‘No Giles you have excited my curiosity, I must know more. A man who changes his name on a whim must have some amusing tales to impart. I won’t take no for an answer,’ added Nathan.
‘Oh alright, if we must. We can call past his place on the way home but we aren’t staying long. We have some unfinished business,’ uttered the younger man huskily.
‘I hope your friend likes wine. I happen to have a couple of bottles of South African red in the boot.’
Having negotiated a twenty-minute walk, Aster had barely settled when he was startled by an insistent knock at the door. He had just completed his report to his UDA. controller and his nerves were taut from the experience. Recently he come to loathe his involvement with the organisation and cursed the foolishness of youth which had driven into their clutches. Fearing the worst, he eyed the door nervously hoping whomever was there would think him absent and depart. He was beginning to breathe more easily when the door banged again. ‘Who is it? Who’s there,’ he stammered.
‘It’s me Giles, who did you think it was, the RUC?’
‘Oh it’s you, you never know who’s come to do you in these days,’ he grumbled, as he opened the door. Aster was both nervous and surprised to see the tall lean figure of Black proffering two bottles of wine. ‘Hello Terry, this is the man I’ve been raving about. Nick meet Terry, Terry this is Nick,’ gushed Giles, beaming.
‘Well Nick, at last we meet. I’ve heard so much about you I think I know you already,’ flirted Terry. Giles would not divulge your name or personal attributes but he positively glows when he broaches other matters on the subject of his new friend. I am overwhelmed to make
your acquaintance,’ smiled Aster. ‘Giles wasn’t exaggerating you are the handsome one aren’t you. And you come bearing gifts, how thoughtful.’
‘Ach cut the crap Terry and bring the corkscrew. Nick is thirsty and he didn’t come here to be the target for your childish humour,’ chided Giles, bristling.
‘Lighten up Giles, I’m sure Terry means nothing by it,’ Interjected Nathan.
‘Why thank-you Nick, poor Giles is so smitten he seems to have lost all sense of irony. Don’t pout Giles, make yourself at home while I rustle up some glasses.’ The newcomer spoke pleasantly of his past. He did what came naturally to him, charming and flattering as only he could be before dropping his bombshell.’Do you enjoy watching others in the throws of passion Terry? I personally fail to see the advantages in voyeurism. I mean it is much more fulfilling to indulge in felatio rather than watch it taking place, don’t you think?’ purred Black. He could see the look of unease on Aster’s face and began to warm to the task.’What exactly do you mean by that remark?’ parried the host.
‘Come now Terry, you followed Giles to our rendezvous. It must have taken you by surprise to see your friend get straight into action because I observed you came closer to the vehicle. Were you satisfied with what you saw? I mean was Giles’ performance to your liking?’
‘I haven’t a clue what you’re talking about. I resent being accused of being a peeping Tom and I think it’s time that you and Giles hit the road.’
‘I could not agree more but there is something I must do before-hand.’ In a flash he was across the floor applying a hammerlock to the startled informer. As if by magic a blade glinted in his hand and in one lightning fast movement was slicing through the hapless Aster’s jugular. Giles gave a squeak of surprised terror but before he could leave his seat, Nathan was on him pinning him down. ‘You Giles darling really are one stupid, fucking bitch. I gave you everything and all I asked for in return was discretion. But that was too much to ask of a simpleton such as yourself. You spoiled everything, couldn’t keep your pretty mouth shut, could you? You stupid fucking bastard. You leave me with no alternative, I am afraid our parting is about to cause you some pain. Gripping the younger man’s arm firmly, he levered it over the armrest of the settee exerting pressure on his elbow. Staring into Giles’ face he drew the blade down the length of the boy’s inner arm. Blood spurted and gushed from the gaping wound. In shocked fascination Giles watched as his life’s blood spilled to the carpet. ‘When the police eventually arrive, they shall find the pair you in a state of advanced anaemia, sorry bad joke. Anyway they will draw the conclusion that you and Mr. Aster must have decided to end it all in some bizarre lover’s pact.’
‘God Nick why? I love you,’ gasped Giles.
‘I should tell you that my name is Nathan, I owe you that much and for what it’s worth I was rather fond of you, goodbye Giles,’ whispered Black placing a last kiss on the boy’s brow. Seconds later the youth’s eyes glazed as the life force departed. Nathan gave a sigh then busied himself testing both men’s pulses, making absolutely certain of their demise. Satisfied, he made for the door but turned to survey the scene for a final time. Giles eyes were staring at him in hurt innocence. Feeling a glimmer of remorse he returned to the boy, kissed the open mouth and tenderly closed Giles eyes for eternity. Silently he closed the door behind him and after ascertaining that there were no witnesses to his presence at the apartment, made good his escape.
Eliminating the two friends was the best he could do at present but he was uneasy. He hated being forced into situations and this particular incident fell into that category. Giles was gone and it pricked his warped sense of duty that an innocent had to be eliminated. And there was Aster to consider what if his motives for following Giles were not purely selfish? The damage was done and if the man was some kind of snitch, well he Black, had rid the world of one more piece of garbage. Having decided that there was no further action open to him, he felt better and dismissing the affair from his mind, returned to his car.
Five days had elapsed before the bodies of Terry and Giles were discovered. A friend of the former had a key and had became worried as Aster had failed to return his calls. News of the deaths of the two young men was forgotten virtual minutes after it’s release. Belfast is a violent city and the demise of homosexual lovers was barely worth a mention. The Belfast Telegraph had printed an item on the second page inferring exactly what Black had predicted. Giles had killed Aster in an undisclosed argument and followed the murder by taking his own life. A tragic end to the troubled lives of two members of Belfast’s gay community. ‘Fuckin hell,’ exclaimed Clements, upon reading the article. ‘Yer man Aster is one of our touts so he is.’
‘Yer jokin,’ replied Tullen, turning to look at Clements. ‘And who the fuck is Aster?’ enquired Connor.
‘Oh sorry, here in the Tele. There’s an article about two woofters in some sort of suicide pact. Anyway, one of them, a guy or should I say gay, called Aster was workin for us. Seems like too much of a coincidence that one of our people turns up dead not long after we ask him to be on the look out for yer man. Let me make a few calls, maybe he found somethin out. With a bit of luck he may have passed on the information before he died.’ Enthusiastically Clements rushed to the door shouting over his shoulder, I’ll be back in a couple of hours.’ The door closed with a bang before Tullen could utter a word. Two hours later Billy was back wearing a grin that could accept a pizza sideways.
‘For fuck’s sake say somethin, or are you gonna stand there lookin like Father Ted’s sidekick Dougal, all fuckin night,’ prompted Tullen.
‘Well now,’ began Billy smugly. ‘It’s common knowledge that fenians are alright at liftin big heavy weights but when it comes to yer academic stuff-… ‘
‘Bollocks, are ye gonna tell us what ye found out, or do I have te jam a hurley stick up yer hole te get ye te talk,’ jibed Tullen.
‘Easy now amigo, all in good time,’ teased Billy.
‘Ach for fuck sake givus a break Billy.’
‘Okay, the RUC. reckon that the two boys were dead at least five days, right?’ Tullen nodded assent. ‘Well our man Aster made a call six nights ago. Said he had spied his mate Giles with a big English bloke in a car.�
�� They were engaged in more than casual conversation. As a matter of fact, it was impossible for wee Giles te talk at all, if you get me drift. I asked if Aster was upset that his boyfriend was into smoking pork and get this, they were not involved romantically, if that’s the correct terminology. It seems that Terry and the barman had been friends from childhood and their friendship was purely fraternal. Ergo the lover’s tiff theory is a load of auld bollocks,’ said Clements smugly. ‘Brilliant Billy, it looks like the Preacher has made his first major balls up. Did the Brit have a name?’ enquired Tullen excitedly.
‘Sorry no name but we do have a description of him. He is tall, at least six foot. Blond hair and very good lookin.’
‘Is that all?’ asked Connor, not trying to hide his disappointment.”
“Oh ye of little faith,’ smirked Billy.
‘There’s more? bubbled Tullen, brightening.
‘Jesus ye sounded just like Jimmy Cricket then. Yes my friend I’ve saved the best for last. Yer man Aster was a Proddie, not a thick Mick like yerself,’ chuckled Clements.
‘Christ I wish I’d bin born with a blue nose, instead of handsome,’ retorted Tullen.
‘Yer man Aster took the registration of the car. It was rented from Hertz.’
‘Now that has got te be the best news I’ve heard since we got mixed up in this bullshit. How long before we find out which depot the car was rented from?’
‘Hold yer horses Sherlock, I told ye we were clever didn’t I. Even as we speak the wheels are in motion. By this time tomorrow we should have a name, place of hire and the bastard’s address. Is that quick enough for ye?’ boasted Clements.
‘I hate te say it but you Proddies are as sharp as lances. Shame yer all so fuckin ugly.’
‘Fuck you very much. Let’s get out of this dump for an hour, I’m sick of lookin at four walls. What do ye say te a couple of pints, I think we’ve earned them.’
The following morning, the telephone’s electronic warbling awakened Clements. Eyes tightly shut, he stretched out his hand groping at the side table’s surface for the offending device. ‘Aye,’ muttered Billy wearily.
‘What way’s that te answer the phone. You’ll never make a career out of tele sales Billy boy.’
‘Ach it’s you, what time is it Tommy?’ replied Clements, having recognised Cairns’ voice.
‘That’s a wee bit better, not much though. It’s ten te eight. Leave yer fenian buddy to sleep and get yer arse down to Belfast right away. I’ll meet ye in the usual place at half ten. Don’t be late now,’ ordered Cairns. Before Clements could protest their was a rattle and the line went dead. ‘Fuck it that’s all I need,’ grumbled Billy, as he reluctantly dragged his body from the bed. ‘Shite,’ he groaned feeling the effects of the previous night’s drinking. Making as little noise as possible, he showered, shaved and was dressed within twenty minutes. He listened for a moment for Tullen to stir but no sound emanated from the other man’s room. Satisfied that he had not disturbed Connor, he tiptoed to the door and exited into the fresh morning breeze.
Tullen was wide-awake and had been, long before the phone rang. ‘Clements must have been summoned,’ he told himself. Although he trusted Billy he was far from happy with the situation. What if another party got the order to dispose of him when they finally caught up with the maniac? After all Clements owed him nothing but on the other hand, he Tullen was indebted to Billy for saving his life. What if his UDA. masters decided to settle an old score. They could kill two birds with one stone and nobody would be the wiser. Billy could easily make out that the Preacher had killed him.
At exactly ten thirty Clements entered the bar as specified by Cairns. To his surprise Starrett sat at a table at the end of the bar. John nodded before glancing at the seat next to himself. Accepting the command, Billy strode over to the table and occupied the seat beside his superior. ‘Guinness isn’t it Billy son?’ said Starrett.
‘Grand John, it’s a surprise to see you here. I thought I was meeting Cairns,’ ventured Clements. ‘Extraordinary situations demand extraordinary measures. I heard about your breakthrough. I think you may have stumbled unto our killer. I had to come down and congratulate you personally Billy. You haven’t disappointed me son. Keep up the good work.’ said Starrett.
‘Early days yet John, don’t want te be countin too many chickens while the fox is in the coop,’ rejoined Clements.
‘Of course Billy, you are of course, entirely correct. Having said that, there is cause for optimism. The investigation is coming along nicely. But I am glad to see you are not over confident. It’s good to see someone with a little bit of grey matter between the ears.’
‘Okay we’ve dispensed we the flattery, why don’t ye tell me why ye really brought me here John?’
‘You are becoming very astute Billy, perhaps more clever than I gave you credit for,’ said Starrett wistfully. ‘Nothing sinister really. I do not want to have to repeat myself, so, if you can bear with me for a while longer, Tommy will be back from the toilet and all shall be revealed. I believe he ordered you a pint on his way there. How is yer man behaving himself?’
‘Who, Tommy?’
‘Come now Billy, enough with the jokes. Your partner in crime, the taig, who else?’ snapped John irritably.
‘He seems okay,’ replied Billy cagily. ‘Why do ye ask?’
‘He’s not asking any naughty questions is he Billy?’
‘What do ye mean by that? Even if he had, which he hasn’t, do ye think I’m stupid enough te answer them,’ replied angrily.
‘No reason to become defensive Billy. It was a perfectly reasonable question.’
‘Defensive, what is this? You put me into this fuckin job. I didn’t ask for it remember. Look John I’m tired and hung over. Are ye gonna tell me what all this shite is about or not?’ growled Billy.
‘Okay,’ sighed Starrett. ‘A wee birdie told me that you and the taig had a party last night. Is that correct?’ ‘Before I answer that question, I have one for you. How the fuck do ye know who I was with last night? We had an agreement that no one but me was te see the other operator’s face. Seems te me that the treaty didn’t last too long John.’
‘Of course you are right Billy. I did bend the rules somewhat but it was in your interest. For your safety son.’
‘Okay I’ll accept that, but if this investigation is goin te succeed then I have te trust the other guy with me life. I want yer word that all tails will be taken off from today John.’
‘If that is the way you want to play it, agreed. So to get back to my question. What were you and your man up to?’
‘We went for a couple of pints, te celebrate like,’ answered Clements, now genuinely on the defensive.
‘I fail to understand why you would want to do that. I mean it’s a bit out of character isn’t it. A loyalist volunteer drinking with his worst enemy. You seem to have hit it off rather well.
Is there something that you are keeping from us Billy? Something we should know about?’
‘Like what for instance,’ replied Clements scowling.
‘This is like pulling teeth. Did you meet him somewhere else, have you made his acquaintance in the past,’ hissed the commander.
‘No. What the fuck is happenin here? Am I bein interrogated? We had a breakthrough. We got the news about Aster and the car from Hertz. It made us feel good, so we went for a couple of drinks. We thought we had did very well seein we’re not from Scotland fuckin Yard.’
‘Okay okay, it’s understandable I suppose but it showed a lack of common sense on your part. Don’t ever forget that he is our enemy Billy. There may come a day when you have to kill the son of a bitch,’ spat John.
‘What is this? What are you tellin me? That this is all a joke. Are we gonna go back on our word?’ Before Starrett had time to reply, Cairns arrived at the table carryin
g fresh drinks for himself, John and the Guinness for Clements.
‘Ah yer here Billy boy, there ye are, a pint of slack, just the way you like it.’
‘I was just explaining to Billy that it is bad policy to get drunk in the presence of one’s enemies. The bastards have a way of exploiting every situation, wheedling information out of a person, without him ever suspecting it. Isn’t that right Tommy? A man is at his most vulnerable when he is drink taken,’ said John sagely. His henchman was nodding vigorously.
‘Dead right John, a buddy has te be up early in the mornin te catch they bastards asleep,’ agreed Cairns, eager to please.
‘Well enough said on that subject. On to more positive matters. The information that you requested is right here Billy,’ said Starrett, tapping a large manila envelope lying on the table before him. ‘It is a pity that Mr. Aster was killed. We could use more people like him, disregarding his sexual preferences of course. The car was rented at Belfast City airport two weeks ago, by one Nicholas Carver. Our Mr. Carver is a clever so and so. He called the rental office the day after the murders of Aster and his friend, complaining bitterly about the shoddy vehicle they had supplied. Alleged that the car had malfunctioned causing him to miss an important meeting. The cheeky bugger told them where to pick the car up and that he would only pay for the days that he had use of it. Apparently he was very abusive, demanded that they reimburse him with the balance due to him. He is nobody’s fool, paid in cash when he picked the car up.’
‘Was there an address?’ asked Clements excitedly, his quarrel with Starrett already pushed aside.
‘ Oh there was an address alright but unfortunately it was for the Stormont hotel. We have checked on his home address and it turned out
to be fictitious, which would stand to reason if he was our man. By the looks of things you and your mate have hit the jackpot. Nick Carver is almost certainly the Preacher. So we have some tangible evidence at last, or at least he is not a ghost any more. You have every right to celebrate Billy but be sure it is in moderation next time.’
Seeds of Evil Page 27