“How old are you?” Alex asked. “In your mid-fifties? What is there for you to learn that you don’t already know?”
Two laughed. “Only the young would talk like that. I’ve had a lifetime to realise how little I know.”
“Tell me about your life.” Alex settled down with his head on the pillow beside Two’s, so they were touching. He took hold of Two’s hand and held it. “I made a mistake earlier with D, and I regret it. I wasn’t interested in who she is, or what her life is like. You’re right, Idostill have a lot to learn. So, tell me about your life – I want to know.”
“Well, I was brought up in the Quarterlands.” Two’s voice was mellow and warm, and he was a born storyteller. Alex felt himself relaxing even more.
“What’s it like there?” Alex asked, remembering the stories Solange and Ted had told him.
“Let’s just say there’s a reason why the IS recruiters target it so vigorously,” Two said quietly. “It’s disgusting. Dirty, degrading, and depressing. I signed up to be an IS as soon as I turned eighteen, just to get out.”
“I had two friends who told me much the same thing,” Alex murmured.
“Are they the pretty lady and the gorgeous blond man from your photos, by any chance?”
“Her. Not him,” Alex said quietly. “I don’t know much about him.”
“And yet you keep his picture?”
“We had a connection.”
“Intriguing. Well, he’s a striking-looking man, so I can understand why you keep his photograph.”
“Carry on with your story. What did you do when you left the Quarterlands?”
“Well, I knew I didn’t want to work in a factory or construction. I was drawn to personal service in a house or hotel, so that’s what I chose. I worked hard and ended up as a personal butler in one of the finest hotels in New London.”
“Did you enjoy it?”
“Oh yes. I adore being of service. I loved being a butler and would happily have stayed there for the rest of my days.”
“What happened, then?” Alex traced little patterns on Two’s hand with his thumb.
“Something wonderful,” Two said quietly. “One day, a businesswoman came to stay at the hotel, and in serving her I found my true purpose. We got on so well that she asked to buy my contract. It had years to run, but she offered the hotel a fortune, so they sold me. I’ve always been mindful of how much she paid for me and strive to justify her faith in me every single day.”
“I can’t imagine loving a houder so much that all I want to do is serve them. What’s she like?” Alex asked.
Two gave a happy little sigh; this was clearly his favourite subject. “She’s petite, brunette, and beautiful. She’s the perfect woman – kind, gracious, clever, elegant, and so refined. She’s very feminine – she loves clothes, and everything in her house has to be just so. I take care of her laundry myself, and all her personal needs. It’s unusual. Often a woman would prefer a female IS to offer that kind of service, but my mistress is very comfortable with me.”
“Perhaps because you’re gay,” Alex said.
Two stiffened. “We’ve never talked about anything so vulgar. Our bond is pure, and I find my greatest fulfilment in serving her.”
Alex had no doubt that he meant every word, but he found it strange all the same. “Why are you still with her?” he asked. “I mean, surely your initial contract has run out?”
“Oh yes, but like I said, I love being in service. I begged her to renew my contract, and she kindly obliged.”
“Maybe some people are just born servants,” Alex murmured.
“And others have to be turned into them.” Two squeezed his hand meaningfully. “The poor staff at Belvedere had no idea the task they were taking on with you. At least the rest of us are relatively tame.”
Alex laughed and closed his eyes. He’d almost drifted off to sleep when Two spoke again.
“Do you mind me asking – if you are to be a servant for the rest of your life, is there not at least some merit in trying to be at peace with the notion?” Two’s voice was filled with sincerity in the darkness.
“You think that’s why I’m fighting with F? Because I haven’t come to terms with being an indie?”
“Isn’t it?” Two asked quietly. “Everything about you screams your unhappiness at the very idea. The rest of us are experiencing no such conflict. We’re used to our station in life. Surely it would be easier for you if you could bridle your temper, suppress your ego, and do the same?”
