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

“Does it matter? Now help me get out. I can’t move. I think my arm has gone to sleep.”


Dominic continued laughing but did not move to help him.


“Just wait a moment,” he said. “I have a sneaky feeling that we haven’t seen the last of your uncle. I’ll check.”


He shut the cupboard door and turned just as Tom’s face peered around the door jamb. The smile fell off his face only to return a second later as a pale imitation; the smile of someone who has been caught with their hand in the cookie jar.


“Did you forget something, sir?” Dominic asked, moving towards the door and away from where Dale had secreted himself.


“Who were you talking to?” Tom’s eyes scanned the room.


“I was singing, sir. I realise I’m no Andrea Bocelli, but if it offended you to the point where you had to come back….” He left the sentence hanging.


Chapter 24