by Alan Cooke
‘Well what do you think of our Police Force Steve?’ It was a question to see if he would get on socially with Greg. She hoped they would be meeting together as couples for a long time to come.
‘Nice bloke, I could get on with him and after a pint or two we would be telling each other what a hard time our girlfriends were giving us.’ He laughed as Anthea made a face at him. ‘Yes, he’s someone I could get on with.’ Steve was serious and sorry that Greg was going to be away for the next two weeks. ‘Now before we start, does anyone want to continue our meeting here or should we find somewhere a bit more comfortable?’ He gave a slight shudder as he glanced around the room with its worn furniture and damp stained wallpaper.
‘Now I’ve seen the place,’ Carol grimaced, ‘I’m pleased we had our get together here. The whole area is certainly atmospheric and if anywhere shouts ‘drugs’ at you, this place does. So how about seeing how the other half live. I’m the only one working in the office although there are always calls not only from clients but from the girls. We can continue there, the only interference will be from the phone ringing. If you can put up with that, the facilities are there.’ It was a good suggestion and she was pleased to see Anthea collecting her jacket and bag.
‘That’s a great idea Carol. I would like to see your setup and see how other parts of the organisation tick.’ He was ashamed of his temporary home and pleased at the suggestion. This was no place for his future wife and someone he hoped would be a good friend.
After locking up the house, the drive to Carol’s office through the busy morning traffic took twenty minutes. Fortunately she had a parking space behind the office block and soon was opening the office door. ‘Come in folks and make yourselves at home while I put the kettle on.’ Pulling two chairs towards her desk, Anthea and Steve took off their jackets and sat down waiting for coffee.
‘I can see why you were eager to escape from my pad and return to this bit of luxury. You even have a nice view. All that was necessary was a kettle and you’ve got that too.’ He wasn’t relaxed, there were too many unanswered questions. He tried to convince himself that it was going to turn out right in the end. If only he could believe it. It could be the Mafia they were dealing with.
The phone was ringing and conversation stopped as the girls looked at Steven. It was his phone, ‘More instructions.’ He whispered to the girls as though the person at the other end of the unanswered phone could hear. Taking the phone from his pocket, he switched it on. ‘Hello.’
‘Slight change of plan Henderson, we had hoped the delivery would be made here but unfortunately due to a car accident, we, or rather you will have to collect the merchandise from Glasgow. Have you a pen handy?’
‘Just a second Sir,’ he made scribbling motion towards Carol who immediately passed him a pen and a piece of paper. ‘O.K. got it.’
‘Train times are as follows.’ Steve wrote them down and checked them back. ‘Now, you will be met by a man who will be waiting by the exit. He’s unmistakeable, unless there are two people with zimmer frames at the station which I very much doubt. The name is Jimmy. He may be accompanied, but I hope not. I would expect honest dealings from them but they can be a bit paranoid at times. One thing, on no account take a mobile phone with you. That was the instruction I received from our suppliers. Should friend Jimmy be accompanied, you will certainly be searched and we can’t risk breaking their rules. Once you have the merchandise, call me from a public call box then take the next train back. Is that clear?’
‘Do I have to hand anything over in exchange?’ Steven was clutching at straws. This was totally unexpected and he was unprepared for it. He would be out of touch with Anthea and Carol for the rest of the day.
‘No that’s all you have to do. Don’t whatever you do lose sight of that bag. In real terms you will be carrying a million pounds. All you will have to do is convert the contents into hard cash. Now you will have to move and sort yourself out. You have ample time to catch the train but it always pays to be early.’ He would know exactly what time Henderson arrived at the station, he would be there watching until the train left the platform with Henderson on board.
Steve wished Sue had been there, she would have had sound advice at this moment. Unfortunately she wasn’t, and he had to make a decision. The girls could not come up with any suggestions when he told them of his instructions, the only option was to keep the appointment. He asked them to consult Sue at the first opportunity and he would ring Anthea’s mobile from Glasgow.
Looking at his watch he estimated he had just 45 minutes to get to the station. ‘Gotta dash if I’m to make that train.’ He patted his pocket making sure his wallet was in place. He gave Anthea a brief kiss and headed for the door.
‘Do be careful Steve. I don’t want anything to happen to you.’ Anthea was worried, she had prepared herself for the day and this wasn’t in the plan. Things were getting out of control and Sue wasn’t there to help.
‘Look Anthea, I’ve got a suggestion to make. Why don’t you take your mind off things for a while? A bit of shopping therapy would do you the world of good, it always works for me if I have a doubt about something.’ Carol recognised the signs, the strain was showing on Anthea’s face and she was very unsettled. ‘I have to carry on as normal here, the girls will be ringing in between now and one o’clock, and then there are client calls to cope with. Oh! God, I forgot, I’m supposed to have some forecast figures for Clive Andrews. I’d better put something together before he calls.’
‘You have been a great help Carol, between us we will sort out this mess and then get on with our lives. I’ll take your advice and head for the Arndale centre Sue was telling me about. Can we meet for lunch?’ With Steve away and Sue involved at her office, Carol was the only person she could turn to and she desperately needed that support.
‘Here’s my card, just ring the mobile number when you have had enough and I’ll come and join you. Is that alright?’ As Anthea moved towards the door, Carol put her arm around her. ‘Don’t worry Anthea, everything is going to be alright.’
The smile and confident voice were encouraging. ‘Thanks Carol, you are a great help. I’ll ring about two o’clock if that’s O.K. It will give you a chance to sort out your calls.’
‘No problem, see you later.’ Opening the door, Carol let her new friend out on to the streets of Manchester.
Ten minutes later her mobile phone rang. Should she ignore it? Carol was in doubt, the confidence she had shown Anthea had vanished.
What would happen if she ignored the calls forever? It couldn’t be done. The directors would put pressure on Clive Andrews she was sure. She picked up the telephone.
‘Good morning Carol, I’m not interrupting you I hope.’ Was she alone or were the two female detectives on the scene. For his plan to work, he wanted her to be alone.
‘Hello Clive, I was just thinking about you. No, you’re not interrupting at all, I’m here in splendid isolation waiting for the girls to check in and to take future bookings. I have just about finished getting the forecast you wanted, just a few final adjustments to be made and it will be ready.’ He sounded in a good mood, not at all threatening, could he too be a victim and the company hierarchy the real enemy?
‘Well done Carol, you can give it to me personally. Great news. I’m here in Manchester and we will at last see each other face to face. I’m at the Poplars. Do you know it? Room 403, I have some work to catch up with before looking at some property, but we could have a coffee and chat before that, only about half an hour I’m afraid. I’m staying overnight but have appointments so an evening meeting will not be possible.’
He had to put Carol at ease, a brief meeting should not frighten her and a visit to Room 403 would be to his advantage. Particularly as he would not be there.
‘Let’s say one thirty, you’re not far away, but take a taxi on the firm, it will save you having to rush. Come straight up when you arrive and I’ll clear this paperwork away and organise the coffee. Must
dash, see you at one thirty. Room 403.’
CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT
‘This is a very special job Ben, very special and I think you will enjoy it.’ Bill patted his brother’s knee. ‘My writing is pretty bad so I’ll tell you what the plans are for today, I’ve got all the details here.’ His writing was in fact very neat, this was Bill’s way of covering for his brother’s lack of reading ability. ‘From now on, my name is Clive Andrews and I’m booked into the Poplars, a pretty snazzy hotel in Manchester. We won’t be there long, just enough time to do the job and then it’s back home and a nice little earner. What do you think of that?’ It was a great job, a package to pick up outside Manchester, check into the hotel and the rest was easy.
They made the pickup, were given instructions on its use and set off in their white van towards the hotel. Stopping at the supermarket indicated in the plan, they carried their change of clothing into the toilets. Two workmen went in, two suited businessmen came out. ‘You look a treat in that whistle Ben, I bet some of those people thought you were the Manager.’ Bill pulled down his shirt cuffs just below his suit jacket sleeves and straightened his tie. ‘Right, we’re spot on time. Let’s go and find a place to park the van and then I’ll book in. You follow me into the hotel and sit down somewhere you can see me. Once I’ve got the key, follow me up to the room. Pretend we’re not together. Have you got that?’
‘Yeah, no problem. You won’t even know I’m there until I get into the lift.’ Ben loved this game, they had played it before and Bill had told him how well he had done. He would do it equally as well today.
It was a not so sure Bill who acknowledged his brother’s confidence. He would always pat him on the back, but on the last hotel job Ben had acted more like Inspector Clouseau. It was fortunate their intended victim had been drinking heavily and didn’t notice.
By one o’clock, Mr. Andrews had checked in, and headed for the lift and Room 403. Inspector Clouseau dutifully followed.
‘Nice room Ben, don’t you think? Don’t get many chances to stay in places like this do we?’ Bill put the small bag on the bed, unzipping a side pocket he took out the package carefully and took it into the bathroom. ‘Whatever you do Ben, don’t touch that, it’s very dangerous. I’ll need it later, only touch it if I tell you, then bring it to me very carefully. Have you got that?’ Ben was busy bouncing on the bed testing the springs acting as a small child would in new surroundings. ‘Ben, did you hear what I said?’
‘This is a lovely bed, they don’t have them like this at the Parlour. I’m going to tell Lily about it, she’ll be pleased.’ He gazed vacantly at his brother. ‘I heard you, don’t touch it unless you say so.’ Sometimes Bill could annoy Ben and today was one of those times. Bill hadn’t praised him for getting to the lift without being noticed and his manner was surly.
‘Now you know what to do when there’s a knock on the door don’t you?’
Their timing had to be perfect or someone might hear. Bill had never had a bonus like this before, and if the girl was as beautiful as the Boss had said, he was going to enjoy it. ‘Once she’s inside, I’ll be first then you can have her O.K.’
It was a spoilt child who looked at Bill. ‘Don’t want her, you can ‘ave her, I don’t want her. I’ve got far better things to do, I’m going to ring Lily while you do what you want.’
Bill recognised the stubborn streak. At times like these he had learned to humour him otherwise anything could happen. ‘That’s a good idea. Ring Lily. Use the phone box outside the hotel, I noticed it when we arrived. Turn right outside the front and it’s about fifty yards away. You can’t miss it.’ Once the girl was inside the room there would not be a problem. Ben would be best out of the way. ‘Give me ten minutes before you come back, that should do it. I’ll be ready and we can disappear.’ It was getting near to the time and Bill could feel the excitement rising. ‘Don’t forget, when she knocks on the door, check the spy hole to make sure it’s her, then it’s a quick one two. Open the door, grab her arm, haul her inside, hand over her mouth then close the door. Couldn’t be easier could it?’ He looked at his watch, less than two minutes to go.
It was an unrecognisable Carol who took the lift to the fourth floor of the Poplars. Following the meeting the previous evening she had introduced her own security strategy. Her blonde hair was covered with a dark wig, gone were the business clothes, in place was a very short skirt and a blouse, worn without a bra. She hoped it would not shock Clive Andrews. If by chance she found out he too was a victim of this Company, he would understand her reason for the change of image. Not that he had ever seen her before, she thought.
Taking the lift to the fourth floor, she was soon outside Room 403. Knocking twice on the door she waited not knowing what to expect of Mr. Andrews. He always sounded so nice but that didn’t mean a thing.
The door opened, she saw two strange faces but before she could open her mouth a hand grabbed her arm, hauling her into the room. Her scream was silenced when a large hand covered her mouth stifling the sounds her fear had aroused. Her handbag fell to the floor and Bill kicked it through the open door of the bathroom where it landed on the toilet seat cover.
Walking backwards into the room, Bill spoke in a low threatening voice. ‘I’m going to take my hand away from your mouth, if you as much as squeak, you’re dead. These hands will snap your neck like a matchstick. Do you understand?’ He could see the girl’s eyes in the mirror wide open with fear, she wouldn’t give any trouble.
‘O.K. Ben off you go, better make that fifteen minutes.’ This one was a beauty. He’d never had a woman with the class this one had. ‘Close the door tight on the way out Ben.’
He was alone with her, she was lying motionless on the bed, the short skirt now pulled up revealing her thighs. Walking over to her he took her arm and pulled her into a sitting position. ‘Get them clothes off.’ His voice was just above a whisper. The girl did not move. ‘I said get them fuckin’ clothes off.’ This time his voice was louder causing the girl to slide her legs off the bed so that she was now seated facing him.’
The testicles, the eyes. Weren’t those the places to go for? Steve had said so, and he would know. Carol was thinking fast. There was no way this gorilla was going to rape her, but she had to think quickly. Somehow she had to go along with his orders and take her chance when she could. Slowly she unbuttoned her blouse before taking it off and letting it slip to the floor in front of her tormentor. She turned sideways deliberately so that he could admire the shape of her breasts. A plan was developing, standing up she started very slowly to remove her skirt. As she did so, she looked into Bill’s eyes. ‘I know what you want, wouldn’t it be better if we both enjoyed it. You have a very good body, why should you have all the fun?’
Bill stepped back to get another look at the beautiful young woman who had just said that she wanted him. ‘Yeah, yeah alright. Good idea.’ It had taken him by surprise but now all he wanted was to get out of his clothes and into bed. He was soon standing naked, watching her as she now removed her skirt and panties.
‘Do you think fifteen minutes will be enough?’ Carol placed her hand around his erect penis stroking it gently. ‘There are things I’d love to do to you before I feel this beautiful thing right up inside me. Lie back across the bed and leave the rest to me.’ As he carried out her instructions, she thought the plan might just work. Still stroking him, she knelt down between his legs getting herself in the best position for her next move.
Raising himself on his elbows, Bill watched as the girl rubbed his penis against her face and caressed his testicles with the other hand. When she opened her mouth, he lay back to await the pleasure that was coming.
Fear overcame the distaste for the things she was doing to this loathsome creature. So far she had gained control, all that was left was to do what she had to do and get out. It wasn’t going to be easy, but it had to be done. She moaned a little to give him the impression she was enjoying her work, then took one of his testicles in
her mouth and bit hard. Her hand was now around the testicle sac while her teeth remained fixed on her intended target.
Bill’s knees jerked upwards as he tried to scream but the agony was too great. Relief came as he fainted, his legs and arms collapsing on to the bed. She was not finished, taking the other testicle she delivered the same punishment. There was no response from the still figure.
Wiping her mouth across her arm, Carol was up searching for her skirt and blouse which she hurriedly put on, her panties she held, they could wait. Glancing at the recumbent figure on the bed, there was a chance she was going to make it. The door was her means of escape, would the other brute be there and bar her exit? Passing the bathroom she saw her handbag and quickly retrieved it. She then saw the hypodermic syringe, filled and ready for use. ‘That was for me,’ she thought. Taking the syringe she returned to the bed and the unconscious figure. He was not going to bother her again, to wake up he would have to return to the agonies recently endured. Carol looked down at the repulsive individual with absolute contempt before sticking the needle into his thigh and injecting all of the contents. Turning to the door she checked the spy hole in case anyone was outside then slowly opened the door.
The corridor was deserted but the other one might arrive any minute. Seeing the fire escape, she headed for the doors protected by a push bar pausing only to take off a shoe and smash the fire alarm glass. Pushing the doors closed behind her she ran down the stone staircase with the sound of the fire alarm ringing in her ears. At the ground floor she pushed open the fire doors and stepped out into a deserted backstreet sobbing with relief. Leaning against the wall she checked that her clothing was not out of place then took a mirror from her handbag to check her face.
After taking off the wig, she took a brush from her handbag returning the tousled hair to an acceptable state. Brush and wig were then pushed quickly into her bag. She had to avoid the second thug and get back to the office before Anthea and without raising any sort of suspicion. The street was a route for vehicles making deliveries to the rear entrances of the many commercial enterprises on the block, fortunately the street was deserted. Walking to the end of the street, she peered round the corner towards the front of the hotel in time to hear the sound of fire engines in the distance.