Kelly looked at her, puzzled, and I realised she did not see that Jennifer was laughing at her. She was totally self-absorbed. For the first time I began to give some credit to what Jennifer was saying. But it didn’t change my mind. However dubious Kelly’s story I was still determined to go with her, for I just couldn’t shrug it all off and go to bed as if nothing had happened. Waiting to hear from Tim would kill me. And suppose we never did?
‘This guy could really help us,’ Kelly insisted. ‘But he’d have to be paid.’
‘I’ve no ready cash,’ said Jennifer. ‘And there’s no chance of changing travellers’ cheques at this hour.’
I could feel a chill creeping over me. To have found Tim and then to lose him again was unthinkable. But for his safety to rest with Kelly … The chill was abruptly superseded by a desire to do something. Anything. However bizarre.
I looked at my watch. Half-past seven. Jet lag was beginning to make itself felt again but I had to keep going.
‘Let’s get the microfilm now. Let’s do something.’ I knew Jennifer’s eyes were on me.
‘We’ll have to wait, Colin,’ said Kelly, using my name for the first time. Oddly enough it gave me pleasure.
‘Why?’
‘We should wait until there are people on the streets. We should go to the ferry tomorrow morning in the rush hour, when all the commuters are travelling across the water. Then we can double back to the cathedral for mass. I think there’s one at midday. The cathedral will be full then and it’ll be easier to contact the guy at the shop.’
‘What did we tell Alex we were doing tomorrow?’ I asked Jennifer.
‘Just sightseeing. He said he was coming round to take us to the theatre in the evening.’
‘Can we get both copies of the microfilm and take them to the Empire State Building in time?’ I asked Kelly.
‘We might. It means me getting out of here somehow and heading back to Harlem. I must contact this guy tonight.’
‘I’m coming with you,’ I said.
She shook her head. ‘Two whites going into Harlem at this time of night. That would be trouble.’
‘Make it three,’ said Jennifer.
I looked at her with a new respect. I knew now that she did really love Tim.
‘No, Jennifer. Suppose Alex called tonight? And we weren’t here?’
‘You stay here then. I’ll go with Kelly,’ she said stubbornly.
Kelly looked at her. The antagonism between them became more marked. ‘I’d rather have the kid,’ she said.
‘Why?’ asked Jennifer aggressively.
‘I don’t need either of you. But the kid might be useful when we go to get the film. And I’ll have to raise the money from Laurence’s pop. Colin could add some weight. He’ll take a lot of persuading.’
‘How do we know you’re not the biggest little bullshitter going?’ said Jennifer with open animosity.
‘You don’t,’ said Kelly. ‘You have to take me on trust.’ She went to the window and pulled back the curtain, staring down twelve floors at the teeming insect life on the streets below. ‘All I know is the streets,’ she said suddenly. ‘I was brought up on them while my pop was away. In England.’
‘You’re not going on your own, Colin – ’ began Jennifer.
Before she could say any more, the phone began to ring.
I grabbed at the insistently ringing receiver before Jennifer could get at it.
‘Yes?’
‘Colin? It’s Alex.’
My voice seemed to disappear. I just couldn’t speak to him. I held the receiver away hopelessly. His voice crackled from a distance.
‘Colin? You there?’
Somehow I managed to get the receiver back to my ear.
‘Sorry. The television was too loud.’
‘Enjoy today?’
‘It was great.’
‘I thought you looked tired.’
‘Jet lag.’ It was easier now.
‘So I suppose you want to get to bed early?’
‘Did you have anything else in mind?’
‘I thought we might have a drink.’
‘Sure. Where?’
‘And Jennifer, of course.’
‘She’s asleep,’ I said quickly. ‘Crashed out directly we got back here.’ I had to see him alone although I couldn’t say why.
‘You’re not too tired?’
‘No. I’d love to see you. Where?’
‘Down in the bar. ‘Bout ten minutes? I don’t have too long but I’d really like to have a quick talk.’
‘Fine.’
‘Ten minutes then.’
I put down the receiver and turned back to Kelly and Jennifer.
‘He’s coming round.’
‘Why did you cut me out, Colin?’ asked Jennifer angrily.
‘I must see him alone,’ I said firmly.
‘Why?’
I couldn’t think of an answer. Instead I turned to Kelly. ‘Can you wait for half an hour?’
‘OK.’ She seemed afraid now, as if she had lost control of the situation.
‘I’ll go and wait for him,’ I said and hurriedly left the room, leaving Jennifer and Kelly to eye each other uncomfortably.
Chapter Seven
‘Colin – ’ He grasped my hand. Over the two hours since I’d seen him Alex seemed to have become almost haggard; I was shocked by the grey lines on his face and his over-emphasised concern. There was an uncertainty to him now that I had never seen before. What did he know? He could have known Tim was alive when we were on the water. Was he really holding Tim; about to kill his own brother to protect himself? Suddenly the whole idea seemed inherently absurd. Kelly must be lying. But then – was she Kelly? And why was Alex so on edge? He took me into the gloomy, half-lit hotel bar, and against a musak background of bluesy music bought me a Coke and himself a large bourbon. We sat at a table in a corner, well away from other drinkers, but as the place was nearly empty he had no trouble in guarding our privacy.
‘You looked bad today,’ he said. ‘I’m concerned for you.’
Nothing to the way you look, I thought.
‘I’m tired.’
‘How are you coping?’
Suddenly I found myself talking to him as I always did – as an old friend. It was weird. How could Alex be a racketeer? A killer? It was all so Micky Spillane.
‘I miss him like hell. Jennifer and Kate seem to stick together.’
‘Is that why you came here with her?’
‘To get to know each other better. That seemed to be her idea.’
‘What was yours?’
‘Just a change.’
‘Colin, I’ve been thinking a good deal about you. And I have a proposition. How about living here permanently?’
‘I don’t know – ’
‘Is it Norman? I know you two guys don’t get along. But he’s going to a private college in Virginia next year. He’ll be a boarder and – ’
‘I don’t have anything against Norman.’
‘I know he’s not easy. It would have been easier for him if I hadn’t left his mother. If we’d all stayed together.’
‘I’d like to think it over,’ I said, trying not to sound forced. ‘It’s a wonderful offer.’
‘There’d just be the two of us in the apartment. I know I have a load to do but I’d make the time. The right amount of time.’
‘Yes, I’m sure you would.’
‘You know me pretty well. I work hard. I play hard. That kind of thing. I’m ambitious. You could go to college here. What do you want to do with your life?’
‘Haven’t a clue.’
‘New York’s a good place to be when you’re making up your mind.’ He seemed slightly more relaxed. ‘It’ll probably make it up for you.’
Maybe it would, I thought. But maybe it was also the kind of city that made it easy for you to use Sandmen.
I drank some more Coke and he changed the subject.
‘What would you like to see tomorrow ni
ght?’
He pulled out a paper and rifled through to the listings. We discussed the merits of various plays and musicals and came up with a musical we both wanted to see.
‘Alex – ’ I blurted out suddenly.
‘Yeah?’
‘Who’s the Sandman? They keep mentioning him – or them – in the British press.’
He didn’t show any reaction whatsoever.
‘Just politics turning dirtier than usual.’
‘But what is he? A hit man?’
‘I don’t know. It would seem there’s someone in Congress who’s protecting himself.’
‘What from?’
‘Revelations. Enquiries. Congressional Committees. Thinks he can do it by eliminating witnesses.’
‘But the Sandman? What kind of person would he be?’
‘New York’s full of them. Make a quick buck – and more than that – for a tight professional job. In fact, I would say there’s a whole lot of Sandmen, not one Sandman. Probably a different hit man each time. This city is crawling with violence.’ He looked at his watch. ‘I have to go.’ He drained his Bourbon. ‘Colin – ’
‘Yes?’
‘Do think carefully about joining me here. I would love to have you. Norman’s not an easy kid and to have Tim’s son with me would be something fantastic’ He hesitated and then playfully punched my shoulder. ‘I could even adopt you,’ he said and laughed. Even now I have a gut feeling that he meant it. His eyes were clear and there wasn’t a hint of tension anywhere. Suddenly I was aware just how ruthlessly clever Alex could be.
When I rejoined Kelly and Jennifer, they seemed to have reached an uneasy truce.
‘How was he?’ Jennifer asked.
‘Fine. Bit on edge. But he warmed up. Just wanted a chat. I don’t think he’s on to anything. In fact I’m sure he’s not.’
I looked at Kelly. ‘Are you ready?’
‘Sure. We’re going to meet Jennifer early tomorrow at Battery Park. Seven-thirty. Then we can check out the ferry together.’ She paused. ‘You could both meet me there if you …’
‘Listen, Kelly. I must go with you.’
‘Colin, you’d be better with some sleep. Please, Colin.’ Jennifer was beside herself with misery and anxiety. ‘You mustn’t go.’
‘I must go,’ I said doggedly. ‘I am going – whatever you say.’
‘It’s dangerous,’ said Kelly.
‘I’m going.’
‘OK,’ she said, looking across at Jennifer, who tried one more time.
‘Colin, I forbid this. For your father’s sake.’
‘I’ll see you at Battery Park,’ I said, grabbing a jerkin.
To my relief Kelly got up and shrugged. ‘I’ll take care of him,’ she said.
We set off, leaving Jennifer looking completely distraught. Kelly didn’t say much until we were in the lift. She pressed the button for the basement car park.
‘You do what I say, Colin,’ she said quietly. ‘We’re in real trouble. This isn’t a cop show.’
‘Look,’ I said, determined to be assertive. ‘Let’s get a couple of things straight, shall we? I’m not a kid and he’s just as much my father as yours.’
‘I would say rather more, wouldn’t you?’ Her voice was bitter.
‘No. I wouldn’t. I thought he was dead until early today. He died for us for a few weeks to help you. Get it?’
‘I get it.’ She suddenly smiled. ‘I’ll make a bargain with you.’
‘What’s that?’ I asked suspiciously.
‘I won’t treat you like a kid but don’t behave like one. And there’s another thing.’
‘Yeah?’
‘I know these streets.’
‘Yeah,’ I said again. ‘You were brought up on them, weren’t you?’ My sarcasm had no visible effect on her whatsoever. Nevertheless I felt I had to apologise. ‘I’m sorry I said that.’
‘That’s OK.’
The lift doors slid open and we stepped out into the dimly lit car park.
‘Stay close to me.’
I did as I was told. The car park looked innocent enough but I was determined to show her I could cope.
It took a long time to creep our way in the shadow of the grimy tiled wall, but eventually we came to the exit. Kelly drew back as a car came down the ramp and another followed. Then I saw a sign marked Fire Exit and nudged her. She nodded, and we hurried across the open space until we came to a door that opened on to a flight of stairs. They smelt of urine and fast food. Cautiously Kelly paused at the top and opened the fire door noiselessly. It led on to a side street. There was a closed-down bar and some shuttered shops. Cars were parked down each side but there were few pedestrians. I felt pleased with myself, for at least I’d been quick to take the initiative about the door.
‘We’re going to walk up to Times Square and get some transport. We just get inside without any comment. OK?’
‘OK.’
‘Come here.’ She pulled me close to her until we were walking arm in arm. I tried not to look self-conscious, but twenty minutes later, when we arrived in Times Square, I imagined that everyone was staring at us. The square was packed with a combination of wandering tourists and drifters, their faces bathed pale by the gaudy light. The traffic surged impatiently around them. Sirens wailed continuously yet there was such life and vigour to the place that I felt on a high. At last I was involved, walking with this girl who might or might not be my sister. It was great to be on the streets with her, our arms round each other’s waists. I was locked in an excitement I had never experienced before. And I felt nearer to Tim because of it. In my exhausted state I felt illogically confident and was promising myself that once I had found my father again I would never let him out of my sight.
Eventually we turned down a side street that mostly contained tha back entrances of hotels, but there were one or two bars and an office block. Double parked outside was a small, battered van which had on its side the legend: PANORAMA PIZZA COMPANY INC.
‘Great. Let’s go,’ said Kelly.
‘OK.’ Unwillingly I released her and Kelly hurried to the driver’s window. A young black man was slumped in the front seat. He grinned at her and pointed to the passenger door. I followed her quickly and we were hardly inside before the van moved noisily and jerkily into action.
‘Who’s the dude?’ he asked.
‘My half-brother.’
‘The guy from England?’
‘That’s him.’
He stretched out a hand and the van veered wildly.
‘The name’s Silk,’ he said.
‘Colin,’ I replied.
‘Where were you calling from?’ he said to Kelly, pulling out into the traffic.
‘Hotel,’ she replied unexpansively. I realised she must have made the call when I thought she was in the bathroom.
‘Is it go?’ he asked.
‘It’s go,’ she said.
Silk picked up a mike on the dashboard and said: ‘Go for the marathon pizza.’
I hadn’t the faintest idea what they were talking about, but my strange light-headed confidence was still buoying me along and I didn’t feel in the least curious about what they were saying.
Silk remained silent for the rest of the journey and as Kelly said nothing either, I watched the giant skyscraper landscape of Times Square and Broadway tail away until we were in a wilderness of streets that gradually broadened out into huge areas of urban decay. I had never been into this area of New York. Most buildings were only a few storeys tall and there was an air of raffish seediness. The pavements were thronged and the shops and bars that were not boarded up were covered in brash lettering.
‘Where are we?’ I asked.
‘Spanish Harlem,’ said Silk, turning up the radio that had been softly drumming a soul beat.
More or less everyone on the streets was black. My fears had evaporated completely and it was great to be in this heady atmosphere with Kelly and Silk. They were so casually at home here, so unthreatening.
As Silk slowed down he turned into a road entirely composed of old brownstone houses. Kids ran up and down the sidewalks and men and women sat on the steps watching everything that was happening. Suddenly I realised I had never been so exposed and yet I was still unafraid. It seemed crazy but I could only feel there was something benevolent about the street, something warm. I felt calm, professional, sure that I would soon be reunited with Tim. But I hadn’t the faintest idea how.
‘This is where Laurence’s family lives,’ said Kelly. ‘But we’re going to sit here while Silk checks it out. He’ll know if any strangers are about.’
Silk got out of the van and began to stroll up the length of the street. Most of the houses were very shabby and music vibrated from behind open doors. The night was soft with no wind and I could smell spiced food cooking. Some kids passed and stared at us, their eyes calculating.
Silk returned. ‘It’s OK.’
As I slid out Kelly said something to Silk that I couldn’t catch. He began to walk a few paces behind us as we headed for the house at the end of the street.
Kelly ran up the steps ahead of me and straight inside without knocking. I followed her into the darkened entrance hall which smelt of sandalwood. Then we came to a high-ceilinged living room where a man was sprawled in front of a television set, watching a game show. He rose slowly to his feet and turned down the volume.
‘They’ve got him. They took him this afternoon,’ said Kelly and I watched her as she talked. She began to recite the events that led up to the kidnapping, and as the words tumbled out, her eyes filled with angry tears.
I looked across at the man and noticed that he was wearing a priest’s collar. He was tall, middle-aged, with a rather gentle face. He seemed so strong, so sure, so reassuring. There was nothing that could worry Jennifer here – or me, come to that. And in addition he gave me real hope about Tim. It was as if people as reassuring as him were involved other help could be given.
‘Why didn’t you come at once?’ His voice was deep, courteous.
‘I went to his wife. Thought she would be bound to help. But she didn’t have any cash.’
‘And who’s this?’ he asked, turning to me. At last Kelly decided to do the introductions.
‘This is my half-brother, Colin.’
Nightmare in New York Page 5