Dangerous Liaisons - 5. Chapter 5

The journey back to consciousness was a long one. First he became aware of something soft under his cheek, something that smelled of sweat and dampness, then of the narrow hardness of the bed on which he was lying, then the fact that his body was uncomfortable, cold and cramped and finally that it was still and silent and dim.

Slowly, cautiously, he opened his eyes and saw his own hand, lying on the pillow next to his head. For a moment he was distracted, wondering at the fact the fingers twitched whenever he wanted them too.

Eventually the realisation came to him that it wasn't just his fingers but his whole body could move as and when he wanted it to and he sat up. The movement made his head scream pain and the world swung and lurched around him so he squeezed his eyes shut until the feelings subsided. Sitting with his knees drawn up and his back against the wall he forced himself to breathe deeply and evenly, allowing things to settle, allowing memory to stir and settle like butterflies outpacing a storm.

The next time he opened his eyes it was with full consciousness and a fair idea of where he was, how and why he had been brought here. He sighed, running a hand through his hair. His wristbands had gone, as had his clothes. He was dressed, instead in what appeared to be an uniform of loose, light cotton trousers and tunic in pale blue. There was a logo stitched to the tunic, over the heart which he didn’t bother to examine, it would have told him nothing. He had no shoes or socks

The room was cold and bare, windowless and faceless. The only things it contained were the bed and a toilet in the corner. The floor was tiled with rubber and the walls with plain white tiles. There was a single light bulb without a shade and no switch. The door was smooth and heavy with no visible handle and a slot at face height which could be drawn back to allow someone to look in, or even to pass things through. He didn’t need to check it out to know for sure that it was unbreakable.

Great. Just fucking great. One thing was for certain sure... he wasn’t here to have fun.

Nothing happened for a long time... hours. If Daniel had been a different person it would have been long enough for him to half lose his mind. Fortunately Daniel had a secret weapon and used it to it's fullest extent.

When the door opened he looked up, unruffled, unconcerned and, largely uninterested. The man who entered was middle aged, balding and wearing the same uniform as he was. He gave Daniel an appraising look and frowned when Daniel smiled serenely at him. He was carrying a tray which he put down on the bed. Then he left. Daniel made no move to question or follow him.

The tray contained a plain meal of sausage and mash with a glass of orange juice and a bowl of fruit. Daniel considered it carefully. It could be drugged. It probably was. But... if he didn’t eat he would become weak and he needed to not be weak... and if they were going to drug him they were going to do it anyway, whether he co operated or not. All in all it was better to eat than not and he was not about to starve himself just to make a point. Sooner or later either they would let him out or kill him or someone would rescue him. There was no point worrying which one it would be. He had to focus on one thing and one thing alone.... staying true to himself, staying himself.

The meal was pleasant if bland. When he had finished he put the tray on the floor and lay down on the bed staring up at the ceiling and thinking of Josh. Soon he was going to realise that something had happened, if not already... he had no way of knowing how much time had passed, was passing. Time passed and, when nothing else happened he turned over onto his side and went to sleep.

Daniel was shaken roughly awake some time later and blinked up into a cold stern face. The man was young, probably only a couple of years older than Daniel, mid twenties. He was also dressed in an uniform with the same logo over the breast but his was pristine white and he was wearing shoes.

“Wakey, wakey Mr Owen. It’s time to get your ass out of bed. On your feet you’re going for a walk.”

“A walk? Where to?”

“Not something you need to know. Let’s just say it’s time for your first treatment.”

“Treatment? I’m not sick. I don’t need treatment.”

“Oh yes... you are sick... trust me, you are. But don’t worry... by the time you leave here you will be all better.”

Daniel smiled and the man should have seen it coming right then. “Do you think so?”

“Yeah, I think so... I know so. Now get your sick, fag ass out of that door and don’t stop until I tell you to.”

Daniel stood up. He was a foot taller than the man whose eyes widened slightly when Daniel took a step towards him and leant in even further to say, quite pleasantly. “Make me.”

“That could be arranged. But it would be better for you if you went willingly.”

“Better? How?”

“Better because you you’ll still have all your fingers and toes when you wake up after.”

“After what?”

“Move yourself Owen.”

Daniel took a step back and very deliberately sat down on the bed, looking up with unmistakable challenge in his eyes.

“Oh, come on Daniel. I don’t have time for this.”

Daniel shrugged. “I have all the time in the world.”

“Oh no you don’t. You have an appointment and it’s up to me to make sure you keep it.”

“For some reason I am not eager. I would prefer just to chill here for a while.”

“That’s not your choice Daniel. Now I am going to give you one last chance. Move.”

“Not happening.”

The man made the mistake of thinking he could force Daniel to comply. He grabbed his arm and suddenly found himself on the floor, his feet swept from under him and Daniel straddling him, smiling pleasantly.

“I don’t like being touched and I don’t like being told what to do. I’m not a stupid person and I know where I am and what you want from me... but you’re not going to get it. No matter what you do you are not going to change me. I like me the way I am. Now, I know what’s coming next so you had better go and get your friends, because that is the only way you are going to get me out of here.”

And suddenly, in a remarkably graceful and fluid motion, which went totally unappreciated, Daniel was on his feet and he was free. Scrabbling up the man exited sharply and the door slammed shut behind him, leaving Daniel in a thoughtful mood. As he had said... he knew what was coming and he was not looking forward to it.

He was lying on the bed when they came for him. Not thinking of anything in particular, just waiting, a slight smile on his face. There were five of them and they dragged him to his feet, pinning his arms behind him and securing them with what felt like handcuffs. He didn’t struggle, there was no point. Whatever point he had to make had been made and there was nothing left but the inevitable so he went with it. Someone had once told him... save your fighting for the important battles, the ones that win the war.... and he always had.

Realising he was docile, complying, they simply pushed him out the door and along a corridor that could have been anywhere. A hotel, a hospital, a school, a prison. Daniel didn’t even bother to look around him. What was the point, there was nothing to see and he had the strong feeling that he wasn’t going to be paying much attention on the journey back.

He stumbled when they pushed him over the threshold into the room. When he raised his eyes his blood went cold. The room was very like his own... windowless, bare, white tiled walls, rubber floor. The only furniture was a bed.... or more accurately a treatment couch, fitted with straps and... He swallowed. What the fuck was this place.

Two men were standing on the far side... both middle aged, one slightly balding in white coat, the other, older with a shock of white hair, dressed in black with a white collar. Ah fuck!!!

“Good morning Daniel.”

“Is it?”

“It’s the first morning of the rest of your life. A life which will be clean and healthy, filled with light and.... wholesome love.”

He had to laugh at that. “I like my life the way it is.”

“I’m sure you think you do... but you are confused Daniel, sick. Your soul is polluted and, whether you accept it or not, you need help.”

“I am not confused, not in the slightest and my soul is fine thank you. I am not sick. I am not polluted. I am just gay.”

He actually flinched, his face paling.

“You see. It is a sign of how sick you are that you are so deep in denial you can’t see it as a sickness at all. Trust me Daniel, we can help you. We can make you well.”

“Trust you? Not likely. I don’t need your help. I am not sick. I am perfectly well, perfectly happy as I am.” He smiled, not unkindly. “I am not going to waste my breath explaining anything to you. I am not going to plead with you or try to justify myself. I have no need for justification and you have no capacity for understanding. There is no point delaying the inevitable, no point in begging, no point in suggesting that you can’t hold me here against my will, you can’t force ‘treatment ‘ on me, you ‘can’t do this to me’ because you and I both know it will have no effect. What you are going to do you are going to do and nothing I say is going to change that so you may as well get on with it.”

Both men stared at him with open mouths. They were used to boys who were confused, uneasy, unaccepting. They were used to tears and tantrums, struggles and pleas. They were used to anger and abuse. They were used to swearing and fighting. They were not used to someone who was so completely at home in his own skin, so completely accepting of his fate. They didn’t quite know what to do with him.

“Very well. You will come to thank us for this Daniel. When you are well you will realise how sick you are right now.”

“Not as sick as I am going to be I hazard a guess.”

“Are you going to co operate?”

“Not in the slightest. But you don’t need to beat me unconscious before I get on the bed. I save my fighting for the battles I can win.”

Now they looked downright confused and Daniel’s smile widened. When someone behind him released the handcuffs they didn’t need to hold his arms, although they did. Obediently he climbed up onto the couch and lay complacent and still as they strapped him down, rather more violently than was strictly called for. He didn’t wince.

Daniel kept his eyes on the ceiling. He was already beginning to lose his awareness of his surroundings, withdrawing his mind, using meditation techniques to slow his heart, his breathing, calm his emotions.

“Don’t worry Daniel. I am not going to hurt you. No one here is going to hurt you.”

“Do I look worried?”

“No.... I have to admit that you look remarkably calm and comfortable.”

“That’s because I am. I am who I am... I am happy with it, comfortable with it, and I don’t want to change it. If you think you can... go ahead and give it your best shot. I’m not afraid of you and I’m not afraid of me, of who and what I am.”

“That’s very good Daniel, very commendable. Just relax now. Whatever happens just stay focussed and relaxed. Breathe deeply and try not to struggle. Don’t fight it.”

“You got it.”

The sting of a needle in his arm came as no surprise and he didn’t flinch, didn’t move his eyes from the ceiling.

“There’s a good boy. Just take it easy.”

“Oh no... nothing about this is going to be easy... not for you.”

The priest laid a hand on Daniel’s head, unconsciously stroking the soft hair. Even he could not help but be moved in some way by his beauty.

“Relax now, it will all be over before you know it.”

No... it won’t. He didn’t even bother to say it, but he knew it. He drew his eyes away from the ceiling and let them rest on the priest. His eyes were grey, grey as a stormy sky, an angry ocean. They were old and they should have been wise but they weren’t... just foolish and shuttered and lost. They narrowed at the shrewdness in the look that met them, unflinching and unafraid. They were puzzled now, the seeds of shock deep within. Daniel wondered what he had seen that had shocked him. It didn’t really matter. He smiled and was still smiling when, abruptly, his vision blurred and darkened and he closed his eyes with a sigh, letting go.

***********************************************
I was packed and ready by nine. I went to Daniel’s room and packed Daniel’s clothes as well. Hearing the movement my father came upstairs but, seeing what I was doing he left me to it and simply turned on his heel and walked away again. In other circumstances, other times I would have been heartbroken at the reaction of my parents, the hurt and angry look in my father’s eyes but, right now all I felt was an overwhelming desire to be away from them.

I could barely contain myself. All I could think of was Daniel, seeing his face, hearing his voice. I stood in the window and watched the people come and go, intending to run down as soon as I saw him approach. I was slightly surprised that my parents hadn’t come to speak to me but I wasn’t sorry. I hoped that I would just be able to run straight out of the door and into Daniel’s arms and not have to see them at all.

By half past ten I was feverish. I couldn’t imagine what could possibly have made Daniel late. It wasn’t as if he had anything else to do. I started to worry that something might have happened to him and by eleven o’clock I was desperate. I rang his mobile number but it rang in the outer pocket of his rucksack which was still with me.

Pacing up and down, time slowed to a crawl and the minutes crawled over me like ants, each one biting, painful. Where was he? Where the hell was he?

At eleven thirty I went downstairs to find a telephone directory so I could telephone the local hospitals to see if Daniel had been taken there. I was on the verge of telephoning the police when my parents walked into the room.

“Mum, Dad, I know you’re upset but this is serious. Something’s happened to Daniel, I know it he should have been here... . he wouldn’t....”

I stopped because my father moved out of the way and a third person walked into the room. It was a priest that I knew slightly. He was not from our church but he knew the vicar there, he sometimes gave sermons when our own vicar was away. I narrowed my eyes.

“Hello Josh. Do you remember me?”

“Look I haven’t got time for this crap now. I know you are upset and I would never have wanted you to find out like that but... you’re going to have to deal with it... only not right now. Something’s happened to Daniel. He should have been here an hour and a half ago. He wouldn’t just leave like this. I know something’s happened to Daniel.”

“Nothing has happened to Daniel, Josh. I arranged for some of my associates to have a chat with him and he has agreed to check in to my rehabilitation centre. I see that you have your bags packed so if you would like I’ll take you there right now. Your parents have made all the arrangements for you to check in too.”

“Rehabilitation centre? What are you talking about? Rehabilitate from what?”

“You are sick Josh. Daniel has infected you with a sickness and we have programmes, treatments that can cure you, both of you.”

“Sick? What are you on about? Daniel hasn’t infected me with anything. He isn’t sick and neither am I.”

“It is a symptom of your illness that you don’t appreciate how sick you are. You are polluted Joshua, you need to be cleansed, to be cured of your obsessions, your perverted ideas.”

He was walking towards me and I was backing away, shaking my head. I had no idea what he was talking about. I half though that he was talking about some sexually transmitted disease and I was about to tell him about the condoms when, suddenly a light came on inside my head. I don’t know what it was, maybe something to do with the way my parent s were looking at us, nodding their heads, but suddenly it all became hideously clear.

“You mean being gay don’t you?” My father flinched and my mother covered her face with her hands. “You are actually talking about ‘curing’ me of being gay. Well I have news for you, lots of news. First of all Daniel didn’t ‘infect’ me. I have always been gay, I just haven’t realised it. From the moment I first saw him I knew he was special, amazing, incredible. I fell in love with him before he even opened his mouth or said, ‘Hello’.

“For another thing being gay is not an illness. It is me... who I am... what I am. There is no way that I am going anywhere with you. No way that you are going to get me within a mile of your rehabilitation centre.”

“Josh... please.” In another situation the anguish in my mother’s voice might have affected me, even broken my heart but I was absolutely astonished at what they had done... and suddenly an awful realisation came crashing down on me.

“Daniel! What have you done to Daniel? You’ve taken him haven’t you? You’ve taken him to that place?”

“Daniel was more than prepared to accompany my associates to the clinic. I can assure you, we have not ‘done’ anything to him. All we want to do is to help him and he appreciates this, or will in time.”

“Fuck you. There is no way ... NO way that Daniel would have gone to a place like that willingly. You’ve kidnapped him. What are you going to do to him?”

“Joshua you are becoming distraught. Please.... sit down, let’s talk about this sensibly.”

He was still advancing on me and I was still backing away. I was almost all the way across the room and soon my back would have been against the wall. I heard the front door open and I looked up, startled to see two young men appear in the doorway. They weren’t small and they didn’t look friendly. Without another moment thought I grabbed my bag and ran.

The two men followed of course but this was my turf and I knew every inch of it, they didn’t. It took a bit of work but eventually I shook them and kept on running until I found myself at an old abandoned factory unit. I crept inside the warehouse and huddled in a corner, hugging my knees, my mind whirling.

It was like a bad dream. It couldn’t be happening. They’d taken Daniel. They had taken him, and god knows what they had done to him, what they were going to do to him. I rocked back and forth for a while moaning. “Oh my god, oh my god.” Until I realised that I wasn't doing either myself or Daniel any good and started to think.

The Rev Shaw... that was his name. And now I thought about it I remembered him mentioning the rehabilitation centre before. He had preached about the dangers of ‘deviant behaviour’ in youth. He had developed techniques to help those who were weak and confused, who succumbed to the temptations of the flesh... blah, blah, blah....

He was very well respected in the local area and there was little point going to the police there. The chances were they would just call my parents and deliver me right back into their hands. Nope. I needed help on this one and I wasn’t going to get it round here. Suddenly my home town, my family, my friends... the very things that should have provided me with the most security were filled with threat and danger.

I had to get back to university, to my friends, our friends, they would help me find Daniel, help me make the police believe me, help me rescue Daniel. And Daniel’s family... they needed to know.

Suddenly afraid, seeing threats lurking in ever shadow, enemies behind every face, I made my way back to my house. I lurked in the distance watching the front door. The black cars were still there. The Rev and his ‘associates’ were still there. How was I going to get to my car without being seen? Fortunately it wasn’t parked right out front. When we had got back the previous day one of the neighbours was having a party and there were cars everywhere. I’d had to park a good few hundred yards down the street. Even so I would have to come out into the open in clear sight of the house.

Scrabbling in my bag I dragged out a different sweater and changed, then I took an old hat, one that used to be Daniel’s and pulled it down low over my face. It was little enough disguise but it would have to do.

Edging around the building I slipped out into the street, keeping on the other side of the road, behind the parked cars, as far away from the house as I could. My heard was pounding and I fully expected, at any moment, to hear the door open, the sound of running feet, my name called... but there was nothing.

I passed my car on the other side of the road and walked a further couple of hundred yards before I crossed the road. I then walked back to the car, opened the door and slid into the driver’s seat. Even when I was there I didn’t relax. My heart was still pounding as I put the key in the ignition and started up. Thank heaven I had been on the verge of running out to look for Daniel and had grabbed my keys and put them in my pocket. Without the car I would have been screwed.

I pulled out into the road and drove down the street as fast as I could. When I turned the corner I checked and the black cars were still there, there was no one in sight. Still, I didn’t relax until I was two hours down the motorway.

*********************************
It seemed as if he had only just closed his eyes when Daniel was shaken roughly awake. He was back in his room, lying on the bed and, through a fog of drugged confusion he saw two faces, felt two pairs of hands tugging at him, dragging him to his feet. He couldn’t find his balance and would have fallen if they hadn’t held him, slung between them.

“Come on Owen, make an effort here. We’re not carrying you the whole way.”

He didn’t even bother to ask where, and he did make an effort, although it was surprisingly difficult. As soon as he managed to support his own weight he had to cope with the fact that he had no balance and skewed perspective. It didn’t help that the two men who were ‘helping’ him were impatient and heavy handed. The first time he tried to take a step he ended up on his knees and was instantly hauled back to his feet accompanied by major expletives.

After a while he found it was easier with his eyes closed and, half walking, half being dragged they managed to make their way along corridors to another, larger room where a set of chairs had been arranged in a rough circle. Most of the chairs were already occupied and the two men unceremoniously dumped Daniel in one of the remaining empty ones and withdrew.

“It was nice of you to join us Daniel.”

Daniel carefully sifted the words, searching for a hint of sarcasm. There was none and, surprised he peered up through narrowed eyes at the man who had spoken. He was about twenty eight/thirty years old with sandy hair and a bright smile. He was wearing slacks, a pale blue shirt and tank top. Daniel almost laughed... what a stereotype.

“Nice?”

“You’ll find us a friendly group. We are here to support each other in every way.”

Surprised again Daniel peered round at the group gathered on the remaining chairs. There were six of them; all male, aged from, he estimated, mid teens to forties. Half of them looked hyped and the other half doped. A merry bunch. Daniel smiled. He had been waiting for this, although he had not expected it to be so soon. Was it soon?

“How are you feeling Daniel?”

“Fucked up.”

“Please Daniel, we don’t use profanities here. We do not need the aid of vile language to express ourselves in the presence of friends and of the Lord.”

Daniel thought about it carefully, his mind dull and alien. He looked straight at the young man and smiled pleasantly. “You’re absolutely right.” The man beamed at him. “I don’t need to swear in front of my friends, although they are broad minded enough for me to be entirely free to do so if I wish. And as for God... well I don’t give a flying fuck for him.”

“Daniel.... please!” He sounded utterly shocked. Daniel simply shrugged and smiled. Nonplussed the man turned back to the group “Let’s get on with the session. Shall we start with introductions. My name is Ray and I am your counsellor and, I would like to think, your friend.”

Daniel snorted. “You can think what you like. Doesn’t make it so.”

“Daniel, you are new here and therefore a certain leeway is in order. However, I would ask you to respect the rules of circle in that we do not speak whilst others are speaking, your turn will come.”

Daniel shrugged and leaned back in his seat, letting his head fall back and closing his eyes. His mind was clearing and his body was slowly coming back under his control. He pondered his situation and tried to remember what had happened to him in the treatment room. He remembered nothing that happened after the drug took him. It was a curious thing, knowing he had been so completely helpless in the hands of people who had done things to his body and mind that he had no knowledge or memory of.

He was certain that something had happened, otherwise what would have been the point. If they were only going to drug him then they could have done that in his own room without the drama and yet, not only did he have no memory of it but he was not aware of any changes within him, mentally or physically other than the lingering effects of the drug. Curious.

He paid no attention whatever to what was going on around him, although he was aware of voices as first one and then another of the rag tag band introduced themselves and told their sad little stories. He let his mind wander, walking well worn paths through meditation exercises that made the time pass.

“Daniel.... Daniel?”

Raising his head and opening his eyes he saw that everyone was looking at him expectantly. Running his eyes around the expectant faces he was surprised and gratified to see barely disguised admiration in many of them.

“It’s your turn to speak Daniel.”

“That’s okay, I’ll pass.”

“That’s not an option Daniel. Participation in circle is mandatory.”

“So... what do you want me to say?”

“Introduce yourself by telling us a little about yourself and why you are here.”

“Okay, fine. I’m Daniel. I’m nineteen years old. I’m a law student and I am fabulous. I’m here because I fucked the wrong guy... well no... I fucked the right guy who was unfortunate enough to have the wrong parents who royally fucked me in return.”

“Daniel... please.”

Daniel sighed then smiled pleasantly at Ray and spoke slowly and clearly as if addressing a small child. “Look... let’s get one thing straight. I hate misunderstanding and confusion, especially amongst ‘friends’. I know the score, believe me I do. I have been around and I am neither naive nor stupid. You can drug me, ‘treat’ me, beat the crap out of me if you want to, and no doubt you will at every possible opportunity. However there is nothing... and I mean nothing that you can do to me that will make me deny who and what I am.

“I am not confused, not sick, not polluted and not evil. I am gay. It is not something I am proud of nor something I am ashamed of it is merely what I am. I’m here, I’m queer, get used to it.”

“Daniel, that is entirely inappropriate. You are never going to get better if you won’t let us help you.”

“I don’t need to get better, I am not sick. And as for being inappropriate.... you are scared shitless that what I say is going to undo all the harm you have done to these poor bastards whose only crime was to live their lives in fulfilment of the blueprint created by the Good Lord himself.”

“Daniel, be careful, be very careful, you flirt with blasphemy.”

“I’ll flirt with anything that stands still long enough.”

“Daniel, that’s enough. Many of those who come here are, at first angry and hit out in fear and pain at those who are trying to help them. They soon realise that this behaviour is futile and will ultimately only result in further pain.”

“So you’re telling me that if I don’t co operate you will hurt me.”

“That is not what I said at all. Don’t twist my words.”

“I’ll make a deal with you. I won’t twist your words if you won’t try to twist my mind.”

“Daniel, you are disrupting the group. Perhaps we have been somewhat premature involving you in group therapies at this stage. Clearly you are still deep in denial and not yet ready to work towards recovery.”

“I’m not denying anything. Well... apart from the fact that I am sick, which I’m not. You can’t ‘cure’ me of being who I am. Besides... I don’t want you to. I am perfectly happy being gay thank you very much. It’s the most natural thing in the world and I have no intention of changing, not for you, not for Mr & Mrs Stearn and most certainly not for God.”

“Daniel, that’s enough.”

“Yes... it is enough, quite enough. So leave me alone now. Let me go. Let me get back to my life and I will leave you alone to get back to yours.”

Ray was looking rattled. Of the six men around him Daniel noticed that at least three were sitting forwards in their seats, hanging on his every word, the looks in their eyes downright hungry. In particular a young man with floppy blonde hair and dull blue eyes was smiling broadly and actually caught his eye and winked at him. Ray looked around and noticed too.

“I think it might be better if you went back to your room now Daniel.”

“Sure. Suits me fine.”

Daniel got to his feet, barely even a little unsteady now and began to walk towards the door. “Wait.” He turned raising an eyebrow at Ray. “You don’t know where to go.”

“I’ll find my way.”

“Residents are not allowed in the corridors unaccompanied.”

“I’ll bet they’re not. No doubt someone will catch up with me eventually.”

Daniel left Ray shouting his name as he strolled out of the door and into the corridor. He picked a direction at random and began to walk. It took them seven minutes to catch up with him, he timed them, and when they did they were not happy. One of them was the first man he had met. Daniel greeted him warmly.

“Well hello. We meet again. Have you come to show me the way back to my room?”

“Shut the fuck up Owen and walk.”

“That’s not very friendly is it? I thought the policy of the place was not to use foul language among friends. I might start to think that you are not my friend after all.”

“Just move. Keep your mouth shut.”

“Strangely enough those are four words that I very rarely hear my boyfriend say... especially when I’m fucking him.”

“Are you looking for a beating Owen? I won’t tell you again... shut your stinking mouth.”

Daniel stopped walking and turned to lean casually against the wall, his arms folded. “I get the impression you really don’t like me very much. I can’t imagine why. Is it because you have the hots for me? Sorry to disappoint you but I’m taken. If I wasn’t I’d certainly take you for a test drive... you’re cute and clearly hot blooded.”

“Fuck you, you sick fag.” Still seeming completely at ease Daniel grinned at him but when, a moment late, he snapped and went for him Daniel moved light lightning and when the man hit the wall Daniel wasn’t there. By this time the other two men were on him, grabbing his arms. Daniel very easily twisted out of their grip, bringing them together, slamming into each other.

“Come on now boys, don’t take it personally. Can't we all just be friends?”

With a snarl the first man threw himself at Daniel again, and again Daniel evaded him sending him slamming into the wall. Again the two others came for him and again he slipped away from them at the last minute causing them to career into each other.

“I’m only playing with you boys, can’t you take a joke. I’m pissing myself.”

All three of them drew together, facing him, red faced and panting. Daniel was completely at ease, seeming calm, controlled and relaxed. Angry though they were all three of the staff knew full well that they were fighting a lost cause.

“Don't make us have to hurt you Daniel. Come quietly.”

“I am coming quietly. You are the ones who keep coming at me. I haven’t laid a finger on you. If you’ll just chill a bit and show me the way I’m quite happy to go back to my room.”

“Just move.”

“After you gentlemen. I have a thing about turning my back on my ‘friends’.”

After a brief pause the three men took off and Daniel followed obediently, smiling to himself. When they got to his room they opened the door and stood aside. As he walked past them one of them pushed him hard in the middle of the back sending him sprawling onto the floor. He half expected them to jump him but they simply slammed the door. Daniel picked himself up and sat on the bed smiling to himself. He knew he had made enemies and he knew that at some point he was going to be made to pay but for now... it was a small victory but it reinforced his self... for a while.