by Karen Clow
Mickey made his way out of the office and back to the reception area. Jan smiled at him and referring to Nick sarcastically said, “He was a real charmer!” “Yeah he’s a real gem. I’ve got to go out again Jan, can you hold all my calls. If anything urgent comes up one of the clerks can handle it. You can get me on my mobile if it’s a matter of life or death.” “Ok Mickey, I’ll see you tomorrow.”
From his car he rang Jimmy, as soon as he answered Mickey said, “Alright mate, I’m coming back round, you won’t believe who’s just turned up at the office.” “Don’t tell me, Nick?” “Fuck me Jimmy you should take up doing psychic work!” They laughed before Jimmy replied, “Do us a favour when you get here, pick up my post on your way up to the apartment.” “Ok, get the kettle on.”
Twenty minutes later he was taking the mail out of the pigeon hole in Jimmy’s apartment block. Curiously he looked at the plain brown envelope that simply had the name Jimmy, typed on the front.
Maria opened the door and with a smile said “Hello Mickey, would you like a drink?” Removing his jacket he replied, “A cup of tea would be great babe.” Handing Jimmy his mail with the plain envelope on top, he looked questioningly at him. Jimmy opened it, inside was a single photograph with a typed note attached by a paper clip. It read, ‘This should buy you some time.’ After taking another look at it he passed it to Mickey; who was looking at it when Maria came in with their tea. Seeing the photo she cried out, “Oh my God!” The photo was of a dead girl; it was obvious that she had been tortured and murdered; there were ligature marks around her hands and feet indicating that she had been tied up. Her naked body was covered in cuts and bruises and she had what looked to be the brand of a crucifix on her breast. There was another key factor; a man’s hand could be seen quite clearly in the corner of the print. Whoever he was, the ring on his finger was a clue. Maria began to shake violently. Jimmy sat her down on the sofa and tried to comfort her. Slowly she calmed down enough to say, “The girl in the photo is my best friend Melanie, the man is Father O’Brien.” Sitting with his arm around her Jimmy said, “How can you be so sure?” “Because all priests wear those particular rings, only Father O’Brien wears his on that finger instead of his wedding finger, because his hands are crippled with arthritis.”
Looking at his friend Jimmy smiled and simply said, “Tony.” Grinning Mickey nodded and replied, “This could be just what we need, I’ve just spoken to Nick, he was waiting for me at the office.” “What did the fucker say?” “Apparently he wants us to handle the job on Friday, doesn’t want to trust it to the boys!” “That’s interesting considering what Monica said.” “My thoughts exactly, it’s just too big a coincidence.” “Isn’t it just,” said Jimmy with a snarl.
Ten minutes later Maria was still sobbing over Melanie despite all Jimmy’s efforts to console her. Although she did stop briefly to ask Mickey if he thought Nick had killed her friend. Answering her as honestly as he could, he replied, “I really don’t know babe, but it’s obvious whoever sent the photo thought it would have an effect on him; so we can’t rule out that he may well have been involved, if not responsible.” Holding back her tears she said, “Melanie was so lovely, she must have been picked after me. If Nick did do it, he didn’t do it at his apartment because I was always there.” Jimmy interrupted and said, “Well someone else knew.” “Who,” she asked. “Father O’Brien, if you’re sure that’s his hand.” “I’m positive.” “Perhaps it’s time we paid Father O’Brien a visit.” Mickey nodded and said, “I agree. I think it might be an idea to get some photocopies of the picture.” “Good thinking, now what are we going to do about the job on Friday?” “Well I think we can safely assume it’s a set up, I should have known.” “What makes you say that Mick?” “Because the bastard actually apologised about giving me a hard time over it, that’s why; have you ever known Nick to apologise for anything and he was a little too insistent that we handled it!” “Who the fuck does he think he is! I swear I’m going to have that mother fucker; he’s got it coming!”
They noticed that Maria looked dazed, the impact of Melanie’s death was obviously taking effect; combined with the added stress of seeing both men so angry was making her feel more responsible for what was happening. “Cheer up,” said Mickey as he glanced over at her. Trying to force a smile as she replied, “All this is my fault, now Nick is trying to set you up because of me.” “None of this is your fault babe,” assured Jimmy, “It’s because Nick’s nothing but a mother fucker and the fact that he thinks he has set us up has got nothing to do with you being here. Believe me he’s an opportunist; he thinks that getting us stuffed will give him more power, but regarding you it’s purely a matter of his pride being hurt and that could well be his undoing, because you know how the saying goes?” She shook her head. “Well it is said, pride cometh before a fall and believe me babe, mother fucker Nick is about to take a fucking big fall!” “How about us paying a visit to Father O’Brien this afternoon, might be a good idea to give my old pal Jeff Black a ring first, just to see if he knows anything about this Melanie,” said Mickey, before looking at Maria and adding “What was Melanie’s last name babe?” “Humphreys,” she replied tearfully.” After wiping her face she added, “Who is Jeff Black?” Jimmy replied, “Jeff’s the big chief down at the nick, Mickey went to university with him and I must say it’s one friendship that has come in very handy over the years.” Mickey took out his mobile and said, “No time like the present,” as he rang through to Jeff on his direct number; seconds later he spoke into his phone, “Hi Jeff, Mickey here sorry to bother you.” “Hello Mickey, it’s no bother how’s it going, family doing ok?” “Fine thanks Jeff, yours?” “Yeah they’re great thanks. So what can I do for you?” “Sorry to call during work hours, but I wonder if you can help me out, what do you know about a girl name of Melanie Humphreys?” Pausing for a moment to scan his memory, Jeff then replied, “If memory serves me correct she was a runaway from St Augustus, but it was a long time ago, about three years I think. I worked on the case; she turned up in a rubbish bin in an alley. What do you want to know about her for?” “Not me, Lenny Porter asked me I think he’s working on an old case and her name came up.” “I remember now, she was reported missing the same day we found her, it was pure fluke.” “What do you mean?” “The bin men were on strike at the time, but some kids were messing about; one of them threw another kid’s bag in the bin and bingo, instead of his bag he found a dead body. I interviewed some nun and a priest from the convent where the girl lived, found them a bit creepy had my doubts about the pair, but nothing solid.” “Cheers for that Jeff, I’ll pass it on to Lenny. We’ll have to catch up soon for a drink.” “I’ll look forward to that, regards to the family.” Closing his phone he repeated to them what Jeff had said. Maria was crying as she said, “Melanie could only have been fifteen, if it was three years ago. After my first year at Nick’s I wondered why none of my friends were ever at the church when I went with Shaun, now I know why, like me they had been sold. It’s no wonder Sister Marjorie avoided me like the plague when she saw me with Shaun, not once did she ask me how I was getting on.”
The door to the apartment opened, “Only me love,” called the familiar voice of Gladys. “We’re in here Gladys.” Entering the lounge she smiled and said, “Hello Mickey, this is a nice surprise, how are you love?” “Very well thanks and yourself Gladys?” “Oh not too bad, me old bones play me up, but I mustn’t grumble. Oh and look at you Maria, don’t you look better love? Shall I put the kettle on?” “Not for us thanks Gladys, we’ve got to go out on business.” said Jimmy. “Fair enough, just me and Maria then.”
Before leaving Jimmy said, “Now remember girls, don’t answer the door, phone or the intercom, just in case it’s Maria’s ex- boyfriend.”
CHAPTER 14
Shaun was driving Nick to a meeting at one of his clubs; he had been very cagey with the Irishman about it. As Shaun parked the car he noticed a black MPV, he recognised it as one of the vehicles
that the Russians used. Nick got out and walked towards it as the passenger door opened and Uri got out and embraced him as he kissed his cheeks, the Russian was flanked by three big mean looking Russian bodyguards. Shaun walked behind them as Nick unlocked the door.
Inside the two bosses sat at a separate table, leaving Shaun and the other bodyguards several feet away. Shaun tried to listen in on their conversation, but it was difficult, although he did hear the Russian say that he had only arrived in England the day before. Then the other bodyguards started talking, making it almost impossible for him to hear what was being said.
Over at Nick’s table Uri poured them a drink and said, “So, you enjoy your stay in the Ukraine Nicolai?” “Yeah I had a good time; I’m looking forward to us doing business.” “Ah yes, our business arrangement takes effect from tomorrow, the goods will be arriving at approximately ten o’clock tomorrow night. They are coming by private plane which will land in Kent; you will meet the delivery and take it to your designated place. The following day I will meet you and we will deliver the goods personally to the individual buyers, is that clear?” “Crystal clear Uri.” “Good, just one other thing, do not damage any of the goods.” “As if I would.” They both laughed, before Nick added, “About the delivery, how many packages, (girls) and when do I get paid?” “Unfortunately there will only be ten items and not the eleven that we spoke of, one was so badly damaged we could not send it. When I meet you I will pay you, also Sven has arranged for another delivery in nine days time, you can handle that, yes?” “Consider it done.” “I think I will enjoy working with you Nicholai, we make lots of money together. Now tell me, did you get the girl back?” Nick looked angry as he replied, “Not yet, but I will by Friday!” “Do you think she knows anything that could be bad for us?” Nick was only too aware that she probably did know things about him, but in an effort to convince the Russian that he had nothing to worry about, he arrogantly replied, “No, and even if she did she wouldn’t be fucking stupid enough to open her mouth!” It was obvious the Russian didn’t share his trust in her keeping quiet, especially when he replied, “I think maybe you make sure she is quiet if she is risk to us, I get you another dog to fuck, it will be my gift!” “That’s very generous of you Uri, but I think I’ll wait ‘til she’s back.” “Maybe you should just eliminate her, but I think you like this girl and that could be very dangerous for all of us.” “Don’t worry Uri; I’ve told you, I’ll deal with it. Anyway with all the business you’re sending my way I won’t have the time to train another one!” They both laughed and then the Russian looked deadly serious as he said, “On this occasion I give you the benefit of the doubt, but if she is trouble I kill her myself and next time you think more carefully before playing poker. This man Jimmy will he be a problem?” Nick knew only too well Jimmy could be a problem and probably would be, but trying to sound confident he replied, “No he’s just a fucking hot head, he knows I won’t let her stay there.” “Maybe I speak with this Jimmy while I’m here, convince him to send her back?”
The last thing Nick wanted was for them to get involved, or for his crew to realise the depth of his association with them, so grinning he replied, “Thanks for the offer Uri, but I can handle him. If things don’t work out then I’ll let you know.”
They talked for another half hour before Nick said, “I should take you out for something to eat, but the time is just after three, so it’s too late for lunch and too early for dinner, unless you want to eat early?” “There is no hurry, maybe we talk some more first and then we go out for dinner.” Nick nodded.
Shaun had sat quietly throughout the meeting, trying to make sense of the snippets of conversation he’d heard.
CHAPTER 15
“Is that your phone ringing Mick?” asked Jimmy as they drove to St Augustus church. Turning the radio volume down Mickey answered the call and recognising the caller ID said, “Hi Jeff.” “Is it a bad time to call, are you driving Mickey?” “No you’re alright I’m in Jimmy’s car; how can I help you?” “After you called my curiosity got the better of me, so I’ve been looking over that case, just thought you might want to mention something to Lenny.” “What’s that then?” “Well that young Melanie wasn’t the only girl to go missing from St Augustus. Over a period of time, five others were reported as runaways; we looked at foul play but drew a blank, although in my opinion the priest was dodgy.” “Lenny will be grateful for this Jeff. Do you remember off hand any of the other girl’s names, only he’s bound to ask?” “I can go one better than that, I have the file sitting here in front of me.” “Hold on while I grab a pen.” Reaching inside his jacket pocket, Mickey produced a notepad and pen. “Ok Jeff, fire away.” “Well you already know about Melanie Humphreys, she was actually the last girl to be reported missing; the others were Caroline Bowen and Kate Fitzpatrick both fourteen. A few months later, Maria Davis fifteen, then after her two disappeared together, both fifteen, Louise Harper and Jenny Swan.” “Cheers for that Jeff, catch you soon.” “What was all that about?” said Jimmy, as the call ended. “Apparently several girls went missing; Jeff’s given me their details.” “That’s interesting; perhaps we ought to drop a few names and see what reaction we get from the priest?” “Great minds think alike those were my thoughts exactly!”
Pulling into the church they noticed a hearse along with several other parked cars. A group of mourners were standing around a grave listening to a priest conduct the service. “Shall we go and pay our respects?” said Jimmy. “Indeed,” replied Mickey in a sarcastic tone. From the description Maria had given them and the finger the priest wore his ring on, they were in no doubt that it was father O’Brien. None of the mourners seemed to take any notice as they stood with them. That’s the thing with funerals; nobody knows exactly who knew the deceased.
When the service ended and the mourners slowly made their way back to their cars the two friends approached the priest, “Lovely service Father,” said Mickey, “Do you think you could spare us a moment?” “Of course,” replied the priest politely. “Thank you, we won’t keep you long, only my colleague and I are investigating the disappearance of several girls from here.” Immediately the priest looked concerned and unlike his speech of a few moments earlier stuttered slightly as he replied, “Sorry who did you say you were?” Mickey held out his hand and said, “Sorry, Peter Taylor and my colleague is David Tyler.” “Who did you say you’re working for,” asked the priest nervously. “Actually Father I didn’t; our client would prefer to remain anonymous, I’m sure you understand.” “I don’t think I can be of any help to you; I told the police everything at the time. You must understand those young girls had been raised in a convent, so the outside world seemed very attractive to them. Once one of them finds the courage to run away, it unsettles the others.” With a look that told the priest he didn’t believe him, Mickey sarcastically replied, “So you think they all ran away to see the world? That seems a trifle extreme, wouldn’t you agree Father?” Now visibly shaking the priest replied, “I’m sorry I must attend the wake of the funeral, I can’t answer any more of your questions.” “Of course Father, we’re sorry to have come at such a bad time.” Looking relieved the priest turned to walk away, but Mickey called to him and said, “Just one last thing before you go Father, could you confirm for us that the girl in this photo is in fact Melanie Humphreys?” A look of sheer panic appeared on the priest’s face as he reached out and took the photo, glancing briefly at it he instantly said, “Where did you get this?” Sounding very professional Mickey said, “Could you just confirm her identity please Father, also the ring on the hand in the photo, we are correct in thinking it’s the type of ring worn by priests?” Visibly shaking and now sweating, the priest replied, “Well I think so, but I can’t be totally sure.” “Not sure about what Father, the girl or the ring?” “Yes I believe that could be the type of ring worn by priests, although I couldn’t say for sure.” “What about the girl?” “Sorry but I can’t say I recognise her.” “Really, but y
ou saw this girl on a regular basis Father, surely you must know? And the ring you’re wearing today looks exactly like the one in the photo.” The priest retreated as he passed the photo back and said, “Sorry I really must go!”