Rudy and Jack were outside of George’s house, still no movement. They’d been to the Olive Tree keeping an eye on the ‘friend’ of Archie’s. Having sat at the next table to the workmen, the only thing they’d managed to pick up was his name, Larry. Having followed them when they all left the pub, six of the men had trouped into a large structured Victorian house, while Larry, and another man, had made their way to the chip shop. They eventually had also returned to the same house, probably a boarding house or bedsits? So apart from his first name and an address, little more had been achieved. Rudy planned to watch the house the next day, in an attempt to discover where they were working. They were about to go back to The Docket, when they heard the piercing scream…who the hell was in the house with the nefarious George?
I was disturbed over the change in Seb; my father had trusted him, and had placed him in charge of the loan company. I knew now that I had to be careful. I’ve gone to great lengths to re-write my will, to cover all eventualities. I have to stay one step ahead of him. So I have a strategy. The flat that I rented in Kent, originally for Archie’s use, was arranged by Seb. Sifting through my paperwork I found the lease, and rang the agent, explaining that I no longer required the flat. However I asked if he had a detached property with at least four bedrooms, if so I would be immediately interested. He did have a detached property, although it was in a remote village. I agreed it would be perfect, and could I take it on a short term lease. He was very obliging, as I didn’t want to view the property, first he agreed to leave the keys in a safe and convenient place. The lease date commenced today. Now I needed to put my plan carefully into action. I went downstairs to my flat, for privacy reasons. I rang Billy; I knew I must be honest about Seb and my doubts. The safety of my mother was supreme. After a lengthy conversation, it was arranged that Billy and Janet would take my mother and Matilda to the house in Kent, later this evening. Now I needed to find another top security man I could depend on, like Jack. My next step was to speak to Johnboy alone.
Back in the office I was greeted by Seb. ‘Weaver rang girl, he wants you to ring him back.’
I smiled and picked up the phone. I heard the receiver lifted, and then the raucous voice said coldly. ‘You’ll pay for this you fucking bitch. I’ll wipe you out!’
‘Whoever you are, I don’t like your innuendo.’ I replaced the receiver. Seb was staring at me. ‘Do you have a problem Seb?’ I asked directly.
‘You know that was Weaver, we could wipe him out in one go.’ He replied in a strident voice. ‘The boss would have taken him out!’
‘My mother’s life is at stake here, and I’ll do it my way.’ I endorsed. ‘The way my father would do it.’
‘I disagree the boss would have wiped him out long ago.’ He added gruffly.
‘That’s where you’re so wrong Seb; I am following my father’s instructions.’ I replied coldly.
‘I don’t hold with all this supernatural crap.’ He growled.
‘Well Seb I don’t believe it’s your problem, my father left this firm for me to run.’
Seb left the office without a word; I was convinced I had done the right thing. What the hell had got into Seb? Now I had to be prepared for any predicament….Deep in thought I didn’t hear Johnboy walk into the office.
‘What’s wrong lass?’
I was so relieved to hear his voice; I spent the next few minutes bringing him up to date with the recent events. ‘You’ve done the right thing lass; you know who we could do with here, Billy.’ He added thoughtfully. ‘He’s the one to deal with Seb, whichever way that has to go. I could take him out, however I know that’s not what you want.’
‘Not at the moment Johnboy, though I’m afraid it may well come to that. What do you think he’ll do next?’
‘You’ve done the best thing by moving them out of Denham, the security bothers me. That’s why we could do with Billy around. Is there any way we could get him back here for a while?’
‘There’s a possibility, as Billy and Janet are now in Kent, and we’re the only people who have that information. Maybe Janet would be willing to take care of Ava and Matilda on her own. We could arrange for Dougie to take another car down to them, leaving it somewhere near. Janet would keep the new car and Billy would return in his own car, what do you think?’
‘Talk to them lass, I’ll set it up with Dougie if its ok, Tod could go with him to drive the spare car. They’d probably appreciate a day out of the scrap yard.’
‘Let’s transfer to my flat; I’d rather we used that phone for privacy.’
After a few phone calls the arrangements were in place, now we had to wait for Sebs next move……
Chapter 8
The move from Denham to Kent had taken place without a hitch. Dougie and Tod had delivered the replacement car, which they’d left at a nearby garage. Billy was on his way back to The Docket. I sighed with relief…until the phone sprang into life, the sound of Patsy’s distressed voice threw me. Fred had been taken early this morning, the Weaver mob had broken in during the night. How? We have two security men on the front of the Hampstead house, and one at the back. This has always been a top priority. My heart ached for them both; these two beautiful people had been with us all our lives. As close as parents, they’ve suffered all our losses, the same as us. Words failed me…. Johnboy took the phone from my hand. ‘Patsy I’m on my way lass.’ He looked towards me. ‘I’ll go in the back way, Billy will be here soon, and stay put Crimson.’ He squeezed my arm as he left the office.
‘I will.’ I muttered. My tears were choking me…please God don’t let them harm Fred…there had been no sign of Seb….as I deliberated on Sebs next possible move, I began perusing the loan accounts. I had kept these books since I was sixteen, when my father had agreed to me working in the firm. Would Seb default on the payments? I had to stay one step ahead, what the hell was he planning? I became so involved with checking the figures; I didn’t hear the door open….
‘You’re looking busy lass.’ Billy’s friendly voice brought me back to reality.
‘Hi Billy it’s good to see you. Will you have a coffee?’
‘No lass I’ll go and sort out the security, where’s Johnboy?’ He asked.
‘He’s gone to the house to see Patsy.’
‘Ok I’m on my way, have you seen Seb?’
‘No and he didn’t come back last night Billy.’
‘Leave it with me lass, and stay put.’
As he left the office I knew I must stay put, I knew if I went out searching it would make things worse for the boys. Useless as I felt, I must stay and confront the next dilemma….
When George attempted to open his eyes, his breathing was erratic, deep then shallow….the dread was an invisible demon sitting heavy on his chest…his heart was beating with futility…he couldn’t move..Panic was suffocating him…sweat was oozing from his body, with tiny salty drops running into his mouth…he must be alive! A clock ticked like a time bomb…the ticks merged with the beating of his heart…his body writhes to be free…or shut down entirely….the dread in his lungs lay heavy as cold clay…..then in the distance he heard his name being called…..and then darkness enveloped him once again….
Matilda was in the kitchen of the house in Kent making hot chocolate, when Janet walked in. ‘Is Ava asleep?’ she asked quietly.
‘Yes at last.’ Matilda replied. ‘I’m so glad you thought to bring the family photographs with you from Denham, she didn’t want to leave there lass.’ She endorsed.
‘I had to tell a white lie to put her mind at ease.’ Janet added. ‘I spoke to Billy first, and he suggested telling Ava that we were going to another house that Harry had bought. Thank goodness she’s ok.’
‘Well the photos certainly confirmed that, she’s been speaking freely about her incarceration, in fact I’ve already filled one tape. That was a wonderful idea of yours Janet. I’m afraid I’m stumped with all this modern stuff.’ She chuckled, and passed Janet a steaming mug of hot chocolate.
‘Thanks Matilda, I’ll take this through to my bedroom, as Billy’s going to try and ring me tonight.’
‘Goodnight Janet, sleep well.’ Sipping her hot drink Matilda reflected on the last few weeks, turmoil seemed an apt description. She missed Crimson and Johnboy. Her constant fear for the girl’s safety was preponderant. She knew Weaver was out to get her, however she also knew that one of her own had turned against her. This was even more daunting, as she believed it was Seb, and he knew far too much. What disturbed Matilda most was how far he would go, and why? She intended to contact Harry tonight; he would guide her, as he’d trusted Seb. Matilda knew this was jealousy…Seb despised women….
Johnboy went to the back entrance of the Hampstead house, the security guard stood to one side, although he didn’t give him eye contact. He tapped on the door, as he entered the house he could see Patsy was overwhelmed with grief. As Johnboy knew the layout of the house he went into the dining room and returned with a glass of brandy. Handing the glass to Patsy he took both her hands in his. ‘Take your time lass and tell me what happened.’ He urged.
‘The front door burst open.’ She sobbed. ‘They must have had a key…but how?’ Her lower lip trembled as she struggled to speak. ‘Fred stood up and they grabbed him….’ Her eyes were swimming with tears.
Johnboy held her hands firmly and securely and tried to encourage her. ‘Try and describe the men Patsy.’
‘They were just two young blokes.’ She sniffed. ‘Rough, they just pulled Fred out of the house. It all happened so quick.’
Seeing her distress Johnboy said cautiously. ‘Let me take you back to The Docket Patsy, so you can be with Crimson.’
‘No lad.’ She said nervously. ‘I’m staying here for my Fred. Harry’s parents are coming over to stay with me; I have to be here for when he comes back. They are out looking for him aren’t they lad?’ She sobbed.
‘We’re doing everything we can to find him lass.’ He knew he was better with the emotional stuff now, however, watching this honest woman breaking her heart over her lifetime partner, unnerved him. Hearing the front door open, Johnboy was on his feet, he was relieved to see Harry A’s parents. He had met Joseph and Lauren Brook on a few occasions, Harry A had been so like his father. After a polite greeting he made his exit by the back door, assuring them that Crimson would be in touch soon.
Outside he was glad to see Billy in conversation with the security bloke. They shared a brief handshake, and then Billy continued to grill the man. ‘So why were you at the front of the fucking house?’ He quizzed. ‘I put you on back door night duty permanently.’ Billy endorsed. ‘Alfie Rose does the front of the house, so who the fuck changed it?’
‘Seb changed it.’ The man Ray, looked awkward and clenched his jaw.’
‘It’s time you spilled the fucking beans and told me what went on, and how the hell Weaver’s mob got inside the gaff!’ Billy yelled gruffly. ‘You’re paid to do a job, so come on spill!’
‘None of my business mate.’ He added.
‘I’m not your fucking mate, you’re paid to guard this property not let the fucking villains in.’
‘Sebs the boss I did what he said.’
‘No way is Seb the boss, you take your orders from me, and so what else did Seb ask?’
Ray kept his head down. Billy pushed him hard against the wall his hand firmly clenched around his throat. ‘Talk you wanker!’
‘He…he sent me for a break.. .’ He gasped.’
‘So what did you see?’ Billy insisted.
‘Nothing…I was in my car.’ He gaped.
Billy released his hold on Ray. ‘Get the fuck out of here, if I find out you’re lying, remember your fucking days are numbered.’
The two of them went in search of Fred, they’d sort out the security once they’d found the old boy….and then they’d find Seb…..
The gentle tapping on the kitchen window made Archie jump, panic shook him, had they found him? Turning the lights out he went into the kitchen, he could see the shape of somebody standing outside. He couldn’t grasp how anyone could have reached the basement. He thought of Johnboy, Archie was aware that he was a risk taker, then why come to the back of the flat? Then he heard his name being called, instantly he knew it was Larry. Why was he out there? Quickly releasing the latch on the window, Larry eased the frame upwards and climbed through. ‘I thought they’d found me.’ Archie declared, as he felt Larry’s arms enfold him.
‘I’ve been followed.’ He said breathlessly. ‘A bloke has been following me for a couple of days, that’s why I stayed away last night.’
‘I’m sorry; it’ll be one of my sister’s heavies. Why would they be tailing you?
‘We’ll talk later.’ The kiss was deep and meaningful; they made their way to the bed. The cool room already felt warm, it was hard to hold back…to make the moment last…so caught between the elation of the climax, and extending a moment they never wanted to end….they lay silently enjoying their own ecstasy….
The following morning after Larry had left for work, Archie considered what he should do. Move to another location? No they hadn’t found him, it was Larry they had made the connection with, how? They didn’t go out together, only the once when they’d met in the Olive Tree. Had someone seen them that night? Then he realised he couldn’t just spend his time waiting for Larry to finish work, he had to find something to do, he was an academic. He had to find a job. If they found him, he’d face that when the time came. Larry coming into his life had changed his world completely, and he wouldn’t let anyone or anything stand in his way…..He was still inhaling Larry’s musky scent, and his body was reacting…forcing himself to slip out of bed he went into the bathroom. Today he would find a job….
I waited anxiously in the office for Johnboy and Billy to return, silently praying for news of our lovely Fred. My grandfather Joe had phoned to say that he and Grandma Lauren were going to stay with Patsy. He also told me that Brita had been in touch and would be away for at least another two weeks. Maybe that was a good thing, as assuaging her over Ava and Archie’s whereabouts could prove challenging. I was glad when Rudy called in to update me on the status quo, of the nefarious George.
‘We heard a piercing scream echoing from the house.’ Rudy defined. ‘So we broke in through the back door of the house.’ His nose wrinkled. ‘The only way to account for what we found, without going into lurid details, I would say Uncle Harry is doing a grand job on him.’
Hearing Rudy referring to my dad as uncle, gave me a warm feeling, oh how I missed my father….. ‘It sounds as though he could be having nightly apparitions.’ I gave a half smile. ‘Did you speak to him?’
‘No lass we left him in his own squalor.’
‘Is Jack still there?’ I asked curiously.
‘No the old man won’t be going anywhere tonight; Jack’s gone for fish and chips.’
The thought of food made me realise I hadn’t eaten all day. I was thrilled when Jack had included me in the meal. As we ate I updated them both on Billy’s return, and Sebs inexplicable behaviour. The whereabouts of Ava, Matilda and Janet will stay only between Billy, Johnboy and me. Not through lack of trust, rather that the least people who know the better, not that the boys ever questioned me….apart from Seb that is. Rudy updated me on Archie’s ‘friend.’ ‘They appear to be a gang of labourers, he’s a sturdy lad, I’d say about mid twenties and his name is Larry. I followed him the other night; however he gave me the slip in Shepherds Bush.’
‘Was he anywhere near one of our properties?’ I asked inquisitively.
‘Possibly, however I don’t know them all lass. Nevertheless it was close to where we tracked Lance down.’
‘To be honest Rudy I don’t know them all off hand myself. Cedric Allen is taking care of them again now, since Archie went missing. In fact I’ve asked him to check them all out.’
‘No sign of Seb today then, Crimson?’ Jack asked.
‘Not since yesterday, not sure w
hat’s going on until Billy and Johnboy return.’ I decided to leave it at that, although I knew by tomorrow I had to get the loan company under control, and Jack may well become involved in that. As we stand to lose a lot, if I don’t take over the reins straight away. Seb has never had a free hand; dad had asked him to look after the repayments. Nevertheless he knows all of our clients. He has to sanction any new loans with me. That was then, now my trust has gone…..
It was turned midnight when Billy and Johnboy walked into the office. Jack and Rudy had turned in as they both had an early start. I could see by their faces that they hadn’t found Fred. ‘We looked everywhere lass, even went into the Scrubs, no sign of the Weavers.’
‘No signs at the warehouses where they took me?’ I asked, even though I knew they’d have looked.
‘The first place we looked lass, we reckon Weaver could have moved out of Scrubs.’
‘Have you eaten?’ I asked with concern.
‘Yeah we’re ok.’ They said in unison.
‘Is it ok if I ring Janet lass?’ Billy asked as they were leaving the office.
‘You don’t ever need to ask Billy.’ I assured.
‘I’ll leave the flat door open mate.’ Johnboy called out on his way through the door.
As we walked down to the basement, Johnboy reassured me they had two men out searching for Fred through the night.
At my flat door he squeezed my shoulder. ‘Get some rest lass, another early start tomorrow.’
I opened the door to my flat, if only he knew how much I wanted to hold him…..
Chapter 9
The following morning the phone trilled into action as I entered the office. ‘Hello Herby how lovely to hear from you.’ I said hoping he had news of Archie.
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