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

He was asleep when Tom returned. He must have been, for when he woke up a second time his gag had been removed and so had his restraints. The room was dark, lit only by the light from the hall, but he was alone. Where his uncle was, he couldn’t tell. The house was quiet and night had fallen.


He slid off the bed and crept across the hall to his own room. He slipped on a shirt, some jeans and pulled on a pair of espadrilles. There was a jacket flung on the end of his bed which he grabbed before creeping across the carpet to the door. He poked his head out. The hallway was clear. The pounding of his heart threatened to give him away. Its beating rang in his ears like a jackhammer. Was it really that loud?He had to convince himself that it wasn’t. He took a deep breath and stepped out of his room.


Chapter 22