The Downfall Series Box Set

by Edie Baylis

  That and he wanted to get her into his bed to feel her under him and make love to her all night. He fidgeted slightly in his chair as the prospect of sinking himself into her etched into his mind.

  “Digger, you can sort out a car with Barry to transport Eliza and I’ve also heard from Phil,” Bill said clearly. “He’s expecting you to make your way back to the Chapter House once you’ve got her in place.”

  Digger glanced up. He knew he’d only be seconded up here for the short-term, but a part of him thought after everything else that had happened, there may be some longer-term work available. Bill could probably do with extra muscle if Seth was being pulled from the equation?

  “Obviously, if the need arises for your services again, you’ll be the first to know.” Bill continued. He doubted that would happen from what Phil had discovered, but would leave that down to his son to deal with.

  Seth glanced at Digger and was surprised by the anger he could see in his eyes. Both of them had only been brought in for the Carter jobs, so it looked like he wouldn’t be needing that conversation with Bill after all.

  Bill got up from his chair and extended his hand, shook Digger’s firmly. “Thanks once again.”

  Digger forced a smile and hesitated, unsure whether that meant he should leave the meeting, but when Bill continued he decided he may as well stay.

  “Dan, I realise you haven’t had much recognition for what you’ve done for this firm and I’m pleased to say that will be changing.”

  The man had put some serious graft in for him over the past few months and Bill had been very much guilty of side-lining him, so it was only right he should now be a proper part of the firm. He’d also need some hands on deck with what was planned. “I’ll fill you in with the requirements of your new position shortly.”

  Dan looked pleased as punch and smiled widely. “Thanks Mr Benson. Much appreciated.”

  Bill clapped his hands together. “So, now that brings us to the main point of this meeting,” he paused and looked around the room once more. He’d put a lot of thought into this and it was what he wanted. “As you know things have shifted since Sheila’s death.” It took him all his effort to speak Sheila’s name aloud without his voice cracking, but he managed it.

  “There will be a new collaboration coming up. Between us and the Millers,” Bill stated. “I’ll go into the details regarding that another time, but rest assured it will be most beneficial to us. Now, I’ve thought long and hard over what I’m about to tell you... I’ve made the decision to step down....”

  He saw the shock immediately register on everyone’s faces at his words, but was adamant his choice was the right one. Gordon Miller had done it and so would he.

  “I’ve decided to move to the house I bought for myself and Sheila,” Bill held his hand up, sensing correctly questions were about to be fired at him. “I will still be overseeing the firm, but in a much reduced capacity.”

  Seth raised his eyebrows. So Phil was upping sticks and coming here was he? Good for him.

  “You all know Phil’s my son and the obvious choice to take over the reins,” Bill smiled, seeing the nods from around the room. “But he’s got his own thing going and after speaking to him in detail about this, he’s decided to stay where he is. It goes without saying he’ll still be our supplier, but running a firm this neck of the woods isn’t what he wants.”

  Digger stared mutely. Why had Phil not mentioned anything to him about this? A horrible pricking sensation began to creep up his spine. Something was wrong here and he had a crawling suspicion he knew what it was. And he was going to have to think very carefully as to how he would deal with it.

  “So,” Bill continued, “although I haven’t broached it with them yet, I’ll just announce it here and see what they say. Seth and Jane, I’d like you both to take over the running of the firm. Together.”

  The silence hung heavy in the room as the shock of Bill’s words sank in.

  Jane’s jaw almost hit the floor and she exchanged shocked looks with Seth. “W-what? You want us to run your firm?” she spluttered, amazed.

  “I should add Phil is well aware of my choice, wholeheartedly agrees and is more than happy with it.” Bill explained, smiling. “He speaks extremely highly of you both.”

  Digger felt like lying on the floor and smashing his head against the oak boards. After everything he’d said, Bill wanted Seth and Jane to run the fucking firm? And Phil wanted that too? He glared at Barry who was also looking flabbergasted.

  “I-I’m flattered. We’re flattered,” Jane said glancing at Seth whose eyes were boring into hers, excitement radiating from him. “But there’s something that w...”

  “What Jane’s saying,” Seth interrupted, “is that we’re getting back together and feel we can’t remain here pretending that we’re n...”

  “Not desperately in love with each other you mean?” Bill laughed. “Did you think I didn’t know? It’s fucking obvious! It would even have been obvious if I hadn’t seen you at it!”

  Going bright red, Jane glanced at Seth whose eyes were locked on her mouth.

  Bill chuckled at their obvious embarrassment. “I saw you in the corridor...”

  Cringing, Jane put her head in her hands. Oh god. “But what about you not wanting people having relationships? We thought it might be best if we left.”

  Bill frowned and crossed his arms. “Now listen to me, Jane. There’s no way either of you are leaving. The kind of thing you two have is like what me and Sheila had and we wasted too much time. I won’t let you do that. My rules are meant for meaningless liaisons which make people lose concentration because they’re thinking with their dicks. You two are only at risk of being dysfunctional if you’re not together, not the other way around!”

  “Well we haven’t decided whether we’re going to be together yet,” Jane blustered, wishing the ground would swallow her up.

  “Yes we have,” Seth interjected.

  Bill laughed openly. “Seth’s right. You’ve already decided even if you don’t quite realise it. So do you want the job or not?”

  Seth looked at Jane and raised his eyebrow, smiling. “Jane?”

  “Absolutely!” Jane laughed.

  Bill smiled and getting up, shook Seth’s hand and kissed Jane on the cheek. “Sheila would be very pleased,” he whispered. “Come in tomorrow and we’ll go through what’s going on with the Millers and do a proper handover. I want to be out of here and in Sheila’s favourite house as soon as I possibly can!”

  He walked back behind his desk and faced everyone once more. “That’s it for now folks. Have a good evening.”

  Digger’s eyes burnt into Seth’s back as he followed him from Bill’s office, watching as his hand rested on Jane’s backside as he ushered her out of the door. He grated his teeth. That meeting was not what he’d been expecting.

  FIFTY NINE

  MAGGIE COULD TELL DAN was excited about something the moment he burst through the doors of the Traveller’s Rest because his smile was so wide it looked like his face would split in two.

  She was relieved to see him because she’d been sitting here half an hour already and had begun to think he wasn’t coming. Presumably the two toothless men on the seat next to her had also thought this being as grinning expectantly, they’d been edging progressively closer to her over the last ten minutes.

  Getting to her feet, Maggie ran up to Dan and had been surprised when he grabbed her around the waist and swung her around.

  “God, babe!” she laughed as Dan planted a big sloppy kiss on her mouth. She could see he’d already had a fair few drinks. “Looks like you’ve been celebrating!”

  Grabbing a drink from the bar, Dan led Maggie by the hand back to her table, elbowing the two men out of the way and shoehorned himself onto the bench seat. “I’ve had some great news!”

  Maggie smiled. “I was beginning to think you’d stood me up. Come on then, what’s the news?”

  Dan took a slurp from his pint and wip
ed the back of his hand across his mouth. “Stood you up?” he cried in mock shock. “Hardly! No, I’ve been in a meeting.”

  “And then at the bar?” she added pointedly.

  “Yes ok, I had a couple of drinks afterwards... Listen, I was called to one of Bill’s meetings. God it’s all been happening!” He pulled his cigarettes from his pocket and sparked one up. “Bill’s stepping down from the Glint.”

  Maggie stared at him blankly. And that was good news was it? “Right and...?”

  “He’s had enough and wants to take a back seat from now on. AND... wait for it... He said in front of everyone that he knew I hadn’t been given recognition for all the work I’ve done and that will change.”

  Maggie looked at Dan. He was so excited he was almost jumping up and down in his seat. “Ok, but exactly what does that mean?”

  Dan grabbed Maggie’s hand. “Don’t you see? It means I’m officially in the firm! A proper job with the fucking firm at last. I can’t believe it!”

  Maggie stared at him, unsure what to say.

  “It’s what I’ve wanted for ages and I’ll be on good money now. We can get a nice place together, babe. That’s if you’ll have me?”

  Maggie smiled. “Oh babe! That’s fantastic!” Sort of.

  She was pleased he’d got what he’d wanted and very pleased he wanted to be with her properly, but she wasn’t over the moon about him being fully involved with the firm. She’d got it into her head that what with his disillusionment of being treated like a gopher, he’d step away and do something, well, normal?

  “But it gets better,” Dan continued. “You’ll be pleased to know Digger’s been binned off and is going back to where he came from. I can tell you he didn’t look best pleased! His final job is to move that Eliza bitch out of town.”

  Maggie smiled. Maybe this wasn’t too bad after all? Digger and Eliza gone? Now that was good... “So, what is it you’ll be doing then?”

  Dan slugged down the rest of his pint. “Well, I’m not sure yet. I still need to sort that out, but it’s going to be good I can tell.” He grabbed her hand once more. “Think of all the cool parties you’ll be invited to now!”

  Maggie’s face fell slightly. She really didn’t want to get invited to parties or mix with that sort again. The do at the wake had been bad enough. “Oh, I don’t know th...”

  “But you haven’t heard the best bit yet,” Dan cried, his eyes shining brightly. “Guess who’s taking over the running of the Glint from Bill? Go on, guess who he’s handing it over to.”

  Maggie sighed and leant on the table with her elbows. “Oh I don’t know... Who?”

  Dan smiled secretively. “Only Seth and Jane!”

  Seth and Jane? “WHAT?” Maggie squeaked.

  “Yes I know. Great isn’t it? Seth will be sure to give me a good job in the firm and Jane’s your mate from old isn’t she, so I bet you’ll get work too! Now they’re back together they’re going to make a formidable team what wi..”

  “What do you mean back together?” Maggie interrupted, feeling her blood begin to run cold.

  “Yeah, apparently they’re back together and giving their relationship another go. You probably know more about their history than I do, but Bill thinks a man and wife team like them running the place will be ideal.”

  Maggie felt slightly ill. So they were back together? Seth and Jane? Oh God... Things were coming round in a full circle and she wasn’t sure if she could cope with it.

  “Hey,” Dan said, looking concerned. “What’s the matter?”

  “Nothing. Nothing, babe,” Maggie said quietly. “Get me another drink will you?”

  AS SOON AS HE’D GOT out of the meeting, Digger had placed a rather disgruntled call to Phil. “Why didn’t you tell me?” he’d asked.

  Phil had seemed nonplussed. “It wasn’t my place to discuss someone else’s business Digger, you know how it works.”

  Digger had scowled. Phil should have told him. He’d felt a right dick. He was the only one who’d been binned off. “Yeah well, I might spend a couple more days up here getting Eliza settled in and then I guess I’ll head back,” he’d said, realising his voice held a large helping of sour grapes.

  He was planning on going on a bender; having plenty, plenty of drinks and see if he could get some decent leads for other good contracts while he was up here as well as perhaps try and work out what the hell he was going to do about the growing unease he was feeling about everything catching up with him.

  For fuck’s sake. It didn’t take rocket science to work out it was only a matter of time before everything was put together about what he’d done.

  Phil’s response had made it even worse.

  “That isn’t going to work, Digger,” Phil had replied. “As soon as you’ve dropped Eliza you need to get straight back.”

  Digger had frowned, sensing a touch of irritation in Phil’s voice. “What’s the matter, mate? We got a job on or something?”

  “No, nothing like that. I want you here. I need to talk to you. It’s important!” Phil had stated, ensuring the anger he’d felt against the man since he’d discovered the lies he’d told didn’t show in his voice.

  “Is there a problem?” Digger had asked. There was a problem. He knew Phil well enough to know there was a problem and a fucking big one.

  Phil had sighed, certainly not wanting to get into a discussion about all this over the telephone. “Just get yourself back here, Digger. Tonight!” he’d said bluntly before abruptly hanging up.

  Digger had blinked and stared at the disconnected phone mutely.

  Hearing Eliza mumbling something from the back, he shook his head and forced himself to concentrate on the road ahead. Except he couldn’t concentrate. He hadn’t been able to concentrate all evening, especially now it seemed his time was running out and he didn’t, at this precise moment, have a clue as to what the fuck he could do about it.

  He’d felt sure Bill would have seen sense and binned Seth off once he’d been made aware of his interest in Jane, but weirdly it had caused the opposite effect. Bloody typical. It had also fucked up his dream of giving it a spin with Jane himself. Why did everything have to go wrong?

  Digger frowned. Perhaps he was jumping the gun? He didn’t know for sure his lies had been discovered did he? It might not be anything to do with that and he was just being paranoid? He shook his head resolutely.

  Who was he trying to kid? It had to be about that. Phil had never been so off with him before and they went back years. Christ, he’d kill him. As would Seth when he found out.

  “You’re a barrel of laughs, aren’t you?” Eliza said sarcastically from the back seat as she stared at Diggers massive head. She peered through her oversized sunglasses. It was pitch black, but she’d had to use what she’d got to hand to at least try and disguise as much as possible of her still bruised and swollen face.

  She scowled and aimlessly traced her fingertip across a missing fake nail on her other hand. What a bloody mess. What a complete fucking disaster all of this was. She’d no idea what she was going to do. She had no one to pull on or go to. She was basically fucked and would have to start all over again.

  Carefully keeping the blank expression on her face, Eliza watched the surroundings out the window gradually changing from industrial to rural. The rows of houses, brightly lit shops, takeaways and clubs morphed first into housing estates and then into plain green expanses of nothingness.

  Reaching into her bag, she grabbed her cigarettes and quickly lit one. “So exactly where is it I’m being banished to?” she spat.

  “Somewhere away from here,” Digger grunted from the front of the car. He could do without her going on. He was less than pleased about this situation himself and he needed to think, not listen to her bloody moaning.

  “Oh aren’t you a bag of charm!” Eliza snapped, irritated. “I’m telling you now, if that fucking two-faced Benson is sending me to another shithole brothel like Crystals I won’t be staying!”

&
nbsp; “Like you’d have any choice!” Digger retorted.

  Eliza scowled. “And to think I used to have quite the hots for you once!” Wait a minute. That could be an idea...

  She leant forward onto the back of the driver’s seat. “And where are you going after? Back to the Glint?”

  Digger shook his head. “No I’m not. It appears my services are no longer required. I’ve been summoned back to the Chapter House.” He knew his voice was laced with bitterness, but he didn’t care.

  “That will be a bit of a comedown after the glitz of the Glint won’t it?” she questioned, well aware something had seriously rattled his cage.

  “Yes well, at least Seth and Jane will still get the benefit of the place,” he griped.

  Eliza rolled her eyes. “Oh now there’s a surprise. They’re staying on and you’re not, huh?”

  “Well now they’re in charge of the fucking gaff they have to really don’t they!”

  Eliza sat back in the seat, stunned. “In charge? Are you serious? How the fuck did they wangle that? Bet Phil’s not best pleased!”

  Digger snorted. “He was all for it!”

  Eliza raised her eyebrows. It was obvious Digger wasn’t happy, but she sensed something else was going on which she may be able to play to her advantage.

  “Don’t suppose you fancy a drink or two before you take me to wherever I’m going to be forced into sex slavery do you?” she asked, making sure she used her best sugar-coated voice.

  Digger glanced in the rear-view mirror. “Yeah alright. Why not eh? I could do with a fucking drink!”

  Eliza laughed. “Good. Then we’ll plan how the fuck we’re going to get ourselves out of this. You’re not the only one that’s been turned over, Digs.”

  Digger grinned. She may well be on to something there.

  JANE WAS PLAYING FOR time. She reached into the cupboard and took two glasses out, knowing Seth was watching her every move and waiting to hear what it was she’d got to say.

  Placing the glasses on the table, she slowly poured large measures of vodka into them. Handing Seth one of the glasses, she smiled and tried to ignore her visibly shaking hands.