The Downfall Series Box Set

by Edie Baylis

  TWELVE

  SAFELY OUT OF THE SUPERMARKET for the day, Maggie slurped at her pint whilst Sally topped up her wine glass. It was only 2.30 and they were on it already. Good job they were on a late shift tomorrow.

  This last week she’d been with Sally every night and they’d struck up a firm friendship. She’d so missed this type of closeness with a girlfriend and hadn’t had this for years since Jane. Sally didn’t shock her with any random violence or extremes, but regardless, she’d still do anything to have Jane back, even with her downsides.

  Feeling her nerves immediately ignite, Maggie swallowed down her anxiousness. The main issue with Sally was her obsession with that weirdo Jim. Each conversation would eventually return to how she could get him back, but being as she had no idea where the man was then wouldn’t that be a bit difficult?

  Maggie sighed. She was hoping Sally would accept this Jim didn’t want to be with her. After all, he’d have come back if he had. He sounded like a nut job if she was honest and she secretly hoped he would stay out of the way.

  Perhaps then her and Sally could find a nice little house in a better area and move in together. She grinned. It would be so much fun - like having a sister. She’d always wanted a sister. Someone she could rely on to always be there for her again. Finding her thoughts returning to Jane once more, she shook her head to clear it.

  “Hey, what’s the matter with you?” Sally asked.

  Maggie looked up surprised. “Me? When?”

  “Just! One minute you were smiling and now you’ve got a right face on you.”

  Maggie frowned. “Sorry. I was just thinking about someone I used to know. Someone I miss.”

  Sally grinned. “Don’t tell me – another nightmare man. Don’t waste your time!”

  Shaking her head, Maggie smiled sadly. “No, not a man. My friend, Jane.”

  Finishing her glass of wine, Sally frowned. “Where is she then? Did you two fall out?”

  “No, nothing like that.”

  “What happened?” Sally asked.

  Maggie wasn’t comfortable discussing Jane. Not only did it remind her of how much she missed her, but it also meant she’d have to think about the other stuff that came along with it which she couldn’t handle.

  Besides, there was no way she could tell Sally even half of that. She’d spent the last few years trying to forget the things which haunted her and talking about it, even if she could, would only make it worse. “I don’t want to talk about it, babe if you don’t mind?”

  Sally squeezed Maggie’s hand across the table. “No problem. Let’s change the subject.”

  PUTTING UP WITH THE shocked stares and uncomfortable silences after returning to work a week later, Shelley could just about ignore how she looked. That was when she forced herself not to look in the mirror.

  The angry purple bruising had faded to a revolting greeny-yellow, but apart from the angry red scar and her eyebrow now being in two distinct halves, she didn’t look anywhere near as bad as she had this time last week. She’d always have a lump on her nose however and felt horribly self-conscious. Her looks had always been her weapon and now they were ruined.

  Glaring at Marie, Shelley scowled. Acting as if nothing had happened the bitch had the cheek to say hello when she’d arrived this morning.

  Feeling her anger rise once more, she took two paracetamol with her can of coke. She’d been wracking her brains about what she could do to fuck that bitch up all week, but hadn’t managed to think of anything concrete.

  She glanced over to where Ben sat at his desk staring as usual in Marie’s direction and seethed. How the fuck had she managed to turn him from the local stud on heat into a lovesick teenager?

  Shelley’s eyebrows knitted together as Marie picked up her handbag from under the desk and retrieved an envelope from her suit jacket pocket. Quickly stuffing it into her bag, she walked out of the office. What was that letter?

  As soon as Ben saw Marie leave the office, he quickly pushed himself up from his chair and after straightening his suit, followed her. Shelley raged inwardly before a snide sneer spread across her face. How had she missed it? It was obvious!

  Getting up from her desk, Shelley nodded to Natalie and beckoned her to follow.

  IN THE MITRE, DAN RESTED his feet casually on the opposite stool and lit a cigarette. “So, what’s the score mate? Did it pull off as planned?”

  Charlie grinned. “Couldn’t have gone much better really. The daft cunt is all set to put the frighteners on Bill.”

  Dan laughed openly. He knew Bill Benson from old and although he resembled a retired game show host, he was definitely a genuine psychopath. Carter was such a prick. He really thought he could take Bill on? It was hilarious.

  “I’ve been doing pretty well getting my feet under the table with Carter and he’s beginning to trust me. He’s gone with my suggestion of taking up a meeting with Bill.” Charlie spoke quietly. “I haven’t been completely accepted into the fold yet, but I’m certainly not far off and now I’ve got his bird eating out of my hand it will be even easier!”

  Dan looked at Charlie’s grinning face. “Oh, tell me you haven’t been knobbing Carter’s missus?”

  “Everyone knobs her, you dickhead, that isn’t exactly a rarity. Besides, Carter usually organises it. The only difference is that I’m having extra helpings and making her enjoy it. She’ll be doing anything I want soon.” Charlie winked and took a long swig of his beer.

  Dan laughed once more. “Oh, for Christ’s sake! Make sure Carter doesn’t find out before you get what you want!”

  Charlie grinned again. “Fat chance of that. He’s too fucking stupid!”

  Dan frowned. “The one thing I don’t quite get is why Bill has asked you to set up Ernie in the first place?”

  “I was the one who suggested it!” Charlie said proudly. “It’s fairly simple. Bill wants to get Carter over a barrel so he can take Crystals.”

  Dan nearly choked. “What? Why on earth does he want that place? It’s a total shithole!”

  Charlie nodded. “That it is, but it won’t be by the time Bill’s finished. He wants to expand his clubs and his dealing.”

  Confused, Dan placed his cider on the table. “His dealing? I thought he was supplied by an out of town firm?”

  Charlie smiled wryly. “He is, but let’s just say he keeps it in the family.”

  Dan didn’t pretend to fully understand what that meant, but decided against further questioning. It didn’t matter anyway. “So, what do you want from me?”

  Charlie picked up his cigarettes and grinned. “When Carter pushes this coke supply with Bill, which he invariably will because he’s a greedy thick cunt, he’ll need the frighteners putting on him.”

  Nodding, Dan waited patiently as Charlie lit a fag and took another mouthful of lager.

  “Then the pressure will be put on, ramping it up gradually so he’ll end up handing over the club.”

  Dan frowned. That would be quite a long job and probably a difficult one without a few heavies.

  “Look, I can’t get involved as it would fuck up my cover with Carter. When it gets closer to the takeover, Bill will bring in some of his special guys, but in the interim we need you and one other.” Charlie smiled. “Did you speak to that guy you mentioned?”

  “I have, but he’s not sure about getting involved.”

  Charlie frowned. “What is he? Some sort of green bastard? Thought you said he was a good ‘un?”

  Dan held his hand up. “Believe me, he’s not green I can tell you that much!”

  “Who’s he worked for before?”

  Dan grimaced awkwardly. “To be honest, I’ve no idea.”

  Charlie raised his eyebrows. “You’ve no idea? Are you fucking stupid or something? You expect me to trust someone that no one knows from Adam?”

  Dan scowled. “Now hang on a minute. I run on my instincts and they haven’t yet let me down. This guy is the business I’m sure of it and I think you’ll be plea
sed if I manage to convince him.”

  “Convince him?” Charlie cried. “I’m the one who needs convincing!’ Who does this bloke think he is?”

  Dan held his ground. “He’s the sort you’re going to need, that’s all I’m saying.”

  Charlie sat back and weighed up Dan’s words, realising he didn’t have a lot of choice but to trust the man’s judgement. Bill had made it clear he couldn’t use any of his own boys at this moment in time for obvious reasons and would need fresh blood. In fact he’d been worried where he was supposed to source a decent guy from around here who was unknown. People in this game knew who everyone was in the area, but maybe Dan had actually managed it. He’d have to at least check the bloke out. “Well ok, but I want to meet the man first. Can you arrange it so I can check him out?”

  “I will if I can convince him to the job,” Dan muttered.

  Charlie slugged down the remains of his pint. “I trust you will then Dan. This job will be very much worth your while. It will be for your man as well.”

  BURSTING INTO THE STOCK room, Shelley looked bewildered.

  “Are you looking for a new notepad, Shelley?” Jane asked sweetly, holding out one of the two notepads she had in her hand.

  Shelley glanced around. There was no sign of Ben. Fuck! She’d been sure the two of them had sneaked in there for a quick shag.

  “No, no thanks,” she muttered. “I was just after a pen. Mine’s run out.” Bollocks. She’d now made herself look a right twat. She’d been sure something was going on.

  Jane smiled sarcastically and passed Shelley a pen. “Here you are.”

  Shelley was red faced as Natalie dragged her back along the corridor. “For fuck’s sake, Shelley. Can’t you just leave this? Accept you were out of order last week and get over it?”

  Shelley turned to Natalie, her eyes flashing. “Leave it? Never! I’ll have that bitch. She’s fucking hiding something. I don’t know what, but I’m going to find out.”

  Making sure the door to the stock room was completely shut, Jane carefully pulled the letter she’d concealed behind the notebook and unfolded it.

  Her brows knitted together as she scanned the contents. The police again. How much longer would this go on for? She was supposed to be moving on with her life. She clenched her teeth. She’d have to be extremely careful because it was obvious Shelley was trying to catch her out.

  THIRTEEN

  WALKING DOWN THE ROAD from her flat towards the off licence, Jane was relieved to see she wasn’t being followed. Ben had asked yet again if he could see her tonight and she’d refused as always. Each time he asked it seemed he was having more trouble accepting she just didn’t want to get involved.

  She knew she’d made a mistake by sleeping with him in the first place. So would he if he’d have known she’d been imagining he was someone else the whole time.

  After that one night she should never have allowed him to think there was a chance of a repeat or anything more involved. Since then she’d only kissed him that night purely to piss Shelley off and that had been an unwise decision. Ben had fallen in love with her and it made her very uncomfortable. She didn’t mind a bit of fun, but certainly didn’t want hearts or flowers.

  She’d had to spell it out several times that they could only be friends, but this also seemed unlikely because he was still acting obsessed and she didn’t like it.

  Jane sighed. The letter she’d received this morning was also playing on her mind and she hoped there wouldn’t be too many more visits to the police needed. She needed to find out how long she’d got left of this probation shit.

  And then there was Shelley. She didn’t want anyone finding out her business and knew the woman was trying to stir trouble.

  Jane knew Shelley and Ben had had a thing until she’d come on the scene. Furthermore, she could do without him getting suspicious. It was time to nip this in the bud.

  SALLY STUMBLED UP THE road in her high heels. She knew she was late, but because she’d been on a bit of a downer, she’d stupidly polished off two bottles of wine and was now feeling the effects strongly.

  Tripping over the kerb as she crossed a side street, she glanced at the man coming up the road and dropped her handbag in shock. Jim.

  Drunkenly retrieving her bag, she rushed wildly towards the figure. “Jim, oh Jim!” Sally burst into tears as she threw herself against his chest.

  Grabbing her wrists, Seth pushed her away. “What the hell are you doing?”

  Too drunk to think rationally, Sally stepped forward again. All she could think of was being with the man in front of her. Looking into his eyes, she smiled whilst her other hand palmed his crotch. “Jim, let’s go home. I want you.”

  Seth grabbed Sally around the throat and slammed her roughly against the wall of a house facing side-on to the street. “You stupid bitch!” he snarled furiously. “Don’t you dare touch me. You’re disgusting – acting like a drunk slut!”

  Letting go, Seth scowled as she crumpled to the floor. “Stay away, you hear?”

  Her confidence in tatters and with tears flowing freely down her face, Sally scrambled to her feet and ran blindly down the road, sobbing loudly.

  Seth’s eyes followed her. This was all he needed. He’d thought she’d have given up by now and gone back to her hometown, not hang around here. Sparking up a cigarette, he sighed and hoped she wasn’t going to keep appearing out of the woodwork.

  He watched Sally disappear into the Traveller’s Arms. Turning on his heels he walked back up the road. Fuck it, he’d go to the Mitre. Dan and his mate would just have to catch him another time.

  “SO, WHEN IS THIS MAN of yours going to turn up, Danno?” Charlie snapped irritably. He didn’t like being kept waiting and the bloke was already late which didn’t instil a large amount of confidence in the man’s reliability.

  Dan frowned. When he’d left Jim in the flat earlier, he’d said he was just having a quick shower and then he’d be straight down. “I don’t understand why he isn’t here. Something must have happened. He wouldn’t have just not turned up.”

  “It’s not like you know him well though, is it?” Charlie moaned.

  He was about to continue ranting when his attention was diverted by the blonde crashing through the door crying hysterically. “Hey up,” he winked, eyeing her figure. “Maybe it wasn’t a wasted evening after all.”

  TELLING THE DRIVER to pull over, Eliza instructed him to wait while she quickly nipped in the off licence. Although she’d thoroughly enjoyed the evening gossiping whilst she had her hair extensions tightened, she’d gone through far too much wine. She’d also smoked too many fags and hadn’t got nearly enough to last until morning.

  She hoped Ernie and the boys weren’t at home tonight. She could do without having to get her kit off for them. Sleeping with the old bastard was making her skin crawl even more than usual, although she’d had to continue doing so as she didn’t want to arouse suspicion. The trouble was it was becoming very hard to keep up the act.

  She grabbed a bottle of wine from the chiller. Sod it. A few more glasses weren’t going to hurt were they?

  Fishing a tenner from her purse, Eliza pushed it across the counter towards the sour-faced assistant. A warm feeling spread through her as she thought about the last excellent session she’d had with Charlie.

  He’d suggested that maybe one day - if she wanted to that was, perhaps they could be together? After all, he was on the verge of the big time and would soon be able to offer her a life of what she was accustomed to.

  Eliza secretly knew she’d go with him even if he had nothing, but then quickly dismissed the idea. Was she going stupid? She hadn’t come this far to go back to nothing, right?

  Regardless of how much she tried to deny it to herself, she realised she’d developed feelings for Charlie and it scared her. She couldn’t help it. He was so attentive and gave her pleasure she’d never experienced before.

  Feeling a familiar ache between her legs, Eliza squeezed her t
highs together in an attempt to quell the sensations, paranoid the assistant would know she was getting aroused from thoughts alone. No. She was being silly. These emotions were because of the sex. Nothing more and nothing less.

  Feeling more in control Eliza stepped out of the off-licence towards the taxi, but stopped in her tracks seeing two couples over the other side of the road. It couldn’t be could it?

  Squinting, she tried to focus. Whether she wanted to believe it or not, she knew it was Charlie with his arm around a tall, slim blonde girl. Breathing rapidly, a flood of panic rushed up from her feet to her head and she felt tears prick the back of her eyes.

  Bounding into the taxi, Eliza hastily pulled her seat belt on. “Drive on,” she muttered and as they passed the foursome her eyes locked onto Charlie’s face. It was definitely him.

  A complete wave of despair rushed over Eliza and she burst into tears. Who was she trying to kid? For all her pretence and bullshit, she’d fallen in love with him and the fucker was turning her over.

  MAGGIE’S HAND PALMED Dan’s crotch through his trousers as he kissed her. She could see Charlie kissing Sally on the sofa opposite. Thank God. That woman needed to get her mind off that wanker Jim.

  Sally hadn’t gone into detail about what had happened because they hadn’t had much chance to speak before these two knights in shining armour had appeared.

  Charlie and Dan had offered to go and find the ex-boyfriend who had manhandled the pretty blonde and give him a slap, but Sally had been reticent. She wouldn’t even give them a description, let alone his name.

  It appeared these two had had a bad night as well because someone they were supposed to be meeting hadn’t turned up. Thankfully it wasn’t a girl and after several drinks and calming Sally down, they’d ended up back at hers.

  Feeling Dan’s fingers slip inside her knickers, Maggie moaned slightly, relishing a man’s touch. She began eagerly unbuttoning his jeans and glanced over at Sally clinging to Charlie’s neck whilst his bare backside rose up and down between her widely spread legs.