The Mark

by Heather Burnside

Maddy mentioned her ex-boyfriend, Rob, but then quickly added that she couldn’t really see him doing anything like that and he was a man anyway so he couldn’t have done the damage to her car.

  On and on went the police questions but Aaron had lost interest. Ever since he had realised who the culprit might be, he willed the interview to end. Stuff the useless police with their pathetic questions! He just wanted to get away from here as quickly as possible so he could carry out his own retribution.

  Eventually the police interview was at an end and Aaron saw them out before returning to Maddy and giving her another hug.

  ‘You OK?’ he asked.

  ‘Suppose so,’ she said, pulling away and looking into his eyes. ‘I just hope the police find out who did it.’

  ‘Let’s hope so. The bastards want punishing!’

  ‘You seem really angry,’ said Maddy, and Aaron silently cursed himself for letting it show.

  ‘Well, just hearing you say all that to the coppers, it did annoy me a bit. I just hate to think of what they’re putting you through, whoever’s doing this.’

  ‘Aw, you’re so good to me,’ she said, leaning in for another hug.

  Aaron stepped back. ‘Listen, Maddy. I’m really sorry but I was in the middle of something when you rang and I need to get back to it before they shut for the day.’

  ‘Oh, what was that?’ she asked, seeming put out.

  ‘I’ve been trying to source some materials to kit out the warehouse and I was in the middle of negotiating a good deal with builders’ merchants in Hyde when you rang.’

  ‘Oh, I’m sorry.’

  ‘It’s OK, no worries. I can go back there, but I don’t want to leave it till tomorrow. I can’t have him forgetting the deal we’ve agreed.’

  ‘No, no, you go,’ she said, trying to sound unconcerned even though he could hear the fear in her voice at the prospect of being alone again.

  He kissed the top of her head. ‘You take care,’ he said. ‘Don’t forget: keep your doors and windows locked. And try not to worry. No one will harm you; I’ll make sure of that. I’ll be back as soon as I can, and I’ll stay with you tonight. OK?’

  Then he was gone. He regretted having to leave Maddy when it was obvious that she was still in distress but the more he thought about what had been happening, the more annoyed he became. And he knew that he wouldn’t settle until he’d punished the person responsible.

  46

  It was ten to seven in the evening. Maddy had had a strenuous day; first the incident with her car, then having to sit through the police interview, then sorting out the aftermath. She’d rung the insurance company, then rung the retired police detective to apologise and reschedule the magazine interview. Afterwards she had cleared up the smashed glass from the road where her car was parked.

  She didn’t take the car to school. Instead she made the twenty-minute walk there and then walked back with her daughter. By the time she was home she didn’t feel like making Aaron’s favourite meal. Besides, she didn’t know what time he’d be back. So she made something quick for her and Rebecca instead.

  Now she was sitting watching something mundane on the TV while Rebecca played in her room. It was just a way of passing time while she waited for Aaron to arrive and for Andy to come and collect Rebecca, but it was difficult to concentrate on anything as her mind kept drifting to what had happened to her car.

  When she heard the doorbell ring she gave a startled jerk, the tinny sound cutting through her worrying thoughts and jangling her frayed nerves. She rushed to answer it, hoping for the comforting sight of Aaron, but it was Andy.

  ‘Hi,’ she said, attempting to sound normal. ‘She’s upstairs. I’ll just give her a shout.’

  ‘No, it’s OK. Leave her a minute,’ he said. ‘I need a word.’

  Maddy studied his face. He looked serious and she gathered he wasn’t very happy. She really could do without this right now.

  She sighed. ‘All right. You’d better come in.’

  Andy didn’t take the proffered seat when they walked through to the lounge, telling her he wouldn’t be there long. He wasted no time in letting her know what was bothering him.

  ‘I’ve heard the news,’ he said. ‘About you getting engaged.’

  Maddy was surprised. ‘How? Who told you?’

  ‘It doesn’t matter. I’m more concerned with the news itself than who told me. Just what the hell’s going on, Maddy?’

  ‘I beg your pardon?’

  ‘What’s the big rush? You haven’t known him five minutes.’

  The last thing Maddy felt like was a row but there was no way she was going to put up with another one of Andy’s lectures.

  ‘What the hell has it got to do with you?’ she yelled.

  ‘It’s got a lot to do with me, seeing as how you’re letting him into my daughter’s life. I mean, what do you even know about this man?’

  ‘His name’s Aaron actually, and I know enough to realise that he treats me better than you ever did.’

  ‘That’s got fuck all to do with it! I’ve got serious concerns here, Maddy. Apart from the fact that you’ve changed so much towards Becky that it’s affecting her at school, I’m also worried you’re rushing into something with a man you know very little about. I’m not even sure he is who he says he is. From what I can tell, the company he’s told you about is bogus. I don’t think there’s any such company.’

  ‘Are you sure that isn’t just jealousy talking, Andy, because he’s more successful than you?’

  It was a low blow, she knew, but Andy had the ability to anger her more than anyone, which made her say things that she wouldn’t normally.

  ‘That’s ridiculous and you know it! I’ve got a really bad feeling about this man, and I can’t just stand by and watch you self-destruct, not to mention the damage your relationship is having on my daughter. I’m not happy standing by while this stranger takes over my daughter’s life. If you insist on going ahead with this farce, then I will look into getting custody of Becky.’

  ‘You wouldn’t! You’re too busy concentrating on your career to focus on bringing up our daughter, and you shouldn’t have been snooping into Aaron’s affairs. Aaron’s explained everything to me and I’m happy with that. I don’t need to justify my decision to you. I can tell he’s a good person by the way he treats me and the way he respects me. He’s given me more attention in the few months I’ve known him than you gave me throughout our entire marriage!’

  Maddy saw the change in Andy’s facial expression, from anger to hurt, and she knew her words had hit home. For a few moments he stared at her, open-mouthed, before speaking. When he did so his tone was calmer.

  ‘I’m pleading with you, Maddy, not to rush into things until you know more about him. Where is he from? What does he do? What are his family like? Do you even know any of that? He could be a villain or a paedophile or anything for all you know.’

  Although Andy was calmer his words were just as inflammatory and Maddy was quick to defend Aaron. ‘I know the sort of man I’m dealing with. If he had been a villain then he wouldn’t have insisted on calling the police today when my car got vandalised, would he?’

  Andy looked stunned. ‘Your car got vandalised? When was this?’

  ‘Last night,’ said Maddy.

  ‘That’s all the more reason you should be cautious. You’ve already found graffiti on your door, and people watching the house, and all since you met this man. What next, Maddy?’

  Maddy was shocked by how much Andy knew. But she didn’t have chance to respond to his comments as she heard Rebecca coming through the door, and the words died on her tongue. She wondered how much Rebecca had overheard, and she flashed Andy a warning glare.

  Andy turned round and greeted Rebecca, his false jollity sounding obvious to Maddy’s ears. ‘Hello, sweetheart. I didn’t see you there.’

  ‘What were you rowing about?’ Rebecca asked.

  ‘Oh, we weren’t rowing,’ said Andy. ‘It was just a bit of a
disagreement, that’s all, nothing for you to worry about.’

  ‘Have you got everything, Becky?’ asked Maddy, helping her ex-husband to extinguish the flames of their row.

  Maddy was relieved when they’d gone but also worried. She was alone in the house once more, hyped up after her argument with Andy and nervous of any suspicious sounds. She was also worried about Andy getting custody of Rebecca. Although she hadn’t let her anxiety show in front of Andy, she dreaded to think how she would cope if she lost custody of her daughter.

  She glanced at the clock. It was now just turned seven and Aaron still hadn’t arrived.

  With Andy’s words echoing in her mind, she couldn’t help but have doubts about Aaron. He knew how upset she’d been that day; she would have thought he’d have been here by now. He’d told her he’d be back as soon as possible, and he still hadn’t responded to her calls and texts.

  But there was something else. His reaction when the police had called didn’t seem right somehow. She could understand him being angry at what someone had done but why save that reaction until the police visit? Thinking about it, she realised he had seemed on edge the whole time the police were there, and it felt as if he resented their presence even though he had suggested she rang them.

  As she thought about everything Andy had said, as well as Aaron’s reaction when the police had called round, she couldn’t help but wonder whether there could be a slight chance that Andy might be right about him.

  47

  Aaron had already been to The Rose and Crown once but there was no sign of the person he was after. So he’d tried phoning and then turning up at their home, but he’d had no luck there either. By the time he walked into The Rose and Crown for the second time that day it was evening and he was feeling agitated. He passed the table where the street girls normally sat but they weren’t at that table today. A group of strangers had taken their place, obviously unaware what kind of pub it was.

  As Aaron walked to the bar many of the men standing there greeted him effusively. Amongst them was Nick, Aaron’s drug dealer, a contrast to the others with his smart designer gear. He flashed his usual dashing smile and broke off from chatting to an attractive blonde while he high-fived Aaron and looked at him expectantly, but Aaron wasn’t thinking about getting his supply at the moment. Nor did he want to stand at the bar having a pint and a chat. He was here specifically to see one person and he had just spotted her.

  Crystal was sitting at a corner table, deep in conversation with some of the other girls: Ruby, Amber and Angie. One of them made a comment, which caused Crystal and the others to burst into laughter. He looked at her, sitting with her friends, having a drink before work, as though she didn’t have a care in the world, and in that moment he despised her, knowing what she had done.

  Aaron strode over, his steps fast and furious. ‘Crystal, I wanna word!’ he ordered.

  All of the girls fell silent, picking up on his mood and lowering their heads, except for Ruby, who glared at him. ‘Looks like someone’s not happy,’ she muttered before turning her back to him and carrying on chatting.

  Aaron stormed out of the pub, with Crystal following dutifully behind. He passed through the pub’s doors, round the corner and down the side street, then turned into a back alleyway.

  ‘Hang on a minute!’ shouted Crystal. ‘I can’t fuckin’ keep up.’

  He watched as she tottered into the alleyway on her high heels. ‘What the fuck have you come down here for?’ she asked, her eyes wide with fear despite her brave words.

  As soon as she was close enough he pounced on her, pinning her up against a brick wall. ‘You fuckin’ bitch!’ he yelled. ‘It was you, wasn’t it? Damaging Maddy’s car and putting that fuckin’ graffiti on her door.’

  As he held his fist over her he heard her breath judder in her throat. Her lips drew back and her eyebrows turned in at the corners. It was a look of fear but also a plea for leniency.

  ‘Please, don’t hit me,’ she begged. Then her body seemed to close in on itself as she prepared for an attack.

  Aaron dropped his fist and grabbed her by the shoulders instead, shaking her violently while he shouted. ‘Just what the fuck did you think you were playing at? She’s fuckin’ scared shitless because of you. You stupid bitch!’ Then he stopped shaking her but kept a tight grip on her shoulders as he waited for answers.

  ‘All right, let me speak,’ said Crystal, growing bolder now the threat of an attack seemed to have abated. ‘It was the only way I could get back at you when I found out what you were up to.’

  ‘How long have you known?’ he asked. When Crystal didn’t answer straight away, he shook her again. ‘I said how long have you fuckin’ known?’

  ‘Ages. Right from when you first started following her. And then I saw you meeting her, dressed all nice like you are now with your hair all clean and shiny.’

  Then Crystal laughed ironically. ‘I didn’t even fuckin’ know your hair was blond till you met her. I thought it was always that manky brown colour. Been to see her again, have you? How the fuck do you think that makes me feel, Gilly? You never dressed like that for me.’

  ‘I’m not fuckin’ Gilly, I’m Aaron!’ he yelled, his eyes bulging out of their sockets. ‘You think I’m just your fuckin’ pimp. But I’m not. I could have been someone. I still could. But I’m not having a fuckin’ stupid bitch like you spoiling it for me!’

  ‘And how long do you think it will be before she finds out who you really are and how you make your money?’ she said, pulling herself free from his grip and stepping away from him. ‘And how long before you put her on the game as well? How will it feel having to share your precious Maddy?’

  ‘She’ll never fuckin’ find out! And I won’t be putting her on the game either. She’s not just some cheap tart who will shag anyone. She’s worth a thousand of you!’

  ‘Oh, you really think she won’t find out, do you?’ she asked, threateningly. ‘If you think I’m gonna carry on taking a back seat while you play Lord Almighty with that fuckin’ journalist then you’re wrong. You’re my man, Gilly, and I’m sick of having to fuckin’ share you.’

  ‘No, I’m fuckin’ not!’ he bawled, slapping her hard across the face. ‘I’m Aaron Gill. I don’t belong with scum like you and I’m not having you fuckin’ spoiling it for me.’

  ‘You wanna bet,’ she sneered.

  Gilly hadn’t expected Crystal to retaliate like this; she was usually so submissive. But, seeing the look of contempt on her face, it was as though someone had flicked a switch, turning him from annoyed to livid. His anger was now so extreme that all he could think about was the need to destroy this thing that stood between him and the bright future he had dreamt about.

  He launched a torrent of punches around her head and body, each blow more savage than the last. Her nose broke, the blood splattering onto her face and his fists, and urging him on. He wanted to annihilate this piece of shit!

  Crystal screeched in pain but her screams were drowned by the stream of abuse that accompanied his punches. ‘Fuckin’ bitch! Slag! No good fuckin’ whore! Twat! I’ll fuckin’ teach you! Bitch!’

  On and on he went until Crystal dropped to the floor. The only thing that stopped him was the sharp pain of his fist hitting the brick wall as Crystal slumped to the ground.

  ‘Aaaah! Fuckin’ bitch!’ he yelled, pressing his damaged knuckles up to his mouth.

  Then he kicked her viciously. Crystal’s body shifted with the impact of his kick but, other than that, she remained still. Suddenly Gilly realised he had gone too far. He bent over to look at her. ‘Crystal, Crystal, are you all right?’ he asked, praying she was still alive. But there was no response.

  Then panic set in and Gilly fled.

  *

  Ruby didn’t like Gilly. She didn’t like most men. They were just a means to an end as far as she was concerned. She’d been thinking of parting company with Gilly for a while. After all, she was as strong as many men and was capable of sortin
g out most of her troublesome clients. But she’d seen Gilly in action when he was angry and didn’t want to risk him turning on her. She wasn’t stupid enough to bring problems on herself.

  The way Gilly treated Crystal made Ruby like him even less. He was supposed to be Crystal’s fella, yet he spoke to her like she was shit and slapped her around whenever he felt like it. She couldn’t understand why Crystal put up with it and had told her so many times.

  But Crystal was in love with him, so she said, whatever that meant. To Ruby it was a strange kind of love that meant a man could treat you as badly as he wanted, and you’d keep going back for more.

  She supposed he was an attractive man, especially lately since he’d been looking after himself and had ditched the tatty cap and hoody most days, replacing them with smart designer gear. But looks weren’t everything. She would never let a man treat her the way Gilly treated Crystal, no matter how good-looking he was.

  They had been having a good time until Gilly walked into the pub. Ruby could tell he was in a mood straight away. It looked as if Crystal had noticed too as she couldn’t get out of the pub quickly enough when he called her over, frightened of disobeying him.

  Ruby hissed as they walked away. ‘Fuckin’ knobhead,’ she said. ‘I don’t know why she puts up with him.’

  None of the other girls said anything. They knew Ruby’s hackles were up and they were afraid of crossing her. But, despite Ruby’s aggressive manner, she cared about her friend Crystal. In fact, it was because she cared that she got so annoyed at the way Gilly treated her.

  The mood changed between the girls and for several minutes the conversation felt forced as they sat there downing their drinks. After ten minutes Ruby looked at her watch. Aware that Crystal still wasn’t back, she grew concerned and decided to go and see what had happened to her. Even Ruby was a bit wary of Gilly but if he was giving her friend a good going over then she wasn’t going to stay here and do nothing.

  ‘She’s still not back,’ she said to Amber. ‘I think we should go and see what’s going on.’