Tracks

by Karen Woods

  He didn’t see Kevin Grey hiding in the shadows, listening, smiling. He didn’t stand a chance, as for the second time that night, a hand grabbed him from behind. But Kevin Grey wasn’t like the police – he had no deal to offer Frankie. This was rough justice, pure and simple. Frankie didn’t even have time to shout before the first punch hit him.

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Amelia sat staring out of the window. The beige curtains were kept closed but she could still see through the small gap in the middle. She was bored, she hated being locked up in this place, no friends, no contact with the outside world. It was crap. She moved quickly as she heard a key in the lock, throwing herself down on the sofa and staring at the TV trying to steady her breathing. Tina hurried into the room with yet another load of bags.

  ‘I’ve spent a bomb on baby gear. This child is going to want for nothing. Just let me nip for a wee and I’ll be with you.’ Tina dropped the bags near the sofa before leaving the room. Amelia heard the toilet door close and dipped her hand into the black leather handbag on the table, rummaging through the contents. She pulled out a mobile phone and fumbled as she switched it to silent before ramming it down the front of her bra. Noises from the other room. She was back in her spot on the sofa before Tina returned.

  ‘I’ll cook you something nice for tea. You must be sick of eating fast food. And the baby needs a healthy diet, stuff like vegetables and fish.’

  Amelia wasn’t keen. ‘Don’t be feeding me any rabbit food. I don’t eat all that shit. So, don’t try and change me. In fact, while you’re here I need to get a few things off my chest. I can’t stay in here every fucking day looking at four walls. It’s not going to work. I’m going stir-crazy sat in here every day. I need fresh air and to see people.’

  Tina tried to dismiss the flutter of panic in her gut. She put her arm round Amelia’s shoulders. ‘Bloody hell, you’re in a bit of a state, aren’t you? You’re the one didn’t want your parents to find out you were pregnant. Imagine if someone sees you outside, then all of this will have been for nothing. We made a deal with each other and you need to stick to your part of the bargain.’

  Amelia shrugged Tina’s arm away. ‘It’s not you who has to sit here every day, is it? I can’t do it. I’ve not even got a phone to speak to my friends.’

  Tina snapped. No more nicey-nicey. ‘You can’t bleeding talk to your friends, you idiot. Not unless you want your parents to know that you have been pulling your knickers down for every Tom, Dick and Harry. I’ve put a lot of work into this plan and there is no way you’re going to mess it up. You stay in here like we discussed. I’m having this baby no matter what and I’m not going to let you mess it up for me just because you’re bored.’

  Amelia had never seen this side of her teacher before. She gave as good as she got. ‘Well, fuck it, I’m not arsed!’ she yelled back. ‘I’ll go home and tell my parents that I’m having a baby. And I bet it won’t be as bad as you make out. You’ve brainwashed me, you have. I should have just got rid of the kid like I wanted and I’d have been back to normal by now, nobody would have known anything about the baby and I could have got on with my life. But there’s no going back now. I’m over three months’ gone thanks to believing your bullshit.’ She shook her head in frustration. ‘It’s you who’s messed this up, just because you want a fucking baby. Have your own baby and leave mine the fuck alone. I’m getting out of here, you’re a fucking nutter.’

  The colour drained from Tina’s face. Her hands were shaking. This couldn’t be happening; her perfect plan was falling apart. She had to make Amelia see sense, stop her from leaving. She took her arm. ‘You’re just having a bad day. It’s your hormones playing up. Sit down and I’ll make you something to eat.’ She tried to get Amelia to sit back down on the sofa, but the girl struggled and broke free.

  ‘Get off me!’ she screamed. ‘I’m not staying here and I’m not eating any more of that shit food you keep trying to ram down my neck. I’m going, I’ll face whatever I have to but I’m not staying here anymore. It’s alright for you – nothing has changed and you get what you want at the end of it. What about me? What do I get apart from being a prisoner? My mam and dad are probably stressed out to death worrying where I am, and all you care about is a daft fucking baby.’

  A red flush rose up Tina’s neck as she gritted her teeth together. The little cow was not ruining her dream, not now they’d come this far. She tried again but this time she made it clear who was boss. ‘Amelia, you’re tired. Have a sleep and stop being daft. We’ve talked about this time and time again. This is the only way it will work.’

  ‘What, the only way it will work for you. What about me, eh? What about what I want? I want to be normal again and see my family and friends. I thought I could do this, but I can’t, I’m sorry. I’m going home to face the music.’ Amelia had started to walk towards the living room door when her head was pulled back and she was dragged to the floor. Tina stood over her ready to strike. Her face was red and her eyes blazed with anger.

  ‘You are going nowhere. We made a deal. Don’t mess with me, because I’ll ruin you. Just calm down and stop playing silly beggars. I’ve put my neck on the line for you and I’m having this baby. I could lose everything because of you, so think again before you open your mouth. Trust me, it won’t end well.’

  Amelia lay stunned; this wasn’t what she signed up for. Where was the kind, caring teacher who’d been there for her and told her everything was going to be alright?’ Tina backed off and watched as Amelia climbed to her feet. Something fell as she stood up and Tina swooped to pick it up before the girl could get to it. It was her iPhone. Amelia’s eyes opened wide as Tina put two and two together.

  ‘Don’t move.’ Tina checked the call log and messages before turning back to Amelia who was trembling and held her hands up to protect herself.

  ‘I never used it, honest. I just wanted to go on Snapchat and my Insta and check what was going on with everyone. I’m sorry. I was desperate.’

  Tina was rattled by the near miss. This was bad. She hadn’t planned for anything like this, she’d thought it would all be plain sailing once she’d got the flat set up for Amelia. She’d even thought she’d be grateful. How stupid she’d been.

  She sank into the nearest chair and dropped her head into her hands. She needed to think. As a teacher, Tina was used to being the one in control but it hit her now that Amelia – young, broke and pregnant as she was – was actually the one with the power. She was going to have to tread carefully.

  Minutes passed. Amelia didn’t dare move a muscle after what had happened before. When Tina finally lifted her head the look in her eyes chilled the teenager to the bone.

  ‘You’re having this baby just like we planned. I’m going to look after you until it’s been born. But, for now, you’re not going anywhere. Not a chance.’

  Amelia sat with her legs drawn up to her chest, rocking to and fro. How had it all got so out of hand? She wanted her mother, she just wanted to be at home with her family.

  It was nearly midnight when Tina left; she wanted to be sure that Amelia had come back round to her way of thinking. The girl was sleeping now. Tina stood at the bedroom door and watched her sprawled across the bed. She closed the door gently and crept down the hallway, then stood with her back against the cold wall, banging her head against it slowly, rhythmically. What the hell had she got herself into? She needed a plan, a new plan to make sure the girl stayed put. She closed the front door behind her. Then quickly turned the key in the lock and then she was gone.

  Amelia was too scared to move. It was the middle of the night but a noise had woken her. It sounded like somebody was at the front door knocking. Her body froze, though her heart was racing like a speeding train. She tried to steady herself then slowly she crept into the hallway and checked the door. It was locked. It was always locked. Tina made sure that nobody could get in – or out.

 
A silhouette suddenly appeared behind the glass. Amelia sank to the floor and sat with her legs pulled up to her chest. Who on earth could it be at this time? Nobody knew she was there. She heard the flap of the letterbox being lifted up with the slightest of movements and saw a pair of beady eyes searching through the darkness. She dropped out of sight as quietly as she could, her heart pounding. Had they seen her? Who the hell was it? She lay in terrified silence. The knocking had stopped and she could hear footsteps. She crawled to the window to see a large figure trudging away.

  Amelia covered her mouth with her hand to try and quieten her breathing. Her whole body was shaking. Slowly she got to her feet and went back to bed, cowering under the covers. This was bad. Someone knew she was there. She was meant to be safe in the flat but her refuge had become her prison.

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Donny stood outside the school having his usual smoke before the kids arrived and started banging on about ‘one rule for them …’. Tony the postman was heading his way; his pace quickened when he spotted the headteacher.

  ‘Morning, guvnor,’ he grinned.

  Donny nodded his head and smiled as he stretched his arms above his head and yawned. ‘You’re early this morning, pal, you’re not usually around at this time.’

  ‘Yeah I got an early start, mate. Got a few things to do later.’ Tony’s voice dropped to a whisper. ‘Did you bring my little treat along? I could do with it. I’m proper on my arse and need to pay a few bills.’

  Donny checked that no one else was around before dipping his hand in his jacket pocket and pulling out a brown envelope which he passed surreptitiously to Tony. ‘I can’t thank you enough, mate, for sorting my little problem out. I never thought we would pull it off if I’m being honest.’

  Tony nodded. ‘It wasn’t easy, I don’t mind telling you. I had to wait for the letter to arrive in Dispatch and get to it without anybody seeing. It was tricky. Had to shove it down the front of my keks till I could get it here for you to sort out. But aye, hats off to you, Donny. A smart idea that was. You don’t need the stress of a kid in your life, do you? You’ve rescued enough kids in this place – you’ve done your bit, I reckon. Like I said, Donny, I’ll never breathe a word, my lips are sealed. It could have fucked your life right up let me tell you. If it was my wife she would have left my sorry arse and I would never have seen her again for dust.’

  Donny sighed. ‘You saved my life, honest mate, if the real letter had landed on Bethany’s door it would have caused World War Three. Susan would have taken me to the fucking cleaners and left me with nothing.’

  Tony rubbed his hands together and stuffed the envelope into his trouser pocket. ‘It’s behind you now. And I was glad I could help,’ he patted his pocket. ‘And the cash will help me out a lot. I’ve got bills coming out of my arse. I can’t seem to get straight.’

  Donny patted the top of Tony’s shoulder as he turned to go. ‘Nice one, mate. Top lad.’

  Rita appeared at the door and shouted over to Donny, ‘I’m putting the kettle on. Do you want a coffee?’

  ‘Yes please, I’m coming now so you can bang me some toast on too.’

  ‘Cheeky bleeder,’ she shouted back.

  ‘She’s in early, isn’t she?’ Tony remarked.

  Donny scratched his head. ‘I know, every morning recently she’s opened up. I’m not moaning about it though; she’s doing me a favour. I get an extra ten minutes in the feather. And, if she’s happy doing it then who am I to question her?’

  Tony started to walk off. ‘Keep smiling, mate, see you tomorrow.’

  ‘Yep, see you tomorrow,’ Donny replied as he headed back inside through the car park.

  As Tony walked slowly along the road he noticed that a car seemed to be following him. He picked up speed and crossed the road. What was that all about?

  Donny leant against the canteen counter and looked at Rita as he slurped the hot coffee. ‘Rita, is everything alright at home? I mean, you’re here every morning at the crack of dawn, opening up. I never used to see you until five minutes before your shift started.’

  She turned to face him. ‘Yes, everything’s good. I just like to help out where I can. Plus, it gives me extra time to prepare the food and do the students’ breakfast.’

  Donny reached over and took a piece of toast from the plate before she placed it on the table. The butter was melting across the hot surface. He didn’t normally have breakfast but hey, rules were made to be broken.

  ‘Never mind me, Donny, I should be the one asking you the same question. Your head’s been all over the place for weeks. You notice everything when you’re in this job. It’s you, you should be worried about.’

  Donny stuffed the rest of the slice in his mouth and spoke with his mouth full. ‘Don’t you worry your pretty little head about me, Rita. I’m fine. I just had a bit of stuff going on at home, nothing I can’t handle. It’s sorted now anyway. Normal service has been resumed.’

  ‘Good to hear it.’

  The door swung open and a windswept Tina marched in.

  ‘Morning. Bleeding hell, how early do you two get up? I thought I was going to get some peace and quiet by coming in early.’

  Rita jumped in to answer. ‘I’m always in before Donny now. I just open up and flick the heating on, every little helps, doesn’t it, Don?’

  ‘It sure does, and look at the treatment I get too, coffee and toast. I don’t even get that at home. I’m not complaining, no way.’

  Tina pulled a face. ‘Favouritism, that is. She doesn’t give me coffee and toast.’

  ‘Oi, I always ask you if you’re hungry and you always say no. I treat everyone the same in this place. I hate the lot of you.’

  Tina chuckled. ‘Only joking. Do you want me to make you some toast?’

  ‘Right, I better move myself and get ready for the students.’ Donny wiped the butter off his fingers. ‘I’ve got Ged’s dad coming in to have a word today, and I’m not looking forward to that. The guy’s just got out of jail and no doubt he wants to play the concerned parent card when it comes to his son’s education.’ He rubbed his eyes. ‘Oh yes, and Tina, we’ve got the police in again to see if there is any update on Amelia. It’s baffling. There’s been no sight nor sound of her.’

  Tina stood twisting her hair. ‘Do I have to deal with the police? I’ve already told them no one here has a clue where she’s gone. Can’t I sort Ged’s father out and you speak with them instead of me?’

  Donny shrugged. ‘I don’t see why not, good luck with Ged’s dad though, he’ll be on the warpath.’

  ‘I’m sure I can handle him, Donny, I’m a hard case when I need to be.’

  Donny just raised his eyebrows and left, humming ‘Eye of the Tiger’ as he went.

  Rita stood leaning against the massive fridge and looked at Tina. ‘It’s a mystery where that poor girl has gone, isn’t it? Somebody must know where she is. I mean, how can a kid disappear from the face of the earth just like that and nobody has a clue where she’s gone. It just doesn’t sit right with me. It’s very peculiar.’

  Tina nodded and changed the subject quickly. ‘I know. Anyway, I’ll go and check all the rooms to make sure that they’ve been cleaned. Last week there were two classrooms that hadn’t been touched. Honest, the bins were stinking in there. Apple cores and empty crisp packets … hanging it was. We need to keep an eye on those cleaners.’

  Rita carried on preparing breakfast, but her eyes followed Tina as she left the room.

  Tina walked into the rec room and did a double-take. Why were the sofas pushed together? And who had left a bag on the floor? She approached it cautiously and picked it up. Slowly, she started to pull out the items inside it. Hairbrush, soap, deodorant, toothpaste, knickers … What the hell?

  ‘Rita!’ she shouted through the open door. ‘Come here and have a look at this lot.’

  T
he cook’s face was scarlet as Tina held the knickers out in front of her. They were passion killers, baggy and discoloured. ‘Do you know who owns this lot? Is someone planning a trip? I tell you what, nothing surprises me in this place anymore.’

  Rita edged closer. ‘Give them here. I’ll bang it in the lost property. Leave it to me.’

  Tina passed the bag over and turned to carry on with her tour of the classrooms.

  Rita checked her watch. Still time before the kids turned up. She quickly followed Tina into one of the rooms and pushed the door shut behind her.

  Tina looked up. ‘Did you want something else, Rita?’

  The cook nodded. ‘I’m just a bit concerned about the whereabouts of Amelia.’

  But there was an unusual tone to Rita’s voice. A coldness.

  Tina sat on the edge of one of the desks and ran her hand through her hair. ‘We all are, Rita. She’ll turn up no doubt, they always do. She’s probably met some boy and is holed up somewhere with him.’

  Rita wasn’t moving; she stood firm, blocking the door. Tina was starting to get nervous.

  ‘Can I get past you, Rita, I have to get some other checks done before the students arrive.’

  ‘I followed you,’ Rita hissed.

  Tina looked rattled. ‘Followed me where exactly?’

  Rita bent forward and ran her tongue around her lips. ‘To the flat where you’ve got the girl locked up. I’m not bleeding daft. I worked it out ages ago when Amelia was in the toilets spewing her guts up. It isn’t rocket science, is it? Give me some bleeding credit, love, I wasn’t born yesterday.’

  Tina’s jaw dropped; she was lost for words. She was going to have to bluff her way out of this one. ‘I don’t have a clue what you’re going on about, Rita, so please move out of my way and let me get on with what I have to do.’