Backlash

by Charley Dee Brown

  ‘Here and there.’ He replied glibly.

  ‘Are you looking for the old man then?’ She quizzed.

  ‘No.’ He replied briefly, hoping she would enlarge on the subject.

  ‘He’s like a fucking bat, only comes out at night, still on the run from that bitch Crimson and her heavies.’

  ‘Why’s that then?’ He asked casually. ‘What’s he done now?’

  ‘He’s his own worst enemy if you ask me, always takes things to the extreme. They’ll be dragging him out of the Thames one of these nights. Then they’ll expect me to identify him!’ She waffled on. ‘Your stupid sisters got herself up the duff, and bloody Isabel had her nipper adopted. I wish I’d never opened this place.’

  ‘Why don’t you run it as house for unmarried mothers, sounds like you’re half way there already?’

  ‘What d’you think I am.’ Her mouth was set in a hard line. ‘I can do without your sarcasm. Anyway where are you living?’

  ‘I’ve got a flat in Kent.’ He lied. ‘He didn’t want to stay listening to his mother cracking on about all this stuff; he’d lost respect for both his parents years ago. He decided to chance his arm and ask. ‘When d’you last see the old man then?’

  ‘I don’t see him much, but he was in the house last night. I saw the light when I got up in the night.’

  ‘Oh well I’d better get on as I’m working tonight.’

  ‘What you doing then?’ She probed.

  ‘I’m a night watchman at a big factory, suits me.’ The lies were rolling off his tongue.

  ‘Oh well see you then boy.’ She carried on peeling the spuds.

  Rudy was out of there like a shot, yes Nancy was his mother. However after the life he’d led when Lance was alive, enough was enough. He had no feelings for any of them, except bad ones, especially his old man George Brook. His sister Kay had turned out to be a disgrace, how come he was the only decent one? Crimson was his cousin and he could never work out how she was so different…Looking over towards his old man’s house, he could never understand why he’d bought two detached properties in the same street. He wished he had a key to the house, taking a walk to the back of the house, he realised it wouldn’t be difficult to get inside…..

  When Johnboy arrived at the Hampstead house, Ava was ready to leave. She was surprised when he said they were leaving through the back way. Fred had been advised not to tell her too much, as the last thing Crimson wanted was to make her mother anxious. ‘It’s quiet a trek to the van Ava, would you like me to carry you?’ Johnboy suggested.

  ‘No lad the walk will do me good. Is something bad going on?’ She asked cautiously.

  Johnboy didn’t want to lie to Ava; nevertheless he felt he shouldn’t go into detail. ‘Crimson will explain all to you later.’ He drove to a side street close to Matilda’s flat, there were no legitimate back entrances to these houses, however Johnboy had planned a way. Ava followed him slowly through the grassy track, as they neared the building Johnboy jumped down onto a concrete block. He turned and carefully lifted Ava down; he could tell she was uneasy. Understandable as there was no visible door. ‘There’s no door lad.’ She said edgily.

  ‘Don’t worry Ava I’ll have you safely inside within minutes.’ Matilda had released the lock on the huge sash window, with one hefty push the window glided open. Matilda was hovering eagerly in the kitchen as Johnboy gently lifted Ava into the room. Following with her case Johnboy closed the window. With the kettle already boiling, Matilda ushered a nervous Ava into the front room.

  ‘Ava I am so happy to meet you at last, please make yourself at home and I’ll make us all a cup of tea.’

  ‘I’ll make the tea Matilda.’ Johnboy called out. ‘Relax and have a chat. Shall I bring the fruit cake in?’ He added cheerfully.

  ‘Yes, I made a fresh one this morning lad. He loves my fruit cake Ava.’

  Ava sat quietly; she was rather bewildered with what was going on. She glanced around at Matilda’s front room; it was just how Harry had explained to her. Slowly she started to relax, Harry had been here, she could feel his presence now, his spirit was with them in the room….

  Johnboy brought the tray of tea and cake in. ‘Much as I’d love to stay with my two favourite ladies, I have to get back to the office. We’ll ring you later.’ Giving them both a brief kiss on the cheek, he left the room and was gone out of the kitchen window in seconds.

  On his way back to the office, he realised how bizarre this event must have been for Ava. Especially being lifted through a basement window, nevertheless as he’d left he felt she looked less troubled. And he had every faith in Matilda working her magic. Now to see if there had been any further developments in this odd dilemma…

  Brita had wished everyone goodbye before she left for the airport, Fred told her the taxi was waiting so she gave Ava a final hug before leaving. Once settled in the back of the taxi, she mused over the last year. She was concerned about leaving Ava; however she knew Herby had been right. She did need to sort out her affairs, and say a final farewell to her homeland Sweden. Fred had offered to drive her to the airport; however she wanted to be independent. Fred and Patsy had been kindness itself, and she was depending on them taking care of Ava. She’d kept her small case in the cab with her; she was opposed to being separated from her luggage. As she had many clothes to be sorted through in her Swedish home, she had only packed the minimum of necessities. When her granddaughter Crimson had phoned her with the news her mother had made a miraculous re-appearance, she’d left Sweden in such a hurry. On reflection she’d decided that selling the house with the furnishings would be advantageous, she had no intention of staying away for long. She knew she would possibly have to leave the sale of her property in the hands of agents. As they neared the airport, Brita searched in her handbag for sufficient change to pay the driver. He pulled into a drop off point and helped her to alight. She paid her fare, and then looked for the nearest entrance. It was at that moment, Brita felt a hand on her arm. Looking around she was shocked to see a young black woman holding her. The next moment she was being bundled into the back of a car. She began to scream….there was no sound…the woman’s hand came over her face, and the acrid odour filled her nostrils…then everything went black…..

  Stan Weaver couldn’t believe his luck; they’d snatched her mother, Ava on the first day. His oldest son Cliff and his bird Zelda had followed her taxi to the airport…too easy…a piece of piss! So much for that Crimson bird running a firm, she hadn’t a clue. This was going to be so much easier than George Brook had predicted. He needed to contact George and make the transfer of the mother and the rest would be a fucking walk in the park…first he had to make a phone call to the bitch…so lifting the receiver he dialled the number of The Docket….

  Seb and Johnboy had joined me and Billy in the office, with Ava safe at Matilda’s and Brita on her way to Sweden, time to plan the next move. The shrill of the phone caught everyone’s attention. ‘Good afternoon The Docket.’ I offered personably. The flow of words sent a chill down my spine.

  ‘I’ve got your mother.’ Weaver claimed.

  I intervened. ‘My mother’s in Sweden.’

  Weaver replied in a mocking tone. ‘No, she’s with me, you made it so easy, we picked her up at the airport. So time to talk lady.’

  The line went dead……

  The boys were all waiting anxiously for me to speak, a look of outrage on their faces. ‘He says he’s picked up my mother at the airport. We all know that’s impossible; however we now know he’s abducted my grandmother Brita….’

  ‘They’ve obviously been watching the house for a while.’ Seb added angrily.

  ‘Not knowing my family, Weaver must have put two and two together…making five. Tall and slim with short white blonde hair. Ava having been incarcerated for all of those years had prematurely aged her. Whereas Brita has always looked young for her age, and she is now in her sixty eighth year.’

  ‘She could easily pass for a much younge
r woman.’ Johnboy added.

  ‘Exactly, however I need to consider my mother’s frailty, being abducted again I feel would kill her. This is a challenging decision, nevertheless for now we have to let Weaver believe he has my mother. Brita is strong, and I know she’ll cope. Meanwhile we need Jack and Rudy to keep tabs on George, if he sees Brita he’ll know immediately. Billy I’d like you and Janet to move to the Denham safe house with my mother and Matilda, there safety is paramount. I realise it’s a big ask for Janet, and so soon after your marriage.’

  ‘She’ll understand lass; she knew what she was signing up for.’ Billy agreed.

  ‘Please ensure her I’ll cover her loss of earnings. We’ll work out all the details in the next few hours. This has to be a quick move.’

  ‘Whatever you say lass, we could travel through the night.’ Billy offered.

  ‘Perfect, now I don’t want Jack or Rudy knowing where the safe house is, reason being if Weaver gets heavy, the boys know nothing.’

  ‘We know exactly what you’re saying girl.’ Seb added and Johnboy nodded in agreement.

  ‘Johnboy you and I will go to Matilda’s and make the arrangements, if you pick the ladies up around midnight Billy.’

  ‘I’ll sort Jack and Rudy out lass, and tighten up the security.’ Seb assured.

  ‘As far as I can see Weaver will be expecting us at Scrubs tonight, hopefully that’s where they’ll stay.’

  ‘Don’t worry lass I’ll have Scrubs under a tight surveillance tonight.’ Seb guaranteed.

  ‘Billy you’d best explain the situation to Janet and make your arrangements, if you need to speak to me ring Matilda’s flat.’

  Matilda was so pleased to have Ava with her at last; she knew that in time she’d be able to help her. Nevertheless it could prove to be a lengthy procedure. As they enjoyed their tea and cake, Matilda noticed that Ava seemed more relaxed. They’d spoken of Crimson and Johnboy, and now Ava was asking about Harry. ‘I know you were good to Harry, you understand when I say he speaks to me often.’

  ‘Of course I do, Harry tried to do so much; he missed you beyond words Ava.’

  ‘I used to watch him from my basement room at the club.’ Her lower lip trembled. ‘And I saw the children after they started to use The Docket.’ She continued sadly. ‘Crimson is so courageous, thankfully not weak like me and Archie, he’s weak, and now I’m home he rarely leaves my side when he’s not working. He’ll be in a state of panic tonight when I’m not there. I’m so grateful for Fred and Patsy.’ She added thoughtfully. ‘Maybe I could phone him later?’

  ‘You do whatever makes you happy Ava. Now let me show you your room. I do want you to feel at ease.’

  ‘Thank you Matilda, would you mind if I rest for an hour, I do get so tired.’

  ‘Understandably so, you rest and I’ll make us something tasty for dinner.’

  As Ava went into her bedroom, Matilda reflected on the last two hours. She could see how tense and troubled Ava was, even though she had relaxed somewhat, the tension hadn’t left her. She couldn’t imagine what agonies the poor woman had had to endure.

  Something else was troubling Matilda today, and she wasn’t clear exactly what, although she did know it had a connection with Brita. She’d never spoken to the woman, although their paths had crossed briefly. She was also aware of Brita’s feelings towards her; Matilda put that down to lack of imagination and perception. She knew Crimson and Johnboy were going to arrive soon, even though they hadn’t phoned….she trusted her intuition…she knew the lass had dire problems surrounding her. She’d had a visit from Harry last night…as she went into the kitchen to prepare the food for later, she automatically released the catch on the sash window. Her power of perception foresaw her lovely friends would be using that entrance….

  Billy collected Janet from the dog track when she finished work. ‘We have our first joint assignment today love’ He said firmly.

  ‘That sounds interesting.’

  On the way back home Billy explained the situation in detail, keeping an eye on his wife’s face for reaction. There was none. She’d married him with the knowledge to expect anomalous escapades such as this.

  ‘Maybe we should use my car Billy; it has absolutely no connection with the firm.’

  ‘Good thinking love.’ He replied proudly. ‘We need to collect the ladies at midnight.’

  ‘If I do the packing, you could go for fish and chips.’ She suggested with a smile. ‘We’ll be ready in plenty of time.’

  Billy knew he’d married a diamond, getting involved with the underworld would scare most women off. Loyalty and trust was a must…and Janet had both.

  After some consideration Johnboy suggested they go in the back way to Matilda’s, there was no point in taking chances at this stage. As he pulled the window up he could see Matilda busily mashing potatoes. I’ve been expecting you.’ She said with a grin. ‘I’m making enough food for us all.’

  Crimson dropped down onto the tiled floor of the kitchen. ‘Where’s mum Matilda?’

  ‘She’s resting lass, so what has happened to Brita?’

  I exchanged a glance with Johnboy; Matilda’s sixth sense was astounding, as once again they hadn’t mentioned Brita’s capture…. ‘Ava mustn’t know about Brita.’ I implied. ‘I have to talk to her. By the way you’re moving to a safe house at midnight.’

  Matilda chuckled. ‘I thought it may be earlier.’

  I gave her a hug, this amazing friend; I will never be able to thank Herby enough for introducing her into our lives. I needed to speak to my mother, to reassure her that this next sudden move was crucial, without defining why. I hated not being straight with her, nevertheless I had no choice. To tell her the truth would overwhelm her. As I walked towards the front room doorway Johnboy gently grabbed my arm. He uttered one word. ‘Archie.’ Immediately I realised in the confusion of the day, I hadn’t considered the affect this would have on my brother. He’s so close to our mother, that parting them again would be distressing for them both. I have to make him understand the implications; Archie despises the underworld, the firm. He disagrees with my need for Ava to disclose what took place during her sixteen years of captivity. He fails to understand the importance of the secrets she holds. If she doesn’t free herself of the atrocities she endured, she will never fully recover. The constant look of fear will stay with her, until eventually the stress will break her resolve….He also disregards our evil uncle’s threats, today’s anguish has already caused our grandmother to be abducted. When he really wants to re-capture our mother …to end her life…then the enormity of his nefariousness will die with her….

  The Weaver’s were all gathered at the Scrubs, they were expecting reaction from Crimson and her heavies. Stan had pulled in another couple of henchmen. He was baffled with the woman’s reactions after they brought her in the club. Zelda had shut her in a bedroom, and the only words she’d spoken seemed foreign. He’d been trying to contact George Brook; he wanted her out of here as soon as possible, there was never a plan to hold onto her. George had said he’d take her straight away, he hadn’t bargained for any delays. Being it was only early evening, he decided to give it a few hours, the morning would be his deadline, and then he’d go in search of George.

  I sat next to mum on the bed; she looked at her most peaceful when she was sleeping. After a few moments she must have sensed I was watching her, and slowly she opened her eyes. ‘How lovely to see you my darling girl.’ She said sleepily.

  ‘How are you feeling after a nap?’ I asked quietly. ‘Matilda is making a shepherd’s pie for us all.’

  ‘Will I have time to unpack before dinner?’

  ‘No need mum you and Matilda are going for a ride into the country later, to a lovely house of dad’s, I know he’d want you to spend some time there.’

  Ava frowned. ‘Why tonight honey, is there something wrong?’

  ‘Nothing for you to concern yourself with, Billy and Janet are going to take you, think of it as a little
holiday.’ I assured her. ‘I’ll go and lay the table and you come out when you’re ready.’ I gently kissed her cheek and left the room.

  We all enjoyed the meal, Matilda being a great cook. Even though mum looked troubled she didn’t ask any further questions. She seemed to accept the situation, as though it was perfectly normal.

  Billy and Janet arrived at midnight and we settled mum and Matilda into the back of the car. Billy loaded their luggage into the boot….I silently prayed all would go well….the thought of my mother suffering again was inconceivable….

  Brita slowly opened her eyes; she rubbed her hands through her hair, she felt slightly unsteady for a moment. She was lying on a single bed in a sparsely furnished room. Glancing around she could see a single plastic chair and a small table, there was a washbasin, where there had once been a window. The décor was dark and shabby. In fact the room resembled a cell of some description. She felt irritated, who would want to abduct her? When the bedroom door opened the black girl entered, she was followed by an objectionable looking bald man, whom she did not recognise. Brita struggled to sit up and regain her composure. ‘So you’re awake then Ava.’ He spoke in a gravelly tone.

  Immediately Brita realised what had taken place. Having been married to Eddie Jackson an East End face during the 1940’s and 50’s, she was aware of how the underworld worked. They had obviously wanted her daughter Ava; well instantly she decided she would not make this easy for her abductors. She was angry with them for intervening in her life; however she would do anything to save her daughter suffering further. She decided to speak in her own language, Swedish, she felt that would confuse them. If they were to think she didn’t understand English, how wrong they would be. ‘Var ar toaletten?’ she asked.’