The Mark

by Heather Burnside

  ‘Thank you!’ said Maddy, smiling.

  For a few moments they stood gazing at each other, and Maddy could feel an irresistible pull. They leaned in at the same time, their actions automatic and unforced. Then his mouth met hers and he held her close. His lips felt soft and moist, his embrace comforting as they melted into each other, and a frisson of pure delight rippled through her body.

  It was a while before Maddy pulled away, knowing it would be too easy to get carried away, and suddenly conscious of putting on a show in front of the queue of taxi drivers. ‘I’ve got to go,’ she said. ‘Work tomorrow.’ Then she giggled coyly. ‘I’ll have a terrible headache as it is.’

  She saw the look of disappointment on his face and quickly backtracked. ‘Oh, but it’ll have been worth it,’ she added, smiling as she stepped away. ‘Thanks again for such a wonderful evening.’

  He reluctantly let her go, calling to her as she made her way to the taxi. ‘I’ll message you.’

  ‘OK. See you soon.’

  Maddy got inside the taxi and watched him walk away as she gave the driver her destination. She was thrilled when Aaron looked back and waved. Then she settled back in her seat and felt a warm glow inside her, which lasted until she fell asleep in her own bed at the end of the night.

  10

  Crystal was just about to walk out of The Rose and Crown when Gilly shouted to her.

  ‘Hang on! I’m coming with you tonight.’

  She turned back and smiled at him, the clown-like lipstick giving colour to her pale features. ‘Ah, cheers, Gilly,’ she said.

  They walked out of the pub and turned down one of the dingy backstreets behind Piccadilly. Their surroundings were a depressing sepia image and a sharp contrast to the vibrant shops, bars and restaurants on the main streets, which were a neon, multicoloured billboard of delights for both locals and visitors.

  Crystal led the way as they passed industrial-sized bins overflowing with refuse, and the steel back doors of shops, daubed in graffiti and decorated with torn fly posters. Gilly noticed how quickly Crystal made her way through the streets. Anyone would think she was looking forward to it, or was it a chemical high that was driving her? He assumed the latter. After all, it wasn’t unusual for street girls to take something before they went to work. It helped give them the courage to get through the night.

  Crystal was addicted to heroin and crack. Now in her early twenties, she’d had her first experience of drugs when she was just fourteen. Gilly often paid her in drugs rather than in cash as they were a bigger incentive for her to keep selling her body to the many clients who used her each night.

  While he walked behind Crystal, Gilly took in her appearance from the rear. Her skinny, pale legs. The sores on the backs of her feet. The small tear in the back of her leather-look jacket. Her lurid, red hair, which stuck up haphazardly in all directions. And as he made his critical observation, Gilly realised that what he felt for Crystal wasn’t just indifference replacing his previous attraction. It was more than that. In Crystal he saw a reflection of his own failure in life and it left him with a bitter resentment.

  Gilly didn’t try to keep pace with Crystal. He preferred to stay a few steps behind. It was rare to see them walking anywhere together at all, let alone side by side. Normally Gilly only dealt with Crystal in a work capacity or when he needed her to satisfy his own sexual needs. In the case of the latter, they’d usually get a taxi back to her place when they were both high from drink and drugs. It wasn’t what Gilly would have termed a relationship, despite what Crystal seemed to think.

  Eventually they emerged from the dim back streets and alleyways, and stepped onto the pavement bordering London Road, one of the main routes into the city, dominated by Piccadilly station. Here the crowds jostled for space as they rushed towards the popular bars and restaurants.

  Crystal stepped onto the busy road, dodging the buses and cars, whose drivers tooted their horns. For the first time, Gilly rushed to catch up with her, and grabbed her by the arm.

  ‘Steady. You’ll get yourself fuckin’ killed!’ he said.

  Crystal didn’t say anything; she just looked at Gilly, her dull eyes full of love, and a slight smile of appreciation shaping her lips. He kept a tight hold of her until they had reached Aytoun Street, where the cars and trams competed for prominence. Once he had her safely across the road, Gilly let her go, saying a few words before he did so.

  ‘Don’t forget what I told you last time. Any cars that stop, you send them to another girl unless it’s him. We’re here for one reason and that’s to get the bastard who did that to you,’ he said, nodding at her face, which still showed some faded bruising round the eye sockets.

  As soon as they arrived at Minshull Street, Gilly faded into the shadow of the buildings while Crystal hung about at the roadside along with the other working girls. He lit up a cigarette and prepared to watch till he got a sign from Crystal.

  Almost an hour later Gilly was becoming impatient. Car after car had stopped and been urged on by Crystal. The only time that Gilly had almost stepped out of his hiding place was when one of the drivers had hurled abuse at Crystal for refusing to do business, his disappointment evident in the foul words that had streamed from his mouth. But he’d soon moved on when he’d realised he was wasting his time.

  It was the third time Gilly had gone with Crystal to search for the man. As Crystal repeatedly turned customers away, and Gilly thought about how much money they were losing, he became annoyed. They weren’t only losing out from Crystal’s earnings, but he was also having to sub her from his own money to pay for her drugs and other things she needed.

  Even before Crystal gave him the sign, Gilly spotted the red Toyota Avensis pulling over. He dashed across the pavement and, while Crystal stepped into the front passenger seat, Gilly jumped into the back. He half expected to see the bald, scrawny man behind the driving wheel again but instead he was rewarded by the sight of a big, dark man.

  He couldn’t see the man’s face from behind but a quick nod from Crystal told him they’d got the right guy. Gilly quickly withdrew the hunting knife that he had secreted inside his hoody, and jabbed it into the back of the man’s neck.

  ‘What the fuck’s going on?’ asked the man, his voice filled with panic.

  ‘Just get fuckin’ driving or this knife will be across your throat!’ Gilly ordered.

  The man put the car clumsily into gear and stepped onto the accelerator. As the Toyota sped away from the pavement, Gilly checked round to make sure no one had seen him with the knife. To his relief, although there were plenty of people around, no one was looking at them. To be on the safe side, Gilly pulled the sleeve of his hoody down till the knife was obscured from view and he sidled up behind the driver so it looked as though he were just giving him directions.

  ‘Where are we going?’ asked the driver, his voice now trembling.

  Gilly felt a buzz of adrenaline. ‘Just keep fuckin’ driving till we’re out of the city,’ he demanded. ‘Then I’ll tell you where.’

  *

  It was a few nights since Aaron had taken Maddy to the Hawksmoor restaurant, and she was on the phone to Clare. As she regaled her friend with details of her last date with Aaron, she was unable to contain her excitement.

  ‘I’ve seen him twice already and I’m seeing him again on Saturday. I think we might be going back to the Midland.’

  ‘The Midland? You mean the Midland hotel?’

  ‘Yes, that’s where he’s staying.’

  Maddy had also rung Clare after her first date with Aaron and had told her all about him being between homes, but it was the first time she’d mentioned where he was staying.

  ‘Bloody hell! That’s a bit expensive, isn’t it?’ asked Clare.

  Maddy could hear the surprise in Clare’s voice at the mention of the Midland, a luxury hotel in the heart of the city centre.

  ‘I don’t think he’s short of money,’ said Maddy. ‘From what he told me, his business in Yorkshir
e is doing really well. That’s why he’s looking to set up another warehouse in Manchester.’

  ‘It sounds like you’ve landed on your feet,’ said Clare. ‘But don’t let him rush you into anything. He’s bound to want you to sleep with him if he takes you back to the hotel.’

  ‘What’s wrong with that?’ asked Maddy, giggling.

  ‘You’ve only seen him twice, Maddy. Don’t you think it’s a bit soon?’ asked her friend.

  ‘No. I don’t. He’s bloody gorgeous, Clare. So why shouldn’t I? We’re both free agents when all’s said and done!’ Then her voice took on a dreamy note as she said, ‘I think I’ll make arrangements for Becky to stay at her dad’s on Saturday so I don’t have to rush home.’

  Clare didn’t reply straight away so Maddy filled in the silence. ‘It feels right, Clare!’

  ‘OK, well, as long as you know what you’re doing. I’m pleased for you, Maddy. It’s about time you found some happiness. I just don’t want to see a repeat of what happened with Rob, that’s all.’

  ‘You won’t,’ said Maddy. ‘He’s completely different from him.’

  When Maddy eventually finished the call she sat still for a few moments, deep in thought. Clare’s comments niggled her a bit. Anyone would think she didn’t want her to be happy.

  But Clare’s words had also sown a seed of doubt in her mind. What if he was too good to be true? Seeking reassurance, she went over their last two dates in her mind. The way he’d acted and the things he’d said brought her to the rapid conclusion that Clare was overreacting. After all, Clare wasn’t the one who was seeing him. So how could she possibly be expected to know just how wonderful he was?

  11

  Gilly ordered the driver to head towards the Peak District once they were out of the city centre. Throughout the journey the only words they exchanged were when Gilly gave out directions. The driver stayed silent and Gilly could feel his heavy bulk quivering under the blade of the knife, which Gilly kept pointed at the back of his neck all the way there.

  As they left the towns bordering the city centre, the area became more remote. After twenty minutes of driving up and down the hilly roads, Gilly spotted a narrow country lane leading off to the right, just as they passed it.

  ‘Turn down there!’ he shouted.

  The driver slammed on his brakes then reversed before turning into the country lane. It was unlit in the dusk of evening, and lined by trees, which obscured it from the roadway. As they drove along it felt increasingly secluded and after a few minutes Gilly was satisfied that they had reached an ideal spot.

  ‘Pull over in that lay-by up there,’ he ordered the driver.

  The driver did as instructed and Gilly could sense his trepidation as he took in his isolated surroundings. The man sucked in a deep, shuddering breath as the car drew to a halt, and Gilly knew he was preparing himself for what might follow.

  Gilly jumped out of the car and quickly swung the driver’s door open. ‘Get out!’ he demanded, stepping back to give the man space.

  He kept the knife pointing at him all the time while the man stepped from the vehicle then straightened up just in front of him. Gilly also carried on watching the man till he felt Crystal’s touch as she stood close by his side. In a swift movement Gilly leapt forward and shoved the man aside, throwing him off balance so he could get behind him. Before the man could react, Gilly had one arm round the top of his chest with his other hand holding the blade to his throat.

  ‘Now let’s see how you enjoy being slapped around,’ said Gilly.

  ‘I didn’t do anything,’ protested the man.

  ‘Don’t tell fuckin’ lies!’ yelled Gilly, pressing the knife down hard till he drew blood. ‘How do you think she got those fuckin’ marks on her face?’ He paused a moment, gaining satisfaction as he felt the man shaking. ‘And she was right,’ he continued. ‘You are a fuckin’ ugly bastard. No wonder you have to buy it, mate!’

  ‘I didn’t mean any harm. It’s just – she wouldn’t give me what I wanted. I thought they were supposed to be up for it.’

  ‘Well, you thought fuckin’ wrong!’ shouted Gilly. ‘You get what you fuckin’ pay for.’

  Crystal aimed a sharp kick at the man’s shin and he yelped in pain. ‘Yes, you cheeky bastard!’ she said. ‘It’s not a fuckin’ free for all. And no girl deserves to be beaten up, no matter what they are.’

  Gilly jabbed the knife again. ‘I ought to slit your fuckin’ throat now. It’s what you deserve. But I wanna see you suffer a bit more first. Go on, Crystal, hit him again.’

  ‘He deserves to suffer,’ said Crystal, slapping the man across his face.

  Gilly wanted to frighten the man and to let him know that he couldn’t go round beating his girls up without repercussions. He also intended to take his money. It might go towards recouping some of his losses for what Crystal could have earned while they’d been looking for him.

  ‘Go through his pockets,’ he said to Crystal.

  She stepped forward again and began to search the outer pockets of his jacket but her hands came out empty. Then Crystal grabbed his lapels, pulling his jacket towards her and trying to get to the inside pockets. Gilly loosened his hold on the man’s chest so that Crystal could reach inside. It was then that the man made his move.

  He lunged forward, gripping Crystal’s throat tightly with both hands.

  ‘Drop the fuckin’ knife!’ he shouted. ‘Or I’ll strangle the bitch.’

  Gilly took in the alarmed expression on Crystal’s face, but he hesitated a moment. Then he saw her eyes bulge as the man tightened his grip on her throat. Gilly knew he had no choice; he had to do something. He might no longer have many feelings for Crystal, but even he had a conscience, and Gilly knew he couldn’t let the man strangle her to death.

  ‘All right, all right!’ he said, taking the knife away and stepping back.

  But the man didn’t wait for Gilly’s next move. He took his hands from Crystal’s throat and gave a mighty shove, launching her across the muddy ground. Then he swung round and charged Gilly with his head bent down. He had his fists held out in front, like the horns of a raging bull.

  Gilly heard the man’s loud roar, an indomitable war cry, and felt a huge blow as he crashed into him, throwing him off his feet. Then Gilly felt the wind being sucked from his lungs when he landed on his back with the weight of the man on top, crushing him. He instinctively put out his hands to break his fall and as he touched down, the knife flew from his fingers, landing a couple of metres away. Gilly heard the clinking of the metal blade as it hit a stone, then the man started pummelling his face. Gilly tried to fend him off but he was too powerful, and Gilly was still winded.

  He couldn’t see Crystal. Just a big ugly face and some iron fists hammering at him. The man let up and looked across to see where the knife had landed. Keeping Gilly pinned down, he stretched out his left arm towards the knife but he couldn’t reach it.

  Regaining some of his breath, Gilly yelled, ‘Quick, Crystal. The knife. Get the fuckin’ knife!’

  Then Gilly saw her, racing towards the knife, but she came too close. The man grabbed her ankle and yanked, felling her once more. Gilly tried to push the man off but he retaliated, trading punches. Each of the man’s punches fell harder till Gilly felt stunned. He was losing the fight.

  While the man grappled with Gilly, Crystal seized her chance. Still sprawled on the ground, she reached out and grabbed the knife. Then she crawled towards Gilly and thrust it in his hand.

  ‘Quick, get him!’ she yelled.

  Gilly was becoming dizzier with each painful blow of the man’s fists. He knew it was his only chance. Summoning up his last vestiges of energy, he swung the knife back. Then he plunged it deep into the man’s throat till the blood spurted out.

  Gilly would never forget the look of that man in his dying moments with a myriad of thoughts expressed in his features. Anger. Realisation. Defeat. A brief melodrama played out as Gilly felt the man’s blood dripping onto him, and
his body slumped, pinning Gilly to the ground once more.

  In a panic, Gilly pushed the man away. Then he shot up off the ground and dashed from him. For several seconds he stood staring in shock as the man’s life blood seeped out of him. Next to him, Crystal was just as immobile. Then her delayed reaction kicked in and she got up off the ground.

  ‘Oh, my God! I think he’s dead. You’ve fuckin’ killed him!’ she yelled.

  ‘Shut the fuck up!’ shouted Gilly, looking furtively around him. ‘Someone might hear you.’ Then the tone of his voice changed as he started pleading with Crystal. ‘I didn’t mean to. I had no fuckin’ choice. It was the only way I could get the fucker off me. He would have killed me if I hadn’t done it. You know he would.’

  Crystal began weeping. ‘I can’t believe you’ve killed him.’

  ‘What the fuck did you expect?’ said Gilly. ‘I couldn’t just let him beat me to death, could I? And then what would he have done to you?’

  ‘Oh, my God!’ Crystal repeated. ‘What are we gonna do?’

  Gilly felt on the verge of tears himself. The shock of what he had just done took a hold and he paced frantically round the narrow country lane. Searching for answers. For some way out of the terrifying mess that he’d got himself into.

  He could hear the sound of traffic in the distance. ‘Right. We need to get him off the road quickly,’ he said. ‘Before someone finds him. Come on.’

  He stepped towards the body and waited for Crystal to join him. But she remained rooted to the spot, staring in terror as the tears tumbled from her eyes.

  ‘Fuckin’ move!’ howled Gilly. ‘I can’t shift the big bastard on my own.’

  Between them they managed to heave the man’s body through a gap in the hedgerow that skirted the narrow lane. ‘Over there,’ said Gilly, pointing to a clump of bushes nearby.

  They continued to drag the body. ‘Right, push him in there,’ said Gilly, indicating a small space beneath the bushes.