‘Name it, pal.’
‘I’ve had a visit from an old family friend. His nephew knew you in the past and reckons he has some important information for you. This is none of my business, so I didn’t want to know the ins and outs. But, from what I can gather, it’s in your best interests to meet up with this geezer. The only favour I’m asking is you meet and don’t harm him. My dad is very fond of his uncle, and he wouldn’t be happy if something bad happened to the nephew.’
Vinny immediately felt uneasy. Was Eddie threatening him, in a nice kind of way? ‘I’ve no idea who or what you’re referring to, mate. Who is this geezer?’
Eddie handed Vinny the letter. ‘See for yourself.’
Michael Butler put all items of Adam’s he found lying around downstairs into a bin bag. His eyes welled up with tears as he held his son’s discarded T-shirt to his nose, drawing in Adam’s scent.
Taking the bag upstairs, Michael plonked it on Adam’s bed. He was in no fit state of mind to get rid of his son’s stuff yet. Didn’t know if he could ever part with his belongings, but the one thing he did know was that he wanted to sell this house as quickly as possible. Everything about it reminded him of Adam.
‘Dad, Dan’s in a real bad way. He can’t eat and keeps being sick. Please talk to him. He didn’t know that Adam was gonna get his trainer caught under the track. I’m as much to blame as him,’ Lee said.
Michael sighed. Even though he currently hated the sight of Daniel, he had to talk to him at some point and if the boy was ill he needed caring for. ‘Dan, get your arse downstairs with Lee. I’m gonna make us all some breakfast.’
‘Shall I get it?’ Lee asked, referring to the doorbell.
‘Nah. I will,’ Michael responded, running down the stairs. ‘Whatever’s the matter?’ he said. His brother’s expression was one of pure fury.
‘I’m fucking livid, bruv. Eddie Mitchell turns up at mine earlier with a letter from this geezer me and Ahmed once did business with. The letter can only mean one thing. That Turkish cunt was trying to set me up.’
‘Jesus! Let me read it.’
‘I disposed of it. This geezer’s asked to meet me on Friday, wants to explain all. I thought the dude’s name was Richie Simpson, but in the letter he reckons he’d been told to use that name by the bloke who was paying him to set me up. It can only be Ahmed. Nobody else was involved in the deal. I’ll fucking rip his throat out if he has tried to cross me. I just can’t believe he’d do that though.’
Michael shrugged. ‘I can. He was never going to forgive you for leaving him for dead. What was the deal? Drugs?’
Vinny nodded. ‘Cocaine to be precise. Molly going missing was what scuppered it. I then told Ahmed that I wanted out for good. This geezer is called Carl Thompson. You ever heard of him?’
Michael shook his head. ‘How come Mitchell’s involved?’
‘Carl’s uncle is a friend of the family. Eddie urged me to meet him and sort of warned me about harming him.’
‘Warned you! In what way?’
‘He just said his old man wouldn’t be happy if anything bad happened to Carl.’
‘Fucking cheek! What did you say? I’d have given Mitchell a mouthful if he’d said that to me.’
‘No you fucking wouldn’t, big man. You’d have bitten your tongue like I did. I ain’t afraid of no cunt, bruv, the Mitchells included, but they are the one family I’d rather have as friends than enemies. It wasn’t exactly a threat, Eddie asked for a favour. Get it?’
‘I’m coming with you to the meet,’ Michael insisted.
‘No, you ain’t. Carl said in the letter he’d only see me alone. I’m meeting him at The Bull car park in Dagenham in broad daylight, so I’ll be fine. I reckon Ahmed was planning on me getting caught with a boot full of charlie. Either that or this Carl bloke is spinning me a yarn ’cause he wants dosh out of me.’
‘I don’t reckon Carl is bullshitting if he’s involved the Mitchells, Vin. Sounds kosher enough to me.’
‘I’m itching to find out the fucking low-down. Ahmed’s called on some champagne deal for Saturday night. We’re supposed to be picking up five hundred crates from somewhere in Purfleet. I wonder if that’s a set-up an’ all. The cunt’s probably planning on finishing me off. The champagne sounds far too cheap to me – now I know why.’
‘You be careful, bruv, we’ve got enemies coming out of our arseholes at the moment. I’ll always have your back, you know that.’ Michael’s eyes suddenly welled up. ‘I’d better get back to the boys now. They’re not coping well. I’m trying to be strong, but it’s so fucking difficult. The house just isn’t the same without him. It feels empty.’
Vinny thought of Molly. No words were needed as the brothers shared a grief-stricken hug.
Nancy Butler took one last look at her parents’ house before firing up the engine of her Golf convertible. The car had been the last present her cheating bastard of a husband had bought her.
Nancy got no further than Barking Park before she had to pull over, the tears streaming down her face till she could hardly see. She and Joanna had spent some wonderful days in the park when their kids were young. Now Molly and Adam were both dead. Why was life so unfair?
It was in this very park Nancy had fallen in love with Michael, back when she was only sixteen. The fair was in town and she’d been standing by the Waltzer with her old school friend Rhonda when he came into view. She’d had a crush on him as an eleven-year-old when her parents owned the café in Whitechapel, but hadn’t set eyes on him since they moved away, and couldn’t believe her luck when he showed an interest in her and they started dating.
Nancy wiped away the tears, took one last look around, savoured the good memories, then put her foot on the accelerator. Any love she’d felt for Michael seemed to have evaporated overnight. She now hated the bastard with a passion. He’d turned Daniel into a monster, cheated behind her back, and she hoped that after tomorrow, when he realized she was gone for good, the guilt would eat away at him forever.
Vinny Butler got out of his car and climbed into Gnasher’s. They’d already agreed a price. Gnasher wanted twenty grand for killing Darren and twenty-five for Joanna. When Vinny had asked why he wanted more to top Jo, Gnasher told him, ‘I always find it pricks my conscience more to kill women.’
‘Did you have a look at those roads from Tillingham through to Southminster?’ Vinny asked.
‘Yeah. They’re sound. I’ve already got the vehicle. It was stolen up north. It’s had the number plates changed, been resprayed and had bull bars fitted. I’ve stashed it at a pal’s garage in Basildon. What I need to know is, what do you want me to do if Joanna’s alone?’
‘Just kill her. The boyfriend’s not overly important,’ Vinny replied, in his usual blasé manner.
‘So when do you want the job done?’
‘As soon as. I’ll be picking Ava up at seven next Sunday morning. I’ll find out then if Jo’s going to her parents’ gaff or not. I’ve bought a mobile phone, but won’t ring on that in case the call can be traced. There’s a phone box on the village green not far from Jo’s house. I’ll leave Ava in the car and ring ya from there. I’ll also give my brother a bell at the same time and leave a message on his answerphone. If the Old Bill do suspect me in any way, shape or form, they might just question Ava. You can never be too careful, eh?’
Gnasher nodded. ‘You sure she’ll definitely take that route to get to her parents’ place? Because if she doesn’t, the job’ll have to wait. I like to make sure I’ve got the perfect spot, plan everything precisely. I won’t just go chasing off after her and do it anywhere.’
‘That’s the route she always takes when she goes to her parents’ – I’ve had her watched. And she went over there last Sunday when I had Ava. I had to ring her there to tell her I’d be bringing Ava home early after my brother’s youngest son had a fatal accident. Got mowed down by a train, God bless him.’
‘Fucking hell! That’s terrible, Vinny. I’m so, so sorry to
hear that. Condolences to you and your family. How old was your nephew?’
‘Only ten. Such a waste of life. Adam was a good kid an’ all, proper little character …’
As the two men chatted away about the circumstances of Adam’s death, neither felt the slightest twinge of guilt about the lives they were about to end.
Nancy pulled into the entrance of Kings Holiday Park in Eastbourne, parked up and turned off the engine. She knew she was torturing herself, but wanted to see the place one last time.
She’d spent so many happy times at Kings when the boys were young. Adam, being the youngest, had adored all the activities: the donkey derby, It’s a Knockout, the trips to Treasure Island, and he’d loved playing on the machines in the amusement arcade. Nancy could just picture his excited little face when the money used to tumble out of those tuppenny-fall machines.
Daniel had been a much nicer boy back in those days too. He’d never been perfect though, not like Adam. Nancy had always known in her heart that Daniel took after his father’s side of the family. He was bolshie, had a temper on him even as a baby, and was always the instigator whenever the boys played her up. Adam had been a gentle soul. Definitely more of a Walker than a Butler.
Staring at the clubhouse, Nancy sighed. She would never forget the talent competition. Adam had got on stage and sung Clive Dunn’s ‘Grandad’. He’d dedicated it to Albie and the crowd had loved him. He’d have won first prize if it hadn’t been for Molly singing ‘You Are My Sunshine’. She’d brought the house down, bless her. Then a massive fight had kicked off between Vinny and Michael. That was the night the whole family got barred.
Opening the roof of her car, Nancy shut her eyes. She could smell the chlorine from the swimming pool; hear children laughing and the birds singing. This place held so many memories, and every sound and smell reminded her of Adam and happier times.
Tears rolling down her cheeks, Nancy fired up the ignition and took one last look at the holiday park. It was high time she headed off to her destination.
The British Flag in Canning Town was the Mitchells’ stamping ground. They’d used the boozer for many years and it was seen by the locals as their headquarters.
Harry led Eddie to the corner of the bar. ‘Did you speak to Vinny?’
‘Yeah. I gave him the letter and a gentle warning.’
‘How did you word it?’
‘I was very diplomatic. Just hinted you would not be a happy man if anything were to happen to Carl, then left the letter with him.’
‘Was he OK with what you said?’
‘Seemed to be. Although he did give me a strange look. Don’t be worrying, Dad. The Butlers won’t be wanting to start a war with us. They ain’t that daft.’
‘I hope you’re right, son. Genuinely like the Butlers, I do. But if Vinny cocks a deaf ’un to the little favour we’ve asked of him, there will be a war. And we’ll win the fucker hands down.’
Nancy Butler breathed a sigh of relief as she finally arrived at her destination. She’d never been a confident driver and reaching the top of Beachy Head had been an ordeal in itself.
Darkness setting in, Nancy grabbed her bag and sat down near the edge of the cliff. She switched the torch on and stared at the view. The waves looked fierce, which was perfect.
Aware that this was a very common suicide spot, Nancy took a moment to think about the poor people who’d chosen to end their lives here. She would put money on it that some of the deceased had suffered the heartbreak of losing a child like herself.
Nancy took the framed photo of Adam out of her bag. It was his last school photo and his cheeky grin was so infectious. Such a beautiful boy, whose life didn’t deserve to be cut so brutally short. What he went through as that train hurtled towards him really did not bear thinking of.
Aware of a car approaching, Nancy kissed the photograph and laid it on the ground. The thought of the unknown scared the living daylights out of her, but anything must be better than her previous life. It was a case of now or never.
CHAPTER THIRTY
Michael Butler woke up dazed. Had the phone been ringing or had he dreamt it? He hadn’t been sleeping well and couldn’t stay over at Bella’s because now wasn’t the time to be leaving Daniel and Lee alone.
Lee burst through the bedroom door. ‘Dad, Nan’s on the phone.’
Immediately panicking because the clock/radio was flashing 6.45 a.m., Michael snatched the phone out of his son’s hand. ‘What’s up, Mum?’
‘I’m not your mother, thank God. You’d have been brought up with better morals had I been,’ Mary bravely informed her deceitful son-in-law. ‘Is Nancy with you? Only I need to speak to her. Me and her father have been worrying ourselves sick all night.’
Michael sat bolt upright. ‘Nancy isn’t with me. When did you last see her?’
‘Yesterday morning. When me and Donald got back from the café, there was a note on the table saying she was popping round to see you.’
‘I was here with the boys all day yesterday, Mary, and I can assure you I didn’t see hide nor hair of Nancy. Have you tried Joanna? Perhaps she’s gone to visit her.’
When Mary started crying and shouting at him, Michael ended the call. The last thing he wanted to do today was face his wife’s parents, but what choice did he have if Nancy was on the missing list? He’d married the girl and, even though he was no longer in love with her, he still cared for her.
Over in Burnham-on-Crouch, Deborah and Johnny Preston were having yet another heated argument. All they seemed to do since Vinny had come back on the scene was row and their marriage was currently hanging in the balance.
This morning’s tiff had been caused by Joanna ringing up in tears. Apparently, Mary Walker had just called her to ask if she’d seen Nancy and now Jo was blaming herself for her friend’s disappearance because she hadn’t visited her since learning of Adam’s death.
‘When you gonna wake up and smell the coffee, Deb? Roy’s dead, Lenny’s dead, Molly’s dead, Adam’s dead and now Nancy’s disappeared. How long do you think it’s gonna be before either Jo or Ava disappear or die, eh? We’ve got enough money to move to Spain tomorrow, and I’ve got a job I can walk straight into out there. Let’s just fuck off and get away from the Butler scum before it’s too late.’
‘It’s not that easy, Johnny. Darren can’t just up and leave – he’s got a son and a job to think about. Jo won’t go without him, and we’ve got all our belongings in this house. I like my home and England. I don’t want to live in Spain.’
Johnny Preston put his head in his hands. He’d had a tough time of it ever since he’d purchased that gun. Part of him just wanted to walk into Vinny’s new club and blast his brains out. Even if it meant a life sentence, it would be worth it, provided his daughter and granddaughter were safe. The problem was if he killed Vinny there was bound to be retribution from the rest of the Butler clan and he couldn’t guarantee his family’s safety if he was locked up.
‘Do you want a bacon sarnie?’ Deborah asked.
Johnny leapt to his feet, eyes blazing with anger. If Deborah was too thick to heed his warnings, perhaps the only way to make her listen was to shock her into doing so. ‘You can stick your bacon sandwich up your arse. I’ve decided I’m going to stay with my mum for a bit. Can’t take the arguing and worrying any more, Deb. Be it on your conscience when something bad happens to Jo or Ava – because it will, rest assured.’
DC James Maynard had only just arrived at his desk when his phone rang.
‘I’m so sorry to trouble you, but it’s Detective Walker’s mother here. I tried to ring my Christopher, but his wife said he’s out on some undercover job today, so I probably won’t be able to get hold of him. I’m ever so worried. My Nancy’s not been seen since yesterday morning and I’m scared she might do something stupid. She’s had mental health problems in the past,’ Mary gabbled.
‘Just keep yourself calm, Mrs Walker. I’ll be round in fifteen minutes,’ James Maynard told her, alread
y getting to his feet and reaching for his coat. Christopher Walker could bore for Britain in his opinion, but the guy was a copper and in their profession you always looked after your own.
The coastguard’s buzzer had gone off as soon as dawn broke. His pal who used to man the lighthouse had alerted him to yet another possible suicide.
Peering over the edge of the 530-foot drop, the coastguard could see no body. He picked up the framed photograph and stared at the boy’s face. He guessed it belonged to a parent who could no longer face life after the loss of a child.
Feeling melancholy, the coastguard opened the door of the Golf convertible. He’d lived here all his life and Beachy Head was a place he loved like no other. It was such a shame it had become known as a notorious suicide spot rather than for its beauty.
On the passenger seat was a collection of photos, most ripped in half. Putting two halves together, the coastguard stared at the stunning couple. The photo had been taken on their wedding day. The young blonde looked so beautiful and radiant. The man smartly dressed and handsome. They resembled love’s young dream, but something had obviously gone dreadfully wrong.
Unzipping the handbag, the coastguard saw what he surmised to be suicide letters. There were four in total, addressed to different people. Opening the purse, he took the driving licence out. Poor Nancy Butler’s family were going to get a terrible shock today, that was for sure.
‘Bollocks,’ Michael muttered, as he pulled up outside the Walkers’ gaff. The Old Bill were here already. Knowing that they were bound to want to question him anyway, Michael pounded his fist against the front door.
It was opened by Mary, who was in tears. ‘You’ve got some bloody nerve coming here. This is all your fault.’
‘Mary, I haven’t come here to argue, I’ve come to help find the mother of my sons. Any news yet? Did you speak to Joanna?’
‘Yes. Jo hasn’t heard from Nancy. If anything has happened to her, Michael, I’m holding you responsible.’
Kimberley Chambers 3-Book Butler Collection Page 122