Deadly Games by Anthony Masters Page B

the last ounce of his strength. “Now you will believe us.” He closed his eyes against the pain of it all. It would be such a relief to slip under the water, which seemed much less cold now. All he wanted to do was to sleep. He
had
to sleep.
    â€œDavid!” yelled Jenny. “Hang on!”
    But he couldn’t. David’s hands slipped off the ladder and he disappeared slowly under the surface.
    The dark water took him and grew warmer, more comforting, as he sank deeper. He felt relaxed, at peace, and fully accepted that this was going to be the end. He would miss Jenny – but how deeply he wanted to sleep! The pain had gone and with it all his suffering.
    Then David felt strong hands under his arms and realised instinctively that this time there was no need to struggle. In seconds he broke the surface and to his amazement began to rise up the well shaft seemingly unaided. Darting a backward glance, David saw the cat floating up behind him, her body completely still, utterly trusting. He passed Sid on the ladder with Gumbo peeringfrom his pocket, and jenny, her eyes wide with incredulous relief
    Reaching the top of the well, David found himself set gently on the ground. Behind him he heard a faint mewing sound and saw the mother cat streak off into the undergrowth.
    Now freezing cold, with his circulation only just returning, David staggered back to the well and began to help Jenny and then Sid scramble over the top of the ladder. As he did so, David saw May and Leslie standing on the island. He had never seen them so clearly before. They were gazing up at him, holding hands, and for the first time they looked innocent and helpless: Then they faded away into nothing.
    Sid had lit another fire and its warm glow spread inside the twins, giving them an overwhelming sense of relief and well-being.
    â€œThey understand now,” said Jenny. “We broke down all the barriers they’d put up – I’m sure of that. Now they know how much you love them.”
    Sid nodded, while Gumbo stretched itself out in front of the flames, basking in the comfort of the fire, just as it had done in the sunshine of May’s and Leslie’s fantasy vision of summer.
    â€œThere’s something about that rat’s eyes,” muttered Sid. “Always thought they were familiar.”
    â€œFamiliar?” echoed Jenny.
    The twins gazed into Gumbo’s eyes.
    â€œMrs Garland,” Jenny exclaimed. “They’re Mrs Garland’s eyes.”
    The rat moved a little closer to the flames and they could smell the peppermint on its breath.
    Sid gave Gumbo an affectionate glance. “She’ll watch over the kids with me. I’ll be setting up house here now.”
    â€œWe must go home,” said David, getting up from the fire reluctantly and stretching. “We’ll have to think up something to tell our parents. They won’t believe any of this.”
    Jenny rose regretfully to her feet, knowing they wouldn’t be able to visit Sid in his new home, otherwise the jealousy might start up all over again. “What about your promise?” she demanded.
    â€œPromise?” He looked up at her vaguely.
    â€œYou said you’d go back to the hospital and get well again.”
    Sid spread his hands out to the blaze. “Things have changed,” he said. “Got to look after myself better now. Got responsibilities, like.”
    â€œYes,” Jenny replied. “You’re right about that.”
    â€œWill you let me off?”
    â€œLooks as if I’ll have to,” she said.
    The twins shook hands with Sid and the oldman seemed genuinely sorry to see them go. “Best of luck then,” he said.
    â€œYou’re going to need that,” replied David. “They’re a bit of a handful, those two.”
    â€œYeah, but I reckon I can sort them out now.”
    David and Jenny gazed back at the fire to see May and Leslie close by, holding out their