Backlash

by Charley Dee Brown

  Seb was standing in the shadows at the cemetery, with Stan Weaver, they’d arrived too late to see all the mourners. He’d clocked Johnboy and Rudy standing outside of the hefty doors, like toy fucking soldiers. He could see the mini bus, and surmised The Docket mob had travelled in that…no shiny black limousines? Now the service was underway he planned to ‘fuck up’ the mini bus…take ‘em all out in one go! Weaver had sent his two younger sons to watch The Docket; as far as Seb was concerned they were both a waste of space. Weaver had also hooked up with the Geary boys, at least they had a clue. Heading towards the mini bus, and grateful for the yew trees for cover. As there was no sign of movement, he edged closer….How he resented that bitch and her hangers on, he’d worked hard for that club, and he intended to have it! Weaver stayed back. As Seb reached the back of the bus, he peered around the side….suddenly he felt his face drained of colour, and he stared in disbelief….the one bloke in his life he was wary of, was leaning against the bus smoking a fag…..Billy! What the fuck was he doing there? Seb knew he’d been sent to look after the bitch Ava, what the fuck was going on? If he fired a shot all hell would break loose…and firing at Billy in the back, was the only way to assure you had the bastard….slowly he slid back into the shadows……

  Rows of tombstones stood erect in silence, to the left and the right, in front and behind, like a sea of the dead….some recently placed…others cracked and crumbling….the black hearse slowly wended its way down the central lane…followed by a procession of mourners on foot. The coffin was pulled from the hearse by six men, their faces solemn…after fifty seven years on the earth; this is what Fred’s life amounted to, a six by two and a half foot wooden box. The freshly dug soil was soft underfoot, and slowly the coffin was lowered into the ground….

  Patsy sprinkled the first handful of soil onto the coffin, which held the body of her beloved husband...Frederick Sydney Taylor…as she moved away from the grave, she sank to her knees. Emotional pain flowed out of every pore…Helping her to her feet, I edged her away from the crowd of mourners…as we moved slowly away from the dispersing crowd, I looked at my father’s grave to the left, I didn’t stop, I would come back tomorrow. Then the next tombstone held the name of my mother….who was buried there? I intended to find out……

  We had taken Patsy and my grandparents back to Hampstead, Rudy would be staying with them for now. What the immediate future holds, I’m unsure. Who will Seb attack next? With my mother and Archie out of the way, if he can’t get his hands on me….could Rudy be the next? After the wake, the club was closed and Billy, Janet, Johnboy and me sat in the small bar awaiting news from Jack. It was late, after nine o’clock and I began to wonder if something had gone wrong….the door opening and Jack appearing with a half smile on his face, reassured me. ‘How did it go?’ I asked anxiously.

  ‘Eventful.’ He replied with a sigh of relief. ‘I’ll take you through the journey.’

  Johnboy went behind the bar and poured Jack a pint of lager, and then refilled all the glasses. Eagerly we all sat down and listened to Jack’s account of the day.

  ‘Half way through the drive, I realised we were being tailed, I decided to keep driving. The conversation in the car had been minimal, mostly everyday stuff; I preferred it to stay that way. When the signs predicted we were close to the coast, I kept my eye out for a side road or track. I glanced over to Larry who was in the passenger seat, and asked him if he could handle himself…He nodded. At the same time I was watching Archie’s reactions, the colour had drained from his face.’ Jack took a deep drink from his pint. ‘Further on I noticed a track on the left, it looked like a farm, and I took a sharp left and pulled up. As expected they followed. Nodding to Larry I yelled let’s take ‘em. Larry followed my lead, we wrenched their doors open and the rest was easy.’

  ‘Weavers boys?’ Billy asked.

  ‘Yeah the two young ‘uns. Within minutes they were tied, wrists and ankles and dumped back in the motor. Be a while before they go anywhere.’ Jack took another long drink. ‘I must say I was impressed with Larry’s reactions.’

  ‘Handy he was with you mate.’ Johnboy added.

  ‘Made it easier.’ Jack grinned. ‘Back in the motor we had a discussion and they decided to take the car with them. I waited til they were aboard the ferry, found a cab and headed for Dover Priory station. Direct line to Victoria and then the underground, and here I am’ He jested.

  ‘What about the drive from Boulogne?’ I asked curiously.

  ‘Larry’s well clued up Crimson; I reckon they’ll be fine. Archie’s going to ring when they arrive.’

  ‘Well now my mother and Archie are out of the country….who will be next on Sebs agenda?’

  ‘I’d say Rudy’s at risk; however we all know who he’s after.’ Billy stated. ‘You need to be extra careful lass, don’t go out alone.’

  ‘I agree.’ Johnboy added. ‘Don’t take chances lass.’

  I knew what the boys were saying was right; I had to be careful as I was Sebs prize! Nevertheless there was a part of me that wanted to face Seb alone…in fact I knew I could fight him with my skills…however a shooter would make it tough….I have to work on that. Then my mind flashed back to Archie and Larry, they were such a bizarre couple, especially after what Jack had relayed from the day’s events. However your sexuality is defined from birth …I’m led to believe. A plan was forming in my mind…..

  After a restless night envisaging Sebs next move, and visualizing my possible plan, I knew I had to be careful. Today me and Johnboy were going to Matildas, so after taking a hot bath I made my way up to the office. Janet was now happily installed in the smaller office and at present was taking calls, and making appointments. However I intended to teach her the everyday running of the club, so she’d be responsible for orders and entertainment. She was completely satisfied with this arrangement, especially as she’d be closer to Billy.

  We arrived at Matildas mid morning, how good it was to be with our old friend once again. After the tea was made, Matilda discussed her talks with Ava. ‘I have two tapes, unbeknown to Ava of course. However I know she’s holding back vital information.’ She expressed. ‘Usually at the end of our chats it’s as though she’s about to say more, then a look of fear spreads over her face. I’m sure in time she will tell all, now though, something is stopping her. Next time we meet up I’ll read her cards, which could evince her fears.’

  Johnboy refilled our cups and cut into Matildas delicious fruit cake. For that moment I felt relaxed, nevertheless I knew it wouldn’t last, reality kicks in straight away. ‘I’m troubled for you girl. I’ll read your cards.’ Matilda stated. Taking her tarot cards from her ornate wooden box, she handed them to me. I began to shuffle them in the normal way, while Matilda spread out her silk cloth.

  ‘Select seven cards lass.’

  As Matilda had spread the cards into a fan, I pointed to the seven cards, and my reading began. As Matilda turned over the first card The Tower…. ‘Drastic changes in your life girl, unexpected events, trauma, conflict and disruption….a warning card. My second card, the seven of swords… ‘You’re facing sustained opposition from some unknown opponents, plans are upset and progress hindered’….my third card the five of wands…. ‘Strife and anxiety will limit your freedom, frustration, perseverance required to overcome obstacles.’ ‘The seven of wands predicts a testing time, great resource and courage needed to achieve long term success.’ As Matilda continued her interpretation, I realised all her prophecy was exactly what was taking place. ‘Judgement is change, you will be facing a major decision, make it carefully girl. Strength is a powerful card, signifying your ability to cope and overcome your problems with courage.’ As the final card was turned I was relieved to see a Star…. ‘This card is very positive lass, however you must follow the warnings, if you do difficulties can be resolved.’ Matilda looked towards me… ‘You must control impulses that will put you in danger, if you want the path ahead to become clearer. The attainment of tre
asured goals will all be possible….so long as you heed the warnings.’ I could tell that Matilda, with her amazing supernatural powers, was guiding me safely through my traumas. I must take her phenomenal advice.

  Could I comply? And ignore my impulses…..

  Chapter 12

  ‘Where the fuck have you two wanker’s been?’ Stan Weaver yelled at his young sons, as they returned after three days.

  ‘Hold on, before you lose it. We got done over!’ Jeff yelled back.

  ‘Who by?’ Seb interrupted.

  ‘Her fucking monkeys.’ Ronnie added gruffly.

  ‘Which ones, and where?’ Seb urged.

  ‘I’ve only seen one of them before.’ Jeff added.

  ‘Best you’d better explain.’ Stan demanded. ‘All you had to fucking do was tail ‘em!’

  Ronnie filled them in with his side of the story, and their encounter with the bitch’s heavies.

  ‘So who else was in the car?’ Seb insisted.

  ‘The kid was in the back.’ Jeff said with a grin. ‘What a wanker.’

  ‘So Dover, she wouldn’t let him go on a ferry alone.’ Seb said thoughtfully. ‘So who’s gone with him? What did this other bloke look like?’

  ‘How the fuck do I know, another tosser.’

  ‘Where d’you reckon they’ve gone? Stan said aimlessly.

  ‘Whatever mate, you aint gonna find ‘em without a lead.’ Seb added. ‘But I’ve a good idea who may know.’

  ‘Time we got this sorted then; you’re the one who fucking knows it all.’ Stan aimed at Seb.

  Seb knew exactly what he had to do, and the bitch held the answers….

  Since our visit to Matildas, I haven’t been able to sleep soundly. Every time I close my eyes, I see his wicked face, evil enters like a needle and spreads like an oak……Seb, a man we once trusted, the worse kind….what he’d done to our beloved Fred. I knew the dangers, whatever my need for revenge….a wild kind of justice. The need was like a rat gnawing at my soul, relentless, unceasing. My need for revenge was uncompromising, inflexible. Long hours over the years training in martial arts, has given me the ability to move almost without sound, and to be more deadly in close contact than many men double my size. To anyone unaccustomed to me, these lithe limbs are an advantage…they see a young slim woman, non threatening and underestimate the skill required to take me down….however Seb had seen me in action and knew my capabilities…I had killed two men, defending my own life…Michael Power and Cliff Weaver….Courage washed through me like a perfect surfers wave…I listen to my instincts and make the right choices….the clock struck midnight, time to move, a new day…the last one for him…or me?

  Johnboy was restless, she was playing on his mind, although Matilda had warned her of the dangers, he knew her too well. He’d watched her suffer the loss of Fred, who’d died in her arms…mutilated by Seb….and he knew she would never rest until justice was done…an eye for an eye…she thought how he thought…like her father Harry A. He turned on his back and closed his eyes…it started with a slight shimmer, as if the air in front of him was warped and twisted. Then in a flash of pale silvery light…a man appeared before him….a man he knew…his boss Harry A…. ‘Go to her lad now! You must stop her she’s going after Seb…go now!’ then the ghost was gone in a flash….Johnboy jumped from the bed and rushed from the flat…as he looked towards the exit, he could see her figure at the door, about to leave…

  I was about to let myself out of the basement; there had been no movement so far. Once I was outside of the door I’d be on my way….and then a hand appeared from nowhere and tightened on my wrist, white knuckled, strong. In the darkness I turned to fight…I lost my balance, and I was scooped up into someone’s arms….Johnboy…Suddenly I was swamped with a feeling I’d rather die than let go of. No one else would have stopped my plan tonight….I would have fought my way free from any of them…

  ‘Come on lass, you alone is not the answer. Harry woke me, he knew.’ Gently putting me down, he placed his arm around my shoulders. The thought that my dad was watching over me, made everything real.

  ‘Let’s go back to the flat and we can talk lass.’ Johnboy urged.

  I didn’t resist, the feel of his strong arm around me made my skin tingle, how often had I dreamed of this. We walked back to my flat in silence. Once inside I made for the sofa. I watched as Johnboy poured me a brandy, I sucked in a short breath as his shirtless torso was exposed to me….I was amazed, mesmerised by his physique. It was like nothing I’d ever seen before…every move giving away to his strength…I wanted to extend my hands and touch, though I didn’t want to freak him out. He wasn’t aware how I felt about him…all thoughts of my plan had momentarily vanished. He turned around, holding two glasses… I was begging him mentally, hoping that it showed in my eyes, and that he would decipher my feelings. He sat beside me, He was all logic and feigned coolness…until his skin touched mine. Then something stirred in him…I leaned towards him… and our first kiss was both soft and hard….The rest of my world became an unimportant blur, that was driven into the far recess of my mind…The only thing that mattered was touching, both of us moving in an intoxicated dance of limbs…he was trying to be gentle with my clothing…not to tear..but it was hard…He whispered my name as our naked bodies touched…slowly we became entwined…his tongue carved every inch of me like a chisel…his kisses long and deep…I gasped for air…We moaned louder…He thrust deeper…nothing would break the heady magic…We became one, one mind and one goal and purpose, each utterly drunk with love for one another…we’d both waited so long….

  Nothing would ever be the same again….

  Billy and Janet had temporarily moved into Sebs flat, while the heat was on. As Billy went into the passage, he noticed Johnboy’s door was ajar. Walking in he called out, there was no reply. He’d had a feeling since he came back, that things had changed. He’d known Johnboy for years and he liked him, to Billy he was a top bloke. He’d also known Crimson since she was a kid; he had great respect for her. He’d seen the way they looked at each other; although until today he wasn’t aware they’d got together…had they? He hoped they had, they both deserved happiness. Different backgrounds, to Billy that meant sod all, it was how the person made you feel. As he headed towards the outside door, he noticed Johnboy walking back from the girls flat, somewhat modestly dressed. If they wanted to keep it secret…it would be safe with him, he wouldn’t even discuss the subject with Janet…as he nipped out of the basement door, he thought, that maybe getting hitched, had softened him up……

  Janet rushed into the main office. ‘Crimson, Grandfather Joe has just rung to say Patsy has gone missing.’

  ‘How the hell has she got out, I’ve got three security blokes at the house.’ Billy yelled.

  ‘The basement I’ll bet.’ I said anxiously. ‘For a few years that is where she and Fred had lived, they moved up to the main house soon after mum went missing. She’ll be at the cemetery, I’m sure. She’s lost without Fred he was her soul mate.’

  ‘We’re on our way.’ Billy and Jack were gone in a flash.

  Every day seems to bring something new. I was not at all surprised to hear about Patsy, the woman is lost. How she managed to get past the security is a puzzle, however, they only had to be looking the other way and she could have got through the small side gate. I doubt they even knew about the gate, it probably hadn’t been used for years. After Janet left the office, Johnboy joined me; he’d been working on the van. The chemistry between us was red hot, like an open glowing fire….

  Nancy couldn’t fathom out what George was up to. He’d sold the house next door to hers; and she’d spoken to the builders, who’d told her the place was being turned into bedsits for workmen. She knew this could be a bonus for her ‘escort agency.’ Whatever, she wanted to know what he was up to. So she decided to visit Clouds, and see if he was there.

  The back door was open, the putrid smell filling the air was stifling, and she gagged as she entered th
e building. She found him in a side room, off of the foyer, lying on a pile of filthy covers. He looked gaunt, his eyes black as wells, staring vacantly, with a haunted look. ‘What the hell are you doing George?’ She yelled. ‘What’s going on?’

  Unbeknown to Nancy she’d been followed into the club by Matt Turner, who was keeping a close eye on the evil bastard for Crimson. Standing close to the wall, directly outside of the room, he was able to hear the conversation, particularly as Nancy had a loud piercing voice.

  ‘I’m fucked.’ George replied glibly. ‘Weavers mob are supposed to be finding Ava, now they say she’s abroad.’

  ‘What! And you believe that?’ She yelled fiercely. She’s too fucking weak and gutless to go abroad. I’ll tell you where she is in the fucking basement at The Docket. ‘

  ‘How d’you know that?’ George muttered.

  ‘I don’t, but her ladyship wont’ let her out of her sight, you can bet on that. She’s got four bloody flats down there now.’

  George struggled round and leant on his right elbow. ‘You could be right; she survived down there for years.’ He mumbled on.

  ‘Time you done something about it then, or you’ll be six feet under by the looks of you.’

  ‘I’ll get hold of Weaver, you know Seb is with that mob now, seems she’s losing her grip. Last I ‘eard old Fred’s been taken out.’

  ‘I wonder who’ll be next?’ she added.

  ‘See if that fucking phones still working?’ He asked hopefully.