by Quig Shelby
Before dumping the car on waste ground far away and torching it, Vankoni dropped his passengers off at the church hall. Christine was an excellent cook, and they were going to bake a cake. After all, it was Lucy’s birthday tomorrow.
Chapter Twenty Nine
‘Where did you get to the other night?’ asked James Middlemass as he adjusted his dog collar in the long framed mirror.
‘Oh just a little gazing,’ replied Christine as she checked her emails at the desk.
‘At the observatory I guess,’ said James.
‘Naturally, it was a great night for seeing stars,’ said Christine with a mischievous smirk she kept hidden.
‘I’m seeing the Bishop this morning. I think they’re going to offer me a promotion,’ said James.
‘James, I couldn’t bear to leave Bishopsfield.’
‘Not even if they made me a Dean?’
‘Really,’ said Christine excitedly; she’d always been such a snob.
‘Let’s wait and see,’ he said.
‘Will you be back in time for the start of Lucy’s party?’
‘I’ll make sure. After all its cost me £28,000.’
This was the sum Dela had requested to make Lucy walk again, and cure her once and for all.
James left Christine to finish her emails, and lovers prose, to Vankoni. What a fool she was if she didn’t know he’d been reading her not so secret emails for years. But what did he care, he was smitten with Eve, and she was dancing to his tune.
Joost had arrived at Bheki’s last night hoping to whisk her back to his flat, but Bible study was still in play, and he wasn’t prepared to face the ordeal with a group of strangers, so he left early. Still Bheki was kind enough to answer his prayers in the back of his car before saying goodbye.
Joost looked at the crocodile mask on the floor. It had fallen off the nail, and the last three packets of John’s gear were tempting him. Besides which, was John trying to get in touch? It was enough of an excuse, and he religiously laid out his kit on the table.
‘At last,’ said John.
Joost was becoming ever confidant with the little crocodile, and patted the deep rugged scales on his head.
‘What is it my friend?’ asked Joost.
‘I know where I am, thanks to someone else joining me.’
‘Go on,’ said Joost.
‘In Bishopsfield.’
‘Is it far from here?’ asked Joost.
‘A little over an hour’s drive.’
‘You remember your promise Joost?’ asked John.
‘Of course, and I will get you out.’
‘Can you make that two of us?’
What harm could a few more chops of frozen meat do thought Joost?
‘Yes,’ he said.
‘I told you so,’ said John.
‘Told me what?’ asked Joost.
‘Not you,’ said John ‘Lance, he’s in here with me.’
‘Killed by Dela I presume,’ said Joost.
‘Yes, and in a botched plan to grab Bheki.’
Joost’s heart sank, and as he learnt the grisly details he regretted Bheki’s involvement even more. John could sense his despondency, as Joost stroked his shaven head.
‘You must lie low until the time is right,’ said John.
‘How low?’ asked Joost.
‘Very, and without a trace.’
‘You mean leave the flat?’ asked Joost alarmed, but already thinking he had an excuse to move in with Bheki and Eudy.
John could read his mind.
‘Bheki will have to move out too.’
‘They know where she is?’ asked Joost.
John just sighed. Felix may not have driven her all the way home after their night shift together, but Vankoni had followed her the remaining distance.
‘ASAP Joost,’ said John.
‘I get the message,’ and he looked around his flat.
There wasn’t that much he needed to take.
‘If I could make one last suggestion?’ asked John.
‘Go on.’
‘Take a look around Bishopsfield, it should come in handy.’
‘And Joost, there’s only two packets left.’
‘I know,’ snapped Joost.
He wasn’t angry at John, and they both knew it. But quite naturally he was feeling a little fraught.
John had time to hand over some names, and a few properties of interest in Bishopsfield, before he and Lance were left to get on like a house on fire.
‘Hi Bheki,’ said Joost down the phone.
‘Missing me already?’
‘What are you doing today?’ he asked.
‘Nothing much.’
‘Fancy a drive?’
‘Sure. Where to?’ asked Bheki.
‘Bishopsfield, it’s a little coastal town not too far away.’
‘I’ll be ready in an hour.’
Dino, nicknamed Dino-saw, due to his slashing a memento onto his victims’ foreheads, was taking his last walk along the landing.
‘Time flies eh boss,’ said Dino.
‘Just try and behave Dino or you’ll be coming back,’ said the slightly built prison officer with the keys dangling, and jangling, from his waist.
‘Not me boss. You’ll be doing more years than me.’ And Dino bellowed out his characteristic laugh, like a machine gun.
There were a couple of goodbye nods from fellow cons on the wing, but mainly there was disinterest. No one really wanted to think what was on the other side of the wall, until it was there time to get out.
Dino swaggered along in his prison blues, with the next bully ready to fill his shoes. Three years for extortion, had been a good exchange, and his younger brother Jimmy had kept the family loan sharking business going.
A long cardboard box was slid across the counter, and Dino went into a holding pen to change back into his civvies. The trousers were tight, thanks to all the duff and custard, although the prison gym had stopped him exploding.
Dino was escorted into the yard, and a little door in the gate opened to let him out. He wasn’t holding a bag with his prison number written on the side; his radio and dominos could stay where they were.
Little brother hobbled forward to give him a hug.
‘What’s happened to your foot?’ asked Dino.
‘Some geezer stabbed it,’ said Jimmy.
‘You want me to sort him out?’ asked Dino.
‘Let’s talk about it in the car.’
‘How’s Bheki?’ asked Dino.
‘We split up.’
‘No bro, don’t say that, she was a real honey.’
‘I know.’
‘You think you can get her back?’
‘Maybe, but there’s some dude in the way.’
‘No problem bro, let’s pay back the guy who mangled your foot, then we’ll sort him out.’
‘It’s the same geezer.’
Dino laughed.
‘Even better, two for one.’
‘How’s Marie?’ asked Dino hoping the news wasn’t as bad, although she’d always written, and visited, whenever she could.
‘She’s at mum’s house, with the kids, waiting to see you.’
‘Yeh man, that’s what I want to hear. Party!’
Joost took one last look at the screen. Dilwood had put his cards on the table, clearing the account, and there were no invoices due until the end of next month.
No job, not much ready cash, and soon no home, although he could always sell it; if he survived. There was only one thing to do - go for broke. And why not, he’d felt suicidal for years.
Chapter Thirty
‘Happy birthday to you,’ they sang in unison.
Even Charles Carney joined in, although he was still spitting mad at Gladys’ funeral pyre.
‘Light the candles,’ shouted Gasper.
‘Make a wish,’ said Christine before Lucy blew them out.
It was a monsters ball, with the murderous group capped in party hats at the vicarage.
As Christine cut the birthday cake into slices for everyone, Dela came from the kitchen with a second. This one had a special recipe, and was for Lucy, and Dela, alone. Unlike the wrapped presents this treat would put her back on her feet; it had been dedicated to Sakpata, the god whom rules disease.
Dela cut the cake into eight slices, leaving one portion for her. It wasn’t to make the magic work, but rather the flesh of a new born would rejuvenate her looks. Not as if she needed it, but she was a narcissistic psychopath.
Gasper made a toast with a little pomp, and Pandy looked lovingly into the eyes of his TV lover. James and Felix were already knocking back the refreshments courtesy of The Crossed Heart.
James could hardly wait for Lucy to feast on Dela’s slice, and was a little disappointed when she didn’t leap out of her chair. Dela explained in his ear.
‘Lucy must eat the remaining slices one a day for the next six days. Then she will no longer need her props - ever.’
James smiled and quickly passed the good news onto Christine. He stood close to the cake Dela had baked, guarding it. But soon this wasn’t enough, and he took it upstairs into Lucy’s room.
‘Don’t drink too much my dear,’ whispered Dela to Felix.
He had to drive them back to London tonight. Din and Vankoni, had other business; there was a shipment due from Thailand, and Dilwood needed help to unpack it.
‘Darling I forgot to ask, how did you get on this morning?’ Christine asked James.
He sighed.
‘Did they offer you a promotion?’ she asked.
‘I’m afraid not,’ he finally said.
‘Never mind, at least we get to stay in Bishopsfield, and everyone will be amazed with Lucy’s recovery,’ said Christine.
‘Indeed, it will be a miracle,’ said James raising a half smile.
There was something bothering him. Someone had complained about his relationship with Eve. Apparently he was too flirty; but how could he hide his joy? In stark contrast he and Christine often appeared cold and reserved together. He was ordered to sharpen up his act, and no more compromising positions.
They’d walked along the promenade hand in hand. Sure they were always one zipper away from ripping each other’s clothes off, but it had become more than infatuation. It didn’t have to be said because they were both afraid of rejection, but they were falling in love. You could see it in Bheki’s eyes, and the way Joost moved around her. God how he’d hate to lose her, but they were on dangerous ground, literally - they were in Bishopsfield.
They hid amongst the stream of tourists for protection, like minnows in a shoal. They shared an ice-cream under the darkening skies, and fish and chips in the downpour, darting for cover under an old beach chair store. Joost wore a cap brought down over his eyes, whilst Bheki flattered a pair of shades. And whenever the opportunity presented up shot the umbrella. They were dying to see inside St Agnes, and Mavis who was on the door took their donation.
‘No photos,’ she said.
Eagle eyed Bheki was quick to scan the walls until she found what she was looking for - a picturesque tapestry.
‘Let’s take a closer look over there,’ she said pointing.
She’d seen it many times before; voodoo symbols hidden in church. The old gods secretly worshipped in the heart of the colonists temples.
The scene was of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, nothing peculiar there, but the serpent was rainbow coloured, and almost coiled in a circle.
‘That’s Dambala,’ whispered Bheki to Joost ‘god of the dead.’
Joost wasn’t surprised, and examined the scene closely; studious like an art connoisseur.
The tapestry was eight foot long and half as high. It was framed by a glass screen, and screwed to the wall. It was a recent gift to the church, but it didn’t say from whom.
‘Notice the closeness of the serpents fangs to its tail’ said Bheki ‘almost as if he’s about to eat it.’
Joost nodded.
‘It’s the circle of life,’ said Bheki.
‘Should we fear him?’ asked Joost.
‘Actually he’s the protector of albino’s,’ said Bheki smiling and moving on.
‘That’s interesting,’ said Bheki.
Someone had carved ‘Our Saviour Yahweh’ into the side of the pulpit. What caught her eye were the letters O, S, and Y, which were gouged much deeper into the panel. She ran her fingers along them.
‘OSY. The word protects enemies from troubling you,’ she explained to Joost, who was beginning to feel he was on a school trip, or at least a guided tour.
It was impossible to introduce a goat horned dog, unless you had a medieval painting of the damned hanging in church, but there was a mysterious wooden emblem hanging outside the vicar’s office. No one paid it any attention, as it was simply a gilded sketch of a key and a door. It could have been the family crest of the local Earl, but it wasn’t. It was one of the voodoo symbols for Eshu, the messenger between the living and the dead.
Mavis rang a small bell, and Joost and Bheki followed the other day trippers outside.
Mavis couldn’t wait to join everyone else at the party, and wondered if the Bishop had read her anonymous letter about James and Eve? Frolicking in church like young lovers, and poor Christine!
Joost’s heart was beating fast, partly because of what he’d seen but mainly because of where they were headed - The Crossed Heart.
‘A scotch with ice, and an orange juice,’ Joost ordered at the bar, whilst Bheki quickly sat at an empty table.
‘Any meals with that?’ asked Barbara.
‘No thanks,’ he replied.
‘Scampi and chips is our speciality,’ said Barbara after detecting a tourist’s accent.
‘I’ll pass,’ said Joost.
But he did watch Barbara disappear round the back when someone else ordered her special.
‘So where should we go?’ asked Bheki.
She’d seen the destruction voodoo wrought on albinos, and had decided to move out of her flat. Besides they would be moving in together, and it was kind of romantic.
‘I was hoping you might know,’ said Joost.
Bheki shook her head.
‘What are you going to tell Irena?’ Bheki asked.
‘It’s not an easy one. I can’t tell her the truth, but I don’t want her to feel abandoned.’
‘So chivalrous,’ said Bheki sarcastically.
She hadn’t forgotten the jealousy in Irena’s eyes when they’d first met.
‘I’ll think of something,’ said Joost downing the last of his whisky.
‘I’m just nipping to the Ladies,’ said Bheki, and they were both reminded of the Blue Samurai. Unfortunately The Crossed Heart was too busy for such delights.
While she was gone Joost couldn’t resist the chance to see John’s tomb, and stepped through a side door marked ‘staff only’ in bold letters. At the back of the kitchen was a large chest freezer.
‘Can I help you?’ asked the voice.
The gnarled face looked like a mean and washed up prize fighter who feared no one. That and he had a rolling pin in his hand.
‘Sorry, I’m after the toilets,’ said Joost.
‘Out the door and on your left,’ said Bill visibly unimpressed.
Joost quickly made his way out.
Joost and Bheki left soon after, and before Bill could try staring under Joost’s cap any more. They took one last drive by th
e village vet’s, and onto the open road.
The rain was getting heavier, and Joost could hardly see. They were halfway home, on the outskirts of Wellford, when the windscreen wipers stopped keeping up with the downpour. There was a sign ahead, ‘Hotel Mephisto.’
Joost tapped the bell on the desk, and a man with black greased hair came out to greet them.
‘Good evening Sir, may I be of assistance?’ asked Mr Wheatley.
‘We need a room for the night,’ said Joost.
‘Of course you do Sir,’ said Mr Wheatley looking Bheki up and down.
He could spot hookers a mile away.
‘A double room Sir?’
‘Yes please.’
‘The only one free is number sixty-six on the top floor. It has two single beds - will that be a problem Sir.’
‘We’ll manage,’ said Joost.
Mr Wheatley clapped his hands, and an even older gentleman, also wearing black trousers, white shirt, and a waistcoat, came out from the back. Neither wore a tie around their starched collars, and their name badges were in cherry red.
‘Take them to their room Mr Crowley.’
‘Would you like a morning call Sir?’ asked Mr Wheatley from behind the desk, as Mr Crowley pressed the button to call the lift.
‘Please, and make it six,’ said Joost.
‘You are an early bird Sir,’ said Mr Crowley.
Mr Crowley was diminutive but with large eyes, and in the lift Joost had to stand in front of him to stop him staring at Bheki anymore.
‘Have a good night Sir,’ said Mr Crowley who hovered around forever but still received no tip.
‘If you don’t mind me saying Sir, she’s a real beauty that one.’
Joost slammed the door shut and they both laughed. An hour later and they were still trying to keep the noise down. They just hoped Mr’s Wheatley and Crowley weren’t watching on a hidden camera.
Dela had been quite fascinated by Pandy’s shemale lover at the party, and everyone knew she wore the finest lingerie. Perhaps it was time for Felix to mimic the third sex; she’d make a start on her sissy slave tonight.