by Quig Shelby
Susie Chang should have been watching the car park downstairs. If she had, she might have seen Bheki Ncube leave, but then again no one knew of her infatuation for James Middlemass, not even James; not until tonight that was.
James was in the lounge, and Bill was watching the back of the hotel.
‘You know I’ve always had a thing for you James,’ said Susie.
He looked a little flustered, and wished he’d never emptied Eve’s locket at the pub.
‘You don’t know what you’re saying,’ said James.
‘Far from it,’ said Susie, standing closer, and looking deeper into his eyes.
‘I need a change,’ she continued ‘that can’t be all bad can it? Pandy is so selfish in bed.’
‘It’s a spell,’ said James.
‘I know, and you’re my lucky charm,’ said Susie.
From the look in Susie’s eyes James knew he wouldn’t get anywhere, but perhaps Dela could rectify things - later. Only that usually cost, and for now at least his funds were exhausted.
‘Shouldn’t you be watching the front?’ asked James.
‘Yes, but it’s not really my fault is it? You’re such a handsome devil, and you know it,’ cooed Susie.
James did know she couldn’t help herself; and he didn’t want to get her in any trouble.
‘Here let’s go together. If we stay near the lobby I can still see into the lounge.’
‘You just want to get me under the stars,’ said Susie ‘you’re such a romantic.’
Finally convinced Bheki had flown the coop, Dela left with Joost soundly asleep in the boot of her car, although he would have a very rude awakening.
Joost was tied to the chair, when his face was slapped hard by Din. Vankoni would have enjoyed this much more thought Din, but he was showing Christine his telescope tonight.
‘So this is how you do it,’ said Dela, triumphantly holding the crocodile mask aloft.
Joost tried to break free, but Bill took the wind from his sails with an uppercut to the stomach. He really was regaining his punch.
‘I have you, and I have the mask’ said Dela ‘there’s just one thing missing isn’t there Mr van Houten.’
Joost looked none the wiser; he just hoped they’d killed Bheki quickly.
‘Bheki Ncube,’ screamed Dela.
‘She’s not here?’ asked Joost.
‘Of course not,’ said Dela.
‘But don’t worry we’ll find her, and the tramp’s little sister. And get this, you’re going to help us.’
After an hour of punching, poking, and pinching, Dela was convinced Bheki had left without telling Joost, and could be anywhere. But she had one trick left up her sleeve.
‘We’ll throw this fish back in the water,’ she whispered to Din as they left the room.
Bill, and James, watched over Joost; Susie Chang had returned to the jealous arms of Pandy long ago. He couldn’t miss her for another minute.
The door of the vicarage opened.
‘Good of you to join us Charles,’ said Dela in the hallway. ‘Did you bring you’re scalpels?’ she asked.
Charles nodded, although he was rapidly losing his appetite for Dela’s sadism.
‘Then you might like to watch this,’ she said, and he followed her into the drawing room.
Dela untied the rolled up scalpels, and unfurled them on the deep mantelpiece. She carefully picked out a gleaming blade. And before approaching Joost, carefully rubbed a thick blue ointment on the tip. No one knew why, although they did know not to ask.
‘Most men value one thing above all others. What’s yours Mr van Houten?’ asked Dela.
Din pushed a chair next to Joost, and Dela blessed the seat.
‘These perhaps,’ and she drew the scalpel slowly up his thigh towards his testicles.
Joost winced.
‘Maybe,’ said Dela. ‘Or perhaps it’s these balls,’ as the scalpel rested dangerously close above his right eye.
He squinted. He really was between a rock, and what might no longer be a hard place.
‘Or you could just tell me where Bheki’s hiding,’ said Dela.
Joost spat some blood out of his mouth.
‘I’ve told you, I don’t know. Look why don’t you just kill me?’ said Joost.
At least he’d be reunited with Stella and Hildy, eventually, and it looked like Bheki was safe.
‘Fool,’ shouted Dela, and she pierced his eye with the scalpel.
Joost screamed. He knew all about muti murders, and began to pray.
‘How quaint,’ mocked Dela ‘he’s found God. Charles, keep guard.’
On her way out of the room, Dela turned around.
‘I’m going to give you one last chance to think about it Joost,’ said Dela.
Joost and Charles were left alone, whilst the others could be heard laughing in the kitchen.
Everyone knew Charles was a weakling, so it was a surprise, not least to Charles, that Dela left him to oversee Joost; even with the scalpels for company.
After a few minutes Joost spoke.
‘Did Lucy get the bicycle reflector?’ he asked.
‘You posted it?’ asked Charles.
‘Of course. Dilwood and me go back a long way.’
‘So Dilwood did hit Lucy?’
‘Much more than that; he wanted to kill her.’
‘How do you know this?’ asked Charles.
‘I ran into them both that night, literally. I guess you could say I saved Lucy’s life,’ said Joost.
‘Oh my, you really are a hero,’ said Charles mockingly.
‘You know, you don’t really strike me as a killer,’ said Joost.
‘Nice try Mr van Houten, but I’m not about to lose my freedom.’
‘Sorry to hear that,’ said Joost ‘but look my right eye’s bleeding, couldn’t you at least ...’
‘Alright, although it won’t make any difference. There’s always plenty of blood at these things.’
Charles took a handkerchief from his jacket, and went to dab the blood around Joost’s eye. Or rather he would have done if Joost hadn’t head butted him unconscious. Joost heard the laughing down the hall, as he stretched for the scalpel.
‘How long has he been gone?’ asked Dela flinging the door open.
But Charles was still out cold, and in no position to answer.
‘Perhaps it’s time I gave you the heart to be brave’ she said standing over him.
‘You expected this?’ asked Bill.
‘Of course,’ said Dela ‘and by the way that ointment in his eye; whatever Mr van Houten sees, so do I,’ and she put the crocodile mask to her face to watch the show. ‘Magic isn’t it.’
Dela took quite a delight in watching Joost’s escape. First there was the stolen pushbike, then the taxi from the petrol station back to Steeple’s End, before he did a runner from the cabbie. Finally he begged a couple of tired tranny’s to drop him off in London. She couldn’t hear a word, but silent movies could be fun too.
Chapter Thirty Nine
Joost hit the pillow exhausted, and with a makeshift eye patch thanks to Miriam Goodyear. Mai checked on him during the night, and Miriam and Abel said prayers for his health. The cook, Plackcedes Seka, made breakfast, but she was feeling marginalised by Mai, and her exquisite Thai dishes.
In the morning light Joost examined his bruises in the mirror. He put on the spare dressing gown hanging on the back of the door, and peeked under his eye patch. The eye was red and swollen, but he decided to let it get some fresh air. He was about to venture outside when the door opened. It was Plackcedes, the perky little grey haired cook from Tanzania, and she was delivering his clothes; washed and pressed.
‘How’s the eye Mr van Houten,
’ she asked.
‘Much better Plackcedes, thank you,’ he replied.
He was missing Bheki, but in her day Plackcedes must have been a real doll. It was just as well he was robed; or perhaps not he thought. She did look a little rough around the edges; battered even. Plackcedes fortunately left, before he made a fool of himself.
‘Breakfast is nearly served,’ she said on her way out.
She was pleased she still had it, but this wasn’t the place for a quick meaningless romp; nice thought though, especially with such a fine specimen of a man, even with all the bruises, or perhaps because of them.
‘Have you seen Bheki?’ Joost asked at the breakfast table.
‘No my son, I thought she was staying with you,’ said Abel.
‘Is she alright?’ asked Miriam.
‘She’ll be fine,’ said Joost hiding his concern ‘that girl knows how to take care of herself.’
Joost was still at pains to reach out, and Miriam passed him the toast.
‘I hope you’re not thinking of going anywhere today,’ said Abel.
‘Well actually ...’
Abel cut him off ‘impossible my boy. You’re not nearly well enough.’
‘Maybe tomorrow,’ said Miriam a little more conciliatory ‘when you’ve got more strength.’
Joost sighed, but he had a lot of respect for the pastor and his wife. He’d just have to be their patient for the day.
Dela was having a ball, watching it all through the crocodile mask, especially since Abel was her nemesis. And she had another spy in the camp, placed a long time ago, and by the name of Plackcedes Seka.
Joost’s body was still tired, and he went back to bed after breakfast. Miriam wanted to phone her GP, but Joost didn’t want to answer any more questions. And what of Bheki? Had she run away from Dela or him? Still there was one place he was sure to find her, at Kings’ auction house tomorrow afternoon.
‘Ha’ scalded Dela ‘he’s asleep again.’
Felix turned around in his chair. He was much more attentive these days.
‘Can I get you anything dear?’ he said into the crocodile mask.
‘Not at the moment, but keep this up and I might just unlock you for a few minutes,’ said Dela.
Even a few seconds thought Felix feeling the strain. But he daren’t ask, that incurred Dela’s wrath, and more time in lock up. He just smiled dutifully.
Dela took off the mask, and stroked the chequered pattern. She stabbed her fingers through the three eye slits. It had much to offer, much more than Joost could ever know. But she had to know how to unlock its secrets.
The mask, thanks to the witless John Lacey, had connected with Joost, and by wearing the mask Dela could see through Joost’s eye; the one she had sliced with her magic. But how could she see into the realm of the dead, and more importantly return them to the living?
Dela put on the mask again and again, invoking one Spirit after the other, applying this and then that potion and charm. But she was exasperated with her lack of success. She was about to fetch the whip for Felix when he said ‘it’s amazing what you can do with Joost’s eye Dela’. Instead she kissed him on the lips, and unlocked him for some split second relief.
Chapter Forty
Joost had slept for a full twenty four hours, when he woke up the next day panicked. He looked at his watch and breathed a sigh of relief; the auction wasn’t until later in the day; he just had to see Bheki.
Joost went across the landing to the bathroom, but through the bannister could see Plackcedes with her ear to the lounge door. He coughed loudly, and she looked up at him, startled. She quickly smiled back, and went on her way.
‘I just know something’s wrong with it,’ said Miriam.
‘But you can’t expect the poor boy to have it removed,’ said Abel.
‘Perhaps not, but at the very least he should keep it covered up.’
Joost entered the room, and they looked uncomfortable. He didn’t mention Plackcedes, and at the back of his mind he thought about blackmailing her - for sex.
‘I might as well come out and say it,’ said Miriam to Joost.
He hoped it wasn’t a farewell from Bheki.
‘Well go ahead,’ he said.
‘Something’s wrong with your eye,’ she said.
‘You’re telling me,’ said Joost ‘sore as hell.’
‘There’s something else, I just know it,’ said Miriam, who was still trying to make sense of a dream from last night.
‘Tell me everything that happened,’ she said ‘and I mean everything.’
Some of it was a little embarrassing for Joost, but he kind of hoped Plackcedes was listening in again. Eventually he mentioned the blue oil or tar on the edge of the scalpel, before it cut his eye.
Miriam decided to exam Joost a little closer, and Dela could see her staring right at her.
‘Go ahead bitch, you won’t notice anything’ said Dela, but she was wrong.
Without warning Miriam held a serviette over Joost’s right eye.
‘Keep this in place whilst I get something a little more permanent,’ she said.
She returned with a dressing and a bandage.
‘Do you mind explaining Miriam?’ asked Abel.
‘I know the kind of magic Dela uses, as do you dear husband. That eye is infected.’
‘It feels OK,’ said Joost.
‘No, not that way. Dela can see through your eye; where you are, whom you’re with, and what you’re doing,’ said Miriam.
The last part was a little interesting, and had possibilities thought Joost. After all she wasn’t particularly unattractive, and it sure beat hooking up on a webcam. But it was a lot more serious than that. What was he going to do?
‘For now let’s just keep it covered up’ said Miriam, wrapping the bandage around Joost’s head.
‘Well one thing’s for sure, Dela’s had a good look around our house,’ said Abel.
‘I hope I haven’t put you at risk,’ said Joost.
‘Don’t worry dear boy’ she’d never dare come after us,’ said Abel.
Bheki was sat on the third row from the front, and doing her utmost to gain the attention of the auctioneer. Not because she was bidding, but because he was a handsome chap in a suit. He looked much taller on his plinth, and he had the room in the palm of his hand. He smelled of success, whilst Joost was losing the scent.
Joost was watching from the back of the room, at least one eye was, and even the sight of Bheki’s cropped hair was intoxicating. After all, her head was one of the best things about her.
‘Ladies and gentleman, lot number 21,’ announced the auctioneer.
‘A male and female pair of statues from the Ngbaka tribe circa 1750,’ he continued.
‘They really are a beautiful piece with a stunning patina,’ went the spiel.
‘Shall we say £40,000 to start?’
There was a pause much to Bheki’s consternation, but eventually the bidding began in earnest. Bheki had reluctantly agreed upon a reserve of £110,000, but would have felt cheated on a price even slightly higher. For once in her life she wasn’t to be disappointed.
At £200,000 there were only three bidders left in the hunt; the mysterious European lady in the fur hat and coat, a portly African gentleman who gave Joost a nod of recognition, which incidentally bumped up the price another 10 grand, and the phone bidder. The phone was held by a slim white woman, who looked the secretarial type. She had her hair done up in a bun, and wore a crisp white blouse, and pin striped skirt. In between bids she twisted a pen between her lips.
‘It’s with you Sir at £240,000,’ said the auctioneer to Joost’s African friend.
He looked at the furs, and the chinchilla hat shook its head. The secretary held up her number on th
e small white card.
‘With the phone at £250,000,’ said the auctioneer.
There was another flurry of bidding.
‘With the phone at £380,000. Last and final bid. Sold,’ and the hammer hit the desk.
Bheki was ecstatic; she’d probably be on the run again, but money opened a lot of doors. She got up to leave, only disappointed she didn’t have the number of her auctioneer, but then spotted Joost and couldn’t hide her joy. She rushed to him, before they went outside the bidding room.
‘Oh my God Joost, what’s happened to your eye?’ asked Bheki.
‘Dela. When I got back to the room she was waiting.’
‘You mean they found you?’ asked Bheki shocked.
‘Yes,’ replied Joost ‘I thought that’s why you had gone.’
Bheki had to come up with an excuse, and quick.
‘I felt sick, and went outside to get some fresh air. When I couldn’t find you, I made my own way back,’ said Bheki, doing her best to look heartbroken.
Joost squeezed her hand tightly. If they’d have been married he would have been a little more inquisitive. If they’d been long time spouses he would have interrogated her.
‘You did well to get away,’ she said.
‘But what about the auction,’ said Joost, brushing over the pain Dela and her mob had inflicted.
Bheki tried to play down her excitement. She needed all the cash for herself, and heartless bitch that she felt, she didn’t want a man wallowing in self-pity over a previous life. Joost was a great guy, but that was her bottom line. It was pointless hanging on.
Dela was wearing the mask again, and still no luck.
‘He knows,’ she said to Felix. ‘Still this will make up for it.’
Dela picked up a small felt doll, and after dipping the pin in her bottle of blue tar she jabbed it into the right eye. Outside in the snow Joost screamed, collapsing to the floor.
‘How’s that feel Mr van Houten,’ said Dela.
Bheki hailed a taxi as Joost staggered to his feet.
‘I’d better get you to the hospital,’ she said as he held onto her arm.
‘No, to Pastor Abel’s, and quick,’ said Joost.