Chapter 10: Victoria Schormann

Ashford, evening: Wednesday, September 17th

‘Enjoy supper?’ Seth leaned back in an old armchair in the corner of the small room.

Victoria nodded. She hadn’t; the thick green soup had tasted odd and the doughy brown bread was lying like a lump in her stomach.

‘Great. I’ll just run things past you so you’ll know the ropes and then you’ll show me what you’ve brought with you?’

Although his words ended as a question, she had the feeling it wasn’t a choice. Perched on the edge of the wooden chair by the door, she clutched the rucksack closer to her.

If he noticed, he said nothing. ‘It’s late, so you’ll want to get to bed.’

‘Whenever you do,’ she said. It was exciting to know that they would be sleeping together just like a proper couple. His next words shocked her.

‘You’ll be in the dorm with all the other single girls—’

‘What? I thought—’

He carried on as though she hadn’t spoken. ‘There’s only a few things to remember, Summer. They’re not rules … just stuff to show we care for one another.’

A tremor of anxiety ran through Victoria. ‘I thought you said there were no rules.’

‘I’ve just said, Summer, they’re not rules.’ He laughed but it sounded a bit forced to Victoria. ‘If there weren’t some guidelines there’d be bloody chaos. No, it’s easier if we all stick to what we’ve agreed.’

‘Who’s “we”, Seth?’ Victoria didn’t like the sound of anything he’d said so far. He hadn’t told her she’d be sleeping in a room with any other girls. Or that there’d be any rules – however he dressed it up. Guidelines – how stupid is that, she thought.

He passed his hand over his forehead, shielding his eyes. When he spoke his voice was weary. ‘Me. The members of the group, Summer… They agreed I should lead long ago.’ He looked at her. ‘It’s cool if you’re having second thoughts about being with us. If it’s not your bag—’

‘No…’ Victoria swallowed against the tension in her throat. She was being daft. It would be great once she settled. ‘No, of course not.’ It was all strange, she thought; she had to give her new life a chance. ‘I think you’re right, I am tired.’

‘Sure you are.’ His smile was such a relief to Victoria. When he stood up and walked across the room to her she held up her hand and let him tug her to her feet. ‘Let’s go find your bed.’ He took her rucksack from her. ‘Leave this here for now.’

He made love to her gently. Afterwards, when she felt him move off the bed she protested, softly.

‘Sshh, I’ve got things to do,’ he murmured. ‘You get some kip. Okay? I’ll be back.’

She was almost asleep when she heard a rustling at the side of her bed. ‘Seth?’

‘No, it’s Amber.’ She was a tall, slender shadow in the gloom of the dorm. She’d changed from jeans and top into a long flowing dress. ‘I’ve unpacked your things. And here’s your nightwear.’ The annoyance was quick in Victoria; what bloody cheek, going through her stuff. Before she could say anything, Amber had gone.

Victoria turned on her back and opened her eyes wide, trying to see her surroundings. There was only the one wide doorway at the far end of the room. No door. The ceiling was a long way above her head. The window behind her was a long, un-curtained rectangle divided into two panes of grimy glass. A half-moon slipped in and out from behind thin streaks of pale grey clouds.

When she heard the chatter of girls coming up the stairs to the dorm she closed her eyes, pretending to be asleep, even when three of them came to her bedside.

‘New girl.’

The voice was soft. Scottish?

‘Looks nice.’

No accent as far as she could make out.

‘Pretty.’

Victoria almost giggled. Almost. She changed it into a quiet snore.

‘Leave her alone and come to bed.’

That sounded like the older woman, Chrystal. Victoria didn’t know how she felt about the air of authority held in the tone of her voice.

In the end, despite the unusual sounds around her and the shadows of the clouds playing on the wall opposite her bed, Victoria slept.

It wasn’t until a couple of days later that she discovered her family photos were missing.