I knew I must take control of the situation, as there were urgent matters to be dealt with. The doctor closed Fred’s eye, and placed his severed hands across his chest. When the soul has departed, what is a body? When the warmth leaves the blood and the limbs become stiff, it is a ghoulish thing. Even with all this, staring at his lifeless form I cannot believe he is gone….The doctor handed me a death certificate…I turned towards the boys, the four of them stood silently in respect for Fred. At that moment I longed to throw myself into Johnboy’s arms…our eyes met briefly…and that look spoke a million words. This was no time to weaken; I needed more courage and strength than ever….Taking a deep breath. ‘Rudy will you go to Hampstead, tell Grandfather Joe what’s taken place, alone though, I’ll tell Patsy when all the arrangements have been made. There is no way she can see her beloved husband like this. Stay with them Rudy and shoot any bastard who attempts to enter the house.’ The boys stayed silent, although Rudy touched my shoulder, and then went into his flat.
‘I’ll contact our funeral directors, will you prepare everything.’
‘We’ll take care of everything lass.’ Johnboy added.
‘Now we must find Archie, I cannot sit back and watch that bastard butcher my brother.’
‘You leave Seb to me lass.’ Billy declared. ‘I promise you I’ll find the Judas.’ His lips were clenched together, and I knew Billy meant every word.
‘What happened at the General Smuts?’ I asked with interest.
‘There were no signs lass, nevertheless we’ll go back, no stone unturned.’ Jack said with determination.
‘This is no longer just about abducting my mother, now Seb has joined forces with the Weavers, this is about The Docket and the absurd notion that Seb believes my father left the club to him, if I were no longer around. We all know he’s delusional; however we have learned today the iniquitous lengths he will go to. If you look in the drawer behind you, you’ll see a variety of the tools of his heinous trade. Causing pain is his addiction, and now he’ll be looking for his next victim.’
I rang the funeral directors, they were associates of my fathers, no questions asked so long as they had a death certificate. Johnboy was preparing Fred’s body, Billy and Jack had gone out in search of Seb. I knew where Archie was, although Larry Waite hadn’t told me, Cedric Allen had been checking all of our properties, and the only feasible flat was a basement that was used for storage. Tonight I would go with Johnboy to find my brother.
‘So what did you find out?’ Stan Weaver probed. ‘Where’ve they moved the bitch?’
‘Nothing, the jerk didn’t speak.’ Seb growled.
‘So where is he?’ Weaver pushed.
‘His bodies at the scrap yard.’ Seb claimed with a twisted grin.
‘You said he’d talk, so what went wrong?’ I don’t want any comebacks with the filth.’
‘Don’t worry about that, remember I know exactly how they work, she’ll keep it all under wraps.’
‘So what are you planning, to wipe the fucking lot of ‘em out’?
‘The more I get shot of the quicker I get my side of the bargain. The Dockets mine!’ Seb assured.
‘Have you got a copy of Harry’s will then?’ Weaver urged.
‘No when he snuffed it, he left me in charge of his loan company, I was his main man. All I need is the bitch out of the way.’
‘Don’t forget mate we have a deal, I need this Ava first.’ Weaver demanded. ‘So who’s next on the list?’
‘Her kid brother, he’s a weakling, so he’ll be a piece of piss. He’s a right mummy’s boy.’
‘So where is he, with the old girl?’
‘No he went on the missing list, scared of his own shadow, I’ll find him leave it to me.’
‘She’s got her heavies, and she’s a fucking handful.’ Weaver endorsed.
‘I know ‘em all, the one to watch out for is Billy, he’s lethal. However he’s with Ava, so I won’t have a problem.’
‘You reckon?’
‘I’m sure, I know how they all work, Johnboy sticks to her. The young ones are still amateurs. Billy’s the sly bastard.’
After Fred’s body had been removed from The Docket, a quick burial had been arranged for Thursday lunch time, giving me two days to speak with my lovely Patsy….my reluctance filled me with dread, to know I was going to break her heart. Fred and Patsy had been together since school days, neither had ever had another partner, they were perfect soul mates. At fifty seven years old they should have been looking forward to retirement. I knew it was going to feel like sticking a knife through her heart….and she wouldn’t be able to see her man for the last time….because Seb had slaughtered him beyond recognition…. First I have to get Archie out of the way….
I need to be one step ahead of Seb, so positive moves need to be put in place. Janet should be back here with Billy, it’s unfair to keep them apart. There’s a smaller office next to mine, I’m sure Janet would be happy working from there; changes need to be made. Matilda should come home for a while, she has recorded important information to date, and I can get them together again soon. First I must send my mother somewhere safe. The fear of her being attacked is far too dreadful to imagine. I have decided to ring my grandmother Brita, and send my mother to Sweden for a while. Apart from me, not even Archie knows Brita’s address, should she have sold her house, then they’ll have to stay in a hotel for safety. Seb has proved to be a vile and callous man. He was loyal to my father when he was alive, because he wanted Harry A’s life, minus the family. Now he will stop at nothing to achieve his false beliefs….he is suffering from, or characterised by delusions….a terrifying disorder…..
It was dark when me and Johnboy left for Beech Road Shepherds Bush, this brought back dreadful memories of the time Lance abducted Archie. Thankfully this was a different house, my father had purchased a whole block of houses in this road and they were all rented out as flats…except for one basement flat. Johnboy parked in a side street and we made our way to number twenty nine, fully aware we were probably being tailed…. there were no visible lights on in the flat, and I wondered if Larry would be with Archie. I had brought my master key with me, although I would prefer not to use it. Getting Archie out of here tonight was imperative. Tapping on the front door, we both stood back in the shadows, there were no external lights. There was no sound in response. Johnboy pointed towards the front room window…..I tapped gently, I felt if I knocked too loud it would be frightening for him…why did I always think of him as a helpless child?....As there was still no response, I crouched down and lifted the letter box…I was staring into a dark gloomy room, I could make out nothing but dark lumps of furniture, in my limited visual space. However I had feeling of warmth…slight but real…could I be imagining this? No, I was sure…..the letter box closed with a snap… ‘I’m sure I sensed warmth.’ I whispered.
‘If he’s alone he’ll be terrified, we need to go in lass.’
I knew I must make a quick decision, because if we were being followed and we left here without Archie…..Weaver’s mob would snatch him. I handed the key to Johnboy. As we’d suspected the door was bolted from the inside. There were three small panes of glass in the door, taking a scoring knife from his coat, Johnboy cut around one of the panes. With a hefty push the glass fell inwards…the air was suddenly rent by the sound of breaking glass….within seconds the bolt was released and the door opened…..closing the door behind me I felt for a light switch…apart from the minimal furniture, and a couple of mugs, there was no sign of Archie…An old calor gas heater had been switched off, although it was still warm. I switched on the light. The room was tidy and the bed was made, although a blanket had been pulled out on one side. Lifting the blanket up I and kneeled down…my brother was lying awkwardly under the bed. ‘Come on out honey, it’s only me and Johnboy.’ I urged.
As he struggled to edge his way out of the narrow space his first words were. ‘I’m not coming back Crimson, I’m ok here.’ His jaw was cle
nched tightly together. He was dishevelled and visibly trembling. Three sharp taps on the window, and Archie hurried towards the door, his feet crunching on the shards of glass….Larry appeared in the doorway, he looked white and shaken….Johnboy was sitting on the sofa, attempting to give a relaxed atmosphere… ‘Let’s all sit down, we need to talk.’ He prompted.
‘I did try and ring you Crimson.’ Larry said cautiously. ‘There was no reply.’
‘What’s this all about?’ Archie insisted. ‘How do you know my sister Larry?’
‘There was a lot going on Larry, I apologise.’ I knew it was time to bring Archie up to date, so taking a deep breath; I started with Herby and the Olive Tree. By the time I’d put my brother in the picture, he was still adamant that he wouldn’t move. So my only option was to describe Fred’s hideous injuries, I had wanted to avoid this, as I knew how much Archie loved Fred….I had no choice… ‘Fred’s body was butchered, his left eye had been gouged out, all of his teeth had been pulled….his toe nails and finger nails had been ripped off’….Suddenly Archie ran from the room…the sound of him retching was harrowing…
The colour had drained from Larry’s face…I continued… ‘One of Fred’s index fingers had been hacked off, and he’d been sliced open all over like meat on a butchers slab.’ Archie returned to the room. I looked towards him. ‘As our darling Fred took his final shallow breath, he whispered his torturers name…Seb…then he died in my arms.’……Fear crossed Archie’s face and sadness clouded his features.
‘How he muttered…Seb…he was dad’s main man?’
‘Not everyone is how they seem honey; Seb is full of false beliefs….evil, a quality some people are born with…like our nefarious uncle….he will go to any lengths to achieve what he believes is his.’ Archie’s tears flowed freely…. ‘Do you both see why you have to go away?’ I implored. ‘Just pack essentials Archie, and we’ll take you back to The Docket. Fred’s funeral is on Thursday, I still have to tell Patsy…..you will go abroad that day, as I’m sure most of Weaver’s mob will be hanging around the cemetery.’
‘But..but..Larry.’ Archie Stuttered.
‘I’ve explained everything to Larry.’ As I spoke Larry got up and headed towards the kitchen.
‘I’ll go back to my digs and collect a few things, and then I’ll get a cab to the club.’
‘You will come?’ Archie impelled.
‘Of course.’ He smiled at Archie. ‘I’ll go through the back window, they won’t see me.’
As he left I urged my brother to move. ‘We need to go Archie, no time for errors.’
While an anxious Archie packed his bag, I looked over at Johnboy with a sigh of relief. His mouth curved into one of his half smiles…I knew I’d done ok……
Chapter 11
Archie and Larry were temporarily staying in Sebs old flat; the cleaners had sorted everything out. The room where Fred had died was now locked with Sebs belongings inside. Archie was unaware of this. I’d contacted my grandma Brita in Sweden, as her house sale was still not finalised, a flight had been booked for my mother. Janet would be taking Ava to the airport. Once the house sale was complete, they would move into a hotel, until it was safe for them both to return to the UK. After her airport run, Janet would then bring Matilda back to her own flat. Matilda had already recorded many of my mother’s confessions, this would continue when my mother returned to England. I’d also arranged for Archie and Larry to travel to the South of France, on the day of the funeral. Trusting Weavers mob would all be too involved in the day’s events. All of this upheaval was down to one evil character….Seb, a man who my father had trusted, and so had I until recently… Mistrust swells like a tempestuous sea….
Now I have to reveal to my beautiful friend and second mum Patsy that she cannot see her husband to say a final farewell, since his body has been so grossly mutilated….beyond recognition….I know Patsy is aware that the police are never involved with underworld deaths. I also know I’ll have to be guarded with the truth. Johnboy is coming with me. Rudy has informed our grandfather Joe. So much is taking place….As we pulled up outside of the Hampstead house…I silently prayed for help from my dad, oh how I miss him. Johnboy must have sensed my vacillation, as he gave my arm one of his gentle squeezes. We both got out of the van in silence, although I felt stronger having him by my side. A feeling I keep to myself. The next few moments were going to be disturbing….Alfie Rose was on security, and he opened the gate for us…taking a deep breath I knocked on the door… Rudy greeted us. ‘We’re all in the kitchen lass.’ He responded quietly.
We followed him into the room…for a moment my mind was blank. Patsy and our grandparents were sitting around the large oak table…memories of happier days flashed through my mind. Grandma Lauren put the kettle on; I sat next to Patsy, my grandfather nodded to me. A brittle silence stretched like iced cords through the kitchen…my tongue felt like a stone in my mouth…taking hold of Patsy’s hand I whispered softly. ‘Will you come into the front room with me sweetheart?’ Immediately she pushed her chair back, I could tell by her bereft expression, she knew what I was going to say. She sat on one of the big armchairs, looking completely lost, and forlorn….I pulled up a chair…taking her hands in mine, I looked into her tear filled eyes. ‘I’m sorry from the bottom of my heart darling; we’ve lost our beautiful Fred.’
Squeezing my hands, she said softly. ‘I know lass, as something died inside of me too.’ She took a breath and pressed her lips together…desperately trying to control her emotions. ‘I hope he didn’t suffer.’
Those words felt as though a knife was piercing through my heart…and I knew they would stay with me forever. I held her in my arms and we wept together, for the loss of a wonderful man, her beloved husband and soul mate, and my forever friend, and second father…who’d always been there for me.
After a few moments Patsy eased herself out of the chair, and in a muffled voice said. ‘I’d like to go and lie down honey.’ I kissed her cheek, her lovely face awash with tears, as she left the room I knew she would never be the same again…half of her had died with Fred…I dabbed the tears from my eyes, and with a heavy heart returned to the kitchen. I accepted a mug of coffee from my grandmother, and for a few moments we sat in silence.
‘Has the funeral been arranged Crimson.’ Grandfather Joe asked cautiously.
‘Yes, Thursday at one o’clock, the cortege will leave from here, this was Fred’s home. I’ve booked a mini bus to take us all to the cemetery. I’ve arranged a wake at The Docket, as the last thing you all need is to be invaded by a mob of villains, seeking a free bar. As we all know the underworld love nothing better than a funeral.’ Although Fred had never been a member of the underworld, he was classed as one, being Harry A’s best mate was his association…and he’d died by their evil hands.
By Thursday morning my mother had arrived safely in Sweden, totally unaware of Fred’s demise. Matilda was back in her flat, and Janet was back with Billy. Both Matilda and Janet would be attending the funeral. Arrangements were in place for Jack to drive Archie and Larry to Dover, where they would board a P&O ferry to Boulogne. This would take place when the funeral was underway. Billy would be driving the mini bus, and staying with the vehicle during the service. We were going to collect Dougie and Tod from the scrap yard, which would also be closed for the day out of respect. Fred had known Dougie most of his adult life and of course my grandfather Eddie Jackson, Dougie’s brother. The mysterious disappearance of Eddie Jackson has never been solved; he was a face in the East End, and had gone missing during the mid 1950’s…he slipped out of our lives like sand through your fingers...inexplicable….another mystery to be solved…
Johnboy and Rudy would stay outside of the church during the service; other security men would be placed in other parts of the cemetery. The Docket was closed for everyday business; the doors would open for a limited time for the wake. However under no circumstances would this be turned into a shambolic free for all…
As expected the church was full, Fred’s brother and his wife had arrived just before the service began. Patsy sat between me and Lauren; she was a shadow of her former self, as though she’d shrunk overnight. I pressed a ring into her hand, her face showed a spark of life. I’d taken the ring from Fred’s little finger on his right hand; it was his mother’s wedding ring. I watched as Patsy slipped the ring onto her middle finger, she then raised her hand and kissed the ring. The psalm, The Lords my Shepherd filled the church, memories flooded my mind of when I was eleven and burying my mother. Only we hadn’t been burying my mother, and it had taken sixteen years to discover how my evil uncle had immured her…..Patsy was at that funeral, with Fred, how her heart must be aching. I tightened my grip on her hand…..
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