Dale is a 23-year-old university student working on his thesis. Fortunately, rather than having to endure the interruptions and distractions at university, his “Uncle” Tom has invited Dale to stay with him at Walton Manor. In the countryside he has plenty of space, almost continual silence, and a butler to cater to his every whim. Dale and Tom have always had a mutual admiration for each other, and now they have the chance to explore this attraction. Yet Dale doesn’t count on falling in love with Dominic, the muscular Italian employed as Tom’s gardener. Despite his feelings for Tom, Dale can’t help the fact that the more he sees Dominic, the more attracted he is. Unfortunately, Tom is a jealous man. Even worse, he reveals a hitherto unseen sadistic side, which frightens Dale. One night Tom’s jealousy boils over, and Dale finds himself punished for his feelings for Dominic. From then on, Dale’s tranquil existence at Walton Manor is permanently shattered. Once things are set in motion, they are impossible to stop. After a final confrontation between Dominic and Tom, Dale discovers the most shocking truth of all.

The Human Cage

“This will help perk you up,” Tom said, sprinkling a small measure of white powder into the wine.


Dale had experimented with drugs at university. After all, that was what university was for…experimenting and exploring. It surprised him, however, that his uncle would be in possession of drugs, and even more so that his uncle would be giving them to him.


“What is it?” he asked, watching as his uncle stirred the drink with his finger.


“Just a little pick-me-up. Nothing to get excited about.”


Dale took the drink from his uncle and swallowed the contents down in one gulp. He wiped his mouth on his arm before refilling some of the empty glasses.


“You’ll be alright,” said Tom, giving Dale a quick peck on the cheek and a pinch on the bum. “I’ll leave you to it.”


It was difficult to pinpoint how long it was before Dale began to feel light-headed, but the effects of the drug were noticeable enough to force him to put the tray of drinks down before he dropped them.


Chapter 16