Page 80 of The Quarterlands (Dark Water #4)

He looked around as he entered. The courtroom was packed with reporters, so he was glad that he’d insisted his father and brother remain behind at The Orchard.

They’d both suffered enough from all the public interest. His gaze fell on a familiar face; Hudson Brink was sitting in the front row talking to someone from his entourage, looking impossibly handsome and extremely confident, his eyes hidden behind a pair of dark glasses, his ludicrously white teeth shining whenever he smiled.

The judge called the court to order. “Mr Lytton, you’ve served out your sentence delivered by this court for the crime you committed,” she said sternly, staring down her thin nose at him.

“Yes, Your Honour,” he said politely.

“We’ve all heard about the trials and tribulations you subsequently faced, and I’m sorry for it. This is not how the system should work, and we will do our best to remedy it.”

“Thank you, Your Honour, but in my opinion, it’s not fixable,” Alex told her firmly. “When life is cheap, and people are allowed unchecked power over others, there will always be corruption.”

She shot him a sharp look, and Joe nudged him with his foot, a gentle warning to keep his mouth shut to avoid getting into any more trouble.

“Well, I can see why you’d think so, but the IS system has kept the peace in this country for decades,” she told him. “And such peace is not something we should surrender lightly.”

Alex bowed his head meekly. He’d said his piece, even though he knew it wouldn’t make any difference. The cameras were on him, so at least his protest would be noted.

“Now, turning to the matter of your future…” She glanced down at her nanopad. “Tyler Tech has acknowledged that you were not treated properly in their care and have surrendered you back into the system. They will likely receive a substantial fine.”

Small comfort to him. Byrne had already told him that the fine money would go to the IS agency, not him. The system was always rigged against the indies.

“We’ve received a good deal of interest in your contract.

You’re a famous face and your story has attracted widespread attention.

However, our view was that Tyler Tech should not profit from your sale, and your contract has therefore been offered at the same price they paid for it.

We’ve received several bids of that sum and have weighed and considered each of them carefully.

” She peered at him over the top of her spectacles. Beside him, Alex felt Joe stiffen.

“And we’ve made a decision. Investigator Raine.” She turned to Joe.

“Yes, Your Honour.” He stood to attention like the old soldier he was.

“You are relieved of your duties and responsibilities as Mr Lytton’s temporary houder,” she informed him. “You may step down.”

“Yes, Your Honour.” He gave Alex’s hand a firm squeeze and then strode away, taking a seat in the front row. Alex suddenly felt very alone.

“Your new houder has requested anonymity, as is their right,” the judge told him. “I therefore transfer your contract into their keeping.” She entered her biosig into her nanopad.

There was a restless rustling among the media; this wasn’t what they wanted.

They wanted to know precisely who Alex’s new houder was, so they could run stories about them and dig up whatever dirt there was.

Alex understood their disappointment. He’d like to know, too.

But he was sure he’d find out soon enough.

“Now… you’ve been transferred.” The judge checked her screen. “And the money has been received, so that’s all complete.”

She was making too much of a meal of it for Alex’s liking, milking her moment in the spotlight. He wished she’d get on with it, so he could find out who owned him and what kind of service he’d be expected to provide.

“Now, as I said, the court examined all the applications. We were not prepared to get into a bidding war, as we felt that was inappropriate in the circumstances. So, the sole consideration was who would be the best houder for you. With that in mind, I can reveal that only one of your prospective purchasers wished to buy your contract with the sole purpose of releasing you.” She glanced around at the excited rustle that greeted this announcement.

“The paperwork for your release was submitted with the application, in the event that it was successful. I have that paperwork in front of me now, and I can confirm that it is all in order, and that you are now a free man.”

Alex blinked. “What?” he whispered.

“Your contract has been paid in full. You’re free to go.” She gave him an imperious stare. “You’re no longer an indentured servant, Mr Lytton. A medic will remove your chip before you leave.”

“But…” Alex looked around the court. “I mean… who do I have to thank for this?” He knew how much he was worth. Who on earth could afford to write off that kind of money?

“I’m afraid that information is sealed, by order of the court. Your last houder wishes to remain anonymous, even from you.”

That caused a huge buzz to go around the packed room. Alex stood there, bewildered. His legs almost gave way, and he held on to the desk in front of him for support. He was free? After all this time, all these years? Free?

He sought out Joe, looking for reassurance that he wasn’t dreaming.

Joe gazed back, his eyes shining, a broad grin on his face.

It was true! He really had been set free.

His gaze fell on Hudson Brink – had he bought his contract?

If so, why? Hud looked annoyed, though, his face creased into a disappointed frown.

Alex doubted he was a man much given to philanthropic gestures, so no, it wasn’t him.

“Now, please clear my courtroom. I have other cases to consider,” the judge ordered, and there was a sudden dash for the exit.

Alex went slowly, still trying to take it all in.

As soon as he stepped outside, he was surrounded by the media.

He made a brief, incoherent statement, and then the court medic approached to remove his microchip.

The gloomy grey day was suddenly lit up as hundreds of flash bulbs exploded to capture the symbolic moment – that would be the picture that would dominate all the news sites within minutes.

He looked down at the little puncture mark in his arm and found he almost missed the winking red dot of the microchip.

Several reporters pressed their nanocards into his hand, promising him huge sums of money for an exclusive interview, and then, finally, the crush died down and the crowd began to drift away.

Now what? Alex looked around for Joe and saw him, standing over to one side, his arms folded across his broad chest, looking on with a sense of quiet satisfaction.

Alex walked over to him, shaking his head in disbelief. “Can you believe it?”

“I’m so happy for you,” Joe exclaimed, enveloping him in a warm bear hug.

Alex clung on to his broad shoulders, still reeling.

“Are you okay?” Joe pushed him away, gazing at him searchingly.

“I don’t know. I can’t take it in.”

“You’ll get the hang of it.”

Alex looked around, still feeling utterly bewildered. “Who would do that for me? All that money!”

“It doesn’t matter. Everyone in the country heard your story, and someone obviously felt moved enough to ensure that your future is better than your past. That’s all that’s important.”

“But… what do I do next?” Alex asked. The world suddenly felt too big, and he felt lost in it.

“Whatever you damn well want.” Joe grinned. “And to get you started…” He held up the duck biokey. “Take this. I can walk to Inquisitus; it ’s only a few blocks away. You keep the duck. You’ll need a way to get around.”

“I can’t… it’s too much,” Alex stammered, feeling utterly unworthy of all the generosity he was receiving.

“Nonsense. It’s the least I can do.” Joe put his hands on his shoulders, gazing at him sternly. “Listen to me. I’ll always be here, if you need me, but give yourself a chance to discover who you are and what you want. You’re a free man now and can do whatever the hell you like.”

“I don’t know what that is,” Alex blurted, suddenly panicked.

“You’ll figure it out. In your own time. No obligations. No pressure. Whatever you choose, it’s your choice. That’s what freedom means.” He drew back.

“But what about us? You and me?” Alex whispered.

“Figure out Alex first and then we’ll see,” Joe said firmly.

“Sleep with other people if you want. The last thing you need is to be shackled to me right now.” His expression was pained as he said that, but his voice rasped with sincerity.

“Now, I’ve got to get back to work.” He leaned in and spoke fiercely into Alex’s ear.

“Go and live, Alex. Go and live.” Then he pressed a kiss to Alex’s cheek and turned to go, his long coat flapping elegantly around his ankles as he strode away.

Noah and Charles were waiting for him back at The Orchard.

They’d already heard the news and were in the driveway with balloons to welcome him home.

Alex had thought he was leaving this place for good just a few short hours ago, and yet here he was, reunited with his family again.

He felt too choked up to say anything. He just fell into their arms and let them hold him for a very long time.

He was finally home.