As he walked back through the snowy streets to his destination, he couldn’t help but think how depressing the area was. He knew there were some nice areas of Glasgow but this certainly wasn’t one of them. After a few minutes he was back on the street that he needed to be on. About halfway down the road and after passing a few abandoned buildings, he came to a large metal gate. It was about 12 feet wide and was in between two buildings. Scott peered through the small gap at the side, there was an alley that went back around 50 feet and looked to open up into a courtyard. He could see cars parked in there. There didn’t seem to be much life anywhere else in the street so he pushed the gate. The old rusty panel creaked as it moved, Scott opened it just enough and walked through. The alleyway had an old cobblestoned surface and was extremely slippery. It did indeed open up into a courtyard, surrounded by two story brick buildings. There were about half a dozen cars there, one of which stood out. It was an extremely new and expensive looking silver Jaguar.
There only appeared to be one entrance, it was an old wooden door. It looked like it had been painted green a number of years ago but most of it had peeled off. Scott knocked on the door and waited for a while. Nobody answered, he tried again and waited for another minute or so. Still nothing, so he turned the handle. It was unlocked. He pushed it open and peered inside. The sight of many rows of slot machines confirmed he was in the right place. There were a few foreign looking guys working on some of the machines, the backs were open and they were fiddling around inside. Scott wasn’t sure what language they were speaking but they weren’t local. He called out to them, and they looked up. One of them scurried away while the others continued to work. A minute or so later a large red haired man approached Scott. He had a full beard and moustache and shoulder length hair.
“Who are yer? What do yer want?” he barked at Scott.
“I’m here tae see Mr. Fitzgerald,” Scott said confidently.
“And just who the hell are yer?”
“My name’s Scott, he invited me tae come and talk tae him.”
“Wait there by the door, I’ll be back in a minute,” he said aggressively before turning and walking away. He returned a few minutes later.
“Come here, I need tae check yer clean.” The man ordered Scott.
Scott walked towards him and lifted his arms. The man patted him down thoroughly.
“I have nae got any weapons,” Scott commented.
“It’s nae just weapons I’m looking fer. Okay, come with me,” the man said and beckoned Scott to walk with him. Scott followed him through the warehouse and up a flight of stairs. They went through an office where a lady was working on a computer and into another office. Sitting behind a desk in the large room was a tanned man who appeared to be in his 50’s. He had dark slicked back hair with a little grey showing at the sides. He was wearing a dark suit, but no tie. The top few buttons on his shirt were open too revealing a heavy looking gold chain.
“He’s clean boss, nae guns or wires,” the man said. He waited by the door as Scott walked towards the desk.
“Scott, yer were supposed tae be here yesterday. I dinnae like it when people dick me aroond,” the seated man said angrily.
“Aye, I had something come up, sorry,” Scott responded.
“Well, yer here now, so take a seat,” he said seeming to calm down a little and gesturing for Scott to sit down.
“Thanks,” Scott replied as he sat.
“That’s all Duncan, yer can go now,” he said to the other man, who promptly left shutting the door behind him.
“Do yer want a drink Scott? Coffee, water, Scotch, what do yer say?”
“Nae, I’m fine thanks.”
“Pamela, bring me a coffee darling,” he said pressing an intercom button on his phone, before turning his attention to Scott again.
“So why are yer so interested in Mr. Walker, Scott?”
“He was an old army friend of mine, I heard from his ex-wife that yer guys went there looking fer him a few weeks after he’d died. I just wondered what all this was aboot.”
“Aye well he lost a wee bit of money in one of my casinos, and he was supposed to come work fer me tae pay it off.”
“What casino?”
“Never yer mind what casino. The only thing we have tae work oot is how I’m going tae get my money. Is he really dead or are yer just trying tae mess with me? Because if yer are there’ll be trouble.”
“It was on the news and in the papers. I’m sure Sharon can show yer his death certificate if yer really dinnae believe her.”
“This is 20 grand we’re talking aboot, it’s nae just loose change. Did he have any other assets?” he asked coldly.
“Nae idea, like I said, I’m just an old friend. But I know Sharon does nae have anything so yer wasting yer time bothering her and the kids.”
“The house has tae be worth something, we’ll sort something oot.”
“Yer cannae take the house, what aboot the kids?”
“I can do whatever I want lad. Anyway, enough aboot that.”
There was a knock on the door and the lady who was working in the other office came in with a cup of coffee. She placed it on the desk and left, closing the door.
“Nae many people get the better of big Kenny, how would yer like tae come and work fer me?”
“I cannae, I dinnae live here anymore. I just came back tae pay my respects tae Chris.”
“Are yer sure? It would be guid money. I can use people who know how tae take care of themselves.”
“Nae, I just want tae make sure Sharon is nae bothered anymore.”
“I dinnae like it when people turn me doon Scott, or when people tell me what tae do. I’m sure yer were a big thing in the army but this is a wee bit different. We play by different rules. Until she gets the money, we keep paying her visits. Unless yer and me come tae an arrangement and yer do a couple of jobs fer me.”
“I cannae do that, like I said, I dinnae live aroond here anymore.”
“So where do yer live and what do yer do?”
Scott wasn’t going to tell him anything. He just said the first thing that came into his mind.
“I’m a car mechanic, I live up in Aberdeen. I’m heading back up there tomorrow.”
Fitzgerald laughed sarcastically.
“A car mechanic, yer could make a lot more money working fer me, and nae get dirty.”
“Aye I’m sure I could, but I like doing an honest day’s work.”
“Yer’ve got a nerve coming here and talking tae me like that yer wee scunner,” he said angrily, standing up and smashing his fist down on the desk.
Scott wasn’t looking to antagonize him. He knew Sharon had to live here after he’d gone back to sunny California. However, sometimes he found it hard not to be a little sarcastic. He really hated the type of person Fitzgerald was, so found it difficult to hold his tongue completely. He stayed calm though, trying not to inflame the situation.
“Nae offence, I just meant that I prefer tae do things legally. Obviously if yer have a casino that yer cannae tell me aboot then I dinnae see how it can be legal.”
“I think it’s time, yer left,” he said as he walked around the desk and stood towering over Scott.
“Aye I suppose I should be going,” Scott said as he slid his chair back and stood up. Fitzgerald was a large man. He was two or three inches taller than Scott. He moved close to Scott and pushed his face close to Scott’s in an aggressive manner.
“Yer may have jumped big Kenny but yer nae big enough tae mess with me, yer wee grease monkey. Now piss off back tae Aberdeen afore yer get yerself in tae trouble.”
The combination of his coffee breath and aftershave was a little overpowering but Scott didn’t flinch. He calmly turned around and started to walk towards the door. Fitzgerald, unhappy that his intimidation tactics didn’t seem to be scaring Scott was getting angrier. He hurled a number of insults at Scott as he left the office. Scott didn’t look back. He moved through into the other office.<
br />
“Yer boss is a lovely man, is he nae?” he said to the secretary as he passed through.
She didn’t say anything and continued with her work. Scott was met as he was on the stairs by Duncan. He’d obviously just received orders to escort Scott off the premises. He went to grab Scott’s arm, but Scott pulled away.
“Dinnae touch me or it will be the last thing yer do. I’m leaving, I dinnae want any trouble.”
The man smiled, and backed off. He’d obviously heard what happened with Kenny and was being cautious.
“Tough guy eh, I’ve seen yer kind many times afore,” he said as he followed Scott down the stairs and across to the door.”
“So are yer his business partner or his secretary?” Scott asked as they approached the exit.
“I’m his personal bodyguard actually yer bawbag.”
“Och, that must make him feel safe,” Scott continued with his sarcasm.
“Yer and me, anytime,” the man replied smiling.
Scott didn’t say anything else he just walked away. He had an idea, and getting into a confrontation now wouldn’t help. As he walked back towards the alley he ignored the slew of insults that were coming from behind him. Instead he concentrated on noting the license plate number of the Jaguar, and entering it into his phone. He checked regularly to make sure he wasn’t followed and took a different route back to his car. When he was in the car he called Tiffany.
“Hey Tiff, how are yer?”
“Good Scott, how did it go?”
“Nae great, but I’m fine. I’m going tae try something else though so I will nae be back until later. Can yer entertain yerself fer the rest of the day at the hotel. I’m sorry, I promise I’ll make it up tae yer.”
“Okay Scott, just be careful and keep in contact.”
“Thanks, I’ll call yer, dinnae worry. This will all be over soon. Bye babe.”
“Bye Scott.”
Scott quickly made another call, to his contact. It turned out that the Jaguar wasn’t registered to Fitzgerald. It was supposed to be owned by a man from Lanark. Scott found it hard to believe that it wasn’t the main man’s car though. He was under the impression that it was his, but was just registered in someone else’s name, probably one of his friends. Scott also learned that the address he’d just been to, wasn’t listed in any of the police files or records as a business address for Fitzgerald or ACF Leisure. Scott was intrigued, he drove his car to the end of the street where he’d just been and parked it near the corner. He could see the area where the gate was and knew there was no other way out. Any car in there would have to come out that way, and he’d see them. Scott settled in, he knew he could be in for a long wait.
It was a quiet street and there were very few people or cars around. Nearly two hours went by before Scott saw a car come out of the alleyway. It was a white Ford SUV and it turned towards him. He crouched down in his seat as the vehicle drove by. Scott didn’t recognize the driver but the SUV drove past him without even slowing down. Relieved, Scott sat up just in time to see the silver Jaguar appear out of the alleyway and turn away from him. Scott started the car and moved down the road. He could see there were two people inside but couldn’t confirm who they were. He didn’t want to get too close and give himself away. He followed them discretely for about 10 minutes until they stopped at another industrial unit, a few miles away in Millerston. Both men got out of the car and went inside the building. Scott recognized them as Fitzgerald and his bodyguard.
Once again, he waited, while making a note of the address. About 30 minutes later the men returned to the car and set off again, this time heading north, and stopped at a house in the town of Bishopbriggs. Again both men went inside. Once again, Scott noted the address. They seemed to be staying there for a long time. It was late afternoon now and was getting dark. Scott was just about to leave when the men returned to the car. It was just about light enough for him to confirm that it was the same two guys who got back into the Jaguar. Again he followed them, this time out of the Glasgow area. They headed north east on the M80, Scott followed them carefully, making sure they didn’t know he was tailing them. This time they drove for over half an hour, stopping at a country house on the outskirts of a small town, east of Cumbernauld. It was a large fairly modern country house, and was gated. It was dark now but it appeared to have a large wall or fence surrounding the property. The house was elevated though and lit up with a couple of security lights so Scott could see it well. Scott noted the address and waited again. He made a couple of calls to Tiffany to let her know he was fine, but after a few hours waiting Scott was confident that the men were there to stay. So, he started the car and headed back towards Glasgow. Tiffany was glad to see him when he arrived back at the hotel, he was glad to see her too. Although Scott had spent most of the day just waiting around, he was tired. He knew it was too late to call his special contact. There was nothing urgent that couldn’t wait until the morning. So, as much as he wanted to do more research, he decided it was best to get some sleep.
Chapter 10
They were both awoken early the next morning by Scott’s cell phone. It was Sharon, and she was upset.
“What’s wrong Sharon?” Scott asked.
“I’ve had two windows broken, they’ve thrown bricks through my windows,” she said hysterically.
“Has it just happened?” Scott asked.
“Aye, aboot a quarter of an hoor ago. I’ve just been cleaning up the mess.”
“Have yer called the police?”
“Aye, but I dinnae suppose they’ll be able tae do much. They’re sending someone over.”
“So yer have anywhere yer can go fer a while Sharon, until all this settles doon?” Scott asked looking over at the clock and noticing it was just after 5:30 a.m.
“I may be able tae, I’ll ask around. I have tae go now Scott, I think the police car has just arrived.”
“Okay, let me know what yer find oot, bye,” he said and put the cell phone down on the bedside table.
“What’s happened?” asked Tiffany sleepily.
“Sharon’s had some windows broken. The police are there now so they’re okay.’
“What’s wrong with people?” she asked rhetorically as she glanced at the clock.
“Aye, I agree. It’s ridiculous. There’s nae anything we can do so just try and get a few more hours sleep,” Scott said as he stroked her hair, then kissed her cheek.
She seemed to settle down and went back to sleep again quite quickly. Scott however, was too angry to sleep. He got up, took a shower and grabbed a bite to eat. Soon he was on the computer doing more research. He called his contacts too and gave them the addresses that he’d witnessed Fitzgerald visit. The first house they stopped at the previous day in Bishopbriggs was a property owned by Fitzgerald. The police were aware that he spent some time there and had been watching it. The most interesting piece of information Scott received though was that the country house where the men ended up the previous evening, actually belonged to Fitzgerald’s ex-wife. They had been divorced for 10 years and were not supposed to be very friendly with each other. Apparently she spent winters in Spain but it was still very strange as to why he’d be staying at her house.
Scott had a plan, he had a feeling there was something in that house that Fitzgerald was hiding. He suspected that it could be a large shipment of drugs. If he could get inside and confirm it, then the police could raid the house and put Fitzgerald away for many years. And even if there wasn’t anything in there then maybe he could scare Fitzgerald enough to make him lay off Sharon. Scott knew he could get to him and at least let him know that he wasn’t as invincible as he thought he was.
He didn’t mention anything about his plan to Tiffany. Not that he wanted to keep secrets from her. He just hated to worry her. Scott really didn’t want any part of this kind of life anymore, but no matter what he did, he always seemed to get dragged into something. He spent the day with Tiffany, relaxing around the pool. They even went out sh
opping in the afternoon at the mall. Scott heard from Sharon while they were shopping. She’d arranged for herself and the kids to go and stay at a friend’s house for a while. The police had advised her to do that too. Plus, they were going to step up patrols near her house in the hope of catching someone in the act.
When Scott and Tiffany returned to their hotel after their shopping excursion, Scott explained that he’d have to go out that evening. He didn’t go into great detail, just telling her it was important and that he had a chance to work things out. She didn’t like it but she trusted him, and wished him well. They had a meal together at the hotel before he headed out alone at around 8:00 p.m. Scott knew he was running out of time, he really didn’t want to extend his stay in Scotland, as he had a job to do in California. He’d already taken enough time off recently due to his illness and he had no intention of letting Jim down. He knew he had to do all he could while he was there though, for his own peace of mind. He’d normally do a lot more reconnaissance work before attempting something like this, but the circumstances didn’t allow for that.
Scott knew that this was pretty much his last chance to get things sorted out before he had to leave the country. It was a cold clear night, and unusually for Scotland, there didn’t seem to be a cloud in the sky. There was a full moon and lots of bright stars were clearly visible. Scott headed towards the house in Bishopbriggs that Fitzgerald owned. When he got there, it appeared the property was empty. There were no cars on the driveway or on the street outside. Plus there were no lights on in the house that he could see.
KILTED DESIRE 3 - New Blood Page 8