Face in the Frame

by Heather Atkinson

“It seems you’ve pissed her off,” said Brodie.

  “Ooh I’m fucking scared,” he grinned.

  “If you’re not careful you’re going to start a war. Is that what you want?”

  “I get it. She’s worried and she asked you to come here and talk me down, is that right? Well I’m sorry Brodie, I know I owe you pal but I’m no’ backing down. I’m sick of that bitch queen lording it over the rest of us like she’s fucking royalty. It’s on.”

  “It’s on? What is this, south central Los Angeles?” said Brodie with distaste. “For Christ’s sake Malc, you’ve got a good set-up here. Don’t get greedy and mess it up. You were doing well with your petty stuff. Leave the hard stuff to Toni.”

  “Is this really ex-Detective Inspector MacBride telling me to carry on all the good drug dealing?”

  “I’m trying to save lives here you fucking melon heid.”

  Cass swallowed down the snigger wanting to erupt from the back of her throat but Big Malc didn’t seem to take any offence. It boggled the mind what Brodie got away with.

  “If Toni wants to go ahead and be a bad girl I’ll punish her for it,” said Malc.

  “Her crew’s bigger and stronger than yours. You’ll be crushed.”

  “If she’s so well backed up then why’s she running to you for help?”

  Brodie couldn’t let on that he knew about his police contact, he wasn’t going to put Pete at risk. He’d not called him back yet either and he was starting to seriously worry. “Just listen to me. Let this thing with Toni go before it really gets out of hand.”

  “Let me put it this way Brodie. What do you think would have happened if I’d tried this with Frankie?”

  “Your huge heid would be mounted on his wall by now.”

  “Exactly.”

  “And if you’re not careful you’ll end up with your eyes in a glasses case.” That was Toni’s thing, eyes. Her brother had collected the hands of his enemies, like some mad ancient ginger warrior. Toni liked to pluck out their eyes.

  “Nah, not Toni. She hasn’t got the guts,” said Malc.

  “Aye she does and she has a lot of back-up from Manchester.”

  “What do I care about a bunch of poofy English? No offence hen,” he said, looking at Cass.

  “None taken but I wouldn’t call Mikey Maguire and Jez Law poofy,” she replied.

  “If they ever come round here I’d kick their fucking arses,” he said, flexing the huge muscles in his neck and arms, which failed to disguise the fact that he didn’t look too sure of himself.

  “You might regret all that boasting Malc,” said Brodie.

  “I appreciate what you’re trying to do Brodie but do yourself a favour and fuck off out of it, I don’t give a shit what you think.”

  Brodie sighed and shook his head. “Don’t say I didn’t try.”

  “Toni’s had this coming for a long time. When this is done her head is going to be on my wall.”

  Brodie rolled his eyes. Somehow he doubted it.

  “What a big, thick prick,” commented Cass as they got back into Brodie’s car.

  “I think Big Malc would take that as a compliment,” said Brodie as he wrestled with his door in an attempt to close it.

  Cass thought over what she’d said and grimaced. “Urgh, I didn’t mean it like that.”

  “I know exactly what you mean and I agree. I’ve got the feeling Glasgow’s going to be put through the mill pretty soon. It’s not going to be pretty,” said Brodie, taking out his phone. He tried Pete again but got no reply. “Where the bloody hell is he?”

  “He’s working, he’ll call you back when he can. If you keep ringing you’ll only annoy him.”

  “True and I think I’ve annoyed him enough. I took the piss out of his hair.”

  “What’s wrong with it?”

  “I’m sure he’s wearing a wig but he won’t admit it.”

  Cass’s snort of laughter turned into a full-blown belly laugh when his car refused to start.

  “Don’t tell me to get a new car,” he grumbled. “I’ve just had all that from Pete.”

  Cass held up her hands, although she could do nothing to stop the gales of laughter when the car eventually wheezed into life.

  As he drove them back to the office Brodie casually asked her, “are you seeing Lucas tonight?”

  Cass’s eyes flicked sideways to him. “I am. Is it going to be a problem?”

  “No, no problem.” There was a beat of silence before he said, “Fred’s still AWOL.”

  “He’ll turn up.” She regarded him suspiciously. “Why, are you accusing Lucas?”

  “No, just making an observation. I wish I knew what had happened to him.”

  “Probably nothing. He just decided to move on. It happens. How did you save Malc’s life anyway? You never did give me the full story.”

  “It was during my time as a polis. I was just a humble detective constable then. He’d just started dealing and I was after nicking him. I ended up having to run after him.”

  “Malc, run?” she laughed. “He’d keel over.”

  “Don’t let his size fool you. He might be a big bugger but he can move when he needs to. It was dark and the silly sod fell into a duck pond. He can’t swim so I had to drag him out. He was going under for the third time when I reached him.” He screwed up his face. “I had to give him mouth-to-mouth. Yeah, I thought you’d find that funny,” he said when she laughed. “I got the piss taken out of me for weeks at the station. Big Malc is not a good kisser.”

  Brodie suddenly slammed on the brakes, jolting them both in their seats.

  “What the hell are you doing?” exclaimed Cass.

  He swung the car into an empty spot at the curb, just beating a taxi to it, the driver giving him the finger.

  “Robbie’s gone,” he said.

  “Who?”

  Brodie flung off the seatbelt and leapt out of the car, hurrying over to the woman he didn’t recognise who occupied Robbie’s spot, which had been formerly occupied by Fred.

  “Where’s Robbie?” he demanded of her.

  She frowned up at him. “Gie us some cash for a cup of tea?”

  “Where’s Robbie?” he repeated.

  “What’s a Robbie?”

  “He’s the man who was in this spot yesterday.”

  “No one here. This good spot. My spot.” She pointed a gnarled finger at him and screeched, “my spot. You’re not taking it.”

  “I don’t want it.”

  “My spot, my spot,” she screamed over and over, causing passers-by to stare.

  Brodie shook his head, threw a fiver into her lap and returned to the car, the banshee continuing to shriek her mantra.

  “What’s going on?” said Cass when he jumped back into the driver’s seat.

  “Robbie’s gone. He took Fred’s spot after Fred disappeared.”

  “So you’re saying this Robbie has disappeared now?”

  “Maybe, oh I don’t know,” he said, feeling a headache start to build. “It’s just a bit weird.”

  “These people are transients, they move about.”

  “But that’s a great spot, it’s why Fred occupied it for years. They wouldn’t just abandon it.”

  “Who knows what goes on. Are we going back to the office or would you prefer to sit here all day?” she said when he didn’t reply.

  After a few false starts his ramshackle car finally started up again and Brodie drove the short distance to their building, lost in his thoughts. Something weird was going on, he could feel it. He glanced sideways at Cass, thinking it best not to tell her he was sure it was something to do with Lucas Thorne.

  Before he could set off his phone rang again.

  “Pete, about bloody time,” he exclaimed. “Are you alright?”

  Cass was concerned when Brodie went silent as he listened to the voice on the other end, a concerned frown creasing his face. Had the McVays got hold of him? Had he been badly injured in the line of duty?

  “You s
illy sod,” said Brodie.

  Cass relaxed back in her seat with a sigh of relief. She listened to Brodie relate the details of Toni’s visit before hanging up.

  “Well?” she said.

  “The stupid bastard tripped over a cat on a raid and knocked himself out on a garden gnome.”

  Cass blinked at him. “A gnome?”

  “It’s his new hair, it’s weighing him down,” Brodie sniggered.

  “Is he alright?”

  “Fine, apart from the big lump on his heid and I’m not talking about his nose.”

  “You’re a cruel sod, he’s your best friend.”

  “That’s what best friends are for, taking the piss out of each other and he gives as good as he gets.”

  “True. So what now?”

  He sighed and shook his head. “I have no bloody idea but I get the feeling things are only just hotting up.”

  CHAPTER 9

  Bill tried to stay away from the Face in the Frame exhibition but he was unable to resist. He’d had a crap day, things at home were worse than ever. At least here he could get a bit of peace. Sylvie was there, looking as pretty as always with her long eyelashes. He pressed the button and she opened her eyes and started to talk.

  “I’ve had a bad day,” he told her as she continued to rattle on. “I had a big row with Mum. She still treats me like a wean. I’m forty nine for fuck’s sake. Sorry, excuse the language. I bet a lady like you doesn’t like swearing.” He was disappointed when she went still and quiet, so he pressed her button again.

  The face of the handsome man opposite her intruded on this special moment so he dragged over a sign directing people to the toilets to cover him. He scowled at that good looking face before turning back to Sylvie. “Mum’s not well and I have to look after her but she drives me crazy. I want my own life, I want to be free, meet a nice girl.” He smiled shyly at the face. “Like you.”

  As he continued to pour his troubles out to Sylvie, he felt himself unburdened for the first time in his life, little realising he was being watched.

  Cass felt no guilt about her next date with Lucas. After all, she had Brodie’s permission now. They’d enjoyed a lovely dinner at a swanky restaurant. In truth she’d found the staff stuck-up and supercilious, she hadn’t felt very comfortable but the food had been amazing. Lucas had been wonderful company too, distracting her from the snooty staff. They had been so engrossed in their conversation that he’d hardly seemed to notice the waiters fawning all over him. It seemed they only liked customers who were rich and famous.

  Now they were taking a stroll through the park. It was a beautiful evening, balmy with a gentle breeze. Lucas was on sparkling form and Cass could feel herself falling for him more and more. He was very clever and spoke intelligently on a wide range of subjects, not just art. He loved films as much as she did and they were enjoying discussing their favourite comedies, light relief after their in-depth discussion about politics.

  As they talked and laughed Cass tossed back her hair, which had been left down, knowing how much he loved it. Tonight she hoped to entice him to get closer to her physically. A gentleman was all well and good but there was something to be said for a good grope too.

  It worked. His eyes settled on the sun hitting all the different shades of chestnut and brown that shone in her hair.

  “May I?” he said.

  “Please do,” she replied, her heart thumping.

  Her eyes went hazy with pleasure as he slid his fingers through her hair, brushing the sensitive skin just behind her ear. His gaze moved from her hair to her face and her breath was once again taken by those incredible eyes of his.

  Please kiss me she thought, experiencing an ache deep inside her. How she wanted this man but they hadn’t got beyond that one kiss on their first date.

  Gently he took her chin between his thumb and forefinger. “You get more beautiful every time I look at you,” he said.

  Shut up and frigging kiss me she screamed inside. “Thank you,” she said sweetly, feeling her cheeks flood with warmth, hearing her breathing accelerating. He was so close he had her squirming with excitement.

  They both jumped when his mobile phone burst into life.

  “Dammit,” he mumbled, fumbling for it in his jacket pocket. “Yes?” he snapped.

  Cass was gratified to see he was as flushed as she was.

  “Now?” he sighed, shaking his head. “Fine.”

  Cass’s heart sank. “Please don’t tell me you have to leave,” she said when he’d hung up.

  “I’m sorry, that was Oliver. There’s a problem at the exhibition.”

  “Can’t it wait?”

  “I’m afraid not. I’m reluctant to cut our date so short. Why don’t you come with me?”

  This cheered her a little. “Why not?”

  “Excellent,” he said, taking her hand and leading her out of the park.

  “And Ma made me take her to the toilet again. I hate doing that, it’s not natural,” Bill grumbled to Sylvie.

  He turned when he heard a noise and jumped when he saw a figure standing there, watching him.

  “Mr Thorne, I’m sorry, I didn’t know you were here.” Bill coloured to the roots of his hair. Had he been overheard?

  “I should be the one apologising, I didn’t warn you I was coming in but I was informed there’s a problem with my exhibition.”

  Reluctantly Bill turned from Sylvie. “Problem?” he said, hoping it didn’t involve his new friend. “You’re not taking any of them away, are you?”

  Lucas’s unusual eyes flicked from Bill, to Sylvie and back again. “No. Should I?”

  “No,” he almost shrieked. “There’s no problem here Mr Thorne,” he added more calmly, hoping he didn’t look too anxious.

  “Have you seen Oliver, my agent?”

  “No Sir.”

  “How odd. Anyway, now that I’m here and I’m waiting for my lady friend to exit the bathroom I may as well get something done. I’ve been wanting to rearrange some of the faces. Would you mind giving me a hand?”

  Bill was delighted to assist the man who had created his Sylvie. “Not at all. Thank you Mr Thorne.”

  “Please, call me Lucas,” he replied.

  “Lucas,” beamed Bill.

  Lucas stood before Sylvie thoughtfully, a finger pressed to his lips, Bill swallowing down the knot of jealousy.

  “She’s pretty, don’t you think?” said Lucas.

  “Yeah,” replied Bill. “Very. She’s the prettiest one here.” Inwardly he cringed, hoping he didn’t sound too zealous.

  “I agree. She should be the centre of this exhibition, but she needs some friends.” Lucas frowned at the sign for the toilets in front of the handsome man. “What’s that doing there?”

  “Dunno, cleaners must have put it there,” he mumbled, hoping Lucas wouldn’t spot the guilt in his eyes. He assumed he hadn’t when Lucas shrugged.

  “This sign needs to go back where it came from for a start.”

  “I’ll do that,” said Bill eagerly, picking it up in his meaty arms and replacing it near the door. He started to panic a little again when Lucas just stood there staring at Sylvie. “So what are you going to do with her?” he said, trying to sound casual.

  “Like I said, she needs to be in the centre of the display.”

  “What about him?” he said gruffly, pointing at the handsome man.

  Lucas paused to consider. “I think she needs some girlfriends around her. Let’s move him over there.”

  Bill was delighted when Lucas pointed to the far corner of the room. “Great,” he grinned. He cleared his throat and adjusted his expression to a more carefree one. “Yeah, it’s alright.”

  Together they lifted the handsome man’s frame and carried him to the corner Lucas had indicated. Then they shuffled around some of the other frames until Sylvie was on centre stage along with three other young females, one of whom was Cerise.

  “Much better don’t you think?” said Lucas, regarding their h
andiwork. “She really is the belle of the ball now.”

  “She is that,” replied Bill, gazing adoringly at Sylvie’s lovely face.

  “Ah Cass, there you are,” said Lucas, causing Bill to drag his eyes off Sylvie and turn to the door.

  “Sorry I took so long, I took a wrong turn,” she explained.

  “But you’ve been here before,” said Lucas playfully.

  “I’d had some champagne then,” she smiled.

  He smiled back at her. “So you did. I’m finished here. Seems it was a false alarm.”

  “Great,” said Cass, smile broadening. “Can we continue our date then?”

  “We most certainly can.” Lucas turned back to Bill and extended his hand to him. “Thanks so much for your help Bill. You’re a real gent.”

  “You’re welcome Mr Thorne…I mean Lucas,” he beamed, shaking his hand heartily.

  “See you around,” said Lucas.

  Bill watched in amazement as Lucas Thorne walked away, holding the hand of the pretty lady with all the hair. Once the door had closed behind them he looked around in shock, wondering if that had actually happened. When he saw Sylvie pride of place in the centre of the room he knew it had.

  “Wow,” he breathed. He walked up to Sylvie and gently touched her face. “That was pure gallus meeting Lucas but I’m glad it’s just the two of us again. Are you?”

  He pressed the button beside her face, smiling when her eyes opened and she started to talk. He knew she’d agree.

  “So where was your agent?” said Cass as they climbed back into the taxi that had brought them to the museum. The driver had been content to wait after Lucas had slipped him a considerable tip to do so.

  “I’ve no idea. Must have been a mix-up. It happens.”

  “Just as we’re on a date?” she said suspiciously.

  But Lucas appeared to think nothing sinister was afoot. “Annoying I know but it’s over with now.” He suddenly looked coy. “I wondered….would you care to come back to…to my flat?”

  “Yes please,” she said before closing her eyes and shaking her head. “I didn’t mean to sound so eager.”

  “But I’m glad you did,” he said, taking her hand and kissing it.