“It’s not a he, silly,” Rachel slurred. “Alex’s twin is a girl. Her name is Christina.”
FIFTY-EIGHT
It was almost eight o’clock when Alex Sutton parked his Audi in front of the double garage of his home. His wife, Sarah was in the hallway as he entered the house.
“For Christ’s sake, Alex, what’s going on?” she said angrily.
“What’s up?” he asked, taking off his coat and hanging it on the coat stand.
“The card was rejected at the supermarket this afternoon. I had to use my personal account to pay for the groceries.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll sort it. It’s just a temporary cash flow, that’s all. Now, what’s for dinner? I’m starving.” He walked through into the lounge, poured himself a large whisky and turned on the television.
Sarah followed him. “Alex, we’ve got to talk. This can’t go on. The two credit cards are both maxed out and now the current account is empty. What the hell’s happening? Where’s the money going?”
“I said I’ll sort it,” Alex hissed, grabbing Sarah’s upper arm and guiding her towards the kitchen. “Now do as I say and get me my dinner, alright?”
Sarah glared at her husband but said nothing. She knew it was futile arguing with him.
She busied herself preparing the salad to go with the lasagne when the telephone rang in the hall.
“Get that,” Alex shouted from the lounge.
A few seconds later, Sarah came into the room.
“That was your mother. She says she needs to speak to you urgently. She’ll be round in half an hour.”
“What the hell does she want?”
“She didn’t say, just that it was important.”
“You’d better hurry up with dinner then.”
Half an hour later, Lisa drove her Ford Fiesta onto the drive. Sarah was standing by the front door.
“Hello, Lisa,” she greeted. “It’s lovely to see you.”
Lisa smiled and lightly kissed Sarah’s cheek.
“I have to speak to Alex alone. It’s very important.”
“Of course,” Sarah replied looking slightly puzzled. “He’s in the lounge. Can I get you a coffee?”
“No thank you, darling. I’m not staying long.” Lisa walked into the house and through into the lounge, closing the door behind her.
“Mother,” Alex smiled weakly, not bothering to get out of his chair. “This is an unexpected surprise. Is everything alright?”
“Alex, I have something to tell you,” Lisa began slightly breathlessly. “I think I can get hold of the fifty thousand pounds you need for the partnership in Canada.”
“Partnership in…? Sit down, mother,” he invited, unable to contain his excitement. “You say you can get me fifty thousand pounds? But how can you do that? When I asked you… no, when I begged you for the money, you said you hadn’t got it.”
“I haven’t, Alex, but your father has.”
“My father? What the hell are you talking about? You told me he was dead.”
“Yes, I know I did, darling, but I lied. Believe me, I had very good reasons for lying to you, but your father is very much alive. I lied about him to protect you. He’s a vicious and cruel man, a gangster.”
“My father’s a gangster? I don’t believe you.”
“Darling, it’s true. He’s worked in the sex industry for years. He owns nightclubs all over the north of England and he runs escort agencies and…”
“Sounds an interesting character,” Alex said. “What’s his name, this gangster?”
“Karl. Karl Maddox.”
“Karl Maddox? I’ve heard of him. I visited one of his pole dancing clubs on a stag night once, the Topaz I think it was called. And you’re saying this Karl Maddox is actually my father?”
Lisa nodded. “We were married when I was sixteen. I left him two years later when I found I was pregnant.”
“Did he know about me?”
“No, not until I told him a couple of days ago. When he got sent to prison, I left him and got as far away as I could. I never wanted him to know he had children.”
“You had no right to keep all this from me,” Alex hissed, “I had a right to know the truth. How did react when you told him he had a son?”
“He was shocked at first, but that’s understandable.”
“So he just accepted that I’m his son?”
“He insists on meeting you,” Lisa sighed. “He refuses to hand over any money unless you and he meet.”
Alex walked over to the cabinet and poured himself another drink. “When does he want to meet? Did you arrange anything?”
“I said I would ring him. If you don’t want to meet him, darling, you don’t have to. We can find another way to get you the money.”
“Don’t be ridiculous, there is no other way. Arrange the meeting for the weekend.” Alex strode to the window and was silent for a moment. He turned to face his mother, a look of faint amusement on his face. “Fifty thousand pounds isn’t really much to pay for a son, is it, mother? I’m sure Karl Maddox can afford a lot more than that.”
“Alex, don’t get any silly ideas. Believe me, Karl’s a very dangerous man. Fifty thousand is what you said you needed to join the partnership in Canada and that’s what he has agreed to give you.”
“Don’t be so bloody naïve,” Alex spat. “There is no fucking partnership. I need the money to pay off debts.”
“Debts? What debts? I don’t understand. You told me you had a job offer and…” Lisa rushed over to her son and placed her hand on his arm. “Alex, please tell me what’s going on. You earn good money. Why are you in debt?”
“It’s nothing to do with you,” he snapped, pulling away from her. “Just ring Karl and arrange a meeting. I’m not working this weekend so arrange the meeting for then. I’ll take it from there, and make sure don’t tell him the real reason I need the cash.”
“Alright, but be careful, darling,” Lisa sighed as she prepared to leave. When she reached the door she hesitated and turned to face her son. “Alex, when you meet Karl, please don’t mention your sister. I don’t want him to know anything about her.”
“Why would I want to mention your precious Christina? It’s not like she’s part of our lives anymore, is it?”
“She’ll come back one day, when she’s ready. I’m sure of it.”
“She’s been gone nearly two years. I don’t think we’ll see her again.”
“Alex, don’t say that. Christina is…”
“Goodnight mother,” Alex said dismissively.
Lisa left the room and quietly closed the door behind her.
FIFTY-NINE
Smiling to herself, Bunny walked through the hotel foyer and out into the street. She couldn’t quite believe that she had seen Charlotte in the company of Marion. Surely Charlotte wasn’t considering becoming a working girl? Marion certainly hadn’t seemed happy to see her at the hotel. She was about to hail a taxi when her blue mobile started to ring. This was the phone she kept for private clients.
“Hello Clive,” she greeted. “I thought you were still in America.”
“Flew in this afternoon,” the man answered in a strong American accent. “As soon as the plane touched down, I thought of you, Bunny. Can you come over to my hotel tonight, babe? Say, about eleven?”
Bunny glanced at her watch. It was nine-thirty.
“Yes, of course. Are you staying at the Grand Hotel, same as last time?”
“Sure am. It’s the best hotel in town. I’m in room 306. I don’t suppose you can get out of working tomorrow and spend the day with me instead? I’ll make it worth your while, babe.”
“I’m sure that can be arranged,” she giggled. “See you at eleven.”
“I’ll have the champagne chilling,” Clive laughed as he hung up the receiver.
Bunny took her pink phone out of her bag, the one she used for working with Cupid’s Angels, and dialled a familiar number.
“Shirley, it’s Bunny. I’m so
rry but I’m not feeling well, a bit of a tummy bug. Can you take me off the rota for the rest of the night and tomorrow?”
“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that, Bunny,” Shirley said sympathetically. “You get yourself off to bed and give me a ring when you’re feeling better. Alright, love?”
“Thanks, Shirley. I’ll be in touch soon.” As she was speaking, Bunny hailed a taxi and directed it to her flat. A quick shower, pack a couple of outfits and she could easily be at the Grand for eleven.
She had met Clive a couple of months earlier through the agency, and they had soon come to a private arrangement. Of course Bunny knew she would be in serious trouble with Karl if she got caught doing private work, but she was always careful and besides, she needed the money. Once she had saved enough, she would be leaving escorting behind her and starting a new life.
Shirley put down the receiver and expertly adjusted the spreadsheet on the computer, taking Bunny off the availability list.
“There’s something about that girl I don’t quite trust,” she said to Colin who was busying himself tucking into the box of milk chocolates he had brought for her. “That’s three times in the last two months she’s taken herself off the rota.”
“She probably just wants a night off,” Colin suggested as he attempted to take the last coffee crème out of the box.
“That’s mine,” she snapped, playfully pushing his hand away. “Coffee crème is my favourite.”
“I don’t suppose there’s any chance you’d share it with me?”
“None,” Shirley grinned as she popped the chocolate into her mouth. “Here, you can have the nutty fudge.”
“I don’t like nutty fudge,” he complained. “The nuts get in between my teeth and…”
“Then have the strawberry crème instead,” she giggled as she placed the chocolate into his mouth. “Do you think I should ring Karl and let him know? I’m convinced Bunny’s moonlighting.”
“You trust your instincts, love,” Colin answered, turning his attention to the tangerine fondant. “She wouldn’t dare moonlight, would she? Surely she knows what the consequences would be if she got caught.”
“We’ll soon find out,” Shirley said as she dialled Karl’s number. When Shirley had finished the call, she turned to Colin, a worried look on her face.
“What’s the matter, love?” he asked with concern.
“Karl was in a foul mood. He’s getting one of the drivers to follow her. I just hope I’ve got it wrong for Bunny’s sake.”
“Don’t worry about it, Shirley. You’re just doing your job,” Colin said comfortingly. “If Bunny’s breaking the rules, she must pay the price. Anyway, changing the subject, you’ve got some time off soon, haven’t you?”
“Yes, I’ve got three days to come. Why?”
“Well, how do you fancy a couple of days away? We could go to the Dales or the seaside perhaps. You decide.”
“Oh, that would be lovely,” Shirley beamed. “The seaside, I think. I haven’t been for a paddle in years.”
“What about Blackpool?”
“Yes, I love Blackpool,” she giggled excitedly.
“Good. I’ll get it sorted then. It’ll do you good to get away from all this shit for a while.”
“I think it’ll do us both good, Colin,” Shirley sighed. “It’s just a pity we have to come back to it.”
SIXTY
Karl slept well, despite the recent traumas. The pills he’d been given by the hospital seemed to be working and he felt more relaxed than he had done in a long while. Erica was in the kitchen making breakfast. The enticing aroma of fried bacon and freshly brewed coffee filled the air.
“Good morning,” Erica greeted, not turning from the cooker. “Sleep well?”
“Very well,” Karl grinned, sitting at the breakfast bar. “Have the papers come yet?”
“No, it’s still a bit early. How many eggs do you want with your bacon?”
“Just the one thanks. I could do with losing a few pounds.”
“Karl, there’s something I need to ask you.”
“What is it? Is something the matter?”
“It’s Charlotte.”
“Charlotte? Charlotte who? Oh, you mean Mary’s girl Charlotte?”
“Yes. She’s asked if she can come and stay with us. You don’t mind, do you, darling? It would only be for a few days and…”
“I’ve never met her. What kind of a girl is she?”
“She’s very sweet,” Erica said fondly. “She’s heartbroken about losing her parents of course. I think it will do her good staying with me for a while.”
“Has she made any plans for the future?”
“She wants to stay in England, I think, and try to get a job in a school. She’s a teaching assistant.”
“A teacher, eh? I don’t trust brainy women. Doesn’t she have a boyfriend or something? How old will she be now? Nineteen?”
“Eighteen,” Erica corrected. “And no, she doesn’t have a boyfriend, not any more. So can she stay here for a while, just until she gets herself sorted?”
“I suppose so, but make sure she knows it isn’t a permanent arrangement.”
“I’ll put her in the back bedroom,” Erica said excitedly as she placed the plate of food in front of Karl.
“Will you be bringing her down to the club?”
“No, I will not,” Erica answered sharply. “Charlotte’s been brought up very strict.”
Karl laughed crudely. “Maybe it’s time she learned what life is really about. When does she want to come?”
“Today,” Erica smiled as she poured Karl his coffee. “I’m expecting her here this afternoon.”
“As soon as that? It’s a good job I said yes then, isn’t it?”
“I knew you would,” Erica grinned, kissing him lightly on the cheek.
“I have to go to the club this morning, so I won’t be here to meet her. Just make sure she doesn’t go snooping about the place. I don’t want some stranger knowing our business.”
“Charlotte’s not a stranger and she’s not a snoop,” Erica said indignantly. “She’s a sweet, respectable girl who’s had a good upbringing. I don’t…”
“Alright, keep your hair on. I was only joking. I don’t know what’s the matter with you lately, Erica. You seem to have lost your sense of humour.”
“I’m sorry,” Erica almost whispered. “It’s just been a shock losing Mary and Liam like that. I feel responsible for Charlotte, that’s all. She has no one else to look out for her but me.”
“Okay, I get it,” Karl said as he drained his coffee cup and pushed his empty plate away. “Anyway, I must go, I’ve got a lot on today. I’ll try and get home early to meet the girl. Don’t worry, I promise I’ll be on my best behaviour.”
SIXTY-ONE
When Karl arrived at the club, Paul Borowicz was already there. He was carrying a brown A4 envelope.
“Is that what I think it is?” Karl asked, taking the envelope from Paul.
“Yes, boss. I’ve written down everything I found out about Alex Sutton. It makes interesting reading.”
“Thanks. Give Colin a note of your expenses.”
“Sure thing,” Paul grinned. “If there’s anything else I can do for you…”
“I’ll let you know,” Karl said as he made his way to his office. Karl admired Paul’s efficiency. He had given him a couple of jobs to undertake in the past and he had responded well. Karl had a feeling he would be using Paul’s services again very soon.
Half an hour later the telephone rang. It was Lisa.
“Alex is free this weekend,” she said. “What time would you like to meet him?”
“Sunday would be best, say, midday? Could he manage that?”
“Yes, of course. Do you want me to come along too? It might make things easier.”
“Of course I want you to come. I’ll see you on Sunday.” Abruptly he hung up the receiver.
As he read and re-read Paul’s report, Karl could feel his hands sha
king and the sweat trickling down the back of his neck. He reached for his pills and took two, washing them down with whisky. Taking a piece of notepaper from his desk drawer, Karl picked up a pen and began to write. Half an hour later the letter was completed and sealed in an envelope. He pressed the internal buzzer on his desk. It was answered immediately by Peter.
“Peter, come up to the office now,” he instructed, taking out a cigar from his desk drawer. Peter Borowicz knocked politely on the door and walked into the office.
“Something I can do for you, boss?” he asked smiling.
Peter was big and bulky with a round chubby face that always seemed to be smiling, just like his father Victor. Unlike his brother Paul, Peter’s assets were his brawn not his brain.
“Peter, I was wondering about your dad. What’s he up to these days? Is his business doing well?”
“He’s doing great. I don’t see him as much as I should,” Peter frowned. “Dad’s either working or I am.”
“I’m glad it’s going well for him. Victor worked for me for a long time before he decided to go into the security business with his brothers.”
“They’re talking of expanding into Birmingham next year.”
“What about you and Paul? Are either of you thinking of joining them?”
“You must be joking,” Peter grinned, shaking his head. “Work with dad and my uncles? Don’t get me wrong, I love them all to bits, but I could never work with them.”
“That’s good to know, Peter, because I’m thinking of giving you a lot more responsibility here. Do you think you could handle that?”
“Of course I can,” Peter said eagerly. “You know you can depend on me. What is it you want me to do?”
“Do you know the Lucky Ace Casino in Manchester?”
“I’ve heard of it, but I’ve never been. Dad taught us never to gamble.”
“Victor is a very wise man,” Karl grinned. “I want you to go there for me and deliver a letter to Jonny Dalton. He runs the place. Do you think you could do that?”
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