Moonlight Secrets (#2 Penderry's Bizarre)

Chapter Twenty

Jim awoke to the low hum of electricity. Two blurred figures stood in front of him, one leaning down to peer at his eyes. Singh and his assistant snapped into focus and Jim tensed.

"Awake at last, Mr Penderry," said Singh, standing straight.

The prince's hair was a mess, and he wore an Indian suit, torn at the shoulder; quite different to the neat English clothes he'd worn back in London. It struck home that Jim was in Singh's domain now. Midday sun seeped through the shuttered windows, casting patterns of light across the science classroom. Jim assumed they were in an empty part of the college. His satchel and rifle were on the floor in the corner, along with Westman's pistol. He tried to rub his sore head, but discovered his wrists bound with electrical wire and tied to the armrests of a chair. A cable across his chest ensured his chair remained back to back with Westman's. But most daunting of all were the wires and spring-loaded clamps attached to his and Freddie's fingers.

"I won't lie," said Singh, "I'm surprised to see you both here, thousands of miles from home. You must have really enjoyed my lecture at the science fair."

"Your lecture was mediocre," replied Westman. "Without a lovely assistant you would have lost the crowd."

Singh smirked. "Did you hear that, Gupta? I think he likes you."

Gupta grunted.

"I was referring to Miss Penderry," said Westman.

"Of course, of course. I remember her. She looked good enough to eat." Singh rolled a stick of chalk between his fingers. "Since you're both returning patrons, I've planned a special demonstration for you. The effects of electricity on the human body."

Jim flexed his fingers, trying to wriggle out of the clamps, but it was futile.

Singh placed a stool beside them and sat. "I was very disappointed to learn that you came here with the British military. Gupta took a peek outside just now. Your two friends are running around the bazaar as we speak, searching for us. But I think we are quite safe in here. Now, I'm going to ask you some questions, and if you lie or refuse to answer you will receive an electric shock."

Gupta moved to stand by a control box covered with switches and dials, and the hum of electrical current rose when he turned a dial. His fingers hovered over a switch.

Singh leaned forward, his eyes in shadow. "You know what we are, don't you?" His irises glowed yellow. "I don't mind which of you answers. Please don't be coy."

Jim was reluctant to answer a single one of Singh's questions, but it occurred to him he could pry information from his captor. "You're a werewolf."

"Yes," said Singh. "If you know this, I must assume your friends from the British army do too. Correct?"

"They're aware that your family have hidden their true nature for a long time, offering false protection to the people of Shamki village in exchange for their wealth. You've robbed them for years and killed countless innocent people. Yes, they're aware of your secret, and your horrifying crimes."

"I see." Singh, rubbed his chin. "And what are the military planning to do about it?"

"Well, that depends."

"On what?"

"On whether you've harmed Miss Spencer and Anju."

Singh regarded him thoughtfully for a moment. "So that's why you're here. Of course, I should have realised. Miss Spencer. You had her handkerchief that evening and kindly led me to her house. She's a friend of yours."

Jim's calm evaporated. "Where is she?" he snapped.

"She's alive, for now. Tell me about the army. Are they arranging an assault?"