Waging War To Shake The Cold

by Wild Wolf Publishing

  He frogmarched Boots into one of the outbuildings and then came back to help Kats carry DJ in. They dropped him beside Boots, who now had real terror in his eyes, and redid DJ’s bonds with cable ties, making sure he wasn’t able to move his hands.

  “Make yourself comfortable Boots, we’ve a few things tae take care of and then we’ll be back.”

  They left, closing the door and leaving the outhouse in total darkness.

  Chapter 42

  “What now then Kats?”

  “First I want ye tae take a look at this,” he pointed at the left leg of his jeans which was stained with blood round his foot.

  Badger took out a knife from his pocket, expertly slitting the fabric to reveal the extent of the wound.

  “Bit worse than a fleshy, but definitely deeper than a scratch. What you want me to do with it?”

  “Got any super-glue and bandages?”

  “Yes, let me go get them.” Badger left the room and Kats could hear him clattering about in the bathroom before he came back with a basin of water, a couple of packs of bandages under his arm, and a bottle of TCP held by the top in his mouth.

  He dropped all the stuff and cleaned the wound carefully, Kats grimacing as the TCP stung the open cut. Then he used super-glue to seal the two parts together and bound it tight with the bandage.

  “You’ll need to get it cleaned up as soon as you can and get it stitched, but then you already know that. That will keep you going for a while, provided you don't give it a knock or try to run.”

  “I know mate, thanks. I need tae get tae a computer, I have tae get online. Do you have one?”

  “No, I don't bother with those things Kats. But the boss, he’s got one in his study. That any use?”

  “Would he let me use it?”

  “He’d never know; he’s away at the moment. I can let you in.”

  “Cool, can we do it now?”

  “Sure.” Badger led him outside and across the courtyard to a window. He took a long metal rod from his jacket, slipped it into the edge of the frame, and expertly slid the lower half open.

  “I thought when ye said you’d let me in ye meant... ach never mind.”

  Badger just grinned and climbed in, Kats following more slowly, favouring his leg. By the time he got in Badger had switched on a light and was leading him through what turned out to be a dining room, and into a small office.

  “There you go,” he said, indicating a laptop.

  “Does he have a password?”

  “How should I know? All you asked me for was a computer. You’ll have to figure that out for yourself. I’ll go and look after the glimmer twins until you’re done.”

  “Thanks mate. By the way, do you have your bank details handy?”

  “What for?”

  “It’s just that if this works out I will have a few bob, I’d like tae square ye away for helping me out.”

  Badger looked at him thoughtfully for a few minutes.

  “Nah, I’d rather not get into that Kats.”

  “Take it Badger, please. It’s no’ traceable, and consider it a thank you from me.”

  “Answer’s no Kats. I don't need it to be honest anyway. I’m going back in next week, they moved it up, that’s what I want to do and I’m not bothered about having any of some gangster’s money, see.”

  “Okay, if you’re sure.”

  “I’m sure,” he said, and headed for the kitchen. “Tell you what, if you’re feeling generous, why don't you give what you were going to give me to Help For Heroes? Might do someone some good that way.”

  “You got it Badge,” said Kats, shaking his head in amazement. He’d never understand Badger as long as he lived.

  He flipped the laptop open and powered it up, drumming his fingers in nervous tension and letting out a long sigh when the machine booted without asking for a password. Some people are just too trusting. He quickly selected the Internet Explorer icon and typed in the address of the bank’s website.

  “Here goes…” he said quietly, clicking on the login button. He unravelled the piece of paper where he’d written Nick’s user name, PIN, and password.

  Okay, first the username. Fourth digit: 1. Second: 9. First: 1. Now the password. Third: M. Seventh: K. Ninth: 7.

  “Now or never.” He hit Next.

  The screen blanked and slowly, the Private Client Account Management screen built before his eyes. He was in.

  He scanned the page and found what he wanted: Account Balance Inquiry. This time the accounts displayed immediately he selected the option.

  It was as Badger had suspected from the outset: Nick’s account showed a current balance of $6,543,988.32 whilst the other accounts, called MorSecure and Plan A, had less than $100 each in them. A thrill ran through him and he had to stifle the reckless laugh building in his belly.

  He took the sheet of carefully folded paper from his wallet and looked at the account details written on it: the new account he had set up in the same bank; and Pete’s bank details. He looked at the screen again and found what he needed: Transfers. He selected Nick’s account from the drop down list under the “From” category and then feverishly keyed in the details of his own account. He pressed Accept, and a pop-up window asked him for his PIN Number and TokenCode.

  “TokenCode… what the fuck’s that?” Panic and anger.

  That bastard hasn’t given me all of the information.

  Then he remembered. It must be something to do with the CodeMaster.

  He pulled out the envelope and ripped it open to read the number displayed on the small screen. He punched the number into the website, added Nick’s PIN Number, and clicked Send.

  The screen froze, as though contemplating the fraud. Kats drummed impatient fingers on the desk again.

  It cleared slowly to white and then the message “Transfer complete” displayed in a window.

  Kats grinned. “Fuckin’ hell! It worked!”

  He quickly logged out and then followed the same process to log into his own account. There it was. Balance on hand: $3,450,000.00. He rubbed his face in wonder.

  He’d done it.

  The temptation to clear Nick’s account out was strong, but common sense told him to leave enough so Big Davie wouldn’t think he’d been robbed. That would screw up the entire plan now hatching in his head.

  “Right, now to sort out the rest of it.”

  He opened the Transfer dialogue box in his own account and followed the same process to transfer $1,000,000 into Pete’s account.

  “Spend it wisely mate…” he said softly to the screen when the transfer completed successfully. He took out his mobile and chose a number.

  “Linda? It’s me. How’s Isa?”

  “She’s fine, where are you Kats? You told me you were going away for a wee while, when are you coming back? People are looking for you; they’re watching me and Isa. I’m scared Kats.”

  “I know Linda. Look, I canny come back. Things have got out of hand. I need tae get away from Scotland altogether.”

  “Hmph. Running away again Kats? You swan back here and fuck everybody’s life up and then...”

  “Linda, will you just shut up and listen tae me for a minute?”

  “Ach what’s the point Kats.”

  “Listen. I’m telling you, I’ve made it okay with those guys. They won’t be bothering you again. I guarantee it. Also, I want you to set up some help for Isa, a home help or somethin’. I don't want her in a home and it’s not fair on you tae have to look out for her all the time.”

  “Have you went off your heid or somethin’ Kats? How are we gonnae pay for that!”

  “I’ll take care of it, Linda. Ye don't need tae do anything, just you get the details of what it will take and then email them to me. I’ll take it from there and make sure the bills are paid direct. You won’t have to pay a penny.”

  “Are you for real Kats?”

  “Totally. I don't want her or you tae worry about anything anymore sis, I know I can’t be th
ere tae help you out with her but I want tae pull my weight, tae make up for things.”

  Kats could imagine her biting her tongue, holding back the smart-arse retort. Instead, she said, “Thanks Kevin. That means a lot to me. Where will you go?”

  “It’s best you don't know that, and to be honest, it’s best you don't even mention I’ve been in touch. But no-one will be bothering you again, okay?”

  “Okay Kats. You take care of yourself and let us know you’re alright when you get to where you’re going.”

  “I will,” and he closed the call. One more to go. He searched the address book again and punched the call button.

  “Aye?” said the voice.

  “It’s me,” said Kats.

  “Aye, I can see that.”

  “Wee change of plan.”

  There was a pause. “Care to enlighten me?”

  “I got the number of the supplier for ye alright, but I didn't call him like I told you. All of that was made up. This drugs shit is not my scene big man.” He felt in a strong enough position to dispense with formalities such as ‘boss’. “But I am quite happy to give ye the number and you can deal with him direct.”

  “You’re a right fuckin’ comedian Kats. Whit makes you think that would be something I’d be interested in? We had a fuckin’ deal boy, you’ve reneged on that and I have to tell ye, I’m no’ best pleased.”

  “Ach things change Davie. I got some extra bargaining power so I think you’ll want tae re-negotiate the terms of that deal.”

  “Oh aye? What kind of bargaining power?”

  “I’ve got DJ and Boots.”

  There was silence, so Kats decided it was best to set out his stall.

  “I’ve got them here wi’ me, and much as I am not really up for it, if it’s a fuckin’ war you want big chap then I’m just the veteran to be fuckin’ with. I can send your boy back whole, or I can send him back in bits, it’s up tae you.”

  “If you fuckin’ hurt him Kats... So...” he imagined Davie composing himself. “If you don't want a war, whit dae ye want?”

  “Like I said, I’m happy tae give you that number and let you get on with it. That’s worth something. I will also add a nice little wad of dosh to the mix. You told me it would be £300,000 to clear my debt I seem to remember? I’ll transfer that into your bank account. Text me the account number, we already talked about ye doing this for the other deal so you’ll have the account all ready for it.”

  “Where the fuck are you gettin’ that kind of money?”

  “That’s my business. Do we have a deal or not?”

  “That it?”

  “Nearly. For me doin’ all of that for you, I want you to leave my family alone. I’m not goin’ tae be around for a while so you can tell anyone whatever you want about this, you won’t be losing any face over it and I’m no’ gonnae tell anyone anything. But if I hear that Isa or Linda have met with any trouble or any ‘accidents’ then I warn you Davie, I will be back, and next time you’ll no’ be getting a phone call to make any kind of deal. Next time I’ll make it my business to do your family in one by one, and I’ll finish with you. Believe it Davie.”

  Silence again. This time Kats knew he was thinking it over so he left him to it and waited.

  Eventually he heard, “Okay Kats. I don't normally appreciate being pushed as you know, but I’m a pragmatic man and this little situation is takin’ up too much of my valuable time. So I can live with it. Now where’s my boy? If there is anythin’ wrong with him the deal is off and you’ll have your war son. Believe that.”

  “He’s safe enough. I did nothing tae him; he’s got a habit Davie. He tried tae grab me but was so stoned he blacked out. Boots is next to fuckin’ useless without backup. You shouldnae send boys to do men’s work.”

  He heard Big Davie grunt.

  “Anyway, a friend of mine is looking after them and as soon as I am safely away you’ll get a phone call tellin’ ye where ye can pick them up. It will all be nice and simple.”

  “It had better be nice and simple Kats, or ye know fine whit will happen tae ye this time. And your family. Right then, we seem to have talked ourselves to a standstill and this is as good a way out as any. But you better stand by your side: you fuck off out of here, don’t care where ye go, but yer no’ tae show yer face round here ever again. And neither are ye tae tell anybody about this deal or what you done tae DJ and Boots. Deal?”

  “Deal,” said Kats without hesitation.

  “Good. I’ll text ye the bank details the minute you hang up.”

  “Right. We’re quits big man. I’ve got plans and they don't involve Glesga and gangsters anyway. You’ll no’ be seeing me again, I guarantee it. You can check your account tomorrow and the money will be there.”

  “Mmphmm. We’ll see. The things we could have done together Kats... but now’s not the time or place for talk like that. A deal’s a deal; if that money is in my account, if DJ is in one piece and is where he is supposed to be, and has the phone number you promised on him, then ye’ll no’ have any bother frae me or frae any of mine. Provided ye keep yer mouth zipped of course.”

  “That’s all I needed to hear,” said Kats. “There’s just one other last thing Davie, and you can think of this as a wee going away present from me to you. I have another kind of package for you...”

  Davie listened in grim silence as he spoke.

  Chapter 43

  “You ready?”

  “Yep – I’m looking forward to this! Be like interrogation training all over again.”

  Kats grinned at him and they both slipped on the balaclavas. They ran into the room shouting and shining halogen torches into the terrified eyes of Boots and DJ, punching them hard in the guts so that they doubled over.

  They grabbed Boots by the hair and hauled his head up, each grabbing an arm and dragging him bodily out of the room and into the next outhouse where a single bulb ceiling light illuminated the scene.

  Boots was shitting himself, and with wild eyes he looked from one to the other as they circled him, shouting obscenities and contradictory orders to lie down, stand up, kneel, sit.

  After a few minutes of this Kats whacked the backs of his legs with a two by four and he sank to his knees with a whimper. Kats stood behind him and loudly snicked a round into the chamber of the Berretta. He heard a high pitched moan of terror from Boots and he leaned forward and spoke softly into his ear.

  “Sorry tae do this tae ye Boots, but I don't think it’s wise to leave ye runnin’ about at my back. I think ye might take it on yourself to try a wee bit of revenge, mibbe hurt Isa or Linda.”

  Boots moaned incoherently and violently shook his head.

  “What’s that?”

  Badger stepped forward and ripped the gaffa tape off his mouth.

  “Ah wullnae, honest, ah wullnae go near them Kats. Ye can trust me. Ah promise.”

  “Promise? From you? What the fuck is a promise worth from a sneaky shite like you?”

  “Kats, you need tae listen man, there is no way I will go near your gran or sister. No way man. I guarantee it.”

  “This is cleaner Boots, trust me.”

  “No Kats, no man. There won’t be any comeback, honest.”

  “Shame to waste a bullet on this sack of shit,” said Badger. “Tell you what, don't kill him, give him a 50/50.”

  “Wh-whit’s a 50/50?” Boots was almost in tears.

  “Old IRA punishment mate. Bullet goes in the bottom of the spine; it’s a 50/50 chance whether you’ll be paralysed from the waist down or you walk again.”

  “What, no, wait Kats, there’s nae need man!”

  Kats looked at Badger and nodded.

  Badger stepped forward and stuck the gaffa tape back onto Boots’ mouth, rendering his protestations incoherent again. He leaned close to Boots and touched his back with the pistol, snapping the safety off with a loud ‘click’.

  “Sorry Boots. This is the only way I can be sure you’ll stay away from them. No hard feeli
ngs, and you have half a chance that it’s only gonnae hurt like fuck and you’ll be back playin’ five-a-side in nae time.”

  Boots howled and squirmed in terror.

  Kats quickly shifted the aim and pressed the gun onto the sole of Boot’s training shoe, hoping he had his little toe covered, and pulled the trigger.

  There was a loud report and Boots let out a muffled scream, pitched forward, and rolled over. Badger quickly dived on him to smother any further screams and held him till he stopped struggling and went into shock.

  They nodded at each other and ran back to the room where DJ was by now back on his feet.

  “Your turn now DJ.”

  “Fuck Kats, fuck. You’re fuckin’ mental man. Wait, wait.”

  He’d heard the gunshot, as he was supposed to, and now expected the worst.

  “Open wide,” said Kats as he held the pistol to DJ’s face.

  DJ clamped his lips closed and shook his head. “Mmmm mmmm.”

  Kats knee’d him in the balls. When he opened his mouth involuntarily with pain, Kats shoved the muzzle into his mouth. “It’s bysey-by time DJ.”

  DJ was whimpering and shaking.

  “You got the phone on video Badge?”

  “Running.”

  “Zoom in on this.” He took the gun out of DJ’s mouth and pointed at his crotch. “He’s pissed himself the wee yellow bastard.”

  He and Badger laughed as DJ looked from one to the other in confusion and fear.

  “Look Kats, we can sort this out. You don't need tae do this. Let’s sort it out. What will it take tae make this go away?”

  “That’s easy DJ. I’ve done a wee deal with your dad, a new deal, better for all of us. But I don’t trust you to stick to it, so you either persuade me you are going to stick to it here and now, or I just top you so I don’t need to worry.”

  “Fuck man, that’s easy, of course I’ll stick tae it. Whit wiz it?”

  “It’s simple; you stay away from Isa and Linda.”

  “That it? That’s all? Fuck Kats you didnae need to kill Boots just for that! That’s not a problem! No one will go near them.”

  “We didn’t kill Boots, what made you think that? But am tellin’ you DJ, in fact am making you a promise: if anything happens to them, anything at all, if they even have an accident that you had nothing to do with, I’ll be back for you and Boots, and your faither too for that matter. But first, first we’ll put that wee video of you on YouTube, the Big Glesga Hard Man, pishing himself when he was threatened.”