The Downfall Series Box Set

by Edie Baylis

  “Well, just so you know – help is there,” the nurse smiled.

  Maggie eyed Jane hoping she’d keep her temper in check. “Are the police still here?” She knew they’d be hanging around waiting to take a statement.

  The nurse nodded. “I’ll send them in.”

  Waiting until the woman had left the room, Maggie quickly turned to Jane. “Did he hit you?”

  Jane shook her head and her eyes narrowed. “Of course he fucking didn’t! It’s worse.... I think he’s been sleeping with that Lacey. And if he has, then after killing him, I’ll find her and wring her fucking neck.”

  TWENTY FIVE

  ELIZA PEERED INTO HER compact mirror and smacked her lips together to ensure an even coverage of bright magenta lipstick.

  She looked over at Aiden from the opposite side of the desk and smiled. Aiden was proving to be worth his weight in gold. Without his connection to Anna she wouldn’t have been privy to the inside information enabling her to put in that well-timed call to the police and of course to the press.

  Eliza grinned viciously. Judging by the phone call Aiden had received from a panic-stricken Anna last night about the argument it seemed that, as planned, thanks to Tina’s ongoing phone call campaign, Lacey was being accused of being the recipient of Seth’s illicit affections. It was all going very nicely to plan and this was only the start...

  She smiled widely, her whitened teeth bright in the morning light and turned once more to the front page of the paper. The large colour photograph showed Seth handcuffed and bare-chested being dragged by a whole host of police officers down his driveway. The anger in his eyes was evident and he wore a ferocious snarl which only heightened her attraction for him.

  Even after everything he’d done to her in the past, Eliza had never been able to quash the desire she had for the man. Not that she’d go down that road again after he’d screwed her life up, but her body reacted without her consent every time she thought of him. This physical attraction, combined with genuine hatred was rather confusing.

  Aiden watched Eliza staring at the photograph. “Bloody good shot isn’t it?” he laughed.

  Eliza nodded. “I see your girlfriend’s photo-bombed the pictures.”

  Aiden raised his eyebrows and walked behind Eliza to stare at the paper from over her shoulder. Now she’d pointed it out he could see Anna’s head poking around a door from within the house. She looked like a ghost. “Silly cow!” he muttered. “And she’s not my girlfriend.”

  Eliza spun around in the chair and crossed her legs slowly in front of him, knowing his line of sight would be conveniently down her large cleavage. “Thought you’d have enjoyed breaking the girl in?” she quipped.

  In fact they’d all found it highly amusing that Aiden had been tasked with getting info out of Tina’s frigid, highly virginal sister. However it hadn’t taken him long to get her to fall for his charm and deflower her. Eliza could however sense his reluctance to continue the rendezvous with the boring bitch, but it was imperative he did.

  “Sacks of spuds aren’t exactly my idea of a fun night!” Aiden moaned. “And she keeps phoning me.”

  “Well that’s good. If she hadn’t phoned you last night I’d never have been in the position to make that call would I?” Eliza looked at Aiden from underneath her thick false eyelashes, knowing he was looking exactly where she’d wanted him to.

  “So, what’s your idea of fun...?” Her gaze ran over the swallow tattoo on his neck, down his muscular torso to his small waist. He was a nice looker and even though she was a good few years older, she’d bet he’d thought about her. After all most people did. She smiled sweetly. “I just want you to know we’re very grateful...”

  Aiden swallowed nervously. Was Eliza making a play for him? She was tasty enough and he wouldn’t mind getting his hands on those massive bazookas of hers. He watched her run her tongue over her full bottom lip. “I much prefer my women to be more adventurous in the sack than Anna,” he said, aware there was a husky tone to his voice.

  Eliza uncrossed her legs giving Aiden a glimpse of her red lacy knickers. “I’m afraid you’ll have to put up with the lack of excitement where she’s concerned for some time yet....”

  Aiden felt his groin throb when Eliza moved her hand slowly up to the zip holding her black top together.

  “Maybe I can alleviate some of your disappointment,” Eliza purred, pulling the zip down, immediately freeing her large enhanced breasts. Plus get you to do more stuff I need.

  Digger had spent so much time with that bloody Lomond bastard lately she’d barely had any servicing and this whole situation with Seth and Jane getting screwed over had turned her on. Besides, she needed to keep Aiden in her debt and what better way than to show him what delights she could offer his cock?

  Aiden stared greedily at the large mounds visible in front of him and forced himself not to reach out and take then into his hands. A quiet groan escaped involuntarily from his mouth. He’d always been a sucker for big tits and this preference had not waned. But what should he do? He didn’t want to make the first move in case she was setting him up. And what if Digger came back?

  Before he could make a decision it was taken out of his hands when Eliza quickly unzipped his jeans and his cock sprang out, hard and resplendent.

  “Nice specimen....” Eliza purred, guiding his shaft between her huge breasts.

  As Eliza squashed her ample assets around his length, Aiden moaned and watched her lick her lips, knowing she was about to take him into her mouth.

  “IT’S A BIT LIKE LOOKING for a needle in a haystack Steve,” Digger remarked whilst they cruised along the road. He glanced at the man sitting in the drivers’ seat and saw the resolute expression etched across his face. He realised with a sinking feeling that it was pretty obvious Lomond wasn’t going to be talked down. He sighed. He had no choice but to go along with it, just make damn sure he policed the situation. It was madness going out looking for Lacey Garner personally. Absolute madness. He’d have to ensure this twat didn’t do anything to draw attention to either of them.

  Lomond glanced angrily in Digger’s direction. “If you and your wife had got your fucking fingers out before now by getting the girl back then we wouldn’t be doing this would we?”

  “We haven’t given up on finding Lacey. In fact, Eliza’s putting in place another plan today.” Digger wasn’t sure what Eliza had in mind, if anything, but he had to say something to placate the situation. “It’s all going well regarding the Millers and Wrights though don’t you think?” he continued, hoping the change of subject would veer Lomond’s mind away from this ridiculous pursuit. “Eliza’s cleverly engineered can of worms is definitely causing them to suspect each other.”

  Lomond glanced at Digger again. All he’d been able to think about was this girl. He wanted her back. That was what he wanted to take priority, not the club or the extra money it was bringing him.

  He’d surprised himself, but he knew what he wanted and this was it. He wasn’t used to not getting what he desired and demanded he received it.

  Lomond slammed his meaty hand down on the steering wheel. “Listen, I’ve helped you and your poxy business more than enough already Digger. You and Eliza need to remember that. You owe me, got it? I can easily take everything away as quickly as I put it in. It shouldn’t be me having to look for the girl anyway! You should have already done this. It’s not fucking difficult. You know what I want and you need to deliver!”

  Digger tried not to let the unease he felt show. The man was obsessed with that girl. Why couldn’t he just get on with the other ones they’d put up for him? Still, he needed to keep him on side. Eliza would go mental if Lomond refused to do what they wanted. Whether he liked it or not, they needed him.

  He gritted his teeth. “I agree. You shouldn’t have to go to this trouble. Let me put some more balls in motion and leave it to us. I’ll get the results I promise.”

  “You said that last time...”

  “I kn
ow and we have looked for Lacey I can assure you of that, but I don’t think we realised the extent of how much you wanted her so let us change that.”

  Digger despised having to grovel, but he had to get the guy to back off otherwise he’d cause them no end of issues. They weren’t exactly an innocuous pair and would gain attention, especially if they went round questioning girls in the back streets. God. It didn’t bear thinking about the repercussions that could bring.

  “I’ll get my guys back on this straight away and I guarantee we’ll find her in a few days.” Digger could feel the sweat trickling down his thick neck. He hadn’t the first clue what else they could do aside from what they’d already done, but Eliza had better come up with something. And fast.

  Lomond scowled. “I always get what I want Digger.”

  Digger nodded. He didn’t doubt it. “And you shall have it. Let’s turn the car around and go for a drink somewhere and then I’ll get the plan in place.”

  Steve Lomond scowled. “Ok, but on your head be it. If she isn’t back by the end of the week I’ll ruin you. I’ll go to Wright and tell him what I know. Do you understand?”

  Digger smiled. “Loud and clear.”

  DAN WATCHED JASON MILLER carefully as he scanned the contents of the paper for the fourth time. He couldn’t read much into what was going through the man’s mind, but based on the concentration and pensive expression over his face, it was unlikely to be a cut and dried conversation.

  He’d gone to the Limelight as soon as he thought it feasible for Miller to have arrived for the day and straight away it had been obvious there was unrest with his staff. Since the unprovoked attack on Billie-Jo, there had been general suspicion between all the workers, purely because it still hadn’t been uncovered as to who had disfigured the poor woman.

  Fingers were being pointed left, right and centre because there were no unaccounted people there that day who could have entered the location where the attack happened, apart from the staff of which, until that point had all been above suspicion. Since then everyone had been questioning their own judgement and the air of unease hung thick.

  After the first press release involving Linda Miller’s insinuations further questions had been raised by the troops. Not that anyone had come directly to Miller and said it, but the man wasn’t stupid and knew they must have been talking amongst themselves. Questioning his involvement with a man who was giving his wife a slap.

  Jason folded up the paper and passed it across the desk to Dan. “I presume you’ve seen the latest?”

  Taking the paper, Dan nodded. He’d seen it first thing this morning after he’d left the brief to do his work in the police station. He’d been planning on going home to freshen up, but the minute he’d seen the article he’d made the decision to go and see Miller.

  Jason watched Dan stare mutely at the paper. “It’s now starting to look bad on me. To be involved with someone who’s been formally picked up for these offences isn’t good.”

  “I appreciate that, but Seth hasn’t been charged,” Dan argued, fixing his concentration back on the paper. The papers had done a sterling job. The story had of course made the front page, carrying impossible to refute photos of a handcuffed Seth being carted off.

  Violent Attack Concerns for Businesswoman

  Amid speculation last week, it is now undisputed there are serious problems within Seth and Jane Wright’s marriage.

  Mr Wright was arrested late last night at his home after an anonymous caller reported a domestic violence incident to the police.

  On arriving at the scene, officers found Mr Wright to be extremely angry, as well as difficult to control and Jane Wright very upset. Damage within some of the rooms in the Wright’s house was concurrent with a violent incident.

  Sergeant Barrow, present at the incident, stated: “I can confirm after a reported incident by a member of the public, Mr Wright has been arrested on suspicion of an assault against his wife...”

  When asked about the outcome of the arrest Sgt Barrow added “...it’s too early at this stage to comment...”

  Jane Wright, recently surrounded by rumours of a termination following an alleged affair, was taken to hospital following the violent attack. At the time of going to press it is not known as to the welfare of Mrs Wright. The hospital have declined to comment.

  The reason for Mr Wright’s assault on his wife is, at this stage, unknown, but an anonymous source stated “...the Wrights have been having difficulties for some time...” This backs up the statement from Linda Miller – wife of Jason Miller and business associate of Seth Wright. Our anonymous source added “...lately there have been plenty of loud arguments which have been concerning...”

  The source declined to be specific over the subject of the arguments, but hinted there were accusations Mr Wright has been having an alleged affair with a much younger woman.

  This latest incident points that unfortunately if Mr Wright doesn’t curb his behaviour he will, if he hasn’t already, soon lose the respect of this city.

  In the meantime, we would all like to extend our good wishes to Mrs Wright and hope she makes a speedy recovery.

  Reported by Luke Chapman

  “How’s Jane?” Jason said, trying to ignore Jane’s alleged affair had been mentioned in the papers again.

  “She’s ok and has refuted the domestic violence claims – probably because there wasn’t any!” Dan said quickly. Seth had been beside himself with the thought that he’d accidentally hurt Jane, but hadn’t helped his situation by refusing to cooperate with the police, even with the brief present until Dan had got an update.

  “You need to get to the bottom of it all Dan. And quick,” Jason looked up sternly with hooded eyes. “My father has worked extremely hard to earn the reputation the Millers have in this city and it’s going to take a lot of damage limitation to reduce the impact of this on me and my club,” he said.

  Dan nodded mutely, unsure as to what he could say in Seth’s defence. He knew Seth was capable of a lot worse violence than the general public was aware of and realised Miller was more than aware of this, but he should know Seth would never turn on Jane.

  “Are you telling me you think this is true?” Dan questioned.

  Jason Miller frowned and pushed a glass of whisky across the desk. “It’s irrelevant what I think personally - it’s a matter of business. The general consensus is leaning towards something going on that’s not good with the Wrights. Seth’s been a loose cannon lately as you well know.”

  Dan nodded and took the proffered glass. Recently Seth had been taking matters into his own hands a lot more, plus there was that incident from last night – turning up for a shower covered in blood which he still didn’t know the story on. Although hearing breaking news on the radio this morning about the brutal murder of one of the paper’s own reporters had given him food for thought...

  He frowned. James Hill had written the last article that had been published about Seth and Jane and now he was dead. Thankfully at this precise moment in time the police had no suspects or motive for the crime, but on the same vein, he had no intention of bringing Miller’s attention to that one.

  “Whatever I think Dan, this photo...” Jason prodded the newspaper, “is irrefutable evidence Seth was arrested. Whatever the truth behind it, it’s what people perceive isn’t it?”

  Dan swigged his whisky. Jason was right. It would take one hell of a damage reversal exercise to rectify this.

  “And,” Jason continued. “I won’t associate with anything or anyone who could damage my business.”

  Dan looked up quickly. “Are you saying you’re pulling your partnership?”

  Jason sighed and leant back in his chair. “I don’t know what to do at this precise moment. Either way I look at it it’s caused me grief which I’m not happy about.” He accepted the whole root of this story had stemmed from his own bloody wife in the first place, so didn’t want to make too much of a rash judgement, but it was true. He couldn’t and wou
ldn’t let all the work he and his father had achieved be erased by Seth Wright. If that meant binning him off, then that was indeed what he’d do.

  Jason stared at Dan. “I’ll have a think and after that I’ll make my decision.”

  Dan nodded. Finishing his whisky, he stood up. “I’d best get back down the police station. Seth should be released shortly.”

  Jason shook Dan’s hand. “Oh and Dan – tell Seth to give the Limelight a wide berth for a while – just until all of this shit has died down.”

  Dan walked despondently from the room. Jason’s final statement made it seem like he’d already made his decision.

  TWENTY SIX

  DAN EYED SETH WARILY whilst he topped up his whisky. Since being released from the station he’d been consistently drinking. It hadn’t been hard to get the charges dropped without Jane giving a statement. However Seth had not taken it well. He hadn’t taken it well in the slightest.

  Seth’s mind was ticking over at ten to the dozen. He realised he’d drank well over the level to enable proper function and also knew Dan was watching his every move. Furthermore he knew the man was itching to ask him about the elephant in the room and was pointlessly trying to gauge when would be the best time to broach the subject and how best to word it.

  Seth’s teeth clenched. It didn’t matter when Dan asked or how. He’d still ask and there wasn’t a best way to do it. Using all of his concentration to ignore the beady eyes fixed on him as he reached for the whisky bottle again, he sighed.

  He needed to see Jane. He’d been advised to stay away for twenty-four hours to put some breathing space between them, but this was not sitting well. It wouldn’t help. He needed to see her. He’d got to get it through to her that he hadn’t been unfaithful. He never had and neither would he.