Backlash

by Charley Dee Brown

  ‘Mum…mum wake up.’ I gently squeezed her arm. The sigh she gave was weary and soft. ‘Mum, come on you have to wake up.’ I urged her gently.

  Ava’s eyes fluttered open. ‘Crimson, where am I, why are you here?’ She looked dazed.

  ‘Mum, you’re in the old house you came to see to Archie, please tell me what happened. And why are you holding that cross?’

  She sat herself close to me, and started to speak. ‘He won’t hurt anyone else honey.’ She shuddered. ‘The demon has gone.’

  ‘You can’t be sure of that mum, you’re not a psychic, you may have listened to Matilda…however she has super natural powers.’

  ‘You have to believe me Crimson, he is now free of the demon, and I’m too exhausted to repeat what took place during the night.’ She lay back down and closed her eyes. ‘Look after him honey he needs you.’ she was drifting back to sleep.

  ‘Mum, come on you must wake up, you can’t stay here.’ I insisted. After a few moments she woke again with a start, this time I had to make sure she stayed awake; no way could I leave her here. Johnboy carried her back down the stairs to the basement…to our sheer amazement…Archie was no longer there…..

  The world was a blur, random images floated around aimlessly in his thoughts. Confusion blossomed in his heart, but he knew he had to wake up, and stare reality in the face…..the voice had gone….the cross, his mother…the putrid smell…awakened the memories…he’d tortured…stabbed men to death…but the worse pain of all…he’d tried to stab his beautiful sister to death….revulsion gripped him….how could he ever make this right? Sometimes like a cyst the wound must be opened to be healed…..he was being lowered into his own grave, his screams were whimpers that no one would hear….Archie Brook…the tortured soul….

  We searched the basement for Archie, to no avail. Johnboy had stripped all the stinking covers from the old sofa and discarded them. I knew this wasn’t the right time to start clearing up the old house; however it was top of my list of things to do. My Grandmother Brita would be back in London very soon; the decision would be hers alone, as to what would happen to the house. Being back inside the old house again, had stirred memories of my childhood, most of all, my grandfather Eddie Jackson, and another mystery I wish I could solve. However too many years had passed, and at this moment I had to prepare for a surge from Reed and McRoy…we took my mother back to the Hampstead house. Mine and Johnboy’s lips would stay sealed about the events of the morning. No way was I going to allow the boys to ransack the old house…only time would tell if Archie had been redeemed, my life was the one at risk. All I could do was pray that I was doing the right thing…I will speak to Matilda again, before our meeting in the office….

  After dropping mum at Hampstead, I thought of Daley, had Sean harmed him? I knew they were cousins, although blood relations didn’t always cut it. ‘I think we should check on Daley, Matilda would be hurt if he’d been harmed and we hadn’t bothered.’

  ‘No problems girl, let’s do it now.’ With that Johnboy indicated right, and headed towards Daley’s flat.

  We were driving through, what appeared to be a large council estate, rows of tired looking identical pebble dashed, greyish houses, many with discarded items of furniture strewn in the front gardens. The roads around were littered with burnt out vehicles. I had no idea he lived in this area….then in the distance I noticed what looked like a block of flats, equally as weary looking. Johnboy pulled the van up in a parking area. ‘You wait there girl, these are not the best of buildings.’

  ‘No way, I’m coming with you, I’m sure I’ve seen much worse.’

  Entering any building in this area was risky, even in daylight; I could see that straight away. As we approached the door was already ajar, an old woman was standing in the doorway staring. I offered a cautious smile. ‘His flats on the third floor girl, we’ll take the stairs, the lifts are probably out of order.’

  The stench of stale urine and smoke permeates the air….the walls are brown with nicotine…the higher we climb…the sour smell of old age was stomach churning….Johnboy stopped outside of number twelve, the paintwork on the door was cracked and fissured, with little sign of the original colour. Johnboy knocked….we waited….trying hard not to inhale the fetid smelling air. He knocked again, and then attempted to look through the old cast iron letter box…nothing. Standing back he put his boot to the door….a modicum of dried paint scattered on the floor…with the second hefty kick the door creaked open….as we entered the flat…what was it with this building, could the smell get any worse? I switched on a light, amazed that it worked. The hallway was grim and gloomy… Johnboy had already vanished into the first room, in a second he was back in the hallway. ‘Stay there lass; you don’t need to see this.’ His plea fell on deaf ears. I brushed past him, the scene in the room was pitiful…this dear old man had been battered to death…..he lay not three feet from the radius of the door, in a pool of blood that was almost dried. In his weather beaten face was a fine meshwork of red threads. From the depth of his wrinkles, they defined every one of his eighty four years. He’d been dead for some time…this was the work of McRoy….the man’s own cousin…I had no doubt. As I looked around the room, I was drawn to the fire place; the remains of burned paper lay amongst the ashes. My immediate thought was that the old man had burned all of his knowledge of Matilda….recalling his phone call, he’d ended the call hastily, as McRoy had pulled up outside in his car. Daley was never going to betray his old love….and his silence had cost him his life…..It was then I noticed the photograph on the mantelpiece…in an old gilt frame…looking closer I could see a young couple holding hands, in happier days…..my lovely friend Matilda, with Daley….must have been taken fifty years ago….I slipped the photo into my pocket…I knew Matilda would treasure this… Johnboy went down to the van, and then he would start the clean up process. I rang our doctor; I would make sure Daley had a decent burial, although there could possibly be a delay….as I knew trouble was impending…..

  Billy and Jack had spent a few hours hunting down Archie, they’d even returned to Clouds. Although Rudy had secured the door, it was once again ajar….Billy edged his way inside, there was no sounds emerging from the main room. He was aware there were several rooms upstairs, to Billy this wasn’t breaking and entering; as the door was open…..not that Billy ever considered these facts. After searching the upstairs of the club, there was no trace of Archie….all that was on Billy’s mind now was George, the odious, depraved monster…one shot and the bastard would be on his way to hell! Billy could never understand the girl’s reason for keeping him alive, he’d killed Harry A, his boss and her father, what the fuck was she waiting for? If it wasn’t for Jack hanging around outside he’d fire that shot….then a thought flashed through his mind he could suffocate the bastard, and no one would be any the wiser….as he was making his way down the stairs a weird feeling came over him….where an instant before there was no one at all…suddenly there stood his old boss Harry A…almost translucent….his hand came out and touched Billy’s ….he felt a buzzing sensation…like a thousand electric ants on his palm…Billy froze…fear grasped him…then the spectre spoke….don’t touch him Billy…leave it to my girl…..or you will be avenged….he felt as though he’d been pulled through ice water….he missed his footing and fell down the last three stairs.

  Jack was standing by the open door; he’d seen Billy go upstairs, what the hell was he doing? Then he watched as Billy tumbled down the last few stairs, the colour had drained out of his face….he looked as though he’d seen a ghost……

  Harry A’s ghost had always watched over his despicable brother George….he’d just scared Billy shitless, to stop him suffocating the iniquitous beast. Harry would do anything in his supernatural power to stop that taking place. He knew his daughter had made her plans, to end the life of the creature that had inflicted so much pain on their family. He had to stop anyone attempting to put an end to his existence…that was for Crimso
n….Harry was in spiritual contact with his beloved wife Ava, and his dear friend Matilda. He contacted his daughter in her dreams….Reg Geary had given George a gun, and he’d shot Weaver….however Harry had made sure George’s sight was blurred….a hapless fool with a shooter……Because of Billy’s ghostly encounter, his fear had tangled his legs like a barricade, making him plunge to the floor…he had rushed from the club….therefore, not seeing the dead body lying close to George’s feet….so now Harry wondered who would find the body….and when?

  Back in the office Janet had handed me an air mail letter, the only person I could think of abroad was Grandma Brita, but why would she write? She’s due back in London any day, and always uses the phone. The stamp on the envelope was smudged, so no clue as to the location. Eagerly slitting open the envelope, I was thrilled to find a photograph of a beautiful baby, from Zelda, plus a thank you card. I handed the picture to Janet. ‘How good is it to know there are genuine people in this world? ‘I smiled. ‘Weavers grandchild, thank goodness the child will never have the misfortune of meeting him.’

  Johnboy had made his way back to Daley’s flat to meet up with the doctor, a low key funeral would be planned. As there were no signs of any of the others, I decided to call my mother and Matilda.

  Dialling the Hampstead number, I knew I had to be honest with Matilda that Daley had died. If I know my friend, she may already be spiritually aware…. ‘Hi Matilda, any chance you are alone?’ I asked hopefully.

  ‘Yes lass, well almost Herby is dozing in one of the armchairs. Your mother and Patsy are resting.’

  ‘I have sad news for you…..’I began to explain’

  Matilda interrupted. ‘I know lass; Daley is no longer with us.’ She sighed deeply.

  As I thought of what to say next….. Matilda spoke again. ‘I do know what happened girl, McRoy murdered his own cousin; I always had my doubts about him, although I never spoke of those doubts to Daley.’

  ‘Johnboy and the doctor are taking care of him; I’m arranging his funeral, a quiet one. I would love you to arrange the service.’

  ‘Of course girl, take a warning though, not yet.’ She faltered slightly. ‘There are things about to take place, that’s all I can say now. Be on your guard, there are black clouds looming, I so wish I could see you, but alas there’s no time. Your mother’s here now.’

  There was no time to reflect on Matilda’s last words as my mother was already speaking. ‘Crimson, you have to listen to me. I’ve heard from Archie, now I’m fully aware of what has taken place, however he is desperate to redeem himself. He wants to see you; however he won’t tell me where he is or what his plans are. I’m so afraid for him honey.’

  ‘Mum, whatever he does, you must tell him to stay away from The Docket, troubles impending. There is so much at stake. The feud is coming to a head; there are still unanswered questions. Who killed McRoy’s son Thomas, and Peter James, what is Reed’s intentions. Most important to me, who is buried in ‘your grave’ mum? I wish I had the answers. I’m so sorry, you really don’t need to know all of this, and they’re my problems. What I will tell you though, as I promised no more secrets, evil George’s days are numbered, much as I’d like to punish him for another twenty years, all it is doing is making us all suffer, so enough is enough, time for him to go.’

  ‘I understand honey, by the way I should tell you there is someone watching the house again, Alfie Rose informed us a while ago.’

  ‘Stay in, stay safe, I’ll tell Billy, I have to go mum, take care.’

  At the end of the call I felt somewhat baffled with my mother, the gentle lady I’d always remembered, had now become preternatural….had I been wise to introduce her to Matilda? Matilda has a natural gift….with my mother I’m totally baffled…. Reflecting on the content of the call, I decided that I would only tell Johnboy about Archie. The others were never going to accept this change in Archie. Was any of it veracious...Or was it wishful thinking on my mother’s part?

  Chapter 25

  When I went back into the office, the boys were just returning, and Jack was speaking to Rudy. ‘I tell you, the door was ajar mate.’ Jack insisted.

  ‘How the hell, I secured the bloody thing before we left earlier.’

  ‘As we found the door open, Billy took a look inside.’

  ‘Why did you even go there?’ Rudy quizzed.

  ‘Billy went inside to look for Archie.’

  ‘So who was in there?’ Rudy asked.

  ‘He only went upstairs.’ Jack added.

  So where was Billy?

  ‘Archie would never have been there, so why didn’t he check the other rooms, where the old man is.’ Rudy urged.

  ‘I can’t answer that mate, I stayed outside, your old man’s got a shooter, his sight may be crap, but I’m not fucking stupid.’

  Rudy scraped his chair back and stood up. ‘Come on Larry, let’s go back and check the gaff out.’

  ‘Try not to be too long Rudy, times pressing on.’ I mentioned warily.

  ‘Ok lass.’

  As they left the room I asked to nobody in particular. ‘Where is Billy?’

  My question seemed to land on deaf ears, in fact there was only Johnboy and Jack left in the office with me. ‘I’ll go and speak to Janet, as my mother’s just informed me that the Hampstead house is once again under surveillance, surely she knows where Billy is. ‘I shrugged my shoulders. ‘I’ll fetch coffee on my way back.’

  They both nodded in response.

  As I went back into the office the phone was ringing. ‘Get that Johnboy will you.’ I placed the tray of coffees on the desk.

  ‘Ok I’ll be straight over. ‘I heard Johnboy state as he replaced the receiver.

  ‘What’s going on?’I asked anxiously.

  ‘Rudy says he’s found a body at Clouds, he needs me to help him clear up.’

  ‘Well who is it…..did he say?’

  ‘No lass, that’s all he said.’

  Johnboy had gone, and still no sign of Billy, me and Jack sat quietly drinking our coffee. When I’d left the office earlier I’d seen the club was filling up, typical Saturday afternoon. So much for everyone meeting up in the office at five o’clock…a sudden brief flash of light…I could see my father’s face….and then it was gone….

  Was he trying to warn me?

  The next second….the office door burst open and I was looking down the barrel of a gun…held by the odious Ken Reed…I knew there was another person with him, I was unable to see who….I stood up…. ‘Don’t move til I say….you have one last signature to write, before I blow your fucking beautiful brains out.’ Reed announced.

  I kept the eye contact….silently….

  ‘I want the deeds to this club! Signed over to me now! And don’t fuck with me lady!

  Slowly I moved towards the locked drawer in my desk….the gun was pressed to the side of my neck…his eyes were bleak and grey, passionless…greed oozing from every pore of his body….I could now see Jack, with one of Reed’s goons standing over him…I took my time opening the drawer…if I was going to die today in this office…I wasn’t going to make it easy for him…where the fuck was Billy? I started to search through the papers, knowing full well the deeds were locked away in the safe….I would never hand my father’s business over…I’d die first! ‘Hurry up bitch’…he pushed the gun harder against my throat….I could see Jack…he was a fighter…I knew he was waiting for my move….I took out a folder….. Reed pushed a pen towards me…as I raised my hand to pick up the pen….the office door clicked open….as Reed turned to see who’d come in …two gunshots cracked through the air like thunder… …the years of training had given me the ability to move almost without sound, and to be more deadly in close combat than most men twice my size……Reed slumped to the floor…I spun around to see Jack standing over the goon…it was then I saw Archie lying on his back…..I fell to my knees beside him….the bullet wound was so small, somewhat ragged around the edges and hardly bleeding….the exit wound
must be on his back somewhere….if it wasn’t for the hole and the bluish look…he could have been asleep….until the blood began to gush from his stomach….I felt the blood, thick and strong as it flowed through my fingers…..he’d been shot twice…and this bullet had entered through his back…..so who had shot my brother in the back…it couldn’t have been Reed or his goon?

  Jack had his foot on the goon’s chest, he was out cold…did you see who fired the second shot?...Jack turned his head slightly, his hesitation told me all I wanted to know….Billy…it had to be Billy who’d shot my kid brother in the back….A small sob worked its way out of my throat….not taking my eyes off my bloody hands….I mouthed the words, ‘He’ll pay for this.’

  When Rudy and Larry had arrived back at Clouds, they had seen the body lying face down in a pool, of already congealing blood….they had turned the body over, to reveal it was Stan Weavers. George was leaning back on the stained settee, the gun by his side…..insensate…as normal. Rudy rang for Johnboy, at that stage there was no sign of Geary…Larry had escaped to the lavatory to throw up….the slightest sound made Rudy turn…it was too soon for Johnboy…then standing in the doorway armed…was no other than Sean McRoy….Rudy knew why he was there, he wanted to know his son’s killer….McRoy moved over to George and prodded him with the gun. George’s eyes flickered….McRoy pushed the gun in his face…. ‘Did you kill my boy, you bastard?’….At that moment Rudy knew he must stop McRoy killing his old man….because of Crimson….as he felt for his gun….a bullet spat past him, hitting McRoy in the head….and propelling him backwards in an awkward cartwheel….he yelled out ‘What the fuck!’ then old man Geary walked into the room…. ‘There’s only him left now...he pointed to George.’ And then weaved his way out of the club…..