Primeval Fic: A Christmas Nightmare - Part 1 : Secret Santa for Eriah211
Title: A Christmas Nightmare
Author: knitekat
Word Count: 3055 out of ~ 7270
Characters: James Lester, Godfrey Barrington-Smythe, The Minister (OC), Daphne Barrington-Smythe (OC), Henry Jones (OC) and plus one. (Past Lester/Ryan).
Rating: 18
Disclaimer: Primeval belongs to Impossible Pictures. Certainly not me. Writing for fun and will replace.
A/N 1: Secret Santa for Eriah211. Prompts: 1) Mayhem in a library, 2) “Would it save you a lot of time if I just gave up and went mad now?” (Douglas Adams, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy), 3) "Oh no, not again." (actually a quote by Douglas Adams, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy too), 4) “The pen is mightier than the sword if the sword is very short and the pen is very sharp.” (Terry Pratchett quote). Not sure how many I’ve hit or side-swiped. Hope you had a wonderful Christmas and that you enjoy this fic.
A/N 2: Thanks go to fredbassett for the beta, cheers m’dear. Any remaining mistakes are mine.
Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 (Epilogue)
I stood at the window of my unlit apartment and stared out over London. The grey skies and persistent rain which had turned the earlier light covering of snow into a dismal, dirty slush fitted my mood perfectly. It might be Christmas but I had nothing I wished to celebrate. I hadn’t even bothered with the minimal and tasteful decorations I usually put up.
Fuck, was I bloody maudlin. I poured myself a far too large measure of whisky before placing it firmly back on the table. I refused to drown my sorrows, I had seen too many people think alcohol was the solution to fall into that trap. I rubbed my eyes, I might be grieving but I could not, would not allow my facade to crumble, not even here at home. If I let it crack I feared I would never be able to patch it back together again.
I believe I would have succeeded if my gaze hadn’t fallen on the calendar. The date of our anniversary was ringed and I closed my eyes as I recalled my plans for our first anniversary. Of going to my place in the country, to share my days and nights with Ryan. Something I would now never get to do and I shuddered when I thought of him, left to moulder in the Permian and… It took several long minutes for me to compose myself, my face streaked with tears. I took a deep breath, vowing that I would carry on, that I would make Ryan’s sacrifice mean something. I had to.
I scrubbed at my face and then almost lost my composure once more when my eyes landed on one of the few mementos of Ryan that I just couldn’t bring myself to throw away. The thought of staying alone in my apartment over Christmas was just too much and I needed to be somewhere, anywhere else. I briefly wondered if I could change shifts and work over the holiday, except I knew it would raise too many eyebrows and I had no wish for either Ms Wickes or Ms Brown to enquire once more into my life. In retrospect, I had taken my eye off the ball when I hadn’t complained more forcefully about Temple’s over-the-top decorating of the ARC.
A knock on the door startled me and I wondered for half-a-moment if it was one of them come to check up on me. I shook my head at that thought, no one on my staff cared about me enough to check up on me, no one had except for Ryan. I was so distracted by my thoughts that I almost opened the door without checking who it is, before remembering how Ryan had been scathing of my lack of security. I peered though the peephole and frowned when I realised it was my next door neighbour, Ms Farquhar, outside. Concern had me quickly opening it and asking, “Is something wrong, Ms...” I began before recalling our previous discussions. “Steph?”
“Not at all, James. I’ve just had a parcel delivered. I thought I’d save you a trip and collect yours while I was down there,” Steph informed me, her eyes narrowing when she looked behind me. “I assume work’s been too busy for decorating...”
“Ah, yes,” I replied, refusing to glance behind myself, knowing doing so would only make me look guilty.
Steph nodded before obviously changing her mind over what she’d been about to say. “You’re welcome to join David and I for Christmas...”
I shook my head and smiled at her. “Thank you, Steph, but I wouldn’t wish to intrude even if I didn’t have other plans.”
“It wouldn’t be an imposition,” Steph was nothing if not persistent.
I gave her my best smile and laughed softly. “I really do have plans for Christmas, Steph.” And I did, or rather I had, but I saw no reason to inform her of that. We said our goodbyes and Steph left, apparently satisfied, for now, with my story. I groaned when I realised I would now have to go somewhere for Christmas. Steph would know if I spent the day alone at my apartment and now work was out of the question.
I almost absentmindedly opened my post as I considered my options, putting bills to one side to deal with later and frowned when I came to the last envelope. It was high quality, embossed and I didn’t recognise the handwriting. I slit it open out of curiosity and almost dropped it when I read the contents. An invite to spend the holiday with the minister, Godfrey Barrington-Smythe and wife, Daphne, was the last thing I had expected. Bloody hell, I didn’t have a choice, did I? Not unless I wanted to go to my country retreat and I couldn’t, I just couldn’t face the thought of going there alone after all my plans to spend time this Christmas there with Ryan.
***
The drive to the Barrington-Smythe’s was atrocious, between the traffic, idiot drivers and winding, badly lit roads. I was relieved when my satellite navigation announced I had arrived, although that relief turned to horror at the sheer number of lights which festooned the exterior and trees in the surrounding grounds. Their electrical bill must have been through the roof and so much for Barrington-Smythe’s much vaunted environmental credentials. The only thing that stopped me from leaving there and then was that I had nowhere else to go. I reluctantly parked up and unloaded my luggage, before entering the mansion. I regretted that decision instantly when I stood in the hall and looked around, it looked like a bloody bomb had gone off, decorations festooning every available surface in a variety of clashing colours and designs. Someone obviously didn’t understand that less was definitely more on many occasions.
For a moment I considered making a run for it but knew anywhere I would consider staying would be fully booked. That and the minister probably knew I was here and I had no wish to lose the ARC. I took a deep breath when I heard approaching footsteps, made sure my facade was firmly in place and turned to greet my hosts. “Ah, minister...”
“Now, now, James,” the minister interrupted me. “We’re both off-duty now. Call me Godfrey and I don’t believe you’ve met my dearest Daphne?”
“I haven’t had the pleasure,” I murmured, kissing Daphne’s hand before shaking Godfrey’s hand. “If you could direct me to my room, I’d like to get cleaned up. That was a hellish journey.”
“Of course,” the mini… Godfrey said, glancing towards a closed door. “If you could show James up, my dear. I just need to have a word with Henry...”
“It would be my pleasure, dear,” Daphne said, smiling at me as she took my arm. “James and I can have a little chat on the way.”
“Excellent,” Godfrey said as he headed towards, I assume, Henry, before he reached the door he turned and added, “Dinner is at seven sharp, James.”
***
I cautiously opened the door to my room and knew I’d been unsuccessful in keeping my relieved expression to myself when I heard Daphne laugh lightly beside me. “I know, dear Godders overdid himself with the decorators. I made sure all the guest rooms were… more tasteful decorated,” she informed me before adding, “The library is also safe, I cited a number of valuable and old books I had no wish to be damaged.”
“Thank you, Daphne,” I replied, thankful that I wouldn’t be forced to hide in my room when I could escape the minister.
Daphne nodded before patting my arm. “I was sorry to hear about your loss, James.”
I swallowed my pain down but was still unable to reply, in the end I just nodded when she squeezed my arm. It was a great relief when Godfrey called her and I gratefully took the opportunity to escape into my room.
***
I glanced at my watch once I had unpacked and I smiled when I realised it was just past four and that I had almost three hours before dinner. I took the time to relax, including luxuriating under the shower and… well, releasing a bit of tension. Pleasurably relaxed, I emerged from the shower and considered whether to get dressed for dinner, relax naked on the bed or explore my temporary residence. In the end a mixture of curiosity on why I’d been invited and my old training of needing to know the territory I found myself in had me dressing casually and slipping out of my room.
I cursed when I realised I hadn’t obtained directions to the library from Daphne, while refusing to dwell on why I hadn’t, and instead took the opportunity to explore. I shook my head at the decorations, briefly wondering if the min… if ‘dear’ Godders was colour-blind, as the clashing colours were threatening to give me a headache. I did ponder returning to my room for my sunglasses, before deciding better for I had no wish to either give a bad impression to the other guests or insult my hosts, especially when he was my boss. The minister had a very low tolerance to being made a fool of.
I moved quietly down the hallways and stairs, looking into the various rooms as I looked for the library. I breathed a sigh of relief when I finally located the library, tastefully decorated as Daphne had promised. I perused the shelves and was rather impressed in the selection of topics I found, and I picked one out which pricked my interest.
My watch alarm startled me, and I frowned when I glanced at my watch, cursing when I realised just how long I’d been engrossed in that book. I had barely enough time to return to my room and dress for dinner, but I still paused, reluctant to leave the book behind but I had no wish to remove it without Daphne’s permission. In the end, I bookmarked it and left it on the table, hoping to finish it later.
***
I had to walk quickly to make it to dinner on time and I frowned when I entered to find only one other guest present, Henry I assumed. He was rather nondescript in appearance, although I noticed his eyes appeared to miss nothing.
It didn’t take me long to realise I had little in common with one Henry Jones, if that was his real name, and had to wonder why the minister had bothered to invite me. I had to wonder if someone here, whether the minister or this Henry fellow, had an ulterior motive which required my presence here.
Although I was wary of the company I found myself in, I found I still enjoyed the dinner. The food was excellent and the wine was a fine vintage. I was just planning my escape back to the library when the minister caught my eye. “Ah, James, just the man.”
“Min… Godfrey?” I replied, my hope for a quiet night reading fading fast.
“A quick word, if you please,” the minister continued.
I rose to follow, pausing briefly to thank Daphne for an exquisite meal, and resigned myself to a work conversation. So much for a bloody holiday. It was only when I was halfway to the door that I realised that Henry was following me out.
“Don’t dawdle, James.”
I bit back a sigh. “Of course not, M… Godfrey.”
***
I took the snifter of brandy Godfrey offered to me and I swirled the contents as I considered my companions. I had to wonder why Henry had been invited… except he hadn’t been, he’d followed me and the minister hadn’t stopped him. Bloody hell, what mess had the minister got me involved in now… although, at least, I knew why I’d been invited here.
I took the snifter of brandy when the minister handed it to me, meeting the man’s frightened eyes, and cursed him once again. The bloody fool could have come to me, could have told me what the problem was so I hadn’t come here blind. But no, that was far too obvious for ‘dear Godders’ to have even considered.
I wracked my brain for any mention of a ‘Henry Jones’ or for his likeness, but neither rang a bell, which meant Henry was a new player. I took the time the minister potted about to watch Henry and swore silently once more. He wasn’t playing attention to his surroundings, or rather, the things he was interested in were unimportant. Unless he was either highly skilled in misdirection, the man was more likely a criminal than intelligence… And considering the minister had kept quiet, the situation was being to look more like a personal cock-up by the minister he wanted dealt with quietly than anything official. Once again I was going to have to clear up his mess and he would take the credit if I succeeded and I the blame if I failed.
“I hear you have an interesting project,” Henry broke the silence, before adding, “James, wasn’t it?”
I merely quirked an eyebrow at him, refusing to rise to his obvious bait. I had no idea what the minister had told him, except it had been enough to secure an invite for myself… I dearly hoped the minister hadn’t done what I feared he had, that he required me for my troubleshooting not… Without knowing what the minister had revealed I would have to be cautious. “It has its moments,” I allowed.
“So Godfrey tells me.”
“Does he?” I murmured, shooting a subtle glance at the minister and seeing him blanch. Right, well that answered the question of what the minister had told Henry but not why. Still, I wasn’t going to admit anything until and unless I had to.
“James, I...” The minister started before wilting when Henry raised a hand. He instead gulped his brandy with indecent haste and shaking hands. It was clear he was scared of Henry… Oh fuck, I resisted the urge to glance towards the dining room, wondering if one of Henry’s colleagues was holding Daphne at gunpoint even as we spoke.
“You see, James, young John Barrington-Smythe owes me rather a lot of money and the minister here isn’t that worried about locking his papers up at home. I know about the anomalies,” Henry told me.
Well, that merely confirmed my opinion of the minister and obviously, his son was just as much an idiot. I still needed to know if Henry had any allies within these walls or if he was here alone. I glance at the minister but he wasn’t any help, just giving me a worried and pleading look. “I assume young John is somewhere safe?”
“Of course, my… friends are taking good care of him.” Henry flashed me a smile that resembled too many of my recent encounters with foes - all cold eyes and a mouth full of teeth. “Now, drink up and you can tell me all about your project.”
I took a sip, mostly to buy time, and considered my options. From Henry’s comment, I could imply that he was here alone, the threat to John sufficient to tie the minister’s hands. Not that I could or would assume that so I needed more information, more time to plan how to get us all out of this bloody mess. “Why are you so interested in it?”
“Because I’m no fool, James,” Henry leaned forward. “Just think of all the money you could make from them. The resources just lying around to be taken by anyone willing to grab them.”
Greed, pure and simple. A criminal would be easier to deal with than a professional, at least in some ways. Potentially more vicious but less skilled, less likely to know any spycraft but that didn’t mean any less dangerous. I would need all my wits about me if I was to succeed, remembering too many missions which failed because those undertaking them had got cocky. I put my drink down and turned towards Henry, my arms folded as I looked him in the eye. “The government doesn’t negotiate with hostage-takers.”
“I’ve looked you up, James Peregrine Lester. No close relatives. No lovers. You’ve got nothing except the anomaly project. Do you think the minister would let you keep it if something… unfortunate was to happen to his son?”
“James!” The minister gasped.
I fought back a wince at that reminder of just how empty my life was. The project was all I had now, now Ryan… and I knew I couldn’t let that happen to the minister, no matter how much an idiot he was. And then I remembered Daphne, who I assumed knew nothing about these events. I couldn’t let John die, but I couldn’t just give in either. I needed time and more than that, Henry said he knew me. I had never given in easily and he’d expect a trap if I just capitulated. “No individual's life is more important than the protection of the public, minister, not even your son’s.”
“I didn’t quite believe the stories I’d heard about you, James. You really are a cold-hearted bastard,” Henry sounded almost admiring. “You and I should join forces. Just think of the money we could make from the past.”
Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 (Epilogue)
Author: knitekat
Word Count: 3055 out of ~ 7270
Characters: James Lester, Godfrey Barrington-Smythe, The Minister (OC), Daphne Barrington-Smythe (OC), Henry Jones (OC) and plus one. (Past Lester/Ryan).
Rating: 18
Disclaimer: Primeval belongs to Impossible Pictures. Certainly not me. Writing for fun and will replace.
A/N 1: Secret Santa for Eriah211. Prompts: 1) Mayhem in a library, 2) “Would it save you a lot of time if I just gave up and went mad now?” (Douglas Adams, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy), 3) "Oh no, not again." (actually a quote by Douglas Adams, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy too), 4) “The pen is mightier than the sword if the sword is very short and the pen is very sharp.” (Terry Pratchett quote). Not sure how many I’ve hit or side-swiped. Hope you had a wonderful Christmas and that you enjoy this fic.
A/N 2: Thanks go to fredbassett for the beta, cheers m’dear. Any remaining mistakes are mine.
Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 (Epilogue)
I stood at the window of my unlit apartment and stared out over London. The grey skies and persistent rain which had turned the earlier light covering of snow into a dismal, dirty slush fitted my mood perfectly. It might be Christmas but I had nothing I wished to celebrate. I hadn’t even bothered with the minimal and tasteful decorations I usually put up.
Fuck, was I bloody maudlin. I poured myself a far too large measure of whisky before placing it firmly back on the table. I refused to drown my sorrows, I had seen too many people think alcohol was the solution to fall into that trap. I rubbed my eyes, I might be grieving but I could not, would not allow my facade to crumble, not even here at home. If I let it crack I feared I would never be able to patch it back together again.
I believe I would have succeeded if my gaze hadn’t fallen on the calendar. The date of our anniversary was ringed and I closed my eyes as I recalled my plans for our first anniversary. Of going to my place in the country, to share my days and nights with Ryan. Something I would now never get to do and I shuddered when I thought of him, left to moulder in the Permian and… It took several long minutes for me to compose myself, my face streaked with tears. I took a deep breath, vowing that I would carry on, that I would make Ryan’s sacrifice mean something. I had to.
I scrubbed at my face and then almost lost my composure once more when my eyes landed on one of the few mementos of Ryan that I just couldn’t bring myself to throw away. The thought of staying alone in my apartment over Christmas was just too much and I needed to be somewhere, anywhere else. I briefly wondered if I could change shifts and work over the holiday, except I knew it would raise too many eyebrows and I had no wish for either Ms Wickes or Ms Brown to enquire once more into my life. In retrospect, I had taken my eye off the ball when I hadn’t complained more forcefully about Temple’s over-the-top decorating of the ARC.
A knock on the door startled me and I wondered for half-a-moment if it was one of them come to check up on me. I shook my head at that thought, no one on my staff cared about me enough to check up on me, no one had except for Ryan. I was so distracted by my thoughts that I almost opened the door without checking who it is, before remembering how Ryan had been scathing of my lack of security. I peered though the peephole and frowned when I realised it was my next door neighbour, Ms Farquhar, outside. Concern had me quickly opening it and asking, “Is something wrong, Ms...” I began before recalling our previous discussions. “Steph?”
“Not at all, James. I’ve just had a parcel delivered. I thought I’d save you a trip and collect yours while I was down there,” Steph informed me, her eyes narrowing when she looked behind me. “I assume work’s been too busy for decorating...”
“Ah, yes,” I replied, refusing to glance behind myself, knowing doing so would only make me look guilty.
Steph nodded before obviously changing her mind over what she’d been about to say. “You’re welcome to join David and I for Christmas...”
I shook my head and smiled at her. “Thank you, Steph, but I wouldn’t wish to intrude even if I didn’t have other plans.”
“It wouldn’t be an imposition,” Steph was nothing if not persistent.
I gave her my best smile and laughed softly. “I really do have plans for Christmas, Steph.” And I did, or rather I had, but I saw no reason to inform her of that. We said our goodbyes and Steph left, apparently satisfied, for now, with my story. I groaned when I realised I would now have to go somewhere for Christmas. Steph would know if I spent the day alone at my apartment and now work was out of the question.
I almost absentmindedly opened my post as I considered my options, putting bills to one side to deal with later and frowned when I came to the last envelope. It was high quality, embossed and I didn’t recognise the handwriting. I slit it open out of curiosity and almost dropped it when I read the contents. An invite to spend the holiday with the minister, Godfrey Barrington-Smythe and wife, Daphne, was the last thing I had expected. Bloody hell, I didn’t have a choice, did I? Not unless I wanted to go to my country retreat and I couldn’t, I just couldn’t face the thought of going there alone after all my plans to spend time this Christmas there with Ryan.
***
The drive to the Barrington-Smythe’s was atrocious, between the traffic, idiot drivers and winding, badly lit roads. I was relieved when my satellite navigation announced I had arrived, although that relief turned to horror at the sheer number of lights which festooned the exterior and trees in the surrounding grounds. Their electrical bill must have been through the roof and so much for Barrington-Smythe’s much vaunted environmental credentials. The only thing that stopped me from leaving there and then was that I had nowhere else to go. I reluctantly parked up and unloaded my luggage, before entering the mansion. I regretted that decision instantly when I stood in the hall and looked around, it looked like a bloody bomb had gone off, decorations festooning every available surface in a variety of clashing colours and designs. Someone obviously didn’t understand that less was definitely more on many occasions.
For a moment I considered making a run for it but knew anywhere I would consider staying would be fully booked. That and the minister probably knew I was here and I had no wish to lose the ARC. I took a deep breath when I heard approaching footsteps, made sure my facade was firmly in place and turned to greet my hosts. “Ah, minister...”
“Now, now, James,” the minister interrupted me. “We’re both off-duty now. Call me Godfrey and I don’t believe you’ve met my dearest Daphne?”
“I haven’t had the pleasure,” I murmured, kissing Daphne’s hand before shaking Godfrey’s hand. “If you could direct me to my room, I’d like to get cleaned up. That was a hellish journey.”
“Of course,” the mini… Godfrey said, glancing towards a closed door. “If you could show James up, my dear. I just need to have a word with Henry...”
“It would be my pleasure, dear,” Daphne said, smiling at me as she took my arm. “James and I can have a little chat on the way.”
“Excellent,” Godfrey said as he headed towards, I assume, Henry, before he reached the door he turned and added, “Dinner is at seven sharp, James.”
***
I cautiously opened the door to my room and knew I’d been unsuccessful in keeping my relieved expression to myself when I heard Daphne laugh lightly beside me. “I know, dear Godders overdid himself with the decorators. I made sure all the guest rooms were… more tasteful decorated,” she informed me before adding, “The library is also safe, I cited a number of valuable and old books I had no wish to be damaged.”
“Thank you, Daphne,” I replied, thankful that I wouldn’t be forced to hide in my room when I could escape the minister.
Daphne nodded before patting my arm. “I was sorry to hear about your loss, James.”
I swallowed my pain down but was still unable to reply, in the end I just nodded when she squeezed my arm. It was a great relief when Godfrey called her and I gratefully took the opportunity to escape into my room.
***
I glanced at my watch once I had unpacked and I smiled when I realised it was just past four and that I had almost three hours before dinner. I took the time to relax, including luxuriating under the shower and… well, releasing a bit of tension. Pleasurably relaxed, I emerged from the shower and considered whether to get dressed for dinner, relax naked on the bed or explore my temporary residence. In the end a mixture of curiosity on why I’d been invited and my old training of needing to know the territory I found myself in had me dressing casually and slipping out of my room.
I cursed when I realised I hadn’t obtained directions to the library from Daphne, while refusing to dwell on why I hadn’t, and instead took the opportunity to explore. I shook my head at the decorations, briefly wondering if the min… if ‘dear’ Godders was colour-blind, as the clashing colours were threatening to give me a headache. I did ponder returning to my room for my sunglasses, before deciding better for I had no wish to either give a bad impression to the other guests or insult my hosts, especially when he was my boss. The minister had a very low tolerance to being made a fool of.
I moved quietly down the hallways and stairs, looking into the various rooms as I looked for the library. I breathed a sigh of relief when I finally located the library, tastefully decorated as Daphne had promised. I perused the shelves and was rather impressed in the selection of topics I found, and I picked one out which pricked my interest.
My watch alarm startled me, and I frowned when I glanced at my watch, cursing when I realised just how long I’d been engrossed in that book. I had barely enough time to return to my room and dress for dinner, but I still paused, reluctant to leave the book behind but I had no wish to remove it without Daphne’s permission. In the end, I bookmarked it and left it on the table, hoping to finish it later.
***
I had to walk quickly to make it to dinner on time and I frowned when I entered to find only one other guest present, Henry I assumed. He was rather nondescript in appearance, although I noticed his eyes appeared to miss nothing.
It didn’t take me long to realise I had little in common with one Henry Jones, if that was his real name, and had to wonder why the minister had bothered to invite me. I had to wonder if someone here, whether the minister or this Henry fellow, had an ulterior motive which required my presence here.
Although I was wary of the company I found myself in, I found I still enjoyed the dinner. The food was excellent and the wine was a fine vintage. I was just planning my escape back to the library when the minister caught my eye. “Ah, James, just the man.”
“Min… Godfrey?” I replied, my hope for a quiet night reading fading fast.
“A quick word, if you please,” the minister continued.
I rose to follow, pausing briefly to thank Daphne for an exquisite meal, and resigned myself to a work conversation. So much for a bloody holiday. It was only when I was halfway to the door that I realised that Henry was following me out.
“Don’t dawdle, James.”
I bit back a sigh. “Of course not, M… Godfrey.”
***
I took the snifter of brandy Godfrey offered to me and I swirled the contents as I considered my companions. I had to wonder why Henry had been invited… except he hadn’t been, he’d followed me and the minister hadn’t stopped him. Bloody hell, what mess had the minister got me involved in now… although, at least, I knew why I’d been invited here.
I took the snifter of brandy when the minister handed it to me, meeting the man’s frightened eyes, and cursed him once again. The bloody fool could have come to me, could have told me what the problem was so I hadn’t come here blind. But no, that was far too obvious for ‘dear Godders’ to have even considered.
I wracked my brain for any mention of a ‘Henry Jones’ or for his likeness, but neither rang a bell, which meant Henry was a new player. I took the time the minister potted about to watch Henry and swore silently once more. He wasn’t playing attention to his surroundings, or rather, the things he was interested in were unimportant. Unless he was either highly skilled in misdirection, the man was more likely a criminal than intelligence… And considering the minister had kept quiet, the situation was being to look more like a personal cock-up by the minister he wanted dealt with quietly than anything official. Once again I was going to have to clear up his mess and he would take the credit if I succeeded and I the blame if I failed.
“I hear you have an interesting project,” Henry broke the silence, before adding, “James, wasn’t it?”
I merely quirked an eyebrow at him, refusing to rise to his obvious bait. I had no idea what the minister had told him, except it had been enough to secure an invite for myself… I dearly hoped the minister hadn’t done what I feared he had, that he required me for my troubleshooting not… Without knowing what the minister had revealed I would have to be cautious. “It has its moments,” I allowed.
“So Godfrey tells me.”
“Does he?” I murmured, shooting a subtle glance at the minister and seeing him blanch. Right, well that answered the question of what the minister had told Henry but not why. Still, I wasn’t going to admit anything until and unless I had to.
“James, I...” The minister started before wilting when Henry raised a hand. He instead gulped his brandy with indecent haste and shaking hands. It was clear he was scared of Henry… Oh fuck, I resisted the urge to glance towards the dining room, wondering if one of Henry’s colleagues was holding Daphne at gunpoint even as we spoke.
“You see, James, young John Barrington-Smythe owes me rather a lot of money and the minister here isn’t that worried about locking his papers up at home. I know about the anomalies,” Henry told me.
Well, that merely confirmed my opinion of the minister and obviously, his son was just as much an idiot. I still needed to know if Henry had any allies within these walls or if he was here alone. I glance at the minister but he wasn’t any help, just giving me a worried and pleading look. “I assume young John is somewhere safe?”
“Of course, my… friends are taking good care of him.” Henry flashed me a smile that resembled too many of my recent encounters with foes - all cold eyes and a mouth full of teeth. “Now, drink up and you can tell me all about your project.”
I took a sip, mostly to buy time, and considered my options. From Henry’s comment, I could imply that he was here alone, the threat to John sufficient to tie the minister’s hands. Not that I could or would assume that so I needed more information, more time to plan how to get us all out of this bloody mess. “Why are you so interested in it?”
“Because I’m no fool, James,” Henry leaned forward. “Just think of all the money you could make from them. The resources just lying around to be taken by anyone willing to grab them.”
Greed, pure and simple. A criminal would be easier to deal with than a professional, at least in some ways. Potentially more vicious but less skilled, less likely to know any spycraft but that didn’t mean any less dangerous. I would need all my wits about me if I was to succeed, remembering too many missions which failed because those undertaking them had got cocky. I put my drink down and turned towards Henry, my arms folded as I looked him in the eye. “The government doesn’t negotiate with hostage-takers.”
“I’ve looked you up, James Peregrine Lester. No close relatives. No lovers. You’ve got nothing except the anomaly project. Do you think the minister would let you keep it if something… unfortunate was to happen to his son?”
“James!” The minister gasped.
I fought back a wince at that reminder of just how empty my life was. The project was all I had now, now Ryan… and I knew I couldn’t let that happen to the minister, no matter how much an idiot he was. And then I remembered Daphne, who I assumed knew nothing about these events. I couldn’t let John die, but I couldn’t just give in either. I needed time and more than that, Henry said he knew me. I had never given in easily and he’d expect a trap if I just capitulated. “No individual's life is more important than the protection of the public, minister, not even your son’s.”
“I didn’t quite believe the stories I’d heard about you, James. You really are a cold-hearted bastard,” Henry sounded almost admiring. “You and I should join forces. Just think of the money we could make from the past.”
Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 (Epilogue)