by Sam Michaels
‘Dad… about Gran’s funeral…’ Georgina began to say but was interrupted by a knock on the door.
‘I’ll get it,’ Jack said as he scraped his seat back.
Moments later, Varvara stood awkwardly in the kitchen doorway.
‘I’ll leave you two to have a chat,’ her dad said and closed the door.
‘What do you want?’ Georgina asked, her tone sharp. She still had to deal with the woman for murdering Cyril.
‘I wanted to offer my condolences.’
‘I see. Well you’ve done that now so you can leave.’
‘But, Miss Garrett, please, allow me to perform my duties, especially at this sensitive time for you.’
‘Varvara, just piss off. I know you mean well but I’ve got Victor here. What you did to Cyril was unacceptable and you will be dealt with… just not now.’
‘I do not regret punishing Cyril for the error of his ways. But I understand that I must accept whatever punishment you see as fit.’
‘Good. Now get out of my sight. With Lash away, I want you taking care of the brothels.’
‘Yes, Miss Garrett, I will do that.’
‘And, Varvara… DO NOT kill anyone.’
‘Yes, Miss Garrett.’
‘Go on then. You can go now.’
‘Yes. Thank you, Miss Garrett,’ Varvara answered and slowly turned to leave.
Georgina had the feeling that there was more the woman wanted to say and was grateful when she quietly left.
Her dad came back into the kitchen. ‘Everything all right, love?’
‘Yes, just business,’ she answered. She knew her father didn’t approve of brothels and thought he’d be horrified at some aspects of her work. Her gran had understood and supported everything she’d done. But Dulcie was gone now. And though her father had said she’d never be alone, Georgina felt lonely… and afraid. Just like she had when she’d been abused in the police station cell. That same feeling of dread. Of wanting the pain to stop and go away.
‘Tell me what happened with Kevin Kelly.’
‘I told ya, we went riding in and got Lash back.’
‘Yes, but how? Did Kevin just hand him over, or what?’
‘No, love, not quite. It took a bit of negotiating but you won’t be hearing from the Pounders again.’
‘Dad, you’re not very good at this. I want to know all the details, everything.’
‘Huh, you sound just like your gran. You women love a bit of gossip.’
‘Tell me then.’
‘Well, like I said, we went charging through the docks. All you could hear was the sound of the horses’ hooves pounding the concrete. Like thunder. It drowned out the noise of the police bells. Men jumped into the water to get out the way. Sacks of flour went flying and women were running. We weren’t stopping for nothing or no-one. Once we got to Kelly’s place, it was surrounded. About forty-odd men with rifles and pistols stood between us and him. He was waiting on his doorstep, holding a glass in his hand like he didn’t have a care in the world.’
‘Yeah, I can picture him, the horrible git.’
‘Next thing I know, half a dozen cop cars and horses have pulled up but Kelly waved his hand and they buggered off. He’s got some clout up there. I don’t mind telling you that I was worried at this point. I had no idea what was gonna happen next but we were outnumbered and the coppers were waiting at the far end of the dock for us.’
‘Were Lash’s lot armed?’
‘Yeah, up to the hilt. Kelly’s men were aiming at us and we were aiming back. I was thinking to meself, I hope no-one pulls a trigger. It would have been a bloodbath. Anyway, Kelly knocked back his drink and said he knew why we was there, then offered Lash’s dad a drink. He refused it and demanded back his son. Kelly laughed, said he wanted his diamonds first and wasn’t handing Lash over until he got them. Lash’s dad jumped off his horse and stormed up to Kelly. I thought Kelly’s men were gonna shoot him but Kelly told ’em to let him pass. I couldn’t hear what was being said but I saw Kelly laugh in his face at first. Next thing I know, I looked behind and saw more men arriving, loads of them. They were marching towards the house carrying sticks and crowbars, all sorts of weapons. I nearly shit meself until the bloke on the horse next to me told me the Manchester side of the clan had arrived. He said the Irish lot would be coming soon too. Lash’s dad gestured and three more blokes got off their horses and then I saw Lash being dragged out of the house by a couple of Kelly’s men. The gypsies picked Lash up and his dad walked away. We rode off, back the way we’d come, past the coppers and out of Liverpool.’
‘Do you know what Lash’s dad and Kelly discussed?’
‘Yeah, he told me later. He said he made it clear to Kelly that if Lash wasn’t brought to him, every bleedin’ gypsy from all four corners of the world would descend on Liverpool and rip him from limb to limb. I don’t think Kelly believed him ’til he saw reinforcements turn up.’
‘How do you know I won’t be hearing from the Pounders again?’
‘Because it was made clear that if Kelly or any of his men ever step foot in Battersea or if there was any retribution, Kelly would be killed.’
‘He’s not the sort of bloke to be put off by threats.’
‘Georgina, you had to be there to believe it. I’ve never seen anything like it and I don’t suppose Kelly has. I’m telling ya, that man knows his card is marked and now he’s seen how many men he’d be up against, he ain’t gonna risk taking on Lash’s family. That means you and all. You’re his family too. You’re safe from Kelly.’
‘So, apart from Lash, no-one was hurt?’
‘Nope, thank Gawd. It would have been all-out war, not that I would have reckoned much on any of Kelly’s blokes surviving. But it’s over with now. Done. You’ve just got to sit tight and wait for your husband to come home.’
Georgina sighed with relief. She didn’t whole-heartedly believe that it was the last she’d hear from Kevin Kelly, though it did sound like the man had been intimidated. At least for now, she had one less rival to deal with.
*
Mickey watched as Frank paced the room in anger.
‘The bitch, she set me up,’ he fumed.
‘Why though? I don’t get it,’ Mickey asked, trying to fathom why Georgina would have Frank attempt to arrest Archibald Compton-Stapleford, a Lord to the Treasury of King George V’s government. If it hadn’t been so humiliating for Frank, Mickey would have seen the funny side.
‘She’s made me a laughing stock. My sergeant has already dragged me across the coals but the Met hasn’t finished with me yet.’
‘Will you lose your job over it?’
‘I don’t know, quite possibly. She’s stitched me right up, good and proper.’
‘She needs you on her side. I still don’t get it. Why would she do it?’ Mickey asked again.
‘Christ knows. I’ve been racking my brains all morning. Maybe she’s rumbled me, you know, found out me and you are family.’
‘It’s the only thing that makes any sense,’ Mickey mused.
‘I tell you, I’ve never been so embarrassed in my life. My name’s a fucking joke in the station now. Fancy dragging in a top politician and accusing him of being an international hitman! When I couldn’t find the so-called evidence in his briefcase, I took him in and demanded his bag be pulled apart at the seams. I’m fucking stupid… The official-looking papers he was carrying didn’t even register with me. I was so focused on what I thought I’d find. Needless to say, Compton-Stapleford was none too pleased with his treatment. Fucking hell, Mickey, she’s done me up like a kipper.’
‘Can’t you just ride it out? It’ll pass and this time next week it’ll be forgotten.’
‘No. No, Mickey. This won’t be forgotten. This will stick with my name for the rest of my years in the force. That’s if I’ve even got a job this time next week,’ Frank said and sat on the sofa. ‘We’re going to have to put our plans into action sooner than anticipated.’
�
��But I ain’t ready, Frank.’
‘You’ll have to be. Garrett needs taking down before she gets any more powerful. Knuckles will be here in a minute. I’ve got to go back to the station so it’ll be down to you to convince him. Tell him everything, Mickey. He’ll jump on board, I’m sure of it.’
Mickey nodded. Yes, he had no doubt that Knuckles would want to be part of the Wilcox business if Georgina was out of the way. But Mickey had different plans now. He was still set on shooting Georgina but he had two bullets in his gun – one for her and the second one for his own head.
‘I’ll see you later. I’d better get back and face the music,’ Frank said as he stood up and placed his policeman’s helmet on his head.
‘Yeah, see ya later and good luck.’
‘I’m going to need more than luck to get me out of this. But thanks.’
The door closed behind Frank and Mickey sighed. He thought his cousin would be all right. After all, he had an exemplary police record and though he’d made a ridiculous error of judgement, it was a simple mistake and no-one had been harmed. At least, he hoped Frank’s career would be secure because without the Wilcox business, Frank was going to need his job. And Mickey knew that Frank would never attempt to run the business alone, without him. But Mickey just couldn’t face continuing his life as a cripple. Neither could he admit to Frank how he felt. He knew if he did, Frank would try to talk him out of his decision; but Mickey didn’t want to change his mind.
A knock on the front door snapped him from his thoughts and Frank’s wife showed Knuckles in.
‘Hello, mate, good to see you,’ Knuckles said as he fervently shook Mickey’s hand.
His grip was so tight that Mickey felt his fingers were being crushed. ‘Yeah, you too, Knuckles,’ he replied.
‘Soon as Frank told me what you and him have got in mind, I jacked it in with Maynard. I can’t wait to see that Garrett slag get what’s coming to her. I knew she wouldn’t last long.’
‘Well, you know me, Knuckles. This chair ain’t gonna hold me back.’
‘Yeah, good on ya. Frank said you’d fill me in on what we’re gonna do.’
‘That’s right. But we’ve got a feeling that she’s got wind of this so we’ve got to get on with it. You sure you’re up for this?’
‘Too right, I am. It ain’t on, is it, Mickey? A woman running Billy’s business. Fuck me, he’d be turning in his grave. And to top it all, he couldn’t stand her. We have to get rid of her. It’s the right thing to do.’
‘Yeah, it is. And we’re the right people to do it,’ Mickey said and told Knuckles all about his and Frank’s plans.
‘Love it,’ Knuckles said once Mickey had finished minutes later. ‘So what do you need from me?’
‘You’ve got a good relationship with Fanny Mipple. I need you to go to the house and get her grandson. Bring the baby here.’
‘But she ain’t going to hand over the baby to me. And what about Frank’s missus?’
‘Don’t worry about her. She’ll be about all day tomorrow. As for getting the child… gain her trust then take him.’
‘I dunno, Mickey, Fanny’s all right, I don’t want to hurt her.’
‘You don’t have to. Just be nice to her then have it away on your toes when she ain’t looking.’
‘You ain’t going to hurt the baby are you? That’s Billy’s baby.’
‘I know that, Knuckles. No, of course I won’t hurt him but it’ll get Garrett here. You’ll leave them this note. It’s got instructions, see, saying how Georgina has to come alone or Edward will die. If we want her dead, we’ve got to get her away from Victor and that Russian whore.’
‘I get it. That’s fucking clever, Mickey. Then once you’ve killed her off, can I take the baby back to Fanny? She’ll be fucking pissed off with me for taking Edward but she won’t be sorry to see Miss Garrett gone.’
‘Yeah, and it’s just as Billy would have wanted,’ Mickey answered though he really couldn’t care less what happened to Edward.
‘All right. Tomorrow at eleven, I’ll give Fanny this letter and bring Edward here. Then we wait. Is that right?’
‘That’s right, Knuckles. We wait for Garrett to turn up and then I’ll shoot her. Right between the fucking eyes.’
30
‘Are you sure you don’t mind looking after Edward?’ Molly asked her mother as she pulled her coat on.
‘I’m sure, though why you want to help the Garretts with Dulcie’s funeral arrangements is beyond me. This family’s seen enough of death just lately.’
‘Because regardless of what you think about Georgina, she’s still my best friend and she needs me.’
‘That woman doesn’t need anyone. She’s nothing but a heartless cow.’
‘Please, Mum, stop harping on about her. I’ll be back as soon as I can.’
‘Don’t rush. I enjoy having my grandson for company.’
Molly pulled the door closed behind her and set off for Dulcie’s house. She passed her old place where she’d been brought up. It hadn’t changed and a new family were living in there now. She felt sorry for them as she remembered the freezing cold winters with no glass in the window and the long trek to the shared privy used by countless neighbours. She’d had a tough upbringing in dire poverty and with a father who mercilessly beat her mother. It felt like life had come on a long way since those sorry days and Molly could understand why her mother had become bitter. Just when things were on the up, Ethel’s life had been snubbed out in the cruellest fashion.
She was soon outside Dulcie’s and let herself in. ‘It’s me,’ she called and found Georgina sat at the table in the kitchen.
‘Hello, Molly, there’s tea in the pot, but my dad made it and it’s like cat’s pee.’
Molly studied her friend’s face. She could see Georgina had shed many tears but there was something different about her, though she couldn’t put her finger on what. Resilience, maybe?
‘I’m all right, thanks, I’ve just had one. How are you today?’
‘Not bad, actually.’
‘Good. Where’s your dad?’
‘He didn’t say but I think he’s gone to talk to the people about gran’s funeral plan. You know what she was like about her penny plan. She paid into it for as long as I can remember so there should be a reasonable pay-out.’
‘Has he… erm…’
‘He hasn’t had a drink.’
‘Aw, that’s great news.’
‘Yeah, he’s done well. Is Edward with your mum?’
‘Yes. Keeps her mind off things.’
‘How’s Charlotte been?’
‘The same little madam she always is,’ Molly answered and rolled her eyes. ‘I don’t suppose you’ve heard anything from Lash?’
‘No. And I won’t. But he won’t stay away for any longer than he has to. By the way, I’ve heard from the hospital and Jane’s treatment is going well. The doctor said there’s been significant improvement and she could be home in the next month.’
‘That’s good news. Is she allowed visitors yet?’
‘Yes, but she’s requested no-one sees her in there.’
‘I can’t say I blame her. Oppo will be pleased that Jane will be home soon. He’s itching to get his farm idea off the ground. You’d think he’d be sick to the back teeth of vegetables after working in the greengrocers all his life but he’s keen to start growing our own and making a living from it.’
‘Good on him. And are you sure it’s what you really want?’
‘I think so. I know I have to get away from here, for Edward’s sake. But Battersea is all I’ve ever known and… I’ll miss you.’
‘I’ll miss you too. I can’t imagine you as a farmer’s wife but I think it’ll suit you.’
‘I hope so.’
Georgina drained the last of her tea and pulled a face. ‘Yuk, that was cold. Anyway, I’m glad you’re here because I need to start sorting my gran’s things. Do you mind helping me?’
‘That’s why I�
�m here, to help. Whatever you want. Are you sure you’re ready to do this? It doesn’t have to be done today.’
‘Yes. Yes, it does. I’m going to move into my gran’s room and then my dad can have my room. It makes sense and it’s what me gran would have told me to do.’
‘Dulcie was a very practical woman.’
‘Exactly. It’s stupid me and Lash being cooped up in a small bed and my dad on the sofa. It’s been years since he’s had his own bed and room, bless him. I don’t suppose there’s any mad rush for me and Lash to find our own home now.’
‘Sounds sensible. If you’re sure you can face this, let’s get started.’
Both women pushed their chairs back and then they heard the telephone trill. ‘Bloody thing,’ Georgina moaned. ‘I wish I’d listened to me gran now and didn’t have it installed here. It’s probably Benjamin. There’s only him and you that know the number.’
‘And my mum,’ Molly answered.
Georgina went to the hallway and answered the call. Molly could hear the one-sided conversation and flew into the hallway after her friend.
‘Yes… yes, Fanny. We’ll be straight there,’ Georgina said and replaced the receiver.
Molly panicked as soon as she saw the look on Georgina’s face. ‘What’s happened? Is it Edward?’
‘We need to go, quickly,’ Georgina answered and told Victor, ‘Take me to Jane’s house.’
‘Tell me what’s going on, Georgina. What’s wrong with Edward?’ Molly asked again as she ran from the house behind Georgina and jumped into the car.
‘It’ll be all right, Molly.’
‘What will? Please tell me what my mum said,’ Molly pleaded now and could feel tears pricking her eyes.
‘I don’t know exactly what’s happened but your mum said Knuckles has got Edward.’
Molly gasped and felt her pulse racing. ‘Knuckles? Where has he taken him? Why has Knuckles got Edward?’
‘I don’t know yet. Please, try and stay calm. Knuckles would never do anything to harm Edward.’
‘You don’t know that! Shit, shit, shit! I don’t understand. Oh, my baby. My Edward. What’s going on?’