‘Nothing for you to worry about,’ Dandi said. ‘Go into the dining room with the others. I’ll be through to explain in a few minutes.’
‘She a friend of the missing girl?’ the cop asked.
‘Not particularly,’ Dandi said. ‘No one’s really had a—’
‘Missing girl?’ Sarah interrupted. ‘Who?’
‘Claire Wilson.’ The man peered closely at her face to gauge her reaction. ‘You wouldn’t happen to know where she is?’
‘Isn’t she in bed? She said she was going for a lie-down when I saw her.’
‘And when was that?’ He jotted something down in his notepad.
‘This morning. She got off the bus I was getting on. I thought she looked tired, so I told her to get her head down for a bit – said I’d look in on her when I got back. Have you checked her room, Dandi?’
‘She’s not there,’ Dandi admitted guiltily. ‘She, er, got a bit upset and stormed out.’
‘So, you don’t know where she might have gone?’ the policeman persisted. ‘Friends, boyfriend, people she visits . . . ?’
‘No idea. We don’t really get on.’
‘But you said you’d look in on her when you got back?’
‘Yeah.’
‘Why would you do that if you don’t get on?’
Frowning now, Sarah said, ‘’Cos she looked tired, like I said. I was worried about her.’
‘Why?’
‘What?’
‘I don’t really think this is helping,’ Dandi interrupted, sensing that Sarah was becoming irritated. ‘I doubt whether Sarah knows any more than the rest of us. Claire isn’t the kind of girl to confide in anyone.’
‘Okay.’ The cop relented. ‘But if you think of anything, Sarah, be sure to let Miss Matthews know, won’t you?’
‘Yeah, course.’ Smiling tightly, Sarah left them and went to the dining room.
A few minutes later, Dandi came in and clapped her hands for quiet.
‘As you all know, Claire Wilson has gone missing, and we’re very concerned about her.’
‘Don’t see why.’ Pete snorted derisively. ‘It’s not like she can get in trouble, or anything.’
‘That’s not very helpful, Peter,’ Dandi scolded.
‘Yeah, Peter!’ Vinnie gave him a shove. ‘Be helpful, y’ pillock!’
‘Behave!’ Mark told them sternly. ‘This is serious!’
‘Yes, sir!’ Vinnie muttered, smirking.
Mark fixed him with an iron stare, letting him know that he had his measure and wouldn’t tolerate any nonsense. Vinnie glared back for a moment, then reluctantly looked away, reminding himself that he was on a good-behaviour order. He focused on Sarah’s tits instead. They looked real good in that tight—
‘As I was saying,’ Dandi went on. ‘We’re very concerned about Claire, which is why we’ve had to call the police in. Now, I know you’ve all said that you don’t know where she might have gone, but I want you to really think about it, and if you come up with anything, however insignificant you think it may be, please let us know immediately.’
Pete raised his hand.
‘Yes, Peter?’ Dandi hoped that he had something sensible to contribute.
‘Just wondering if there’s something we should know? I mean, you’re not just worried ’cos she’s up the duff, are you?’
‘Yeah,’ Vinnie chipped in, raising his eyes to look pointedly at Sarah’s face now. ‘Or is it just ’cos she’s late?’
Tutting loudly, Sarah turned her shoulder, blocking him from view.
‘There are other reasons,’ Dandi said. ‘But nothing I can go into with any of you, I’m afraid.’
‘Yeah, but surely it affects us if Claire’s messing with – say – drugs, or something?’ Pete persisted. ‘I mean, it ain’t exactly a secret that she’s always off her head, is it?’
‘Whether she is or isn’t is no concern of yours,’ Dandi told him firmly. ‘Now, I think that’s enough for one night. You can all go and get ready for bed. But don’t forget what I said – any ideas where Claire might be, let us know immediately.’
Ignoring the chorus of groans as the kids straggled from the room, Dandi crooked a finger at Sarah, motioning her to come to the office.
Sighing, Sarah followed her out, pausing in the doorway to shoot Vinnie a venomous glare.
Misreading it, he winked, annoying her even more than he already had.
In the office, Dandi motioned for Sarah to sit down.
‘I said I was sorry for being late,’ Sarah grumbled, slumping into a chair.
‘What you haven’t said is where you’ve been.’ Dandi peered at her expectantly.
‘Town.’ Sarah shrugged, affecting boredom. ‘I told you I was going. What’s the big deal?’
‘You’re late, that’s the big deal! The shops closed hours ago. What have you been doing?’
‘I went for a Coke with a girl from school.’
‘That’s one bloody long Coke!’
‘We had a few, actually!’ Sarah folded her arms. ‘What’s wrong with that?’
‘The time,’ Dandi snapped, concern making her voice harsher than she’d intended. ‘Anything could have happened. I was worried.’
‘Well, you needn’t have been. I can look after myself, you know.’
‘You might think so, but you’re too young to know the dangers lurking on the street.’
Sarah gave a contemptuous snort. ‘Christ, Dandi, I’m fifteen, not five.’
‘Not yet, you’re not.’ Dandi pursed her lips primly. ‘But even if you were, it’s still too young to be wandering about on your own so far from home.’
‘I was with a friend in a well-lit place with loads of people about – just like you’re always telling us. What’s your problem?’
‘That’s very naive, Sarah.’ Sighing wearily, Dandi made a conscious effort to temper her tone. ‘Some people hang about in those places specifically because it makes them seem less threatening.’
‘Yeah, well, there was no one like that where I was.’
‘Maybe not this time,’ Dandi conceded. ‘But if you get into the habit of going off on your own all the time, you never know what might happen.
‘Anyway, enough of that.’ Dandi clasped her handstogether to show that she meant business. ‘Given what’s happened, the Board have decided to take steps to ensure this situation doesn’t arise again. So, as of today, there will be a strict curfew. No more solo trips to town – you’ll go with someone else, or not at all – and only if I okay it. If you do go out unaccompanied, it must be local, and if you’re not back by nine, the gates will be locked and you’ll be reported to the police.’
‘That’s not fair!’ Sarah spluttered. ‘You can’t punish me for that stupid bitch taking off!’
‘We’re not punishing you,’ Dandi replied calmly. ‘We’re protecting you. And it’s not just you – everyone’s included. You just happen to be the first one I’ve told.’
Pursing her lips, her nostrils flaring with annoyance, Sarah said, ‘Can I go now?’
‘Yes. But remember – I’m only doing this because I care. You do know that, don’t you?’
‘Mmm.’
Vinnie and Pete were leaning against the banister at the top of the stairs. When Sarah came out of the office, Vinnie followed her with his stare as she marched up the stairs. He couldn’t get over how gorgeous she was. He never thought he’d meet someone like her in a Home. It was fate – it had to be.
‘Didn’t get you into trouble, did I?’ he asked when she reached the top.
‘Get lost!’ she muttered, striding past with her nose in the air.
Motioning for Pete to stay put, Vinnie quickly caught up with her. ‘Don’t be like that. I was only messing. Where’ve you been all day?’
‘None of your business.’
‘Aw, come on . . . I’m trying to get to know you.’
‘Piss off! What do I want with a muppet like you?’
‘I’m all right when you
get to know me.’ Dipping his head, Vinnie peered up into her face, grinning cheekily. ‘Honest.’
‘I doubt that!’ Stopping abruptly at the corner of the girls’ landing, Sarah looked at him questioningly. ‘Going somewhere?’
Hoping it was an invitation, he said, ‘You want me to walk you to your room?’
‘I don’t think so! Anyway, even if I wanted you in my room – which I don’t – boys aren’t allowed down here, so get lost.’
‘See you tomorrow, then,’ he called as she stalked away.
‘In your dreams!’ she retorted.
‘Nah, that’ll be tonight!’ Grinning, he walked backwards to rejoin Pete.
‘Told you you’re wasting your time,’ Pete said.
‘That’s what you think.’ Vinnie smirked, heading for the bedroom with a spring in his step. ‘She’s just playing hard to get.’
‘You reckon?’ Pete shook his head. The new lad was a laugh, but he was a bit thick if he thought that Sarah Mullen was interested in him. He had no chance.
6
May Cox was pissed off. It was late and she was on the edge of a teeth-rattling comedown. She was sure there was something she was supposed to be doing, but she couldn’t for the life of her remember what. She couldn’t even keep track of the TV programme she was supposed to be watching, never mind something she might or might not have planned.
Hugging her stick-thin frame as a bone-deep shudder passed through her, she glared at the kids fighting and yelling and rolling around on the floor in a tangle of arms and legs.
‘Pack it IN!’ she bellowed when she could stand it no longer. Swiping her snot-nosed youngest to the floor as he tried to scramble to safety on her knee, she said, ‘Just shut the fuck up the lot of you, before I get the belt out!’
In the momentary lull that her threat achieved, the doorbell echoed loudly in the uncarpeted hall. Her heart catapulted into her throat. Leaping to her feet, she grabbed her eldest daughter and shoved her towards the door.
‘See who it is, Tara. If it’s anyone looking for money, I’m out. If it’s that bitch from the social doing a sneaky drop-in, tell her to wait while you get the key. The rest of you, get your arses in gear!’
The remaining six sprang into action. They knew the drill: mess on the floor was shoved into the cupboard or behind the couch; table-top mess was swept into carrier bags and thrust behind the curtains.
Seconds later, the room was tidy enough to satisfy the Social Services bitch that May was coping. Much as May would have loved to ship the lot of them off to the council’s never-return-land called ‘care’, she had no intention of letting it happen. She’d lose her benefits if they went, and there was no way she’d survive that. And she was fucked if she was going back on the game at her age.
‘It’s monkey-head Makka,’ Tara said, popping her head around the door. ‘Want me to tell him to fuck off?’
‘Watch your bleeding mouth, you!’ May warned, remembering at the mention of his name what she was meant to be doing. ‘I’m nipping down Billy’s gaff for a bit. Get this lot to bed while I’m out.’
‘Do I have to?’
‘Yeah!’ Pushing Tara aside, May snatched up the plastic bag she’d left beside the door. Glancing into it, she saw that she’d forgotten something and tutted. ‘Run upstairs an’ get us the piss-sheet off our Leroy’s bed.’
‘Aw, Mam! Can’t he do it? It’ll be soaked.’
‘GET UP THE BLEEDIN’ STAIRS!’ May roared, walloping Tara around the back of the head as she fled past. ‘Jeezus and flaming Mary! . . . Can’t anyone ever do what they’re told round here?’
Hearing voices, Claire tried to open her eyes but they felt as if they were glued shut. Lifting her hand to prise them apart, it felt lead-heavy, as if she’d slept on it for a week.
‘She’s coming round,’ a man muttered in the dark somewhere to her left.
‘Oozzah?’ she mumbled, struggling to make her tongue work.
‘All right, sleeping beastie?’ Makka grinned nastily when her eyes finally opened. ‘I hope you feel as rough as you look.’
‘Fukov!’ she slurred, flapping a hand at his too-close face. ‘Wurze Billa?’
‘Thick bitch,’ Makka sniggered. ‘She can’t even talk proper!’
‘You said she was out cold,’ May hissed accusingly. ‘I ain’t doin’ it if she’s looking at me. Sack that!’
‘Stop freakin’ out,’ Billy murmured, peering closely at the powder turning to liquid in the spoon he was heating. ‘She won’t know nothing once she’s had this.’
‘Billa?’ Claire flopped her head in the direction of his voice. ‘S’pose t’ go bag ’ome.’
‘Don’t worry about it.’ Billy lifted her arm and looped his belt around it. ‘You’re too late, anyhow.’
‘What y’ doin’?’ She eyed the syringe warily as he drew the smack up into it. She hated needles; they terrified her. Makka had had to sit on top of her earlier, holding her down while Billy spiked her. She didn’t want to go through that again.
‘Relax,’ Billy crooned, giving her a toothless grin. ‘You won’t feel a thing.’
‘Hurry up.’ May licked her lips as he tapped the vein in the crook of Claire’s elbow. ‘I’ve got to be quick. I need a hit, an’ the kids are on their tod.’
‘Like that’s owt new!’
‘Fuck off! I don’t have to do this, you know. I’m doing youse a favour.’
‘And you’re getting paid, so shut it.’
‘Not enough,’ she grumbled. ‘And, here – I want a gram, you know. I ain’t doin’ it for no fiver bag.’
Billy gave an irritated nod. ‘Yeah, all right. Stop pecking me bleedin’ head.’
‘You do know what you’re doing, don’t you?’ Makka asked her, frowning. ‘You ain’t gonna leave it half done, or nothing?’
‘Oi, smart arse, you’ll be doin’ it y’self if you’re not careful!’ May retorted indignantly.
‘What’s goin’ on?’ Claire shook her head in a vain effort to clear it. ‘What’s she doin’, Bill?’
Leaning down, May jabbed her in the chest with a rigid finger. ‘She’s got a bleedin’ name, y’ cheeky cow!’
Claire’s face crumpled with frustration. She wanted to punch the scruffy bitch in the mouth, but she couldn’t even think straight, never mind get up. She was groggy and confused, couldn’t make sense of the situation.
‘Here we go.’ Raising the syringe to eye level, Billy gave the barrel a sharp flick. ‘Some nice anaesthetic to stop you screaming the gaff down.’
‘Don’t,’ Claire whimpered, trying to pull her arm from his steely grip. ‘Please, Billy . . . I don’t like spikes.’
Bending forward, hands on her knees, May gave a sinister smile. ‘We’re cleaning you out, chuck. And it’s for your own good, so button y’ gob and let us get on with it before me kids trash me bleedin’ house, eh?’
In a vivid flash of lucidity, Claire understood what was about to happen. She opened her mouth to scream, but her breath was stolen by the shock sensation of the needle piercing her flesh. Instantly, a rush of searing pleasure surged through her body, dissolving the thoughts and fears of a moment ago.
‘Whooo-ee, look at her go!’ Makka cackled as her head lolled back, a frozen expression of ecstasy drawing her mouth down into an elongated ‘O’ as her eyes rolled to the backs of their sockets.
Reaching down, May gripped Claire’s cheeks and gave her head a waggle. Getting no response, she snapped her fingers. ‘Right, let’s get cracking before she comes round. Makka, get that sheet out me bag an’ put it on the floor . . . Bill, you lie her on it while I get me stuff ready.’
Billy grimaced when May began to take the ‘tools’ from her bag. Genuinely concerned now, he said, ‘Here, you ain’t gonna mash her up, are you? You have done it before?’
May was offended. ‘Course I have. Shit, man, I did me own cousin a month back. You think I’d have risked that if I didn’t know what I was doing?’
‘Okay
. I’ll take your word for it.’ Holding his hands up, Billy backed towards the door with Makka right beside him.
‘Where d’y’ think you’re skedaddling off to?’ May demanded. ‘You’d best get your wussy arses back in here, or I’m off – and I mean it!’
‘Aw, man,’ Billy grumbled, coming reluctantly back into the room. ‘We don’t know nothing about this shit.’
May narrowed her eyes. ‘Listen, mate, if you think I’m doing this by meself so’s I can get the full whack if it goes pear-shaped, you can think again. You got your dick dirty putting it in there, so you can get your hands dirty getting it out!’
Exchanging a sick glance with Makka, Billy said, ‘All right. What d’y’ want us to do?’
7
Sarah finished her dinner before the rest of the kids and ran up to her room. Lying on her bed, she picked up the magazine that she had been reading before Dandi had called her down and stared blankly at the page. She must have read the same article three times over already, but she still didn’t have a clue what it was about. She was too wound up to concentrate.
It was her fifteenth birthday and, so far, it had been crap. Sundays were the most boring days on Earth ever, for a start. But to cap it all the weather was dire – rain pelting the windows, the wind howling and whipping the trees into a frenzy outside.
There was nothing to do, and she hadn’t even been able to escape to ‘work’, thanks to Dandi’s stupid curfew. For a profitable lift you needed time to select a quality mark, and the confidence to pull it off without setting off every alarm from Manchester to Liverpool. These days, she had neither. She hadn’t made a penny in the whole of the three weeks since Claire’s disappearance and had finally given up. It wasn’t worth the price of the bus fare, never mind having to account for her every step to Dandi when she got home. Sarah was sure that she wasn’t alone in wishing she could throttle Claire for the trouble she’d caused.
But that wasn’t the only reason she was holed up in her room right now. She was waiting for shit to happen. And, if her intuition served her right, it would definitely happen soon.
Tainted Lives Page 7
