The Downfall Series Box Set

by Edie Baylis

  Leaning back in the wooden chair she savoured the familiar rush to her brain and sifted through the mail which had dropped through the letter box onto the mat earlier. She picked out the one setting itself apart from all of the others. They knew how to make it obvious didn’t they she thought, eyeing the print on the top of the brown envelope.

  Tearing open the letter, she glanced at it uninterestedly and frowned. One more year left on licence and then she could finally walk away.

  Jane shrugged. She’d been lucky she supposed in as much that the probation team agreed she could pop in to her nearest nick to make herself known each week rather than come to their offices, or them coming out to her. This was only because she’d made it very clear doing that wouldn’t help her readjust back into society, neither would it make it easy for her to assume a different life.

  Thankfully, the powers-that-be had agreed that providing she stuck to everything they’d requested and didn’t breach any terms, they’d allow her do it her way.

  Jane smiled wryly. Like she had any choice. But at least this way was better. The cops were far too busy to do any digging on her and as long as she appeared when she was supposed to, they ticked the box and it was job done. In fact she’d gradually managed to forge a pleasant unobtrusive relationship with the old bill, which was a nice change.

  In all truth, she couldn’t stand the patronising bollocks of having to report like a naughty schoolgirl, but it was better than being scrutinised on everything she did, everywhere she worked and everyone she ever had anything to do with.

  This had proved a godsend once she’d left the office. It would have been nigh on impossible the probation service would have agreed to her working at the Glint. Nor would the cops, but she’d no intention of telling them and there was no reason why they should find out. The Glint would also not be happy if they knew she could potentially bring the police to their door.

  Jane lit up another cigarette and mused whether to do another line of coke before getting in the shower. Although it was almost lunchtime it was nice to slob around for once. She’d be working tonight and had geared up for a very late one, so an easy morning was a good plan.

  Her eyebrows knitted together as her mind wandered back to the Glint. She loved it there. Absolutely loved it. Loved Sheila to bits and the girls and even Bill. Bill had put his trust in her, thanks of course to Sheila and she felt awful she hadn’t levelled with either of them about her past.

  It wasn’t even so much that Bill would be bothered about what had gone on – she was sure he wouldn’t give a toss. The main reason was she couldn’t bring herself to discuss it with anyone. Even herself.

  She’d never lied about it, nor would she, but certainly hadn’t volunteered the information. She’d promised herself if Bill or Sheila ever asked her outright she’d tell them and live with no longer having a job with the people she’d begun to think of as family.

  Jane eyed the pistol sitting in the bottom of her handbag. Another thing she’d be going straight back to nick for if it was found, but she’d no intention of that being discovered either.

  She’d been handed it when Bill brought her up to speed about what was going down at the club with Ernie Carter. Something to thank Sheila for no doubt, Jane thought, knowing it would have been her who’d convinced Bill to bring her properly into the fold and she was honoured and glad.

  Jane scanned the contents of the letter again. One year left. Twelve months. Think about it in months rather than years, she told herself. Only a few more months and then the constant reminder of what had been would be over. As much as it ever could be.

  ELIZA WOKE WITH HER head pounding. Her mouth felt like someone has tipped a bag of sawdust into it. She tried to run her tongue over her teeth in an attempt to loosen everything that appeared to be stuck together. Opening one eye, she squinted into the room, the sunlight seeping through the crack in the curtains and threatening to bore a hole in her retina.

  Groaning, she pushed herself up with her elbow and fumbled for a glass of something on the bedside table. Grasping it, she brought it to her lips, hoping against all hope it wasn’t vodka – but even if it was at least it would be wet.

  Hearing a loud snort she looked to her left, seeing Charlie sprawled out on his back next to her and glanced around the room once more. No sign of anyone else. Her eyes ran over his bruised ribs and flaccid cock and what would have previously elicited a rush of love and the need to stir him into life, only resulted in a wave of contempt.

  Eliza sighed. She had to keep things ticking over nicely, giving Charlie no reason to be suspicious until she’d got Ernie back on side and sold this two-faced twat up the river.

  As the memory of the man who’d almost killed her from pleasure last night rushed her mind, a twinge shot between her legs. Jesus Christ, Eliza. Get a grip of yourself! People don’t just come back from the fucking dead do they?

  But Seth had it seemed. His long hair and full beard may have gone, but she’d have recognised those eyes anywhere.

  Eliza wasn’t sure what she was going to do about him just yet. She knew he hadn’t recognised her, which was good. She pursed her lips. She needed to keep her wits about her. There was too much at stake with all this Charlie business and that old goat Ernie.

  She felt the familiar cold rush of dread flood her veins like it did every time that man’s name crept into her mind. She was dreading having to go and see him, but knew she didn’t have a lot of choice if she wanted to keep her tits – which she did because they had cost far too much money to waste, so she’d have to stick to her side of the bargain.

  No, she was fast running out of time to put the plan into action and knew she’d get chased if she hadn’t got an update soon.

  Eliza crept out of bed as quietly as possible. The later Charlie woke up, the better.

  THIRTY FOUR

  BILL HELD SHEILA IN his arms and kissing her tenderly, pressed his nose into her soft hair. He’d yearned for her for so long and now she was his. Properly.

  He took a deep satisfied breath and put his hands on her shoulders, gently pushing her to arms’ length so he could look into her face. He could see the love for him in her eyes and felt a deep sense of peace within himself that he’d thought unachievable. He was loving every minute. Every second.

  As planned, he’d met with Teresa and hit her with the divorce papers. Her over-painted face had contorted into a smug sneer when she’d outlined what she’d expected as a settlement figure and Bill hadn’t failed to notice how quickly she’d broached the subject. No tantrums, hurt or upset over the fact he wanted out, but only what it would cost him to be rid of her, which spoke volumes.

  It hadn’t taken long to wipe the greedy grin off her face when he’d plonked the reason he was binning her off in her lap. It had been extremely enjoyable. She’d glanced at the handful of photographs just long enough to see she didn’t have a leg to stand on.

  Bill hadn’t bothered even asking her who the bloke was or for how long she’d been fucking around behind his back. He didn’t care. All he cared about was her departure without burning a massive hole in his pocket.

  He’d then quietly explained if she even thought about contesting anything or not agreeing to his terms, he’d have no hesitation in making the proof as to what she’d been up to, public – thereby ensuring she’d be ostracised from her clique of sad cling-on wives.

  His financial offer to her was more than reasonable, given the circumstances and he’d urged her to think very quickly as to whether this would be done amicably or not.

  Like he’d expected, Teresa had agreed almost immediately. He’d known she wouldn’t want to risk losing face or her allowance if she pushed it to court. She wasn’t entirely stupid. She’d signed the divorce paper citing her adultery against him there and then in the restaurant.

  Bill had left with a spring in his step and the van had arrived the following morning to box up and collect all of Teresa’s possessions. She was gone and gone for good.
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  He pushed a strand of Sheila’s hair away from her face and brushed his lips softly against hers. He’d waited two weeks since that night and finally unable to keep it to himself any longer, he’d made the announcement earlier. He had of course previously told Phil and his other kids and they’d all been pleased, but he was sick of having to tip-toe around in public. All he wanted to do was hold Sheila’s hand, kiss her and tell the world she was finally his. Now he had.

  Bill’s hand traced lightly down Sheila’s slender back. “Bill!” Sheila smiled. “We’ve got work to do and you’ve got to go to that meet soon.”

  Kissing her on the neck, Bill pulled a face. It was true. He’d already arranged a meeting with Jim. Phil and Digger were travelling up and were due at his house any time soon.

  That also reminded him he needed to instruct Barry to find out how that silly tart Carter used to be shacked up with was getting on with the agreed plan. She’d had more than enough time to plant stuff in his brain and she needed to get on with it if she hadn’t already done so.

  “Just want you to move in with me now,” Bill winked.

  Sheila had put off that conversation several times. Bill didn’t quite understand she liked her little house. The prospect of rattling round that big mansion of his wasn’t something she’d have chosen. Neither was living somewhere which had previously been his and his wife’s. The thought of him making love to her in the same room as he had with someone else made her go cold.

  Stop looking for excuses Sheila, she berated herself. She’d live in a cardboard box as long as it was with him, so what did it matter? Her fear was because everything was going right for once and she was terrified it might be taken away from her.

  Seeing Sheila’s reluctance, Bill pulled her close and smiled. “Or we could choose a completely different place together? How does that sound?”

  Sheila looked up into Bill’s eyes. “That sounds perfect!”

  ERNIE GROUND HIS CIGAR out in the ashtray and glared angrily at a painting of what looked like a mutilated badger on his wall. He’d always hated that bloody thing, so why was it still there?

  He pursed his lips together and frowned. Still no word on Charlie. Almost three weeks now. He’d even had Matt watching Benson’s house on the off chance he was being held there, but was now satisfied he wasn’t, so where the fuck was he? There had still been no word from Benson in any shape or form and it was all very disconcerting.

  He slowly topped up his whisky and slouched back in the chair. He was starting to strongly suspect his initial suspicions of Charlie being held on account of extracting information was wrong and that he’d actually been offloaded.

  Benson hadn’t shown him Charlie was dead, or given some indication he was being held so what was the point? None of it made sense and he didn’t like it.

  Gritting his teeth, Ernie looked at Matt and Pete who were staring at him from chairs opposite. “Ok lads, the next thing I want you to do is take a barman from the Glint.”

  Matt and Pete exchanged glances with one another as Ernie continued. “I have an address for one.” Ernie opened a drawer and retrieved a slip of paper. “Here it is.” He leaned forward and passed over the piece of paper.

  “He starts his shift tonight at 7.30 and walks to the club from his flat.” Ernie downed his whisky. “I want you to be ready on the route. There’s a place here.” He unfolded a map and beckoning Matt and Pete over, pointed to a place marked on it.

  “This road is a cut-through and offers ample opportunity to grab the guy unobserved. Get him in the van and deliver him to Crystals where I’ll be waiting.”

  Matt and Pete studied the map on which Ernie had marked the man’s flat, the jump point and the Glint with a red cross.

  “What does he look like?” Pete asked.

  “Oh, I’ve no idea,” Ernie said, rolling his eyes sarcastically. He thrust a photograph of the barman at Pete. “This is him. His name’s David.”

  “He’s the same guy who was there the night we got jumped,” Matt remarked, studying the man’s face.

  Ernie smiled. “Bit of extra satisfaction for you then, right? But don’t harm him any more than necessary.”

  “What about the girls at Crystals?” Pete asked.

  Ernie smiled once more and topped up his whisky. “Give them the night off with pay. Make sure they’re all out until morning.”

  Pete frowned. “Some of them won’t like that. They can be quite difficult.”

  Ernie felt his temper spiking. “I don’t give a fuck if they like it or not. For God’s sake! What are you? Some sort of cunt? You can’t even tell a bunch of old tarts what to do? Just ensure they’re fucking gone. Do you understand?”

  Nodding, Matt and Pete stood in front of Ernie and shuffled uncomfortably as he slowly returned his gaze to them. “Well what the hell are you waiting for? Go and get rid of them!”

  SALLY STARED AT THE never-ending stream of customers queuing up at her checkout and mindlessly continued scanning the items. The consistent beeping of the scanner felt like someone was constantly poking a finger into her brain. She tried to glance at the clock on the wall without making it obvious. She was fast running out of patience.

  She’d had the perfect opportunity to shed some light on Jim’s past with that bloke in the pub, but she’d royally ballsed it up. She knew now she’d gone about it completely the wrong way

  She’d also told him Jim no longer lived at that address, so the man was hardly likely to send another letter there. Stupid, stupid, she thought angrily and shook her head in annoyance, reaching for the cauliflower making its way slowly down the squeaking conveyor belt towards her.

  Sally suddenly realised something was being kept from her which Maggie might be able to help with. Why hadn’t she thought of it before?

  That night when she’d gone to Maggie all upset, Dan had acted very suspiciously and asked several questions about Jim. He’d then rapidly disappeared. Did Dan know Jim? If he did, then he’d most probably know where he was.

  Sally rang up the total on the cash register and forced herself to smile at the toothless man waiting to pay. “£25.40 please,” she said, summoning up as much pleasantry in her voice as possible.

  Glancing over at Maggie two checkouts away, Sally gave the man his change and set about passing the next customer’s items through the scanner. She frowned, well aware lately Maggie had been systematically pulling away from her. She hardly even bothered coming round any more. Too busy spending all her time with Dan, Sally thought bitterly.

  Although there was a part of her that could see where Maggie was coming from. She’d become a bit of a recluse of late and virtually every time Maggie had asked her to go out, she’d refused. On the times she had, all she’d done was bang on about Jim and had unintentionally pushed her only friend away.

  Well, Sally thought taking a deep breath, she needed to change that. She’d speak to Maggie at break and ask if she fancied going out tonight. Somewhere different perhaps? They could get dolled up and take a taxi. She’d apologise for being such hard work lately and say she was finally over Jim.

  Sally smiled sadly. It was far from the truth, but she needed Maggie back on side, along with any information which might help.

  THIRTY FIVE

  NATALIE SAT AT HER desk and fiddled with her lipstick. She glanced around the office watching everyone getting on with their daily routines and sighed. She couldn’t concentrate. She hadn’t been able to for some time, but now it was much worse. A lot worse.

  She watched Shelley sitting at the next desk staring at the screen dreamily. Her eyes travelled down to Shelley’s stomach and saw her friend’s hand gently stroking the small but distinct bump under her mustard coloured jumper.

  Natalie’s gaze continued across the office to Ben leaning casually against a new girl’s desk, openly flirting. His trademark smile was the only thing completely recognisable from what he’d been a mere few months ago.

  She watched him sway slightly as he walked ba
ck across the office. He was drunk again. She wrinkled her nose in contempt. Everyone knew he’d become a piss-head waster. And Shelley wanted to marry him? Why? She’d be better off a single mother.

  Natalie sighed. She was becoming more and more concerned about Shelley. It was scary just how much she’d changed. The woman seemed more deluded with each day that passed. As if it wasn’t bad enough she couldn’t see how controlling and manipulative Ben was. How dangerous he’d become. Yes, dangerous.

  The guy was a bomb waiting to go off and she was dreading it happening. It wasn’t a case of if it happened. It was most definitely when.

  There was no point in trying to convince Shelley of this. She was too far gone in her weird perceived notion of happiness and she’d been absolutely devastated when Shelley had excitedly said she and Ben were getting married.

  “He even acknowledged he’d been behaving badly, Nat,” Shelley had gushed. “He apologised and wouldn’t accept an answer to his proposal until I’d heard everything he’d got to say. Now what does that tell you?” she’d smiled widely.

  “He’s definitely over Marie,” she’d continued. “He’s sorry for the way he’s been treating me and promises he won’t do any of that again.”

  Natalie knew by something she’d seen in Shelley’s eyes even she didn’t believe that deep down, but getting her to admit it – even to herself, was fruitless.

  She’d also listened to Ben’s theory about Marie and thought Shelley crazy to even entertain his paranoid delusions about the woman he was blatantly still obsessed with, but an undercover cop? Oh come on! Really?

  But when Shelley had confided she would help Ben gain the evidence they needed to bring Marie down, Natalie had been unable to get her head around her friend was willing to actually break into someone’s house to fuel that madman’s delusions.

  It also spoke volumes that Shelley hadn’t yet told Ben of her pregnancy. How he hadn’t noticed the change in her body was anyone’s guess and he was the one who saw her naked! Unless he was always too drunk to focus of course. Something else he’d allegedly promised to knock on the head, but he certainly wasn’t showing any signs of doing it.