The Circle Line Read Online Free PDF Page A

had been wearing. His black hair was plastered across his head, wet and shiny.
    The man held Sam's gaze a moment longer, his fixed grin immobile under his pale pointed nose. Then he strode towards Sam, a single hand extended. Sam looked at the hand, unsure. The man gave a small nod of encouragement and Sam reluctantly put out his own hand and they shook a limp clammy handshake.
    ‘Fiddler.’ said the man. Still the grin did not move. Sam was confused for a moment until a business card appeared in his hand almost magically. It read ‘Adrian Fiddler & Co. Solicitors’ and gave an address in central London.
    ‘Oh, er, Hain.’ said Sam.
    ‘Yes, I know.’ said Mr Fiddler, his smile slipping momentarily. ‘I'm here to execute your grandfather's will.’ He brought his other hand from behind his back and held out a package wrapped in thick brown paper. Sam's name was written on the paper in black felt tip. It looked like his grandfather's handwriting. Sam held it for a moment, running a finger over the lettering. The package had the feel of a medium-sized hardback book.
    ‘Well, aren't you going to open it?’ said Mr Fiddler, a thin line appearing on his forehead. He was practically drooling with anticipation, leaning over Sam on the tips of his toes.
    ‘Um, not just yet.’ said Sam, unzipping the rucksack he had brought and placing the package into a hidden inside pocket. He did not want to open it now. His feelings were just too raw, and he certainly didn't want to open it in front of this irritating, grinning man. Sam just wanted to be alone.
    ‘It's been in our possession for some time now.’ said Mr Fiddler. ‘It came to us in quite, uh, unusual circumstances.’ He was clearly frustrated that he was not going to get to see the contents.
    ‘Oh right.’ said Sam ‘Well, thanks very much.’ He zipped his bag closed and slipped one arm through a strap. If he was not going to get to be alone here then he would find somewhere else.
    Mr Fiddler twisted his hands and looked sideways at the floor as if he was trying to think of something else he could say to prolong the conversation, but Sam got up and began to walk away, towards the door, leaving the man to stare at his back, his grin gone and frustration etched upon his features.
    ‘Wait.’ called Mr Fiddler, ‘I almost forgot.’ He scurried towards Sam, pulling a sheaf of pages from an inside pocket. ‘You need to sign these papers, young man. You are now the sole owner of your grandfather's home and his possessions. He left it all to you.’
    ‘What?’ asked Sam, dumbfounded. He had not thought about what would happen to all the things that his grandfather had owned.
    ‘Yes,’ said Mr Fiddler, ‘Quite the surprise, eh? Just sign here and here’ he said, directing Sam to the appropriate places on the paperwork.’ You know we would be happy to continue acting for your family’ he added ‘We’ve been solicitors to your grandfather for some time.’
     
    Ferus crept from his hiding place at the edge of the woods to peer at the house. He was pretty sure that this was the right place. He would have to check. It seemed deserted. There were no lights on and no sign to suggest that the boy was there. He pushed the hood of his black robe back from his face with his huge hands. He crossed the empty road and ducked into the alleyway which led to the back garden. A tall wooden gate blocked his way. Looking behind himself to make sure he was not in view he ran and, pointing his outstretched hands to the floor, effortlessly leapt the gate in a single jump, his cloak billowing behind him as he moved. Despite his massive size, he landed soundlessly in the paved yard. He looked around but could still see no sign that anyone was home. He walked to the back door and examined the lock carefully. He closed his eyes for a moment, his hand outstretched and the lock clicked. Turning the handle he entered the house.

Chapter Three
     
     
    Sam walked home slowly, his eyes