by Carl Hancock
Downstairs Griggs exited the front of the club. ‘Nice one Jack’ he called to the head doorman who often acted as muscle for him in a different capacity and set eyes on the visitor. ‘Mr. O’Donnell, nice to see you again,’ he said outstretching his hand. He glanced over the man’s shoulder to note he was accompanied by three well dressed men, broad shouldered and none of them weighing less than eighteen stone. ‘I see we’ve come mob-handed again?’
O’Donnell shook the hand offered him and pulled Griggs close. ‘That’s because young man, I’m never sure of what reception I’m going to get, and you don’t get to be my age in this business without being cautious.’ He released his trademark tight handshake. ‘You should remember that for the future, if you plan to stick around that is!’ he added following him into the building closely followed by his men.
‘Well, we’re all friends here Mr. O’Donnell,’ Griggs replied at the bottom of the stairs as he removed the obscuring roped barrier.
‘Friendships of our kind tend to be short lived and susceptible to irreconcilable breakdown that prompts an immediate and physical retaliation,’ O’Donnell said as the barrier was replaced.
Matt stood up as the five men entered the room and shook O’Donnell’s hand; he offered him a seat while Griggs led the three lesser men to the far side of the room to offer them refreshments from his personal drinks trolley.
‘I don’t mean to be rude Teddy but I’ve got a gathering going on downstairs, it’s a family occasion so I’d appreciate it if we can speed this up a bit so I can show my face before all the guest’s are bladdered from the free bar!’
‘Yes I heard something or rather was going on. I assume it is the infamous Billy Drake’s welcome home party then?’
Matt nodded. ‘That’s correct and while we’re on the subject…Did you ever do any business with him?’
O’Donnell laughed a dry cynical laugh. ‘No my dear boy, I had reason to on many occasions yet couldn’t bring myself to deal with such a prehistoric beast. The man was by all accounts and I presume still is an unpredictable thug who was incapable of considering the bigger picture with all matters relating to business.’
‘Really,’ Matt replied. ‘You come to that opinion without ever meeting the man,’ he added.
‘I never said that I didn’t meet him, actually I have been in his company a few time’s at charity fundraiser’s and so forth, but what I mean is that for a successful enterprise to take off you have to look past the immediate profit involved so you can increase it, for an example, if you had one chicken, rather than kill it for the poultry value you would be wiser to tend to it and let it produce eggs, therefore producing further income. But as I said he was never able to see the benefit in repeat business against immediate cash liquidity. The deals that we have completed together have run smoothly for both parties and I presume that we are both happy for that to continue?’
Matt confirmed with a movement of his head while looking across to Griggs and back.
‘Whereas if I were to offer him a transaction along the similar lines then he would simply steal my consignment himself for the short term gain and therefore remove the possibility of any future business. And that’s exactly what happened to many trusting associates, he couldn’t be trusted in the end so no-one would work with him. I do hope that your not thinking of collaborating with him, he would be your downfall mark my word’s.’
‘No actually I’m not, I don’t even know him but I came to that conclusion about him myself, he was a has been before he went away, unlike yourself he couldn’t see past the heydays of the seventies and eighties, he probably still considers banks and security vans up for grabs rather than the easier online frauds etc.’
‘It sounds like there’s a compliment in there somewhere Mathew?’
Matt smiled, not many people ignored his assertive insistence that they call him by his shortened name. ‘You know there is Teddy, you know that I respect you and that’s why we do good work together. Anyway back to the here and now! What can we do for you?’ Griggs took a seat opposite him leaving the three large men sipping at their free drinks.
The heater was blowing out hot air, but not fast enough to completely dry the one outfit that he owned. He rubbed his cold hands in front of it to gain some warmth. It felt good for him to be free at last with no-one to watch over him, it was exhilarating to have complete control over his life again, the freedom to roam unhindered without the simplest of actions scrutinized and investigated with suspicion. Prison life had come surprisingly easy to him, it helped that it wasn’t the first time he had been inside yet it was by far the longest.
‘How much fuckin longer Cyrus, can’t you put your fuckin foot down a bit and get me there before I freeze to death. It was warmer in the fuckin joint than it is in here!’
Cyrus shook his head at the insistence, he had points on his license as it was and didn’t need any more, a ban was the worst thing that could happen to him and it would affect his ability to earn. ‘See that yellow box up there?’ he said pointing to the side of the road, Billy followed his direction. ‘It’s a speed camera, clocks your speed and sends you a nice little bill through the queens post and I aint having that!’
‘Well fuck me,’ Billy said. ‘I wondered what they were! I‘ve seen them all over the shop so far.’ He twisted his neck as they passed. ‘Mind you now that you mention it, I remember getting clocked by one just before I went away. It was one of the first in the west end; I don’t know what happened about it because I never paid it.’
Cyrus slowed the car down and indicated right waiting for a break in the oncoming traffic, an approaching vehicle slowed down and flashed its headlights allowing him to cross the busy stream and into the car park reserved for employees. ‘Here we are Billy, time to shine me old mate.’ He switched the engine off and pulled up the handbrake at the rear of the destination.
Billy climbed out of the car and looked up at the building, ‘It doesn’t look much! I was expecting something more lavish.’
Cyrus locked the car with a click of a button.
‘What the fuck was that?’ Billy said pointing to the car.
‘What…?’ Cyrus replied. ‘Remote central locking? The keys are just for turning the engine over these days.’
‘Huummm….I’ve been away far too long.’
‘That you have Billy that you have, and that reminds me do you want me to set you up a little company for later?’ He had a female associate already in mind.
‘Nah. No rush Cyrus, I’ve waited Seventeen years for a bit of snatch so I’m sure I can wait one more night. Besides knowing you it would one pug ugly mare.’
Cyrus smiled, his old friends lack of faith in him was his own loss. His words proved what he suspected. Billy hadn’t yet accepted that the world had moved on in his absence and probably never would. However well he thought he knew Cyrus, that was the old Cyrus, the old young Cyrus who shared his drive and ambition to succeed but he had evolved into the docile and unpretentious man before him. They were the Matt and Griggs of their day, but that day was gone and he was adamant that he wouldn’t let Billy drag him down again.
Chapter Two
‘So where’s this fella of yours Suzy love?’ he asked. ‘I’m anxious to meet him and give him the once over.’
‘Tied up at the minute Dad but Griggs told me it wouldn’t take too long.’ She passed him what she thought was his first alcoholic drink for seventeen years.
He took a sip of the expensive drop of whisky and savoured the taste as it sloshed around his mouth. ‘Much better than the hooch that I’ve been spending my Saturday nights with up until now,’ he said after necking the contents of the glass in one. ‘Did you say Griggs?’
‘Yes Dad, you must remember him?’
‘Of course but I thought he drank himself to death. What’s he doing here he must be all of seventy by now?’
The barman refilled the glass and left the bottle sat next to it on the bar. ‘No Dad that was Griggs senior! I
’m talking about Dave, his son.’
The realization dawned on him and his eyes opened wider as he slowly nodded his head, he picked up his drink and took a swig. ‘I remember him alright but what’s he doing here? I didn’t think our paths would ever cross again.’
‘He works for Matt Dad, and has done for quite a while now.’
‘This Matt fella must be pretty sure of himself to accept that!’
‘What do you mean?’ she asked. ‘I don’t follow.’
He unscrewed the top and placed his large hand around the base of the whisky bottle tipping it until he had another full glass, leaving the top off in readiness for another he took a moment before explaining. ‘Any fuckin ordinary bloke would be threatened by their girl’s previous boyfriends. They wouldn’t like them hanging around. I know the two of you used to knock about together, I remember little Davey talking about taking you out once.’ He swallowed the remainder of his drink.
Suzy’s face broke into a smile as she realized what he was going on about. ‘We never went out together Dad, not like that anyway.’
‘He had a crush on you Suzy take my word for it. I could see it by the way he looked at you, undressing you with his eyes the dirty little fucker.’
‘If he did Dad it’s the first I’ve heard of it, although we were going to the cinema one night together but he just didn’t turn up. It was only as friends though, no big deal.’
‘Not to him Suzy, he had more fuckin expectations than that,’ he said pouring yet another drink.
‘That’s just your protective instincts shining through Dad, I’m sure you just saw what you wanted to see.’ She watched on as he demolished his drink. ‘You better take it easy on that stuff, remember you’re not used to it and we’ve got a long evening ahead of us.’ She didn’t want to sound like a bore; after all he deserved to do whatever he wanted after his long incarceration. She just wanted him to remain conscious to meet Matt and see the night out.
Matt reached out his hand and shook on the deal, a simple handshake that signed the transaction and cemented it. ‘Sure you won’t stay and say hello to Billy?’
Standing at the bottom of the stairs O’Donnell glanced toward the door of the party room, the loud music thumping and the sound of glass breaking from the raucous behavior some of the clientele were making backed up his initial decision. ‘A very kind offer Matthew but I simply despise loud music,’ he said. ‘Especially that genre, I much prefer the tranquility of a decent gentlemen’s club and have the urge to frequent one this very evening. Thank you so much anyway.’
Matt and Griggs observed as O Donnell and his men left the club, under cover of darkness that had fallen in their time discussing business. ‘He’s a funny fucker that one isn’t he Matt?
‘He certainly is, but a damn good business man,’ he said looking at his watch. ‘I suppose he’s here by now. Are you ready for this?’
‘Actually Matt, there’s a lot to set up for this thing with O Donnell, I better make the arrangements tonight before I forget something.’
Matt frowned, surprised at the dedication to his work, Griggs had always managed to organize the essentials, even at much shorter notice than this. ‘What are you talking about, we’ve got plenty of time. We’ve got the yard sorted still, tailing vehicles are all ready to go and a long list of muscle wanting the work, even at short notice which this isn’t!’
‘There are a few extras that were going to need to make sure it runs smoothly, trust me it’s for the best!’ Griggs was adamant that he needed to spend his time more wisely.
Matt took a deep breath and exhaled, he shrugged his shoulders in disbelief. ‘Ok, have it your way.’
Half the bottle of whisky had already disappeared, absorbed into Billy’s body as if it were a sponge, it had taken all of Suzy’s persuasion skills to convince him to take a seat. Having confessed that he hadn’t eaten all day she was concerned that presenting him with the alcohol wasn’t one of her best ideas to date. Tina had yet to make her presence felt, her brief greeting in swift passing was duly noted by Suzy who was now feeling the burden of responsibility.
‘So Sheila couldn’t slap a bit of glam on and show her face then?’ Billy said to his eldest daughter sat opposite him.
‘It’s not her place anymore Dad, mums got her own life to lead now. It’s best all round if you let each other be.’
Although technically her parents were still married, there was no love lost with more unhappy memories than joyful ones in their colourful history. Her mother moved forward with her life as soon as he was sentenced. The marriage up to that point had been a struggle beyond belief and it had been doomed from the start so stood no chance of surviving under further strenuous circumstances.
‘What’s up with our Tina then? She couldn’t wait to get away from me.’ His eyes were flitting from side to side scanning the room for a visual location on his girl.
‘It’s going to be difficult for all of us to begin with Dad, it’s a big adjustment and for you especially,’ she said. ‘By the way, where are you staying tonight?’ She thought it best to get the matter sorted as soon as possible.
‘Dunno yet love, not given it much thought,’ he replied. ‘Who’s that with Tina?’ He pointed across the dance floor to the elderly man from earlier. ‘He looks familiar, although my eyes aren’t the best from this distance.’
‘I don’t know him Dad; although he’s far too old for her.’ She stood up. ‘I need to find Matt; I’ll speak to him about putting you up for a bit Ok?’
‘Yeah sure Suzy, that’ll be great thanks.’ Observing her leave the table he was pleased as he needed her out of the way so he could pay someone a visit. He was back now and that meant that his girls weren’t fair game anymore. No man young or old was going to get away with lusting after his Tina. The alcohol always brought out the worst in him and this time was no exception.
Suzy had a good idea where to find her man, she didn’t bother knocking on the door and barged straight in keen to impress upon him how upset she was about waiting so long for him to join her, and more importantly meeting her Dad for the first time. ‘I knew I’d find you in here. Come on leave the business for tonight it’s nearly half eight already.’
He placed the receiver down before he could make the call and stood to attention. ‘Babe, I’m sorry it’s taken so long. I promise ten minutes and I’ll be out alright, I’ve just got a couple of calls to make and I’ll knock it on the head for the day Ok.’ He knew that his smile would guarantee to make her agree.
‘The way he’s drinking he won’t remember if he’s met you or not anyway,’ she sighed with disappointment. Her relenting was partially due to her next question.‘I’ll allow you ten more minutes,’ she said putting a greater emphasize on more. ‘If you can allow me something in return?’
Matt smiled again; his first thoughts were of a sexual nature. ‘You know me Suzy? Anytime anywhere just say the word and I’m all yours.’ He moved around the desk to embrace her slim figure.
She placed her arms around him and looked up into his eyes; she slapped his backside with her right hand. ‘Not that! Is that all you think of?’
‘Well it’s your own fault for being so damn sexy,’ he replied with his arms around her neck. ‘Well what is it then? Your wish is my command.’
She had hoped he would say something along them lines, it was a big ask. ‘My Dads got nowhere to stay tonight.’
He felt his stomach lurch; he had a feeling what was going to come next.
‘And we have all that spare room, can he stay with us just until he gets on his feet because you know Tina’s flats far too small so that’s not an option.’
Of course he knew Tina’s wasn’t an option, the pokey first floor flat was the first property he ever purchased and he only held onto it out of sentimental reasons. That and because on paper it was the only thing he legally owned. He allowed her to stay there rent free therefore he didn’t have to worry about opportunist squatters. Even if the flat was big e
nough to house the wayward criminal it would be at his expense still and so far he had bore the cost of all of it. ‘That’s not necessary babe, I’ve booked him a room somewhere central and convenient. It was going to be my surprise!’
‘Oh that’s so sweet of you,’ she said overjoyed that the issue was resolved. She placed her lips on his for a lingering kiss that lasted a few seconds. ‘Right I’ll leave you alone then, ten minutes not a second more.’
‘You sure I can’t convince you to stay?’ he said nodding toward the sofa.
‘Not a chance,’ she replied closing the door behind her.
He sat back down at the desk and picked up the phone again, this time determined to make the calls and now with more of a sense of urgency than before. The usual dialing tone sounded in his ear until it was answered. ‘Stevie… I need you to call around for me and get a bed for a couple of weeks. Make sure it’s habitable but don’t break the bank Ok.’
He’d had to think on his feet to ensure his home remains a Billy free zone. It was inevitable that one day he may honour them with his presence there but not before he had done all he could to prevent it. Although he had not met him yet, only a brief passing in their joint past, he knew more about him than some who had known him for all of his adult life. And what he knew concluded that he didn’t want a man like that in his life anymore than completely necessary.
Slouching across the dance floor Billy had only one thing on his mind and it wasn’t particularly pleasant, with his glass in one hand and the near empty bottle in the other he cared very little that most of the eyes in the room were centered upon him. He had always been the focal point in any room, his sheer presence enough to disperse anyone who found themselves in his path. Even now at nearly 58 years old and if honest a little overweight the dancing few quickly moved out of his way to give him free passage.
Either the alcohol was having the intended effect or his eyes were in dire need of a checkup. Unable to focus he sat down at the same fitted booth seat as his youngest daughter who was obviously comfortable with her older man. ‘Tina luv, do your old Dad a favour and grab us a couple of cigars from the bar will you?’ He placed the glass and bottle onto the table freeing up his hands.
