by Kitty Neale
He was good-looking, very good-looking, and Adrianna asked, ‘What’s this about a way out?’
‘I’ll find somewhere to park up and then we’ll talk.’
‘There’s no time for that. I had a bit of an emergency and Vince only let me out to go to the chemist’s. If I’m not back soon he’ll send Stan to look for me.’
‘Stan, yes, I remember him well. I’ve got the scar to prove it,’ Kevin said bitterly.
‘Then you know what he’s capable of. Look, there’s the chemist,’ she said urgently. ‘As we drove here it’s saved me a bit of time, so park up outside and it’ll give us a few minutes to talk.’
To her relief, Kevin did as she asked, and after switching off the engine he turned in his seat to face her. ‘You’ll probably think I’m mad, but from the instant I saw you in the club I knew you were the woman for me.’
Adrianna felt sick. They were the same words Vince had used and she wasn’t about to jump from the frying pan into the fire. She’d been so sure of herself at first, sure that she had Vince just where she wanted him, drooling, but her assumptions had proved wrong. Vince had begun to rule her, to watch her every move, and when she’d tried to stand up to him, she’d suffered for it. Now she lived in fear of him; of what he was capable of doing to her – and she wasn’t about to make the same mistake again. ‘Let’s get one thing straight,’ she said. ‘I might hate Vince and want to get away from him, but that doesn’t mean I’m prepared to run off with a bloke I hardly know. You could be as bad as Vince, another nutcase who wants to own me, and I’m not having that.’
‘I’m nothing like Vince. Give me a chance and I’ll prove it.’
‘What’s this plan then?’
‘I’ll have money soon, lots of it, enough to get us out of the country and to sunnier climates. I just hope you’ve got a passport.’
Adrianna’s laugh was sardonic. ‘Leave it out. Vince had you checked out and I heard him talking about you. You’re a small-time thief who’s just got out of prison.’
‘Things have changed since then and I’m in for a windfall. I’ll have plenty of money soon. You needn’t worry about that.’
‘Even if what you say is true, you don’t know Vince. Yes, I’ve got a passport, thanks to the one time he took me on a trip to Paris, but he’d find me before I got out of the country.’
‘I don’t think he’ll be in any fit state to do that.’
‘I should have known this would be a waste of time,’ Adrianna said derisively. ‘You can’t get to Vince. He’s always surrounded by his heavies.’
‘I know a way, but if I tell you what I’ve got in mind can I trust you to keep your mouth shut?’
‘I’m not about to tell him,’ Adrianna said. ‘If I did, Vince would know I’ve been talking to you and believe me, he’d make me suffer for that.’
‘Right then, if this is going to work we’ll just have to trust each other. You said that Vince is always surrounded by his heavies, but not when he’s asleep,’ Kevin said, going on to lay out his plan.
Adrianna had thought of sneaking off when Vince was asleep, but without money she wouldn’t be able to get far. With his contacts, the eyes and ears everywhere, Vince would soon find her. Now though, with what this bloke had in mind, she really could have a chance to get away. She wanted to trust him, wanted to believe that it really was going to happen, but she knew so little about Kevin Dolby. ‘Are you really going to do it, or is this some sort of sick joke?’
‘It’s no joke, Adrianna. When you sneak out, all you’ll have to do is to leave the door open and that will make it easy for me.’
She looked into his eyes, thought she saw sincerity there, but how could she be sure? ‘I dunno. Vince said your mother was sent to a nuthouse. For all I know you’re like her, delusional or something and this is all pie in the sky.’
‘I’m nothing like my mother and I can assure you this is real. It’s going to happen, and then we’ll have all the time in the world to get to know each other.’
Adrianna just gave a small smile. If she agreed to this, she’d only use Kevin for as long as it suited her. He had the money to get them out of the country, and once safe she’d dump him and make it on her own. It was that thought that sealed her decision. ‘Right then. If you’re telling the truth, how will I know when you’re gonna do it?’
‘I’ll get word to you.’
‘How? Vince hardly lets me out of his sight, and you mustn’t risk coming to see me again. If Vince spots you we’re both dead, and you can’t ring me because Vince or one of his heavies always answers the telephone.’
‘I could leave you some sort of sign,’ Kevin suggested. ‘When I’m ready to make my move I could chalk something on a wall where you’d be sure to spot it.’
‘I suppose that could work, but what wall?’
‘Is the club closed during the day?’ he asked.
‘Yes, and there won’t be many people around.’
‘I could chalk a small cross low on the wall just before the exit door in the alley. I doubt it’d be noticed unless you’re looking for it, and just in case you miss it I’ll do another one just above the door.’
‘That sounds all right,’ Adrianna told him.
‘When you spot the signs, you’ll know I’m going to do it that night and all you’ve got to do is to get out of the house while Vince is asleep.’
‘What if he takes ages to go off? It could be the early hours of the morning before I can sneak out.’
‘Don’t worry. I won’t do anything until I see you leave,’ Kevin assured.
‘When should I start looking for the chalk marks?’
‘With any luck in a week or two, but if it’s longer, don’t give up. I won’t let you down, I promise.’
‘I’ll have to trust you. If I want to get away from Vince it’s my only choice,’ Adrianna said, but then began to panic about how long she’d been sitting in the car. ‘I must go.’
‘Just look for my sign,’ Kevin murmured as he leaned towards her.
She tensed, but as he only kissed her cheek she allowed it. He was going to torch Vince’s house and at the thought of flames licking up to the bed, Adrianna smiled wickedly.
Yes, it was apt. Vince was so evil that he deserved to burn in hell.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Bernie drove to Battersea, hoping he’d be making the return journey with his grandson. His eyes shied away from the café on the corner of the High Street that Dolly had once owned, one that held only bad memories.
He pulled up as close as he could to what was now Pearl’s shop; it was Derek who let him in. ‘Hello, Bernie. You made good time.’
‘I left at eight thirty and the roads were fairly clear.’
It was Sunday and the shop was closed, but Bernie looked around in amazement. ‘Pearl told me on the telephone that she had made changes, but I didn’t expect this.’
‘It’s doing surprisingly well.’
‘I’m glad to hear it.’
‘Bernie, before we go upstairs, I’ve got something to tell you. It was a while ago now, but Kevin was around here, sniffing for information on Vincent Chase.’
‘That name sounds familiar, but I can’t place him.’
‘He’s a fence and used to virtually run the borough, though from what I’ve heard he’s moved on to other things. He owns a good few gambling joints and strip clubs.’
‘Why would Kevin be interested in him?’
‘I’ve no idea, but if he’s mixing with the likes of Vincent Chase I doubt it’s got anything to do with religion. I’m only telling you because it seems a bit fishy to me, but please, don’t say anything to Pearl. She doesn’t know that Kevin was in the area and I’d rather keep it that way.’
‘So he didn’t try to see John?’
‘No. He was only interested in Vincent Chase.’
Bernie was frowning as he followed Derek upstairs. He too found it suspicious. If John wouldn’t come home with him, he’d change his plans.
Thanks to Rupert giving them his address, he would be able to drive to Ealing where he’d have a word with Kevin. For now, unsure of what direction he’d be taking when he left, Bernie planted a smile on his face as he walked into the living room. ‘Hello, everyone.’
‘Hello, Granddad,’ John said, being the first to answer as he rose to his feet.
‘Come on, Clive, let’s go out for a walk,’ Lucy Sanderson said.
‘Me come too,’ begged Nora.
‘Yes, all right,’ she agreed.
‘You don’t have to leave because I’m here,’ Bernie protested to no avail as Lucy left the room with Nora scuttling after her.
‘Sit down, Bernie,’ Pearl urged. ‘I expect you could do with a drink.’
‘I won’t say no. A cold one would be nice.’
As Pearl left the room, Bernie said warmly, ‘It’s good to see you, John, and it looks like you’ve grown a few inches.’
‘I don’t think it’s that much. My uniform trousers still fit me.’
‘How do you like your new school?’
‘I didn’t at first, but it’s all right now though.’
‘He’s made friends with a few lads in his class and that made a difference,’ Derek said as Pearl returned with glasses of orange juice.
‘Well, John, have you told your granddad that you’ve got a Saturday job on Derek’s stall?’ Pearl asked.
‘Give me a chance, Mum, he’s only just arrived.’
‘So, John, you’re a budding costermonger,’ Bernie said, smiling.
‘He is not,’ Pearl protested. ‘I want better things for John when he leaves school.’
‘Well, thanks very much,’ Derek said. ‘And what does that say about me?’
‘No, no, I didn’t mean it like that. It’s just that I want John to have some sort of career.’
Derek grinned. ‘I’m pulling your leg, Pearl.’
‘Oh, you …’
‘I like my Saturday job,’ John said, ‘but I fancy going into horticulture, or forestry.’
Bernie smiled. ‘Now why doesn’t that surprise me? Though I had thought you might want some sort of job with animals.’
‘I wouldn’t mind that either and you should see my cat, Granddad. He’s big now. I’ll go and find him and you can see for yourself.’
Bernie waited until the boy was out of earshot and then said, ‘Have you spoken to John about coming back with me?’
‘Yes, but I’m afraid he still feels the same.’
‘Maybe if I ask him he’ll agree.’
There was a pause before Pearl said, ‘I suppose you could try.’
When John came back with a huge ginger cat in his arms, Bernie was indeed surprised by his size. ‘He’s a whopper.’
‘He’s put on weight since he’s been spayed,’ Derek explained.
‘And he’s a bit lazy now,’ John said as he fondly stroked Ginger.
‘John, your gran would love to see you. Won’t you change your mind and come home with me?’
John lowered his head, his voice little more than a murmur. ‘I can’t. I’m meeting my friends.’
‘If you’re worried about seeing your father, you needn’t be. He’s a different man now, a good man and …’
‘I don’t want to talk about him,’ John blurted before Bernie had finished what he was going to say, and with the cat still in his arms he hastily left the room.
‘That’s blown it. I shouldn’t have mentioned Kevin, but I thought he just might listen to me.’
‘Maybe he will one day,’ Pearl said, ‘but at the moment I think he needs a little more time.’
‘Yes, I can see that,’ Bernie agreed, though he knew that Dolly was going to be disappointed. ‘I won’t press John, but can I see a bit more of him before I go?’
Pearl nodded. ‘Of course you can.’
Derek offered to find him, and when he and John returned together, Bernie didn’t mention a visit or Kevin. He stayed for another hour, but then decided it was time to head for Ealing.
He was determined to find out what Kevin was up to and to do that he had to see his son face to face.
While getting ready to go out, Kevin was thinking back to the first time he and Rupert had been to look at the club. Rupert had dressed in his usual outlandish style, his hair curled and high like a woman’s as he had minced in. Though Kevin hadn’t been expecting it, the owner’s attitude had played right into his hands; the man’s feelings about poofs clear. They’d managed to look around, to take note that the club was busy, the bar tills ringing regularly, but then, fearful of the hostile looks he was getting, Rupert had insisted on leaving.
After that incident it had taken a bit of persuading to convince Rupert that buying the club was still a viable option, but with a bit of sulking on Kevin’s part, the soppy old sod had finally agreed. Shortly after that he told Rupert that he’d been tipped the wink that it was going on the market, and that it might be a good idea to get in first.
Rupert had agreed and Kevin was now ready for his next move. ‘Right, I’m off,’ he said, throwing on his jacket.
‘I’ve never heard of doing business on a Sunday,’ Rupert said petulantly.
‘It’s the only time the owner could spare, and as the club looks like a goldmine I wasn’t going to split hairs over an appointment.’
‘I’m not sure I want to deal with that bigoted homophobe.’
‘You won’t have to,’ Kevin pointed out. ‘That’s why I’m going on my own.’
‘If he finds me so distasteful, I’m not sure I want to buy his club.’
‘That’s up to you, but I doubt another opportunity like this will come up. You’ve seen what else is on offer and there’s no way I’d want to run one of those dumps,’ Kevin said, feigning a fit of pique as he slumped onto a chair. ‘In fact we might as well forget the whole thing. I’ll go back to looking for a job and as I won’t be working for you, somewhere else to live.’
‘There’s no need for that,’ Rupert said hastily. ‘Go and meet the man and if you can negotiate a reasonable price, we’ll go ahead.’
‘All right then,’ Kevin said, hiding a smile of satisfaction as he stood up again. ‘I’ll see what I can do.’
‘I have every faith in you,’ Rupert said and after putting up with a hug Kevin left with a spring in his step.
It was all coming together nicely, and he’d even had the foresight to tell Rupert that he’d taken his other suits to the cleaners when in reality, they were in the boot of the car, along with some of his casual gear. It would give the game away when he left if he walked out with a suitcase, but now he was well prepared.
There was just one more hurdle to overcome.
Kevin had been gone for under an hour when Rupert heard a ring on his doorbell, but when he went to open it, he didn’t recognise the man who stood there. ‘Yes, can I help you?’
‘I’m Bernie, Bernie Dolby, I’ve come to see my son.’
‘You’re Kevin’s father!’ Rupert exclaimed, seeing no resemblance.
‘Yes, that’s right.’
‘I’m afraid Kevin isn’t here at the moment, but I’m Rupert and it’s lovely to meet you. Please, do come in.’
‘Will he be home soon?’ Bernie asked as he stepped inside.
‘I rather doubt it, though I suppose it depends on how well his meeting goes.’
‘Meeting?’
‘Yes, he’s gone to see a chap who’s selling a nightclub that I’m interested in buying. If Kevin can get it for a decent price he’ll run it for me. But come on through,’ Rupert said, leading Bernie to the drawing room.
‘I’m sorry, but I’m not sure I understand – unless of course you’re going to use the premises for the refuge?’
‘Now I’m confused. What refuge?’ Rupert asked.
‘The one Kevin wants to set up for homeless people, alcoholics and such – lost souls he calls them.’
It sounded ridiculous now to Rupert and he giggled. ‘He must have told you that while he w
as in prison, but of course with ears everywhere he would have kept up his act.’
Bernie’s face paled. ‘Do you mind if I sit down?’
The man looked grey and worriedly Rupert said, ‘Of course not. Can I get you anything? A whisky, or perhaps brandy?’
‘Whisky please.’
After downing his drink a little colour returned to Bernie’s face and Rupert asked, ‘Are you feeling better now?’
‘Yes, thanks, but let me get this straight. Are you telling me that Kevin’s religious conversion is all a load of tosh?’
‘Well … yes, but surely you know that?’
‘You’d think so,’ Bernie said, ‘but when Kevin has been to see us he still acts as though he’s found God.’
‘Really. How odd.’
‘He’s up to something, he must be, and you can bet your life it’s to do with money. He was always a sponger, living off his mother and as I first thought, all this talk of a refuge is a scam to get a donation out of us.’
‘No, no, I’m sure that isn’t true,’ Rupert protested.
‘Then why the pretence, tell me that!’
‘I can’t, but I’m sure there’s a perfectly reasonable explanation.’
‘Huh, no doubt the git will find one, but it’ll be a pack of lies. Kevin is trying to fleece us, and he’s probably doing the same to you.’
‘Of course he isn’t. He would never do that,’ Rupert cried. ‘I love Kevin and I trust him.’
‘You love him!’ Bernie said, his eyes wide with shock. ‘Bloody hell!’
‘Yes, and Kevin loves me too.’
‘You’re a pervert,’ Bernie said in disgust as he surged to his feet, ‘and a fool too. I can see by this house that you’ve probably got a few bob and Kevin is taking you for a mug. He isn’t going to get a penny out of me though, and when you see my son you can tell him that I never want to set eyes on him again!’
With that, Kevin’s father marched from the room and shortly after, the front door slammed. Rupert remained seated, his mind reeling.
Chapter Twenty-Three
