by Drew Black
"Oh, please make it Alan, I feel ancient enough as it is this evening. Let me take your coats.”
Jane looked around as they entered the hallway; the place was absolutely beautiful.
"Hi Em!" Sally shrieked. The two girls embraced. "This is from me." Sally said giving Emily her present.
Emily, somewhat self-consciously, undid the wrapping paper.
"Come through Jack," Alan said, "we'll get the girls a drink."
"Will do Alan." Jack replied looking at Jane to see if she was okay.
"I'm really glad you could make it Jack. When you cancelled your appointment, I thought you were avoiding me."
"Oh no, not at all Alan, it's just things have been really hectic at work recently, I'll re-book it, next week."
"I know how it is Jack, how's your dad, still as grumpy as hell?"
Jack made way to let two girls pass. "Probably, but I haven't seen him since I last spoke to you."
"Oh, I see." Alan said as he worked his way through the crowd. "Julia, this is Jack Davies, Joe's son, he works for John Jessop up at the estate."
"Hello Jack, how are you?" Julia Phillips said holding her hand out to him.
"I'm fine, thank you, how are you, is everything going to plan?" He couldn't believe that this was Phillip's wife, she had to be at least ten years younger than him. She was tall and slim with jet black hair which she was wearing up. She had on a red sleeveless dress which complimented her figure.
"If I'm honest, Alan's done most of the preparation Jack, I've been busy at the clinic."
That voice, Jack thought, it was enough to make you feel better by itself. "Oh yes, I believe you're a doctor. Your practice's in Clitheroe, isn't it?
Julie nodded, "For my sins." she said with a smile before taking a sip of her drink.
"A beer okay for you Jack?"
"Yeah, that's fine thanks Alan."
"What about the girls?"
"Two white wines please, that is of course if you don't mind Sally drinking, she is nearly eighteen."
"No, of course we don't."
"Hi Jane." Julia said
"Hi Mrs Phillips."
"Where's Sally?"
"She's gone upstairs with Emily; I'll go and get them in a couple of minutes."
"Thanks Jane, I'd appreciate that. Let me introduce you to the competition Jack. This is Barry Evans and John Phelps the two other dentists in Hapton. This is Jack Davies one of John Jessop's protégés."
"Pleased to meet you." Jack said shaking both their hands.
"I don't know why the hell we've invited them actually Jack, all the business they've taken off us over the last couple of years, I'm amazed Alan and I can still afford to throw Emily a party."
"Nonsense Julia." Barry protested, "Alan has more clients than John and I put together. And, if we are on about stealing one another’s clients, what about that time you got arrested for putting up Alan’s flyers outside John's practice."
Julia playfully pushed his shoulder back.
"You think we're joking." Barry said to Jack.
"You didn't really get arrested, did you?" Jack said looking at Julia.
"It was a prank one Christmas that's all, I didn't think for one moment that the police would take it so seriously."
Jack laughed out loud, and Julia blushed slightly.
"Oh, I'm sorry Julia, I just can't visualise you in a police cell that's all."
"Barry had to come down to the station and explain it was all a joke. Three bloody hours I was in there, I'm sure Barry dragged it out as long as he possibly could."
"If it'd been my practice you'd vandalised," John piped up, "I wouldn't have gone down to the police station at all."
Julia stuck her tongue out at him.
"I won't be a minute Jack; I'll just go and check on Sally and Emily." Jane said looking at Julia.
"Okay love, see you in a minute." Jack replied laughing at something that Barry Evans had just said.
"Come on Sal, you can't stay up here all night." Jane said entering Emily's bedroom
"Right Jane, were coming." Sally giggled, "Did you see that guy who arrived Just after us, he was so hot."
"Which guy, there must be fifty here tonight." Jane replied shaking her head. She could just tell it was going to be one of those nights, next Jack would be asking her if she didn't mind driving them all back. In fairness, she thought as she headed towards the loo, he'd had a tough couple of months, so she supposed he deserved a bit of enjoyment. The Phillips's bathroom was bigger than her mother's lounge and fully tiled. Everything looked expensive and was in immaculate condition, she felt as though she could spend the whole evening in here and just forget about the party. If she was honest with herself, she wasn't really in a party mood; Helen had taken the syndicate revelation badly whereas she wasn't overly bothered about it. The only thing that concerned her was the fact that Sal was working up at Jessop's Estate. Not that she thought for one moment that Jessop or the boys would get her involved in the syndicate, it was probably more a feeling that she was being left out, that was all.
Jane decided that from here on in she was going to try to enjoy the party. Afterall, it wasn't every day she visited a house as beautiful as this whether she could tolerate that stupid cow Julia for the rest of the evening though was a completely different matter.
Downstairs Jack was still deep in conversation with the witch doctor and her clan. Oh, I suppose I'll have to join in with them Jane thought, scanning the room in the hope she would see someone whom she recognised. Her luck was out. Alan's a nice guy though, she thought but she couldn't for the life of her figure out how he tolerated that stupid woman. Stop pawing my boyfriend, Jane thought, pursing her lips, as she headed back over to join Jack.
"Hi sweetheart, is Sally okay?" jack asked Jane as she re-joined the group.
"Yeah, her and Emily have come downstairs, they're in the front room, with all of their friends."
"Jane this is Barry Evans and Jonathan Phelps they own the other two dental practices in Hapton." Jack said with a smile.
"Hello." Jane said shaking both men's hands in turn.
"I love your dress." Barry said.
"Thank you, Barry, it's really nice of you to say so. Listen Jack, if you want to have a few drinks this evening, I really don't mind driving back."
"Good gracious Jack." Jonathan enthused, "You’re a damn lucky fella, aren't you? Not only is your girlfriend an absolute stunner, but she looks out for you as well."
Jane cringed, she'd taken an instant dislike to this Jonathan character, and furthermore, if he didn't avert his eyes from her boobs in the next two seconds, she'd decided that, party or no party, she was going to knee him where it hurts!
"Thanks for that Jane, are you sure you don't mind though?"
"Not at all." she said giving him a peck on the cheek to which Julia offered up a thin smile.
"If anyone wants a drink, just help yourselves?" Alan said putting his arms round Jack and Jane's shoulders.
"I'll get you one if you like Alan?" Jane replied.
Alan's eyes widened, "That's very kind of you Jane, I'll have a scotch and soda?
Jane smiled, "One scotch and soda coming up." she said.
When Jane was out of earshot Barry Evans said, "You've got a real gem there, Jack."
Jack turned to look at Jane who was chatting to Alan as she poured his drink. "Yeah, I know." he said turning back and looking at Barry. Barry smiled at him politely.
13
Christine and Cath Robertson sat watching television in the recreation room that Jessop had set up for all the live-in staff at his Corporate HQ. These included Jean’s twin daughters Maria and Marsha. Initially Christine had felt uncomfortable with having so many of one family working at the estate, but the twins were lovely, perhaps a little old fashioned for their age, which was twenty-three, but nevertheless they were genuinely decent girls, and Maria who's tasks included looking after Luke doted on him which was a great relief, and enabled her to focus solely on he
r job. Christine enjoyed relaxing in the rec-room; Jessop had made it more than comfortable for them. For the first time in a long while, Christine felt happy. She felt secure and Luke was really loving it. All the HQ staff got on really well, maybe it was because the majority of them lived together as opposed to simply being work colleagues. She supposed that you only found out so much about a person's character when you just worked with them whereas here, everyone was just one big family. She thought that Matt was doing a good job. Considering he'd spent the last seven-or-eight-years labouring on the estate, he'd adapted extremely well to his new role. He fancied her like crazy, of that she was certain, and in a way, she was quite flattered, but he wasn't really her type, whatever that was, and he was also a subordinate, however she couldn't resist teasing him occasionally. She had to admit, she had always been a dreadful flirt, and there was just something about Matt that brought it out in her. Maybe it was his vulnerability.
"Hi Cath, Hi Christine." Matt said on entering the rec-room.
Speak of the devil Christine thought.
"Hi Matt." both women replied.
"What are you watching?" he asked sitting down next to Christine.
"Oh, just a corny film." Cath said getting up to switch the kettle on.
"A corny film!" Christine protested, "It's the best film ever made; 'Some Like it Hot' starring Marilyn Monroe." Christine laughed at Jack Lemon and Marylyn's cavorting "She really is gorgeous, isn't she?" she said to Matt.
Matt agreed, but secretly he thought Christine was better looking. He knew she didn't exactly have a glowing reputation in the relationship department, but that didn't bother him because he knew that beneath all the bravado, she was a truly beautiful person. He didn't hold out much hope for his chances with her though, she was talented and good-looking, and if he was honest, she was out of his league.
Cath placed three coffees down on coasters on the coffee table. "She’s been a right bundle of fun tonight." she said to Matt.
Matt smiled.
"It's nearly finished Cath."
The door opened and in walked Maria.
"The kettles just boiled, if you fancy a brew love." Cath said.
"Thanks Cath. Oh God, is this 'Some Like it Hot?" she asked.
"Hmm, you've just missed it babe." Christine said stretching her arms back as the final credits began to roll.
"Oh, I really wanted to see that." Maria sighed, "What's on now?"
"I'm not sure, but I'm going to bed anyway. I’ve got a busy day tomorrow."
Matt's heart sank a little.
Danny Dawson one of the security guards walked in. "Hi everyone, is there a brew going before I go on duty?"
"I'll make you one Danny." Cath said giving him a warm smile.
"Right guys, I'm off to bed, I'll see you all in the morning." Christine said getting up.
"Do you want me to come and tuck you in?" Danny enquired cheekily.
"No, I think I can manage Danny," Christine replied with a smile, "but thanks for your concern."
14
Jack sat on a beach in Cornwall his mind in a daze. He and Helen had buried their family the previous week, and it still didn't seem real. It had been the work of Seedmore Park, of that he had no doubt, although proving it was another matter. He could've easily strangled Cheesman when he'd advised him it was in the best interests of the syndicate if he didn't accuse Briggs or any of his cronies of murder. Jessop however had been far more sympathetic and had stated that he would support Jack in whatever decision he arrived at. He would even testify against Briggs in court if it came to it.
Jack sat in his shorts with his head buried in his hands. Seagulls cried around him in a cloudless sky. Why me, he thought, what had he ever done to Briggs? Okay, Jessop had turned down his offer for the rat run, but that had nothing directly to do with him. He imagined the screams of his mother. What an horrific way to die, being burnt alive. He shuddered; what kind of an animal could inflict that kind of suffering on another human being? His mother father and two brothers had died in a house fire at their home. The police had told him it had all the hallmarks of arson. When they came knocking on his door that Sunday morning, he initially thought they had come to arrest him over his involvement with the syndicate. He laughed out loud, if only it had been that simple. He hadn't seen much of his family since he'd moved into his own house and now, he would never see them again. The feeling of guilt was savage for he knew that he had never got involved with The Burnley Boys, they'd all still be alive.
"Can we have our ball back mister?" a pig-tailed girl of about seven asked him, shading her eyes from the sun with one hand.
"Yeah, sure." Jack replied tossing her the beachball. In return she gave him a lovely smile, "Thank you." she said before darting off back to her friends. Jack got to his feet and headed back up the beech.
He entered his room and removed his pumps. He went over to the wastepaper basket and emptied the sand out of them into it. Outside he could hear the sound of holiday makers chatting excitedly. He could almost see their happy smiling faces, faces that melted and blackened the moment he closed his eyes. He kept telling himself that it wasn't his fault, even Helen who was totally against the syndicate hadn't blamed him, well not to his face anyway. However, Tom had said that she'd told him that she didn't hold him responsible, and if anything, the tragedy had made her more in favour of the syndicate, maybe she wanted revenge, she hadn't said that though, and there was no way he was going to ask her.
Jack lay on his bed, grateful for the time alone. Getting away had been Jessop's idea, but in hindsight, perhaps he'd chosen the wrong location. He'd come to Cornwall because he and his family had spent one of their few holidays together down here, but after two days he'd decided that he'd seen more than enough of the place. He'd leave tomorrow, but he'd no intention of returning to the estate just yet, no he'd spend some time in the Lake District and wallow in the peace and quiet. Jack dozed uneasily. He awoke with a headache, and was amazed to discover that it was seven pm.
He felt hungry but decided against eating in the hotel, instead he wandered the back streets and bought himself a fish supper. He ate it ravenously, but any pleasure he derived from the experience was extinguished by the guilt that was eating away at him from the inside. No matter how much he dressed it up the facts of the matter were plain and simple; if he'd never got involved with the syndicate, his mum and the rest of his family would still be alive today. He walked along the seafront and along the harbour before returning to the hotel. He collected his key from reception and started to climb the stairs. He climbed five or six of them before stopping and coming back down. He opened the door to the bar and entered it.
"Good evening sir, what can I get for you?" the barman asked him whilst cleaning a pint glass with a pot-towel
"I'll have a pint of lager please." Jack said taking a seat at the bar. The bar was quite large and not unpleasant that was if you ignored the carpet which was jazzier than six-piece blues band. There were a few people dotted around. A couple approached the bar to his right. He noticed that the woman was strikingly attractive. She gave him a smile which he returned; the man acknowledged him briefly. Jack paid for his drink and drifted back into his own thoughts. He knew he was needed back at the estate, but if he was honest, he had no appetite for it at the moment, and felt uncertain whether he ever would have again. Jane had been understanding and hadn't objected when he'd told her that he wanted to spend some time alone. He wondered how Mcilroy was getting on. Jack smiled to himself, he did miss that little furry critter. On entering the bar Jack had seriously considered getting totally shit-faced, but now the idea seemed totally unappealing. He finished his drink and bade the barman goodnight.
15
Jack arrived back in Burnley on a rainy windswept Sunday, but somehow, he derived comfort from it. On entering his house, he was greeted by Mcilroy.
"You alright Mac, has Tom been looking after you, has he? It's only been two weeks this time Mac, that's not too bad
is it girl? Mcilroy purred loudly as she rubbed her head against Jack's hand and legs.
"Ay-ah Tom, you alright mate?" Jack said down the phone."
"Yeah, how about you? It's great to hear from you, where a bouts are you?"
"Tom, is that Jack." he heard Helen say in the background. "Jack, Jack, how are you?" Helen asked taking the receiver.
"I'm fine sis, thanks. How are you?"
Helen began to cry.
"Hey, come on sis, don't go upsetting yourself."
"I'm, I'm sorry Jack, I just thought, well I don't know what I thought. When are you coming home?"
"I'm back, I got in five minutes ago."
"Thank God. I wished you'd rang before; I've been worried about you.
"I'm sorry Helen, I just needed some time to clear my head, that's all. I feel a bit better than I did. How about you?"
"Yeah, I'm coping thanks. Jack, I want you to promise me that you won't go after those people because I couldn't bear it if I ended up losing you as well."
"I promise Helen, I'm not stupid enough to mess with people like that."
"Good, I'm glad. Have you spoken to Jane yet?"
Jack immediately felt a pang of guilt but concealed it; I'm going to speak to her right now. I'll be round to see you tomorrow, I've got you a present."
Helen laughed.
"You will laugh when you see it."
"Okay, I'll see you tomorrow then, Tom's here."
"Ay-ah mate, are things okay then?"
"Yeah, I feel better than I did, I was just saying to Helen--"
"Listen mate," Tom whispered, "things have been ultra-quiet whilst you've been away, I thought all hell would break lose, but nothing's happened."
"Tom for fuck's sake, I know you mean well, but Helen and I only buried our family three weeks ago, I don't give a shit about what has or hasn't been going on with the syndicate."
"Yeah, I'm sorry. I'm sure if you wanted to quit Jessop would somehow square it for you."
"No way, I've no intention of quitting, between you and me the only thing that's keeping me going is the thought of seeing the look on Briggs's face when I get to show him what his own guts look like."
