Death by Dreaming - 17. Chapter 17

Two hours later they were still playing the game when the door opened and Charles swanned in. He took one look at the three friends and then without any preamble or warning he snatched the laptop off Angel’s lap and, snapping closed the lid, threw it onto a chair.

“You are not here to play Alexander... you are here to get well. The staff told me of the trouble you have been causing and it is just not acceptable.”

“Hey... I was using that. How dare you?”

“I dare because I happen to be the one who is paying for the room, the treatment and the staff you are so busily trying to upset as much as possible.”

“Paying? You? You may be paying but it’s out of my money. Don't try and be parental with me. You are not my father and you are not me keeper. You have no right to come here, and certainly no right to make demands of me. Give me my laptop back.”

“You are wrong Alexander. I am still your guardian which means that I do have the right to come here, and I do have the right to make demands and also to make decisions. I have spoken with the doctors here and we have agreed that what you need is complete rest. It is clear that you are not going to get that with your... friends... around and I am therefore going to have to insist they leave.”

“Insist all you like, Marcus and Charlie are not going anywhere.”

“I’m afraid I am going to have to disagree with you. The only question is... will they go voluntarily or will I have to call security?”

Charles was looking directly at Marcus and Marcus knew that he saw the flinch there. They both knew what he was thinking about, the memory that was suddenly very fresh in his mind... and this time his father wasn’t here to save them. Quite suddenly Marcus felt helpless.

Charlie was already moving towards the door and Angel was horrified. “What the fuck??!! Sit down Charlie, you’re not going anywhere. Marcus don’t you dare move.” He turned back to Charles, incandescent with rage. “How dare you!! You can’t make my friends leave. Call who you want... they’re not going... and if they do I’m going with them.”

“Trust me Alexander... you are not going to win this time. I have spoken at length with the doctors and they are concerned enough with your condition to agree totally with me on this one. If you kick up a fuss they are more than prepared to do what they have to do, even if it means having to sedate you.”

Angel looked shocked. “Why are you doing this?”

“Because I am concerned...”

“Don’t give me bollocks Charles. I know you well enough to be absolutely certain that you are not doing this because you care about me. What are you punishing me for?”

“Punishing you? Whatever gave you that idea? Calm down Alexander, and realx. You will only be here for a few more days and when you get out you can get back to doing what you always do... exactly what you want. While you are in here you will co operate and allow the doctors and staff to do whatever they think is appropriate.

“If you cause any further trouble for the staff I will personally make sure that you spend the rest of your time here in a drug induced coma. Do you understand?”

“Oh that would do me so much good.”

“Do you understand Alexander?” There was an edge to his voice that would have been sharp enough to slice through metal and it made Angel’s head snap up. Their eyes met and Angel shivered.

“Yes. I understand. I understand perfectly. You’re enjoying this aren’t you? Your last bit of control?”

Charles smiled. “I’m glad you see sense. Now say goodbye to your friends and settle down. You and I have a lot to talk about.”

Angel looked alarmed. “Talk? About what?”

“This is family business Alexander. We will discuss it when your friends have left.”

Angel looked decidedly nervous now and looked up at Marcus for support.

“If Angel needs his rest so much and isn’t up to having company then I really don’t think that it would be a good idea to overburden him with business matters. In fact... if you do... I would go so far as to say that any discussions or... for example documents you might persuade him to sign... would be void, or at least voided as soon as we give evidence to the fact that Angel was so sick you needed to have us removed.”

Charles glared at him with murder in his eyes. Marcus wondered why he had never seen it there before.

“Don’t worry Marcus... I am not going to be taking advantage of Alexander... there is simply something of a... delicate nature that I need to speak to him about... and it really doesn’t have anything to do with you.”

“I don’t want to talk to you Charles.”

“Since when has what you want been my primary concern?”

“Oh now we see the true you coming through.”

“I think it’s time for you to leave now Marcus. I have a meeting in an hour and I don’t have much time to get there. The business I have to discuss with Alexander is pressing, important and none of your business.”

Angel’s eyes darted from Marcus to Charles. “Marcus is my friend. I have no secrets from him. I want to know what you want to talk about before he leaves. I don’t trust you.”

“Oh dear Alexander, how unfortunate. Considering I am in complete control of your business, your finances and your future for the next three months I would think that a modicum of trust would be essential.”

Angel went pale, his eyes widening. “What do you mean? What are you trying to say?”

“I am simply trying to say that you need to trust me Alexander. Of course I would only act in your best interests but there has to be some trust between us.”

“That wasn’t what you were saying. You were threatening me. I... I don’t know how but I know you... What have you done?”

Marcus began to grow alarmed as the speed of the beeps from the monitors was speeding up considerably and all the numbers on the screens were changing rapidly.

“Angel, you should calm down. Can’t you see he’s playing with your mind? Just chill out and don’t let him psyche you.”

Angel turned burning eyes on Marcus. “But you heard him... you know him Marcus. What was he trying to say? What the fuck are you up to?” He turned back to Charles and was almost in tears of anger and frustration.

“Alexander... you should listen to your... friend. Calm down and be sensible. There is nothing sinister in what I have to tell you.”

Angel began to calm down although he still looked highly suspicious. “I still want you to tell me what this is all about before Charlie and Marcus leave.”

“I’m sure that is what you want but it is not what you are going to get. You have been given far too much of your own way. You are spoiled and selfish... arrogant too. You flaunt your wealth and power and your position over me and my family and frankly it sickens me.

“Do you think that I owe you? Do you think that I am going to fall flat on my arse when the company reverts to you? Think again. I have made my own provision Alexander and when I get out of this contract I will be putting them into practice. I am as eager to get October over and done with as you are. When it’s over we will both be free and I will be happy to shake your dust off my shoes.

“Don’t fool yourself into thinking that I need you, or that I owe you anything. To be frank I can’t wait to be shot of you... you make me sick... the way you lord it over us, constantly reminding me and my family that our home is your house, peopled with your staff who look down their noses as us every day because we aren’t you.”

His voice began to rise but, making an effort he brought himself back under control and glared at Angel.

“I want to get the remainder of our business out of the way as quickly as possible so that we can both move on and if I am very lucky I will never have to see your face again.”

“Suits me fine”

“But there IS business to get through first. Your sainted father left things in a mess. I have worked my butt off to get the company back on its feet after his ham fisted bumbling but...”

“Don’t you ever talk about my father like that?”

His voice was very soft but, even if he had not been able to hear the evidence from the monitors Marcus would have known by the tone and the look on his face that Angel was controlling rage, and only barely.

“Oh, I’m sorry Alexander... have I upset you? That’s the last thing I would have wanted. Now can we please have some privacy so that we can get this unpleasant business concluded?”

“Unpleasant? What do you mean by unpleasant?”

“Did I say ‘unpleasant’? What was I thinking? Goodbye Marcus, Charlie. I think it is more than time you left now.”

Angel was sitting bolt upright now, his cheeks flushed and his eyes sparking. “After that little outburst Mr Bishop, I think it would be better if my friends remain.”

“I beg to differ.”

“Forget it.”

Charles paused and his demeanour changed. “Alexander... I’m sorry that all of our conversations appear to degenerate into point scoring matches. You may not believe it but I do have your best interests at heart... or at least the best interests of your... affairs. I have something... delicate to discuss with you and it really would be best if we were alone.”

“I don’t care what you think. I don’t trust you. I want my friends here.”

“Alexander... please. What I have to say is... delicate and it would be inappropriate for at least Marcus to be here.”

“Inappropriate? What are you talking about?”

Charles sighed in exasperation. “Alexander, what I have to say to you involves Marcus, so it would be better if he wasn’t here to hear it. I can’t make myself any plainer than that.”

Angel’s eyes widened. “Yes you can. You can tell me outright what you are trying to say. If you have something to say about Marcus then you can say it while he is here to listen. If you think you are going to able to dish up some dirt to make me distrust him or turn against him then think again. I’ve known Marcus for far too long not to trust him over you any day. There is nothing you can tell me about him that...”

“Alexander, you misunderstand. I am not trying to turn you against Marcus. It’s not what you think.”

“Then tell me.”

Charles sighed and looked from one to the other, then he seemed to sag and sat down in one of the chairs.

“Alright Alexander, you have your way, as always. The truth is that I have heard some disturbing rumours about what happened on the night of the party. Even more disturbing is that the rumours have come from some of Bartholomew’s biggest clients. No doubt they have got around from someone who was at the party.”

Angel went ashen. “What kind of rumours? About me taking drugs? You know that wasn’t me... you KNOW it... Who’s been saying what? Tell me.”

“Relax Alexander, it’s nothing about drugs. It’s... something else.”

“Then what? What rumours? What have you heard? From whom?”

Charles’ face took on a look of concern that Charlie and Marcus, carefully watching him were sure was faked. “Please Alexander... calm down and let me speak. None of this is good for your heart.”

“To hell with my heart. Tell me!”

“Alright... alright... Mr Barnes, Mr Brookes and Mr Abercrombie all telephoned me this morning, all separately and all concerned about the same rumours.”

“What?!!”

“Let me finish Alexander... They are all deeply religious men and were concerned that you were... I don’t know how to put this...”

“Let me do it for you.” Everyone looked at Marcus, whose eyes were like chips of ice. His hands were clenched at his side and he was trembling.

“Marcus?” Charles cocked an eyebrow inviting him to continue.

“I think it’s fairly clear what you are trying to say Charles. You mentioned it was somehow concerning me and now you mention specifically that these men are religious. I would be very surprised if you were not trying to suggest that Bartholomew’s clients have an issue concerning my relationship with Angel.”

“What??!!! Don’t be silly Marcus, that’s outrageous... it’s ridiculous... it’s... it’s...” Angel was watching Charles’ face and he spluttered to a halt. “You can’t be serious.”

“I think it was unwise of you to flaunt your... relationship at a party attended by so many of our best clients, or at least their offspring. The word is that it’s all over the internet... people are talking and it’s bad for business.”

“You... you... I... I can’t believe...” Angel was opening and closing his mouth unable to find word to express the anger and horror he was feeling.

“Under the circumstances I think it would be better if you... slowed down a little. Perhaps, if you insist on having that laptop in here with you, you could put it to good use by doing some PR... damage limitation, if you will.”

“What?” Angel looked stunned, completely distracted. He dragged his eyes up to Charles’ almost reluctantly, a dazed expression on his face. “What do you mean?”

“He means... said Marcus quietly. “... that he wants you to deny the ‘rumours’. He wants you to pretend that we are not together.”

“But I can’t do that. We are together.”

“What happens behind closed doors is one thing... but the public face of the company is another. Our major investors all seem to be highly moral people who object...”

“Wait... are you trying to suggest that my relationship with Marcus is immoral?”

“I am not suggesting anything. I am merely pointing out a problem we have with our investors, together with a solution. Once the control has passed to you, you can do what you like but as long as I am responsible for the company I don’t want the reputation ruined by a couple of...”

He pulled himself up and stopped himself but Angel knew what he had been about to say. “Don’t you dare... don’t you dare ever say anything like this to either myself or Marcus again. If there are narrow minded bigots out there who have a problem with my sexuality then that’s their problem not mine and not Marcus’. I am not going to hide who I am for them or for anyone.”

“Those ‘narrow minded bigots’ are our major investors Alexander. We cannot afford...”

“No Charles... let me tell you what we cannot afford to do. We cannot afford to allow small minded people to dictate our policies or our lives. My father never did and I don’t intend to either. I am not going to hide my relationship with Marcus from or for anyone.”

“Alexander, you are being extremely unwise. If our investors start to pull their funding then the company will crumble. They know that the handover is imminent and they are already pushing to see if they can use the situation to their benefit. I am sure that you are not so naive to not have some fingers in the pie already and so you will know this for yourself.”

Angel had gone very still and was staring at Charles open mouthed. “Don’t look at me like that Angel. I know full well that you have your own people in there. I can’t say that I know who they are but I know they have been keeping you up to date with what has been going on.”

“I...” He swallowed then straightening his shoulders, and everyone saw him wince. “Alright... I have my people in place... that’s no revelation. I would have been a fool not to, and I am no fool Charles, you have thought that of me for far too long.”

“Angel...” Marcus put a hand on his arm. “I think you should chill out now. You’re getting very wound up and I’m sure that’s not good for you.”

“Chill? Fucking hell Marcus... he’s suggesting... he’s saying...” Angel was breathing hard, struggling to get his words out and Marcus was alarmed to see that he was starting to shake. He turned to Charles.

“Charles, I think Angel’s had enough now. We should leave this. If what you say is true there will be plenty of time to deal with it later. Angel’s not up to this now.”

“On the contrary Marcus... this HAS to be dealt with now. If the rumours aren’t nipped in the bud they will spread and do irreparable damage.”

“Rumours? They’re no rumours... they were never rumours. This is... this... this... is...”

“Charles stop, please stop it.” Charlie’s eyes were wide as saucers and she actually grabbed his arm, pleading with her. She was horrified to see the half smile on his face. “Don’t do this. Can’t you see...?”

Her heart turned cold as she realised that he could see, he could see very clearly indeed and he didn’t care.

Marcus wasn’t interested in Charles and couldn’t care less what he saw or what he thought. He was entirely focussed on Angel who stuttered to a halt, his eyes rising to meet Marcus’ and abruptly going blank.

“Fuck! Charles, whatever you think you’re doing stop and go get someone... for the love of god Charles get someone.”

“What...?”

Charles didn’t have a chance to speak or move because Charlie was already moving, flying past him and flinging open the door, just as Marcus took Angel into his arms as his head fell back and he started to shake in earnest.

After that things got confused. People appeared, talking, calling, ushering everyone from the room and, before they quite knew what was happening the three of them found themselves in the corridor staring at a closed door. Marcus spun and suddenly Charles was pinned to the wall.

“You bastard. You fucking bastard... you knew that would happen, you’ve been here before, we all have. What the fuck did you think you were doing? I told you to stop. I TOLD you.”

“Marcus, calm down. I know you’re worried about Alexander but...”

“Worried? Worried? You have no fucking idea. At the moment the dominant emotion in my head is not worry... it’s blind fucking rage. How could you do that?”

“Marcus... surely you don’t think that I upset Alexander on purpose? We had a problem that only he could deal with. He is about to be the head of the company and there are some things he has to learn to deal with... even if it is the hard way.”

“You knew Charles. You knew what might happen if you pushed him too far. For fuck’s sake he’s in the hospital. You could have waited. You could have fire fought and waited. Everyone knows Angel’s sick... that was something that everyone saw at the party too. Everyone knows he’s in the hospital and it could have waited until he got out.”

Charles smiled. “Well... if Alexander is not well enough to deal with matters of this important perhaps he is not well enough to take over the company at all. Perhaps I should call my lawyer and see if there is anything I can do to take ALL the worry from his shoulders.”

He stopped because Marcus was choking him. “Don’t you fucking dare. You leave him alone do you hear me... leave him alone.”

“What the hell is going on here?”

They all looked up at the sound of the familiar voice. Dr Cole appeared in the corridor and glared at them all.

“It’s Angel. Charles goaded him into having a fit. Please... please help him.”

Dr Cole looked startled. He gave Charles a hard stare then turned to Marcus. “Let him go Marcus.”

“But... didn’t you hear...?”

“I won’t have violence in my corridors Marcus. If you have issues with Mr Bishop deal with them outside.”

“I...”

Swallowing hard Marcus reluctantly let Charles go. Charles brushed himself down and started to complain loudly. Dr Cole shut him down as effectively as he had Marcus.

“I think it would be best if you went home Mr Bishop.”

“What? How dare you. I have every right...”

“Whether you have the right or not, my concern is Angel, and only Angel. I don’t think your presence would be welcomed here right now and the last thing I want for my patient to get upset and stressed.”

“I have business...”

“I am sure you do Mr Bishop and I would suggest you go home and take care of it.”

“But I need to...”

“Let me make myself very clear Mr Bishop. Whoever you think you are and whatever influence you may have outside these walls, this is my world and here the power is mine. I don’t care what you think you need to talk to Angel about but in my professional opinion, now would be a very bad time to do so. Now... leave the hospital or I will have you removed.”

He turned to Charlie and Marcus. “I trust that I can trust you not to cause any more trouble. If you have any concern for Angel at all calm yourselves and be ready for whatever comes. Now, I have far more important things to do than stand here talking with you.”

Without another word he opened the door and stalked inside. Marcus and Charlie tried to peer around him to see what was going on inside the room but they were unable to see anything before the door slammed shut again. They were, however, immeasurably relieved to hear the sound of the monitors, apparently still steady, with no alarms.

When the door was closed Marcus turned to speak to Charles but he had gone. After staring around in a somewhat dazed way for a while Marcus slumped against the wall and slid down to sit on the floor with his head in his hands. Charlie sat down next to him, her back against the wall.

“Do you think he did that on purpose?”

“What do you think?”

“I think we could never prove it.”

“I think you’re right.”

They were silent for a while until the silence became oppressive.

“Do you think Angel is going to be alright?”

“I don’t know... last time... last time...” He fell silent and they were both left drowning in their memories of what happened last time.

“Last time he was a lot sicker.”

“Yes, yes he was.”

“And he didn’t want to get better.”

“No, no he didn’t.”

“This time...”

“Marcus... don’t. We’ll find out soon enough.”

“They’re taking a long time.”

“It hasn’t been that long.”

“It seems it.”

Charlie had to agree that it had, indeed seemed to be a very, very long time indeed, and it was even longer before the door opened and two of the nurses came out. One was the nurse with whom Angel had fought earlier. It chilled them when she gave them a kindly smile and then walked away. What did that mean?

They scrambled to their feet and were about to run after the nurses when the door opened again and a third nurse came out. She gave them another of the sympathetic kindly smiles that could have meant anything.

“Dr Cole says you can go in now.”

They almost fell over each other in their haste to get through the door. They were utterly shocked to find Angel sitting up in bed, looking dazed and somewhat drugged but otherwise fine.

“Angel.”

Marcus, almost crying with relief ran to his side and threw his arms around him. “’m a’right Marc. Need to breath though.”

Laughing with an edge of hysteria Marcus slackened his hold and Angel snuggled into his arms, resting his head on his shoulder. Marcus looked up at Dr Cole.

“Thank you... thank you so much. Is he... is he going to be okay?”

Dr Cole nodded grimly. “Yes... actually he did very well, surprisingly well. Granted it wasn’t a major seizure but his heart was strong throughout. In a way it did him a favour. It helped us see that his condition isn’t as dangerous as I had previously thought. I am actually very pleased with the way Angel’s heart handled that episode. It’s strong and stable. I am encouraged.”

Angel let his head fall back and grinned up at Marcus. He looked completely spaced out. Marcus frowned at Dr Cole.

“Why... why is he...?”

Dr Cole smiled. “Standard procedure in emergency treatment of seizures... the nurse gave him a shot of anti convulsant and muscle relaxant. He should be out cold.”

“ ’sa’right... will be in a minute.” He smiled again and hugged Marcus. “Feels good.” His voice was very thick and slurred and Marcus smiled gently and stroked his hair until he let go and sank.

Gently Marcus laid Angel back against the pillows and stroked his hair out of his face. Then he turned to face the doctor.

“Would you like to tell me what happened?”

“Charles was goading him. He was prodding him for ages, trying to get him angry. Then he... he told him that... that...”

“He told him that the fact we were having a relationship was causing damage to his business.”

“Excuse me?” The doctor looked shocked, and Marcus hung his head.

“There’s nothing wrong with that!” Charlie snapped defensively. “Marcus and Angel are in love. I don’t see why they should have to hide it.”

“Neither do I.” Marcus looked up sharply and Dr Cole nodded at him, smiling. “I think perhaps I should have a word with Mr Bishop tomorrow.”

“Thank you.”

Dr Cole smiled again.

“You’ve both been through a lot. I think it would be wise if you went home and rested. Angel will sleep until the morning and I think that if all is well we can take away all of this equipment in the morning and let him move around a little. If he behaves you can take him down to the canteen for lunch.”

“I would really rather stay here with him. I want...”

“I appreciate that Marcus however you are looking exhausted. I have a feeling that neither you nor Charlie would get much sleep tonight and with you restless about the place there is far more chance that Angel will be restless too. Now go home and rest. Come back in the morning.”

Charlie and Marcus exchanged glances and nodded, smiling with relief.