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

After signing the register at the Mayfair he was taken to room 305. It was a decent-sized room at the end of a short corridor and had its own en suite bathroom. It was simple but clean. There was a double bed with a charcoal grey quilt and black pillowcases, pale grey curtains and a large vase of freshly picked red roses on the polished granite counter over the mini bar. Fresh towels sat folded on the end corner of the bed and a small mint had been placed on each pillow.


“Thank you very much,” he said to the bell boy handing him a ten dollar tip. “This’ll do nicely.”


Chapter 39