The Betrayal

by Linda Tweedie

“Whoever you’ve been talking to knows more than me, then. I tried my best to persuade her to stay, but she was adamant she was going home.”

  “Something changed her mind.”

  “I’m sorry to say it wasn’t me. What does her friend have to say about it? She’s bound to know where she went. I can tell you, you’re barking up the wrong tree here,” Diane shouted at them.

  “That’s not what Carol says, and I got a text from Erin saying she was staying with you,” Bridget had been quiet until now.

  “You’re forgetting something crucial in all this, coming in here throwing your weight about. That little boy is as much my flesh and blood as he is yours and there is no way I’d ever let anything happen to him.”

  She was convincing, no doubt about it, but Bridget no more believed her than she believed in Santa Claus.

  “Where’s the master of the house? What’s he got to say for himself about his child and its mother going missing?”

  “I don’t think Bobby knows anything about this. He’s been away on business and I’m sure, like me, he thinks she’s at home with you.”

  It was Bridget’s turn to act. She grabbed Diane by the hair and hauled the woman round to face her.

  “Think what you would do to anyone who harmed Bobby. Well, I’ll do the same to anyone who harms mine. If you know anything, tell me now, because you won’t get a second chance with me.” She twisted her hair even tighter, “Understand?” and she delivered the famous Glasgow Kiss.

  Diane’s face exploded. Her perfectly reconstructed nose was smashed and bruising began to appear around her eyes immediately.

  “That’s just for starters. I’m much worse than him,” Bridget looked at Paddy who was almost as surprised as Diane.

  “You better put something on that,” sneered Paddy.

  The couple left the apartment with the promise they would be back soon and if Diane had any sense she would get her son to contact them.

  On the flight over, Paddy had managed to get hold of Sam, the feisty holiday rep who had played a vital part in their last encounter with the Mack family. He had arranged to meet her later that morning.

  Next stop was his old mate, Nick the Greek. If anyone could find out what had happened to Erin, it was him. Despite his name Nick was a true Cockney, having been born within the sound of the Bow Bells. No-one knew exactly where his nickname originated from and Nick certainly had no intention of enlightening any inquisitors.

  “Hello, me old cocker,” he shook Paddy’s hand and kissed Bridget on each cheek, welcoming the couple. “Good to see you both. What brings you back to this neck of the woods?”

  Within ten minutes, Paddy had apprised Nick of the circumstances.

  “So you have no clue as to where she went after leaving the airport and you are sure she did return to town? I’m sorry to ask, but well, you know kids,” the man gestured his helplessness.

  “She definitely left the airport, but we have no proof that she actually went back to the Macks’ apartment,” ventured Bridget.

  “We have to find out what Bobby is up to. Have either of you spoken to him recently?”

  “No, I can’t get hold of him. He’s gone to ground,” replied the Big Man.

  “We need to get to him. He’s the key to finding Erin and the boy. Leave this to me. I’ll put the word out. We should know something soon. Don’t worry, we’ll get to the bottom of this.” Standing up, the ‘Don’ bid them goodbye for the moment.

  “What next, Paddy?” asked Bridget.

  “We need to speak with Sam, she knows her way round this town like no-one else.”

  There, waiting in the reception of their hotel, was the girl in question.

  “Hello, Paddy, Mrs Coyle.”

  “Hello, Sam, you okay? We’re hoping you can do a little job for us. We have another problem with the same family as before.”

  “Jesus, I didn’t think they’d be stupid enough to take you lot on again,” the girl smiled.

  “Well, they have. And this time it’s not just Erin, but our grandson also.”

  “Your grandson? That’s a turn up for the book. I’m presuming that Señor Bobby is the daddy?”

  “Got it in one, but Erin and her baby have gone missing and we,” he indicated Bridget, “are convinced the Macks are behind it.”

  “Wouldn’t surprise me. I’ve known Bobby Mack for years and he’s always had a high opinion of himself. Basically he’s a nice guy, but lately he’s turned into a proper little prick. He swans about town like he’s really something. Gets right on my tits. Oh, sorry, Mrs Coyle.”

  “That’s okay. I’ve heard much worse living with this lot, and it’s Bridget, by the way.”

  “Okay, Bridget, how can I help?”

  “First of all, we’d like you to scout about the Macks’ apartment, see if you can find out anything. We’ve nothing to go on except gut instinct. Check out the club, no-one will suspect you, you’re well known enough and it goes without saying we’ll make it worth your while.”

  “Hey, I don’t need payment for this. I’ll get started right away, there could be folk round the pool about this time,” she looked at her watch – a smart Rolex, courtesy of her last pay cheque from the Coyles.

  “I’ll stay in touch. Bye. And nice to meet you, Mrs Coyle, sorry, Bridget.” The girl zoomed off on her trusty little scooter.

  “Let’s go visit Ryan’s godfather,” suggested Bridget. “You never know.”

  Somewhat reluctantly, Paddy accompanied his wife to meet with the illustrious Julio Munozo, their grandson’s godfather and mayor of Marbella.

  The two were ushered into a magnificent room where, rising from behind his desk, Mayor Munozo greeted them effusively.

  “Señor Paddy and Señora Bridget, to what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?” Since he’d heard Diane’s recent request, the shrewd politician had been half-expecting such an encounter.

  For the second time that morning Paddy explained their concerns and the circumstances surrounding their visit.

  “You can appreciate my position in this matter, Paddy. I cannot betray confidences, but I will tell you there have been enquiries regarding the boy. I was concerned and surprised. He was not a child I would ever have thought to be neglected or abused in any way.”

  “Are you telling me my grandson has been taken into care?” Paddy asked, forgetting for a moment who he was dealing with.

  “No, no, of course not and anyway, these matters take time. Now I’ve said more than I should.”

  “Thanks, Julio. I appreciate your help.”

  “Well, I do have his welfare at heart. After all, he is my godson. Unfortunately, I must take my leave now. I have someone waiting for me, but if I can be of any further assistance, please let me know. And a word of warning. Bobby Mack was always a good boy, but since his father’s death, well, he is not the same man.”

  The Gatherers

  There was only one girl lying by the pool when Sam tipped up to the apartment block. The same old ruse, ‘Parcel for Mack, but no reply’, always gained access to a gated block.

  “Hello there, I wonder if you could help me.” Sam asked, catching the girl’s attention. “I’m looking for a friend of mine. She’s supposed to be staying here, but there’s no-one home. I don’t want to hang around if she’s already left, she may have gone back home. She’s Scottish, a tall, dark-haired girl and her name is Erin. She also has a baby boy.”

  Sam couldn’t gauge the girl’s reaction from behind her huge sunglasses.

  Sophie had a ‘don’t get involved policy’ about life in general. As far as she was concerned there had to be a damned good reason for the young guy on the floor above to have this Erin arrested. Whatever it was, it was none of her business. She had seemed a nice enough girl and the baby was divine, but whatever was going down was nothing to do with her. Life had been tough enough the past year, why invite any more trouble?

  “No, I don’t think so. There were a couple of girls visiting a few weeks ago a
nd I think one of them had a baby, but I didn’t really pay much attention.”

  “Okay, thanks. I really need to find her. You see, her mother’s dying and she’s an only child.” Sam was laying it on thick. Like the Coyles, she too acted on her gut instinct and she was sure this girl knew more than she was telling.

  “Can you imagine what it would be like, out partying and your mother on her death bed?”

  Sam saw the girl wince. “Actually, I do. My mum died last year and I wasn’t with her.” Tears ran down the girl’s cheeks. “I may have seen your friend. She lay out here one afternoon with the baby and then later that night she got chucked out of the Marbella Princess. Bobby, the guy from upstairs, was with her. It looked like he got her arrested. That’s all I know and I don’t want any trouble with them. Your friend was absolutely out of her face and I don’t think it was just alcohol.”

  Bingo, thought Sam. “Can you remember when this happened?”

  “Yeah, we were all out to celebrate my birthday. It was the 17th.”

  Bingo again. Sam thanked the girl, assured her she wouldn’t get any hassle from the Macks, and took her leave.

  So, Erin and the baby had been in the apartment after leaving the airport. And Erin had been out clubbing with Bobby later, despite his mother insisting she last saw her on the evening of the 16th.

  “Hello, Sam here. I struck gold on the first call. I spoke to a young girl by the pool at the Mack’s complex and lo and behold, she’d met Erin and the baby on the afternoon of the 17th, the day she was supposed to have flown home. And she also saw her later that night, being ejected from the Marbella Princess. According to her it looked like she’d been arrested. Anyway, she was driven off in a police van.”

  “Was she on her own?”

  “Yes and no. This Sophie and her friends couldn’t understand why Bobby Mack was having her arrested, but she said the girl was absolutely wasted and could hardly stand.”

  “Erin doesn’t drink or do drugs.”

  “Maybe not normally, but this is Marbella and she was on holiday. Maybe someone spiked her drink? It happens all the time here.”

  “Anything else?”

  “No, but I’m going to track down the security guys on duty that night, if I can. See if they remember anything.”

  “I wouldn’t think they’d spill the beans.”

  “Not normally, but I can try.”

  “True. See what you come up with and thanks, Sam. Keep in touch.”

  Paddy turned to his wife. “Sam caught up with a young girl who saw Erin being bundled into a police van and driven off, in full view of Bobby Mack.”

  “We need to check which station she was booked into and who the officers were who arrested her.”

  It took just over an hour for Nick to ascertain which police station Erin had been taken to and the names of the two arresting officers who were conveniently on annual leave. They could wait.

  “It turned out she was arrested outside the Marbella Princess and charged with possession of a shitload of cocaine, resisting arrest and assault. She was remanded in custody in Alhaurin de la Torre in Malaga and we need to get her out of there. It’s a desperate place. It looks like she’s been well fitted up, I’m sorry to say. Unfortunately she was up in front of one of the most feared judges and she presented no defence. Some clerk from the Justice Department was instructed to plead guilty on her behalf.”

  “Why? There was no problem at the christening, they got their own way. The father’s name is on the birth certificate and, despite my objections, Mack could have access to the child at any time.”

  “Revenge,” said Nick. “You killed his father.”

  “To save my own skin. He most definitely would have killed me, Erin and the girl.”

  “No matter. He’s out for revenge. The boy idolised his father.”

  “But what does he hope to gain? It’s just plain stupid.”

  “You’re here. You have interrupted your business. Your daughter is in the worst and most dangerous prison in Spain, and you have no idea where your grandson is. I’d say he’s doing a pretty good job so far.”

  “Suppose so,” muttered Paddy.

  “First things first, we have to get you a visiting order. Hopefully for today, but if not, then tomorrow. You have to make sure she is coping.” Nick picked up the phone and spoke for some time in Spanish. “That’s it all arranged. A car will pick you up outside in ten minutes and take you to see your daughter.”

  “Thanks, mate. You have no idea how much this means to me, and I’ll forever be in your debt,” said the Big Man, tears glistening in his eyes as he hugged his friend. Of the two parents, Bridget was by far the most composed.

  Fear

  “Bobby, it’s me. I’ve just had a visit from the Coyles. Husband and wife.”

  “What do they know?” Bobby asked his mother.

  “They’re pretty damned sure she didn’t go back to Glasgow and I got a broken nose for suggesting she might have other interests here.”

  “You’ve got a broken nose?” Her son screeched down the phone. “They actually laid hands on you? I’ll fucking kill him, Mum, fucking kill him! He’s not on his own turf now.”

  “Hey, I’ve had worse off your dad for the tatties being burned. Don’t you worry about me. I’m as tough as old boots. This was just a little taster to flush you out. Paddy Coyle knows you would keep me safe by not telling me anything. You were right on that score, by the way. But that means he’s going to come after you with a vengeance.”

  “We always knew that was going to happen, but he won’t harm me because I’ve got the boy. He’ll turn up at the club tonight, nothing surer, but we’ll be ready.”

  “Okay, keep me informed. I’m going to be out of action for a few days until I get this nose sorted, then I’ll be brand new.” Desperate though she was, she refrained from asking after her grandchild although it killed her not to.

  Meanwhile, the Coyles had just entered the high security compound where their innocent daughter was incarcerated. Both parents were dreading the meeting. Bridget knew she had to keep Paddy under control for Erin’s sake, but she herself was in bits at the thought of what the girl might have suffered; she’d heard enough stories.

  To their astonishment, Erin seemed no different to the girl who had left home a few weeks previously.

  “How are you, sweetheart?” Her mother asked, almost knocking the breath from her in a suffocating bear hug.

  “You coping, darling? No-one being . . .?” Paddy didn’t know how to ask.

  “If you’re asking if I’m some bull-dyke’s bitch, then the answer’s no.”

  Her father, labelled the hardest man in Glasgow, blushed from his neck up. He hated women, especially his women, to talk that way.

  “I’m fine, honest. I had a bit of bother at the start, but trust me, all those years of karate finally paid off.”

  “You mean you’ve been fighting?” Her mother quizzed.

  “How do you think someone like me would survive, Ma, if I didn’t stand up for myself? Anyway, forget all that. How’s Ryan. Is he okay?”

  Mother and father exchanged glances. “We don’t know, darling. We don’t know where he is.”

  “What do you mean, you don’t know where he is? He’s with Diane, that’s who I left him with. Bobby insisted we went out to the club. I didn’t want to go, but he promised he had a surprise for me.”

  “He had that right enough,” muttered her father.

  “Paddy,” Bridget warned.

  “I left my baby with his grandma, what’s wrong with that?”

  “Nothing, if she wasn’t related to the fucking Borgias.”

  “For the love of God, will you two stop? What do you remember, Erin?”

  “Not much. We had a couple of drinks and I told him I was ready to go. He suggested we have one for the road and I remember virtually nothing after that. I woke up in a police cell feeling like I’d been hit by a herd of rhinos.”

  “Do you know wh
at you were charged with?”

  “Possession of class A drugs was what I was told. The amount they allege I had was ridiculous. The bag I was carrying would hardly take a lipstick and my phone. As for resisting arrest and assault, I was unconscious, drugged and set up. But why would they do this to me? They had to know you’d find out and would come for us.”

  “Well, that’s what your dad and I are here to sort out.”

  For the first time in weeks, Erin knew things would be alright; her dad was on the case.

  But it wasn’t that easy. They were in another country and one where Paddy hadn’t spent a fortune greasing the wheels of the law.

  Guilty?

  First thing on the agenda, they had to get a brief sorted. They wanted the best available and one who could speak English.

  “Your daughter is in a precarious position, Mr and Mrs Coyle. There is no precedent under Spanish law which allows for a guilty plea to be changed at this time, or for an internee to be released on bail, having been refused so previously. However, we can put forward the case that Erin did not know that she was actually pleading guilty and that it was not her intention to do so. As her representative, I have requested copies of all the documentation relating to the case and details of the evidence against her. So far they have been unable to produce any. It would seem that all the evidence concerning this case has disappeared. If this is confirmed, I would propose she be released immediately, as there would be no case to answer.”

  “Thank God,” said Bridget who seemed to having been holding her breath throughout Señorita Cortez’ summing up of the situation. “Thank God. How soon do you think she could be released?”

  “I have no idea. It could be as little as one month and as long as twelve. It is up to the judiciary, and drugs are a taboo subject here in Spain,” replied Señorita Cortez.

  “Have you no influence with them?”

  “No, Señor Coyle, unlike the UK courts, the Spanish, they cannot be bought.”