by Emma Tallon
3
The shrill sound of the door buzzer went off and Freddie checked the video monitor. Seeing Paul standing there he pressed the button next to the speaker and the outer door to the building unlocked.
‘Come on up, mate.’ He clicked off, opened the front door in readiness for Paul’s arrival and walked back down the hallway to wait in the large kitchen, where he had been busy pouring himself a whisky. He didn’t usually start this early in the day, but he had experienced a particularly stressful morning. He downed a large gulp of the fiery liquid and then exhaled loudly as he leaned on the counter.
Since the demise of Big Dom, one of the underworld’s most respected old faces, Vince, Freddie’s mentor and business partner, had slowly begun to take a back seat. Vince and Big Dom had built their empire together over decades, and Big Dom’s death had been a stark reminder to Vince of his age and the limited time he had left on this earth. He had been gradually turning most of the businesses over to Freddie, and now he was almost fully retired.
Freddie had gracefully accepted the mantle Vince had handed him and still made sure that the older man got his cut of the profits every month. He would always be grateful and loyal to the man who had taught him everything he knew. It did, however, mean that his workload had greatly increased, and the Tyler brothers were now busier than ever before.
Freddie placed the empty glass by the sink. The kitchen was brand new and top of the range; he’d had it fitted when he and Anna had bought the place two years ago. Black marble floor tiles complemented the white granite worktops. A centrepiece light fitting adorned with low-hanging Swarovski crystals hung over the square breakfast bar in the centre of the room. The light glinted brightly off the crystals and the granite below it, giving the whole room a sparkling glow. Freddie had chosen it because it reminded him of Anna. She always seemed to shine the brightest in any room.
Anna had suffered greatly in her past with a brutal and psychotic ex-boyfriend who had controlled every part of her life. He knew that it had scarred her deeply and tried not to take offence when her defences shot up against him. Instead he trod slowly and carefully through their relationship, respecting her limits even when they caused him extreme frustration. It had taken a year to convince her to even consider making a home with him. He knew it would be a long time again before he could convince her to take another big step forward.
Anna was the centre of Freddie’s world now. He had wanted to buy this penthouse for her, to be able to give her a home and security. It was the only way he knew how to treat someone he loved. He had always looked after the rest of his family; it was how he was built. But she had stubbornly backed away from the gesture when he showed her around and let on his intentions. After a difficult conversation Anna had only agreed to the property if she went in fifty-fifty with him. Freddie had felt deflated at her reaction, but understanding why, he’d agreed and they’d bought their home as equal partners. So, in order to do something for her without overstepping the mark, Freddie paid for all of the renovations and made sure that everything inside was nothing less than the very best. He had expected another fight, but Anna had pursed her lips and let it go. It was a small win, but it was still a win.
The penthouse was situated at Royal Wharf overlooking the River Thames. The views were spectacular, especially after dark. Not that either of them got to appreciate this often – both worked late into the nights and were usually ready to collapse into bed when they finally returned home.
For Freddie, the flat was practical. Steel-enforced doors and a video monitor offered him the cautious defences that he needed in his position. There was easy access to the river, and he had a small boat hidden nearby, which Anna was not aware of. Should he ever need to disappear quickly, he could do so easily. London City Airport was just a short cab ride away too, perfect to monitor the runners he had going in and out of the country. Not that he would ever have any of them at his home. He kept his business strictly away from Anna. This suited her. They had a mutual understanding.
Anna knew exactly what Freddie did, and any questions she asked, he answered truthfully. But Anna rarely asked questions. Freddie kept his work out of her direct path, and Anna kept her nose in her own business. They both knew that if anything was ever to go wrong with Freddie’s businesses, Anna would be in the spotlight. The police would surround her like flies on shit. If she wasn’t directly involved, they couldn’t touch her. This was how Freddie wanted to keep it. Just in case.
He refilled the whisky glass again, this time with just a small amount. He felt his first swallow of the burning liquid begin to take effect. That should be enough to take the edge off. He rolled his shoulders, trying to ease the tension in them.
Paul walked in, his large frame seeming to take up the whole hallway. His smiled at Freddie, and then his gaze landed on the glass in his brother’s hand.
‘Bit early for that, ain’t it, Fred?’ He smiled quizzically.
‘Yeah, probably,’ he answered, shrugging. ‘Want one?’
‘Nah, I’ll give it a miss, thanks. So, what’s ’appening?’ Paul sat down on one of the tall breakfast bar chairs.
‘Just got back from Den’s unit. Seems we had a skimmer on our hands. Not a little bit either. Fucker was pulling a tenth of our shit out, cutting it with bicarb, then selling it over in Shoreditch.’
Paul frowned. ‘What? Who?’
‘Tom Rains. Idiot.’
‘What a twat.’ Paul shook his head in disgust. ‘He had a good set-up there. What are we doing about it?’
‘I’ve dealt with it. Few broken fingers and a battering. He’ll think twice before crossing us again. Not that he’ll have a chance. He’s out. Not having snakes like that around. Put the word out to all our friends that he isn’t to be trusted.’
‘Sure, will do.’
Freddie crossed his arms and stared out the window, his hazel-green eyes glazing over. ‘What I want to know is how he got access to skim such a large amount for so long.’
Paul screwed his mouth to one side as he mulled over Freddie’s words. They sat in companionable silence. Freddie didn’t particularly enjoy carrying out the violent side of things. But it was necessary to keep order and respect in their business. This way of life wasn’t a game. One wrong move and they would all be banged up. One uncertain step and the hungry wannabes would take them down and step into his shoes. It was a dangerous position being at the top.
Eventually he walked forward and picked up his jacket from the back of one of the chairs.
‘Come on, we need to grab Michael and go meet a man about a dog. I’ve heard about a new supplier – Spanish guy. Bill’s going to set up a meeting. I want to do some background on him first.’
Paul frowned in concern. ‘Is it that bad?’ he asked. It was uncommon to shift such a large amount of business from a long-standing supplier. It would definitely get some backs up.
Freddie nodded slowly. ‘Yeah, mate, I think it is. I don’t give two shits how long they’ve had our business. It’s gone south. They’ve got far too comfortable in their relationship with us. It’s time to stir things up.’ Freddie gazed off in thought. ‘We’re the fucking Tylers, Paul. We say what goes. And I say we’re trying something new. They don’t like it?’ He shrugged and his piercing eyes grew hard. ‘They can fucking stick it.’
4
Twenty minutes later Freddie and Paul pulled up outside the Tyler family home. Despite the fact that Freddie had moved out two years previously and Paul six months after, it was still the main hub for them all to meet at.
The door was open and they walked inside. Kicking their shoes off, they continued through the lounge into the kitchen where they knew Mollie would be cooking away, as she always was. Sure enough, as they entered the room they could see her bent over, pulling something out of the Aga. A rich smell of slow-cooked meat and gravy hung in the air, making their mouths water. Mollie placed a large pie down on the cooling rack next to the sink and turned, her smile wide as she saw h
er two eldest sons.
‘Well, look who’s here then. And there I was thinking you’d forgotten all about me and I was going to have a fall and die here on me kitchen floor, alone and forgotten,’ she said dramatically.
Freddie raised an eyebrow. ‘What, since yesterday morning?’
‘You aren’t even that old,’ Paul added, sitting down at the big wooden table.
‘Well, when your sons bugger off and leave you, a mother starts wondering about these things,’ she said indignantly, sniffing.
‘Michael’s still here. And Thea,’ Freddie said in a casual tone. They were used to these outbursts now and again, usually when one of the remaining two children had done something to annoy Mollie.
‘Well, Michael may as well not be, he’s never here,’ she replied.
Ah, Freddie thought. This was what was bothering her. Still, his youngest brother was only twenty years old. He had his youth, good looks and money. He was hardly going to spend his time sitting quietly at home.
Freddie knew that he had set an unrealistic expectation for Mollie. It had been hard when they were kids. Freddie’s father had died when he was just a boy, leaving Mollie with four young children to provide and care for. Freddie was the eldest; at the tender age of ten, he was young enough to still need Mollie’s care but old enough to understand their family’s predicament. He had taken it upon himself to work every hour God sent and be there to protect his family, just as his father would have done. If he wasn’t at home helping Mollie with the younger kids, it was because he was out earning their passage to a better life. Everything he’d done back then was for the family, and he had always been there for Mollie. As he worked his way up the ladder, the only time he ever socialised was through the late hours of the night, after his work was done and when the rest of his family were in bed. It was only later on, when his siblings were older and Mollie had everything she needed, that he started filling more of his spare time with fun. By then, she was used to always having them around.
‘Ah, come on, Mum. He’s young. He’s out enjoying life.’
‘Well, you never…’ She trailed off and closed her mouth. He knew she was remembering why he had always been around. ‘Well, anyway. Coffee? I’ve got your favourite.’
‘Sounds good.’
‘I’ll take some of that pie, Mum,’ said Paul.
‘Where is he anyway?’ Freddie asked, peering through to the empty lounge with a frown. ‘He knew I was coming. I’ve got stuff to do.’
‘Like I said,’ she replied tartly, ‘he’s never here. Still.’ Her tone softened. She could never stay snappy for long. ‘At least you can stay for a bit of food. I doubt you’ve had breakfast, have you? Doesn’t Anna feed you at home?’
‘’Course she does. She’s a great cook. As you know, from all the times you’ve been over for dinner.’ Mollie just sniffed again and Freddie hid a smile. Two years on and she still wasn’t taking Freddie’s relocation very well. He knew she liked Anna. She just found it hard to accept that she wasn’t the only special woman in his life anymore.
‘That pie is for tonight, but I have some quiche and salad you can have for lunch. I’ll go get you both some now. Paul, stop slouching – you’ll end up with a hunchback.’ She ambled off to the pantry. Paul pulled a comical face at Freddie, making him grin, then straightened himself up and cleared his throat as Mollie came back with two plates full of food.
‘So, how you doing, Mum? What are you up to today?’ He shovelled in a mouthful of food. The radio was playing in the background and she turned it down slightly as the news came on.
‘I’m going over to Angie to get my hair done later, which will be nice. I haven’t seen Angie in ages. Her son’s just been promoted to an officer; you know, the one in the army. So she’ll want to tell me all about that.’
Freddie began to frown and stopped chewing his food. He stared past her at the little kitchen radio.
‘Then I thought I might pop into that furniture shop at the end of her road, as I’m down that way. My sofa’s starting to look a little worse for wear.’
Paul also frowned and put his fork down, cocking his head to one side. Mollie looked at both of her sons, who were no longer paying her any attention. The cheeky buggers, they came in asking her questions and they weren’t even listening to her reply! Is that what she got for being their mother these days?
‘And then I thought I’d run down the street naked, swinging my knickers round above my head.’ No response. ‘Singing “God Save the Queen”.’ Still nothing. ‘With my hair on fire.’ She rolled her eyes and stepped forward, bending down and waving in their faces. ‘What do you think?’
‘What?’ Paul blinked at her, then looked over at Freddie with a concerned expression. ‘Hang on a minute, Mum. You need to get down there, Fred. Shall I come with you?’
‘Yeah, er…’ Freddie pulled his phone out of his pocket.
‘What are you talking about?’ Mollie asked. ‘What just happened?’ She was utterly confused.
‘Don’t worry, Mum, I’ll tell you later. Love ya. Have a good day with Angie.’ Freddie swiftly got up and swung his jacket back on in one fluid movement. ‘When Michael does see fit to turn up, tell him to call me straight away, yeah?’
Paul clambered up from the table more awkwardly, shoving the last bit of the quiche into his mouth. Wiping the crumbs off his chin, he leaned forward and quickly embraced Mollie in a bear hug, then followed Freddie out.
Mollie watched her sons dart off and sighed heavily. She would find out what the big hurry was later, but judging by the looks on both of her sons’ faces, she could tell that something very bad had just happened.
They got in the car, Freddie in the driver’s seat. Paul tapped away at his phone, biting his lip in concentration.
‘What’s it saying?’
‘In a nutshell, the girl stepped out of the club late on Saturday night and that was it, disappeared. The friend went off to get the coats, and she was supposed to wait for her but seems she didn’t. No one has seen her since.’
‘Well, fuck. Just what we need,’ Freddie groaned, visibly annoyed. They hadn’t really been listening to the news bulletin up until they named the club that the missing girl had last been seen at. A well-known club in East London – one of Freddie’s.
Now the police would be crawling all over them and not just the local ones. The local police weren’t a problem. Freddie had enough of them on the payroll that they would never pose a real threat. A highly publicised missing-persons case, however: that warranted the specials coming in. And the specials could not be bought. Not the ones that Freddie had come across in his time at least. With them poking around, they would have to be very careful. This was the last thing that any of them needed.
Tapping away at the controls on the centre console, Freddie rang through to the club on the car phone. After three rings the call was picked up.
‘Ruby Ten, Jessie speaking.’
‘Jessie, put Terry on.’
The line became muffled as Jessie put her hand over the speaker.
‘Go change that barrel, I’m going to the office,’ Terry said to the girl, his deep, craggy voice sounding stressed. ‘Freddie.’
‘Terry. What do you know about this Katherine girl?’
‘Not much. The police only called an hour ago, not been in here yet. Soon as I heard what they were saying, I got DI Fraser on the line and arranged for them to wait until I spoke to you. Press must have got an early scoop somewhere. I saw it on the news almost straight after the call. I was about to head over to catch you at CoCo.’
Freddie nodded. CoCo was Freddie’s largest club and where he based himself most of the time. Everyone who worked for Freddie knew that was where to find him if they didn’t want to talk over the phone. Although they used burners where possible, a lot of their phones still got discovered and tapped. It was just good sense to be cautious when discussing illegal or sensitive subjects.
‘Yeah, don’t. I’m on my way to you
.’
‘Right, OK. See you soon then.’
Freddie clicked off the call.
‘Well, at least Terry had the sense to get Fraser to manage the situation,’ Paul offered.
‘For now,’ Freddie answered gravely. ‘Fraser won’t be able to contain it for long. It’s too high profile already. Don’t know why the press have jumped it up so much.’ He frowned. A woman on the missing list, last seen drunk in a nightclub wasn’t that much of an uncommon occurrence. It had only been two days. While of course the family would be concerned, it would barely even be classed as a missing-persons case yet. She must be someone of importance. Either that or she was related to a journalist.
Whoever she was, Freddie didn’t care. He just wanted to get the CCTV footage and all the information over to the police as soon as possible. He needed to wash his hands of it before the specials found an excuse to start poking around too deeply.
5
Grasping a coffee in each hand, Tanya strode down the street with a huge smile on her face. She whipped her long, thick red hair back out of her face and sidestepped a pothole. High, strappy stilettoes accented her bronzed legs and matched her flattering fitted dress. From behind her dark, oversized sunglasses, Tanya noted the appreciative glances and smiles that were aimed in her direction. She was high on life already today, but knowing that she was turning heads always gave her a buzz. It had always helped to balance out her deeply ingrained self-doubt.
She let herself into the club through the side door, humming happily under her breath, and made her way to the back office. This was where she knew she would find Anna, buried under the constant mountain of paperwork that seemed to go with the running of their club. Sure enough, as she pushed the door open with her shoulder, she caught sight of her beloved best-friend-cum-business-partner.
