by Sam Michaels
The way he was fretfully playing with his necktie put her in mind of a scene she’d seen in a Laurel and Hardy film. Only then she’d laughed but there was nothing funny about this situation.
‘Do you know who killed him?’ she asked.
‘No, Miss Garrett, I’ve no idea but I want you to know that I had nothing to do with it.’
‘Is that why you’re here? To tell me it wasn’t you?’
‘Yes. I… I, erm, got one of my blokes to cut the brake line on your car. I thought it would cause you to crash. I wanted to get you back for messing up my foot. I’m sorry, I realise that was a big mistake and I shouldn’t have done it, but I give you my word, that was all I did.’
Georgina looked past Wayne to Victor who said, ‘I noticed this morning that there was brake fluid on the road under the car. Big H repaired it straight away. I haven’t had a chance to tell you yet, what with…’
‘I see. So you tried to kill me off and make it look like an accident yet you want me to believe you didn’t play a part in my husband’s death?’
‘Yes, Miss Garrett. I know I’ve fucked up, but I’m telling the truth. I want to make it up to you. I’ll do whatever you want. And I swear I’ll never try to cross you again.’
‘You do realise that just one word from me and I could have you taken out?’
‘Yes.’
‘Yet you still come here, cap in hand, admitting that you tried to kill me. Are you fucking mad or just plain stupid?’
‘I’m neither, Miss Garrett, just scared shitless.’
Georgina looked at her father for his opinion.
‘Sounds like he’s seen the error of his ways. Is that right, Wayne?’ her father asked as he stepped towards the large man.
‘Yes, I have and I’ll be forever in your debt if you would forgive me.’
Georgina was surprised when she saw her dad pull a flick knife from his pocket and smirked when she saw Wayne flinch.
‘You see this scar,’ Jack said, pointing to the mark that ran across and up his face and had blinded him in one eye, courtesy of Norman Wilcox many years ago.
‘Yes,’ Wayne answered, cringing away from her dad.
He then pushed the tip of the blade into Wayne’s chubby cheek, not deeply but enough to cause it to bleed. ‘You ever so much as breathe near my daughter again, I’ll make sure your face looks ten times worse than this, like a noughts and crosses game. And then when I’ve finished slicing your fat cheeks off, I’ll cut your throat. Is that clear?’
‘Yes,’ Wayne answered, not daring to move, a trickle of sweat running down his temple.
Jack pushed ever so slightly deeper with his knife before turning to smile at Georgina then taking a seat in the armchair her gran used to sit in.
Georgina cleared her throat, then told Wayne, ‘Right. You’re off the hook for now, but you owe me and I will expect you to pay up when I ask.’
‘I will… anything you want. Me and my men are at your disposal.’
‘Yes, you are. Now piss off. Get out of my house and don’t you dare have the fucking nerve to come knocking on my door again, especially when my son is upstairs sleeping, you grovelling piece of pig shit.’
Victor was quick to bundle Wayne out of the door and once they heard him drive off, Molly blew out a long sigh.
‘I can’t believe he owned up to cutting the brakes on your car!’ she said, her mouth agape.
‘He ain’t that bright. I’ve never really felt threatened by the Vauxhall mob. They’re a bunch of dim-witted thugs.’
‘Do you believe him, about Lash?’ Molly asked.
‘Yes. It had crossed my mind that he might have done it, but I believe he’s telling the truth.’
‘If you’ll excuse me, ladies, I’m going to get myself off home, unless you’d like me to stay the night?’ her father asked.
‘No, it’s fine, thanks, Dad. You get off home. I’ve got Victor here, and Johnny Dymond is coming over once the poker has finished.’
‘All right, sweetheart. I’ll be back tomorrow. Try and get some sleep. See ya.’
‘Goodnight, Mr Garrett,’ Molly said with a smile as he left then turned to her friend, her face serious. ‘Who do you think did it?’
Georgina gazed at the flickering embers in the fireplace. It wasn’t cold. She wasn’t sure why Molly had lit the fire. ‘It’s best I don’t say,’ she answered. ‘But I will discover the truth and when I do, God help him.’
10
‘Shocking, Ivy, absolutely shocking,’ Benjamin said shaking his head as his eyes roamed down the cocktail menu in The Penthouse Club. He looked at the words again but couldn’t take them in. His mind was busy elsewhere, thinking about Georgina and what the dear woman must be going through.
‘Has she got any idea who did it?’ Ivy asked in a hushed voice.
‘I don’t know. If she has, she’s keeping it close to her chest. It’s such a worry to think that whoever killed Lash could be coming for one of us next.’
‘Yeah, I know, but we should be all right with all the extra security she’s put on the door.’
‘Yes, quite, but I hope they don’t put the customers off. You know how delicate some of our members can be.’
‘Don’t make me laugh, Benjamin. Our customers will take great pleasure in seeing those burly blokes greeting them.’
Benjamin chortled. Ivy had a point. Yes, his customers were always delighted when Georgina would show up with her entourage of hardmen, especially Victor.
‘Has there been any mention of a funeral?’
‘Arrangements are being made, though I believe it will be a rather unconventional affair,’ Benjamin answered.
‘How do you mean?’
‘Georgina would like a traditional funeral but Lash’s family want to take him and do it their way. Apparently, they burn the body in his caravan.’
‘Blimey, I don’t think Miss G would want that.’
‘I believe they are compromising. Georgina has agreed to a church service and then Lash’s family will take him away for their own part. They will be taking Alfie with them too. Georgina wants him out of harm’s way whilst there’s a killer on the loose.’
‘Poor Alfie, he was close with his dad. I don’t like the sound of the gypsy ritual. Bugger that. I wouldn’t want my body going up in flames.’
‘Ivy, if you was set alight, the smoke would be all glitter and sparkles. But I quite agree and I don’t think Georgina will be attending the gypsy service.’
‘I feel sorry for Miss G and Alfie. She’s young to be a widow.’
‘Yes, she is, but I fear that this war in Europe is going to make many more young widows.’
‘Maybe. I was scared at first, especially when the air raid siren went off, but there don’t seem to be much happening. I hope it stays that way and all.’
Benjamin nodded in agreement but then his head shot up when he heard the club doors fly open. As he studied the small figure walking towards him, a wide smile spread across his face. He could hardly believe what he was seeing and was soon rushing from behind the bar to greet his best friend.
‘Aubrey! What a wonderful surprise. What are you doing here? Why didn’t you tell me you was coming?’
‘Dahling, slow down. I need at least two glasses of champagne before I’m fit to talk.’
‘Yes, yes, of course. Come, sit here,’ Benjamin said and pulled out a seat, then turned to the bar and called, ‘Ivy, the finest champagne and two glasses. Chop, chop, girl, don’t stand there gawping.’
Ivy playfully poked her tongue out and Benjamin sat opposite his friend.
‘Oh, Benny, baby, it’s so good to be home,’ Aubrey sighed.
‘It’s wonderful to have you back. Is this just a visit or are you staying?’
‘I’m staying, as long as Hitler doesn’t get too close.’
‘I know, Aubrey, isn’t this war dreadful?’
‘Terrible, absolutely terrible. France is too close to Germany for my liking with no oceans betw
een them. So, I decided to put some distance between me and the Nazis and jumped on a ship back here.’
‘Well, I’m delighted you’re back though somewhat surprised that you left Paris. I gather from your letters that you’ve had the time of your life.’
‘Oh, yes, dahling, Paris is magical and very naughty. Now, tell me, who is this delectable creature?’
Ivy smiled sweetly, revealing her missing front teeth and began to fill the two glasses ordered.
‘This, Aubrey, is Ivy.’
Aubrey leaned back and looked the girl up and down. ‘She’s a girl?’
‘Yes, Aubrey, she’s a girl. And Ivy, this is Aubrey, my very dear friend and the former proprietor of The Penthouse.’
‘Nice to meet you, Aubrey. I’ve heard loads about you.’
‘Don’t believe everything you hear, dear. Though in my case, it’s probably all true.’
‘Ivy, take no notice of anything Aubrey says to you. He’s a terrible tease but has a heart of pure gold,’ Benjamin said and raised his glass. ‘To you, welcome home.’
Aubrey raised his glass too. ‘Yes, to me. The queen is back on her throne. This was always my favourite seat.’
‘As long as you promise to stay, no-one but you will ever be allowed to sit in that seat again.’
They clinked glasses and Benjamin smiled. Sitting with Aubrey was like the old days and it gave him such a warm feeling. Aubrey understood him and knew him better than anyone. They’d cried together, mostly laughed and had shared their most intimate secrets. He’d missed his friend but hadn’t realised how much.
*
Charlotte had kept herself out of sight and spent most of the day in Battersea Park. Now, as the sun set, she neared the pub and felt surprised at finding herself eager to see Tobias. He was growing on her and where she’d first thought him a stepping-stone, someone to provide for her until she got herself on her feet, she realised feelings had developed and she was falling in love. This irked her. Her dreams of the glamorous life were out of reach with Tobias. He had few prospects and no money. But she couldn’t help how she felt and as much as she tried to dismiss her romantic notions towards him, it was becoming more and more clear that her heart was ruling her head.
‘Damn you, Tobias,’ she muttered to herself but couldn’t help grinning. Butterflies fluttered in her stomach and she could feel her pulse quicken at the thought of seeing him. She liked the affection he lavished on her but she’d never revel in the sex. She’d once overheard her mother saying that sex wasn’t something a woman should enjoy. At least that was one thing she and her mother agreed on.
As she casually rounded the corner to the back door, Charlotte stopped when she heard a strange grunting noise and, quickly ducking behind a tin dustbin, she peeped over the top.
To her horror, she saw Johnny Dymond and another of Georgina’s men on each side of Tobias’s father. The men held him upright as one then the other punched him in the stomach. She saw that his face looked a mess, covered in blood, and as Johnny whacked him again, he fell to the ground and winced when the other bloke kicked him in the back.
Her mind raced. Were they here looking for her? Were they beating Tobias’s dad for information of her whereabouts? Maybe he hadn’t coughed up his insurance payments? Her questions were answered when Johnny, panting to catch his breath, leaned over the man.
‘You’re lucky this is all you’re getting. I would have finished you off but Miss Garrett said to let you live. But if you ever think about talking to the filth again about her, you’ll be dead.’
Charlotte gasped, and tucked herself down lower. So, Georgina had found out about him planning to grass her up to the copper blackmailing him. At least it had nothing to do with them looking for her, she thought, relieved. But she knew Tobias would be upset about his father being hurt.
‘Fucking wanker,’ the other man said and then she heard footsteps coming towards her. With her heart hammering, she panicked and jumped to her feet, knocking off the dustbin lid, which clanged and clattered as it hit the ground.
Charlotte didn’t hesitate or look to see if she’d been spotted and began running as fast as she could back towards the park. She daren’t even glance behind her and prayed they hadn’t seen her.
She felt as if she’d been running forever and, breathless now, she was sure she was out of sight. Charlotte slowed down and looked around. There was no sign of them. Surely they would have followed if they’d seen her. Johnny had a car, after all, but the street was quiet.
Satisfied she was in the clear, she turned around and headed slowly back to the pub, keeping her eyes peeled and ready to dart into any doorway.
When she got within sight of the back door, it was a relief to see that Tobias’s dad wasn’t still lying on the ground and as she drew closer, she saw drips of his blood on the tarmac. But at least he was alive – which was more than anyone who shopped Georgina Garrett could normally expect.
*
Georgina sat in the front room staring at the wall, deep in thought about Lash. There were quiet moments like this, when she was alone and her mind would wander. She missed enjoying a cup of cocoa with him, his kiss goodnight, his arms around her. She wanted him there, to hold her and take away her pain, but it was because he wasn’t there that she was in such pain. It wasn’t fair. A lone tear slipped from her eye and she dashed it away. She couldn’t grieve properly when her husband’s killer was still breathing.
A light tap on the door snapped her from her thoughts and Victor showed Johnny in.
‘Sorry to call so late, Miss Garrett, but I thought you’d want to hear this,’ Johnny said and looked around her front room before seeing an ashtray and flicking his cigar.
‘It’s all right, Johnny. I know you wouldn’t have come if it wasn’t important.’
‘Yeah, it is. I think I saw that Mipple girl hanging around the pub. She had it away on her toes but I reckon that’s where she’s staying. She was in the yard and the only thing there is the back door.’
‘I see. Did you ask Mr Rowland?’
‘There weren’t no point ’cos he was in no fit state to talk.’
‘All right. Let’s go and get her.’
‘Get who?’ Molly asked when she walked into the room.
‘Don’t get too excited but we think we may have found your sister,’ Georgina answered.
‘Charlotte? You know where Charlotte is?’
‘Possibly. Are you all right to stay here with Alfie whilst I go and get her? I’ll leave Victor here with you.’
‘Yes. Oh, Georgina, I hope you find her.’
‘Me too. Sit tight, I’ll be as quick as I can.’
Twenty minutes later, Johnny pulled up outside the Queen’s Head but Georgina noticed the place was in darkness and the doors were locked.
As they climbed out of the car, Johnny asked, ‘Shall I knock?’
‘No. Just kick the door down.’
After six or seven hefty kicks, the door gave way and Johnny entered first. Georgina, close behind him, wasn’t taken aback when, in the darkness, she saw the landlord’s son holding a cricket bat.
She could have pulled her gun but didn’t want to scare Charlotte. Instead, she calmly asked, ‘Where is she?’
‘Who?’
‘Don’t play games with me. I’m here for Charlotte. Give her up or you can have the same as what your father had earlier.’
‘You bitch! My dad didn’t have any choice. He didn’t want to cross you but he was being blackmailed. I thought you was supposed to look after us. You say you’re different from Billy Wilcox but you ain’t. You’re just as fucking evil.’
‘Your father got what he deserved. I know all about that copper from Sutton. He had your dad over a barrel – I get that. But instead of coming to me and talking to me about it, your dad thought he’d be clever but he ain’t as smart as he thinks.’
‘What you on about?’
‘He went over that copper’s head and mine. He spilled the beans about b
eing blackmailed and got that copper in trouble. He’ll probably be on desk duties for the rest of his career. But your father offered to get enough information on my business to send me down for a very long time, in exchange for immunity from being charged with the incident in Sutton. Trouble is, for him, he went to the wrong man. The station sergeant is a very good friend of mine and wouldn’t like to see me in trouble with the law. And that murder in Sutton has already been solved. A man swung for that years ago. Not the right man, but a bad ’un all the same. But all that’s done and dusted now. Your father knows he was in the wrong and he’s been punished. Now, bring me Charlotte.’
Georgina noticed he lowered the cricket back as he thought about what she’d told him.
‘My dad was gonna shop you to save his own back? He wouldn’t… He’d never do that.’
‘Seems you don’t know your dad as well as you thought. Anyway, you understand how these things work. I didn’t want to hurt your dad but he left me with little option.’
‘You didn’t kill him… Billy Wilcox would have.’
‘Yes, I’ve no doubt. But I’m not Billy Wilcox and your dad is still alive. Your father isn’t a threat to me and he won’t be giving me any more bother. Now, for the last time, bring me the girl and we’ll be on our way.’
Georgina saw a shadow in the corner and heard Charlotte’s voice. ‘I’m not coming with you and you can’t make me. Just leave me alone, Georgina.’
‘I can’t do that, Charlotte. Your sister is at my house and worried sick about you. Come home with me and we can talk about it.’
‘No. Do you think I’m stupid? There won’t be no talking. I’ll be sent back to Kent no matter what I want.’
‘That’s up to your mother to decide. But you’re coming home with me.’
‘I won’t. I’m staying here with Tobias. You can tell Molly and my mother that I’m happy where I am.’
‘I’m not your messenger. You can tell them yourself.’
‘They won’t listen to me but they would to you.’
‘No, Charlotte, we both know that your mother detests me. I’m afraid no matter how much you beg, scream or cry, I’ve got to take you home so let’s do this the nice way, eh?’