Alex was far more dispassionate about his own suffering than he was about that of the people he cared about. His voice was low and rasping, his fists clenched, as he spoke of Solange’s intervention, and how Tyler’s blind fury had caused her death.
He paused for a moment, collecting himself, and took another sip of his drink. Then he continued, explaining a deal Tyler had offered to an IS named Ted, and how they’d taken a trip out in the middle of the night with Solange’s body, wrapped in a rug.
“They gave her the Quarterlands Splash, and then she was gone, as if she never existed,” he said softly. “I wanted to die. I tried to die. It was only then that I found I had something to live for.”
“Justice for Solange?”
“Yes.”
“What happened after?”
“I was sent to Belvedere to learn how to be a good little indie for Tyler – but that’s another story.”
Josiah sat back in his chair, feeling sickened. “It’s astonishing that you survived. Ted was right – you’re strong, Alex, and your strength will bring Tyler down.”
Alex looked up. “Do you know how to do that?”
“I’ve got an idea, yes.” Josiah stood up and rummaged around in the sideboard for a pad of paper and a pen. “Old school,” he said with a grin, sitting back down. “I don’t want this going on my holopad. Now, tell me the names of all the people he was blackmailing: Martin Bagshaw… Jake Harper… what was the name of the man who worked with Bagshaw?”
“Clive Hastings.”
“And Solange, Ted, Mick, Drummond, Mason, Chef, Lorenzo – I need to know everything you can tell me about them. Their full names, where they came from – any personal information you can remember.”
“What are you going to do with all that?” Alex asked as Josiah completed his fifth page of notes. “How will it help you arrest Tyler?”
Josiah looked at the long list grimly. “Oh, I’m not just going after Tyler. I’m going to track down every single person who abused you, and I’m going to make them all pay.”
Alex smiled. “Thank you, but that’s not necessary. The only person I’m seeking justice for is Solange.”
Josiah leaned forward and spoke in a low, hard tone. “And who’s going to get justice for you? You’ve always been on her side, but nobody has ever been on yours. That ends now. What you’ve done for her, I’ll do for you. I’m taking them down – all of them.”
Alex went very still. Then he rubbed his gold-stained fingers across his eyes. They came away wet.
Josiah reached out and touched his hand gently.
Alex’s fingers fastened around his and squeezed. “Do you think Esther will let you investigate all this?” he asked doubtfully. “She’s already told you to leave Tyler alone. She doesn’t trust me, so she’s hardly going to take my word about what happened. She’ll think I’m playing you to take the heat out of your investigation into Elliot’s murder.”
“I know. That’s why we need to speak to another witness who was there and can testify about what happened that night.”
Alex looked up sharply. “Ted.”
“Yup.”
“Tyler won’t like it,” Alex warned. “Esther was right; certain questions about Peter’s death might be asked if you make yourself a target. There’s also the escape network. You’ve got a lot to hide, Joe, and Tyler is good at digging up dirt on people and using it. He’ll fight you.”
“Good.” Josiah stood up, briskly snapping the notebook shut. “I love a decent fight.”
“He fights dirty.”
Josiah grinned. “So do I.”
“This is really happening, isn’t it?” Alex looked dazed. “After all these years – it’s finally happening.”
“Yes, Alex, it’s really happening. So, if you have any doubts, or you’re getting cold feet, you’d better tell me now, because once I get started, we’ll both be on this rollercoaster to the end. There’s no turning back.”
Alex stood too and looked Josiah in the eye. “No doubts, no cold feet,” he said resolutely.
“Good, then let’s do this.” Taking hold of Alex’s face, he pressed a kiss to his lips. Alex wrapped his arms aroundhim and kissed him back. Drawing away, Josiah gazed at him speculatively, tempted to make love to him again.
