Silent - Part 16: A Strange Place

Two Years Earlier, Gavin

'So this was really a school?' I was standing in a grand entrance hallway. To my left, leather sofas surrounded a glass coffee table and fake fireplace, and there was a unusual smell too, like wild flowers.

'A long time ago, yes,' Veronica said, glaring at a computer screen. 'Dinner will be served in the student dining room at quarter to six. There's an opening performance at the Grand Theatre. Eight o'clock this evening. If you wish to share a taxi there, please put your name on the list.'

I wrote down my name and saw that Philippa had done the same. Great. I had expectations for later: the party on the promenade, meeting Jace and his mate Steve, getting totally hammered, seeing where things led with Philippa.

Veronica handed me my key and a name tag to wear.  'May I remind you that it is illegal to smoke anywhere in this building or on the grounds, except for in the hut at the end of the car park. Anyone breaking this rule will be asked to leave.'

The desk phone rang and Veronica waved us away. Giggling, Philippa and I raced each other up the stairs.

'No running,' Veronica yelled after us.

'Told you she was fierce,' Philippa said. 'Hey, what number are you?'

'Eight A.'

'Shame,' she said. 'I'm in the other direction. Meet you half five in the entrance hallway for dinner.'  Smiling, she walked away.

Room Eight A stood at the end of the lobby, with a thick fire door preventing further access. I let myself in. Basic. Single bed, wash basin, mirror, chest of drawers, chair, Welcome Pack with soap and towel. I started to unpack and put my clothes away before heading for a quick shower in the communal bathroom.  On the way back to my room, I heard giggling but couldn't see anyone. Somewhere in the building another door shut with a muffled bang and a car horn tooted outside. I opened the window to let in some air. I turned the phone to Silent and lay down on the bed, kicked off my trainers and stretched out, staring up at the ceiling. I heard giggling again, people running up and down stairs, Veronica telling them off.  

My eyes grew heavier and heavier, and I was sinking into mist and warmth and shafts of sunlight, falling and falling and falling - that type of thing. I must have dozed off, for suddenly  I lurched forward in bed with a jolt, heart galloping in my chest. I came to, groggy and disorientated.

Tapping at the bedroom door. 'Who's there?' I called.

Philippa, giggly. 'I knocked on the wrong door by mistake and disturbed this girl. Hey, open up, got something to tell you. The staff are all panicking.'

***
'Listen, something very mysterious is happening,' Philippa said when I answered the door. 'You know the old lady in charge of the house?   Agnes Harlesden?  The one who's seriously ill and about to die?  She went abroad.'

'What about her?'

'She's back,' Philippa said. 'She turned up about half an hour ago, apparently, looking perfectly healthy.'

‘Did you see her?'

'No.  But I saw something very interesting.'

'What?'

'Brendon Harlesden on his phone.'

'The aristocratic guy with the shoulder length hair talking on his phone?  Why that's so interesting?'

'Because he ducked when he saw me. He was panicking.'

'Panicking about what?'

'A scandal.'

'Yeah?'

'I'm being serious, Gavin. He was talking about a possible scandal and what would happen if the media got hold of the story. I wanted to hear more, but Veronica saw me and chased me away.'

'Amazing,' I said.

'It's true.'

'I didn't say it wasn't. Why are you so interested in it all anyway?'

'You'll find out soon enough,' she said. 'I'm here for a reason. Come on,'  Philippa squealed, grabbing hold of both my wrists.' I don't want to miss this. Oh, it's so exciting. And we've got the party as well later.'