Chapter Fifteen
Andy made himself comfortable in the Red Room. He sat in a chair by the fire with the day’s news spread on a nearby table and smiled at the two elderly men sitting on the opposite side of the fire. Sir Henry and Hugo, having enjoyed a liquid lunch, were discussing Lucinda’s art class.
‘Marvellous session,’ Sir Henry said.
‘I thought it would be all fruit and flowers,’ Hugo replied. ‘I’d no idea we’d get a full-frontal.’ He looked at Andy and asked, ‘Will you be joining us for future classes?’
‘No, art’s not for me.’
Sir Henry reached for his cane and leaned heavily as he stood. ‘Excuse me, gentlemen,’ he said, ‘call of nature.’
Andy watched the old man move slowly out of the room. He looked at Hugo. ‘I prefer a bit more excitement online.’
‘Never had much to do with computers,’ Hugo said. ‘Always steered away; I had a secretary to deal with that sort of thing.’
‘Really? You should get up to date; it’s how the world works these days. There’s everything you could possibly want online and you can use one here. I understand that there’s a class that teaches the basics.’
‘What’s the benefit then?’ Hugo raised a bushy eyebrow.
‘Chat-rooms, making contacts, that sort of thing.’
Hugo looked puzzled but Andy had piqued his interest.
‘It’s easy to find a bit of action, if you know what I mean.’ He leaned forward and made a crude hand-gesture.
‘I say, old son,’ Hugo said, sitting up, ‘do you mean what I think you mean?’
‘All very discreet of course, no one can trace anything.’
‘But there would be a full class of beginners?’
‘I can help you use a computer out-of-hours.’
‘Not sure I’d know where to start.’ Hugo frowned.
‘I could show you and make sure nothing is traceable.’
‘I’d be interested in giving it a go. Keep abreast of things and all that.’ It was Hugo’s turn to wink.
They heard voices in the hall. Guests were heading to the lounges to relax after classes. Hugo leaned forward and, in a conspiratorial tone, whispered, ‘Can you set something up?’
‘It would be my pleasure.’ Andy picked up his paper. ‘Go to the IT class this afternoon and I’ll meet you later.’
Like taking candy from a baby! With a grin, he sat back to relax for the rest of the morning.
* * *
The computer room was dark and empty. The current group of IT enthusiasts, eager to learn how to silver-surf, had ended their day by mid-afternoon and were now enjoying afternoon tea in the Green Room.
Mature students, who’d bypassed new technology, were enthralled with the opportunities offered on the internet and the vast amount of information so readily available.
Over mouthfuls of warm scones spread generously with jam, they chatted and shared websites and didn’t notice Hugo, a new member of the group, slip away.
Hugo hurried through the garden. His brother was taking a pre-dinner nap and there was time to grab an additional hour on a computer. He doubled-back to the classroom in the courtyard and smiled when he saw Andy waiting by the door.
‘All ready for you,’ Andy said.
‘Managed to get a key?’
‘No problem.’ Andy strode ahead of Hugo and, turning his back, used a specially adapted tool. Within seconds, the door was open. He flicked a light, then pulled out a chair for Hugo who shrugged off his jacket and sat down.
‘I’ve found a site that will suit you.’ Andy logged onto the open network and a screen popped up.
‘I say, old chap . . .’ Hugo’s mouth dropped as he stared at the images.
‘Use the cursor and see if there’s anything to your liking.’ Andy was surprised that Hugo was able to easily negotiate the website and he pulled up a chair.
Hugo’s eyes lit up. The website was a winner!
That afternoon, while Hugo was at the IT class, using images that he’d copied from several risqué sites, Andy had built a site and uploaded it to a temporary server.
Adding captions to encourage Hugo, the website was custom-made to fulfil Hugo’s earthy fantasies but little did he know that he was the only voyeur.
‘Do the ladies ever interact?’
Andy smiled. This was easier than he’d anticipated. ‘If you read the small print, it tells you to post a photograph and then you can start an online chat.’
‘How the devil can I do that?’
‘There’s a camera on my laptop.’
Hugo looked puzzled. ‘Camera?’
‘It might be better if you used my laptop in the privacy of your room.’
‘Damn decent of you. Would you mind?’
‘We men must stick together.’ Andy stood up and slapped Hugo on the back. He’d heard footsteps outside and was keen to clear their browsing history. ‘Let me log off for you.’
Hugo grabbed his jacket and watched Andy’s fingers fly over the keyboard. In seconds the screen was blank and all data removed.
‘Probably best if we set this up when Sir Henry is otherwise engaged.’ Andy ushered Hugo out of the room.
As they stepped into the courtyard, the pair collided with Bob.
‘I didn’t know there was a class at this time of day,’ Bob said. ‘I was taking a stroll before dinner.’
‘Hugo left his jacket, we came back to get it.’
‘Yes, it was forgetful of me.’ Hugo held out a pile of tweed, giving Andy an opportunity to lock the door with his illegally adapted key. Another valuable trick he’d learnt in prison.
‘It’s nippy out here.’ Andy turned to face Bob. ‘Make sure you button your coat.’ He took hold of Hugo’s elbow and walked away.
‘Do you think he suspects?’ Hugo asked as they hastened along.
‘Not at all. Would you like to meet up again tomorrow?’
Strike while the iron is hot!
‘Henry has booked us on the Indian dinner outing but I can always cry off.’
‘Me too.’ Andy remembered that there was a trip arranged to a local restaurant and many of the residents would be out for the evening. ‘I’ll bring my laptop to your room.’
‘Now, that’s something to look forward to.’ They’d reached the hotel and Hugo made a beeline for the bar. ‘Care to join me for a bracer?’
‘I don’t mind if I do; I’ll have a large scotch.’
As Hugo ordered their drinks, Andy looked at the clock above the bar and realised that he hadn’t got long.
He’d arranged to meet Kate in her room for a pre-dinner drink and whatever else was on offer.
He thought of her creamy white skin and inviting smile and decided that it would be good to celebrate his successful day.
With the additional con nicely in place, Andy felt a surge of excitement.
He wouldn’t need the help of a line of coke, nor a little blue pill to satisfy Kate and he might even enjoy the experience.
Hugo appeared with two large drinks. ‘Cheers,’ he said. ‘To excitement!’
Andy returned Hugo’s toast, his dark eyes shining. ‘To excitement,’ he replied, ‘in whatever form it may take.’