Backlash

by Charley Dee Brown

  BACKLASH!

  BY

  CHARLEY DEE

  Copyright © 2017 Charley Dee

  Cover Design © The Fiverr Team

  All rights reserved

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be

  Reproduced in any form or by any Electronic or

  Mechanical means – except in the case of brief

  Quotations embodied in articles or reviews – without written permission from its publisher

  The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or Dead, is purely coincidental and not intended by the author

  Copyright © 2017 Charley Dee

  All rights reserved.

  ISBN 978-0-9563190-7-4

  To Tara

  Love you Forever

  By The Same Author

  The Webs We Weave

  A Tempting Taboo

  Lascivious Ladies

  A Secret Schemer

  A Scar Too Deep

  Hickory Dickory Dead!

  Face book Pages

  Youllbetickledpink

  Indiewriter.me

  booksindie@yahoo.co.uk

  Prologue

  Taking the keys from the ignition, I opened the door and stepped out of the car…my feet didn’t touch the ground…I was lifted into the air, and bundled into the back of a car where a hat was pulled down over my face. I was aware there was someone sitting next to me.

  I stayed silent and still…struggling would only waste energy…..

  The car shot off at speed, I kept still, although my mind was alert. Courage is like love it, must have hope to nourish it. The journey was short and silent. The car door opened, I heard the creek of a door scraping over concrete, I was being led inside of a building, I was somewhat disorientated not being able to see. Suddenly the hat was pulled from my head. The undeniable source of darkness draped over the walls like a tapestry. The building was grim, and gloomy. I was pushed onto a chair, and then a hefty looking man proceeded to tie my hands behind my back, ordering the girl, who I felt must be Zelda to secure my ankles. As she looped the rope around my lower legs I could tell she had never been a girl guide, the knots were simple and loose. This gave me a flicker of hope. I remained silent. They both left the shack; my chair was leaning against a stack of filthy pallet boards. Dust lay on every surface like dirty snow, and cobwebs billowed in the draft, as the door had closed. Slithers of light beamed through the ill fitting door. A flash of brown fur scuttled past my feet….A shiver ran down my spine, there was something unbelievably chilling in this hideous, ramshackle shed. I must concentrate, I tried to move my hands, though the rope was tight and pulled painfully on my wrists. Thank goodness they’d snatched me and not Archie; he would never cope with this. After his terrifying experience with Lance, he’d never been the same…where was he now? My thoughts were daunting….

  I shivered with the cold, how long would they leave me here? Weaver wanted my mother, to enable his bargaining power with my depraved uncle. I tried to move my feet…I could tell the rope was loose, I must keep still, as if he noticed he would secure the rope. I thought of Johnboy, had he realised I was missing yet? I considered the time, how long had I been in this hell hole? The flashes of brown fur had become a mini stampede, with their beady black eyes shining in the gloom. Suddenly, echoing footsteps invaded the silence. The door whirred on its rusty hinges, and the mass of brown fur bolted faster than robbers fleeing a bank….I kept my breathing under control as the nefarious gangster re-entered the shack, he was carrying a lamp. Zelda followed him in, there was a heated exchange of words between them….he kicked a chair towards her.

  Cliff Weaver had no idea of the young woman’s beauty….she wasn’t just flawless in her bone structure; her skin was like silk over glass. She radiated an intelligent beauty; she kept you captivated with one smouldering gaze. He was mesmerised….she was dangerous; her blue eyes were calm and emotionless. He knew he’d earned his treat…to take her first…he couldn’t let this chance pass him by…he moved slowly towards her. He could feel his thoughts all gnarl together…. as the temptation to rape her poisoned his bloodstream…An immaculate hunger was twisting his insides as he lurched forward…he could almost feel her delicate form squirm beneath his body… as his actions quickened…He didn’t desire her death, but the voices said it was inevitable…. His dick was so hard it hurt….

  1973

  Chapter 1

  After spending the weekend with the family in Hampstead, I headed back to The Docket for a meeting with the builders, who were currently renovating part of the basement. Walking into the office I was pleased to see Seb awaiting my return. ‘Hi Seb, how did the weekend go?’ I asked with interest

  ‘No problems lass.’ He replied with a grin. ‘Johnboy has something amusing to tell you though.’

  ‘That sounds ominous.’ I grinned.

  ‘Would you like a coffee before you meet the builders?

  ‘Why not, the meetings not until ten o’clock, by the way, were there any messages?’

  ‘I’ve jotted the calls down; they’re on your desk.’

  As Seb left the office to get our coffee, I reflected on the weekend I’d spent at home with the family. A year had passed since the murder of my father, Harry A. And his brother George was still on the missing list, I’m not fazed by this as I know we’ll seek him out and then he’ll pay the price my way, for his vile misgivings.

  Seb had taken over the loan accounts, as I knew that’s what dad would have wanted, Seb had always been his main man. Billy is now in charge of security, and Johnboy is my main man, who takes care of everything and anything. The boys had always called my dad ‘boss,’ and since his demise they have attempted to give me the title. However, although dad left the firm to me, he was the boss, and I’m running The Docket in his absence. So I’m more than happy with the boys calling me girl, or lass or on the odd occasion by my name Crimson. To me Harry A will always be the boss, The Docket started originally with my dad, and his brother George as partners, eventually dad bought George out and I became a partner. The steam from the mug of coffee Seb had placed in front of me stopped my musing…

  ‘A penny for your thoughts lass?’ He asked.

  ‘I’ve been thinking about dad, it’s a year Seb, since he was murdered.’ I replied sadly.

  ‘I still find it hard to believe he’ll never walk through that door again.’ Seb added with malice. ‘And still no word of the traitor George.’

  ‘I have no doubt he’ll show up like the evil facinorous specimen he is. In fact I’ve thought about Billy and Rudy starting to investigate, Rudy may glean more information from Nancy in an indirect way.’

  ‘It’s worth a try.’ Seb added.

  As I finished drinking my coffee, Johnboy walked into the office. ‘You’re just in time, I’ve a meeting with the builders and I’d like you to join me.’

  ‘Ok lass, after you.’ Johnboy held the office door open.

  ‘See you in a while Seb.’ I called as we left.

  ‘I’ve got a bit of news that’ll amuse you.’ Johnboy gave me one of his rare grins.

  ‘Come on then I could do with cheering up.’

  ‘I understand how you’re feeling lass, a year since the boss was murdered.’

  ‘Thanks Johnboy. Now what is going to amuse me?’

  ‘A family known by the name of Weavers have moved in locally, and the word is they are taking over George’s old patch. The old man of the bunch is called Stan. He came in yesterday and asked to see ‘the bint who’s supposed to be in charge.’ Johnboy was still grinning. ‘Me and Seb played it down and advised him to ring for an appointment, as we knew you’d like to welcome him yourself.’ He added with a knowing nod.

 
I laughed as my boys know me so well. ‘Did he say anymore?’

  ‘Yes he ranted off about fucking women sticking their noses into men’s business, and to inform you that he’d be taking this area over, and that would include The Docket.’

  We both had a fit of the giggles and I managed to mutter. ‘I can’t wait.’

  ‘Nor can we girl, nor can we.’

  I could almost see the grin on my lovely dads face.

  The first flat in the basement used to belong to my insidious Uncle George, his son Rudy now resides there, Rudy being a total opposite to his father. The flat has been renovated, mainly plumbing and electrical updates. Next door was Jimmy Burns old flat, Jimmy had been a loyal minder to George for many years. However, when Jimmy wanted out, George finished him off as he knew too much….This flat holds a thousand memories of George’s evil actions…the cell in which he’d imprisoned my beautiful mother Ava, for years. Eliminating her from our lives, making us believe she had been heinously killed….because of his insane jealousy of his own brother, my father Harry A.

  This flat, and the remainder of the rooms that were on his side of the basement I’ve had turned into two spacious flatlets. One for Seb and the other for Johnboy, as the house they were sharing with Billy I intend to give to Billy and his new wife Janet, after their wedding. I haven’t told the boys of my idea, I’m hoping they’ll approve. The final job for the builders is to fit secure doors at the entrance of the basement, to allay any unwanted guests…The new lighting in the hallway will be an advantage, as previously the outlook was dull and gloomy, and easy for intruders to hide, as I know well through experience.

  After chatting to the builders we went back to the office, as the boys were altogether, I decided the time was right to suggest my ideas about their living arrangements. Billy was due to marry the following weekend, and I was aware of his concern over accommodation, as sharing with Seb and Johnboy wouldn’t be ideal. I began to explain. ‘The basement renovations are almost complete, Jimmy burns old flat and the adjoining rooms have been turned into two spacious flatlets.’ I could see the curiosity in their faces. ‘I thought maybe you Seb, and Johnboy would like a flat each, leaving the house you were all sharing, free for Billy and Janet after their wedding.’ The appreciative grins gave me my answer. ‘I’ve asked the builders to fit secure doors at the entrance to the basement, for obvious reasons.’

  ‘Brilliant idea girl.’ Seb stated. ‘We’ll all be on hand.’

  ‘And much better for your safety.’ Johnboy added.

  ‘I’m made up lass, and I know Janet will be for renting the house.’ Billy said with relief.

  ‘None of you are renting, as dad would have said ‘perks of the job.’ I laughed. ‘Now let’s have a coffee to celebrate.’

  I didn’t have to wait long for the re-appearance of Stan Weaver. The following morning Seb rang me to say he’d arrived. So I affirmed to send him through. I knew Johnboy would be close on his heels. As Stan Weaver entered the office, I struggled to hide my initial amusement. I’m not quite sure what I was expecting, however this person certainly didn’t fit the bill of a tough gangster. He was rather short with a rotund stomach, the greasy comb over emphasised his appearance. He put me in mind of a throwback debt collector from Dickens days…as most men in the underworld are fit and of similar build….the mind boggles where this man was concerned.

  ‘Mr Weaver I presume, how can I help?’

  ‘For starter’s lady, women don’t belong in this world, its men’s business.’

  ‘Really, perhaps you’d like to expand on that statement.’ I replied with ease.

  ‘I know all about you, one of my lads worked for George Brook for a time.’ He growled.

  ‘Tell me more, I’m intrigued.’ I humoured him.

  ‘This club should be run by a man, so I’ll make you a reasonable offer and I’d advise you to accept. Or I could make life difficult for you lady.’

  I smiled at this odd little chubby excuse for a man, and watched as his hand moved closer to mine. His pudgy fingers were nicotine stained, and his bitten down nails were in ground with dirt…I willed his hand to touch mine as I was already imagining him hitting the floor. His eyes bulged as he awaited my reply.

  ‘Well come on then name your price!’ He raised his voice.

  I had no intention of replying to this hideous person, I watched as the perspiration oozed from his brow…and then he grabbed my hand….the first time he’d encountered a martial arts expert I assume….As he hit the floor Johnboy and Seb were towering over him.

  ‘I suggest you shut the door on your way out Mr Weaver.’

  He struggled to his feet and when he stood he only reached the boys chest, they both stood to one side so he could leave of his own accord. One more word and he’d have been eating the gravel in the car park….

  We all laughed, although we were also aware I’d made an enemy, and surely not all of his family were of the same stance. ‘Did you hear that one of his sons worked for George?’

  They both nodded, as they’d been standing by the office door, which had been ajar. ‘I feel it’s time we began to rein George in, he’s obviously done his worse, so time we showed him what we can do.’ I suggested. ‘We could do with an extra man, someone regular, who George doesn’t know, to start tracking him down, do we have anyone?’

  ‘Yes young Jack Carr should fit the bill lass.’ Seb explained. ‘He’s been helping out for around six months now.’

  ‘So what’s his background Seb?’ I asked with interest.

  ‘He was raised in a children’s home in Kent, no known living relatives. The work he’s helped out with to date, there have been no problems with, and he doesn’t ask questions.’

  ‘We have to be able to trust him Seb; this is vital where George is concerned.’

  ‘I’ll bring him in lass and see what you think. I’ll vouch for him; you can tell when they’re legit.’

  ‘Ok anytime tomorrow then, I’d like you all to be here, Rudy as well.’ I knew I’d be able to judge their responses, I trusted them all. However this young chap had to be trusted also, George stole all of our lives and now it’s time for him to pay. ‘Set him straight Seb, if he wants to join, us make sure he’s aware of the consequences.’

  I invited Johnboy to call in and see me later for one of our chats. Although Seb, Billy and Rudy are like family to work with, Johnboy is my soul mate. He was so involved with helping me seek Ava’s ‘killer,’ we both befriended Matilda Drew and we continue that close friendship with her. It has always been totally irrelevant to me that we are both from completely opposite social backgrounds. We were both forced from a young age to manage without our mothers, Johnboy had survived on bread and jam, whereby I had been fortunate to be well nourished….the loss was the same. A knock on the door stopped my musing.

  ‘Hi Johnboy, you’re just in time for supper, so I hope you’re hungry.’

  ‘Always lass, what’s on the menu?’

  ‘Don’t get too excited.’ I laughed. ‘Cheese on toast!’

  After we’d enjoyed our snack I told Johnboy my fears. ‘I’m worried about my mother, it’s been a year as you know and she still won’t talk, apart from everyday stuff like the weather.’

  ‘Have you considered asking Matilda for help?’

  ‘Funny you should say that she rang me earlier and we’ve been invited for dinner tomorrow.’

  ‘As always Matilda senses when she’s needed.’ He chuckled. ‘What time is she expecting us lass as we’ve arranged the meeting with the boy’s?’

  ‘Any time, so after the meeting will be fine.’

  ‘I’ll guarantee she’ll have a solution for you lass, she’s such a wily old bird.’

  ‘And that’s why we love her.’ I added. He nodded his agreement.

  After my meeting with Stan Weaver, I’m aware of the necessity to track George Brook down. He’s obviously divulged information about our family, The Docket, and the firm. Time to nip this in the bud…..On my
way up to the office, I thought of Ava, my lovely mother and the hell he put her through. Although today’s issues are separate, they are connected through his evil malicious ways….Evil is a quality some people are born with…..As I pushed the office door open I was surprised to see all of the boys were waiting for me.

  Seb stepped up. ‘Lass this is Jack Carr.’

  I shook Jack’s hand. As I had spoken to Rudy earlier on the phone, and he’d agreed that Jack could share his flat. There’s ample space and they would only need to share the bathroom and kitchen. If this man was going to join our firm, I’d rather have him close at hand. ‘So Seb, I assume you’ve read Jack the ‘riot act,’ so to speak.’

  ‘Without a doubt lass.’

  I sensed my dad was guiding me here.

  ‘I’ll be a loyal worker Miss Brook.’ Jack ensured.

  Normally I would have said my names Crimson, however I could hear my dad saying ‘no sweetheart let him treat you with respect, he needs to prove himself first.’ So with a quick glance around I asked. ‘So where are you living Jack?’

  ‘I’m sharing a house with a few other men in Shepherds Bush.’ He replied.

  ‘Well I’d like you to move into a flat in the basement, you’ll be sharing with Rudy, who is my cousin and the son of the man you’ll be searching for. Sounds rather complex, believe me it is. Rudy will fill you in with all the relevant details of the case. Do you have any objections?’

  ‘None at all.’ He smiled.

  ‘Seb is the person you report to, although we are all here to help. I must endorse that you never trust anyone outside of our firm. You never give any confidential information to anybody.’

  ‘I do understand that Miss Brook.’

  I could hear my dad saying ‘you done well honey.’

  To lighten the mode I decided to give Jack a brief account of the firm, although I had no doubt that Seb had already enlightened him. I felt the need to mention Archie as he was a share holder, even though he rarely came to The Docket. ‘My brother Archie takes care of the firm’s accounts and also the rented properties. He tends to work from our Hampstead home, although you’re sure to meet him at some time. Anyway Jack I’ll leave you in Seb and Rudy’s hands.’ Johnboy followed me out of the office.