Lady of Greystoke (Sequel to "At all costs")

The plan

Late that evening Alice let herself fall onto the dirty, creaking little cot they had given her to sleep on, overwhelmed by exhaustion. After crying her eyes out in terror, she had changed herself into the dirty clothes they had provided her with and rushed downstairs. She had met many Lords and rich business men. She knew how some of them treated their white servants, and she did not want to imagine how she would be treated if she did not obey. The man she was forced to work for was strong and vile. He looked like he had once been a soldier, strong scars visible on his face, and his strong shoulders and arms still visible under his clothes. His physique was somewhat like that of her father, but where her father's eyes bore an air of kindness and love, the eyes of these man had not the slightest hint of kindness. She soon found out he had a mean streak and took enjoyment from hurting his staff, when a young girl, only about 13 years old, had spilled some water, and he had beaten her until her face had swollen. It made Alice shudder, and the hairs on her neck stand up.

Now, laying on the cot, in the cold attic she shivered from the cold, and thought of home. She knew her father must have found out hours ago that something was wrong. He'd know that she was missing. And she knew, he would not give up until he found her. The men who had brought her here would regret their actions, but when, she did not know. It could be weeks, even months before they had found her. She dared not to think for the worst, that it would take years, or that she would never be found. But most importantly it was she would not forget who she was. She took a deep breath and repeated to herself.

'I am Alice Catherine Clayton, My mother is Lady Jane Greystoke, my father is John Clayton III, Earl of Greystoke, also known as Tarzan, Lord of the apes. My family will not give up, And I will be rescued.'

As she repeatedly mumbled the words to herself, she eventually fell into a slumber.

It was quite early in the morning when Christopher walked into the big hall of Greystoke Manor. He was quickly met by Hercules, the German Shephard. Most people absolutely hated the dogs, thought they were dangerous, his father however liked having them around, he still sometimes felt he could communicate better with animals than humans. Christopher had always liked the dogs, they loved running around and playing, and were protective towards him and his siblings. He kneeled in front of the dog and rubbed its head.

'Morning Hercules.' He mumbled as he scratched behind the dog's ears. 'Haven't seen you in a while, now have we.' He smiled as Hercules wagged his tail en rubbed his head against Christopher's chest. 'I have missed you too.'

Then suddenly Hercules pulled away from Christopher, his entire body tense, ears turned up, fully aware of his surroundings. He relaxed when footsteps audibly came closer. Christopher looked up as his father rounded a corner and stepped into the hallway.

'Christopher.' John sounded exhausted, as if it was relief his son had come back home. Christopher knew his father probably had slept very little, trying to figure out how to get his sister back. When late last night he received his father's telegram, he had nearly dropped his glass in surprise. The thought that anyone would hurt someone as kind as Alice, disgusted him. So when his father had asked for his assistance, he hadn't hesitated for a second.

'How are you, Father?' He asked, aware that when his father worried it often overtook his entire being. Leaving him to ignore aspects like sleep or personal hygiene, and running solely on adrenaline.

'I have been better, but your mother is stubborn enough to ensure I still eat, bathe and try to sleep. Although I fear, I spent most the night fully awake.'

Christopher nodded in understanding. 'So, how can I help, father?' He asked as the two men slowly walked towards John's office. Hercules following their track.

'For now, I would like to ask for the help of your brother in law.' John sat as he sat down in the leather chair behind his desk.

'Charles?' Christopher asked somewhat surprised. 'What could he do? He is a private detective specialized in spying on people to retrieve information.' Christopher sat opposite his father, Hercules lying at his feet.

'Alice received a note from William, asking her to meet her at the Mayville bridge, it was there that she was taken, but William had never sent the message. William has a slight suspicion his parents might have had something to do with it, as they have never approved of their friendship, and they have both disappeared on a holiday very suddenly. I would like to ask Charles to find them, and see if there could be any truth to this suspicion.'

Christopher nodded. 'I will make sure I notify him.'

'In the mean time I will get help from doctor Williams and Scotland yard.'

Christopher nodded. 'Father... What will you do when you find the man who did this?'

John looked down, avoiding his son's gaze. 'Christopher, I think we both know what I will do to the man who did this if I get my hands on him. I promise you, he will get what he deserves. I will not rest, until it is done.'