The Mark

by Heather Burnside

  ‘Oh,’ said Maddy, trying to take in her words. ‘Why’s that?’

  ‘Well, to be honest, Maddy, I’m afraid it’s just not up to your usual standard and certainly not of the standard we require. The level of detail is lacking, some of the language is unnecessarily long-winded and I was disappointed to find several grammatical and typo errors. It’s certainly not the type of thing we would have expected from a seasoned professional like you.’

  ‘I see,’ said Maddy, slowly, as she frantically tried to come up with an explanation. ‘I’m afraid I was a bit stuck for time with that one. I’ve had a lot on and I know it’s no excuse but perhaps I should have got back to you and asked for more time.’

  ‘We gave you three weeks to write the article as it was, and we had magazine deadlines to meet, Maddy.’

  ‘I know. I’m so sorry. Would it help if I had another look at it to correct the errors and see if I can make the language more succinct?’

  ‘Not really. Apart from everything else, the angle is all wrong for our readership. I would have thought you’d have known what our readers were looking for.’

  ‘OK. What about a rewrite?’

  ‘No, I’m afraid it just won’t be possible. Like I say, we’ve got magazine deadlines to fill. We just wouldn’t have time to make it work. As it stands, we’ll have to substitute the article with fillers.’

  Maddy was beginning to wonder about the purpose of the call if Annette didn’t want her to put things right, but Annette’s next words made her reasoning clear.

  ‘There isn’t anything you can do to put this right, Maddy. You’ve let us down badly but, because you’ve worked so well with us in the past, I thought I’d give you the courtesy of letting you know that we won’t require your services in future. That also applies to the other magazines in the group, not just Glimmer.’

  ‘Oh,’ said Maddy, stuck for something more concrete to say as the harshness of Annette’s words hit her.

  ‘I’m sorry, but we need writers we can rely on,’ Annette added to fill in the void of silence.

  The reality of the situation was beginning to sink in for Maddy as she realised what impact this loss would have on her finances. Feeling desperate, she made one last-ditch attempt to win Annette round. ‘Is there anything at all I can do to put it right? I’ll even write the next article for free to prove that I won’t let you down.’

  ‘No, I’m sorry; we can’t take that risk, not when we have such strict deadlines to meet.’

  Again Maddy stayed silent and, when she failed to come up with any further assurances, Annette thanked her for her past work and terminated the call. Maddy was devastated. The Sunshine group had been a major employer for the past seven years. She’d done lots of good work for them, often putting in extra hours if they called for an article at a moment’s notice, and this was all the thanks she got? One bad article and they let her go, just like that.

  Curious, Maddy pulled up the article on her computer screen. She remembered writing it after Aaron had stayed over. At the time she’d been preoccupied with thoughts of her delectable lover and in a bit of a rush because she’d spent too much time with him again. But surely the article couldn’t have been that bad?

  Then Maddy began reading the article and she cringed as she took in the number of basic errors she had made. Too instead of to, wander instead of wonder and a couple of typos where she’d hit the wrong keys in her rush to get the article finished. There were several long rambling sentences too, which would have benefitted from tightening up. She’d thought she’d checked the article at the time but perhaps she had been too tired to concentrate.

  She knew there was no point correcting it now, not after Annette Willoughby had flatly refused to accept any more work from her. So she quickly shut down the document and tried to put it out of her mind, knowing she had other matters she needed to tend to.

  Maddy turned her attention to the two pieces of work she needed to finish for the end of the next day. She decided to start work on the one that hadn’t been touched. If possible she wanted to get the first draft finished that day, so that she could have another look at it the following day with a fresh mind and then polish it up.

  But when Maddy looked at the brief she was disturbed to note that a lot of research was required. She only had scant knowledge of the subject matter and, although she was tempted to skim through the research and make assumptions, she knew it was too risky, especially as she’d already lost one valuable client that day. Besides, that just wasn’t her style. If she hadn’t let herself get so far behind with her work in the first place, then she would never have even considered that as an option.

  Growing exasperated, she turned her attention to the article that she had almost finished. For several minutes she tried to read through the article but was finding it difficult to focus. Annette’s harsh words flitted through her brain and she was full of regret at allowing herself to return substandard work. She kept reading a couple of paragraphs and realising none of what she had read had registered, so she returned to the beginning of the document.

  Just as she was trying to read through it for the third time, Rebecca appeared by her side. ‘Mum, I’m bored. Can we watch my princesses DVD, please?’

  ‘What about the TV?’ she suggested again. ‘Isn’t your programme still on?’

  ‘No, it finished ages ago and I missed it while I was on the computer.’

  Maddy was short with her. ‘Go and find your DVD, then. You know where they are.’

  ‘But I want you to watch it with me.’

  ‘No, Becky. I can’t. I’ve told you, I’m too busy.’

  ‘But, Mum, it’s Sunday. You always watch DVDs with me on Sundays.’

  ‘For God’s sake, Rebecca! Will you just do as you’re bloody well told?’ Maddy snapped.

  As soon as she said the words she realised she had been unnecessarily sharp with her daughter and when she saw the hurt expression on Rebecca’s face she tried to backtrack.

  ‘Look, Becky, I’m sorry for shouting at you, but you know not to interrupt me when I’m busy working. Now will you please just do as I ask?’

  But her apology was too little too late, she realised, as she watched Rebecca walk away with her shoulders slumped. Maddy tried to return to the article but it was no use, she was overtired and still upset by the call with Annette bloody Willoughby. Eventually, realising she would get no further; she decided to leave it for the day. She’d get an early night and face the task with a fresh mind tomorrow.

  But she knew that although she’d manage to finish this article, there was no way she would make a good job of the other one in just a day. It was an in-depth piece, requiring a lot of research, and, as she thought about it, she realised that there was only one alternative left to her: she’d phone the magazine and ask for a few days’ extension. Then she’d just have to pull out all the stops next week to do a good job of it as well as all the other work she had to get through.

  She switched off the computer and went in search of her daughter. At least if she could make it up to Rebecca, then she would have achieved something today. The promise of ice cream after tea and the offer to watch Rebecca’s favourite DVD did the trick and Maddy settled on the sofa next to her.

  But even as she watched the DVD Maddy’s mind kept wandering. She knew that the amount of time she was spending with Aaron was impacting negatively on other aspects of her life. And as she sat there she vowed to herself that she would spend less time with him. Surely he’d understand when she explained to him how she was getting behind with her work? Wouldn’t he?

  22

  Crystal went out to the red-light district much earlier than usual on Sunday. She knew Gilly wouldn’t have expected it, so she would therefore be safe to pocket the earnings from a couple of additional clients. Her plan was to then head back to The Rose and Crown and see what Gilly was up to.

  If Gilly did his disappearing act again she would follow him. She’d earnt enough to pay for a taxi and
make up for some earnings she would lose later in the day while she was pursuing Gilly.

  She found daytime working a strange and more threatening experience. At night-time she knew a lot of the clients whereas in the daytime she didn’t, and these clients seemed a different type. They were bolder; the sort of men who didn’t feel the need to operate under cover of darkness, as though they didn’t give a damn who saw what they were up to. Then there were others who were so desperate to live out their sick fantasies that they couldn’t wait until later.

  But Crystal had learnt over the years to have her wits about her when she was working. She knew the signs to look out for. The smell of booze on a client’s breath. An overly aggressive attitude. Quibbling over price before she’d even got in the car. They were all warning signals and her reaction would usually be to avoid those clients and send them on their way. There were too many people ready to take advantage, and regular abuse was all part and parcel of a prostitute’s life.

  Although Gilly did his best to protect them, he couldn’t be everywhere. When he’d killed the man who had abused her, she’d felt safer on the streets at first. But she’d soon realised that it didn’t make that much difference. Other clients weren’t aware of the threat of revenge if they stepped out of line so they carried on as normal.

  Her mind went straight back to Gilly. To think, he’d killed that man for her. He might not be as attentive as he used to be but that was probably because it had freaked him out and, as far as Crystal was concerned, Gilly was still her man.

  She was relieved to leave Minshull Street later that evening and get back to The Rose and Crown with her earnings safely tucked away. Crystal had timed it so that she returned before the timeframe in which she had previously seen Gilly leave the pub and get in his car and she was relieved to see him standing at the bar. He bought her a drink, unaware that tonight she could easily afford to buy her own.

  To Crystal’s dismay it was over an hour before Gilly left the pub. While she was standing at the bar he asked her twice when she was going to work. She knew that he was getting irritated at the loss of earnings while she was in the pub drinking, so she moved away from the bar where he couldn’t get at her so easily.

  Eventually she was rewarded by the sight of Gilly draining his pint and preparing to leave. Before he set off he turned to Crystal and two of his other girls who were sitting at a table with her.

  ‘Time to go, girls,’ he said. ‘I want you out of here as soon as you’ve finished that drink.’

  ‘It’s OK, we’re going,’ said Crystal.

  She left the remainder of her drink on the table as she dashed after him.

  ‘Bloody hell, Crystal,’ shouted one of the girls. ‘You don’t have to go that quick. At least finish your drink first.’

  But Crystal ignored her. She wasn’t rushing to work, she was rushing to catch up with Gilly before he and his car disappeared altogether. As she suspected, he crossed the road, heading in the direction of his car, which was parked further along. Before he had even got inside the car Crystal spotted a taxi and flagged it down.

  ‘We’re following that car,’ she said, feeling as if she were in a film. ‘But wait till he sets off and stay well back. I don’t want him to spot us.’

  The taxi driver turned round and looked at her uncertainly. ‘Don’t worry, I’ll pay you for your trouble,’ she said.

  She was relieved when he turned back and set off just in time for her to keep tabs on Gilly. As she settled down in the back seat of the cab she felt a mixture of relief and dread. Tonight she would finally find out just what Gilly was up to. But whether that would be a good thing, she just wasn’t sure.

  *

  It was ages since Clare had seen Maddy and she’d put off ringing her, knowing that their last meeting had been a bit fraught. But Maddy was her friend and she was worried about her. Clare felt that Maddy was making a big mistake rushing into things with Aaron. She had a bad feeling about him but, just to keep the peace, she decided not to say anything negative when she rang her friend. With that in mind she picked up the phone and made the call.

  ‘Hi, Maddy, how are you?’ she asked, trying her best to sound cheerful so she could get things back on track with her friend.

  ‘Oh, not too bad, y’know.’

  ‘You sound a bit down. What’s the matter?’

  ‘Nothing. It’s just that, well, it’s a bad time, to be honest. I’m watching a DVD with Becky.’ Then Maddy whispered, ‘I’ve already been a bit short with her today so I’m trying to make it up to her.’

  ‘Oh, I see. That’s not like you.’

  ‘I know, but I’ve had a bit of a bad day.’

  ‘Really? What’s wrong?’

  ‘Oh, it’s not what you think. Me and Aaron are fine.’ Maddy’s voice had adopted a sing-song tone but then she became serious again as she said, ‘No, I had a nasty call from Glimmer magazine. They weren’t happy with the article I submitted. They wouldn’t even give me a chance to put it right. Not only that, but they’ve refused to accept any more of my work in the future, and that applies to all the magazines in the Sunshine group.’

  ‘Really?’ asked Clare, becoming concerned. ‘But weren’t they one of your biggest clients?’

  ‘The biggest.’

  ‘Why didn’t they like the article?’

  ‘Well, if I’m honest, it wasn’t up to my usual standard. I did it in a bit of a rush. I’d been with Aaron and left myself a bit short of time.’ Then she giggled. ‘The man’s bloody insatiable but so hard to resist. Anyway, you would have thought they’d have given me a second chance after all the good work I’ve sent to them in the past. But no.’

  Clare was surprised at the flippancy of her friend’s words. Maddy had always prided herself on the quality of her work but she didn’t seem to care any more. It wasn’t like her to be snappy with Rebecca either. Clare knew it was since Maddy had been seeing Aaron that she’d let things slide but she had promised herself that she’d try not to criticise. So, instead of expressing her disquiet, she said, ‘What will you do?’

  ‘There’s not much I can do about the Sunshine group. She was adamant she didn’t want any more work from me. The nasty bitch! Anyway, there’s always other magazines. It’s not as if I haven’t got a good portfolio to show them and I’ve got contacts in the industry.’

  ‘Well, good luck with it, Maddy. I hope you manage to find a replacement. Anyway, do you fancy meeting up next week? It’s been ages since we’ve had a get-together.’

  ‘Aw, I’m sorry, Clare, but I’m really up against it next week. I’ve got tons of work on. In fact, I’m already going to have to ask for an extension on one piece of work tomorrow.’

  ‘Oh, I see,’ said Clare, trying to keep the disappointment out of her voice, but failing.

  ‘I know what you’re thinking,’ said Maddy. ‘I have been spending too much time with Aaron and I think what’s happened today with Glimmer magazine has made me realise that. I’m going to have to start seeing a bit less of him, but it’s difficult when I just want to be with him all the time. Anyway, while I’m thinking about it, I’ll ring him tonight after Becky’s gone to bed and tell him we need to see less of each other.’

  ‘Bloody hell, Maddy, you have got it bad,’ said Clare, trying to sound jovial.

  ‘I know.’ Then Maddy paused before saying her next words. ‘You’re wrong about him, y’know. He’s lovely. He treats me so well and even Becky thinks he’s wonderful.’

  ‘Oh, so she’s met him, then?’

  ‘Yes, and he was brilliant with her; he had her eating out of his hand in no time. And he’s taking us to meet his family in Yorkshire soon.’

  ‘Oh, that’s good,’ said Clare, but her voice didn’t reflect her positive words.

  ‘Yeah, it is,’ said Maddy. ‘Anyway, I’m sorry to rush off but Becky keeps looking over at me. She wants me to get back to watching her DVD with her.’

  ‘OK, well, I’ll let you go, then,’ said Clare.


  ‘OK, but I promise I’ll be in touch soon when things are less hectic and we’ll arrange a get-together.’

  ‘All right, bye, then,’ said Clare.

  Then she heard Maddy saying goodbye, but she cut the call even before she’d finished that one word. Clare sat reflecting on the call. She was concerned for her friend. She’d seen her fall head over heels before and it usually ended badly. Previously, Clare had been there to help her friend pick up the pieces and Maddy had always been resilient enough to bounce back.

  But somehow this time was different. She had never seen her friend so smitten that she neglected her work or grew snappy with Rebecca. It was as if Aaron had got her under his spell. And, aside from all that, there was something about Aaron that she just didn’t trust. It all seemed a bit of a mystery. Why was he living in a hotel? Why tell Maddy he had a Porsche when he so obviously didn’t? And would he really take Maddy and Rebecca to meet his family or was he just spinning her another yarn?

  Clare felt that Maddy was making a big mistake where Aaron was concerned but what could she do about it when Maddy refused to have a bad word said about him?

  23

  As the taxi carrying Crystal made its way out of the city centre it got stuck at some traffic lights. The red Honda Civic had already shot through the lights just as they were changing from amber to red.

  ‘Shit!’ said Crystal, leaning forward in her seat so she could try to keep tabs on the car.

  By the time the lights changed to green Gilly’s car was no longer in view.

  ‘Where to now?’ asked the taxi driver.

  Crystal desperately hoped they might still have a chance of catching Gilly. ‘Straight ahead. As fast as you can,’ she said. ‘We might catch him at the next lights.’

  ‘I’ll go as fast as I can but I’m not breaking the speed limit. I can’t risk losing my bloody licence,’ said the taxi driver, who was already put out because they were pursuing a vehicle.