The Black Pathway

by Mark C Sutton

  “It was just a one-off, Howard. A one-off. I don’t want a relationship with you, or anybody else, come to that. We had a bit of fun, but that’s all it was.” Kate stated her position.

  “Why don’t you want a relationship with me? What’s wrong with me, for God’s sake?” Shouted Howard.

  “There’s nothing’s wrong with you, but you’re too young for me.” Kate told him.

  “Yeah, you weren’t saying that when you wanted me to go down on you.” Commented Howard, in a bitchy little voice.

  “Goodbye Howard.” Said Kate.

  “Hey! Don’t put your fucking phone down on me!” Ordered Howard, but it was already too late; the line went dead. Angrily, he dialled Kate’s telephone number again. All he got was her voicemail. Howard slung the mobile phone onto his bed. You’ll fucking pay for that, Kate, he thought. Howard got up from off his bed, and walked over to the bedroom window. Wonder if those shit-head coppers have left Alfie’s house yet? He wondered. Howard looked out of the window, and instantly jumped back, shaken; Detective Tom Grogan had been stood on the pavement below, staring up at Howard’s bedroom window.

  Howard sat back down on the bed, shaking. Fuck, he’s on to me… he knows that I was in that house on the night that Alfie Whitehouse died. It's all because of those stupid fucking footprints… and him catching me smiling up at Alfie’s window. What if he’s here to arrest me, right now? Panicked Howard. Sure enough, the doorbell began to ring downstairs. Shit. What am I gonna do? What the fuck am I gonna do? Howard heard the front door open.

  “Yeah, I’ll just go and get him for you.” He heard Kay say to somebody. Suddenly, there came shouting up the stairs. “Howard, could you come downstairs please?” Requested Kay. “Now!” She barked. Howard got up from off the bed and left his room. As he passed Mary’s room, he heard her softly groaning. She's getting fucked by that creepy little shit, Alex Crennell, realised Howard, tormented. That’ll be one of the last things that I ever hear whilst I’m at liberty… the sound of the woman of my dreams being pleasured by Alex Crennell’s dirty, smelly dick. Howard Trenton reached the top of the stairs, and looked down them; sure enough, Detective Tom Grogan was stood in the hallway, next to Kay. They were both looking up at Howard.

  Howard walked down the stairs.

  “Oh, hello, Mister Grogan.” Said Howard, his voice croaking.

  “Hello again, Howard.” Replied the detective, smiling.

  “Could I ask what this is about, sir?” Asked Kay. “Is this to do with Alfie Whitehouse?”

  “Yes… but there’s absolutely nothing to worry about” Said Tom Grogan. “Nothing at all. I just need Howard’s help with something.” He added.

  “Oh? What might that be?” Howard was curious to know.

  “Well, Howard. You remember that discussion we had earlier on? About those footprints that we found in Mister Whitehouse’s bath-tub?”

  “What footprints?” Asked Kay. Tom Grogan cleared his throat.

  “Sorry, Mrs Trenton. I should explain… we believe that Mr Whitehouse might have been murdered.” He said, matter-of-fact. Kay put her hands up to her mouth.

  “Murdered?” She asked, visibly shocked.

  “It’s a theory that we’re working on.” Stated Tom. He smiled at Howard. “Could we borrow your hi-tops, Howard?” Tom asked, unexpectedly.

  “What?” Replied Howard.

  “Your hi-tops. The trainers that you were wearing earlier… I see you’ve changed out of them.” Noticed Tom, staring down at Howard’s slippers.

  “Why do you want to borrow…” Howard was cut short by Kay.

  “You don’t think Howard has got something to do with all of this, do you, Mister Grogan?” She asked. Tom laughed.

  “No, Mrs Trenton, certainly not. But it would be helpful if I could borrow his trainers.” Answered the detective.

  Detective Tom Grogan looked at Howard.

  “So… can I?” He asked.

  “Can you what?” Howard responded.

  “Borrow the trainers that you wearing earlier. The canvas hi-tops.” Said Tom.

  “Not unless you tell me why.” Howard replied. Tom Grogan sighed.

  “It’s nothing sinister, Howard. We’re taking some photographs of the footprints right now. I mentioned to one of the forensic guys that you were wearing a style of hi-tops that I suspect was also worn by the intruder who broke into Mr Whitehouse’s home. He suggested we do a side-by-side comparison. That's all.” Explained Tom. Howard didn’t believe him.

  “You think that I did it, don’t you?” He spat. “You think that I killed Mr Whitehouse.” Tom laughed.

  “Don’t be daft, Howard. Of course we don’t…”

  “Yes you do!” Howard reiterated, his voice edgy, full of paranoia.

  “You’re not tall enough, Howard.” Tom suddenly revealed.

  “What?” Asked Howard.

  “I said that you’re not tall enough… I should explain. We have an eye-witness who thinks that they saw the intruder hanging around Mister Whitehouse’s home, on the evening that he died.” Tom informed Howard, telling bare-faced, but very necessary, lies. “The eye-witness has given us a detailed description of the suspect. We’re looking for a man in his late twenties or early thirties, approximately six foot three in height. You’re, what, five six, five seven?”

  “Five eight.” Corrected Howard.

  “Exactly. Our eye-witness was very specific about the intruders height. The individual that we're seeking is much taller than average.” Advised Tom.

  Howard’s eyes darted between Tom and Kay, confused. The detective smiled at the teenager, secretly enjoying his chief suspect’s discomfort. I remember looking out of Alfie Whitehouse’s bedroom window, son, and catching you staring up at it with that smirk on your face… now why would you be doing that? You’re not smirking now though, are you?

  “So, how about it, Howard? Can we borrow your hi-tops, just for half an hour or so?” Asked the detective.

  “They’re on the radiator in the kitchen, soaking wet.” Replied Howard.

  “Soaking wet?” Queried Tom.

  “Yeah. I’ve run them through the washing machine.” Said Howard.

  “Why have you done that, Howard?” The detective wanted to know.

  “Because they stink.” Answered Howard, which was true, but not the real reason why he’d put the trainers in the washer.

  “They stink?” Replied Tom, with an eyebrow raised.

  “Yes. I’ve got athlete’s foot. All of my trainers end up stinking. I often put them in the washing machine, don’t I, Kay?”

  “You do, yes.” Agreed Kay. The detective thought about this for a few moments. Sneaky little bastard. I was hoping to get some dirt and sand samples off those hi-tops to compare with what we found at Alfie Whitehouse’s home… no bloody chance of that now. Detective Tom Grogan smiled.

  “Not to worry. Best leave those trainers on the radiator to dry out. Thanks for your time.” He said to Howard and Kay.

  “But I thought that you wanted to borrow…”

  “Really, it doesn't matter. It was just an idea.” Said Tom, interrupting Kay. The policeman gave Howard a stare. “Goodnight, Howard.” He said. Howard Trenton didn't reply.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Alex Crennell sat on the edge of Mary’s bed, having just got dressed.

  “I suppose that I’d better be heading off home… early start for college in the morning.” He said. Mary, who was still lying in bed, reached out and stroked Alex’s back. He turned around and leaned over her, kissing Mary on her forehead.

  “You could always stay over. Lucas and Kay wouldn't mind.” Said Mary.

  “I ain’t so sure about that… I don’t think Lucas likes me very much. And from what you’ve told me, Howard wouldn't be too happy, either.” Replied Alex.

  “Why should Howard care, if he’s got Kate?” Laughed Mary.

  “Because I reckon that he’s still hung up on you.” Said Alex.

  “Well,
that’s tough for Howard… if he thinks I’m going to be walking the Black Pathway with him anytime soon, then he’s in for a long wait.” Mary commented. This caused Alex to frown.

  “What are you going on about? The Black Pathway?” He wanted to know.

  “Oh, I just remembered how Howard suggested we do the walk together, when the weather warms up. It’s one of his favourite walks, from what he told me.” Advised Mary, as she put a jumper back on.

  “What? Howard’s walked the Black Pathway?” Alex asked, with curiosity.

  “Yeah, he’s walked it loads of times.” Replied Mary. Alex recalled how he had been defeated by the trail, having to abandon the trek when he arrived at the town of Hoffen. He remembered his aching limbs, blistered and swollen feet… his body, covered in sweat, and hammered with exhaustion. Alex felt a surge of jealousy rising within.

  “Howard has walked the whole of the Black Pathway? Seriously? A little wimp like Howard?” Queried Alex, incredulous.

  “Well yes. It’s one of his favourite walks, like I just said.” Mary answered. Alex bit down on his lip. How could that silly bastard manage to do the walk, when I couldn’t? He wondered to himself. How?

  Alex Crennell suddenly came out with a suggestion, in a moment of envy and resentment towards Howard Trenton.

  “We should do it!” He exclaimed.

  “We should do what?” Asked Mary, wearing a puzzled expression.

  “We should walk the Black Pathway Trail. Together.” Alex suggested. I’m not letting Howard Trenton get one over on me, he thought to himself. If he can do that walk, then so can I. I’m better than him! I’m better than Howard fucking Trenton! Mused Alex, his petty and childish nature coming to the fore.

  “Okay. If that's what you want.” Replied Mary. “Spring’s not far off now. We could…”

  “No,” butted-in Alex, “we should do it this weekend.”

  “What? Why?” Mary asked, with a slightly nervous laugh.

  “Because we just should.” Said Alex, unable to give any rational sort of answer to his new girlfriend.

  “But it's the middle of the winter, Alex.” Pointed out Mary.

  “Good. That’ll make it more of a challenge.” Alex replied. “Can you get Monday off work?” He suddenly asked. Mary shrugged her shoulders.

  “I’m guessing so… my boss is normally pretty easy about…”

  “Then book it as leave. I think that we should walk the Black Pathway this weekend. Start on Saturday morning, finish on Monday evening.” Said Alex.

  “Stop overnight at Knighton on Saturday night. Then Hoffen on Sunday evening. Once we reach Salegate, we can get a taxi home.” He went on. “It’ll be like a little mini-holiday, except with lots of walking in-between.” Alex added, trying to sell his suggestion to Mary.

  Mary Broderick got out of her bed and wriggled back into a pair of jeans that she had earlier slung on the floor.

  “Are you always this impulsive, Alex?” She asked, smiling.

  ‘Yep.” Came his brief response.

  “This Black Pathway… is it, you know, dangerous? Howard told me that there’s a couple of mountains involved.” Wondered Mary.

  “It’s just a walk, Mary. A very long walk.” Alex replied.

  “I take it that you’ve done it before then?”

  “Yeah, of course.” Said Alex, with dishonesty. “It’s a piece of piss.”

  “But Howard told me that it can be dangerous in parts.” Mary responded.

  “Howard doesn’t know what the fuck he’s talking about.” Snapped Alex, struggling to keep his temper. “I bet that he’s never actually walked the trail. He was probably just trying to impress you.” Alex added, with utter hypocrisy.

  “You really don’t like Howard, do you?” Observed Mary.

  “No, I don’t. He’s a sullen, stroppy little shit.” Said Alex. Mary remembered how Howard had turned on her, down at Hingley beach. She didn’t mention this to Alex.

  “Okay, Alex. We’ll do the Black Pathway this weekend… as long as I can get the Monday off work. It shouldn't be a problem though.” Smiled Mary.

  “Nice one.” Responded Alex, who was desperate to put himself back on an even-keel against Howard Trenton.

  ***

  Howard Trenton walked down the road where Kate Williams lived, near to Coldsleet Harbour. It was late, getting on for midnight. So, Kate, you think that it’s okay to just dump me like that? Have your fucking way with me and then discard me like I’m some worthless piece of shit? Well, we’ll see about that, thought Howard, angrily. It’s not as if I’ve got anything to lose. I know… KNOW that that cunt Tom Grogan is onto me about Alfie Whitehouse… it’s just a matter of time before he comes knocking on my door again, and not to ask to borrow my fucking hi-tops, either. I’m gonna end up being banged away, so I may as well go out with a bang. Howard reached the front gate of Kate William’s home and smiled to himself. You’re gonna go all cold on me, Kate? Soon, you’ll now what it’s like to go really fucking cold. You want to be a frosty little bitch? Well, you’re gonna get exactly what you wish for. Suddenly, Kate’s front door opened up, causing Howard to jump. He lurched sidewards, away from the front gate, and hid behind a nearby hedgerow. Howard peered around the hedge. Kate was stood on her front doorstep. With a man. A man that Howard Trenton knew. His name was Alan Lane, and he was an English language lecturer at Elman College.

  Howard peeked out and watched as Kate Williams embraced Alan Lane, before kissing him fully on the lips. The teenager felt a surge of resentment and anger swell inside him.

  “Promise that you’ll stay over tomorrow night?” Kate asked Alan.

  “Of course. No getting up for work the next morning to worry about, not on a Friday evening.” Replied the English tutor. Howard heard this, and felt his stomach knot. He imagined Alan fucking Kate from behind, just like he had done, not very long ago. What the fuck? Thought Howard. I’m getting a fucking hard-on. I’m getting a stiffy… as I torture myself thinking about that… silly drip… shafting MY Kate. What the hell is wrong with me?

  “Shall I bring some wine over tomorrow?” Asked Alan Lane, a short, weedy-looking man with a greying crew-cut.

  “That’d be nice.” Answered Kate. “We could get a takeaway, too.” She suggested.

  “Sounds ideal.” Said Alan. The pair kissed again. “Right, I’d best be making tracks. See you in college tomorrow.”

  “See you tomorrow.” Replied Kate. Alan walked up the pathway, opened the small front gate, and walked past the hedgerow where Howard was hiding. Except Howard had already gone.

  ***

  The next morning, Howard Trenton looked out of his bedroom window; there was no sign of any police activity across the road, over at Alfie Whitehouse’s home. They’ve probably already got all of the fucking evidence that they need to arrest me, pondered Howard, gloomily. A knock on the bedroom door interrupted Howard’s thoughts.

  “Come in.” Said Howard. His cousin, Lucas, entered the room.

  ‘Are you not going to college today, Howard? Only it’s getting on for eight o’clock?” Lucas asked.

  “Oh, I’ve got a late start today, Luke.” Replied Howard. “I’m gonna drive into Elman… I can’t be arsed hanging around in the cold for a bus.” He added. Lucas nodded.

  “So, what do you think about this whole Mary and Alex business?” Wondered Lucas. Howard felt his body tense up at just the mention of Alex Crennell’s name.

  “I think that Mary’s making a big mistake getting involved with that cunt.” Answered Howard, with venom.

  “Blimey, don’t mince your words, eh Howard?” Laughed Lucas.

  “He’s a wanker.” Continued the teenager. ‘Mary’s too good for him.”

  “I agree with you there. Still, there’s not much we can do about it. Mary’s a grown woman. It’s not up to us who she chooses to go out with.” Pointed out Lucas. Howard grunted, but other than that, he didn't reply.

  Lucas picked at a flake of paint that was coming
off the door-frame into Howard’s bedroom.

  “Hey, Howard. You’ve walked the Black Pathway, haven’t you?” He asked his cousin.

  “Sure. Why?” Howard replied.

  “Is it safe to walk, you know, in the middle of winter?” Wondered Lucas. Howard let out a little laugh.

  “Not really… unless you’re experienced… and I do mean experienced. Hardly anyone walks the trail during the winter. Why? You’re not thinking about having a bash at it, are you Luke? Coz I’d hold off until the spring, if I were you.” Said Howard. Lucas smiled.

  “Nah, walking up mountains isn’t my thing. It’s Mary. She reckons that her and Alex are going to do the Black Pathway walk this weekend.” Lucas told him. Howard felt a stab of jealousy; HE had wanted to take Mary on that walk.

  “Then they’re fucking crazy, the pair of them. They’ll never make it.” Commented Howard, with a cynical laugh. “They won’t even make it to Knighton, not in the middle of winter. The walk will fucking kill them.” He went on.

  “Kay and Mary were arguing about it this morning, after Mary told her what she’d got planned. Kay said pretty much what you’ve just told me, that it’s not a walk to be tackled in the winter. Mary wouldn't listen.” Said Lucas.

  “Yeah, well she’ll wish that she fucking listened when her and her shit-head boyfriend are wondering around Skerrington forest in the middle of the night, lost, hungry, and shivering their bones off. Pair of idiots.” Remarked Howard.

  Lucas leaned against the door-frame.

  “Maybe, Howard, you could have a word with Mary? Try talking some sense into her?” Suggested Lucas.

  “No. Fuck the pair of them. If they wanna go traipsing up the Black Pathway at this time of the year, then I say let them.” Howard stared at his cousin. “Don’t worry, Lucas, they won’t die up there. Well, probably not.” He said. Lucas frowned, concerned. “Hey, I’m just kidding. Most people who die on the Black Pathway snuff it up on Knighton or Hoffen Mountain. Trust me, Mary and Alex won’t get that far. When are they thinking of heading out there?” Howard wanted to know.