Bad Blood Rising

by Eva Carmichael

  “Sure. When do you want me to go?”

  “I want you to go now,” Karl said handing him the envelope. “Ask to speak to Jonny Dalton and hand him the letter personally. Don’t give it to anyone else, only to Jonny. Understand?”

  Peter nodded and placed the envelope in his inside jacket pocket.

  “Do I wait for a reply?”

  “No, there’s no need. Jonny will contact me direct. Once you’ve delivered the letter, you come straight back here.”

  “Alright, boss. I’ll go now.”

  “Good man,” Karl smiled. “I’ll see you this afternoon.”

  SIXTY-TWO

  Karl’s good humour didn’t last long. At three o’clock he took a call from Jimmy, the driver he had assigned to check up on Bunny.

  “Well?” he growled. “Is she moonlighting?”

  “Afraid so, boss,” Jimmy sighed. “You remember that American bloke I told you about a couple of months ago, the black guy who wore the white Stetson?”

  “Yeah, I remember. What about him?”

  “Well, that’s the guy she met last night. I followed her from her flat to the Grand Hotel. By the time I’d got parked and made my way into the hotel, she was already inside the lift. She went up to the third floor.”

  “And?”

  “This morning, at half-past ten, Bunny came out of the hotel arm in arm with him. They got into a taxi and headed into town.”

  “You’re sure she spent the night with him?”

  “No doubt about it, she never left the hotel. I followed them into town. They went shoe shopping. He bought her three pairs of fancy shoes from that boutique in Frenchgate.”

  “Go on,” Karl encouraged. “What happened next?”

  “They had lunch in that posh French place at the top of Briggate. He was splashing the cash on champagne.”

  “I assume you got photographs?”

  “Yes, I got plenty. When they had finished their meal, they went back to the hotel and a couple of hours later she came out and got into a taxi. I followed her back to her flat.”

  “Thanks, Jimmy, you did a great job. I’ll see you back at the club tomorrow. Make sure you bring the pictures with you, okay?”

  “Sure, Karl,” Jimmy yawned. “I need to go home now and get some shuteye. I’m shattered.”

  Karl had just replaced the receiver on its cradle when the telephone rang again.

  “Yeah,” he grunted. “Who’s that?”

  “Karl, this is Jonny Dalton. I got your note.”

  “Jonny, thanks for getting back to me so quickly. I…”

  “How dare you send me a note like that?” Jonny hissed unpleasantly. “Who the fuck do you think you are?”

  “Calm down,” Karl soothed. “I’m sure we can sort this out amicably.”

  “There’s nothing to sort out. You keep your fucking nose out of my business or you might get it cut off.”

  Karl laughed. “I don’t think so, mate. Now stop pissing about and let’s talk business.”

  “Fuck off, you nonce,” Jonny spat. “You’re not dealing with your whores now. I don’t take orders from a piece of shit like you.”

  Karl was silent for a few seconds. When he spoke his voice was calm but stern. “I’ve told you what I want. I want Alex Sutton’s IOUs. I’m prepared to pay the going rate. It’s not open to negotiation, Jonny. Understand?”

  “Screw you. You can’t talk to me like that. Do you know who I am?”

  “Of course I know who you are. You’re Jonny Dalton, small time dealer, small time gambler and small time dickhead. More to the point, Jonny, do you know who I am? Do you know what I’m capable of?”

  There was an uneasy silence. The tone of Karl’s voice had the desired effect on Jonny.

  “Karl, mate,” he said at last. “I think we maybe got off on the wrong foot. Let’s start again, shall we? Why don’t you come over to the casino as my guest? We can talk privately there.”

  “There’s nothing to talk about. How much does Alex owe? The exact amount, mind, don’t try adding extra interest.”

  “I wouldn’t do that,” Jonny grinned, trying to lighten the mood. “Alex Sutton owes close to forty thousand pounds.”

  “Forty grand? As much as that?”

  “He’s in the casino three or four times a week. A very unlucky gambler is young Alex.”

  “Send me his IOU’s over and I’ll give you a cheque.”

  “I don’t think so. I prefer things the way they are.”

  “Oh you mean the drugs he’s been supplying to pay off his debt?”

  “Drugs? I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Jonny spluttered.

  “I think you do. Now listen to me, Jonny, Alex won’t be supplying any more drugs so I’d advise you to accept my offer. Like I said before, send me his IOU’s and I’ll give you a cheque.”

  Jonny was silent for a moment. “Alright,” he said sulkily, “but if it’s all the same to you, I prefer cash.”

  “No problem. I’ll get it to you first thing tomorrow.”

  “Tell me, Karl, who is Alex Sutton to you? He must be one hell of a good mate for you to pay out forty grand.”

  “That’s none of your business,” Karl said sternly, “and, one more thing Jonny.”

  “Yeah, what’s that?”

  “If I ever hear you call me a nonce again, I’ll personally come over there and rip your fucking head off.”

  SIXTY-THREE

  Erica arrived at the hotel at midday to find Charlotte already packed and in the foyer.

  “Are you sure you want to do this?” Erica asked as they made their way to the waiting taxi. “Karl can be… difficult. I really think…”

  “Erica, stop fussing. I’m not going to create a scene or anything like that. I just want to observe him. I want to see what sort of man he is.”

  Erica gave a deep sigh as they both got into the taxi. “I think you’re making a mistake, Charlotte,” she said softly. “Do be careful dear, for everybody’s sake.”

  “I will, I promise. Now stop worrying.”

  It took the taxi twenty minutes to reach Maddox Mansion, a five bedroomed detached house overlooking the park. Throughout the journey, both women remained silent.

  “What a beautiful house,” Charlotte said excitedly as the taxi pulled up on the impressive herringbone drive. “Have you lived here long?”

  “Nearly ten years,” Erica answered, opening the large front door and walking into the hallway. “I’ll show you up to your room, then I’ll make lunch, you must be hungry.”

  Charlotte followed Erica up the wide staircase and along the corridor to the bedroom at the rear of the house.

  “I hope you’ll find this comfortable,” Erica said as she placed Charlotte’s suitcase on the king-sized bed. “There’s an en suite through there,” indicating a door at the far side of the room.

  “Erica, it’s perfect,” Charlotte smiled, glancing at her reflection in the ornate mirror above the dressing table. “It’s a beautiful room.”

  “I’m sure you’ll be very comfortable here, dear. I’ll leave you to unpack. Lunch will be about half an hour.”

  Twenty minutes later Charlotte joined Erica in the kitchen.

  “I’ve made a pasta bake with a side salad,” Erica said as she removed the dish from the oven. “I hope that’s alright?”

  “Perfect,” Charlotte smiled. “I love pasta.”

  “Would you like a drink? I usually have a glass of wine with my lunch.”

  “Yes, that would be nice. I’ve picked up some really bad habits since I came to England. I never used to drink alcohol, but I must admit, I do rather enjoy it.”

  “Tell me about your life in Ireland. I’m afraid I didn’t keep in touch with Mary as much as I should.”

  “I was very lucky. I had a wonderful childhood,” Charlotte beamed. “We lived close to the sea. My dad had so many relatives, travellers most of them, that I had lots of cousins to play with.”

  “I’m glad,”
Erica said softly, her eyes brimming with tears. “Paula would have been happy things turned out so well for you.”

  “You haven’t said much about my mother. I know you were best friends when you were in care, but I want to know…”

  “Not now, Charlotte,” Erica said abruptly. “Please darling, not now.”

  There was an uneasy silence.

  “What time are you expecting Karl home?” Charlotte asked as she ate the last of the pasta on her plate.

  “Your guess is as good as mine. He promised he wouldn’t be late tonight.”

  “It must get lonely being on your own such a lot.”

  “Sometimes, but I’ve got used to it. I did work at the Emerald when it first opened, but I didn’t like it much. I’m much happier staying at home.”

  “Doesn’t it make you uncomfortable, knowing how Karl earns his money?”

  “I don’t ask how he earns the money,” Erica answered defensively, “and he doesn’t ask how I spend it. Somehow it seems to work.”

  “I know I’d go stir-crazy not going to work. How do you fill your days?”

  There was no mistaking the annoyance in Erica’s manner. “I take care of Karl,” she said sharply. “I take care of the house and there’s the garden and I… ”

  “But who takes care of you, Erica?”

  “I don’t know what you mean. Karl takes care of me of course. He is good to me in his own way.”

  “Mother always said Karl was a bully. I know you’re frightened of him.”

  “Charlotte, I’ve explained the situation. I daren’t leave Karl. I just can’t.”

  “But you want to, don’t you?”

  Erica remained silent.

  “What about Joe?”

  “What about Joe? Joe’s a friend, a good friend.”

  “I think it’s obvious that Joe’s in love with you.”

  Erica turned angrily to face Charlotte. “Do you have any idea what Karl would do to Joe if he heard you say that? What he’d do to both of us if he even thought it?”

  “Erica, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you.” Charlotte reached across the table and took Erica’s hand. “I just want you to be happy and I want Karl to be punished.”

  “I thought I’d explained the situation to you last night. I can’t hurt Karl without hurting myself. He can be very cruel, you have no idea.”

  There was an uneasy silence between the two women. Charlotte was the first to speak.

  “Karl has three clubs now, doesn’t he?”

  Erica nodded. “Yes, there’s the Emerald here in Leeds, the Topaz in Bradford and the Sapphire in Sheffield.”

  “Joe runs the Topaz?”

  “Yes. He’s managed the club ever since it opened.”

  “I’d like to see the clubs. Do you think Karl would agree?”

  “Why on earth do you want to do that? You must realise what goes on there.”

  “Of course I do, but I’d still like to see for myself. Will you ask Karl if I can? Please, Erica.”

  Erica frowned as she began to clear the table. “If you take my advice, you’ll stay away from Karl and the clubs. They’re no place for you.”

  Charlotte remained silent as she helped Erica fill the dishwasher.

  “What are you going to do this afternoon? Do you want to go shopping?”

  “No, I thought I might have a look through the suitcase Marion gave me. Talking of Marion, I suppose I ought to arrange to meet up with her soon, after all she is my grandmother.”

  “For goodness sake, don’t let Marion hear you call her that. She’d throw a fit.”

  “I’ll ring her and arrange to meet for lunch tomorrow. Do you want to join us?”

  “No, dear. I think Marion would like you to herself for a while. I have an appointment at the hairdressers at twelve and I might treat myself to a manicure.”

  “I’ll go up to my room then, if you don’t mind. See if I can find any precious stones amongst Paula’s things.”

  “Good luck with that,” Erica grinned. “I’m going to do some pruning in the garden. The roses are in a sorry state. I’ll see you in a couple of hours.”

  SIXTY-FOUR

  Erica was busy in the garden when Charlotte came rushing out of the house.

  “Erica, look at this,” she cried excitedly. “I found it inside the case.”

  Charlotte opened her hand revealing a heart-shaped locket on a delicate gold chain with a broken clasp. “This was my mother’s, wasn’t it?”

  Before Erica could reply, Charlotte opened the locket. On one side was a picture of a very young baby. On the other side of the locket was a photograph of a young couple.

  “That’s me with my parents, isn’t it, Erica? That’s Paula and my father.” Charlotte thrust the locket towards Erica. “Who’s the man? You must have seen him with my mother. Who is he?”

  Erica stared at the faded photograph inside the locket. Paula had indeed been a beautiful woman with her deep grey eyes and auburn hair. She was smiling and looked happy and relaxed. The man next to her was strikingly handsome with pale blue eyes and blonde hair. It had been almost twenty years since the photograph had been taken but David Glendenning hadn’t changed very much in that time.

  “Well?” Charlotte asked impatiently. “Do you know who he is?”

  “I’m afraid not,” Erica lied. “I’ve never seen him before.”

  “Are you sure? Please take a good look. He’s very distinctive.”

  “I’m sorry, I don’t know him,” Erica said dismissively, picking up the pruning shears. “Now I really must get on.”

  Charlotte looked at Erica suspiciously. “I think you do know him, Erica. You admitted you knew who my father was, remember? You said he was no good and that I should stay away from him.” She began walking towards the house. “I’ll show Marion the locket tomorrow. I’m sure she’ll tell me his name.”

  “Charlotte, if you do manage to trace this man, what do you think will happen?”

  “Happen? What do you mean?”

  “Well, do you think he will welcome you into his life? Introduce you to his family as his long-lost daughter?”

  “I don’t know, but that’s something I have to find out for myself. Surely you can see that?”

  “Charlotte, I’m begging you. Please forget about this man.”

  “I can’t. He’s my father and I have to meet him.”

  “You really are very headstrong, aren’t you? Why won’t you trust what I’m saying and stay away from him? It’s for your own good.”

  Charlotte turned angrily to face Erica. “I’ve been lied to by you and my parents all my life. Do you have any idea how that feels, to know that your whole life has been one big lie on top of another? I don’t trust you, Erica. I don’t trust Marion. In fact, I don’t trust anyone.” Tears began to run down her cheeks.

  “Well, I’m sorry you feel that way. Marion and I did what we thought was for the best. I hoped you’d realise that.”

  “Erica, I’m grateful for what you did. I’m grateful for Mary and Liam taking care of me, but they should have told me I was adopted earlier. To find out only after they were dead is hard. There are so many questions I need to ask them. So many things I need to ask you and Marion.”

  “I told you all I know about what happened to Paula. What else do you want to know?”

  “I want to know about Paula, the person. What sort of woman she was. What she liked to wear, what she liked to eat. I want to know what sort of music she liked, what her favourite colour was. But most of all, Erica, I want to know who she fell in love with. Surely you can understand that?”

  Erica put her arm around Charlotte’s shoulder and guided her towards the house. “Why don’t we have a nice cup of tea and I’ll tell you all about her,” she said kindly.

  “I don’t drink tea, remember? But I wouldn’t mind a gin and tonic.”

  Erica smiled. “What a good idea. I think I’ll join you.”

  SIXTY-FIVE

  Karl pou
red himself a whisky with soda and took his usual walk around the club. It was almost ten o’clock and the Emerald was beginning to reach capacity. The Lounge Bar was full of would-be celebrities and middle-aged businessmen, most of whom were regular visitors to the club. They were accompanied by some of the prettiest girls in the area, all elegantly dressed and perfectly groomed. Soft music was playing as the girls chatted and flirted with the men, always with a glass of champagne in their hand. A couple of girls were entertaining discreetly in the booths at the back of the room.

  Karl descended the staircase and went into the main part of the club. The music here was much louder. Strobe lights danced around the room as scantily clad girls wound themselves artistically around the poles to the rhythm of the music. There were several minders scattered around the club. Their job was to ensure none of the men touched the girls inappropriately. The club was more boisterous than usual with two stag parties and a group soldiers from the nearby barracks in York.

  “Everybody behaving themselves?” Karl asked Peter, who joined him as soon as he entered the room.

  “Nothing we can’t handle,” Peter said reassuringly.

  “Just make sure it stays that way. I’m leaving early tonight. If anything kicks off you know where to find me.”

  “Don’t worry, boss, we’ve plenty of staff if any of the punters gets too frisky.”

  Karl took a last look round the club before he walked through to the foyer. “By the way, Peter, I want you to do me another errand tomorrow.”

  “Yes, boss,” Peter said attentively.

  “I need you to deliver a package to Jonny Dalton at the casino. Be in my office at twelve o’clock sharp.”

  “Sure thing,” Peter grinned, opening the main door for Karl. “See you tomorrow.”

  Karl drove his Mercedes out of the car park. It was a fifteen minute drive to his home and as usual, he used the time to reflect on the day’s business. The most pressing matter was meeting Lisa and Alex on Sunday. He was excited and worried at the same time. The report Paul had supplied regarding his son did not make good reading. At least once he had settled the gambling debt, Alex would be out of Jonny Dalton’s grasp.