“Andy have you been paid for the job yet?”
“Yes I have…..why?”
“I’ve gathered you’re very good at what you do, I mean let’s face it I personally don’t know anyone who could take one of those shots let alone four. Bostock knows who you are because you do work for him and he has paid you for this job already. Not only did you not do the job you were paid for by taking us two out, you shot four of his men. I’m imagining he is pretty pissed right now and you have just added yourself to the list of people he might want to get rid of……why?”
Andy stared at Richards trying to penetrate his mind and search his thoughts.
“I know what Bostock is capable of….I’ve seen it for myself so believe me the last thing I want to do is get on his wrong side. At the same time I’m not going to stand by and watch my friend get murdered. My mind was made up when I see the guy approaching you from your right with his weapon drawn and the ambulance doors were opening to scrape up the two people who had just collapsed in the street with a suspected heart attack”
Wyre seemed puzzled as he tried to take in the conversation and the realisation of how serious of a situation they had been in.
“Thank you Andy it was a big decision to make and we’re very grateful” said Richards nodding his head.
Andy nodded back as his phone started ringing in his pocket. Taking it out he looked at both Wyre and Alex with an angry expression on his face.
“It’s Bostock!”
“You’ve got 1 minute before he traces it” said Richards.
“Andy speaking” he said pressing the loudspeaker button.
“No….no…no, this is a fucking dead man on this line Bristow. You might as well dig yourself a hole in the ground and fucking crawl into it with the life you’re about to lead……”
At that the line went dead and Bristow placed the mobile phone on the table. Wyre rubbed his forehead and bowed his head in despondency at what he had just heard. Someone else he held dear to him was now embroiled in this horrendous situation which seemed to be spiralling out of control into the darkest of abyss’s. He watched as Andy stood up and walked towards the open fire place and proceeded to remove the battery from the phone and then throw both items into the grate. Next was his wallet as he removed every card inside and placed them all with the dismantled phone. Checking the wallet was empty Andy also threw that in leaving Wyre looking bewildered and Alex with a smile on his face. Reaching into his small rucksack he pulled out a new phone and a new wallet and pushed them into his jacket pockets. Picking three dry logs of wood off the pile next to the fire he placed them on top of the belongings then began to light the two pieces of kindling he was holding before poking them amongst the logs.
“Like I said I know what Bostock is capable of. Rule number one when dealing with Bostock. Always have a backup plan”
Wyre looked at Alex as Andy excused himself and went outside to make a call. Without saying a word Alex knew the expression on Wyre’s face meant he wanted answers even though he had a good idea what had just happened.
“Well we can definitely trust him Wyre. He has just burnt his old life and started a new one. It won’t just be the phone and bank cards it will be his whole identity”
“This is bullshit!” whispered Wyre.
“As soon as he would have used that phone again he would have been surrounded by suits. If he had gone to a cash point the same thing would happen. His passport, driving licence and anything with his identity on it will be picked up by Bostock’s animals using the electronic trace system. He won’t be able to go back home now and that’s a big sacrifice. The second he pulled that trigger he would have known there was no going back”
Up until this point Wyre had been strong and determined to a point where it drew praise from Richards but the detective could see the whole situation was now tearing him apart and breaking him. A weaker man would have surely folded by now and the detective watched and studied as Wyre stroked the stubble on his chin and stared into space.
“I just want them back………I just want them both back and for this to be all over. My son is fucking dying for Christ sake!” Wyre gasped. Alex checked his watch and realised it was time to meet Ruben to see if he could shed any light on where the white key card had come from. For the first time Alex Richards looked angry and almost vengeful.
“Wyre you have to re-assure me that you trust Andy without any doubt”
“Yes…..yes absolutely Alex” nodded Wyre.
“I want you to stay here with Andy if that is ok. I’ll be about an hour. We’re safe here for the time being but stay vigilant if you go into the garden”
Wyre nodded then bowed his head.
Chapter 10
Even though the pub was open plan, thin dividing walls and decorative screens divided the bar and eating areas into separate spaces. There were restaurant areas and various bar type areas with seating and standing. One of the large bar sections had seven or eight people sat in their own little separate groups chatting and drinking but at the bar four men stood sipping on their drinks, three of them listening to the other one hold court. He towered over the other three as his tight green tee-shirt gave away that he was a gym fanatic as it struggled to contain the muscles every time he turned and moved a part of his body. His shaved grey hair, scarred face and vacant stare gave the impression he might have just been released from prison.
“So what did she say?” bellowed one of his drinking buddies as he placed his glass of Fosters lager to his lips and sank almost half the glass.
“Nothing she just burst out crying the fucking stupid cow” replied the muscle man glaring at anyone who dared walked too close to the group. “Bloody beach towel girl she was”
“What do you mean beach towel girl” asked the shortest of the group who was suffering from little man’s syndrome and seemed to bark like a jack Russell.
“You know she only got laid now and again…..a couple of times a year” boomed muscles.
The group of four fell about laughing, making it hard for the dad carrying an arm full of drinks back to his family to pass without spilling any. In a blink of an eye muscle man’s tee-shirt had a large wet patch from the fizzy apple drink that was in one of the glasses and the dad in his mid- thirties was apologising profusely.
“Watch it you dopey bastard look what you’ve done to my shirt!”
“Like I say I’m sorry” apologised the dad yet again.
“You fucking will be” said muscles now squaring up to the dad who just wanted to get back to the table so his son and daughter could have their drinks.
Some of the other people sat drinking glanced around to see what the commotion was but seemed reluctant to get involved. The guys little boy of five ran over to him showing bravery and concern beyond his age.
“Come on mate it was an accident let me just get past please!” pleaded the father.
Muscles yielded but not without making sure everyone knew he was the alpha male by glaring at the little boy and his father. The thugs that surrounded him were also stood like coiled springs waiting for their opportunity to impress their master.
“Well Gary it’s amusing to see you still acting the prick at your age”
The posh sounding voice drew some more turned heads and stares from those who had just witnessed the recent show of strength. Instead of turning round to confront the voice, the muscles called Gary just froze as though he recognized the mocking voice. His subordinates had no idea and turned to show their prowess to the guy who had just embarrassed their leader.
“What the fuck did you say old man?” said the short one who looked like he had taken way too many steroids meaning he was barely able to walk let alone hold his arms up any higher than his shoulders he was bulked out to such an extent.
“Gary you need to put your rat on a leash for his own sake”
“You mother fucker…….!”
“Dave wait” said Gary stopping the terrier taking a swing at the abuser.
“Ron what are you doing here?”
“Oh you know Gary just socialising…..having a drink”
Gary had gone from being the alpha male of the whole establishment to a cowering dog who was now struggling to take control of his pack as they seemed bemused as to why their illustrious leader had just been shot down in flames and more to the point, was doing nothing about it. Ron Bostock moved closer so he could stand next to Gary meaning Dave and the others had to give up their ground to the smartly dressed old man who to them posed no physical threat.
“So why are you really here?” asked Gary again, knowing damn well Bostock wanted something from him.
Bostock smiled which meant two things. One, he was not in a good mood because something or someone had obviously pissed him off and two, whatever he wanted he wanted right now and wasn’t going to leave until he got it. Gary knew this all too well because like many others he too had worked for Bostock and knew what he was capable of. His only hope now was the guys he was with didn’t do anything stupid.
“Andrew Bristow……..where is he?”
“I’ve no idea” replied Gary shrugging his shoulders and shaking his head. “I’ve not seen him for years”
Bostock looked at the barman and nodded.
“Glenmorangie please, no ice!”
There was silence as the barman drained the required amount from the optic and gave the drink to Bostock who then paid. It was obvious that Gary was getting more nervous but also trying not to lose face in front of his followers. Bostock knocked the whiskey straight back then just stood there staring at Gary.
“You’ve had a few seconds to think about it so again where is he?”
“Ron you have to believe me……I have absolutely no idea like I say it’s been at least 5 years since I’ve seen him….I swear!”
“Gary, Gary, Gary” said Bostock shaking his head.
“Listen old man he’s told you he doesn’t know so why don’t you just fuck off!”
Bostock normally smiled when things were going to go bad for someone he knew or used to know. It was his way of letting them know that even though he might have liked them a little when they worked for him, there would be some pleasure for him in causing them harm. He would say it was his way of reminding them that even though they had left the establishment they were not forgotten. There were no smiles when he was about to inflict pain on someone who he didn’t care about or didn’t know. Gary knew this and tried to do something about it by giving his orders because the smile on Bostock’s face had now disappeared.
“Listen guys why don’t you just fucking wait outside or just shut the fuck up……..……..listen Ron I swear I haven’t seen Andy and I don’t know where he is. Maybe I could find out for you”
Before anyone realised what was going on Gary was struggling to remove the cord from around his neck. As he tried to stop it tightening his legs were kicked from under him and the big guy that he was crashed to the floor with a loud thud. As Gary looked up and attempted to defend himself, Bostock with a baton type weapon he had pulled from nowhere struck him full in the face, the noise of the bone in his cheek cracking in a sickening fashion. Whilst the shock was still raw and Gary screamed in terrible pain Bostock then moved towards the other three just to let them know if they wanted some action he was up for it. One of the taller guys looked terrified but the jack Russell on steroids wasn’t going to back down.
“You’re gonna get it now you old fucker” he barked pulling out a knife with a five inch blade on it.
“Oh I like you, you little piece of shit you should be working for me, Gary what’s his name?”
“Yeah you’re not so fucking hard now are you” said the little man pointing the knife at Bostock.
Bostock’s smile returned as he always admired someone with balls even if they were small and a stranger and threatening him.
“Oh I don’t know about that wee man”
As Gary was attempting to climb back up onto his feet whilst trying to hold the gaping wound closed on his face, Bostock pulled out his browning 9mm and flashed a badge to the now frightened drinkers in the bar area.
“It’s ok folks arrests aren’t normally this difficult. You were saying you little bitch!”
The jack Russell looked devastated that he wouldn’t get the chance to have a go at the old man as Bostock ordered him to place the knife on the floor. As he did Bostock pistol whipped him full on in the face splitting his nose in two. The other two now had no intention of trying anything as they stood nervously with eyes as big as saucers. A guy who had been sat watching the events unfold jumped up to ask if the police were allowed to do this. Before he got too near one of Bostock’s goons appeared from nowhere also carrying a weapon.
“I think it’s better if you all left folks. This is police business so if you could all finish your drinks and leave that would be great. Thank you!”
Without hesitation everybody in the pub stood, grabbed their bags and jackets and made a quick exit leaving only Bostock, his squad of muscle and the four now cowering dogs at the bar. By now the injured Gary was standing with blood pouring down his chest and arm from his facial wound waiting to see what was going to happen next.
“So Gary do I have to go and get the fucking chainsaw and nail pullers out of the car or can we talk like grown- ups?”
“Look I’d prefer it if you all did whatever you’re going to do outside. I don’t want any mess in here” said the barman.
“What the fuck does he mean mess?” asked one of the cowering dogs now looking more concerned at the predicament they now seemed to be in.
Bostock now seemed in his element as he held court whilst filling his audience with fear as he walked up and down the bar.
“You see fella’s Gary here used to work for me. I’m not sure if he’s told you this but he used to kill people for me. Don’t get me wrong he wasn’t any fucking good at it but that sometimes helped because nobody believed his victims were killed by a professional, more like a teenage mugging gone wrong”
Gary’s friends looked at him in shock, not believing what they were hearing. Bostock continued.
“So what Gary is doing now is trying to do what he did all those years ago and act the tough man by holding out on where one of his ex- associates might be. Again this is something he is not very fucking good at because by holding out on me and not giving me an idea of where he is means he is putting all of you fuckwits in danger. This is how it’s going to be. I ask Gary here where his old friend Andy Bristow is, by the way this Andy Bristow is a proper fucking killer and has just taken out four of my men so if he finds out you have all grassed him up you’re all fucked anyway so let’s get started. I ask Gary and every time he refuses to tell me anything I take one of you, stretch your bollock skin as far as it will go without tearing. Then using these I will cut the fucking things off”
At this point Bostock held up a tool that looked like wire cutters.
“This is the nice bit of course because one of you other pricks will have to swallow the balls and believe me you will fucking swallow them”
The reaction amongst the alpha males was almost disbelieving of Bostock’s threat but he was yet to ask Gary the all-important question to get things started. They all listened intently as Bostock approached Gary still trying to stop the bleeding.
“So come on Gary your so called friends are relying on you here. Where is Bristow staying or at least give me a fucking name of someone who does know and don’t give me the bullshit that you can find out. I can fucking find out in time but I want to know now”
Gary stood motionless apart from the heavy breathing due to him knowing Bostock was not bluffing. He would carry out his threat if he didn’t get what he wanted. The defiant look was still there though because as much as he feared Bostock he also feared Bristow because of his reputation. If he found out Gary had given him up there would almost certainly be a price to pay. Bostock looked at his men to prepare them and then he pulled out the
wire cutters from his pocket.
“What’s your name son?” asked Bostock pointing to the guy with the black greased back hair and what looked like a fake tan.
“Duncan”
Before he knew it Duncan had been pulled onto his back kicking and screaming by two of Bostock’s men and his jeans ripped off along with his boxer shorts. Bostock approached and pushed Duncan’s boxer shorts into his mouth whilst Gary, the Jack Russell and the other guy called Kevin looked on in horror.
“Gary your friend needs you” said Bostock almost singing and glancing at Gary who stood looking the other way still refusing to talk.
As his legs were restrained Bostock grabbed Duncan’s balls and pulled them with a sharp tug. Duncan’s eyes were bulging with fear and pain at the realisation that this sick bastard called Bostock was going to go through with his threat.
“Wait I think Duncan wants to say something” said Bostock removing the boxer shorts from Duncan’s mouth.
“Gary for fucks sake tell him what he wants to know. GARY!!!!!”
Duncan’s screams had Kevin pleading with him also to tell them what they wanted to know.
“Come on Gary listen to your friends” said Bostock in a friendly voice
“Please Mr Bostock me and my wife want children, we’ve just got married, don’t do this I’m begging you Please!” pleaded Duncan.
“Yes I know you want kids. Jennifer her name isn’t it? Smashing girl, looks like she would make a great mother”
Gary now eyeballed Bostock in horror realising he had researched and found out who all his friends were meaning they were all done for.
Without saying anything else Bostock took a tighter hold of Duncan’s balls and pulled them hard so the skin stretched to almost breaking point. The two guys holding Duncan now started to struggle to keep him still as he tried to kick and fight his way out of it while tears flowed down his screwed up and anguish filled face. Holding the cutters in his right hand Bostock placed the skin between them and cut right through, causing blood to squirt out. The sight of Bostock stood holding Duncan’s testicles still in the scrotum forced Kevin to throw up over the floor and Duncan’s eyes to roll to the back of his head in pain and then pass out. Gary was now being forced to watch as Kevin was now held by three guys as Bostock force fed him one of the testicles covered in blood and sinew, holding his nose in an attempt to make sure he swallowed it. He did but threw it up immediately. It was Gary’s turn to start retching as tears rolled down his face at what his past had brought upon him and his friends.
BEYOND THE SPRING Page 11