunavailable,andlikelytobesofortheforeseeablefuture,madehimrealisejusthowmuchthesoundofhervoicegenerallyraisedhisspirits.Hewasevermoreconsciousofhowmuchhe,themostself-sufficientofmen,hadcometorelyonthefactthatshewasalwaysthere,and
34
ItisaquestionofafiercebattletobreakandtodisciplinetheDevil’sCountry,theforcesofdecadence.Butthestrugglealsohasitsreward.Nowisthetimetolaythefoundationsofpowerandmasteryforthefuture.
TheIChingorBookofChanges
Robinwascravingsolitude,sleepandfood,buttheroutineatChapmanFarmwasdesignedtogiveaslittleofallthreeaspossible,andsomerecruitswerestartingtoshowthestrain.Robinhadwitnessedgreen-hairedPennyBrownbeingberatedbyTaioWacefordroppingsomeofthelargepileofcleanfoldedsheetsshe’dbeencarryingacrossthecourtyard.BeccaPirbrightusheredFireGroupquicklyonwardstowardsthepigpen,butnotintimetopreventthemseeingPennybreakdowninsobs.
Insubtleandnotsosubtleways,anapocalypticnotebegantocreepintothecritiquesofmaterialismandsocialinequalitywithwhichnewrecruitswerebeingbombarded.Thelackofcontactwiththeoutsideworldservedtoheightenthesenseofbeinginabunker,withchurchmembersdeliveringregularbulletinsonthehorrorsoftheSyrianwarandtheslowdeathoftheplanet.Asenseofincreasingurgencypermeatedthesebriefings:onlytheawokencouldpossiblyheadoffglobalcatastrophe,becausethebubblepeoplewerecontinuing,selfishlyandapathetically,tohastenhumanity’sdoom.
PapaJandtheUHCwerenowopenlydescribedastheworld’sbesthope.ThoughWacehadn’tappearedsincethefirstdinner,Robinknewhewasstillpresentatthefarmbecausechurchmembersmadefrequentmentionofthefactinhushed,reverentvoices.Theinfrequencyofhisappearancesseemedtofuelratherthanquenchhisfollowers’adoration.Robinassumedhewasholedupinthefarmhouse,eatingseparatelyfromthemassofmemberswho,inspiteofthechurch’sstatedallegiancetoorganicallyproducedandethicallysourcedfood,atemealslargelycomposedofcheapdehydratednoodles,withsmallamountsofproteincomingintheformofprocessedmeatandcheese.
OnWednesdaymorning,MazuWace,whounlikeherhusbandwasoftentobeseenglidingthroughthecourtyard,conductedajointsessioninthetemplewithFireGroupandWoodGroup.Acircleoflacqueredchairshadbeenplacedonthecentralpentagon-shapedstage,andwhenallhadtakentheirseats,Mazugaveabriefspeechabouttheneedforspiritualdeathandrebirthwhich,shesaid,couldonlytakeplaceoncepastpainanddelusionhadbeenaccepted,healedorrenounced.Shetheninvitedthegroupmemberstoshareinjusticesorcrueltiesperpetuatedonthembyfamilymembers,partnersorfriends.
Aftersomeprompting,peoplebegantovolunteertheirstories.AyoungmemberofWoodGroupcalledKyle,whowasthinandnervy-looking,gaveadetailedaccountofhisfather’sfuriousreactiononhearingthathissonwasgay.Ashetoldthegrouphowhismotherhadsidedwithherhusbandagainsthim,hebrokedownandcried.TherestofthegroupmurmuredsupportandsympathywhileMazusatinsilence,andwhenKylehadfinishedhisstory,shesummariseditwhileeradicatinganywordsrelatingtofamilialrelationships,substitutingtheterms‘fleshobject’and‘materialistpossession’,thensaid,
‘Thankyouforbeingbraveenoughtoshareyourstory,Kyle.Purespiritsareuntouchablebymaterialistharms.Iwishyouahastydeathofthefalseself.Whenthat’sgone,yourhurtandyoursufferingwilldepart,also.’
Onebyone,theothergroupmembersbegantotalk.Somewereclearlystrugglingwithprofoundhurtcausedbyoutsiderelationships,orthelackofthem,butRobincouldn’tavoidthesuspicionthatsomeweredredgingupandevenexaggeratingtrauma,soastofitinbetterwiththegroup.WheninvitedbyMazutocontribute,Robintoldthestoryofhercancelledweddingandherfamily’sdisappointment,andadmittedthatherfiancé’sabandonmenthadleftherbereft,particularlyasshe’dgivenupherjobtogotravellingwithhimoncetheywerehusbandandwife.
Thoseinthecircle,manyofwhomwerealreadytearfulaftersharingtheirownstories,offeredcommiserationandsympathy,butMazutoldRobinthatplacingimportanceonprofessionswastoconniveatsystemsofcontrolperpetuatedwithinthebubbleworld.
‘Asenseofidentitybasedonjobs,oranyofthetrappingsofthebubbleworld,isinherentlymaterialist,’shesaid.‘Whenwefirmlyrejectthecravingsoftheegoandbeginnourishingthespirit,hurtsdisappearandthetrueselfcanemerge,aselfthatwillnolongercareiffleshobjectspassoutofitslife.’
Mazuturnedlasttoaskinnygirlwithaheart-shapedfacewho’dremainedconspicuouslysilent.Herarmswerefoldedtightlyacrossherchestandherlegswerecrossed,theupperfoothookedbehindherlower.
‘Wouldyouliketosharewiththegrouphowyou’vesufferedthroughmaterialistpossession?’
Inavoicethatshookslightly,thegirlreplied:
‘Ihaven’tsufferedanything.’
Mazu’sdark,crookedeyescontemplatedher.
‘Nothingatall?’
‘No,nothing.’
Robinjudgedthegirltobeinherlateteens.Herfacewasreddeningslightlyunderthecensoriousscrutinyofthecircle.
‘Myfamily’sneverdonemeanyharm,’shesaid.‘Iknowsomepeopleherehavehadreallyawfulthingshappentothem,butIhaven’t.Ihaven’t,’sherepeated,withashrugofherstiffshoulders.
Robincouldfeelthegroup’sanimositytowardsthegirlassurelyasifthey’ddeclareditopenly,andwilledhernottospeakagain,tonoavail.
‘AndIdon’tthinkit’srighttocall,like,parentslovingtheirkids“materialistpossession”,’sheblurtedout.‘I’msorry,butIdon’tthinkitis.’
Severalgroupmembers,includingAmandeep,nowspokeupatonce.Mazuintervened,andgesturedtoAmandeeptocontinuealone.
‘There’sapowerdynamicinallconventionalfamilystructures,’hesaid.‘Youcan’tdenythereisn’tcoercionandcontrol,evenifit’swellintentioned.’
‘Well,littlechildrenneedboundaries,’saidthegirl.
Mostofthegroupnowspokeupsimultaneously,someofthemclearlyangry.Vivienne,thegirlwithspikyblackhairwhowasusuallyatpainstosoundasworkingclassaspossible,spokeloudest,andothersfellsilenttolethercarryon.
‘Whatyoucall“boundaries”isthejustificationforabuse,right,inmyfamily’scaseitwasabuse,andwhenyousayfingslikethat,youdon’tjustinvalidatetheexperiencesofpeoplewho’vebeen’armed,actively’armed,bytheirparents’desiretocontrolthem–’Kylewasvigorouslynodding‘–you’reperpetuatingandproppingupthesamedamnsystemsofcontrolthatsomeofusaretryingtoescape,OK?Soyou’aven’tsuffered,well,bullyforyou,butmaybelistenandlearnfrompeoplewhohave,OK?’
Therewasmuchmutteringinagreement.Mazusaidnothing,lettingthegroupdealwiththedissidentthemselves.Forthefirsttime,Robinthoughtshesawagenuinesmileonthewoman’sface.
Thegirlwiththeheart-shapedfacewasopenlyostracisedthatafternoonbyothermembersofFireGroup.Robin,whowishedshecouldhavemutteredsomewordsofkindnessorsupport,copiedthemajorityandignoredher.
Theirtwenty-four-hourfastbeganonWednesdayevening.Robinreceivedonlyacupofhotwaterflavouredwithlemonatdinnertime.Lookingaroundattheotherrecruits,sherealisedthatonlyFire,WoodandEarthgroupswereundertakingthefast;MetalandWatergroupshadbeenservedtheusualslopofboiledvegetablesandnoodles.RobinthoughtitunlikelythatMetalandWatergroupscouldhavefailedDrZhou’sphysicalassessmentenmasse.Frommutteredcommentsutteredbyherfellowfasters,someofwhomweresittingnearby,Robingatheredtheysawthemselvesasworthierthanthosebeingfed,seemingtoconsidertheforthcomingtwenty-fourhoursofenforcedstarvationabadgeofhonour.
Robinwokenextday,whichwasthelastofherseven-dayretreat,afterafewhours’sleepthathadbeendisruptedbythegnawinghungerpainsinherstomach.Tonightwasthenightshewassupposedtofindtheplasticrockattheboundaryofthefarm,thethoughtofwhichmadeherfeelsimultaneouslyexcitedandscared.Shehadn’tyetattemptedto
Afterbreakfast,whichforthethreefastinggroupsconsistedofanothercupofhotwaterwithlemon,allrecruitswerereunitedforthesecondtimesincebeingsortedintogroupsonarrival,thenledbychurchmembersintotheleftwingofthefarmhouse.Insidewasanempty,stone-pavedroom,inthemiddleofwhichwasasteepwoodenstaircaseleadingintothebasement.
Belowlayawood-panelledroomthatRobinthoughtmustrunalmostthelengthofthefarmhouseabove.Twodoorsontheleft-handsideshowedthebasementspaceextendedevenfurtherthanwascurrentlyvisible.Therewasastageattheoppositeendfromthestaircase,infrontofascreenalmostaslargeastheoneintheRupertCourtTemple.Subduedlightingcamefromspotlightsandthefloorwascoveredinrushmatting.Therecruitswereinstructedtositdownonthefloorfacingthestage,andRobinwasirresistiblyremindedofbeingbackatprimaryschool.Someoftherecruitshaddifficultycomplyingwiththeorder,includingWalterFernsby,whonearlytoppledoverontohisneighbourasheloweredhimselfinstiffandungainlyfashionontothefloor.
Onceeveryonewasseated,thelightsoverheadwereextinguished,leavingthestagespotlit.
IntothespotlightonstagesteppedJonathanWace,cladinhislongorangerobes,handsome,long-haired,dimple-chinnedandblue-eyed.Spontaneousapplausebrokeout,notjustfromthechurchattendants,butalsoamongtherecruits.Robincouldseethethrilled,blushingfaceofwidowedMarionHuxley,whohadsuchanobviouscrushonWace,throughagaptoherleft.Amandeepwasoneofthoseapplaudinghardest.
Jonathansmiledhisusualself-deprecatingsmile,gesturedtosettlethecrowddown,thenpressedhishandstogether,bowedandsaid,
‘Ithankyouforyourservice.’
‘AndIforyours,’chorusedtherecruits,bowingback.
‘That’snomereformofwords,’saidWace,smilingaroundatthemall.‘I’msincerelygratefulforwhatyou’vegivenusthisweek.You’vesacrificedyourtime,energyandmusclepowertohelpusrunourfarm.You’vehelpedraisefundsforourcharitableworkandbeguntoexploreyourownspirituality.Evenifyougonofurtherwithus,youwillhavedonerealandlastinggood–forus,foryourselvesandforvictimsofthematerialistworld.
‘Andnow,’saidWace,hissmilefading,‘let’stalkaboutthatworld.’
OminousorganmusicbegantoplayoverhiddenspeakersThescreenbehindWacecametolife.Therecruitssawmovingclipsofheadsofstate,wealthycelebritiesandgovernmentofficialspassinsuccessionacrossthescreenasWacebegantalkingabouttherecentlyleakedconfidentialdocumentsfromanoffshorelawfirm:thePanamaPapers,whichRobinhadseeninthenewsbeforecomingtoChapmanFarm.
‘Fraud…kleptocracy…taxevasion…violationofinternationalsanctions…’saidWace,whowaswearingamicrophone.‘Theworld’sgrubbymaterialistelitestandsexposedinalltheirduplicity,hidingthewealth,afractionofwhichcouldsolvemostoftheworld’sproblems…’
Onscreen,incriminatedkings,presidentsandprimeministerssmiledandwavedfrompodia.Famousactorsbeamedfromredcarpetsandstages.Smartlysuitedbusinessmenwavedawayquestionsfromjournalists.
Wacebegantotalkfluentlyandfuriouslyofhypocrisy,narcissismandgreed.Hecontrastedpublicpronouncementswithprivatebehaviour.Theeyesofthehungry,exhaustedaudiencefollowedhimashestrodebackwardsandforwardsonstage.Theroomwashotandtherush-coveredflooruncomfortable.
Next,amelancholypianoplayedoverfootageofhomelesspeoplebeggingattheentrancestoLondon’smostexpensivestores,thenofchildrenswollen-belliedanddyinginYemen,ortornandmaimedbySyrianbombs.Thesightofasmallboycoveredinbloodanddust,shockedintoanalmostcatalepticstateashewasliftedintoanambulance,madeRobin’seyesfillwithtears.Wace,too,wascrying.
Choralvoicesandkettledrumsaccompaniedcatastrophicfootageofclimatechangeandpollution:glacierscrumbling,polarbearsstrugglingbetweenmeltingicefloes,aerialviewsofthedecimationoftherainforest,andnowtheseimageswereintercutwithflashbacksoftheplutocratsintheircarsandtheirboardrooms.Maimedchildrenbeingcarriedfromcollapsedbuildingswerecontrastedwithimagesofcelebrityweddingscostingmillions;selfiesfromprivateplaneswerefollowedbyheartrendingimagesofHurricaneKatrinaandtheIndianOceantsunami.TheshadowyfacesaroundRobinwerestupefiedandinmanycasestearful,andWacewasnolongerthemild-spoken,self-deprecatingmanthey’dfirstmet,butwasshoutinginfury,ragingatthescreenandtheworld’svenality.
‘Andallofthis,allofit,couldbestoppedifonlyenoughpeoplecouldbewokenfromtheslumberinwhichtheyarewalkingtotheirdoom!’hebellowed.‘TheAdversaryandhisagentsstalktheworld,whichmustawakefromitsslumberorperish!Andwhowillwakethem,ifwedon’t?’
Themusicslowlydiedaway.Theimagesfadedfromthescreen.NowWacestoodbreathless,apparentlyspentbyhislongspeech,hisfacetearstained,hisvoicehoarse.
‘You,’hesaidweakly,stretchingouthishandstothoseseatedonthefloorinfrontofhim,‘werecalled.Youwerechosen.Andtodayyouhaveachoice.Rejointhesystem,orstandapart.Standapartandfight.
‘Therewillnowbeashortbreak,’saidWace,asthelightsbegantobrighten.‘No–no,’hesaid,asasmatteringofapplausebrokeout.‘There’snothingtobehappyaboutinwhatI’vejustshownyou.Nothing.’
Cowed,theapplaudersdesisted.Robinwasdesperateforabreathoffreshair,butasWacedisappeared,churchattendantsopenedadoorontheleftontoasecondpanelled,windowlessroom,inwhichcoldfoodhadbeenlaidout.
Thenewspacewascomparativelycramped.Thedoorontothelectureroomhadbeenclosed,increasingthefeelingofclaustrophobia.Fastersweredirectedtoatablebearingflasksofhotwaterandlemonslices.Somerecruitschosetositdownwiththeirbacksagainstthewallwhileeatingtheirsandwichesorsippingtheirhotwater.Queuesformedfortwomoredoorsleadingtotoilets.Robinwascertainthey’dbeeninthelectureroomfortheentiremorning.Thegirlwiththeheart-shapedface,who’dchallengedMazuthepreviousdayinthetemple,wassittinginacornerwithherheadinherarms.RobinwasconcernedaboutWalter,thephilosophyprofessor,whoappearedunsteadyonhisfeet,hisfacewhiteandsweaty.
‘Areyouallright?’sheaskedhimquietlyasheleanedupagainstthewall.
‘Fine,fine,’hesaid,smilingwhileclutchinghismug.‘Thespiritremainsstrong!’
Eventually,thedoortothelectureroomwasopenedagain.Itwasalreadydark,andpeoplestumbledandwhisperedapologiesastheytriedtofindafreeplacetosit.
Whenatlastallweresettledbackonthefloor,JonathanWacesteppedoutintothespotlightoncemore.Robinwasgladtoseehimsmiling.Shereallydidn’twanttobeharanguedanyfurther.
‘You’veearnedareprieve,’saidWace,toarippleofrelievedlaughterfromhisaudience.‘It’stimetomeditateandchant.Takeupacomfortableposition.Adeepbreath.Raiseyourarmsoveryourheadonaninbreath…lowerthemslowly…releasethebreath.And:LokahSamastahSukhinoBhavantu…LokahSamastahSukhinoBhavantu…’
Thoughtwasimpossiblewhilechanting;Robin’sfeelingsoffear,guiltandhorrorgraduallysubsided;shefeltherselfdissolvingintothedeafeningchant,whichechoedoffthewoodenwalls,takingonitsownpower,existingindependentlyofthechanters,adisembodiedforcethatvibratedwithinthewallsandwithinherownbody.
Thechantingwentonlongerthanthey’deverchantedbefore.Shecouldfeelhermouthbecomingdryandwasdimlyawarethatshefeltclosetofainting,butsomehowthechantsustainedher,holdingherup,enablinghertobearthehungerandthepain.
AtlonglastWacecalledahalt,smilingdownatthemall,andRobin,thoughweak,anduncomfortablyhot,wasleftwiththefeelingofwell-beingandeuphoriachantingalwaysgaveher.
‘You,’saidWacequietly,hisvoicenowmorehoarseandcrackedthanever,‘areremarkable.’
Andinspiteofherself,RobinfeltanirrationalprideinWace’sapproval.
‘Extraordinarypeople,’saidWace,walkingupanddowninfrontofthemagain.‘Andyouhavenoideaofit,doyou?’hesaid,smilingdownintotheupturnedfaces.‘Youdon’trealisewhatyouare.Atrulyremarkablegroupofrecruits.We’venoticeditfromthemomentyouarrived.Churchmembershavetoldme,“Thesearespecial.Thesemightbetheoneswe’vebeenwaitingfor.”
‘Theworldteetersonaprecipice.It’stentomidnightandArmageddonbeckons.TheAdversarymaybewinning,buttheBlessedDivinityhasn’tgivenuponusyet.Theproof?Theysentyoutous–andwithyou,wemighthaveachance.
‘Theyhavespokentoyoualready,bythemeansatTheirdisposal,throughthenoiseofthematerialistworld.That’swhyyou’rehere.
‘Butyou’vebreathedpureairthisweek.Theclatterhasdiedawayandyouseeandhearmoreclearlythanyouhave.NowisthetimeforasignfromtheDivinity.Nowisthemomentforyoutotrulysee.Totrulyunderstand.’
Wacedroppedtohisknees.Heclosedhiseyes.Astherecruitswatched,transfixed,hesaidinaringingvoice,
‘BlessedDivinity,ifitpleasesYou,sendusYourmessenger.LettheDrownedProphetcometous,here,andprovethereislifeafterdeath,thatthepurespiritlivesindependentlyofthematerialbody,thattherewardforalifeofserviceislifeeternal.BlessedDivinity,Ibelievethesepeopleareworthy.SendDaiyutousnow.’
Thesilenceinthedark,hotroomwastotal.Wace’seyeswerestillclosed.
‘BlessedDivinity,’hewhispered,‘lethercome.’
Acollectivegaspissuedfromthewatchers.
Thetransparentheadofagirlhadappearedoutofthinaironstage.Shewassmiling.
Alarmed,Robinlookedoverhershoulder,lookingforaprojector,buttherewasnobeamoflightandthewallwassolid.Shefacedthefrontagain,herheartbeatingrapidly.
Thesmilingspectralfigurewasgrowingabody.Shehadlongblackhairandworealongwhitedress.Sheraisedahandandwavedchildishlyatthecrowd.Afewpeoplewavedback.Mostlookedterrified.
Waceopenedhiseyes.
‘Youcametous,’hesaid.
Daiyuturnedslowlytofacehim.Theycouldseerightthroughher,toWacekneelingbehindher,smilingthroughhistears.
‘Thankyou,’Wacetoldher,throughasob.‘Idon’tcallyoubackforselfishreasons,youknowthat…althoughseeingyou…’
Heswallowed.
‘Daiyu,’hewhispered,‘aretheyready?’
Daiyuturnedslowlybacktofacethecrowd.Hereyestravelledovertherecruits.Shesmiledandnodded.
‘Ithoughtso,’saidWace.‘Gowell,littleone.’
Daiyuraisedahandtohermouthandappearedtoblowakisstotherecruits.Slowly,shebegantofadefromsight,untilforabriefmomentonlyherfaceshoneinthedarkness.Thenshevanished
Thewatcherswereutterlystill.Nobodyspoke,nobodyturnedtotheirneighbourtotalkofwhatthey’djustseen.Wacegottohisfeet,wipinghiseyesonthesleeveofhisrobe.
‘ShereturnsfromParadisewhensheknowsweneedher.ShehumoursherfoolishPapaJ.Sherealisesyou’retoospecialtoletslipaway.Now,’saidWacequietly,‘pleasefollowmetotemple.’
35
Nineatthetop…Oneattainsthewayofheaven.
TheIChingorBookofChanges
Therecruitsgottotheirfeetasthelightswentup.Wacedescendedandwalkedthroughthem,pausinghereandtheretogreetcertainpeoplebyname,eventhoughhe’dneverbeenintroducedtothem.Thosewhoweresohonouredlookedstunned.
‘Rowena,’hesaid,smilingatRobin.‘I’veheardwonderfulthingsaboutyou.’
‘Thankyou,’saidRobinweakly,lettinghimclaspbothherhandsinhis.
PeoplearoundRobinlookedatherwithenvyandincreasedrespectasWacewalkedon,leadingthewaybackupthestairsintothefarmhouse.
Therecruitsfollowedhim.AsRobinnearedthetopofthestairs,shesawsunsetthroughthewindows:they’dspenttheentiredayinthedark,stuffyroom.Shewasachingwithhunger,andherbodywassorefromphysicallabourandfromsittingontheuncomfortablefloor.
Thenthesoundofloudrockmusicreachedherears,blastingoutofspeakersinthecourtyard.Churchmembershadformedtwolines,makingapathbetweenfarmhouseandtemple,andweresingingandclappingalongwiththesong.AsRobinemergedintothedampeveningairthechorusbegan.
Idon’tneednoonetotellme’boutheavenIlookatmydaughter,andIbelieve…
Robinwalkedwithherfellowrecruitsbetweentherowsofsingingchurchmembers.Spotsofrainhitherandsheheardthunderrumblingoverthemusic.
Sometimesit’shardtobreathe,Lord,Atthebottomofthesea,yeahyeah…
Waceledtherecruitsupthestepsintothetemple,whichwasnowilluminatedbymanylampsandcandles.
Thecentralpentagonalstagehadbecomeafive-sidedpool.Robinrealisedthatthepoolhadbeenthereallalong,beneathaheavyblacklid.Thewaterbeneathlookedjetblackduetothedarksides.Mazustoodfacingthem,reflectedasthoughinadarkmirror.Shewasnolongerwearingorange,butalongwhiterobematchingthatofherdaughterontheceilingabove.NowWaceclimbedthestepstostandbesideher.
Therocksongfinishedaftereveryone,churchmembersaswellasrecruits,hadenteredthetemple.Thedoorsclosedwithaloudbang.Thosewho’dledtherecruitsintothefarmhouseinstructedtheminwhisperstoremainstandingfacingthepool,thenfiledintothesurroundingseats.
Hollowwithhunger,aching,sweatyandemotionallywrungout,Robincouldonlythinkthatthecoolwaterlookedinviting.Itwouldbewonderfultosinkbeneaththesurface,toexperienceafewmomentsofsolitudeandpeace.
‘Tonight,’saidJonathanWace,‘youhaveafreechoice.Remainwithus,orrejointhematerialistworld.Whichofyouwillstepforwardsandenterthepool?Bereborntonight.Cleanseyourselfofthefalseself.Stepoutofthepurifyingwaterasyourtrueself.Whichofyouispreparedtotakethisfirst,essentialsteptowardspurespirit?’
Nobodymovedforasecondortwo.ThenAmandeeppushedpastRobin.
‘Iwill.’
Thewatchingchurchmembersexplodedintocheersandapplause.JonathanandMazuheldouttheirarms,beaming.Amandeepwalkedforwards,ascendedthestepsatthesideofthepool,andJonathanandMazugavehimunheardinstructions.Hetookoffhistrainersandsocks,thensteppedforwardsintothepool,sankbrieflybeneaththesurfacebeforereappearing,hisglassesaskew,butlaughing.ThecheersandapplauseofthechurchmembersechoedaroundthetempleasJonathanandMazuhelpedthesoddenAmandeepclimboutontheotherside,histracksuitnowheavywithwater.Hecollectedhistrainersandsocksandwasledawaybyapairofchurchmembersthroughadooratthebackofthetemple.
Kylewasthenextintothepool.Hereceivedthesamerapturousreactionwhenhere-emergedfromthepool.
Robindecidedshedidn’twanttowaitanylonger,andsidledthroughtheotherrecruitstoreachthefrontofthegroup.
‘Iwanttojoin,’shesaid,toafurthereruptionofcheers.
Shewalkedforwards,climbedthestepsandtookoffhersocksandtrainers.AtasignfromJonathan,shesteppedintothesurprisinglydeeppoolandletherselfsinkintothecoldwater.Herfeetfoundthebottomandshepushedupwardsagain,andtheglorioussilencewasshatteredasshebrokethesurfacetoloudclappingandshoutsofapproval.
JonathanWacehelpedherout.Nowweigheddowninhersoakingwettracksuit,hairinhereyes,RobinwashandedhersocksandtrainersbyasmilingTaioWace,whoescortedherpersonallytothebackofthetempleandthroughadoorintoananteroomwhereAmandeepandKylewerealreadydressedinclean,drytracksuitsandtowellingofftheirhair,bothevidentlyelated.Moreclean,foldedtracksuitslaywaitingonwoodenbenchesthatranaroundthewalls.OppositelayadoorthatRobinknewmustleadoutside.
‘Here,’saidthesmilingTaio,handingRobinatowel.‘Takeatracksuitandchange.’
AmandeepandKylebothlookedcourteouslyawayasRobinpeeledoffhertop,veryconsciousthatherunderwear,too,wassoakingwet,butTaiowatchedopenly,smirking.
‘Howmanymored’youthinkwilljoin?’AmandeepaskedTaio.
‘We’llsee,’saidTaio,nottakinghiseyesoffRobinasshesatdown,tryingtoremoveherwettracksuitbottomsandpullondryoneswithoutanyoneseeinghowtranslucentherpantshadbecome.‘Weneedallthepeoplewecanget.Thisisafightofgoodagainstevil,pureandsimple…bettergetback,’Taioadded,asRobin,nowdressed,beganpullingonhersocks.
‘Ican’tbelievethis,’saidthebreathlessAmandeep,asthedoorclosedbehindTaio.‘Icameherethinking,“Thisplaceiscrazy.It’sacult.”Iwasgonnawriteanarticleformystudentpaper.Andnow…I’vejoinedthedamncult.’
HebegantolaughuncontrollablyandsodidKyleandRobin.
Overthenexthalfhour,moreandmorepeopleenteredtheroominasimilarconditionofnearhystericallaughter.WalterFernsbycamein,alittletotteryandshaken,followedimmediatelybyPennyBrown,whosegreenhairwasplasteredaroundherfacelikealgae.MarionHuxleyappeared,shivering,apparentlydisorientated,butalsoinclinedtogiggle.SoonthechangingroomwaspackedwithpeopleexcitedlydiscussingthematerialisationofDaiyuinthebasement,andtheirownprideathavingjoinedthechurch.
Thencametenminuteswhennobodyelseappeared.Aftertakingaquick,silentheadcount,Robinestimatedthattherewerehalfadozenhold-outs,includingthegirlwiththeheart-shapedfacewho’drefusedtocriticiseherfamilytoFireGroup,andPenny’sblondefriend.Indeed,Pennywaslookingaroundanxiously,nolongerlaughing.Afurthertenminutespassed,andthenadoortotheoutsidewasopenedbyWillEdensor.
‘Thisway,’hesaid,andheledthenewchurchmembersoutofthetempleandtowardsthedininghall.
ItwasdarknowandgoosefleshcreptupRobin’sbodyandunderherstill-wethair.PennyBrownwasstilllookingaroundanxiouslyforthefriendwho’dcomewithhertoChapmanFarm.
Thenewlyjoinedchurchmembersenteredthediningroomtoastandingovationfromthechurchmemberswho’dleftthetempleaheadofthem.Evidentlythere’dbeenalotofactivityduringthehourstherecruitshadbeenshutwayinthebasementbeneaththefarmhouse,becausescarletandgoldpaperlanternsofthekindthatswunginthebreezeinWardourStreethadbeenstrungfromtheraftersandanappetisingsmellofcookedmeatfilledtheair.Kitchenworkerswerealreadymovingbetweenthetables,wheelingtheirenormousmetalvats.
Robindroppedintothenearestfreeseatandgulpeddownsomeofthetapwateralreadypouredinaplasticcupinfrontofher.
‘Congratulations,’saidaquietvoicebehindher,andshesawshaven-headedLouise,whowaspushingalongavatofwhatsmelledlikechickencurry,whichshenowladledontoRobin’stinplate,addingacoupleofspoonfulsofrice.
‘Thankyou,’saidRobingratefully.Louisesmiledweakly,thenmovedaway.
Althoughitwasn’tthebestcurryintheworld,thiswascertainlythemostappetisingandfillingmealRobinhadbeengivensinceherarrivalatChapmanFarm,andcontainedbyfarthemostprotein.Shewaseatingfast,sodesperateforcaloriesshecouldn’tpaceherself.Oncethecurrywasfinishedshewasgivenabowlofyoghurtmixedwithhoney,whichwasthebestthingshe’dtastedallweek.
Anairoffestivityfilledthehall.TherewasfarmorelaughterthanusualandRobinguessedthatthiscomparativefeastwasthereason.RobinnownoticedthatNoliSeymourhadjoinedthetoptable,dressedinorangerobes,andforthefirsttimeRobinrealisedthattheactressmustbeachurchPrincipal.BesideNolisattwomiddle-agedmen,alsoinorangerobes.Uponenquiry,theyoungmansittingbesideRobintoldherthatonewasamulti-millionairewho’dmadehisfortuneinpackaging,andtheotherwasanMP.Robinstoredupbothmen’snamesforherlettertoStrike.
JonathanandMazuWaceenteredthedininghalltorenewedcheersaftermostpeoplehadfinishedeating.Therewasnosignofthegirlwiththeheart-shapedface,ortheotherrecruitswhohadn’tenteredthepool,andRobinwonderedwherethey’dgone,whethertheywerebeingheldsomewherewithoutfood,andwhethertheWaces’prolongedabsencehadbeenduetoalastattemptatpersuasion.
ShedreadedtheprospectofanotherWacespeech,butinsteadmusicstartedupoutofloudspeakersagainastheWacestooktheirseats,andwithawaveofhishand,Waceseemedtoindicatethatinformalitywasnowpermitted,thatthepartyshouldbegin.AnoldREMsongblastedacrossthedininghall,andsomechurchmembers,nowfullofmeatforthefirsttimeinwhoknewhowlong,gotuptodance.
It’stheendoftheworldasweknowitAndIfeelfine…36
Nineinthethirdplacemeans:AhaltedretreatIsnerve-wrackinganddangerous.
TheIChingorBookofChanges
Thepartyhadbeengoingonforatleasttwohours.JonathanWacehaddescendedfromthetoptabletoscreamsofexcitement,andbeguntodancewithsomeoftheteenagegirls.Thepackagingmillionairealsogotuptodance,movinglikesomebodywhosejointsneededoiling,andinsertinghimselfintothegrouparoundWace.Robinremainedsittingonherwoodenbench,forcingasmilebutwantingnothingmorethantogetbacktothedormitory.Theingestionofapropermealafterherfast,theloudmusic,theacheofhermusclesafteralongdaysittingonthehardfloor:allwereexacerbatingherexhaustion.
Atlastsheheardtheopeningbarsof‘Heroes’andknewtheeveningwasabouttoend,assurelyasifshe’dheardthestartof‘AuldLangSyne’.Shewascarefultosingalongandlookhappy,andwasrewardedwhenatlasteveryonebegantofilebacktothedormitoriesthroughtherainthathadbeguntofallwhiletheywereeating,exceptforthedrudgeslikeLouisewhowereleftbehindtocleanupthetables.
Inspiteofherbone-deeptiredness,thatpartofRobin’smindthatkeptremindingherwhyshewastheretoldherthattonightwouldbeherbestopportunitytofindtheplasticstone.Everyoneatthefarmhadjustenjoyedanatypicallyfillingmealandwouldbemorelikelytofallasleepquickly.Sureenough,thewomenaroundherundressedquickly,pullingonpyjamas,scribblingintheirjournals,thenfallingintobed.
Robinmadeabriefentryinherownjournalthenputonherpyjamastoo,leavingontheunderwearthatwasstillslightlydamp.Glancingaroundtomakesurenobodywaswatching,shegotintobedwithhersocksandtrainersstillon,hidinghertracksuitunderthecovers.Aftertenminutes,thelights,whichwerecontrolledbyamasterswitchsomewhere,finallywentout.
Robinlayinthedarkness,listeningtotherain,forcingherselftostayawakeeventhoughhereyelidskeptdrooping.Soonsnoresandslow,heavybreathingcouldbeheardoverthepatteronthewindows.Shedaren’twaittoolong,nordidshedaretryandextricateherwaterproofjacketfromunderherbed.Tryingnottorustlehersheets,shesucceededinpullinghertracksuitbackonoverherpyjamas.Then,slowlyandcarefully,sheslidoutofbedandcrepttowardsthedormitorydoor,readytotellanyonewhowokethatshewasonherwaytothebathroom.
Sheopenedthedoorcautiously.Therewerenoelectriclightsinthedesertedcourtyard,althoughDaiyu’spoolandfountainglintedinthemoonlightandasinglelitwindowshonefromtheupperfloorofthefarmhouse.
Robinfeltherwayaroundthesideofthebuildingandalongthestripofgroundbetweenthewomen’sandmen’sdormitories,herhairbecomingrapidlywetterintherain.Bythetimeshereachedtheendofthepassagehereyeshadsomewhatacclimatisedtothedarkness.Herobjectivewasthepatchofdensewoodlandvisiblefromthedormitory’swindow,whichlaybeyondasmallfieldwhichnoneoftherecruitshadyetentered.
Treesandshrubshadbeenplantedattheendofthepassagewaybetweenthedormitories,whichscreenedthefieldfromview.Asshemadeherwaycarefullythroughthisthicket,tryingnottotripoverroots,shesawlightandpausedbetweenbushes.
She’dfoundmoreRetreatRooms,suchasshe’dseenfromDrZhou’soffice,screenedfromthedormitoriesbycarefulplanting.Throughthebushes,shecouldseelightshiningfrombehindcurtainswhichhadbeenpulledacrosstheslidingglassdoorsofoneofthem.Robinfearedthatsomeonemightbeabouttowalkoutofit,orpeeroutside.Shewaitedforaminute,ponderingheroptions,thendecidedtoriskit.Leavingtheshelterofthetrees,shecrepton,passingwithintenyardsofthecabin.
ItwasthenthatsherealisedtherewasnodangerofanyoneleavingtheRetreatRoomimmediately.Rhythmicthumpsandgruntswereissuingfromit,alongwithsmallsquealsthatmighthavebeenpleasureorpain.Robinhurriedon.
Afive-bargateseparatedthefieldfromtheplantedareawheretheRetreatRoomsstood.Robindecidedtoclimbthisratherthanattempttoopenit.Onceshe’dreachedtheothersideshesetoffatajog,thewetgroundsquelchingbeneathherfeet,consumedbybarelycontrolledpanic.Iftherewerenightvisioncamerascoveringthefarm,she’dbedetectedanymoment;theagencymighthavetakenacarefulsurveyoftheperimeter,butthey’dhadnowayofknowingwhatsurveillancetechnologywasusedinside.Herrationalselfkepttellinghershe’dseennosignofcamerasanywhere,yetthefeardoggedhershehurriedtowardsthedeeperdarknessthatwasthewood.
Reachingtheshelterofthetreeswasarelief,butnowanotherkindoffeargrippedher.Sheseemedtoseeagainthesmiling,transparentformofDaiyuasshe’dappearedinthebasementafewhourspreviously.
Itwasatrick,shetoldherself.Youknowitwasatrick.
Butshedidn’tunderstandhowithadbeendone,anditwasonlytooeasytobelieveinghostswhenstrugglingblindlythroughovergrownwoodland,nettlesandovermoretwistedroots,withthecrackoftwigsunderfootsoundingasloudasgunshotsinthestillofthenightandrainbeatingdownonthetreecanopyoverhead.
Robincouldn’ttellwhethershewasgoingintherightdirection,becauseintheabsenceofanypassingcarscouldn’tbesurewheretheroadwas.Sheblunderedonfortenminutesuntil,withawhooshandasweepoflight,acardidindeedpassontheroadtoherrightandsherealisedshewassometwentyyardsfromtheperimeter.
IttookhernearlyhalfanhourtofindthesmallclearingBarclayhadcutjustinsidetheperimeterwall,withitsheavyreinforcementofbarbedwire.Crouchingdown,shegropedaroundonthegroundandatlonglastherfingersfeltsomethingunnaturallywarmandsmooth.Sheliftedtheplasticrockoutofthepatchofweedswhereithadlainandpulledthetwohalvesapartwithshakinghands.
Turningonthepenciltorch,shesawthepen,paperandanoteinStrike’sfamiliarhandwriting,andherheartleaptasthoughshe’dseenhiminperson.She’djustremovedhismessagewhensheheardvoicesinthewoodbehindher.
Terrified,Robinturnedoffthetorchandflungherselfflattothegroundinthenearestpatchofnettles,shieldingherfaceasbestshecouldwithherarms,certainthepoundingofherheartwouldbeaudibletowhoeverhadfollowedher.Expectingashoutorademandtoshowherself,sheheardnothingatallexceptfootsteps.Thenagirlspoke.
‘Ith-th-thoughtIsawalightjustthen.’
Robinlayverystillandclosedhereyes,asthoughthatwouldsomehowmakeherlessvisible.
‘Moonlightonthewire,probably,’saidamalevoice.‘Goon.Whatdidyouwantto—?’
‘In-n-needyoutom-m-makemeincreaseagain.’
‘Lin…Ican’t.’
‘You’veg-g-gotto,’saidthegirl,whosoundedonthevergeoftears.‘OrI-I-I’llhavet-t-t-t-togowithhimagain.Ic-c-can’t,Will.Ic-c-c-c—’
Shestartedtocry.
‘Shh!’saidWillfrantically.
Robinheardarustleoffabricandmurmuring.SheguessedthatWillhadputhisarmsaroundLin,whosesobsnowsoundedmuffled.
‘Whyc-c-c—’
‘Youknowwhy,’hewhispered.
‘They’reg-g-g-goingtosendmet-t-toBirminghamifId-d-don’tgowithhimandIc-c-can’tleaveQing,Iw-w-won’t—’
‘Whosaysyou’regoingtoBirmingham?’saidWill.
‘M-M-M-M-Mazu,ifId-d-d-don’tgowithh-h-h—’
‘Whendidshetellyouthat?’
‘Y-y-y-yesterday,butifI’mincreasingm-m-maybeshew-w-won’tm-m-m—’
‘OhGod,’saidWill,andRobinhadneverheardthetwosyllablesmorefreightedwithdespair.
Therewasmoresilenceandfaintsoundsofmovement.
Pleasedon’tbehavingsex,Robinthought,eyestightlyclosedasshelayamongthenettles.Please,pleasedon’t.
‘Orc-c-c-couldd-d-dow-w-whatKevind-d-did,’saidLin,hervoicethickwithtears.
‘Areyouinsane?’saidWillharshly.‘Bedamnedforever,annihilateourspirits?’
‘Iw-w-won’tleaveQing!’wailedLin.AgainWillfranticallyhushedher.Therewasanotherlull,inwhichRobinthoughtshecouldhearkissingofacomfortingratherthanpassionatenature.
SheshouldhaveforeseenthatsomebodyotherthantheStrikeandEllacottDetectiveAgencymightbeawareoftheblindspotonthecamerasandtheusefulcoverofthewoods.Shewasnowdependentforherownsafereturntothedormitoryonwhateverthecoupledecidedtodonext.Petrifiedthatoneofthemmightstrayclosertothespotwhereshelay,becauseanotherpassingcarwouldundoubtedlyrevealherbrightorangetracksuit,shehadnochoicebuttoremaincurledupamongthenettles.Howshewasgoingtoexplainthemudandgrassstainsonhercleantracksuitwasaproblemshe’dworryaboutifsheevergotsafelyoutofthewoods.
‘Can’tyoutellMazuyou’vegotsomething–what’sthatthingyouhad?’
‘Cystitis,’sobbedLin.‘Shew-w-won’tbelievem-m-me.’
‘OK,’saidWill,‘then–then–you’llhavetopretendtobeillwithsomethingelse.AsktoseeDrZhou.’
‘B-b-butI’llhavetog–g-getbetterintheend–Ican’tleaveQing!’wailedthegirlagain,andWill,nowclearlyscaredoutofhiswits,said,
‘ForGod’ssakedon’tshout!’
‘Whywon’tyoujustm-m-makemeincreaseagain?’
‘Ican’t,youdon’tunderstand,Ican’t—’
‘You’resc-sc-scared!’
Robinheardrapidlyrecedingfootstepsandwascertainthegirlwasrunningaway,Willinpursuit,becausehisvoicesoundedfurtherawaywhenhespokeagain.
‘Lin—’
‘Ifyou’renotg-g-goingtomakem-m-meincrease—’
Thevoicesbecameindistinguishable.Robincontinuedtoliestillinherhidingplace,heartthumping,earsstrainingtohearwhatwasgoingon.Thecouplewerestillarguing,butshecouldn’tmakeoutwhattheyweresayinganymore.Howlongshelayandlistened,shedidn’tknow.Anothercarswishedpast.Atlast,thevoicesandfootstepsdiedaway.
Robinlaywhereshewasforafurtherfiveminutes,scaredthecouplewasgoingtoreturn,thengingerlysatbackupagain.
Strike’snotewasstillcrumpledupinherhand.Shetookafewdeepbreaths,thenturnedthetorchbackon,smoothedouttheletterandreadit.
Thursday14thAprilHopeall’sgoingwellinthere.Dev’sgoingtodropthisoffandhe’llbeinthevicinityuntilSaturday,checkingontherockuntilyou’veputanotein.Ifnothingarrives,we’llseeyouSunday.I’vemetAbigailGlover,JonathanWace’sdaughter.Someveryinterestingstuff.SheclaimsDaiyuwasn’tWace’sdaughter,butAlexanderGraves’.Apparentlywhenshedied,therewasacustodybattleforhergoingonbetweentheWacesandGraves’parents.Abigailwitnessedandsufferedplentyofviolenceinthere,andwaspersonallyshutinthepigsty,naked,forthreenightsafterDaiyudrowned,butisn’tkeenontestifying,unfortunately.OnTuesdayI’mmeetingAlexanderGraves’parents.Willletyouknowhowthatgoes.StilltryingtotraceCherieGittins,thegirlwhotookDaiyuswimming.I’vebeenlookingintoDaiyu’sdeathandI’vegotquestions.Anythingyoucanfindoutintherewouldbehelpful.MightalsohavefoundawayofpersuadingJordanReaneytotalktome–Shanker’sgotmatesinsidewithhim.Littlejohnisworryingme.Hedidn’ttellmeheworkedforPattersonfor3monthsbeforecomingtous.Tryingtofindareplacement.TheFranksremainfreaksandmightbeplanningakidnapping.Lookafteryourself.Anytimeyouwanttocomeout,saytheword.We’llbatterdownthedoorifnecessary.Sx
Robinwasn’tsurewhythenotehadmadehercry,butatearnowdroppeddownontothepaper.Theconnectionwithheroutsidelifehadaffectedherlikemedicine,fortifyingher,andtheoffertobatterdownthedoorandthesinglekissbesideStrike’sinitialfeltlikeahug.
Nowshetookoutthepen,proppedthesmallpileofpaperonherkneeandbegantowrite,clumsily,withthetorchheldinherlefthand.
Allgoingwell.TonightIjoinedthechurch.Totalsubmersioninthepoolinthetemple.WillEdensor’shereandI’vejustoverheardaconversationbetweenhimandLin,DeirdreDoherty’sdaughter.Shewasbegginghimtomakeher‘increase’again,tostaveoffhavingtosleepwith‘him’.Noideawho‘him’is.LinevensuggestedleavingbutWillsoundscompletelyindoctrinated,saysitwouldmeandamnation.Ican’tbecertain,butifshe’salreadyhadachildinhereitmightbeWill’s.Ifso,I’msureshe’llhavebeenunderagewhenshegavebirth,becauseshedoesn’tlookveryoldnow.Noviolencewitnessedasyetbutthesleepdeprivationandunderfeedingisreal.TonightIsawthespiritofDaiyumaterialiseoutofthinair,movingandwavingatusall.JonathanWconjuredher.NoideahowitwasdonebutIhavetosayitwaseffectiveandIthinkitconvincednearlyeveryone.
Robinpaused,tryingtorememberanythingelseStrikemightthinksignificant.Shewasnowshiveringwithcoldandsotiredshecouldbarelythink.
Ithinkthat’severything,sorrythereisn’tmore.HopefullynowI’marealchurchmemberI’llstartseeingthebadstuff.SoundslikeagoodideatogetridofLittlejohnwhenyoucan.Robinx
Shefoldeduphernote,putitinsidethesaferockandreplacedtherockwhereshe’dfoundit.Then,withaheavyheart,shetoreStrike’snoteintotinypieces,andbegantomakeherwaybackthroughthetreestowardsthedistantfarm,strewingpiecesofthenoteintodifferentpatchesofnettlesasshewent.
However,shewassotiredshe’dlosthersenseofdirection.Soonshefoundherselfinadenseclumpoftreesshedefinitelydidn’tremembercomingthrough.Panicstartedtoriseinheragain.Finallysheforcedherwaybetweentwotrunkstangledwithcreepers,tookafewstepsacrossasmallclearingandthen,withashriekshecouldn’tprevent,felloversomethinghardandsharp.
‘Shit,’Robinmoaned,feelingforherlowerleg.She’dcutherself,thoughthankfullytherewasnotearinhertrousers.Gropingaround,shefoundthethingshe’dtrippedover:itappearedtobeabrokenstumporpostintheground.Shestoodup,andasshedidso,shesawbythemoonlightthattherewereseveralbrokenpostssetinaroughcircle.Theyweredefinitelymanmadeandlookedunnervinglyritualistic,setamidthesurroundingwilderness.RobinrememberedKevinPirbright’sstoryofbeingtiedtoatreeovernightaspunishmentwhenhewastwelve.Hadthereoncebeenpostshere,towhichanentiregroupofchildrencouldbetied?Ifso,theyappearedtobenolongerinuse,becausetheywererottingquietlyawayinthedepthsofthewood.
Nowlimpingslightly,Robinsetoffagainandatlonglast,withtheaidofafleetingspellofmoonlight,foundtheedgeofthewood.
Onlyasshewaswalkingbackacrossthedark,dampfieldtowardsthefarmdidsherememberthatshehadn’twrittenanoteforMurphy.Fartootiredandshakentogobacknow,shedecidedshe’dwritehimanapologynextweek.Fifteenminuteslater,shewasclimbingthefive-bargate.ShepassedthenowdarkandsilentRetreatRoomsand,withprofoundrelief,slippedbackinsidethedormitoryundetected.
PARTTHREE
Chien/ObstructionOBSTRUCTIONmeansdifficulty.Thedangerisahead.Toseethedangerandtoknowhowtostandstill,thatiswisdom.TheIChingorBookofChanges37
Throughresolutenessoneiscertaintoencountersomething.HencetherefollowsthehexagramofCOMINGTOMEET.
TheIChingorBookofChanges
IfthereceiptofRobin’sletterfromChapmanFarmdidn’thavequitethesameeffectonStrikeashishadonher,theabsenceofanoteforRyanMurphycheeredhimenormously,afactheconcealedfromDevShahwhenthelatterconfirmedthatthere’dbeenonlyoneletterinsidetheplasticrockwhenhe’dcheckedbeforedawn.
‘Well,goodtoknowshe’sOK,’wasStrike’sonlycomment,afterreadingRobin’smessageatthepartners’desk.‘Andthat’saprettybloodybigpieceofinformationshe’sgotalready.IfWillEdensor’sfatheredakidinthere,we’vegotapartialexplanationofwhyhe’snotleaving.’
‘Yeah,’saidDev.‘Fearofprosecution.Statutoryrape,isn’tit?GonnatellSirColin?’
Strikehesitated,frowningasherubbedhischin.
‘Ifthekid’sdefinitelyWill’she’llhavetoknoweventually,butI’drathergetabitmoreinformationfirst.’
‘Underageisunderage,’saidDev.
StrikehadneverseenShahlookthatuncompromisingbefore.
‘Iagree.ButI’mnotsureyoucanjudgewhatgoesonintherebynormalstandards.’
‘Fucknormalstandards,’saidDev.‘Keepyourdickinyourpantsaroundkids.’
Therewasashort,chargedsilence,followingwhichDevannouncedthatheneededtogetsomesleep,havingbeenupallnightinthecar,anddeparted.
‘What’supsethim?’enquiredPat,astheglassdoorclosedratherharderthannecessaryandStrikeemergedfromtheinnerofficewithanemptymuginhishand.
‘Sexwithunderagegirls,’saidStrike,movingtowardsthesinktowashupthemugbeforeheadingoutformoresurveillanceonBigfoot.‘NotDev,’headded.
‘Well,Iknewthat,’saidPat.
HowPatcouldknowthat,Strikedidn’task.DevwaseasilythemosthandsomesubcontractoremployedbytheagencyandStrikeknewfromexperiencethattheirofficemanager’ssympathiesweremostreadilyengagedbygood-lookingmen.Anassociationofideasledhimtosay,
‘Incidentally,ifRyanMurphycalls,tellhimthere’snonoteforhimfromRobinthisweek.’
SomethinginPat’ssharpglancemadeStrikesay,
‘Therewasn’toneintherock.’
‘Allright,I’mnotaccusingyouofburningit,’snappedPat,turningbacktohertyping.
‘Everythingallright?’askedStrike.WhilehedoubtedanyonehadevercomparedPattoarayofeternalsunshine,hecouldn’toffhandrememberherbeingthistetchywithoutprovocation.
‘Fine,’saidPat,e-cigarettewagglingasshescowledathermonitor.
Strikedecidedthepoliticcoursewastowashhismuginsilence.
‘Well,that’smeofftowatchBigfoot,’hesaid.Asheturnedtogethiscoat,hiseyefellonasmallpileofreceiptsonPat’sdesk.
‘ThoseLittlejohn’s?’
‘Yeah,’saidPat,herfingersmovingrapidlyoverthekeys.
‘MindifIhaveaquicklook?’
Heshuffledthroughthem.Therewasnothingunusualorextravagantinthere;indeed,ifanything,theywereonthesketchyside.
‘Whatd’youthinkofLittlejohn?’StrikeaskedPat,settingthereceiptsbackdownbesideher.
‘Whatd’youmean,whatdoIthinkofhim?’shesaid,glaringupathim.
‘ExactlywhatIsaid.’
‘He’sallright,’saidPat,afteramomentortwo.‘He’sfine.’
‘Robintoldmeyoudon’tlikehim.’
‘Ithoughthewasabitquietwhenhestarted,that’sall.’
‘Gotchattier,hashe?’saidStrike.
‘Yeah,’saidPat.‘Well–no–buthe’salwayspolite.’
‘You’venevernoticedhimdoinganythingodd?Behavingstrangely?Lyingaboutanything?’
‘No.Why’reyouaskingmethis?’saidPat.
‘Becauseifyouhad,youwouldn’tbetheonlyone,’saidStrike.Hewasnowintrigued:Pathadneverbeforeshowntheslightestinclinationtopullherpuncheswhenjudginganyone:client,employeeor,indeed,Strikehimself.
‘He’sfine.DoingthejobOK,isn’the?’
BeforeStrikecouldanswer,thephoneonPat’sdeskrang.
‘Oh,helloRyan,’shesaid,hertonefarwarmer.
Strikedecideditwastimetoleave,anddidso,closingtheglassdoorquietlybehindhim.
ThenextfewdaysyieldedlittleprogressintheUHCcase.TherewasnowordfromShankeronapossibleinterviewwithJordanReaney.CherieGittinsremainedunfindableoneverydatabaseStrikeconsulted.OfthewitnessestoCherieandDaiyu’searlymorningswim,thecaféownerwho’dseenCherietakingthechilddowntothebeachwhilecarryingtowelshaddiedfiveyearspreviously.He’dtriedtocontactMrandMrsHeaton,who’dseenthehystericalCherierunningupthebeachafterDaiyudisappearedbeneaththewaves,andwhowerestilllivingatanaddressinCromer,butnobodyeveransweredtheirlandline,nomatterwhattimeofdayStriketriedit.HetoyedwiththeideaofdrivingontoCromeraftervisitingGarvestoneHall,butastheagencywasalreadystretchedwithitscurrentcases,andhewasalreadyplanningtogodowntoCornwalllaterintheweek,hedecidedagainstsacrificinganotherfewhoursontheroadmerelytofindanunoccupiedhouse.
HisdrivetoNorfolkonasunnyTuesdaymorningwasuneventfuluntil,onaflat,straightstretchoftheA11,Midgecalledhimaboutthemostrecentlyacquiredcaseontheagency’sbooks,acaseofpresumedmaritalinfidelityinwhichthehusbandwantedthewifewatched.Theclienthadbeentakenonsorecentlythatnonicknamehadbeenassignedtoeitherclientortarget,althoughStrikeunderstoodwhoMidgewastalkingaboutwhenshesaidwithoutpreamble,
‘I’vecaughtMrsWhat’s-Her-Nameintheact.’
‘Already?’
‘Yeah.Gotpicturesofhercomingoutofthelover’sflatthismorning.Visitinghermother,myarse.MaybeIshould’vestrungitoutabit.We’renotgoingtomakemuchoutofthisone.’
‘Goodwordofmouth,though,’saidStrike.
‘ShallIgetPattonotifythenextonthewaitinglist?’
‘Let’sgiveitaweek,’saidStrike,afterasighthesitation.‘TheFrankjobneedstwicethemanpowernowweknowit’sbothofthem.Listen,Midge,whileI’vegotyou–isthereanythingupwithPatandLittlejohn?’
‘Whatd’youmean?’
‘Therehasn’tbeenaroworanything?’
‘NotthatIknowof.’
‘ShewasabitoddwhenIaskedherwhatshethoughtofhim,thismorning.’
‘Well,shedoesn’tlikehim,’saidMidge.‘Noneofusdo,’sheadded,withherusualcandour.
‘I’mputtingoutfeelersforareplacement,’saidStrike,whichwastrue:he’demailedseveralcontactsinboththepoliceandthearmyforpossiblecandidatesthepreviousevening.‘OK,goodworkonMrsThing.I’llseeyoutomorrow.’
Hedroveonthroughtherelentlesslyflatlandscape,whichwashavingitsusualloweringeffectonhismood.TheAylmertonCommunityhadforevertaintedNorfolkinhismind;hefoundnobeautyintheseemingimmensityoftheskypressingdownuponthelevelearth,norforitsoccasionalwindmillsandmarshywetlands.
Hissatnavguidedhimalongaseriesofnarrow,windingcountrylanes,untilhefinallysawhisfirstsignposttoGarvestone.Threehoursafterhe’dleftLondon,heenteredthetinyvillage,passingasquare-toweredchurch,schoolandvillagehallinrapidsuccessionandfindinghimselfouttheothersidebarelythreeminuteslater.AquarterofamilebeyondGarvestonehespottedawoodensigndirectinghimupatracktohisrighttothehall.Shortlythereafter,hewasdrivingthroughtheopengatestowardswhathadoncebeenhometotheStolenProphet.
38
Sixatthetop…Notlightbutdarkness.Firstheclimbeduptoheaven,Thenheplungedintothedepthsoftheearth.
TheIChingorBookofChanges
Thedrivewasborderedwithhighhedges,soStrikesawlittleofthesurroundinggardensuntilhereachedthegravelforecourtinfrontofthehall,whichwasanirregularbutimpressivebuildingofgrey-bluestone,withGothicwindowsandafrontdoorofsolidoakreachedbyaflightofstonesteps.Hepausedforafewsecondsafterleavingthecartotakeintheimmaculategreenlawns,thetopiarylionsandthewatergardenglimmeringinthedistance.Thenadoorcreakedandacroakybutpowerfulmalevoicesaid,
‘Hellothah!’
Anelderlymanhadcomeoutofthehouseandnowstoodleaningonamahoganystickatthetopofthestonestepstothefrontdoor.Hewaswearingashirtunderhistweedblazer,andtheblueandmaroonregimentaltieoftheGrenadierGuards.BesidehimstoodanimmenselyfatyellowLabrador,waggingitstailbutevidentlydecidingtowaitforthenewcomertoclimbthestepsratherthandescendtogreethim.
‘Can’tgetdownthedamnstepsanymorewithouthelp,sorry!’
‘Noproblem,’Strikesaid,thegravelcrunchingbeneathhisfeetasheapproachedthefrontdoor.‘ColonelGraves,Ipresume?’
‘Howd’yehdo?’saidGraves,shakinghands.Hehadathickwhitemoustacheandaslightoverbite,faintlyreminiscentofarabbitor,ifyouwerebeingunkind,ofthestandardimpersonationofanupper-classtwit.Theeyesblinkingbehindthelensesofhissteel-rimmedglassesweremilkywithcataracts,andalarge,flesh-colouredhearingaidprotrudedfromoneear.
‘Comein,comein–here,GungaDin,’headded.StriketookthelastexhortationtobeaninvitationtothefatLabradornowsniffingatthehemsofhistrousers,ratherthanhimself.
ColonelGravesshuffledalongaheadofStrikeintoalargehall,canethuddingloudlyonthedarkpolishedfloorboards,thepantingLabradorbringinguptherear.VictorianoilportraitsofwhatStrikedidn’tdoubtwereancestorslookeddownuponthetwomenandthedog.Theplacehadanaged,serenebeautyenhancedbythelightfloodingthroughalargeleadedwindowoverthestairs.
‘Beautifulhouse,’saidStrike.
‘M’grandfatherboughtit.Beerocracy.Brewery’slonggone,though.GravesStout,everheardofit?’
‘Afraidnot.’
‘Wentoutofbusinessin1953.Stillgotacoupleofbottlesinthecellar.Nastystuff.M’fathermadeusdrinkit.Foundationofthefamily’sfortuneandwhathaveyah.Hyarweare,’saidthecolonel,bynowpantingasloudlyashisdogashepushedopenadoor.
Theyenteredalargedrawingroomofhomelyupper-classcomfort,withdeepsofasandarmchairsoffadedchintz,moreleadedwindowslookingoutontothesplendidgardensandadog’sbedmadeoftweed,intowhichtheLabradorfloppedwithanairofhavinghadmorethanhisday’sworthofexercise.
Threepeopleweresittingaroundalowtableladenwithteathingsandwhatlookedlikeahome-bakedVictoriasponge.Inanarmchairsatanelderlywomanwiththinwhitehair,whowasdressedinnavyblueandpearls.HerhandsweretremblingsomuchthatStrikewonderedwhethershehadParkinson’sdisease.Acoupleintheirlatefortiesweresittingsidebysideonthesofa.Thebaldingman’sheavyeyebrowsandprominentRomannosegavehimthelookofaneagle.Histie,unlesshewaspretendingtobesomethinghewasn’t,whichStrikethoughtunlikelyinthiscontext,proclaimedthathe’doncebeenaRoyalMarine.Hiswife,whowasplumpandblonde,waswearingapinkcashmeresweaterandatweedskirt.Herbobbedhairwastiedbackinavelvetbow,astyleStrikehadn’tseensincetheeighties,whileherruddy,broken-veinedcheekssuggestedalifeledlargelyoutofdoors.
‘M’wife,Barbara,’saidColonelGraves,‘ourdaughter,Phillipa,andherhusband,Nicholas.’
‘Goodmorning,’saidStrike.
‘Hello,’saidMrsGraves.PhillipamerelynoddedatStrike,unsmiling.Nicholasmadenosoundorgestureofwelcome
‘Siddown,’saidthecolonel,gesturingStriketoanarmchairoppositethesofa.Hehimselfloweredhimselfslowlyintoahigh-backedchairwithagruntofrelief.
‘Howd’youtakeyourtea?’MrsGravesasked.
‘Strong,please.’
‘Goodman,’barkedthecolonel.‘Can’tstandweaktea.’
‘I’lldoit,Mummy,’saidPhillipa,andindeed,MrsGraves’handsweretremblingsomuch,Strikethoughtitadvisableshedidn’thandleboilingwater.
‘Cake?’theunsmilingPhillipaaskedhim,onceshe’dpassedhistea.
‘I’dlovesome,’saidStrike.Sodthediet.
Onceeveryonehadbeenserved,andPhillipahadsatdownagain,Strikesaid,
‘Well,I’mverygratefulforthischancetotalktoyou.Iunderstandthiscan’tbeeasy.’
‘We’vebeenassuredyou’renotasleazehound,’saidNicholas.
‘Goodtoknow,’saidStrikedrily.
‘Nooffence,’saidNicholas,thoughhismannerwasthatofamanwhodidn’tparticularlymindbeingoffensiveandmightevenprideherselfonit,‘butwethoughtitimportanttocheckyouout.’
‘Dowehaveyourassurancewe’renotgoingtobedraggedintothetabloids?’saidPhillipa.
‘Youdoseemtomakeahabitofpoppingupthere,’saidNicholas.
Strikecouldhavepointedoutthathe’dnevergiventhepressaninterview,thatmostofthejournalisticinteresthe’darousedhadbeenduetosolvingcriminalcases,andthatitwashardlywithinhiscontrolwhetherthepressbecameinterestedinhisinvestigation.Insteadhesaid,
‘Atthemoment,theriskofpressinterestisslighttonon-existent.’
‘Butyouthinkitmightallbedraggedup?’Phillipapressedhim.‘Becauseourchildrendon’tknowanythingaboutallthis.Theythinktheirunclediedofnaturalcauses.’
‘Itwassolongagonow,Pips,’saidMrsGraves.Strikethoughtsheseemedalittlenervousofherdaughterandson-in-law.‘It’sbeentwenty-threeyears.Alliewouldhavebeenfifty-twonow,’sheaddedquietly,tonobody.
‘Ifwecanstopanotherfamilygoingthroughwhatwedid,’saidColonelGravesloudly,‘we’llbedelighted.Onehasanobligation,’hesaid,withalookathisson-in-lawthat,inspiteofhiscloudyeyes,waspointed.TurningstifflyinhischairtoaddressStrikehesaid,‘Whatd’yehwanttoknow?’
‘Well,’saidStrike,‘I’dliketostartwithAlexander,ifthat’sallright.’
‘WealwayscalledhimAllie,inthefamily,’saidthecolonel.
‘Howdidhebecomeinterestedinthechurch?’
‘Longstory,’saidColonelGraves.‘Hewasill,yehsee–butwedidn’trealisef’ralongtime.Whatdidtheycallit?’heaskedhiswife,butitwashisdaughterwhoanswered.
‘Manicdepression,butthey’veprobablygotanotherfancywordforit,thesedays.’
Phillipa’stonesuggestedscepticismofthepsychiatricprofessionandallitsways.
‘Whenhewasyounger,’saidMrsGravestremulously,‘wejustthoughthewasnaughty.’
‘Problemsallthroughschool,’saidColonelGraves,noddingruminatively.‘ExpelledfromRugby,intheend.’
‘Whywasthat?’askedStrike.
‘Drugs,’saidColonelGravesgloomily.‘IwasstationedoutinGermanyatthetime.Webroughthimouttojoinus.PuthimintotheinternationalschooltodohisA-levels,buthedidn’tlikeit.Hugerows.Missedhisfriends.“Why’sPipsallowedtostayinEngland?”Isaid,“Pipshasn’tbeencaughtsmokingmarriage-huanainherdorm,that’swhy.”Iwashopin’,’saidthecolonel,‘bein’aroundthemilitary,y’know–mightshowhimanotherway.I’dalwayshoped…buttherey’are.’
‘HisgrannyvolunteeredtohaveAlliestaywithher,inKent,’saidMrsGraves.‘ShealwayslovedAllie.HewastofinishhisA-levelsatthelocalcollege,butnextthingweheard,he’dtakenorf.Grannywasoutofhermindwithworry.IflewbacktoEnglandtohelplookforhimandfoundhimstayingwithoneofhisoldschoolfriends,inLondon.’
‘TomBantling,’saidColonelGraves,noddinglugubriously.‘Bothof’emholedupinabasement,doin’drugsallday.Tomsortedhimselfoutintheend,mindyou,’headdedwithasigh.‘OBEnow…troublewas,y’see,bythetimeBabafoundhim,Alliehadturnedeighteen.Onecouldn’tmakehimcomehome,ordoanythinghedidn’twantto.’
‘Howwashesupportinghimself?’askedStrike.
‘Hehadsomemoneyhisothergrandmotherlefthim,’saidMrsGraves.‘Sheleftsometoyou,too,didn’tshe,darling?’sheaddedtoPhillipa.‘YouusedyourstobuyBugleBoy,didn’tyou?’
MrsGravesgesturedtowardsabow-frontedcabinetonwhichmanysilver-framedphotographsstood.Afterasecond’sconfusionStrikerealisedhisattentionwasbeingdirectedtooneofthelargestpictures,whichfeaturedastout,beamingteenagedPhillipainfullhuntinggarb,sittingontopofagiganticgreyhorse,presumablyBugleBoy,houndsmillingbehindthem.Herhair,whichwasdarkinthephotograph,wastiedbackinwhatlookedlikethesamevelvetbowshewaswearingtoday.
‘SoAlliehadenoughmoneytoliveonwithoutworking?’Strikesaid.
‘Yerse,untilheburnedthroughitall,’saidColonelGraves,‘whichhedidinabouttwelvemonths.Thenhesignedonforthewhatchamacallit–dole.Idecidedtoleaveth’army.Didn’twanttoleaveBabahyaronherown,tryin’tosorthimout.Itwasstartin’tobeobvioustherewassomethingverywrong.’
‘Hewasshowingdefinitesignsofmentalillnessbythen,washe?’
‘Yes,’saidMrsGraves,‘hewasgettingveryparanoidandstrange.Funnyideasaboutthegovernment.Buttheawfulthingis,onedidn’treallythinkofitasmentalillnessatthetime,becausehe’dalwaysbeenabit—’
‘ToldushewasgettingmessagesfromGod,’saidColonelGraves.‘Thoughtitwasthedrugs.Wethought,ifonlyhe’djuststopsmokingthatbloodymarriage-huana…hefelloutwithTomBantling,andafterthathestayedonotherpeople’ssofasuntiltheygotannoyedandkickedhimout.Triedtokeeptabsonhim,butsometimeswedidn’tknowwherehewas.’
‘Thenhegothimselfintoawfultrouble,inapub.Nickwaswithhim,weren’tyou?’MrsGravessaidtoherson-in-law.‘Theywereatschooltogether,’sheexplainedtoStrike.
‘Iwastryingtotalksenseintohim,’saidNicholas,‘whensomefellabumpedinterhim,an’helashedoutwithabeerglass.Cutthechap’sface.Stitches.Hewascharged.’
‘Quiteright,too,’barkedthecolonel.‘Couldn’targuewiththat.Wegothimalawyer,personalfriendofours,andDanversfixedupapsychiatrist.’
‘Allieonlyagreedbecausehewasterrifiedofprison,’saidMrsGraves.‘Thatwasarealfearofhis,beinglockedup.Ithinkthat’swhyheneverlikedboardingschool.’
Phillipagavetheslightestofeyerolls,unnoticedbyherparents,thoughnotbyStrike.
‘Sothepsychiatristfelladiagnosedthismanicwhat-have-you,’saidColonelGraves,‘andputhimonpills.’
‘AndhesaidAlliemustn’tsmokepotanymore,’saidMrsGraves.‘WegotAlliecleanedupforcourt,gothimahaircutandsoon,andhelookedmarvellousinhissuit.AndthejudgewasreallyveryniceandbasicallysaidhethoughtAlliewoulddobestwithcommunityservice.Andatthetime,’sighedMrsGraves,‘wethoughthimgettingarrestedwasablessingindisguise,didn’twe,Archie?Notthatwewantedsomepoorchaptobehurt,ofcourse.’
‘Andhecamebackheretolive,didhe?’Strikeasked.
‘’Sright,’saidColonelGraves.
‘Andhismentalstateimproved?’
‘Yes,itwasmuchbetter,’saidMrsGraves.‘Andyoulovedhavinghimhome,didn’tyou,Pips?’
‘Hm,’saidPhillipa.
‘Itwaslikehavinghimbacktohowhewaswhenhewasalittleboy,’saidMrsGraves.‘Hewasreallyawfullysweetandfunny…’
Tearsswaminhereyes.
‘’Pologise,’shewhispered,fumblinginhersleeveforahandkerchief.
ColonelGravesassumedthestolid,woodenexpressionoftheaverageupper-classEnglishmanwhenconfrontedwithashowofopenemotion.Nicholastookrefugeinsweepingcakecrumbsoffhisjeans.Phillipamerelystaredstonilyattheteapot.
‘WhatcommunityservicewasAlliegiven?’askedStrike.
‘Well,that’swhereshegotherclawsintohim,y’see,’saidColonelGravesheavily.‘Communityprojectfiftyminutesuptheroad,inAylmerton.Cleanin’uplitterandsoon.TherewereacoupleofpeopletherefromChapmanFarm,andshewasoneof’em.Mazu.’
Thenamechangedtheatmosphereintheroom.Thoughthesunshinecontinuedtofloodinthroughtheleadedwindows,itseemed,somehow,todarken.
‘Hedidn’ttellushe’dmetagelatfirst,’saidthecolonel.
‘ButhewasspendinglongerthanheneededtoinAylmerton,’saidMrsGraves.‘Cominghomeverylate.Wecouldsmellalcoholonhisbreathagain,andweknewhewasn’tsupposedtobedrinkingonhismedication.’
‘Sotherewasanotherrow,’saidColonelGraves,‘andheblurtedoutthathe’dmetsomeone,buthesaidheknewwewouldn’tlikeher,andthat’swhyhetookhertothepubinsteadofcomin’hyar.AndIsaid,“Watchatalkin’about,wewouldn’tlikeher?Howd’yehknow?Bringherovertomeetus.Bringherfortea!”Tryin’tomakehimhappy,y’know.Sohedid.Hebroughtherhyar…
‘He’dmadeitsoundasthoughMazuwasafarmer’sdaughter,beforehebroughthert’meetus.Nothin’wrongwiththat.ButIcouldtellshewasn’tafarmer’sdaughter,momentIlaideyesonher.’
‘We’dnevermetanyofhisgelfriendsbefore,’saidMrsGraves.‘Bitofashock.’
‘Whywasthat?’askedStrike.
‘Well,’saidMrsGraves,‘shewasveryyoungand—’
‘Filthy,’saidPhillipa.
‘—bitgrubby,’saidMrsGraves.‘Longblackhair.Skinny,withdirtyjeansandasortofsmock.’
‘Didn’ttalk,’saidColonelGraves.
‘Notaword,’saidMrsGraves.‘JustsatnexttoAllie,whereNickandPipsaresittingnow,clingingtohisarm.Wetriedtobenice,didn’twe?’shesaidplaintivelytoherhusband,‘Butshejuststaredatusthroughherhair.AndAlliecouldtellwedidn’tlikeher.’
‘Nobodycould’vebloodylikedher,’saidNicholas.
‘Youmethertoo?’askedStrike.
‘Metherlater,’saidNicholas.‘Mademybloodyfleshcrawl.’
‘Itwasn’tshyness,’saidMrsGraves.‘Icould’veunderstoodshyness,butthat’snotwhyshedidn’tsayanything.Onehadasense,ofreal…badness.AndAlliegotdefensive–didn’the,Archie?–“YouthinkIlikeherbecauseI’mmental.”Well,ofcoursewedidn’tthinkthat,butwecouldtellshewasencouragingthe–theunstablepartofhim.’
‘Itwasobviousshewasthestrongerpersonality,’saidColonelGraves,nodding.
‘Shecan’thavebeenmorethansixteen,andAlliewastwenty-threewhenhemether,’saidMrsGraves.‘It’sveryhardtoexplain.Fromtheoutside,itlooked…Imean,wethoughtshewastooyoungforhim,butAlliewas…’
Hervoicetrailedaway.
‘Bloodyhell,Gunga,’saidNicholasangrily.
Thestenchoftheolddog’sfarthadjustreachedStrike’snostrils.
‘Thehellareyoufeedinghim?’Phillipademandedofherparents.
‘Hehadsomeofourrabbitlastnight,’saidMrsGravesapologetically.
‘Youspoilhim,Mummy,’snappedPhillipa.‘You’retoosoftonhim.’
Strikehadthefeelingthisdisproportionateangerwasn’treallyaboutthedog.
‘WhendidAlliemovetothefarm?’heasked.
‘Quitesoonafterwehadthemoverfortea,’saidMrsGraves.
‘Andhewasstillonthedoleatthispoint?’
‘Yerse,’saidthecolonel,‘butthere’safamilytrust.He’dbeenabletoapplyforfundsfromit,sincehe’dturnedeighteen.’
Strikenowtookouthisnotebookandpen.Phillipa’sandNicholas’eyesfollowedthesemovementsclosely.
‘HestartedapplyingformoneythemomenthemovedinwithMazu,butthetrusteesweren’tgoingtogivehimmoneyjusttofritteraway,’saidthecolonel.‘ThenAllieturneduphereonedayoutofthebluetotellusMazuwaspregnant.’
‘Hesaidhewantedmoneytogetbabythings,andmakeMazucomfortable,’saidMrsGraves.
‘DaiyuwasborninMay1988,right?’askedStrike.
‘That’sright,’saidMrsGraves.Thetremorinherhandswasmakingeverysipoftearisky.‘Bornatthefarm.Allierangusup,andwedroveoverrightaway,toseethebaby.Mazuwaslyinginafilthybed,nursingDaiyu,andAlliewasverythinandjittery.’
‘Asbadashe’dbeenbeforehewasarrested,’saidColonelGraves.‘Orfhismedication.Toldushedidn’tneedit.’
‘We’dtakenpresentsforDaiyu,andMazudidn’teventhankus,’saidhiswife.‘Butwekeptvisiting.WewereworriedaboutAllie,andaboutthebaby,too,becausethelivingconditionswerequiteunsanitary.Daiyuwasverysweet,though.LookedjustlikeAllie.’
‘Spittin’image,’saidthecolonel.
‘Exceptdark,andAlliewasfair,’saidMrsGraves.
‘WouldyouhappentohaveapictureofAllie?’askedStrike.
‘Nick,couldyou—?’askedMrsGraves
NicholasreachedbehindhimandextractedaframedphotofrombehindtheoneofPhillipasittingonthelargegreyhorse.
‘That’sAllie’stwenty-second,’saidMrsGraves,asNicholaspassedthepictureovertheteathings.‘Whenhewasallright,before…’
Thepictureshowedagroup,atthecentreofwhichstoodayoungmanwithanarrowhead,blondhairandadistinctlyrabbityface,thoughhislopsidedgrinwasendearing.Hegreatlyresembledthecolonel.
‘Yes,Daiyuwasverylikehim,’saidStrike.
‘Howwouldyouknow?’saidPhillipacoldly.
‘Isawaphotoofherinanoldnewsreport,’Strikeexplained.
‘Ialwaysthoughtshewasjustlikehermother,personally,’saidPhillipa.
Strikewasscanningtherestofthegroupinthephotograph.Phillipawasthere,darkhairedandstockyasshewasinthehuntingphotograph,andbesideherstoodNick,hishairmilitaryshort,withhisrightarminasling.
‘Injuredonexercises?’StrikeaskedNicholas,passingthephotographback.
‘What?Oh,no.Justastupidaccident.’
NicholastookthephotographbackfromStrikeandreplaceditcarefully,hidingitagainbehindtheoneofhiswifeonhermagnificenthunter.
‘D’yourememberJonathanWacecomingtoliveatthefarm?’askedStrike.
‘Oh,yes,’saidMrsGraves,quietly.‘Wewerecompletelytakenin.Thoughthewasthebestthingabouttheplace,didn’twe,Archie?Andyoulikedhim,didn’tyou,Pips?’shesaidtimidly.‘Atfirst?’
‘HewaspoliterthanMazu,that’sall,’saidtheunsmilingPhillipa.
‘Fellaseemedintelligent,’saidColonelGraves.‘Onerealisedlateritwasallanact,buthewascharmin’whenyoufirstmethim.Talkedaboutthesustainablefarmingtheyweregoingtodo.Madeitsoundquiteworthy.’
‘Ilookedhimup,’saidNicholas.‘Hewasn’tlying.HehadbeentoHarrow.Biginthedramasociety,apparently.’
‘HetoldushewaskeepinganeyeonAllie,Mazuandthebaby,’saidMrsGraves.‘Makingsuretheywereallright.Wethoughthewasagoodthing,atthetime.’
‘Thenthereligiousstuffstartedcreepin’in,’saidColonelGraves.‘LecturesonEasternphilosophyandwhathaveyeh.Thoughtitwasharmlessatfirst.WewerefarmoreconcernedaboutAllie’smentalstate.Theletterstothetrusteeskeptcomin’,clearlydictatedbysomeoneelse.Passin’himselforfasapartnerinthefarmingbusiness,y’know.Balderdash,buthardtodisprove.Theygotafairbitoutofthetrust,onewayoranother.’
‘Everytimewevisitedthefarm,Alliewasworse,’saidMrsGraves,‘andwecouldtelltherewassomethingbetweenMazuandJonathan.’
‘OnlytimesheevercrackedasmilewaswhenWacewasaround,’saidColonelGraves.
‘Andshe’dstartedtreatingAllieawf’ly,’saidMrsGraves.‘Spiteful,y’know.“Stopbabbling.”“Stopmakingafoolofyourself.”’AndAlliewaschantingandfastingandwhateverelseJonathanwasmakinghimdo.’
‘WewantedAllietoseeanotherdoctor,buthesaidmedicineswerepoison,andhe’dbefineaslongaskepthisspiritpure,’saidColonelGraves.‘Then,oneday,Babavisited–youtwowerewithher,werencha?’
‘Yes,’saidPhillipastiffly.‘We’djustgotbackfromourhoneymoon.Wetookphotosoftheweddingwithus.Idon’tknowwhy.It’snotasthoughAlliewasinterested.Andtherewasarow.
‘Theyclaimedtobeoffendedwehadn’taskedDaiyutobeaflowergirl,’shesaid,withalittlelaugh.‘Suchnonsense.We’dsentAllieandMazuinvitations,butweknewtheywouldn’tcome.Jonathanwouldn’tletAllieleavethefarmbythen,excepttocollectmoneyonthestreet.TheflowergirlthingwasjustanexcusetowindAllieupandmakehimthinkweallhatedhimandhischild.’
‘Notthatwewantedherasaflowergirl,’saidNicholas.‘Shewas—’
Hiswifeshothimalookandhefellsilent.
‘Alliewasmakingnosenseatallthatday,’saidMrsGravesdesperately.‘IsaidtoMazu,“He’sgottoseesomeone.He’sgottoseeadoctor.”’
‘WacetoldusAlliejustneededtoclearhisego,andballslikethat,’saidNicholas.‘AndIbloodywelllethimhaveit.Toldhim,ifhewantedtolivelikeapigthatwashisbusiness,andifhewantedtospoutcrapatcredulousmoronswho’dpayforthepleasure,fine,butthefamilyhadbloodywellhadenoughofit.AndIsaidtoAllie,“Ifyoucan’tseethisforthebollocksitis,thenyou’reevenmoreofafoolthanIthoughtyouwere,youneedyourheadsortedout,nowgetinthebloodycar—”’
‘Buthewouldn’tcome,’saidMrsGraves,‘andthenMazusaidshewasgoingtotakeoutarestrainingorderagainstus.Shewaspleasedthere’dbeenarow.It’swhatshewanted.’
‘That’swhenwedecidedsomethin’hadtobedone,’saidColonelGraves.‘IhiredO’Connor,thedetectivechappieItoldyouaboutonth’phone.BriefwastodiginterMazuandWace’sbackgrounds,getsomethin’wecoulduseagainstthem.’
‘Didhegetanything?’askedStrike,hispenpoised.
‘Gotabitonthegel.FoundoutshewasbornatChapmanFarm.HethoughtshewasoneoftheCrowthers’children–yehknowaboutthatbusiness?Motherwasdead.She’dleftthegelatthefarmandgawnorftoworkasaprostituteinLondon.Drugoverdose.Pauper’sgrave.
‘Wacewasclearlyawastrel,butnocriminalconvictions.ParentswereinSouthAfrica.Hisfirstwife’sdeathseemedtohavebeenapureaccident.Sowethought:desperatetimescallfordesperatemeasures.WehadO’Connorwatchin’thefarm.WeknewAlliesometimeswentinterNorwichtocollectmoney.
‘Wegrabbedhimorfthestreet,me,m’brother-in-lawandNick,’ColonelGravescontinued.‘Bundledhimintothebackofthecaranddrovehimbackhyar.Hewasgoin’berserk.Wedraggedhiminside,intothisroom,andkepthimhereallafternoonandmostofthenight,tryin’totalksomesenseintohim.’
‘Hejustkeptchantingandtellingushehadtogobacktotemple,’saidMrsGraveshopelessly.
‘WecalledthelocalGP,’saidthecolonel.‘Hedidn’tcomeuntillatethenextday.Youngfella,newatthepractice.Momenthewalkedin,Alliepulledhimselftogetherenoughtosaywe’dkidnappedhimandwereforcin’himtostayhere.SaidhewantedtogobacktoChapmanFarmandbeggedthechaptogetthepolice.
‘Momentthedoctorleft,Alliestartedscreamin’andthrowingaroundfurniture–ifthatbloodyGPcould’veseenhimlikethat–andwhilehewaschuckingthingsaround,hisshirtcameuntuckedandwesawmarksonhisback.Bruisingandwelts.’
‘Isaidtohim,“Whathavetheydonetoyou,Allie?”’saidMrsGravestearfully,‘Buthewouldn’tanswer.’
‘Wegothimupstairsagain,intohisoldroom,’saidColonelGraves,‘andhelockedthedooronus.Iwasworriedhewasgoin’toclimboutofthewindowsoIwentoutontothelawntokeepwatch.Worriedhe’djump,y’see,tryin’togetbacktoChapmanFarm.Iwasthereallnight.
‘Earlynextmornin’,twopoliceofficerscameround.TippedorfbytheGPwewereholdin’amanagainsthiswill.Weexplainedwhatwasgoin’on.Wewantedemergencyservicesouttoseehim.Thepolicesaidtheyneededtomeethimfirst,soIwentupstairstogethim.Knocked.Noanswer.Gotworried.NickandIbrokedownthedoor.’
ColonelGravesswallowed,thensaidquietly,
‘Hewasdead.Hangedhimselfwithabelt,orfahookonthebackofthedoor.’
Therewasabriefsilence,brokenonlybythefatLabrador’ssnores.
‘I’msorry,’saidStrike.‘Appallingforyouall.’
MrsGraves,whowasnowwipinghereyeswithalacehandkerchief,whispered,
‘Excuseme.’
Shegottoherfeetandshuffledoutoftheroom.Lookingcross,Phillipafollowed.
‘Onelooksback,’saidtheoldmanquietly,oncehisdaughterhadclosedthedoorbehindher,‘andthinks“Whatcouldwe’vedonediff’rently?”IfIhadtodoitallagain,IthinkI’dstill’veforcedhimintothatcar,butdrivenhimstraighttoahospital.Gothimsectioned.Buthewasterrifiedofbeinglockedup.Ithoughthe’dneverforgiveus.’
‘Anditmighthaveendedthesameway,’saidStrike.
‘Yerse,’saidColonelGraves,lookingdirectlyatthedetective.‘I’vethoughtthatsince,too.Outofhismind.Weweretoolate,bythetimewegotholdofhim.Should’veactedyearsbefore.’
‘Therewasapost-mortem,Itakeit?’
ColonelGravesnodded.
‘Nosurprisesoncauseofdeath,butwewantedaprofessionalviewonthemarksonhisback.Thepolicewenttoth’farm.WaceandMazuclaimedhe’ddoneittohimself,andotherchurchmembersbackedthemup.’
‘Theyclaimedhewhippedhimself?’
‘Saidhefeltsinfulandwasmortifyin’hisownflesh…couldn’tpourmeanothercupoftea,couldja,Nick?’
StrikewatchedNicholasfiddlingwiththehotwaterandtea-strainerandwonderedwhysomepeopleresistedteabags.Oncethecolonelwasprovidedwitharefilledcup,Strikeasked,
‘CanyourememberthenamesofthesepeoplewhosawAlliewhippinghimself?’
‘Notanymore.Loadofshysters.Coroner’sreportwasinconclusive.TheythoughtitwaspossibleAllie’ddoneittohimself.Hardt’getpasteyewitnesses.’
Strikemadeanote,thensaid,
‘I’veheardAlliemadeawill.’
‘RightafterDaiyuwasborn,’saidColonelGraves,nodding.‘TheyusedasolicitorinNorwich,notthefirmth’family’salwaysused.’
Theoldmanglancedatthedoorthroughwhichhiswifeanddaughterhaddisappeared,thensaidinalowervoice,
‘Init,Alliestipulatedthat,ifhedied,hewantedtobeburiedatChapmanFarm.MademethinkMazualreadyexpectedhimtodieyoung.Wantedcontrolofhim,evenindeath.Damn’nearbrokem’wife’sheart.Theyshutusoutofthefuneral.Didn’teventelluswhenitwashappenin’.Nogoodbye,nothin’.’
‘AndhowwasAllie’sestateleft?’
‘Everythin’wenttoDaiyu,’saidColonelGraves.
‘Therewasn’tmuchtoleave,presumably,ashe’dgotthroughhisinheritance?’
‘Well,no,’saidColonelGraveswithasigh,‘asamatteroffact,hehadsomestocksandshares,rathervaluableones,lefttohimbym’uncle,whonevermarried.Alliewasnamedafterhim,sohe,ah–’ColonelGravesglancedatNicholas‘–yerse,well,heleftitalltoAllie.WethinkAllieeitherforgothehadtheshares,orwastoounwelltoknowhowtoturnthemintocash.Weweren’tinanyhurrytoremindhimaboutthem.Notthatwewerestintin’Mazuandthebaby!Thefamilytrustwasalwaysthereforanythin’thechildneeded.Butyerse,Alliehadalotofinvestmentshehadn’ttouched,andtheyweresteadilyaccruin’invalue.’
‘CanIaskwhattheywereworth?’
‘Quarterofamillion,’saidColonelGraves.‘ThosewentstraighttoDaiyuwhenAlliedied–andshewasalsoinlinetoinheritthisplace,’saidColonelGraves.
‘Really?’
‘Yerse,’saidColonelGraves,withahollowlaugh.‘Noneofussawthatcomin’.LawyerswantedtogothrougheverythingafterAlliedied,andtheydugouttheentail.I’mcertainm’grandfathermeantthehousewast’gototheeldestsonineverygeneration.That’swhatwasusualatthetime,y’know–theplacehascomedownfromm’grandfathertom’fatherandthentome–nobodyhadcheckedthepaperworkindecades,neverneededto.ButwhenAlliedied,wedugthepapersout,andblowmedown,itsaid“eldestchild”.’Course,overgenerations,thefirstchildhadalwaysbeenason.Maybem’grandfatherdidn’timagineagelcomingfirst.’
ThesittingroomdooropenedandMrsGravesandPhillipareturnedtotheroom.PhillipaassistedhermothertoresumeherseatwhileStrikewasstillwritingdownthedetailsofDaiyu’sconsiderableinheritance.
‘IunderstandyoutriedtogetcustodyofDaiyu,afterAlliedied?’heasked,lookingupagain.
‘’S’right,’saidColonelGraves.‘Mazuwasrefusin’toletusseeher.ThenshemarriedWace.Well,IwasdamnedifAllie’sdaughterwasgoin’togrowuptheretobewhippedandabusedandalltherestofit.So,weinitiatedcustodyproceedin’s.WegotO’Connorbackonthecaseandhetrackeddownacoupleofpeoplewho’dbeenformeditationsessionsatthefarm,whosaidthechildrenatthefarmwerebein’neglected,underweightandrunnin’roundininadequateclothin’,noschoolin’andsoon.’
‘IsthiswhenMazustartedclaimingWacewasDaiyu’srealfather?’saidStrike.
‘Knowthatalready,doyeh?’saidthecolonelapprovingly.‘Huh.TrustaRedCap.Trustth’army!’hesaid,withasmirkathisson-in-law,wholookedostentatiouslybored.‘Yerse,theystartedclaimingshehadn’tbeenAllie’schildatall.Ifwegotherback,theylostcontrolofthoseshares,y’see?Sowethought,“Fine,let’sprovewhothefatherwas,”andpressedforaDNAsample.Wewerestilltryin’togettheDNAwhenthecallcamethrough.ItwasMazu.Shesaid,“She’sdead.”’ColonelGravesmimedputtingdownaninvisibletelephonereceiver.‘Click…Wethoughtshewasbeingmalicious.Thoughtmaybeshe’dtakenDaiyusomewhereandhiddenher–playin’agame,d’yehsee?Butnextdaywesawitinthenewspapers.Drowned.Nobody.Justsweptouttosea.’
‘Didyouattendtheinquest?’askedStrike.
‘Damnrightwedid,’saidColonelGravesloudly.‘Theycouldn’tstopusgoin’tothecoroner’scourt.’
‘Wereyouthereforthewholething?’
‘Allofit,’saidColonelGraves,nodding.‘Allofthemarrivin’towatch,intheirrobesandwhathaveyou.WaceandMazuturnedupinabrand-newMercedes.Coronerwasconcernedaboutthelackofabody.Shewouldbe,ofcourse.Hardlyusual.Itwasthecoroner’sneckontheblockifshegotitwrong.Butthecoastguardconfirmedthey’dhadastrongriptidearoundthereforafewdays.
‘Theybroughtinanexpertwitnesschap,searchandrescuetype,whosaidbodiescansinkincoldwaterandnotcomeupforalongtime,orgetcaughtupinsomethin’ontheseabed.Yehcouldseethecoronerwasrelieved.Madeitallniceandeasy.Andwitnesseshadseenthegel,Cherie,takin’herdownontothebeach.Theretardedboy—’
‘It’s“learningdisability”thesedays,Archie,’saidNicholas,whoseemedtoenjoycorrectinghisfather-in-law,afterhiscrackaboutthearmy’ssuperioritytothenavy.‘Can’tsaythingslikethat.’
‘Comest’thesamething,doesn’tit?’saidColonelGravesirritably.
‘You’reluckyyoudon’thavetodealwiththebloodyeducationsystemanymore,’saidNicholas.‘You’dbeinalotoftroublethereforcallin’aspadeaspade.’
‘WasthewitnesscalledPaulDraper?’askedStrike.
‘Can’trememberthename.Shortboy.Vacantlook.Seemedscared.Thoughthewasintrouble,y’know,becausehe’dseenthegelCheriedrivin’Daiyuoutofthefarm.’
‘Thepeoplewhosawthevanleavingthefarmdidgetintrouble,’saidStrike.‘Theywerepunishedfornotstoppingit.’
‘Well,that’llallhavebeenpartoftheWaces’act,won’tit?’saidthecolonel,frowningatStrike.‘Probablytoldthegeltomakesurepeoplesawthemleavin’,sotheycouldgivethewitnesseshellafterwards.Pretendtheyweren’tbehindit.’
‘YouthinktheWacesorderedCherietodrownher?’
‘Oh,yerse,’saidtheoldsoldier.‘Yerse,Ido.Shewasworthaquarterofamillion,dead.Andtheydidn’tgiveuphopeofgettin’theirhandsonthishouse,either,untilwe’dspentmoremoneyonlawyerstoshake’emorf.’
‘TellmeaboutCherie,’saidStrike.
‘Feather-brained,’saidColonelGravesatonce.‘Blubbedalotinthewitnessbox.Guiltyconscience.Clearasday.Idon’tsaythegelackshlypushedDaiyuunder.Justtookherthereinthedark,wheretheyknewtherewasastrongcurrent,andletnaturetakeitscourse.Wouldn’tbedifficult.Whyweretheyswimmin’atall,thattimeinthemornin’?’
‘DidyoubyanychanceputO’ConnorontoCherieGittins?’
‘Ohyerse.Hetrackedherdowntoacousin’shouseinDulwich.“CherieGittins”wasn’therrealname–shewasarunaway.RealnamewasCarineMakepeace.’
‘That,’saidStrike,makinganothernote,‘isextremelyusefulinformation.’
‘Goin’t’findher?’saidthecolonel.
‘IfIcan,’saidStrike.
‘Good,’saidColonelGraves.‘ShegotthewindupwhenO’Connorapproachedher.Tookoffnextdayandhewasn’tabletofindheragain–butshe’stheonewhoreallyknowswhathappened.She’sthekey.’
‘Well,’saidStrike,lookingoverhisnotes,‘Ithinkthat’severythingIhadtoask.I’mverygratefulforyourtime.Thishasbeenextremelyhelpful.’
‘I’llseeyouout,’saidPhillipa,gettingunexpectedlytoherfeet.
‘G’bye,’saidthecolonel,holdingouthishandtoStrike.‘Keepuspostedifyouturnupanythin’,what?’
‘Iwill,’Strikeassuredhim.‘Thanksverymuchfortheteaandcake,MrsGraves.’
‘Idohopeyoufindsomething,’saidAllie’smotherearnestly.
TheelderlyLabradorwokeupatthesoundoffootstepsandlollopedafterStrikeandPhillipaastheylefttheroom.Thelattermaintainedhersilenceuntilthey’ddescendedthestepsontothegravelforecourt.Thedogwaddledpastthemuntilhereachedanimmaculatestretchoflawn,uponwhichhecrouchedandsetaboutproducingaturdremarkableforitssize.
‘Iwanttosaysomethingtoyou,’saidPhillipa.
Striketurnedtolookather.WearingthesamekindofflatpumpsfavouredbythelatePrincessDiana,Phillipawasafulleightinchesshorterthanhewas,andhadtothrowherheadbacktolookathimwithherchillyblueeyes.
‘Nothinggood,’saidPhillipaGraves,‘cancomeofyoudiggingaroundintoDaiyu’sdeath.Nothing.’
Strikehadmetotherpeopleduringhisdetectivecareerwho’dexpressedsimilarsentiments,buthe’dnevermanagedtomusteranysympathyforthem.Truth,toStrike,wassacrosanct.Justicewastheonlyothervalueheheldashigh.
‘Whatmakesyousaythat?’heasked,aspolitelyashecouldmanage.
‘Obviously,theWacesdidit,’saidPhillipa.‘Weknowthat.We’vealwaysknownit.’
Helookeddownather,asbaffledashe’dhavebeenonmeetinganentirelynewspecies.
‘Andyoudon’twanttoseethemincourt?’
‘No,’saidPhillipadefiantly.‘Isimplydon’tcare.AllIwantistoforgetaboutthewholebloodything.Mywholechildhood–mywholelife,beforehekilledhimself–wasAllie,Allie,Allie.Allie’snaughty,Allie’sill,where’sAllie,whatshallwedoaboutAllie,Allie’shadababy,whatshallwedoaboutAllie’sbaby,let’sthrowmoremoneyathim,nowit’sAllieandDaiyu,youwillinvitethemtoyourwedding,won’tyou,darling,poorAllie,crazyAllie,deadAllie.’
Strikewouldn’thavebeensurprisedtolearnitwasthefirsttimePhillipaGraveshadeversaidthesethings.Herfacehadturnedredandshewasshakingslightly,notlikehermother,butbecauseeverymusclewasknottedwithrage.
‘Andnosoonerhashegonethanit’sDaiyu,Daiyu,Daiyu.Theyhardlynoticedmyfirstchildbeingborn,itwasstillAllie,allAllie–andDaiyuwasahorriblechild.We’renotsupposedtosayit,NickandI,ohno,Iwassupposedtostandaside,alloveragain,forthatvilewoman’schild,andpretendIlovedherandwantedhertocomehere,toourfamilyhome,andinheritit.Youthinkyou’regoingtobedoingsomethingwonderful,don’tyou,provingtheydidit?Well,I’lltellyouwhatthatwillachieve.Allie,Allie,Allieforthefamily,alloveragain,massesofpublicity,mychildrenaskedatschoolallabouttheirmurderedcousinandtheirunclethesuicide–TheStolenProphetandtheDrownedProphet,Iknowwhattheycallthem–it’llbebooks,probably,ifyouprovetheydrownedher,notjustthenewspapers–andmychildrenwillhavetohaveAlliehangingoverthemforever,too.Andyouthink,ifyouprovetheykilledher,it’llstopthatdamnedchurch?Ofcourseitwon’t.TheUHCisn’tgoinganywhere,whateveryoumightthink.SoidiotswanttogothereandbewhippedbytheWaces–well,it’stheirchoice,isn’tit?Whoareyouactuallyhelping?’
ThefrontdoorofGarvestoneHallopenedagain.Nickwalkedslowlydownontothegravel,frowningslightly.Hewasafit-lookingman,Strikesawnow:almostastallasthedetective.
‘Ev’rythin’allright,Pips?’
Phillipaturnedtoherhusband.
‘I’mjusttellinghim,’shesaidfuriously,‘howwefeel.’
‘Youagreewithyourwife,doyou,Mr–sorry,Idon’tknowyoursurname,’saidStrike.
‘Delaunay,’saidNicholascoldly,placingahandonhiswife’sshoulder.‘Yes,Ido.Thepotentialrepercussionstoourfamilycouldbesevere.Andafterall,’hesaid,‘therenobringingDaiyuback,isthere?’
‘Onthecontrary,’saidStrike.‘Myinformationis,thechurchbringsherbackregularly.Well,thanksforyourtime.’
Heheardtheslamoftheoakfrontdooroverthesoundofhisstartingengine.TheLabrador,forgottenonthelawn,watchedStrikereversethecarthenpullaway,itstailstillvaguelywagging.
39
Sixinthefourthplacemeans:Thefinestclothesturntorags.Becarefulalldaylong.
TheIChingorBookofChanges
Robin’sfirstfivedaysasafullycommittedmemberoftheUniversalHumanitarianChurchhadbroughtacoupleofchallenges.
Thefirstwastryingtodisguisethedirtystateofhertracksuitonthemorningafterhertripintothewoods.Bygoodfortune,shewassentwithafewotherstocollecteggsbeforethesunroseandwasabletofakeaslipandfallinthechickencoop,whichjustifiedthestains.Acoupleofeagle-eyedchurchmembersaskedheroverbreakfastaboutthenettlestingsonherneckandcheek,andshe’dtoldthemshethoughtshemightbeallergictosomething.Theunsympatheticresponsewasthatillsofthematerialbodyreflectedthestateofthespiritwithin.
Shortlyafterbreakfastthatday,JonathanWaceleftthepremises,takingwithhimseveralpeople,includingDannyBrockles.AllchurchPrincipalsotherthanMazuandTaioalsodeparted.ThechurchmembersstayingbehindgatheredinthecarparktobidPapaJfarewell.WacedroveawayinasilverMercedes,whilethoseaccompanyinghimfollowedinatrailoflessercars,thecrowdbehindthemcheeringandapplauding.
Thatafternoon,twominibusesbroughtchurchmemberswho’dbeenrelocatedfromtheBirminghamandGlasgowcentres.
Robinwasinterestedinthesenewarrivals,becauseKevinPirbrighthadsaidchurchmembersinneedofre-indoctrinationweresentbacktoChapmanFarm.Rebelliousordissatisfiedpeoplewouldsurelybeinclinedtotalkmorefreelyaboutthechurch,soRobinintendedtokeepaneyeonthemwithaviewtoinveiglingthemintoconversation.
ThenewcomerwhointerestedRobinmostwasthesecondshaven-headedpersonshe’dseenatChapmanFarm:asallow-skinned,virtuallybaldyoungwomanwhohadverythickeyebrows.ShelookedgrumpyandseemeddisinclinedtoreturngreetingsfrompeopleatChapmanFarm,towhomsheseemedafamiliarfigure.Unfortunately,theshaven-headedwomanandtheotherrelocatedchurchmemberswereimmediatelyassignedlow-statusjobssuchaslaundryandlivestockcare,whereasRobinwasnowbeingfast-trackedthroughincreasinglydemandinglecturesonchurchdoctrine.
TuesdayafternoonbroughtthesecondseriouschallengeRobinhadfaced,whichmadeherrealiseherpreparationforgoingundercoverhadn’tbeenquiteascompleteasshe’dthought.
Allnewmemberswerecollectedtogetherandtakenoncemoreintothebasementroomthatranbeneaththefarmhouse.Robinhadstartedtodreadthisroom,becauseshe’dcometoassociateitwithhoursofparticularlyintenseindoctrination.Thesesessionsalwaysseemedtohappeninthelateafternoon,whenenergylevelswerelowestandhungeratitspeak,andthewindowlessroombecameclaustrophobicandhot.Agreeingwithanypropositionputtothemwastheeasiestwayformemberstospeedreleasefromthehardfloorandtheinsistentvoiceofwhoeverwaslecturingthem.
ThisafternoonitwastheperenniallycheerfulBeccawhostoodwaitingforthemonthestageinfrontofthelargescreen,whichwascurrentlyblank.
‘Ithankyouforyourservice,’Beccasaid,puttingherhandstogetherandbowing.
‘AndIforyours,’chorusedtheseatedchurchmembers,alsobowing.
Ayoungmanthenstartedhandingoutpensandpaper,whichwasamostunusualoccurrence.Thesebasicmeansofself-expressionwereruthlesslycontrolledatChapmanFarm,evendowntothepencilstiedfirmlytothejournals.Thepenswerenumbered,asthey’dbeenontheminibus.
‘Thisafternoon,you’llbetakinganimportantstepinfreeingyourselvesfrommaterialistpossession,’saidBecca.‘Mostofyouwillhavesomebodybackinthematerialistworldwho’llbeexpectingcommunicationfromyouatthistime.’
ThescreenbehindBeccanowlitup,showingprintedwords.
KeyComponentsofMaterialistPossession.?Assumedownershipbasedonbiology.?Abuse(physical,emotional,spiritual).?Angeratactions/beliefsthatchallengematerialism.?Attemptstodisruptspiritualdevelopment.?Coerciondisguisedasconcern.?Demandforemotionalservice/labour.?Desiretodirectyourlife’scourse.
‘Iwanteachofyounowtothinkofthepersonorpeoplewhomoststronglydemonstratethesevenkeysignsofmaterialistpossessiontowardsyou.Agoodmeasureistoaskyourselfwho’llbeangriestthatyou’vededicatedyourselftotheUniversalHumanitarianChurch.
‘Vivienne,’saidBecca,pointingatthegirlwiththespikyblackhair,whoalwaysdeterminedlytriedtosoundlessmiddleclassthanshereallywas.‘Whodemonstratesthekeysignsmoststronglyinyourlife?’
‘Mymuvverandstepfather,definitely,’saidVivienneatonce.‘Allsevenpoints.’
‘Walter?’saidBecca,pointingathim
‘Myson,’saidWalterpromptly.‘Mostofthosepointswouldapply.Mydaughterwouldbefarmoreunderstanding.’
‘Marion?’saidBecca,pointingtotheginger-hairedmiddle-agedwomanwhoalwaysbecamepinkandbreathlessatthemerementionofJonathanWace,andwhoserootswereslowlyturningsilver.
‘Isuppose…mydaughters,’saidMarion.
‘Materialistbondsarehardtosever,’saidBecca,nowwalkingupanddownonstageinherlongorangerobesandwearinghertight,coldsmile,‘butthey’rethetiesthatbindyouclosesttothebubbleworld.It’simpossibletobecomepurespirituntilyou’vedissolvedtheseconnectionsandridyourselfofthecravingsofthefalseself.’
TheimageonthescreenbehindBeccachangedtoshowascribbledletter.Allnameshadbeenblackedout.
‘Thisisanexampleofacaseofextremematerialistpossession,whichwassenttooneofourmembersbyasupposedlylovingfamilymember,afewyearsago.’
Therewassilenceintheroomasthegroupreadthewordsonscreen.
███████████Wegotyourletterthesameday.██████wasadmittedtohospitalwithamassivestroke,broughtonbythestressshe’sbeenunderfollowing██████’sdeath,andbytotallyavoidableworryaboutyou.Giventheimportantworkyou’redoingsavingtheworldfromSatan,youprobablydon’tgiveashitwhether██████livesordies,butIthoughtI’djustletyouknowtheconsequencesofyouractions.Asforscrewinganymoremoneyoutof██████,unfortunatelyforyouI’venowgotPowerofAttorney,soconsiderthisletteraninvitationforyouandtheUHCtogofuckyourselves.███████████
‘It’sallinthere,isn’tit?’saidBecca,lookingupatthescreen.‘Emotionalblackmail,materialistobsessionwithmoney,sneeringatourmission,butmostimportantly,duplicity.Theelderlyfamilymemberinquestionhadn’tsufferedastrokeatallandthewriteroftheletterwasfoundtobeembezzlingmoneyoutoftheiraccount.’
Amingledgroanandsighissuedfrommostofthepeoplesittingonthehard,rush-coveredfloor.Someshooktheirheads.
‘Iwantyoutothinknowofthepersonorpeoplewhoaremostlikelytotrythesekindsoftacticsonyou.You’regoingtowritethemacalm,compassionateletterclearlysettingoutwhyyou’vedecidedtojointhechurch.Here,’saidBecca,astheimageonthescreenchangedagain,‘aresomeofthephraseswefindmosteffectiveinexplainingthespiritualjourneyyou’vebeguninwaysthatmaterialistscangrasp.However,youshouldfeelfreetowritetheletterinanywaythatfeelsauthentictoyou.’
PanicnowroseinRobin.Whothehellwasshetosendaletterto?ShewasafraidtheUHCmightcheck,tomakesurebothaddresseeandaddressweregenuine.Therecruitshadn’tbeengivenenvelopes:clearly,theletterswouldbereadbeforebeingsent.Rowena’sfictionalparentswerethemostobviousrecipientsfortheletter,buttheirnon-existencewouldsurelybeexposedinstantlyoncesheputdownatraceableaddress.
‘CanIhelp?’saidaquietvoicebesideRobin.
BeccahadnoticedthatRobinwasn’twritingandhadsteppedthroughthepeoplesittingonthefloortotalktoher.
‘Well,I’dliketowritetomyparents,’saidRobin,‘butthey’reonacruise.Ican’tevenrememberthenameoftheirship.’
‘Oh,Isee,’saidBecca.‘Well,you’vegotasister,haven’tyou?Whydon’tyouwritetoyourparents,viaher?’
‘Oh,that’sagoodidea,’saidRobin,whocouldfeelsweatrisingbeneathhersweatshirt.‘Thanks.’
Robinbentherheadovertheletter,wroteDearTheresa,thenlookedbackupatthescreen,pretendingtobelookingforphrasestocopydown,butactuallytryingtothinkofasolutiontoherdilemma.She’dunthinkinglygivenTheresaajobinpublishingandnowwishedshe’dmadeherastudent,becauseahallofresidencemighthavebeenhardertocheckforherpresence.HopingtomakeitashardaspossiblefortheUHCtodecidedefinitivelythatTheresadidn’texist,Robinwrote:
Ican’trememberwhenyousaidyouweremoving,buthopefully–
Robinthoughtrapidly.Anicknameseemedsafest,becauseitcouldapplytoanyonewhomightbeactuallylivingattherandomaddressshewasabouttowritedown.HereyesfellonthebackofWaltertheprofessor’sbaldinghead.
–Baldywillsendthisonifyou’vealreadyleft.
Robinlookedbackupatthescreen.Mostofatemplateletterwasthere,readytobecopied.
LetterofDeclarationofUHCMembership
DearX,[Asyouknow]I’vejustcompletedaweek’sretreatattheUniversalHumanitarianChurch.I’ve[reallyenjoyedit/founditveryinspiring/gainedahugeamount]soI’vedecidedtostayonand[pursuemyspiritualgrowth/explorefurtherself-development/helpwiththechurch’scharitableprojects].
Robindutifullycopiedoutaversionofthisparagraph,thenmovedtothesecond.
ChapmanFarmisaclosedcommunityandwedon’tuseelectronicdevicesbecausewefindthemdisruptivetoameditativespiritualenvironment.However,lettersarepassedontomembers,soifyou’dliketo,writetomehereatChapmanFarm,Lion’sMouth,Aylmerton,Norfolk,NR118PC.
Robincopiedthisout,thenlookeduponcemore.Therewereafewfinalbitsofadviceabouttheletters’contents,andhowtoterminatethem.
Donotusephraseslike‘don’tworryaboutme’,whichmaylayyouopentoemotionalblackmail.Whensigningoff,avoidpetfamilialtermssuchas‘mum’or‘granny’,andtermssuchas‘love’.Useyourgivenname,nodiminutivesornicknames,whichdemonstratecontinuingacceptanceofmaterialistpossession.Writetheaddresstosendthelettertoonthebackofthepage.
Robinnowwrote:
PleasecanyouletourparentsknowI’mstaying,becauseIknowthey’reontheircruise.It’sgreattohaveasenseofpurposeagainandI’mlearningsomuch.Rowena.
Turningthepageover,shejotteddownastreetsheknewfromsurveillanceworkexistedinClapham,pickedahousenumberatrandom,theninventedapostcodeofwhichonlySW11waslikelytobeaccurate.
Lookingup,shesawthatmostpeoplehadfinishedwriting.Puttingupherhand,shepassedherfinishedlettertothesmilingBeccaandwaitedforeverybodyelsetocompletethetask.Finally,whenallletters,paperandpenshadbeencollectedin,theywerepermittedtoriseandfilebackupstairs.
AsRobinsteppedoutintothecourtyard,shesawDrAndyZhouhurryingtowardsthefarmhouse’scarveddoubledoors,carryingwhatlookedlikeamedicalcase.Hehadanabstracted,anxiousairthatcontrastedstronglywithhisusualsuavity.Asthosewho’dbeenwritingtheirtemplateletterscrowdedaroundthepooloftheDrownedProphettopaytheirusualrespectsonpassing,Robinhungback,watchingZhou.ThedoorstothefarmhouseopenedandshecaughtaglimpseofanelderlyIndianwoman.Zhousteppedoverthethresholdandvanishedfromsight,thedoorsclosingbehindhim.Robin,whowaslivingindailyexpectationofhearingthatthepregnantWanhadgoneintolabour,wonderedwhetherthatexplainedZhou’shaste.
‘TheDrownedProphetwillblessallwhoworshipher,’shemutteredwhenherturnatthepoolsidecame,dabbingcoldwateronherforeheadasusual,beforefallingintostepwithKyle,AmandeepandVivienne.Viviennewassaying,
‘…probablybereallyangry,likeIgiveatoss.Seriously,theycouldbothbeinatextbookunder“falseself”.It’sonlysinceI’vebeenin’ereI’ve,like,startedtofullyprocesswhatthey’vedonetome,y’know?’
‘Totally,’saidKyle.
Theletterwritersweresomeoftheearliesttoarriveinthedininghallandconsequentlyhadachoiceofseats.Robin,whosaweverymealasanopportunitytocollectinformation,becauseitwastheonetimeallchurchmembersmingled,chosetositdownbesideaknotofchurchmembershavingawhisperedconversation.Theyweresodeeplyengrossed,theydidn’timmediatelynoticewhenRobinsatdownbesidethem.
‘…saysJacob’sreallybad,butIthinkDrZhou—’
Thespeaker,ayoungblackmanwithshortdreadlocks,brokeoff.ToRobin’sexasperation,Amandeep,KyleandViviennehadfollowedhertothetable.Thelast’sloudvoicehadalertedthewhispererstotheirpresence.
‘—thentheycangoto’ell,frankly,’Viviennewassaying.
‘Wedon’tusethatexpression,’saidthemanwithdreadlockssharplytoVivienne,whoturnedpink.
‘Sorry,Ididn’tmean—’
‘Wedon’twishhellonanyone,’saidtheyoungman.‘UHCmembersdon’twanttoswelltheAdversary’sranks.’
‘No,ofcoursenot,’saidVivienne,nowscarlet.‘I’mreallysorry.Actually,Ineedthebathroom…’
Barelyaminutelater,theshaven-headed,grumpy-lookingyoungwomanwho’dbeenrecentlyrelocatedfromanotherUHCcentreenteredtherapidlyfillinghall.Afterglancingaround,sheheadedforVivienne’svacatedspace.RobinthoughtshesawtheideaoftellinghertheseatwasalreadytakencrossKyle’smind,butafteropeninghismouthhecloseditagain.
‘Hi,’saidthealwaystalkativeAmandeep,holdingoutahandtothewomaninglasses.‘AmandeepSingh.’
‘EmilyPirbright,’mutteredthewoman,returninghishandshake.
‘Pirbright?Whoa–isBeccayoursister?’saidAmandeep.
RobinunderstoodAmandeep’ssurprise,becausethetwoyoungwomendidn’tresembleeachotherintheslightest.AsidefromthecontrastbetweenBecca’swell-groomed,glossybobandEmily’salmostbaldhead,thelatter’sperpetualexpressionofbadtemperformedagreatercontrasttoBecca’sapparentlyunquenchablecheeriness.
‘Wedon’tusewordslike“sister”,’saidEmily.‘Haven’tyoulearnedthatyet?’
‘Oh,yeah,sorry,’saidAmandeep.
‘BeccaandIusedtobefleshobjectstoeachother,ifthat’swhatyoumean,’saidEmilycoldly.
Thegroupofestablishedchurchmemberswho’dbeenwhisperingwhenRobinsatdownhadnowsubtlyangledtheirbodiesawayfromEmily.ItwasimpossiblenottodrawtheconclusionthatEmilywasinsomeformofdisgraceandRobin’sinterestinherdoubled.Fortunatelyforher,Amandeep’sincorrigiblesociabilityswiftlyreasserteditself.
‘Soyougrewuphereatthefarm?’heaskedEmily.
‘Yeah,’saidEmily.
‘IsBeccaolderor—?’
‘Older.’
RobinthoughtEmilywasconsciousofhersilentshunningbythegroupbesideher.
‘That’sanotheroldfleshobjectofmine,look,’shesaid.
Robin,AmandeepandKylelookedinthedirectionEmilywaspointingandsawLouisewheelingtheusualvatofnoodlesalong,ladlingthemoutontoplatesatthenexttable.Louiseglancedup,metEmily’seyes,thenreturnedstolidlytoherwork.
‘What,issheyour—?’
Amandeepcaughthimselfjustintime.
Afewminuteslater,Louisereachedtheirtable.EmilywaiteduntilLouisewasonthepointofdroppingaladlefulofnoodlesontoherplatebeforesayingloudly,
‘AndKevinwasyoungerthanBeccaandme.’
Louise’shandshook:hotnoodlesslidoffEmily’splateintoherlap.
‘Ouch!’
Expressionless,Louisemovedondowntheline.
Scowling,Emilypickedthenoodlesoutofherlap,putthembackonherplate,thendeliberatelyspearedtheonlychunksoffreshvegetableoutofwhatRobinwassurewastinnedtomato,setthemasideandbegantoeattherestofhermeal.
‘Don’tyoulikecarrot?’askedRobin.MealsweresoscantatChapmanFarm,she’dneverbeforeseenanyonefailtocleartheirplate.
‘What’sittoyou?’saidEmilyaggressively.
Robinatetherestofhermealinsilence.
40
…themostsacredofhumanfeelings,thatofreverencefortheancestors.
TheIChingorBookofChanges
StrikemadethelongtriptoStMawesonThursdaybytrainandferry.HisunclewassosurprisedanddelightedtoseehimthatStrikeknewTedhadforgottenhewascoming,inspiteofthefactthathe’dcalledthatmorningtotellhisunclewhattimehe’dbearriving.
ThehousewherethefastidiousJoanhadoncepresidedwasdusty,althoughStrikewaspleasedtoseethefridgewaswellstockedwithfood.StrikeunderstoodthatTed’sneighbourshadbeenrallyingaround,makingsurehehadenoughtoeatandcheckinginwithhimregularly.ThisincreasedStrike’sguiltaboutnotdoingmoretosupportTed,whoseconversationwasramblingandrepetitive.
ThevisittotheGPthefollowingmorningdidnothingtoallayStrike’sconcerns.
‘HeaskedTedwhatdateitisandhedidn’tknow,’StriketoldLucybyphoneafterlunch.StrikehadleftTedwithamugofteainthelivingroom,thenslippedoutintothebackgardenonthepretextofvapingandwasnowpacingthesmallpatchoflawn.
‘Well,that’snottooserious,isit?’saidLucy.
‘ThenhetoldTedanaddressandmadehimsayitback,whichTeddidfine,andhetoldTedhewasgoingtoaskhimtorepeattheaddressafewminuteslater,butTedcouldn’t.’
‘Ohno,’saidLucy.
‘HeaskedifTedcouldrememberarecentnewsstoryandTedsaid“Brexit”,noproblem.Thenhetoldhimtofillinthenumbersonapictureofaclock.TeddidthatOK,butthenhehadtomarkinthehandstomakeitsaytentoeleven,andTedwaslost.Couldn’tdoit.’
‘Ohshit,’Lucywhispered,disconsolate.‘Sowhat’sthediagnosis?’
‘Dementia,’saidStrike.
‘WasTedupset?’
‘Hardtosay.I’vegottheimpressionheknowssomething’sup.Hetoldmeyesterdayhe’sforgettingthingsalotandit’sworryinghim.’
‘Stick,whatarewegoingtodo?’
‘Idon’tknow,’saidStrike.‘Iwouldn’tgivegoododdsonhimrememberingtoturnthecookeroffatnight.Heleftthehottaprunninganhourago,justwalkedawayandforgotit.Itmightbetimeforshelteredhousing.’
‘Hewon’twantthat.’
‘Iknow,’saidStrike,whonowpausedinhispacingtocontemplatethestripofseajustvisiblefromTed’sbackgarden.Joan’sasheshadbeenstrewntherefromTed’soldsailingboatandsomeirrationalpartofhimsoughtguidancefromthedistant,glitteringocean.‘ButI’mworriedabouthimlivingaloneifhegoesdownhillmuchfurther.Thestairsaresteepandhe’snottoosteadyonhisfeet.’
ThecallendedwithnodefiniteplanforTed’sfutureinplace.Strikereturnedtothehousetofindhisunclefastasleepinanarmchair,soremovedhimselfquietlytothekitchentolookatemailsonthelaptophe’dbroughtdownfromLondon.
AmessagefromMidgesatatthetopofhisinbox.She’dattachedascannedcopyoftheletterRobinhadputintheplasticrockthepreviousevening.
ThefirstparagraphdealtwiththedisgruntledEmilyPirbright’sreturntothefarmandRobin’ssofarunrealisedhopeofgettinginformationoutofher.Thesecondparagraphdescribedthebasementsessioninwhichthenewrecruitshadtowritetotheirfamilies,andconcluded,
…socanoneofyoupleasewritealetterfromTheresa,acknowledgingthelettersayingI’vejoinedthechurch?Makehersoundworried,they’llexpectthat.Othernews:someoneinthefarmhousemightbeill,possiblycalledJacob.SawDrZhouhurryingintherelookingworried.Nofurtherdetailsasyet,willtryandfindoutmore.ThisafternoonwehadourfirstRevelation.Weallsatinacircleinthetemple.Thelasttimewedidthat,itwastotalkabouthowmuchwe’dsufferedintheoutsideworld.Thiswasverydifferent.Thepeoplewhowerecalledonhadtotakeachairinthemiddleandconfessthingstheywereashamedof.Whentheydid,theygotabusedandshoutedat.Theyallendedupintears.Ididn’tgetcalled,soI’llprobablygetitnexttime.MazuledtheRevelationsessionandwasdefinitelyenjoyingherself.NothingnewonWillEdensor.Iseehimfromadistancesometimesbutnoconversation.Linstillaround.TherewastalkofhergoingtoBirmingham,can’trememberifIsaid.Thinkthat’severything.I’msotired.Hopeallwellwithyoux
Strikereadtheletterthroughtwice,takingparticularnoteofthe‘I’msotired’attheend.HehadtoadmireRobin’sresourcefulnessinthinkingupawayofobfuscatingherrelatives’whereaboutsatshortnotice,butlikeher,feltheshouldhaveforeseenthenecessityforasafeaddressformail.Strikealsowonderedwhetherthere’dbeenaletterforMurphythisweek,butcouldthinkofnowayofaskingwithoutarousingthesuspicionsofPatandtheothersubcontractors.Instead,hetextedMidgetoaskhertowritetheletterfromTheresa,ashefearedhisownhandwritinglookedtooobviouslymasculine.
AsTed’ssnoreswerestillemanatingfromthesittingroom,Strikeopenedhisnextemail,whichwasfromDevShah.
HavingspenthoursthepreviousdaysearchingonlinerecordsforCherieGittinsunderherbirthnameofCarineMakepeace,Strikehadatlastsucceededinfindingherbirthcertificateanddeathcertificatesforbothherfather,who’ddiedwhenshewasfive,andthecousininDulwichwithwhomshe’dstayedafterfleeingChapmanFarm.However,Cherie’smother,MaureenAgnesMakepeace,néeGittins,wasstillaliveandlivinginPenge,soStrikehadaskedShahtopayheravisit.
VisitedIvychurchClosethismorning,Shahhadwritten.MaureenMakepeaceandherflatarebothfallingapart.Shelooks&talkslikeaheavydrinker,vaggressive.NeighbourcalledouttomeasIwasapproachingthefrontdoor.HehopedIwasfromthecouncil,becausethere’vebeenargumentsoverbins,noise,etc.Maureensaysshe’shadnocontactwithherdaughtersincethelatterranaway,aged15.
Inuredashewastoleadspeteringoutinthisway,Strikewasneverthelessdisappointed.
Hemadehimselfamugoftea,resistedachocolatebiscuit,andsatbackdowninfrontofhislaptopwhileTed’ssnorescontinuedtorumblethroughtheopendoor.
ThedifficultyhewashavingtracingCarine/CheriewasmakingStrikecommensuratelymoreinterestedinher.HenowbeganGooglingcombinationsandvariationsofthetwonamesheknewforcertainthegirlhadused.OnlywhenhereturnedtotheBritishLibrary’snewspaperarchivedidhefinallygetahitonthename‘CherryMakepeace’inacopyoftheManchesterEveningNewsdated1999.
‘Gotcha,’hemuttered,astwomugshotsappearedonscreen,oneshowingayoungmanwithlonghairandextremelybadteeth,theother,atousle-hairedblondewho,beneaththeheavyeyeliner,wasclearlyrecognisableasCherieGittinsofChapmanFarm.
ThenewsstorydescribedarobberyandstabbingcommittedbyIsaacMills,whichwasthenameoftheyoungmanwiththebadteeth.He’dstolenmorphine,temazepam,diazepamandcashfromapharmacybeforeknifingacustomerwho’dtriedtointervene.Thevictimhadsurvived,butMillshadstillbeensentencedtofiveyears’imprisonment.
Thereportconcluded:
CherryMakepeace,21,alsoknownasCherryCurtis,droveMillstothepharmacyonthedayoftherobberyandwaitedforhimoutside.MakepeaceclaimedshewasunawareofMills’intentiontorobthepharmacyanddidn’tknowhepossessedaknife.Shewasconvictedofaidingandabettingacriminalandreceivedasix-monthsentence,suspendedforthreeyears.
StrikejotteddownthenamesCarine/Cherie/CherryalongwiththesurnamesGittins/Makepeace/Curtis.Wherethelastofthesehadcomefrom,hehadnoidea;perhapsshe’dsimplypulleditoutofthinair.Theregularnamechangessuggestedsomeonekeennottobefound,butStriketendedtobelievethatColonelGraves’assessmentofCherieas‘feather-brained’and‘easilyinfluenced’hadbeencorrect,givenherdumbstrucklookintheManchesterEveningNewsphoto.
HenownavigatedtothePinterestpageofTormentTown,withitseeriedrawingsofDaiyuWaceandgrotesqueparodiesoftheUHClogo.TormentTownhadn’trespondedtothemessageStrikehadsentthem,overwhichhe’dtakenmoretroublethanthefewwordsmighthavesuggested.
Amazingpictures.Doyoudrawfromimagination?
AparticularlyloudsnorefromthesittingroommadeStriketurnoffhislaptop,feelingguilty.He’dsoonneedtomakehiswaybacktoFalmouthfortheovernighttrain.ItwastimetowakeTedsotheycouldhavealastchatbeforeleavinghim,oncemore,tohisloneliness.
41
Oneiscourageousandwishestoaccomplishone’stask,nomatterwhathappens.
TheIChingorBookofChanges
TheaccountofRevelationthatRobinhadsentStrikehadbeenbriefandtothepoint,partlybecauseshe’dhadneithertimenorenergytogointodetailswhileexhausted,crouchingamongnettlesinthedarkandpausingregularlytolistenoutforfootsteps,butithadshakenhermorethanshe’dlikedtoadmitinherletter.Mazuhadencouragedthoseinthecircletousethefilthiestandmostabusivewordstheycouldfindwhenberatingthoseconfessing,andRobinthoughtshewasunlikelyevertoforgetthesightofKyledoubledoverinhischair,sobbing,whileothersscreamed‘pervert’and‘faggot’inresponsetohisadmissionthathecontinuedtofeelshameaboutbeinggay.
WhenKyle’stimeinthehotseathadconcluded,Mazuhadtoldhimcalmlyhe’dbemoreresilientforhavingundergoneRevelation,thathe’dfaced‘externalisationofhisinnershame’,andcongratulatedthegroupfordoingwhatsheknewhadbeendifficultforthem,too.YetthefacialexpressionsofthoseshoutingabuseatKylewerestillsearedonRobin’smemory:they’dbeengivenpermissiontobeasvileastheyliked,irrespectiveoftheirtruefeelingsaboutKyleorhomosexuality,andshewasdisturbedbythegustowithwhichthey’dparticipated,evenknowingthattheirownturninthemiddleofthecirclewouldcome.
RobinwasrapidlylearningthatatChapmanFarm,practicesthatintheoutsideworldwouldbeconsideredabusiveorcoercivewereexcused,justifiedanddisguisedbyahugeamountofjargon.TheuseofslursandoffensivelanguageduringRevelationwasjustifiedaspartofPRT,orPrimalResponseTherapy.Wheneveraquestionwasposedaboutcontradictionsorinconsistenciesinchurchdoctrine,theanswerwasalmostalwaysthattheywouldbeexplainedbyanHLT(Higher-LevelTruth),whichwouldberevealedwhentheyhadprogressedfurtheralongthepathtopurespirit.ApersonputtingtheirownneedsabovethoseofthegroupwasdeemedtobeinthegripofEM(egomotivity),onewhocontinuedtoprizeworldlygoodsorstatuswasaBP,orbubbleperson,andleavingthechurchwas‘goingDV’,meaning,becomingaDeviate.Termssuchasfalseself,fleshobjectandmaterialistpossessionwerenowemployedcasuallyamongthenewmembers,who’dbeguntoreframeallpastandpresentexperienceinthechurch’slanguage.TherewasalsomuchtalkoftheAdversary,whowasnotonlySatan,butalsoalltemporalpowerstructures,whichwerepopulatedbytheAdversary’sagents.
TheintensityofindoctrinationcreptupevenfurtherduringRobin’sthirdweekatthefarm.Newmemberswereregularlybombardedwithdreadfulimagesandstatisticsabouttheoutsideworld,sometimesforhoursatatime.EventhoughRobinknewthiswasbeingdonetocreateasenseofurgencywithregardtothewartheUHCwassupposedlywagingontheAdversary,andtobindrecruitsmorecloselytothechurchastheworld’sonlyhope,shedoubtedanyoneofnormalempathycouldfailtofeeldistressedandanxiousafterbeingforcedtolookathundredsuponhundredsofimagesofstarvingandwoundedchildren,orlearningthestatisticsonpeopletraffickingandworldpoverty,orhearinghowtherainforestwouldbeentirelydestroyedwithinanothertwodecades.Itwasdifficultnottoagreethattheplanetwasonthebrinkofcollapse,thathumanityhadtakenterriblewrongturnsandthatitwouldfaceanawfulreckoningunlessitchangeditsways.TheanxietyinducedbythisconstantbombardmentofdreadfulnewswassuchthatRobinwelcomedthetimesrecruitswereledtothetempletochantonthehardfloor,wheresheexperiencedtheblessedreliefofnotthinking,oflosingherselfinthecollectivevoiceofthegroup.Onceortwice,shefoundherselfmutteringLokahSamastahSukhinoBhavantuevenwhennobodyaroundherwaschanting.
Heronlyrealbulwarkagainsttheonslaughtofindoctrinationwastoremindherself,constantly,whatshewasatthefarmtodo.Unfortunately,herthirdweekinsidethechurchyieldedverylittleinthewayofusefulinformation.EmilyPirbrightandWillEdensorremainedimpossibletoengageinconversationduetotheunacknowledgedsystemofsegregationinplaceatthefarm.InspiteofWill’swealthandEmily’salmostlifelongmembershipofthechurch,bothwerecurrentlyactingasfarmhandsanddomesticservants,whereasRobincontinuedtospendmostofhertimeinthetempleorthelectureroom.Nevertheless,shetriedtokeepacoverteyeonbothofthem,andherobservationledhertoacoupleofdeductions.
ThefirstwasthatWillEdensorwastrying,asfarashedared,tomaintainpersonalcontactwiththewhite-hairedtoddlerRobinhadpreviouslyseenhimcomforting.ShewasnowalmostcertainthatQingwasthedaughterhe’dhadwithLinPirbright,aconclusionreinforcedwhenshespottedLincuddlingthechildintheshadowofsomebushesnearthefarmhouse.WillandLinwerebothinclearbreachofthechurch’steachingonmaterialistpossession,andriskingseverepenaltiesiftheirongoingquesttomaintainaparentalrelationshipwiththeirdaughterwasmadeknowntoMazu,TaioandBecca,whowerecurrentlyreigningsupremeatChapmanFarmintheabsenceofJonathanWace.
Stillmoreintriguingly,RobinhadnoticeddefinitesignsoftensionandpossiblydislikebetweenthePirbrightsisters.Shehadn’tforgottenthatBeccaandEmilyhadaccusedtheirdeadbrotherofsexuallyabusingthem,yetshe’dseennosignsofsolidaritybetweenthepair.Onthecontrary,whenevertheyfoundthemselvesincloseproximity,theymadenoeyecontactandgenerallyremovedthemselvesfromeachother’svicinityasquicklyaspossible.Giventhatchurchmembersusuallymadeapointofgreetingeachotherastheypassedintheyard,andanelaboratecourtesywasobservedwhenitcametoopeningdoorsforeachother,orcedingtoeachotherwhenitcametovacantspacesinthedininghall,thisbehaviourdefinitelycouldn’tbeattributedtofearofsuccumbingtomaterialistpossession.RobinwonderedwhetherBeccawasafraidofbeingtarnishedbythefaintauraofdisgracewhichhungovertheshaven-headedEmily,orwhethertherewasanother,morepersonal,sourceofanimosity.Thesistersseemedunitedinonethingonly:disdainforthewomanwho’dbroughtthemintotheworld.NotoncedidRobinseeanysignofwarmthtowardsorevenacknowledgementofLouisefromeitherofherdaughters.
Robinwasstillkeepingtrackofthedayswiththetinypebblesshepickedupdaily.TheapproachofherthirdThursdayatthefarmbroughtthenowfamiliarmixtureofexcitementandnerves,becausewhileshecravedcommunicationfromtheoutsideworld,thenocturnaljourneytotheplasticrockremainednerve-wracking.
Whenthelightswentout,shedressedbeneaththecoversagain,waitedfortheotherwomentofallsilent,andfortheusualsnorerstoprovethey’dfallenasleep,thengotquietlyoutofbed.
Thenightwascoldandwindy,astiffbreezeblowingacrossthedarkfieldasRobincrossedit,andsheenteredthewoodstothesoundoftreescreakingandrustlingaroundher.Toherrelief,shefoundtheplasticrockmoreeasilythanshe’ddonepreviously.
WhenRobinopenedtherockshesawaletterfromStrike,anoteinRyan’shandwriting,and,toherdelight,asmallbarofCadbury’sDairyMilk.Easingherselfbehindatree,sherippedthewrappingoffthechocolateanddevoureditinafewbites,sohungryshecouldn’tslowdowntosavourit.ShethenturnedonthetorchandopenedRyan’sletter.
DearRobin,Itwasgreattohearfromyou,Iwasgettingworried.Thefarmsoundsbizarre,althoughbeingacountrygirlyou’reprobablynothatingitasmuchasIwould.Notmuchnewsthisend.Work’sbusy.Currentlyonanewmurdercasebutitlackssomethingwithouttheinvolvementofahotfemaleprivatedetective.Ihadalongphoneconversationwithyourmotherlastnight.She’sworriedaboutyou,butItalkedherdown.MysisterinSanSebastianwantsustogooverthereinJulybecauseshe’sgaggingtomeetyou.There’dbeworsewaysofcelebratingyougettingoutofthatplace.Anyway,I’mreallymissingyou,sopleasedon’tjoinupandnevercomeback.Love,RyanxxxPSYourplantsarestillalive.
Inspiteofherrecentingestionofchocolate,thisletterdidn’tdomuchtoliftRobin’sspirits.HearingthatRyanandhermotherwereworriedaboutherdidnothingtocalmtheguiltandfeartheUHCwasbusyinculcatinginher.Norcouldshethinkofthingslikesummerholidaysrightnow,wheneverydayseemedtolastaweek.
ShenowturnedtoStrike’snote.
Thursday28thAprilVerygoodjobonyourquickthinkingre:yoursister.Midgehaswrittenaletterbacktoyoufrom14PlymptonRoadNW62JJ(addresswillbeonletter).It’sPat’ssister’splace(she’sgotadifferentsurnamefromPat,sonoeasilydiscoverableconnection–couldbeTheresa’slandlady).She’llalertusifyouwriteback,we’llcollecttheletterandMidgecanrespondagain.I’vemettheGravesfamily.TurnsoutAlexGraveshadaquarterofamilliontoleave,whichMazuinheritedwhenDaiyudied.ColonelGravesisconvincedtheWacesandCheriewereincahootsoverthedrowning.I’vehadnolucktracingCherieGittinsinspiteofacoupleofpossibleleads.Herlifepost-farmdefinitelysuggestsshehadsomethingtohide:severalnamechangesandabrushwiththelawintheformofapharmacy-robbingboyfriend.Notmuchothernews.TheFrankshavegonequiet.StilltryingtofindareplacementforLittlejohn.WardlemightknowsomeoneandI’mtryingtofixupaninterview.Don’tforget:themomentyou’vehadenough,saythewordandwe’llcomeandgetyouout.Sx
UnlikeRyan’snote,Strike’sbroughtameasureofcomfort,becauseRobinhadbeenfrettingaboutwhatshewasgoingtodotokeepthefictionofTheresaalive.ShetuggedthetopoffthebirowithherteethandbegantowritebacktoStrike,apologisingforthelackofconcreteinformationbutsayingthatshedidn’twanttoleavethefarmuntilshehadsomethingSirColincoulduseagainstthechurch.Havingfinishedhernotewiththanksforthechocolate,shedashedoffaquickmessageforRyan,enclosedbothwiththetorchandthepenintheplasticrock,thentoreuptheirlettersandthechocolatewrapper.Insteadofscatteringthefragmentsinthewood,sheslidahandbeneaththebarbedwireanddroppedthemontotheroad,wherethebreezeimmediatelycarriedthemaway.Robinwatchedthewhitespecksdisappearingintothedarkness,andfeltenviousofthemforescapingChapmanFarm.
Shethenmadeherwaybackthroughthewhisperingwoods,shiveringslightlyinspiteofthefactthatshewaswearingpyjamasunderhertracksuit,andsetbackoffacrossthefield.
42
Nineinthefifthplacemeans:Ameloncoveredwithwillowleaves.Hiddenlines…Themelon,likethefish,isasymboloftheprincipleofdarkness
TheIChingorBookofChanges
Robinhadalmostreachedthefive-bargatewhensheheardvoicesandsawlanternsswingingdownthepassagebetweenthemen’sandwomen’sdormitories.Terrified,sheduckeddownbehindthehedge,certainthatheremptybedhadbeendiscovered.
‘…checkLowerFieldandthewoods,’saidavoiceshethoughtsherecognisedasTaio’s.
‘Hewon’t’vegotthatfar,’saidasecondmalevoice.
‘Doasyou’refuckingtold,’saidTaio.‘YoutwodotheRetreatRooms,allofthem.’
Amanclimbedoverthefive-bargate,hislanternswinging,barelytenfeetfromwhereRobinwascrouching.Thelamplightdartedtowardsandawayfromherashesetoff,andshesawtheshortdreadlocksoftheblackmanwho’dtoldVivienneoffforusingthephrase‘gotohell’.
‘Bo!’hebellowed,stridingofftowardsthewoods.‘Bo,whereareyou?’
SuchwasRobin’spanicittookherafewsecondstocomputethattheyweren’tlookingforherafterall,buthersituationremainedperilous.Thewomensurelywouldn’tsleepthroughthisshoutingforlong,andifthesearchersenteredherdormitorytolookfortheunknownBo,they’dsoondiscoverthereweretwopeoplemissing,notone.Waitingforthevoicesandlightsofthesearchpartytorecede,Robinclimbedquicklyoverthefive-bargate,thenhadtocrouchdownbehindmorebushesasJiangemergedfromthenearestRetreatRoom,alsoholdingalantern.Oncehe’dstompedoffintothedarkness,shecrepttotherearwallofthewomen’sdormitorybeforerealisingthatmorepeoplewithlanternswerehurryingacrossthecourtyard,meaningshehadnochanceofenteringthroughthedoorunseen.
Shemovedasquicklyandquietlyaspossiblethroughthetreesandbushesattherearofthedormitories,aimingfortheolderpartofthefarm,whichofferedmanyhidingplaces,andsoonfoundherselfattherearofthedilapidatedbarnthatwasalwayslocked.Herfamiliaritywitholdfarmbuildingsmadeherfeelherwayalongtherearuntilherfingersfoundexactlywhatshewashopingfor:agapwhereaplankofwoodhadrottedawayandtheonenexttoitcouldbepushedinwardssufficientlytomakeagaplargeenoughforhertosqueezeinside,snaggingherhairandscrapingherbodypainfully.
Theairinsidethebarnwasdankandmusty,buttherewasmorelightinsidethanshe’dexpected,duetoagapintheroofthroughwhichmoonlightwasstreaming.Thisilluminatedanoldtractor,brokenfarmingtools,stacksofcratesandbitsoffencing.Something,doubtlessarat,scurriedawayfromtheintruder.
Lanternswerenowpassingoutsidethebarn,castingsliversofgoldthroughthegapsinthewoodenplankwalls.Voicescloseanddistantwerestillshouting,‘Bo?Bo!’
Robinremainedwhereshewas,scaredofmovingincasesheknockedsomethingover.Nowshenoticedamoundofpersonalbelongingsalmostastallasshewas,heapedinacornerandcoveredinthickdust.Therewereclothes,handbags,wallets,shoes,cuddlytoysandbooks,andRobinwashorriblyremindedofapictureshe’dseenofthemoundofshoesbelongingtothegassedatAuschwitz.
Thesearchersoutsidehadmovedon.Fullofcuriosityabouttheseoldbelongings,Robinclimbedcarefullyoveranupendedwheelbarrowtoexaminethem.Afterthreeweeksofseeingnothingbutorangetracksuitsandtrainers,ofreadingnothingbutchurchliterature,itwasstrangetoseedifferentkindsofclothingandshoes,nottomentiontheoldchild’spicturebookwithitsvividcolours.
Therewassomethingdisturbing,eveneerie,aboutthemoundofoldpossessions,thrownawaywithwhatseemedlikecasualcontempt.Robinnoticedasinglestack-heeledshoewhichonce,perhaps,ateenagegirlhadcovetedandtreasured,andacuddlytoyrabbit,itsfacecoveredincobwebs.Whereweretheirowners?Afteraminuteortwo,apossibleexplanationoccurredtoher:anyoneleavingthefarmbystealth,atnight,wouldbeforcedtoleavethebelongingsthey’dleftinthelockers.
Shereachedforanoldhandbaglyingclosetothetopoftheheap.Acloudofdustroseintotheairassheopenedit.TherewasnothinginsideexceptanoldwhiteLRTbusticket.Shereplacedthehandbagandasshedidso,noticedtherustyedgeofarectangularredbiscuittinwithBarnum’sAnimalsprintedonit.She’dlovedthosebiscuitswhenshewaslittle,buthadn’tthoughtaboutthemforyears.Seeingthepackaginginthisstrangecontextremindedherpoignantlyofthesafetyofherfamilyhome.
‘BO!’bellowedavoicejustoutsidethebarn,causingtheunseenrattoscratchandscrabbleintheshadows.Then,somewhereinthedistanceafemalevoiceshrieked,
‘I’VEGOTHIM!’
Robinheardaconfusionofvoices,someexpressingrelief,othersdemandingtoknowhowBohad‘gotout’,anddecidedherbestoptionwastoemergefromthebarnandpresentherselfashavingbeenlookingforBoallalong.
She’dtakenacoupleofstepsbacktowardsthegapintherearwallbeforeshestoppeddead,lookingbackatthedustypileofoldbelongings,seizedbytheurgetolookinthatBarnum’sAnimalsbiscuittin.Chilly,nervousandexhaustedasshewas,ittookseveralmomentsforhertoworkoutwhyhersubconsciouswastellingherthetin’spresenceatthefarmwasstrange.Thensherealised:therewasatotalprohibitiononsugarhere,sowhywouldanybodyhavebroughtbiscuitstotheplace?Inspiteoftheurgentneedtojointhesearchersoutsidebeforeherabsencewasnoticed,Robinclimbedquicklybackoverthewheelbarrowandpulledthetinoutofthepile.
Thelidshowedtheimageoffourcagedcircusanimalsandballoons,alongwith‘85thAnniversary’writteninsideagoldcircle.Shepriseditoff,expectingthetintobeemptybecauseitwassolight,butonthecontrary:anumberoffadedPolaroidslayinside.Unabletoseewhattheyshowedinthedimlight,Robintookthemoutandstuffedtheminsideherbra,asshediddailywithherdate-markingpebbles.Shethenreplacedthelid,re-insertedthetinwhereshe’dfoundit,hurriedtothegapintherearwallofthebarnandsqueezedbackoutside.
Judgingfromthedistantnoisecomingfromthecourtyard,almosteveryoneatthefarmwasnowawake.Robinsetoffatajog,passingthedininghallandtemple,andjoinedthethrong,whoweremostlyinpyjamas,atamomentwheneveryone’sattentionwasonMazuWace,whowasstandingbetweenthetombsoftheStolenandGoldenProphetsinherlongorangerobes.BesideherstoodLouisePirbright,whowasholdingastrugglingtoddlerinanappy,whomRobinguessedtobetheerrantBo.Otherthanthechild’swhimpers,therewascompletesilence.Mazubarelyneededtoraisehervoiceforeveryoneinthecrowdtohearher.
‘Whowasonchilddormduty?’
Afterasmallhesitation,twoteenagegirlssidledtothefrontofthecrowd,onewithshortfairhair,theother,longdarktwists.Thelatterwascrying.Robin,whowaswatchingthroughthethicketofheadsinfrontofher,sawbothgirlsfalltotheirkneesasthoughthey’drehearsedthemovementandcrawltowardsMazu’sfeet.
‘Please,Mama…’
‘We’resosorry,Mama!’
WhentheyreachedthehemofMazu’srobessheliftedthemslightly,andwatched,herexpressionblank,asthetwogirlsweptandkissedherfeet.
Thenshesaidsharply,‘Taio.’
Hereldersonpushedhiswaythroughthewatchingcrowd.
‘Takethemtothetemple.’
‘Mama,please,’wailedthefair-hairedgirl.
‘Comeon,’saidTaio,grabbingthearmsofthetwogirlsanddraggingthemforciblytotheirfeet.RobinwasmostdisturbedbythewaythegirlwiththetwiststriedtoclingontoMazu’sleg,andtheuttercoldnessofMazu’sexpressionasshewatchedhersondragthemaway.Nobodyaskedwhatwasgoingtohappentothegirls;nobodyspokeorevenmoved.
AsMazuturnedbacktothewatchingcrowd,Louisesaid,
‘ShallIputBobackto—?’butMazusaid,
‘No.You–’shepointedatPennyBrown‘–andyou,’shesaidtoEmilyPirbright,‘takehimbacktothedormitoryandstaythere.’
PennywenttoliftthelittleboyoutofLouise’sarms,butheclungtoLouise.Thelatterprisedhimoffandhandedhimover.HisscreamsrecededasPennyandEmilyhurriedawaythroughthearchthatledtothechildren’sdormitory
‘Youmaygobacktobed,’saidMazutothewatchingcrowd.Sheturnedandwalkedtowardsthetemple.
Noneofthewomenlookedateachotherorspokeastheyfiledbackintotheirdormitory.Robingrabbedherpyjamasoffherbed,thenhurriedoffintothebathroomandlockedherselfintoacubiclebeforepullingthePolaroidsoutofherbratoexaminethem.
Allwerefaded,yetRobincouldstilljustmakeouttheimages.Theuppermostpictureshowedthefigureofanaked,chubbydark-hairedyoungwoman–possiblyateenager–wearingapigmask,herlegsspreadwide.Thesecondshowedadifferent,blondeyoungwomanbeingpenetratedfrombehindbyasquatman,bothinpigmasks.Thethirdshowedastringy-lookingmanwithaskulltattooedonhisbicepsodomisingasmallerman.Robinrifledhastilythroughthepictures.Intotal,fournakedpeoplewerepicturedinvarioussexualcombinationsinaspaceRobindidn’trecognise,butwhichlookedlikeanouthouse,possiblyeventhebarnshe’djustleft.Theyworepigmasksineveryimage.
Robinshovedthepicturesbackinsideherbraandleftitonasshestrippedoffhertracksuit.Shethenleftthecubicle,turnedoutthebathroomlightandreturnedtoherbed.Asshesettleddowntosleepatlast,adistantscreampiercedthesilence,emanatingfromthetemple.
‘Pleaseno–pleaseno,Mama–no,please,please!’
Ifanyoneinthesurroundingbedshadalsoheardit,noneofthemmadeasound
43
Sixinthefourthplacemeans:Entangledfollybringshumiliation.
TheIChingorBookofChanges
SixdaysafterRobin,unbeknownsttoStrike,hadfoundtheoldPolaroidsintherustybiscuittin,heheldanafternoonteammeetingattendedbyeveryoneatthedetectiveagencyapartfromLittlejohn,whowasonsurveillance.Strikehadoptedtoholdthemeetingintheotherwisedesertedbasementroomofhisfavouritelocalpub,whichuntilrecentlyhadbeencalledtheTottenham,buthadnowbecometheFlyingHorse.AsanArsenalfan,Strikethoroughlyapprovedoftherebrand.Whilewaitingforhissubcontractorstojoinhim,hecheckedPinteresttoseewhetherTormentTownhadrespondedtohismessage,buttherewasnochangetothepage.
‘I’mno’complainin’,butwhy’rewedoingthishere?’askedBarclaytenminuteslater.TheGlaswegianwasthelasttoarriveintheredcarpetedroomand,ashehadtheeveningoff,hadstoppedattheupstairsbartobuyhimselfapint.
‘IncaseLittlejohndecidestocomebacktotheoffice,’saidStrike.
‘We’regonnaebeplottin’hisdownfall,arewe?’
‘Hemightnotbeworkingforusformuchlonger,sothere’snoneedforhimtoknowanymoreofourbusiness,’saidStrike.‘I’minterviewingWardle’smatetomorrowandifthatgoeswell,Littlejohn’sout.’
Shah,MidgeandBarclayallsaid,‘Good.’Pat,Strikenoticed,remainedsilent.
‘Where’shenow?’askedMidge.
‘OntheFranks,’saidStrike.
‘Speakin’ofwhich,I’vegotsomethin’onthem,’saidBarclay,reachingintotheinsidepocketofhisjacketfortwosheetsofpaperwhich,whenunfolded,provedtobephotocopiednewsarticles.‘I’vebeenwonderin’whetherwecouldgetthemonabenefitsscaman’Iendedupfindin’this.’
HepushedthepaperstowardsStrike.Bothnewsitemsweresmall,thoughonefeaturedaheadshotoftheolderbrother.Thesurnamegivenwasn’ttheonetheFrankbrotherswerecurrentlylivingunder,thoughtheforenamesremainedthesame.
‘Theyoungeronewasdoneferflashin’,’BarclaytoldShahandMidge,whileStrikewasreading.‘Gotasuspendedsentence.Theolderone’ssupposedlytheyoungerone’scarer.Noideawhat’ss’posedtobewrongwi’him.’
‘Andtheolderone’sbeendoneforstalking,’saidStrike,nowreadingthesecondarticle,‘ofanotheractress.Judgelethimoffwithasuspendedsentence,becausehe’shisbrother’scarer.’
‘Typical,’saidMidgeangrily,bangingherglassdownonthetabletotheslightconsternationofShah,whowassittingbesideher.‘IfIsawthatonce,Isawitfiftyfookin’timeswhenIwasintheforceMenlikethemgetcuttoomuchfookin’slack,andeveryone’llactsurprisedwhenoneofthefookersischargedwithrape.’
‘Goodjobfindingthis,Barclay,’saidStrike.‘Ithink—’
Strike’smobilerangandhesawLittlejohn’snumber.Heanswered.
‘JustseenFrankOnepostingsomethinginanenvelopethroughtheclient’sfrontdoor,’saidLittlejohn.‘I’vesentyouvideo.’
‘Whereishenow?’
‘Walkingaway.’
‘OK,I’llcalltheclientandwarnher.Stayonhim.’
‘Righto.’
Littlejohnhungup.
‘FrankOne’sjustpostedsomethingthroughtheclient’sletterbox,’Striketoldtherestoftheteam.
‘Moredeadbirds?’askedMidge.
‘Notunlessthey’dfitinanenvelope.IthinkweshouldtipoffthepolicethattheFrankshavegotformunderpreviousnames.AvisitfromPlodmightmakethembackoff.I’lltakecareofthat,’Strikeadded,makinganote.‘What’sthelatestonBigfoot?’
‘HewasbackatChelseaCloistersyesterday,’saidShah.
‘Thatyounggirlyouphotographedhimwithinthestreetisn’tgoingtogiveusanything,’MidgetoldStrike.‘Igottalkingtoherinasandwichplaceuptheroad.ThickEastEuropeanaccent,verynervous.Theytellthosegirlsthey’recomingtoLondontogetmodellingcontracts,don’tthey?Iwashopingshemightfancyanicepresspaydayforsellinghimout,butIthinkshe’dbetooscaredtotalk.’
‘Oneofusneedstaegetintaethatplace,posingasapunter,’saidBarclay
‘I’dhavethoughtthepicturesofhimgoinginandoutoftherewouldbeenoughforhiswife,’saidShah.
‘Shethinkshe’llexplainitawaysomehow,’saidStrike,who’dreceivedatetchyemailthatmorningfromtheclient.‘She’saftersomethinghecan’twriggleoutof.’
‘Likewha’,apictureofhimactuallybein’suckedoff?’saidBarclay.
‘Couldn’thurt.Mightbebettertogetinthebuildingassomekindoftradesmanorsafetyinspector,insteadofapunter,’saidStrike.‘Morefreedomtomovearoundandmaybecatchhimcomingoutofaroom.’
Therefollowedadiscussionastowhichdetectiveshouldundertakethejob,andpossiblecovers.Shah,who’dsuccessfullyposedasaninternationalartdealerduringapreviouscase,wasfinallyassignedthejob.
‘Bitofacomedown,heatingengineer,’hesaid.
‘We’llgetyoufakeIDanddocumentation,’saidStrike.
‘So,arewegoingtotakeanewcasefromthewaitinglistyet?’askedMidge
‘Giveitabitlonger,’saidStrike.‘Let’smakesurewe’vegotareplacementforLittlejohnfirst.’
‘Who’sofftaevisittheplasticrocktomorrow?’askedBarclay.
‘Iam,’saidStrike.
‘Shemustbenearlyreadytocomeout,’saidMidge.‘It’samonthnow.’
‘Shehasn’tgotanythingEdensorcanuseagainstthechurchyet,’saidStrike.‘YouknowRobin:nohalfmeasures.OK,Ithinkthat’severything.I’llletyouknowabouttheLittlejohnreplacementassoonasIdo.’
‘CanIhaveaword?’ShahaskedStrike,astheothersheadedforthedoor.
‘Yeah,ofcourse,’saidStrike,sittingbackdown.Tohissurprise,thesubcontractornowtookacopyofPrivateEyeoutofhisbackpocket.
‘Haveyoureadthis?’
‘No,’saidStrike.
Shahflickedthroughthemagazine,thenhandeditacrossthetable.Strikesawacolumncircledinpen.
Andrew‘HoneyBadger’HonboldQC,UKslebs’favouritedefamationlitigatorandself-proclaimedmoralarbiter,maysoonbeindesperateneedofhisownservices.HoneyBadger’slongstandingpreferenceforprettyyoungjuniorsis,ofcourse,entirelyavuncular.However,amoleatLavingtonCourtChambersinformstheEyethatacurvaceousyoungbrunettehasbeenspreadingtalesoftheBadger’sprowessandstaminainacontextotherthanthecourtroom.ThelegallovelyhasevenbeenheardpredictingtheimminentdemiseoftheBadger’smarriagetothesaintlyLadyMatilda.StalwartsoftheLondoncharitycircuit,theHonboldshavebeenmarriedfor25yearsandhavefourchildren.ArecentTimesprofileemphasisedthepersonalprobityoftheUK’smostprominentanti-sleazebrief.‘I’veseencloseuptheeffectslursandinsinuationshaveonundeservingpeople,’thunderedtheHoneyBadger,‘andIpersonallywouldstrengthentheexistingdefamationlawstoprotecttheinnocent.’TheindiscreetladyinthecaseisnowrumouredtobebestowingherfavoursupononeCormoranStrike,theincreasinglynewsworthyprivatedetective.Hasshebeengettingtipsonhiddencamerasandmicrophones?Ifso,theHonHonboldQChadbetterhopeslursandinsinuationsareallhehastodealwith.
‘Fuck,’saidStrike.HelookedupatShahandcouldfindnothingbettertodothanrepeat‘fuck’.
‘Thoughtyoushouldknow,’saidShah.
‘Itwasaone-night–no,two-nightstand.SheneversaidawordtomeaboutthisHonbold.’
‘Right,’saidShah.‘Well,y’know–he’snotpopularwiththepapers,soIthinktheymightrunwiththisstory.’
‘I’llsortit,’saidStrike.‘She’snotdraggingmeintohermess.’
Buthewaswellawarehe’dalreadybeendraggedintoBijou’smess,andShahlookedasthoughhewasthinkingexactlythesamething.
TheypartedoutsidetheFlyingHorse,Shahreturningtotheofficetofinishsomepaperwork,leavingStrikeconsumedwithrageandself-recriminationoutsidethepub.He’dhadenoughexperienceofbothkindsofmisfortunetoknowthattherewasavastdifferencebetweenfeelingyourselfavictimofrandomstrokesoffateandhavingtoacceptthatyourtroubleshadbeenbroughtaboutbyyourownfolly.He’dbeenwarnedbyIlsathatBijouwasmouthyandindiscreet,andwhathadhedone?Fuckedherasecondtime.Afteravoidingthespotlightforyears,givingtestimonyincourtcasesonlyinafullbeard,refusingeveryofferofapressinterviewandendingapreviousrelationshipwithawomanwho’dwantedhimtoposewithherathigh-profileevents,he’dknowinglybeddedaloudmouthwith,itturnedout,awell-knownmarriedloverinthebackground.
HecalledBijou’snumber,butreachedvoicemail.Afterleavingamessagetellinghertoringhimassoonaspossible,hecalledIlsa.
‘Hi,’shesaid,soundingcold.
‘Callingtoapologise,’saidStrike,whichwasonlypartiallytrue.‘Ishouldn’thavebittenyourheadoff.Iknowyouwereonlytryingtolookoutforme.’
‘Yes,Iwas,’saidIlsa.‘Allright,apologyaccepted.’
‘Well,you’vebeenprovenrightinspades,’saidStrike.‘I’mintoday’sPrivateEye,linkedtoherandtohermarriedboyfriend.’
‘Ohshit,notAndrewHonbold?’saidIlsa.
‘Youknowhim?’
‘Onlyslightly.’
‘TheEye’simplyingthatinadditiontoshaggingher,I’vebeenhelpingherbugHonbold’sbedroom.’
‘Corm,I’msorry–she’sbeentryingtogethimtoleavehiswifeforages.She’scompletelyopenaboutit.’
‘Ican’tseeHonboldmarryingherifhethinksshe’sputaprivatedetectiveonhim.Whereissherightnow,d’youknow?’
‘She’llbeatLavingtonCourtChambers,’saidIlsa.
‘OK,I’llgoandwaitforherthere,’saidStrike.
‘Isthatwise?’
‘It’llbeeasiertoputthefearofGodintoherinpersonthanoverthephone,’saidStrikegrimly,alreadyheadingtowardstheTubestation.
44
Amanmustpartcompanywiththeinferiorandsuperficial.Theimportantthingistoremainfirm.
TheIChingorBookofChanges
This,Strikethought,wasthefirsttimehe’dbeengladthatRobinwascurrentlyatChapmanFarm.He’ddonesomethingbloodystupid,andwhiletheconsequenceswerelikelytobemoresevereforhimselfthantheagencyasawhole,hepreferredRobintoremaininignoranceofthemesshe’dgothimselfinto.
Havinglookeduptheaddress,StrikemadetheshortjourneyontheCentralline,exitingtheTubeatHolbornandheadingforLincoln’sInn.Hethentookupapositionbehindatreeinthegardensfromwhichhecouldwatchtheneo-classicalfa?adeofLavingtonCourtChambers,andwaited.
He’dbeenthereforanhour,watchingafewpeopleenter,andmoreleavethebuilding,whenhismobilerang.ExpectingtoseeBijou’snumber,heinsteadsawShanker’s.
‘Wotcha,Bunsen,justcallin’tosayyou’rein,wivReaney.Twenny-eighthofMay.Couldn’tdonuffin’earlier.’
‘Cheers,Shanker,that’sgreatnews,’saidStrike,stillkeepinghiseyestrainedontheentranceofBijou’sbuilding.‘HeknowsI’mcoming,right?’
‘Oh,yeah,’eknows,’saidShanker.‘An’you’ll’aveabitofsecuritythere,tomakesure’e’scooperating.’
‘Evenbetter,’saidStrike.‘Thanksalot.’
‘Awright,’appy’untin’,’saidShanker,andrangoff.
StrikehadjustputhismobilebackinhispocketwhenthedoorofLavingtonCourtChambersopenedandBijoudescendedthestepswearingabrightredcoat,settingoffinthedirectionoftheTubestation.Strikelethergetaheadstart,thenfollowed.Ashewalked,hetookouthismobileandcalledhernumberagain.Shetookherphoneoutofherbag,stillwalking,lookedatit,thenputitbackinthebagwithoutanswering.
AshewantedtoputsomedistancebetweenhimselfandLavingtonCourtChamberstoreducethepossibilityofbeingseenbyBijou’sworkcolleagues,StrikecontinuedtowalkfiftyyardsbehindhisquarryuntilsheenterednarrowGateStreet.Here,shesloweddown,tookouthermobileagain,apparentlytoreadarecentlyreceivedtext,andfinallycametoahalttosendareply.Strikespedup,andwhenshe’dagainputhermobilebackintoherbag,calledhername.
Shelookedround,andwasclearlyhorrifiedtoseewhohadcalledher.
‘I’dlikeaword,inthere,’hesaidgrimly,pointingtoapubcalledtheShip,whichwastuckedawayinapedestrian-onlyalleywayvisiblebetweentwobuildings.
‘Why?’
‘Haveyoureadtoday’sPrivateEye?’
‘I–yes.’
‘Thenyouknowwhy.’
‘Idon’t—’
‘Wanttobeseenwithme?Thenyoushould’veansweredyourphone.’
Shelookedasthoughshe’dhavelikedtorefusetogowithhim,butlethimleadherintothealleyway.WhenheheldopenthedooroftheShip,shewalkedinpasthim,herexpressioncold.
‘I’drathergoupstairs,’shesaid.
‘Finebyme,’saidStrike.‘Whatd’youwanttodrink?’
‘Idon’tcare–redwine.’
Fiveminuteslaterhejoinedherupstairsinthelow-ceilinged,dimlylitOakRoom.She’dtakenoffhercoattorevealatightreddress,andwassittinginacornerwithherbacktotheroom.Strikesetherwineonthetablebeforesittingdownoppositeher,holdingadoublewhisky.Hedidn’tintendtostaylongenoughforapint.
‘You’vebeenshootingyourmouthoffaboutme.’
‘No,Ihaven’t.’
‘“AmoleatLavingtonCourtChambers—”’
‘Iknowwhatitsaid!’
‘YouneedtomakeitverycleartothisHonboldindividualthatInevergaveyouanyadviceonsurveillance.’
‘I’vealreadytoldhimthat!’
‘Seenthearticle,hashe?’
‘Yes.AndtheMailhavebeenontohim.AndtheSun.Buthe’sgoingtodenyeverything,’sheadded,herbottomliptrembling.
‘I’llbetheis.’
StrikewatchedunsympatheticallyasBijouduginherpocketsforatissueandblottedhereyescarefullysoasnottodisturbhermake-up.
‘Whatareyougoingtodowhenjournosturnupatyourflat?’heasked.
‘TellthemIneversleptwithhim.It’swhatAndrewwants.’
‘You’regoingtodenyyoueversleptwithme,aswell.’
Shesaidnothing.Suspectingheknewwhatlaybehindhersilence,hesaid,
‘I’mnotgoingtobecollateraldamageinallthis.Wemetatachristening,that’sall.IfyoustillthinkHonbold’sgoingtobespurredintoleavinghiswifeoutofjealousythatwe’rescrewing,you’redeluded.Idoubthe’dtouchyouwithabargepoleafterthis.’
‘Youbastard,’shecroaked,stillmoppinghereyesandnose.‘Ilikedyou.’
‘Youwereplayingalittlegamethatblewupinyourface,butI’mnotgoingtogetcaughtinthecrossfire,sounderstandnow,there’llbeconsequencesifyoutryandsavefacebysayingwe’rehavinganaffair.’
‘Areyouthreateningme?’shewhisperedoverthedamptissue.
‘It’sawarning,’saidStrike.‘Deletethetextsyousentmeandtakemynumberoffyourphone.’
‘Or?’
‘Orthere’llbeconsequences,’herepeated.‘I’maprivatedetective.Ifindoutthingsaboutpeople,thingstheythinkthey’vehiddenveryeffectively.Unlessthere’snothinginyourpastyou’dmindseeingprintedintheSun,I’dthinklongandhardaboutusingmetotryandleverageaproposaloutofHonbold.’
Shewasnolongercrying.Herexpressionhadhardened,buthethoughtshe’dgoneslightlypalerbeneathherfoundation.Finallyshetookouthermobile,deletedhiscontactdetails,thetextsthey’dexchangedandthephotosshe’dsenthim.Strikethendidthesameonhisownphone,downedhiswhiskyinoneandstoodupagain.
‘Right,’hesaid,‘blanketdenialsallroundandthisshouldblowover.’
HelefttheShipfeelingnoqualmswhatsoeveraboutthetacticshe’djustemployed,butconsumedwithfuryatherandhimself.TimewouldtellwhetherhewasgoingtofindtheMailathisowndoor,butashewalkedbacktowardsHolbornTubestation,hevowedtohimselfthatthiswouldbethelasttime,ever,heriskedhisownprivacyorcareerforapointlessaffairundertakentodistracthimfromthoughtsofRobinEllacott.
45
Buteveryrelationshipbetweenindividualsbearswithinitthedangerthatwrongturnsmaybetaken…
TheIChingorBookofChanges
RobinhadhadtocarryaroundthePolaroidsshe’dfoundforaweekbeforeplacingthemintheplasticrockonThursdaynight.Shedidn’tdarehidethemanywhereinthedormitory,buttheawarenessofthemclosetoherskinwasanever-presentsourceofanxietyincaseoneslippedoutfromunderhertracksuittop.Herfourthtripintothewoodsand
Thefollowingevening,afteradayoflecturesandchanting,Robinreturnedtothedormitorywiththeotherwomentofindscarlettracksuitslyingontheirbeds,insteadoforange.
‘Whythecolourchange?’saidwidowedMarionHuxleyblankly.Marion,whosegingerhairhadnowgrownouttorevealaninchofsilver,oftenaskedratherbasicquestions,orspokewhenothersmighthaveremainedsilent.
‘’Aven’tyoufinishedreadingTheAnsweryet?’snappedspiky-hairedVivienne.‘Wemust’veenteredtheSeasonoftheStolenProphet.Red’shiscolour.’
‘Verygood,Vivienne,’calledBeccaPirbright,smilingfromafewbedsaway,andViviennevisiblypreenedherself.
ButtherewassomethingelseonRobin’sbedbesideherfoldedscarlettracksuit:aboxofhaircolourremoverwithaslipofpaperlyingontopofit,withwhatsherecognisedasaquotationfromTheAnswerprintedonit.
TheFalseSelfcravesthatwhichisartificialandunnatural.TheTrueSelfcravesthatwhichisgenuineandnatural.
Robinglancedacrossthedormitoryandsawgreen-hairedPennyBrownalsoexaminingaboxofhaircolourremover.Theireyesmet;RobinsmiledandpointedtowardsthebathroomandPenny,smilingback,nodded.
ToRobin’ssurprise,Louisewasstandingatthesink,carefullyshavingherheadinthemirror.Theireyesmetbriefly.Louisedroppedhergazefirst.Havingtowelledoffhernowcompletelybaldpate,sheleftthebathroomwithoutspeaking.
‘Peopleweretellingme,’whisperedPenny,‘thatshe’sbeenshavedfor,like,ayear.’
‘Wow,’saidRobin.‘D’youknowwhy?’
Pennyshookherhead.
Tiredasshewas,andresentfulthatshehadtogiveupvaluablesleepingtimetoremovingherbluehairdye,Robinwasneverthelessgladfortheopportunitytotalkfreelytoanotherchurchmember,especiallyonewhosedailyroutinedifferedsomarkedlyfromherown.
‘How’reyoudoing?I’vebarelyseenyousincewewereinFireGrouptogether.’
‘Great,’saidPenny.‘Reallygreat.’
Herroundfacewasslimmerthanithadbeenonarrivalatthefarmandtherewereshadowsbeneathhereyes.Sidebysideatthebathroommirror,RobinandPennyopenedtheboxesandbegantoapplytheproducttotheirhair.
‘IfthisisthestartoftheSeasonoftheStolenProphet,’saidPenny,‘we’llbeseeingaproperManifestationsoon.’
Shesoundedbothexcitedandfrightened
‘Itwasincredible,seeingtheDrownedProphetappear,wasn’tit?’saidRobin.
‘Yes,’saidPenny.‘That’swhatreally–Imean,onceyou’veseenthat,there’snogoingbacktonormallife,isthere?Like,theproof.’
‘Absolutely,’saidRobin.‘Ifeltthesame.’
Pennylookeddisconsolatelyatherreflection,withhergreenhairnowcoveredinathickwhitepaste.
‘Itwasgrowingoutanyway,’shesaid,withanairoftryingtoconvinceherselfshewashappytobedoingwhatshewasdoing.
‘Sowhathaveyoubeenupto?’askedRobin.
‘Um,loadsofstuff,’saidPenny.‘Cooking,workingonthevegetablepatch.I’vebeenhelpingwithJacobaswell.Andwehadareallygoodtalkthismorning,onspiritbonding.’
‘Really?’saidRobin.‘Ihaven’thadthatyet…how’sJacobdoing?’
‘He’sdefinitelygettingbetter,’saidPenny,evidentlyundertheimpressionthatRobinknewallaboutJacob.
‘Oh,good,’saidRobin.‘Iheardhewasn’ttoowell.’
‘Imean,hehasn’tbeen,obviously,’saidPenny.Hermannerwassomewherebetweenanxiousandcagey.‘It’slike,difficult,isn’tit?Becausesomeonelikethat,theycan’tunderstandaboutthefalseselfandthepurespirit,andthat’swhytheycan’thealthemselves.’
‘Right,’saidRobin,nodding,‘butyouthinkhe’sgettingbetter?’
‘Ohyeah,’saidPenny.‘Definitely.’
‘It’sniceofMazutohavehiminthefarmhouse,’saidRobin,subtlyprobing.
‘Yeah,’saidPennyagain,‘buthecouldn’tbeinthedormitorywithallhisproblems.’
‘No,ofcoursenot,’saidRobin,carefullyfeelingherway.‘DrZhouseemssonice.’
‘Yeah,it’sreallyluckyJacob’sgotDrZhou,becauseit’dbeanightmareifhewasontheoutside,’saidPenny.‘TheyeuthanisepeoplelikeJacoboutthere.’
‘D’youthinkso?’askedRobin.
‘Ofcoursetheydo,’saidPenny,indisbeliefatRobin’snaivety.‘Thestatedoesn’twanttolookafterthem,sothey’rejustquietlydoneawaywithbytheNHS–theNaziHateSquad,DrZhoucallsit,’sheadded,beforelookinganxiouslyinthemirroratherhairandsaying,‘Howlongd’youthinkit’sbeenon?It’shardtoknow,withoutawatchoranything…’
‘Maybefiveminutes?’saidRobin.SeekingtocapitaliseonPenny’smentionofthelackofwatches,andencouragethegirltoshareanythingnegativeshemighthavenoticedabouttheUHC,shesaidlightly,
‘Funny,havingtogetourdyeout.Mazu’shaircan’tbenaturallythatblack,canit?She’sinherfortiesandshehasn’tgotasinglebitofgrey.’
Penny’sdemeanourchangedinstantly.
‘Critiquingpeople’slooksispurematerialistjudgement.’
‘I’mnot—’
‘Fleshisunimportant.Spiritisall-important.’
Hertonewasdidactic,buthereyeswerefearful.
‘Iknow,butifitdoesn’tmatterwhatwelooklike,whyhavewegottotakeoutourhairdye?’saidRobinreasonably.
‘Because–itwasonthebitofpaperonthebox.Thetrueselfisnatural.’
Nowlookingalarmed,Pennyscurriedawayintoashowercubicleandclosedthedoorbehindher.
Whensheestimatedthattwentyminuteshadpassed,Robinstrippedoffhertracksuit,showeredtheproductoutofherhair,driedherself,checkedinthemirrorthatalltracesofbluedyeweregone,thenreturnedtothedarkdormitoryinherpyjamas.
Pennyremainedhiddeninhershowercubiclethroughout.
46
Anindividualfindshimselfinanevilenvironmenttowhichheiscommittedbyexternalties.Buthehasaninnerrelationshipwithasuperiorman…
TheIChingorBookofChanges
Theroutineofthehigher-levelrecruitschangedwiththearrivaloftheSeasonoftheStolenProphet.Theywerenolongerspendingentiremorningswatchingfootageofwaratrocitiesandfamineinthefarmhousebasementbutweregivenmorelecturesontheninestepstopurespirit:admission,service,divestment,union,renunciation,acceptance,purification,mortificationandsacrifice.Theyweregivenpracticaladviceonhowtoachievestepsonetosix,whichcouldbeworkedonconcurrently,buttherestwereshroudedinmystery,andonlythosewhowerejudgedtohavesuccessfullymasteredthefirsthalfdozenweredeemedworthytolearnhowtoachievethelastthree.
RobinalsohadtoendureasecondRevelationsession.Forthesecondtime,sheescapedsittinginthehotseatinthemiddleofthecircle,althoughVivienneandtheelderlyWalterwerelessfortunate.Viviennewasattackedforherhabitofchangingheraccenttodisguisehermoneyedbackgroundandaccusedofarrogance,self-centrednessandhypocrisyuntilshewasreducedtoheavingsobs,whileWalter,who’dadmittedtoalong-runningfeudwithanex-colleagueathisolduniversity,wasberatedforegomotivityandmaterialistjudgement.Aloneofthosewho’dsofarbeensubjectedtoPrimalResponseTherapy,Walterdidn’tcry.Heturnedwhite,butnoddedrhythmically,almosteagerly,asthecirclethrewinsultsandaccusationsathim.
‘Yes,’hemuttered,blinkingfuriouslybehindhisglasses,‘yes…that’strue…it’salltrue…verybad…yes,indeed…falseself…’
Meanwhilethebottomsofthemedium-sizedtracksuitsRobinwasgivenonceaweekkeptslidingdownfromherwaist,becauseshe’dlostsomuchweight.Otherthantheirritationofhavingtoconstantlypullthemupagain,thisdidn’ttroublehernearlyasmuchastheawarenessthatshewasslowlybecominginstitutionalised.
Whenshe’dfirstarrivedatChapmanFarm,she’dregisteredherowntirednessandhungerasabnormal,andnoticedtheeffectsofclaustrophobiaandgrouppressureduringlecturesinthebasement.Gradually,though,she’dstoppednoticingherexhaustion,andhadadaptedtomakingdowithlessfood.Shewasalarmedtofindtheunconscioushabitofchantingunderherbreathbecomingmorefrequentandshe’devencaughtherselfthinkinginthechurch’slanguage.PonderingthequestionofwhytheunknownJacob,whowasclearlytooilltobeusefultothechurch,wasbeingkeptatChapmanFarm,shefoundherselfframingthepossibilityofhisdepartureasa‘returntothematerialistworld’.
Unnervedbywhatshewasstillobjectiveenoughtorecogniseaspartialindoctrination,Robintriedanewstrategytomaintainherobjectivity:tryingtoanalysethemethodsthechurchwasusingtoforceacceptanceofitsworldview.
Shenotedthewayduressandleniencywereappliedtochurchmembers.Recruitsweresogratefulforanylet-upintheconstantpressuretolisten,learn,workorchantthattheyshoweddisproportionategratitudeforthesmallestrewards.Whenolderchildrenwerepermittedtorunintothewoodsattheperimeterforunsupervisedleisuretime,theytookoffwiththekindofgleeRobinimaginedchildrenintheoutsideworldmighthavedisplayedonbeingtoldtheyweregoingtoDisneyland.AkindwordfromMazu,TaioorBecca,fiveminutesofunsupervisedtime,anextrascoopofnoodlesatdinner:thesetriggeredfeelingsofwarmthanddelightthatshowedjusthownormalisedenforcedobedienceanddeprivationhadalreadybecome.Robinwasawarethatshe,too,wasbeginningtocravetheapprovalofchurchelders,andthatthiscravingwasrootedinananimalisticurgeforself-protection.Theregularre-sortingofthegroupsandtheever-presentthreatofostracismpreventedanyfeelingofrealsolidaritydevelopingbetweenmembers.Thosegivinglectureshadimpresseduponallofthemthatthepurespiritsawnohumanbeingasbetterormoreloveablethananyother.Loyaltywassupposedtoflowupwards,towardsthedivineandtheheadsofthechurch,butneversideways.
Yetherstrategyofobjectivelyanalysingthechurch’smeansofindoctrinationwasonlypartiallysuccessful.Keptinapermanentstateoftiredness,itwasaconstantefforttoreflectonhowobediencewascompelled,ratherthansimplycomplying.Finally,RobinhituponthetrickofimaginingherselftellingStrikewhatshewasupto.Thisforcedhertodiscardallchurchjargon,becausehewouldn’tunderstandor,morelikely,wouldmockit.TheideaofStrikelaughingatwhatshewashavingtodo–thoughshedidhimthecreditofdoubtinghe’dfindRevelationamusing–wasabettermeansofkeepingafootholdintherealitythatlayoutsideChapmanFarm,andevenbrokethechantinghabit,becauseshetrainedherselftoimagineStrikegrinningatherwhenshefoundherselfdoingit.NotoncediditoccurtoRobinthatshemighthaveimaginedtalkingtoMurphy,oranyofherfemalefriends,ratherthanStrike.Shewasdesperatelylookingforwardtohisnextletter,partlybecauseshewantedtohearhisopiniononthePolaroidsshe’dplacedintheplasticrockthepreviousThursday,butalsobecausethesightofhishandwritingprovedhewasreal,notjustausefulfigmentofherimagination.
ThejourneyacrossthedarkfieldandthroughthewoodsthefollowingThursdaywashereasiestsofar,becausetheroutethroughthetreeswasbecomingfamiliar.Whensheopenedtheplasticrockandturnedonthetorch,shesawthelongestletterfromStrikeyet,andtwoCadbury’sFlakes.Onlyasshebeganunwrappingoneoftheseandeasingherselfintopositionbehindatree,tomakesurehertorchlightwasn’tvisibletoanyonewhomightbelookingthroughthewoodsfromthefarm,didsherealisetherewasnonotefromRyan.Toonervousandravenoustoworryaboutthatnow,shebegangobblingdownthechocolatewhilereadingStrike’sletter.
Hi,Yourlastwasveryinterestingindeed.Thetinyoudescribeddatesfrom1987.AssumingthepersonwhotookthePolaroidsownedthetin,andassumingthetinwastakentothefarmwhennew,itgottherebeforethechurchstarted,whichmightsuggestouramateurpornographerwasthereinthecommunedays,evenifhismodelsarrivedlater.CouldbetheCrowthers,Coates,Wacehimself,RustAndersen,orsomeonewedon’tknowabout.I’minclinedtodiscounttheCrowthersorCoates,becausetheyspecialisedinpre-pubescents.Theblondegirl’shairlookslikeCherieGittins’,thoughobviouslytherecouldhavebeenmorethanoneblonde,curlyhairedgirlthere.Ialsowonderedabouttheboywiththetattooonhisarm.Shanker’sgotmeadatewithJordanReaney,soI’llaskhimifhe’sgotanyskullsuphissleeve.Othernews:FrankOnepostedabirthdaycardthroughtheclient’sdoor.Hardtoprosecuteoverthat,butBarclay’sfoundoutonebrother’saflasherandtheotherone’sgotpreviousforstalking.IcalledWardleandIthink/hopethepolicearegoingtopaythemavisit.We’restilllumberedwithLittlejohn,unfortunately.Wardlerecommendedanex-copperandIinterviewedhim,buthe’stakenajobwithPattersoninstead.Saysthepay’sbetter.Newstome,Devsaystheypaylessthanwedo.MaybehejustthoughtIwasadick.Pat’sinabadmood.Murphyapologisesforthelackofletter,he’shadtogoupnorth.Sendshisbest.Takecareofyourselfinthereandanytimeyouwanttoleave,we’reready.Sx
Robinnowunwrappedthesecondchocolatebar,proppedthepileofblankpaperonherkneeandbegantowriteback,pausingregularlytotakemorebitesofFlakeandtryandrecalleverythingsheneededtotellStrike.
HavingapologisedfornothavinganythingnewonWillEdensor,shecontinued:
Itoldyouaboutthetwogirlswholetthelittleboyescape.Bothhavehadtheirheadsshaved.It’sclearlyapunishment,whichmeansLouiseandEmilyPirbrighthavebeenpunished,too,butIdon’tyetknowwhy.Ihaven’tbeenabletotalktoEmilyPirbrightagain.TwonightsagoIalsosawthebackoftheblackgirl,whosebed’sacoupleawayfrommine.Ithadweirdmarksonitasifshe’dbeendraggedalongthefloor.Ihaven’thadanyopportunitytotalktoher.Thetroubleis,everyoneinhereshuns/avoidspeoplewho’vebeentoldofforpunished,soit’sveryobviousifyoumakeoverturestothem.I’veheardmoreaboutJacobfromagirlwho’sbeenhelpinglookafterhim.Shesayshe’sgettingbetter(notsurethat’strue)andthatpeople‘likehim’areeuthanisedinthematerialist–
Catchingherself,Robincrossedthewordout.
–materialistoutsideworld.ShealsosaidpeoplelikeJacobdon’treallyunderstandaboutthefalseselfandthepurespiritsotheycan’thealthemselves.Willkeepanearoutformore.We’renowinthemiddleofalotoflecturesonhowyoubecomepurespirit.Thereareninestepsandthethirdiswhenyoustartcommittingalotofmoneytothechurch,todivestyourselfofmaterialism.I’mabitworriedaboutwhat’sgoingtohappenwhentheyexpectmetostartsettingupbanktransfers,giventhattheythinkIcanafford￡1khandbags.Idon’twanttocomeoutyet–
Robinpausedhere,listeningtotherustlingleaves,herbacksorefromleaningagainsttheknobblybarkofthetree,herbacksideandthighsdampfromthewetgrass.Whatshe’dwrittenwasalie:sheverymuchwantedtoleave.Thethoughtofherflat,hercomfortablebedandareturntotheofficewereincrediblytempting,butshewascertainstayingwouldprovideopportunitiestofindsomethingincriminatingagainstthechurchthatwouldbeimpossiblefromtheoutside.
–becauseIhaven’treallygotanythingColinEdensorcanuse.HopefullyI’llgetsomethingthisweek.IswearI’mtrying.Stillhaven’thadtodoRevelation.I’llfeelhappieronceI’vegotthatoutoftheway.RxPSPleasekeepthechocolatecoming47
Nineatthebeginningmeans:Whenribbongrassispulledup,thesodcomeswithit.
TheIChingorBookofChanges
StrikewaitedtoreadRobin’smostrecentdispatchfromChapmanFarmbeforefinishinganinterimreportforSirColinEdensor.ThequestionthatwasvexinghimmostwaswhetherornottorevealthepossibilitythatWillhadfatheredachildwithanunderagegirlatChapmanFarm.TheoverheardconversationRobinhadmentioneddidn’t,inStrike’sview,risetothestandardofproof,andhewaswaryofincreasingSirColin’sanxietywithoutbeingcertainofhisfacts.HethereforeomittedmentionofWill’sallegedpaternity,andconcluded:
ProposedNextStepsWenowhaveRE’seyewitnessaccountofphysicalcoercionandinjuries,plusherfirst-handexperienceofunderfeeding,enforcedlackofsleepanda‘therapeutic’techniqueIthinklegitimatepsychologistswouldagreeisabusive.REbelievesshemayyetuncoverevidenceofmoreserious/criminalactivityatChapmanFarm.GiventhatnoneofthechurchmembersREandIhaveinterviewedsofararewillingtotestifyagainstthechurch,orlikelytobecrediblewitnessesgiventhelengthoftimethey’vebeenout,IrecommendREstayingundercoverforthepresent.I’llbeinterviewinganotherex-memberoftheUHConthetwenty-eighthofMayandamactivelysearchingformore.IdentifyingthesubjectsofthephotographsREfoundisapriority,astheysuggestsexualabusehasbeenusedasaformofdiscipline.Ifyouhaveanyquestions,pleasegetintouch.
Havingemailedthepassword-protectedreporttoSirColin,Strikedrankthelastofhismugoftea,thensatforafewmomentsstaringoutofthewindowofhisattickitchen,contemplatingseveralofhiscurrentdilemmas.
Ashe’dforeseen,thePrivateEyearticlehadledtophonecallsfromthreedifferentjournalists,allofwhosepublicationshadtangledwithAndrewHonboldQCincourtandwereconsequentlyeagertowringasmuchnewsprintaspossibleoutofhisextra-maritalaffair.OnStrike’sinstructions,Pathadrespondedwithaone-linestatementdenyinganyinvolvementwithHonboldoranyoneassociatedwithhim.HonboldhimselfhadissuedastatementvehementlydenyingtheEyestoryandthreateninglegalactionBijou’snamehadn’tappearedinthepress,butStrikehadanastyfeelingthattheremightyetbefurtherrepercussionsfromhisill-adviseddalliance,andwaskeepingaweather-eyeoutforanyopportunisticjournalistwhomightbewatchingtheoffice.
Meanwhilehestillhadn’tmanagedtotrackdownanyoftheformerchurchmembershewasmosteagertotalkto,remainedsaddledwithLittlejohnandwasplaguedbyworriesabouthisUncleTed,whomhe’dcalledthepreviouseveningandwhoappearedtohaveforgottenthathe’dseenhisnephewrecently.
Striketurnedhisattentionbacktothelaptoplyingopenonhiskitchentable.Moreinhopethaninexpectation,henavigatedtoTormentTown’sPinterestpage,buttherewerenoadditionalpictures,norwasthereanyresponsetohisenquiryastowhethertheartistdrewfromimagination.
He’djustgottohisfeettowashuphismugwhenhismobilerangwithacalltransferredfromtheoffice.Hepickedupandhadbarelygothisnameoutwhenafurious,high-pitchedvoicesaid,
‘I’vehadafuckinglivesnakepostedthroughmyfrontdoor!’
‘What?’saidStrike,completelynonplussed.
‘AfuckingSNAKE!Oneofthosetotalfuckershasputafuckingsnakethroughmyletterbox!’
InrapidsuccessionStrikerealisedthathewastalkingtotheactresstheFrankswerestalking,thathe’dmomentarilyforgottenhername,andthathisteammusthavefuckedupverybadlyindeed
‘Didthishappenthismorning?’hesaid,droppingbackintohiskitchenchairandopeningtherotaonhislaptoptoseewhowasontheFranks.
‘Idon’tknow,I’veonlyjustfuckingfounditinmysittingroom,itcould’vebeenherefordays!’
‘Haveyoucalledthepolice?’
‘What’sthepointincallingthepolice?ThisiswhatI’mpayingyoutostop!’
‘Iappreciatethat,’saidStrike,‘buttheimmediateproblemisthesnake.’
‘Oh,that’sallright,’shesaid,thankfullynolongershouting.‘I’veputitinthebath.It’sonlyacornsnake.Iusedtohaveone,I’mnotscaredofthem.Well,’sheaddedheatedly,‘I’mnotscaredofthemuntilIseethemslitheringoutfrombeneaththesofawhenIdidn’tknowtheywerethere.’
‘Don’tblameyou,’saidStrike,who’djustfoundoutthatBarclayandMidgewerecurrentlyontheFranks.‘It’dbegoodtogetanapproximateideaofwhenyouthinkitmighthavearrived,becausewe’rekeepingthebrothersunderconstantsurveillanceandtheyhaven’tbeenanywherenearyourfrontdoorsincetheolderonedroppedyourbirthdaycardin.I’veseenthevideoandtheredefinitelywasn’tasnakeinhishand.’
‘Soyou’retellingmeI’vegotathirdnutterafterme?’
‘Notnecessarily.Wereyouinlastnight?’
‘Yes,but—’
Shebrokeoff.
‘Oh.Actually,Idorememberhearingtheletterflaplastnight.’
‘Whattime?’
‘Must’vebeenaroundten.Iwashavingabath.’
‘Didyouchecktoseewhetheranythinghadbeenputthroughthedoor?’
‘No.IkindofregisteredtherewasnothingtherewhenIwentdownstairstogetadrink.IthoughtImusthavemistakenanoiseoutsidefortheletterbox.’
‘D’youneedhelpgettingridofthesnake?’askedStrike,whofeltthiswastheleasthecoulddo.
‘No,’shesighed,‘I’llcalltheRSPCAorsomething.’
‘Allright,I’llcontactthepeopleI’vegottailingthebrothers,findoutwheretheywerelastnightattenandgetbacktoyou.Gladtohearyou’renottooshakenup,Tasha,’headded,hernamehavingjustcomebacktohim.
‘Thankyou,’shesaid,mollified.‘OK,I’llwaittohearback.’
Whenshe’dhungup,StrikecalledBarclay.
‘YouwereonFrankOneovernight,right?’
‘Yeah,’saidBarclay.
‘Wherewashearoundten?’
‘Athome.’
‘Yousure?’
‘Aye,andsowashisbrother.FrankTwohasn’tbeenootatalltheselastfewdays.Mebbehe’sill.’
‘Neitherofthembeennearwhat’s-her-name’shouselately?’
‘FrankOnetookastrollroundthereonMonday.Midgewasonhim.’
‘Right,I’llcallher.Thanks.’
StrikerangoffandphonedMidge.
‘Hedefinitelydidn’tpostanythingthroughthefrontdoor,’saidMidge,whenStrikeexplainedwhyhewascalling.‘Justlurkedontheoppositepavement,watchingherwindows.He’sbeenathomethelastfewdaysandso’shisbrother.’
‘SoBarclaysaid.’
‘Shecan’thaveanotherstalker,canshe?’
‘That’sexactlywhatshejustaskedme,’saidStrike.‘Couldbesomedeludedfan’sideaofasurprisegift,Is’pose.Apparentlysheusedtoownacornsnake.’
‘Idon’tcarehowmanysnakesyou’veowned,youdon’twantonepostedthroughyourbloodydooratnight,’saidMidge.
‘Iagree.HaveyouseenanycoppersvisitingtheFranksyet?’
‘Nope,’saidMidge.
‘OK,I’llgetbacktotheclient.Thismightmeankeepingsomeoneonherhouseforabit,aswellastheFranks.’
‘Bloodyhell.Who’dhavethoughtthispairoffreakswouldturnouttobesolabourintensive?’
‘Notme,’admittedStrike.
Afterhe’dhungupthephonehereachedforhisvapepen,frowningslightlyasheinhalednicotine,lostinthoughtforaminute.Hethenturnedhisattentionbacktotheweeklyrota.
LittlejohnandShahhadbothhadthepreviouseveningoff.Bigfoot’sextramaritalactivitieswereconfinedtodaylighthoursandhewenthomenightlytohissuspicious,irritablewife.Strikewasstillaskinghimselfwhethertheideahe’djusthadwasludicrous,whenhismobilerangagain,forwardedfromtheofficeasbefore.Expectinghisactress
‘It’sme.Don’thangup,’shesaidquickly.‘It’sinyourbestintereststohearwhatI’vegottosay.’
‘Sayit,then,’saidStrikeirritably
‘AjournalistfromtheMailcalledme.They’retryingtorunsomesleazyprofileofyou,sayingyousleepwithfemaleclients.Likefather,likeson,thatkindofthing.’
Strikecouldfeelthetensiongrippingeverypartofhisbody.
‘ItoldherIdidn’tbelieveyou’deversleepwithaclient,thatyou’reveryhonourableandthatyou’vegotstrictethicsaboutthatkindofthing.AndIsaidyou’renothinglikeyourfather.’
Strikecouldn’thavesaidwhathewasfeeling,exceptadimsurprisemixedwithsomeghostlyvestigeofwhathe’doncefeltforher,resurrectedbythesorrowfulvoicehe’dsometimesheardattheendoftheirworstfights,whenevenCharlotte’sineradicableloveofconflictleftherspentandatypicallyhonest.
‘Iknowthey’vebeentoafewofyourexesaswell,’saidCharlotte.
‘Who?’saidStrike.
‘Madeline,CiaraandElin,’saidCharlotte.‘MadelineandElinhavebothsaidthey’veneverhiredaprivatedetectiveandrefusedtogiveanyothercomment.CiarasaysshejustlaughedwhentheMailcalledher,thenhungup.’
‘HowthehelldidtheyknowIwaswithElin?’saidStrike,moretohimselfthanCharlotte.Thataffair,whichhadendedacrimoniously,hadbeenconductedwithwhathe’dthoughtwascompletediscretiononboththeirparts.
‘Darling,peopletalk,’sighedCharlotte.‘Youshouldknowthat,seeingasit’syourjobtomakethem.ButIjustwantedyoutoknow,nobody’scooperatingandI’vedonewhatIcould.YouandIweretogetherlongest,so–sothatshouldcountforsomething.’
Striketriedtofindsomethingtosayandfinallymustereda‘Well–thanks.’
‘That’sallright,’saidCharlotte.‘IknowyouthinkIwanttoruinyourlife,butIdon’t.Idon’t.’
‘Ineverthoughtyouwantedtoruinmylife,’saidStrike,nowrubbinghisfacewithhishand.‘Ijustthoughtyoudidn’tmindmessingwithitabit.’
‘Whatd’you—?’
‘Shit-stirring,’saidStrike.‘WithMadeline.’
‘Oh,’saidCharlotte.‘Yeah…Ididdothat,abit.’
TheanswerforcedareluctantlaughoutofStrike.
‘Howareyou?’hesaid.‘How’syourhealth?’
‘I’mfine.’
‘Really?’
‘Yes.Imean,they’vecaughtitearly.’
‘OK,well,thanksfordoingwhatyoucouldwiththeMail.I’lljusthavetohopetheyhaven’tgotenoughtorunwith.’
‘Bluey,’shesaidurgently,andhisheartsank.
‘What?’
‘Couldwehaveadrink?Justadrink.Totalk.’
‘No,’hesaidwearily.
‘Whynot?’
‘Because,’hesaid,‘it’sover.I’vetoldyouthis,repeatedly.We’rethrough.’
‘Andwecan’tevenstayfriends?’
‘JesusChrist,Charlotte,wewereneverfriends.Thatwasthewholetrouble.Wewereneverfuckingfriends.’
‘Howcanyousay—?’
‘Becauseit’strue,’hesaidforcefully.‘Friendsdon’tdotoeachotherwhatwedid.Friendshaveeachother’sbacks.TheywanteachothertobeOK.Theydon’tripeachotheraparteverytimethere’saproblem.’
Herbreathingwasraggedinhisear.
‘You’rewithRobin,aren’tyou?’
‘Mylovelife’snoneofyourbusinessanymore,’saidStrike.‘Isaiditinthepubtheotherweek,Iwishyouwell,butIdon’t—’
Charlottehungup.
Strikereplacedthemobileonhiskitchentableandreachedforhisvapeagain.Severalminutespassedbeforehewasabletosubduehisdisorderedthoughts.Finally,hereturnedhisattentiontotherotaonthescreeninfrontofhim,hiseyesfixedonthenameLittlejohn,andaftersomefurtherrumination,pickeduphismobileagain,andonceagaincalledShanker.
48
…theinferiorman’swickednessisvisiteduponhimself.Hishouseissplitapart.Alawofnatureisatworkhere.
TheIChingorBookofChanges
ShortlyaftermiddayonTuesday,StrikewastobefoundrisinguptheescalatoratSloaneSquarestation,preparedtotakeoversurveillanceonBigfoot,whowasonceagainindulginginhisfavouritepastimeatthelargehotelfullofsexworkers.Amongthesmall,framedpostersontheescalatorwalls,manyofwhichwereadvertisingWestEndshowsandgroomingproducts,Strikenoticedseveralfeaturingaflatteringheadshotof‘PapaJ’,theUHC’sheart-shapedlogoandthelegendDoyouadmitthepossibility?
ThedetectivehadjustemergedfromthestationintotherainystreetwhenhismobilerangandheheardShah’svoice,whichwasoddlythickened.
‘I’bgodhib.’
‘You’vewhat?’
‘Godhiboncambra,comingouddobaroom,girlbehindhibinstoggingsandnuddingelse–fug,sorry,I’bbleeding.’
‘What’shappened?’saidStrike,thoughhethoughtheknew.
‘Hepunjedbeindafuggingface.’
Fiveminuteslater,StrikeenteredtheRoseandCrownonLowerSloaneStreettofindhisbest-lookingsubcontractorsittinginacornerwithasplitlip,apuffylefteyeandaswollennose,apintonthetableinfrontofhim.
‘Idfine,idnodbroggen,’saidShah,gesturingtohisnoseandforestallingStrike’sfirstquestion.
‘Ice,’wasStrike’sonewordresponse,andheheadedforthebar,returningwithazero-alcoholbeerforhimself,aglassoficeandacleanbeertowelhe’dcadgedfromthecuriousbarmaid.Shahtippedtheiceontothetowel,wrappeditupandpressedthebundletohisface.
‘Cheerd.Deryougo,’Shahsaid,pushinghismobileacrossthetable.Thescreenwassmashed,butthepictureofBigfootwassharpandclearbehindthebrokenglass.Hewascaughtintheactofyelling,mouthwideopen,fistraised,anear-nakedgirllookingterrifiedbehindhim.
‘Now,that,’saidStrike,‘iswhatIcallevidence.Excellentwork.Heatingengineerruseworked,then?’
‘Didn’deedid.Followedafatblokeinside,rideafterBigfood.Hugaroundindecorridor.Caudhibcomingout.He’dquigonhidfeetforabiglad.’
‘Bloodywelldone,’saidStrike.‘Sureyoudon’twanttoseeadoctor?’
‘Doe,I’llbefine.’
‘I’llbehappytoseethebackofthiscase,’saidStrike.‘Midgeisright,theclient’sapaininthearse.S’poseshe’llgethermulti-millionsettlementnow.’
‘Yeah,’saidShah.‘Newcase,den?Obthewaitinglist?’
‘Yeah,’saidStrike.
‘EvenwidtheFranksbeingathree-perdonjobnow?’
‘Heardaboutthesnake,didyou?’
‘Yeah,Barglaydoldbe.’
‘Well,they’renotathree-personjobanymore.Backtotwo.’
‘Howgum?’
‘BecauseI’mhavingthethirdpartywatchedbyacoupleofcash-in-handblokes,’saidStrike.‘Theydon’toftenplayonthesideoftheangels,butthey’reexperiencedatsurveillance–usuallycasingplacestorob.It’scostingmeafortune,butIwanttoprovePatterson’sbehindit.Thatfuckerwillruethedayhetriedthisonme.’
‘Wadzhidproblemwidyou,anyway?’
‘ItpisseshimoffI’mbetterthanhim,’saidStrike.
Devlaughedbutstoppedabruptly,wincing.
‘Ioweyouanewphone,’saidStrike.‘GivemethereceiptandI’llreimburseyou.Youshouldgethomeandrestup.SendmethatpictureandI’llcallBigfoot’swifewhenIgetbacktotheoffice.’
AsuddenthoughtnowoccurredtoStrike
‘Howold’syourwife?’
‘Wad?’saidShah,lookingup.
‘I’vebeentryingtotrackdownathirty-eight-year-oldwoman,fortheUHCcase,’saidStrike.‘She’susedatleastthreealiasesthatIknowof.Wheredowomenthatagehangoutonline,d’youknow?’
‘Bubsned,probably,’saidShah.
‘What?’
‘Bub–fuggit–Mumsnet,’saidDev,enunciatingwithdifficulty.‘Aisha’dalwaydondere.OrFadeboog.’
‘MumsnetandFacebook,’saidStrike.‘Yeah,goodthinking.I’lltrythem.’
HearrivedbackattheofficehalfanhourlatertofindPattherealone,restockingthefridgewithmilk,theradioplayinghitsofthesixties.
‘Dev’sjustgotpunchedinthefacebyBigfoot,’saidStrike,hanginguphiscoat.
‘What?’croakedPat,glaringatStrikeasthoughhewaspersonallyresponsible.
‘He’sfine,’Strikeadded,movingpasthertothekettle.‘Goinghometoicehisnose.Who’snextonthewaitinglist?’
‘Thatweirdowiththemother.’
‘Theyallhavemothers,don’tthey?’saidStrike,droppingateabagintoamug.
‘Thisonewantshismotherwatched,’saidPat.‘Thinksshe’sfritteringawayhisinheritanceonatoyboy.’
‘Ah,right.Ifyoupullthefileforme,I’llgivehimaring.HasLittlejohnshowedhisfaceinheretoday?’
‘No,’saidPat,stiffening.
‘Hashecalled?’
‘No.’
‘Letmeknowifhedoeseither.I’llbethroughhere.Don’tworryaboutinterruptingme,I’lljustbetryingtofindaneedleinahaystackonFacebookandMumsnet.’
Oncesettledathisdesk,Strikemadehistwophonecalls.Bigfoot’swifewasgratifyinglyecstatictoseeconcreteevidenceofherwealthyhusband’sinfidelity.Themanwhowantedhismother’smovement’swatched,andwhohadanupper-classaccentsopronouncedStrikefoundithardtobelievehewasn’tputtingiton,wasalsodelightedtohearfromthedetective.
‘Aywasthinkin’ofgettin’intouchwithPatters’nsifIdidn’thyarfromyehsoon.’
‘Youdon’twanttousethem,they’reshit,’saidStrike,andwasrewardedwithasurprisedguffaw.
HavingaskedPattoemailthenewestclientacontract,Strikereturnedtohisdesk,openedthenotebookinwhichhe’dwritteneverypossiblecombinationofthefirstnamesandsurnamesheknewCherieGittinshadusedinyouth,loggedintoFacebookusingafakeprofile,andbeganhismethodicalsearch.
Ashe’dexpected,theproblemwasn’ttoofewresults,buttoomany.Thereweremultipleresultsforeverynamehetried,notonlyinBritain,butalsoinAustralia,NewZealandandAmerica.Wishinghecouldhirepeopletodothisdonkeyworkforhim,ratherthanpaytwoofShanker’scriminalmatestowatchLittlejohn,hefollowed–or,inthecaseofprivateaccounts,sentfollowerrequeststo–everywomanwhosephotomightplausiblybethatofathirty-eight-year-oldCherieGittins.
Twoandahalfhours,threemugsofteaandasandwichlater,StrikecameacrossaFacebookaccountsettoprivatewiththenameCarrieCurtisWoods.He’dincluded‘Carrie’inhissearchasashortenedversionof‘Carine’.Asthedoublesurnamewasunhyphenated,hesuspectedtheaccountownerwouldbeAmericanratherthanEnglish,butthephotographhadcaughthisattention.ThesmilingwomanhadthesamecurlyblondehairandinsipidprettinessofthefirstpictureofCheriehe’dfound.Inthepicture,shewascuddlingtwoyounggirlsStrikesupposedwereherdaughters.
StrikehadjustsentafollowrequesttoCurtisWoodswhenthemusicintheouterofficeceasedabruptly.Heheardamalevoice.Afteramomentortwo,thephoneonStrike’sdeskrang.
‘What’sup?’
‘There’saBarrySaxonheretoseeyou.’
‘Neverheardofhim,’saidStrike.
‘Hesayshe’smetyou.SaysheknowsanAbigailGlover.’
‘Oh,’saidStrike,closingFacebook,asthememoryofaglowering,beardedmanpresenteditself:Baz,oftheForesterpub.‘OK.Givemeaminute,thensendhimin.’
49
Nineinthethirdplacemeans…AgoatbuttsagainstahedgeAndgetsitshornsentangled.
TheIChingorBookofChanges
Strikeroseandwenttothenoticeboardonthewall,wherehe’dpinnedvariousitemsrelatingtotheUHCcase,andfoldedthewoodenwingstoconcealthePolaroidsofteenagersinpigmasksandthephotoofKevinPirbright’sbedroom.He’djustsatdownwhenthedooropened,andBarrySaxonentered.
Strikejudgedhimtobearoundforty.Hehadverysmall,deep-sethazeleyeswithlargepouchesbeneaththem,andhishairandbeardlookedasthoughtheirownerspentalotoftimecaringforthem.HecametoahaltbeforeStrike,withhishandsinhisjeanspockets,feetplantedwideapart.
‘Youweren’Terry,then,’hesaid,squintingatthedetective.
‘No,’saidStrike.‘Howdidyoufindthatout?’
‘AbtoldPatrick,an’’etoldme.’
Withaneffort,StrikerecalledthatPatrickwasAbigailGlover’slodger.
‘DoesAbigailknowyou’rehere?’
‘Notbloodylikely,’saidSaxon,withaslightsnort.
‘D’youwanttositdown?’
SaxoncastasuspiciouslookatthechairwhereRobinusuallysat,beforetakinghishandsoutofhispocketsanddoingasinvited.
HeandSaxonmightonlyhavebeenindirectcontactforlessthantwominutes,butStrikethoughtheknewwhatkindofmanwassittingoppositehim.Saxon’sattempttoscupperwhathe’dthoughtwasAbigail’sdatewith‘Terry’,coupledwithhispresentattitudeofsmoulderingresentment,remindedStrikeofanestrangedhusbandwhowasoneofthefewclientshe’deverturneddown.Inthatcase,Strikehadbeenconvincedthatifhelocatedtheman’sex-wife,whoheclaimedwasunreasonablyresistingallcontactinspiteofthefactthattherewereunspecifiedthingsthatneeded‘sortingout’,he’dhavebeenenablinganactofrevenge,andpossiblyviolence.WhilethatparticularmanhadwornaSavileRowsuitasopposedtoatightredcheckedshirtwithbuttonsthatstrainedacrosshistorso,StrikethoughtherecognisedinSaxonthesamebarelyveiledthirstforvengeance.
‘HowcanIhelp?’askedStrike.
‘Idon’wan’help,’saidSaxon.‘I’vegotfingstotellya.You’reinvestigatin’thatchurch,incha?TheonewivAb’sfarver?’
‘Idon’tdiscussopeninvestigations,I’mafraid,’saidStrike.
Saxonshiftedirritablyinthechair.
‘Shecoveredfingsupwhenshetalkedtoyou.Shedidn’ttellthetroof.AmancalledKevinsomefinggotshot,din’’e?’
Asthisinformationwasinthepublicdomain,Strikesawnoreasontodenyit.
‘An’’ewastrynaexposethechurch,wannee?’
‘Hewasanex-member,’saidStrikenon-committally.
‘Allrigh’,well–Abknowsthechurchshot’im.Sheknowsthechurch’ad’imkilled.An’shekilledsomeone’erself,whenshewasinthere!Nevertoldyouthat,didshe?An’she’sfreatenedme.She’stolemeI’mnext!’
Strikewasn’tquiteasimpressedbythesedramaticstatementsasSaxonevidentlywishedhimtobe.Nevertheless,hedrewhisnotebooktowardshim.
‘Shallwestartatthebeginning?’
Saxon’sexpressionbecameadegreelessdissatisfied.
‘Whatd’youdoforaliving,Barry?’
‘Wha’d’youwannaknowtha’for?’
‘Standardquestion,’saidStrike,‘butyoudon’thavetoanswerifyoudon’twantto.’
‘’M’aTubedriver.SameasPatrick,’headded,asthoughthereweresafetyinnumbers.
‘HowlonghaveyouknownAbigail?’
‘Twoyears,soIknowalottastuffabout’er.’
‘MetherthroughPatrick,didyou?’
‘Yeah,abunchofuswen’ou’drinkin’.She’salwaysgo’menaround’er,Isoonfoundthatout.’
‘Andyouandshewentouttogethersubsequently,alone?’askedStrike.
‘Tol’youtha’,didshe?’saidSaxon,anditwashardtotellwhetherhewasmoreaggrievedorgratified.
‘Yeah,afteryoucameovertoourtableinthepub,’saidStrike.
‘Whaddidshesay?’CauseIbetsheain’toldyouthetroof.’
‘Justthatyouandshehadbeenoutfordrinkstogether.’
‘Itwasmore’ndrinks,alotmore.She’supforanyfing.ThenIrealised’owmanyotherblokesshe’sgotonthego.I’mluckyInevercaugh’nuffing,’saidSaxon,withalittleupwardsjerkofhischin.
Familiarwiththecommonplacemaledisdainforwomenwhoenjoyedanadventuroussexlifethateitherexcludedornolongerincludedthem,StrikecontinuedaskingquestionsthatweredesignedpurelytoassesshowmuchcredenceshouldbegiventoanyinformationSaxonhadtooffer.Hehadafeelingtheanswermightbezero.
‘Soyouendedtherelationship,didyou?’
‘Yeah,Iain’puttin’upwivthat,’saidSaxon,withanotherlittlejerkofthechin,‘butthenshegetspissyabou’megoin’upthegyman’theForester’san’goin’round’erflattoseePatrick.Accusesmeoffuckin’stalkin’’er.Don’flatteryourself,sweet’eart.Iknowalottastuffabou’’er,’repeatedSaxon.‘Sosheshouldn’befuckin’freatenin’me!’
‘Yousaidshekilledsomeone,whileinthechurch,’saidStrike,hispenpoised.
‘Yeah–well–goodas,’saidSaxon.‘Because,right,Patrick’eard’er’avinganightmare,an’she’syelling“Cutitupsmaller,cutitupsmaller!”An’’egoesan’bangson’erdoor–hesaidshewasmakin’fuckin’’orriblenoises–thisisaftershemetyou.ShetoldPatrickitbroughtstuffupfor’er,whatyoutwotalkedabout.’
StrikewasrapidlycomingtotheconclusionthatAbigailandherupbringingwereasourceofprurientinterestforherlodgerandhisfriendthatamountedalmosttoanunhealthyhobby.Aloud,hesaid,
‘Howdidshekillthisperson?’
‘I’mtellin’ya.ShetoldPatricktherewasthiskidatthefarm’oowas,youknow,’Saxontappedhistemple,‘bitsimplean’’e’ddonesomefingwrongan’’ewasgonnabewhipped.Soshean’thisovvergirl,theyfeltsorryfor’im,sotheyrunsoffan’’getsthewhipan’’idesit.
‘Sothen,when’erstepmuvvercan’tfindit,shetellsagroupof’emtobeattheshitoutofthekidinstead,an’Abjoinedin,kickin’andpunchin’’im.An’afterthestepmuvverdecidesthekid’s’adenough,shesaysshe’sgonnasearchthefarmforthewhipan’’ooever’stakenit’sgonnabeintrouble.SoAban’’erfriendgoesrunnin’offtothekitchenwherethey’iditan’theywastrynacutitupwivscissorswhenthestepmuvvercomesinan’finds’em,an’thentheywaswhippedwivitthemselves.’
TherewasafainttraceofsalaciouspleasureinSaxon’svoiceashesaidthis.
‘An’thesimplekiddied,’heconcluded.
‘Afterthebeating?’
‘No,’saidSaxon,‘fewyearslater,after’eleftthefarm.Butitwas’erfault,’erandtherestof’embeating’imup,’causeshetoldPatrick’ewasneverrightaftertheyallkickedtheshitoutof’im,likemaybebraindamageorsomefing.An’shesawinthepaper’e’ddied,an’shereckoneditwas’causeofwhatthey’ddoneto’im.’
‘Whywashisdeathinthepaper?’
‘’Cause’egot’imselfintoabadsituation,whichhewouldnadoneif’e‘adn’t’adbraindamage,soshekilled’im,goodas.Shesaidit’erself.Beatin’an’kickin’him.Shedidthat.’
‘Shewasforcedtodoit,’StrikecorrectedSaxon.
‘StillGBH,’saidSaxon.‘Shestilldoneit.’
‘Shewasachild,orateenager,inaveryabusiveenvi—’
‘Ah,righ’,youfallenfortheactaswell,’aveya?’saidSaxonwithasneer.‘Gotyoutwistedround’erlittlefinger?Youain’neverseen’erpissedan’angry.Littlechurchgirl?She’sgotascaryfuckin’temperon’er—’
‘Ifthatwasacrime,I’dbeinsidemyself,’saidStrike.‘WhatdidshesayaboutKevinPirbright?’
‘Well,thisiswhenshefreatenedme,’saidSaxon,rallyingagain.
‘Whenwasthis?’
‘Twodaysago,intheGrosvenor—’
‘What’sthat,abar?’
‘Pub.Yeah,so,shewen’offonone’causeIwasinthere.It’safreefuckin’country.Notupto’erwhereIdrink.Shewaswivsomedickfromthegym.AllIdonewasgive’imafriendlywarnin’—’
‘Liketheoneyougaveme?’
‘Yeah,’saidSaxon,withanotherlittleupwardsjerkofthechin,‘’causemenneedtoknowwha’she’slike.Icomeoutthebogan’she’swaitin’forme.She’d’adafew,shedrinkslikeafuckin’fish,an’she’stellin’metostopfollowin’’erround,an’Isays,“Youfinkyou’reyourfuckin’farverdontcha?Tellin’everyonewherethey’reallowedtofuckin’go,”an’shesays,“Youwannabringmyfarverintothis,Icould’aveyoutakenout,I’lltell’imyougowalkin’roundslaggin’offthechurch,youdon’know’ooyou’remessin’wiv,”an’Itold’ershewastalkin’bollocksan’shestartedfuckin’jabbin’meontheshoulder,’SaxonunconsciouslyraisedhishandtotouchthespotwhereAbigailhadpresumablyhithim,‘an’shesays,“Theygotguns—”’
‘Shesaidthechurchhasgotguns?’
‘Yeah,an’shesays,“Theyjus’killedaguyfortalkin’shitabout’em,soyouneedtostopfuckin’pissin’meoff”,an’Isays,“’ow’sthefireservicegonnalikeitwhenIgotothepoliceabou’youfreatenin’me?”Igotalottadirton’er,ifshewantstoplaythatfuckin’game,’saidSaxon,barelydrawingbreath,‘an’y’knowwha’theydointha’church,doya?Allfuckin’eachotherallthetime?That’s’owshewasbrungup,butifshedi’ntlikeit,why’sshestillfuckin’adiff’rentguyeverynight?Twoatatime,some—’
‘Didshesayshe’dseengunsatChapmanFarm?’
‘Yeah,soshe’sseenthefuckin’murderweapon,an’she’sneverreported—’
‘Shecan’thaveseenthegunthatkilledKevinPirbright.Hewaskilledbyamodelthatdidn’texistthen.’
Temporarilystymied,Saxonsaid,
‘Shestillfreatenedto’avemefuckin’shot!’
‘Well,ifyouthinkthatwasacrediblethreat,byallmeansgotothepolice.Soundstomelikeawomantryingtoscareoffaguywhocan’ttakenoforananswer,butmaybethey’llseeitdifferently.’
StrikethoughtheknewwhatwasgoingonbehindSaxon’stinyhazeleyes.Occasionally,whenpeopleinthegripofobsessiveresentmentwerepouringouttheirireandgrievances,somethinginthem,somesmalltraceofself-awareness,heardthemselvesasothersmight,andwassurprisedtofindtheydidn’tsoundquiteasblameless,orevenasrational,asthey’dimaginedthemselvestobe
‘MaybeIwillgothefuckin’police,’saidSaxon,heavinghimselftohisfeet.
‘Goodluckwiththat,’saidStrike,alsogettingup.‘Inthemeantime,ImightringAbigailandrecommendshefindsalodgerwhodoesn’ttellhismateeverytimeshescreamsinhersleep.’
PerhapsbecauseStrikewassixinchestallerthanhim,Saxoncontentedhimselfwithsnarling,
‘Ifthat’syourfuckin’attitude—’
‘Thanksforcomingin,’saidStrike,movingtoopenthedoorontotheouteroffice.
SaxonstrodeoutpastPatandslammedtheglassdoorbehindhim.
‘Inevertrustmenwiththosepiggylittleeyes,’croakedtheofficemanager
‘You’dberightnottotrusthim,’saidStrike,‘butnotbecauseofhispiggylittleeyes.’
‘Whatdid’ewant?’
‘Revenge,’saidStrikesuccinctly.
Hereturnedtotheinneroffice,satbackdownatthepartners’deskandreadthesparsenoteshe’dmadewhileSaxonwastalking.
PaulDraperbraindamage?Deathinnewspaper?GunsatChapmanFarm?
Withreluctance,butknowingitwastheonlysurewaytogetfastresults,hepickeduphismobileandpressedRyanMurphy’snumber.
50
Sixatthebeginningmeans:Whenthereishoarfrostunderfoot,Solidiceisnotfaroff.
TheIChingorBookofChanges
SeveralthingshadhappenedlatelyatChapmanFarmtoleaveanxietysquirminginRobin’sgutslikeaparasite.
IthadbeenonethingtotellStrikeinthesafetyoftheofficethatshewasn’tworriedaboutbeingcoercedintounprotectedsexwithmalechurchmembers,quiteanothertositthroughatwo-hourlectureaboutspiritbondinginthefarmhousebasementandwatchallthewomenaroundherearnestlynoddingastheyweretold‘fleshisunimportant,spiritisall-important’(Robinknew,now,wherePennyBrownhadgotthatline).
‘Whatwestandagainst,’Taiosaidfromthestage,‘ismaterialistpossession.Nohumanbeingownsanotherorshouldcreateanykindofframeworktocontrolorlimitthem.Thisisinevitableincarnalrelationships–whatwecallCRs–whicharebaseduponthepossessioninstinct.CRsareinherentlymaterialist.Theyveneratephysicalappearanceandtheyinevitablystuntthenaturesofthoseinthem,yetthebubbleworldexaltsthem,especiallywhentheycomedrapedinmaterialisttrappingsofproperty,weddingsandtheso-callednuclearfamily.
‘Thereshouldbenoshameattachedtosexualdesire.Itisanatural,healthyneed.WeagreewiththeHindusthatoneoftheaimsofawell-livedlifeisKama,orsensualpleasure.Yetthepurerthespirit,thelesslikelyitistocravewhatissuperficiallyattractiveoverwhatisspirituallygoodandtrue.Wheretwospiritsareinharmony–wheneachfeelsthedivinevibrationworkinginandthroughthem–spiritbondingoccursnaturallyandbeautifully.Thebody,whichissubservienttothespirit,physicallydemonstratesandchannelsthespiritualconnectionfeltbythosewhohavetranscendedmaterialistties.’
Whileshe’dfounditimpossibletodisagreethattheoutsideworldwasfullofcrueltyandapathywhileshewasbeingbombardedwithimagesofbombedandstarvingchildren,RobinhadnodifficultywhatsoeverindisengagingfromherenvironmentthistimeandanalysingTaio’sargumentashespoke.IfyoucutthroughalltheUHCjargon,shethought,hewasarguingthatspiritualpuritymeantagreeingtosexwithanyonewhowantedit,nomatterhowunattractiveyoumightfindthem.SleepingonlywithpeopleyouactuallydesiredmadeyouashallowagentoftheAdversary,whereassexwithTaio–andtheverythoughtgaveRobinaninnershudder–provedyourinnategoodness.
However,sheseemedtobealoneinthisviewpoint,becauseallaroundher,menandwomenwerenoddingtheiragreement:yes,possessivenessandjealousywerebad,yes,itwaswrongtocontrolpeople,yes,therewasnothingwrongwithsex,itwaspureandbeautifulwhendoneinthecontextofaspiritualrelationship,andRobinwonderedwhytheycouldn’thearwhatshewashearing.
RobinwonderedwhethershewasimaginingTaio’slopsidedblueeyestravellingtohermoreoftenthantoanyoftheotherlisteners,ortheslightsmirktwistinghissmallmouthwheneverhelookedinherdirection.Probablyshewasbeingparanoid,butshecouldn’tentirelyconvinceherselfshewasimaginingit.Thespotlightdidn’tflatterTaio:histhick,greasyhairhungabouthisfacelikeawig,threwhislong,pale,rat-likenoseintosharpreliefandemphasisedhissecondchin.
SomethinginTaio’sself-assuredmannerremindedRobinofhermiddle-agedrapiststandingincourt,neatinhissuitandtie,givingalittlelaughashetoldthejuryhe’dbeenverysurprisedayoungstudentlikeRobinhadinvitedhimintoherhallofresidenceforsex.He’dexplainedthathewasmerelyobligingherinstranglingher,becauseshe’dsaidshe‘likeditrough’.Hiswordshadflowedeasily;hewasreasonableandrational,andshewastheone,heintimatedcalmly,who’dregrettedherunfetteredcarnality,anddecidedtoputhimthroughthedreadfulordealofacourtcasetocoverupherownshame.He’dhadnoproblemlookingatherincourt;he’dglancedatherfrequentlywhilegivingtestimony,aslightsmileplayingonhislips.
Attheendofthesession,Taiotreatedthemtoanexhibitionofthekindofpowerthepurespiritpossessed:heturnedhisbackonthemandlevitatedinchesoffthestage.Robinsawitwithherowneyes,sawhisfeetleavethefloor,hisarmsrisingheavenwards,andthen,aftertenseconds,sawhimfallbacktoearthwithabang.Thereweregaspsandapplause,andTaiogrinnedatthemall,hiseyesflickeringoncemoretowardsRobin.
Shewantedtoleavethebasementasquicklyaspossibleafterthat,butasshemadeherwaytowardsthewoodenstairs,Taiocalledherbackbyname.
‘Iwaswatchingyou,’hesaid,smirkingagainashedescendedfromthestage.‘Youdidn’tlikewhatIwassaying.’
‘No,Ithoughtitwasreallyinteresting,’saidRobin,tryingtosoundcheerful.
‘Youdidn’tagree,’saidTaio.Hewasnowstandingsoclosetoherthatshecouldsmellhispungentbodyodour.‘Ithinkyou’refindingithardtoletgoofthematerialistframingofsex.Youwereengaged,weren’tyou?Andyourmarriagewascalledoff?’
‘Yes,’saidRobin.
‘Sountilrecently,materialistpossessionwasveryattractivetoyou.’
‘Isupposeso,’saidRobin,‘butIdoagreewithwhatyousaidaboutcontrolandlimitingpeople—’
Taionowreachedoutandstrokedhercheek.Robinhadtoresisttheimpulsetoknockhishandaway.Smiling,hesaid,
‘IknewyouwereaReceptivethefirsttimeIsawyou,intheRupertCourtTemple.“TheReceptiveisthemostdevotedofallthingsintheworld.”That’sfromtheIChing.Haveyoureadit?’
‘No,’saidRobin.
‘Somewomen–theReceptiveisfemale,theCreativemale–areconstitutionallypronetodevotingthemselvestooneman.That’stheirnature.Thosewomencanbeveryvaluablechurchmembers,buttobecomepurespirit,theymustlosetheirattachmenttomaterialstatusoranynotionofpossession.It’snotunacceptabletopreferonlyoneman,aslongasthey’renottryingtolimitorcontrolhim.Sothere’sawayforwardforyou,butyouneedtobeawareofthattendencyinyourself.’
‘Iwill,’saidRobin,tryingtosoundgratefulforhisinput.
Anothergroupofchurchmemberscamedownthestairs,readyfortheirlecture,andRobinwaspermittedtoleave,butshe’dseenthelinebetweenTaio’sheavybrowsdeepenassheturnedaway,andfearedheragreementhadbeeninsufficientlyenthusiasticor,worse,thatsheoughttohaverespondedphysicallytohiscaress.
Others,assheswiftlyrealised,hadalreadybeguntodemonstratetheirwillingnesstoriseabovethematerialandembracethespiritual.SeveraltimesoverthenextfewdaysRobinnoticedyoungwomen,spiky-hairedVivienneincluded,droppingoutofscheduledactivities,thenreappearingfromthedirectionoftheRetreatRooms,sometimesinthecompanyofaman.Shewascertainitwasamatteroftimebeforeshe,too,waspressuredtojoinin.
ThenextdestabilisingoccurrencewasRobin’sownfault:shewenttotheplasticrockanightearly–atleast,Robinthoughtshe’dbeenanightearly,butshehadnomeansofknowinghowmanyextrapebblesshe’dpickedup,forgettingthatshe’dalreadydonesoearlierintheday.Shemight,infact,beasmuchasforty-eighthoursout.HerdisappointmentatfindingnoletterfromStrikeandnochocolatehadbeensevere.Someonefromtheagencywouldnowhavepickedupherdisappointinglynews-lessletter,butshedidn’tdaremakeanothernight-timetripbeforeitwasabsolutelynecessary,becauseofwhathappenedthemorningafterherprematuretrip.
She’dbeensilentlyoverjoyedtohearthathergroupwouldbegoingintoNorwichforthefirsttimetocollectmoneyfortheUHC’smanycharitableenterprises.Thiswouldgiveheranopportunitytocheckthedateonanewspaperandrestartherpebblecollectingagainfromtherightday.However,shortlyafterbreakfast,Robinwascalledasidebya
‘Mazuwantsyoutostayatthefarmtoday,’shesaid.‘You’retogouptothevegetablepatchandhelptheworkersthere.’
‘Oh,’saidRobin,asBeccaPirbrightledtherestofhergroupoutofthedininghall,someofthemlookingcuriouslybackatRobin.‘Er–allright.ShouldIgotherenow?’
‘Yes,’saidthewomancurtly,andwalkedaway.
RobinhadbeenatChapmanFarmlongenoughtorecognisethesubtlesignsthatsomebodywasindisgrace.Therewerestillafewpeoplesittingalongthebreakfasttablefromher,andwhensheglancedtowardsthem,alllookedswiftlyaway.Feelingself-conscious,shegottoherfeetandcarriedheremptyporridgebowlandglassovertoatrolleybythewall.
Assheleftthedininghallandmadeherwaytowardsthelargevegetablepatch,whichshe’dneverworkedonbefore,Robinwonderednervouslywhatshe’ddonetobedemotedfromthehigh-levelrecruits.Wasitherinsufficientlyenthusiasticresponsetotheconceptofspiritbonding?HadTaiobeendispleasedwithherreactiontotheirconversationandreportedhertohismother?Orhadoneofthewomeninherdormitoryreportedseeingherleaveitbynight?
Shefoundseveraladultsplantingcarrotseedsonthevegetablepatch,includingthenowveryheavilypregnantWan.Anumberofpre-schoolchildrenwerealsothere,intheirminiaturescarlettracksuits.Oneofthesewasthewhite-headedQing,whowaseasytorecognisebecauseofherdandelionclockhair.OnlywhenthemannearestQingstraighteneduptohisfullheightdidRobinrecogniseWillEdensor.
‘I’vebeentoldtocomeandhelp,’saidRobin.
‘Oh,’saidWill.‘Right.Well,thereareseedshere…’
Heshowedherwhattodothenreturnedtohisownplanting.
Robinwonderedwhetherthesilenceoftheotheradultswasduetoherpresence.Noneofthemweretalkingexcepttothechildren,whoweremorehindrancethanhelp,moreinterestedinscoopinguptheseedsanddiggingtheirfingersintotheearththaninplantinganything.
Astrongsmellwaftedoverthevegetablepatch,whichlaydownwindofthepigsty.RobinhadbeenworkingforafewminuteswhenQingtoddledovertoher.Thechildhadacrudelymadetoyspadeofwood,whichshebangedontheearth.
‘Qing,comehere,’saidWill.‘Comeandhelpmeplant.’
Thechildstruggledawayacrossthedampsoil.
AsRobinscatteredseedsintheirfurrow,bentdoubleandmovingslowly,shewatchedWillEdensoroutofthecornerofhereye.Thiswasthefirstchanceshe’dhadofgettingclosetohim,barringthenight-timeconversationbetweenhimandLinhedidn’tknowshe’doverheard.Youngthoughhewas,hishairwasalreadyreceding,heighteningalookoffragilityandillness.Byspeedinguphersowing,shemanaged,apparentlynaturally,toreachaspotbesideWillasheworkedanadjacentfurrowwithQing.
‘She’syours,isn’tshe?’shesaidtoWill,smiling.‘Shelookslikeyou.’
HethrewRobinanirritatedglanceandmuttered,
‘There’sno“mine”.That’smaterialistpossession.’
‘Oh,sorry,ofcourse,’saidRobin.
‘Youshould’veinternalisedthatbynow,’saidWillsententiously.‘That’skindofbasic.’
‘Sorry,’saidRobinagain.‘Ikeepgettingintotroubleaccidentally.’
‘There’sno“introuble”,’saidWill,inthesamecriticaltone.‘Spiritualdemarcationisstrengthening.’
‘What’sspiritualdemarcation?’saidRobin.
‘TheAnswer,chapterfourteen,paragraphnine,’saidWill.‘That’skindofbasic,too.’
Hewasn’tbotheringtokeephisvoicedown.Robincouldtelltheothergardenerswerelistening.Oneyoungwomaninglasses,whohadlong,dirtyhairandaprominentmoleonherchin,waswearingafaintsmile.
‘Ifyoudon’tunderstandwhyspiritualdemarcation’soccurred,’Willsaid,unasked,‘youneedtochantormedit—Qing,don’tdothat,’hesaid,becausethelittlegirlwasnowdiggingherwoodenspadewherehe’djustpatteddowntheearthovertheseeds.‘Comeandgetmoreseeds,’saidWill,standingupandleadingQing,handinhand,towardstheboxwherethepacketsweresitting.
Robinkeptworking,wonderingatthedifferenceinWillwhenchurchelderswerepresent,whenhelookedhangdoganddefeated,andWillhereamongthefarmhands,whereheseemedself-assuredanddogmatic.Shewasalsoquietlyreflectingontheyoungman’shypocrisy.RobinhadseenclearsignsthatWillandLinweretryingtosustainaparentalrelationshipwithQingindefianceofthechurch’steaching,andtheconversationshe’doverheardhimhavingwithLininthewoodshadprovenhewastryingtohelpheravoidspiritbondingwithsomeotherman.RobinwonderedwhetherWillwasoblivioustothefactthathewastransgressingagainstthepreceptsoftheUHC,orwhetherthelecturingtonewasforthebenefitoftheirlisteners.
AlmostasthoughthegirlinglasseshadreadRobin’smind,shesaidwithastrongNorfolkaccent,
‘Youwon’twinaginWillonchurchdoctrine.’Eknowsitinsoidout.’
‘Iwasn’ttryingtowinanything,’saidRobinmildly.
Willreturned,Qingintow.Determinedtokeephimtalking,Robinsaid,
‘Thisisawonderfulplaceforkidstogrowup,isn’tit?’
Willmerelygrunted.
‘They’llknowtherightwayfromthestart–unlikeme.’
WillglancedatRobinagain,thensaid,
‘It’snevertoolate.TheGoldenProphetwasseventy-twowhenshefoundTheWay.’
‘Iknow,’saidRobin,‘thatsortofgivesmecomfort.I’llgetitifIkeepworking—’
‘Itisn’tworking,it’sfreeingyourselftodiscover,’Willcorrectedher.‘TheAnswer,chapterthree,paragraphsix.’
RobinwasstartingtounderstandwhyWill’sbrotherJamesfoundhiminfuriating.
‘Well,that’swhatI’mtrying—’
‘Youshouldn’tbetrying.It’saprocessofallowing.’
‘Iknow,that’swhatI’msaying,’saidRobin,aseachofthemscatteredseedsandpatteddowntheearth,Qingnowpokingidlyataweed.‘Yourlittle–Imean,thatlittlegirl–ishernameQing?’
‘Yes,’saidWill.
‘Shewon’tmakemymistakes,becauseshe’llbetaughttoopenherselfupproperly,won’tshe?’
Willlookedup.Theireyesmet,Robin’sexpressiondeliberatelyinnocent,andWill’sfaceturnedslowlyscarlet.Pretendingshehadn’tnoticed,Robinreturnedtoherwork,saying,
‘Wehadareallygoodlectureonspiritbondingtheother—’
Willgotupabruptlyandwalkedbacktowardstheseeds.FortherestofthetwohoursRobinspentonthevegetablepatch,hecamenowherenearher.
ThatnightwasthefirstatChapmanFarminwhichRobinfounditdifficulttofallasleep.Recenteventshadforcedherupagainstoneincontrovertiblefact:doingwhatshewasinheretodo–findoutthingstothechurch’sdiscredit,andpersuadeWillEdensortoreconsiderhisallegiance–necessarilymeantpushingatboundaries.Thetacticsthathadseenheracceptedasafullchurchmemberhadtobeabandoned:doglikeobedienceandapparentindoctrinationwouldn’tfurtherheraims.
Yetshewasscared.Shedoubtedshe’deverbeabletocommunicatetoStrike–hertouchstone,thepersonwhowaskeepinghersane–justhowintimidatingtheatmospherewasatChapmanFarm,howfrighteningitwastoknowyouweresurroundedbywillingaccomplices,orhowunnervedshenowfeltattheprospectoftheRetreatRooms.
51
Nineatthetop…ThereisdrinkingofwineIngenuineconfidence.Noblame.Butifonewetshishead,Helosesit,intruth.
TheIChingorBookofChanges
LittlethoughStrikewantedtomeetRyanMurphyforadrink,theMet’slackofactiononthematteroftheFranks’stalkinghadunderlinedtheusefulnessofpersonalcontactsifyouwantedswiftactiontakenonamattertheoverstretchedpolicemightnotconsiderofimmediateimportance.Asnobodyontheforcewaslikelytohaveagreaterinterest
ThelasttimeStrikehadenteredthisparticularpubhadbeenwithRobin,andasMurphyhadn’tyetarrived,hetookhispinttothesamecornertableheandhisdetectivepartnerhadpreviouslysatat,half-awareofavaguelyterritorialinstinct.ThegreenleatherbenchesechoedthoseintheHouseofCommonsashortdistanceawayandStrikesatdownbeneathoneoftheetchedmirrors,resistingtheurgetoreadthemenu,becausehistargetweightremainedunreachedandpubfoodwasoneofthethingshe’dreluctantlydecidedtoforgo.
Ifhewasn’tparticularlypleasedtoseethehandsomeMurphy,hewasgladtoseeafolderundertheman’sarm,becausethissuggestedhehadresearchtosharethatStrikehimselfwasunabletoundertake.
‘Evening,’saidMurphy,havingprocuredforhimselfapintofwhattheeagle-eyedStrikenotedwithdisappointmentwasalcohol-freebeer.ThepolicemansatdownoppositeStrike,laidthefolderonthetablebetweenthemandsaid,
‘Hadtomakequiteafewphonecallstogetholdofthislot.’
‘Norfolkconstabularyhandledit,presumably?’saidStrike,whowasonlytoohappytodispensewithpersonalchat.
‘Initially,butViceSquadgotcalledinoncetheyrealisedwhattheyweredealingwith.ItwasthebiggestpaedophileringbrokenupintheUKatthatpoint.Thereweremenfromupanddownthecountryvisiting.’
MurphyextractedafewpagesofphotocopiedphotosandhandedthemtoStrike.
‘Asyoucanseethere,theyfoundplentyofnastystuff:restraints,gags,sextoys,whips,paddles…’
Theseobjectswouldallhavebeenpresent,Strikethought,whenhe,LucyandLedahadbeenatthefarm,andagainsthiswill,aseriesoffragmentedmemoriesforcedthemselvesuponhimasheturnedthepages:Leda,enthralledbyfirelightasMalcomCrowthertalkedofsocialrevolution;thewoodswherethechildrenranfree,sometimeswiththeportlyGeraldchasingthem,sweatingandlaughing,ticklingthemuntiltheycouldn’tbreatheifhecaughtthem;and–ohfuck–thatsmallgirlcurledupandsobbinginthelonggrasswhileother,olderchildrenaskedherwhatwaswrong,andsherefusedtosay…he’dbeenboredbyher…hejustwantedtoleavethesqualid,creepyplace…
‘…lookatpagefive,though.’
Strikedidashewastoldandfoundhimselflookingatapictureofablackgun.
‘Lookslikeitshootsoutabannersaying“Bang”.’
‘Itdid,’saidMurphy.‘ItwasinwithaloadofmagicpropsoneoftheCrowtherbrothershadhishouse.’
‘That’llbeGerald,’saidStrike.‘Heworkedasakids’entertainerbeforecommittingfulltimetopaedophilia.’
‘Right.Well,theybaggedupeverythinghehadinhishousetotestitforkids’fingerprints,becausehewasclaiminghe’dneverhadchildrenintherewithhim.’
‘Idon’tthinkmysourcecould’veconfusedapropfortherealthing,’saidStrike,lookingdownatthepictureoftheunconvincingplasticgun.‘SheknewGeraldCrowtherdidmagictricks.WhataboutRustAndersen,didyougetanythingonhim?’
‘Yeah,’saidMurphy,extractinganotherpieceofpaperfromthefile,‘hewaspulledinandinterviewedin’86,sameasalltheotheradults.Hishouse–Isayhouse,butitwasmorelikeaglorifiedshed–wasclean.Nosextapesortoys.’
‘Idon’tthinkhewaseverpartoftheAylmertonCommunityproper,’saidStrike,castinganeyedownRustAndersen’switnessstatement.
‘Thattallieswithwhat’sinhere,’saidMurphy,tappingthefolder.‘Noneofthekidsimplicatedhimintheabuseandacoupleofthemdidn’tevenknowwhohewas.’
‘BorninMichigan,’saidStrike,skim-reading,‘draftedintothearmyateighteen…’
‘AfterhegotouthewenttravellinginEuropeandneverreturnedtotheStates.Buthecan’thavebroughtgunsintotheUKwiththeIRAactiveatthetimeandtightsecurityatairports.’Course,there’snothingtosaysomeoneatthefarmdidn’thaveapermitforahuntingrifle.’
‘Thatoccurredtome,too,althoughmyinformationwas“guns”,plural.’
‘Well,iftheywerethere,theywerebloodywellhidden,becausetheViceSquadvirtuallytoretheplaceapart.’
‘Iknewitwasaprettythinthreadtohangaraidon,’saidStrike,handingMurphybackthepapers.‘Thementionofgunscould’vebeensaidforthreateningeffect.’
Bothmendranksomebeer.Adefiniteairofconstrainthungoverthetable.
‘Sohowmuchlongerd’youreckonyou’llneedherinthere?’askedMurphy.
‘Notdowntome,’saidStrike.‘Shecancomeoutwhenevershelikes,butatthemoment,shewantstostayin.Saysshe’snotcomingoutuntilshe’sgotsomethingonthechurch.YouknowRobin.’
ThoughnotaswellasIdo.
‘Yeah,she’sdedicated,’saidMurphy
Afterashortpausehesaid,
‘Funny,youtwogoingaftertheUHC.FirsttimeIheardofthemwasfiveyearsago.’
‘Yeah?’
‘Yeah.Iwasstillinuniform.Blokedrovehiscarofftheroad,straightthroughthewindowofaMorrisons.Cokedoutofhishead.Keptsaying“D’youknowwhoIam?”whileIwasarrestinghim.Ididn’thaveaclue.Turnedouthe’dbeenacontestantonsomerealityshowI’dneverwatched.JacobMessenger,hisnamewas.’
‘Jacob?’repeatedStrike,slippinghishandintohispocketforhisnotebook
‘Yeah.Hewasarealtit,allpecsandfaketan.Hehitawomanshoppingwithherkid.TheboywasOK,butthemotherwasarealmess.Messengergotayear,outinsixmonths.NextIheardofhim,hewasinthepaperbecausehe’djoinedtheUHC.Tryingtoburnishuphisreputation,youknow.He’dseenthelightandhewasgoingtobeagoodboyfromnowonandhere’sapictureofmewithsomedisabledkids.’
‘Interesting,’saidStrike,who’dwrittenmuchofthisdown.‘Apparentlythere’saJacobatChapmanFarmwho’sveryill.D’youknowwhatthisMessenger’sdoingnow?’
‘Noidea,’saidMurphy.‘So,what’sshegettinguptointhere?Shedoesn’ttellmealotinherletters.’
‘No,well,shewon’thavegottimeforduplicatereports,middleofthenightinthewoods,’saidStrike,privatelyenjoyingthefactthatMurphyhadtoask.He’dresistedlookingatthenotesRobinhadscribbledforRyan,butbeenpleasedtoseetheyseemedfarshorterthanhisown.‘She’sdoingwell.Seemstohavekeptherincognitogoing,noproblem.She’salreadygotusacoupleofbitsofdecentinformation.Nothingwecancrediblythreatenthechurchwith,though.’
‘Tallorder,waitingforsomethingcriminaltohappenrightinfrontofher.’
‘IfIknowRobin,’whichIdo,bloodywell,‘shewon’tjustbesittingaroundforsomethingtohappen.’
Bothmendrankmorebeer.StrikehadanideaMurphyhadsomethinghewantedtosayandwaspreparingvariousrobustpushbacks,whetheragainstthesuggestionStrikehadactedrecklesslyinsendingRobinundercover,orthathe’ddonesowiththeintentofmessingupherrelationship.
‘Didn’tknowyouwereamateofWardle’s,’saidMurphy.‘He’snotabigfanofmine.’
Strikesettledforlookingnon-committal.
‘Iwasabitofanarseholeonenight,inthepub.ThisisbeforeIstoppeddrinking.’
Strikemadeanindeterminatenoisesomewherebetweenacknowledgementandagreement.
‘Mymarriagewasgoingtits-upatthetime,’saidMurphy.
StrikecouldtellMurphywantedtoknowwhatWardlehadtoldhim,andwasenjoyingbeingasinscrutableaspossible.
‘Sowhatareyougoingtodonow?’askedMurphy,whenthecontinuingsilencehadtoldhimplainlyStrikewasn’tgoingtodisclosewhateverheknewtoMurphy’sdiscredit.‘TellRobintogolookingforguns?’
‘I’lltellhertokeepaneyeout,certainly,’saidStrike.‘Thanksforthis,though.Veryhelpful.’
‘Yeah,well,I’vegotavestedinterestinmygirlfriendnotgettingshot,’saidMurphy.
Strikenotedthenettledtone,smiled,checkedhiswatchandannouncedthathe’dbettergetgoing.
HemightnothavelearnedmuchaboutgunsatChapmanFarm,buthefeltithadbeentwentyminuteswellspent,nonetheless.
PARTFOUR
K’un/Oppression(Exhaustion)Thereisnowaterinthelake:TheimageofEXHAUSTION.ThusthesuperiormanstakeshislifeOnfollowinghiswill.TheIChingorBookofChanges52
Nineinthesecondplacemeans…Thereissomegossip.
TheIChingorBookofChanges
I’msotired…youwouldn’tbelievehowtiredIam…Ijustwanttoleave…
RobinwasaddressingherdetectivepartnerinsideherheadwhileforkingmanureoutoftheShirehorses’stable.Fivedayshadpassedsinceherdemotionfromthehigh-levelgroup,butherrelegationtothelowestleveloffarmworkersshowednosignofbeingreversed,norwassheanythewiseraboutwhatshe’ddonetomeritpunishment.Asidefromverybriefspellsofchantinginthetemple,allofRobin’stimewasnowdevotedtomanuallabour:lookingafterlivestock,cleaning,orworkinginthelaundryandkitchens.
AnewintakeofprospectivemembershadarrivedfortheirWeekofService,butRobinhadnothingtodowiththem.Shesawthembeingmovedaroundthefarm,doingtheirdifferenttasks,butevidentlyshewasn’tconsideredsufficientlytrustworthytoshepherdthemaround,asVivienneandAmandeepweredoing.
Thosedoingharddomesticandfarmworkreceivednomorefoodthanthosesittinginlecturesandseminars,andhadlesstimetosleep,wakingearlytocollectbreakfasteggsandcleaningdisheseverynightafterdinnerforahundredpeople.Robin’sexhaustionhadreachedsuchlevelsthatherhandsshookwhenevertheywerefreeoftoolsorstacksofplates,shadowsflickeredregularlyinherperipheralvisionandeverymuscleinherbodyachedasthoughsheweresufferingfromflu.
Restingforamomentonthehandleofherpitchfork–thespringdaywasn’tparticularlywarm,butshewassweatingnonetheless–Robinlookedintothepigstyvisiblethroughthestabledoor,whereacoupleofverylargesowsweresnoozingintheintermittentsunshine,bothcoveredinmudandfaeces,asulphurousandammoniacsmellwaftingovertoRobininthedampair.Asshecontemplatedtheirnakedsnouts,tinyeyesandthecoarsehaircoveringtheirbodies,sherememberedthatAbigail,Wace’sdaughter,hadoncebeenforcedtosleepnakedbesidethem,inallthatfilth,andfeltrepulsed.
Shecouldhearvoicesoveronthevegetablepatch,whereafewpeoplewereplantingandhoeing.Robinknewforcertainnowthatthescantnumberofvegetablesproducedonthepatchbythepigstyweretheremerelytokeepupthepretencethatchurchmemberswerelivingofftheland,becauseshe’dseenthecavernouspantrycontainingshelvesofdehydratednoodles,own-brandtinnedtomatoesandcatering-sizedtubsofpowderedsoup.
Robinhadjustreturnedtohermucking-outwhenacommotionoveronthevegetablepatchreachedherears.Movingbacktothestableentrance,shesawEmilyPirbrightandJiangWaceshoutingateachotherwhiletheotherworkersstared,aghast.
‘You’lldoasyou’retold!’
‘Iwon’t,’shoutedEmily,whowasscarletintheface.
JiangattemptedtoforceahoeintoEmily’shands,soforcefullythatshestaggeredbackafewpaces,yetstoodherground.
‘I’mnotfuckingdoingit!’sheyelledatJiang.‘Iwon’tandyoucan’tfuckingmakeme!’
JiangraisedthehoeoverEmily’shead,advancingonher.Afewofthosewatchingshouted‘No!’andRobin,pitchforkinhand,dashedoutofthestable.
‘Leaveheralone!’
‘Yougetbacktowork!’JiangshoutedatRobin,butheseemedtothinkbetterofhittingEmily,insteadgrabbingherbythewristandattemptingtodragherontothevegetablepatch.
‘Fuckoff!’sheyelled,beatinghimwithherfreehand.‘Fuckoff,youfuckingfreak!’
TwooftheyoungmeninscarlettracksuitsnowhurriedtothestrugglingpairandinafewsecondshadmanagedtopersuadeJiangtoreleaseEmily,whoimmediatelysprintedaroundthecornerofthestableblockandoutofsight.
‘You’reintroublenow!’bellowedJiang,whowassweating.‘MamaMazu’llteachyou!’
‘Whathappened?’saidavoicebehindRobin,whoturnedandsaw,withasinkingheart,thebespectacledyoungwomanwiththelargemoleonherchinwhomRobinhadfirstmetonthevegetablepatch.Thegirl’snamewasShawna,andinthelastfewdaysRobinhadseenfarmoreofherthanshe’dhaveliked.
‘Emilydidn’twanttoworkonthevegetablepatch,’saidRobin,whowasstillwonderingwhatcouldhaveinspiredEmily’sactofresistance.Howeversullenshegenerallywas,fromRobin’sobservationsheusuallyacceptedherworkstoically.
‘She’llpayforthat,’saidShawna,withgreatsatisfaction.‘You’recomingwithmetotheclarssrooms.We’retakingClarssOneforanhour.Oigottochoosemoiown’elper,’sheaddedproudly.
‘Whataboutmuckingoutthestables?’saidRobin.
‘Oneofthemcandoit,’saidShawna,wavinggrandlytowardstheworkersonthevegetablepatch.‘Comeon.’
SoRobinproppedherpitchforkagainstthestablewallandfollowedShawnaoutintothemistyrain,stillponderingEmily’sbehaviour,whichshe’djustconnectedwithherrefusaltoeatvegetablesatdinner.
‘She’strouble,Emily,’ShawnainformedRobin,astheypassedthepigsty.‘Yewwanttostayawayfromher.’
‘Why’sshetrouble?’askedRobin.
‘Haha,that’sformetoknow,’saidShawna,maddeninglysmug.
GivenShawna’slowlystatus,Robinimaginedtheeighteen-year-oldhadveryfewopportunitiestocondescendtoanyoneatChapmanFarm,andsheseemedtowanttomakethemostofarareopportunity.AsRobinhadfoundoutinthelastfewdays,Shawna’ssilenceduringWillEdensor’slectureonchurchdoctrinehadbeenfarfromrepresentativeofthegirl’struenature.Shewas,infact,anexhausting,non-stoptalker.
OverthelastfewdaysShawnahadsoughtRobinoutwhereverpossible,takingituponherselftotestRobin’sunderstandingofvariousUHCterms,thenrewordingRobin’sanswersbacktoher,usuallymakingdefinitionslesspreciseorsimplywrong.TheirconversationshadrevealedShawna’sbeliefthatthesunrotatedaroundtheearth,thattheleaderofthecountrywascalledthePryMisterandthatPapaJwasinregularcontactwithextra-terrestrials,aclaimRobinhadheardnobodyelseatChapmanFarmmake.Robindidn’tthinkShawnacouldread,becausesheshiedawayfromwrittenmaterial,eveninstructionsonthebacksofseedpackets.
ShawnahadmetPapaJthroughoneoftheUHC’sprojectsforunderprivilegedchildren.Herconversiontobelieverandchurchmemberappearedtohavebeenalmostinstantaneous,yetkeypartsoftheUHC’steachinghadfailedtopenetrateShawna’sotherwisehighlypermeablemind.Sheroutinelyforgotthatnobodywassupposedtonamefamilyrelationshipsand,inspiteoftheUHC’sinsistencethatfameandrichesweremeaninglessattributesofthematerialistworld,evincedabreathlessinterestinthehigh-profilevisitorstothefarmhouse,evenspeculatingonthecostandmakeofNoliSeymour’sshoes.
‘YewhearaboutJacob?’sheaskedRobin,astheypassedtheoldbarnwherethelatterhadfoundthebiscuittinandthePolaroids.
‘No,’saidRobin,whowasstillwonderingwhyEmilyhadsuchastrongaversiontovegetables.
‘PapaJvisitedwithhimyesterday.’
‘Oh,isheback?’
‘Hedon’needtocome.’Ecanvisitpeopleinspirit.’
ShawnalookedsidewaysatRobinthroughthedirtylensesofherglasses.
‘Don’tchewbelieveme?’
‘OfcourseIdo,’saidRobin,makinganefforttosoundconvinced.‘I’veseenamazingthingsinhere.IsawtheDrownedProphetappearwhenPapaJsummonedher.’
‘It’snotappearing,’saidShawna,atonce.‘It’smanny-fisting.’
‘Oh,yes,ofcourse,’saidRobin.
‘PapaJsaysit’stoimeforJacobtopass.Thesoul’stoodiseased.’Ewon’tcomeroightnow.’
‘IthoughtDrZhouwashelpinghim?’askedRobin.
‘’E’sdonewaymore’ntheydooutsoideforsomeonelikeJacob,’saidShawna,echoingPennyBrown,‘butPapaJsaysthere’snopointgoin’onanymore.’
‘Whatexactly’swrongwithJacob?’
‘’E’smarked.’
‘He’swhat?’
‘Marked,’whisperedShawna,‘boithedevil.’
‘Howcanyoutellsomeone’sbeenmarkedbythedevil?’askedRobin.
‘PapaJcanalwaystell.There’smarkedpeopleeverywhere.Theirsoulsaren’normal.Someof’emareingovernments,sowegottaweed’emout.’
‘Whatd’youmean,“weedthemout”?’
‘Getridof’em,’saidShawna,withashrug.
‘How?’
‘’Oweverwe’aveto,becausethassoneofthewayswe’llgittheLotusWayfarster.YouknowwhattheLotusWayis,roight?’
RobinstartedsayingthattheLotusWaywasatermfortheearthlyparadisethatwoulddescendoncetheUHCwonitsbattleagainstthematerialistworld,andwhichwouldseguesmoothlyintotheafterlife,butShawnainterrupted.
‘Tharshegoes.BP,look.’
BeccaPirbrightwascrossingtheyardaheadofthem,herglossyhairshininginthesun.RobinhadalreadyoverheardmutteringsaboutBeccafromthefarmhandsandkitchenworkers.TheconsensuswasthatBeccawastooyoungtohaveascendedsorapidlyinthechurch,andhadaveryinflatedopinionofherself.
‘Knowwhyweallcall’er“BP”?’
‘Becauseherinitialsarethesameasabubbleperson?’Robinguessed.
‘Yeah,’saidShawna,whoseemeddisappointedRobinhadgotthejoke.‘Gawn,’shemutteredscornfully,asBeccakneeledquicklyatthefountainoftheDrownedProphet.‘She’salwaysshowin’offabout’owsheandDaiyuweremates,butshe’slying.Sitatoldme.YewknowSita?’
‘Yes,’saidRobin.She’dmettheelderlySitaduringherlastsessioninthekitchens.
‘ShesaysBPan’Daiyuneverloikedeachother.Sitacanrememberallofthat,what’appened.’
‘AboutDaiyu’sdrowning,youmean?’askedRobin,watchingBeccadisappearintothetemple.
‘Yeah,an’allthemiraclesBPsaysshesaw’erdoin’.SitaduntreckonBPsawallwhatshesaysshedid.AndEmily’sBP’ssister.’
‘Yes,I—’
‘Wethinkthat’swhyPapaJwon’tincreasewithBP,likeshewants.’
‘Hewon’twhat?’saidRobininnocently.
‘Increasewithher,’saidShawna,astheystoppedatDaiyu’spooltokneelanddabtheirforeheadswithwater.‘TheDrownedProphetwillblessall’ooworship’er.Yewdon’tknownuffing,doyew?’saidShawna,standingupagain.‘Increasemeans’aveababy!Oi’ve’adtwoin’ere,’saidShawnaproudly.
‘Two?’saidRobin.
‘Yeah,onerightafterIgot’ere,an’’ewenttoBirmingham,an’onethat’sspiritborn,soshe’sgonnabebetterthanthefirs’one.WeallknowBPwantstoincreasebyPapaJ,but’ewon’t.She’sgotadisruptivesisterandthere’sJacobtoo.’
Thoroughlyconfused,Robinsaid,
‘What’sJacobgottodowithit?’
‘Yewdon’tknownuffing,doyew?’saidShawnaagain,chuckling.
Theypassedunderthearchwaytotheareawherethechildren’sdormitoryandclassroomswereandenteredadoornumberedone.
Theclassroomwasaramshackle,shabbyspacewithchildren’spicturespinnedhaphazardlyonthewalls.Twentysmallchildreninscarlettracksuitswerealreadysittingatthetables,theirages,Robinguessed,betweentwoandfive.Shewassurprisedthatthereweren’tmoreofthem,giventhattherewereahundredpeopleatthefarmhavingunprotectedsex,butwasprimarilystruckbytheirstrangepassivity.Theireyeswandered,theirfacesblank,andveryfewwerefidgeting,theexceptionbeinglittleQing,whowascurrentlycrouchedunderherdeskpressingblobsofplasticineontothefloor,hermopofwhitehaircontrastingwiththerestoftheclass’sbuzzcuts.
OnRobinandShawna’sappearance,thewomanwho’dbeenreadingtothemgottoherfeetwithanappearanceofrelief
‘We’reonpagethirty-two,’shetoldShawna,handingoverthebook.Shawnawaiteduntilthewomanhadclosedtheclassroomdoorbeforethrowingthebookdownontheteacher’sdeskandsaying.
‘Orlroight,lessget’emstartedonsomefing.’
Shetookupapileofcolouringsheets.
‘Yewcandousanicepictureofaprophet,’sheinformedtheclass,andshepassedhalfthepiletoRobintohandout.‘Thassmine,’Shawnaaddedcarelessly,pointingtoacolourlessshrimpofagirl,beforebarking‘gitbackonyerchair!’atQing,whostartedtowail.‘Ignore’er,’ShawnaadvisedRobin.‘She’sgottalearn,thatone.’
SoRobinhandedoutcolouringsheets,allofwhichfeaturedalinedrawingofaprophetoftheUHC.TheStolenProphet’snoose,whichRobinmighthaveexpectedtobeomittedfromcolouringpicturesforsuchyoungchildren,hungproudlyaroundhisneck.WhenshepassedQing’sdeskshesurreptitiouslybentdown,prisedtheplasticineoffthefloorandhandeditbacktothelittlegirl,whosetearssomewhatabated.
Movingamongthechildrentoofferencouragementandsharpenpencils,Robinfoundherselfstillmoredisturbedbytheirbehaviour.Nowthatshepaidthemindividualattention,theywereunnervinglyreadytobeaffectionatetoher,eventhoughshewasacompletestranger.OnelittlegirlclimbedintoRobin’slapunasked;othersplayedwithherhairorcuddledherarm.Robinfoundtheircravingforthekindoflovingclosenessthatwasforbiddenbythechurchpitifulanddistressing.
‘Stopthat,’ShawnatoldRobinfromthefrontoftheclass.‘Thassmaterialpossessiveness.’
SoRobingentlydisengagedherselffromtheclingingchildrenandmovedinsteadtoexaminesomeofthepicturespinneduponthewall,someofwhichhadclearlybeendrawnbyolderstudents,astheirsubjectmatterwasdiscernible.MostdepicteddailylifeatChapmanFarm,andsherecognisedthetowerlikeagiantchesspiecewhichwasvisibleonthehorizon.
OnepicturecaughtRobin’sattention.ItwascaptionedAksTreandshowedalargetreewithwhatappearedtobeahatchetdrawnonthebaseofitstrunk.Shewasstilllookingatthispicture,whichhadevidentlybeendrawnrecentlygiventhefreshnessofthepaper,whentheclassroomdooropenedbehindher.
Turning,RobinsawMazu,whowaswearinglongscarletrobes.Totalsilencefellinsidetheclassroom.Thechildrenappearedfrozen.
‘IsentViviennetothestablestofetchRowena,’saidMazuquietly,‘andIwastoldyou’dremovedherfromthetaskIsether.’
‘OiwastoldIcouldchoosemoiownhelper,’saidShawna,wholookedsuddenlyterrified.
‘Fromyourowngroup,’saidMazu.Hercalmvoicebeliedtheexpressionofherthinwhitefacewithitscrookednear-blackeyes.‘Notfromanyothergroup.’
‘Oi’msorry,’whisperedShawna.‘Ithort—’
‘Youcan’tthink,Shawna.You’veproventhattimeandagain.Butyou’llbemadetothink.’
Mazu’sgazerangedovertheseatedchildren,alightingonQing.
‘Cutherhair,’shetoldShawna.‘I’mtiredofseeingthatmess.Rowena,’shesaid,nowlookingdirectlyatRobinforthefirsttime,‘comewithme.’
53
Ayanglinedevelopsbelowtwoyinlinesandpressesupwardforcibly.Thismovementissoviolentthatitarousesterror…
TheIChingorBookofChanges
Light-headedwithfear,RobincrossedtheclassroomandfollowedMazuoutside.Shewantedtoapologise,totellMazushe’dhadnoideashewastransgressingbyagreeingtoaccompanyShawnatotheclassroom,butshefearedunwittinglymakingherpredicamentworse.
Mazupaused,afewstepsoutsidetheclassroom,andturnedtolookatRobin,whoalsohalted.ThiswasphysicallytheclosestthetwowomenhadeverbeenandRobinnowrealisedthat,likeTaio,Mazudidn’tseemtocaremuchforwashing.Shecouldsmellherbodyodour,whichwaspoorlymaskedbyaheavyincenseperfume.Mazusaidnothing,butsimplylookedatRobinwithherdark,crookedlyseteyes,andthelatterfeltobligedtobreakthesilence.
‘I–I’mreallysorry.Ididn’trealiseShawnadidn’thavetheauthoritytotakemefromthestables.’
Mazucontinuedtostareatherwithoutspeaking,andRobinagainfeltastrange,visceralfeartingedwithrevulsionthatcouldn’tbeentirelyexplainedawaybythepowerthewomanheldinthechurch.NiamhDohertyhaddescribedMazuasalargespider;Robinherselfhadseenherassomemalign,slimythinglurkinginarockpool;yetneitherquitecapturedherstrangeness.Robinfeltnowasthoughshewasstaringintoayawningabyssofwhichthedepthswereunseeable.
SheassumedMazuexpectedsomethingmorethananapology,butRobinhadnoideawhatitwas.Thensheheardarustleoffabric.Glancingdown,shesawthatMazuhadraisedthehemofherrobeafewinchestorevealadirty,sandalledfoot.Robinlookedbackupintothosestrange,mismatchedeyes.Ahystericalimpulsetolaughroseinher–Mazucouldn’t,surely,beexpectingRobintokissherfoot,asthegirlswho’dletthetoddlerescapefromthedormitoryhaddone?–butitdiedatthelookonMazu’sface.
Forperhapsfiveseconds,RobinandMazustaredateach,andRobinknewthiswasatest,andthattoaskaloudwhetherMazugenuinelywantedthistributewouldbeasdangerousasrevealingherdisgustorherincredulity.
Justdoit.
Robinknelt,bentquicklyoverthefoot,withitsblacktoenails,grazeditwithherlipsandthenstoodupagain.
Mazugavenosignthatshe’devennoticedthetribute,butdroppedherrobesandwalkedonasthoughnothinghadhappened.
Robinfeltshakenandhumiliated.Sheglancedaroundtoseewhetheranyonehadwitnessedwhathadjusthappened.ShetriedtoimaginewhatStrikewouldsay,ifhe’dseenher,andfeltanotherwaveofembarrassmentpassoverher.Howcouldsheeverexplainwhyshe’ddoneit?He’dthinkshewasmad.
AtDaiyu’spool,Robinkneltandmumbledtheusualobservance.Besideher,Mazusaidinalowvoice,
‘Blessme,mychild,andmayyourrighteouspunishmentfalluponallwhostrayfromTheWay.’
Mazuthengotup,stillwithoutlookingatorspeakingtoRobin,andheadedtowardsthetemple.Withanupsurgeofpanic,Robinfollowed,withapresentimentofwhatwasabouttohappen.Sureenough,onenteringthetemple,Robinsawallherformerhigh-levelassociates,includingAmandeep,Walter,VivienneandKyle,sittinginacircleonchairssetupontheshiningblackpentagon-shapedstage.Alllookedstern.Withanincreaseofherawfulforeboding,RobinsawthatTaioWacewasalsopresent.
‘Rowenahadtakenituponherselftodoadifferenttasktotheoneshewasassigned,whichiswhyyoucouldn’tfindher,Vivienne,’saidMazu,climbingthestairstothestageandsittingdowninafreeseat,spreadingoutherglitteringbloodredrobesasshedidso.‘Shehaspaidthetributeofhumility,butwewillnowfindoutwhetherthatwasanemptygesture.Moveyourchairintothecentreofthecircle,please,Rowena.WelcometoRevelation.’
Robinpickedupanemptychairandmovedittothecentreoftheblackstage,beneathwhichlaythedeep,darkbaptismalpool.Shesatdownandtriedtostillherlegs,whichwereshaking,bypressingdownonthemwithpalmsthathadbecomedamp.
Thetemplelightsbegantodim,leavingonlyaspotlightonthestage.Robincouldn’trememberthelightsbeingloweredforanyoftheotherRevelationsessions.
Getagrip,shetoldherself.ShetriedtopictureStrikegrinningather,butitdidn’twork:thepresentwastooreal,closinginuponher,evenasthefacesandfiguresofthosesurroundinghergrewindistinctinthedark,andherlipsweretinglingstrangely,asthoughcontactwithMazu’sfoothadleftsomeacidicresidue.
Mazupointedalong,palefingerandthetempledoorsbangedclosedbehindRobin,makingherjump.
‘Areminder,’saidMazucalmly,addressingthoseinthecircle,‘PrimalResponseTherapyisaformofspiritualcleansing.Inthissafe,holyspace,weusewordsfromthematerialistworldtocountermaterialistideasandbehaviours.Therewillbeapurging,notonlyofRowena,butofourselves,asweunearthanddispatchtermswenolongeruse,butwhichstilllingerinoursubconsciousness.’
Robinsawthedarkfiguresaroundhernodding.Hermouthwascompletelydry.
‘So,Rowena,’saidMazu,whosefacewassopalethatRobincouldstillmakeitout,withthosedark,crookedlyseteyesshining.‘Thisisthemomentforyoutoconfesstothingsyoumayhavedone,orthought,aboutwhichyoufeeldeepshame.Whatwouldyouliketorevealfirst?’
Forwhatfeltlikealongtime,thoughwasdoubtlessonlyseconds,Robincouldn’tthinkofanythingtosayatall.
‘Well,’shebeganatlast,hervoicesoundingunnaturallyloudinthesilenttemple,‘IusedtoworkinPRandIsupposetherewasalotoffocusonappearancesandwhatotherpeople—’
Theendofhersentencewasdrownedinanoutbreakofjeeringfromthecircle.
‘Falseself!’barkedWalter.
‘Deflecting,’saidafemalevoice.
‘Youcan’tblameyourprofessionforyourbehaviour,’saidAmandeep.
Robin’sthoughtprocessesweresluggishafterdaysofmanuallabour.Sheneededsomethingthatwouldsatisfyherinquisitors,butherpanickedmindwasblank.
‘Nothingtosay?’saidMazu,andRobincouldjustmakeoutheryellowishteethinthegloomasshesmiled.‘Well,let’sseewhetherwecanfindawayin.Sinceenteringourcommunity,youfeltentitledtocriticisethecolourofmyhair,didn’tyou?’
Therewasanintakeofbreathallaroundthecircle.Robinfeltawaveofcoldsweatpassoverher.Wasthiswhyshe’dbeendemotedtofarmworker?Becauseshe’dwonderedtoPennyBrownwhyMazu’shairwasstilljetblackinherforties?
‘What,’saidMazu,speakingnowtotherestofthecircle,‘wouldyoucallsomebodywhojudgedanotherperson’slooks?’
‘Spiteful,’saidavoiceoutofthedarkness.
‘Shallow,’saidasecond.
‘Bitch,’saidathird.
‘I’msorry,’Robinsaidhoarsely,‘Ihonestlydidn’tmeanto—’
‘No,no,there’snoneedtoapologisetome,’saidMazusoftly.‘Isetnostoreonphysicalappearance.Butit’sanindication,isn’tit,ofwhatyouthinkisimportant?’
‘Judgepeople’slooksalot,doyou?’askedafemalevoicefrombehindRobin.
‘I–Isuppose—’
“‘Suppose”isobfuscatory,’snarledKyle.
‘Youeitherdooryoudon’t,’saidAmandeep.
‘Then–Idid,’saidRobin.‘WhenIworkedinPR,therewasatendency—’
‘Nevermindtendencies,’boomedWalter.‘NevermindPR!Whatdidyoudo?Whatdidyousay?’
‘Iremembersayingaclientlookedtoobigforherdress,’inventedRobin,‘andsheheardmeandIfeltterribleaboutit.’
Astormofjeeringbrokeoverher.Taio,whowassittingbesidehismother,wastheonlypersonremainingsilent,buthewassmilingashewatchedRobin.
‘Didyoufeelterrible,Rowena?’askedMazuquietly.‘Orareyoujustgivingustokenexamples,toavoidadmittingtorealshame?’
‘I—’
‘Whywasyourweddingcalledoff,Rowena?’
‘I–wewerearguingalot.’
‘Whosefaultwasthat?’demandedVivienne.
‘Mine,’saidRobindesperately.
‘Whatdidyouargueabout?’askedAmandeep.
Thereshouldn’tbeanypointsofresemblancebetweenyourownlifeandRowena’s,Strikehadsaid,buthewasn’there,stupefiedbytirednessandfear,forcedtocomeupwithastoryonthespot.
‘I…thoughtmyfiancéwaskindof…hedidn’thaveaproperjob,wasn’tearningmuch…’
Shewasreversingthetruth:itwasMatthewwho’dcomplainedaboutherpoorsalarywhenshe’dstartedworkingforStrike,Matthewwho’dthoughtprivatedetectionajokeofacareer.
Therestofthegroupbegantocallhernames,theirvoicesechoingoffthedarkwalls,andRobincouldmakeoutonlyafewindividualwords:mercenaryfuckingbitch,gold-digger,greedyslag.Taio’ssmilewasbroadening.
‘Tellusspecificallywhatyousaidtoyourfiancé,’demandedWalter.
‘Thathisbosswastakingadvantageofhim—’
‘Theexactwords.’
‘“She’stakingadvantageofyou”,“she’sonlykeepingyouonbecauseyou’recheap”—’
Whiletheyjeeredatandinsultedher,shedredgedhermemoryforthethingsMatthewhadsaidaboutStrikeduringtheirmarriage.
‘—“shefanciesyou”,“it’samatteroftimebeforeshemakesamove”—’
Nowthesurroundingcirclebegantoshout.
‘Controllingcow!’
‘Jealous,self-centred—’
‘Stuckup,selfishbitch!’
‘Goon,’MazusaidtoRobin.
‘—andhelovedthejob,’saidRobin,hermouthnowsodryherlipswerestickingtoherteeth,‘andImadeitashardasIcouldforhimtocontinuewithit—’
Theshoutsbecamelouder,echoingoffthetemplewalls.Inthedimlightshecouldseefingerspointingather,flashesofteeth,andstillTaiosmiled.Robinknewshewassupposedtocry,thatmercycameonlyoncethepersoninthemiddleofthecirclehadbrokendown,buteventhoughshecouldnowseelittledotsoflightpoppinginfrontofhereyes,somethingstubborninherresisted.
Nowthecircledemandedtheexcavationofintimatedetailsanduglyscenes.Robinembellishedscenesfromhermarriage,reversingherandMatthew’spositions:nowitwasshewho’dthoughtherpartnerwastakingtoomanyrisks.
‘Whatrisks?’demandedAmandeep.‘Whatwashisjob?’
‘Hewaskindof—’
ButRobincouldn’tthink:whatriskyjobcouldherimaginarypartnerhavehad?
‘—Idon’tmeanphysicalrisks,itwasmorethathewassacrificingourfinancialsecurity—’
‘Money’sveryimportanttoyou,isn’tit,Rowena?’calledMazu,overthecontinuingabuseofthecircle.
‘IsupposeitwasbeforeIcamehere—’
Theslursbecamemorederisory:thegroupdidn’tbelievethatshe’dchanged.MazulettheinsultsrolloverRobinforafullminute.Voicesechoedoffthedarkwalls,callingherworthless,pathetic,acravensnob,anarcissist,amaterialist,contemptible—
Outofthecornerofhereye,shesawsomethingwhiteandglowinghighaboveheronthebalconyrunningroundthetemple.Viviennescreamedandrosefromherseat,pointing.
‘Look!Look!Upthere!Alittlegirl,lookingdownatus!Isawher!’
‘ThatwillbeDaiyu,’saidMazucalmly,glancingupatthenowemptybalcony.‘Shemanifestssometimeswhenpsychicenergyisparticularlystrong.Orshemayhavecomeasawarning.’
Silencefell.Thegroupwasunsettled.Somecontinuedtostareupatthebalcony,othersglancedovertheirshoulders,asthoughtheyfearedthespiritwouldcomecloser.Robinseemedtofeelthedullthudofherheartinherthroat.
‘Whatfinallymadeyourfiancéendtherelationship,Rowena?’askedMazu.
Robinopenedhermouth,thenclosedit.Shecouldn’t,wouldn’t,useMatthewashermodelhere.Sherefusedtopretendshe’dsleptwithsomeoneelse.
‘Comeon!’barkedWalter.‘Outwithit!’
‘She’stryingtoinventsomething,’sneeredVivienne.
‘Tellusthetruth!’saidAmandeep,hiseyesshiningthroughhisglasses,‘Nothingbutthetruth!’
‘Iliedtohim,’saidRobinhoarsely.‘Hismotherdied,andIliedaboutbeingabletogetbackintimetohelpwiththefuneral,becausetherewassomethingIwantedtodoatwork.’
‘Youselfish,self-centredbitch,’spatKyle.
‘Youpieceofshit,’saidVivienne.
HottearsburstfromRobin’seyes.Shedoubledover,feigningnothing.Hershamewasreal:shereallyhadliedtoMatthewasshe’ddescribed,andshe’dfeltguiltyaboutitformonthsafterwards.ThecacophonyofinsultsandtauntsofthegroupcontinueduntilRobinheard,withathrillofterror,ahigh-pitchedchildishvoicejoiningin,louderthanalloftheothers.
‘You’renasty.You’reanastyperson.’
Thestagetilted.Withashriek,Robinfellsidewaysoffherchairasittippedover.Therestofthecirclewerealsothrownoffbalance:they,too,fellofftheirlurchingchairs,Waltercrashingtothegroundwithayellofpain.Kyle’schairlegcaughtRobinontheshoulderassheslidacrossthesmoothsurfaceofthetippinglid,preventingherselffromfallingintothesliverofblackwaterrevealedbeneathonlybythrowingoutherarmandpushingagainsttherimofthepool.
‘OhmyGod,ohmyGod,’whimperedVivienne,scramblingtoreachthefoot-widerimofthestage,whereMazuandTaiostood,untroubled.
Everyonewasfightingtomaketheirwayofftheslippery,tiltedsurface:allseemedtohaveahorrorofslippingintothedarkwater,welcomingasithadseemedduringtheirbaptisms.Mostofthegrouphelpedeachother,butnohandswereofferedtoRobin,whohadtoheaveherselfontotheledgeofthepoolalone,hershouldersmartingwhereKyle’schairhadhitit.Wheneveryonehadgotoffthetiltedstage,Mazuwavedherhand.Thelidcoveringthewatermovedgentlybackintoplaceandthetemplelightswentup.
‘Daiyu’sverysensitivetocertainkindsofwickedness,’saidMazu,herdarkeyesonRobin,whostoodtearstainedandbreathless.‘Shehadnofuneralherself,andsoshe’sparticularlysensitiveaboutthesanctityofritualssurroundingdeath.’
ThoughmostofRobin’sgroupmateslookedmerelyfrightened,andcontinuedtopeeraroundthemforafurthersignofDaiyu,afewwerelookingaccusinglyatRobin.Shecouldn’tfindhervoicetosaythatshehad,infact,attendedMatthew’smother’sfuneral.Shewascertainanyattemptatself-defencewouldmakethingsworse.
‘We’llendRevelationhere,’saidMazu.‘WhenDaiyumanifestsinthetemple,thingscanbecomedangerous.Youmayleaveforlunch.’
Robinturnedtoleave,butbeforeshe’dtakenasteptowardsthetempledoors,ahandclosedaroundherupperarm.
54
SixinthesecondplaceDifficultiespileup…Hewantstowoowhenthetimecomes.Themaidenischaste,Shedoesnotpledgeherself.
TheIChingorBookofChanges
‘You’reallrightnow,’saidalowvoiceinRobin’sear,asMazusweptpast.‘It’sover.Youdidwell.’
Robinturned,realiseditwasTaioWacewho’dtakenholdofher,andwrenchedherarmfree.Hisexpressiondarkened.
‘Sorry,’saidRobin,moppinghertearstainedfaceonhersleeve.‘I–thankyou—’
‘That’sbetter.’
Taioreplacedhishandaroundherupperarm,theknucklespressingintoherbreast,andthistime,Robindidn’tresist.
‘Revelation’salwaysdifficult,thefirsttimeyoudoit,’saidTaio.
Robinpermittedhimtoleadheroutofthetemple,tryingtostemthestreamingofhernosewithherfreeforearm.Mazuhaddisappeared,buttherestofthegroupwasnowheadingforDaiyu’spool.TheythrewfurtiveglancesatTaioandRobinastheycrossedthecourtyardwithoutstopping.
Itwasn’tuntilheledherdownthepassagebetweenthemen’sandwomen’sdormitories,whichwassofamiliartoherfromhernocturnaljourneysintothewoods,thatRobinrealisedwherehewasleadingher.Sureenough,momentslatertheywerepushingthroughthebushesthatscreenedtheRetreatRooms.Robinhadasplitsecondtodecidewhattodo:shewascertainthere’dbenogoingbackifshepulledawayfromTaio,thatherstatuswouldplummettoapointfromwhichthere’dbenorecovery.ShealsoknewStrikewouldadvisefreeingherselfandleavingimmediately;shecouldseeherpartner’sexpressionnow,hearhisangerthatshehadn’ttakenhiswarnings,andsherememberedassuringhimthattheUHConlyusedemotionalcoercion,thattherewasnopossibilityofrape.
TheglassdoorofthenearestRetreatRoomslidopen.AuthorGilesHarmonstoodthere,wearingavelvetjacket,hishandstillontheflieshe’dclearlyjustzippedup,hisdandyishhairsilverinthemiddaysunshine.
‘Giles,’saidTaio,soundingsurprisedandnonetoopleased.
‘Ah,hello,Taio,’saidHarmon,smiling.
TherewasasmallmovementinthecabinbehindHarmonandtoRobin’shorror,Linemerged,lookingdishevelledandslightlysick.Withoutmeetinganyone’seyesshewalkedquicklyaway.
‘Ididn’tknowyouwerehere,’saidTaio,maintaininghisholdonRobin’supperarm.
‘Arrivedthismorning,’saidHarmon,whoseemeduntroubledbyTaio’stone.‘I’vespottedamarvellousopportunity.TheBritishAssociationofCreativesislookingforsponsorshipfortheirEthicsandArtproject.IftheUHCweremindedto,Ithinkwecouldbrokerareallyfruitfulpartnership.’
‘That’llneeddiscussionbytheCouncil,’saidTaio.
‘I’veemailedPapaJ,’saidHarmon,‘butIknowhe’sbusy,soIthoughtI’dcomedownhereandtalkoverthepracticalitieswithyouandMazu.Thinkingofstayingafewdays,’hesaid,theatricallybreathinginthecountryair.‘SuchablissfulchangeafterLondon.’
‘OK,well,wecantalkinthefarmhouselater,’saidTaio.
‘Oh,ofcourse,ofcourse,’saidHarmon,withasmallsmile,andforthefirsttimehiseyesalightedbrieflyonRobin.‘Seeyouthere.’
Harmonwalkedaway,hummingtohimself.
‘Comeon,’saidTaio,andhetuggedRobinintothecabinHarmonandLinhadjustvacated.
Thedingy,wood-walledinteriorwasroughlyfifteenfeetsquareanddominatedbyadoublebedcoveredwithamuch-stainedandcrumpledsheet.Twogrubbypillowslayonthefloorandanakedlightbulbhungfromitsflexoverthebed.Theshed-likesmellofpineanddustmingledwithastrongodourofunwashedhuman.
AsTaiopulledathincurtainovertheslidingglassdoors,Robinblurted,
‘Ican’t.’
‘Can’twhat?’saidTaio,turningtofaceher.Hisscarlettracksuittopstretchedoverhislargebelly,hesmelledstale;hishairwasgreasyandhispointednoseandsmallmouthhadneverseemedmorerat-like.
‘Youknowwhat,’saidRobin.‘Ijustcan’t.’
‘This’llmakeyoufeelbetter,’saidTaio,nowadvancingonher.‘Muchbetter.’
Hereachedforher,butRobinthrewoutahand,holdinghimatarm’slengthwithasmuchforceasshe’dusedtopreventherselffallingintothebaptismalpool.Hetriedtopushpastit,butwhenshecontinuedtoresisthetookhalfastepbackwards.EvidentlysomewarinessofthelawbeyondChapmanFarmlingeredinhim,andRobin,stilldeterminedtoremainatthecentreifshecould,said,
‘Itisn’tright.I’mnotworthy.’
‘I’maPrincipal.Idecidewho’sworthyandwhoisn’t.’
‘Ishouldn’tbehere!’saidRobin,allowingherselftostartcryingagainandaddingahystericalnotetohervoice.‘Youheardme,inthetemple.It’salltrue,allofit.I’mbad,I’mrotten,I’mimpure—’
‘Spiritbondingpurifies,’saidTaio,againtryingtopushpastherresistinghands.‘You’llfeelmuchbetterforthis.Come—’
Heattemptedtotakeherinhisarms.
‘No,’gaspedRobin,wrigglingfreeofhimtostandwithherbacktotheglassdoors.‘Youcan’twanttobewithmenowyou’veheardwhatI’mlike.’
‘Youneedthis,’saidTaioinsistently.‘Here.’
Hesatdownonthegrubbybedandpattedthespacebesidehim.Robinexaggeratedherdistress,cryingstillmoreloudly,herwailsechoingoffthewoodenwalls,hernoserunningfreely,takingdeepgaspsofairasthoughshemightbeonthevergeofapanicattack.
‘Controlyourself!’commandedTaio.
‘Idon’tknowwhatI’vedonewrong,I’mbeingpunishedandIdon’tknowwhy,Ican’tgetanyofitright,I’vegottogo—’
‘Comehere,’saidTaiomoreinsistently,againpattingthebed.
‘Iwantedtodothis,Ireallybelieved,butI’mnotwhatyou’relookingfor,Irealisethatnow—’
‘That’syourfalseselftalking!’
‘Itisn’t,it’smyhonestself—’
‘You’recurrentlydemonstratinghighlevelsofegomotivity,’saidTaioharshly.‘YouthinkyouknowbetterthanIdo.Youdon’t.Thisiswhyyoudroveawayyourfiancé,becauseyoucouldn’tsubsumeyourego.Youlearnedallthisinlectures:thereisnoself,onlyfragmentsofthewhole.Youmustsurrendertothegroup,tounion…sitdown,’headdedforcefully,butRobinremainedstanding.
‘Iwanttoleave.Iwanttogo.’
ShewasgamblingonthefactthatTaioWacewouldn’twanttoberesponsibleforherleaving.Shewassupposedtoberichandwasdefinitelyarticulateandeducated,whichmeantshemightbetakenseriouslyifshetalkedabouthernegativeexperiencesofthechurch.Mostimportantly,she’djustwitnessedawell-knownwriterleavingaRetreatRoomwithagirlwholookedbarelyover-age.
ThenakedlightfallingfromtheoverheadbulbhighlightedTaio’srat-likenoseanddirtyhair.Afteramomentortwo’ssilencehesaidcoldly,
‘Youunderwentspiritualdemarcationbecauseyou’vefallenbehindtheotherrecruits.’
‘How?’saidRobin,injectinganoteofdesperationintohervoiceandstillfailingtowipehernose,becauseshewantedtorepelTaioasmuchaspossible.‘I’vetried—’
‘Youmakedisruptivestatements,likethatcommentaboutMazu’shair.Youhaven’tfullyintegrated,you’vefailedinsimpledutiestothechurch—’
‘Likewhat?’saidRobiningenuineanger,everyinchofherbodysoreafterlongdaysofmanuallabour.
‘Relinquishmentofmaterialistvalues.’
‘ButI—’
‘Stepthreetopurespirit:divestment.’
‘Idon’t—’
‘Everyoneelsewhojoinedwithyouhasmadedonationstothechurch.’
‘Iwantedto,’liedRobin,‘butIdidn’tknowhow!’
‘Thenyoushouldhaveasked.Non-materialistsofferfreely,theydon’twaitforformsorinvoices.Theyoffer.Wipeyournose,forGod’ssake.’
Robindeliberatelysmearedthesnotacrossherfacewithhersleeveandgavealoud,wetsniff.
‘“Ilivetoloveandgive”,’quotedTaio.‘YouwereTypedasaGift-Bearer,liketheGoldenProphet,butyou’rehoardingyourresourcesinsteadofsharingthem.’
Ashesaidit,hiseyesrolleddownherbodytoherbreasts.
‘AndIknowyou’vegotnophysicalhang-upsaboutsex,’headded,withtheghostofasmirk.‘Apparently,youorgasmeverytime.’
‘IthinkIshouldgototemple,’saidRobinalittlewildly.‘TheBlessedDivinity’stellingmetochant,Icanfeelit.’
Sheknewshe’dangeredandoffendedhim,andthathedidn’tbelieveanydivinitywasspeakingtoher;buthewastheonewho’dconductedseminarsinthebasementroomaboutopeningthemindandhearttothedivineforce,andtocontradictherwastounderminewordshehimselfhadspoken.Perhaps,too,hisdesirehadbeenquenchedbyherdeliberatesmearingofsnotoverherface,becauseafterafewsecondshegotslowlytohisfeet.
‘Ithinkyou’ddobettertoperformpenancetothecommunity,’hesaid.‘Fetchcleaningproductsfromthekitchen,freshsheetsfromthelaundryandmuckoutthesethreeRetreatRooms.’
Herippedbackthecurtain,slidbacktheglassdoorandleft.
Weakwithimmediaterelief,yetfullofdreadofwhatharmshemighthavedoneinrefusinghim,Robinleanedforamomentagainstthewall,cleanedherfaceasbestshecouldwithhersweatshirt,thenglancedaround.
Atapwasfixedtothewallinacorner,withashortlengthofhoseattachedandadrainholebeneathit.Aslimybottleofliquidsoapandadirtywetflannelstoodbesidetheholeonapatchofmildewedfloorboard.Presumablypeoplewashedthemselvesbeforehavingsex.TryingtodismissahorriblementalimageofTaiolatheringhiserectionbeforejoiningheronthebed,Robinsetofftofindabucketandmop.However,assheemergedfromthebushesscreeningtheRetreatRoomsfromthecourtyard,shestumbledtoahalt.
EmilyPirbrightwasstandingaloneinfrontoftheDrownedProphet’sfountain,onawoodencrate.Herheadwasbowedandshewasholdingapieceofcardboardonwhichwordshadbeenwritten.
Robindidn’twanttoapproachthepoolwithEmilystandingthere,butshefearedbeingpunishedifshewasseenfailingtomakehertributetoDaiyu.Pretendingshecouldn’tevenseeEmily,sheadvancedonthefountain,butalmostagainstherwillhereyesweredrawntothesilentfigure.
Emily’sfaceandhairhadbeensmearedwithearth,ashadherscarlettracksuit.Shewasstaringattheground,asdeterminedlyinsensibleofRobin’spresenceasthelatterhadmeanttobeofEmily’s.
ThewordsscrawledonthecardboardsignheldbetweenEmily’smud-stainedhandsread:IAMADIRTYPIG.
55
Heavenandearthdonotunite…ThusthesuperiormanfallsbackuponhisinnerworthInordertoescapethedifficulties.
TheIChingorBookofChanges
…andTaotookmeintooneofthe[illegible]roomsandwantedSpiritbondingbutImanagedtofendhimoff.GilesHarmanhadjustbeenintherewithLin.She’sbarelyofage,mightbeunderage,Idon’tknowEmilyand[illegible](can’trememberifItoldyouabouther,she’squiteyungyoung)havebeenpunishedfordisobedence.EmilyhadtostandonacratewithasignsayingshewasadirtypigbutShawnajust[illegible]andcameback48hours&lookedterrible.IfoundoutwhyI’vebeen[illegible]fromtopgroup.It’sbecauseIhaven’tgivenanymoney.I’llhavetogotoMazuandofferadonation,buthowdowe[illegible]this,canyouthinkofanythingbecauseit’stheonlywayI’mgoingtobeabletostay.Iwasalsointhelittlekids’classroomforthefirsttimeandthey’renotright,brainwashedandstrange,it’shorrible.ShawnasaysBeccaPirbrightislyingabouther[illegible]withDaiyu.I’mgoingtotryandfindoutmore.Thinkthat’severyting.Shawnaalsosaid[illegible]aboutJacobbeingthereasonPapaJwon’thavekidswithBecca.ShealsosaysJacob’s[illegible]bythedevil.RxIforgot,there’sapictureofatreewithaxeinitonthekid’s[illegible],looksrecentI’lltryandfinditifIcanbutitshardtothinkupareasontocomeintothewoodsbydaylight.
Strike,whowassittingatthepartners’deskintheoffice,readRobin’sletterthroughtwice,notingthedeteriorationofherhandwritingandmisspellings.Thiswasthefirstofherreportstocontainconcreteleads,nottomentioninformationthechurchdefinitelywouldn’twantmadepublic,buthisexpressionbetrayednopleasure;onthecontrary,hewasfrowningashere-readthelineaboutspiritbonding.Hearingfootstepshesaid,eyesstillonthepage,
‘Bitworriedabouther.’
‘Why?’askedPatinherusualbaritone,settingamugdownbesideStrike.
‘Sorry,thoughtyouwereMidge,’saidStrike.Thesubcontractorhadjusthandedhimtheletter,whichshe’dretrievedovernight.
‘Shehadtogo,she’sontheFranks.What’swrongwithRobin?’
‘Exhaustionandunderfeeding,probably.Cheers,’headded,pickinguphistea.
‘Ryanjustcalled,’saidPat.
‘Who?Oh,Murphy?’
‘Hewantedtoknowwhetherhe’shadamessagefromRobin.’
‘Yeah,hehas,’saidStrike,handingthefoldedpaperover.He’dresistedreadingit,buthadbeengladtoseethroughthebackofthepaperthatitlookedasthoughitonlycomprisedtwoorthreelines.‘Don’ttellhimIsaidI’mworriedaboutRobin,’Strikeadded
‘WhywouldI?’saidPat,scowling.‘Andyou’vehadsomevoicemailmessages.Oneatnineo’clocklastnight,fromamancalledLucasMessenger.Hesayshe’sJacob’sbrother.’
‘Shit,’saidStrike,whowasnowignoringallofficephonecallsthatdivertedtohismobileintheevening,ontheassumptiontheywerefromCharlotte.‘OK,I’llcallhimback.’
‘Andthreemorefromthesamewoman,’saidPat,herexpressionaustere,‘allearlyhoursofthemorning.Shedidn’tgivehername,but—’
‘Deletethem,’saidStrike,reachingforhisphone.
‘Ithinkyoushouldlistentothem.’
‘Why?’
‘Shegetsthreatening.’
Theylookedateachotherforafewseconds.Strikebrokeeyecontactfirst.
‘I’llcallMessenger,thenI’lllistentothem.’
WhenPathadclosedthedoortotheouteroffice,StrikecalledLucasMessenger.Afterafewrings,amalevoicesaid,
‘Yeah?’
‘CormoranStrikehere.Youleftamessageformeyesterdayevening.’
‘Oh—’AslightdistortiononthelinetoldStrikehe’dbeenswitchedtospeakerphone.‘You’rethedetective,yeah?What’sJacobdone?Drivenfrooannuverwindow?’
StrikeheardafewbackgroundsniggersandsurmisedthatLucaswassharingtheconversationwithworkmates.
‘I’mtryingtofindoutwhereheis.’
‘Whyd’youwannaknow?What’shedone?’
‘DidyourbrotherjointheUniversalHumanitarianChurch?’
Thelaughterontheotherendofthelinewaslouderthistime.
‘Hedid,yeah.Twat.’
‘Andwhereishenow?’
‘Germany,Ifink.We’renotintouch.He’smehalf-brother.Wedon’tgeton.’
‘WhendidhegotoGermany,doyouknow?’
‘Dunno,sometimelastyear?’
‘WasthisaUHCthing?WashesenttothecentreinMunich?’
‘Nah,Ifinkhemetagirl.He’sfullofit,Idon’tlistentohalfwhathetellsme.’
‘WouldyourparentsknowwhereJacobis?’
‘They’renottalkingtohimneither.Theyhadarow.’
‘CanyouthinkofanyonewhomightbeincontactwithJacob?’
‘No,’saidLucas.‘LikeIsay,wedon’tgeton.’
ThisbeingtheextentofLucas’information,StrikehungupaminutelaterhavingwrittenonlythewordsJacobMessengerGermany?onhisnotepad.Turninginhisswivelchair,helookedupattheboardonthewallontowhichhe’dpinnedvariouspicturesandnotesconcerningtheUHCcase.
Inacolumnontheleft-handsidewerepicturesofpeopleStrikewasstilltryingtolocate.Atthetopwerethepicturesofthegirlwho’dvariouslycalledherselfCarine,CherieandCherry,andaprintoutoftheFacebookprofileofCarrieCurtisWoods,whohehopedmightprovetobethesameperson.
BeneathCherie’spictureswasaphotoofdark-hairedandtannedJacobMessenger,whostoodposingonabeachinhisswimmingshorts,tensinghisabdominalmusclesandbeamingatthecamera.StrikenowknewMessenger’sbriefflickeroffamehadpeakedwhenhecamethirdonarealityshow,forwhichthiswasapublicitypicture.Jacob’strialandimprisonmentfordrivingundertheinfluencehadputhisnamebackinthepapers,andhislastpressappearancehadfeaturedphotosofhimataUHCaddictionservicesclinic,wearingatightwhiteT-shirtwiththeUHC’slogoonit,andannouncinghowmuchhe’dgainedfromjoiningthechurch.Sincethen,he’ddisappearedfrompublicview.
Strikegottohisfeet,toreoutthepagewithJacobMessengerGermany?writtenonitandpinneditbesidetheyoungman’sphoto,beforepickingupRobin’sletteragainandre-readingthelinesaboutJacob.ShawnaalsosaidsomethingaboutJacobbeingthereasonPapaJwon’thavekidswithBecca.Ididn’tunderstandthat,willtryandfindoutmore.ShesaysJacob’s[illegible]bythedevil.Frowningslightly,StrikelookedfromthelettertothepictureofbeamingJacob,withhistropicalprintswimmingtrunksandbrightwhiteteeth,wonderingwhetherMessengerwasindeedtheJacoblyingillatChapmanFarm,andifso,howthisfactcouldpossiblyrelatetoJonathanWace’slackofinterestinhavingchildrenwithBeccaPirbright.
Hisgazemovedtothenextpictureintheleft-handcolumn:thefadedphotoofbespectacledDeirdreDoherty.InspiteofStrike’sbestefforts,hestillhadn’tfoundanytraceofDeirdreonlineoroff.
Thebottompictureontheleft-handsideoftheboardwasadrawing:TormentTown’sstrangedepictionofafair-hairedwomaninglassesfloatinginadarkpool.StrikewasstilltryingtofindthetrueidentityofTormentTown,who’dfinallyrespondedtohisonlinemessage.
ToStrike’scomment,Amazingpictures.Doyoudrawfromimagination?theanonymousartisthadwritten:
Thanks.Kindof.
Strikehadreplied:
You’rereallytalented.Youshoulddoacomicbook.Horror.
TowhichTormentTownhadresponded,
Nobodywouldwanttoreadthatlol
Strikehadthensaid,
Youreallydon’tliketheUHC,doyou?
Buttothis,TormentTownhadmadenoreply.Strikewasafraidhe’dcometothepointtooquicklyandregretted,notforthefirsttime,thathecouldn’tsetRobintoworkonextractingconfidencesoutofwhoeverhaddrawnthesepictures.Robinwasgoodatbuildingtrustonline,asshe’dprovenwhenshe’dpersuadedateenagertogivehervitalinformationinoneoftheirpreviouscases.
StrikeclosedPinterestandopenedFacebookinstead.CarrieCurtisWoodsstillhadn’tacceptedhisfollowerrequest.
Withasigh,hepushedhimselfreluctantlyupfromhischair,andcarriedhismugofteaandvapepenintotheouteroffice,wherePatsattyping,e-cigaretteclampedbetweenherteethasusual.
‘Allright,’Strikesaid,sittingdownontheredsofaoppositePat’sdesk,‘let’shearthesethreats.’
Patpressedabuttononherdeskphone,andCharlotte’svoice,slurredwithdrinkasStrikehadexpected,filledtheroom.
‘’Sme,pickup,youfuckingcoward.Pickup…’
Afewmoments’silence,thenCharlotte’svoicecamealmostinashout.
‘OK,then,I’llleaveafuckingmessageforyourpreciousfuckingRobintohearwhenshepicksupyourmessages,beforegivingyouyourmorningblowjob.Iwastherewhenyourleggotblownoff,eventhoughweweresplitup,Istayedwithyouan’Ivisit’dyouev’rysingleday,an’Igaveyouaplacetostaywhenyourwholeshittyfamilygaveuponyou,andev’ryonearoundmesaying,“Youknowhe’sonthemake”an’“What’reyoudoing,he’sanabusiveshit?”an’Iwouldn’tlisten,evenafterev’rythingyou’ddonetome,Iwasthereforyou,an’nowwhenIneedafriendyoucan’tevenfuckingmeetmefr’acoffeewhenI’vegotfuckingcancer,youfuckingleech,youuser,an’I’mstillprotectingyoutothefuckingpresseventhoughIcouldtellthemthingsthat’dfuckingfinishyou,IcouldfinishyouifItoldthem,andwhyshouldIbefuckingloyalwh—’
Aloudbeepcutthemessageoff.Pat’sexpressionwasimpassive.Therewasaclick,thenasecondmessagebegan.
‘Pickup.Fuckingpickup,youcowardlybastard…aftereverythingyoudidtome,youexpectmetodefendyoutothepress.YouwalkedoutafterImiscarried,youfuckingthrewmeacrossthatfuckingboat,youfuckedeverygirlthatmovedwhenweweretogether,doespreciousRobinknowwhatshe’slettinghersel—’
Thistimetherewasnobeep:Pathadslammedherhandontoabuttononthephone,silencingvoicemail.Littlejohn’ssilhouettehadappearedoutsidethefrostedglassinthedoorontothestairwell.Thedooropened.
‘Morning,’saidStrike.
‘Morning,’saidLittlejohn,lookingdownatStrikethroughhisheavy-liddedeyes.‘NeedtofilemyreportonToyBoy.’
StrikewatchedinsilenceasLittlejohnretrievedthefilefromthedrawerandaddedacoupleofsheetsofnotes.Pathadbeguntypingagain,e-cigarettewagglingbetweenherteeth,ignoringbothmen.WhenLittlejohnhadreplacedthefileinthedrawer,heturnedtoStrikeandforthefirsttimeintheiracquaintance,initiatedconversation.
‘Thinkyoushouldknow,Imightbebeingfollowed.’
‘Followed?’repeatedStrike,eyebrowsraised.
‘Yeah.PrettysureI’veseenthesameguywatchingme,threedaysapart.’
‘Anyreasonsomeonewouldbewatchingyou?’
‘No,’saidLittlejohn,withatraceofdefiance.
‘Nothingyou’renottellingme?’
‘Likewhat?’saidLittlejohn.
‘Wifenotplanningadivorce?Creditorstryingtotrackyoudown?’
‘’Coursenot,’saidLittlejohn.‘Ithoughtitmightbesomethingtodowiththisplace.’
‘What,theagency?’saidStrike.
‘Yeah…madeafewenemiesalongtheway,haven’tyou?’
‘Yeah,’saidStrike,afterasipoftea,‘butthey’renearlyallinjail.’
‘Youtangledwithterroristslastyear,’saidLittlejohn.
‘Whatdidthepersonwatchingyoulooklike?’askedStrike.
‘Skinnyblackguy.’
‘Probablynotaneo-Nazi,then,’saidStrike,makingamentalnotetotellShankertheskinnyblackguywouldneedreplacing.
‘Couldbepress,’saidLittlejohn.‘ThatPrivateEyestoryaboutyou.’
‘Thinkthey’vemistakenyouforme,doyou?’
‘No,’saidLittlejohn.
‘Well,ifyouwanttohandinyournoticebecauseyou’rescaredof—’
‘I’mnotscared,’saidLittlejohncurtly.‘Justthoughtyououghttoknow.’
WhenStrikedidn’trespond,Littlejohnsaid,
‘MaybeImadeamistake.’
‘No,it’sgoodyou’rekeepingyoureyesopen,’saidStrikeinsincerely.‘Letmeknowifyouseetheguyagain.’
‘Willdo.’
Littlejohnlefttheofficewithoutanotherword,castingasidewayslookatPatashepassedher.Theofficemanagercontinuedtostaredeterminedlyathermonitor.OnceLittlejohn’sfootstepshaddiedaway,Strikepointedatthephone.
‘Istheremuchmoreofthat?’
‘Shecalledagain,’saidPat,‘butit’smoreofthesame.Threateningtogotothepresswithallhermade-upnonsense.’
‘Howd’youknowit’smade-upnonsense?’saidStrikeperversely.
‘Youneverassaultedher,Iknowthat.’
‘Youdon’tknowanythingofthebloodysort,’saidStrikeirritably,gettingupfromthesofatofetchabananafromthekitchenarea,insteadofthechocolatebiscuithereallyfancied.
‘Youmightbeagrumpysod,’saidPat,scowling,‘butIcan’tseeyouknockingawomanaround.’
‘Thanksforthevoteofconfidence,’saidStrike.‘BesureandtelltheMailthatwhentheycomecalling–anddeletethosemessages.’
Wellawarethathewasventinghisangerontheofficemanager,heforcedhimselftosay,
‘You’reright:IneverthrewheracrossaboatandIneverdidanyoftheotherstuffshe’sshoutingabout,either.’
‘Shedoesn’tlikeRobin,’saidPat,lookingupathim,herdarkeyesshrewdbehindthelensesofherreadingglasses.‘Jealous.’
‘There’snothing—’
‘Iknowthat,’saidPat.‘She’swithRyan,isn’tshe?’
Striketookamoodybiteofbanana.
‘Sowhatareyougoingtodo?’askedPat.
‘Nothing,’saidStrike,hismouthfull.‘Idon’tnegotiatewithterrorists.’
‘Hm,’saidPat.Shetookadeepdragonhere-cigarettethenspokethroughacloudofvapour.‘Youcan’ttrustadrinker.Neverknowwhattheymightdowhenthebrakesareoff.’
‘I’mnotgoingtobeheldoverabarrelfortherestofmylife,’saidStrike.‘Shehadsixteenfuckingyearsfromme.That’senough.’
Throwingthebananaskinintothebin,heheadedbacktotheinneroffice.
Charlotte’sswervefromkindlinesstovehementrecriminationandthreatscameasnosurprisetoStrike,who’denduredhermoodswingsforyears.Clever,funnyandoftenendearing,Charlottewasalsocapableoffathomlessspite,nottomentionaself-destructiverecklessnessthathadledhertoseverrelationshipsonawhimortotakeextremephysicalrisks.Variouspsychiatristsandtherapistshadhadtheirsayovertheyears,eachtryingtocorralherunpredictabilityandunhappinessintosomeneatmedicalclassification.She’dbeenprescribeddrugs,ricochetedbetweencounsellorsandbeenadmittedtotherapeuticfacilities,yetStrikeknewsomethinginCharlotteherselfhadstubbornlyresistedhelp.She’dalwaysinsistedthatnothingthemedicalorpsychiatricprofessionofferedwouldever,orcouldever,helpher.OnlyStrikecoulddothat,she’dinsistedtimeandagain:onlyStrikecouldsaveherfromherself.
Withoutrealisingit,he’dsatdowninRobin’schairinsteadofhisown,facingtheboardonwhichhe’dpinnedthenotesandpicturesrelatedtotheUHCcase,butthinkingaboutCharlotte.Hewellrememberedthenightonthebargeownedbyoneofherfriends,theviciousrowthathaderuptedafterCharlottehadconsumedabottleandahalfofwine,andthehastydepartureoftherestoftheintoxicatedparty,who’dleftStrikealonetodealwithaknife-wieldingCharlottewhowasthreateningtostabherself.He’ddisarmedherphysically,andintheprocessshe’dslippedoverontothefloor.Everafterwards,whenshelosthertemper,she’dclaimedhe’dthrownher.Doubtlessifhe’dlistenedtothethirdmessagehe’dhavebeenaccusedofotherassaults,ofinfidelityandcruelty:inCharlotte’stelling,whenevershewasdrunkorangry,hewasamonsterofunparalleledsadism.
Sixyearssincetherelationshiphadendedforgood,StrikehadcometoseethattheunfixableproblembetweenthemwasthatheandCharlottecouldneveragreewhatrealitywas.Shedisputedeverything:times,datesandevents,who’dsaidwhat,howrowsstarted,whethertheyweretogetherorhadbrokenupwhenhe’dhadotherrelationships.Hestilldidn’tknowwhetherthemiscarriagesheclaimedshe’dhadshortlybeforetheypartedforeverhadbeenreal:she’dnevershownhimproofofpregnancy,andtheshiftingdatesmighthavesuggestedeitherthatshewasn’tsurewhothefatherwas,orthatthewholethingwasimaginary.Sittingheretoday,heaskedhimselfhowhe,whoseentireprofessionallifewasanendlessquestfortruth,couldhaveendureditallforsolong.
Withagrimace,Strikegottohisfeetyetagain,pickeduphisnotebookandpenandapproachedtheboardonthewall,willinghimselftofocus,becausethefollowingmorninghe’dbeheadinguptoHMPBedfordtointerviewJordanReaney.Hiseyestravelledbackuptheleft-handcolumntothepictureofCherieGittins,whosespellatChapmanFarmhadoverlappedwiththatofReaney.Afterafewmoments’contemplationofherpictures,hecalledPatthroughtotheinneroffice.
‘You’vegotadaughter,right?’hesaid.
‘Yeah,’saidPat,frowning.
‘Howoldisshe?’
‘Thehellareyouaskingmethatfor?’saidPat,hersimianfaceturningred.Strike,who’dneverseenherblushbefore,hadnoideawhathadengenderedthisstrangereaction.Wonderingwhethershecouldpossiblyhaveimaginedhehaddishonourabledesignsonherdaughter,whomhe’dnevermet,hesaid,
‘I’mtryingtogetaccesstothiswoman’sFacebookprofile.It’ssettoprivateandshehasn’tacceptedmyfollowrequest.Ithought,ifyourdaughter’salreadyonFacebook,withanestablishedhistory,shemighthaveabetterchance.Anothermothermightseemless—’
‘Mydaughter’snotonFacebook.’
‘OK,’saidStrike.‘Sorry,’headded,thoughhewasn’tsurewhyhewasapologising.
StrikehadtheimpressionPatwantedtosaysomethingelse,butafterafewseconds,shereturnedtotheouteroffice.Thetappingofcomputerkeysresumedshortlyafterwards.
Stillpuzzledbyherreaction,heturnedbacktotheboard,eyesnowonthepicturesintheright-handcolumn,whichfeaturedfourpeoplewho’dlivedatChapmanFarmandmetunnaturaldeaths.
AtthetopwasanoldnewsclippingaboutthedeathofPaulDraper,whichStrikehadfoundacoupleofdaysearlier.Headlined‘CoupleSentencedforKillingof“ModernSlave”’,thearticledetailedhowDraperhadbeensleepingroughwhenacoupleofferedhimabedforthenight.Bothofhisputativerescuershadpreviousconvictionsforviolence,andhadsetDrapertodoingbuildingworkforthem,forcinghimtosleepintheirshed.Draper’sdeathsixmonthslaterhadoccurredduringabeating.Hisstarvedandpartiallyburnedbodyhadbeendiscoveredonanearbybuildingsite.ThedetectivehadhadnosuccessintracinganylivingrelativeofDraper,whosepictureshowedatimid-looking,moon-facedyouthofnineteenwithshort,wispyhair.
Strike’sgazenowmovedtothePolaroidsRobinhadsentfromChapmanFarm,showingthenakedfoursomeinpigmasks.ThehairofthemalebeingsodomisedbythetattooedmanmightpossiblybeDraper’s,althoughgiventheageofthePolaroids,itwasimpossibletobecertain.
BeneathDraper’spicturewastheonlyphotoofKevinPirbrightStrikehadbeenabletofind,againtakenfromthenewsreportofhismurder.Itshowedapale,apologetic-lookingyoungmanwhoseskinwaspittedwithacnescars.BesidethepictureofKevinwasthatofthemurderscene.Fortheumpteenthtime,Strikestaredatthatbitofgouged-outwall,andthesingleword‘pigs’thatremained.
Thelasttwopicturesontheboardweretheoldest:thoseofJonathanWace’sfirstwife,Jennifer,andofDaiyu.
JenniferWace’steasedandpermedhairstyleremindedStrikeofthegirlshe’dknownduringhisschooldaysinthemid-eighties,butshe’dbeenaveryattractivewoman.NothingStrikehadfoundoutsofarcontradictedherdaughter’sbeliefthatherdrowninghadbeenacompleteaccident.
Lastly,heturnedhisattentiontothepictureofDaiyu.Rabbity-faced,withheroverbiteandhermissingtooth,shebeamedoutoftheblurrynewsprintpictureatthedetective:deadatsevenyearsold,onthesamebeachasJenniferWace.
Heturnedfromtheboardandreachedforhisphoneagain.He’dalreadymademultiplefruitlessattemptstocontacttheHeatons,who’dwitnessedCherierunningscreamingupthebeachafterDaiyu’sdrowning.Nevertheless,moreinhopethanexpectation,hecalledtheirnumberagain.
Tohisamazement,thephonewasansweredafterthreerings.
‘Hello?’saidafemalevoice.
‘Hi,’saidStrike,‘isthisMrsHeaton?’
‘No,issme,Gillian,’saidthewoman,whohadastrongNorfolkaccent.‘Who’sthis?’
‘I’mtryingtocontactMrandMrsHeaton,’saidStrike.‘Havetheysoldtheirhouse?’
‘No,’saidGillian,‘I’mjus’herewaterin’theplants.They’restillinSpain.Who’sthis?’sheaskedagain
‘Myname’sCormoranStrike.I’maprivatedetective,andIwaswonderingwhetherIcouldspeak—’
‘Strike?’saidthewomanontheendoftheline.‘You’renothimwhogotthatstrangler?’
‘That’sme.IwashopingtospeaktoMrandMrsHeatonaboutthedrowningofalittlegirlin1995.Theywerewitnessesattheinquest.’
‘Blimey,yeah,’saidGillian.‘Irememberthat.We’reoldfriends.’
‘Aretheylikelytobebackinthecountrysoon?I’dratherspeaktotheminperson,butiftheycan’t—’
‘Well,Leonardbrokehisleg,see,’saidGillian,‘sotheystoppedoutinFuengirolaabitlonger.They’vegotaplaceoutthere.He’sgettingbetter,though.Shelleyreckonsthey’llbebackinacoupleofweeks.’
‘Wouldyoumindaskingifthey’dbepreparedtospeaktomewhentheygethome?I’mhappytocometoCromer,’addedStrike,whowantedtotakealookattheplaceJenniferandDaiyuhaddied.
‘Oh,’saidGillian,whosoundedquiteexcited.‘Right.I’msurethey’dbehappytohelp.’
Strikegavethewomanhisnumber,thankedher,hungup,thenturnedtofacetheboardonthewalloncemore.
Therewasonlyoneotheritempinnedtoit:afewlinesofapoem,whichhadbeenprintedinalocalNorfolknewspaperaspartofagrievingwidower’stributetohisdeadwife.
CameupthatcoldseaatCromerlikearunninggraveBesideherasshestruckWildlytowardstheshore,buttheblackcappedwaveCrossedherandswungherback…
Theimagerywaspowerful,butitwasn’tWace’s.Strikehadhadafeelinguponreadingthelinesthathe’dheardsomethinglikethembefore,andsureenough,he’dtracedthemtopoetGeorgeBarker’s‘OnaFriend’sEscapefromDrowningofftheNorfolkCoast’.WacehadtakentheopeninglinesofBarker’spoemandswitchedthepronouns,forBarker’sfriendhadbeenmale.
ItwasashamelesspieceofplagiarismandStrikewassurprisedthatnobodyatthenewspaperhadspottedit.Hewasinterestednotonlyinthebrazennessofthetheft,butintheegoismofthewidowerwho’dwantedtofigureasamanofpoeticgiftsintheimmediatewakeofhiswife’sdrowning,nottomentionthechoiceofapoemthatdescribedthe
Foranotherminutehestoodcontemplatingthepicturesofindividualswho’dmetunnaturaldeaths,twobydrowning,onebybeating,andonebyasinglegunshottothehead.HisgazemovedagaintothePolaroidsofthefouryoungpeopleinpigmasks.Thenhesatbackdownatthedesk,andscribbledafewmorequestionsforJordanReaney.
56
Sixatthebeginningmeans…Evenaleanpighasitinhimtoragearound.
TheIChingorBookofChanges
Thefollowingmorning,Strike’sbathroomscalesinformedhimthathewasnowamereeightpoundsoffhistargetweight.ThisboosttohismoraleenabledhimtoresistthetemptationofstoppingforadoughnutattheservicestationenroutetoHMPBedford.
Theprisonwasanuglybuildingofredandyellowbrick.Afterqueuingtopresenthisvisitingpermit,heandtherestofthefamiliesandfriendswereshownintoavisitors’hallthatresembledawhiteandgreengym,withsquaretablessetatevenlyspacedintervals.StrikerecognisedReaney,whowasalreadyseated,fromacrosstheroom.
Theprisoner,whowaswearingjeansandagreysweatshirt,lookedwhatheundoubtedlywas:adangerousman.Oversixfeettall,thinbutbroad-shouldered,hisheadwasshavenandhisteethayellowishbrown.Almosteveryvisibleinchofhisskinwastattooed,includinghisthroat,whichwascoveredbyatiger’sface,andpartofhisgauntface,whereanaceofspadesadornedmostofhisleftcheek.
AsStrikesatdownoppositehim,Reaneyglancedtowardsalargeblackprisonerwatchinghiminsilencefromatableaway,andinthosefewsecondsStrikenoticedaseriesoftattooedlines,threebroken,threesolid,onthebackofReaney’slefthand,andalsosawthattheaceofspadestattoowaspartiallyconcealingwhatlookedlikeanoldfacialscar.
‘Thanksforagreeingtoseeme,’saidStrike,astheprisonerturnedtolookathim.
Reaneygrunted.Heblinked,Strikenoticed,inanexaggeratedfashion,keepinghiseyesclosedafractionlongerthanwasusual.Theeffectwasstrange,asthoughhislarge,thick-lashed,brightblueeyesweresurprisedtofindthemselvesinsuchaface.
‘AsIsaidonthephone,’saidStrike,drawingouthisnotebook,‘I’mafterinformationontheUniversalHumanitarianChurch.’
Reaneyfoldedhisarmsacrosshischest,andplacedbothhandsbeneathhisarmpits.
‘Howoldwereyouwhenyoujoined?’askedStrike.
‘Seven’een.’
‘Whatmadeyoujoin?’
‘Neededsomewheretokip.’
‘Bitoutofyourway,Norfolk.YougrewupinTowerHamlets,right?’
ReaneylookedunhappythatStrikeknewthis.
‘Iwason’yinTower’AmletsfromwhenIwastwelve.’
‘Wherewereyoubeforethat?’
‘Wivmemum,inNorfolk.’Reaneyswallowed,andhisprominentAdam’sapplecausedthetigertattooedonhisthroattoripple.‘AftershediedI’adtogotoLondon,livewivmeoldman.ThenIwasincare,thenIwas’omelessforabit,thenIwenttoChapmanFarm.’
‘BorninNorfolk,then?’
‘Yeah.’
ThisexplainedhowayoungmanofReaney’sbackgroundhadendedupindeepcountryside.Strike’sexperienceofReaney’stypewasthattheyrarely,ifever,brokefreeofthegravitationalpullofthecapital.
‘Didyouhavefamilythere?’
‘Nah.Jus’fanciedachange.’
‘Policeafteryou?’
‘Theyusuallywere,’saidReaney,unsmiling.
‘HowdidyouhearaboutChapmanFarm?’
‘Mean’anuvverkidwassleepingroughinNorwichan’wemetacoupleofgirlscollectingfortheUHC.Theygotusintoit.’
‘WastheotherkidPaulDraper?’
‘Yeah,’saidReaney,againwithdispleasurethatStrikeknewsomuch.
‘Whatd’youthinkmadethegirlsfromtheUHCsokeentorecruittwomensleepingrough?’
‘Neededpeopletodothe’eavystuffonthefarm.’
‘Youhadtojointhechurch,asaconditionoflivingthere?’
‘Yeah.’
‘Howlongdidyoustay?’
‘Freeyears.’
‘Longtime,atthatage,’saidStrike
‘Ilikedtheanimals,’saidReaney.
‘Butnotthepigs,aswe’vealreadyestablished.’
Reaneyranhistonguearoundtheinsideofhismouth,blinkedhard,thensaid,
‘No.Theystink.’
‘Thoughttheyweresupposedtobeclean?’
‘Youfortwrong.’
‘D’youoftenhavebaddreamsaboutthings,becausetheystink?’
‘Ijus’don’likepigs.’
‘Nothingtodowiththepig“actingintheabysmal”?’
‘Wha’?’saidReaney.
‘I’vebeentoldthepighasaparticularsignificanceintheIChing.’
‘Inthewha’?’
‘Thebookwhereyougotthehexagramtattooedonthebackofyourlefthand.CanIhavealook?’
Reaneycomplied,thoughunwillingly,pullinghishandoutfromunderhisarmpitandextendingittowardsStrike.
‘Whichhexagram’sthat?’askedStrike.
Reaneylookedasthoughhe’drathernotanswer,butfinallysaid,
‘Fifty-six.’
‘Whatdoesitmean?’
Reaneyblinkedhardtwicebeforemuttering.
‘Thewanderer.’
‘Whythewanderer?’
‘“’E’oo’asfewfriends:thisisthewanderer.”IwasakidwhenIdoneit,’hemuttered,shovinghishandbackunderhisarmpit.
‘Madeabelieverofyou,didthey?’
Reaneysaidnothing.
‘NoopinionontheUHC’sreligion?’
Reaneycastanotherglancetowardsthelargeprisoneratthenexttable,whowasn’ttalkingtohisvisitor,butglaringatReaney.Withanirritablemovementofhisshoulders,Reaneymutteredunwillingly,
‘Iseenfings.’
‘Likewhat?’
‘Jus’fingswhattheycoulddo.’
‘Who’s“they”?’
‘Them.ThatJonafunan’…isshestillalive?’askedReaney.‘Mazu?’
‘Whywouldn’tshebe?’
Reaneydidn’tanswer.
‘WhatthingsdidyouseetheWacesdo?’
‘Jus’…makin’stuffdisappear.An’…spiritsan’stuff.’
‘Spirits?’
‘Iseen’ermakeaspiritappear.’
‘Whatdidthespiritlooklike?’askedStrike.
‘Likeaghost,’saidReaney,hisexpressiondaringStriketofindthisfunny.‘Intemple.Iseenit.Like…transparent.’
Reaneygaveanotherhardblink,thensaid,
‘Youtalkedtoanyoneelse’oowasinthere?’
‘Didyoubelievetheghostwasreal?’Strikeasked,ignoringReaney’squestion.
‘Idunno–yeah,maybe,’saidReaney.‘Youweren’fuckin’there,’headded,withaslightshowoftemper,butafteraglanceoverStrike’sheadatahoveringwarder,headded,witheffortfulcalmness,‘butmaybeitwasatrick.Idunno.’
‘IheardMazuforcedyoutowhipyourselfacrosstheface,’saidStrike,watchingReaneyclosely,andsureenough,atremorpassedovertheprisoner’sface.‘Whathadyoudone?’
‘SmackedablokecalledGraves.’
‘AlexanderGraves?’
ReaneylookedstillmoreuncomfortableatthisfurtherevidenceStrikehaddonehishomework.
‘Yeah.’
‘Whydidyousmackhim?’
‘’Ewasatit.’
‘Inwhatway?’
‘Fuckin’annoying.Talkin’fuckin’gibberishallthetime.An’’egotinmefacealot.Itgotonmewicksoonenight,yeah,Ismacked’im.Butweweren’s’posedtogetangrywiveachovverinthere.Bruvverlylove,’saidReaney,‘an’allthatshit.’
‘Youdon’tstrikemeasamanwho’dagreetowhiphimself.’
Reaneysaidnothing.
‘Isthatscaronyourfacefromthewhipping?’
StillReaneydidn’tspeak.
‘Whatwasshethreateningyouwith,tomakeyouwhipyourself?’askedStrike.‘Thepolice?DidMazuWaceknowyouhadacriminalrecord?’
Again,thosebrightblue,thicklylashedeyesblinked,hard,butatlastReaneyspoke.
‘Yeah.’
‘Howdidtheyknow?’
‘You’adtoconfessstuff.Infrontofthegroup.’
‘Andyoutoldthemyouwereontherunfromthepolice?’
‘SaidI’d’adsometrouble.Yougot…suckedin,’saidReaney.Thetigerrippledagain.‘Youcan’unnerstand,unlessyouwaspartofit.’Ooelseyouspokento,’oowasinthere?’
‘Afewpeople,’saidStrike.
‘’Oo?’
‘Whyd’youwanttoknow?’
‘Wondered,tha’sall.’
‘Whowouldyousayyouwereclosestto,atChapmanFarm?’
‘Nobody.’
‘Because“thewandererhasfewfriends”?’
Possiblybecausenootherformofretaliationtothismildsarcasmwaspossible,Reaneyfreedhisrighthandtopickhisnose.Afterexamininghisfingertip,thenflickingtheresultofthisoperationawayontothefloor,hereinsertedhishandbackunderhisarmpitandglaredatStrike.
‘Mean’Dopeywasmates.’
‘Hehadabadexperiencewithsomepigs,Iheard.Letsomeoutaccidentallyandgotbeatenforit.’
‘Don’rememberthat.’
‘Really?Itwasgoingtobeawhipping,buttwogirlsstolethewhip,sochurchmemberswereinstructedtobeathimupinstead.’
‘Don’rememberthat,’repeatedReaney.
‘Myinformationis,thebeatingwassosevereitmight’veleftDraperwithbraindamage.’
Reaneychewedtheinsideofhischeekforafewseconds,thenrepeated,
‘Youweren’fuckin’there.’
‘Iknow,’saidStrike,‘whichiswhyI’maskingyouwhathappened.’
‘Dopeywasn’talltherebefore’egotbeatup,’saidReaney,buthelookedasthoughheregrettedthesewordsassoonasthey’descapedhimandaddedforcefully,‘Youcan’tpinDraperonme.Therewasatonofpeoplekickingandpunchinghim.Wha’reyouafter,anyway?’
‘Soyouweren’tfriendlywithanyoneexceptDraper,atChapmanFarm?’askedStrike,ignoringReaney’squestion.
‘No,’saidReaney.
‘DidyouknowCherieGittins?’
‘Knew’erabit.’
StrikedetecteduneaseinReaney’stone.
‘Wouldyouhappentoknowwhereshewent,aftersheleftChapmanFarm?’
‘Noidea.’
‘WhataboutAbigailWace,didyouknowher?’
‘Abit,’repeatedReaney,stilllookinguneasy.
‘WhataboutKevinPirbright?’
‘No.’
‘He’dhavebeenakidwhenyouwerethere.’
‘Ididn’t’avenuffingtodowiththekids.’
‘HasKevinPirbrightcontactedyoulately?’
‘No.’
‘Yousure?’
‘Yeah,I’mfuckingsure.Iknow’oo’scontactedmean’’oo’asn’t.’
‘HewaswritingabookabouttheUHC.I’dhaveexpectedhimtotryandfindyou.Herememberedyou.’
‘Sowha’?’Eneverfoundme.’
‘Pirbrightwasshotandkilledinhisflat,lastAugust.’
‘Iwasin’erelastAugust.’Ow’mIs’posedto’avefuckin’shot’im?’
‘Therewasatwo-monthperiodwhenKevinwasaliveandwritinghisbook,andyouwerestillatliberty.’
‘So?’saidReaneyagain,blinkingfuriously.
‘Kevin’slaptopwasstolenbyhiskiller.’
‘I’vejusttoldyou,Iwasin’erewhen’ewasshot,so’ow’mIs’posedto’avenicked’isfuckinglaptop?’
‘I’mnotsuggestingyoustoleit.I’mtellingyouthatwhoever’sgotthatlaptopprobablyknowswhetherornotyouspoketoPirbright.It’snotdifficulttogetapasswordoutofsomeone,ifyou’repointingagunatthem.’
‘Idunnowhatyou’refuckin’talkin’about,’saidReaney.‘Ineverspoketo’im.’
ButtherewassweatonReaney’supperlip.
‘CanyouimaginetheWaceskillingindefenceofthechurch?’
‘No,’saidReaneyautomatically.Then,‘Idunno.’OwthefuckwouldIknow?’
Striketurnedapageinhisnotebook.
‘DidyoueverseegunswhenyouwereatChapmanFarm?’
‘No.’
‘Yousureaboutthat?’
‘Yeah,’courseI’mfuckingsure.’
‘Youdidn’ttakegunsthere?’
‘NoIfuckingdidn’t.’OosaysIdid?’
‘Werelivestockslaughteredatthefarm?’
‘Wha’?’
‘Didchurchmemberspersonallywringchickens’necks?Slaughterpigs?’
‘Chickens,yeah,’saidReaney.‘Notthepigs.Theywen’totheabattoir.’
‘Didyoueverwitnessanyonekillingananimalwithahatchet?’
‘No.’
‘Everhideahatchetinatreeinthewoods?’
‘Thefuckyoutryin’topinonme?’snarledReaney,nowopenlyaggressive.‘Wha’reyouupto?’
‘I’mtryingtofindoutwhytherewasahatchethiddeninatree.’
‘Idon’fuckin’know.WhywouldIknow?Giveadogabadname,isit?Firstgunsandnowyou’retrynapinafuckin’hatchetonme?IneverkillednobodyatChapmanFarm,ifthat’swhatyou’refuckin’—’
Outofthecornerofhiseye,StrikesawthelargeblackprisonerwatchingReaneyshiftinhisseat.Reaneyappearedtosensethelargerman’sscrutiny,becausehebrokeoffagain,thoughhefoundithardertocontainhisagitation,fidgetinginhisseat,blinkingfuriously.
‘Youseemupset,’saidStrike,watchinghim.
‘Fuckin’upset?’snarledReaney.‘Youcomein’eresayin’Ifuckin’killed—’
‘Inevermentionedkillinganyone.Iaskedaboutlivestockbeingslaughtered.’
‘Ineverfuckin’–stuffatthatfarm–youweren’there.Youdon’fuckin’knowwhatwenton.’
‘Thepointofthisinterviewistofindoutwhatwenton.’
‘What’appenedinthere,whatyouweremadetodo,itplaysonyourfuckin’mind,that’swhyIstill’avefuckin’nightmares,butIneverkillednobody,allright?An’Idon’knownuffin’aboutnofuckin’hatchet,’Reaneyadded,althoughhelookedawayfromStrikeashesaidit,thosehard-blinkingeyesroamingoverthevisitors’roomasthoughseekingsafehaven.
‘Whatd’youmeanby“whatyouweremadetodo”?’
Reaneywaschewingtheinsideofhischeekagain.FinallyhelookedbackatStrikeandsaidforcefully,
‘Ev’ryone’adtodostuffwedidn’wannado.’
‘Likewhat?’
‘Likeallofit.’
‘Givemeexamples.’
‘Doin’stuffthat–jus’to’umiliatepeople.Shovellin’shitan’cleanin’upafterthem.’
‘Who’s“them”?’
‘Them.Thefamily,theWaces.’
‘Anyparticularthingsyouhadtodothatkeepplayingonyourmind?’
‘Allofit,’saidReaney.
‘Whatd’youmeanby“cleaningup”aftertheWaces?’
‘Jus’–youunnerstandfuckin’English–cleanin’thebogsan’stuff.’
‘Surethat’sallitwas?’
‘Yeah,I’mfuckin’sure.’
‘YouwereatthefarmwhenDaiyuWacedrowned,weren’tyou?’
HesawthemusclesinReaney’sjawtighten.
‘Why?’
‘Youwerethere,right?’
‘Isleptfrootheolefuckin’thing.’
‘Wereyousupposedtobeinthetruckthatmorning?WithCherie?’
‘’Oo’veyoutalkedto?’
‘Whydoesthatmatter?’
WhenReaneymerelyblinked,Strikebecamemorespecific.
‘Wereyousupposedtobeonthevegetablerun?’
‘Yeah,bu’Ioverslept.’
‘Whendidyouwakeup?’
‘Why’reyouaskin’abou’this?’
‘Itoldyou,Iwantinformation.Whendidyouwakeup?’
‘Idunno.Whenev’ryonewaskickin’offbecausethelittleb—’
Reaneycuthimselfoff.
‘Thelittle—?’promptedStrike.WhenReaneydidn’tanswer,hesaid,
‘Itakeityoudidn’tlikeDaiyu?’
‘Nobodyfuckin’liked’er.Fuckin’spoiledfuckin’rotten.Askanyone’oowasthere.’
‘SoyouwokeupwheneveryonewaskickingoffbecauseDaiyuhaddisappeared?’
‘Yeah.’
‘DidyouhearthepeopleonearlydutytellingtheWacesthey’dseenherleavingonthetruckwithCherie?’
‘Whythefuckd’youwannaknowtha’?’
‘Didyouhearthemsayingshe’dleftinthetruck?’
‘I’mnotgonnatalkforthem.Askthemwhattheyseen.’
‘I’maskingwhatyouheard,whenyouwokeup.’
Apparentlydecidingthisanswercouldn’tincriminatehim,Reaneyfinallymuttered,
‘Yeah…theyseen’erleave.’
‘WereJonathanandMazubothpresentatthefarmwhenyouwokeup?’
‘Yeah.’
‘HowsoondidyoufindoutDaiyuhaddrowned?’
‘Can’remember.’
‘Try.’
Thetigerrippledyetagain.Theblueeyesblinked,over-hard.
‘Laterthatmornin’.Thepolicecome.WivCherie.’
‘WasshedistressedaboutDaiyudrowning?’
‘’Courseshefuckin’was,’saidReaney.
‘Cherieleftthefarmforgoodshortlybeforeyoudid,right?’
‘Can’remember.’
‘Ithinkyoucan.’
Reaneysuckedinhishollowcheeks.Strikehadafeelingthiswasahabitualexpressionpriortoviolence.HelookedsteadilybackatReaney,whoblinkedfirst,hard.
‘Yeah,shewen’aftertheinquiryfing.’
‘Theinquest?’
‘Yeah.’
‘Andshedidn’ttellyouwhereshewasgoing?’
‘Didn’ttellnoone.Sheleftinthemiddleofthenight.’
‘Andwhatmadeyouleave?’
‘Jus’’adenoughoftheplace.’
‘DidDraperleavewhenyoudid?’
‘Yeah.’
‘Didyoustayintouch?’
‘No.’
‘DidyoukeepincontactwithanyonefromtheUHC?’
‘No.’
‘Youliketattoos,’saidStrike.
‘Wha’?’
‘Tattoos.You’vegotalotofthem.’
‘So?’
‘Anythingonyourupperrightarm?’saidStrike.
‘Why?’
‘CouldIhavealook?’
‘No,youfuckin’can’t,’snarledReaney.
‘I’llaskthatagain,’saidStrikequietly,leaningforwards,‘thistimeremindingyouwhat’slikelytohappentoyouoncethisinterview’sover,whenIinformmyfriendyouweren’tcooperative.’
Reaneyslowlypushedupthesleeveofhissweatshirt.Therewasnoskullonthebicep,butalarge,jetblackdevilwithredeyes.
‘Isthatcoveringanythingup?’
‘No,’saidReaney,tugginghissleevebackdown.
‘Yousure?’
‘Yeah,I’msure.’
‘I’masking,’saidStrike,nowreachingintoaninnerpocketofhisjacket,withdrawingacoupleofthePolaroidsRobinhadfoundinthebarnatChapmanFarm,‘becauseIthoughtyoumightoncehavehadaskullwherethatdevilis.’
Helaidthetwophotosdownonthetable,facingReaney.Oneshowedthetall,skinnymanwiththeskulltattoopenetratingthechubby,dark-hairedgirl,theotherthesamemansodomisingthesmallermanwhoseshort,wispyhairmighthavebeenPaulDraper’s.
Reaney’sforeheadhadstartedshiningintheharshoverheadlight.
‘Thatain’tme.’
‘Yousure?’saidStrike.‘BecauseIthoughtthismightexplainthepignightmaresbetterthanthesmellofpigshit.’
Sweatyandpale,Reaneyshovedthephotosawayfromhimsoviolentlythatoneofthemfellontothefloor.Strikeretrieveditandreplacedbothinhispocket.
‘Thisspirityousaw,’hesaid,‘whatdiditlooklike?’
Reaneydidn’tanswer.
‘WereyouawareDaiyure-materialisesregularlynowatChapmanFarm?’Strikeasked.‘TheycallhertheDrowned—’
Withoutwarning,Reaneygottohisfeet.Hadhisplasticchairandthetablenotbeenfastenedtothefloor,Strikewaspreparedtobettheprisonerwouldhavekickedthemover.
‘Oi!’saidanearbywarder,butReaneywaswalkingfasttowardsthedoorintothemainprison.Acouplemorewarderscaughtupwithhim,andescortedhimthroughthedooroutofthehall.PrisonersandvisitorshadturnedtowatchReaneystormout,butswiftlyturnedbacktotheirownconversations,afraidofwastingpreciousminutes.
Strikemettheeyesofthelargeprisoneronetablealong,whichwereaskingasilentquestion.Strikemadeasmall,negativegesture.Furtherbeatingswouldn’tmakeJordanReaneyanymorecooperative,Strikewassureofthat.He’dmetterrifiedmenbefore,menwhofearedsomethingworsethanphysicalpain.Thequestionwas,whatexactlywasputtingJordanReaneyintosuchastateofalarmthathewaspreparedtofacetheworstkindofprisonjusticeratherthandivulgeit?
57
Nineatthebeginning…Whenyouseeevilpeople,Guardyourselfagainstmistakes.
TheIChingorBookofChanges
ToRobin’srelief,Strike’snextletterofferedasolutiontotheproblemofgivingmoneytotheUHC.
I’vespokentoColinEdensorandhe’spreparedtomake￡1000availableforadonation.Ifyougettheiraccountdetails,we’llsetupabanktransfer.
Inconsequence,RobinaskedpermissiontovisitMazuinthefarmhousethefollowingmorning.
‘Iwanttomakeadonationtothechurch,’sheexplainedtothehard-facedwomanwho’dbeensupervisingherstintinthekitchens.
‘Allright.Gonow,beforelunch,’saidthewoman,withthefirstsmileRobinhadreceivedfromher.Gladtoescapethefugofboilingnoodlesandturmeric,Robinpulledoffherapronandleft.
TheJunedaywasovercast,butasRobincrossedthedesertedcourtyardthesunslidoutfrombehindacloudandturnedDaiyu’sfountain-dappledpoolintoabasinofdiamonds.Thankfully,Emilywasnolongerstandingonhercrate.She’dremainedthereforafullforty-eighthours,ignoredandunmentionedbyallwhopassed,asthoughshe’dalwaysstoodthereandalwayswould.RobinhadpitiedEmilydoublybythetimeurinestainshadappearedontheinsideofhertracksuitbottomsandtrackmarksoftearshadstripedhermuddyface,butshe’dimitatedallotherchurchmembersandactedasthoughthewomanwasinvisible.
TheotherabsencecurrentlyimprovinglifeatChapmanFarmwasthatofTaioWace,whowasvisitingtheGlasgowcentre.Theremovaloftheever-presentfearthathe’dtryandtakeherintoaRetreatRoomagainwassuchareliefthatRobinevenfeltlesstiredthanusual,althoughherregimeofmanuallabourcontinued.
ShekneltatDaiyu’spool,madetheusualtribute,thenapproachedthecarveddoubledoorsofthefarmhouse.Asshereachedthem,Sita,abrown-skinned,elderlywomanwithalongropeofsteel-greyhairopeneditfromtheinside,carryingabulgingplasticsack.Astheypassedeachother,Robinsmelledafoulodouroffaeces.
‘CouldyoutellmewhereMazu’sofficeis?’sheaskedSita.
‘Straightthroughthehouse,attheback.’
SoRobinwalkedpastthestaircase,alongthered-carpetedcorridorlinedwithChinesemasksandpaintedpanels,rightintotheheartofthefarmhouse.Walkingpastwhatsheassumedtobethekitchenshesmelledroastinglamb,whichwasinstarkcontrasttothedepressingmiasmaofboilingtinnedvegetablesshe’djustleft.
Attheveryendofthecorridor,facingher,wasaclosedblacklacquerdoor.Assheapproached,sheheardvoicesinside.
‘…ethicalquestion,surely?’saidamanshewasalmostcertainwasGilesHarmon.Thoughhe’dsaidhewasstayingonlyafewdays,he’dnowbeenatthefarmaweek,andRobinhadspottedhimleadingotherteenagedgirlstowardstheRetreatRooms.Harmon,whoneverworethescarlettracksuitofordinarymembers,wasusuallyattiredinjeansandwhatlookedlikeexpensiveshirts.Hisbedroominthefarmhouseoverlookedtheyardandhewasoftentobeseentypingatthedeskinfrontofthewindow.
Harmon’svoicewasn’tascarefullymodulatedasusual.Infact,Robinthoughtsheheardatraceofpanic.
‘Everythingwedohereisethical,’saidasecondmalevoice,whichsherecognisedatonceasthatofAndyZhou.‘Thisistheethicalcourse.Remember,hedoesn’tfeelaswedo.Thereisnosoulthere.’
‘Youapprove?’Harmonaskedsomeone.
‘Absolutely,’saidavoiceRobinhadnotroubleidentifyingasBeccaPirbright’s.
‘Well,ifyouthinkso.Afterall,he’syour—’
‘There’snoconnection,Giles,’saidBecca,almostangrily.‘Noconnectionatall.I’msurprisedyou—’
‘Sorry,sorry,’saidHarmonplacatingly.‘Materialistvalues–I’llmeditatenow.I’msurewhateveryouallthinkisbest.You’vebeendealingwiththesituationfarlongerthanIhave,ofcourse.’
Robinthoughthesaiditasthoughrehearsingadefence.Sheheardfootsteps,andhadsecondstodashbackalongthehall,makingaslittlenoiseaspossibleonhertraineredfeet,sothatwhenHarmonopenedtheofficedoor,sheappearedtobewalkingtowardsitfromtenyardsaway.
‘IsMazufree?’Robinasked.‘I’vebeengivenpermissiontoseeher.’
‘Shewillbe,inafewminutes,’saidHarmon.‘Youshouldprobablywaithere.’
Hepassedherandheadedupstairs.Secondslater,thestudydooropenedforasecondtimeandDrZhouandBeccaemerged.
‘Whatareyoudoinghere,Rowena?’saidBecca,andRobinthoughtherbrightsmilewasalittlemoreforcedthanusual.
‘Iwanttomakeadonationtothechurch,’saidRobin.‘IwastoldIshouldseeMazuaboutit.’
‘Oh,Isee.Yes,carryon,she’sinthere,’saidBecca,pointingtowardstheoffice.SheandZhouwalkedaway,theirvoicestoolowforRobintocatchwhattheyweresaying.
Bracingherselfslightly,Robinapproachedtheofficedoorandknocked.
‘Come,’saidMazu,andRobinentered.
Theoffice,whichhadbeenaddedtotherearofthebuilding,wassoclutteredandcolourful,andsmelledsostronglyofincense,thatRobinfeltasthoughshe’dsteppedthroughaportalintoabazaar.Aprofusionofstatuettes,deitiesandidolswerecrammedontotheshelves.
Daiyu’senlargedphotographsatinagoldenframeontopofaChinesecabinet,wherejosspaperwasburninginadish.Flowersandsmallofferingsoffoodhadbeenlaidoutinfrontofher.ForasplitsecondRobinfeltawhollyunexpectedspasmofcompassionforMazu,whosatfacingheratanebonydeskthatresembledZhou’s,wearingherlongblood-reddress,herblackwaist-lengthhairfallingeithersideofherwhiteface,hermother-of-pearlfishpendantglimmeringonherchest.
‘Rowena,’shesaid,unsmiling,andRobin’smomentofkindnessvanishedasthoughithadneverbeen,assheseemedagaintosmellMazu’sdirtyfoot,revealedforhertokiss.
‘Um–I’dliketomakeadonationtothechurch.’
Mazusurveyedherunsmilinglyforamoment,thensaid,
‘Sitdown.’
Robindidasshewastold.Asshedidso,shenoticedanincongruousobjectonashelfbehindMazu’shead:asmall,whiteplasticairfreshener,whichseemedentirelypointlessinthisroomfullofincense.
‘Soyou’vedecidedyouwanttogiveusmoney,haveyou?’saidMazu,scrutinisingRobinwiththosedark,crookedeyes.
‘Yes.Taiotalkedtome,’Robinsaid,certainthatMazuwouldknowthis,‘andI’vebeendoingsomehardthinking,and,well,Iseehewasright,Iamstillstrugglingwithmaterialism,andit’stimetoputmymoneywheremymouthis.’
Asmallsmileappearedonthelong,paleface.
‘Yetyourefusedspiritbonding.’
‘IfeltsoawfulafterRevelation,Ididn’tthinkIwasworthy,’saidRobin.‘ButIwanttoeradicatethefalseself,Ireallydo.IknowI’vegotalotofworktodo.’
‘Howareyouintendingtodonate?Youdidn’tbringanycreditcardswithyou.’
Robinregisteredthisadmissionthatherlockerhadbeenopenedandsearched.
‘Theresatoldmenotto.Theresa’smysister,she–shedidn’twantmetocomehereatall.ShesaidtheUHC’sacult,’saidRobinapologetically.
‘Andyoulistenedtoyoursister.’
‘No,butIreallycameherejusttoexplorethings.Ididn’tknowI’dstay.IfI’dknownhowI’dfeelonceI’dhadmyWeekofServiceI’dhavebroughtmybankcards–butifyouletmewritetoTheresa,I’llbeabletoarrangeabanktransfertothechurch’saccount.I’dliketodonateathousandpounds.’
Shesaw,bytheslightwideningofMazu’seyes,thatshehadn’texpectedsolargeadonation.
‘Verywell,’shesaid,openingadrawerinherdeskandwithdrawingapen,writingpaperandablankenvelope.ShealsopushedatemplatelettertocopyandacardprintedwiththeUHC’sbankaccountdetailsacrossthedesk.‘Youcandothatnow.Luckily,’saidMazu,takingaringofkeysfromanotherdrawer,‘yoursisterwrotetoyoujustthismorning.Iwasgoingtoasksomebodytogiveyouherletteratlunch.’
MazunowheadedtowardsthecabinetonwhichDaiyu’sportraitstoodandunlockedit.Robincaughtaglimpseofpilesofenvelopesheldtogetherwithelasticbands.Mazuextractedoneofthese,relockedthecabinetandsaid,stillholdingtheletter,
‘I’llbebackinamoment.’
WhenthedoorhadclosedbehindMazu,Robintookaquicklookaroundtheoffice,hereyefallingonaplugsocketintheskirtingboard,intowhichnothingwasplugged.Withthecamerashebelievedwashiddenintheairfreshenerrecordinghereverymoveshedidn’tdareexamineit,butshesuspected,havingusedsuchdevicesherself,thatthisinnocentsocketwasalsoacovertrecordingdevice.PossiblyMazuhadlefttheroomtoseewhatshe’ddoifleftalone,soRobindidn’tmovefromherchair,butsettoworkcopyingoutthetemplateletter.
Mazureturnedafewminuteslater.
‘Here,’shesaid,holdingouttheletteraddressedtoRobin.
‘Thankyou,’saidRobin,openingit.Shewascertainithadalreadybeenopenedandread,judgingbythesuspiciouslystrongglueusedtoresealit.‘Ohgood,’saidRobin,scanningtheletterinMidge’shandwriting,‘she’sgivenmehernewaddress,Ididn’thaveit.’
Shefinishedcopyingoutthetemplateletter,addressedtheenvelopeandsealedit.
‘Icangetthatpostedforyou,’saidMazu,holdingoutahand.
‘Thankyou,’saidRobin,gettingtoherfeet.‘Ifeelmuchbetterfordoingthis.’
‘Youshouldn’tbegivingmoneyto“feelbetter”,’saidMazu.
Theywerethesameheight,butsomehow,RobinstillfeltasthoughMazuwasthetaller.
‘Yourpersonalbartopurespiritisegomotivity,Rowena,’saidMazu.‘Youcontinuetoputthematerialistselfaheadofthecollective.’
‘Yes,’saidRobin.‘I–Iamtrying.’
‘Well,we’llsee,’saidMazu,withalittlewaggleoftheletterRobinhadjusthandedher,andthelattersurmisedthatnotuntilthefundsweresafelyintheUHC’sbankaccountwouldshebedeemedtohavemadespiritualprogress
Robinleftthefarmhouseholdingherletter.Thoughitwaslunchtime,andshewasveryhungry,shemadeadetourtothewomen’sbathroomtoexaminethepageinherhandmoreclosely.
Robinnoticed,tiltingthepaperbeneaththeoverheadlightinthetoiletcubicle,therewasanalmostimperceptiblelineofstripTippex:somebodyhadobliteratedthedateonwhichithadbeensent.Flippingtheenvelopeovershesawthatthetimeanddateofthepostmarkhadalsobeenblurred.Soexhaustedshecouldnolongerestimatelengthsoftimewithmuchaccuracy,andhavingnorecoursetoanycalendar,Robincouldn’trememberexactlywhenshe’drequestedthefakeletterfromTheresa,butshedoubtedshe’deverhaveknownitexistedhadMazunotwantedhertohaveTheresa’saddress.
Forthefirsttime,itoccurredtoRobinthatonereasonforWillEdensor’slackofresponsetothelettersinforminghimthathismotherwasdyingmightbethathe’dneverreceivedthem.Willwasinpossessionofalargetrustfund,anditwassurelyinthechurch’sintereststhatheremainatthefarm,meeklyhandingovermoney,ratherthandiscover,onlearningofhismother’sdeath,thathecouldn’tseeherasafleshobject,ortreatherloveasmaterialistpossession.
58
Twodaughterslivetogether,buttheirmindsarenotdirectedtocommonconcerns.
TheIChingorBookofChanges
RobinknewColinEdensor’sonethousandpoundsmusthavereachedtheUHC’sbankaccountbecauseafewdaysaftershe’dgivenMazuherletterorderingthebanktransfershewasreunitedwithheroriginalgroupofhigh-levelrecruits.NobodymentionedherRevelationsession,nordidanyonewelcomeherback;allbehavedasthoughshe’dneverbeenaway
ThismutuallyagreedsilenceextendedtoKyle’sunexplainedabsencefromthegroup.Robinknewbetterthantoaskhowhe’dtransgressed,butshewascertainhe’ddonesomethingwrongbecauseshesoonspottedhimdoingthekindofhardmanualworkshe’djustbeenallowedtogiveup.RobinalsonoticedthatViviennenowavertedhereyeswheneverhergroupandKyle’spassedeachother.
RobinfoundoutwhatKyle’scrimehadbeenwhenshesatdownoppositeShawnaatdinnerthatnight.
FollowingShawna’sill-advisedrecruitmentofRobintohelpwiththechildren’slessons,herheadhadbeenshaved.Whileshe’dseemedcowedwhenshefirstappearedinhernewlybaldstate,herfundamentallygarrulousandindiscreetnaturehadnowreasserteditself,andherfirstproudwordstoRobinwere,
‘Oi’mincreasingagain.’
Shepattedherlowerbelly.
‘Oh,’saidRobin.‘Congratulations.’
‘Yewdon’tsaythat,’scoffedShawna.‘Oi’mnotdoingitforme.Yewshouldbecongratulatingthechurch.’
‘Right,’saidRobinwearily.She’ddeliberatelysatwithShawnainthehopesofhearingmorenewsaboutJacob,becauseshehadahunchitwashisfateshe’doverheardHarmon,ZhouandBeccadiscussinginMazu’soffice,butshe’dforgottenhowexasperatingthegirlcouldbe.
‘Didyewhearabouthim?’ShawnaaskedRobininagleefulwhisper,asKylepassedtheendofthetable.
‘No,’saidRobin.
‘Hahaha,’saidShawna.
Thepeoplebesidethemwerelockedintheirownintenseconversation.Shawnaglancedsidewaystomakesureshewouldn’tbeoverheardbeforeleaninginandwhisperingtoRobin,
‘Hesayshecarn’tspiritbondwith,youknow…women.SaiditrighttoMazu’sface.’
‘Well,’saidRobincautiously,alsowhispering,‘Imean…he’sgay,isn’the?So—’
‘Thassmaterialism,’saidShawna,louderthanshe’dintended,andoneoftheyoungmenbesidethemglancedaroundandShawna,greatlyagainstRobin’swishes,saidloudlytothem,
‘Shethinksthere’ssuchathingas“gay”.’
ClearlydecidingnogoodwouldcomeofrespondingtoShawna,theyoungmanturnedbacktohisconversation.
‘Bodiesdon’tmatter,’ShawnatoldRobinfirmly.‘On’yspiritmatters.’
Sheleanedinagain,oncemoretalkinginaconspiratorialwhisper.
‘Viviennewantedtospiritbondwith’imandI’eard’eranoutthere,loike,crying,hahaha.Thassproperegomotability,thinkingpeoplearen’goodenoughtosleepwith.’
Robinnoddedsilently,whichappearedtosatisfyShawna.Astheyate,RobintriedtoleadShawnaontothesubjectofJacob,butotherthanShawna’sconfidentassertionthathewasboundtopasssoon,becausePapaJhaddecreedit,foundoutnomoreinformation.
Robin’snextlettertoStrikewasdevoidofusefulinformation.However,twodaysafterplacingitintheplasticrock,sheandtherestofthehigh-levelrecruits,minusKyle,wereledtoanothercraftingsessionbyBeccaPirbright.
Itwasahot,cloudlessJuneday,andBeccawaswearingaT-shirtemblazonedwiththechurch’slogoinsteadofasweatshirt,althoughtheordinarymemberscontinuedtoweartheirheavytracksuits.FieldpoppiesanddaisieshadbloomedalongthepathtothePortakabins,andRobinmighthavefeltupliftedbutforthefactthatfineweatheratChapmanFarmturnedherthoughtstoalltheplacesshe’dratherhavebeen.EvencentralLondon,neverthemostcomfortableplaceinaheatwave,hadahalcyonqualitytoherthesedays.Shecouldhaveputonasummerdressinsteadofthisthicktracksuit,boughtherselfabottleofwateratwill,walkedanywhere,freely…
AstartledmutterissuedfromthegroupastheyapproachedthePortakabinwheretheyusuallymadecorndollies.Thetableshadbeenmovedoutside,sothattheywouldn’thavetoendurethestuffinessofthecraftingroom,buttheirsurprisehadnothingtodowiththerelocatedtables.
Severalchurchmemberswereconstructingatwelve-foot-highmanofstrawbesidethePortakabin.Itappearedtohaveastrongwireframe,andRobinnowrealisedthatthelargestrawsculptureshe’dpreviouslyseenWanworkingonhadbeenthehead.
‘Wemakeoneoftheseeveryyear,incelebrationoftheManifestationoftheStolenProphet,’thesmilingBeccatoldthegroup,whowereallcontemplatingthelargestrawmanastheysatdownatthecraftingtables.‘Theprophetwasagiftedcraftsmanhimself,so—’
Becca’svoicefaltered.Emilyhadjustemergedfrombehindthestrawsculpture,handsfulloftwine.Emily’sheadwasfreshlyshaven;likeLouise,sheclearlyhadn’tbeengivenpermissiontoletherhairregrowyet.EmilythrewBeccaacold,challenginglookbeforereturningtoherwork.
‘—sowecelebratehimbythemeanshechosetoexpresshimself,’Beccafinished.
Asthegroupreachedautomaticallyfortheirpilesofhollowstraws,RobinsawthathercompanionshadnowgraduatedtomakingNorfolklanterns,whichweremorecomplexthanthoseshe’dpreviouslymade.Asnobodyseemedinclinedtohelpher,shereachedforthelaminatedinstructionsonthetabletoseewhatshehadtodo,thesunbeatingdownuponherback.
BeccadisappearedintothecraftingroomandreturnedwiththeleatherboundcopyofTheAnswerfromwhichMazuhadpreviouslyreadwhiletheyworked.Removingasilkbookmarkindicatingwherethey’dlastgotto,Beccaclearedherthroatandbegantoread.
‘“Icomenowtoapartofmypersonalfaithstorythat’sasdreadfulasit’smiraculous,asheartrendingasit’sjoyful.
‘“Letmefirststatethattothosewholiveinthebubbleworld,whatI’mabouttorelate–oratleast,myreactiontoit,andmyunderstandingofit–islikelytobebaffling,evenshocking.How,they’llask,canthedeathofachildeverbemiraculousorjoyful?
‘“ImustbeginbydescribingDaiyu.Materialistswouldcallhermydaughter,althoughI’dhavelovedherjustthesamehadtherebeennofleshlybond.
‘“Fromherearliestchildhood,itwasevidentthatDaiyuwouldneverneedawakening.She’dbeenbornawake,andhermetaphysicalabilitieswereextraordinary.Shecouldtamewildlivestockwithaglanceandlocatelostobjectsunerringly,nomatterhowfarawaytheywere.Sheshowednointerestinchildishgamesortoys,butturnedinstinctivelytowardsscripture,abletoreadbeforebeingtaught,andtospeaktruthsittakesmanypeoplealifetimetounderstand.”’
‘Andshecouldturnherselfinvisible,’saidacoolvoicefromoverbesidethetoweringstrawman.
SeveralofthegroupglancedatEmily,butBeccaignoredtheinterruption.
‘“Asshegrew,herpowersbecameonlymoreexceptional.Theideaofafour-orfive-year-oldhavingherdegreeofspiritualcallingwouldhaveseemednonsensicaltomehadInotwitnessedit.EverydayshegrewinwisdomandgavefurtherproofsofherpurecommunicationwiththeBlessedDivinity.Evenasachild,shefarsurpassedmeinunderstanding.I’dspentyearsstrugglingtounderstandandharnessmyownspiritualgifts.Daiyusimplyacceptedherabilitiesasnatural,withoutinnerconflict,withoutconfusion.
‘“IlookbacknowandwonderhowIdidn’tunderstandwhatherdestinywas,althoughshespoketomeofit,afewshortdaysbeforeherearthlyend.
‘“‘Papa,ImustvisittheBlessedDivinitysoon,butdon’tworry,I’llcomeback.’
‘“IimaginedshewasspeakingofthestatepurespiritsattainwhentheyseethefaceoftheDivinityclearly,andwhichIhaveachievedmyself,throughchanting,fastingandmeditation.IknewthatDaiyu,likeme,hadalreadyseenandspokentotheDivinity.Theword‘visit’shouldhavewarnedme,butIwasblindwhereshesawplainly.
‘“TheDivinity’schoseninstrumentwasayoungwomanwhotookDaiyutothedarkseawhileIslept.Daiyuwalkedjoyfullytowardsthehorizonbeforethesunhadrisenanddisappearedfromthematerialworld,herfleshlybodydissolvingintotheocean.Shewaswhattheworldcallsdead.
‘“Mydespairwasunconfined.ItwasweeksbeforeIunderstoodthatthisiswhyshewassenttous.Hadn’tshesaidtome,manytimes,‘Papa,Iexistbeyondmerematter’?She’dbeensenttoteachusall,buttoteachmeparticularly,thattheonlytruth,theonlyreality,isspirit.AndwhenIfullyunderstoodasmuch,andafterI’dhumblytoldtheBlessedDivinityso,Daiyureturned.
‘“‘Yes,shecamebacktome,Isawherasplainly—’”
Emilylaughedscornfully.Beccaslammedthebookshutandgottoherfeetwhiletheapprehensivecorndolly-makerspretendednottobewatching.
‘Comeinhereforamoment,Emily,please,’Beccatoldhersister.
Herexpressiondefiant,Emilysetdownthestrawshe’dbeenbindingtothetorsoofthegiganticstatueandfollowedBeccaintothecabin.Determinedtoknowwhatwasgoingon,Robin,whoknewtherewasasmallportabletoilettotherearofthecraftingrooms,muttered,‘Loo,’andleftthegroup.
AllthewindowsofthePortakabinwereopen,doubtlessinanefforttomakeitcoolenoughtoworkin.Robinmovedroundthebuildinguntilshewasoutofsightoftheotherworkers,thencrepttostandbeneathawindowattheback,throughwhichBeccaandEmily’svoices,thoughlow,werejustaudible.
‘…don’tunderstandwhattheproblemis,Iwasagreeingwithyou.’
‘Whydidyoulaugh?’
‘Whyd’youthink?Don’tyouremember,whenwerecognisedLin—’
‘Shutup.Shutupnow.’
‘Fine,I’ll—’
‘Comeback.Comebackhere.Whydidyousaythat,aboutinvisibility?’
‘Oh,I’mallowedtospeaknow,amI?Well,that’swhatyousaidhappened.Youweretheonewhotoldmewhattosay.’
‘That’salie.Ifyouwanttotelladifferentstorynow,goahead,nobody’sstoppingyou!’
Emilyletoutsomethingbetweenagaspandalaugh.
‘Youfilthyhypocrite.’
‘Saysthepersonwho’sbackherebecauseherEM’soutofcontrol!’
‘MyEM?Lookatyou!’saidEmily,withcontempt.‘There’smoreEMinthisplacethaninanyoftheothercentres.’
‘Well,you’dknow,you’vebeenkickedoutofenoughofthem.I’dhavethoughtyou’drealiseyou’rehangingbyathread,Emily.’
‘Sayswho?’
‘SaysMazu.You’reluckyyou’renotMarkThree,afterBirmingham,butitcouldstillhappen.’
RobinheardfootstepsandguessedBeccahadchosentoleaveonherthreateningline,butEmilyspokeagain,nowsoundingdesperate.
‘You’dratherIwentthesamewayasKevin,wouldn’tyou?Justkillmyself.’
‘YoudaretalkaboutKevin,tome?’
‘Whyshouldn’tItalkabouthim?’
‘Iknowwhatyoudid,Emily.’
‘WhatdidIdo?’
‘YouspoketoKevin,forhisbook.’
‘What?’saidEmily,nowsoundingblank.‘How?’
‘Thedisgustingroomwhereheshothimselfwascoveredwithwriting,andhe’dwrittenmynameonthewall,andsomethingaboutaplot.’
‘YouthinkKevinwouldhavewantedcontactwithme,afterwe—?’
‘Shutup,forGod’ssake,shutup!Youdon’tcareaboutanyoneexceptyourself,doyou?NotaboutPapaJorthemission—’
‘IfKevinknewsomethingaboutyouandaplot,Ididn’ttellhim.Buthealwaysagreedwithmethatyou’refullofshit.’
Robindidn’tknowwhatBeccadidnext,butEmilyletoutagaspofwhatsoundedlikepain.
‘Youneedtoeatyourvegetables,’saidBecca,hermenacingvoiceunrecognisable,comparedtothebrighttoneinwhichshegenerallyspoke.‘Youhearme?Andyou’llworkonthevegetablepatchandyou’lllikeit,orI’lltelltheCouncilIknowyoucooperatedwithKevin.’
‘Youwon’t,’saidEmily,nowsobbing,‘youwon’t,youbloodycoward,becauseyouknowwhatIcouldtellthemifIwanted!’
‘Ifyou’retalkingaboutDaiyu,gorightahead.I’llbeinformingPapaJandMazuofthisconversation,so—’
‘No–no,Becca,don’t—’
‘It’smyduty,’saidBecca.‘Youcantellthemwhatyouthinkyousaw.’
‘No,Becca,pleasedon’ttellthem—’
‘CouldDaiyubecomeinvisible,Emily?’
Therewasashortsilence.
‘Yes,’saidEmily,hervoicequaking,‘but—’
‘Eithershecouldorshecouldn’t.Whichisit?’
‘She…could.’
‘Correct.Sodon’tletmehearyousayinganythingdifferent,everagain,youfilthylittlepig.’
Robinheardfootsteps,andthedoorofthecabinslammed.
59
…tothethoughtfulmansuchoccurrencesaregraveomensthathedoesnotneglect.
TheIChingorBookofChanges
TheFrankbrothers’purchaseofropewhilewearingdubiousdisguiseshadnowbeenfollowedbytheacquisitionofaveryoldvan.Consideredalongsidetheircontinuedsurveillanceoftheactress’shouseandbothbrothers’previouscourtappearancesforsexoffences,Strikehadbeenforcedtotheconclusionthatthetwosomemightindeedbeplanninganabduction.He’dcontactedtheMetasecondtime,andgiventhemhismostrecentinformation,whichincludedpicturesofbothbrotherslurkingaroundtheclient’shouse,andwarnedTashaMayototakeallpossibleprecautions.
‘I’dstronglyadviseyoutochangeyourroutine,’hetoldheroverthephone.‘Varythetimeyougotothegymandsoon.’
‘Ilikemyroutine,’shegrumbled.‘Areyousureyouaren’ttakingthisabittooseriously?’
‘Well,thejoke’sonmeifitturnsoutthey’replanningacampingtrip,butthey’vedefinitelysteppeduptheirsurveillanceofyoulately.’
Therewasaslightpause.
‘You’rescaringme.’
‘It’dberemissnottogiveyoumyhonestopinion.Isthereanyonewhocouldcomeandstaywithyouforabit?Afriend,afamilymember?’
‘Maybe,’shesaidgloomily.‘God.Ithoughttheywerejustabitweirdandannoying,notactuallydangerous.’
ThefollowingdayfoundStrikesittingatatableintheConnaughtHotel’sJean-Georgesrestaurant,fromwhichhecouldwatchtheanticsoftheirmostrecentlyacquiredclient’swealthymother,whowasseventy-fourandlunchingwithherforty-one-year-oldmalecompanion.Strikewaswearingglasseshedidn’tneed,butwhichhadaminusculecamerahiddenintheframe.He’dsofarrecordedagooddealofgigglingfromthewoman,particularlyafterherdark-suitedcompanion,who’dbeensolicitousinassistingherwithhercoatandmakingsurethatshewascomfortablyseated,hadbeenmistakenforawaiterbythedinersatthenexttable.
Havingwatchedthecoupleorderfoodandwine,Strikeaskedforachickensalad,tookoffhisglasses,positioningthemonthetablesothatthey’dcontinuerecording.Ashedidso,hecaughttheeyeofaverygood-lookingdark-hairedwomaninablackdress,whowasalsodiningalone.Shesmiled.
Strikelookedawaywithoutreturningthesmile,pickeduphisphonetoreadtheday’snews,whichwas,inevitably,Brexitdominated.Thereferendumwouldbehappeninginaweek’stimeandStrikewasthoroughlyboredofthefebrilecoverageitwasgenerating.
Thenhespottedalinktoastorytitled:
ViscountessArrestedforAssaultonBillionaireBoyfriend
Heclickedonthelink.AdishevelledCharlotteappearedonthephonescreen,flankedbyapolicewomanonadarkstreet.
FormerninetiesIt-GirlCharlotteCampbell,41,nowViscountessRoss,hasbeenarrestedonachargeofassaultagainstbillionaireAmericanhotelier,LandonDormer,49.Dormer’sMayfairneighbourscalledpoliceintheearlyhoursofJune14th,concernedaboutthenoisescomingfromtheresidence.One,whoaskednottobenamed,toldTheTimes,‘Weheardscreams,shoutingandbreakingglass.Wewerereallyconcerned,sowecalled999.Weweren’tsurewhatwasgoingon.Wethoughtitmighthavebeenabreak-in.’Ross,whosemarriagetotheViscountofCroyendedindivorcelastyear,isthemotheroftwinsandhasawell-documentedhistoryofsubstanceabuse.PreviouslyadmittedtoSymondsHouse,apsychiatricfacilitypatronisedbythewealthyandfamous,thepart-timemodelandjournalisthasbeenastapleofthegossipcolumnseversincerunningawayfromCheltenhamLadies’Collegeinherteens.Withby-linesatHarpers&QueenandVogue,shemakesfrequentappearancesinthefrontrowatbothLondonandParisfashionweeks,andwasvotedLondon’sMostEligibleSingletonin1995.Shewaspreviouslyinalong-termrelationshipwithCormoranStrike,privatedetectiveandsonofrockstarJonnyRokeby.RumoursofanimminentengagementtobillionaireDormerhavecirculatedingossipcolumnsformonths,butasourceclosetothehoteliertoldTheTimes,‘Landonwasn’tintendingtomarryherevenbeforethishappened,butafterthis,believeme,they’llbefinished.Heisn’tamanwholikesdramaortantrums.’Ross’ssister,interiordecoratorAmeliaCrichton,42,toldTheTimes,‘Thisisnowalegalmatter,soI’mafraidIcan’tsayanymorethanthatI’mconfidentthatifthiscomestocourtCharlottewillbefullyexonerated.’TheTimesapproachedbothCharlotteRossandLandonDormerforcomment.
Thereweremultiplelinksbelowthearticle:Charlotteatthelaunchofajewellerycollectionthepreviousyear,CharlotteadmittedtoSymondsHousetheyearbeforethat,andLandonDormer’sacquisitionofoneoftheoldestfive-starhotelsinLondon.Strikeignoredthese,insteadscrollingbackupthepagetolookagainatthephotographatthetop.Charlotte’smake-upwassmeared,herhairtousled,andshefacedthecameradefiantlyasshewasledawaybythepolicewoman.
Strikeglancedupatthetablehisglasseswerefilming.Theelderlywomanwasfeedinghercompanionsomething.Ashischickensaladwasdepositedinfrontofhim,hisphonerang.RecognisingtheSpanishcountrycode,hepickedup.
‘CormoranStrike.’
‘LeonardHeatonhere,’saidajocularvoicewithastrongNorfolkaccent.‘Ihearyou’reahterme.’
‘Afterinformation,anyway,’saidStrike.‘Thanksforcallingmeback,MrHeaton.’
‘Inavverstrangledanyone.Iwushomeallnightwiththewife.’
EvidentlyMrHeatonconsideredhimselfsomethingofacard.Somebody–Strikeassumedhiswife–waschortlinginthebackground.
‘Didyouneighbourtellyouwhatthisisabout,MrHeaton?’
‘Ah,thelittlegalthatdrowned,’saidHeaton.‘Wut’reyoudiggingaroundinthatfur?’
‘Aclientofmine’sinterestedintheUniversalHumanitarianChurch,’saidStrike.
‘Ah,’saidHeaton.‘Allright,we’regame.We’llbehomeinaweek,thatsuityou?’
Afteragreeingatimeanddate,Strikehungupandbegantoeathissalad,stilllettinghisglassesdothesurveillanceforhim,hismindunavoidablyonCharlotte.
Whileshe’dgenerallydonemostdamagetoherselfwhenangryordistressed,StrikestillboreasmallscaroverhiseyebrowfromtheashtrayCharlottehadthrownathimashewalkedoutofherflatforthelasttime.She’dlaunchedherselfathimmanytimesduringrows,attemptingtoeitherclawhisfaceorpunchhim,butthishadbeenfareasiertodealwiththanflyingmissiles,giventhathewasconsiderablylargerthanherand,asanex-boxer,goodatparryingattacks.
Nevertheless,atleastfouroftheirbreak-upshadcomeintheaftermathofherattemptingtophysicallyhurthim.Herememberedthesobsafterwards,thedesperateapologies,thevowsmadenevertodoitagain,vowsshesometimeskeptforasmuchasayear.
Barelynoticingwhathewaseating,Strike’seyesroamedoverthechatteringlunchers,thestained-glasswindowsandtastefulgreyupholstery.BetweenBijouandherQClover,andCharlotte’sallegedassaultofabillionaire,hisnamewasappearingalittletoofrequentlyinthepressforhisliking.Hepickeduptheglassesconcealingthehiddencamera,andrammedthembackon.
‘Excuseme.’
Helookedup.Itwasthewomaninblack,who’dstoppedathistableonherwayout.
‘Youaren’tCorm—?’
‘No,sorry,youmusthavemeconfusedwithsomeone,’hesaid,drowningouthervoice,whichwasfairlyloud.Histargetandheryoungfriendseemedtooimmersedintheirconversiontohavenoticedanything,butacoupleofotherheadshadturned.
‘I’msorry,IthoughtIrecognised—’
‘You’remistaken.’
Shewasblockinghisviewofhistarget
‘Sorry,’shesaidagain,smiling.‘Butyoudolookawfully—’
‘You’remistaken,’herepeatedfirmly.
Shepressedherlipstogether,buthereyeslookedamusedasshepassedoutoftherestaurant.
60
Sixinthethirdplacemeans:ContemplationofmylifeDecidesthechoiceBetweenadvanceandretreat.
TheIChingorBookofChanges
OnFridaynightRobinwaiteduntilthewomenaroundherhadfallenasleepbeforeslippingoutofthedormitoryyetagain.Tonightshewasmorenervousandstressedthanshe’dbeensincetheveryfirsttimeshe’djourneyedthroughthedarktotheplasticrockinthewoods,becauseshewastwenty-fourhourslateinproducingherletter,sofeltanincreasedpressuretoreassuretheagencythatshewasallright.Sheclimbedoverthefive-bargateasusual,hurriedacrossthedarkfieldandenteredthewoods.
InsidetheplasticrockshefoundtwoYorkiebarsandlettersfromStrike,MurphyandShah.Shereadthethreemen’slettersbythelightofthepenciltorch.Ryan’swasessentiallyathinlyveiledrequesttoknowwhenshe’dbeleavingChapmanFarm.Strike’stoldherhe’dsoonbeinterviewingtheHeatons,who’dmetCherieGittinsonthebeachintheimmediateaftermathofDaiyu’sdrowning.
Shah’snoteread:
IcheckedtherocklastnightandI’mstillinthevicinity.Strikesaysifthere’snothingbymidnighttomorrowhe’sdrivingupandhe’llcomeinthefrontonSunday.
‘ForGod’ssake,Strike,’mutteredRobin,pullingthetopoffthebirowithherteeth.Oneday’sdelaydidn’tseemtojustifysuchextrememeasures.Hungryasshewas,shehadfarmoretowritethanusual,soshepostponedeatingthechocolate,insteadtakingoutthepaperandpen,puttingthetorchbetweenherteethandsettingtowork.
HiCormoran,I’msorrythisislate,itwasunavoidable,I’llexplainwhybelow.ALOThashappenedthisweek,soIhopethispendoesn’trunout.1.RowbetweenthePirbrightsistersIoverheardEmilyaccusingBeccaoflyingaboutDaiyu’sdrowning.EmilyseemsreallyunhappyandIthinkifIcangetfriendlywithhershemighttalk.BeccaalsoaccusedEmilyofcollaboratingwithKevinonhisbook,becauseofthewritingonKevinPirbright’swalls–Becca’sseenthephotoofhisroom.NB:Apparentlynobody’stoldEmilyKevinwasmurdered.Shethinkshecommittedsuicide.NotsurewhetherBeccaknowsthetruth.2.StolenProphet’sManifestationThishappenedWedsnight.Mazuledtheservice,tellingusallaboutAlexanderGravesandhowhewenttoliveatChapmanFarmbecauseofhisabusivefamily.Ahugestrawman,biggerthanlifesize,wasstandinginthemiddleonaraisedplatforminaspotlightand
Robinnowstoppedwriting.Shehadn’thadtimetofullyprocesswhathadhappenedinthetempleandwithherfingersnumbwithcoldshedoubtedshecouldconveytoStrikejusthowfrighteningtheManifestationhadbeen:thepitchdarknesspiercedbytwospotlights,onetrainedonMazu,inherbloodredrobes,themother-of-pearlfishgleamingonitscordaroundherneck,theotheronthattoweringstrawfigure.MazuhadcommandedthestrawfiguretogiveproofthattheStolenProphetlivedoninthespiritworld,andahoarseshouthadissuedfromthefigure,echoingaroundthetemplewalls:‘Letmestayinthetemple!Don’tletthemtakeme,don’tletthemhurtmeagain!’
Robinresumedherletter.
whenMazutolditto,thefigurespokeandlifteditsarms.Isawitwhentheywerebuildingit:itwasjustawireframecoveredinstraw,sohowtheymadeitmoveIdon’tknow.MazusaidtheProphetdiedtoshowmembershowvulnerablepurespiritsarewhenthey’reexposedtomaterialistwickednessagain.Thenanoosecamesnakingdownfromtheceiling
Robinsawitallagainasshewrote:thethickropesnakingdownoutofthedarkness,thenoosefallingaroundthefigure’sneck,thentightening.
andtheropeliftedthefigureupintotheairanditstartedthrashingaroundandscreamingandtryingtochant,thenwentlimp.Maybethisdoesn’tsoundasscaryasitdidwhenIwaswatchingit,butitwasterrif—
Robinsecond-guessedherself;shedidn’twantStriketothinkshewascrackingup.Crossingouttheword,shewroteinstead,
verycreepy.1.WanRightafterwe’dgotbacktothewomen’sdormitoryaftertheManifestation,Wanwentintolabour.They’veclearlygotanestablishedprocedureforwhenwomengivebirthbecauseagroupofthewomen,includingLouisePirbrightandSita(moreonherbelow)snappedintoactiontohelpher.BeccaranoutofthedormitorytotellMazu,andthenkeptcomingbackeveryhourorsotoseewhatwashappeningandtoreportbacktothefarmhouse.Theyhadamedievalkindofkitinthebathroom,withaleatherstrapthingforWantobiteonandrustyforceps.Wanwasn’tsupposedtomakeanynoise.ItwasmynightforcomingtotheplasticrockbutIcouldn’tleavethedormitorybecauseallthewomenwereawake.Wanwasinlabourforthirty-sixhours.ItwasabsolutelyawfulandtheclosestI’vecometowantingtorevealwhoIreallyamandtellingthemI’mgoingtothepolice.Idon’tknowwhat’snormalforabirthbutsheseemedtoloseahugeamountofblood.Iwaspresentwhenthebabywasactuallybornbecauseoneofthebirthingteamcouldn’tcopeanymoreandIvolunteeredtotakeherplace.ThebabywasbreechandIwasconvincedshewasgoingtobeborndead.Shelookedblueatfirst,butSitarevivedher.Afterallthat,Wanwouldn’tlookatthebaby.Allshesaidwas,‘GiveittoMazu.’Ihaven’tseenthebabysince.Wan’sstillinbedinthewomen’sdormitory.Sitasaysshe’sgoingtobeOKandIhopetoGodthat’struebutshelooksterrible.2.SitaThewomenwhostayeduptwonightswithWanwereallowedtocatchuponsleeptoday.ImanagedtogettalkingtoSitainthedormitoryoncewe’dallwokenupandIsatbesideheratdin
‘Shit,’Robinmuttered,shakingtheballpoint.Asshe’dfeared,itseemedtoberunningoutofink.
ThenRobinfroze.Intheabsenceofthescratchingofpenonpaper,she’dheardsomethingelse:footstepsandafemalevoicequietlyandrelentlesslychanting.
‘LokahSamastahSukhinoBhavantu…LokahSamastahSukhinoBhav—’
Thechantingstopped.Robinextinguishedthepenciltorchshewasholdinginhermouthandflungherselfflatamongthenettlesagain,buttoolate:sheknewthechanterhadseenthelight.
‘Who’sthere?Who’sthere?Ic-c-canseeyou!’
Robinslowlysatup,shovingthetorch,penandpaperbehindherasshedidso
‘Lin,’saidRobin.‘Hi.’
Thegirlwasalonethistime.Acarswishedpast,andasthebeamofitsheadlightsslidoverLinRobinsawthatherpalefacewasstreakedwithtearsandherhandsfullofplantsshe’dtuggedupbytheroots.Forwhatfeltlikealongtime,thoughwasreallyafewseconds,thetwostaredateachother.
‘Wh-wh-whyareyouhere?’
‘Ineededsomefreshair,’saidRobin,cringinginwardlyattheinadequacyofthelie,‘andthen–thenIfeltabitdizzy,soIsatdown.It’sbeenanintensefewdays,hasn’tit?WithWanand–andeverything.’
Bythefaintmoonlight,Robinsawtheyounggirlglanceupatthetrees,inthedirectionoftheclosestsecuritycamera.
‘Whatm-m-madeyoucomehere,though?’
‘Igotabitlost,’Robinlied,‘butthenIsawthelightfromtheroadandcameheresoIcouldgetmybearings.Whatareyouupto?’
‘D-d-don’tt-t-tellanyoneyousawme,’saidLin.Herlargeeyesshoneweirdlyintheshadowedface.‘Ifyout-t-tellanyone,I’llsayyouwereoutofb-b-b-b-b—’
‘Iwon’ttell—’
‘—bedandthatIsawyouandf-f-f-ollowed—’
‘—Ipromise,’saidRobinurgently.‘Iwon’ttell.’
Linturnedandhurriedawayintothetrees,stillclutchingheruprootedplants.RobinlisteneduntilLin’sfootstepsdiedawaycompletely,leavingasilencebrokenonlybytheusualnocturnalrustlingsofthewoods.
WavesofpanicbrokeoverRobinasshesatverystill,contemplatingthepossiblerepercussionsofthisunexpectedmeeting.Sheturnedherheadtolookatthewallbehindher.
Shahwasinthevicinity.Perhapsitwouldbebettertoclimbontotheroadnowandwaitforhimtocomebackandchecktherock?IfLintalked,ifLintoldthechurchleadersshe’dfoundRobinattheblindspotoftheperimeterwithatorchshedefinitelyshouldn’tpossess…
Forseveralminutes,Robinsatverystill,thinking,barelyconsciousofthecoldearthbeneathherandthebreezeliftingthehairfromhernettle-stungneck.Then,reachingadecision,shegropedaroundtofindherunfinishedletter,penandtorch,re-readwhatshe’dcommunicatedsofar,thencontinuedwriting.
Shelooksasthoughshe’sover70andhasbeenheresincetheearliestdaysofthechurch.ShecamehereatWace’sinvitationtoteachyogaandtoldmeshesoonrealisedPapaJwas‘averygreatswami’,soshestayed.IgothertalkingaboutBeccaquiteeasily,becauseSitadoesn’tlikeher(hardlyanyonedoes).WhenImentionedBeccaknowingtheDrownedProphet,shetoldmeBeccawasreallyjealousofDaiyuwhentheywerekids.ShesaidallthelittlegirlslovedCherie,andBeccawasreallyenviousofDaiyugettingspecialattentionfromher.
Robinstoppedwritingagain,wonderingwhethertotellStrikeaboutherencounterwithLin.Shecouldimaginewhathe’dsay:getoutnow,you’recompromised,youcan’ttrustabrainwashedteenager.However,afterafurtherminute’sdeliberation,shesignedtheletterwithoutmentioningLin,tookupafreshpieceofpaperandturnedinsteadtothetaskofexplainingtoMurphywhyshestillwasn’treadytoleaveChapmanFarm.
61
Nineinthethirdplace.Alldaylongthesuperiormaniscreativelyactive.Atnightfallhismindisstillbesetwithcares.
TheIChingorBookofChanges
Strike’sprimaryemotiononreceivingRobin’smostrecentdispatchfromChapmanFarmwasreliefthatthetwenty-four-hourdelayhadn’tbeenduetoinjuryorillness,althoughhefoundmuchfoodforthoughtinitscontents,andre-readitseveraltimesathisdesk,hisnotebookopenbesidehim.
Whilehedidn’tdoubtthattheManifestationoftheStolenProphethadbeendisconcertingforthosepresent,StrikestillagreedwithAbigailGlover:MazuWacehadbuiltonthelowlymagictricksGeraldCrowtherhadtaughther,tothepointthatshewasnowabletoperformlarge-scaleillusions,usinglighting,soundandmisdirection.
Robin’saccountofWan’slabour,ontheotherhand,genuinelytroubledhim.He’dbeenconcentratingsohardondeathsatChapmanFarm,withparticularfocusonproperrecord-keeping,thathe’doverlookedpossiblewrong-doingwithregardtobirths.Nowhewonderedwhatwouldhavehappenedifthemotherorbabyhaddied,whyMazu,awomanwithnomedicalbackground,hadtoseethebabythemomentitwasborn,andwhythebabyhadn’tbeenseensince.
ThepassagesrelatingtoBeccaPirbrightalsointerestedStrike,especiallyheraccusationthathersisterhadpassedinformationtoKevinforhisbook.Havingre-readtheseparagraphs,hegotupfromhisdesktore-examinethepictureofKevinPirbright’sroompinnedtotheboardonthewall.Onceagainhisgazetravelledoverthewritingthatwaslegibleonthewalls,whichincludedthenameBecca.
AninternetsearchenabledhimtofindpicturesoftheadultBeccaonstageatUHCseminars.HerememberedRobindescribingherasbeinglikeamotivationalspeaker,andcertainlythisbeaming,shiny-hairedwomaninherlogo-embossedsweatshirthadawhiffofthecorporateabouther.HewasparticularlyinterestedinthefactthatBeccahadbeenjealousoftheattentionDaiyureceivedfromCherieGittins.Strikescribbledafewmorenotesforhimself,relatingtothequestionsheintendedtoasktheHeatons,who’dmetthehystericalCherieonCromerbeachafterDaiyu’sdrowning.
Thenextweekwasbusy,thoughunproductiveintermsofadvancinganyofthecasesontheagency’sbooks.Inadditiontohisvariousothergeneralandpersonalpreoccupations,Strike’smindkeptflittingbacktothedarkwomanattheConnaught,whoclaimedtohaverecognisedhim.Ithadbeentheveryfirsttimeastrangerhaddoneso,andithadworriedhimtotheextentthathe’ddonesomethinghe’dneverdonebefore,andGoogledhimself.Ashe’dhopedandexpected,therewereveryfewpicturesofhimavailableonline:theoneusedmostoftenbythepresshadbeentakenbackwhenhewasstillamilitarypolicemanandfaryoungerandfitter.Therestshowedhimsportingthefullbeardthatgrewconvenientlyquicklywhenheneededit,andwhichhe’dalwayswornwhenhavingtogiveevidenceincourt.Hestillfounditstrangethatthewomanhadrecognisedhim,clean-shavenandwearingglasses,andhecouldn’tescapethesuspicionthatshe’dbeentryingtodrawattentiontohim,therebysabotaginghissurveillance.
Havingdiscountedthepossibilitythatshewasajournalist–thedirectapproachinthemiddleoftherestaurantmerelytoconfirmhisidentity,wouldbebizarrebehaviour–hewasleftwiththreepossibleexplanations.
First:he’dmanagedtoacquireastalker.Hethoughtthishighlyunlikely.Whilehehadplentyofsupportingevidencetoprovehewasattractivetocertainkindsofwomen,andhisinvestigativecareerhadtaughthimthatevenapparentlysuccessfulandwealthypeoplecouldbeharbouringstrangeimpulses,Strikefounditveryhardtoimagineawomanthatgoodlookingandwelldressedwouldbefollowinghimaroundforkicks.
Second:shewassomethingtodowiththeUniversalHumanitarianChurch.HischatwithFergusRobertsonhadmadeitcleartowhatextremesthechurchwaspreparedtogotoprotectitsinterests.Wasitpossibleshewasoneofthechurch’swealthierandmoreinfluentialmembers?Ifthatwastheexplanation,theUHCevidentlyknewtheagencywasinvestigatingthem,whichhadseriousimplicationsnotonlyforthecase,butforRobin’ssafety.Indeed,itmightimplythatRobinhadbeenidentifiedatChapmanFarm.
Thelast,and,inhisopinion,mostlikelypossibilitywasthatthewomanwasasecondPattersonoperative.Inthiscase,herloud,publicapproachmighthavebeendonepurelytodrawattentiontohimandscupperhisjob.ItwasthispossibilitythatmadeStriketextadescriptionofthewomantoBarclay,ShahandMidge,tellingthemtobeonthelookoutforher.
TheeveningbeforehistriptoCromer,Strikeworkedlateintheotherwiseemptyoffice,dealingwithtediouspaperworkwhileeatingapackagedquinoasalad.ItwasthedayoftheBrexitreferendum,butStrikehadn’thadtimetovote:theFrankshaddecidedtosplitupthatdayandhe’dbeenpinneddown,watchingfortheyoungerbrotherinBexleyheath.
Acombinationoftediumandhungermadehimparticularlyirritatedbythesoundoftheofficephoneringingatnearlyelevenatnight.CertainitwasCharlotte,heletitgotovoicemail.Thephonerangagaintwentyminuteslater,andatoneminutetomidnightrangforathirdtime.
Finallyclosingthevariousfoldersonthedesk,headdedhissignaturetoacoupleofdocumentsandgotuptofileeverythingaway.
BeforeleavingtheofficeforhisatticflathepausedatPat’sdeskagainandpressedabuttononherphone.Hedidn’twantanyoneelsetolistentoCharlotte’stirades:oncehadbeenenough.
‘Bluey,pickup.Seriously,Bluey,please,pleasepickup.I’mdesp—’
Strikepresseddelete,thenplayedthenextmessage.Shesoundedangryaswellaspleadingnow.
‘Ineedtotalktoyou.Ifyou’vegotanyhumanityata—’
Hepresseddelete,thenplay.
Nowamalevolentwhisperfilledtheroom,andhecouldvisualiseCharlotte’sexpression,becausehe’dseenherlikethatathermostdestructive,whentherewasnolimittoherappetitetowound.
‘You’llwishyou’dpickedup,youknow.Youwill.AndsowillpreciousfuckingRobin,whenshehearswhatyoureallyare.Iknowwhereshelives,yourealisethat?I’llbedoingherafav—’
Strikeslammedhishandontothephone,deletingthemessage.
HeknewwhyCharlottewastakingthingsthisfar:she’datlonglastadmittedtoherselfthatStrikewasn’tevercomingback.Fornearlysixyearsshe’dbelievedthecravingshecouldn’teradicateinherselflivedoninhim,too,andthatherbeauty,hervulnerabilityandtheirlong,sharedhistorywouldreunitethem,nomatterallthathadgonebefore,nomatterhowdeterminedhewasnottoreturn.Charlotte’sflashesofinsightandextraordinaryabilitytosniffoutweakspotshadalwayshadsomethingofthewitchaboutthem.She’dcorrectlyintuitedthathemustbeinlovewithhisbusinesspartner,andthiscertaintywasdrivinghertonewheightsofvindictiveness.
He’dhavelikedtocomforthimselfwiththebeliefthatCharlotte’sthreatswereempty,buthecouldn’t:heknewherfartoowell.Possiblescenariosranthroughhishead,eachmoredamagingthanthelast:CharlotteturningupoutsideRobin’shouse,CharlottetrackingdownMurphy,Charlottemakinggoodonherthreat,andspeakingtothepress.
He’dhadalittlemaliciousfuninthepubwithMurphy,refusingtodisclosewhathemighthaveheardfromWardletoMurphy’sdiscredit.Nowhelookedbackonwhathefeltmighthavebeenadangerousbitofself-indulgence.RyanMurphywouldhavenosenseofloyaltytoStrike,shouldCharlottedecidetospinhimalineaboutwhatStrikewas‘reallylike’,ortopassontoRobinthevitriolCharlottemightchoosetounleashinthepress.
Afterwhatmighthavebeenoneminuteorten,StrikebecameawarethathewasstillstandingbesidePat’sdesk,everymuscleinhisarmsandnecktense.Theofficelookedstrange,almostalien,intheoverheadlights,withthedarknessclosinginagainstthewindows.Asheheadedtothedoorwithbothpartners’namesengraveduponit,theonlycoldcomforthecoulddrawfromthesituationwasthatCharlottecouldn’tambushRobin,aslongasshewasatChapmanFarm.
62
Nineinthesecondplace…Tobearwithfoolsinkindlinessbringsgoodfortune.
TheIChingorBookofChanges
StrikelearnedinthecaronthewaytotheHeatons’houseinCromerthatBritainhadvotedtoleavetheEU.HeswitchedofftheradioafteranhouroflisteningtocommentatorsspeculatingonwhatthiswouldmeanforthecountryandlistenedinsteadtoTomWaits’Swordfishtrombones.
HemighthavechosentopickupRobin’slatestletteronthewaybackfromCromer,buthe’dallottedthejobtoMidge.Havingdoneitoncealready,he’dlearnedthehardwayhowdifficultitwasforamanwithhalfhislegmissingtogetoverthewallandbarbedwirewithoutinjuringhimselforfallingintothenettlepatchontheotherside.However,hedeliberatelychosetodrivepasttheentrancetoLion’sMouthandChapmanFarm,eventhough,undernormalcircumstances,itwasthelastplacehe’dhaveventurednear.Inevitably,moreunpleasantmemoriesassailedhim,ashepassedtheelectricgates,andsawonthehorizonthatcurioustowerthatresembledagiantchesspiece;herememberedbeingconvinced,attheageofeleven,thatithadsomethingtodowiththeCrowtherbrothers,thatitwasawatchtowerofsomedescription,andeventhoughhe’dneverknownexactlywhatwasgoingoninthecabinsandtents,outofsight,hisinnerantennaforevilhadimaginedchildrenlockedupinthere.ThefactthatRobinwasmomentarilysoclose,butunreachable,didnothingwhatsoevertoimprovehisspirits,andhedroveawayfromChapmanFarmwithhismoodevenlowerthanithadbeenoverbreakfast,whenhisthoughtshadbeendominatedbyCharlotte’sthreatsofthepreviousnight.
Cornishmanthathewas,proximitytotheoceangenerallycheeredhimup,butonenteringCromerhesawmanyoldwallsandbuildingscoveredinroundedflints,whichremindedhimunpleasantlyofthefarmhouseintowhichLedahadperiodicallydisappearedtodiscussphilosophyandpolitics,leavingherchildrenunsupervisedandunprotected.
HeparkedtheBMWinacarparkinthemiddleoftownandgotoutbeneathanovercastsky.TheHeatonslivedinGardenStreet,whichlaywithinwalkingdistance,andnarrowedintoapedestrianalleyasitapproachedtheseafront,theoceanframedbetweenoldhousesasasmallsquareoftealbeneathacloudygreysky.Theirhouselayontheleftsideofthestreet:asolid-lookingterracedresidencewithadarkgreenfrontdoorthatopeneddirectlyontothepavement.Strikeimagineditwouldbeanoisyplacetolive,withpedestrianstrampingupanddownfromthebeachtotheshopsandtheWellingtonpub.
Whenherappedonthedoorusingaknockershapedlikeahorseshoe,adogstartedyappingfuriouslyfromtheinterior.Thedoorwasopenedbyawomaninherearlysixties,whoseplatinumhairwascutshortandwhoseskinwasthecolourandtextureofoldleather.Thedog,whichwastiny,fluffyandwhite,wasclutchedtohersizeablebosom.Forasplitsecond,Strikethoughthemusthavecometothewronghouse,becausegalesoflaughterissuedfrombehindher,audibleevenoverthestill-yappingdog.
‘Gotfriendsover,’shesaid,beaming.‘Theywantedtomeetyou.Averyone’sexcited.’
Youhavetobekiddingme.
‘Itakeityou’re—?’
‘ShelleyHeaton,’shesaid,extendingahand,onwhichaheavygoldcharmbracelettinkled.‘Comeonin.Len’sthroughtherewiththerestof’em.Doyoushetup,Dilly.’
Thedog’syappingsubsided.ShelleyledStrikedownadarkhallwayandleftintoacomfortablebutnotover-largesittingroom,whichseemedtobefullofpeople.Hazyshadowsofholiday-makersdriftedtoandfrobehindthenetcurtains:asStrikehadexpected,thenoisefromthestreetwasconstant.
‘ThassLen,’saidShelley,pointingatalarge,ruddy-facedmanwiththemostobviouscomb-overStrikehadseeninyears.LeonardHeaton’srightleg,whichwasencasedinasurgicalboot,wasrestingonasquatpouffe.Thetablebesidehimwascrammedwithframedphotographs,manyofthemfeaturingthedoginShelley’sarms.
‘Hareheis,’saidLenHeatonloudly,offeringasweatypawembellishedwithalargesignetring.‘CameronStrike,Ipresume?’
‘That’sme,’saidStrike,shakinghands.
‘I’lljussmakethetea,’saidShelley,lookinghungrilyatStrike.‘Don’tgostartingwithoutme!’
Shesetdownthesmalldogandleftwithajangleofjewellery.Thedogtrottedafterher.
‘ThisisourfriendsGeorgeandGillianCox,’saidLeonardHeaton,pointingatthesofa,wherethreeplumppeople,alsointheirsixties,weretightlywedged,‘andthassSuzy,Shell’ssister.’
Suzy’seagereyeslookedlikeraisinsinherdoughyface.George,whosepaunchrestedalmostonhisknees,wasentirelybaldandwheezingslightly,eventhoughhewasstationary.Gillian,whohadcurlygreyhairandworesilverspectacles,saidproudly,
‘I’mtheoneyouspoketo,onthephone.’
‘Doyousetdown,’HeatontoldStrikecomfortably,pointingatthearmchairwithitsbacktothewindow,facinghisown.‘Happyaboutthereferendum?’
‘Oh,yeah,’saidStrike,whojudgedfromLenHeaton’sexpressionthatthiswasthecorrectanswer.
DuringthefewminutesHeaton’swifemovedinandoutofthekitchencarryingtea,cups,platesandlemondrizzlecake,regularlycrying‘Waitfurme,Iwannahearitall!’,Strikehadampletimetorealisethatthethreeblondeswho’dcorneredhimathisgodson’schristeninghadbeenmereamateursinnosiness.Thesofa-dwellersbombardedhimwithquestions,notonlyaboutallhismostnewsworthycases,butalsoabouthisparentage,hismissinghalflegandeven–here,hisdeterminedgoodnaturenearlyfailed–hisrelationshipwithCharlotteCampbell.
‘Thatwasalongtimeago,’hesaidasfirmlyaswascompatiblewithpoliteness,beforeturningtoLeonardHeaton.‘Soyou’rejustbackfromSpain?’
‘Ah,thassright,’saidLeonard,whoseforeheadwaspeeling.‘GotourselvesalittleplaceinFuengirolaahterIsowdmybusiness.We’renormallythereNovemberthroughtoApril,but—’
‘Hebrokehisbloodyleg,’saidShelley,finallysittingdownonachairbesideherhusband,perchingthetinywhitedogonherkneeandlookinggreedilyatStrike.
‘Lissofthe“bloody”,you,’saidLeonard,smirking.Hehadtheairofajokerusedtocommandingtheroom,buthedidn’tseemtoresentStrike’stemporaryhoggingofcentrestage,perhapsbecauseheandhiswifewereenjoyingplayingtheroleofimpresarioswho’dbroughtthisimpressiveexhibitfortheirfriends’amusement.
‘Tellhimwhatyouwasuptowhanyoubrokeit,’Shelleyinstructedherhusband.
‘Thassneitherharenorthere,’saidasmirkingLeonard,clearlywantingtobeprompted.
‘Goon,Leonard,tellhim,’saidGillian,giggling.
‘I’lltell’m,then,’saidShelley.‘Minigolf.’
‘Really?’saidStrike,smilingpolitely.
‘Bloodyminigolf!’saidShelley.‘Isaidtohim,“Howthehelld’youmanagetobreakalegdoingminigolf?”’
‘Tripped,’saidLeonard.
‘Pissed,’saidShelley,andtheaudienceonthesofachortledmoreloudly.
‘Doyoushetup,woman,’saidLeonard,archlyinnocent.‘Tripped.Could’vehappenedtoanyone.’
‘Funnyhowitolluzhappenstoyou,’saidShelley.
‘They’reolluzlikethis!’thegigglingGilliantoldStrike,invitinghimtoenjoytheHeatons’madcaphumour.‘Theyneverstop!’
‘WestayedoutinFuengirolatillhecouldwalkbetter,’saidShelley.‘Hedidn’tfancytheplaneandtryinamanagethestepsdowntheesplanadeathome.Wehadtomissoutonacoupleofsummerbookings,butthassthepriceyoupayformarryingamanwhobreakshislegtryinagitagolfballintoaclown’smouth.’
Thetrioonthesofaroaredwithlaughter,dartingeagerlooksatStriketoseewhetherhewassuitablyentertained,andStrikecontinuedtosmileassincerelyashecouldmanagewhiledrawingouthisnotebookandpen,atwhichasilencetinglingwithexcitementfellovertheroom.Farfromdampeninganyone’sspirits,theprospectofrakingbackovertheaccidentaldeathofachildseemedtobehavingastimulatingeffectonallpresent.
‘Well,it’sverygoodofyoutoagreetoseeme,’StriketoldtheHeatons.‘AsIsaid,I’mreallyjustafteraneyewitnessaccountofwhathappenedthatdayonthebeach.It’salongtimeagonow,Iknow,but—’
‘Well,wewereuprightarly,’saidShelleyeagerly.
‘Ah,crackofdawn,’saidLeonard.
‘Beforedawn,’Shelleycorrectedhim.‘Stilldark.’
‘Weweres’pposedtobedrivinguptoLeicester—’
‘Furmeauntie’sfuneral,’interjectedShelley.
‘Youcan’tleaveaMaltese,’saidLeonard.‘Theydohowltheplacedownifyouleave’em,soweneededt’amptyharbeforewegotinthecar.You’renots’posedtotakedogsdownonthebeachinth’olidayseason—’
‘ButBettywaslikeDilly,shewusonlytiny,andwealwayspickup,’saidShelleycomfortably.Afterasplitsecond’sconfusion,Strikerealisedshewasreferringtodogshit.
‘Sowetookharalongthebeach,justoutthere,’saidLeonard,pointingleft.‘Andthegalcomea-runnin’outofthedark,screaming.’
‘Givemeahellofatann,’saidShelley.
‘Wethowtshe’dhadasexattackorsomething,’saidLeonard,notwithoutacertainrelish.
‘Canyourememberwhatshesaid?’
‘“Hilpme,hilpme,she’sgoneunder”sortathing,’saidLeonard.
‘“Ithenkshe’sdrowned”,’saidShelley.
‘Wethowtshemeantadog.Whogoesswimming,fivea.m.intheNorthSea?Shewusinherundies.Soakingwet,’saidLeonardwithasmirkandawaggleofhiseyebrows.Shelleycuffedherhusbandwiththebackofherringedhand.
‘Behaveyoursalf,’saidShelley,smirkingatStrike,whilethesofa-sitterssnortedwithrenewedlaughter.
‘Shewasn’tinaswimsuit?’
‘Undies,’repeatedLeonard,smirking.‘Freezingcold.’
Shelleycuffedhimagainwhilethesofa-sitterslaughed.
‘Ithowtatfustshe’dstrippedofftogoinahterthedog,’saidShelley.‘Navverdreamedshe’dbeenswimming.’
‘Andshesaid,“Helpme,she’sgoneunder”?’askedStrike.
‘Ah,somethinglikethat,’saidLeonard.‘Thanshesays,“Wewusoverhare”andgoesrunningoffto—’
‘No,shenavver,’saidShelley.‘Sheaskedustogitthecoastguardfust.’
‘No,shenavver,’saidLeonard.‘Sheshowedusthestufffust.’
‘No,shenavver,’saidShelley,‘shesaid,“Gitthecoastguard,gitthecoastguard.”’
‘’OwcomeIseenthestuff,then?’
‘Youseenthestuffahteryoucomeback,youdozyfoal,’saidShelley,tofurtherchucklesfromthesofa.
‘Whatstuffwasthis?’Strikeasked.
‘Towelsandclothes–thelittlegal’sdrissandshoes,’saidShelley.‘Shetookmeovertotham,andwhanIseentheshoes,Irealiseditwasakid.Orful,’shesaid,buthertonewasmatter-of-fact.StrikecouldtellthatthedrowninghadrecededintothedistantpastfortheHeatons.Suchshockasitmighthavecausedthemtwodecadesagohadlongsincesubsided.
‘Icomealongwithyarsalves,’saidLeonardstubbornly.‘Iwarn’tgonnacallupthecoastguardfuradog.Iwusthere,Iseentheshoes—’
‘Allright,Leonard,youwuswithus,ha’ityourownway,’saidShelley,rollinghereyes.
‘SothenIgotophonethecoastguard,’saidLeonard,satisfied.
‘AndyoustayedwithCherie,MrsHeaton?’
‘Ah,andIsaidtohar,“Thehellwasyoudoinginthewater,thishourofthemorning?”’
‘Andwhatdidshesay?’askedStrike.
‘Saidthelittlegalwantedapaddle.’
‘IsaidtoShelleyahter,’interjectedLeonard,‘“thasswhattheword“no”’sfor.Weseekidslikethathareaverysummer,spoiledashell.Wenavverhadanyourselves—’
‘How’mIsupposedtomanagekids?I’vegotmyhandsfullwithyou,breakingyourbloodylegsplayingminigolf,’saidShelley,drawingmoregigglesfromthesofa.‘Ishouldtellyounomoreoften.’
‘Youtellmenoplenny,thasswhyweha’n’tgotkids,’saidLeonard,whichprovokedshrieksoflaughterfromGeorge,GillianandSuzyandanothercufffromhissmirkingwife.
‘DidCherietellyouwhathadhappenedinthesea?’StrikeaskedShelleypatiently.
‘Ah,shesaidthelittlegalwenttoodeepandwentunder,saidshetriedtoreachharandcouldn’t,sosheswumbacktoshore.Thansheseenusandcomea-running.’
‘AndhowdidCherieseemtoyou?Upset?’
‘Morescared’nupset,Ithowt,’saidShelley.
‘Shelldin’tlikehar,’saidLeonard
‘Helikedhar,’causehewasgittinganarlymorningeyeful,’saidShelley,whilethechorusonthesofachuckled.‘Shesaidtome,“Inearlydrownedmysalf,thecurrent’srightstrong.”Lookingfursympathyforharsalf,andthar’sakiddead.’
‘You’veolluzbeenhardon—’
‘Iweren’ttheonewiththehardon,Len,’saidShelley.
Thetrioonthesofashriekedwithscandalisedlaughter,andbothHeatonsthrewatriumphantglanceatStrike,asiftosaytheydoubtedhe’deverbeenentertainedlikethisduringaninvestigation.Thedetective’sjawwasstartingtoachewithallthefakesmilinghewashavingtodo.
‘An’shegiggledandall,’ShelleytoldStrike,overtheothers’laughter.‘Isaidtohar,putyourclothesbackon,nopointstandingtherelikethat.“Ohyeah,”shesaid,an’shegiggled.’
‘Narves,’saidLeonard.‘Shock.’
‘Youwarn’ttherewhanthathappened,’saidShelley.‘Youwusphoning.’
‘Youdidn’tthinkshewasgenuinelyupsetDaiyuhaddrowned,MrsHeaton?’Strikeasked.
‘Well,shewuscryingabit,butifit’dbeenme—’
‘Youtookaginhar,’LeonardtoldShelley.
‘ShebentdowntoBettyandfussedhar,’saidShelley.‘Whassshedoingplayingwithadogwhanthere’salittlegaldrowning?’
‘Shock,’saidLeonardstaunchly.
‘Howlongwereyouaway,MrHeaton?’askedStrike.
‘Twennyminutes?Haafhour?’
‘Andhowquicklydidthecoastguardgetout?’
‘TheywusouttherenotlongahterIgotbacktothebeach,’saidLeonard.‘Weseentheboatgoingout,seenthelights,andthepolicewusonthebeachnotlongahterthat.’
‘Shewasbloodyscaredwhanthepolicegotthere,’saidShelley.
‘Natural,’saidLeonard.
‘Sherunawff,’saidShelley.
‘Shenavver,’scoffedLeonard.
‘Shedid,’saidShelley.‘“Whassthatoverthere?”Shewenttankingofftoseesomethingalongthebeach.Pebblesorweedorsomething.Sunwusjustcomingupbythen.Itwusanexcuse,’saidShelley.‘Shewantedtolookbusywhantheyarrived,pokingaroundintheweed.’
‘Thassnotrunningawff,’saidLeonard.
‘Lumpofseaweed,aseven-year-oldgal?Shewusplayingupfurthepolice.“Lookatmetryingaverythingt’findhar.”No,Idin’tlikehar,’ShelleytoldStrikeunnecessarily.‘Irresponsible,warn’tshe?Itwusharfault.’
‘Whathappenedwhenthepolicearrived,canyouremember?’askedStrike.
‘Theyaskedhowsheandthelittlegalgotthere,’causeshewarn’tlocal,’saidShelley.
‘Shetookusuptothescrappyowdtruckwithdirtandstrawalloverit,inthecarpark,’saidLeonard.‘Saidtheywusfromthatfarm,thatchurchplacefullofweirdos,upAylmertonway.’
‘YoualreadyknewabouttheUniversalHumanitarianChurch,didyou?’askedStrike.
‘FriendsofaarsinFelbrigg,they’dtowdusabouttheplace,’saidShelley
‘Weirdos,’repeatedLeonard.‘Sowe’restandinginthecarparkandthepolicewantsusalltogot’station,tomakestatements.Isays,“We’vegotafuneraltogitto.”Thegalwascrying.ThenowdMurielcomeoutthecafé,toseewhassgoingon.’
‘ThisisMurielCarter,whosawCherietakeDaiyudowntothebeach?’
‘Knowyourstuff,don’tchew?’saidShelley,asimpressedbyStrike’sthoroughnessasJordanReaneyhadbeendisconcerted.‘Ah,thassher.Usedtoownacafédownbythatbitofbeach.’
‘Didyouknowher?’
‘We’dnavverspokentoharbeforeallthishappened,’saidShelley,‘butweknewherahterthat.Shetoldthepoliceshe’dseenCheriecarryingthelittlegaloutthetruckandoffdownthebeach.Shethowtitwasstupid,thattimeinthemorning,seeingCheriewithtowelsandthat.’
‘Murielwasinhercaféveryearly,’commentedStrike.‘Thismusthaveallbeen–what,fiveinthemorning?’
‘Coffeemachinewusontheblink,’saidLeonard.‘She’nharhusbandwusintheretryinafixitbeforeopeningtime.’
‘Ah,right,’saidStrike,makinganote.
‘Murielsaidthekidwussleepy,’saidShelley.‘IsaidtoLeonardahter,“Soshewarn’tpesteringharforapaddle,then,thassjustanexcuse.”IthenkitwusCheriewhowantedtogoswimming,notthelittlegal.’
‘Doyougiveitarest,woman,’saidLeonardbeforesayingtoStrike,‘Th’onlyreasonMurielthowtthekidwussleepywus’causeCheriewascarryinghar.Kidslikebeingcarried,thatdon’tmeannothen.’
‘Wutaboutwutcomeoutattheinquest?’ShelleyaskedLeonardsharply.‘Aboutharswimming?Tell’m.’ButbeforeLeonardcoulddoso,Shelleysaid,
‘Cheriewusachampionswimmer.Shesaiditattheinquest,inthedock.’
‘Champion,’saidLeonard,withaneyeroll,‘shewarn’tachampion,shewusjussgoodatitwhanshewusakid.’
‘Shewusonateam,’saidShelley,stillspeakingtoStrike.‘She’dwonmedals.’
‘So?’saidLeonard.‘Thassnotabloodycrime.’
‘IfIwusabloodychampionswimmerI’d’vestayedoutthartohalpthelittlegal,notgawnbacktothebeach,’saidShelleyfirmly,toamurmurofagreementfromthesofa.
‘Don’tmatterhowmanymedalsyou’vegot,ariptide’sariptide,’saidLeonard,nowlookingdisgruntled.
‘Thisisinteresting,’saidStrike,andShelleylookedexcited.‘HowdidthesubjectofCherie’sswimmingcomeupattheinquest,canyouremember?’
‘Ah,Ican,’saidShelley,‘becauseshewustryin’tomakeoutitwusn’tirresponsible,takin’thelittlegalintothesea,becauseshewusastrongswimmerharself.IsaidtoLenafter,“Medalsmakeyouseeinthedark,dothey?”“Medalsmakeitollrighttotakealittlegalwhocan’tswimintotheNorthSea,dothey?”’
‘SoitwasestablishedattheinquestthatDaiyucouldn’tswim,wasit?’
‘Ah,’saidLeonard.‘Harmothersaidshe’dnavverlarned.’
‘Ididn’ttaketothatmother,’saidShelley.‘Lookedlikeawitch.’
‘Wearin’robes,Shell,warn’tshe?’pipedupSuzyfromthesofa.
‘Longblackrobes,’saidShelley,nodding.‘You’dthenk,efyouweregoingtocourt,you’dputonproperclothes.Jussrespectful.’
‘Isstheirreligion,’saidLeonard,forgettingthathe’djustdescribedthechurchmembersasweirdos.‘Youcarn’tstoppeoplefollowingtharreligion.’
‘Efyouaskme,Cheriewustheonewhowantedtheswim,’ShelleytoldStrike,disregardingherhusband’sinterjection.‘Thekidwassleepy,shewarn’taskingtogo.ItwasCherie’sidea.’
‘Youdon’tknowthat,’saidLeonard.
‘NavversaidIknewit,’saidShelleyloftily.‘Suspected.’
‘CanyourememberanydetailsCheriegaveaboutherswimmingcareer?’askedStrike.‘Thenameofaclub?Whereshetrained?I’mtryingtotraceCherieandifIcouldfindoldteammates,oracoach—’
‘Hangon,’saidLeonard,perkingup.
‘What?’saidShelley.
‘Imightbeableto’elpthar.’
‘’Ow?’saidShelleysceptically.
‘’Causeaftercourt,Ispoketohar.Shewuscryingoutside.Oneofthelittlegal’sfamilyhadjustbeentalkingtohar–havin’ago,probably.HewalkedoffquickenoughwhenIgoneovertohar,’saidLeonard,withaslightswellingofthechest.‘Ifeltsorryfurhar,an’Itowdher,“Iknowyoudoneaverythingyoucould,love.”Youwarn’tthar,youwusinthebog,’saidLeonard,forestallingShelley.‘Shesaidtome,crying,like,“ButIcould’vestoppedit”,and—’
‘Hangon,’saidStrike.‘Shesaid,“ButIcould’vestoppedit”?’
‘Ah,’saidLeonard.
‘Thoseexactwords?“Icould’vestoppedit”,not“Icouldhavesavedher”?’
Leonardhesitated,absent-mindedlysmoothingdownthefewstrandsofgreyinghairdoingsuchapoorjobofdisguisinghisbaldness.
‘Ah,itwus“Icould’vestoppedit”,’hesaid.
‘Youcan’trememberth’exactwords,notafterallthistime,’saidShelleyscornfully.
‘Doyoushetup,woman,’saidLeonard,forthesecondtime,nolongersmiling.‘Ican,an’I’lltellyouwhy,becauseIsaidbacktoher:“Nothingonearth’llstopariptide.”ThasswutIsaid.An’thenshesaid,“I’llnavvargoswimmingagain”orsumthing,an’Isaid,“Thassjusssilly,afterallthammedals,”an’shekindalaughed—’
‘Laughed!’saidShelleyindignantly.‘Laughed,an’there’sakiddead!’
‘—an’shestartedtellingmeabitaboutwhatshe’dwon,an’thenyoucomeouttathebog,’LeonardtoldShelley,‘an’saidweneededtogetbacktoBetty,sooffwewent.ButIknowwharshepractisedwusopenair,’cause—’
‘’Causeyoustartedpicturingharinharundiesagain,probably,’saidShelley,eyesonheraudience,butnobodysniggered:theywereallnowinterestedinLeonard’sstory.
‘—causeshesaidshetrainedatalido.Irememberthat.You’veolluzbeenhardonthatgal,’hesaid,lookingsidewaysathiswife.‘Shewarn’tasbadasyoumakeout.’
‘Itwusherfault,’saidShelleyimplacably,withasupportingmurmurfromthetwowomenonthesofa.‘Bloodystupidthingtodo,takeakidwhocan’tswimtothebeach,thattimeinthemorning.Ispoketothelittlegal’sauntinthebathroom,’sheadded,possiblytoevenupthescorebetweenherselfandLeonard,who’djustexcitedsomuchinterestfromStrike,‘an’sheagreedtheblamewuswhatitbelongedan’shethankedmean’Leonardfurwhutwe’ddone,gettin’thecoastguardan’ollthat,an’shesaiditwusareliefitwusollover.Poshwoman,’Shelleyaddedjudiciously,‘butverynice.’
‘Nearlythere,justafewmorequestions,’saidStrike,castinganeyeoverhisnotestocheckhehadn’tmissedanything.‘Dideitherofyouseeanyoneelseonthebeach,beforethepolicegotthere?’
‘No,therewarn’t—’beganShelley,butLeonardspokeoverher.
‘Therewus.Therewustha’jogger.’
‘Oh,yeah,therewushim,’saidShelleygrudgingly.‘Buthewarn’tnothingtodowithit.’
‘Whendidyouseehim?’askedStrike.
‘Herunpastus,’saidLeonard.‘Notlongafterwegotonthebeach.’
‘RunningtowardstheplacewhereyoumetCherie,orawayfromit?’askedStrike.
‘Away,’saidLeonard.
‘Canyourememberwhathelookedlike?’
‘Bigguy,Ithenk,’saidLeonard,‘butitwusdark.’
‘Andhewasonhisown?Jogging,notcarryinganything?’
‘No,hewarn’tcarryingnothing,’saidLeonard.
‘Giventhetimings,wouldhehavepassedCherieandDaiyuwhentheywerestillonthebeach,doyouthink?Oraftertheyenteredthewater?’
TheHeatonslookedateachother.
‘Ahter,’saidLeonard.‘Can’t’vebeenmore’nfiveminutesafterweseenhim,shecomeoutthesea,screaming.’
Strikemadeanote,thenasked,
‘Didyouseeorhearanyboatsinthearea–beforethecoastguardwentout,Imean?’
BothHeatonsshooktheirheads.
‘Andthevanwasemptywhenyougotthere?’
‘Ah,emptyandlockedup,’saidLeonard.
‘Andhowlongdidthecoastguardlookforthebody,d’youknow?’
‘Ah,theygiveitagoodfewdays,’saidLeonard.
‘Theysaidattheinquestshemust’vegotdraggeddownandgotstucksomewhar,’saidShelley.‘’S’orful,really,’shesaid,fondlinghertinydog’sears.‘Whanyouthenkaboutit…poorlittlegal.’
‘Onelastthing,’saidStrike,‘wouldyouhappentorememberanotherdrowningoffthebeach,backin1988?Awomanhadaseizureinthewater,notfarfromtheshore.’
‘’Angonamo,’pipedupthewheezyGeorgefromthesofa.‘’Eighty-eight?Irememberthat.Iwasthar!’
Hiscompanionsalllookedroundathim,surprised.
‘Ah,’saidGeorgeexcitedly,‘ifisstheoneI’mthenkingof,shewuswithalittlegal,too!’
‘Thatsoundsright,’saidStrike.‘Thedrownedwomanwastherewithherhusbandanddaughter.Didyouseewhathappened?’
‘Iseenablokewithlonghara-runningintotheseaandthenhiman’anotherblokedraggingherupalongthebeach.Thelittlegalwuscryingandscreaming.Tarriblebusiness.Thefirs’mangevharmouthtomouthuntiltheambulancecame,butIhardafteritwasnogood,shedied.Itwusinthepaper.Epileptic.Tarriblebusiness.’
‘Wut’sthatgottodowithourlittlegal?’askedacuriousShelley.
‘ThemanwhosewifediedoftheseizureinthewaterwasDaiyu’sstepfather,’saidStrike.
‘No!’saidShelleyandSuzytogether.
‘Yes,’saidStrike,closinghisnotebook.
‘Thassafunnycoincidence,’saidthewide-eyedShelley.
‘Itis,isn’tit?’saidStrike.‘Well,Ithinkthat’severything.You’vebeenveryhelpful,thankyou.IwonderwhetheryoucouldgivemedirectionstothebitofbeachwhereyoumetCherie?’
‘Straightdownth’endofourroad,turnleft,’saidLeonard,pointing.‘Youcan’tmissit,theoldcaféandcarpark’sstillthar.’
‘Andwhere—?’beganStrike,turningtoGeorge,butthelatteranticipatedthequestion.
‘Sameplace,’hesaid,andthethreewomengasped.‘Exactsameplace.’
63
Theheartthinksconstantly.Thiscannotbechanged,butthemovementsoftheheart—thatis,aman’sthoughts—shouldrestrictthemselvestotheimmediatesituation.Allthinkingthatgoesbeyondthisonlymakestheheartsore.
TheIChingorBookofChanges
IttookStrikeafurthertwentyminutestoextricatehimselffromtheHeatonsandtheirfriends,buthedidsoastactfullyandpleasantlyashecouldmanage,incaseheneededtospeaktothemagain.Onceoutside,herelaxedhisfacialmuscleswithrelief,walkedtotheendofGardenStreetandontotheesplanade.
Theskywasaflatgrey,withonesilveredpatchwherethesunwasattemptingtobreakthrough.AsStrikewalkedalongthehighpromenade,hepulledhisvapepenoutofhispocket.Evenafterlosingsomuchweightoverthelastyear,theendofhisstumpwassoreandthemusclesinhisrightthightight.Atlasthespottedashortstretchofcabinssellingcoffees,burgersandbeachtoys,besidewhichwasasmallcarpark.
This,then,wastheplacewhere,twentyyearspreviously,CherieGittinshadparkedtheoldfarmtruckandcarriedDaiyudowntothesea.
AsaltybreezestungStrike’stiredeyesasheleanedontherailings,andsquinteddownontothebeach.Inspiteoftheunpropitiousweather,therewerestillpeoplewalkingoverthepatchesofdun-colouredsandthatwerestrewnwithroundedflints,likethosethatadornedthetown’solderwalls.Anumberofroostingseagullsappearedbetweenthe
Focus.
Twodrowningshadhappenedhere,sevenyearsapart,totwoindividualsconnectedtoJonathanWace.WhathadthesobbingCheriesaidtoLeonardHeaton?‘Icouldhavestoppedit.’Not‘Icouldhavestoppedher,’but‘Icouldhavestoppedit.’Whatwas‘it’?Aplot,asKevinPirbrighthadwrittenonhisbedroomwall?Andifso,whose?
Ithadn’tescapedStrike’snoticethatwhilethreewitnesseshadseenCherieandDaiyudrivingawayfromChapmanFarm,andafurtherwitnesshadseenCheriecarryingDaiyudownontothebeach,therewerenowitnessesatallforwhathadactuallyhappenedoncetheyreachedthesea.NeithertheHeatonsnorthejoggerwho’dpassedthem(whoappearedinnopressreports)hadanythingtosayaboutthat.ForthecriticalstretchoftimeinwhichDaiyuhaddisappearedforever,theworldhadonlytheuncorroboratedwordofCherieGittins,andthemythsthathadbeenspunaroundtheDrownedProphet.
Ithadstillbeennightwhentheyreachedthebeach,Strikethought,lookingdownattheflint-strewnbeach.CouldCheriehavebeenmeetingsomebodysecretlyhere,byarrangement?She’dbeenaverystrongswimmer:hadthatbeenpartoftheplan?HadCherieplungedintotheblackwater,Daiyuperhapsclingingtohershoulders,sothatDaiyucouldbetakentoaboatmooredoffshore,wheresomebodywaswaiting?HadthatpersonspiritedDaiyuaway,perhapskilledherandburiedherelsewhere,leavingCherietoswimbacktotheshoreandenactthetragedyoftheaccidentaldrowning?OrwasitpossiblethatDaiyuwasstillalivesomewhere,livingunderadifferentname?Afterall,someabductedchildrenweren’tkilled,butkeptcaptive,orraisedbyfamiliesunconnectedtothembyblood.
OrhadCherieperhapscarriedDaiyudowntothebeachbecausethechildhadbeendopedatsomepointduringthejourney?ShemusthavebeenaliveandalertonleavingChapmanFarm,giventhatshe’dwavedatthepeoplewho’dwatchedthevanpass.CouldCheriehavegivenDaiyuadruggeddrinkenroute(‘TherewasanightwhenallthekidsweregivendrinksthatInowthinkmusthavebeendrugged,’KevinPirbrighthadwritten),sothatDaiyudrowned,notbecauseshe’dwadedunwiselyintothedeeperwater,butbecauseshewasbarelyconsciouswhileCherieheldherdownbeneaththesurface?Inwhichcase,hadCherie’sswimmingprowessbeenrequiredtodragthebodyoutintodeepwater,inthehopethatitwouldbeforeverlost,sothatnobodycouldeverperformapostmortem?
Ordidthetruthliebetweenthesetwotheories?Abodydraggedtoaboat,whereitcouldbetiedtoweights,anddisposedofinapatchofwaterthecoastguardwouldn’tthinktosearch,becausethetidesshouldhavetakenDaiyuinanentirelydifferentdirection?Yetifaboathadbeenmooredoffthedarkbeach,itwouldhavebeenexceptionallyluckytoescapethenoticeofthecoastguard:thetimemarginsweretooslimforanythingbutalarge,powerfulvesseltoescapetheareaintime,inwhichcasetheHeatonswouldsurelyhaveheardthemotoracrosstheseainthestillnessofthedawn.
Therewas,ofcourse,oneotherpossibility:thatthiswasacaseoftwogenuineaccidents,happeninginthesameplace,sevenyearsapart.
CameupthatcoldseaatCromerlikearunninggrave…
Strikegazedoutatthemeasurelessmassofwater,wonderingwhetherwhatremainedofDaiyuwassomewhereoutthere,herboneslongsincepickedclean,entangledinabrokenfishingnet,perhaps,herskullrollinggentlyontheseabedasthewavestumbledfarabove.Inwhichcase,‘Icouldhavestoppedit’meant‘Icouldhavestoppedherdemandingtogotothesea’or‘Icouldhavestoppeddoingeverythingshetoldmetodo’.
Comeoffit.
Allright,hearguedwithhimself,where’stheevidenceitwasn’tacoincidence?
Thecommondenominator.JonathanWace.
That’snotevidence.That’spartofthecoincidence.
Afterall,ifWacehadplannedhisstepdaughter’smurdertogethishandsonthequarterofamillionpoundsDaiyuwasworthdead,whyinstructCherietotakehertopreciselythesamespotwherehisfirstwifehadlostherlife?
Becausemurdererstendedtobecreaturesofhabit?Because,havingsuccessfullymurderedonce,theystucktothesamemodusoperandieverafter?MightWacehavebeenplanningabrazendoubleblufftothepolice?‘IfIwasgoingtodrownher,whywouldIdoitthere?’CouldWacehavebeenhubristicenoughtobelievehecouldcharmeveryoneintobelievingitwasallaghastlytwistoffate?
Exceptthattherewasaproblemwiththistheory,too:thedeathofthefirstMrsWacereallyhadbeenanaccident.George’stestimonycorroboratedAbigail’s:Wacehadn’tbeeninthewaterwhenhiswifedrowned,andhadtriedhisutmosttosaveher.Unless…watchingthewavesbreakontheflintsbelow,Strikewonderedwhetheritwaspossibletoinduceanepilepticfitinsomebody.Hetuggedhisnotebookoutofhispocketandwrotearemindertohimselftolookintothis.Hethenlookedbackouttosea,postponingthemomentwhenhe’dhavetowalkagain,andthinkingaboutCherieGittins.
Thegirlwho’dsofoolishlydrivenherlarcenous,knife-totingboyfriendtothepharmacybydaylightafewshortyearslater,andwho’dbeenloose-lippedenoughtoblurtout‘Icouldhavestoppedit’toLeonardHeatonoutsidethecoroner’scourt,wasnomastermind.No,ifDaiyu’sdisappearancehadbeenplanned,StrikewascertainCheriehadbeenatool,ratherthanthearchitectoftheplot.
Hisstomachrumbledloudly.Hewastired,hungryandhislegwasstillaching.ThelastthinghefeltlikedoingwasdrivingbacktoLondonthisevening.Turningreluctantlyawayfromthesea,heretracedhissteps,registeringthepresenceofanenormousandfairlyuglyredbrickhotelfacingthepierasheturnedbackintoGardenStreet.ThetemptationofcheckinginwasincreasedbythesightoftheKing’sHeadpub,whichhadapavedbeergarden,tuckeduptheHighStreettohisleft.TherearentrancetotheredbrickHoteldeParis(whyParis?)laydirectlyoppositethebeergarden,beckoninginvitingly.
Fuckit.
He’dexplaintheovernightstaytotheagency’spernicketyaccountantbyclaimingtohavebeendetainedbyhisinvestigation.InsidetheKing’sHead,heglancedatamenuonthebarbeforeorderingapintofDoomBarandaburgerandchips,justifyingthelatterbythesevenprecedingdaysofgooddietarybehaviour.
Thedampbeergardenwasdeserted,whichsuitedStrike,becausehewantedtoconcentrate.Oncesettledatatablewithhisvapepen,hetookouthismobileandgotbacktowork.HavinglookeduplidosinthevicinityofCherie’schildhoodhome,hefoundoneinHerneHill.NotforgettingthatheryouthfulswimmingcareerwouldhavehappenedunderherbirthnameofCarineMakepeace,StrikekeptGoogling,andatlast,onpagefourofhissearchresults,hefoundwhathewaslookingfor:anoldphotoofaswimmingteamcomprisingbothboysandgirls,postedtotheFacebookpageofawomancalledSarah-JaneBarnett.
Thereinthemiddleofthepicturewasagirlofelevenortwelve,inwhoseplumpfaceStrikerecognisedthesimperingsmileoftheteenagerlaterknownasCherieGittins.Beneaththepicture,Sarah-Janehadwritten:
HappymemoriesoftheoldBrockwellLido!Oh,tobethatfitagain,butitwaseasierwhenIwas12!L-RJohnCurtis(whoweallfancied!!!),TamzinCouch,StuartWhitely,CarrieMakepeace,yourstruly,KelliePowersandReeceSummers.
StrikenowpulleduptheFacebookpageofCarrieCurtisWoods,whostillhadn’tacceptedhisfollowerrequest.However,henowknewthatCheriehadoncegonebyCarrietoo,andbettereventhanthat,hehadareasonshemighthavechosenthepseudonym‘Curtis’:intributetoachildhoodcrush.
Havingfinishedhisburger,chipsandpint,Strikereturnedtothecarparktopickupasmallrucksackcontainingtoothbrush,toothpaste,cleanunderwearandarechargingleadforhisphone,whichhekeptinthebootofhiscarforunforeseenovernightstays,thenwalkedbacktotheHoteldeParis.
Hecouldhavepredictedtheinteriorfromtheexterior:therewasgrandeurinthehigharchways,crystalchandeliersandsweepingstaircaseofthelobby,butawhiffoftheyouthhostelaboutthecorknoticeboardonwhichalaminatedhistoryofthehotelhadbeenprinted.Incapableaseverofleavingaquestionunanswered,Strikecastaneyeoverthis,andlearnedthatthehotelhadbeenestablishedbyamanwhosefamilyhadfledFranceduringtherevolution.
Ashe’dhoped,hewasabletosecureasingleroom,andashesupposedwasinevitableinthesummerseason,itdidn’thaveaseaview,butlookedoutovertherooftopsofCromer.Consciouslylookingforthegood,henotedthattheroomwascleanandthebedseemedcomfortable,butnowthathewasshutinsideit,surroundedbythesamesoftyellowandredcolourschemeasthelobby,hefeltclaustrophobic,whichheknewtobeentirelyirrational.Betweenhischildhoodandthearmy,he’dsleptincars,tentspitchedonhardground,squats,thatbloodyawfulbarnatChapmanFarmandamulti-storeycarparkinAngola:hehadnoreasontocomplainofaperfectlyadequatehotelroom.
Butashehunguphisjacketandglancedaroundtodeterminehowmanybalancingaidswereavailablebetweenthebedandtheensuitebathroom,whichhe’dneedtonavigateone-leggednextmorning,thedepressionhe’dbeenfightingoffalldaysaggeddownuponhim.Lettinghimselfdropdownontothebed,hepassedahandoverhisface,unabletodistracthimselfanylongerfromthetwincausesofhislowmood:CharlotteandRobin.
Strikedespisedself-pity.He’dwitnessedseriouspoverty,traumaandhardship,bothinthemilitaryandduringhisdetectivecareer,andhebelievedincountingyourblessings.Nevertheless,Charlotte’smidnightthreatsweregnawingathim.Ifshefollowedthroughonthem,theconsequenceswouldn’tbepretty.He’dhadenoughpressinteresttoknowhowsevereathreatitposedtohisbusiness,andhewasalreadydealingwithanattemptatsabotagefromPatterson.He’dhopednevertohavetodecampfromhisofficeagain,ortoloseclientswhoneededananonymoussleuth,notanunwillingcelebrity,leastofallonetarredwiththesuspicionofviolenceagainstawoman.
HetookouthisphoneagainandGoogledhisnameandCharlotte’s.
Therewereafewhits,mostlyoldnewspaperarticlesinwhichtheirrelationshiphadbeenmentionedinpassing,includingtherecentoneaboutherassaultonLandonDormer.Soshehadn’ttalked,yet.Doubtlesshe’dknowaboutitimmediatelyifshedid:helpfulfriendswouldtexthimtheiroutrage,aspeoplealwaysdidonreadingbadnews,thinking
Heyawned,pluggedthemobileintochargeand,eventhoughitwasstillearly,wenttoshowerbeforeturningin.He’dhopedthehotwaterwouldimprovehismood,butashesoapedhimself,hefoundhisthoughtsdriftingtowardsRobin,whichbroughtnoconsolation.He’dbeenwithheronhislasttwovisitstoseasidetowns,bothtakeninthecourseofothercases:he’deatenchipswithherinSkegness,andstayedovernightinneighbouringroomsinWhitstable.
Herememberedparticularlythehoteldinnerthey’dsharedthatevening,shortlyafterhe’djustbrokenupwithhislastgirlfriend,andbeforeRobinhadgoneonherfirstdatewithRyanMurphy.Robin,heremembered,hadbeenwearingablueshirt.They’ddrunkRiojaandlaughedtogether,andwaitingupstairshadbeenthosetwobedrooms,sidebysideonthetopfloor.Everything,hethought,hadbeenpropitious:wine,seaview,bothofthemsingle,nobodyelsearoundtointerrupt,andwhathadhedone?Nothing.Eventellingherthathisrelationship–short,unsatisfactoryandundertakenpurelytodistracthimselffrominconvenientdesireforhispartner–wasovermighthaveprecipitatedaconversationthatwouldhavedrawnoutRobin’sownfeelings,butinsteadhe’dmaintainedhishabitualreserve,determinednottomessuptheirfriendshipandbusinesspartnership,butafraid,too,ofrejection.Hisone,admittedlyaborted,drunkenmovetokissRobin,outsidetheRitzHotelonherthirtieth,hadbeenmetwithsuchalookofhorrorthatitremainedbrandedonhismemory.
Naked,hereturnedtothebedroomtotakeoffhisprosthesis.Asitpartedunwillinglywiththegelpadattheendofhisstump,helistenedtotheseagullswheelingoverheadinthesunsetandwishedtoGodhe’dsaidsomethingthatnightinWhitstable,becauseifhehad,hemightnotcurrentlybefeelingsobloodymiserable,andrestingallhishopesonRyanMurphysuccumbingtoonemorealcoholicdrink.
64
Nineinthethirdplace…Darkeningofthelightduringthehuntinthesouth…Onemustnotexpectperseverancetoosoon.
TheIChingorBookofChanges
Strikewokenextmorningtoamomentofconfusionastowherehewas.He’dbeendreamingthathewassittingbesideRobininheroldLandRoverandexchanginganecdotesaboutdrowning,whichinthedreambothhadexperiencedseveraltimes.
Blearyeyed,hereachedacrosstohismobiletosilencethealarmandimmediatelysawthatseventextshadcomeinoverthelasthalfanhour:fromPat,Lucy,Prudence,Shanker,Ilsa,DavePolworthandjournalistFergusRobertson.Withalurchofdread,heopenedPat’smessage.
Hersister’sjustcalled.Isaidyouweren’there.Hopeyou’reallright.
StrikeopenedLucy’snext.
Stick,I’msosorry,I’vejustseen.It’sawful.Idon’tknowwhatelsetosay.Hopeyou’reokxxx
Nowwitharealsenseofforeboding,StrikehitchedhimselfupinbedandopenedthetextfromFergusRobertson.
I’vegotthenewsdeskaskingifyou’vegotacomment.Mightbewisetogivethemsomething,geteveryoneoffyourback.Don’tknowifyou’reaware,butthere’sarumoursheleftanote.
Hisheartnowbeatinguncomfortablyfast,StrikeopenedhisphonebrowserandtypedinCharlotte’sname.
DeathofanIt-Girl:CharlotteCampbellFoundDeadFormerWildChildCharlotteCampbellFoundDeadbyCleanerCharlotteCampbellDeadinWakeofAssaultCharge
Hestaredattheheadlines,unabletotakeinwhathewasseeing.Thenhepressedthelinktothelaststory.
CharlotteCampbell,modelandsocialite,hasdiedbysuicideattheageof41,herfamily’slawyerconfirmedonFridayevening.InastatementissuedtoTheTimes,Campbell’smotherandsistersaid,‘OurbelovedCharlottetookherownlifeonThursdaynight.Charlottewasunderconsiderablestressfollowingabaselessaccusationofassaultandsubsequentharassmentbythepress.Werequestprivacyatthisverydifficulttime,particularlyforCharlotte’sadoredyoungchildren.’‘We’velostthefunniest,cleverest,mostoriginalwomananyofusknew,’saidCampbell’shalf-brother,actorSachaLegard,inaseparatestatement.‘I’mjustoneoftheheartbrokenpeoplewholovedher,strugglingtocomprehendthefactthatwe’llneverhearherlaughagain.DeathliesonherlikeanuntimelyfrostUponthesweetestflowerofallthefield.’TheyoungerdaughterofbroadcasterSirAnthonyCampbellandmodelTaraClairmont,CampbellmarriedJagoRoss,ViscountofCroy,in2011.Thecouplehadtwinsbeforedivorcinglastyear.Priortohermarriageshewasthelong-termgirlfriendofprivatedetectiveCormoranStrike,eldestsonofrockstarJonnyRokeby.MorerecentlyCampbelldatedLandonDormer,AmericanbillionairescionoftheDormerhotelempire,buttherelationshipendedtendaysagowithCampbell’sarrestforassault.FriendsofDormerassertthatherequiredstitchestohisfaceafteranaltercationatDormer’sFitzroviaapartment.Campbell,whofirstmadenewswhensheranawayfromCheltenhamLadies’Collegeaged14,gainedadegreeinClassicsatOxfordbeforebecomingaregularfixtureontheLondonsocialscene.Describedas‘mercurialandmesmerising’byVogue,sheworkedintermittentlyasamodelandfashionwriter,andspentseveralspellsinrehabduringthe90sand00s.In2014shewasadmittedtothecontroversialSymondsHouse,aprivatepsychiatricandaddictionclinic,fromwhichshewashospitalisedafterwhatwaslaterdescribedasanaccidentaloverdose.Campbell’sbodyisbelievedtohavebeendiscoveredbyacleaneryesterdaymorningatherMayfairflat.
BloodthuddedinStrike’sears.Hescrolledslowlybackupthearticle.
Twopicturesaccompaniedthepiece:thefirstshowedCharlotteinacademicgownalongsideherparentsonhergraduationdayatOxfordinthenineties.StrikerememberedseeingthepictureinthepresswhilestationedinGermanywiththemilitarypolice.UnbeknownsttoSirAnthonyandhiswife,Tara,bothofwhomhadloathedStrike,heandCharlottehadalreadyresumedtheiraffairatlongdistance.
ThesecondpictureshowedCharlottesmilingintothecamera,wearingaheavy,emerald-studdedchoker.Thiswasapublicitystillforajewellerycollection,andtheirrelevantthoughtflashedthroughhisnumbbrainthatthedesigner,whomhe’dbrieflydated,wouldsurelybegladithadbeenused.
‘Fuck,’hemuttered,pushinghimselfuponhispillows.‘Fuck.’
Shockwasbattlingaheavysenseofabsoluteinevitability.ThefinalhandhadbeenplayedandCharlottehadbeenwipedout,withnothingmoretobetandnowheretofindcredit.Shemusthavedoneitrightaftercallinghim.Hadoneofthevoicemailmessageshe’ddeletedmadeherintentionsexplicit?AfterthreateningtogotoRobinandtellherwhatStrikereallywas,hadCharlottebrokendownandpleadedwithhimtocontactheroncemore?Hadshethreatened(asshe’ddonesomanytimesbefore)tokillherselfifhedidn’tgiveherwhatshewanted?
Mechanically,Strikeopenedtheothertextshe’dbeensent.HecouldhavepredictedallofthemexceptDavePolworth’s.DavehadalwaysloathedCharlotte,andhadoftentoldStrikehewasafooltokeeptakingherback.
Bitofafuckerthis,Diddy.
TheseweretheexactwordsPolworthhadspokenonfirstvisitingStrikeinSellyOakMilitaryHospital,followingStrike’slossofhalfaleg.
Strikesetdownhisphonewithoutansweringanyofthetexts,swunghisoneandahalflegsoutofthebedandhoppedofftowardsthebathroom,usingthewallandthedoorjambtobalance.Amidstthemanyemotionsnowassailinghimwasaterribleechoofthedayhe’dfoundouthismotherhaddied.Griefstrickenthoughhe’dbeen,theburdenofworryanddreadhe’dcarriedwithhimlikeadeadweightthroughoutLeda’ssecondmarriagetoaviolent,volatile,drug-usingyoungermanhadbecomeredundant:he’dneveragainneedtofearhearingterriblenews,becausethenewshadcome.Asimilar,shamefultraceofreliefwastwistedinamonghisconflictingemotionsnow:theworsthadhappened,soheneedneveragainfeartheworst.
Havingemptiedhisbladderandcleanedhisteeth,hedressedandputonhisprosthesis,entirelyforgettingbreakfast.Hecheckedoutofthehotel,sodistractedthathecouldn’thavesaidwithanycertaintywhatsexthereceptionistwas.
Couldhehavestoppedithappening?Yes,probably,butatwhatcost?Ongoingcontact,escalatingdemandsandpleastoreunitewithawomanwholivedhalfaddictedtoherownpain.He’dlongsinceabandonedthehopeofanypossibilityofrealchangeinCharlotte,becauseofheradamantineresistancetoanysuccourbutdrink,drugsandCormoranStrike.
HedroveoutofrainsweptCromerthinkingaboutCharlotte’smessy,fracturedfamily,whichwaslitteredwithstep-parentsandhalf-siblingsandrivenwithfeudsandaddiction.OurbelovedCharlotte…
StrikewaspassingChapmanFarm.Heglancedleft,andspottedthatoddtoweronthehorizonagain.Onawhim,hetookthenextleftturn.Hewasgoingtofindoutwhatthattoweractuallywas.
Whyonearththis,now?saidCharlotte’sangryvoiceinhishead.Whatdoesitmatter?
Itmatterstome,Strikerepliedsilently.
Hisoneunfailingrefugeanddistractionintimesoftrouble,eversincehecouldremember,hadbeentodetangleandunravel,totryandimposeorderonthechaoticworld,toresolvemysteries,toscratchhispersistentitchfortruth.FindingoutwhatthattowerreallywashadnothingtodowithCharlotte,yethadeverythingtodowithCharlotte.Hewasn’talittleboyanymore,vaguelythreatenedbythewatchingtower,eventhoughtherewerefarmorethingstoworryaboutcloserathand,withhismotheroutofsightinthewoodsandpredatorsallaroundhim.Norwashethenineteen-year-oldwho’dfalleninlovewithOxford’smostbeautifulstudent,toodazzledanddisarmedthatsheseemedtolovehimbacktoseeherclearly.Ifhedidnothingelsetoday,he’ddemystifythetowerthathadlurkedinhismemoryasasymbolofoneoftheworsttimesofhislife.
IttookhimonlyafewminutestoreachthehilltopintheBMW,andthereitwas:achurch,asheshouldhaveknownitwouldbe:averyoldNorfolkchurch,facedwithflintrubblelikesomanyofthebuildingshe’dpassedinCromer.
Hegotoutofthecar.AsignattheentrancetothesmallgraveyardtoldhimthiswasStJohntheBaptistChurch.Drivenbyimpulseshedidn’tfullyunderstandhepassedthroughthegate,andfoundhimselftryingthedoorofthechurch.He’dexpectedittobelocked,butitopened.
Theinteriorwassmall,white-walled,andempty.Strike’sfootstepsechoedashewalkeduptheaisle,eyesfixedonaplaingoldcrossonthealtar.Thenhesatdownononeofthehardwoodenpews.
Hedidn’tbelieveinGod,butsomeofthepeoplehe’dlovedandadmireddid.HisAuntJoanhadhadanunshowyfaith,andherbeliefincertainformsandstructureshadprovidedajarringcontrasttohismother’sdisdainforboundariesandeveryformofsmall-townrespectability.JoanhadmadeStrikeandLucygotoSundayschoolduringtheirspellsinStMawes,andthesesessionshadboredandoppressedhimasachild,yetthememoryofthoselessonswasstrangelypleasingashesatonthehardpew:howmuchsweeterhadthedashtothebeachbeen,afterwards?HowmuchmoresatisfyingthegamesofimaginationheandLucyhadplayed,oncereleasedfromthetiresomeactivitiestheywereforcedtodowhileTedandJoanweretakingcommunion?Perhaps,hethoughtvaguely,abitofboredomwasnobadthingforkids.
FootstepsbehindStrikemadehimlookround.
‘Goodmorning,’saidthenewcomer,amaninlatemiddleagewithalong,palefaceandmildeyes,likeasheep.Histrouserswerefastenedwithbicycleclips,whichStrikehadn’tseenforyears.
‘Morning,’saidthedetective.
‘Everythingollright?’
Strikewonderedwhetherthemanwastherector.Heworenodogcollar,butthen,ofcourse,itwasn’tSunday.Howcanyouthinkaboutthatnow,whydoyoucareabouthisdogcollar,whythismaniaforworkingthingsout?
‘SomeoneIknow’sjustdied.’
‘I’mverysorrytohearthat,’saidtheman,withsuchobvioussinceritythatStrikesaid,asthoughtoconsolethestranger,
‘She’dbeenunwellforalongtime.’
‘Ah,’saidtheman.‘Still.’
‘Yeah,’saidStrike.
‘I’llleaveyou,’saidtheother,hisvoicenowhushed,andheproceededdowntheaisleandoutofsight,intowhatStrikeassumedwasthevestry,probablyremovinghimselfsothatStrikecouldprayinpeace.Hedidinfactclosehiseyes,thoughnottospeaktoGod.HeknewwhatCharlottewouldhavesaidtohimnow,ifshewerehere.
I’moutofyourhairnow,Bluey.Youshouldbeglad.
Ididn’twantyoudead,heanswered,insidehishead.
Butyouknewyouweretheonlyonewhocouldsaveme.Iwarnedyou,Bluey.
Youcan’tholdontosomeonebythreateningtotopyourselfiftheyleaveItisn’tright.Youhadkids.Youshouldhavestayedaliveforthem.
Ah,OK.Hecouldvisualisehercoldsmile.Well,ifthat’showyouwanttoframethis.I’mdead.Ican’targue.
Don’tplaythatgamewithme.Hisangerwasrisingasthoughshewerereallyhereinthissilentchurch.IgaveyoueverythingIhadtogive.IputupwithshitI’llneverputupwithagain.
Robin’sasaint,isshe?Howboring,saidCharlotte,nowsmirkingathim.Youusedtolikeachallenge.
She’snotasaintanymorethanIam,butshe’sagoodperson.
Andnow,tohisanger,hefelttearscoming.
Iwantagoodpersonforachange,Charlotte.I’msickoffilthandmessandscenes.Iwantsomethingdifferent.
WouldRobinkillherselfoveryou?
Ofcourseshewouldn’t.She’sgotmorebloodysense.
Everythingwehad,everythingweshared,andyouwantsomeonesensible?TheCormoranIknewwouldhavelaughedattheideaofwantingsomeonesensible.Don’tyouremember?‘Sunsriseandset,butforusthere’sonebriefdaythenoneperpetualnight.Sokissmeathousandtimes…’
Iwasamessed-upfuckingkidwhenIquotedthatatyou.That’snotwhoIamanymore.ButI’dstillratheryou’dlived,andbeenhappy.
Iwasneverhappy,saidtheCharlottewhowassometimesbrutallyhonest,whennothingelsehadworked,andanotherviciousscenehadleftbothofthemexhausted.Amused,sometimes.Neverhappy.
Yeah,Iknow.
Andheechoedthekindlymaninthebicycleclips.
Still.
Heopenedhisdampeyesagaintostareatthecrossonthealtar.Hemightnotbelieve,butthecrossmeantsomethingtohim,nonetheless.ItstoodforTedandJoan,fororderandstability,butalsofortheunknowableandunresolvable,forthehumancravingformeaninginchaos,andforthehopeofsomethingbeyondtheworldofpainandendlessstriving.Somemysterieswereeternalandunresolvablebyman,andtherewasreliefinacceptingthat,inadmittingit.Death,love,theendlesscomplexityofhumanbeings:onlyafoolwouldclaimtofullyunderstandanyofthem.
Andashesatinthishumbleoldchurch,withtheroundtowerthatlostitssinisteraspectwhenseenupclose,helookedbackontheteenagerwho’dleftLedaandherdangerousnaivetyonlytofallforCharlotte,andherequallydangeroussophistication,andknewdefinitively,forthefirsttime,thathewasnolongerthepersonwho’dcravedeitherofthem.Heforgavetheteenagerwho’dpursuedadestructiveforcebecausehethoughthecouldtameit,andtherebyrighttheuniverse,andmakeallcomprehensibleandsafe.Hewasn’tsodifferentfromLucy,afterall.They’dbothsetouttorefashiontheirworlds,they’djustdoneitinverydifferentways.Ifhewaslucky,hehadhalfhislifetoliveagain,anditwastimetogiveupthingsfarmoreharmfulthansmokingandchips,timetoadmittohimselfheshouldseeksomethingnew,asopposedtowhatwasdamagingbutfamiliar.
Thekindlysheep-facedmanhadreappeared.Ashemadehiswaybackdowntheaisle,hepauseduncertainlybesideStrike.
‘Ihopeyou’vefoundwhatyouneeded.’
‘Ihave,’saidStrike.‘Thankyou.’
PARTFIVE
K’uei/OppositionAbove,fire;below,thelake:TheimageofOPPOSITION.ThusamidallfellowshipThesuperiormanretainshisindividuality.TheIChingorBookofChanges65
Thelineisyieldingandstandsbetweentwostronglines;itcanbecomparedtoawomanwhohaslostherveilandisconsequentlyexposedtoattack.
TheIChingorBookofChanges
AsStrikesawnoreasontoinformRobineitherofCharlotte’ssuicideorhisdetourtoStJohntheBaptistinhisnextletter,sheonlyknewthathe’dbeentoCromertointerviewtheHeatons.LearningthatherpartnerpassedwithinamileofChapmanFarmonhiswaytothecoastmadeRobinfeelevenlonelier.She,too,thoughtbacktothetwoseasidetownsthey’dvisitedtogetherinthecourseofpreviousinvestigations,especiallythedinnerinWhitstable:thewhitecoralonthemantelpiecessetagainstslate-colouredwalls,andthesightofStrikelaughingoppositeher,framedagainstawindowthroughwhichshewatchedtheseaturningindigointhefadinglight.Luckily,Robin’stirednesscurtailedatendencytodwellonoranalysethefeelingsthesememoriesevoked.
ShereadhisaccountofhisinterviewwiththeHeatonsthreetimesbytorchlight,wantingtobeabsolutelysuresherememberedallofitbeforetearingitup.NowevenmoredeterminedtofindoutasmuchasshecouldaboutDaiyu’sdeath,RobinresolvedtorenewhereffortstobefriendEmilyPirbright,ataskfareasierplannedthanaccomplished.Overthenextfewdays,shetriedandfailedtoplaceherselfwithinEmily’svicinityuntil,aweekafterreceivingStrike’slastletter,anunexpectedopportunityarose.
Robinwasapproachedatbreakfastbytheyoungmanwithshortdreadlocks,whoinformedhershe’dbejoiningagroupgoingintoNorwichthatmorningtocollectmoneyforthechurch.
‘Tidyyourselfup,’hetoldher.‘There’llbeacleantracksuitonyourbed.Theminibusleavesinhalfanhour.’
Robinhadbecomeusedtocasualmentionoflengthsoftimethatwereimpossibletomeasureforordinarychurchmembers,andhadlearneditwassafesttoassumetheinstructionmeant‘doitasquicklyaspossible’.Inconsequence,shegulpeddowntherestofherporridgeratherthantrying,assheusuallydid,tomakeitlast.
Whensheenteredthedormitoryshesawfreshtracksuitslaidoutontheirbeds,whichwerenolongerscarletbutwhite.Fromthis,RobindeducedthatthechurchhadnowmovedintotheseasonoftheDrownedProphet.ThenshespottedEmily,whowaspullingoffherredtop.
‘Oh,you’recomingtoo,Emily?’saidVivienneinsurprise,whensheenteredthedormitoryacoupleofminutesafterRobin.EmilythrewVivienneanunfriendlylookassheturnedaway,tuggingonacleansweatshirt.
RobindeliberatelyleftthedormitoryalongsidethesilentEmily,hopingtositbesideherontheminibus,butthey’dgoneonlyafewyardswhenRobinheardamalevoicecalling,‘Rowena!’
Robinturnedandherspiritsplummeted:Taiohadreturnedtothefarm.He,too,waswearingacleanwhitetracksuit,andappearedtohavewashedhishairforonce.
‘Hello,’Robinsaid,tryingtolookhappytoseehim,asEmilywalkedon,headdown,armsfolded.
‘Ichoseyoutocomeoutwiththefundraisinggrouptoday,’Taiosaid,beckoninghertowalkwithhimacrossthecourtyard,‘becauseI’vebeenthinkingaboutyouwhileIwasaway,thinkingyoushouldbegivenafewmoreopportunitiestodemonstrateachangeinthinking.Ihearyoudonatedtothechurch,incidentally.Verygenerous.’
‘No,’saidRobin,whowasn’tgoingtofallintothekindoftrapthechurcheldersregularlysetfortheunwary,‘itwasn’tgenerous.Youwereright,Ishouldhavedoneitearlier.’
‘Goodgirl,’saidTaio,reachingoutandmassagingthebackofherneck,causinggoosefleshtoriseonRobin’sbackandarmsagain.‘Ontheothermatter,’hesaidinalowervoice,hishandstillrestingonherneck,‘I’mgoingtowaitforyoutocometome,andaskforspiritbonding.Thatwillshowarealchangeofattitude,arealabandonmentofegomotivity.’
‘OK,’saidRobin,unabletolookathim.ShesawEmilyglancebackatthepairofthem,herfaceexpressionless.
BoxesofUHCmerchandiseandcollectingboxesbearingtheUHC’sheart-shapedlogowerealreadybeingloadedontotheminibusbyJiangandacoupleofothermen.WhenRobingotonthebusshefoundEmilyalreadysittingbesideAmandeep,sochosetositnexttoWalter,withEmilydirectlyacrosstheaisle.
Itwasstillveryearlyandtheskyoverheadhadapearlescentglow.Astheminibusdrovedownthedriveandoutthroughtheelectricgates,Robinfeltasurgeofelation:shewasasexcitedaboutseeingtheoutsideworldagainasshe’dhavebeenboardingaplanetoafabulousholiday.Emily’srightleg,shenoticed,wasjumpingnervouslyupanddown.
‘Right,’saidTaio,speakingfromthefrontofthebus,whichhisbrotherJiangwasdriving.‘Awordforthoseofyouwhohaven’tyetfundraisedforus.Someofyouwillbemanningthestallsellingmerchandise,andtherestwillbeusingthecollectingboxes.Anyinterestinthechurch,givethemapamphlet.Today’stakewillbedividedbetweenouryoungpeople’sdrop-incentreinNorwichandourclimatechangeawarenessprogramme.We’vegotposters,butbereadytoanswerquestions.
‘Remember,everysinglecontactwithaBPisanopportunitytosaveasoul,soIwanttoseelotsofpositivity.Allinteractionswiththepublicareachancetoshowhowpassionateweareaboutourmissiontochangetheworld.’
‘Hear,hear,’saidWalterloudly;hewasfarthinnerthanhe’dbeenonjoiningthechurchandhisskinnowhadaslightlygreytinge.Heseemedneitherasconfidentnorastalkativeashe’dbeenonarrivalatChapmanFarm,andhishandshadaslighttremor.
Almostanhourafterithadleftthefarm,theminibuspassedovertheRiverWensumandenteredthecityofNorwich.Robin,who’donlyeverseenthecitywhiletravellingtoChapmanFarm,noticedmoreflint-coveredwallsandmanychurchspiresonthehorizon.Thecolourfulshopfronts,billboardsandrestaurantsbroughtadoublesenseoffamiliarityandstrangeness.Howodd,toseepeopleinnormalclothinggoingabouttheirbusiness,allinpossessionoftheirownmoney,theirownphones,theirowndoorkeys.
Now,forthefirsttime,RobintrulyappreciatedthebraveryitmusthavetakenforKevinPirbright,who’dlivedatthefarmsincetheageofthree,tobreakfreeandwalkoutintowhatmusthaveseemedtohimastrangeandoverwhelmingworldofwhichhedidn’tknowtherules,withhardlyanymoney,nojob,andonlythetracksuithewaswearing.Howhadhemanagedtogethimselfarentedroom,smallandshabbythoughithadbeen?Howchallenginghaditbeentofindouthowtoclaimbenefits,togethimselfalaptop,tosetaboutwritinghisbook?GlancingatEmily,Robinsawthewomantransfixedbyallshewasseeingthroughthewindow,andwonderedwhenwasthelasttimeEmilyhadbeenpermittedtosetfootoutsideoneoftheUHCcentres.
OnceJianghadparkedtheminibus,themerchandisewasunloadedandthreeoftheyoungermenshoulderedtheheavycomponentsofthestalltheywereabouttosetup.Therest,includingRobin,carriedtheboxesofplushturtles,corndollies,postersandpamphlets.Taiocarriednothing,butwalkedahead,occasionallyexhortingtherestofthestrugglinggrouptokeepup,themetalpolesofthestallclankinginanarmykitbag.
Oncethey’dreachedthejunctionofthreepedestrianisedstreets,whichwouldbeabusythoroughfareoncethesurroundingshopsopened,theexperiencedyoungermensetupthestallinsurprisinglyquicktime.RobinhelpedsetoutthemerchandiseandpinglossypostersofUHCprojectstothefrontofthestall.
She’dhopedtobegivenacollectingbox,becausethatwouldgivehermostfreedom;shemightevenbeabletoslipintoashopandcheckanewspaper.However,TaiotoldhertomanthestallwithVivienne.Hetheninformedthosedepartingtocollectmoneysothatmembers‘averaged’ahundredpoundsaday.Whilehedidn’tsaysoexplicitly,Robincouldtellthatthecollectorsgotthemessagethattheyshouldn’tcomebackwithoutthatamount,andshewatchedinfrustrationasEmilyandJiang,who’dbeenputinapairtogether,walkedoutofsight.
Oncethesurroundingshopshadopened,thenumbersofpeoplepassingthestallincreasedsteadily.Taiohungaroundforthefirsthour,watchingRobinandVivienneinteractwithcustomersandcritiquingthembetweensales.Thecuddlyturtles,whichwerepopularwithchildren,werethebiggestdraw.TaiotoldRobinandViviennethatifpeopledecidednottobuyaturtleoracorndolly,theyshouldstillbeofferedthecollectingboxforadonationtothechurch’sprojects,astrategythatwassurprisinglyeffective:mostofthosetheyaskeddonatedafewcoinsorevenanotetoescapetheawkwardnessofnothavingboughtanything.
Atlast,toRobin’srelief,Taiolefttocheckhowthosewithcollectingboxesweregettingon.Assoonashewasoutofearshot,VivienneturnedtoRobinandsaid,inherusualwould-beworking-classvoicethatlapsedwhensheforgotherself,
‘Ican’tbelieve’eletEmilycome.’
‘Why?’askedRobin.
‘Don’tyouknowabou’whathappenedinBirmingham?’
‘No,what?’
Vivienneglancedaround,thensaidinalowervoice,
‘ShegotintoaCRwithaguyupthere.’
This,Robinknew,meantarelationshipanybodyoutsidethechurchwouldconsiderunexceptional:amonogamouspartnershipbeginninginmutualsexualattraction,whichtheUHCconsideredanunhealthyextensionofthepossessioninstinct
‘Oh,wow,’saidRobin.‘Ididn’tknow.’
‘Yeah,butthat’snotall,’saidVivienne.‘Shetoldtheguyatonofliesthatmade’imquestionhisfaith,andheendeduptalkingtoachurchelderaboutit,whichiswhyshegotrelocatedtoChapmanFarm.’
‘Wow,’saidRobinagain.‘Whatkindoflies?’
Again,Vivienneglancedaroundbeforespeaking.
‘OK,don’tspreadthisaround,butyouknow’owsheandBeccaknewtheDrownedProphet?’
‘Yes,I’veheardthat,’saidRobin.
‘Well,itwasstuffaboutDaiyu,apparently.Justuttershit.’
‘Whatdidshetellhim?’
‘Idon’tknow,’saidVivienne,‘butitwassobad,thisguynearlyleftthechurch.’
‘Howd’youknowallthis?’askedRobin,carefultosoundadmiringofVivienne’ssuperiorknowledge.
‘Igottalkingtooneoftheothergirlswhogotrelocated.ShetoldmeEmilyandthisguywere,like,sneakingofftogetherandrefusingspiritbondingwithanyoneelse.Itwaspurematerialism.ThegirlthinksEmilywasactuallytryingtomakehimgoDVwithher.’
‘That’sterrible,’saidRobin.
‘Iknow,’saidVivienne.‘Apparently,theyhadtodragherontotheminibus.Shewasshouting“Iloveyou”attheguy.’Vivienne’sexpressionwasdisgusted.‘Canyouimagine?ButthankGodhejustwalkedaway.’
‘Yeah,’saidRobin.‘ThankGod.’
Vivienneturnedawaytoserveamotherwhosesmallchildhaddraggedherovertolookattheplushturtles.Whenthey’ddeparted,thelittleboyclutchinghisnewturtle,VivienneturnedbacktoRobin.
‘YouknowPapaJ’sbeeninLA?’Hervoicesoftenedasshesaid‘PapaJ’;clearly,Robin’scompanionwasnowasthoroughlysmittenwiththechurch’sfounderasmostofthewomenatChapmanFarm,andindeedsomeofthemen.‘Well,he’scomingbacknextweek.’
‘Really?’saidRobin.
‘Yeah.HealwayscomesbackfortheManifestationoftheDrownedProphet…Haveyouspiritbondedwithhim?’
‘No,’saidRobin.‘Haveyou?’
‘No,’sighedVivienne,herlongingquiteevident.
Taiocamebackseveraltimesoverthenextcoupleofhourstocheckhowmuchmoneywasinthestrongboxunderneaththetable.Ononeoftheseoccasions,hearrivedchewing,andbrushedflakesofwhatlookedlikepastryfromaroundhismouth.Heneithersuggestedthattheothertwoeatanything,norbroughtthemanyfood.
Hourspassed,andRobinstartedtofeellight-headedbywhatsheknew,fromthepositionofthesun,mustbemid-afternoon.Inuredthoughshewastohungerandtirednessatthefarm,itwasanewchallengetostandononespotforsolong,havingtosmile,makecheerfulconversationandproselytiseforthechurchwhilethesunbeatdownonyou,andwithouteventheusualmealofsloppynoodlesandovercookedvegetablestosustainher.
‘Robin!’
‘Yes?’
Sheturnedautomaticallytowardsthepersonwho’dspokenhername,andonesecondoficyhorrorlater,realisedwhatshe’ddone.Alittleboywhowasholdingaplush,red-breastedbirdinonehand,andintroducingittotheturtlehisfatherhadjustboughthim.ViviennewaslookingatRobinstrangely.
‘It’smynickname,’RobintoldVivienne,forcingalaugh,asthefatherandsonwalkedaway.‘It’swhatmysis—Imean,oneofmyfleshobjectscallsme,sometimes.’
‘Oh,’saidVivienne.‘Why’sshecallyouRobin?’
‘ShehadabookaboutRobinHood,’Robininventedwildly.‘Itwasherfavourite,beforeIwasborn.ShewantedmyparentstocallmeRob—’
Shebrokeoff.Taiowasrunningdownthestreettowardsthem,red-facedandsweaty:headsturnedashegalumphedpastshoppersinhiswhitetracksuit,hisfacebothangryandpanicked.
‘Problem,’hepanted,onarrivingatthestall.‘Emily’sgone.’
‘What?’gaspedVivienne.
‘FuckingJiang,’saidTaio.‘Givemethestrongboxandpackupthemerchandise.We’vegottofindher.’
66
DECREASEcombinedwithsincerity…Itfurthersonetoundertakesomething.Howisthistobecarriedout?Onemayusetwosmallbowlsforthesacrifice.
TheIChingorBookofChanges
WhenTaiohadrunoffclutchingthestrongbox,RobinandViviennestrippedthestall,leavingthemetalframestanding.
‘Justleaveallthat,’saidVivienneinpanic,asRobinstuffedthelastoftheturtlesandcorndolliesbackintotheirboxes.‘OhmyGod.Whatifshe’sgoneDV?’
ThecollectingboxrattledinRobin’shandsassheandViviennesetoffatajogupCastleStreet.RobinwonderedatVivienne’stotal,unquestioningacceptanceofthefactthatagrownwomanchoosingtobreakawayfromthegroupwasdangerous.DidnothingaboutVivienne’sownpanicmakeheraskwhysuchstrictcontrolwasnecessary?Apparentlynot:Viviennewasdartingintoeveryshoptheypassed,asalarmedasamothermightbeonfindingouthertoddlerhadgonemissing.Intheirmatchingwhitetracksuits,withthenoisycollectingboxclutchedtoRobin’schest,thepairdrewmorestartledlooksfrompassers-by.
‘Isthather?’gaspedVivienne.
RobinsawtheflashofwhiteViviennehadspotted,butitturnedouttobeashaven-headedyouthinanEnglandfootballstrip.
‘Wait,’pantedRobin,joggingtoahalt.‘Vivienne,wait!Weshouldsplitup,we’llcovermoreground.Youcheckdownthere–’RobinpointedatDaveyPlace‘–andI’llkeepgoingthisway.We’llmeetbackatthestallifwehaven’tfoundherinanhour,OK?’
‘Howwillweknow—?’
‘Justasksomeonethetime!’
‘Allright,’saidVivienne,althoughshelookedscaredatbeingleftonherown,‘Isupposethatmakessense.’
FearingthatViviennemightchangehermindifgiventimetothinkaboutit,Robinsetoffatarunagainand,glancingoverhershoulder,wasrelievedtoseeViviennedisappearintoDaveyPlace.
Robinimmediatelyturnedleftupasideroad,emergingontoawidestreet,whichranpastahugegrassymoundontopofwhichstoodNorwichCastle,anenormousandimposingcrenellatedcubeofstone.
Robinleanedbackagainstthewallofashoptocatchherbreath.Aftershocksathavingbeensofoolishastorespondtoherrealnamewerestillricochetingthroughher.Hadherexplanationbeengoodenough?MightVivienneforgetthelapse,intheshockofhearingthatEmilyhaddisappeared?Lookingupattheimposingfa?adeofthecastle,sheheardStrike’svoiceinherhead:
You’recompromised.You’veputyourrealidentitywithingraspingdistanceofanyonewhogetssuspiciousofyou.Getoutnow.Onemoremistakeandyou’retoast.
Andthat,Robinthoughtguiltily,waswithoutStrikeknowingthatLinhadcaughtherwiththetorchinthewoods.Shecouldjustimaginewhathe’dsaytothat,too.
Justbecauseshehasn’ttalkedyetdoesn’tmeanshewon’t.Allitneedsisafewpeopletosharetheirsuspicions.
Robinimaginedgoingtoatelephoneboxnow,justasNiamhDoherty’sfatherhaddonesomanyyearsago,andmakingareversechargecalltotheofficetotellPatsheneededtocomeout.ThethoughtofhearingPat’sgruffvoice,ofknowingshe’dneverhavetoreturntoChapmanFarm,ofbeingsafeforeveragainstthethreatofTaioandspiritbonding,wasincrediblytempting.
Butagainstallofthatwasthejobstillundone.She’ddiscoverednothingsufficientlydamagingaboutthechurchtoforceameetingbetweenWillEdensorandhisfamily.Whileshehadafewtitbitsthatmightbecompromising,suchasGilesHarmon’sliaisonwiththepossiblyunderageLin,RobindoubtedherwordwouldstandupagainstthemightoftheUHC’slawyers,especiallyasLin,bornandraisedintheUHC,washighlyunlikelytogiveevidenceagainstaPrincipalofthechurch.
I’vegottostay,shetoldtheStrikeinherhead,andIknowyouwould,too,ifyouwereme.
Robinclosedhereyesforamomentortwo,exhaustedandhungry,andamongthedisconnectedthoughtsslidingthroughhermindwas,andthere’sRyan.
Ryan,whomshethoughtaboutfarlessthanStrikethesedays…butthat,surely,wasbecauseshewassofocusedonthejob…itwasnatural,inevitable…
Robintookadeepbreathandsetoffagain,scanningthestreetforEmily,thoughshewascertainthewomanwaslonggone.Shemighthavehitchedalift,ormadeareversechargecallofherowntosomerelativewhomightbeabletocomeandcollecther.Withluck,though,theagencywouldbeabletotraceEmilyontheoutside…
‘What?’Robinexclaimed,comingtoanabrupthalt,hereyesonafoldedcopyofTheTimesinarackattheentrancetoanewsagents.Evidently,BritainhadvotedtoleavetheEU.
She’djustliftedthepaperoutoftheracktoreadthestory,whenshesawawhite-cladfigureinthedistance.Jiangwasapproachingfromtheoppositedirection,hisexpressionfurious.Robinstuffedthepaperhastilybackintoitsslot,wheeledaroundandhurriedbackthewayshe’dcome:shedidn’tthinkJianghadspottedher,andhadnodesiretomeethim.Havinghurrieddownanarrow,pedestrianisedsidestreet,sheenteredacoveredarcadeshehadn’tpreviouslyseen.Glancingbehindher,shesawJiangpassinfrontofthecastleanddisappearfromview.
ThearcadeinwhichRobinnowstoodwasoldandratherbeautiful,withahighvaultedglassceiling,ArtNouveautilesabovetheshopfrontsandpendantlightslikegiantharebells.Desperateforfurthertidingsoftheoutsideworld,Robinwalkedon,lookingforanewsagentsuntil,outofthecornerofhereye,shesawapatchofwhite.
Throughagapbetweenthecolourfulpuppetsdisplayedinatoyshop’swindowshesawthebaldEmilygazingblanklyatshelvesoftoysasthoughhypnotised,hercollectingboxcradledtoherchest.
Afteroneastonishedmoment,Robindoubledbacktoentertheshop.Movingquietlyinhertrainers,sheroundedtheendofarowofshelves.
‘Emily?’
EmilyjumpedandstaredatRobinasthoughshe’dneverseenherbefore.
‘Um…peoplearelookingforyou.Areyou…whatareyoudoing?’
TheresentmentborderingonoccasionalangerthatEmilydisplayedatChapmanFarmhadgone.Shewaschalkwhiteandshaking.
‘It’sOK,’saidRobin,speakingasshemighthavespokentosomebodydisorientatedwho’djustsufferedaphysicalaccident.
‘IsTaioangry?’Emilywhispered.
‘He’sworried,’saidRobin,notentirelyuntruthfully.
Ifshehadn’tknownbetter,she’dhavethoughtEmilyhadtakensomekindofstimulant.Herpupilsweredilatedandamuscleinhercheekwasflickering.
‘Ididthatthingtohim–youknow–intheRetreatRoom–thatthingwhereyousucktheir—?’
‘Yes,’saidRobin,veryawareofchildren’svoicesontheothersideoftheshelves.
‘—sohe’dletmecometoNorwich.’
‘Right,’saidRobin.Variouscoursesofactionwererunningthroughhermind.ShecouldcallStrikeandseewhetherhe’dpickEmilyup,adviseEmilytocallarelative,ifshehadanyoutsidethechurch,ortellEmilytoturnherselfintothepolice,butalloftheseoptionswouldnecessarilyrevealRobin’slackofallegiancetotheUHC,andifEmilyrefused,RobinwouldhaveplacedherownsecurityinthehandsofthewomannowquiveringuncontrollablyinfrontoftheshelvesofSylvanianFamilies.
‘WhydidyouwanttocometoNorwichsomuch?’Robinaskedquietly,certainoftheanswer,butwantingtohearEmilysayit.
‘Iwasgoingto…butIcan’t.I’llonlykillmyself.That’swhytheywarnus.Youcan’tsurviveouthere,onceyoureachstepeight.IsupposeImustbenearerpurespiritthanIthought,’saidEmily,withanattemptatalaugh
‘Ididn’tknowthat,’saidRobin,movingclosertoEmily.‘Aboutstepeight.’
‘Iammasterofmysoul,’saidEmily,andRobinrecognisedthemantraoftheStolenProphet.‘Onceyourspirit’sreallyevolved,youcan’ttakerejoiningthematerialistworld.It’llkillyou.’
Emily’sgazeshiftedbacktotheshelvesofSylvanianFamilies:littlemodelanimalsdressedashumans,packagedasparentsandbabies,withtheirhousesandfurniturerangedbesidethem.
‘Look,’shesaidtoRobin,pointingattheanimals.‘It’sallmaterialistpossession.Tinylittlefleshobjectsandtheirhouses…allinboxes…I’llhavetogointhebox,now,’saidEmily,withanotherlaughthatturnedintoasob.
‘Whatbox?’
‘It’sforwhenyou’vebeenbad,’whisperedEmily.‘Reallybad…’
Robin’smindwasworkingrapidly.
‘Listen,’shesaid.‘We’lltellthemyouneededthebathroom,butyoucameoverfaint,OK?Younearlypassedout,andawomancametohelpyouandwouldn’tletyouleaveuntilyougotyourcolourback.I’llbackyouup–I’llsaywhenIcameintothebathroom,thewomanwasthreateningtogetanambulance.Ifwebothtellthesamestory,youwon’tbepunished,OK?I’llbackyouup,’sherepeated.‘It’llbeallright.’
‘Whywouldyouhelpme?’askedEmilyincredulously.
‘BecauseIwantto.’
Emilyhelduphercollectingboxpathetically.
‘Ididn’tgetenough.’
‘Icanhelpwiththat.I’llbumpyouupabit.Waitthere.’
RobinhadnoqualmsaboutleavingEmily,becauseshecouldtellthelatterwastooparalysedwithfeartomove.Thegirlatthecashregister,whowaschattingtoayoungman,handedoverapairofscissorsfrombehindthedeskalmostabsent-mindedly.RobinrejoinedEmilyandusedthepointofthescissorstopriseopenthecollectingbox.
‘I’llhavetokeepsomething,becauseViviennesawmoneygoingin,’saidRobin,emptyingoutmostofthecashinsideandshovingitintoEmily’sboxinstead.‘Thereyougo.’
‘Whyareyoudoingthis?’Emilywhispered,watchingRobinstuffthelastfivepoundnotethroughtheslot.
‘Itoldyou,Iwantto.Staythere,I’vegottogivethescissorsback.’
ShefoundEmilystandingexactlywhereshe’dleftherwhenshereturned.
‘OK,shallwe—?’
‘Mybrotherkilledhimselfanditwasallourfault,’saidEmilyjerkily.‘MineandBecca’s.’
‘Youcan’tbesureofthat.’
‘Ican.Itwasus,wedidittohim.Heshothimself.Youcangetgunsreallyeasilyinthematerialistworld,’saidEmilywithanervousglanceattheshopperspassingthetoyshopwindow,asthoughshefearedtheymightbearmed.
‘Itmight’vebeenanaccident,’saidRobin.
‘No,itwasn’t,itdefinitelywasn’t.Beccamademesignathing…shetoldmeI’dsuppressedwhathedidtous.She’salwaysdonethat,’saidEmily,herbreathingrapidandshallow,‘toldmewhathappened,andwhatdidn’thappen.’
DespitehergenuineconcernforEmilyandtheurgentneedtogetbacktothegroup,thiswasanopeningRobincouldn’tignore.
‘WhatdoesBeccasaydidn’thappen?’
‘Ican’ttellyou,’saidEmily,shiftinghergazebackontotherowsofhappilypairedanimalssmilingoutoftheirneatcellophane-wrappedboxes.‘Look,’shesaid,pointingatafamilyoffourpigs.‘Pigdemons…that’sasign,’shesaid,breathingrapidly.
‘Asignofwhat?’saidRobin.
‘ThatIneedtoshutup.’
‘Emily,they’rejusttoys,’saidRobin.‘Theyaren’tsupernatural,they’renotsigns.Youcantellmeanything,Iwon’tgiveyouaway.’
‘ThelastpersonwhosaidthattomewasinBirminghamandhedidn’t–hedidn’tmeanit–he—’
Emilybegantocry.SheshookherheadasRobinlaidaconsolinghandonherarm.
‘Don’t,don’t–you’llbeintrouble,beingnicetome–youshouldn’tbehelpingme,Beccawillmakesureyou’repunishedforit—’
‘I’mnotscaredofBecca,’saidRobin.
‘Well,youshouldbe,’saidEmily,drawingdeepbreathsinanefforttocontrolherself.‘She’ll…doanythingtoprotectthemission.Anything.I…Ishouldknow.’
‘Howcouldyouthreatenthemission?’askedRobin.
‘Because,’saidEmily,staringatapairofsmallpandasinpinkandbluenappies,‘Iknowthings…BeccasaysIwastooyoungtoremember…’Then,inarushofwords,Emilysaid,‘ButIwasn’treallysmall,Iwasnine,andIknow,becausetheymovedmeoutofthekids’dormitoryafterithappened.’
‘Afterwhathappened?’saidRobin.
‘AfterDaiyubecame“invisible”,’saidEmily,hertoneputtingquotationmarksaroundtheword.‘IknewBeccawaslying,eventhen,onlyIwentalongwithit,because,’freshtearsgushedforth,‘Iloved…loved…’
‘YoulovedBecca?’
‘No…not…itdoesn’tmatter,itdoesn’tmatter…Ishouldn’tbe…talkingaboutanyofthis…forgetit,please…’
‘Iwill,’liedRobin.
‘It’sjustBecca,’saidEmily,strugglingtoregaincontrolofherselfagain,wipingherface,‘tellingmeI’mlyingallthetime…she’snot…sinceshewentaway…Ifeellikeshe’snotwhoshewasbefore…’
‘Whendidshegoaway?’askedRobin.
‘Agesago…theysenthertoBirmingham…theysplitupfleshobjects…theymusthavethoughtweweretooclose…andwhenshecameback…shewasn’t…shewasreallyoneofthem,shewouldn’thearawordagainstanyofthem,evenMazu…Sometimes,’saidEmily,‘Iwanttoscreamthetruth,but…that’segomotivity…’
‘Itisn’tegomotivitytotellthetruth,’saidRobin.
‘Youshouldn’ttalklikethat,’saidEmily,onahiccup.‘That’showIgotrelocated.’
‘Ijoinedthechurchtofindtruth,’saidRobin.‘Ifit’sjustanotherplacewhereyoucan’ttellit,Idon’twanttostay.’
‘“Asingleevent,athousanddifferentrecollections.OnlytheBlessedDivinityknowsthetruth,”’saidEmily,quotingfromTheAnswer.
‘Butthereistruth,’saidRobinfirmly.‘It’snotallopinionsormemories.Thereistruth.’
EmilylookedatRobinwithwhatseemedtobefrightenedfascination.
‘D’youbelieveinher?’
‘Inwho?Becca?’
‘No.IntheDrownedProphet.’
‘I…yes,Isupposeso.’
‘Well,youshouldn’t,’whisperedEmily.‘Shewasn’twhattheysayshewas.’
‘Whatd’youmean?’
Emilyglancedthroughthewindowofthetoyshop,thensaid,
‘Shewasalwaysuptosecretstuffatthefarm.Forbiddenthings.’
‘Whatkindofthings?’
‘Stuffinthebarnandthewoods.Beccasawit,too.ShesaysI’mmakingitup,butsheknowswhathappened.Iknowsheremembers,’saidEmilydesperately
‘WhatdidyouseeDaiyudoinginthebarnandthewoods?’
‘Ican’ttellyou,’saidEmily.‘ButIknowshedidn’tdie.Iknowthat.’
‘What?’saidRobinblankly.
‘She’snotdead.She’soutthere,somewhere,grownup.Sheneverdrow—’
Emilygavealittlegasp.Robinturned:awomaninawhitetopandtrousershadcomearoundthecorneroftheshelves,holdingthehandsoftwoboisterouslittleboys,andRobinknewEmilyhadmomentarilymistakenthemotherforanotherUHCmember.ThetwolittleboysbeganclamouringforThomastheTankEnginemodels.
‘IwantPercy.There’sPercy!IwantPercy!’
‘You’llreallysayIfeltfaint?’EmilywhisperedtoRobin.‘Inthebathroom,andallthat?’
‘Yes,ofcourse,’saidRobin,afraidtopushEmilyfurtherrightnow,buthopefulthatshe’dnowestablishedarapportthatwouldsurvive,backatthefarm.‘AreyouOKtogonow?’
Emilynodded,stillsniffing,andfollowedRobinoutoftheshop.They’dwalkedjustafewstepsalongthearcadewhenEmilygrabbedRobinbythearm.
‘Taiowantsyoutospiritbondwithhim,doesn’the?’
Robinnodded.
‘Well,ifyoudon’twantto,’saidEmilyinalowvoice,‘youneedtogowithPapaJwhenhecomesback.NoneoftheothermenareallowedtotouchPapaJ’sspiritwives.Becca’saspiritwife,that’swhysheneverhastogointheRetreatRoomswithanyoneelse.’
‘Ididn’tknowthat,’saidRobin.
‘JustgowithPapaJ,’saidEmily,‘andyou’llbeOK.’
‘Thanks,Emily,’saidRobin,whovaluedthehelpfulintentionbehindthewords,ifnottheadviceitself.‘Comeon,we’dbetterhurry.’
67
ItisnotIwhoseektheyoungfool;Theyoungfoolseeksme.
TheIChingorBookofChanges
StriketookRobin’snextletterwithhimtorereadwhileonovernightsurveillanceontheFranksonMondayevening,becausehefoundmuchintheretointeresthim.
Wan,Robinwrote,hadbeenmovedonfromChapmanFarm,thoughRobindidn’tknowwhereshe’dgone.She’dleftherbabybehindwithMazu,who’dnamedthelittlegirlYixin,andwasnowcarryingheraroundandspeakingasthoughshewerethebiologicalmother.RobinalsodescribedhertripintoNorwich,butasshe’domittedtomentionheraccidentalresponsetoherownrealname,StrikewasunencumberedbyfreshworriesaboutRobin’ssafetyasheponderedEmily’sassertionthatDaiyuhadn’treallydrowned.
Evenwithoutsupportingevidence,Emily’sopinioninterestedthedetective,becauseittookhimbacktohismusingsontheesplanadeinCromer,whenhe’dmulledoverthepossibilitythatDaiyuhadbeencarrieddownontothebeach,nottodie,buttobehandedtosomeoneelse.Sittinginhisdarkcar,castingregularglancesupatthewindowsoftheFranks’flatwhich,atypicallyatthishour,werelitup,heaskedhimselfhowlikelyitwasthatDaiyuhadsurvivedthetriptothebeach,withoutreachinganyconclusions.
TheWaceshadhadaclearmotiveforDaiyu’sdisappearance:topreventtheGravesfamilyfromobtainingDNAevidenceandregainingcontrolofthatquarterofamillionpoundsinbluechipshares.Deathhadn’tbeennecessarytoachievethatobjective:merelyputtingDaiyubeyondtheGraves’reachwouldhavedoneit.ButifDaiyuhadn’tdied,wherewasshe?WerethererelativesofeitherMazuorJonathanhedidn’tknowabout,whomighthaveagreedtotakethegirlin?
Daiyuwouldbetwenty-eightifshewerestillalive.Wouldshebecontenttoremainsilent,knowingthataculthadgrownuparoundhersupposedlydrownedseven-year-oldself?
Inthepenultimatelineofherletter,RobinansweredthequestionStrikehadposedinhislast:didshehaveanyreasontobelievehercovermighthavebeenblownatChapmanFarm,giventhatanunknownwomanhadapproachedStrike,apparentlytodisrupthissurveillance?
Idon’tknowwhetherthatwomanyoumentionedhasgotanythingtodowiththechurchbutIdon’tthinkanyonehereknowsorsuspectswhoIreallyam.
MovementatthedooroftheFranks’blockmadeStrikelookup.Thetwobrotherswerewalking,bow-legged,towardstheirdilapidatedvan,ladenwithheavyboxesandwhatlookedlikebagsofgroceries.AstheyoungerFrankreachedthevehiclehestumbledandseverallargebottlesofmineralwatertippedoutofaboxandrolledaway.Strike,whobythistimewasfilmingthem,watchedastheolderbrotherberatedtheyounger,settingdownhisownboxtohelpchasedownthebottles.Strikezoomedin,andsawwhatlookedlikeacoilofropeprotrudingfromtheolderbrother’sbox.
Strikegavethevanaheadstart,thenfollowedthem.Afterashortdrive,theycametoahaltoutsidealargelock-upfacilityinCroydon.Here,thedetectivewatchedastheyunloadedtheboxesandgroceriesanddisappearedintothebuilding.
Itwasn’t,ofcourse,acrimetobuyropeoravan,ortohireastorageunitandputfoodandwaterinthere,butStrikeconsideredthisactivityhighlyominous.Tryashemight,hecouldthinkofnoplausibleexplanationfortheseactivitiesotherthanthatthebrotherswereindeedplanningtheabductionandimprisonmentoftheactresswhomtheyseemeddeterminedtopunishforbeinginsufficientlyaccommodatingoftheirdemandsforherattention.Asfarasheknew,thepolicehadn’tyetpaidacallontheFrankstowarnthemoff.Hecouldn’thelpsuspectingthatthematterwasbeingdeprioritisedbecauseMayocouldaffordaprivatedetectiveagencytokeepawatchonherstalkers.
Hesatwatchingtheentrancetothefacilityfortwentyminutes,butthebrothersdidn’temerge.Afterawhile,knowinghe’dhearthevanstartingupagain,hedidsomethinghe’dsofarresisteddoing,andGoogled‘CharlotteCampbellfuneral’onhisphone.
Sincethenewspaper-readingpublichadlearnedofCharlotte’sdeath,furtherdetailsofhersuicidehadleakedintothepapers.ThusStrikeknewthatCharlottehadtakenacocktailofdrinkandanti-depressantsbeforeslittingherwristsandbleedingoutinabath.Thecleanerhadfoundthebathroomdoorlockedatnineo’clockinthemorningand,havingpoundedonitandshoutedtonoavail,calledthepolice,who’dbrokenintotheroom.Muchashe’dhavepreferreditnotto,Strike’simaginationinsistedonshowinghimavividpictureofCharlottesubmergedinherownblood,herblackhairfloatingontheclottedsurface.
He’dwonderedwherethefamilywouldchooseasCharlotte’sfinalrestingplace.Herlatefather’sfamilyhadbeenScottish,whereashermother,Tara,hadbeenbornandlivedinLondon.WhenStrikelearnedfromTheTimesthatCharlottewouldbeburiedinBromptonCemetery,oneofthesmartestinthecapital,heknewTaramusthavebeengiventhecastingvote.ThechoiceofBromptonalsoensuredpublicity,forwhichTarahadalwayshadaweakness.ThusStrikewasabletoscanthroughphotographsofthemournersontheDailyMailwebsiteashesatinthedark.
Manyoftheblack-cladpeoplewho’dleftCharlotte’sfuneralearlierthatdaywerefamiliartohim:ViscountJagoRoss,Charlotte’sex-husband,lookingaseverlikeadissolutearcticfox;herfloppy-hairedstepbrother,ValentineLongcaster;SachaLegard,herhandsomehalf-brother,whowasanactor;MadelineCourson-Miles,thejewellerydesignerStrikehadpreviouslydated;IzzyChiswell,oneofCharlotte’soldschoolfriends;CiaraPorter,amodelwithwhomStrikehadoncehadaone-nightstand;andevenHenryWorthington-Fields,theskinnyred-headedmanwho’dworkedatCharlotte’sfavouriteantiquesshop.Unsurprisingly,LandonDormerwasconspicuousbyhisabsence.
Strikehadn’treceivedaninvitationtothefuneral,notthatthisbotheredhim:asfarashewasconcerned,he’dsaidhisfarewellsinthesmallNorfolkchurchoverlookingChapmanFarm.Inanycase,givenhispersonalhistorywithsomeofthepeoplewho’dhavebeenhisfellowmourners,thefuneralwouldundoubtedlyhavebeenoneofthemostuncomfortableoccasionsofhislife.
ThelastphotographintheMailarticlefeaturedTara.FromwhatStrikecouldseethroughthethickblackveilonherhat,heronce-beautifulfeatureshadbeenseverelydistortedbywhatlookedlikeoveruseofcosmeticfillers.ShewasflankedononesidebyherfourthhusbandandontheotherbyCharlotte’sonlyfullsibling,Amelia,whowastwoyearsolderthanhisex-fiancée.Thiswasthesisterwho’dcalledStrike’sofficeonthemorningafterCharlotte’ssuicidehadbeenannouncedtothepressandwho,onlearningfromPatthatStrikewasunavailable,hadsimplyhungup.AmeliahadmadenocontactwithStrikesince,norhadhetriedtocontacther.IftherumourthatCharlottehadleftasuicidenotewastrue,hewashappytoremaininignoranceofwhatitsaid.
Thenoiseofaslammingcardoormadehimlookup.TheFrankbrothershademergedfromthefacilityandwerenowattemptingtomaketheircoldvanstart.Onthefourthattempt,itsputteredintolife,andStriketailedthembacktotheirblockofflats.ThelightsintheirflatwentoutaftertwentymoreminutesandStriketurnedbacktothenewsonhisphone,tokilltimeuntilShaharrivedtotakeoverfromhimateight.
TheBrexitreferendummightbeover,butthesubjectcontinuedtodominatetheheadlines.Strikescrolleddownpastthesearticleswithoutopeningthem,vaping,until,withmisgivings,hesawanotherfamiliarface:thatofBijouWatkins.
Thepicture,whichhadbeentakenassheleftherflat,showedBijouwearingatightpeacockbluedressthatemphasisedherfigure.Herdarkhairwasfreshlystyled,shewasexpertlymadeupasusualandcarriedaglossybriefcaseinherhand.BesideBijou’spicturewasanother,ofastout,bare-facedandfrizzy-hairedwomaninanunflatteringeveningdressofpinksatin,whowasnamedasLadyMatildaHonboldinthecaption.Abovethetwophotoswastheheadline:Andrew‘HoneyBadger’HonboldtoDivorce.
Strikeskim-readthearticlebelow,andinparagraphfourfoundwhathe’dfeared:hisownname.
AcommittedCatholic,high-profiledonortotheConservativepartyandpatronofbothTheCampaignforEthicalJournalismandCatholicAidtoAfrica,Honbold’sallegedinfidelitywasfirstreportedinPrivateEye.ThemagazineallegedthatHonbold’sunnamedmistresshadalsoenjoyedadalliancewithwell-knownprivatedetectiveCormoranStrike,storiesthatweredeniedbyHonbold,WatkinsandStrike,withHonboldthreateninglegalactionagainstthemagazine.
‘Shit,’mutteredStrike.
He’dthoughttherumourofhisinvolvementwithBijouhadbeensuccessfullyquashed.ThelastthingheneededwasasignpostinTheTimestellingPattersonandLittlejohnexactlywheretominefordirt.
Promptlyateighto’clock,ShaharrivedtotakeoversurveillanceontheFranks.
‘Morning,’hesaid,gettingintothepassengerseatoftheBMW.BeforeStrikecouldtellhimwhathadhappenedovernight,Shahheldouthisownphoneandsaid,
‘ThisyourwomanfromtheConnaught?Igotafew.’
Strikeswipedthroughthepictures.Allshoweddifferentanglesofthesamedarkwoman,whowaswearingabeaniehatandbaggyjeans,andstandingonthecornerofDenmarkStreetnearesttheoffice.
‘Yeah,’hesaid,‘lookslikeher.Whendidyoutakethese?’
‘Yesterdayevening.ShewastherewhenIcameoutoftheoffice.’
‘WassheworkingforPattersonIncwhenyouwerethere?’
‘Definitelynot.She’dhavestuckinmymind.’
‘OK,domeafavourandforwardthesetoMidgeandBarclay.’
‘Whatd’youreckonshe’safter?’
‘Ifshe’sanotherPattersonoperative,shecouldbecheckingoutwhatclientswe’vegot,totryandscarethemoff.Orshemightbetryingtoidentifypeopleworkingfortheagency,toseeifshecangetanythingonthem.’
‘I’llholdoffonstartingthatheroinhabit,then.’
BythetimeStrikehadbriefedShah,thendrivenbackintocentralLondon,hewasbothtiredandirritable,andhismoodwasn’timprovedwhen,waitingatsometrafficlights,hespottedagiganticposterhe’dordinarilyhaveoverlooked.ItshowedJonathanWaceagainstadeepblue,star-fleckedbackground,dressedinwhiterobes,hisarmsoutstretched,asmileonthehandsomefacethatwastiltedheavenwards.Thelegendread:‘SUPERSERVICE2016!InterestedintheUniversalHumanitarianChurch?MeetPAPAJatOlympiaonFriday12thAugust,2016!’
‘CharlotteRoss’ssister’scalledagain,’werePat’sfirst,unwelcomewordswhenanunshavenStrikeappearedathalfpastnine,clutchingabaconrollhe’dpurchasedonhiswaytotheoffice:dietbedamned.
‘Yeah?Anymessage?’askedStrike.
‘Shesaidshe’sgoingtothecountryforamonth,butshe’dliketomeetyouwhenshegetsback.’
‘Issheexpectingananswer?’askedStrike.
‘No,that’sallshesaid.’
Strikegruntedandheadedforthekettle.
‘Andyou’vehadacallfromaJacobMessenger.’
‘What?’saidStrike,surprised.
‘Hesayshishalf-brothertoldhimyouwereafterhim.Saysyoucancallhimanytimethismorning.’
‘Domeafavour,’saidStrike,stirringsweetenerintohiscoffee,‘andringhimbackandaskhimifhe’shappytoFaceTime.Iwanttomakesureit’sreallyhim.’
Strikeheadedintotheinneroffice,stillthinkingaboutthebeautifulwomanwhowasapparentlykeepingtheofficeundersurveillance.IfhecouldonlyclearupthePattersonmesshislifewouldbeconsiderablylesscomplicated,nottomentionlessexpensive.
‘He’sfinetoFaceTime,’Patannouncedfiveminuteslater,enteringStrike’sofficecarryingaPost-itnotewithMessenger’snumberonit.Onceshe’dgone,StrikeopenedFaceTimeonhiscomputerandtappedinJacobMessenger’snumber.
ThecallwasansweredalmostimmediatelybythesameverytannedyoungmanwhobeamedoutofthepictureonStrike’snoticeboard.Withhiswhite-toothedsmile,slickeddarkhairandoverpluckedeyebrows,helookedexcitedtobespeakingtoStrike,whereasthedetective’sprimaryemotionwasfrustration.WhoeverwascriticallyillordyingatChapmanFarm,itclearlywasn’tJacobMessenger.
Acoupleofminuteslater,StrikehadlearnedthatMessenger’sinterestinthechurchhadbeenignitedwhenhisagentreceivedarequestforJacobtoattendoneoftheUHC’scharityprojects,continuedthroughaphotoshootinwhichJacobhadwornaUHCsweatshirt,lingeredthroughashortpressinterviewinwhichhespokeofhisnewinterestinspiritualityandcharitywork,onlytowitherawaywheninvitedonaweek-longretreatatafarm,withnomediapresence.
‘Iwan’tgonnagotonobloodyfarm,’saidJacob,blindinglywhiteteethfullyondisplayashelaughed.‘WhatwouldIwannadothatfor?’
‘Right,’saidStrike.‘Well,thishasbeenvery—’
‘Listen,though,’saidJacob,‘’aveyoueverfortofdoingashow?’
‘HaveIwhat?’
‘Like,flyonthewall,followyouinvestigatingstuff.Ilookedyouup.Seriously,Ireckonmyagentwouldbeinterested.Iwasfinking,ifyouandmeteamedup,andyoucouldbe,like,showingmetheropesandstuff,wivacameracrew—’
‘Idon’t—’
‘Couldbegoodpublicityforya,’saidMessenger,whileablondeinamini-dressdriftedacrossthescreenbehindhim,lookingvague.‘It’draiseyourprofile.Iin’tboastingornuffingbutI’ddef’nitelygetusanaudience—’
‘Yeah,thatwouldn’twork,’saidStrikefirmly.‘Goodbye.’
HehungupwhileMessengerwasstilltalking.
‘Stupidtit,’Strikemuttered,gettingtohisfeetagaintotugMessenger’spictureofftheUHCnoticeboard,ripitinhalfandputitinthebin.Hethenscribbled‘WHO’SJACOB?’onapieceofpaperandpinneditwhereMessenger’sphotohadbeen.
Takingafewstepsbackwards,Strikecontemplatedyetagainthevariousphotosofthedead,untracedandunknownpeopleconnectedtothechurch.OtherthanthenoteaboutJacob,theonlyotherrecentchangetotheboardwasanotherpieceofpaper,whichhe’dpinnedupafterhistriptoCromer.Itread‘JOGGERONBEACH?’andit,too,wasinthe‘stilltobefound/identified’column.
Frowning,Strikelookedfrompicturetopicture,comingtorestonthatofJenniferWace,withherbighairandherfrostedlipstick,frozenforeverinthe1980s.SincehistriptoCromer,Strikehadtriedtofindoutallhecouldaboutthewaysinwhichsomebodymightinduceaseizureinanepilepticandasfarashecouldsee,theonlyplausiblepossibilitywouldbewithdrawingmedicationor,perhaps,substitutinggenuinemedicationwithsomeineffectivesubstance.ButsupposingWacehadindeedtamperedwithhisfirstwife’spills,howcouldhehaveknownaseizurewouldoccuratthatspecificmoment,whileJenniferwasinthewater?Asamurdermethoditwasludicrouslychancy,thoughadmittedlynolessriskythantakingachildswimming,andhopingtheseawouldhideherbodyforever.
Strokinghisunshavenchin,thedetectivewonderedwhetherhewasn’tbecomingfixatedonwhatmightturnouttobeadeadend.Maybehewasjoiningtheranksofconspiracytheorists,whosawhiddenplotsandstratagemswhereother,sanerfolksaid,likeShelleyHeaton,‘That’safunnycoincidence,’andmovedonwiththeirlives?Wasitarrogant,heaskedhimself,tothinkhe’dmanagetotraceaconnectionwherenobodyelsehadsucceededindoingso?Possibly–butthen,he’dbeencalledarrogantbefore,mostoftenbythewomanwhonowlayfreshlyinterredinBromptonCemetery,andithadneveryetdeterredhimfromdoingpreciselywhathe’dsetouttodo.
68
Nineinthesecondplacemeans:Theabyssisdangerous.Oneshouldstrivetoattainsmallthingsonly.
TheIChingorBookofChanges
AstrangemoodseemedtohaveinfectedChapmanFarmeversincemembers’tracksuitshadchangedtowhite.Therewasajitterinessintheair,asenseofstrain.Robinnoticedanincreasedtendencyonthepartofchurchmemberstobeevenmoreperformativelyconsiderateintheirtreatmentofeachother,asthoughsomehiddenentitywereconstantlywatchingandjudging.
ThisgeneralisedanxietyheightenedRobin’sown.Whileshehadn’tpreciselyliedinherlastlettertoStrike,shehadn’ttoldthewholetruth,either.
WhensheandEmilyhadreturnedtotheabandonedstallinNorwichandtoldtheirstoryofEmilycomingoverfaintinabathroom,Taiohadseemedtoaccepttheiraccountatfacevalue.RelievedashewastogetEmilyback,mostofhisirewasdirectedatJiangforlosingsightofherandputtingheratthemercyofthebubblepeople,andhespentmuchofthejourneybacktoChapmanFarmmutteringwhatlookedlikeinsultsandimprecationsatthebackofhisbrother’shead.Jiangdidn’trespond,butremainedhunchedandsilentoverthesteeringwheel.
However,overthenextcoupleofdaysRobinhaddetectedashiftinTaio’sattitude.DoubtlessthelargeamountofmoneyEmilywassupposedtohavecollectedonherown,coupledwiththeverysmallamountleftinthecollectingboxfromthestall,hadraisedhissuspicions.Severaltimes,RobincaughtTaiostaringatherinnofriendlymanner,andshealsonoticedsidelongglancesfromotherswho’dbeeninNorwich.WhenRobinsawAmandeephastilyhushingVivienneandWalterassheapproachedtheminthecourtyard,sheknewshe’dbeenthesubjectunderdiscussion.RobinwonderedwhetherViviennehadtoldanyoneaboutheransweringtoherrealnameandifso,howfartheinformationhadspread
Robinknewshe’dreachedtheabsolutelimitofallowablemistakes,andasshewasn’tpreparedtohavesexwitheitherTaioorJonathanWace,shewasnowonborrowedtimeatChapmanFarm.Exactlyhowshewasgoingtoleave,shewasn’tyetsure.ItwouldtakeacertainamountofcouragetotellTaioandMazushewantedtogo,andperhapsitwouldbeeasiertostruggleoverthebarbedwireattheperimeterbynight.However,herimmediateconcern,giventhathertimewasnowdefinitelyrunningout,wastoidentifyprioritiesandachievethemasquicklyaspossible.
Firstly,shewantedtocapitaliseonthesecretunderstandingshe’dbrokeredwithEmilytogetasmuchinformationoutofheraspossible.Secondly,shewasdeterminedtotryandengineeraone-on-oneconversationwithWillEdensor,soastobeabletogiveSirColinup-to-dateinformationonhisson.Lastly,shethoughtshemighttryandfindthehatchethiddeninatreeinthewoods.
Sheknewthateventhislimitedagendawouldbetricky.Whetherdeliberatelyornot(andRobinsuspectedtheformer),eversincethey’dreturnedtoNorwichsheandEmilyhadbeengiventasksthatkeptthemasfarapartaspossible.ShenoticedthatEmilywasalwaysflankedbythesamepeopleinthedininghall,asthoughanorderhadbeengiventokeepherunderwatchatalltimes.EmilyhadtwicemadeanattempttositbesideRobininthedininghall,beforebeingblockedbyoneofthepeoplewhoseemedtobeconstantlyshadowingher.RobinandEmily’seyeshadalsometseveraltimesinthedormitoryandononeoftheseoccasions,EmilyhadofferedafleetingsmilebeforeturningquicklyawayasBeccaentered.
CatchingWillEdensoralonewasalsodifficult,becauseRobin’scontactwithhimhadalwaysbeennegligible,andsincetheirjointstintonthevegetablepatchshe’drarelybeenassignedataskwithhim.HisstatusatChapmanFarmremainedthatofmanuallabourer,inspiteofhisclearintelligenceandhistrustfund,andsuchjointworkastheydidtogetherwasalwayssupervisedandthereforeaffordednoopportunitiesforconversation.
Asforthehatchetsupposedlyhiddeninthewoods,sheknewitwouldbeunwisetousethetorchtolookforitbynight,incasethebeamwasspottedbysomeonelookingoutofthedormitorywindows.Unfortunately,searchingthewoodsbydaylightwouldbealmostasdifficult.Otherthanitsuseasanoccasionaladventureplaygroundforchildren,thepatchofuncultivatedlandwasbarelyused,andbarringWillandLin,who’dbeenthereillicitly,andtheyoungmanwho’dsearcheditonthenightBohadgonemissing,Robinhadneverseenanadultenterit.Howshewastoslipawayfromhertasks,orjustifyherpresenceinthewoodsiffoundthere,shecurrentlyhadnoidea.
SinceherexcursiontoNorwich,Robinseemedtohavebeengivenanewhybridstatus:partmanualworker,parthigh-levelrecruit.Shewasn’tinvitedbackintothecitytofundraise,althoughshecontinuedtostudychurchdoctrinewithhergroup.Robinhadafeelingherthousandpounddonationhadmadehertoovaluabletorelegateentirelytothestatusofaskivvy,butthatshewasonakindofunspokenprobation.Vivienne,whowasalwaysagoodbarometerofwhowasinfavourandwhowasn’t,waspointedlyignoringher.
Robin’snextlettertoStrikewasshortand,asshewaswellaware,disappointinglyshortofinformation,butthemorningaftershe’ddepositeditintheplasticrock,asignificanteventhappenedatChapmanFarm:thereturnofJonathanWace.
EveryoneturnedouttowatchPapaJ’ssilverMercedescomeupthedrivewithaconvoyoflessercarsbehindit,andbeforetheprocessionhadevendrawntoahalt,allmembersbegantocheerandapplaud,Robinincluded.WhenWacesteppedoutofthecar,thecrowdbecamealmosthysterical.
Helookedtanned,restedandashandsomeasever.Hiseyesgrewwetagainashelookedaroundatthecheeringthrong,pressinghishandoverhisheartandmakingoneofhisself-deprecatinglittlebows.WhenhewalkedtoMazu,whowasholdingbabyYixininherarms,heembracedheranddelightedlyexaminedthebaby,asthoughitwashisown–which,Robinsuddenlyrealised,shemightwellbe.Thescreamsofthecrowdbecamedeafening,andRobinmadesuretoclapsoenthusiasticallyherhandshurt.
FromthecarbehindWace’s,fiveyoungpeopleemerged,allofthemstrangers,andRobinthought,mainlybecauseoftheirperfectteeth,theywereAmerican.Twopreppyyoungmenandthreenoticeablybeautifulyoungwomen,alldressedinwhiteUHCtracksuits,stoodbeamingattheBritishchurchmembers,andRobinguessedthatthey’dbeenbroughtovertoChapmanFarmfromtheSanFranciscocentre.ShewatchedasJonathanintroducedthemonebyonetoMazu,whoreceivedthemgraciously.
Thatevening,therewasanotherfeastinthedininghall,whichhadonceagainbeendecoratedwithscarletandgoldpaperlanterns.Theywereservedrealmeatforthefirsttimeinweeks,andWacegavealong,impassionedspeechaboutthewarsinSyriaandAfghanistan,andlambastedthecampaignspeechesofpresidentialcandidateDonaldTrump.TheAmericanvisitors,Robinnoticed,noddedvehementlyasWacepaintedavividpictureofthefascistterrorthatwouldbeunleashedshouldTrumpwintheelection.
OnceWacehaddescribedthehorrorsofthematerialistworld,hemovedontodescribetheUHC’scontinuingsuccess,andexplainhowthechurchalonecouldturnbacktheforcesofevilnowrallyingacrosstheplanet.HepraisedtheAmericanvisitorsfortheirfundraisingeffortsanddescribedtheimminentcreationofanewUHCcentreinNewYork,thensummonedvariousindividualsontothestagetopraisethemfortheirindividualefforts.EvidentlyMazuhadbeenkeepingWaceinformedabouthappeningsatChapmanFarm,becauseAmandeepwasoneofthosecalledtothestage.HesobbedandshookhisheadasheapproachedWace,whoembracedhimbeforeannouncingthatAmandeephadnowequalledtherecordforfundsraisedinasingledayforthechurch.ThefiveAmericanswho’djustarrivedstooduptoapplaudandwhoop,theirfistspumpingintheair
WhenWace’sspeechended,musicbrokeout,justasithadattheendofthelastfeast,andpeoplebegantodance.Robingotup,too:shewasdeterminedtoshowwillingwheneverpossible,andhopedtofindaway,inthecrush,tospeaktoeitherWillorEmily.However,thisprovedimpossible.ShefoundherselfinsteaddancingoppositeKyle,who’doncebeenahigh-levelrecruit,butwhoseinabilityorrefusaltohavesexwithViviennehadseenhimrelegatedtooneofthelowliestfarmworkers.Blank-faced,hemovedjerkilyinfrontofRobin,nevermeetinghergaze,andshewonderedwherehewasimagininghimself,untilshenoticedthathismouthwasconstantly,silentlymovinginachantunrelatedtothemusic.
69
Indealingwithpersonsasintractableandasdifficulttoinfluenceasapigorafish…onemustfirstridoneselfofallprejudiceand,sotospeak,letthepsycheoftheotherpersonact…
TheIChingorBookofChanges
BreakfastatChapmanFarmwasusuallythequietestmealoftheday,giventhatithappenedathalfpastfiveinmorning.DuringJonathanWace’spreviousstayatthefarmhisappearancesatcommunalmealshadbeenlimitedtotwodinners,sowhenWaceandMazuenteredthehallatsixo’clockthemorningfollowinghisarrival,Robingatheredfromthe
‘Myfriends,’saidWace,withasadsmile,‘mybelovedwifehassufferedaloss.Someofyoumayhavenoticed,shewearsaspecialpendant–amother-of-pearlfish.ItoncebelongedtoDaiyu,theDrownedProphet.ThefishwasfoundinDaiyu’sbedonthemorningofherascension.’
Alittlegaspranthroughthehall.
‘Mywiferealisedtwodaysagothatthecordhadbrokenandthefishislost.She’slooked,buthasn’tfoundit.Youunderstand,I’msure,thatI’mnotaskingyoutosearchforameaningless,materialisttoken.Thisisanartefactofthechurch.We–MazuandI–willbedeeplygratefultowhoevermanagestoretrievethispreciousitem.I’maskingyoualltosetasideyourusualtasksandhelpusfindit.’
Robinscentedopportunity.Onlyoncebefore,onthenightlittleBohadgonemissingfromthechildren’sdormitory,hadtherigidgroupstructureatthefarmdissolved.Ifeveryonewasgoingtheirseparateways,spreadingoutoverthechurchgrounds,shemightbeabletoaccomplishsomething.Takingaquicksurveyofthehall,shespottedBeccaapproachingthetablewhereEmilywassittingandissuinginstructions.Robinwascertainthegrouphadbeentoldtosticktogetherduringthesearch.
WillEdensor,bycontrast,wasalreadyleavingthehall,alone.Grabbingherporridgebowl,Robinhastenedtoputitononeofthetrolleysbeforefollowing
Itwaswarm,butalightsummerdrizzlewasfalling.Willwasheadingforthecourtyard,hisheadbowedashescannedtheground.Pretendingtolookforthelostpendantherself,Robinproceededslowlypastthebarnsandlaundry,keepingacoverteyeonWill,whosoonreachedthecourtyardandstartedsearchingit.RobinwaspeeringaroundthebaseoftheHealerProphet’stomb,therainslidingdownthebackofherneck,whenaloudvoicesaid:
‘Oi’vealreadylookedthar.’
‘HiShawna,’saidRobin,herheartsinking.
‘Will!’calledShawna,whosepregnancywasnowbecomingevident,‘Oi’velookedthar,too!’
Willgavenoanswer,butturnedandtraipsedoffinthedirectionofthefarmhouse.ToRobin’sdisappointment,twoothermenjoinedhim,andRobinguessedbytheirgesturestheyweresuggestingasystematicjointsearchofthegardenbehindit.
‘Iheardsomeonesayingitmighthavefallenoffinthechildren’sclassroom,’RobinliedtoShawna,determinedtothrowthegirloffifshecould.‘ApparentlyMazuwasinthereacoupleofdaysago.’
‘Comeon,then,’saidShawna.
‘Ican’t,’saidRobinregretfully.‘Theytoldmetodothekitchenafterthecourtyard,butIcan’tseewhyitwouldbethere.Ibetwhoeverfindsit’sgoingtobeabitofahero.’
‘Ah,’saidShawna.‘Theywill.Oi’mgonnadotheclarsrooms.’
Shebustledoff.ImmediatelyShawnawasoutofsight,Robinheaded,notforthelaundrybutforthepassagebetweenthemen’sandwomen’sdormitories,eyesontheground,stillpretendingtobelookingforthefallenfish.Sheknewshe’dbetakingariskincrossingthefieldbydaylighttoenterthewoods,butasEmilyandWillwerecurrentlybeyondreach,shewasdeterminedtofulfiloneofherobjectives.
Robinkepttotheedgeofthefieldratherthantakingastraightlineacrossit,glancingbackfrequentlyandwishingshecouldbewearinganyothercolourthanwhite,whichwouldstandoutagainstthehedgerowshouldanyonelookoverthegate.AtlastshereachedthesanctuaryofthetreesandbeganhersearchforanytrunkthatseemedoldenoughtocontainthehollowandhatchetdescribedbyNiamhDoherty.
Itwasstrangetobeinthewoodsbydaylight,andevenstrangernottobetakingherusualroutetotheplasticrock.Thewoodswereovergrown,untendedandperhapsevendangerousforthechildrenwhoplayedthere,giventhenumberoffallenboughs.Duckingunderhangingbranches,liftingherfeethighoverrootsandnettles,feelingaroundtrunkstocheckforhollows,Robinknewshe’dbeexceptionallyluckytofindtherighttreeinthetimeshecouldremaintheresafely.
Thelightrainpitter-patteredontheleavesasRobinmovedpastathickoakwhosetrunkwasdisappointinglysolid.Shesoonfoundherselfontheedgeofthesmallclearingshe’denteredoncebeforebynight,whereacircleofthickpostshadbeendrivenintotheground.Thesehadmostlyrottedawaytostumps,thoughacoupleshowedevidenceofhavingbeenhackedatwithanaxe.
Robinsteppedcarefullyintothering,onceagainnotingitsritualisticappearance.Thegroundunderfootwasunevenandslipperywithrottingleaves.Somebodyhaddefinitelycutdowntheposts,andnowRobinaskedherselfwhetherthiswasthereasonahatchethadbeentakentothewoods:totryanddestroythering.Possiblytheaxehadthenbeenhiddenbecauseofthedifficultyofsmugglingitbackuptothemainfarm?Better,surely,toletsuspicionofthefthangovereveryone,thanbecaughtwithit?
Shebentdowntoexaminesomethingblackshethoughtmightbealumpofcoal,butitwasn’t;afterafewseconds,Robindecideditwasaknotofcharredrope.Insteadofpickingitup,shetookatinypebblefromtheground,whichwouldserveastoday’smarker,andwasjustslippingitintoherbrawhentheunmistakeablecrackofatwigbreakingunderahumanfootmadeherwhirlround.Jiangwasstandingbetweentwotreesontheedgeoftheclearing.
‘Jiang,’saidRobin,forcingherselftolaugh,thoughsweathadbrokenoutonherneckandchest,‘youreallymademejump.’
‘What’reyoudoing?’heaskedsuspiciously.
‘LookingforMazu’spendant,’saidRobin.Atleastshe’dbeenfoundbendingover,staringattheground.
‘Whywoulditbeinhere?’saidJiang.Hisrighteyehadbeguntoflicker.Herubbedittodisguisethetic.
‘Ijusthadafunnyfeelingitmightbe,’saidRobin,hervoicehighandunnaturalinherownears,‘soIthoughtI’dcheck.’
‘YouplayingatbeingDaiyu?’saidJiangwithasneer,andRobinrememberedthatoneoftheDrownedProphet’ssupposedgiftswasthatshecouldfindlostobjects,nomatterhowfarawaytheywere.
‘No,’saidRobin.‘No,Idon’tknowwhy,butIjustfeltthispulltothewoods.Ithoughtmaybeoneofthechildrencouldhavepickedupthefishandbroughtitinhere,thendroppedit.’
Thestorysoundedextremelythin,eventoRobin.
‘Thisplaceisodd,isn’tit?’sheadded,gesturingatthestumpsofpostsintheircircle.‘Whatd’youthinkthisringwasfor?ItlookslikeaminiatureStonehenge.’
‘Likewhat?’saidJiangirritably.
‘It’saprehistoricmonument,’saidRobin.‘InWiltshire.’
‘Iknowwhatyou’reupto,’saidJiang,advancingonher.
‘What?’saidRobin.
‘YouweregonnameetEmilyhere.’
‘Wh—no,Iwasn’t.Whywould—?’
‘Friends,aren’tyou?’
‘Ibarelyknowher.’
‘Whenwewereuponthevegetablepatch,youcameinterfering—’
‘Iknow.Ithoughtyouweregoingtohither,withthehoe.’
Jiangadvancedafewsteps,dragginghisfeetthroughtheovergrownweeds.Thedensecanopyoverheadmadedappledshadowsmoveacrosshisface.Hiseyewaswinkingfrantically.Heraisedhishandtohideitagain.
‘Emilysneaksoff,tofuck,’hesaid.
ItwasthefirsttimeRobinhadheardsexdescribedasanythingotherthanspiritbondinginthechurch.
‘I…don’tknowanythingaboutthat.’
‘Wereyoualesbian,outside?’
‘No,’saidRobin.
‘SohowcomeyouknewwhereEmilywas,inNorwich?’
‘Ididn’t,’saidRobin.‘IjustcheckedallthebathroomsIcouldfind,andshewasinoneofthem.’
‘Wereyoudoingitwithher,inthatbathroom?’
‘No,’saidRobin.
‘Why’sshelookingatyousomuchsinceNorwich,then?’
‘Ihaven’tnoticedherlookingatme,’liedRobin.
Shecouldn’ttellwhetherJiang’sgrubbyaccusationwasmadetoshockandoffend,orbecausehereallybelievedit:he’dnevergivenhertheimpressionofmuchintelligence,althoughhe’dcertainlyjustprovedhimselftobesurprisinglyobservant.Asthoughhe’dreadherthoughts,Jiangsaid,
‘Iseemorethantherestof’emwithmyeyesshut.’
‘CanIaskyousomething?’Robinsaid.Sheneededtoplacatehim:hewaspotentiallyviolent,andherinterferenceonthevegetablepatch,andherassociationwithEmily,whosedisappearancehadcausedhimtobeharanguedbyhisbrotheronthewaybackfromNorwich,hadclearlylefthimwithconsiderableanimustowardsher.
‘What?’
‘You’reobviouslyveryhighupinthechurch.’
Sheknewthiswasn’ttrue;Jianghadnorealpositionofauthority,thoughhedisplayedadefinitelikingforexertingpowerwithinthelimitedscopehewasgiven.Henowloweredthehandconcealinghisflickeringeyeandsaid,
‘Yeah.’
‘Well,’saidRobin,‘howcomeyouseemtoworkharderthananyoneelsein…’Shedeliberatelyletthewords‘yourfamily’hangintheairbeforefinishing,‘youknow–inyourposition?’
‘Iain’tgotnofalseself,’saidJiang.‘Don’tneedanyofthatothercrap.’
Asshe’dhoped,heseemedsubtlyflatteredbyherquestion,andshesensedaslightdiminutionofaggression.
‘Ijustnoticedyoukindof…livewhatwe’reallsupposedtodo.Youdon’tjustpreachit.’
Shewasmomentarilyafraidshe’doverdoneit,butJiangsquaredhisshoulders,withthebeginningsofasmirkonhisgrubbyface.
‘Thatwhyyouwon’tfuckTaio?’Causehedon’tliveit?’
‘Ididn’tmeanTaiodoesn’t—’
‘’Causeyou’reright,’saidJiang,aggressiveagain.‘He’sfulloffuckingEM,himandthatBecca.Bothof’em.Iworkharderthananyone.’
‘Iknow,’saidRobin.‘I’veseenit.Youneverstop.You’reoutinallweathers,helpingrunthefarm,andit’snotlikeyoudon’tknowdoctrine.Whatyoutoldmeaboutthekids,andmaterialistpossession–youknow,thatdayWillwasfussingoverthatlittleblondegirl?–thatreallystuckwithme.Itactuallyopenedmyeyestohowweirdandabusivethematerialistparent-childthingis.’
‘That’sgood,’saidJiang.Hegavethebottomsofhistracksuitanunnecessarytugupwards.Histichadsubsidedandhewasalmostsmiling.‘That’sgoodyourememberedthat.’
‘You’vegotawayofputtingthingsreallyclearly.Don’tgetmewrong,’Robinadded,carefultosoundnervous,‘TaioandBeccaaregoodatit,too,butthey…’
‘Taiowantedtofuckher,’saidJiang,smirking,revertingtowhatseemedtobehisfavouritesubject.‘Didyouknowthat?’
‘No,’saidRobin.
‘ButthenPapaJwentwithher,soTaiowasn’tallowedanymore.’
‘Oh,’saidRobin,eyebrowsraised,andshelied,‘IthoughtIkindofsensedsomethingbetweenBeccaandTaio…’
‘Gotyoureyesopentoo,then,haven’tyou?’
Perhapsbecausehewassorarelypraisedorappreciated,Jiangnowseemedalmostfriendly.
‘KnowwhatIwasalwaysgoodat,better’nTaiowhenwewerekids?’heaskedRobin.
‘No,’saidRobin,‘what?’
‘There’sagame,withcards,andyou’vegottomakepairs,andrememberwherethepicturesare,’saidJiang,withapatheticpride.‘Irememberstuff,’hesaid,tappinghistemplewithafilthyfingernail.‘AndIseestuff.More’ntheydo.’
‘Icantell,’saidRobin,hersoleobjectivenowtogetoutofthewoodswhileJiangwasinthisfriendlierstateofmind.‘So…d’youthinkIshouldkeeplookingforthefishinhere,ord’youthinkit’spointless?’
Jianglookedpleasedtobeaskedforhisopinion.
‘Nobody’sgonnafindithere,’hesaid,surveyingthemanyfallenleavesandbranches,twistedrootsandpatchesofnettles.
‘No,you’reright,’saidRobin.‘Thisismyfirsttimeinthewoods.Ididn’trealisetheyweresoovergrown.’
ShetookasteptowardsJiangandtoherimmenserelief,hesimplyturnedtowalkwithher,backthewayhe’dcome.
‘There’satreeoverthere,’saidJiang,pointingtoanagedash,visiblethroughtheyoungergrowth,‘withahollowinitandthere’sanaxehiddeninit.’
‘Wow,’saidRobin,takingcarefulnoteofthetree’sposition.
‘Ifounditinhere,whenIwasakid.Nobodyelseknows,’saidJiangcomplacently.
‘Wonderwhatanaxeisdoinginatree?’
‘Ha,’saidJiang,smirkingagain,‘’causeDaiyuhiditinthere.Butdon’tgotellinganyonethat.’
‘Seriously?’saidRobin.‘TheDrownedProphethidit?’
‘Yeah,’saidJiang.
‘Howd’youknow?’
‘Ijustdo,’saidJiang,withpreciselythekindofsmugnessShawnaalwaysdisplayedwhengiventhechance.‘Iknowstuff.Itoldyou.Ikeepmyeyesopen.’
Theyemergedfromthewoodsandbegantocrossthefield,Robincarefultopauseeverynowandthenandpokeatbitsofgrass,pretendingshewasstillsearchingforMazu’smother-of-pearlfish,butalsotryingtothinkofawayofleadingtheconversationbacktoDaiyuwithoutraisingJiang’ssuspicions.Therainhadgoneoff;thegrasssparkled,
‘Wannaknowsomethingelse?’Jiangsaid,halfwaybacktothefive-bargate.
‘Yes,’saidRobin,withcompletesincerity.
‘There’ssomebodyhere,rightnow,whowasherealongtimeago.They’vecomebackagain–andI’mtheonlyonewhorealises.’
HecastaslysidelonglookatRobinoutofhisdark,narroweyes.
‘Really?’saidRobin.‘Whoisit?’
‘Ha.I’mnottelling,’saidJiang.‘I’mjustkeepinganeyeonthem.’
‘Can’tyoueventellme,maleorfemale?’saidRobin.
‘Nosy,aren’tyou?’saidJiang,hisgrinwidening.‘Nah,that’sformetoknow.FunnyhowTaioandBeccaaresocleverandtheyhaven’trealised.I’mgonnagotoPapaJ,whenI’vefinishedmyinvestigations,’headdedimportantly.
Theyclimbedoverthefive-bargate,Robinnowburningwithcuriosity.
ThecurtainsofthenearestRetreatRoomwereclosed,meaningitwasinuse.RobinanticipatedaribaldcommentfromJiang,buthisgoodhumourseemedtofadesomewhatastheypassedthecabin.
‘KnowwhyI’mnotallowedinthem?’heaskedher,pointingadirtythumbbehindhim.
‘No,’saidRobin.ItwaswelcomenewsthatJiangwasn’tpermittedtospiritbond;she’dbeenworriedherflatteryofhimmightbetakenasasexualoverture.
‘Nobody’stoldyou?’saidJiang,suspiciousagain.‘NotTaio?’
‘No,’saidRobin.‘Nobody’ssaidanything.’
‘It’s’causeofJacob,’saidJiangsourly.‘Butthatwasn’tmyfault,itwasLouise’s,DrZhousaysso.Itwon’thappenagain.’
‘HowisJacob?’Robinasked,hopingonceandforalltoresolvethismystery.
‘Idunno,Ineverseehim,’saidJiang.‘Itwasn’tmybloodyfault.’
Thecourtyardwasstillfullofpeople,allofthemcombingthegroundforsomesignofMazu’sfallenfish,andtoRobin’srelief,herreappearancewithJiangoccasionedneitherlooknorcomment.
‘Needtheloo,’RobintoldJiang,smilingathimtoproveshewasn’ttryingtogetawayfromhim,whichshehadnointentionofdoing,becausehewasprovinganunexpectedsourceofinterestingpossibleleads.‘Thenwecanlookmore.’
‘Yeah,allright,’saidJiang,pleased.
Onceinsidethedormitory,whichwasdeserted,Robinhurriedtoherbedtodepositthelatestpebblebeneaththemattress,markingyetanotherdayatChapmanFarm.Onkneelingdown,however,shesawthatseveralofthetinypebblesshe’dalreadydepositedtherethisweekhadbeendislodgedandlayscatteredonthefloor.
Disconcerted,sheranherhandbeneaththemattress,findingonlyonepebblestillinplace.Thenherfingerstouchedsomethingsmall,flat,looseandsmooth.Shepulleditoutandsawapearlybright,intricatelycarvedfish.
Robinhastilyscoopedallthedislodgedpebblesup,thrustthemallinsideherbra,leapttoherfeetandrantothebathroom.Heresheclamberedupontothesink,openedthehighwindow,checkedthatthecoastwasclear,andthrewthefishoutside.Itlandedinaclumpoftallgrass.
Robinjumpedbackdownontothefloor,wipedherfootprintsoffthesinkandturnedonatap,justintime:sheheardagroupofwomenenterthedormitory.
‘Hi,’saidRobin,emergingfromthebathroomandhopingthatshedidn’tlooktooredintheface.Vivienne,whowasamongthewomen,ignoredher,insteadsayingtothegroup,
‘Checkeverywhere,OK?Evenunderthemattresses.’
‘Howcouldthependanthavegotunderamattress?’RobinaskedVivienne,herheartstillthumpingrapidlyfromtheshockofherdiscovery.
‘Idon’tknow,it’sjustwhatBeccawants,’saidVivienneirritably.
‘Oh,right,’saidRobin.
‘Aren’tyougoingtohelp?’saidVivienne,asRobinmadetoleave.
‘Sorry,’saidRobin,‘Jiangwantsmetohelphim.’
AsshewalkedoutsidetorejoinJiang,shenoticedBeccatalkingtoDrZhouontheothersideofDrownedProphet’sfountain.
‘Whereshouldwelook?’RobinaskedJiang.Shehadnointentionwhatsoeverofpursuingthefishintoitsclumpofgrass:letsomebodyelsefindit.
‘Craftrooms,’suggestedJiang,whowasclearlyenjoyingRobinlookingtohimfororders.
‘Great,’saidRobin.
Astheywalkedaway,RobinglancedbackatBecca,andwasunsurprisedtofindhereyesfollowingthem.
70
ThusthesuperiormanpardonsmistakesAndforgivesmisdeeds.
TheIChingorBookofChanges
Strikewashavinganextremelytryingday.
Atshortlyafterten,ashewasfollowingToyBoyandtheclient’smotherintoSelfridges,Shankercalled.HopingforconfirmationthatLittlejohnwasworkingundercoverforPattersonInc,Strikeansweredquickly,placingafingerinhisfreeeartoblockoutthesoundofcannedmusicandtalkativeshoppers.
‘Hi,’saidStrike,‘what’veyougot?’
‘Reaney’striedtotop’imself.Fortyou’dwannaknow.’
‘He’swhat?’
‘Yeah,’saidShanker.‘Overdose.MemateinBedfordjus’calledan’toldme.’
‘Whenwasthis?’
‘Fewdaysback.Sillycunt.Boughtupandnickedallthepills’ecouldget’is’andsonandtookthelot.’
‘Shit.He’sstillalive,though?’
‘Justabaht.In’ospital.Mematesaid’ewasyellowan’coveredinpukewhenthescrewsfound’im.’
‘Anyoneknowwhyhedidit?’
‘Yeah,’egotaphonecallfrom’iswife,aweekago.Afterthat’estartedbuyingupeveryfinganyonecouldgive’imanddahnedthelot.’
‘OK,’saidStrike.‘Cheersforlettingmeknow.’
‘Nobovver.Lotofitgoin’abaht,in’tthere?’
‘What?Oh,’saidStrike,realisingShankerwastalkingaboutCharlotte.‘Yeah,Is’pose.Listen,canyougivethoseboysofyoursakickupthearse?IneedsomethingonLittlejohn,fast.’
StrikehungupandsetoffinpursuitofToyBoyandhiscompanion,thinkingofReaneyashe’dlastseemhim,shovingawaythosePolaroidsofnakedyouthsinpigmasks,thenstandingup,paleandsweaty,aftermentionoftheDrownedProphet.
HespentthenextfourandahalfhourstrailingaroundSelfridgesafterhistargets.
‘He’sgotacoupleofsuitsandawatchoutofhersofar,’StrikeinformedBarclayatthreeo’clock,whenthelatterarrivedtotakeover.
‘StartingtaethinkI’minthewronglineo’work,’saidBarclay.‘IcoulduseaRolex.’
‘Ifyoucanlookthatwomanstraightintheeyeandtellhershe’sbeautiful,youdeserveone.’
StrikeleftthestoreandwalkedoffalongOxfordStreet,cravingakebab.Hewascrossingtheroadwhenhismobilerangagain,thistimefromanunfamiliarnumber.
‘Strike.’
‘It’sme,’saidawoman’svoice.
‘Who’s“me”?’askedStrikeirritably.
‘Bijou.Don’tbeangry.IhadtoaskIlsaforyournumberagainThisisserious,pleasedon’thangup.’
‘Whatd’youwant?’
‘Ican’tsayitonthephone.CanImeetyou?’
AsStrikehesitated,ayouthonaskateboardcuffedhiminpassing,makingStrikeyearntoslaptheinconsideratelittlefuckerintothegutter.
‘I’minOxfordStreet.IcangiveyoutwentyminutesintheFlyingHorseifyouhurry.’
‘Fine,’shesaid,andhungup.
IttookStrikeaquarterofanhourtoreachthepubandhefoundBijoualreadythere,sittingatthetalltableatthebackbeneaththeglasscupola,wrappedinablackcoatandnursingwhatlookedlikewater.Strikeboughthimselfapinthefelthe’dmorethanearned,andjoinedheratthehightable.
‘Goon,’hesaid,omittingagreeting
Bijouglancedaroundbeforesayinginalowvoice,
‘Somebody’sbuggedAndrew’soffice.Hethinksitwasyou.’
‘Oh,forfuck’ssake,’saidStrike,whofelthe’dreachedhisfullmonthlycapacityforunsoughtproblemsandobstacles.‘It’llbesomebloodytabloid.Orhiswife.’
‘Itoldhimthat,’saidBijou,herbrightblueeyesmoist,‘buthedoesn’tbelieveme!’
‘Well,whatd’youexpectmetodoaboutit?’
‘Talktohim,’shewhimpered.‘Please.’
‘Ifhedoesn’tbelieveyou,whythehellwouldhebelieveme?’
‘Please,Cormoran!I’m–I’mpregnant!’
Forasplitsecond,hefeltasthoughdryicehadsliddownthroughhisguts,andevidentlyhishorrorhadshownonhisface,becauseshesaidquickly,
‘Don’tworry,it’snotyours!Ionlyjustfoundout–it’sAndy’s,but—’
Bijou’sfacecrumpledandsheburiedherfaceinherbeautifullymanicuredhands.StrikesurmisedthatAndrewHonboldQChadn’tevincedjoyatthefactthatanembryoofhisowncreationwascurrentlynestlinginsidethecosmeticallyenhancedbodyofamistresshenowbelievedhadhadhisofficebugged.
‘HasHonboldhadanyonenewinhisofficelately?Takenmeetingswithanyonehehasn’tmetbefore?’
‘Idon’tknow,’saidBijou,raisingatearstainedface.‘Ithinkit’sbloodyMatilda.Willyoutalktohim?Please?’
‘I’llthinkaboutit,’saidStrike,notbecausehefeltanysympathyforBijou,butbecauseanideahadoccurredtohimthatwasasunpleasantasitwasplausible.Bijounowreachedahandacrossthetable,butStrikewithdrewhisownhand,unpleasantlyremindedofCharlotte.
‘Iwasonlygoingtothankyou,’shesaid,withthehintofapout.
‘Don’t.I’mnotpromisingtodoanything.’
Sheslidoffthebarstoolandstoodforamoment,lookingathim,andevennow,hesensedherwishforsomesignthathestilldesiredher,andhewasagainremindedofCharlotte.
‘Cormoran—’
‘IsaidI’llthinkaboutit.’
Shesweptupherhandbagandleft.
Strike,whohadpaperworkwaitingforhimattheoffice,sippedhispintandtriedtotellhimselfhedidn’twantaburgerandchips.Therewasaburningsensationbehindhiseyes,bornoftiredness.Hisstomachgrowled.Themyriadproblemsofthedayseemedtobuzzaroundhimlikemosquitos.AndrewHonbold,Bijou,Patterson:didhenothaveenoughtoworryabout,withoutalltheseextraneousdifficulties?
Cavingin,hewenttothebartoorderfood.Oncebackatthetablebeneaththecupola,Striketookouthisphoneand,inmasochisticspirit,checkedtheFacebookaccountofCarrieCurtisWoods,whonaturallyhadn’trespondedtohisfollowerrequest,andTormentTown’sPinterestpage,onwhichnonewcommentshadbeenpostedsincehisown.Tiredofthestalemate,hetypedoutanotherquestionforTormentTown,determinedtoforcesomethingoutofwhoeverrantheaccount.
DidyoueverknowawomancalledDeirdreDoherty?
Hepressedsend.Ifthedrawingofthefair-hairedwomaninglassesfloatinginthedarkpoolwasindeedsupposedtobeDeirdre,that,surely,wouldgetareaction.
HenextlookedupthephonenumberofReaney’swife’snailsalon,Kuti-cles.AfteraskingforAvatherewasawaitofafewseconds,thenheheardherapproachingthephonewhiletalkingloudlytosomeoneinthebackground.
‘—keep’eminthereanddon’ttouch’em.Hello?’
‘Hi,MrsReaney,it’sCormoranStrikeagain.Theprivatedetective.’
‘Oh,’saidAva,soundingdispleased.‘You.’
‘I’vejustheardsomenewsaboutJord—’
‘Yeah,Iknowhe’soverdosed.’
‘Ihearyoucalledhimaweekbeforehedidit.Wasthataboutyourdivorce?’
‘Inevercalled’im.WhywouldI?’E’sknownabou’thedivorceformonfs.’
‘Soyoudidn’tphonehimaweekago?’
‘I’aven’tcalledhiminages.I’vechangedmynumberstostophimpesteringme.It’llhavebeenoneofhisgirlfriends,pretendingtobemetomakesure’etookthecall.He’llputhisdickinanything,Jordanwill.First’eshagsyou,then’eslapsyouaround.She’swelcometo’im,whoeversheis.’
‘Right,’saidStrike,thinkingfast.‘Seemsanextremereactiontothecall,ifitwasjustagirlfriend.Hasheeverattemptedsuicidebefore?’
‘No,more’sthepity.Listen,’sheadded,inalowervoice,‘ifyouwantthetruth,I’dsooner’edied.Iwon’tbelookingovermeshoulderfortherestofmelife.Gotit?’
‘Gotit,’saidStrike.‘Thanksforyourtime.’
Hesatforanotherminute,thinking.Ofcourse,thephonecallfromanunknownwomanposingasReaney’swifemighthavehadnothingwhatsoevertodowithReaney’ssuicideattempt;theconnectionmightjustbeanassumptionofShanker’smate’s.
Hismobilerangagain:theofficenumber.
‘HiPat.’
‘Hi,’shesaid.‘Willyoubecomingbacktotheofficethisafternoon?’
‘Inabit.I’mhavingalatelunchattheFlyingHorse.Why?’
‘Iwantedawordwithyou.’
‘Whatkindofword?’saidStrike,frowningasherubbedhissoreeyes.
‘Well,’saidPat,‘Idon’tthinkyou’regoingtolikeit.’
‘Whatisit?’saidStrike,nowonthevergeoflosinghistemper.
‘Ijustneedtotellyousomething.’
‘Canyoutellmewhatitisnow?’saidStrike,whoseneckwasrigidwithtension.
‘I’drathersayitfacetoface.’
WhatonearththeofficemanagerneededtocommunicateinpersonStrikecouldn’timagine.However,hehadadimideathatifheemployedahumanresourcespersonthey’dadvisehimtoaccedetotherequest,andpossiblynotswearatPat.
‘Fine,comeuptothepub,I’mwaitingforaburger,’hesaid.
‘Allright.I’llseeyouinfiveminutes.’
TheofficemanagerandStrike’sburgerarrivedatexactlythesametime.PattooktheseatBijouhadjustvacatedandStrike’suneaseincreased,becausetheexpressiononPat’smonkeyishfacewasfrightened,andshewasclutchingherhandbagtightlyonherlap,asthoughinself-protection.
‘Wantadrink?’heasked.
‘No,’saidPat.
Muchashewantedhischips,StrikefeltheoughttohearPatoutbeforeeating.
‘Goon,’hesaid.‘What’sup?’
Patswallowed.
‘I’msixty-seven.’
‘You’rewhat?’
‘Sixty-seven.Yearsold,’sheadded.
Strikemerelylookedather.
‘Ilied,’croakedPat.‘OnmyCV.’
‘Yeah,’saidStrike.‘Youdid.’
‘Well,Ihadto.Nobodywantsanyonemyage.’
StrikesuspectedhemightknowthereasonPathadsuddenlycomeclean.
‘I’mfired,aren’tI?’shesaid.
‘OhChrist,don’tcry,’saidStrike,seeingherliptremble:onebawlingwomanadaywasenough.‘Littlejohnknowsthis,Itakeit?’
‘Howdidyouknowthat?’gaspedPat.
‘Hashebeenblackmailingyou?’
‘Notuntiljustnow,’saidPat,retrievingahandkerchieffromherhandbagandpressingitagainsthereyes.‘Hetoldmeheknew,rightafterhestartedwithus.Icouldn’ttellyouwithoutadmittinghowoldIam,couldI?
‘ButIwasintheloojustnowandwhenIwentintheofficehewasthere,andhehadtheEdensorfileandIthinkhewasgoingtotakephotosofit,becausehehadhisphoneout.Isaidtohim,“Whatthehelld’youthinkyou’redoing?”andheclosedthefileandsaid,“Youdidn’tseethat,andI’llforgetyou’reapensioner,allright?”’
‘Youdon’tthinkhegotpictures?’
‘No,Iheardhimpasstheloo.Hewouldn’thavehadtime.’
Strikepickedupacoupleofchipsandatethem,whilePatwatchedhim.WhenStrikedidn’tspeak,sherepeated,
‘I’mfired,aren’tI?’
‘Youshould’vetoldme.’
‘Youwouldn’thavehiredmeifI’dtoldthetruth,’saidPat,tearsnowfallingfasterthanshecouldwipethemaway.
‘I’mnottalkingaboutthen,I’mtalkingaboutnow.Stopbloodycrying,you’renotfired.Where’mIgoingtogetanothermanagerlikeyou?’
‘Oh,’saidPat,and,pressingthehandkerchieftoherface,shebegantocryinearnest.
Strikegottohisfeetandwenttothebar,buyingaglassofport,whichwasPat’spreferreddrink,andreturningtosetitdowninfrontofher.
‘Whythehelld’youwanttokeepworkingatsixty-seven?’
‘’CauseIlikeworking,’gulpedPat,franticallywipingherface.‘Igetbored,sittingathome.’
‘Metoo,’saidStrike,who’dbeenmakingcertaindeductionswhileatthebar.‘Sohowold’syourdaughter?’
‘Justturnedfifty,’mutteredPat.‘Ihadheryoung.’
‘That’swhyyoubitmyheadoffwhenIasked?’
Patnodded.
‘IssheonFacebook?’
‘Neveroffit,’saidPat,reachingforherportwithanunsteadyhand.
‘Then—’
‘Yeah.I’llaskRhoda.She’lllikehelping,’saidPat,takingashakysipofport.
‘Where’sLittlejohnnow?’
‘Heleft.Imadesurehe’dreallygonebeforeIcalledyou.Hegotinataxiattheendoftheroad.Hewasn’thappyIcaughthim.He’soffforaweeknow,’saidPat,blowinghernose.‘They’regoingtoGreeceonholiday.’
‘BythetimeI’vefinishedwithhimhe’llwishhe’dbloodystayedthere.’
Hestartedonhisburger.WhenPathadfinishedherdrink,shesaid,
‘Bettergetback,Iwashalfwaythroughnextweek’srota…thanks,Cormoran.’
‘You’rewelcome,’saidStrike,throughamouthfulofburger.Patleft.
Strikeknewfullwellhewasguiltyofaninconsistency.He’ddamnedLittlejohnontheprinciplethatwheretherewasonelie,thereweremore,buthewasconfidentthatPat’sliehadn’tbeenbornofafundamentallackofhonesty.Quitethereverse:shewasoftenfartoohonestforhisliking.Intheearlydaysofheremploymenthe’dhavejumpedatthechancetofireher,buttimehadbroughtaboutacompleterevolutioninhisfeelings:now,he’dhavebeenextremelyloathtoloseher.Nevertheless,hethought,ashereachedabsentlyformorechips,hemightdelaythepayrisehe’dbeenplanningtogiveher.Forgivenesswasonething,butitwasapoormanagementstrategytorewardemployeesforcomingcleanonlywhentheywereforcedtodoso.
Forthenexttenminutes,Strikewasleftalonetoenjoyhisburger.Whenatlasthe’dfinishedeating,hereachedforhismobileandcalledShankerback.
‘IwanttotracethecallReaneygot,beforeheoverdosed.D’youknowanybentscrewsupinBedford?’
‘There’salwaysbentscrews,Bunsen,’saidShanker,cynicalasever.
‘Fivehundredforyouandfivehundredforthem,iftheycangivemeanysolidinformationaboutthatcall,’saidStrikerecklessly,‘particularlythenumberitwasmadefrom.’
71
Eveninthemidstofdangertherecomeintervalsofpeace…Ifwepossessenoughinnerstrength,weshalltakeadvantageoftheseintervals…
TheIChingorBookofChanges
InspiteofRobin’sgentleprobing,JianghadrevealednothingmoreaboutDaiyuorJacobduringtheirsearchforMazu’smother-of-pearlfish,norhadhetoldRobinwhichpersonhadallegedlyreappearedatChapmanFarmafteralongabsence.Allshe’dlearnedforcertainwasthatJiang’sinnerlifewasdominatedbytwopreoccupations:asenseofinjurythathisbrotherhadgonesofarinthechurchwhilehewasrelegatedtothestatusoffarmhandandchauffeur,andaprurientinterestinthesexlivesofotherchurchmembers,whichappearedtospringfromthefrustrationhefeltathisownexclusionfromtheRetreatRooms.However,theirmeetinginthewoodshaddefinitelyleftJiangfeelingmorekindlytowardsRobinthanhitherto,andthiswassomecomfort,becauseRobinfeltsheneededallthealliesshecouldget.
ShehadnodoubtthatBeccahadhiddenMazu’sfishbeneathhermattress.RobinhadseenBecca’sexpressionofconfusionandangerwhenthefishwasfoundinthelonggrassbyatriumphantWalter,andherimmediate,accusatoryglanceatRobin.ExactlywhathadprovokedBeccatotryandincriminateher,Robindidn’tknow,butherbestguesswasthatBecca,likeTaio,suspectedsomekindofalliancehadbeenforgedbetweenEmilyandRobininNorwich,andthatshewasconsequentlydeterminedtoseeRobindisgraced,punished,orevenmovedonfromChapmanFarm.
Beccawasaformidableenemytohavemade.RobinworriedthatitmightnottakemuchtobreakthesilenceofLin,JiangorVivienneifBeccapressedthemforanyincriminatinginformationtheymighthaveonRobin.Unauthorisedtripstothewoods,possessionofatorch,thefactthatshe’dansweredtoherrealname:RobinhadenoughrespectforBecca’sintelligencetoknowitwouldn’ttakeherlongtoguessthat‘Rowena’wasanundercoverinvestigator.WhileRobinhadtoldStrikeaboutthependantinherlastletter,she’dagainomittedmentionofLindiscoveringherinthewoods,andherfoolishslipinfrontofVivienne.
Asifthiswasn’tenoughtofretabout,RobinwasalsoawarethatforeverydayshefailedtoseekTaiooutandofferhimsex,herstatusatChapmanFarmwasworsening.Taiogloweredatherfromafarasshemovedroundthefarm,andshewasstartingtofearanoutrightdemandforspiritbondingwhich,ifrefused,wouldcertainlyproducesomekindofcrisis.Yethourtohour,daytoday,Robinclungon,inthehopeshemightyetgetmoreinformationoutofEmilyorJiang,orfindanopportunitytotalktoWillEdensor.
Meanwhile,NoliSeymour,DrZhouandtherestofthechurchPrincipalshadalldescendedonthefarm.RobinunderstoodfromoverheardconversationsthattheManifestationoftheDrownedProphet,whichwasfastapproaching,usuallydrewtheentirecounciltothechurch’sbirthplace.WhileDrZhouremainedcloisteredinhisluxuriousofficeandGilesHarmoncontinuedtospendmostofeachdaytypinginhisbedroom,visibletoeveryonewhocrossedthecourtyard,Noliandacoupleofthemendonnedwhitetracksuitsliketheordinarymembers.Whiletheydidn’tlowerthemselvestosleepinginthedormitories,allthreecouldbeseenmovingaroundthefarmworkingatvarioustasks,eachwithanairofconsciousvirtueandoftenwithanineptitudethatwouldhavedrawnfiercecriticismdownuponanyotherchurchmember.
Robin,whowasstillexistinginastrangelimbosomewherebetweenhigh-levelrecruitandmanualworker,wassenttohelpcookdinneroneevening,afteralongsessiononchurchdoctrineledbyMazu.SheenteredthekitchentoseeWillEdensorchoppingamoundofonions.Havingdonnedanapron,sheheadedtohelphimwithoutwaitingtobegivenorders.
‘Thanks,’hemuttered,whenshejoinedhim.
‘Noproblem,’saidRobin.
‘Italwaysdoesthistome,’saidWill,moppinghiswatery,pink-rimmedeyesonhissleeve.
‘It’seasierifyoufreezethemfirst,’saidRobin.
‘Seriously?’
‘Yes,butit’sabitlateforustotrythatnow.Is’posewe’lljusthavetoworkfast.’
Willsmiled.Forabriefmomenthelookedmuchyoungerthanheusuallydid.
Thenoiseinthekitchenwasrelentless,whatwiththeclangingoftheenormouspans,thehissingofthevectorfanovertheindustrialovensandthebubblingandspittingoftheusualslopoftinnedvegetables,cookingonmultiplegasrings.
‘Howlonghaveyoubeeninthechurch,Will?’Robinasked.
‘Um…fouryearsorsomething,now.’
‘Sothat’showlongI’llhavetobehere,toknowdoctrineaswellasyoudo?’
She’dthoughtthequestionwouldeitherflatterhimorprovokehimintoalecture,eitherofwhichwouldprovideanopeningtopushhimonhisallegiancetotheUHC.
‘Youjusthavetostudy,’hesaiddully.
Wonderingwhetherhewasbeinglessopinionatedbecausehiseyeswerebotheringhim,orforsomedeeperreason,shesaid,
‘Soyou’vebeenhereforfourManifestationsoftheDrownedProphet?’
Willnodded,thensaid,
‘ButIcan’ttalkaboutit.You’vegottoexperienceit,toreallyunderstand.’
‘IfeelasthoughIgotakindofpreview,’saidRobin,‘duringmyRevelationsession.Daiyucametothetemple.Shemadethestagetipup.’
‘Yeah,Iheardaboutthat,’saidWill
‘IknowIdeservedit,’saidRobin,‘soIsupposeIshouldbegladithappened.It’slikeyousaidtomeonthevegetablepatch,there’sno“introuble”,isthere?It’sallstrengthening.’
ForamomentortwoWillwassilent.Thenhesaid,
‘Haveyoubeeninthelibraryyet?’
‘IsearcheditforMazu’sfish,’saidRobin.‘Ihaven’tuseditproperly.’
Thoughbeautifullyappointed,withmahoganytablesandbrassreadinglights,thelibrarycontainedfewbooks,andhalfofthemhadbeenwrittenbyJonathanWace.Therestofthestockcomprisedholytextsofallmajorreligions.WhileRobinwouldhavewelcomedaquiethourinthelibrary,shedoubtedshe’dbeabletoconcentratelongontheGuruGranthSahibortheTorahwithoutfallingasleep.
‘HaveyoureadtheBible?’askedWill
‘Um…bits,’saidRobincautiously.
‘Iwasreadingityesterday.John,chapterone,verse4:1:“Beloved,donotbelieveeveryspirit,buttestthespiritstoseewhethertheyarefromGod,formanyfalseprophetshavegoneoutintotheworld.”’
Robinglancedathim.Shemightbemistaken,givenhisreddened,puffyeyes,butshethoughthelookedworried.
‘OhLord,I’mgoingtoneedhelp,’saidaloudfemalevoice.RobinandWilllookedround.NoliSeymourhadjustenteredthekitchenwearingapristinewhitetracksuit,andwasmakingacomicalexpression,handspressedagainstherface.‘I’manawfulcook!’shesaid,lookinground.‘Someofyouexpertsaregoingtohavetohelpme!’
IfNolihadimaginedastampedetoassisther,orthatthekitchenworkerswouldbecharmedbyheradmissionofhelplessness,she’dmiscalculated.Tiredandsweaty,noneofthemsmiled,althoughSitahandedheranapron.Robinhadapresentimentaboutwhatwasabouttohappen,andsureenough,oneoftheolderwomenpointedNolitothepileofonionsRobinandWillweretackling,doubtlessthinkingthatthiswaswhereshecoulddoleastharm.Noliwasenoughofanactresstofakeenthusiasm.
‘Great…um…haveyougotgloves?’
‘No,’saidthewoman,returningtothelargevatcontainingagallonoftinnedtomatoesbubblingonthestove.
‘Hi,I’mNoli,’saidtheactresstoWillandRobin.‘Haveyougot—?Oh,thanks,’shesaid,asRobinpassedheraknife.‘Sowhatareyournames?’
Theytoldher.
‘Rowena,wow,that’ssofunny,IplayedRowenainIvanhoeatdramaschool,’saidNoli,lookingsidewaysatthewayRobinwasslicingheronion,andtryingtocopyher.‘Itwaskindofachallenge,actually.Imuchpreferplayingcharacterswithsubstance,youknow?AndRowena’sbasicallyjust,youknow,beautifulandkindandnoble,’Nolirolledhereyes,‘andI’mlike,“Um,wouldn’titbeeasiertouseamannequinorsomething?”Oh,God,Ihopeyouaren’tnamedafterLadyRowena!’Noliadded,withapealoflaughter.‘Wereyourparentsfans,orsomething?’
BeforeRobincouldanswer,Will,whosestreamingeyeswerestillfixedontheonionhewaschopping,muttered:
‘Materialistpossession.’
‘What?’saidNoli.
‘“Parents”,’saidWill,stillnotlookingatNoli.
‘Oh–yeah,right,’saidNoli.‘YouknowwhatImean,though.’
‘No,Iwasn’tnamedafterLadyRowena,’saidRobin.
‘Ijustgettypecast,youknow?’saidNoli,whowasdoingherbesttotouchtheonionshewaschoppingaslittleaspossible,holdingitsteadywithherfingertips.‘I’mconstantlysayingtomyagent,“Justonce,canyougetmeacharacterwithcharacter?”I’vebeenfeelingthatsomuchmoresincejoiningthechurch,’sheaddedearnestly.
ThethreesomechoppedinsilenceforalittlewhileuntilWill,afterwipinghisirritatedeyesonthesleeveofhissweatshirtagain,glancedatNoliandsaid,
‘AreyoureallygoingtomakeafilmabouttheDrownedProphet?’
Theactresslookedupathim,startled.
‘Howonearthdidyouknowaboutthat?’
‘Areyou?’saidWill,hisreddenedeyesfixedonhisworkagain.
‘Well,notjustabout–nothing’sdefinite.I’vebeentalkingtoPapaJaboutmaybedoingafilmabouthim.Howonearthdidyouknowthat?’sheadded,withanotherlittlelaugh.
‘IwastheoneservingyouyourpotatoeswhenyouweretalkingaboutittoPapaJ,’saidWill.‘Inthefarmhouse.’
Thekitchenworkersintheirimmediatevicinitywerenowlisteningtotheconversation.Somehaddeliberatelysloweddownintheirtasks,soastomakelessnoise.
‘Oh,ofcourseyouwere,yes,’saidNoli,butRobincouldtellNolihadnomemoryofWillatall.‘Well,it’sjustsomethingIthinkcouldbereallyinteresting.WecouldmakesureabigcutoftheprofitsgototheUHC,obviously.Ithinkitwouldbeanincrediblewaytobringawarenessofthechurchtoawideraudience.Ofcourse,hedoesn’tthinkanyonewouldwatchamovieabouthim,’shesaid,withagiggle.‘That’sthefunnythingabouthim,hedoesn’trealisewhatheis,doeshe?He’ssomodest,it’soneofthethingsIreallyadmireabouthim,itmakesareallynicechangefromthepeopleImeetinmybusiness,Icantellyou.’
‘WouldyoubeDaiyu,inthefilm?’saidWill.
‘No,ofcoursenot,I’mtooold,’saidNoli.‘I’dquiteliketoplayhisfirstwife,becausehe’stoldmeabitabouther,andshesoundslikea–well,shewasnoLadyRowena,putitthatway.’
‘D’youthinkit’sstrange,’saidWill,stilldicingonions,‘thatPapaJmarriedtwiceandnobodyinthechurchissupposedtomarry?’
‘What?’saidNoli.Herknifeslippedofftheonionshewasmangling.
‘Will!’
Oneoftheolderwomenhadspoken,hertoneadefinitewarning.Thekitchenworkersaroundtheonionchoppersseemedtohavecomebacktolife:therewasaresumptionoftheusualclangingandclatteringastheymovedaway.
‘Ofcourseit’snotstrange,’saidNoli.‘Hisfirstmarriagewasbeforeheeven–anyway,it’saHigher-LevelTruth,isn’tit?’
‘Whatis?’saidWill,stilllookingattheonionhewaschopping.
‘PapaJandMamaMazu,youcan’t–it’snotthesame.They’re,like,ourparents–allofourparents.’
‘Materialistpossession,’mutteredWillagain.
‘Oh,come—’
‘HaveyoureadtheBhagavadGita?’
‘Yes,ofcourse,’saidNoli,clearlylying.
‘LordKrishnatalksaboutpeopleofdemonicnature.“Self-conceited,stubborn,intoxicatedbyprideinwealth,theyperformsacrificeinnameonly,withostentation.”’
‘Ohmigod,therearesomanypeopleinactinglikethat,’saidNoli.‘ThelastshowIdid—’
Buthervoicewasdrownedoutbyanother.Somebodyoutsidethekitchenwasscreaming.
72
Nineinthethirdplace…Thewomancarriesachildbutdoesnotbringitforth.Misfortune.
TheIChingorBookofChanges
ThekitchendoorbangedopentorevealPenny,whoseonce-greenhairwasnowstragglyandbrown,andthefrontofwhosesweatshirtwasstainedwithwhatlookedlikeblood.
‘It’sLin,’shewailed.‘Inthewomen’sbathroom.She’s–ohmyGod—’
RobinandWillwerethefirsttomove.Robinfollowedtheyoungermanatasprint,herapronslightlyimpedingthemotionofherknees,andbehindhershecouldhearsomeoftheolderwomenalsorunning.Theydasheddownthepathwayintothecourtyard,butatthedormitorydoor,Willchecked.Menweren’tsupposedtoenterthewomen’sdormitory.Robinpushedhimaside,ranthroughtheemptydormitoryandthroughthebathroomdoor.
‘OhJesus,’shesaidaloud.
Therewasapuddleofbloodseepingfromunderoneofthetoiletcubicledoors.ShecouldseeLin’sbloodstainedlegs,whichweren’tmoving.
‘Lin,’Robinyelled,poundingonthelockeddoor,buttherewasnoanswer.Robindashedintotheneighbouringcubicle,jumpedupontothetoiletseat,seizedholdofthetopofthepartitionandpulledherselfoverit.
‘Shit,’saidRobin,landingandslippinginthebloodsurroundingtheteenager,whosatslumpedagainstthetoilet.
She’dexpectedsuicide,butsawatoncethattheblood,ofwhichthereseemedaterrifyingamount,seemedtobeissuingfromLin’svagina.Hertracksuitbottomsweresoddenandshewaswheezing,whileherneck,faceandhandswerecoveredinanangryredrash.
‘Lin,’saidRobin,‘what’shappened?’
‘Leavem-m-me,’whisperedLin.‘J-j-justleavem-m-me.’
RobinheardfootstepsoutsidethecubicleandhastilyunlockedthedoortorevealtheworriedfacesofPennyandassortedfemalekitchenworkers.
‘I’llgetDrZhou,’saidSita,whodisappeared.
‘N-no,’gaspedLin.‘N-n-notZhou,n-notZhou…’
‘Youneedadoctor,Lin,’saidRobin.‘You’vegottoseeadoctor.’
‘N-n-nothim…Id-d-don’twanthim…I’mfine…it’sfine…’
RobinreachedforLin’shand,whichwashot,andheldit.
‘It’sgoingtobeOK,’shesaid.
‘N-n-noitwon’t,’saidLinfaintly,nowgaspingforbreath.‘N-n-notifsheg-g-getsZhou…p-p-please…’
Robincouldhearmentalkingoutsidethedormitoryandafewminuteslater,loudestofall,sheheardDrZhou.
‘Getoutoftheway!’heshoutedasheenteredthebathroom,andthewomensurroundingthecubiclescattered.Robinremainedexactlywhereshewas,andfeltLin’sfingerstightenonhersasZhouappearedintheopendoorway.
‘Whatthebloodyhellhaveyoudonetoyourself?’heshouted,lookingdownatLin,andRobinreadpanicinhisface
‘Nothing…nothing…’wheezedLin.
‘Ithink,’saidRobin,feelingterriblyguiltyaboutbetrayingLin,butafraidoftheconsequencesifshedidn’tspeak,‘shemighthaveeatensomeplants.’
‘Whatplants?’shoutedZhou,hisvoiceechoingoffthetiledwalls.
‘Lin,tellhim,’saidRobin,‘pleasetellhim.ThinkofQing,’shewhispered.
‘M-m-mug…wort,’saidLin,nowgaspingforbreath.
‘Getup,’snarledZhou.
‘Areyoumad?’saidRobin,lookingupathim.‘Shecan’tstand!’
‘Gettwoofthemeninhere!’Zhoubellowedatthewomenwho’dretreatedbackintothedormitory.
‘Whatareyougoingtodo?’Robindemanded.
‘You,move!’ZhoubarkedatRobin,whoremainedexactlywhereshewas,stillgrippingLin’shand.
NowWillandTaioappearedatthecubicledoor.Taiolookeddisgusted,Will,simplyhorrified.
‘Wrapatowelaroundher,’saidZhou,‘wedon’twantmesseverywhere.Thencarryhertothefarmhouse.’
‘N-n-no,’saidLin,startingfeeblytoresistasTaiobegantoroughlybundleabathtowelaroundher.
‘I’lldoit,’saidRobin,battingTaio’shandaway.
Linwashoistedtoherfeet,thetowelwrappedaroundher,thencarriedawaybyWillandTaio.
‘Cleanthatmessup,’wereZhou’spartingwordstoRobin,andasheleftthebathroom,sheheardhimbarkatsomebodyelse,‘You,goandhelpher.’
Robin’stracksuitbottomsweresoakedinthewarmredliquid.Shegotslowlytoherfeet,hernostrilsfulloftheferroussmellofLin’sblood,asPennycamecreepingbackintothebathroom,hereyeswide.
‘Whathappenedtoher?’shewhispered
‘Ithinkshetriedtogiveherselfamiscarriage,’saidRobin,whofeltnauseated.
‘Oh,’saidPenny.‘Ididn’tknowwhattodo.Ijustsawthebloodunderthedoor…’
TheramificationsofwhathadjusthappenedwerehittingRobin.ShewonderedwhetherLinwasgoingtodie,whetherZhouwascompetenttodealwiththeemergency.Shealsoknewshe’dreactedtothecrisisasRobinEllacott,notasRowenaEllis,shoutingatZhouandignoringhisorders,pushingTaioaway,sidingwiththegirlwho’dtriedtoabortherbaby.ThentherewasheradmissionsheknewLinhadeatenplants…
‘DrZhoutoldmetohelpyoucleanup,’saidPennytimidly.
‘It’sfine,’saidRobin,whoverymuchwantedtobeleftalone.‘Icandoit.’
‘No,’saidPenny,wholookedqueasybutdetermined,‘hetoldmeto…youreallyyelledathim,’sheaddednervously.
‘Iwasjustshocked,’saidRobin.
‘Iknow…butheisthedoctor.’
Robinsaidnothing,butwenttogetoneofthestiff,roughtowelsthewomenusedaftershowers,spreaditoverthebloodandbegantomopitup,allthewhilewonderinghowonearthshegoingtoexplainthatsheknewLinhadhadthoseplants,withoutadmittingshe’dbeeninthewoodswheretheygrew,atnight
ImitatingRobin,Pennytoofetchedatoweltosoakuptheblood.Whenmostofitwasmoppedup,Robindroppedthestainedtowelintothelaundrybasket,wenttogetafreshoneandranitunderthecoldwatertap.Asshedidso,sheglancedupatthehighwindowsoverthesinksagain.Herhearthammeredalmostpainfullyassheimaginedleavingimmediately.She’djustheardthefirstindicationthatWillEdensormightbehavingdoubtsaboutthechurch,butshehadnoideahowtotalkherwayoutofthetroubleshe’dnowsurelylandedherselfin.IfonlyshecouldgetridofPenny,shemightbeabletoclimboutofoneofthosewindowsanddropdownontheothersideofthebuilding,outofsightofthecourtyard;thenshecouldrunforthewoodswhilethehigher-upsweredistractedbyLin,raisethealarmandgetanambulancetothefarm.That,surely,wastherightthingtodo.Hertimewasup.
Shereturnedtothemessonthefloorwithherwettowelandbeganwipingupthelasttracesofblood.
‘Gotodinner,’shetoldPenny.‘I’llfinishuphere,it’snearlydone.’
‘OK,’saidPenny,gettingtoherfeet.‘Ihopeyoudon’tgetintrouble.’
‘Thanks,’saidRobin.
ShewaiteduntilPenny’sfootstepshaddiedaway,thengotup,threwthewettowelintothelaundrybaskettoo,andhadtakentwostridestowardsthesinkwhenawhitefigureappearedinthedoorway.
‘PapaJwantstoseeyou,’saidLouisePirbright.
73
Wefindourselvesclosetothecommanderofdarkness…
TheIChingorBookofChanges
‘Ihaven’tfinished,’saidRobinstupidly,pointingatthefloor,whichwasstillfaintlypink.
‘I’llsendsomeoneelsetodoit,’saidLouise.Shewasholdingherhandsinfrontofher,nervouslyinterlockingherswollen-jointedfingers.‘You’dbettercome.’
IttookamomentforRobintomakehertremblinglegsbehave.ShefollowedLouiseoutofthebathroomandthroughthedeserteddormitory.Forabriefmoment,shecontemplatedbreakingaway,sprintingdownthepassagebetweenthedormitoriesandclimbingoverthefive-bargate,butshehadnoconfidencethatshe’dmakethewoodswithoutbeingcaught:thereweretoomanypeopleinthecourtyard,someofthemgroupedaroundDaiyu’spooltomaketheusualobeisance,othersheadingforthedininghall.
LouiseandRobin,too,pausedatthepool.WhenRobinsaid,‘TheDrownedProphetwillblessallwhoworshipher,’shefelthertonguestickingtotheroofofhermouth.Havingdaubedherforeheadwithwater,shefollowedLouisetowardsthedragon-carveddoorsofthefarmhouse.
Inside,theypassedthescarlet-carpetedstaircase,thenstoppedatashinyblackdoorontheleft-handsideofthehall.Louiseknocked.
‘Come,’saidJonathanWace’svoice.
Louiseopenedthedoor,indicatedthatRobinshouldwalkinsideandthenclosedthedoorbehindher.
TheroomRobinenteredwaslargeandverybeautiful.UnlikeMazu’sstudy,therewasnoclutterhere.Thewallswerecoveredinpeacockbluefabric,againstwhichfiguresofivoryandsilver,mostofthemChinese,stoodingraceful,modernshelvingcabinets,inpoolsofcarefullydirectedlight.Afireburnedbeneathamodernsurroundofwhitemarble.Infrontofthis,onablackleathercouch,satJonathanWace,alone,eatingoffalowblacklacquertablethatwasladenwithvariousdishes.
‘Aha,’saidWace,smilingashesetdownhisknifeandforkandgottohisfeet.‘Rowena.’
Hewaswearinganupmarketversionofthewhitetracksuitsnearlyeveryoneatthefarmwore,whichappearedtobemadeofrawsilk.Onhisfeetheworeveryexpensive-lookingleatherslides.Robinfeltthecolourleaveherfaceashewalkedtowardsher.
Wacepulledherintoahug.Robincouldstillfeelherselfshaking,andknewhecouldfeelittoo,becausehewasholdinghersotightlyherbreastsweresquashedagainsthischest.Hesmelledofsandalwoodcologneandheldherfartoolongforhercomfort.Shetriedtorelax,buteverymusclewastense.AtlastWaceloosenedhisgrip,thoughstillholdingherinhisarms,sohecouldlookdownather,smiling.
‘You’requitewonderful,aren’tyou?’
Robindidn’tknowwhetherhewasbeingsarcastic.Helookedsincere.Atlast,hereleasedher.
‘Come,’hesaidagain,andreturnedtothesofa,beckoninghertoablackleatherchairthatsatatrightanglestothefire.
‘I’veheardhowyouhelpeddeliverMazu’sbaby,Rowena,’saidWace.‘Thankyou,verysincerely,foryourservice.’
Momentarilyconfused,RobinrealisedhewastalkingaboutWan’sdaughter.
‘Oh,’shesaid.Hermouthwasstillsodryitwashardtogetoutthewords.‘Yes.’
‘AndtonightyouofferedpoorlittleLinsolace,’saidWace,stillsmilingasheaddedragouttohisplate.‘Youareforgiven,’headded,‘forspeakingintemperatelytoDrZhou.’
‘I…ohgood…Imean,thankyou,’saidRobin.
ShefeltcertainWacewasplayingsomekindofgame.Thesmellofrichfood,comingasitdidimmediatelyafterthesmellofblood,wasmakingherstomachchurn.Breathe,shetoldherself.Talk.
‘IsLingoingtobeallright?’sheasked.
‘“Thewayofyanggoestoandfro,upanddown,”’quotedWace,stillsmiling.‘She’sbeenfoolish,asyou’veprobablyrealised.Whydidn’tyoutellanyoneshewasconsumingmugwort?’heasked,apparentlyidly,ashepickeduphisknifeandforkagain.
‘Ididn’tknow,’saidRobin,assweatbrokeoutoverherscalpagain.‘Iguessed.Isawherwithsomeplantsawhileago.’
‘Whenwasthis?’
‘Ican’tremember,Ijustsawherholdingthemoneday.WhenIsawthatrashshe’sgottonight,Ithoughtitlookedlikeanallergy.’
‘Therearenoallergies,’saidWacesmoothly.‘Therashwasherfleshrevoltingatwhatherfalseselfmadeherdo.’
‘WillDrZhoubeabletohelpher?’
‘Ofcourse.Heunderstandsspiritworkbetterthananyonenowalive.’
‘Hashetakenhertoahospital?’
‘He’streatinghernow,andTaio’sabouttoremovehertoaplaceofrecuperation,soyouneedn’tdistressyourselfaboutLin,’saidWace.‘Iwanttotalkaboutyou.Ihear…conflictingreports.’
Hesmiledather,chewing,then,wideninghiseyes,heswallowedandsaid,
‘Butthisisshockingofme…you’remissingdinner.’
Hepressedasmallbellsittingamongthevariousdishesonthetable.Momentslater,baldShawnaappeared,beaming.
‘Shawna,anotherplate,glass,knifeandforkforRowena,please,’saidWace
‘Yes,PapaJ,’saidShawnaimportantly,bowingbeforeleavingtheroomagain
‘Thankyou,’saidRobin,tryingtoactthepartofaninnocentwomanandchurchmember,onewhodesperatelywantedJonathanWace’sapproval.‘Sorry,but…whatconflictingreportsarethereaboutme?’
‘Well,’saidWace,‘I’mtoldyou’reaveryhardworker.Younevercomplainoftiredness.Youshowresourcefulnessandcourage–thelabourwaslong,Ihear,andyouforwentsleeptohelp.YoualsofoundourEmilyinNorwichwhenshewastakenill,didn’tyou?AndIbelieveyoupreviouslyrushedtoherdefencewhenJiangwasgivingherinstructions.Then,tonight,youwerethefirsttogotoLin’said.IthinkI’llhavetocallyouArtemis.YouknowwhoArtemisis?’
‘Um…theGreekgoddessofhunting?’
‘Hunting,’repeatedJonathan.‘Interestingyouspeakofhunting,first.’
‘OnlybecauseI’veseenstatuesofherwithabowandarrow,’saidRobin,whowaspressingherhandsbetweenherkneestostopthemshaking.‘Idon’treallyknowmuchelseabouther.’
ThedooropenedandShawnareappearedwitheverythingWacehadaskedfor.Shelaidoutaplate,knife,forkandglassinfrontofRobin,bowedagaintoWace,beaming,anddisappeared,closingthedoorbehindher.
‘Eat,’WaceorderedRobin,fillingherwaterglasshimself.‘TherearemanycontradictionsinArtemis,asinsomanyhumanrepresentationsofthedivine.She’sahuntress,butalsoprotectorofthehunted,ofgirlsuptomarriageableage,thegoddessofchildbirthand…strangely…ofchastity.’
Heglancedatherbeforeturninghisattentionbacktohisfood.Robintookagulpofwater,tryingtoeasethedrynessofhermouth.
‘Personally,’Wacecontinued,‘Idon’tdisdaintheteachingsofthosewhomconventionalreligiouspeoplewouldseeaspagans.Idon’tbelievetheChristianconceptionofGodisanymorevalidthantheancientGreeks’.AllsubjectiveattemptstodrawacompletepictureoftheBlessedDivinityarenecessarilypartialandflawed.’
Exceptyours,thoughtRobin.She’dservedherselfragoutandpolenta,andnowtookamouthful.Itwasoneofthebestthingsshe’devereaten,orperhapsitwassimplythatshe’dbeendeprivedofrealfoodforsolong.
‘Andyou’vebeengeneroustothechurch,Artemis,’saidWace.‘Athousandpounds!Thankyou,’hesaid,makinghisfamiliarexpressionofhumilityandgratitude,ashepressedonehandtohisheart.
‘Ishouldhavemadethatsooner,’saidRobin.
‘Whyd’yousaythat?’Waceasked,eyebrowsraised.
‘BecauseIknowotherpeopledonatedbeforeme.Ishouldhave—’
‘Thereisno“shouldhave”,’saidWace.‘Allthatcountsiswhatisdone.Thejourneytopurespiritisessentiallyaprocessofbecomingevermoreactive.Prayer,meditation,study:theseareactions.Regretisinactiveandusefulonlyinsofarasitpropelsusonwards,tomoreaction.So,allofthisisverygood,but,’saidWace,hissmilenowfading,‘yourjournalis…alittledisappointing.’
Robin’sheartbeatfaster.Whenitcametoherjournal,she’dtakenalinefromwhatNiamhDohertyhadtoldher:onethingenjoyed,onethinglearned,everyday.
‘Noquestions,’saidWace.‘Nodoubts.CertainlynoindicationofRowena’sinnerlife.’
‘Iwastryingnottoshowegomotivity,’saidRobin.
Waceletoutabarkoflaughterthatmadeherjump.
‘That’sexactlywhatIexpectedyoutosay,Artemis.’
Robindislikedtherepetitionofthenewnickname.Sheknewitwasmeantbothtoflatteranddestabiliseher.
‘AndIhearyou’rethesamewayindoctrinallectures.Youneverseekdiscussionorclarification.You’restudious,butsilent.Nocuriosity.’
‘Ithought—’
‘—thatwouldshowegomotivity?Notatall.It’samaximofminethatI’dratherfaceanhonestscepticthanahundredwhobelievetheyknowGodbutarereallyinthralltotheirownpiety.Butitinterestsme,thislackofcuriosityandargument,becauseyou’renotasubmissive,areyou?Notreally.You’veshownthatrepeatedly.’
AsRobinstruggledforananswer,sheheardmovementoutsidetheroom,ascufflingandthenthesoundofLin’svoice
‘Id-d-don’twanttog-g-go–no!N-n-n-no!’
‘Music,’saidWace,settingdownhisknifeandforkwithaclatter,gettingtohisfeetandmovingcalmlytoadiscreetpanelonthewall.Withthepressofabutton,classicalmusicfilledtheroom.Robinheardthefrontdoorsofthefarmhouseslam.ShehadtimetorememberthatLinwasalmostcertainlyWace’sowndaughterbeforehemovedbacktothesofaandsaid,asthoughnothinghadhappened,
‘SoI’mpuzzledbyyou,Artemis.Ontheonehand,passivity,unquestioningobedience,anuncomplainingworkethic,ajournalthatasksnoquestions,alargedonationtothechurch.
‘Butontheotherhand,astronganddynamicindividuality.Outsideofdoctrinalseminars,youchallengeauthorityandresistdeeperengagementwiththechurch’sprecepts.Youdemonstrateastrongmaterialistadherencetotheimportanceofthebody,overtherequirementsofthespirit.Whythesecontradictions,Artemis?’
Robin,whofeltslightlystrongerfortheingestionoffoodandwater,said,
‘I’mtryingtolearnandchange.IwasargumentativebeforeIjoinedthechurch.That’swhymyfiancébrokeupwithme.Isuppose…myfalseselfisstillthere,stillclingingon.’
‘Averynice,neat,patanswer,’saidWace,smilingagain.
‘I’mtryingtobehonest,’saidRobin.ShewonderedwhethercryingwouldhelpconvinceWaceofhersincerity.Itwouldn’ttakemuchforthetearstoflow,aftertheshocksofthelasthour.
‘Ihear,’saidWace,‘theonlytimeyouseemedtoshowanyinterestinchallengingchurchdoctrinewaswithyoungWill,upatthevegetablepatch.’
‘Iwasn’tchallenginghim,’saidRobin,carefulnottosounddefensive.‘Imadeamistakeandhecorrectedme.Severaltimes,actually.’
‘Ah,well…Will’sbetteratmemorisingdoctrinethanlivingit,’saidWace,smilingagain.‘He’sacleveryoungman,buthasn’tyetmadepurespiritbecausehefalters,constantly,atstepsix.Youknowwhatstepsixis?’
‘“Thepurespiritknowsacceptanceismoreimportantthanunderstanding,”’quotedRobin.
‘Verygood,’saidWace.‘Thematerialistseeksunderstanding,wherethepurespiritseekstruth.Wherethematerialistseescontradictions,thepurespiritgraspsthatdisparatenotionsandideasareallpartofthewhole,whichonlytheDivinitycancomprehend.Willcannotridhimselfofadherencetoamaterialistconceptionofknowledge.Hetries,heseemstosucceed,butthenhefallsbackagain.’
WacescannedRobin’sface,butshesaidnothing,certainthatshowingaparticularinterestinWillwouldbedangerous.Whenitbecameclearthatshewasn’tgoingtospeak,Wacewenton,
‘AndyouchallengedJiangwhenhewasinstructingEmily,alsoonthevegetablepatch.’
‘Yes,’saidRobin,‘Ireactedinstinctively,Iwas—’
‘“Instinctively”,’repeatedWace,‘isaninterestingchoiceofword,andagreatfavouriteofmaterialists.Onlywhenmankindhasriditselfofthebaseemotionswecall“instinct”arewelikelytowinourbattleagainstevil.Butyour–touseyourword–“instinct”seemstobeparticularlyengagedbyDisruptives,Artemis.’
‘Idon’tknowwhatyoumean,’saidRobin.
‘Will.Emily.EvenquietlittleLinhasherDisruptivetendencies,’saidWace.
‘Ibarelyknowanyofthem,’saidRobin.
Wacesaidnothingforafewmoments.Hecleanedhisplatethendabbedathismouthwithalinennapkinbeforesaying,
‘YourRevelationwasdifficult,Ihear.Daiyumanifested.’
‘Yes,’saidRobin.
‘Shedoesthat,’saidWace,‘whenshefeelsthechurchisunderthreat.’
HelookedatRobin,nolongersmiling,andsheforcedherselftolookbackathim,toschoolherfeaturesintoalookofconfusionratherthanpanic.Hislarge,darkblueeyeswereopaque.
‘You…can’tthinkI’mathreattothechurch?’
Thewordscameoutasawhisper,whichwasn’tfeigned.Robin’sthroatfeltconstricted.
‘Well,let’ssee,’saidWace,withoutsmiling.‘Standupforme.’
Robinletherknifeandforkfalltoherplateandstoodup.
‘Here,’saidWace,movingawayfromthesofatoapatchofclearcarpetinthemiddleoftheroom.
Nowtheyfacedeachother.Robindidn’tknowwhatwascoming:sometimesBeccaorMazuledtheminsimpleyogamovementsaspartoftheirmeditations,andWacestoodasthoughabouttogivephysicalinstructions.
Afterstaringatherdispassionatelyfortenseconds,hereachedoutandplacedhishandsonherbreasts,hiseyesboringintohers.Robinstoodstockstill,feelingnothingbutshock.Sheseemedtobewatchingfromoutsideherownbody,barelyfeelingWacecaressingher.
‘Spiritisallthatmatters,’saidWace.‘Thebodyisimmaterial.Doyouagree?’
Robinsaid‘yes’automatically,ortriedtodoso,butnosoundissuedfromhermouth.
Waceremovedhisrighthandfromherbreast,placeditbetweenherlegsandbegantorub.
AttheexactmomentRobinjumpedbackwards,thedoorbehindheropened.SheandWacebothturned,hishandfallingfromherbreast.BeccaandMazuenteredtheroom,theformerinherwhitetracksuit,thelatterwearinglongwhiterobes,awitchbridewithherlongblackhair.Withthedooropen,babyYixincouldbeheardcryingfromupstairs.
Itwouldhavebeenhardtosaywhichwomanlookedmorefuriousandoutraged.NeitherMazunorBeccaseemedtohavelearnedthelessonofmaterialistpossession:both,itwasclear,wereincensedtofindWace’shandsuponRobin.Afterafewfrozenmomentsofsilence,Beccasaidinahigh,coldvoice:
‘Gileshasaquery.’
‘Thensendhimin.Youmaygo,Artemis,’saidWace,entirelyrelaxedandnowsmilingagain.
‘Thankyou,’saidRobin.
ShesmelledMazu’sparticularodourofgrimeandincenseasshepassedthetwofuriouswomen.DownthehallRobinhurried,thebabywailingoverhead,hermindahumofpanic,herbodyburningwhereWacehadtouchedher,asthoughhe’dbrandedherthroughherclothes.
Run,now.
Butthey’llseemeonthecameras.
Robinpushedthroughthedragon-carveddoors.Thesunwassinkingbloodilyinthesky.Peoplewerecriss-crossingthecourtyard,busyabouttheirafter-dinnertasks.RobinheadedautomaticallyforDaiyu’spool,itsdimpledsurfaceglitteringlikerubiesinthesunset,theconstantpatterofthefountaininherears.
‘TheDrownedProphetwillbless—’
ButRobincouldn’tgetthewordsout.Knowingshewasgoingtovomitandnotcaringwhethershedrewcuriouseyes,shesetoffataruntowardsthedormitorywhereshejustmadeoneofthetoilets,whereshethrewupthesmallamountofragoutandpolentashe’dswallowedwithJonathanWace,thenfelltoherkneestodry-heave,herfleshclammywithrevulsion.
74
Nineatthetopmeans…Perseverancebringsthewomanintodanger.Themoonisnearlyfull.
TheIChingorBookofChanges
Twodayspassed,duringwhichfearwaswithRobinconstantly,toadegreeshe’dneverfeltbefore.Therewasnorefuge,noplaceofsafety:sheknewanordermusthavegoneouttokeepherunderclose,constantwatch,becauseoneorotherofthefemalechurchmemberswasconstantlyathersidethroughoutherwakinghours,evenwhenshewenttothe
IttookmorecouragethaneverbeforeforRobintoleaveherbedonThursdaynighttowritetoStrike.Shewaitedfarlongerthanusualtosetoff,determinedtomakesureeveryonewasfastasleep,innodangerofdozingoffherselfbecauseheradrenalinlevelwassohigh.Havingslippedoutofthedormitory,shespedacrossthefieldtowardsthewoods,convincedthatshe’dhearashoutbehindheratanymoment.
Whenshereachedtheperimeterwallshefoundtwolettersintherock.Murphy’stoldherhewasofftoSanSebastianfortwoweeks,andwhilehe’dwrittenaffectionately,she’dnotedtheundertoneofdispleasurethatshewouldn’tbegoingwithhim.Strike’snotedetailedtheattemptedsuicideofJordanReaney.
Afterwritinghertworesponses,Robinremainedsittingonthecoldground,paralysedwithindecision.Shouldsheleave,now,whileshehadthechance?Clamberoverthebarbedwireandwaitforwhoeverwasgoingtocollectherletterstopickherup?ItwastoolatetogetanambulanceforLin,buttheintensityofthesurveillanceshewascurrentlyundermadeherwonderwhethershe’dbeabletoachieveanythingmoreifshestayed.Shewaslosinghopethatshe’deverbeabletotalktoEmilyPirbrightagain,giventhatbothofthemwereconstantlysurroundedbyotherchurchmembers.
YettherewasWill,who’dshowndefinitesignsofdoubtingthechurchduringhisconversationwithNoliinthekitchen.Nowshe’dlearnedthatthiswasnoanomaly,thatWillkeptfalteringatstepsixtopurespirit,sheunderstoodatlastwhyaclever,educatedyoungmanwithalargetrustfundwasbeingkeptatChapmanFarminsteadofbeingfast-trackedtoconductingseminarsandtravellingtheworldwithJonathanWace.IfshecouldonlyengineeronelastconversationwithWill,itwouldbeworthstaying.
SoRobinfoldedherlettersandplacedthemintheplasticrock,rippedupStrike’sandRyan’snotesandthrewthemintotheroad,spentanothertwominutesdevouringtheDoubleDeckertheagencyhadlefther,thensetoffbackthroughthewoods.
She’donlygonetenyardswhensheheardacarslowbehindheranddartedbehindatree.Bythecar’sinteriorlight,shesawBarclay,andwatchedashegotoutofhisMazda,climbedcarefullyoverthebarbedwirefenceandextractedRobin’smessagesfromtheplasticrock.Stillhidden,peeringthroughthebranches,Robinconsideredcallingouttohim,butcouldn’tbringherselftodoit.Separatedfromhercolleaguebyonlytenyards,shefeltlikeaghostwhohadnobusinessconversingwiththeliving.ShewatchedBarclayclimbbackoverthewall,getintothecaranddriveaway,thenturnedslowlyaway,fightingtheurgetoweep.
Shecrossedthechillyfieldandfinallyregainedherdormitorybedwithoutdetection.Partlybecauseofthesugarinhersystem,butalsobecausethepanicengenderedbyherjourneywassoslowtosubside,Robinremainedawakefortherestofthenight,andwasalmostrelievedwhenthebellrangtowakeeveryoneelseup.
75
ThusthesuperiormancontrolshisangerAndrestrainshisinstincts.
TheIChingorBookofChanges
‘Whatd’yethink?’
Strike,who’djustfinishedreadingRobin’slatestmissivefromChapmanFarm,lookedupatBarclay,who’dbroughttheletterbackfromNorfolktwentyminutespreviouslyandnowstoodinthedoorwayoftheinneroffice,holdingamugofcoffeePathadmadehim.
‘It’stimeforhertocomeout,’saidStrike.‘Wemighthaveenoughhereforapoliceinvestigation,iftheyhaven’ttakenthisLingirltohospital.’
‘Aye,’saidBarclay,‘andthat’sbeforeyegettaethesexualassault.’
Strikesaidnothing,droppinghiseyesagaintothelastfewlinesofRobin’sletter.
andWacegropedme.Hedidn’tgetfar,becauseMazuandBeccacameinIknowyou’llsayIshouldcomeout,butI’vegottofindoutwhetherWillcouldbepersuadedtoleave.Ican’tcomeoutnow,I’mtooclose.Onemoreweekmightdoit.Please,ifyoucan,checkandseewhetherLinwasadmittedtothelocalhospital,I’mworriedsickabouther.Robinx
‘Yeah,shedefinitelyneedstocomeout,’saidStrike.‘Nextletter,I’lltellhertowaitbytherockandwe’llpickherup.Enough’senough.’
Hewasworried,notonlybywhatRobintermedWace’sgrope–whatexactlydidthatmean?–butbythefactshe’dwitnessedsomethingthatwashighlyincriminatingofthechurch.This,ofcourse,wasexactlywhatshe’dgonetoChapmanFarmtodo,butStrikehadn’tanticipatedRobinhangingaroundafterwards,adangerouswitnesstoseriouswrongdoing.Whileheunderstoodwhyshe’dadmittedseeingLinwiththoseplants,she’dseriouslycompromisedherselfbydoingso,andoughttohavegotoutimmediatelythathadhappened.TherewasaboardonthewallbehindhimshowinghowmanypeoplehaddiedordisappearedinthevicinityofPapaJ.
‘What?’hesaid,undertheimpressionthatBarclayhadjustspokentohim.
‘Isaid,what’reyeuptaethismorning?’
‘Oh,’saidStrike.‘SackingLittlejohn.’
Hebroughtupaphotographonhisphone,thenhandedittoBarclay.
‘FirstthinghedidwhenhegotbackfromGreecewasgoandseePatterson.AboutbloodytimeIgotsomethingforallthemoneyI’vebeenshellingout.’
‘Great,’saidBarclay.‘Canwereplacehimwi’whoevertookthispicture?’
‘NotunlessyouwantthisofficestrippedofeverythingsellablebyTuesday.’
‘Whereyegonnaedoit?’
‘Here.He’sonhisway.’
‘CanIstayan’watch?Mightbemyoneandonlychancetaehearhisvoice.’
‘ThoughtyouwereonFrankTwo?’
‘Iam,aye,’sighedBarclay.‘WhichmeansI’llbewatchin’himwatchin’Mayoforhours.Ifthey’regonnaemakeamove,Iwishthey’dfuckin’hurryup.’
‘Keentoseeourclientkidnapped,areyou?’
‘YeknowwhatImean.Thiscouldgoonformonths.’
‘I’vegotafeelingit’sgoingtohotupprettysoon.’
Barclayleft.StrikeheardhimpassLittlejohninthedoorwaywithpleasure:hewaslookingforwardtothis.
‘Morning,’saidLittlejohn,appearinginthedoorwayBarclayhadjustvacated,hisshortsalt-and-pepperhairasneatasever,hisworld-wearyeyesfixedonStrike.‘CanIgetacoffeebefore—?’
‘No,’saidStrike.‘Comein,sitdownandclosethedoor.’
Littlejohnblinked,butdidashewasbid.Nowlookingwary,hecrossedtoRobin’schairatthepartners’deskandsatdown.
‘Caretoexplainthat?’askedStrike,pushinghisphoneacrossthedesk,faceup,displayingaphotographtakenthepreviousdayofLittlejohnandPattersonoutsidethelatter’sofficeinMarylebone.
Thesilencethatensuedlastednearlytwominutes.Strike,whowasinwardlydebatingwhetherLittlejohnwasabouttosay‘Ijustbumpedintohim’or‘OK,faircop,’allowedthesilencetospoolthroughtheroomundisturbed.Atlast,thesubcontractormadeanoisesomewherebetweenagruntandagasp.Then,whichStrikehadn’tanticipated,hebegantocry.
IfStrikehadbeenaskedtorankeveryonehe’dwitnessedcryingrecentlyaccordingtohowmuchsympathyhefeltfortheirdistress,he’dhavegivenBijoulastplacewithouthesitation.Now,however,herealisedtherewasacategoryofweeperhedespisedevenmorethanawomanwho’dplayedaduplicitousgamethathadblownupinherface:amanwho’ddonehisbesttotakedownanotherperson’sbusiness,destroythatperson’sreputation,undermineaninvestigationintomenstalkingawoman,andcausethatwomanadditionalfearandalarm,allofwhichhe’dpresumablydoneformoney,butwhonowseemedtoexpectpityforbeingfoundout.
WhiletemptedtogivethemanwhatStrikewouldhaveconsideredaproperreasonforcrying,hejudgedthattheremightbecapitaltobemadeoutofwhathesupposedwasLittlejohn’sattempttoshowcontrition.StrikethereforemadenocommentasLittlejohnsobbed,butwaitedtoseewhatcamenext.
‘I’minalotofdebt,’Littlejohnfinallyblurtedout.‘Igotmyselfintrouble.Onlinegambling.Blackjack.I’vegotaproblem.’
I’llshowyoufuckingproblems.Youwait.
‘How’sthatrelevant?’
‘I’muptomyears,’sobbedLittlejohn.‘Thewifedoesn’tknowhowbaditis.Mitch,’saidLittlejohn,brandishingthephoneshowingPatterson’spicture,‘gavemealoantogettheworstpeopleoffmyback.Interest-free.’
‘Inexchangeforwhich,youagreedtotakemedown.’
‘Inever—’
‘YoupostedasnakethroughTashaMayo’sdoor.Youtriedtogainentrytothisofficewhenthereshouldn’thavebeenanyonehere,presumablytobugit.YouwerecaughtbyPattryingtotakepicturesoftheEdensor—’
‘She’sliedtoyou,thatPat.’
‘Ifyou’reabouttotellmeshe’ssixty-seven,Ialreadyknow.Bigfuckingdeal.’
Littlejohn’sdisappointmentthatthistitbitwasofnousewaspalpable,butStrikewaspleasedtolearnthatrattingotherpeopleoutwasLittlejohn’spreferredstrategyforgettingoutofmesses.Muchcouldbedonewithsuchaman
‘Why’sPattersondoingthis?’askedStrike.
‘He’sgotarealfuckingthingaboutyou,’saidLittlejohn,tryingtostemthestreamofsnotfromhisnose.‘He’sanoldmateofRoyCarver’s.HeblamesyouforCarvergettingforcedoutanditpisseshimoffyougetallthepublicity,andclientswantyou,nothim.Hesaysyou’retakingallhisbusiness.HewasreallyfuckedoffaboutColinEdensorsackingusandcominghereinstead.’
TearswerestilldrippingfromLittlejohn’sworld-wearyeyes.
‘Ipreferworkingforyou,though.I’dratherstayhere.Icouldbeusefultoyou.’
Withimmensedifficulty,Strikerefrainedfromaskingwhatusehecouldpossiblyhaveforatreacherous,weak-willedmanwhohadneitherthemoralstorefusetoterroriseawomanwhowasalreadyscared,northebrainstostophimselfbeingrumbledasasaboteur.StrikecouldonlyassumeitwasthismixtureofdelusionandwishfulthinkingthathadledLittlejohntoloseafortuneatblackjack.
‘Well,ifyouwanttobeuseful,’saidStrike,‘youcanstartnow.Givememyphone.’
Hebroughtupthepictureoftheblack-hairedwomanwho’dbeenskulkingonthecornerofDenmarkStreet.
‘Who’sshe?’
Littlejohnlookedatthepicture,swallowed,thensaid,
‘Yeah,she’soneofMitch’s.ItoldhimIthoughtyouwerehavingmewatched.HeputFarahonyouasaback-up.’
‘What’sherfullname?’saidStrike,openinghisnotebook.
‘FarahNavabi,’mutteredLittlejohn.
‘AndwhatwouldyouknowaboutbugsinAndrewHonbold’soffice?’
‘Nothing,’saidLittlejohn,toofast.
‘Listen,’saidStrikequietly,leaningforwards.‘Honbold’snotgoingtoletjustanyoneinthere.Hiswife’sgothimbangtorightsalready,shedoesn’tneedtobughimtotakehimtothecleaners.SomebodythoughtitwasworththeirwhiletoputanillegalbuginHonbold’soffice,andmynameandHonbold’shavebeeninthepresslately.SowhenIgoandseeHonboldandshowhimPatterson’spicture,yourpicture,Farah’s—’
‘ItwasFarah,’mutteredLittlejohn.
‘Thoughtitmightbe,’saidStrike,sittingbackinhischair.‘Well,Ithinkwe’redonehere.You’llunderstandwhy,underthecircumstances,Iwon’tbeaskingPattogiveyouthesalaryyou’reowed.’
‘No,listen,’saidLittlejohn,inwhatlookedlikepanic:evidentlyhecouldseehisemploymentwithPattersonIncterminatingsoonaswell.‘I’vegotmorestuffforyou.’
‘Likewhat?’
Littlejohnpulledhisownphoneoutofhispocket,tappedsomethingintoit,thenshoveditacrossthedesk.StrikefoundhimselflookingdownataphotographofMidgeandTashaMayolaughingtogetheroutsideMayo’sNottingHillhouse,bothholdingbagsofWaitroseshopping.
‘Scrollright,’saidLittlejohn.
StrikedidsoandsawapictureofMidgeleavingMayo’shousebyevening.
‘Thesecondonewaslastnight,’saidLittlejohn.‘IwasgoingtogiveittoMitch.’
‘I’msurethere’saninnocentexplanation,’saidStrike,whowassureofnothingofthesort.‘Ifthat’syourbestshot—’
‘It’snot–I’vegotstuffonPatterson.’
‘I’llgetitmyselfifIwantit.’
‘No,listen,’saidLittlejohnagain,‘Icangetyousomethingforthatchurchcase.Mitchhasgotarecording.Hedidn’thanditoverwhenEdensorsackedhim.’
‘Whatrecordingwouldthisbe?’askedthescepticalStrike.
‘OfthatKevinwhateverhewascalled,whogotoutofthechurch–KevinPurvis?’
‘Pirbright,’saidStrike.
‘Yeah,exactly.Mitchgotanundercoverrecordingofhim.’
‘WhywouldPattersoncovertlyrecordPirbright,whenPirbrighthadalreadytoldColinEdensoreverythingheknew?’
‘Theyfellout,PirbrightandEdensor,’saidLittlejohn.‘Didn’tthey?BeforePirbrightgotshot?Theyweren’ttalkingtoeachother.’
Strike’sinterestlevelroseslightly,becauseitwastrueSirColinandKevinPirbrighthadargued,thenhadlittlecontact,intheintervalbetweenKevinhecklingGilesHarmonathisbookreading,andPirbright’smurder.
‘Therewasanemail,Ithinkitwasanemail,PirbrightsenttoEdensor,’Littlejohnwenton,hisexpressionpleading,‘wherePirbrightsaidhewaspiecingthingstogetherhe’drepressedorsomething,right?Mitchwasgettingnowhereonthecase,sohesentFarahtochatupPirbrightandseewhatnewstuffshecouldgetoutofhim.Pirbrightwasn’trightmentally,see,soMitchwasworriediftheyinterviewedhimoverthecounter,Pirbrightmightblabonhisblog.Hewasgettingtoomouthy.’
‘Whydidn’tPattersonhandoverthisrecordingtoEdensor?’
‘Becauseit’sshitquality.Youcan’thearmuch.Farahfuckedup,butshetoldMitchafterwardsPirbrightdidn’thaveanythingusefultosayanyway.’
‘Andthisisthevaluablebitofevidenceyouthinkwillpersuademetokeepyouinemployment?Arecordingyoucan’thear,ofaconversationcontainingnothinguseful?’
‘Yeah,butit’syou,isn’tit?’saidLittlejohn,desperate.‘Youcandosomethingwithit.’
Iftherewasonethingthattrulyaddedinsulttoinjury,inStrike’sopinion,itwasattemptstoflatterintheaftermathofproventreachery.Onceagain,itcosthimsomeefforttosuppressastraightforward‘gofuckyourself’.
‘Ifit’suseless,whydidn’tPattersonchuckit?’
‘Hedid–well,hechuckeditinthesafeandforgotaboutit.IsawitintherelasttimeIopenedit.’
‘Allright,’saidStrikeslowly,‘bringmethatrecordingandwecanhaveanothertalkaboutyouremploymentprospects.’
Averyshortfuckingtalk.
‘Thankyou,’saidLittlejohneffusively.‘Thankyou,Cormoran,Ican’tthankyouenough.Ireallyneedthisjob,youdon’tunderstandwhatit’sbeenlikeforme,thestrainofeverything,butaslongasI’vegotregularworkIcanworksomethingout,getaloanorsomething–youwon’tregretthis.I’maloyalman,’saidLittlejohnshamelessly,‘Idon’tforgetagoodturn.Youwon’thaveanyonemorededicatedtothisagency—’
‘Youcansaveallthat.Youhaven’tbroughtbacktherecordingyet.’
OnceLittlejohnwassafelyoutoftheoffice,StrikecalledMidge.
‘Wotcha,’shesaid,answeringafteracoupleofrings.
‘Wanttotellmewhyyou’regoingshoppingwithourclient?’
‘What?’saidMidge,startled.
‘You.TashaMayo.Waitrose,’saidStrike,barelykeepingalidonhistemper
‘Iweren’tshoppingwithher,’saidMidge,soundingincredulous.‘Oneofthemsplit,that’sall.’
‘Oneofwhatsplit?’
‘Oneofherbags,whatd’youthink?Ijusthelpedherpickitallup.’
‘Andhow’sthatkeepingundercover,helpingherpickupallhershopping?’
‘Fook’ssake,Strike,’saidMidge,nowsoundingannoyed,‘whatwereIs’posedtodo,standthereandwatchherchasingtinsallovertheroad?I’d’velookedmoresuspiciousifIhadn’thelpedher.It’swhatwomendo,helpeachotherout.’
‘Whywereyouleavingherhouselastnight?’
‘Itweren’tbloodynight,itwasbarelynineo’clock–andhowd’you—?’
‘Answerthebloodyquestion.’
‘Shecalledme,’saidMidge,nowsoundingnettled.‘Sheheardnoisesoutsidethebackdoor.Herbrother’sgonebackupnorthandshe’sjumpybeingtherealone,afteryouputthefearofGodintoherabouttheFranks.’
‘Whatwasthenoise?’
‘Acatknockedoffadustbinlid.’
‘Howlongwereyouinsideherhouse?’
‘Dunno,’boutanhour?’
‘Thefuckwereyoudoinginthereforanhour?’
‘Itoldyou,she’sjumpy!Howd’youeven—?’
‘Youwerephotographed.Littlejohn’sjustshownmethepictures.’
‘Thatfookin’arsehole,’gaspedMidge.
‘Whathappenedwhileyouwereinsidethehouse?’
‘Thefookareyouinsinuating?’saidMidgehotly.
‘I’maskingyouastraightforwardquestion.’
‘Wehadacoffee,allright?’
‘AndhowthebloodyhelldidyounotnoticeLittlejohnwaswatchingthehouse?’
‘Heweren’tthere.Itmust’vebeensomeoneelse.’
‘I’mtakingyouofftheMayocase,’saidStrike.‘YoucanstickwithToyBoygoingforwards.’
‘I’vedonenothingwrong!’saidMidge.‘AskTasha!’
‘It’swhatit’lllookliketothepapers,’saidStrike.
‘Didyouthinkofthatwhenyoushaggedthatlawyerwiththefaketits?’
‘I’mgoingtopretendIdidn’thearthat,’saidStrike,throughclenchedteeth.‘I’vetoldyouhowit’sgoingtobe.StayawayfromMayo.’
Hehungup,seething.
76
Hereeverystep,forwardorbackward,leadsintodanger.Escapeisoutofthequestion.
TheIChingorBookofChanges
TheManifestationoftheDrownedProphetwasnowimminent,andRobinwasinstructedtojointhegroupdecoratingtheoutsideofthetemplewithlongwhitebannersonwhichstylised,darkbluewaveshadbeenprinted.Thisentailedclimbinghighladders,andwhilestrugglingtoaffixoneofthebannerstojustbeneaththetempleroof,Robinthoughthoweasyitwouldbeforsomebodybelowtokicktheladderoutfromunderher:atragicaccident,they’ddoubtlesscallit.However,nosuchattemptonherlifewasmade,andshereturnedsafelytotheground,castigatingherselfforherparanoia.
‘Lookscool,doesn’tit?’saidoneofthegood-lookingAmericanyouthsWacehadbroughtbackfromLA,who’dalsohelpeddecoratethetemple.Thebannerswereflutteringinthebreeze,sothattheprintedwavesseemedtobefallingdownitssides.
‘Yes,itlooksgreat,’saidRobin.‘D’youknowwhentheManifestationis?’
ShewasdreadingDaiyu’sreappearanceinthetemplealmostasmuchasshefearedthepossibilityofbeingsummonedbackintothefarmhousetoseeJonathanWace.
‘Week’stime,’saidtheAmerican.‘Man,Ican’twait.I’veheardsomuchaboutit.Youguysareblessed,livinghere,wherethechurchstarted.’
HelookeddownatRobin,smiling.
‘Hey,wannaspiritbond?’
‘Shecan’t.’
ItwasShawnawho’dspoken.She,too,hadbeenhelpingdecoratethetemple,cheerilyclimbingladderseventhoughherpregnancyhadnowgivenheradefinitebump.
‘Huh?’saidtheAmerican.
‘Spiritwife,’saidShawna,smilingbroadlybeforewalkingawaytohelpWalter,whowasstrugglingtocollapseoneoftheladders.
‘Oh,man,Ididn’trealise,’theAmericantoldRobin,lookingscared.
‘It’sfine,’saidRobin,buttheyoungmanescapedswiftlyfromherpresence,asthoughnowfrightenedtobeseentalkingtoher.
RobinwasconfusedandalarmedbywhatShawnahadsaid.Surelywomendidn’tbecomespiritwivesjustbecauseJonathanWacehadsexuallyassaultedthem?Sheassistedinthecarryingoftheladdersbacktoabarn,consumedbyfreshfears.
Overthenextfewdays,Robinsensedanundercurrentofgossipswirlingaroundher.Itwasinthesidelongglancesofthewomenandevensomeofthemen,andespeciallyintheantagonisticlooksofVivienne.SinceShawnahadannounceditoutsidethetemple,therumourthatRobinwasPapaJ’snewspiritwifehadevidentlytravelledwidely.
Asnobody,eventhepeoplemakingsureshewentnowhereunaccompanied,hadposedadirectquestion,Robinwasinnopositiontocontradictthereport;indeed,shewasn’tentirelysureofthefactsherself.PerhapsWace’smerelaying-onofhandswassufficienttocreateaspiritwife?However,if,asRobinsuspected,Shawnahadleapttoafalseconclusion,Robinwasafraidshemightbeaccusedofstartingthecanardherself.Infact,shehadanastyfeelingthisunsoughtdilemmamightbethethingtofinallybreakhercover,thatthelittleeruptionofenvycausedbyShawnawouldleadallwhohadsuspicionofhertopooltheirknowledge.Robinfoundherselfconstantlyfantasisingaboutmakingabreakforitandrunningforthewoods,eventhoughtherewasnodoubtanabortedescapeattemptwouldmakehersituationfarworse.Thesensiblethingtodo,sheknew,wasleaveviatheperimeterblindspotonThursdaynight,whensomebodyfromtheagencywouldbeinthevicinitytopickherup.Aslongassheleftthen,she’dmisstheManifestationoftheDrownedProphet,whichshe’dnowlearnedwouldtakeplaceonFridayevening.ItwasanexperienceRobinwasperfectlyhappytoforgo,afterwhathadhappenedduringherRevelationsession.
Taiohadreturnedtothefarm,withoutLin.Robin,who’dseenhimonlyfromadistance,studiouslyavoidedeyecontact.Allhereffortsnowwereconcentratedonsecuringaone-to-oneconversationwithWillEdensor.Findingouthowdeephisdoubtsaboutthechurchranwouldjustifyeverythingshe’dbeenthrough,andshe’dleaveknowingshe’dtrulymadeanadvanceinthecase.
OnTuesdayafternoon,Robinwassenttoworkinthelaundry,autilitarian,concrete-flooredbuildingofbrick,housingrowsofindustrial-sizedwashingmachinesanddryingracksonpulleys,whichcouldbehoisteduptotheceiling.Thewomenwho’descortedRobintothedoorleftafterseeingherinside,clearlyfeelingtherewereenoughpeopleloadingandunloadingclothesandsheetstokeepaneyeonher.
Thesteadychugandhumofthewashingmachinesnecessitatedtheraisingofvoicesiftheworkerswantedtomakethemselvesheard.Havingreceivedasackofdirtyclothingandinstructionsastothecorrectmachinesettings,RobinroundedacornerintothesecondrowofwashingmachinesandwithajoltofexcitementsawWillkneelinginfrontofoneofthem,draggingamoundofwetclothingintoabasket.Besidehim,enteringsettingsonasecondmachine,wasMarionHuxley,who’dbeensoobviouslyinfatuatedwithJonathanWacewhenshe’darrivedatthefarm,andwithwhomRobinhadn’tinteractedinweeks.
ThepunishingworkregimeandcommensurateweightlosshadhadanextremelyageingeffectonMarion,whosegauntfacenowsaggedasitcertainlyhadn’twhenshe’dboardedtheminibusinLondon.Herdyedredhairhadnowgrownouttoshowtwoinchesofsilverroots.
NeitherWillnorMarionheardRobin’sapproach,andonlywhenshe’dchosenthewashingmachinenexttoWill’sdidheglanceupather.
‘Hi,’saidRobin.
‘Hi,’mumbledWill.
Havingunloadedthetangledmassofwetclothes,hepickeduptheheavybasketandwalkedaway.
Robinbegantoloadherownwashingmachine.Thesurroundingnoisewassuchthatonlywhenavoicesaidloudlyinherear,‘Oi!’didsherealiseMarionhadbeentryingtospeaktoher.
‘Hi,’saidRobin,smilingbeforesheregisteredthatMarionlookedlivid.
‘Idon’tknowhowyou’vegotthegalltobewalkingaround,smirking!’
‘Sorry?’saidRobin,takenaback.
‘Youshouldbe!LyingaboutPapaJ.’
‘Ihaven’tsaidawordabout—’
‘Youclaimedhespiritbondedwithyou.’
‘No,I—’
‘Andweallknowyou’relying.You’renospiritwife!’
‘Ineversaid—’
‘Andyouknowwhat?’saidMarion.‘TheDrownedProphetwillsortyouout.’
‘Idon’tknowwhatyou—’
‘She’sbeenseen,already,’saidMarion.‘Inthewoods.Shecomes,aroundherManifestationtime.ShecomestodefendPapaJ.’
Robinknewshewaslookingintotheauthenticfaceoffanaticism.Somethingrigidandalienlivedbeneaththeskinofthehumanbeingfacingher,somethingthatcouldn’tbearguedwith.Nevertheless,sheheardherselfsaypleadingly‘Marion’,withoutanyideaofwhatshewasgoingtotellthewoman,butbeforeshecouldfindanywords,Marionhadspatinherface.
Robinfeltthesalivahither,justbeneathherlefteye,andsomethingbrokeinsideher,somelastvestigeofrestraint.They’reallmad.They’refuckingmad.RobinpushedMarionroughlyasideandstrodeaway,towhereWillEdensorwasdrapingwettracksuitsandsocksontoadryingrack.
‘Will,’shesaidloudly,overthenoiseofthemachines.‘D’youwanttospiritbond?’
‘What?’
‘Doyouwanttospiritbond?’Robinrepeated,enunciatingclearly.
‘Oh,’saidWill.Helookedasthoughshe’djustofferedhimcoffee:heshowedlittleinterest,butnoembarrassmentorsurprise,andshewonderedhowmanytimeshe’dbeentotheRetreatRoomsinthelastfouryears.‘Yeah,OK.’
Theywalkedtogethertowardsthedoor,RobinconsumedwithrageatMarion,atthechurch,atthehypocrisyandinsanity.Shecouldn’tpretendanymore.Shewasdonewithallofit.
‘Where—?’saidanolderwomannearthedoor,lookingsuspicious.
‘Spiritbonding,’saidRobinfirmly.
‘Oh,’saidthewoman.Shelookedconfusedandpanicked,probablybecauseshedidn’tknowwhatshouldtakepriority:Robinbeingkeptundersurveillance,oranactofsubmissionandcompliancethatappearedtodemonstratetrueallegiancetotheUHC.‘I–allright…’
RobinandWillwalkedtogetherdownthepathtowardsthecourtyardinsilence,Robintryingtoformulateaplanofaction.ThewarningripplesofanxietybarelyregisteredinherrageanddeterminationtoforcesomethingusefuloutofWillinherfinalhoursatthefarm.
WhentheyreachedtheRetreatRoom,RobinpulledopentheglassdoorandstoodbacktoletWillwalkinsidefirst.Shethenjerkedthecurtainacrosstheglasswindows,sothattheonlylightcamefromthesinglelightbulbdanglingfromtheceiling.
Insilence,Willsatdownonthebedtoremovehissocksandtrainers.
‘Will,’saidRobin,‘there’snoneedforthat,Ireallyjustwantedtotalktoyou.’
Heglancedupather.
‘That’snotallowed.Wespiritbond,orweleave.’
Hestoodupandpeeledoffhistracksuittoptorevealapale,hairlesstorso,everyribvisibleintheharshoverheadlight.Asheturnedtothrowhisclothesintoacorner,Robinsawonhisbackthesamestrangemarksshe’dnotedontheblackgirlwho’dletBoescapefromthechildren’sdormitory,asthoughhisspinehadbeenrubbedraw.
‘What’shappenedtoyou?’sheasked.‘Whatarethosemarksonyourback?’
‘Iwasinthebox,’mutteredWill.
‘Why?’
Willignoredthequestion,insteadpullingoffhisgreyingY-frontsandtracksuitbottoms.Nowhestoodcompletelynakedinfrontofher,hispenisflaccid.
‘Will,Ijustwantedto—’
‘Getundressed,’saidWill,walkingtothecornerofthecabin,wheretheshortlengthofhosepipewasattachedtothetap.Pickingtheslimysoapoffthefloor,hebegantowashhisgenitalia
‘ThatthingyousaidtoNoli,inthekitchen,’saidRobin,raisinghervoiceoverthesplatteringofwateronthewoodenfloor,‘itmademeth—’
‘Forgetthat!’saidWill,lookingoverhisshoulderather.‘That’swhyIhadtogointhebox.Ishouldn’thavesaidit.Ifyou’regoingtotalkaboutthat,I’mleaving,’
Hetowelledhimselfoffwithamouldy-lookingtowel,satbackdownonthegrubbybedandbegantomasturbateinanefforttoachieveanerection.
‘Will,stop,’saidRobin,lookingawayfromhim.‘Pleasestop.’
Hedidso,butnotbecauseofRobin.Somethingthatsoundedlikealawnmowerhadroaredintolifejustoutsidethecabin.RobincrossedtothegapinthecurtainsandsawAmandeepmowingoutthere,anexpressionofgrimdeterminationonhisface.
‘Whoisit?’saidWill,frombehindher.
‘Amandeep,’saidRobin.‘Mowingthegrass.’
‘That’sbecauseyou’reonaMarkThree,’saidWill.‘He’smakingsureyoustayinhere.Getundressed.’He’drecommencedmasturbating.‘Takeyourclothesoff,we’resupposedtobedoneintwentyminutes.’
‘Pleasestopdoingthat,’Robinimploredhim.‘Please.Ijustwantedtotalktoyou.’
‘Getundressed,’herepeated,hishandstillworkingfuriously.
‘Will,thatthingyousaid—’
‘ForgetwhatIsaid,’heretortedangrily,stillstrugglingtoachieveanerection.‘Itwasfalseself,Ididn’tmeanit!’
‘Whydidyousayitatall,then?’
‘Iwas…Idon’tlikeSeymour,that’sall.Sheshouldn’tbeaPrincipal.She’saBP.Shedoesn’tunderstanddoctrine.’
‘Butwhatyousaidmakessense,’saidRobin,‘thereisacontradictionbetween—’
‘“Humanknowledgeisfinite,”’saidWill,‘“divinetruthisinfinite.”TheAnswer,chaptereleven.’
‘D’youbelieveeverythingthechurchsays?Allofit?’askedRobin,forcingherselftoturnandfacehim,hissemi-erectpenisinhishand.
‘“Persistentrefusaltomergetheselfwiththecollectiverevealsongoingegomotivity.”TheAnswer,chapterfive.’
Themotorofthelawnmowercontinuedtoroarrightbesidetheglassdoors.
‘ForGod’ssake,’saidRobin,trappedbetweenAmandeepandthemasturbatingWill,‘you’rereallyintelligent,whyareyouafraidofthinking,whyd’youjustkeepquoting?’
‘“Materialistthoughtpatternsareentrenchedatayoungage.Breakingthosepatternsrequires,inthefirstinstance,thefocusingofthemindonessentialtruthsthroughrepetitionandmeditation.”TheAnswer,chap—’
‘Soyou’vevoluntarilybrainwashedyourself?’
‘Getundressed!’
Willstoodup,toweringoverher,hishandstillworkingtomaintainhiserection.‘It’sasintocomeinhereforanythingotherthanspiritbonding!’
‘Ifyouforcemetohavesexwithyou,’saidRobininalowvoice,‘it’llberape,andhowwilltheUHClikebeinghitwithalawsuit?’
Thelawnmoweroutsidebangedagainstthefarwallofthecabin.Will’shandstoppedmoving.Hestoodinfrontofher,painfullythin,stillholdinghispenis.
‘WherehavetheytakenLin?’Robinasked,determinedtobreakthroughtohim
‘Somewheresafe,’hesaid,beforeaddingangrily,‘butthat’snothingtodowithyou.’
‘SoI’mtomergemyselfwiththecollectivebynotthinking,andhavingsexwithanyonewhowantsit,butI’mnotallowedtobeworriedaboutafellowchurchmember,isthatwhatyou’resaying?’
‘Youneedtoshutup,’saidWillfuriously,‘becauseIknowthingsaboutyou.Youwereinthewoodsatnight,withatorch.’
‘No,Iwasn’t,’saidRobinautomatically.
‘Yeah,youwere.Ididn’tsayanything,toprotectLin,butitcan’thurthernow.’
‘WhydidyouwanttoprotectLin?That’smaterialistpossession,caringaboutonepersonmorethaneveryoneelse.Isitbecauseshe’sthemotherofyourchild?BecauseQingbelongstoeveryoneinthechurch,notjust—’
‘Shutup,’saidWill,andheraisedhishandthreateningly.‘Shutthefuckup.’
‘Noquotationsforanyofthat?’askedRobin,stillangrierthanshewasscared.‘Youhaven’ttoldanyoneIhadatorchinallthedayssinceLin’sbeengone.Whydidn’tyoureportme?’
‘Becausethey’llsayIshouldhavedoneitsooner!’
‘Ordidyousecretlylikethinkingsomeonewaswanderingaroundwithatorchatnight?’
‘WhywouldI?’
‘YoucouldhaverefusedtocomewithmetotheRetreatR—’
‘No,Icouldn’t,you’vegottogowhenyou’reasked—’
‘Ithinkyou’rehavingdoubtsaboutthechurch.’
Will’seyesnarrowed.Heletgoofhispenisandbackedawayseveralsteps.
‘Didmyfathersendyouhere?’
‘Whywouldyouthinkthat?’
‘He’sdoneitbefore.Hesentamantospyonme.’
‘I’mnotaspy.’
Willsnatchedhispantsandtracksuitbottomsoffthefloorandbegantopullthemon.Certainhewasgoingtowalkoutandimmediatelyrevealtheconversation,Robin,nowplanningtomakeabreakforthewoodsthemomentsheleftthecabin,said,
‘WhatifItoldyouyourfamilysentme?’
Willwasnowjumpingonthespotashepulleduphistracksuitbottoms.
‘I’mgoingtoPapaJ,rightnow,’hesaidfuriously.‘I’mgoingtotellhim—’
‘Will,yourfamilylovesyou—’
‘Theyhateme,’hespatather.‘Especiallymyfather.’
‘Thatisn’ttrue!’
Willbenttograbhissweatshirt,hisfacesuffusedwithangrycolour.
‘Mymoth—Sallylovesme.Hedoesn’t.Hewritesmelies,tryingtoforcemetoabandonthechurch.’
‘Whatliesdoeshewriteyou?’
‘HepretendedMu—Sallywasill.Ididn’tcare,particularly,’Willaddedsavagely,pullinghistopbackon.‘She’snomoretomenowthanyouare.I’mnotherfleshobject.Anyway,shealwayssticksupformy—forColin.ButM—Sallywasn’till.She’sfine.’
‘Howdoyouknowthat?’saidRobin.
‘Ijustknow.’
‘Will,’saidRobin,‘yourmother’sdead.ShediedinJanuary.’
Willfroze.Outside,thelawnmowerwhinedasAmandeepcutthepower.Evidentlyhewascountingdowntheirtwentyminutes.Afterwhatfeltlikeaverylongpause,Willsaidquietly,
‘You’relying.’
‘IreallywishIwas,’whisperedRobin,‘butI’mn—’
Arushofwildmovement,thethumpofbarefeetofwood:Robinflungupherarmstoolate,andWill’spunchhithersquarelyonthesideofherfaceandwithascreamofpainandshockshefellsideways,hittingthewallbeforelandinghardonthefloor.
Throughahazeofpainsheheardtheglassdoorslideopenandthecurtainsbeingtuggedback.
‘Whathappened?’saidAmandeep.
WillsaidsomethingRobindidn’tcatchthroughtheringinginherears.Herpanicwasnothingcomparedtothesharp,pulsingpaininherjaw,whichwassuchthatshewonderedifitwasfractured
Handshoistedherroughlyupontothebed.
‘…tripped?’
‘Yeah,andhitherfaceonthewall.Didn’tyou?’WillbarkedatRobin.
‘Yes,’shesaid,unabletotellwhethershewasspeakingtooloudly.Blackspotswerepoppinginfrontofhereyes.
‘Hadyoufinished?’askedAmandeep.
‘Yeah,ofcourse.Whyd’youthinkshe’sdressed?’
‘Wherewereyouboth,beforebonding?’
‘Laundry,’saidWill.
‘I’llgobacknow,’saidRobin.
Shegotshakilytoherfeet,carefulnottolookatWill.She’drunforitthesecondshecould:offtothefive-bargateandacrossthefieldtotheperimeter.
‘I’lltakeyoubothbacktothelaundry,’saidAmandeep.
Robin’sheadwasswimmingwithpainandpanic.Shemassagedherjaw,whichshecouldfeelswellingrapidly.
‘Wecangoonourown,’shesaid.
‘No,’saidAmandeep,takingafirmholdofRobin’swrist.‘You’vebothbeenjudgedtoneedmorespiritualsupport.’
77
Sixatthetop…Boundwithcordsandropes,Shutinbetweenthorn-hedgedprisonwalls…Misfortune.
TheIChingorBookofChanges
Afterafurtherthreehoursinthelaundry,duringwhichnobodycommentedonherincreasinglyswollenface,RobinwasescortedtotempleforameditationsessionledbyBecca.Lookingoverhershoulder,shesawWillpeelawayfromtherestofthegroupandmarchtowardsthefarmhouse,omittingeventokneelatDaiyu’sfountain.Panic-stricken,Robinkneltobedientlyonthehardtemplefloor,herlipsformingthewordsofthechant,hermindfixedsolelyonescape.Perhaps,shethought,shecouldslipawayintosomeshadowyrecessofthetempleattheendofthesession,lurkuntiltheothershadleft,thenmakeabreakfortheblindspotattheperimeter.She’drunacrosscountry,findacallbox–anythingbutspendanothernightatChapmanFarm.
However,attheendofthechantingsession,Becca,who’dbeenleadingthemeditationfromtheraisedpentagonalstagethathidthebaptismalpool,descendedbeforeRobinhadanychanceofimplementingthisriskyplanandwalkeddirectlyuptoher,whileeveryoneelsefiledoutofthetempleforthedininghall.
‘Haveyouhadanaccident,Rowena?’
‘Yes,’saidRobin.Ithurttotalk;thepainfromherjawradiatedupintohertemple.‘Islippedandfell.’
‘Wheredidthathappen?’
‘IntheRetreatRoom.’
‘WhowereyouintheRetreatRoomwith?’demandedBecca.
‘WillEdensor,’saidRobin.
‘DidWillsuggestspiritbonding,ordidyou?’
‘Idid,’saidRobin,becausesheknewlaundryworkershadwitnessedherapproachingWill.
‘Isee,’saidBecca.Beforeshecouldaskanythingelse,afigureappearedsilhouettedinthetempledoorwayandRobin,herheartratenowtripling,sawJonathanWaceinhissilkpyjamas.Thesubtlespotlightsinthetempleceilingilluminatedhimashewalkedtowardsthem,smiling.
‘Ithankyouforyourservice,Becca,’hesaid,pressinghishandstogetherandbowing.
‘AndIforyours,’saidBecca,nowwearingatransportedsmileasshe,too,bowed.
‘Goodevening,Artemisthechaste…butwhat’shappenedhere?’saidWace,placingafingerunderneathRobin’schinandtiltingittothelight.‘Haveyouhadanaccident?’
Withnomoreideawhetherhewasplayingagamewithherthanshe’dhadinthefarmhouse,Robinsaidthroughclenchedteeth,
‘Yes.Islippedover.’
‘IntheRetreatRoom,’saidBecca,whosesmilehadvanishedatthewords‘Artemisthechaste’.
‘Really?’saidWace,runninghisfingerlightlyoverthebruisedswelling.‘Well,thisrepresentsaturningpoint,doesn’tit,Artemis?Andwhodidyouchoosetobondwith?’
‘WillEdensor,’saidBecca,beforeRobincouldanswer.
‘Goodness,’saidWacequietly.‘That’saninterestingchoice,afterwhatItoldyouabouthimduringourlastencounter.’
Robinwasn’tsureshecouldhavespoken,evenifshe’dwantedto.Hermouthhadbecomeverydryagain,andWacewasstilltiltingherfacebackwards,whichwascausingherpain.
‘Well,runalongtodinner,’saidWace,releasingherafteranothersearchinglook.‘I’vegotthingstodiscusswithBecca.’
Robinforcedherselftosay,‘Thankyou.’
‘Thankyou,PapaJ,’saidBecca.
‘Thankyou,PapaJ,’mumbledRobin.
Shewalkedawayasfastasshecould.Onreachingthetemplestepsshesawtwoofherusualescortswaitingforher,sowasforcedtowalkwiththemtothedininghall.
Tonight,shetoldherself,yougotonight.
That,ofcourse,wasassumingshewasn’tabouttobesummonedbacktothefarmhousetoaccountforherself.Everysecond,assheatehernoodles,Robinexpectedatapontheshoulder,butnonecame.Hernowswollenandbruisedfacewasattractingafewglances,butnobodyaskedwhathadhappenedtoher,whichwasarelief,becausetalkinghurtand
Whendinnerended,Robinwalkedwiththerestofthewomentowardsthedormitory.Astheyenteredthecourtyard,someofthoseaheadofherutteredexclamationsofsurprise.
Sixteenteenagedgirls,alldressedinlongwhiterobesandholdingflamingtorches,wereascendingthetemplestepsinthetwilight.Astheonlookerspausedtowatch,thegirlspositionedthemselvesinpairsontheeightstonestepsleadingtothetempledoors,turnedtofacethecourtyard,thenstoodinsilence,theirfacesilluminatedbythefire.Eachgirl’seyeshadbeenpaintedwithdarkshadowtomimicrunningmake-up,whichgavethemaveryeerieappearance.
‘CountdowntotheManifestation,’Robinheardawomanbehindhersay.
‘Howlongdotheystandthere?’saidavoiceRobinrecognisedasPenny’s.
‘Justtonight.It’stheboys’turntomorrow.ThenthePrincipals.’
Robinwalkedintothedormitory,appalled.Ifchurchmemberswouldbekeepingwatchonthetemplestepsforthefollowingthreenights,she’dhavenochancewhatsoeverofslippingoutofthedormitoryunseen.Grabbingherpyjamas,Robinheadedforthebathroom,lockedherselfinthesamecubiclewhereshe’dfoundLinbleeding,satdownonthetoiletlidandfoughttheurgetobreakdownandcry.Theuncertaintyofwhatwasgoingtohappennextwasterrifyingher
ThebathroomdooroutsidehercubiclebangedopenandRobinheardthesoundsofteeth-cleaningandrunningtaps.Knowingthestallwouldbeneededbysomebodyelse,Robingotup,unlockedthedoor,wentthroughtothedormitoryandbeganchangingintoherpyjamas.
‘OhmyGod,look!’
Thecrycamefromtheothersideofthedormitory:agroupofwomenhadhurriedtothewindow.Someweregasping,othersclappinghandstotheirmouths.
‘Whatisit?’saidMarionHuxley,rushingtolook.‘Isither?’
‘Yes–yes–look!’
Robinclimbedupontoherbed,soshecouldseeovertheirheads.
Asmall,luminousfigurewasstandingmotionlessinthemiddleofthefieldRobinhadsooftencrossedbynight,wearingalimpwhitedress.Sheshonebrightlyforafewmoreseconds,thenvanished.
Thewomenatthewindowturnedaway,talkinginfrightened,awestruckwhispers.Somelookedscared,othersenthralled.MarionHuxleyheadedbackacrossthedormitorysmiling,andonreachingherbed,threwRobinalookofmalicioustriumph.
PARTSIX
K’an/TheAbysmalForwardandbackward,abyssonabyss.Indangerlikethis,pauseatfirstandwait,Otherwiseyouwillfallintoapitintheabyss.Donotactinthisway.TheIChingorBookofChanges78
Inthelifeofman…actingonthespurofeverycapriceiswrongandifcontinuedleadstohumiliation.
TheIChingorBookofChanges
HadStrikeknownwhathadhappenedtohisdetectivepartnerovertheprevioustwenty-fourhours,he’dhavebeendrivingfullspeedtowardsNorfolk.However,asheremainedinignoranceofdevelopmentsatChapmanFarm,heroseonWednesdaymorningbuoyedbytheideathathe’dbepickingRobinupthefollowingevening,havinginformedhissubcontractorshewantedtodothisjobhimself.
Hisbathroomscalesshowedanunwelcomeregainoffivepounds,doubtlessduetotherecentreappearanceofburgers,chipsandbaconrollsinhisdiet.Strikethereforebreakfastedonporridgemadewithwater,resolvingtobestrictagain.Whileeating,hecheckedPinterestonhisphone,toseewhetherTormentTownhadyetansweredhisquestionaboutDeirdreDoherty.Tohisdismay,hefoundtheentirepagedeleted.Themanygrotesquedrawings,includingtheeyelessDaiyuandthefair-hairedwomanfloatinginthefive-sidedpool,weregone,leavingStrikenonethewiserastowho’ddrawnthem,butwiththestrongsuspicionthathisquestionhadtriggeredthedeletion,whichsuggestedtheblondeinthepoolhad,indeed,representedDeirdre.
Attheprecisemomenthe’dmuttered‘Fuck’,themobileinhishandrangandhesaw,withforeboding,Lucy’snumber.
‘What’shappened?’hesaid.Lucywouldn’tcallathalfpastsixinthemorningfornogoodreason.
‘Stick,I’msorryit’ssoearly,’saidLucy,whosevoicewasthickwithtears,‘butI’vejusthadTed’sneighbouronthephone.Theynoticedhisfrontdoorwaswideopen,theywentoverthereandhe’sgone,he’snotthere.’
AnicyfogseemedtodescendonStrike.
‘They’vecalledthepolice,’saidLucy,‘andIdon’tknowwhattodo,whethertogodownthere—’
‘Stayputfornow.Iftheyhaven’tfoundhiminacoupleofhours,we’llbothgodown.’
‘Canyougetaway?’
‘Ofcourse,’saidStrike.
‘Ifeelsoguilty,’saidLucy,breakingintosobs.‘Weknewhewasbad…’
‘If–whentheyfindhim,’saidStrike,‘we’lltalkaboutwhatwe’regoingtodonext.We’llmakeaplan.’
He,too,feltinordinatelyguiltyatthethoughtofhisconfusedunclesettingoffatdawnforsomedestinationunknown.RememberingTed’soldsailingboat,theJowanet,andtheseaintowhichJoan’sasheshaddisappeared,StrikehopedtoGodhewasbeingfancifulinthinkingthatwaswheretheoldmanhadgone.
Hisfirstappointmentofthedaywasn’tcalculatedtotakehismindoffhispersonaltroublesandheresentedhavingtodoitatall.Afterseveraldaysofprocrastination,Bijou’slover,AndrewHonboldQC,hadsentStrikeacurtemailinvitinghimtohisflattodiscuss‘thematterunderadvisement’.Strikehadagreedtothismeetingbecausehewantedtoshutdownforeverthecomplicationsinwhichhisill-consideredliaisonwithBijouhadinvolvedhim,buthewasinnoveryconciliatorymoodasheapproachedHonbold’sduplexshortlybeforenineo’clock,hismindstillonhisuncleinCornwall.
Afterringingthebellofthebarrister’spresumablyrecentlyrentedresidence,whichlayameretwominutes’walkfromLavingtonCourtChambers,StrikehadtimetoestimatethattheplacewasprobablycostingHonboldupwardsoftenthousandpoundsamonth.Bijouhadhadmanylucrativereasonstobecarelesswithherbirthcontrol.
Thedoorwasopenedbyatall,supercilious-lookingmanwithbloodhound-likejowls,abroken-veinedcomplexion,asubstantialpaunchandpurewhitehairwhichhadrecededtoshowanage-spottedpate.HonboldledStrikeintoanopen-planlivingareadecoratedinexpensivebutblandtastewhichdidn’tsuititsoccupant,whoseHogarthianappearancecriedoutforabackdropofvelvetdrapesandpolishedmahogany.
‘So,’saidHonboldloudly,whenthetwomenhadsatdownoppositeeachother,withtheglasscoffeetablebetweenthem,‘youhaveinformationforme.’
‘Ido,yeah,’saidStrike,perfectlyhappytodispensewiththeniceties.Takingouthisphone,helaiditonthetablewiththephotographofFarahNavabiinDenmarkStreetdisplayed.‘Recogniseher?’
Honboldretrievedhisgold-rimmedreadingglassesfromhisshirtpocket,thenpickedupthephoneandhelditatvariousdistancesfromhiseyes,asthoughthepicturemighttransformintoadifferentwomanifhefoundtherightnumberofinchesfromwhichtoviewit.
‘Yes,’hesaidfinally,‘althoughshecertainlywasn’tdressedlikethatwhenImether.Hername’sAishaKhanandsheworksforTateandBrannigan,thereputationmanagementpeople.JeremyTatephonedmetoaskifI’dseeher.’
‘Didyoucallhimback?’
‘DidIwhat?’boomedHonbold,throwinghisvoiceasthoughtryingtoreachthebackofacourtroom.
‘DidyoucallTateandBranniganback,tocheckitwasgenuinelyJeremyTatewho’drungyou?’
‘No,’saidHonbold,‘butIlookedherup.Idon’tusuallyseepeopleadhoclikethat,withouttheclient.Shewasontheirwebsite.She’djustjoinedthem.’
‘Wasthereapictureofheronthewebsite?’
‘No,’saidHonbold,nowlookinguneasy.
‘Herrealname,’saidStrike,‘isFarahNavabi.She’sanundercoverdetectiveworkingforPattersonInc.’
Therewasasecond’ssilence.
‘Bitch!’Honboldexploded.‘Workingforsometabloid,isshe?Orisitmybloodywife?’
‘Couldbeeither,’saidStrike,‘butPattersonhadsomeoneplantedatmyagencyforthelastfewmonths.Theaimcould’vebeengettingmeinthedockforbuggingyou.WasNavabialoneinyourofficeatanypoint?’
‘Yes,’groanedHonbold,runningahandthroughhisthinninghair.‘Ishowedherin,butIneededapee.Shehadafewminutesinthere,alone.Shit,’heexplodedagain.‘Shewasbloodyconvincing!’
‘Acting’sclearlyherstrongsuit,becauseshe’snotmuchcopatundercoversurveillance.’
‘MitchellfuckingPatterson…howhegotoff,afterallthefuckingphonehackinghedid–I’llhavehimbangedupforthisifit’sthelastbloodythingI—’
Strike’smobilerang.
‘Excuseme,’hesaid,pickingitupfromthetable.‘Luce?’
‘They’vefoundhim.’
‘Oh,thankChrist,’saidStrike,feelingthereliefwashoverhimlikewarmbathwater.‘Wherewashe?’
‘Downonthebeach.Theysayhe’sveryconfused.Stick,I’mgoingtogostraightdowntherenowandpersuadehimtocomebackwithme,justforavisit,sowecantalktohimaboutwhathewants.Hecan’tgoonlikethis.’
‘OK.D’youwantmeto—?’
‘No,Icanmanagealone,butwillyoucomeovertooursonceI’vegothimhere,tohelpmetalktohim?Tomorrownight?’
‘Iwill,yeah,ofcourse,’saidStrike,hisspiritssinkingslightly.SomebodyelsewouldhavetopickupRobinfromChapmanFarm.
HereturnedtothesittingroomtofindHonboldholdingacoffeepot.
‘Wantsome?’hebarkedatStrike.
‘That’dbegreat,’saidStrike,sittingdownagain.
Oncebothmenweresittingagain,aslightlyawkwardsilencefell.Giventhatbothofthemhadbeenhavingsexwiththesamewomanoverroughlythesametimeperiod,andthatBijouwasnowpregnant,Strikesupposedthiswasinevitable,buthewasn’tgoingtobetheonetobringupthesubject.
‘Bijoutoldmeyoutwohadacoupleofdrinks,’boomedthebarrister.‘Nothingmore.’
‘That’sright,’liedStrike.
‘Metatachristening,Iunderstand?IslaHerbert’schild.’
‘Ilsa,’Strikecorrectedhim.‘Yeah,Ilsaandherhusbandareoldfriendsofmine.’
‘SoBijoudidn’t—?’
‘Shenevermentionedyou.Idon’tdiscussworkoutsidetheofficeandsheneveraskedaboutit.’
This,atleast,wastrue.Bijouhadtalkedaboutnothingbutherself.HonboldwasnoweyeingStrikethoughtfully.Havingsippedhiscoffee,hesaid,
‘You’reverygoodatwhatyoudo,arentcha?I’veheardglowingreportsfromclients.’
‘Nicetoknow,’saidStrike.
‘Wouldn’tfancyhelpingmegetsomethingonmywife,wouldyou?’
‘Ourclientlist’sfull,I’mafraid,’saidStrike.Hehadn’textricatedhimselffromtheBijou-Honboldmesstoplungestraightbackintoit.
‘Pity.Matilda’soutforrevenge.Revenge,’boomedHonbold,andStrikecouldpicturehiminhisbarrister’swig,throwingthewordatajury.Honboldbegantoenumeratethemanyoutrageouswaysinwhichhiswifewascurrentlybehaving,oneofwhichwasrefusingtogivehimaccesstohiswinecellar.
Strikeletthemantalk,desirousonlyofdefusingHonbold’sanimositytohimselfonceandforall.Thoughtheaccent,thegrievancesandtheobjectsoftheiriremightbeverydifferent,hewasremindedofBarrySaxonashelistenedtoHonbold.JustliketheTubedriver,theQCseemedperplexedandoutragedthatawomanhe’dwrongedmightwantto
‘Well,thanksforthecoffee,’saidStrike,whenaconvenientpausearose,gettingtohisfeet.‘I’lllookforwardtoseeingPattersonincourt.’
‘“Soyoushall,”’quotedHonbold,alsorising,andraisinghisalreadyloudvoicehedeclaimed,‘“Andwheretheoffenceisletthegreataxefall.”’
79
Sixinthethirdplacemeans:Oneisenrichedthroughunfortunateevents.
TheIChingorBookofChanges
Relievedtohaveoneproblemcrossedoffhislist,Strikereturnedtotheoffice,eatinganddespisingthecarobbarhe’dpickedupenrouteintributetohisrenewedcommitmenttoweightloss.HehalfhopedLittlejohnwouldhaverenegedonhispromisetoprovidethePirbrightrecordingtoday,therebygivingStrikeanopportunitytoventhistetchinessonadeservingtarget.
‘Littlejohndroppedthisoff,’werePat’sfirstwordswhenheenteredtheoffice.
Sheindicatedaplainbrownenvelopelyingbesideher,insidewhichwasasmalloblongobject.Strikegrunted,headingforthekettle.
‘AndMidgehasjustbeenin,’Patcontinued.‘She’sinarightmood.Shesaysyouinsultedher.’
‘Ifshethinksherbossaskinglegitimatequestionsaboutherworkingpracticesisaninsult,she’sledaveryshelteredlife,’saidStrikeirritably,nowaddinganadditionalteabagtohismug,feelingheneededallthecaffeinehecouldget.
Intruth,hisangeratMidgehadabatedsomewhatduringthelastfewdays.Littlethoughhewantedtoadmitit,heknewhe’doverreactedabouthergettingcaughtoncameraatTashaMayo’shouse,becauseofhisownanxietyaboutthefalloutfromHonbold’sdivorce.He’dbeentoyingwiththeideaoftellingMidgeshecouldgobackontheFrankcaseaslongastherewasnomorefraternisingwiththeclient,butthenewsthatshe’dbeencomplainingtoPataggravatedhim.
‘Iknewanotherlesbian,once,’saidPat
‘Yeah?’saidStrike,asthekettlelidbegantorattle.‘Didshebitchbehindherboss’sback,aswell?’
‘No,’saidPat.‘Shewastheboss.Nicewoman.Peopletookherforhardasnails,butshewassoftunderneath.VerykindwhenIhadmydivorce.’
‘IsthisathinlyveiledsuggestionIshouldgrovelforhurtingMidge’sfeelings?’
‘Nobodysaidanythingaboutgrovelling.’
‘Justaswell,becausethat’snotgoingtohappen,’saidStrike.
‘Noneedtobesnappy,’saidPat.‘Anyway,Rhoda’sdonewhatyouasked.’
IttookStrikeacoupleofsecondstorememberthatthiswasPat’sdaughter.
‘You’rekidding?’hesaid,turningbacktowardsher.
‘No,’saidPat.‘She’sgotintothatCarrieCurtisWoods’Facebookpage.’
‘BestnewsI’vehadallday,’saidStrike.‘Wantacuppa?’
Oncebothhadtea,PatloggedontoFacebookwithherdaughter’sdetails,andnavigatedtotheaccountofthewomanStrikehopedhadbeenCherieGittinstwenty-oneyearspreviously.TurningthemonitorsoStrikecouldviewit,Patpuffedonhere-cigarette,watchinghimperusethepage.
Strikescrolledslowlydownwards,carefullyexaminingthemanypicturesofCarrieCurtisWoods’twolittleblondegirls.ThepicturesofCarrieherselfshowedawomanwhowasheavierthaninherprofilepicture.Therewasnoindicationofherhavingajob,thoughplentyofmentionofhervolunteeringatherdaughters’school.Then—
‘It’sher,’Strikesaid.
Thepicture,whichhadbeenpostedtomarkCarrieCurtisWoods’anniversary,showedherweddingday,whenshe’dbeenatleasttwodresssizessmaller.There,unmistakeably,wastheblondewiththesimperingsmilewho’doncebeenaninmateofChapmanFarm:older,wearinglesseyeliner,cinchedintoatightlacedress,hercurlyblondehairpulledupintoabun,besideathicksetmanwithheavyeyebrows.Alittlefurtherdownthepagewasaphonenumber:CarrieCurtisWoodswasofferingswimminglessonstotoddlers.
‘Pat,you’veplayedablinder.’
‘ItwasRhoda,notme,’saidPatgruffly.
‘Whatdoesshedrink?’
‘Gin.’
‘I’llgetherabottleortwo.’
Afurtherfiveminutes’scrollinghelpedStrikeidentifyCarrieCurtisWoods’husband,NathanWoods,whowasanelectrician,andherhometown.
‘Wherethehell’sThornbury?’hemuttered,switchingtoGooglemaps.
‘Gloucestershire,’saidPat,whowasnowwashingupmugsinthesink.‘MyDennis’cousinlivesoverthatway.’
‘Shit,’saidStrike,nowreadingCarrieCurtisWoods’mostrecentposts.‘They’reofftoAndalusiaonSaturday.’
Havingcheckedtheweeklyrota,StrikecalledShahtoaskhimtopickupRobinfromChapmanFarmthefollowingnight.
‘Ithink,’saidStrike,havinghungup,‘I’llgodowntoThornburyonFriday.CatchCarriebeforeshegoesonholiday.Robin’llbeknackered,she’snotgoingtobeupforatriptoGloucestershirerightaftergettingout.’
Privately,hewasthinkingthatifhecouldmanagethetripinaday,he’dhaveanexcusetogoovertoRobin’sthateveningforafulldebrief,averycheeringthought,giventhatheknewMurphywasstillinSpain.Feelingslightlyhappier,StrikeloggedoutofFacebook,pickeduphisteaandheadedintohisownofficecarryingthebrownenvelope
InsidewasatinyDictaphonetape,wrappedinasheetofpaperwithascrawleddateonit.TherecordinghadbeenmadenearlyamonthafterSirColinandKevinhadfallenoutoverthelatter’shecklingatGilesHarmon’sbookreadingandfivedaysbeforeKevin’smurder.StriketookaDictaphoneouthisdeskdrawer,insertedthetapeandpressedplay
HeunderstoodatoncewhyPattersonhadn’thandedoverthetapetoSirColinEdensor:becauseitwouldhavebeenhardtoimagineapooreradvertisementforhisagency’ssurveillanceskills.Forastart,therewerefarbetterdevicesforthiskindofworkthanaDictaphone,whichhadtobeconcealed.Therecordingwasofextremelypoorquality:whicheverpubFarahhadtakenKevintohadbeencrowdedandnoisy,arookieerrorforwhichStrikewouldhaveseverelyreprimandedanyofhisownsubcontractors.Itwas,hethought,thekindofthinghisnowdeparted,unlamentedhirelingNutleywouldhavedone.
Farah’svoicecameovermoreclearlythanKevin’s,presumablybecausetheDictaphonehadlainclosertoher.FromwhatStrikecouldmakeout,she’dsuggestedtwicetheyleaveforsomewherequieterinthefirstfiveminutes,butKevin,pathetically,saidtheyshouldstay,becauseheknewitwasherfavouritebar.ApparentlyKevinhadbeenthoroughlyconvincedthegood-lookingNavabiwasinterestedinhimsexually.
Striketurnedthevolumeuptomaximumandlistenedclosely,tryingtomakeoutwhatwasbeingsaid.FarahkeptaskingKevintospeakuporrepeatthings,andStrikewasforcedtorewindandrelistenmultipletimes,peninhand,tryingtotranscribeanythingthatwasaudible.
Initially,asfarasStrikecouldmakeout,theirchathadnothingtodowiththeUHC.Fortenminutes,Farahtalkedindistinctlyabouthersupposedjobasanairstewardess.Atlast,thechurchwasmentioned.
Farah:…waysbeeninterestedintheUH…Kevin:…on’tdoit…isters…stillinb…aybeleaveoned…
SomewhereclosetowhereFarahandKevinweresitting,arowdysongbrokeoutwhich,typically,wasasclearasabell.
Andweweresinginghymnsandarias,‘LandofmyFathers’,‘Arhydynos’.
‘Fuck’ssake,’mutteredStrike.ThegroupofwhatStrikeassumedwereelderlyWelshmen,becausehewasn’tsurewhoelsewouldbesingingaMaxBoycesong,struggledforthenexttenminutestorememberallthelyrics,breakingoutintermittentlyintofragmentsofversesthatpeteredoutagain,renderingKevinandFarah’sconversationcompletelyinaudible.Atlast,theWelshmenrevertedtomerelytalkingloudly,andStrikewasabletopickupthefaintthreadofwhatFarahandKevinweresayingagain.
Kevin:…vilpeople.Evil.Farah:Howweretheyev…?Kevin:…ean,cruel…hypocr…’mwritingab…Farah:Ohwowthat’sgr…
OneoftheWelshmenbrokeintosongagain.
ButWillisveryhappythoughhismoneyallhasgone:HeswappedfivephotosofhiswifeforoneofBarryJohn.
Cheersgreetedtheserememberedlinesandwhentheyellinghadsubsided,StrikeheardKevinagain:‘…orry,needa…’
FromthelackofchatfromFarah,StrikesurmisedthatKevinhadgonetothebathroom.
Thenextfiftyminutesofrecordingwereworthless.Notonlyhadthenoiseinthepubbecomeeverlouder,butKevin’svoicegrewprogressivelymoreindistinct.StrikecouldhavetoldFarahthatofferingunlimiteddrinktoayoungmanwho’dgrownupnevertouchingalcoholwasamistake,andsoonKevinwasslurringandrambling,Farahtryingveryhardtokeeptrackofwhathewassaying.
Kevin:…’nshedrown…saidsh’drowned…Farah:(loudly)…talkingaboutDai…?Kevin:…unnythingzappenin…ingsIkeep…emembrin…orof’em…Farah:(loudly)Four?Didyousayf…?Kevin:…more’njus’Shree…nicetokids,an’she…BecmadeEml…visible…ullshit…Farah:(loudly)…eccamadeEmlie,didyous…?Kevin:…drugged…sh’wuzallowedout…sh’couldgetthings…smuggleit’n…lether’waywithstu…didn’care’bout’erreal…sh’adchocolateoncen’Istolesome…bullythough…Farah:(loudly)…oowa…ully?Kevin:…ake’lowances…gonnatalkt’er…z’gonnameetm…Farah:(veryloudly)Issomeonefromthechurchgoingmeetyou,Kev…?Kevin:…’n’answerf’rit…
Strikeslammedhishandontopause,rewoundandlistenedagain.
Kevin:…gonnatalkt’er…z’gonnameetm…Farah:(veryloudly)Issomeonefromthechurchgoingmeetyou,Kev…?Kevin:…’n’answerf’rit…opey…part’f…Farah:(insistent)Areyougoingtomeetsomeonefrom…?Kevin:…sh’ad’ardti…’nth’pigs…Farah:(exasperated)Forgetthepigs…
‘Lethimtalkaboutthefuckingpigs,’growledStrikeattherecorder.
Kevin:…elikedpigs…ewwhatt’d…’coswhy…’nIwuzinth’woo…’nBec…oldmeoffcuz…ace’sdaught…m’sn’tsnitch…Farah:…Daiyuinthewoods?Kevin:…unno…wassh..…inktherewasaplot…initt’gether…alwuzt’geth…f’I’mright…bution…’nwoods…wasn’ta…galeblowingon…irebuttoowet…weird’nI…eatenedme…anout’fthe…oughtitwasforpun’shmen…eccatoleme…sorry,gotta…
Strikeheardaloudclunk,asthoughachairhadfallen.HehadafeelingKevinmighthavesetoffclumsilyforthebathroom,possiblytovomit.Hekeptlistening,butnothingwhatsoeverhappenedforafurthertwenty-fiveminutesexceptthattheWelshmenbecameevermorerambunctious.AtlastheheardFarahsay,
‘Excuseme…fyou’regoing…ntheloo?He’swearingablue…’
Fiveminuteslater,aloudWelshvoicesaid,
‘’E’sinan’orriblestate,love.Youmight’avetocarry’im’ome.’
‘Oh,forGod’ss…anksforchecking,any…’
Therewasarustle,thesoundofbreathing,andtherecordingended.
80
Externalconditionshindertheadvance,justaslossofthewheelspokesstopstheprogressofawagon.
TheIChingorBookofChanges
ShahdepartedforNorfolkatmiddayonThursday,bearingaletterfromStrikeinstructingRobintostaybesidetheplasticrockafterreadingit,becauseShahwouldbewaitinginthevicinitywithhiscarlightsoffandcuttersatthereadytoensuresafepassagethroughthebarbedwire.StrikesetofffordinneratLucy’sthateveningfeelingsurprisinglycheerfulgiventhathe’dbeupatsixthefollowingmorningtodrivetoGloucestershire,andwasn’tlookingforwardtotheeveningahead.
AlthoughTedwaspleasedtoseehisnephew,itwasimmediatelycleartoStrikethathisunclehaddeterioratedeveninthefewweekssincehe’dlastseenhim.Therewasavagueness,asenseofdisconnection,thathadn’tbeentherebefore.Tedsmiledandnodded,butStrikewasn’tconvincedhewasfollowingtheconversation.HisunclewatchedLucy’sthreesonsbustleinandoutofthekitchenwithanairofbemusementandtreatedthemwithaformalcourtesythatsuggestedhewasn’tsurewhotheywere.
StrikeandLucy’sattemptstodrawTedoutaboutwhereandhowhewantedtolivewentnowhere,becauseTedtendedtoagreewitheverypropositionputtohim,eveniftheywerecontradictory.HeagreedthathewantedtostayinCornwall,thatitmightbebettertomovetoLondon,thatheneededabitmorehelp,then,withasuddenflickeroftheoldTed,statedspontaneouslythathewasmanagingjustfineandnobodyoughttobeworryingabouthim.Allthroughdinner,Strikesensedtensionbetweenhissisterandbrother-in-law,andsureenough,onceTedwassettledinthesittingroominfrontofthetelevisionwithacupofdecaffeinatedcoffee,therewasanuncomfortablethree-wayconversationinwhichGregmadeplainhissenseofill-usage.
‘Shewantshimtolivewithus,’hetoldStrike,scowling.
‘Isaid,ifwesellthehouseinCornwall,wecouldbuildanextensionontheback,’Lucytoldherbrother.
‘Andlosehalfthegarden,’saidGreg
‘Idon’twanthimgoingintoahome,’saidLucytearfully.‘Joanwould’vehatedtheideaofhiminahome.’
‘What’reyougoingtodo,giveupwork?’Gregdemandedofhiswife.‘Becausehe’sgoingtobeafull-timejobifhegetsmuchworse.’
‘Ithink,’saidStrike,‘weneedtogethimafullmedicalassessmentbeforewedecideanything.’
‘That’sjustkickingthecandowntheroad,’saidGreg,whoseirritationwasundoubtedlyinformedbythefactthatStrikewasunlikelytobediscommodedbyanychangeinTed’slivingarrangements.
‘Therearehomesandhomes,’StriketoldLucy,ignoringGreg.‘IfwegothimintosomewheredecentinLondon,wecouldmakesurewe’reseeinghimregularly.Takehimfordaysout—’
‘ThenLucy’llberunningroundafterhimlikehe’slivinghere,’saidGreg,hisclearimplicationthatStrikewouldn’tbedoinganyrunningroundatall.‘HewantstostayinCornwall,he’sjustsaidso.’
‘Hedoesn’tknowwhathewants,’saidLucyshrilly.‘WhathappenedonTuesdaywasawarning.Heisn’tsafetolivealoneanymore,anythingcouldhavehappenedtohim–whatifhe’dtriedtotakehisboatout?’
‘That’swhatIwasworriedabout,’admittedStrike.
‘Soselltheboat,’saidGregangrily
Theconversationended,asStrikecouldhavepredictedfromthefirst,withnodecisioninplaceotherthangettingTedseenbyaspecialistinLondon.AsTedwasexhaustedafterhisunexpectedjourneytoLondonheturnedinatnine,andStrikeleftshortlyafterwards,hopingtomaximisehissleepbeforegettinguptodrivetoThornbury.
He’ddecidedagainstgivingCherie,orCarrie,asshewasnow,priornoticeofhisarrival,duetoherwell-establishedpatternofflightandreinvention:hehadafeelingthatifhecalledherfirst,she’dmakesureshewasunavailable.StrikedoubtedthewomanwhopostedendlesspicturesonFacebookofherfamily’soutingstoLongleatandPaultonsPark,ofhercontributionstoschoolbakesalesandofthefancydresscostumesshe’dmadeherlittlegirlswasgoingtoenjoybeingremindedofherunsavourypast.
StrikehadbeentravellingalongthemotorwayfortwohourswhenhereceivedaphonecallfromTashaMayo,askingwhyMidgewasn’tlookingafterheranymore,andrequestingthatMidgebereassignedtohercase.Thephrase‘lookingafter’didnothingtoallayStrike’sfaintsuspicionthatMidgehadbecomeover-friendlywiththeactress,andhedidn’tmuchappreciatetheirclientdictatingtohimwhichpersonneltheywantedassignedtothem.
‘It’sjustmorenaturalformetobeseenwalkingaroundwithanotherwoman,’Mayotoldhim.
‘Ifwhatmyagencyprovidedwasprivatesecurity,andwewantedtokeepitdiscreet,I’dagree,’saidStrike,‘butthereshouldn’tbeanywalkingaroundtogether,giventhatwhatwe’reprovidingissurveillance—’
Tohisconsternation,hethenrealisedTashawascrying.Hisheartsank:heseemedtohavehadtodealwithanendlesstrainofcryingpeoplelately.
‘Look,’shesobbed,‘Ican’taffordyouandprivatesecurity,andIlikeher,shemakesmefeelsafe,andI’dratherhavesomeonearoundIcanhavealaughwith—’
‘Allright,allright,’saidStrike.‘I’llputMidgebackonthejob.’
LittlethoughStrikelikedwhathethoughtofasmissioncreep,hecouldn’tpretenditwasunreasonableofMayotowantabodyguard.
‘Takecareofyourself,’hefinishedlamely,andTasharangoff.
HavingcontactedafrostyMidgetogiveherthenews,Strikecontinueddriving
Twentyminuteslater,Shahcalled.
‘Haveyougother?’saidStrike,smilinginanticipationofhearingRobin’svoice.
‘No,’saidShah.‘Shedidn’tturnupandtherock’sgone.’
Forthesecondtimeintwoweeks,Strikefeltasthoughdryicehadsliddownthroughhisguts.
‘What?’
‘Theplasticrock’sgone.Nosignofit.’
‘Fuck.Staythere.I’montheM4.I’llbewithyouassoonasIcan.’
81
TheuppertrigramK’anstandsfortheAbysmal,thedangerous.Itsmotionisdownward…
TheIChingorBookofChanges
Threenightsofvigilhadnowbeenheldonthetemplesteps,makingitimpossibleforRobintoleaveherbed.OnWednesday,teenagedboysinlongwhiterobeshadreplacedthegirls,andonThursdaynight,thechurchPrincipalstookuptheirpositionsatthetempleentrance,theflickeringflamesoftheirtorchesilluminatingthepaintedfacesofJonathanandMazuWace,BeccaPirbright,TaioWace,GilesHarmon,NoliSeymourandothers,allofthemwearingblacksmearedaroundtheireyes.Daiyuhadappearedtwicemorebynight,herluminousfigurevisiblefromafarfromtherearwindowsofthedormitories.
Theghost,thewatchfulfiguresonthetemplesteps,theconstantdread,theimpossibilityofescapingorcallingforhelp:allmadeRobinfeelasthoughshewasinhabitinganightmarefromwhichshecouldn’twake.Nobodyhadconfrontedheraboutherrealidentity,nobodyhadspokentoheraboutwhathadhappenedintheRetreatRoomwithWillorchallengedherexplanationofwhyherfacewasswollenandbruised,andshefoundallofthisominousratherthanreassuring.Shefeltcertainthatareckoningwascomingatatimeofthechurch’schoosing,andafraidthattheManifestationwouldbethemomentithappened.TheDrownedProphetwillsortyouout.
ShesawWillfromadistance,movingblank-facedabouthisdailytasks,andoccasionallyshesawhislipsmovingsilently,andknewhewaschanting.Once,shespottedhimsittingonhishaunchestotalktolittleQing,beforehurryingawayasMazusweptthroughthecourtyard,cradlingbabyYixininherarms.Robinwasstillbeingaccompaniedeverywhereshewent.
ThedayoftheManifestationwasmarkedbyafastforallchurchmembers,whowereonceagainservedhotwaterwithlemonforbreakfast.ThechurchPrincipals,whowerepresumablycatchingupontheirsleepinthefarmhouseaftertheirovernightvigil,remainedoutofsight.Exhausted,hungryandscared,Robinfedchickens,cleanedthedormitoriesandspentafewhoursinthecraftroom,stuffingmoreplushturtlesforsaleinNorwich.Shekeptrememberingherblitherequestofanextraday’sgracefromStrike,shouldshebelateputtingaletterintheplasticrock.Hadshenotoverruledhim,someonefromtheagencywouldbecomingtogetherthefollowingday,althoughshenowknewenoughaboutChapmanFarmtobecertainanyonewhotriedtogainentryatthefrontgatewouldbeturnedaway.
IfIgetthroughtheManifestation,shethought,I’llgetouttomorrownight.ThenshetriedtomockherselfforthinkingshemightnotgetthroughtheManifestation.Whatd’youthink’sgoingtohappen,ritualsacrifice?
Afteraneveningmealofmorehotwaterwithlemon,allchurchmembersovertheageofthirteenwereinstructedtoreturntotheirdormitoriesandputontheoutfitslaidoutforthemontheirbeds.Theseprovedtobelongwhiterobesmadeofwornandmuch-washedcottonthatmightoncehavebeenoldbedsheets.ThelossofhertracksuitmadeRobinfeelstillmorevulnerable.Thenow-robedwomentalkedinhushedvoices,waitingtobesummonedtothetemple.Robinspoketonobody,wishingshecouldsomehowpsychicallysummonthosewhocaredaboutherintheoutsideworld.
Whenthesunhadatlastfallen,BeccaPirbrightreappearedinthewomen’sdormitory,alsowearingrobes,thoughhers,likeMazu’s,weremadeofsilk,andbeaded.
‘Everyone,takeoffyourshoes,’Beccainstructedthewaitingwomen.‘You’llwalkbarefoot,astheProphetwalkedintothesea,inpairsacrossthecourtyard,insilence.Thetemplewillbedark.Assistantswillguideyoutoyourplaces.’
Theylinedupobediently.RobinfoundherselfwalkingnexttoPennyBrown,whoseonce-roundfacewasnowhollowandanxious.Theycrossedthecourtyardbeneathaclear,starrysky,chillyintheirthincottonrobesandbarefeet,andtwobytwoenteredthetemple,whichwasindeedpitchblack.
Robinfeltahandtakeherbythearmandwasled,sheassumed,pastthepentagonalstage,thenpusheddownintoakneelingpositiononthefloor.Shenolongerknewwhowasbesideher,althoughshecouldhearrustlingandbreathing,nordidsheknowhowthoseassistingpeopletotheirplaceswereabletoseewhattheyweredoing.
Afterawhile,thetempledoorsclosedwithabang.ThenJonathanWace’svoicespokethroughthedarkness.
‘Together:LokahSamastahSukhinoBhavantu…LokahSamastahSukhinoBhavantu…’
Thememberstookupthechant.Thedarknessseemedtointensifytherumbleandrhythmofthewords,butRobin,who’doncefeltreliefindissolvinghervoiceintothemass,experiencedneithereuphorianorrelief;fearcontinuedtoburnlikeacoallodgedbeneathherdiaphragm.
‘…andfinish,’calledWace.
Silencefellagain.ThenWacespoke:
‘Daiyu,belovedProphet,speakeroftruths,bringerofjustice,cometousnowinholiness.Blessuswithyourpresence.Lightthewayforus,thatwemayseeclearlyintothenextworld.’
Therewasanothersilenceinwhichnobodystirred.Then,clearlyandloudly,cameasmallgirl’sgiggle.
‘Hello,Papa.’
Robin,who’dbeenkneelingwithhereyestightshut,openedthem.Allwasdark:therewasnosignofDaiyu.
‘Willyoumanifestforus,mychild?’saidWace’svoice.
Anotherpause.Then–
‘Papa,I’mafraid.’
‘You’reafraid,mychild?’saidWace.‘You?Thebravestofus,andthebest?’
‘Thingsarewrong,Papa.Badpeoplehavecome.’
‘Weknowthereiswickednessintheworld,littleone.That’swhywefight.’
‘Insideandoutside,’saidthechild’svoice.‘Fightinsideandoutside.’
‘Whatdoesthatmean,Daiyu?’
‘CleverPapaknows.’
Anothersilence.
‘Daiyu,doyouspeakofmaligninfluenceswithinourchurch?’
Therewasnoanswer.
‘Daiyu,helpme.Whatdoesitmean,tofightinsideandout?’
Thechildishvoicebegantowailindistress,itscriesandsobsechoingoffthetemplewalls.
‘Daiyu!Daiyu,BlessedOne,don’tcry!’saidWace,withthefamiliarcatchinhisvoice.‘Littleone,Iwillfightforyou!’
Thesobsquietened.Silencefellagain.
‘Cometous,Daiyu,’saidWace,pleadingnow.‘Showusyoulive.Helpusrootoutevil,insideandout.’
Forafewseconds,nothinghappened.ThenaveryfaintglowappearedafewfeetoffthefloorinfrontofRobin,andsherealisedshewaskneelinginthefrontrowofthecrowdsurroundingthepentagonalbaptismalpool,fromwhichthegreenishlightwasemanating.
Nowtheglowingwaterroseupwardsinthesmoothshapeofabelljar,andrevolvingslowlyinsideitwasthefigureofalimp,eyelesschildinawhitedress.
Therewereseveralscreams:Robinheardagirlshout,‘No,no,no!’
Thewaterwassinkingagain,andwithit,thedreadfulfigure,andafterafewsecondsthegreenishwaterwasflatagain,thoughglowingbrighterstill,sothatthefiguresofJonathanandMazu,whowerestandingontheedgeofthepoolintheirlongwhiterobes,wereilluminatedfrombeneath.
NowMazuspoke.
‘I,whobirthedtheDrownedProphet,havededicatedmylifetohonouringhersacrifice.WhensheleftthisworldtojointheBlessedDivinity,sheconferredgiftsuponthoseofusdestinedtocarryonthefightagainstevilonearth.Ihavebeengrantedthegiftofdivinesightbythegraceofmydaughter,andherManifestationconfirmsmeinmyduty.TherearethoseamonguswhomDaiyuwilltesttonight.Theyhavenothingtofeariftheirhearts,likehers,arepure…
‘IcalltothepoolRowenaEllis.’
Gaspsandwhispersissuedfromamongthekneelingcrowd.Robinhadknownitwasgoingtohappen,butnevertheless,herlegscouldbarelysupportherweightasshegottoherfeetandwalkedforwards.
‘Youenteredthepooloncebefore,Rowena,’saidMazu,lookingdownather.‘Tonight,youjoinDaiyuintheseholywaters.Mayshegiveyouherblessing.’
Robinclimbedupthestepstostandontheedgeoftheilluminatedpool.Lookingdown,shecouldseenothinginitexceptthedarkbottom.Knowingthatresistanceorrefusalwouldbetakenasinfalliblesignsofguilt,shesteppedovertheedgeandallowedherselftodropdownunderthesurfaceofthecoldwater.
Thelightinthewaterdimmed.Robinexpectedherfeettotouchthebottom,buttheymetnoresistance:thebottomofthepoolhaddisappeared.Shetriedtoswimforthesurfacebutthen,toherterror,feltsomethinglikesmoothcordtwistaroundherankles.Inpanicshefought,tryingtokickherselffree,butwhateverhadholdofherdraggedherdownwards.Indarknesssheflailedandkicked,tryingtorise,butwhateverwasholdingherbackwasmorepowerful,andshesawsplintersofmemories–herparents,herchildhoodhome,StrikeintheLandRover–andthecoldwaterseemedtobecrushingher,pressingonherverybrain,itwasimpossibletobreathe,sheopenedhermouthinasilent
82
ThetrigramsLi,clarity,andChên,shock,terror,givetheprerequisitesforaclearingoftheatmospherebythethunderstormofacriminaltrial.
TheIChingorBookofChanges
Handswerepressinghardonherribcage.Robinvomited.
Shewaslyinginthepitchblackonthecoldtemplefloor.Anightmarishfaceloomedoverherwearingsomethinglikeskiinggoggles.Gaspingforair,Robintriedtogetupandwasforcedflatagainbytheonewho’djustbeenpressingonherchest.Shecouldhearfrightenedvoicesinthedarkness,andseeshadowyfiguresmovingaroundbythegreenishlightinthepool.
‘Taio,removeRowenafromthetemple,’saidMazucalmly.
Shivering,soakedtoherskin,Robinwasdraggedtoherfeet.Sheretchedagain,thenvomitedmorewaterandfellbacktoherknees.Taio,whoshenowrealisedwaswearingnightvisiongoggles,pulledherroughlyuprightagain,thenmarchedherthroughthedarktemple,Robin’slegsalmostgivingwayateachstep.Thedoorsopenedautomaticallyandshesawthestarlitcourtyard,andfeltthefreezingnightairagainsthersoakingskin.Taioledherroughlypastthedragon-carveddoorsofthefarmhouseandthentothesideentrancewhichopenedontothestairstothebasement.
Theyproceededthroughthedesertedundergroundlecturetheatreinsilence.Taiounlockedtheseconddoorleadingoffthescreenroom,throughwhichRobinhadnevergonebefore.Theroombeyondwasemptyexceptforasmalltableatwhichstoodtwometal-leggedplasticchairs.
‘Sitthere,’saidTaio,pointingatoneofthechairs,‘andwait.’
Robinsat.Taiowalkedout,lockingthedoorbehindhim.
Terrified,Robinfoughtwithherselfnottocry,butlost.Leaningforwardsonthetable,shehidherbruisedfaceinherarmsandsobbed.Whyhadn’tsheleftwithBarclayaweekago?Whyhadshestayed?
Shedidn’tknowhowlongshecriedbeforepullingherselftogether,attemptingtobreatheslowlyanddeeply.Thehorrorofherneardrowningwasnoweclipsedbyterrorofwhatwouldcomenext.Shestoodupandtriedthedoor,eventhoughsheknewitwaslocked,thenturnedtolookattheroomtoseenothingbutblankwalls:noairvent,nowindow,nohatch,butoneverysmallroundblackcamerainacorneroftheceiling.
Robinknewshemustthink,toprepareforwhateverwascoming,butshefeltsoweakafterthetwenty-four-hourfastshecouldn’tmakeherbrainwork.Theminutesdraggedby,Robinshiveringinherwetrobe,andshewonderedwhatwastakingsolong.Perhapsotherpeoplewerebeingsubjectedtoneardrowninginthepool?DoubtlessothermisdemeanourshadbeencommittedatChapmanFarm,bypeopletowhomshe’dneverspoken.
Atlonglast,thekeyturnedinthelock,andfourrobedpeopleenteredtheroom:Jonathan,Mazu,TaioandBecca.WacetookthechairoppositeRobin.Theotherthreelinedupagainstthewall,watching.
‘Whyd’youthinkDaiyu’ssoangrywithyou,Rowena?’askedWacequietlyandreasonably,likeadisappointedheadmaster.
‘Idon’tknow,’whisperedRobin.
She’dhavegivenanythingtobeabletolookinsideWace’smindandseewhathealreadyknew.
‘Ithinkyoudo,’saidWacegently.
Therewasaminute’ssilence.Atlast,Robinsaid,
‘I’vebeenthinking…ofleaving.’
‘Butthatwouldn’tmakeDaiyuangry,’saidWace,withalittlelaugh.‘Churchmembersarefreetoleave.Wecompelnobody.Youknowthat,surely?’
Robinthoughthewasplayingtothecamerainthecorner,whichpresumablyalsopickedupsound.
‘Yes,’shesaid,‘Isupposeso.’
‘Allweaskisthatchurchmembersdon’ttryandmanipulateothers,oractcruellytowardsthem,’saidWace.
‘Idon’tthinkI’vedonethat,’saidRobin.
‘No?’saidWace.‘WhataboutWillEdensor?’
‘Idon’tunderstandwhatyoumean,’liedRobin.
‘AfterhistriptotheRetreatRoomwithyou,’saidWace,‘heaskedforwritingmaterials,tocontactthepersonheusedtocallhismother.’
IttookeverythingRobinhadtofeignperplexity.
‘Why?’shesaid.
‘That’swhatwewantyouto—’beganTaioharshly,buthisfatherraisedahandtosilencehim.
‘Taio…letheranswer.’
‘Oh,’saidRobinslowly,asthoughshe’djustrememberedsomething.‘Ididtellhim…ohGod,’shesaid,playingfortime.‘ItoldhimIthought…you’regoingtobeangry,’shesaid,allowingherselftocryagain.
‘I’monlyangeredbyinjustice,Rowena,’saidWacequietly.‘Ifyou’vebeenunjust–tous,ortoWill–therewillbeasanction,butitwillfitthetransgression.AstheIChingtellsus,penaltiesmustnotbeimposedunfairly.Theyshouldberestrictedtoanobjectiveguardingagainstunjustifiedexcesses.’
‘ItoldWill,’saidRobin,‘thatIwonderedwhetherallourletterswerebeingpassedon.’
Mazuletoutasofthiss.Beccawasshakingherhead.
‘WereyouawarethatWillhassignedanon-contactdeclarationregardinghisfamily?’askedWace.
‘No,’saidRobin.
‘Somechurchmembers,likeWill,voluntarilysignadeclarationthattheynolongerwishtoreceivelettersfromformerfleshobjects.Stepfive:renunciation.Insuchcases,thechurchcarefullypreservesthecorrespondence,whichcanbeviewedatanytime,shouldthemembereverwishtoseeit.Willhasnevermadesucharequest,andsohislettersarekeptsafelyfiledaway.’
‘Ididn’tknowthat,’saidRobin.
‘Sowhyshouldhesuddenlywishtowritetohismother,afteralmostfouryearswithoutcontact?’
‘Idon’tknow,’saidRobin.
Shewasshivering,veryawareofthewetrobe’stransparency.WasitpossiblethatWillhadkeptmostoftheirconversationsecret?He’dcertainlyhadreasontosuppressRobin’spossessionofatorch,becauseofpotentialpunishmentfornothavingrevealeditsooner.Perhapshe’dalsoomittedmentionofhertestingofhisfaith?
‘Areyousureyoudidn’tsayanythingtoWillintheRetreatRoomthatwouldmakehimanxiousaboutthewomanheusedtocallmother?’
‘WhywouldItalkabouthismother?’askedRobindesperately.‘I–ItoldhimIdidn’tthinktheletterfrommysisterhadbeenpassedonassoonasitarrived.I’msorry,’saidRobin,allowingherselftocryagain,‘Ididn’tknowaboutnon-contactdeclarations.ThatexplainswhythereweresomanylettersinMazu’scabinet.I’msorry,Ireallyam.’
‘Thatinjurytoyourface,’saidWace.‘Howdiditreallyhappen?’
‘Willpushedpastme,’saidRobin.‘AndIfellover.’
‘ThatsoundsasthoughWillwasangry.Whyshouldhebeangrywithyou?’
‘Hedidn’tlikemetalkingabouttheletters,’saidRobin.‘Heseemedtotakeitreallypersonally.’
TherewasashortsilenceinwhichJonathan’seyesmetMazu’s.Robindidn’tdarelookatthelatter.Shefeltasthoughshe’dreadherultimatefateinMazu’scrookedeyes.
JonathanturnedbacktoRobin.
‘Didyou,atanytime,mentionthedeathoffamilymembers?’
‘Notdeath,’liedRobin.‘Imight’vesaid,“Whatifsomethinghappenedtooneofthem?”’
‘Soyoucontinuetoseerelationshipsinmaterialistterms?’saidWace.
‘I’mtryingnotto,’saidRobin,‘butit’shard.’
‘DidEmilyreallyearnallthemoneythatwasinhercollectionboxattheendofyourtriptoNorwich?’askedWace
‘No,’saidRobin,afterapauseofseveralseconds.‘Igavehersomefromthestallbox.’
‘Why?’
‘Ifeltsorryforher,becauseshehadn’tgotmuchonherown.Shewasn’tverywell,’Robinsaiddesperately.
‘SoyouliedtoTaio?Youmisrepresentedwhathadreallyhappened?’
‘Ididn’t…Isupposeso,yes,’saidRobinhopelessly.
‘Howarewesupposedtobelieveanythingyousay,nowweknowyou’repreparedtolietochurchPrincipals?’
‘I’msorry,’saidRobin,againallowingherselftocry.‘Ididn’tseeitasbeingabadthing,helpingherout…I’msorry…’
‘Smallevilsmountup,Rowena,’saidWace.‘Youmaysaytoyourself,“Whatdoesitmatter,alittleliehere,alittleliethere?”Butthepurespiritknowstherecanbenolies,bigorsmall.Topromulgatefalsehoodsistoembraceevil.’
‘I’msorry,’saidRobinagain.
WacecontemplatedRobinforamoment,thensaid,
‘Becca,fillinaPAformandbringitbacktome,withablank.’
‘Yes,PapaJ,’saidBecca,andshestrodeoutoftheroom.Whenthedoorhadclosed,Jonathanleanedforwardsandsaidquietly,
‘Doyouwanttoleaveus,Rowena?Because,ifso,you’recompletelyfreetodoso.’
RobinlookedintothoseopaquedarkblueeyesandrememberedthestoriesofKevinPirbrightandNiamhDoherty,ofSheilaKennettandFloraBrewster,allofwhichhadtaughtherthatiftherewereanysafe,easyrouteoutofChapmanFarm,itwouldn’thavetakenbereavement,mentalcollapseornight-timeescapesthroughbarbedwiretofreethem.ShenolongerbelievedtheWaceswouldstopshortofmurdertoprotectthemselvesortheirlucrativefiefdom.Wace’sofferwasforthecamera,toproveRobinhadbeengivenafreechoicethatwas,inreality,nochoiceatall.
‘No,’Robinsaid.‘Iwanttostay.Iwanttolearn,Iwanttodobetter.’
‘Thatwillmeanperformingpenance,’saidWace.‘Youunderstandthat?’
‘Yes,’saidRobin,‘Ido.’
‘Anddoyouagreethatanypenanceshouldbeproportionatetoyourownself-confessedbehaviour?’
Shenodded.
‘Sayit,’saidWace.
‘Yes,’saidRobin.‘Iagree.’
ThedoorbehindWaceopened.Beccahadreturnedholdingtwopiecesofpaperandapen.Shewasalsoholdingarazorandacanofshavingfoam.
‘IwantyoutoreadwhatBecca’swrittenforyou,’saidWace,asBeccalaidthetwoformsandthepenbeforeRobinonthetable,‘and,ifyouagree,copythewordsoutontotheblankform,thensignit.’
RobinreadwhathadbeenwritteninBecca’sneat,roundedhandwriting.
Ihavebeenduplicitous.Ihavespokenfalsehoods.Ihavemanipulatedafellowchurchmemberandunderminedhistrustinthechurch.Ihavemanipulatedandencouragedafellowchurchmembertolie.Ihaveactedandspokenindirectcontraventionofthechurch’steachingsonkindnessandfellowship.Bymyownthought,wordanddeed,Ihavedamagedthebondoftrustbetweenmyselfandthechurch.Iacceptaproportionatepunishmentaspenanceformybehaviour.
Robinpickedupthepenandherfouraccuserswatchedasshecopiedoutthewords,thensignedasRowenaEllis.
‘Becca’sgoingtoshaveyourheadnow,’saidWace,‘asamark—’
Taiomadeaslightmovement.Hisfatherlookedupathimforamoment,thensmiled.
‘Verywell,we’llforgotheshaving.Taio,gowithBeccaandfetchthebox.’
Thepairlefttheroom,leavingWaceandMazutowatchRobininsilence.Robinheardscuffingfootsteps,andthenthedooropenedoncemoretorevealTaioandBeccacarryingaheavywoodenbox,thesizeofalargetraveltrunk,withanenvelope-sizedrectangularholeatoneendandahinged,lockablelid.
‘I’mgoingtoleaveyounow,Artemis,’saidWace,gettingtohisfeet,andhiseyeswerewetagain.‘Evenwherethesinhasbeengreat,Ihatethenecessityforpunishment.Iwish,’hepressedhishandtohisheart,‘itweren’tnecessary.Bewell,Rowena,I’llseeyouontheotherside,purified,Ihope,bysuffering.Don’tthinkIdon’trecogniseyourgiftsofintelligenceandgenerosity.I’mveryhappy,’hesaid,makingheralittlebow,‘inspiteofeverything,thatyouchosetostaywithus.Eighthours,’headdedtoTaio.
Helefttheroom.
Taionowthrewbackthelidofthebox.
‘Youfacethisway,’hetoldRobin,pointingattherectangularhole.Youkneelandbendoverinanattitudeofpenance.Thenweclosethelid.’
Shakinguncontrollably,Robinstoodup.Sheclimbedintothebox,facingtherectangularhole,thenkneltdownandcurledup.Theflooroftheboxhadn’tbeensanded:shefeltthesplinteredsurfacediggingintoherkneesthroughthethin,wetrobe.Thenthelidbangeddownonherspine.
ShewatchedthroughtherectangularholeasMazu,TaioandBeccalefttheroom,onlythehemsoftheirrobesandtheirfeetvisible.Mazu,thelasttoleave,turnedoutthelight,closedthedooroftheroomandlockedit.
83
Nineinthefifthplace…Inthemidstofthegreatestobstructions,Friendscome.
TheIChingorBookofChanges
Strike,who’darrivedinLion’sMouthatoneo’clockthatafternoon,wasnowsittinginthedarkinhisBMWattheblindspotinChapmanFarm’sperimeterwiththecar’sheadlightsoff.ShahhadgivenStrikethenightvisionbinocularsandwirecutters,andhewasusingtheformertostareatthewoodsforanysignofahumanfigure.He’dsentShahbacktoLondon:therewasnopointtwoofthemsittinghereinthedarkforhours.
Itwasnearlymidnight,andrainingheavily,whenStrike’smobilerang.
‘Anysignofher?’saidMidgeanxiously.
‘No,’saidStrike.
‘ShedidmissaThursdayoncebefore,’saidMidge.
‘Iknow,’saidStrike,peeringthroughtherain-fleckedwindowatthedarktrees,‘butwhythefuck’stherockgone?’
‘Couldshehavemoveditherself?’
‘Possibly,’saidStrike,‘butIcan’tseewhy.’
‘Yousureyoudon’twantcompany?’
‘No,I’mfineonmyown,’saidStrike.
‘Whatifshedoesn’tturnuptonight?’
‘WeagreedIwouldn’tdoanythinguntilSunday,’saidStrike,‘soshe’sgotanothernight,assumingshedoesn’tturnupinthenextfewhours.’
‘God,Ihopeshe’sallright.’
‘Metoo,’saidStrike.WiththeaimofmaintainingthesefriendlierrelationswithMidge,eveninthemidstofhislargerworries,heasked,
‘Tashaallright?’
‘Yeah,Ithinkso,’saidMidge.‘Barclay’soutsideherhouse.’
‘Good,’saidStrike.‘Imight’veoverreactedaboutthephotos.Didn’twanttogivePattersonanothersticktobeatuswith.’
‘Iknow,’saidMidge.‘AndI’msorryforwhatIsaidaboutherwiththefaketits.’
‘Apologyaccepted.’
WhenMidgehadhungup,Strikecontinuedtostarethroughthenightvisionbinocularsatthewoods.
Sixhourslater,Robinstillhadn’tappeared.
84
Sixinthefifthplace…Persistentlyill,andstilldoesnotdie.
TheIChingorBookofChanges
EveryattempttorelievepressureornumbnessineitherofRobin’ssmartinglegsresultedinmorepain.Theroughlidoftheboxscrapedherbackasshetriedtomakeminorreadjustmentsofherposition.Foldeddownuponherselfinthepitchdark,tooscaredandintoomuchpaintoescapethepresentbysleeping,sheimagineddying,lockedinsidetheboxinsidethelockedroom.Sheknewnobodywouldhearevenifshescreamed,butshecriedintermittently.Afterwhatshethoughtmustbetwoorthreehours,shewasforcedtourinateinsidethebox.Herlegswereburningwiththeweighttheyweresupporting.ShehadnothingtoholdontoexceptthatWacehadsaid‘eighthours’.Therewouldbearelease.Itwouldcome.Shehadtoholdontothat.
And,atlonglast,itcame.Sheheardthekeyturninthelockofthedoor.Thelightwasswitchedon.Apairoftrainer-cladfeetapproachedthebox,andthelidwasopened.
‘Out,’saidafemalevoice.
Robininitiallyfounditalmostimpossibletounfoldherself,butbypushingherselfupwardswithherhands,sheforcedherselfintoastandingposition,herlegsnumbandweak.Thenowdryrobewasstickingtoherknees,whichhadbledduringthenight.
Hattie,theblackwomanwithlongbraidswho’dcheckedinherpossessionswhenshe’darrived,pointedhersilentlybacktoaseatatthetable,thenlefttheroomtopickupatray,whichshesetdowninfrontofRobin.Therewasaservingofporridgeandaglassofwateronit.
‘Whenyou’veeaten,I’llescortyoutothedormitory.You’repermittedtoshowerbeforestartingyourdailytasks.’
‘Thankyou,’saidRobinweakly.Hergratitudeforbeingreleasedwasunbounded;shewantedthestony-facedwomantolikeher,toseeshe’dchanged.
NobodylookedatRobinassheandhercompanioncrossedthecourtyard,pausingasusualatDaiyu’sfountain.Robinnoticedthateveryonewasnowwearingbluetracksuits.EvidentlytheseasonoftheDrownedProphethadended:theseasonoftheHealerProphethadbegun.
HerescortstayedoutsidetheshowercubiclewhileRobinwaswashingherselfwiththethinliquidsoapprovided.Herkneeswerescrapedandraw,aswasapatchofherspine.Shewrappedherselfinatowelandfollowedhercompanionbackintotheemptydormitory,whereRobinfoundafreshbluetracksuitandunderwearlaidoutonherbed.Whenshe’dchanged,watchedbytheotherwoman,thelattersaid,
‘You’regoingtobelookingafterJacobtoday.’
‘OK,’saidRobin.
Sheyearnedtoliedownuponthebedandsleep,becauseshewasalmostdeliriouswithtiredness,butshefollowedHattiemeeklyoutofthedormitory.NothingmatteredtohernowexcepttheapprovalofthechurchPrincipals.Terroroftheboxwouldbewithherforever;allshewantedwasnottobepunished.Shewasnowscaredofsomebodyfromtheagencyarrivingtogetherout,becauseiftheydidso,Robinmightbeshutupintheboxagainandhiddenaway.Shewantedtobeleftwhereshewas;shedreadedtheagencyendangeringhersafetyfurther.Perhapssometimeinthefuture,whenshe’drecoveredhernerveandround-the-clocksurveillancehadbeenliftedfromhershemightfindawaytobreakfree,butshecouldn’tthinkthatfaraheadtoday.Shemustcomply.Compliancewastheonlysafety.
HattieledRobinbacktothefarmhouse,throughthedragon-carveddoorsandupthescarlet-carpetedstairs.Theywalkedalongacorridorwithmoreshinyblackdoorsandthenupasecondstaircase,thisonenarrowanduncarpeted,whichledtoacorridorwithaslopingroof.Attheendofthiswasaplainwoodendoor,whichhercompanionopened.
Robinwashitbyanunpleasantsmellofhumanurineandfaecesassheenteredthesmallatticroom.Louisewassittingbesideacot.Therewerevariouscardboardboxessittinghiggledy-piggledyonthefloor,whichwascoveredinsheetsofoldnewspaper,alongwithablackbinlinerthatwaspartiallyfull.
‘TellRowenawhattodo,Louise,’saidthewomanwho’descortedRobin,‘thenyoucangoandsleep.’
Sheleft.
Robinstaredattheoccupantofthecot,horrified.Jacobwasperhapsthreefeetlong,buteventhoughhewasnakedexceptforanappy,hedidn’tlooklikeatoddler.Hisfacewassunken,thefineskinstretchedoverthebonesandtorso;hisarmsandlegswereatrophiedandRobincouldseebruisesandwhatsheassumedtobepressuresoresonhisverywhiteskin.Heappearedtobesleeping,hisbreathingguttural.Robindidn’tknowwhetherillness,disabilityorpersistentneglecthadplacedJacobinthispitiablestate.
‘What’swrongwithhim?’shewhispered.
ToRobin’shorror,theonlyanswerfromLouisewasastrangekeeningnoise.
‘Louise?’saidRobin,alarmedbythesound.
Louisedoubledover,herbaldheadinherhands,andthenoisebecameananimalscreech.
‘Louise,don’t!’saidRobinfrantically.‘Pleasedon’t!’
ShegrabbedLouisebytheshoulders.
‘We’llbothbepunishedagain,’Robinsaidfrantically,certainthatscreamingfromtheatticwouldbeinvestigatedbythosedownstairs,thattheironlysafetywassilenceandobedience.‘Stopit!Stop!’
Thenoisesubsided.Louisemerelyrockedbackwardsandforwardsonherchair,herfacestillhidden.
‘They’llbeexpectingyoutoleave.Justtellmewhattodoforhim,’saidRobin,herhandsstillontheolderwoman’sshoulders.‘Tellme.’
Louiseraisedherhead,hereyesbloodshot,herlooksruined,herbaldheadcutinacoupleofplaceswhere,doubtless,she’dshaveditwhileexhausted,withherarthritichands.Hadshebrokendownatanyothertime,Robinwouldhavefeltmorecompassionthanimpatience,butallshecaredaboutatthismomentwastoavoidanymorescrutinyorpunishment,andleastofalldidshewanttobeaccused,again,ofcausingdistressinanotherchurchmember.
‘Tellmewhattodo,’sherepeatedfiercely.
‘Therearenappiesinthere,’whisperedLouise,tearsstillleakingoutofhereyesasshepointedatoneofthecardboardboxes,‘andwipesoverthere.Hewon’tneedfood…givehimwaterinasippycup.’Shepointedtooneonthewindowsill.‘Leavethenewspaperdown…hesometimesvomits.Hehas…hehasfitssometimes,aswell.Tryandstophimbanginghimselfonthebars.Andthere’sabathroomoppositeifyouneedit.’
Louisedraggedherselftoherfeetandstoodforamoment,lookingdownatthedyingchild.ToRobin’ssurprise,shepressedherfingerstohermouth,kissedthem,thenplacedthemgentlyonJacob’sforehead.Then,insilence,shelefttheroom.
RobinmovedslowlytowardsthehardwoodenchairLouisehadvacated,hereyesonJacob,andsatdown.
Theboywasclearlyonthebrinkofdeath.Thiswasthemostmonstrousthingshe’dyetseenatChapmanFarm,andshedidn’tunderstandwhytoday,ofalldays,she’dbeensenttocareforhim.Whyordersomebodyinherewho’dliedandbrokenchurchrules,andwho’dadmittedquestioningtheirallegiancetothechurch?
Exhaustedthoughshewas,Robinthoughtsheknewtheanswer.ShewasbeingmadecomplicitinJacob’sfate.PerhapstheWacesknew,insomelong-repressedpartofthemselves,thathidingthischildaway,starvinghimandgivinghimnoaccesstomedicalcareexceptthe‘spiritwork’providedbyZhouwouldbeconsideredcriminalintheoutsideworld
Quietlyandcompletelyunconsciously,Robinbegantowhisper.
‘LokahSamastahSukhinoBhavantu…LokahSamastahSukhinoBhavantu…’
Withaneffort,shestoppedherself.
Imustn’tgomad.Imustn’tgomad.
85
Patienceinthehighestsensemeansputtingbrakesonstrength.
TheIChingorBookofChanges
Knowinghecouldn’tremaininthevicinityofChapmanFarmbydaylightwithoutgettinghiscarcaughtoncamera,andcertainRobinwouldn’tbeabletoreachtheperimeteruntilnightfellagain,StrikehadcheckedhimselfintooneoftheguestcabinsofnearbyFelbriggLodge,theonlyhotelformilesaround.He’dintendedtocatchafewhours’sleep,yethe,whowasusuallyabletonaponanysurface,includingfloors,foundhimselffartootightlywoundtorelaxevenwhenlyingonthefour-posterbed.Itfelttooincongruoustobelyinginacomfortable,genteelroomwithleaf-patternedcreamwallpaper,tartancurtains,aplethoraofcushionsandaceramicstagheadoverthemantelpiece,whenhisthoughtswerethisagitated.
He’dtalkedblithelyof‘cominginthefront’ifRobinwasoutofcontactthislong,buttheabsenceoftheplasticrockmadehimfearthatshe’dbeenidentifiedasaprivatedetectiveandhadnowbeentakenhostage.Takingouthisphone,helookedupsatellitepicturesofChapmanFarm.Therewerealotofbuildingsthere,andStrikethoughtitoddsonthatsomeofthemhadbasementsorhiddenrooms.
Hecould,ofcourse,contactthepolice,butRobinhadvoluntarilyenteredthechurchandhemighthavetojumpthroughalotofproceduralhoopstopersuadethemitwasworthgettingawarrant.Strikehadn’tforgottenthattherewerealsoUHCcentresinBirminghamandGlasgowtowhichhispartnermighthavebeenrelocated.WhatifshebecamethenewDeirdreDoherty,ofwhomnotracecouldbefound,eventhoughthechurchclaimedshe’dleftthirteenyearspreviously?
Strike’smobilerang:Barclay.
‘What’shappening?’
‘Shedidn’tshowuplastnight,either.’
‘Fuck,’saidBarclay.‘What’stheplan?’
‘I’llgiveittonight,butifshedoesn’tshow,I’llcallthepolice.’
‘Aye,’saidBarclay,‘ye’dbetter.’
WhenBarclayhadhungup,Strikelayforawhile,stilltellinghimselfheshouldsleepwhilehecould,butaftertwentyminuteshegaveup.Havingmadehimselfacupofteawiththekettleprovided,hestoodforafewminuteslookingoutofoneofthewindows,throughwhichhecouldseeawoodenhottubbelongingtohiscabin.
Hismobilerangagain:Shanker.
‘What’sup?’
‘Youowemeamonkey.’
‘You’vegotintelonReaney’sphonecall?’
‘Yeah.Itwasmadefromanumberwivareacode01263.Womancontactedtheprison,saidshewas’iswifeanditwasurgent—’
‘Itwasdefinitelyawoman?’saidStrike,scribblingdownthenumber.
‘Screwsaysitsoundedlikeone.Theyagreedatimefor’ertocall’im.Claimedshewasn’tat’omeanddidn’twant’im’aving’erfriend’snumber.’S’allIcouldget.’
‘Allright,themonkey’syours.Cheers.’
Shankerrangoff.GladtohavesomethingtodoforafewminutesotherthanagoniseaboutwhathadhappenedtoRobin,Strikelookeduptheareacodeinquestion.ItcoveredalargeareaincludingCromer,Lion’sMouth,Aylmerton,andeventhelodgehewascurrentlysittingin.
Havingremovedafewcushions,Strikesatdownonthesofa,vaping,drinkingteaandwillingthehourstopassquickly,sohecouldreturntoChapmanFarm.
86
Sixinthefourthplacemeans:Waitinginblood.Getoutofthepit.
TheIChingorBookofChanges
RobinhadbeensittingwithJacoballday.Hehad,indeed,hadafit:she’dtriedtostophimhurtinghimselfagainstthecotbars,andfinallyhe’dgrownlimpandshe’dlaidhimgentlybackdown.She’dchangedhisnappythreetimes,puttingthesoiledonesintotheblackbinbagsittingthereforthatpurpose,andtriedtogivehimwater,butheseemedunabletoswallow.
Atmiddayshe’dbeenbroughtfoodbyoneoftheteenagegirlswho’dstoodvigiloutsidethetemplefournightspreviously.Thegirlsaidnothingtoher,andkepthereyesavertedfromJacob.Barringthisoneinterruption,Robinwasleftentirelyalone.Shecouldhearpeoplemovingaroundinthefarmhousebelow,andknewshewasonlyallowedthissolitudebecauseitwouldbeimpossibleforhertocreepbackdownthefarmhousestairswithoutbeingapprehended.Herfatiguekeptthreateningtooverwhelmher;severaltimes,shenoddedoffinthehardwoodenchairandjerkedawakeassheslidsideways.
Asthehoursworeon,shetooktoreadingpagesofthenewspaperspreadoverthefloorinanattempttostayawake.ThusshelearnedthatthePrimeMinister,DavidCameron,hadresignedafterthecountryhadvotedtoleavetheEU,thatTheresaMayhadnowtakenhisplaceandthatthatChilcotInquiryhadfoundthattheUKhadenteredtheIraqWarbeforepeacefuloptionsfordisarmamenthadbeenexhausted.
TheinformationRobinhadbeendeniedforsolong,informationunfilteredbyJonathanWace’sinterpretation,hadapeculiareffectonher.Itfeltasthoughitcamefromadifferentgalaxy,makingherfeelherisolationevenmoreacutely,yetatthesametime,itpulledhermentallybacktowardstheouterworld,theplacewherenobodyknewwhat‘fleshobjects’were,ordictatedwhatyouworeandate,orattemptedtoregulatethelanguageinwhichyouthoughtandspoke.
Nowtwocontradictoryimpulsesbattledinsideher.Thefirstwasalliedtoherexhaustion;iturgedcautionandcomplianceandurgedhertochanttodriveeverythingelsefromhermind.ItrecalledthedreadfulhoursintheboxandwhisperedthattheWaceswerecapableofworsethanthat,ifshebrokeanymorerules.Butthesecondaskedherhowshecouldreturntoherdailytasksknowingthatasmallboywasbeingslowlystarvedtodeathbehindthefarmhousewalls.Itremindedherthatshe’dmanagedtoslipoutofthedormitorybynightmanytimeswithoutbeingcaught.Iturgedhertotaketheriskonemoretime,andescape.
Shewasbroughtasecondbowlofnoodlesandaglassofwateratdinnertime,thistimebyaboywhoalsokepthisgazecarefullyavertedfromJacobandlookedrepulsedbythesmellintheroom,towhichRobinhadbecomeacclimatised.
Duskarrived,andRobinhadnowreadalmostallofthenewspaperslyingonthefloor.Notwantingtoputontheelectriclightincaseitdisturbedthechildinthecot,shegotupandmovedtothesmalldormerwindowtocontinuereadinganarticleaboutLabourleaderJeremyCorbyn.Havingfinishedthis,sheturnedthepageoverandsawtheheadlineSOCIALITEDIEDINBATH,INQUESTTOLD,beforerealisingthatthepicturebelowwasofCharlotteRoss.
Robin’sgaspwassoloudJacobstirredinhissleep.Withonehandpressedoverhermouth,Robinreadthearticle,thepaperheldinchesfromhereyesinthedyinglight.She’djustreadhowmuchalcoholandhowmanysleepingpillsCharlottehadtakenbeforeslittingherwristsinthebath,whentherewasasoftknockontheatticdoor.
RobinthrewthereportaboutCharlottebackontothefloorandhastenedbacktoherchairasthedooropenedtorevealEmily,whosehead,likehermother’s,wasfreshlyshaven.
Emilyclosedthedoorquietly.FromwhatRobincouldseeofherthroughtherapidlydarkeningroom,shelookedapprehensive,almosttearful.
‘Rowena–I’msosorry,I’mreally,reallysorry.’
‘Whatabout?’
‘ItoldthemyougavememoneyinNorwich.Ididn’twantto,buttheywerethreateningmewiththebox.’
‘Oh,that…it’sOK,Iadmittedit,too.Itwasstupidtoexpectthemnottonotice.’
‘Youcango.Jiang’swaitingdownstairstoescortyoutothedormitory.’
Robinstoodupandhadtakenacoupleofstepstowardsthedoorwhensomethingstrangehappened.
Shesuddenlyknew–didn’tguess,orhope,butknew–thatStrikehadjustarrivedbesidetheblindspotattheperimeterfence.Theconvictionwassostrongthatitstoppedherinhertracks.ThensheturnedslowlytofaceEmilyagain.
‘WhoareJacob’sparents?’
‘Idon’t–wedon’t…youshouldn’taskstufflikethat.’
‘Tellme,’saidRobin.
RobincouldjustmakeoutthewhitesofEmily’seyesbythefadinglightfromthewindow.AfterafewsecondsEmilywhispered,
‘LouiseandJiang.’
‘Lou—seriously?’
‘Yeah…Jiangisn’tallowedtogowiththeyoungerwomen.He’sanNIM.’
‘Whatdoesthatmean?’
‘Non-IncreasingMale.Someofthemenaren’tallowedtogowithfertilewomen.Idon’tthinkanyonethoughtLouisecouldstillgetpregnant,but…thenJacobcame.’
‘Whatdidyoumean,whenyoutoldmeDaiyudidforbiddenthingsatthefarm?’
‘Nothing,’whisperedEmily,nowsoundingpanicky.‘ForgetI—’
‘Listen,’saidRobin(sheknewStrikewasthere,shewascertainofit),‘youoweme.’
Afteracoupleofseconds’silence,Emilywhispered,
‘Daiyuusedtosneakoffinsteadofdoinglessons,that’sall.’
‘Whatwasshedoing,whenshesneakedoff?’
‘Shewentintothewoods,andintobarns.Iaskedherandshesaidshewasdoingmagicwithotherpeoplewhowerepurespirit.Sometimesshehadsweetsandlittletoys.Shewouldn’ttelluswhereshe’dgotthem,butshe’dshowus.Shewasn’twhattheysayshewas.Shewasspoiled.Mean.Beccasawitall,too.Shepretendsshedidn’t—’
‘WhydidyoutellmeDaiyudidn’tdrown?’
‘Ican’t—’
‘Tellme.’
‘You’vegottogo,’whisperedEmilyfrantically.‘Jiang’swaitingforyou.’
‘Thentalkquickly,’saidRobin.‘WhatmadeyousayDaiyudidn’tdrown?’
‘Because…itwasjust…Daiyutoldmeshewasgoingtogoawaywiththisoldergirlandlivewithher.’Emily’svoicewasfullofastrangelonging.
‘D’youmeanCherieGittins?’
‘How—?’
‘WasitCherie?’
‘Yes…Iwassojealous.WeallreallylovedCherie,shewaslike…likeareal…likewhatthey’dcallamother.’
‘Wheredoesinvisibilitycomein?’
‘Howdidyou—?’
‘Tellme.’
‘Itwasthenightbeforetheywenttothebeach.Cheriegaveusallspecialdrinks,butIdidn’tlikethetaste.Ipouredminedownthesink.Wheneveryoneelsewasasleep,IsawCheriehelpingDaiyuoutofthedormitorywindow.Iknewshedidn’twantanyonetoseewhatshe’ddone,soIpretendedtobeasleep,andshewentbacktobed.’
‘ShepushedDaiyuoutofthewindowandthenwentbacktobedherself?’
‘Yes,butshe’lljusthavebeenhelpingDaiyudowhatevershewantedtodo.DaiyucouldgetpeopleintroublewithPapaJandMazu,iftheydidn’tdowhatshewanted.’
Fromdownstairscameashout:
‘Rowena?’
‘I’minthebathroom,’Robinshouted.TurningbacktoEmily,whomshecouldnolongerseeinthedark,shesaid,
‘Quickly–didyouevertellKevinwhatyousaw?Tellme,please.’
‘Yes,’saidEmily.‘Later.Ageslater.WhenItoldBeccaI’dseenCheriehelpingDaiyuoutofthewindow,shesaid,“Youdidn’tseethat,youcan’thavedone.Ifyoucouldn’tseeDaiyuinherbed,itwasbecauseshecanturninvisible.”BeccalovedCherietoo.Beccawould’vedoneanythingforher.WhenCherieleft,Icriedfordays.Itwaslikelosing–ohGod,’saidEmily,panicked.
Footstepswerecomingalongthecorridor.Thedooropenedandthelightwasslappedon.Jiangstoodrevealedinthedoorway,wearingabluetracksuit.Jacob’seyesopenedandhebegantowhimper.Scowling,Jiangavertedhisgazefromhisson.
‘Sorry,’RobinsaidtoJiang.‘IneededthelooandthenIhadtotellEmilywhenIlastgavehimadrinkandchangedhis—’
‘Idon’tneedthedetails,’snappedJiang.‘Comeon.’
87
Nineinthefourthplacemeans:Thenthecompanioncomes,Andhimyoucantrust.
TheIChingorBookofChanges
AsJiangandRobinwalkedtogetherdownthestairshesaid,
‘Stinks,thatroom.’
Hiseyewasflickeringworsethanever.
Robinsaidnothing.Perhapsitwasheradvancedstateofexhaustion,butsheseemedtohavebecomeamassofnervesandhypersensitivities:justassurelyasshe’dknownStrikehadarrivedattheperimeter,shehadasensethatthelongersheremainedinthefarmhouse,theworseitwouldbeforher.
Astheywalkeddownthelastflightofscarlet-carpetedstairsintothehall,Robinheardagustoflaughter,andWaceappearedfromasideroom,holdingaglassofwhatlookedlikewine.Hewasnowwearingasilkversionofthebluetracksuitwornbyordinarymembers,hisexpensiveleatherslidesonhisfeet.
‘Artemis!’hesaid,smilingasthoughthepreviousnighthadn’thappened,asthoughhedidn’tknowhe’dorderedhertobelockedinabox,orthatshewasnowintoherthirty-sixthhourwithoutsleep.‘Arewefriendsagain?’
‘Yes,PapaJ,’saidRobin,withwhatshehopedwasadequatehumility.
‘Goodgirl,’saidWace.‘Onemoment.Waitthere.’
OhGod,no.
RobinandJiangwaitedwhileWaceenteredthestudywiththepeacockbluewalls.Robinheardmoreloudlaughter.
‘Hereweare,’saidthesmilingWace,reappearingwithTaio.‘Beforeyourest,Artemis,itwouldbeaverybeautifulactofcontritiontoreaffirmyourcommitmenttoourchurchbyspiritbondingwithonewhohasmuchtoteachyou.’
Robin’sheartbeganpumpingsofastshethoughtshemightpassout.Theredidn’tseemtobeenoughairinthehallforherlungstoinflate.
‘Yes,’sheheardherselfsay.‘Allright.’
‘PapaJ!’cameamerryvoice,andNoliSeymourcamelurchingoutofthesittingroom,flushed,nolongerwearingatracksuitbutleathertrousersandatightwhiteT-shirt.‘OhLord,sorry,’shegiggled,seeingthegroup.
‘There’snothingtoapologisefor,’saidWace,extendinganarmanddrawingNolitohisside.‘We’remerelyarrangingabeautifulspiritbonding.’
‘Oooh,luckyyou,yougetTaio,Rowena?’saidNolitoRobin.‘IfIweren’tspiritmarried…’
NoliandWacelaughed.Taioallowedhislipstocurlinasmirk.Jiangmerelylookedsulky.
‘Shallwe,then?’saidTaiotoRobin,takingherfirmlybythehand.Hiswashotanddamp.
‘Jiang,’saidWace,‘gowiththem,waitoutsideandescortArtemistoherdormitoryafterwards.’
AsRobinandthetwoWacebrotherswalkedtowardsthefrontdoor,RobinheardNolisay,
‘Whyd’youcallherArtemis?’
ShemissedWace’sanswerinanotheroutburstoflaughterfromthesittingroom.
Thenightwascoolandcloudless,withmanystarsoverheadandathin,fingernailmoon.TaioledRobintowardsthepooloftheDrownedProphetandshekneltdownbetweenDaiyu’stwobrothers.
‘TheDrownedProphetwillblessallwhoworshipher.’
‘Ineedthebathroom,’Robinsaid,asshestoodupagain.
‘Noyoudon’t,’saidTaio,pullingheron.
‘Ido,’saidRobin.‘Ijustwanttopee.’
ShewasterrifiedJiangwasgoingtosay‘Youwerejustinthebathroom.’Instead,hesaid,scowlingathisbrother,
‘Letherbloodypee.’
‘Fine,’saidTaio.‘Bequick.’
Robinhurriedintothedormitory.Mostofthewomenweregettingreadyforbed
Robinpushedherwayintothebathroom.MarionHuxleywasbentoverthesink,cleaningherteeth.
Inonefluidmovement,RobinhadsteppedupontothesinkbesideMarion,andbeforeMarioncouldshoutinsurprise,hadforcedthewindowopen,heavedherselfuponthehighsill,swungonelegoverandthen,asMarionscreamed,‘Whatareyoudoing?’letherselffall,hittingthegroundontheothersidesohardshefellover.
Butshewasupinaninstantandrunning–heronlyadvantageovertheWacebrothers,givenherpresenthungerandexhaustion,washowwellsheknewherwaytotheblindspotinthedark.Throughthepoundinginherearsshehearddistantshouts.Shewasoverthefive-bargate,andnowshewassprintingacrossthewetfield,herbreathcomingfastandragged–shewaswearingbluenow,farhardertoseeinthedarkthanwhite–therewasastitchlikeaswordwoundinherchestbutshespedup–andnowshecouldhearTaioandJiangbehindher.
‘Gether–GETHER!’
Shecrashedherwayintothewood,followingthefamiliarpath,leapingovernettlesandroots,passingfamiliartrees–
AndintheBMW,Strikesawhercoming.Throwingasidethenightvisiongogglesandpickingupthefoot-longwirecutters,heleftthecaratarun.He’dgotthroughthreestrandsofbarbedwirewhenRobinscreamed,
‘They’recoming,they’recoming,helpme—’
Hereachedoverthewallanddraggedherwithhim;hertracksuitbottomstoreontheremainingwire,butshewasoutontotheroad.
Strikecouldhearthesoundofrunningmen.
‘Howmany?
‘Two–let’sgo,please—’
‘Getin,’hesaid,pushingheraway,‘justgetinthecar–GO!’hebellowed,asTaioWacecameburstingthroughathicketoftreesandranforthefiguresilhouettedahead.
AsTaiolaunchedhimselfatthedetective,StrikeswungbacktheheavymetalwirecuttersandsmashedthemintothesideofTaio’shead.Taiocrumpledandthefigurebehindhimskiddedtoahalt.Beforeeithermancouldreturntheattack,Strikewasheadingforthecar.Robinhadalreadystartedtheengine;shesawTaioriseagain,butStrikewasinsidethecar;heslammedhisfootontheaccelerator,andinanexhilaratingburstofspeedtheyweredrivingaway,Strikehavingfoundagloriousreleaseforhisdaysofanxiety,Robinshakingandsobbinginrelief.
88
KEEPINGSTILLmeansstopping.Whenitistimetostop,thenstop.
TheIChingorBookofChanges
‘Drive,drive,drive,’saidRobinfrantically.‘They’llseethenumberplatesonthecameras—’
‘Doesn’tmatteriftheydo,they’refake,’saidStrike.
Heglancedatherandeveninthedimlightwasappalledatwhathesaw.Shelookedagoodcoupleofstonelighterandherswollenfacewascoveredeitherindirtorbruises.
‘We’vegottocallthepolice,’saidRobin,‘there’sachilddyinginthere–Jacob,that’swhoJacobis,andthey’vestoppedfeedinghim.I’vebeenwithhimallday.We’vegottogetthepolice.’
‘We’llcallthemwhenwestop.We’llbethereinfiveminutes.’
‘Where?’saidRobin,alarmed.
She’dimaginedtravellingstraighttoLondon;shewantedtoputasmanymilesaspossiblebetweenherselfandChapmanFarm,wantedtogetbacktoLondon,tosanityandsafety.
‘I’vegotaroominahoteluptheroad,’saidStrike.‘It’llbethelocalforceweneed,ifyouwantpolice.’
‘Whatiftheycomeafterus?’saidRobin,lookingoverhershoulder.‘Whatiftheycomelooking?’
‘Letthemcome,’growledStrike.‘Nothingwouldgivemegreaterfuckingpleasurethantobeltsomemoreofthem.’
Butwhenheglancedatheragain,hesawnakedfear.
‘They’renotgoingtocome,’hesaidinhisnormalvoice.‘They’vegotnoauthorityoutsidethefarm.Theycan’ttakeyouback.’
‘No,’shesaid,moretoherselfthantohim.‘No,I…Is’posenot…’
Hersuddenre-emergenceintofreedomwastoomassiveforRobintoabsorbinafewseconds.Wavesofpanickepthittingher:shewasimaginingwhatwashappeningbackatChapmanFarm,wonderinghowsoonJonathanWacewouldknowshe’dgone.Shefounditalmostimpossibletograspthathisjurisdictiondidn’textendtothisdark,narrowroadbordered
‘Thisisit,’saidStrikefiveminuteslater,ashepulledupinadarkcarpark.
AsStriketurnedofftheengine,Robinundidherseatbelt,halfrosefromherseat,threwherarmsaroundhim,buriedherfaceinhisshoulderandburstintotears.
‘Thankyou.’
‘’Sallright,’saidStrike,puttinghisarmsaroundherandspeakingintoherhair.‘Myjob,innit…you’reout,’headdedquietly,‘you’reOKnow…’
‘Iknow,’sobbedRobin.‘Sorry…sorry…’
Bothwereinveryinconvenientpositionsinwhichtohug,especiallyasStrikestillhadhisseatbelton,butneitherletgoforseverallongminutes.StrikegentlyrubbedRobin’sback,andsheheldhiminatightgrip,occasionallyapologisingwhilehisshirtcollargrewwet.Insteadofrecoilingwhenhepressedhislipstothetopofherhead,shetightenedherholdonhim.
‘It’sallright,’hekeptsaying.‘It’sOK.’
‘Youdon’tknow,’sobbedRobin,‘youdon’tknow…’
‘Youcantellmelater,’saidStrike.‘There’splentyoftime.’
Hedidn’twanttolethergo,buthe’ddealtwithenoughtraumatisedpeopleinthearmy–hadindeedbeenoneofthosepeoplehimself,afterthecarinwhichhe’dbeentravellinghadbeenblownup,takinghalfhislegwithit–toknowthatbeingaskedtore-livecalamityinitsimmediateaftermath,whenwhatwasreallyneededwasphysicalcomfortandkindness,meantadebriefoughttowait.
Theywalkedtogetheracrossthelawntowardsthelowguesthouse,oneofthreeinarow,Strike’sarmaroundRobin’sshoulders.Whenheunlockedthedoorandstoodbacktoletherin,shepassedacrossthethresholdinastateofdisbelief,hereyesrovingfromthefour-postertothemultitudeofcushionsStrikehadfoundexcessive,fromthekettlestandingonachestofdrawerstothetelevisioninthecorner.Theroomseemedunimaginablyluxurious:tobeabletomakeyourselfahotdrink,tohaveaccesstonews,tohavecontrolofyourownlightswitch…
Sheturnedtolookatherpartnerasheclosedthedoor.
‘Strike,’shesaid,withashakylaugh,‘you’resothin.’
‘I’mfuckingthin?’
‘D’youthinkIcouldeatsomething?’shesaidtimidly,asthoughaskingforsomethingunreasonable.
‘Yeah,ofcourse,’saidStrike,movingtothephone.‘Whatd’youwant?’
‘Anything,’saidRobin.‘Asandwich…anything…’
Shemovedrestlesslyaroundtheroomashedialledthenumberofthemainhotel,tryingtoconvinceherselfshewasgenuinelyhere,touchingsurfaces,gazingaroundattheleaf-strewnwallpaperandtheceramicdeerhead.Then,outofoneofthewindows,shespottedthehottub,thewaterlookingblackbynightandreflectingthetreesbehindit,andsheseemedtoseetheeyelesschildrisingagainfromthedepthsofthebaptismalpool.Strike,whowaswatchingher,sawherflinchandturnaway.
‘Food’sonitsway,’hetoldher,havinghungup.‘Therearebiscuitsbythekettle.’
Heclosedthecurtainsasshepickeduptwoplastic-wrappedbiscuitsandrippedthemopen.Havingdevouredtheminafewmouthfuls,shesaid,
‘Ishouldphonethepolice.’
Thecall,asStrikecouldhavepredicted,wasn’tstraightforward.WhileRobinsatontheedgeofthebed,explainingtotheemergencyoperatorwhyshewascallinganddescribingtheconditionandlocationoftheboycalledJacob,Strikescribbled‘We’rehere:FelbriggLodge,Brambleguesthouse’ontoabitofpaperandpassedittoher.Robindulyreadoutthisaddresswhenaskedforherlocation.Whileshewasstilltalking,StriketextedMidge,Barclay,ShahandPat.
Gother.She’sOK.
Hewasn’tconvincedthesecondsentencewastrue,exceptintheverybroadestsenseoflackingadisablingphysicalinjury.
‘They’regoingtosendsomeoneouttotalktome,’RobintoldStrikeatlast,havinghungup.‘Theysaiditmightbeanhour.’
‘Givesyoutimetoeat,’saidStrike.‘I’vejustbeentellingtheothersyou’reout.They’vebeencrappingthemselvesaboutyou.’
Robinstartedcryingagain.
‘Sorry,’shegasped,forwhatfeltlikethehundredthtime.
‘Whohityou?’heasked,lookingattheyellowishpurplemarksontheleftsideofherface.
‘What?’shesaid,tryingtostemthefloodoftears.‘Oh…WillEdensor…’
‘Wh—?’
‘Itoldhimhismotherwasdead,’saidRobinwretchedly.‘Itwasamistake…or…Idon’tknowifitwasamistake…Iwastryingtogetthroughtohim…thatwasacoupleofdaysago…itwasthatorhavesexwithhim…sorry,’shesaidagain,‘somuchhashappenedtheselastfewdays…it’sbeen—’
Shegasped.
‘Strike,I’msosorryaboutCharlotte.’
‘Howthehelldidyouknowaboutthat?’hesaid,amazed.
‘Isawitinanoldnewspaperthisafternoon…it’sawful…’
‘It’swhatitis,’hesaid,farlessinterestedinCharlotteatthismomentthaninRobin.Hismobilebuzzed.
‘That’sBarclay,’hesaid,readingthetext.‘Hesays“thankfuck.”’
‘Oh,Sam,’sobbedRobin,‘Isawhimaweekago…wasitaweekago?Iwatchedhim,inthewoods…Ishould’vegonethen,butIdidn’tthinkIhadenoughtoleave…sorry,Idon’tknowwhyIkeepc-crying…’
Strikesatdownnexttoheronthebedandputhisarmaroundheragain.
‘Sorry,’shesaid,sobbingassheleanedintohim,‘I’mreallysorry—’
‘Stopapologising.’
‘It’sjust…relief…theylockedmeupinab-box…andJacob…andtheManifestationwas—’Robingaspedagain,‘Lin,whataboutLin,didyoufindher?’
‘She’snotinanyofthehospitalsPatcalled,’saidStrike,‘unlessshewasadmittedunderanothername,but—’
Hismobilebuzzedagain.
‘That’sMidge,’hesaid,andhereadthetextaloud.‘“Thankfuckforthat.”’
Thephonebuzzedathirdtime.
‘Shah.“Thankfuck.”Whatd’yousaywegetthemallthesaurusesforChristmas?’
Robinstartedtolaugh,andfoundshecouldn’tstop,thoughtearswerestilldribblingoutofhereyes.
‘Hangon,’saidStrike,ashisphonebuzzedyetagain.‘We’vegotanoutlier.Patsays,“IsshereallyOK?”’
‘Oh…IlovePat,’saidRobin,herlaughterturningimmediatelytosobsagain.
‘She’ssixty-seven,’saidStrike.
‘Sixty-sevenwhat?’
‘That’sexactlywhatIsaidwhenshetoldme.Sixty-sevenyearsold.’
‘S-seriously?’saidRobin.
‘Yeah.Ihaven’tsackedher,though.Thoughtyou’dbepissedoffatme.’
Therewasaknockonthedoor,andRobinjumpedasviolentlyasifshe’dheardgunshots.
‘It’sonlyyourbrandy,’saidStrike,gettingtohisfeet.
Whenhe’dtakentheglassfromthehelpfulwomanfromthehotel,handedittohispartnerandsatbackdownonthebedbesideher,Strikesaid,
‘Inothernews:Littlejohnwasaplant.FromPattersonInc.’
‘OhmyGod!’saidRobin,who’djustgulpeddownsomebrandy.
‘Yeah.Butthegoodnewsis,he’dratherworkforus,andheassuresmehe’sverytrustworthyandloyal.’
Robinlaughedharder,thoughshedidn’tseemabletostophereyesstreaming.Strike,whowasdeliberatelytalkingaboutlifeoutsideChapmanFarmratherthaninterrogatingheronwhathadhappenedinsideit,laughedtoo,buthe’dsilentlyregisteredeverythingRobinhadsofartoldhimaboutherlastfewdays:theylockedmeinabox.Itwasthatorhavesexwithhim.AndtheManifestationwas…
‘AndMidgehasbeenfuckedoffatmebecauseIthoughtsheandTashaMayomightbegettingoverfamiliar.’
‘Strike!’
‘Don’tbother,Pat’salreadytoldmeoff.Sheknewanotherlesbianonce,soit’sverymuchherareaofexpertise.’
TheremightbeanedgeofhysteriatoRobin’slaughter,butStrike,whoknewthevalueofhumourinthewakeofhorror,andthenecessityofemphasisingthatRobinhadrejoinedtheoutsideworld,continuedtofillherinonwhathadbeenhappeningwiththeagencywhileshe’dbeenaway,untilthewomanfromthehotelknockedonthedooragain,this
Robindrankafewmouthfulsofsoupasthoughshehadn’tseenfoodfordays,butafteracoupleofminutesshelaiddownherspoonandpushedthebowlontothebedsidetable.
‘IsitallrightifIjust…?’
Drawingherlegsupontothebed,shefellsidewaysontothepillowandwasinstantlyasleep.
Strikegotcarefullyoffthebedsoasnottowakeherandmovedtoanarmchair,nolongergrinning.Hewasworried:Robinseemedfarmorefragilethananyofherlettershadsuggestedandthroughtherippedportionofhertracksuittrousershecouldseerawskinonherrightknee,whichlookedasthoughshe’dbeenwalkingonit.Hesupposedheshouldhaveanticipatedthedramaticweightlossandtheprofoundexhaustion,butthehysteria,theunbridledfear,thestrangereactiontotheviewofthehottub,theominousfragmentsofinformation,alladdeduptosomethingmoreseriousthanhe’dexpected.Whatthefuckwas‘thebox’she’dbeenlockedin?Andwhydidshesaytheonlyalternativetogettingpunchedinthefacehadbeencoercedsexwiththeirclient’sson?Heknewhispartnertobephysicallybrave;indeed,there’dbeenmorethanoneoccasiononwhichhe’dhavecalledherrecklesslyso.Hadhenothadconfidenceinher,he’dneverhavelethergoundercoveratChapmanFarm,butnowhefeltheshouldhaveputoneofthemeninthereinstead,shouldhaveoverruledRobin’srequesttodothejob.
ThesoundofacarmadeStrikegettohisfeetandpeerthroughthecurtains.
‘Robin,’hesaidquietly,movingbacktothebed,‘thepolicearehere.’
Sheremainedasleep,sohetentativelyshookhershoulder,atwhichshewokewithastartandlookedwildlyathim,asthoughhewasastranger.
‘Police,’hesaid.
‘Oh,’shesaid,‘right…OK…’
Shestruggledbackintoasittingposition.Strikewenttoopenthedoor.
89
Sixinthefourthplacemeans:Graceorsimplicity?Awhitehorsecomesasifonwings.Heisnotarobber,Hewillwooattherighttime.
TheIChingorBookofChanges
ThetwoNorfolkofficerswerebothmale:oneolder,baldingandstolid,theotheryoung,skinnyandwatchful,andtheyspentafulleightyminutestakingRobin’sstatement.Strikecouldn’tblamethemforwantingasfullanaccountaspossibleofwhatRobinwasalleging,giventhatpursuinganinvestigationwouldmeansecuringawarranttogainentrytoacompoundownedbyawealthy,highlylitigiousorganisation.Nevertheless,andeventhoughhehimselfwouldhaveactedsimilarlyunderthecircumstances,hewasirritatedbytheslow,methodicalquestioningandthepainstakingclarificationofeveryminutedetail.
‘Yes,onthetopfloor,’saidRobin,forthethirdtime.‘Endofthecorridor.’
‘Andwhat’sJacob’ssurname?’
‘ItshouldbeeitherWaceorBirpright…Pirbright,sorry,’saidRobin,whowasstrugglingtoremainalert.‘Idon’tknowwhich–butthosearehisparents’surnames.’
Strikecouldseethemen’seyestravellingfromherrippedtracksuitwithitsUHClogotothebruisingonherface.Doubtlessherstoryseemedverystrangetothem:she’dadmittedbeingpunchedinthejaw,butsaidshedidn’twanttopresscharges,hadbrushedoffenquiriesabouttheinjurytoherknee,keptinsistingthatshesimplywantedthemtorescuethechildwhowasdyinginanupstairsroom,behinddoubledoorscarvedwithdragons.They’dcastsuspiciouslooksinStrike’sdirection:wasthelargemanwatchingtheinterviewinsilenceresponsibleforthebruising?Robin’sexplanationthatshewasaprivatedetectivefromtheStrikeandEllacottagencyinLondonhadbeentreated,ifnotwithovertsuspicion,thenwithacertainreserve:theimpressiongivenwasthatthiswouldallneedverifying,andthatwhatmightbeacceptedwithoutquestioninthecapitalwouldbynomeansbetakenatfacevalueinNorfolk.
Atlast,theofficersappearedtofeeltherewasnomoretobegleanedtonight,andtooktheirleave.Havingseenthemoutintothecarpark,StrikereturnedtotheroomtofindRobineatingthesandwichshe’dtemporarilyabandoned.
‘Listen,’saidStrike,‘thiswastheonlyfreeroom.Youcanhavethebed,I’llputtwochairstogetherorsomething.’
‘Don’tbestupid,’saidRobin.‘I’mwithRyan,you’rewith…whassername?…Bougie…’
‘True,’saidStrike,afteraslighthesitation.
‘Sowecansharethebed,’saidRobin
‘Murphy’sinSpain,’saidStrike,slightlyresentfulhehadtomentiontheman.
‘Iknow,’saidRobin.‘Hesaidinhislastl…’Sheyawned‘…letter.’
Afterfinishinghersandwich,shesaid,
‘Youhaven’tgotanythingIcansleepin,haveyou?’
‘GotaT-shirt,’saidStrike,pullingitoutofhiskitbag.
‘Thanks…Ireallywantashower.’
Robingottoherfeetandheadedintothebathroom,takingStrike’sT-shirtwithher.
Hesatbackdowninthearmchairinwhichhe’dlistenedtoRobin’spoliceinterview,preytoanumberofconflictingemotions.Robinseemedlessdisorientatedforhavingeaten,hadacatnapandspokentothepolice,whichwasarelief,thoughhecouldn’thelpwonderingwhetheradispassionateobserverwouldstillthinkhewastakingadvantageofthesituationifhedid,indeed,shareabedwithRobin.Hecouldn’timagineMurphybeinghappyaboutit–notthatkeepingMurphyhappywasanyconcernofhis.
Thesoundoftheshowernowrunninginthebathroomgaverisetothoughtsheknewheoughtn’ttobethinking.Gettingtohisfeetagain,heclearedawayRobin’susedcrockeryandcutlery,noisilyclinkingbothtogetherasheplacedthembackontheirtray,whichheplacedoutsidethedoorforcollection.Hethendidsomewhollyunnecessaryrearrangingofhispersonaleffects,puthisphoneontochargeandhunguphisjacket,takingcaretoclatterthehangerstogetherashedidso:nobodycouldaccusehimofsittinginachair,listeningtotheshowerandpicturinghisbusinesspartnernaked.
Robin,meanwhile,wassoapingherscrapedknees,breathinginthesmelloftheunfamiliarshowergel,andbeginningtograspthatshereallywasn’tinChapmanFarmanymore.Onerousasthepoliceinterviewhadbeen,ithadsomehowgroundedher.Standingunderthehotwater,gratefulfortheprivacy,thelockabledoorandthethoughtofStrikeoutside,shereflectedthattherewereworsethingsthanwhatshe’dbeenthrough:therewasbeingachildwhowasn’tstrongenoughtorun,whohadnofriendstorescuehimandwasthereforeutterlyatthemercyoftheregimeatChapmanFarm.Inspiteofherbodilyfatigue,shenowfeltnervilyawakeagain.
Havingtowelledherselfdry,shetookasqueezeofStrike’stoothpaste,cleanedherteethasbestshecouldwiththecornerofaflannelandputonStrike’sT-shirt,whichwasthelengthofaminidressonher.Then,wishingshecouldburnthemimmediately,shetookthefoldedUHCtracksuitandtrainersbackintothebedroom,putthemdownonanarmchairand,withoutnoticingthatStrikewasavoidinglookingather,gotintobed.Theglassofbrandyhe’dorderedwasstillsittingonthebedsidetable.Shereachedforitandtookanotherlargegulp:itcontrastedunpleasantlywiththetasteoftoothpaste,butshelikedthewayitburnedherthroat.
‘Youallright?’saidStrike.
‘Yes,’saidRobin,sittingbackonthepillows.‘God,it’sso…sogoodtobeout.’
‘Gladtohearit,’saidStrikeheartily,stillavoidinglookingather.
‘They’reevil,’saidRobin,aftertakinganotherswigofbrandy,‘evil.IthoughtIknewwhatthatwas…we’veseenstuff,youandme…buttheUHCissomethingelse.’
Strikesensedherneedtotalk,buthewasworriedabouttippingherbackintothestateofdistressshe’dbeeninbeforetalkingtothepolice.
‘Youdon’thavetotellmenow,’hesaid,‘butI’mtakingitthislastweekwasbad?’
‘Bad,’saidRobin,whosecolourhadcomebackafterafewgulpsofbrandy,‘is’nunderstatement.’
Strikesatbackdowninthearmchair,andRobinbegantorelatetheeventsofthelasttendays.Shedidn’tdwellonhowscaredshe’dbeen,andsheomittedcertaindetails–Strikedidn’tneedtoknowshe’dpeedherselfinthebox,didn’thavetohearthatmerehoursagoshe’dbeenconvincedshewasabouttofacerape,forthesecondtimeinherlife,didn’tneedtoknowexactlywhereJonathanWacehadputhishands,thenightthey’dbeenalonetogether,inthepeacockbluestudy–butthebaldfactsweresufficienttoconfirmsomeofherpartner’sworstfears.
‘Fuck,’washisfirstword,whenshe’dfinishedtalking.‘Robin,ifI’d—’
‘Ithadtobeme,’shesaid,correctlyanticipatingwhathewasabouttosay.‘Ifyou’dputBarclayinthere,orShah,they’dneverhavegotasmuch.You’dhavetobeawomantoseeeverythingIdid.’
‘Thatbox–that’safuckingtorturetechnique.’
‘It’sagoodone,’saidRobin,withasmalllaugh,nowflushedfromthebrandy.
‘If—’
‘Ichosetogoin.Thisisn’tonyou.Iwantedit.’
‘But—’
‘Atleastweknow,now.’
‘Knowwhat?’
‘Thelengthsthey’repreparedtogoto.IcanimagineWacecryingashepressedthetriggerofagun.“IwishIdidn’thavetodothis.”’
‘YouthinktheykilledKevinPirbright?’
‘Ido,yes.’
Strikedecidednottodebatethepoint,temptingthoughitwas.LettingRobinventwasonething,theorisingaboutmurderwasasteptoofaratnearlymidnight,whenshewaspink-cheekedfromalcoholbuthollow-eyedwithexhaustion.
‘You’resureaboutsharingthe—?’
‘Yez,noproblem,’saidRobin,nowslurringslightly.
SoStrikerepairedtothebathroomhimself,emergingtenminuteslaterinboxershortsandtheT-shirthe’dwornallday.Robinappearedtohavefallenasleepwhereshesat.
Striketurnedoffallthelightsandeasedhimselfintobed,tryingnottowakeher,butwhenhe’dfinallysettledhisfullweightontothemattress,Robinstirred,andgropedinthedarknessforhishand.Findingit,shesqueezed.
‘Iknewyouwerethere,’shemurmureddrowsily,half-asleep.‘Iknewyouwerethere.’
Strikesaidnothing,butcontinuedtoholdherhanduntil,fiveminuteslater,shegavealongsigh,releasedhim,androlledoverontoherside.
PARTSEVEN
Fu/Return(TheTurningPoint)Goingoutandcominginwithouterror.Friendscomewithoutblame.Toandfrogoestheway.Ontheseventhdaycomesreturn.Itfurthersonetohavesomewheretogo.TheIChingorBookofChanges90
Nowitisthetimeofstruggle.Thetransitionmustbecompleted.
TheIChingorBookofChanges
FivedaysafterRobinhadleftChapman
© Copyright Notice
The copyright of the article belongs to the author. Please do not reprint without permission.
THE END
No comments yet