Backlash

by Charley Dee Brown

  Archie’s reaction was electric, knowing that Larry was going to seduce him, even before he felt his hands, his lungs expanded with briny air…their gaze lasted a full second, as they took in the look of each other….clothes ripped off ….Larry cupped his face, then he gave him what he wanted…..Archie loved with his eyes as much as his body, quiet moments mingling with action and stillness….intoxicated with his climax…he never wanted to end…..utterly drunk for love of this man….

  Larry knew he had to be honest, as they lay together; words failed him….emotional pain seeped from Archie…as he told him he couldn’t stay….He was in so much pain, his complexion was ashen…from time to time his eyes dropped to the bed sheets, but mostly they were fixed on Archie’s face in a soft stare….he’d been in this dark place before, felt more pain than he knew a human body could bare, and it broke him to see Archie hurting this way….He wanted so much more than he could give…he did love him in his own way….not the way Archie wanted….spending those weeks in the South of France had been fun and stimulating….however to live that way each and every day was more than Larry could cope with. Emotional pain has a biological purpose, to educate us away from unhealthy patterns and relationships…..To keep repeating this pattern would only prolong, keep the pain underneath…when in truth it must rise. Unless Archie could accept how Larry felt? As he looked into his eyes…he knew this would be like constantly piercing his heart with a knife….

  ‘Why can’t you stay?’ Archie implored. ‘You’ve helped to get my mother back into the house, what more?’

  ‘We are still working in the house, and Crimson has offered me a full time job.’ Larry reasoned.

  ‘You can find a job locally here, in fact you have no need to work Larry, and we could spend all our time together.’ Archie pleaded. ‘I don’t have to work it’s purely a hobby.’

  ‘Archie I couldn’t lead my life cooped up in this apartment, I’ve always had to work, I enjoy it.’ Larry expressed. ‘I’m young I need to socialise, Crimson has shown me a different world.’

  ‘You’ll be carrying a gun next! Terrifying the life out of people, you do know my sister is a trained killer.’

  ‘You love your sister Archie, the difference between you, is that she has accepted that she was born into this life, and is doing her best to control the firm your father built. As for you, you prefer not to accept that the firm exists, however you do live from the proceeds. Crimson is doing everything in her power to protect both you and your mother.’

  ‘So it’s all about me, I’m suddenly the bad person, the weakling, the gutless little queer. That’s what you really mean isn’t it Larry.’ Archie ranted. ‘I’m the problem; you no longer want to spend time with me!’

  ‘You’ve got it wrong Archie; it was great in the beginning, no pressure, getting together when we could. I’ve learnt so much about your family now, and yes I want to be involved, I want to help. I can see how much I’m hurting you, and that was never my intention. You want somebody here all the time, you’re insecure, I understand that. I know I can’t be that person Archie, so better I pull away now and give you the freedom to find happiness.’

  ‘Get out!’ Archie screamed. ‘I’ll show you all I’m not the wimp you think I am!’

  As Larry left the apartment he was anxious as to what Archie may do, however he knew it was time to leave, enough had been said…..

  Saturday night, Jack and Larry joined Scrubs; they both looked the business, sharp and handsome. Although they walked into the club together, once signed up they split, Jack headed for the roulette table, and Larry played black jack. As Sean McRoy hadn’t met either of them, he was unaware of their contact to The Docket. Their ploy was to discover who Jamie’s scouser friend was. Jack became involved on the roulette table; he assumed the young croupier was Adeen and Jamie’s daughter. She was stunning, which made Jack’s job all the easier, women loved Jack; he was the typical tall dark and handsome dude. A seat became vacant closer to the croupier; he moved round, she smiled. He was betting odds and evens, a first for Jack, however he was doing ok. As she spun the next ball, he watched carefully as she raked in the chips, although she was young, she appeared to have been trained well. ‘So is it alright to ask your name.’ Jack asked softly.

  ‘I’m Coleen.’ She replied, her mouth curved into a smile.

  Although Jack had been told they lived in Liverpool, she had the warm lilt of an Irish accent. As he was on a winning streak he kept playing until Coleen was relieved for a break. He watched her walk over towards the bar, so he followed. ‘Can I buy you a drink Coleen?’ He asked unpretentiously, he didn’t want to come across as pushy, especially as he assumed her father was serving at the bar.

  ‘Ok thank you, just an orange juice.’ She accepted readily.

  After ordering the drinks he watched as she pulled up a stool and sat, there was shyness to her, hesitation in her body movements, and softness in her voice. Her black outfit was bold against her pale skin, but Jack could already imagine her in jeans and t-shirt relaxed on a sofa…..however that was as far as he’d go….as he handed her the orange juice he intentionally touched her hand, he observed her reaction, Jack was an expert with women….he had no interest in settling down with a woman, having been brought up in a children’s home, never knowing his parents, family life had no meaning. His work came first. Inspired lust; a thin replica of love based more on desire and conquest…a choice. He knew from her reaction to his touch, she would succumb to his advances. This hadn’t been his plan, nevertheless if he was unable to gather the information required, he knew she would share all her knowledge….She was called back to her table, not a word more had passed between them….the looks had said it all. Jack looked over towards Larry, he was in a conversation with a couple of older men, and he resisted joining them. Feeling Coleen’s eyes on him, his decision was made; he knew he’d enjoy the seduction……He arranged to meet her at the end of her shift, Larry had moved over to the bar, so he joined him……

  ‘He is Jamie’s mate, Ken Reed from Liverpool.’ Larry spoke softly as the man in question, had moved to the far end of the bar.

  Jack nodded, he knew that was what Crimson wanted to know, he knew they could leave now….however a tingling sensation caught him in the web, this game of desire was intoxicating……

  Larry went back to The Docket, as he needed to speak to Crimson about Archie. He caught on to why Jack was staying, everyone needs release. He would like to have stayed, the atmosphere in the casino was exciting, something he’d never experienced before. However he had to put things right over Archie, he didn’t want to lose his chance of staying with this firm. He found Crimson and Johnboy in the small bar.

  ‘Come and join us Larry, what would you like to drink?’ I asked cheerfully.

  ‘Lager please.’ He replied as he sat down. Johnboy went to the bar.

  ‘So how did it go?’

  ‘Jamie’s mate is Ken Reed.’ Larry added.

  ‘Unbelievable, or is it?’ I declared. ‘That certainly changes everything, is Jack on his way back?’

  ‘Jack’s delayed.’ Larry’s face flushed.

  Johnboy handed Larry his drink. ‘We won’t see him until the morning then.’ He gave a knowing grin.

  ‘We’ll discuss it in the morning; maybe Jack will have acquired more information.’ I added.

  ‘Do you know who delayed Jack?’ Johnboy asked with a grin.

  ‘I believe she’s Jamie’s daughter.’ Larry said rather tight lipped.

  Johnboy gave one of his rare chuckles. ‘Oh he’ll have more information.’

  I watched Larry’s reaction; he looked troubled, surely not over Jack. All the boys need to let themselves go, Jack was a handsome man, not only in looks, but build. No, Larry was troubled over something else, was it Archie? I felt the need to unfold his problem, as he looked uneasy. ‘Did you manage to see Archie the other day Larry?’ I urged.

  ‘Yes Crimson, he’s not happy with me, in fact we disagreed.’ />
  ‘I expected that, I’ll speak to him, leave it with me.’ As I spoke the words I felt uneasy myself, Archie would always be insecure. I had the feeling that Larry was not ready for such a strict commitment, and now he’d had the taste of the wilder, risky side of live he wanted more. Larry fitted in well with the boys, he had the edge….now to mollify Archie and assure him it won’t be forever….

  Sunday morning in the office, Billy and Janet were having a well earned day to themselves. As the other boys were working there was just Johnboy, Jack and Larry with me.

  ‘By all accounts Ken Reed married Jamie’s sister, they’d been mates for years, and Jamie used to work for Reed’s old man.’ Jack informed. ‘They dealt drugs and were heavy in the protection racket. Although Sean owns the property, Jamie and Ken are partners; they have other dealings in London.’

  ‘Wow she told you all this. ‘I asked with surprise.

  ‘It’s amazing what you talk about in the park, in the moonlight.’ Jack grinned.

  ‘She has no idea who you are?’ Johnboy asked.

  ‘She hardly knows who she is! I waited outside for her; she won’t see me again, as I don’t intend visiting Scrubs again in that capacity.’ Jack clarified.

  ‘I can tell you her family members, however she doesn’t know Reeds connection, apart from he’s after someone who killed his brother Colin.’ Jack continued. ‘I got the feeling she wasn’t too keen on Reed. However we need to know his connections, especially here.’

  ‘Her twin brother was running the black jack table.’ Larry added. ‘He appeared ok on the surface, although I got my information from a couple of blokes, who were members of the old club.’

  ‘Reed killed one of the Geary’s that was payback for his brother’s death.’ Johnboy added.

  ‘We need to suss him out, see what’s really going on.’ Jack suggested. ‘If you’re up for it Larry we could start tonight, the clubs not open on Sunday night.’

  ‘Yeah I’m with you.’ Larry agreed.’

  ‘Why don’t you two have a decent meal, we’re going to Matildas, she may well have more news.’

  Daley was at Matilda’s when we arrived; as she opened the door she briefly touched her lips with her index finger. Obviously warning not to discuss Scrubs, nevertheless over tea it was Daley who brought the subject up. We both listened intently.

  ‘Sean is in an awkward position as far as Ken Reed is concerned, not only is he Jamie’s best mate he’s also married to his sister. ‘Daley stated. ‘Sean wants to help you Crimson, and he no doubt will. However his hands are tied.’

  ‘It’s best to let things run the course.’ I added blandly, feeling the need to respond in some way. Thankfully he soon left, and we all gave a sigh of relief.

  ‘I know you told me two of your boys were at Scrubs last night, Daley didn’t need to know that. We have to remember he and Sean are cousins.’ Her smile faded. ‘There’s more going on in that club than we know at present.’

  ‘One of our boys met up with Adeen’s daughter Coleen, she spoke freely.’ I endorsed. ‘You’ve met Jack Matilda, he’s a charmer. She didn’t appear to like Ken Reed, all she knew was that he wanted payback for the death of his brother Colin.’

  ‘If you recall Matilda he took revenge by killing one of the Geary’s.’ Johnboy added.

  ‘He’s after you girl, you knocked him back, and like Weaver, they’re all after The Docket, they all resent your success.’ She continued. ‘How far they are involved together I have yet to establish, also how much Ava becomes involved, George is still missing.’

  ‘Ava’s safe in the Hampstead house, when Sean asked after her, I told him she was abroad.’

  ‘Something is being planned, I have to be careful.’ She sighed deeply. ‘I’m sure Daley forgets how friendly we are, any news I’ll inform you immediately.’ She promised.

  ‘The boys are on the lookout Matilda.’ Johnboy added.

  ‘I have to warn you girl, something is not right with Archie. Harry has been in touch with me, he knows where George is, he also warns over Archie. Be careful and don’t go out alone.’ She cautioned. ‘Soon I’ll need to see Ava, we have spoken on the phone, however best to let things settle for a while.’

  ‘I’m going to speak to Archie when I get back to the club, its difficult trying to keep them all safe. One day this dreadful feud may be over.’

  ‘Your father has great faith in you girl, be careful, don’t go out alone.’

  As Matilda watched her friends leave she felt sad, she knew they were together now, even though she was the only person who was aware of this. Even so they didn’t speak of it. What a challenging life that girl has, if she could find any way of helping her she would. There was trouble brewing with Archie, she knew it was over his boyfriend. She also knew Archie was capricious, unstable; he hated the firm, the life. Matilda had the feeling he was about to make a reckless decision, which would cause serious developments for them all. There was a huge black cloud hovering above the girl, would she ever be free? She knew George was locked up, Harry was seeing to that; however there were other far more pressing problems. Weaver and Reed wanted her dead, one false move would mean the end of her, and the girl showed no fear…..Matilda had to see Ava again, the truth had to come out.

  Chapter 16

  George was deluded, Harry had convinced him he was in hell….his pain that had once burned like fire, had now faded away to an icy numbness. Black filled the edges of his vision…and the only thing he could hear was his heartbeat…he knew his heart must go on, though he thought he was already dead…all his life he’d feared death…he’d taken so many lives without thought….he could see them all now, time had stood still, maniacal laughter came in gusting bursts….like passing through an icy shower….from the darkness came noises no living thing could ever make…blood curdling screams….he froze…then came the eternal scream…..

  Jack and Larry had detected that Weaver and Reed were more than casual acquaintances. On Sunday night they had watched Reed leave Scrubs, and they’d followed him to The General Smuts, where Weaver was still holed up. They had to be on their guard as there were members of the mob all around. They had waited until Reed left, and luck had it he was alone, even better he drove to an old Victorian property in Notting Hill. They watched as he let himself into the double fronted house. They waited a while, as the lights went out, they assumed this was his little nest egg. They noted the address, and then made their way back, Jack dropped Larry off and returned to The Docket. A feeling of a coup!

  At last the phone rang, Janet had expected the call, and she’d even left a card next to the phone, just in case she wasn’t there at the time. The card said word for word how to reply. ‘Good morning, J. Boyston and Son, how may I help?’ She knew someone was there, silence for a moment, she waited.

  And then in a guttural voice came the request. ‘Where’s your firm?’

  ‘Oh if you give me your details, we will send a representative out to you today. Janet replied.

  ‘So where’s your firm, and how long you been running?’ Came the gruff reply.

  ‘Our company has been established for over twenty five years, we cover all of London and Kent.’ She exaggerated. ‘I can send someone out to you today Mr…. Oh I’m sorry I didn’t get your name.’

  The line went dead! Going into the main office, Janet declared. ‘He’s just phoned.’ Janet recalled the few details to them all.

  ‘Just as we expected.’ I grinned. Weaver is so predictable. If you get any further enquires Janet, go ahead and book the work. I have a feeling this could be the start of something good.’

  ‘Paint brushes at the ready then.’ The boys said in unison.

  ‘The gym is ready to open today, so I’ll expect to see you all working out.’ I laughed.

  ‘The staff is all in place Crimson, plus membership forms are back from the printers.’ Janet defined. ‘Have you planned an opening day yet?’

  ‘I think Thursday will be good, as that will
be the first night of the martial arts group. What do you all think?’

  ‘Will you take on new members for the martial arts lass?’ Jack asked casually.

  ‘Of course Jack, you’re top of the list.’ I beamed.

  ‘I’ll miss out on that girl.’ Billy added with a chuckle. ‘What about you Johnboy?’

  ‘Oh I’m in, and so is Larry, not sure about the rest.’

  I looked around at them, if only we could always be jovial….however, I knew that was a long way off…if ever…..

  As the boys left the office, I knew I had to face contacting Archie. After three attempts, I realised he was either at the library, or just not picking up. I sensed a feeling of unease; I found the number for the Childs Hill library. There was no reply, so I assumed the place was closed. I know they’re not open every day. I rang Cedric Allen, again no response; he was probably out visiting properties. Straightaway I had an over whelming feeling that something was amiss. As I walked over to speak to the builders at the gym, I knew I had to find Archie…without further thought I rang Larry, as I knew he was at the scrap yard. ‘Larry bring the motor bike over to The Docket, I’ll explain when you get here.’ The builders were all but finished, so I asked them to lock up and give the keys to Janet. I grabbed a woollen hat from my flat and waited in the office for Larry. All the boys were out working, sometimes chances have to be taken…and this was one of those times…..