by Sam Michaels
*
Jimmy Hewitt had clicked his heels together and tucked his cane under his arm as he bid the lad goodbye and darted into a maze of alleys. He’d liked to have seen the look on Miss Garrett’s face as she digested the words of his very well-put-together letter. Of course, that wasn’t possible but nonetheless, he relished in the thought of her horrified expression.
The sun was dipping behind the houses now. He had to get back to his hideout and leave some water and food for Ethel. The temperature was dropping as quickly as the sun was setting. It was going to be a cold night but he’d had the foresight to wear an extra coat. It would do to keep the chill off Ethel. After all, if she was going to be his bargaining tool, he had to keep her alive. But the thought of returning to that stinking hut turned his stomach. He contemplated the idea of just leaving her as she was. Surely she’d survive one night without any water? And yes, she’d get chilly but she was unlikely to freeze to death. He eventually reasoned she’d be fine for the night and he’d see to her in the morning.
Feeling very pleased with himself, Jimmy headed off to the other side of Battersea. Mind you, the thought of seeing Daisy’s miserable face wasn’t much more appealing than returning to the hut. At least she’d have a hearty meal cooked for him. He found her a revolting sight and her whinging and nagging drove him mad but she could turn out a good dinner. The woman had to have something positive going for her.
He was still a good twenty minutes’ walk from home and now it was dark. Knowing that Miss Garrett would have people out looking for him, he’d been careful to keep an eye over his shoulder. But, being new in the area, he was confident no-one would recognise him. They soon would though, he thought, and pictured himself as the boss of the Wilcox business. Oh, yes, once he was running the show, everyone would recognise him. He’d be revered wherever he went and might even give David Maynard a run for his money. Jimmy was on a high and felt as if he was walking on air. He was sure Miss Garrett would comply. She was a woman and wouldn’t have the spunk to fight him. She’d had her little go at playing boss but now it was time for a real man to head the realm. He’d be king in these streets and his reign would be a fierce one.
Jimmy was feeling very pleased with himself. He’d come a long way from the little boy with no schooling and raised in poverty who, up until the age of nine, had been forced to suckle on his mother’s breasts for nourishment. The runt of the litter, that’s what his father had called him. The man had been huge and did nothing to conceal his disappointment at Jimmy’s small stature. Wimp, little shit, weasel – he’d heard it all from his father and the name-calling had always been accompanied by a clout round the ear.
But his mother had loved him. She’d displayed her affection in secret, away from the accusing eyes of his father. He realised now, as an adult, that some would have called their relationship incestuous, but Jimmy didn’t like that word. It implied that what he shared with his mother was wrong. It wasn’t, it was a deep love that no-one could understand. He missed his mother. She’d be so proud of him now, dressed as a gentleman and on the cusp of controlling Battersea.
Jimmy turned a corner and stepped out into the road to cross the street. His mind was filled with fantasies of power and just as he thought to himself that he’d need a bigger jar for his keepsakes, he heard a car horn and looked to his left only to be blinded by headlights. He didn’t see who was driving the car but it screeched to a halt.
It was then that Jimmy recognised the car. He turned and ran but had only taken a few steps when he felt the force of strong arms grabbing at him.
‘Get off me,’ he yelled and struggled to pull away but he knew he was no match for one of Maynard’s men. Defeated, Jimmy, slumped and allowed himself to be dragged back to the car. Maynard’s heavy threw him onto the back seat, and after straightening himself up, he looked to his side to see David Maynard sitting beside him.
‘Evening, Jimmy,’ David greeted, his mouth set in a grim line. ‘I have a friend who’d like to meet you. Now, before I take you to her, would you like to save yourself a lot of grief and tell me where to find Ethel Mipple?’
‘I don’t know who you’re talking about,’ Jimmy answered but already knew his plan for domination had been scuppered.
‘I had a feeling you’d say that. Not to worry, but a word of advice – tell Miss Garrett the truth otherwise I think you’ll find yourself in a very unfortunate position.’
‘Please, Mr Maynard, there’s been a terrible mistake. I don’t know anything about a Mipple woman. I’d just like to get home to my wife.’
‘Shut it, Jimmy. I don’t want to hear your pathetic little voice again. I should have gotten rid of you properly in the first place. But now I’ll leave that to Miss Garrett.’
*
‘I’ll be straight there,’ Georgina said and replaced the telephone receiver.
‘Where are you going?’ Molly asked, her voice full of concern.
Georgina lowered her voice to a whisper so that Fanny didn’t hear and told Molly, ‘That was Varvara. I have to go to the office but don’t worry, Jimmy Hewitt won’t be coming here.’
‘How do you know?’
‘Because David Maynard has him and they’re waiting for me.’
‘I’m coming with you. That man has my sister and I need to know where!’
‘No, wait here. Trust me, Molly, you won’t want to see this. I’ll do whatever it takes to make him talk.’
Molly nodded and Georgina dashed out of the door with Victor.
‘Get me to Queenstown Road, fast,’ she told him as she jumped into the car.
When she walked into her office, David Maynard was sat at her desk smoking a fat cigar.
‘Georgina, it’s very nice to see you again. I’ve brought you a gift…’
Georgina looked to the corner of the room where Jimmy Hewitt was secured to a wooden seat. His hands were tied behind him and his ankles to the legs. The man was much smaller than Georgina had imagined and she was pleased to see he looked terrified.
‘The Dentist, I presume?’ she asked David.
‘Yes. He’s not talking, yet, but I’m sure you’ll be able to persuade him to divulge Miss Mipple’s whereabouts.’
Georgina marched towards Jimmy then slapped him hard across his face. ‘Where is she?’
‘I don’t know… I’ve never even heard of her. Please, someone has to believe me. I’m being set up.’
Georgina turned to David and rolled her eyes. A cloud of smoke curled around his face as he spoke.
‘I know, he said the same to me. They always do but denial is easily overcome.’
‘Fetch Varvara for me,’ Georgina told Victor. ‘And tell her to bring the pliers from the toolbox.’
‘No… no… please Miss Garrett… I’m telling the truth, I swear,’ Jimmy pleaded.
Georgina ignored him, instead saying to David, ‘I’m sorry, I haven’t offered you a drink. Can I get you anything? Though you’ve already made yourself at home.’
‘You don’t mind?’ he asked, gesturing to the fact that he was sat in her chair behind her desk.
‘No, but don’t get too comfortable.’
‘Is that a threat, Georgina?’
‘No, David, just a warning.’
‘I must say, I like the view from here.’
Georgina knew he was referring to her but chose to ignore his coquettish remark and instead asked again if he’d like a drink.
‘Yes, a large brandy would be nice whilst I watch this display unfold.’
As Georgina poured the drink, Varvara came into the room behind Victor.
‘Are these what you are looking for?’ she asked.
‘Perfect,’ Georgina answered as she handed David a glass, their eyes locking. For a brief moment, his finger touched hers and she was sure he’d done it deliberately.
She quickly pulled her hand back and broke the long stare between them but his wry smile wasn’t lost on her.
Grabbing the pliers from Varvara, G
eorgina stood in front of Jimmy Hewitt, looking down at him with hatred.
‘I’m only going to ask you one more time and then I’m going to give you a taste of your own medicine. Where is Ethel Mipple?’
When Jimmy refused to answer, she instructed Victor to hold the man’s head back and his jaw open. ‘Help Victor,’ she told Varvara. ‘Pull his chin down.’
Jimmy was powerless and Georgina clamped the pliers on his upper front tooth. She pulled and yanked, twisting the tool. She hadn’t imagined it would take so much force to pull a tooth and the pain Jimmy felt was evident from his cries. The tooth came away and blood filled the man’s mouth.
‘Now do you want to tell me?’ Georgina asked, stepping back and peering at the long root of the tooth she held in the pliers.
Jimmy spat blood from his mouth. ‘Never,’ he croaked.
‘Varvara, here, pull another,’ she said, discarding his tooth in the waste-paper bin before handing her the pliers. ‘I think I’ll join you in that brandy,’ she said to David.
‘He’s wet himself,’ Varvara sneered, the contempt in her voice clear.
‘The dirty bastard,’ David said.
Varvara began tugging at Jimmy’s tooth whilst Georgina clinked glasses with David.
‘Thank you for bringing me such a thoughtful gift,’ she said.
‘You’re very welcome. I’m glad you like it.’
The screams from Jimmy fell quiet and as Varvara stepped back, a look of triumph on her face as she held the tooth in the air. Georgina saw that Jimmy’s head had slumped to the side.
‘I think the pain has knocked him out,’ David said.
‘I will keep this tooth and make it into a broach for Dina.’ Varvara laughed.
Georgina walked across the room and studied Jimmy’s still body. ‘He’s not breathing,’ she said, panic rising in her.
‘Are you sure?’ David asked.
‘Yes, I’m bloody sure! For Christ’s sake, he can’t die! Victor, untie him… quick.’
Once the ropes had been released, Jimmy Hewitt’s body fell forwards and onto the floor. Victor bent over him and checked for signs of life.
‘He’s dead, Miss Garrett. His heart must have packed up.’
Georgina looked at the body sprawled face down. With The Dentist dead, so were her hopes of discovering where he’d hidden Ethel and in frustration, she kicked him hard in the ribs. ‘Get rid of him,’ she told Victor flatly.
‘That didn’t go according to plan. You scared him to death,’ David said, rising to his feet.
Georgina didn’t answer, her mind turning with fears for Ethel’s life. How would they ever find her now?
15
It had been three days since Jimmy Hewitt had died. Benjamin looked across the office to Georgina. It was clear from the dark circles around her eyes that the woman had hardly slept. There’d been no news. Every man in the business was still searching for Ethel, as were PC Cunningham and his colleagues. Benjamin daren’t say but he feared their search would be fruitless. He suspected Ethel was dead.
Varvara tapped on the door. He knew it was her because of her distinctive four raps. Benjamin was grateful to see she was bringing them coffee and thought Georgina probably needed it. As Varvara passed round the coffee cups, Benjamin covertly watched Victor with lust. He found the man far more pleasing on the eye than Knuckles and apart from his well-groomed good looks, Benjamin thought the man was an asset to the company. He’d have a word with Miss Garrett later and see if he couldn’t persuade her to keep Victor on. With him in the office on a daily basis, it would make coming to work a most enjoyable experience.
Georgina didn’t acknowledge Varvara. Benjamin noticed the woman’s hurt expression and could tell she was loitering. Georgina was unlikely to notice but Benjamin had, and thought to himself that it was quite funny that he wasn’t the only one in the office who was harbouring a secret crush.
‘Miss Garrett,’ Varvara said.
Georgina looked up, her brow knitted into a deep frown.
‘It is very quiet today. I was thinking that maybe I could be of use elsewhere?’
‘No. It’s fine, Varvara.’
‘I could stand alongside Victor and work in protection.’
‘That won’t be necessary.’
‘But you remember how I knocked Willy to the ground? I am not scared of men or guns. I would risk my life to save yours,’ she said, then quickly added, ‘because it would be my job, of course.’
Benjamin hid a smile. Careful, Varvara, he thought, Georgina will cotton on soon.
‘Thank you, Varvara, but I wouldn’t like to see you get hurt. You’re very good at running the brothel. I need you here for that, not in a hospital bed or worse.’
‘Perhaps I could…’
Georgina cut in, ‘Varvara, please. I have a lot on my mind at the moment. Go and do some cleaning or something.’
She left the office, obviously deflated.
Georgina turned to Benjamin. ‘As callous as it sounds, I’ve got to get things running like normal again.’
‘Yes, yes, you must. We can’t afford to have all the men looking for Ethel instead of working.’
‘I know and to be honest, I’m beginning to think that if we haven’t found her by now, then we never will.’
Benjamin wasn’t sure how to answer. He agreed but didn’t have the courage to say. Instead, he remained silent.
‘Right, talk to me about this investment proposal,’ Georgina said.
‘Oh, erm, right. It’s a little club I know. I’ve been doing their books for years and it turns a good profit. The owner is looking to sell and I believe the price he’s asking is below market value and will offer good returns. This is the ideal business for you to invest in – small outlay with high profits.’
‘I like the sound of that. Why is the owner selling it cheap?’
‘Ah, well, that’s the thing,’ Benjamin said, gathering his thoughts. Once she knew all the facts, Georgina was sure to put two and two together and realise the truth about him. ‘It’s a private members club and the members are, erm, all men.’
‘I see. You want me to invest in an old boys’ lunch club. I suppose they all sit around on their fat arses drinking port, smoking cigars and talking shit. I can’t say I’m keen on the idea.’
‘No, Miss Garrett, it’s not that sort of members’ club, far from it. It’s for men who err, prefer the company of other men.’
‘Oh, you mean homosexuals?’
‘Yes,’ he answered, surprised at her bluntness.
‘Which is illegal. Hence, he needs a buyer and nobody wants to touch it.’
‘Exactly, but I thought you might be interested. It needs someone like you, with influence, who could keep the police from snooping.’
‘I’d like to see the place before I commit to anything.’
‘Yes, I can take you, anytime you like.’
‘Right then, arrange a visit, preferably when it’s closed. I don’t think the members would be too happy about seeing a woman in their club.’
‘On the contrary, Miss Garrett, they would adore you.’ As soon as Benjamin had said it, he cringed. If Miss Garrett hadn’t already worked out about his sexuality, then she most certainly had now.
They all heard the sound of a car pull up outside. Benjamin looked out of the window to see Johnny Dymond rushing to the front door.
‘Let him in, Victor,’ Georgina instructed.
Moments later Johnny came bursting through and announced, ‘I’ve found his wife. I know where the bastard lived.’
‘Jimmy Hewitt’s house?’ Georgina asked, already getting out of her seat.
‘Yeah, Jimmy fucking Hewitt. It’s on the other side of town.’
‘Take me there,’ Georgina said firmly.
Benjamin watched as Georgina dashed out of the office behind Johnny and Victor followed. He hoped his fears about Ethel being dead had been unfounded and that they’d find her alive and well. And as for Jimmy Hewitt’s wif
e, if she had anything to do with Ethel’s disappearance, Benjamin knew the woman wouldn’t have much longer to live on this earth.
*
‘It’s this road, about halfway down, number eighty-two, Miss Garrett,’ Johnny said and turned his car into the street before pulling over.
‘Johnny, you go round the back in case she tries to do a runner. Victor, don’t bother knocking. Just kick the door in. We need the element of surprise,’ she told them.
They climbed out of the car and Johnny darted down an alleyway. Georgina wasn’t familiar with this part of Battersea, near Nine Elms, but she thought it looked just as deprived as where she lived. She was aware of a few curtains twitching and knew her fashionable puffed sleeve coat with fur cuffs made her stand out. It wasn’t the sort of attire poor working-class women would wear. They didn’t know who she was over here, but if anyone challenged her, they’d soon find out!
Victor pointed out the house. The door number had been painted on to the front gatepost but there wasn’t a gate hanging. ‘Ready?’ he asked.
Georgina nodded. She was more than ready. Her mouth felt dry and though she hid it, tears pricked her eyes at the thought of possibly finding Ethel dead or mutilated.
It only took Victor two kicks to bash the door open. He stood to one side to allow Georgina to run in first. She went straight into the front room. It was empty. Victor was in the kitchen and when she walked in, she saw he had a plump, middle-aged woman against the wall with his hand clasped around her neck. ‘Where is she?’ Victor demanded.
The woman was pulling at Victor’s hand and answered, ‘I don’t know.’
Georgina opened the back door and let Johnny in. ‘Check upstairs,’ she told him, then walked over to the woman and stood at Victor’s side before growling, ‘Where is Ethel Mipple?’
‘I haven’t got a clue, I swear. Jimmy’s not been home. He’s either dead or he’s been nicked. I don’t know what he’s done with her.’
Georgina used her eyes to tell Victor to release the woman, then told Mrs Hewitt to sit at the kitchen table. She pulled out a chair and sat opposite her. ‘I’m not going to waste time. You’ve got one more chance to tell me where your husband hid Ethel.’