Chapter 19
When I walked into the office with Jack, I was surprised to see the others were back. Glancing at the clock had made me realise I’d completely lost track of time. Janet was in the office, and looked up as she spoke. ‘We’ve had another two jobs booked for the firm.’ She gave me a half smile.
‘That’s great news Janet.’ I replied without much enthusiasm. Matilda’s words were weighing heavy on my mind. Without another thought I began to speak. ‘I need to tell you all Matilda’s evaluation of last night’s dreadful events.’ I continued to recall, word for word how Matilda had spoken. They all stayed silent. ‘As my dear friend foresees, it will eventually come down to me and Archie. Either he will kill me, or I him.’ A sudden glimpse of this dreadful scenario, caused my throat to restrict, I had to take a deep breath, and swallow hard…. ‘As well you may imagine I’m finding her theory ruinous, difficult to digest. I know what took place last night was hideous, however ending my own brothers life.’……I felt the colour drain from my body, and I faltered. ‘I need some time alone.’ For the first time ever, I left the office without a further word.
‘We have to take that decision out of her hands.’ Billy declared. ‘I don’t profess to understand all this paranormal stuff. Nevertheless we’ve all seen it in the past, with Lance. We seem to be surrounded by it.’ He sighed deeply and grimaced. ‘I’ll do it, I’m not asking for help, so give me the address of the doc’s clinic Janet please.’
‘I don’t have the address.’ Janet lied. ‘Only Crimson would have that information.’ She had never lied to her husband before, she knew what had happened to Matt was pure evil. However she also believed it was Crimson’s decision. Janet knew that Billy would seek this information immediately; he wasn’t a man to hold back. She had to speak to Crimson, and fast.
‘Well surely you can find this out lass; you must have contact addresses for him.’ Billy added bluntly.
‘I’ll look into it right away.’ She quietly left the room; she knew if she gave him eye contact, he would know she was lying. The others stayed silent.
Johnboy’s head was filled with his own thoughts; he knew how much she loved her brother. All he hoped for now was that Harry A would guide her. Johnboy understood the paranormal, far more than Billy, although he agreed with Billy, he also felt they should leave the decision for at least another twenty four hours.
Jack kept referring back to Crimson’s face, as she’d emotionally shared her dilemma with him in the pub earlier. He also agreed with Billy, Matt had been a good mate. However he thought this was a dicey situation, and he needed to clear his head. So he got up. ‘Think I’ll go to the gym for a while.’ He said in a low tone.
Billy then left the office without a word. So Johnboy took the opportunity to leave without explanation, making his way to Matilda’s. He knew she was the person to steer him through this predicament. As he trudged through the overgrown wasteland at the back of her flat, he could see Matilda pottering in her kitchen. He gently tapped on the window, the old woman’s face lit up, and she quickly unlatched the catch. ‘Oh lad, it’s so good to see you go and sit and I’ll make the tea.’
As always when we visited Matilda’s we were welcomed with tea, and her home made fruit cake. He sat down at the oblong, battered pine table, the room was a hotch potch of glorious fashions, and memorabilia through the ages. He loved this room, for the first time in his life he felt loved and wanted in this antediluvian ambience, full of unspoken words…..He momentarily rested his head in his hands, how the hell had this all come about?
‘I take it the girl’s given you the unadorned facts lad.’ Her expression dulled as she spoke. ‘I had to be honest with her, Archie’s been demonised.’
‘I know you’re right Matilda, however there’s trouble brewing amongst the boys. Billy wants to remove the decision from Crimson, and finish Archie off.’ The colour drained from his face. ‘Although in theory I agree, I also respect how much she loves her brother.’
‘Of course they’re all angry, what took place was hideous.’ She sighed deeply. ‘I had to tell her the decision would be hers, in the end. There’s nothing I can do lad, Seb has taken over Archie’s brain, he will kill again, and the ultimate will be Crimson. ‘As she spoke, Matilda wanted to help this man, she’d grown to love like a son. She knew how much he cared for the girl; she also knew that someone else was vying for her affections. The girl was in a strenuous situation, which was making her vulnerable, she had seen this on her previous visit. She also felt the other man was enticing her; he wasn’t bad, he knew nothing of her relationship with Johnboy. The girl was beautiful, and therefore easy to love. Not wanting to cause conflict for them all, at this inconceivable time, she decided she must say nothing.
‘What should I do Matilda; the last thing in the world I want is to hurt her.’ Sadness clouded his features.
‘I will contact Harry, and we must trust beyond doubt that he will be her guiding light. Something will take place lad.’
‘You always reassure me Matilda, thank you. I won’t tell her I’ve been to see you.’
As Johnboy left, she felt uneasy, not about the spirits, she knew they would respond. It was the other man that troubled her most….
I spent time in the gym, I turned the music up loud, and I needed to deaden the weight that was so heavy on my mind. I didn’t hear Jack come in….the next thing I knew he was standing by my side. ‘Would you rather be alone?’ He asked cautiously.
‘No..no I’m ok…deep in thought I guess.’ I replied lightly. ‘I was about to go through to the martial arts room, would you like to practice?’ I asked without enthusiasm.
‘Yes, I’d like to learn from the expert.’ He smiled.
We both worked in silence, however I knew Jack was a natural, and he would go far if he kept striving. I threw him and he landed well, and then there was another one of those moments….silently we gazed at each other….suddenly I’m swamped with a strange feeling….then I felt his hand on mine as he helped me up…..I looked away and quickly stood up…. ‘That’s enough for me, I’ll say goodnight Jack.’ I hurried out of the gym and headed downstairs to my flat.
After a bath, I slipped into bed. I was mixed up…not thinking straight…Archie, I had to ruminate, I had to solve this terrible ordeal…then Jack’s face flashed through my mind….I was mystified, baffled…what was happening…..I closed my eyes and prayed for my dad to help me….
The dream was real, almost as though my father was sitting on the side of my bed…my mind began to spark erratically…a voice spoke…a voice I knew so well, and loved so deeply….then he was there…I will make it go away…he said quietly…..his answers to my silent questions were so precious…his eyes filled with tears…I will make this right honey……these were wonders beyond comprehension…fears waiting to be faced…my father was taking them away from me….As once again I woke and reality kicked in, I was so confused…the tears burned like fire from my eyes…Oh how I needed my father now…..then though my heartfelt wretched, at least I knew I could face the day…..
Rudy and Larry had spent the day in the shed at the back of Clouds club. ‘I’m going to try and get inside.’ Rudy said with frustration. ‘Or we’ll be sitting out here another day, there must be something going on inside.’
‘Ok mate, well no one knows your old man better than you.’ Larry replied.
Rudy took the ladder and put it up to a window on the floor above; Larry held the ladder and Rudy climbed up to the closed window. Taking off his jacket, he placed it against the window and punched, the glass shattered. They waited for a few minutes, as there was no movement, Rudy managed to release the catch of the window, and within seconds he was inside. Larry moved the ladder and waited.
Inside the club, Rudy made his way swiftly down the stairs; he could hear sounds coming from the lounge. Fortunately Rudy knew the layout of the club well; the walls were paper thin between the rooms downstairs, as partitions had been placed when George first purc
hased the club. So he hoped he’d be able to pick up on the conversation. He recognised the other voice; it was no other than Reg Geary. Rudy considered why he’d be visiting his old man, and then the scenario fell into place. George had shot Reeds brother Colin in this club, when Reed had returned to avenge his brother’s death; he had shot Bert Geary, again in this club. Rudy believed Reg was once again out for revenge, the old boy had spent years in Wormwood Scrubs, and he missed his brother, and was filled with hate. Rudy knew this wouldn’t end well….The talking stopped and was then followed by drunken snoring, he let Larry in, and they both went upstairs to cover the broken window. He found a spare door key, then they headed back to The Docket to inform Crimson. Each day another stone was unturned….
On my way to the office, I bumped into Johnboy as he was leaving his flat. A feeling of guilt swept over me, I’d hardly spoken to him since Matt’s horrendous demise. I gently squeezed his arm. ‘I’m sorry, I’ve been so engrossed with the extreme occurrence….we must talk.’ I said quietly.
‘I do understand lass; I knew you’d need time alone.’ He gave one of his lopsided smiles. ‘Has your dad been in touch?’
That sounded almost as though my father may have rang me, when I knew exactly what he meant, from the spirit world. There would never be another Johnboy, he was my soul mate. ‘Yes last night, the dream was surreal; he told me that something would happen.’ As I uttered the last word, Jack came out of his flat, and the conversation ended abruptly….
‘Good morning.’ Jack said pleasantly.
We both acknowledged him, and then the three of us made our way to the office in silence.
The conversation in the office was stilted; I didn’t want to share the content of my dream with everyone. I knew Johnboy was the only one who truly understood, so I discussed George and Bert Geary with Rudy. I was under the same impression as him, as to why Bert had turned up at Clouds. Neither of them would be going far, I just wanted to ensure the phone line was paid for. ‘Get onto BT Rudy, and request the phone account is sent here for payment. Also check for any other accounts, if they are sent here, that will assure George stays put. ‘I suggested.
‘I’ll see to that girl, he won’t be going anywhere, he can barely walk.’ Rudy assured. ‘I have a key; we’ll keep an eye on the place.’
‘Make sure the doors locked, as Weavers mob have been too quiet since they broke into Nancy’s.’
I glanced at Rudy, George and Nancy were his parents, they had lost his respect over the years, how had it ever come to this. One name sprung to mind Lance, and then George’s repellent treatment of my mother, incarcerating her for sixteen years….Rudy was the one who saved her….the memories are never far from the surface…..
‘I’ve got calls to make girl.’ Billy declared. ‘You free today Johnboy?’
‘Do you need me today lass?’ Johnboy asked.
‘No I’m ok, I have work to do here with Janet and Cedric.’
‘I’m off as well lass.’ Jack stated. ‘I have to meet the new bloke that Janet’s taken on. I need to show him the ropes.’
‘What new bloke?’ I asked sharply.
‘The one to replace Matt. ‘Jack replied edgily.
‘I was going to bring Alfie Rose in from Hampstead lass, however I didn’t think you’d approve, as his misses is disabled.’ Billy added.
‘Well so long as this new chap only works outside with you Jack, I don’t want anyone else being involved inside of the club.’ I said firmly.
‘I fully understand lass.’ He replied knowingly.
When they’d all left the office, I called Janet in for a chat. ‘I need to speak to you Crimson.’ She said cautiously as she sat down.
‘Go ahead honey, what’s on your mind.’ I’ve grown close to Janet, and disliked seeing her looking so distressed.
‘I’ve lied to Billy, and I feel so guilty.’
‘Ok, well I can only assume you must have had a very good reason.’
‘Can I be completely honest with you Crimson?’ She asked tensely.
‘Of course.’
‘The boys are all troubled over Matt, and they can’t stand the thought that the final decision over Archie is down to you.’ She took a deep breath. ‘Billy has asked me for the Doctors clinic address, I told him that I didn’t have it.’
‘I am aware of how they all feel, truly. I’m as devastated as they are.’ Sadness clouded my thoughts. ‘Do you know why Billy wanted the address?’ I asked gingerly.
‘Billy wants to take the decision out of your hands.’ She replied nervously.
‘Please don’t give him the address; I have to make this resolution, I have to resolve this myself. If he asks again, please tell him to speak to me. I know they all mean well, nevertheless I have to solve this dilemma. In fact I already believe another force is intervening.’
‘You mean the spirits?’
‘Yes now stop worrying; I’m pleased you’ve told me, I appreciate your honesty. Now why don’t we have a cup of coffee?’ I smiled, hoping she had accepted my motive.
Billy had been in the office during the night, searching for the doctor’s details. He was grateful his wife was so meticulous with her filing. He realised she hadn’t given him the address, he also knew why. She’d been afraid of betraying Crimson. Now he was sitting next to Johnboy in the van and directing him to where the clinic was.
‘If you’d said Du Cane Road mate, I would have known straight away.’ Johnboy said bluntly.
‘I just need to suss the area out; we can’t do anything in daylight.’ Billy added.
The traffic was dense; it was a busy road, with Hospitals on the right hand side, the numbers they were searching for were on the left hand side of the road. Fortunately there was a side road, always an ideal parking place. Billy had a good look around, and when he returned to the van he was satisfied there was a back alleyway to the premises, which would make his entrance much easier. ‘Let’s go and take a look at Smuts.’ He suggested to Johnboy. ‘If the girl doesn’t need you today we could spend the time sniffing out Weaver’s mob.’
‘Smuts first then, what about a trip to the Hampstead house?’ Johnboy implied.
‘Yeah I need a word with Alfie Rose.’ Billy leaned back in his seat and lit up a fag, drawing in deeply. ‘This time tonight it’ll all be sorted.’
Rudy had spent the morning sorting out all the accounts for Clouds; he signed everything in his old man’s name. As he’d arrived at the club with Larry, they were just in time to see a small van delivering boxes; Bert Geary was paying the driver. Rudy knew he’d be able to suss out the contents of the delivery later. Hazarding a guess he assumed the contents would be booze and grub…….
After checking out Weavers mob, Billy and Johnboy had dropped into a local boozer for a meal…the night was covered by the rapidly falling light, the air was still and heavy and a cool breeze swept the alienated street. Even shadows were swallowed by the encroaching darkness….Billy made his move, entering a building in this area at night was a job for a pro…..reaching for his crowbar, the door was soon forced open…he slipped inside….at first the darkness of the passage deceived him….he could make out nothing at all, except dark lumps of furniture….his eyes adjusted, he could see a line of closed doors, either side of the passage, the floor was tiled and cold….a board was tacked next to each door, with a name scrawled boldly visible, black on white….swiftly Billy read the names, and then he found what he was looking for, Archie Brook…slowly turning the handle he entered the room….he could make out the small bed, moving forwards he could see the covers were in a heap….the bed was empty…he turned sharply and noticed another door, more like a cupboard, he assumed a toilet….he waited, there was complete silence….kicking the door open with his foot….the cubicle was empty…Archie Brooks had gone!
Johnboy had stayed in the van, waiting. There had been no point in two of them entering the clinic. Archie was small, and Billy had planned to suffocate him with a pillow, the job would be o
ver in minutes. A sense of guilt swept over him, the last thing he wanted in the world was to upset Crimson, and his life would be nothing without her. He knew Billy’s intentions were good, and for the best…so why did he feel so reprehensible….As the van door opened with a noisy jerk, he physically jumped.
‘The fuckers gone!’ Billy yelled.
‘What d’you mean gone?’Johnboy replied edgily.
Billy described what had taken place. ‘Where is the bastard, who’s moved him?’Billy rambled on. ‘All I can see now is we’re all in fucking danger.’
A thought flashed through Johnboy’s mind, his short conversation with Crimson early that morning. She’d said Harry A had told her, something would happen. The only trouble was none of them knew what…..
I spent the day in the office, I’d had a long chat with my mother, and making sure I avoided any mention of Archie. My grandmother Brita is due to return to London shortly. My next call was to Matilda, I needed her to arrange another meeting with my mother, and soon. I proposed she went to the Hampstead house with Herby; they would pass as an elderly couple just visiting. According to Alfie Rose, who was in charge of the security at the house, things had quietened down considerably, this was a concern. Cedric Allen had found a perfect small house for Nancy, on the coast. He was the only person who would know where; no address would be kept on file.
Janet and I had eaten together; we were both surprised that none of the boys had returned, this was odd, as it was now close to midnight. Janet decided to go back to their house to sleep. After she’d left, I made my way down to the basement. The previous restless night had made me weary. I was rarely alone. I slipped into bed, as my consciousness ebbed my mind went into free fall….I was not aware for some time of my perturbed sleep….an odd noise that engulfed me…..somewhere in the distance a voice was telling me to wake….then my lids that were drooping and leaden with sleep, snapped open as violently as if by a wailing siren….this bizarre nightmare is mine alone…I can feel the presence of somebody close….hear their breathing…..and then I’m staring into the eyes of my kid brother Archie….
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