Jack was no fool. He was here for reassurance and he wasn’t getting any. Had he misjudged Ben? He thought he was a nice bloke, suitable for his daughter. Maybe he wasn’t the man he’d thought he was.
‘Ben, I know this place is different to where she was before. I know there are things that she’ll need to get used to. But I’m worried about her. There’s something important bothering her and I need to know what it is. It’s not just stress, it’s more than that. I know my own daughter and she’s not herself at the moment.’
Ben leaned back in his chair and placed his hands behind his head.
‘Jack, it’s fine. There’s nothing to worry about.’
He could see he was getting nowhere here. Ben wasn’t going to give up any information easily. He made a decision which, unbeknown to him, he would live to regret; he decided to lie.
‘Listen Ben, the truth is, I know all about it. She told me everything, she always does. I know all about the dodgy deals she’s been involved with and what’s been happening here. I just want to be sure that she’s safe.’ Words, just words, but he expected a reaction.
For the first time Ben looked less than sure of himself. His hands came down from behind his head and he sat forward in his chair. He looked at Jack as if he was sizing him up for a fight.
‘What has she told you exactly Jack?’
He took a punt, not able to be too specific because of course, he actually knew nothing. ‘About the money. It worries me Ben.’ He hoped it was enough to elicit a response, and he was right.
‘Okay Jack, in that case I think there’s someone you need to meet.’
Not exactly what he’d expected but Jack was satisfied that he was making progress.
‘All right. Go and fetch them.’
‘No, they’re not here. I’ll need you to come with me. It’s just a short car journey from here, then everything will be explained and I’m sure you’ll feel better for it.’
Jack was puzzled. ‘I don’t understand. What do you mean? Who is it?’
‘It’s too complicated to explain. Come on Jack, just a quick drive and it’ll put your mind at rest I promise. What do you say?’
‘Okay then, why not? After you.’
Ben smiled for the first time.
Gotcha, he thought.
70
It was Mr Peters that she’d seen. Probably not his real name, but she knew him as the client who’d threatened to kill her and her father. There was no doubting it. She remembered his well-groomed moustache and how it ran too far down his face on each side; if he was going for the bad guy look it had worked. The office door finished its journey and closed snugly into the frame with a gentle click. But she’d seen all she needed to see. What on earth was he doing here? How was he involved in all this?
‘Is everything all right, Miss Webster?’ Lightbody had apparently noticed her staring at the door. ‘You seem a little pale.’
‘Pardon? Oh yes. Actually I could do with popping to the loo if that’s okay?’ She needed time to think, and it was the first thing that came to mind.
‘Yes, of course. It’s back out in the main hallway there, just past the stairs.’ He didn’t seem at all suspicious and so Chloe made her way out into the lobby, the cooler air instantly helping to clarify her thoughts.
Staring into the mirror in the ladies’ toilet, she began thinking quickly. What was it that Peters had spoken to her about? Wasn’t it something to do with buying houses and overseas transactions? Creating offshore trusts maybe?
Shit, he’s the one who paid the money into my account too.
She’d somehow pushed the issue of the ten thousand pounds to the back of her mind. She still had no idea what to do about it. She couldn’t return it, and she didn’t want to draw it out in cash. She was still thinking about going to the police, but the threats from Peters, and Crawford before him, and her chat with Ben, who had tried to reassure her, had all left her feeling very unsure of what to do.
A woman entered the toilets, heels clicking on the tiled floor, and locked herself in a cubicle.
Chloe knew she had to think quickly. There was no way she could hand George over to these people, not having dealt with them close up and knowing what they were like. She ran the cold tap and splashed water on her face, but it did little to ease her confusion. She felt that she owed it to Chelsie to do the best she could for George.
The woman came out of the cubicle and stood at the sink next to her. She squirted soap onto her hands and washed them briskly under the tap.
‘Are you okay love?’ She was well-presented and had an air of seniority about her, a confidence that instantly impressed and reassured. Chloe was very tempted to confide in her and ask for help.
‘Yes, thank you, I just had something in my eye. I think it’s gone now.’
Don’t trust anyone.
‘Oh you poor thing. Do you want me to have a look?’
‘No, really, I think it’s okay now. Thanks anyway.’ Please go away.
The woman smiled and made her way back out into the hallway. Chloe eyed her reflection in the mirror again. The extra time had at least helped her to reach a decision. There was nothing else she could do, and she’d known it since the moment she saw Peters.
She had to get George out of the building.
71
Chloe walked confidently back into the office. The conversation between the two men sat at the desk once again ended the moment she entered the room and Lightbody looked at her a little strangely. She assumed it was something to do with how long she’d been in the toilet thinking about her next move. Not caring what they thought, she knew she had to put her plan into action.
She addressed Lightbody. ‘Can I meet the father? Is he in there?’ She gestured to the door at the back of the room through which she’d seen Peters.
‘I don’t really think that’s necessary. He isn’t under scrutiny here. The decisions have all been made and we just need to get this done. I suggest we take George through now and send him on his way.’ Lightbody fired a sideways glance across to Higginbottom who returned the look. Chloe’s stomach was churning as the adrenaline started to take effect. Events were spiralling out of control but she knew there was only one way out of this. At least, for George there was.
‘Erm, yes, okay. Listen, George has had a tough time recently, I’m sure you understand that?’ She needed to get George alone.
‘Yes, Miss Webster, we are sorry for him that his mother is in such a bad way.’
Chloe frowned and glanced over to George, glad to see that he either wasn’t listening, or didn’t understand what was just said. There was no gain to be had in making her point to Lightbody about how insensitive his choice of words was; she had to keep him as amenable as possible for the next part of her plan.
‘I’m sure you are sorry, Mr Lightbody. My point is this, I think it would be really good for him if he and I could just spend a few minutes alone so that I can explain carefully what is about to happen. He’s likely to be scared and confused by all this.’
‘Oh that won’t be necessary, Miss Webster, we have a very experienced social worker in there to deal with all that. There really is no need for you to stay here any longer. I think we’re ready to take George now.’ He stood up as if to encourage her to leave. His words resonated in her head.
We’re ready to take George now.
It just didn’t sound right. Nothing about this was right. Panic started to take a grip as she desperately tried to find a way to get George away.
‘I need a wee-wee.’ George stood up and looked over to the desk where the adults were gathered. This was it; this was her chance.
‘I’ll take him to the ladies out in the hallway,’ said Chloe as calmly as she could, trying not to sound too eager. Higginbottom tried to hide the nudge he gave Lightbody but she saw it.
‘It’s okay Miss Webster, we’ll handle it from here.’
She stood up and looked at George with a huge smile. ‘Would you like me to
take you George? Remember I told you that your mummy asked me to look after you?’
‘Miss Webster…’ Lightbody wasn’t happy, but she persevered.
‘Would you like that George? Shall we go and find the loo?’
‘Miss Webster, please…’
‘Yes,’ said George at last.’ I want Chloe to take me.’
Chloe was surprised that he’d remembered her name. She took a step towards him and clasped his hand in hers and, oblivious to the frustration of the two men, she whisked him out of the office into the hallway. As she approached the door to the toilets, she glanced back to see that Lightbody had disappeared into the back office again. Higginbottom was staring at the papers on the desk, head in hands. She pulled George away from the entrance to the toilets and instead yanked him through the door to the stairway.
‘It’s down here, George,’ she said, as reassuringly as possible while dragging him as fast as she thought he could safely go.
‘Okay Chloe.’
They piled into the main reception area, such as there was one, and then out into the street. The heavy rain instantly soaked them and George suddenly started to look puzzled. Chloe knew they only had a few minutes before they would be missed. She looked up and down the busy city centre street. A taxi approached from her left and she stepped out into the road to hail it.
‘Taxi!’
Please stop. Please stop.
The black car pulled up in front of her and she bundled George into the back and climbed in next to him, fastening both their seatbelts as she did.
‘Where to love?’
‘Bradmill please, quick as you can.’
72
The Timer was grateful to be lying in his own bed at last. Thanks to Mickey, he’d been able to make the journey and now he was recovering fast in the safe, familiar comfort of home. No one knew where he lived. At least, no one who wanted to cause him any harm. Of course, those people thought he was dead, thanks to Mickey. He reckoned he could trust the young man after what he’d done for him. They’d always got on well, and he liked Mickey’s uncomplicated and happy-go-lucky attitude to life. Mickey wasn’t really a bad lad, he just hadn’t had the opportunities that others his age were fortunate enough to have. It was the usual story of the wrong crowd and the wrong choices, with no one to turn to for guidance. He shouldn’t be wrapped up in this world; he should be leading a straight and honest life, and probably would have been had he not lost his mother at a difficult time in his life.
As for himself, the Timer had been doing it too long to change. He was stuck in this way of life, but he knew he now stood at a crossroads. After this he might need to move away and start afresh somewhere else. No doubt the Kirklands would find out about his involvement if they didn’t already know. And if they ever discovered that he wasn’t dead, it wouldn’t be long before he was. And it wouldn’t just be him; it would be his whole family. He could never let that happen.
‘How’re you feeling?’ His wife busied herself around him, checking his bandages and tidying away empty mugs of coffee and plates of food. He’d certainly rediscovered his appetite and his strength was returning fast. He smiled at her, acknowledging to himself how lucky he was to find someone who never asked any questions. She must have a hundred, but she never said a word about how he sustained his injuries.
‘Yeah, I’m good. I might get up today and see what I can do.’
‘Okay, but if you don’t feel right, promise me you’ll get straight back to bed. I’m still worried about that bruising on your face. How’s the eye?’
That was probably the thing that had bothered him the most. In fact his whole head was still sore and he had a headache that just wouldn’t go away. The doctor had assured him it was all okay, but the Timer still had a doubt in his mind; how could he be sure when no scan had been done? The swelling around his eye had settled down enough to allow him to open it, so at least he could see clearly now.
‘Oh it’s all right. I can see out of it at least. Just wish this bloody headache would settle down. Are the girls okay?’
‘Yes, they’re downstairs watching television. They keep asking to come up and see you but I’ve told them you’re busy. I don’t want them seeing you like this really.’
The Timer smiled. ‘Probably just as well I guess. I’ll make it up to them.’
‘I know you will.’ She kissed him gently on the forehead and headed downstairs.
He looked across and out the bedroom window, not for the view, which wasn’t much to look at, but to help him with his thoughts. He’d tried to be reasonable with Drabble. He just wanted an explanation, maybe an apology. They’d used him after all, taken him for granted. But no, all they were bothered about was the child or, to be more precise, the money that the child would bring them. He wasn’t getting involved in that kind of thing. He was no angel but he had standards. Drabble could have chosen to explain the situation and apologise and he would have walked away. He hadn’t really expected much when he visited the club, but he certainly hadn’t expected to be beaten and left for dead.
He knew he had to go back and finish things, put an end to it once and for all, for his own sake and for the sake of his children.
And this time there really would be no mistakes.
73
As the familiar hills rolled into view out of the car window, Chloe found that she began to relax and think more clearly. George was out of immediate danger and when she arrived home she would explain it all to her father and then do whatever he told her to do. She knew she could rely on him to give her honest and frank advice, but always with her best interests at heart. She couldn’t see an easy way out of any of this, but now she just needed someone to tell her what to do.
‘Chloe,’ whispered George.
‘Yes, darling?’ Chloe leaned down so her ear was nearer to him.
‘I still need a wee.’
Chloe laughed out loud and the young boy joined in. ‘Oh sorry George, I’d completely forgotten. Hang on; we’re nearly at my house. It’s just down here.’ She leaned forward and caught the taxi driver’s eye in the mirror. ‘It’s the stone cottage at the bottom of the hill. Yes, that one there on the right. Just here will do fine, thanks.’
She settled the fare and helped George out of the car. As the taxi spun round and gunned back up the hill towards Sheffield, Chloe looked around her, without really knowing what she was looking for. Did everything seem grey or was it just the weather? After a moment she felt a gentle tug on her coat and looked down at George.
‘Right, yes, let’s get you to the toilet. I’m really sorry about that George.’
‘It’s okay Chloe.’ He smiled at her and she couldn’t help but feel sorry for this beautiful little boy. What a life he’d had so far, and she was determined to make sure it didn’t get any worse. She took his hand and led him up the path to the cottage. Taking out her key she opened the front door and ushered him inside.
‘The loo is just there on the right, George. Can you manage okay on your own?’
‘Yes thank you.’ Struggling to reach the door handle, he closed the door behind him.
‘Dad?’ called Chloe, slightly puzzled as to why he hadn’t already appeared. The size of the cottage meant there was little chance of getting through the door without being heard, especially whilst chatting to a small child.
Standing there in the hallway, the only sound was the gentle trickle coming from the toilet as George went about his business. Chloe knew already that her father was out, just by the silence that otherwise filled the air.
Damn, where are you dad? I need you.
The toilet flushed and George opened the door and closed it behind him. He stood there looking up at her and again her heart melted.
‘Come on George, let’s see if we can find something nice to eat. Would you like that?’ She tried to sound as upbeat as she could, despite the gnawing feeling of anxiety building inside her.
‘Yes please,’ he said, simply, and followed her into t
he kitchen.
She sat George at the table and hunted through the cupboards. Eventually she found a frozen pizza in the freezer and held it up for George to see. As his eyes lit up, she knew she didn’t have to ask whether he wanted it, and she placed it in the oven, setting the timer. She poured a glass of orange juice and placed it on the table in front of him.
‘Thank you,’ he said.
‘You really are a polite little boy aren’t you? Your mummy has done a very good job with you.’
He chewed on his lip for a moment and then picked up the orange juice and started to gulp it down, the glass covering his whole face as he did so.
Chloe thought about her father again. She pulled out her mobile and dialled his number. After several rings it went to voicemail. She didn’t leave a message; he wouldn’t listen to it anyway.
And she was right, he wouldn’t listen to it, but she didn’t yet know the reason why.
74
The Timer awoke to the sound of birdsong. Daylight seemed to be glaring into the room and it did nothing to ease the pain in his head. Slowly, he hoisted himself out of bed and looked outside. A cold, crisp morning greeted him as neighbours went about their usual business. Gradually he started to feel better and his head cleared. He quickly dressed in old tracksuit bottoms and a sweatshirt and made his way cautiously downstairs. His leg was still hurting, and the pain sheared upwards with every step. He grasped the bannister to help take the weight, but it did little to stop the pain.
The house was empty and he assumed his wife had taken the girls to school. It was certainly that time of day. He made his way into the garage and over to the old set of drawers which contained a selection of the useful and pointless items found in most garages. The top drawer had a lock on it.
For the Sake of the Children: The first Chloe Webster thriller (Chloe Webster Thrillers Book 1) Page 16