Date: Tue, 27 Jun 2023 20:23:30 +0100 (BST)
From: blackscar01 <blackscar01@btinternet.com>
Subject: Operation Pied Piper - Part 145c

IMPORTANT NOTE TO ALL READERS

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, organisations, and
incidents either are the product of the author's imagination or are used
fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, locales,
organisations, or events is entirely coincidental.

The author claims all copyrights to this story and no duplication or
publication of this story is allowed, except by the websites to which it
has been posted, without the consent of the author.

*******

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Finally, thank you again to my editor, Jim.

*******

... Then just as his distraught daughter arrived in the room, he pushed the
poor boy to his death from the window... His cries filling the
night... only amplified by hers..."

Now is it because, actually, who knows what causes it? But suddenly,
despite the fire, the room became cold. We all felt it. Dave was still
cuddled up to Forts, his eyes tightly shut.

"So, I won't be sleeping in the 'Withdrawing Room' or the 'Blue
Room'. Denis paused for dramatic effect."

The loud bang caused us all to jump. Davy screamed out and grabbed a
startled, Forts. There was a maniacal laugh. We all turned to look at
Duke. He was grinning at the heavy old book he had dropped on the floor at
his feet... The bastard.

                       **********************

Operation Pied Piper – Part 145c –

Part 145c minor characters making an appearance or receiving a mention:

Hamish McKrankie – Coordinator of the further education
courses. Previously a Master builder.

Micaheal Mishcon – (Mishcon) Athol's family Solicitor. Now Forts and
Davy's solicitor, as well.

Mr Carpenter - private detective employed by Mishcon's

David Tait – was a Metropolitan Police Chief Inspector. New member of
the security team.

Mr Morrison – (Morrison) Manager of the London Boys' Home.  **

Davy takes up the story once more.

Bloody Duke. I thought I was going to have a coronary. After the initial
shock, everyone had laughed, but the room remained chilled. It made me
shudder.

Forts killed himself laughing, pointing at me. Well, until I attacked him
with the killer tickles. He screeched as he desperately tried to avoid my
fingers. "Enough, enough. I surrender, I 'm sorry for laughing." He sat,
trying to force himself not to smile. I glanced around at the others. All
of them seemed to be stifling smiles. One of them sniggered, I am not sure
who, and next all of them burst out laughing again, the bastards.

It wasn't much later I was tucked up in bed alongside Forts, both of us
wearing the long linen nightshirts. Forts kissed me goodnight and blew out
the candle before turning away. I snuggled up behind him, wrapping my arm
over his side and placing my hand on his chest. I lay unable to sleep, not
even getting any comfort from his steady breathing. "Forts."

"Mmmm."

"What tune do you think the fiddler plays?"

"Ugh, Davy... Go to sleep."

"I can't sleep... What tune do you think it is?"

"Davy, I don't know. Come on, snuggle up and go to sleep."

I flopped on to my back and pulled the covers tight up to my chin, my eyes
scanning round the room. There it was again, the temperature in the room
plunged. I forced my eyes tight shut. My fingers curled into the bedding,
gripping it tightly.

"Forts."

"What?"

"It's gotten colder in here... Can you feel it?"

Forts grunted, "Oh, Davy... Please, there are no such things as ghosts."

"Why wouldn't Denis sleep in the 'Withdrawing Room' or the 'Blue Room'
then?"

Forts grunted and turned towards me. "I don't know... Davy, you are soppy."
His hand came to my face, and he stroked my cheek. It paused and caressed
me again with more urgency. "Davy, you're crying!"

My voice broke. "I'm frightened."

Probably realising any further attempt at sleep was futile, Forts sat up
and leant towards me. "Oh, Davy!" Forts sat up and reached out to light the
candle. He fumbled around until he found the box of matches. "Shit, hang
on." The rasp, as the match was struck, was followed by a bright explosion
of flame and the acrid smell of sulphur. I watched as he held the lit match
to the candle wick. The flame sputtered and grew as he blew out the
match. He moved back closer to me. He was smiling and stroked away my tears
with his fingers. "Come on, you're okay. I am sorry, I told Denis I didn't
want him telling any daft ghost stories."

"Do you really think the stories are daft?" I sniffed.

He kissed my cheek, "Well, I hope they are." He smiled, "Just imagine what
the old Laird would do if he found you and me in bed together."

I nodded. "But just how much could you hate your daughter to throw her
lover from a window to his death?"

Forts didn't answer.

"I wonder what they were both like?"

"Davy, ENOUGH! You are just frightening yourself now... I know, shall I get
us a cup of tea or something?"

He didn't wait for my answer. He jumped out of the bed and grabbed for
another candle. He held its wick to the one on the bedside table, lighting
it. "I won't be long." He smiled and opened the door. With the candle in
one hand and his bare feet and hairy legs showing beneath his long
nightshirt, he looked like the little boy 'Wee Willy Winky' from the
English childhood nursery rhyme. I grinned to myself, well maybe more 'Big
Willy Winky. The candle's flame flickered in an unseen draft, twisting an
eery shadow across his face.

"Are you sure you don't want me to come? Or we could always ask Albert to
get it."

Forts shook his head, "Davy, I am perfectly capable of making a cup of
tea... Now I won't be long."

"But I will be on my own."

"Davy, enough!"

And with that, the door closed.


**

Forts take up the story

Fucking ghost stories. Davy always hated them, yet seemed desperate to hear
all the details, then frightened himself witless. The corridor did feel
cold, though. I padded over to the stone spiral staircase, the ancient
wooden floor boards creaking noisier than I had noticed earlier.

I began to make my way downwards. I should have put some shoes on, the
stone was deathly cold against my feet. Why on earth had my brain chosen to
use that word deathly? I shuddered, come to think of it, if I am honest,
there was a noticeable strange chill in the air. Maybe Davy was right... I
tried to put the thoughts of ghosts out of my head. I felt my pulse raising
as the hairs on my arms and the back of neck stood on end. God, please
don't let me meet anyone on these spiral stairs. I hate spiral
stairs... You can't tell if there is anyone just round the next bend. My
mind was racing as the shadows caused by the flickering candle flame danced
off the old portraits on the walls... Fuck, those eyes were following me. I
chastised myself. "FORTS, get a grip, don't look at them."

As I arrived on the first-floor landing, I had to shield the candle's flame
as it began to flicker even more from the unseen, but definitely present
drafts. I shuddered as I read the brass nameplate on the door, 'The
Withdrawing Room'. That sent me even further on edge. Please, please, don't
let me hear anything, no sounds of lovers or music. Nothing, phew. I headed
down the main stairs towards the kitchen on the ground floor. Why the fuck
had I volunteered to do this? I was sure I was sweating now..

I half ran into the kitchen, suddenly remembering the fucking place had
electric light down here and, for that matter on the floor above. I reached
for the old brass light switch and flicked on the lights. I quickly felt a
whole lot better. I blew out the candle... I mean, Ghosts... Really. I
chuckled to myself, God, Davy was silly believing in all that nonsense.

I quickly lit the gas range and filled the old iron kettle with water, then
placed it over the flaming ring. I located two mugs, and a teapot, and
finally some loose tea.

The whistle of the kettle was somehow really homely. I couldn't think when
I had last heard that. Probably not since I had been at Mrs Griffiths all
those years ago now. That thought was enough to give me another shudder
down my spine. I crossed to the range just as the lights went off, plunging
me into darkness apart from the ghostly glow of the gas flame.

"One wrong move and you are a dead man! Put your hands up slowly." A torch
beam illuminated me. I could see my shadow cast on the wall in front of
me. I went to turn.

"Don't move. Hands up where I can see them." The voice barked. That was
Duke. I was sure.

My mind was racing. Not only had it frightened the shit out of me when the
lights went off, then the barking voice. Jesus Christ, Forts, just say
something. It took a moment for my brain to switch on. "Duke, it's me,
Forts."

There was a momentary silence, and then the main lights came back on. Duke
was standing with his pistol in his hand. He quickly holstered it. "Christ,
I could have shot you. What are you doing creeping about at this hour? And
dressed like that? I thought it was one of those fucking ghosts!"

I waggled the baggy sleeves of my nightshirt. Duke laughed, shaking his
head as I went, "Wooooo." Putting my arms down, I reached for the teapot on
the counter. "Would you believe making Davy a cup of tea? He couldn't sleep
after Denis' ghost stories. Do you want one?"

He smiled and crossed to the table, "I don't mind if I do. Oh, by the way
that nightshirt is see through."

"Really?" I am sure I blushed. "Lucky I didn't meet a ghost then." I poured
him a cup. "What are you doing up, anyway?"

Duke sat down, and I handed him a cuppa. "I am doing my two-hour
stint. Rather than sitting by the main door, I thought I would have an
explore around. Wooooooo." He waved his arms ghost like, "I thought maybe I
might get lucky and find a desperate virgin boy."

I chuckled. "You're a braver man than me, Gunga Din... Even for a desperate
virgin boy." I squeezed the front of my nightshirt and chuckled as I sat
down. "Even I was bloody spooked by those ghost stories. Bloody Denis. I
suppose it explains why he lives in one of the cottages though and not in
here... Hey and how come you have a torch and I am creeping about with just
a flickering candle?"

Duke smiled. I went to pick up the torch. He grabbed it first, "Oh no you
don't. You won't catch me creeping about this spooky place with just a
candle!" he winked.

We both laughed. Duke took a gulp of his tea and his expression then
changed. "God, is the tea that bad?"

Duke shook his head. "No, it's fine. Forts, I hope you don't mind me
asking, but Davy said you would be heading to London this week to find out
what is going on at the Boys' Home regarding the food you send each week."

"Yes, that's right."

Duke hesitated, his eyes not leaving mine. "Would it be possible for me to
come with you... I want to... Well, how could those bastards be starving
the kids?"

I smiled. "So, you are a big softie, after all?"

Duke blushed and looked at his tea, almost stroking the cup. "Well, I am
not the monster some people think I am, that's for sure."

"I am not sure Robin Little would agree."

Duke glanced into my eyes. "Forts, it's complicated. I like the boy. But it
frightens me. I have never felt like I do for him, for anyone before. I
have never had someone seem to care about me like Robin does."

"Do you want to talk about it?" I lifted the teapot. "Another tea?"

Duke smiled. "If you're happy to, but what about Davy?"

I chuckled. "I bet he has been asleep for ages. So, let's have another
one."

Duke nodded and held out his cup.

We sat chatting for ages. I was seeing a total other side to him. He was
actually quite caring. The pot was soon empty. I put the kettle on to boil
again.

"Oh, you're here. For Christ's sakes, Forts. I thought something had
happened to you!"

Duke and I both jumped at the voice. Seeing Davy, I pointed and laughed at
Duke before he had a chance to do it to me. "Ah, scaredy-cat. You should
have seen you jump."

Duke gave me a knowing, so did you look, and then chuckled. "Yes, he got
me."

Davy and Albert stood both clutching candles like crucifixes, both in their
white nightshirts. "I thought something had got you." Davy was in full
flow. "I was lying in that bed, calling for help. It was lucky Albert heard
me!"

Duke stood. "Sorry Davy, it was my fault. We were just having a cup of
tea."

I grinned, "Yes, besides, we don't have to worry about ghosts. There was
nearly a new one, he almost shot me." Davy gave me a confused look. I held
up the teapot. "Tea?"


**

Chris takes up the story

With Forts and Davy away, Dima was chairing the morning meeting with Robert
and me.

Dima had run through a lot of the agenda items, marking them as deferred
until Davy and Forts got back. "Here is one you can probably help with,
Chris. How is the renovation of Hill Croft House coming along? I know Forts
wants it finished before the wedding next month. He also wants to show it
to Alexandra and Sergey when he gets back."

Finally, something I could help with. "Yes, the work is nearly finished. I
spoke to Hamish McKrankie this morning. He said just a couple of more days
and they will be all done."

Dima smiled, "That's great Chris. Forts will be pleased."

Robert cleared his throat. "Dima, you said next month, have Alexandra and
Sergey set a date yet for the wedding?"

Dima checked his sheet of paper. "I think someone said the 12th of August."

Robert smiled, "Ah, the glorious twelfth. Start of the Grouse shooting
season. I wonder what we will be getting to eat?"

I burst out laughing. Dima shook his head, "I have no idea. Do you want me
to ask?" Robert grinned at me and winked. These Russians had no sense of
irony.

Dima picked up another scrap of paper. "Oh Robert, I nearly forgot. Forts
is heading to London tomorrow. Can you contact the train company and see if
we can get his carriage connected to the train? If not, can you book five
places in First Class please?"

I sat wondering who would be going with him. I just had to ask. "Dima, who
is going with him?"

"Well, Mishcon's office is doing most of the work. But I will be plus three
of the security team." He obviously saw my disappointment. "Chris, Forts
always wants someone here from now on... After what happened to Colin. I am
sure you understand."

I did and nodded to show it.

Dima smiled, "Okay, agenda item six, upcoming events, Robert?"

Robert picked up his pad. "I wonder if Forts has remembered it is Davy and
his 1st Anniversary this weekend. Davy was convinced he had forgotten."

Dima nodded, "He has had a lot on his plate, what with Colin's death and
everything else."

God, I had been too caught up in James leaving. "Shouldn't one of us have
reminded him? Davy will be upset if he has."

Dima bit his cheek. "I don't think he has." He tapped his nose.

Robert grinned, "Ah, that's what you were doing!" He chuckled.

I made eye contact, Robert smiled and mouthed, "I will tell you later."

He then looked back at his pad. "Then it's Forts' birthday on Saturday the
20th June. Then, Draco's first birthday on Tuesday the 30th of June. Then,
on the 10th of July," Robert paused and glanced at Dima.

Dima nodded, "I know, I haven't forgotten. It will be a year since Theodora
died. All in all, it has been quite a year."

Robert nodded. "And a busy month."


**

Mr Carpenter takes up the story

As a retired police detective and too old for military service, the little
private investigator work now and then from Mishcon Solicitors really
helped to supplement my pension. So, I was delighted to hear from him and
asked to attend his offices once more. I was led straight in as I
arrived. Mishcon was behind his desk. He pushed away what he was dealing
with and rose to greet me.

"Ah, Mr Carpenter. Good to see you again. Thank you for attending so
promptly, but time is of the essence. Please take a seat."

I smiled and sat down in front of him.

"You will remember the young man called Forts? You did some investigation
in to his foster mother, Elena Griffiths."

"The lady who was killed in the air raid, yes I remember."

Mishcon smiled. "The very same. He is now, of course, His Imperial
Highness, The Grand Duke Drageon Drageonivanov Romanov."

That was a surprise. "He did seem to have something about him even
then... So, what can I do for His Imperial Highness?"

Mishcon smiled, "I will call him Forts from now on, otherwise we could be
here all day, just saying his name and titles." I nodded, Mishcon handed me
a typed sheet of paper. "Forts and his deceased cousin, Theodora, set up
that Boys' Home. It has around twenty boys, from ten to fifteen years of
age. Now each week, Forts sends down a crate of food, vegetables, fresh
eggs etc. from his estates in Scotland."

I nodded, "And let me guess, it is not getting to the boys?"

Mishcon nodded, "It would seem not. That is where you come in. I want you
to meet the train later today and follow the crate... See who meets it and
what happens to it."

Mishcon passed me a brown folder. "This contains some photographs of the
staff from the Boys' Home, so you can see if any of them are involved."

He then passed me a crisp white five-pound note. "This is for any expenses
you incur. Remember your camera, we will need photographic evidence, in
case there is any prosecution."

I nodded and looked at the pictures. "How long do I have?"

Mishcon sat back in his seat. "Forts is arriving in two days. He wants to
know what is going on then."

I nodded. "These cases seldom involve just one or two people, you do
realise that, don't you?"

Mishcon thought for a moment. "Bring in anyone you need to if you need
help. Just keep a record of your expenses. If you think we need to bring in
the Police, let me know."

"I will." I stood, "Right, I had better be getting on." I shook Mishcon's
hand and headed out of his office. Now where to start?


**

Davy takes up the story

Forts still hadn't mentioned our anniversary. He had obviously
forgotten. We had eventually gotten back to bed after I found him drinking
tea with Duke. We had another lovely cuddle, this time just the two of
us. The next thing I knew, it was morning and time for us to be getting
ready to head home. The plan was we would leave just after
lunchtime. Darius and Duke would be accompanying us in the Jeep. Forts had
even said he would let Duke drive us home. David Tait would be driving the
Rolls Royce back with Albert and the dogs.

After a light breakfast, Forts suggested that we both have a last wander
round the grounds of the Castle. It was a beautiful, warm June day, so it
seemed like a good idea.

With our shadows twenty feet behind us. We headed down to the stream once
more. Forts was beaming and laughing as he remembered the fun we had all
had with the boys and Edik. It had been an amazing day. We sat in on the
bank enjoying the sun for sometime before Forts glanced at his watch and
then jumped up. "Come on, time to be getting back."

He helped me up, "But I thought we weren't leaving until after lunch."

Forts smiled. "We might as well go now, there is no point in just sitting
around."

I sighed internally. So much for my weekend away. "Okay, you are probably
right."

Forts took my hand, and slowly we walked back towards the castle. "Have you
had fun?" He smiled into my eyes.

I nodded.

The castle looked amazing in the midday light. It's pink walls really
shone. Forts came to a halt as we got closer to the Barmkin Wall and
tower. "Oh, we had better have a look inside the Hobbit House before we
leave."

I nodded, forcing myself to smile. He took my hand again and began leading
me to the tower. I smiled, "It looks like someone has been cleaning the
windows."

Forts didn't answer. In fact, it looked like the ground had been cleared up
and tidied up round the entrance, too.

Forts leant forward and pushed opened the iron-studded door. It creaked
open.

"SURPRISE! Surprise!" Albert and Denis were standing inside, with Radost
and Nadya at their feet. I staggered and turned to Forts. "Happy
anniversary Davy... You didn't really think I had forgotten, did you?"

I just hugged him by the door. I nodded. A big tear rolled down my
cheeks. Forts wrapped his arms round me, "You are silly. I love you so
much."

Forts led me inside. It was a small circular room, with a stone spiral
staircase running round the wall leading to an upper floor. In the centre
of the room sat a table and two chairs. The table was beautifully set with
plates and glasses and an ice bucket sat nearby containing a bottle of
Champagne. Denis busily lit the candles, while Forts pulled out my chair
for me to sit down.

Between them, Albert and Denis served up a beautiful meal, all of which had
to be transported from the castle kitchen. The food, all washed down with
the bottle of Champagne.

I sat grinning like an idiot. How had I thought he would forget? I reached
for his hand and squeezed it. "Thank you. I love you so much!"

Forts smiled one of his smiles and said. "I love you too."

There was a knock on the door and Darius' head appeared. "Forts, the time."

Forts nodded, and I was sure he winked, but why would he be winking at
Darius?

"Come on, then Davy. We had really better be getting back home now."

I nodded and stood, feeling slightly tiddly. Forts took my arm and led me
back outside into the sunshine. We walked up towards the Castle, Forts
holding my hand. I looked round as I heard the neighing of horses, then the
jingle of their harnesses. Then from the trees appeared a team of four
horses pulling a black landau carriage.

Gobsmacked, I looked at Forts. "Isn't that one of the carriages we used
after our ceremony?"

Forts grinned. "Yes, I had Dima arrange it... No one else knew about it."

The landau came to a halt. Darius and Duke came forward and opened the door
and pulled open the steps.

I grabbed Forts' arm and squeezed him tight. "What did I say about no more
secrets?"

Forts kissed me, "What, like you arranging this weekend?"

He smiled again. "Come on then. Let's get you home." We both got into the
carriage and got comfortable. While Duke closed up the stairs and the door,
Darius got up on the footman's position behind us.

Duke smiled. "I will see you both back at Pittodrie."

I glanced at Forts. He squeezed my knee. "Duke is going to be following us
in the Jeep."

Then to cries of "Goodbye and safe journey," from Albert and Denis, I heard
the carriage driver crack his whip and with a gentle lurch, we were off.


**

Forts takes up the story

Davy gripped my hand once more as we turned on to the Pittodrie Carriage
Drive. "Have you enjoyed it?"

He nodded. "Yes, it's been amazing, thank you. It is hard to believe it has
only been a year since we last arrived like this."

Forts winked and smiled. "Yes, a lot has happened since then."

We emerged from under the trees on to the courtyard. High above us, our
Imperial Standard fluttered in the light breeze.

Dima, Robert and Chris were waiting by the entrance as we got back. Davy
and I had chatted and kissed all the way home. It was a truly great ending
to our weekend away.

I saw Robert and Chris nodding and smiling as Dima moved forward to open
the carriage door as the Landau came to a halt. "Welcome back, both of
you."

He helped both of us out, and then Darius jumped down beside us. Davy
winked at him, "How's your bum?"

Darius nodded, "Let's put it this way, next time Duke can ride on the
carriage." He rubbed the pant of his trousers.

Dima waited for a moment and then added. "Forts, Davy, we have William and
Robin both here. They are waiting to see you upstairs."

I heard Davy sigh. "Oh well, back to the real world."

I nodded, "Come on, we need to get to the bottom of this." I took Davy's
hand, and we headed inside.

*

As we entered the meeting room both boys stood. They both looked
terrified. "Have we done something wrong? You are not sending us back, are
you?"

"No, of course not. Didn't Dima..." I glanced round, then back at the
boys. "No, I don't suppose he did, it wouldn't even occur to him to tell
you what it was about. Neither of you has done anything wrong. Davy and I
just need to talk to you."

Robin and William both looked relieved. Davy and I sat down, while Dima,
Robert, and Chris came in behind us.

"Boys. Now I want to stress, neither of you has done anything wrong. You
are not in trouble. But both of you have independently said that you were
not very well fed at the Home in London. That is what Davy and I want to
talk to you both about."

The boys exchanged concerned glances.

"So maybe it would be best to start with you, Robin. Will and Duke both
came to Davy and me, and said they were worried, because you had said you
only ever had porridge at the Home."

Robin nodded.

"Now, when Davy and I visited we saw really nice food being served
including sandwiches and cakes, all of which was much better than
porridge."

Robin looked down. "That was just because of your visit... We were all told
not to say anything and to pretend we always ate like that."

Davy leant forward. "Who told you to say that?"

Robin looked terrified.

Davy spoke again, his voice calm and reassuring. "It is okay to
say. Nothing will happen to you, we promise."

Robin swallowed, "Mr Morrison."

"The manager?"

Robin nodded. "He said we would be hurt if we said anything."

I am sure I growled, "Did he!"

Davy squeezed my hand. "So, you never had the fresh eggs and vegetables
that we sent down to supplement the ration?"

"No, sir." Robin mumbled.

"It doesn't sound like they were even getting the basic food ration that is
given to children's homes," Chris hissed from behind us. He was right, it
didn't.

"Did you get fresh milk every day?" Chris moved closer to Robin. "That's
the law!"

Robin shook his head, and he put his arm round William. Tears were now
rolling down both their cheeks as he mumbled, "No."

"Jesus!"

I turned and nodded to Chris. Davy stood and put his arms round the two
boys. "Come on, there is no need to get upset. Forts and I will get it all
sorted." Davy handed both boys a hankie.

I wasn't sure what to say, so went with something pretty banal. "Well, I
hope you are both eating better now."

The boys both nodded, finally smiling, just a little.


                        **********************

Folks, there is nothing more rewarding than hearing from you that you are
enjoying the story. Please take the time to email me to let me
know. Blackscar.

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'The Extraordinary Christmas Party' – Bisexual/Incest
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