Premier Instinct

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CHAPTER 1

Sunday 14th June 2015

Luke groaned as he opened his eyes. He glanced towards the bedside clock and saw six a.m. beaming back at him. This was normally his favourite time of the day but not today, because today was his birthday. Luke eased himself slowly out of bed, taking great care not to wake his sleeping wife. He intended to get at least two hours to himself before the madness began. Luke didn’t totally dislike birthdays, in fact he usually looked forward to his own but this year Sue had decided that they were really going to push the boat out.

He pulled on a pair of shorts and a t-shirt and made his way quietly down to the kitchen. As he prepared his first cup of coffee of the day he looked around the once-serene garden and outbuildings. They were now filled with all manner of tents and pergolas – bunting and flags hung everywhere. He sighed as he poured his coffee, then he carried it outside towards the pool building. Luke changed into a pair of swimming shorts and prepared to begin the first of countless laps of the pool. His daily fitness routine meant that although today he was now officially 47 – Luke still had the physique and stamina of someone at least twenty years younger.

Luke slipped into the water and began moving slowly up and down the pool. This was usually the point at which he cleared his mind and started to meditate but not today. Today he had a lot on his mind and several images disturbed his concentration. His most immediate problem involved getting through the rest of the day without upsetting anyone – especially his wife. Sue meant well, she just wanted to celebrate what had been one of the greatest years of his life. However, after all this time she should really know that he would much prefer something quieter. And his second big headache was also linked to the previous 12 months – or more specifically, the man behind the previous 12 months.

Allegedly, Dr. Harry Green was supposed to be Luke’s best friend but Luke recently discovered that he didn’t really know his friend at all. 12 months ago, Luke had been a fairly happy, newly retired, IT consultant, looking forward to taking life at a more gentle pace. That was before Harry cunningly manipulated Luke into entering a world he could never have even dreamed about. Luke had been suspicious at first but everyone – Harry in particular – persuaded Luke to just go with the flow. So that’s what he did. And that’s what left him in the mess he was in today.

Just over a year ago, Luke completed the sale of his IT Company. However, one of the secret conditions of the sale had been that Luke would still run a clandestine, slimmed-down, version of his former enterprise. They would work exclusively for the government but he was told that would take up hardly any of his time. Then Dr. Harry Green intervened. Unbelievably Luke appeared to have won a competition he hadn’t even entered. Somehow he had become part of the playing squad of Wishton Clough FC. Wishton was a small town in North West Lancashire and the team were a middle-of-the-road Championship side. The role was purely a promotion stunt but unknown to everyone, Harry fixed the competition so Luke would win – and then he continued to meddle until Luke eventually got a game for the Wishton reserves. Then Harry broke the news to Luke about an amazing breakthrough in his Dementia research. He persuaded Luke to become part of his study group and subsequently injected Luke with a compound derived from an Amazonian plant extract.

The mysterious extract inexplicably appeared to affect Luke’s senses, consequently playing a great part in what happened in the following months. At first Harry seemed excited and explained that hopefully the experiment was affecting Luke’s cognitive development. Luke continued to participate in the program but abruptly, just two weeks ago – Harry revealed to Luke he hadn’t given him the plant extract after all – Luke had been part of the placebo group. Luke now didn’t know what to think – the only thing he knew for certain was that Harry Green had really messed with his life over the previous year.

However, as he swam up and down he admitted to himself that it had been an amazing few months. He had gone from being an anonymous computer nerd to playing for his home-town club at Wembley. It was too ridiculous to be true. He smiled as he swam – well at least Harry could do no more damage. Luke’s twelve month spell in the Wishton squad had come to an end and no way was anyone going to persuade him to get involved in any more crazy schemes. It was time to relax.

Luke cleared his head and for the next 30 minutes he entered an almost trance-like state as he powered up and down the pool. Finally he stopped and pulled himself out of the water. He moved through to a small room that was much warmer than the pool area. Luke moved through a series of stretches and exercises that worked every inch of his body. After another 30 minutes he headed through to a final room with a small plunge pool in the corner. Luke dropped quickly into the freezing water and stayed there for around 10 minutes, then he moved back into the main pool area.

He felt invigorated, almost ready to face the ordeal ahead of him. Luke quickly dressed and then took a bottle of water from a nearby fridge. He realised with a smile he was holding a bottle of TxT Plus – the drink had been closely linked with everything that had happened during the previous year. TxT Plus contained a derivative of the same plant extract that Luke had allegedly received. Luke sank back into one of the loungers around the pool. He took advantage of the solitude for a while longer and he flicked on the large TV on the pool wall. The channel was permanently tuned to a sports feed so he could always quickly catch up with what was happening in the world.

Inevitably the talk soon turned to football and then eventually to Wishton Clough. A few weeks earlier they had won the Championship play-off at Wembley to take them into the Premier League for the first time in their history. The town hadn’t stopped celebrating since. Luke should have been one of the happiest people on earth. Somehow – at the age of forty-six – he’d played for the team he had supported throughout his life. Not only that, he had helped them get into the Premier League! But Luke couldn’t shake off a niggling feeling he still didn’t know the full story. He was also concerned that he would still be under pressure to continue to be involved with Wishton in some capacity – and he was determined not to get sucked in again.

He was still pondering when he heard the pool door open. Looking up, he smiled when he saw Nell, their housekeeper, walking towards him with a tray.

Good morning Birthday Boy. she said happily.

Good morning Nell. Luke replied.

I thought you may be ready for a Birthday bacon butty! she grinned.

Wonderful! Luke licked his lips in anticipation.

Nell put the tray down at Luke’s side and he noticed there was also a steaming mug of coffee. He sniffed appreciatively.

That smells good – I didn’t realise how hungry I am!

Bet you can’t wait till the party starts? said Nell with a raised eyebrow.

You know me too well! groaned Luke. I can’t wait for it all to be over.

Nell studied Luke for a moment before she continued. You do realise that Sue and the kids mean well?

Of course – but why do we have to make such a fuss? It’s just another birthday! Luke continued to moan.

It’s not just another birthday – and you know that very well! scolded Nell. Sue whisked you away before you could celebrate winning at Wembley and she wants everyone to know how proud she is of her husband. It’s a double celebration. You need to look happy and try to appreciate what she is doing.

Luke felt guilty. I’m being a bit selfish aren’t I? he asked.

Nell nodded her head. All your family and friends have been invited, she said, plus your team mates and their families. They all want to thank you properly.

Then I guess I had better just suck it up and get on with it! Luke grinned.

Just as he finished speaking, the doors opened again and his wife and children appeared. Sixteen year old Lexi and fourteen year old Tom were carrying presents and Sue glanced nervously at Nell. Nell nodded slightly and Sue seemed to relax. Luke noticed the exchange of glances and he smiled to himself – he realised that Nell had been sent on ahead to test the waters.

Happy birthday dad! the teenagers shouted.

Sue gave Luke a tender kiss, Happy Birthday darling. she grinned.

That’s enough of that! Lexi grimaced – you are both now far too old for that kind of carry-on!

Sue threw a cushion at her disapproving daughter and Luke laughed. Never mind about that – let’s have a look at these presents!

The kids have a couple of presents to give you now – you’ll get your main presents later. Sue explained – as she moved slowly back towards the door.

Luke noticed her movement and wondered what was happening. Then he quickly realised that his children were trying to wind him up as he began to unwrap the brightly coloured parcels. The first contained a pair of slippers, the next a pipe and the third contained a walking stick.

Well, you did say you didn’t want any fuss, said Tom as he backed away and as you are now almost a pensioner – we thought you would appreciate these! With that he tried to race out of the room but Luke was too fast. He leapt to his feet and in one smooth movement he dragged Tom – fully-clothed – into the pool! Both rose laughing from the water as Sue and Lexi screamed and ran from the room. Nell laughed and shook her head. You’ll never grow up, Luke Linden, she said but you’d better get dried quickly. It may be your birthday but it’s still Sunday and you need to get to mass before all your guests start to arrive!

CHAPTER 2

For once, the Lindens didn’t travel on to Luke’s mothers after mass to eat Sunday morning breakfast. Instead they returned home to get ready for the party. As Luke turned into the lane leading up to their remote farmhouse he could see a cluster of vans parked on the long drive.

Seems that Nell’s been busy already. Luke murmured.

That looks like the caterers, the bar staff and the band. Sue replied.

Luke rolled his eyes – Sue caught him and she sniffed loudly. OK, OK, he grinned, I’ve promised to be on my best behaviour but surely I can have the occasional lapse! Sue shook her head in exasperation but as she turned away the children could see she was smiling.

Their large, black, four wheel drive car waited for the electric gate to open and then they passed along the lengthy drive, round to the back of the main house. Luke parked near the pool room.

Where are all the guests going to park? he asked.

Thankfully the weather is perfect, Sue replied, so they will be parking in the top field. If it had been wet they would have had to park along the drive and then walk up to the house.

Sue continued to point out what would happen during the rest of the day. She had explained it all many times during the last few days but she knew that Luke hadn’t been listening. No-one will need to go into the main house – everything will take place in and around the pool room and other buildings.

Luke could see that the pool had been covered over with the false floor and tables were being arranged by swarms of people. Someone was putting up signs directing the cars to the parking area and the band were tuning up under a large gazebo. Nell reappeared.

Everything seems to be under control, she announced, now you need to get ready to greet your guests.

We all have to get changed. Sue said.

Tom and Luke glanced at each other – before they could protest, Sue spoke again. No arguments – please get changed then we can all start to enjoy ourselves.

A few short minutes later Tom and Luke were back. Nell sighed when she saw how casually they were both dressed but she didn’t have time to argue with them, she would leave that to Sue. However, when Sue and Lexi reappeared a few minutes later – the boys were nowhere to be seen. Sue began to help Nell with all the last-minute preparations and Lexi seemed to vanish into the background.

Seconds later, the intercom from the gate sounded. Sue glanced towards the screen and saw it was the small coach they had hired to bring family members and close friends. She buzzed the driver through and a few minutes later the passengers were stepping down into the large courtyard between the house and the pool area.

Great idea this sis, said Rob – Sue’s younger brother, putting on a coach for us means we can have a nice drink!

Just as long as you behave yourself. replied Sue nervously, glancing towards Tracey, Rob’s wife.

Don’t worry, Tracey said, I’ll keep him under control.

And if she doesn’t – well then I will have to deal with him won’t I? announced another voice.

Hi Mum, Sue greeted her mother with a kiss.

Rob glanced at his mother, wife and sister and shook his head. Where’s the birthday boy hiding?

I’ve no idea. said Sue irritably, but he’d better get himself in here.

More people left the coach. Luke’s mum, Uncle Jack and his sister Janet and her family all waved to Sue. They were surrounded by other Linden cousins, nephews and nieces.

Hello Susan love. Luke’s mum greeted Sue with a hug. Where is he?

Missing as usual. Sue grumbled.

Do you want me to look for him? another familiar voice asked.

That might not be a good idea Uncle Harry, Lexi had re-appeared. for some reason you don’t seem to be his favourite person at the moment.

Doctor Harry Green laughed uneasily, Nonsense, he’s always glad to see me!

Sue raised her eyebrows as a warning. Perhaps you could help by getting your mother and everyone else from the coach across to the pool room? she asked, as she hugged Harry’s mother in greeting.

Harry frowned but took his mother’s arm and led everyone across to waiting refreshments. Sue spotted Lexi trying to disappear with them and grabbed her. Not so fast, she muttered, you need to find your father and get him here now – or else!

Lexi groaned but realised that her mother was slowly rising to the boil so she set off to look for her dad. The problem was that they lived on a former farm with many outbuildings – and Luke had been working to convert several of the buildings – he could be anywhere.

In the meantime, guests continued to arrive. Many of Luke’s former team mates from Wishton Clough had been invited. They were getting ready for pre-season training so most wouldn’t be drinking. This meant that the car park soon looked like a top-end car showroom. And still there was no sign of Luke…

Lexi threaded he way through the rubble and rubbish that surrounded some of the large buildings until she heard the faint sound of cheering. Moving towards the noise she soon realised that it sounded like a video game. She never usually came near this part of the farm – it was far too dirty for her liking. As she moved into one of the buildings she was astonished to find herself in a bright room with couches, a desk and a massive screen along one wall. The screen was filled with what appeared to be FIFA 2015 and Lexi realised that her dad and Tom were concentrating hard on trying to beat each other.

You have got to be having a laugh! Lexi said loudly, Mum is having a fit back up at the house and you two are playing video games!

Luke appeared to seem genuinely guilty but Tom just laughed. Chill sis, he said, we’ve nearly finished!

No, Lexi said angrily, this game is over. We have a house full of guests and you two are hiding away here enjoying yourselves. Does mum even know about this room?

Calm down Lexi, Luke said soothingly, we’ll head back with you now. We lost track of the time – no need to tell your mum about this place is there?

Lexi just turned on her heels and stormed back towards the pool room – Luke and Tom didn’t see the grin on her face! They quickly followed her back to the party and as they entered the room, Luke spotted Lexi talking animatedly to her mother. Across the crowded room Sue looked across at Luke and as she took in his appearance a look of horror crossed her face. Fortunately, before she could react, Luke was swallowed up in a tide of well-wishers.

First he was hugged by his mother and family and then his friends and former team mates were waiting to congratulate him. The Wishton Clough contingent was led by Sandy Dunbar, the team manager and most of last year’s team seemed to be in the room. Andy Tiler, the team captain, shook Luke’s hand warmly and the other players clapped him in the back and cheered. Normally Luke would have backed away from all this fuss but he was worried about what Sue would say to him so he felt safer in the middle of the scrum.

Also – strangely enough, Luke felt very happy. He was genuinely pleased to be surrounded by his friends and family. He realised that he had to apologise to Sue – but not just yet! Luke continued to work his way through the room – shouts of Happy Birthday followed his progress until he finally bumped into Tom.

Lexi’s ratted us out dad. he said unhappily. Mum’s had a right go at me – and it’s your turn next. She wants to know why we need another room with video games – and why did she know nothing about it?

Don’t worry Tom, Luke said, I’ll straighten things out with your mum. That room is going to be my new office – maybe I should have told her first but she’ll understand.

Tom didn’t seem convinced. I have to go and get changed into something more appropriate," he moaned.

Luke continued to mingle with his guests – making sure that everyone had a drink and that they knew where everything was. Finally, he turned to talk to someone else and found himself face to face with his wife. Hi darling, he smiled, fantastic party, I can’t thank you enough!

Sue smiled back at him, I’m glad you finally decided to put in an appearance! she said through gritted teeth. What the hell are you wearing? And I haven’t even started about the hidden games room yet!

Luke held his hands up. I’m sorry – I know how hard you’ve worked to set all this up for me, he admitted, I’ll be the perfect host from now on!

You’d better be! Sue hissed. As she turned away Luke didn’t see the twinkle in her eye.

Luke relaxed and stood in the courtyard to greet any latecomers. A familiar figure appeared before him.

Happy birthday Luke!

Thanks for coming Ed. Luke greeted the chairman of Wishton Clough.

What a year it’s been! Ed gushed, And hopefully there’s a lot more to come!

Hopefully you are right, Luke agreed, but as far as Wishton Clough is concerned – it won’t involve me.

Now, now Luke, said Ed soothingly, let’s not be rash – we haven’t had chance to sit down and talk since the end of last season.

Look Ed, I appreciate you coming along today but there’s nothing to talk about. Luke turned on his heels and walked back into pool room.

The first face he saw was Lexi – and she looked horrified. He turned to look what she was staring at and spotted one of the Wishton players – Rae Bradshaw. Rae was eighteen and Lexi had a massive crush on the young player. Over the last few months – with Sue’s approval – Rae had spent a lot of time at the Linden home but Luke saw it as his fatherly duty to protect his sixteen year old daughter from the older boy. Suddenly Luke noticed that Rae wasn’t alone – he had a pretty young blonde girl with him. Luke realised why Lexi was looking so annoyed. He moved towards Rae.

Happy birthday Luke, Rae said, I’m sorry we are late – this is my cousin, Amy – I hope you don’t mind me bringing her along?

No problem Rae, no problem at all, the more the merrier, Luke smiled, glad you could make it.

Luke glanced down and noticed Tom standing by his side, listening intently. Excuse me Rae, Amy – I just need to talk to Tom.

Are you thinking what I’m thinking? Luke asked Tom.

Oh yes, grinned Tom, payback time!

They both moved towards Lexi – she grabbed at her father as they approached. Who is she? she seethed.

Who do you mean? Luke asked innocently.

That slapper with Rae – I saw you talking to him!

Lexi – you don’t even know her, that’s a bit rough! Luke scolded, Actually she seems very nice.

Her name’s Amy – he met her on holiday. said Tom innocently. They seem very close.

Lexi slammed down her drink and stormed from the room. Luke’s mother realised something was wrong and quietly followed her. Tom and Luke shared a glance. You do realise how much trouble we are in now? Luke pointed out.

Tom shrugged. No-one likes a grass, dad. he said solemnly – but with a hint of a grin!

Luke turned and walked straight into a familiar figure.

I wondered where you were hiding! Luke scowled.

I thought I would let you get into the party mood. said Harry. We need to talk.

CHAPTER 3

There’s nothing to talk about. Luke said brusquely, Speaking with you these days is like dealing with Machiavelli!

What’s Machiavelli? asked Tom as he passed.

It’s not a what – it’s a who! said Luke in exasperation, What the hell do they teach you at school these days? Machiavelli was an unscrupulous character often associated with deceit and deviousness.

Tom just shrugged his shoulders and walked away with a mouth full of sandwich. Harry looked pained. That’s harsh. he said.

But true. Luke said simply.

Harry sighed. Come on Luke, he pleaded, you’ve just had the best year of your life – mainly because of me but you’re still angry!

You spent 12 months lying to me and you wonder why I’m upset!

Calm down Luke, Harry urged, you know everything I did was done with purely the best of intentions – and you know the main reason why.

Luke hesitated, he grudgingly agreed to himself that Harry had acted with no thought of personal gain – everything had been done in the search for a cure for dementia. Alzheimer’s caused the death of Harry’s father and he now dedicated his life to the search for a cure. Harry discovered that a fruit from the Amazon basin seemed to have great potential. He’d set up a study group and persuaded Luke to be part of the experiment. Luke was been injected with the plant extract and then given daily doses of the same extract in an energy drink. Luke was convinced that the treatment heightened his senses and was shocked when Harry had recently told him that he’d been part of the placebo group.

Harry tried again. Listen, I know that today isn’t the time or the place to discuss everything you have been through but we do need to talk. How about tomorrow?

Luke nodded reluctantly.

In the meantime, can we at least pretend to be friendly? asked Harry.

Luke smiled. No need to pretend. he said gruffly as he shook Harry’s hand.

Harry visibly relaxed. Thanks Luke – happy birthday.

Suddenly, Luke spotted that Lexi was happily talking to Rae and his cousin. Lexi noticed Luke watching her and the smile disappeared from her face. She turned to look across the room towards her mother and grandmother, both of whom were speaking quietly to Tom. Luke realised that Tom had gone pale and without warning, all three turned to look in his direction.

I think I need to make myself scarce for a while. Luke muttered to Harry.

Just as he turned to move away, he came face-to-face with Sandy and Ed.

Luke, Sandy began, we know our timing isn’t great but we really need to have a quick word with you.

Why does everyone suddenly feel the need to talk? Luke joked weakly, trying his best to move away.

Unfortunately, he wasn’t quick enough and felt a familiar hand on his shoulder. Sorry to interrupt gentlemen, said Luke’s mother, but I need a quick word with my son.

Can’t it wait for a few minutes mum? Luke smiled, I’m in the middle of an important conversation with Ed, Sandy and Harry.

Well, they can stay and listen if you like. Perhaps they will be interested to hear how you and your son upset Lexi so much that we just found her sobbing in her room? said his mother grimly.

As soon as the words were out of his mother’s mouth the three men turned and bolted for the other side of the room. They watched from a safe distance as Sue and Luke’s mother had a one-sided conversation with Luke. Neither woman raised their voices but it seemed obvious Luke was receiving a severe telling-off. After a relatively short space of time the talking stopped and Luke was left shaking his head. He moved across to Sandy and the others. Thanks a bunch! he said.

Sorry Luke, Harry answered for all of them, I’m not going up against Sue and your mother – what have you done this time?

Luke grinned sheepishly and explained the trick he and Tom had pulled on Lexi. The three men groaned in unison. Are you mad? asked Ed, I know nothing about women but even I know that’s definitely a bad thing.

It seemed a good idea at the time but I feel terrible now. Luke admitted. And to make matters worse I think my mother has just grounded me!

There was silence for a second or two then all four men burst out laughing. Luke then noticed another group of people walking across the courtyard. Excuse me gents – looks like some more guests are arriving.

He smiled broadly as he walked to greet the group. Toby, he grinned, It’s been too long! He wrapped himself around a chubby middle-aged man who seemed equally happy to see Luke.

And Charlotte, Luke continued, great to see you and the girls, let me find Sue.

Toby DeCourt had been Luke’s business partner for many years until they sold their IT Company the previous year. It had been almost six months since Luke had seen Toby, his wife Charlotte and their two young daughters. Retirement seems to be suiting you, Luke joked – as he patted Toby’s expanding waistline.

Toby tried to suck his stomach in but he laughed, Never been happier! he said as he put his arm around Charlotte. And I could say the same about you – if the last 12 months is anything to go by then retirement is the best decision you ever made!

Luke smiled ruefully. Don’t believe everything you hear.

Toby grinned back. We’ve got a surprise for you. He turned to look at two more men walking across the courtyard.

Alex! Luke shouted happily, I certainly didn’t expect to see you here today!

The two men embraced and then stood back to look at each other. Alex was an old friend from Luke’s university days – he was also Lexi’s godfather and Toby’s brother.

I believe you have met Brad before, Alex motioned towards his companion.

Great to see you again Luke! Brad boomed out the greeting in a broad American accent. I apologise for turning up uninvited but Alex insisted.

It’s not a problem, Luke assured them, always great to see you. Let’s go inside and get everyone something to eat and drink.

The small group were warmly greeted by Sue and the rest of the family. The children were whisked away to join the dozens of other kids who were enjoying a children’s entertainer and the adults were soon sat in the sun chatting and listening to the band. After a few hours Sue caught up with Luke. Enjoying yourself? she asked.

It’s fantastic! he replied, I’m sorry I ever doubted you about this party. And I’m also sorry that Tom and I upset Lexi – we took a joke too far – we’ll make it up to her.

Sue stared at Luke for a few seconds before she began to giggle. What have I said now? demanded Luke.

Nothing, said Sue, it’s just that Lexi was never upset! I hope I have taught her well enough never to cry over a boy. No, she was furious when she thought that Rae had brought his new girlfriend here but when I spoke to Rae and discovered the truth, we decided to turn the tables and play a little trick on you and Tom.

But my mother tore a strip off me! Luke stuttered.

Yes and she enjoyed every minute of it! Sue laughed. She said that you need taking down a peg or two occasionally!

Luke protested then changed his mind and laughed. Well, I have to hand it to you – both Tom and I were completely fooled.

But the party is going well isn’t it? asked Sue.

It’s fantastic. Luke replied, You’ve all worked very hard, I’m an extremely lucky man.

I’m glad you’re happy because now you have to make a speech. Sue suddenly announced.

Before Luke could react, Sue crossed to the middle of the pool room and clapped her hands to get everyone’s attention. Could everyone please listen for a moment? she shouted. I want to thank you all for joining us today to celebrate Luke’s 47th birthday. She was interrupted by a mixture of cheers and jeers at the mention of Luke’s age. OK, OK, she laughed, I know that I am married to an old man – but I think it’s time we heard from the birthday boy himself!

The band stopped playing and all the guests drifted inside to listen. Luke stepped into the middle of the room. First of all, I have to echo Sue’s comments. Many, many thanks to you all for making the effort to get here today, some of you have come a very long way. He looked towards Alex, Toby and their group. Luke continued, Although this is mainly a party to celebrate my increasing rush towards infirmity – it’s also another opportunity to celebrate what we all achieved last year. At this point a great cheer filled the room. Sue rushed me away straight after the final whistle at Wembley – with my full approval – so it’s nice to see everyone together again. That’s all I have to say really, apart from thanking Sue, Nell and anyone and everyone who worked so hard to set this up. Thank you – and please carry on enjoying yourselves!

Just as Luke moved away from the centre of the room a voice called out. What about next season? Luke strained to see who had shouted the question but within seconds the room was filled with people asking the same thing. Luke seemed slightly flustered but refused to comment – he just waved his hands and walked out into the courtyard. He turned to find Sue following him. You’ll have to answer them eventually you know. she said simply.

There’s nothing to answer, Luke grimaced, I was involved for 12 months and now it’s over. I won’t embarrass anyone by trying to drag this out.

Sue shrugged but before she could answer there were sounds of an argument from inside. Luke and Sue moved towards the noise and they both groaned when they saw Uncle Jack and Brad Carson speaking animatedly.

Calm down old-timer, Brad boomed, I’m sorry if I have upset you – I was only trying to compare American Football with soccer.

There is no comparison you idiot. Jack snorted. There is only one kind of football. What you refer to as American football is not even a very good game. The tiny minority of Americans who know there is a world outside your borders may have noticed that no one else plays American football. Real football does not involve stopping for a rest every twenty seconds or wearing full Kevlar body armour. Stick to playing baseball – having said that, it’s ridiculous to hold an event called the World Series for another game that’s not even played outside of America! And another thing – we all know that baseball is really a girls’ game called rounders!

Jack sat back in his chair to a round of applause and cheers. Brad was not to be deterred – he tried manfully to put forward a counter-argument but he was steered away by Alex. Any chance of a quick tour around the property? Alex pleaded with Luke. Luke grinned and led them away towards the cluster of buildings at the rear of the property. As they walked away Luke could hear his mother and Sue scolding Jack for insulting a guest. Jack just smiled happily.

Luke led the two men on a long route along the edge of the property until they were at a side door of the main house. He unlocked the door with a combination of biometric scanner and number lock and all three men walked silently through the house until they reached Luke’s study. They entered the room and Brad and Luke turned to face each other. They then burst out laughing and fell into a fierce bear hug.

CHAPTER 4

How do you keep up that act? Luke asked, It must be difficult playing such a larger-than-life character?

Brad just grinned and then he replied in a lower voice – with only a trace of a US accent. In my line of work it’s easier to hide in full view! No-one worries about a big, loud American. Strangely enough, they all seem to eventually leave me alone.

Luke nodded and grinned. Well, it’s great to see you again but I must admit that I was very surprised when you appeared with Alex today. How long are you in the country for?

I’m helping Alex set something up. Shouldn’t take too long and then I will be off on my travels again. Brad replied vaguely.

Luke thought back to the first time he had met Brad. Luke had been working in the UK embassy in Havana and one night he was surprised when Alex appeared in a bar in the centre of the city – together with Brad. At first Luke wasn’t happy to be in the