by Kerry Kaya
Stroking her daughter’s back, Stacey was unable to get her head around this turn of events. She’d already known that Tommy hadn’t been a big fan of Jack, but for him to suddenly come home and tell their daughter that she could no longer see the boy again, just wasn’t sitting right with her. “Don’t say that, Karen. No matter what he says or does, he is still your dad.”
“No.” Karen shook her head. “Not anymore, Mum. He’s said or done something to my Jack, I know he has.” She began to sob even harder. “If he’s hurt him, I’ll never, ever forgive him. I love Jack so much, Mum. Why would Dad do this to me, why?”
Stacey had no answers. She continued sitting with her daughter until the tears had subsided. All the while, she went over and over everything in her mind. Tommy’s outburst just didn’t make any sense to her.
Once her daughter had fallen asleep, she crept out of the room and made her way down the stairs toward the lounge. She was going to say something to her husband, and instinctively, she knew he wasn’t going to like it, but all the same, it had to be said.
She stood inside the doorway watching him, her own temper high. “You can’t control everything, Tommy.”
Turning his head, Tommy looked at his wife. “Pardon?”
Stacey repeated herself. “You heard what I said. You can’t control everything and everyone.”
“I’m not trying to.” Tommy turned his head away and continued staring into space.
Stepping inside the lounge, Stacey came to stand in front of her husband. “I know you, Tommy. You’ve been a part of my life since we were kids. And this need inside of you to want,” she paused, correcting herself, “this need inside of you that has to control everything and everyone, it needs to stop, now.” She pointed her finger upward toward the ceiling. “Your daughter has just cried herself to sleep, and you did that to her.” She threw her arms upward. “Why the fuck you would do this to one of your children, your own flesh and blood, I just don’t understand.”
“I don’t want to talk about it, Stace. And trust me, one day, you and our Karen will thank me for this.”
“No, no we won’t, Tommy.” Stacey shook her head sadly. “Don’t you see, you’re already too late to do this.”
“What do you mean?” There was fear evident in Tommy’s narrowed eyes. Please, God, don’t let Karen be pregnant, he silently prayed.
“She loves him, and no matter how much you might want to, you can’t put a stop to that.”
Relieved, Tommy continued staring into space. “Then we’ll have to agree to disagree, Stace. Now, if you don’t mind, I don’t want to talk about the matter any longer.” He heaved himself up off of the sofa and left the room, leaving a bewildered Stacey to stare after his retreating back.
* * *
“Hello, lass.” Putting out his arms, Mad Dog brought Karen to a halt. They were in Romford Market and it was by no accident he had bumped into the young girl. It was Tommy who’d sent him to have a word with her. “Try to make her see sense, please,” Tommy had begged him.
Karen threw herself into the older man’s arms. She’d always had a soft spot for the Scotsman, and although she called him Uncle Mad Dog, he was more like a grandfather figure to her.
“Hey, what’s with the long face?”
There and then Karen crumpled, and tears fell from her eyes.
“Come on,” Mad Dog said, nodding his head toward the café they were stood outside. “Come and have a cup of tea with me, and then you can tell me all about it.”
They entered the bustling café, and Mad Dog pointed over to a table beside the window. “Grab a seat, lass, and I’ll go and get us a cuppa.”
With two mugs of tea in front of him, Mad Dog pocketed his change and carefully manoeuvred around the tables to reach the girl. “There you go, lass.” He smiled as he placed the steaming brew down onto the Formica table. “Now, what’s with the tears?” he asked once seated.
With a sigh, Karen dabbed at her eyes with a sodden tissue. “My dad,” she answered. “Do you know what he’s done?”
Shaking his head, Mad Dog feigned ignorance. “No, you tell me what he’s done, lass.”
He allowed her to get it all off of her chest, and once she had finished, he cleared his throat. “If there is one thing I know about your dad, then to have done what he did, he would have had his reasons. You, your brothers, and your mum are his whole life.” He held up his hand, cutting off Karen’s protests. “Now, I know you won’t like me saying that, but it’s the truth. In all the years I’ve known him, I’ve never known your dad not to think things through first and so,” he said spreading out his arms, “it stands to reason that he must have had his reasons to do what he did.”
“Yeah but, …,” Karen sighed, “he must have said or done something to my Jack, even though he keeps denying it. Why else would I not have heard from him?”
Mad Dog shrugged his shoulders. “I can’t answer that one, Kal.”
“And as for our Jake, do you wanna know what my dad has done?”
Once again, Mad Dog feigned ignorance.
“He’s only gone and demanded that he cut his hair.” She blew out her cheeks. “Who the bleeding hell does he think he is?”
Mad Dog raised his eyebrows at this. He could see Tommy’s point there. The last time he himself had seen young Jake, he’d mistaken him for a girl.
“Terrified he is. The poor kid hasn’t been home in nearly a week. My poor mum is beside herself with worry.” Karen shook her head, her eyes wide. “Honestly, I don’t know how me mum puts up with him. If it was me, I’d have left him years ago.”
Mad Dog sucked in his cheeks. It wasn’t his place to talk about Tommy’s marriage. “They’ve been married a long time, lass; they love each other.”
Karen screwed up her face. “I can’t see why. He isn’t exactly husband of the year, is he?” she asked, referring to her father.
Shifting his weight, Mad Dog was beginning to feel uncomfortable. As far as he was aware, Tommy had only ever been a good husband. He’d provided for Stacey and given her the best that money could buy. And as for other women, to the best of his knowledge, Tommy had never strayed. “Your dad’s a good man, lass.”
“Is he?” Taking a sip of her tea, Karen eyed the older man over the rim of the mug. “He’s a control freak, and deep down, you know what I’m saying is true.”
Unsure of how best to answer, Mad Dog took a deep breath. “Aye.” If it wasn’t for Tommy controlling his brothers, then the Carter boys would have been thrown into prison years ago. It was only Tommy’s astute mind that had kept them away from the watchful eye of the old bill. “But with good reason, lass.”
Chapter 7
By his own admission, Leon Parkes wasn’t the brightest bulb on a Christmas tree. But even he had to admit the plan Tommy Carter had devised was pretty much fool-proof. It was so simple that even he wouldn’t be able to fuck it up, at least that was the plan anyway.
From a safe distance, Leon sat astride the Yamaha motorbike that Tommy had acquired for him, watching the comings and goings of the betting shop, through the visor of the crash helmet he had pushed down onto his head. He’d been given strict instructions to not enter the premises until five minutes before the doors were locked and the metal shutters had been pulled down for the night.
He glanced down at his wristwatch; yet another requirement from Tommy. Under no circumstances was he to bring his mobile phone with him. The old bill can trace it, Tommy had warned him.
Beads of cold sweat began to break out across Leon’s forehead, and his heart was beating ten to the dozen. Just fifteen minutes to go, and then he would be able to put Tommy Carter’s plan into action.
* * *
Twenty miles away, Tommy Carter, his family, and close friends, had spent the afternoon in the Eagle and Charles public house, in Brentwood, Essex. Having sunk a few beers, Tommy was in good spirits, the only downside being that his daughter, and his youngest son, were missing. Still, he’d won a few quid
on the horses, so it wasn’t all bad.
The party was just loud enough to get noticed by the bar staff and other punters, without making nuisances of themselves, and Tommy planned to keep it that way. It was imperative that they were seen in the pub. Unbeknownst to them, the bar staff was going to provide their alibis, should the police coming knocking.
Stood at the bar, Tommy ordered a round of drinks. He pocketed his change, and handed the filled glasses out. “Here you go, Lil, my darling,” he grinned, making a fuss of the elder woman. He was particularly fond of Mad Dog’s partner. Having known the couple for over twenty years, they were more like family than employees.
“Thank you, Tommy.” Lillian smiled as she took the gin and tonic from him. Despite being in her seventies, she still had a good figure and loved to dress in tight fitting clothes, showing off her ample breasts and tiny waist. With peroxide blonde dyed hair stood high on top of her head in a beehive, she’d been a right dolly bird back in the day. She patted her greying hair into place now, as she basked in the younger man’s attention. She loved Tommy like a son and knew her old man, Mad Dog, felt the same way. In private and out of earshot of Janet and Frank, they often regarded themselves as Tommy’s surrogate parents.
“About time he made an honest woman of you, ain’t it?” Tommy grinned and nodded his head across to Mad Dog.
Hearing the exchange, Mad Dog’s face paled. “Don’t be giving her ideas, lad.”
Tommy couldn’t help but laugh. Despite Mad Dog’s words, he knew for a fact that Lillian was the Scotsman’s world, and the only reason he dragged himself out of bed each and every morning.
Glancing down at his Rolex wristwatch, Tommy took note of the time. He was reminded of why exactly he had arranged this get together. Once again, Leon Parkes and the robbery were at the forefront of his mind.
“You all right, bruv?” Jimmy asked. Just like Tommy had, he, too, had taken note of the time.
Tommy looked up. He threw Jimmy a warm smile and clasped his hand upon his brother’s shoulder. “Yeah, all good.”
“He should be on for the job now, shouldn’t he? Leon, I mean.” Jimmy kept his voice low, knowing instinctively that Tommy’s mind would be elsewhere.
With a second glance at his watch, Tommy nodded his head. “Yeah, any minute now, that’s as long as he sticks to the plan,” he sighed. “It’s in his hands now, bruv. Nothing we can do to help, and let’s face it, it’s pretty much fool-proof. We could have carried it out with our eyes closed.”
“Well, we have had some practice.”
“True,” Tommy chuckled. “Which reminds me, it’s about time we started planning a job.” He leaned in closer. “I’ve seen the perfect place, and it’s got our names written all over it.”
“I was wondering how long that would take.” Jimmy raised his eyebrows and laughed. “You’re getting itchy feet, ain’t you? Go on, admit it.”
Tommy shrugged his shoulders. “You know me too well,” he laughed. He took a mouthful of his lager and quickly swallowed it down. “You’re gonna like this one,” he winked. “In fact, after this job, you’ll never have to do a day’s work again. We’re gonna be loaded, bruv.”
Running his hand through his dark hair, Jimmy lifted his eyebrows. He trusted his brother’s judgement and didn’t even need to ask what the job would entail of. “I’m in,” he grinned.
“Thought you might be.” Tommy returned the smile, and turning to face the door, he outwardly groaned. “Who invited him?” he asked, turning his back to the pub entrance and speaking privately in his brother’s ear.
Strolling through the door was Gary Carter.
“Wasn’t me, bruv. Must have been Mum.” He eyed his younger brother suspiciously. Wherever Gary went, trouble was sure to follow.
“Tommy. Tommy, I need a word.” Gary was all smiles, giving his elder brothers even more cause for concern.
Tommy held up his hands, maintaining a reasonable distance between himself and his younger brother. “Not now, Gal. I can’t be doing with your antics yet again.”
Not one to be put off by his brother’s words, Gary came to stand in front of his eldest brother. “I need a word, a bit of advice, like.” He gave Jimmy a cold stare, making it clear the conversation was for Tommy’s ears only.
Rolling his eyes, Tommy could feel a familiar sense of irritation ripple through him. His body was tense as he nodded his head. He fully expected Gary to tell him what he already knew—that Cameron was back in England. “Go on then, but you’d better make it quick.” He turned to face Jimmy. “Give us two minutes, bruv, please.”
Jimmy raised his eyebrows. He jabbed his finger forward, warning his younger brother to behave himself, then wandered across the bar, out of earshot of his brothers’ conversation.
“Well, make it quick, Gal, because I’m really not in the mood for you having a pop at me again.”
“Nah, nah, nothing like that.” Unable to stand still, Gary hopped from one foot to the other. “I need your advice; I’m thinking of buying into the property market.”
“What for?” Tommy narrowed his eyes. “You already own your own flat.”
“I’m gonna buy to rent, Tommy. It’s all the rage and I’ve seen just the place.”
Tommy sighed. “So, what do you need me for?”
Stepping closer toward his brother, Gary’s voice took on a conspiratorial tone. “I want you to come and view it with me.”
“Me?” It wasn’t often that Gary shocked him, but today was one of those days. “What the fuck do you want me to go with you for? Usually, you can’t stand to be in the same room as me.”
“Because you know about business, bruv.”
In two minds, Tommy finally gave in. If only for appearances sake, he and Gary could build bridges, then he knew it would give his old mum something to smile about. “Okay, I’ll come and look at the flat with you.”
“Flat?” Gary began to laugh. “It’s not a flat, Tommy, it’s a warehouse in Tilbury.”
It was Tommy’s turn to laugh. “What the fuck are you going to do with a warehouse, Gal?”
“Rent it out, of course.”
Not wanting to burst his brother’s bubble, Tommy took a sip of his lager before reluctantly nodding his head. “Okay, I’ll come and view it with you. Just let me know when, and I’ll be there.”
“Thanks.” Just as abruptly as he’d arrived, Gary left the boozer.
Strolling toward his brother, Jimmy jerked his thumb behind him at Gary’s retreating back. “What was that all about? Did he mention the boy?”
Tommy shook his head. “No, he didn’t say a dicky bird about the kid. ”
“You don’t think we could be wrong, do you? I mean, about the kid being Gary’s?”
“No, I’m not wrong about that.” Tommy was thoughtful for a few moments. “He wants to buy some property, and wants me to go and view it with him.”
“You and him alone in the same place?” Jimmy’s forehead furrowed as he began to laugh. “I don’t know if I like the sound of that.”
“I know.” Tommy burst out laughing at his brother’s words. “Can you imagine me and him, together? I’ll probably end up killing him before we’ve even viewed the place.”
Together they laughed, all the while, unaware of the maddening smile plastered across Gary’s face as he strode toward his car.
* * *
Climbing off of the bike, Leon kicked out at the kickstand. With the bike in place, he began to move forward, glancing once again at his wristwatch. Six minutes to go before closing time. He strode purposely toward the bookies. Inside his jacket was a small handgun. He’d never fired a gun before and could only hope and pray that he wouldn’t need to before the day was out.
Five minutes to go. He watched the last few straggling customers leave the premises. He then took a deep breath and burst through the door, pulling out the gun in front of him as he did so.
“Money, now!” he shouted. His back was firmly placed against the closed en
trance door, and his voice was loud in the confines of the small shop.
The startled staff stared toward Leon, before ducking for cover. It wasn’t every day they were turned over.
“Money, now!” Leon repeated, his voice even louder. With one hand, he threw a black rucksack toward the open-mouthed cashiers. His remaining hand jabbed the gun forward. “And you even think about raising the alarm, and I’ll blow your fucking heads off.”
Dressed head-to-toe in black, his words had the desired effect, and he watched with baited breath as the staff dutifully filled the rucksack with used notes.
“Hurry up!” he screamed. His eyes darted around the room, watching their every move. Nerves were beginning to get the better of him and a trickle of sweat rolled down his forehead. He stabbed the gun forward and snatched the bag from the manager. “Now, don’t fucking move,” he warned. He began to back out of the shop with the bag containing the haul tightly clutched in his fist.
Turning on his heels, Leon ran as if his life depended on it. He jumped onto the bike, started the ignition, and sped away from the scene of his crime toward the foot tunnel. Elation pumped through his veins and he shouted out loud. “I did it! I only went, and fucking did it.” Tommy Carter had been right all along. With the right planning, the robbery was fool-proof.
* * *
“Here he is, my old mucker.” Tommy greeted Danny McKay warmly. “Where the fuck have you been? I didn’t think you were gonna turn up.”
“Who are you calling old? There’s only a year between us.” Danny gave a wide grin. “I had to sort out the doors for tonight. I’m four men down, remember?” He gave a little wink, referring to the shooting that the Carter brothers had executed on his behalf.
“What can I get you to drink, Danny?” Jimmy asked as he shook the man’s hand. “You’ve got some catching up to do,” he grinned.