Backlash

by Charley Dee Brown

  I am so enthused by the turn of events, I can barely concentrate on other issues, is this going to be the end of the feud? The project on the garage is progressing well; my martial arts team are thrilled. Plus the gym will be an added asset to The Docket. I received an invite for the re-opening of Scrubs, as Matilda suggested, we will travel separately. Security on The Docket will be increased, since the demise of Seb, the cellar doors are now kept securely locked. The bar manager opens them on the arrival of the weekly dray delivery. I had an inkling that Weaver would attempt entrance….does he really believe I’m that stupid! Desperate people have a shot at desperate things….Johnboy is working on the van at the scrap yard, and Dougie has arranged for a neon sign, having received the new telephone number, all is in order. Cedric Allen has located a suitable apartment in Dollis Hill for Archie, with underground parking which is an added bonus.

  As everything was now in place for the new firm, and a safe haven found for Archie. The next step was Larry and Archie returning to London. After considerable thought and listening to everyone’s point of view, it was decided that both Larry and Archie would take separate taxis from the airport. Archie would head for the Dollis Hill apartment, where he’d be met by Cedric Allen. Larry would go to the scrap yard, and until the day my mother was due to arrive back in London, he would be staying with Tod. On the day my mother lands at the airport, actually transferring her back into the Hampstead home would take crucial planning….as one mistake would stuff up the whole contrivance…..

  Nancy had had a gutful of George; he’d threatened to sell her house. The trouble was his name was on the deeds, of which she was fully aware. No way was she going to lose her business, George was a disgusting, filthy wreck and totally delusional. He believes his brother Harry is haunting him, at times he tells her he’s been to hell. Nancy is at the end of her tether, the man she once married and had three children with was irrational, senseless. So offering him to sleep in the basement gave her breathing space, she could watch his every move. The two basement rooms were sparsely furnished, a bed, a chair and a low table, also a sink and toilet, what more did he want. Nancy took him one meal a day, although she’d never been a friend of Ava’s, there was a part of her that knew this was what the bastard deserved. Unbeknown to her he’d kept that woman imprisoned for sixteen years. She still didn’t know the reason, what was at the bottom of this? She needed him to sign the deeds of the property over to her, security was essential. The man Stan Weaver, who had called and left a note, had made her curious, what business did he have with George? She couldn’t find the note, however she remembered her son Rudy had been there at the time. He must have pocketed the note….why? An odd feeling crept over her, was this something to do with the bitch Crimson…and was Rudy involved? She had to find out…

  Tonight is the re-opening of Scrubs, I’ve spoken to Matilda, and she is going to attend with Herby and Daley Malone, her ex fiancé, and uncle of the new owner. We intend to keep our distance from them all, as Matilda and Herby are crucial to my mother, and her return. Should Weavers mob connect us, this could be harmful to these two wonderful friends. There are only three of us from The Docket attending, Johnboy, Billy and myself. Janet is staying back at the club with Jack, Rudy and Matt, plus extra security. Rumour has it that Weaver has joined up with another mob, we intend to investigate. There are still no signs of George, however since my vivid dream, I am sure my father is keeping a close spiritual eye on him. Our initial meeting with the new owner of Scrubs, Sean McRoy, will be brief, for obvious reasons. His youngest son Thomas, along with his friend Peter James, both went missing mysteriously, around the same time as my grandfather Eddie Jackson. Weaver is not aware of any of this, although he is now connected to the Geary’s. There is someone who knows all the answers, what happened to these three men, and who did George bury in my mother’s grave?

  Scrubs seemed actively engaged in the reopening, when we arrived, the makeover appeared lavish, opulent even, for a pool club….did he have a scheme? With a liquor licence, the world was his oyster. Security was tight, a placard inside the door advised you to request a membership form…I’m approving of this man already. Previously the club had been fundamental; allowing entrance to anyone who had the brass…money is like an eel in the hand…Value Added Tax had just taken effect…everything was changing in our society. We were shown to a table, away from Matilda, Herby and Daley, he obviously new the score. We had a short conversation with Sean, so as not to create conjecture, I invited him and his family to The Docket for a meal, he accepted my offer and then moved on…..it was bizarre not being able to sit with our friends, Billy went for a walkabout….. ‘Are you thinking the same thing as me lass?’ Johnboy said quietly.

  ‘Exactly, there’s more to this than a pool club.’ We both kept a smile on our faces; we knew Billy would suss the place out. The décor was kind, tasteful and elegant, as previously it had been tatty with an ever present odour of stale smoke, and unwashed bodies. Every window was the original mullion panes that were thicker at the base, than the top. This was far to lavish for a pool club. Sean McRoy is a total enigma, I assume him to be around the same age as my grandfather Eddie Jackson, and I believe they were friends back in the day. Curiosity now has me gripped. I couldn’t see Weaver, however there were a couple of undesirables lurking, even though the evening was invitation only, were they part of his mob? I am looking forward to meeting his family, so many mysteries to be solved.

  Archie and Larry were about to board the plane back to London, they’d given their car to the woman who had taken care of them during their stay. Archie was deeply sad that this feud continued, he hated it all with a vengeance. Larry had accepted his part in the new ‘firm’ well, Archie realised they were from entirely different backgrounds, however he felt, if given the chance they could be inseparable. The question that troubled him was, did Larry feel the same? During the flight their conversation was limited, both ensconced in their own thoughts. Archie dreaded the final goodbye at the airport; he had no idea when they’d see each other again.

  Larry had mixed feelings, he was so fond of Archie, and he fulfilled all of his carnal desires. However there was an excitement bubbling inside of him, he’d enjoyed the trip to Dover with Jack when they’d sorted out Weavers sons. Being part of the underworld on that day had aroused him. He admired Crimson, she was courageous, although he didn’t bat for her side, and he knew any man would be more than lucky to have her attention. He knew he’d been fortunate to have spent time in a luxurious villa, no expense spared. However he’d also seen Archie’s insecurities, he was clingy, Larry wasn’t used to this and it concerned him long term. He thought maybe this separation would be good for their relationship to survive; perhaps they would be better living apart. Regular visits, like they did when they first met. Looking over towards Archie as they were about to land at Heathrow, he could see the deep sadness in his eyes. He didn’t want to hurt him, there had to be a solution…..when Larry arrived at the scrap yard he knew his life was once again about to change.

  As Archie stepped out of the black cab he could see Cedric Allen, tears like shards of glass filled his eyes. A feeling of déjà vu filled his thoughts. Was he doomed to return to his miserable lonely life, or would Larry soon be back with him. His feelings were split; Larry was fit and strong, and could easily conform to the ways of the underworld. He blamed himself as he had introduced him into the firm. Archie also knew there was little chance of seeing his sister, his mother, or Patsy in the foreseeable future, there had to be something he could do. As he greeted Cedric and was shown his latest abode, his mind was filled with ideas; maybe it was time for him to change….the old adage came to mind…the tide will turn…..

  Chapter 15

  The following Tuesday evening, Sean McRoy arrived at The Docket for a meal. He was escorted by his daughter Adeen, if she had known failure in her life, it didn’t show, everything from the way she held herself, to the way she spoke, there was a look of unassailable
confidence in her eyes, that said she would achieve her goal. Sean McRoy was a total enigma, I assumed him to be around the age my grandfather Eddie Jackson would have been, late sixties. He appeared very smart, respectful, perhaps restrained, his motives remained hidden, hence the allure. Independent, though casual, nonchalant, analysing the situation with ease. His eyebrows were impossibly straight, his eyes made of rich mahogany. Eyes that told of many secrets, but held them locked in a strong box; you wouldn’t dare to open, in fear of what you might find within. If one ventured close enough, his mahogany eyes would hungrily envelope yours, drawing you towards him. It was nothing he did precisely; it just looked as though he had a secret you wanted him to share with you. He remained a person of a puzzling, or contradictory character…..

  ‘Crimson it is so good to meet up with you at last, it was impossible to hold a conversation on the opening night.’ Sean spoke enthusiastically. ‘I’ve heard so much about you through Matilda, she’s a remarkable woman. I believe Daley lives with regrets.’ His mouth curved into a smile.

  ‘Matilda is a treasured friend to us, I’m sure she explained the reason we couldn’t be seen with them in your club.’

  ‘Absolutely, as you probably know Daley is my cousin, there is much to discuss about the past. However, tonight I hoped we could enjoy our meal and Adeen is eager to tell you about the new Scrubs.’ He laughed genuinely. ‘Not a good name, although well known to the locals.’

  The conversation ceased for a few moments while our meals were served. Johnboy, Billy and Janet had joined us. I’m not sure what I’d expected Sean McRoy to be like, however I was pleasantly surprised.

  ‘Crimson, I expect you would like to know the set up of the club.’ Adeen stated eagerly.

  ‘Excuse me butting in ladies, I think you should all know that I purchased the club premises, although the running of the club Adeen will explain.’ He once again gave what appeared to be a genuine smile.

  ‘Without further interruptions from my father, I’ll continue.’ Adeen gave a lopsided grin. ‘The club will be run basically as a casino, there are two snooker tables, pool is no more. We have plans for an extension, to enable us to open a restaurant. Membership will be strict, as will security.’ Adeen took a sip of her wine.

  ‘So you won’t be working in the club at all Sean?’ Johnboy asked.

  ‘Oh I’ll be around; however we decided to leave it to the youngsters.’ He added. ‘There will be mostly family involved.’

  ‘Ok dad.’ Adeen continued.’ My husband Jamie and our twenty one year old twins, also several cousins, and Jamie’s friend will all be involved.’

  ‘It certainly sounds like a family affair.’ Billy added.

  ‘Absolutely, we’ve been working together over the past year. You see Jamie comes from Liverpool, so we had to wait until dad had finalised the sale before we could gut the place. We have just sold our home in Liverpool, and fortunately found suitable property here. After a few years we’ll have most of the family together.’

  ‘Jamie’s mate has worked this area for a couple of years, and has other interests. What we have planned Crimson, will not affect The Docket.’ Sean endorsed.

  ‘As you’re probably aware Sean, we are a loan firm, and we deal in properties.’ I had no intention of mentioning our ‘new’ firm. A weird feeling flashed through my mind, almost as though Matilda was talking to me directly. Enough said lass…I have an odd feeling….things are not all quiet as they seem.

  ‘Most important for me is to expose my son Thomas’s killer, I believe it would be a good idea if we met up again soon, with Daley and Matilda.’ Sean suggested. ‘Where is your mother now Crimson?’

  A sudden flash of uncertainty hit me. ‘Oh she’s abroad with her mother.’ I added briefly.

  ‘Who Brita, I would enjoy seeing them both again. Your grandfather Eddie was a good friend. I don’t feel tonight is the best time to discuss this.’

  Suddenly I felt the same way, so glad the boys and Janet were with me. It’s always good to have other opinions. So changing the subject quickly I left the table, calling out for the desert menu. I felt Johnboy’s eyes on me; he gave me a slight nod. I knew he was thinking along the same lines as me. Enough had been said tonight…there was something ….was it Liverpool that had set alarm bells ringing?

  Any discussions concerning the conversation that took place at the meal, with Sean and Adeen, had to be delayed. As today my mother Ava, was due to arrive at Heathrow airport. And making sure that everything went to plan was paramount. Dougie’s son Tod was taking his young daughter Barbara, to meet the great aunt she had never seen before. There’s nothing more convincing than relatives meeting at an airport. Jack would be inside the airport overseeing the procedure, while Rudy waited in the car, close to where Tod had parked. Ava would be staying at Tod’s house for the first night, Maureen, his wife had Ava’s outfit ready for the following day, as she had to be placed inside a roll of loft insulation material. Tod planned to drop his daughter and Ava at the front door of the house, and then he would put the car in the garage. The following morning, as he left for work, Ava would be well hidden in the back of the car, her essentials placed inside of Tod’s tool box. Brita would bring her remaining belongings back with her, when she returned to London. Weaver had no interest in Brita, as he’d already made the mistake of snatching her. Now I have to wait for Jack to tell me everything went to plan, for the first part of mum’s journey back into her own home.

  Between Doug, Johnboy and Larry the new firms van was ready, sign written, and filled accordingly with all the necessary tools and materials, to insulate the roof of the Hampstead house. I heard from Jack that all had gone to plan, and the meeting between Tod’s daughter and Ava was very convincing, all of these lengths to ensure my mother’s safety. Again today, Jack and Rudy would be close at hand, just in case something went wrong. The new firms van would be out on the street, and I wondered how long it would be before Janet received an inquiry on her special line. People like Weaver were very predictable, however we know there are others involved, so we have to be precise……

  The following morning Tod left for work at his normal time; Ava was on the back seat of his car, covered with a blanket. When they reached the scrap yard, Ava was placed carefully in a roll of fibre glass, well protected of course. The van had been pre-loaded, as arranged by Dougie and Larry, Johnboy double checked everything was in place. Tod drove the van to the Hampstead house, Larry was passenger, as they arrived security opened the gates. The van promoting, J. Boyston and Son, General Builders and Loft Insulation entered the courtyard. And the boys started to unload the rolls of fibre glass, through the side door, Jack observed from a distance. He silently prayed they wouldn’t drop Ava, as the tool boxes were taken inside and the van doors closed, he gave a huge sigh of relief.

  Once the rolls of fabric were inside the building, Rudy rescued Ava from her uncomfortable hiding place. After a quick welcome home from Patsy, Loren and Joe, Ava made her way upstairs to the room she once shared with Harry, all those years ago. She took a long awaited bath, and then wrapped snugly in a robe she sat down on the edge of the bed. Opening the bedside drawer on Harry’s side, she found the pistol she’d requested. And for the first time since she’d been freed from the clutches of the nefarious George, she felt safe….would she ever have the courage to use the gun?

  Only she knew the answer to that….

  I was so relieved when Jack returned to The Docket, and told me all had gone to plan, and Ava was now back home. We had arranged previously that Tod and Larry would be ‘working’ in the house for the next few days. My grandfather Joe had found them a few repair jobs, to refrain their boredom. I intend to ring my mother tomorrow, as I’m sure she needs a rest after her bizarre experience. I met Johnboy, Billy and Jack for lunch, it was now time to ascertain what was really taking place at Scrubs, and who was Adeen’s husband James’s, mysterious friend?

  ‘This friend of James has got bells clanging in my head.�
�� Johnboy announced. ‘Could it possibly be a contact from the Reed brothers?’

  ‘I know Liverpool’s a big place, nevertheless this needs to be confirmed.’ Billy added.

  ‘My thoughts exactly, one of our firm needs to become a member of Scrubs.’ I gave a lopsided grin. ‘We all know it can’t be me, Billy or Johnboy for obvious reasons, so time to get your tuxedo on Jack.’ I grinned.

  ‘Better if two go.’ Johnboy stated. ‘Safety in numbers?’

  ‘Absolutely.’ I replied hastily. ‘And this is where Larry will be a great asset.’

  ‘I’m sure he’ll be up for it Crimson, he enjoys being involved, and he has the right motivation. ‘Jack stated.

  ‘Ok I’ll speak to him this evening, and we can arrange your first night at the casino. I’m sure Janet will sort out the hiring of tuxedos. Let’s hope we’re on our way to ending this feud.’ As I spoke those last words, a cold shiver ran down my spine…..

  Larry was eager to have been invited to go to Scrubs with Jack; however he knew this would upset Archie. Crimson had purchased a Triumph Bonneville for his use, and he was stoked, life had never been so good. He was now staying in one of the bedsits in George’s old house. The bike was for him to travel to and from work, plus visits to Archie. He also had the opportunity to keep an eye on Nancy’s den of iniquity; he’d never met George, apart from seeing a picture. He was still ‘working’ at the Hampstead house, however tonight he was due to visit the rather irate Archie. Larry was able to disguise his appearance reasonably well, having a mass of wild blonde hair, while working he wore a woollen hat. Evenings his hair could be worn down or tied back, Janet had also supplied him with a pair of glasses. Tonight dressed in full motor cycle gear, he pulled into the underground car park of the Dollis Hill apartments. He wondered how Archie would react, as he was unaware of his visit. He tapped on the door…