by Sam Michaels
‘I’m sorry, Miss Garrett. If I’d’ve known—’
‘—That’s your problem, Johnny. You rush into things. From now on, don’t even have a shit before checking with me first. Do you understand?’
‘Yes. Yes, Miss Garrett.’
‘Good. Now go and get those earrings from Elsie and as I said, get rid of them and the rest of the stuff.’
Once Johnny had left her office, Georgina pulled open the drawer in her desk. Her gun sat there with a box of bullets beside it. She picked the pistol up, loaded the bullets and placed it in her handbag. From now on she’d need to carry her weapon everywhere. If the Zammits discovered who had robbed their shop, it wouldn’t just be Johnny they’d come after. It’d be Johnny’s boss too. She’d also pay the price for Johnny’s crime.
*
‘I’m sorry, sweetheart, but I have to take them back,’ Johnny whispered to Elsie.
She held her hands to the earrings. ‘But I love them, Johnny. Please, can’t I keep just these and you can get rid of the rest of the jewellery?’
‘No. The lot has to go. But I’ll get you some more, I promise.’
‘But I like these ones.’
‘I’ll get you even bigger and better diamonds. But I need those back now.’
Elsie unclipped the earrings and slapped them into Johnny’s waiting hand. She had a face on her like a petulant child, not that Johnny could blame her for sulking. After all, she’d been delighted with her gifts last night and now he was snatching it all back.
‘I bet the police don’t know what’s missing from the shop. If they saw the earrings they wouldn’t know they’re stolen,’ she said miserably.
‘It ain’t the police I’m worried about. Turns out the shop I robbed belongs to the Zammits.’
Elsie paled and looked at Johnny with wide eyes.
‘Now do you understand why I need to get rid of all the jewellery?’
Elsie nodded. ‘Oh, Johnny, I know everything there is to know about the Zammits. Jacob worked for them for years and he told me stories that used to give me nightmares.’
‘Exactly. But don’t worry about it now. If we just keep our heads down we should be all right,’ Johnny urged and kissed her cheek lightly before heading back to his flat to dispose of the haul. He’d been reluctant to dump a small fortune but could see it made sense to get rid of any evidence. But he reckoned that if the Zammits ever discovered it was him who’d robbed them, it would make no difference if he had the jewels or not. They’d still kill him.
22
Two days later, Lord Hamilton breezed into Georgina’s office looking very pleased with himself.
‘I did it. I exchanged the original painting for Geert’s reproduction and Henry Dudley never suspected a thing.’
‘Well done, I knew you could do it,’ Georgina answered and gestured to him to take a seat.
‘I must say, it was all quite thrilling. Though it’s not something I relish the idea of repeating. I’m an art dealer, not a thief.’
‘Oleg is meeting us in The Penthouse tonight before the customers arrive. Make sure you and Dina are there early. He’ll pay handsomely for the original and we can sleep tightly knowing that we haven’t ripped him off… again.’
‘You seem a little nervous of Oleg,’ Lord Hamilton said.
‘I am. He’s a dangerous man. But a very wealthy dangerous man and I regret that I sold him a couple of fakes. From now on, if Oleg requests any art, we only sell him originals. Keep the repros for those who aren’t likely to kill us if they discover we’ve ripped them off.’
‘Kill us! Goodness,’ he spluttered. ‘I hope you’re joking.’
‘Of course I am,’ Georgina quickly lied. She’d made a mistake. She wanted Lord Hamilton on board and didn’t want to scare the man off.
‘I’m glad to hear it,’ he said.
‘Yes, well, I’m going to be busy for the rest of the day so I’ll see you this evening.’
Once alone in her office, she picked up her bag and looked inside. Her gun stared back at her. Snapping it shut, her mind whirled. Would today be the day that she killed The Top? Or would she be the one to die? But if that happened she wouldn’t have a legacy to pass to her children. No, today she wouldn’t die and neither would The Top. But he would one day, just as soon as she’d made a nest egg for her kids.
Johnny came in without knocking, which irritated her. His slapdash attitude lately had already got them into trouble and now she had the Zammits to worry about again. ‘Drive me to see Temi,’ Georgina told him before he’d had a chance to sit down.
‘Do you think that’s wise?’
‘Do you think you’re in any position to question my judgement?’
Johnny lowered his eyes and Georgina threw on her coat. As she passed Elsie in the café, she was pleased to see the woman was no longer wearing the earrings.
In the car, Johnny asked, ‘Why are we going to see Mr Zammit?’
‘That’s my business.’
Johnny must have realised she wasn’t in the best of moods with him and remained silent for the rest of the journey. He didn’t even light up one of his stinking cigars, though if he had she’d have told him to stub it out.
Once outside Temi’s club, Georgina told Johnny to wait in the car. What she had to discuss with Temi didn’t concern Johnny and the fewer people who knew of her plans, the better.
‘Georgina, such a pleasant surprise. You look wonderful,’ Temi greeted her, a genuine smile on his face.
‘Thank you. I hope you don’t mind me calling in unannounced?’
‘Of course not. You’re welcome here anytime. In fact, this is perfect timing. My wife will be here shortly and I’d like you to meet her. She’s heard about you and I think she wants to make sure that you’re not throwing yourself at me,’ Temi said, laughing heartily.
‘Should I be worried?’
‘Only if you choose to do just that and throw yourself at me.’
‘In that case, there’s nothing to worry about.’
‘Oh, Georgina, you break my heart again.’
The door opened and all of Temi’s six men jumped to their feet and removed their hats. Georgina turned around to see a raven-haired woman stride into the office. The woman eyed Georgina with her black eyes.
‘Ah, my darling, we were just talking about you. This is Georgina Garrett. Georgina, meet my wife, Lora Zammit.’
‘Pleasure to meet you, Mrs Zammit.’
Lora stepped closer to Georgina but didn’t offer her hand. ‘Likewise,’ she said sharply.
‘Please, take a seat, Georgina. Perhaps you’d like to share a cup of tea with my wife?’
Georgina sat on the sofa and, though she had no desire to share a cup of tea with a cold fish like Lora Zammit, she smiled sweetly and said, ‘Thank you. That would be nice.’
Lora sat at the other end of the sofa and Georgina could feel herself being slyly scrutinised. She’d have liked to tell the woman she had no designs on her husband and never bloody would. Instead, she asked, ‘I love your hat. Where did you get it?’
‘In Marie Macon’s, a French boutique. It’s very exclusive.’
‘I see both you ladies have an eye for fashion. Perhaps you’d like to take Georgina shopping with you one day?’
Lora didn’t answer her husband and merely sniffed. It was clear the woman was no more enamoured with the idea of shopping together than Georgina was. The tension between them felt thick and it was obvious they’d taken an instant dislike to each other.
‘What is your purpose for visiting my husband today?’ Lora asked, looking down her nose as she addressed Georgina.
‘To clarify something, but it’s a business matter and private.’
‘I know my husband’s business.’
‘I’m sure you do but—’
‘—So you can discuss it now,’ Lora interrupted.
Georgina took a deep breath and rose to her feet. She was done with being polite to the obnoxious woman. ‘Look, Mrs
Zammit, I’ve no interest in your husband other than business. I don’t expect you to take my word on that, after all, you don’t know me, but it’s the truth. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll come back when your husband isn’t busy and I can discuss my business with him alone.’
Georgina smiled tightly at the woman and walked towards the door. She heard Lora call, ‘Wait, please.’
When she turned back she saw that the woman’s face had softened. ‘I get to see my husband every night and every morning. Please, stay and discuss your business, whatever it is. I’ll make myself busy in the nearby shops and will spend lots and lots of his money. Ha, look how horrified he looks now,’ she said and laughed as she pointed at Temi.
Georgina saw another side to Lora now and laughed too. ‘Thank you. I won’t take much of his time.’
‘Take as long as you like. The longer you take, the more I’ll spend. Right, I’ll be back later. Oh, and Georgina, you must come round for afternoon tea one day.’
When Lora left, Temi ordered his men out too. As the door closed behind them his expression changed and he looked at her gravely. Her heart began to race as she feared he suspected her of being behind the theft from his father’s jewellery shop.
‘Sit down, Georgina,’ he said, indicating a chair in front of his desk.
She managed to look composed as she took the seat, hands clutching her bag on her lap, and said, ‘It… it was nice to meet your wife.’
‘Yes, I think she likes you. You haven’t been to visit The Top yet,’ he said, changing the subject.
‘No, that’s what I wanted to talk to you about,’ she answered, relieved he hadn’t mentioned his father’s jewellery shop.
‘Have you changed your mind?’
‘Of course not, but I’ll do it in my own time, when I’m ready. I just wanted to ensure that your man will still be expecting me.’
‘Yes, he will. But how long are we talking? Days, weeks, months?’
‘I don’t know. Weeks, maybe months.’
Temi leaned back in his chair and patted his cheek with his index finger, deep in thought. ‘This isn’t what I wanted to hear, Georgina. The Top is a constant threat to me and my business, and to you too. Are you sure you’re up for the job?’
‘I’m sure. But don’t try to put pressure on me. I don’t work for you.’
‘Maybe not, but I’m not prepared to wait weeks or months for the man to be taken out. In fact, I was hoping he’d be dead by now.’
‘He will be, though not yet. There are several things I need to secure first.’
‘Anything I can help with?’
‘No, not really. I’m only just out of prison and before I risk my life, I want to make sure my children will be looked after financially. Once I have a few business transactions under my belt, I’ll be ready.’
‘Money is the only thing holding you back?’
‘Yes.’
‘Ha, well, that’s easily remedied. How much do you want? What will be a sufficient figure to leave for your children? Not that I’m suggesting you’ll die. But I’ll give you the money you want. If you kill The Top and don’t get killed yourself, you will return my money. That way, we’re all happy.’
Georgina was taken aback by Temi’s offer and hadn’t been expecting it. As she thought about it, Temi spoke again.
‘Of course, if you are too proud to accept my offer, I can easily have The Top killed by my men. But then you’ll miss out on the sweet revenge that I know drives you.’
Georgina rubbed her finger where her mother’s wedding ring had been. Would knowing that The Top was dead be enough to satisfy her? Or did she need to put the bullet in his head herself?
‘I want five thousand pounds,’ she said bluntly.
‘Five thousand,’ Temi spluttered. ‘I’ll give you two. That’s more than enough for each of your children to buy a house. And I know you already own a café, a club and a large house. Don’t take liberties with me.’
‘All right, two will suffice.’
‘Good, I’m very pleased you’ve accepted my offer. I’m not worried about losing my money, Georgina, because I know that you will kill him.’
Georgina was glad that Temi had faith in her. She had her doubts but quickly dismissed them. ‘Leave the money with Benjamin Harel, my accountant. The Top will be dead by the end of the week.’
*
Geert Neerhoff roughly spooned a mouthful of porridge into his wife’s mouth. His stomach turned at the sight of most of it dribbling down her chin.
‘Look at the mess you’re making, you dirty cow,’ he moaned spitefully.
Doris just gazed back at him blankly, unaware of who he was.
‘I don’t know why I bother. I should let you starve to death,’ he snapped and slammed the bowl down on the bedside table. ‘You needn’t think I’m getting you a nurse again. I’ve got my own money now and I’m keeping it for me! You can rot in hell for all I care.’
‘Don’t like you,’ Doris mumbled.
‘I don’t like you either but I’m stuck with you until you die.’
‘Want my mother.’
‘She’s dead, Doris. Your mother has been dead for years. So has your father. I’m all you’ve got in this world so you should be nicer to me. I’m the one who feeds you, washes you and cleans up your shit! I’ve always been at your beck and call, always. And for once in my life, I don’t have to ask you for money. I don’t need you, Doris, not anymore. I could leave you here to fester in your own piss in that bed and no one would ever know.’
Doris showed no reaction to his words and rolled a piece of scraggly grey hair around her finger as she quietly hummed a tune.
‘Did you hear me? Oh, why do I bother?’ Geert spat venomously as he rose to his feet from the edge of her bed. ‘I’ll tell you why, Doris. I bother with you because I want your house and your money. I’ve waited this bloody long for it, I’m not walking away from it now. Just hurry up and die, woman. I swear you keep yourself alive just to spite me.’
Geert pulled his arm back, ready to give her a back-hander. Doris cried out and cowered against her pillow. ‘I could slap your ugly face so hard, you bitch,’ he ground out. ‘Give in, Doris. Give in. Just fucking die!’
She started humming that incessant tune again.
Geert picked up her unfinished porridge and stamped across the bedroom floor, slamming the door behind him as he left. In the kitchen, he scraped the food into the bin and threw the bowl into the sink. It cracked in two. Geert stood with his hands on his hips, looking at the broken bowl. He wasn’t sure for how much longer he could tolerate his poorly wife. But if he wanted to get his hands on her fortune, then he’d have to put up with her for as long as it took. Granted, he had some disposable cash of his own now but it wasn’t enough. And why should he walk away from Doris empty-handed after everything he’d done for her? He’d have to bide his time but he hoped it wouldn’t be for much longer. After all, Doris was becoming frailer as each day passed. She’d once been a curvaceous woman with plenty of flesh on her bones. But now her ribs jutted through her chest and her skinny legs didn’t have the strength to support her.
Geert looked up to the ceiling and shook his head. Doris’s room was above. He could just about hear her grumbling, calling for her mother again. He couldn’t stand to hear her whining. Grabbing his coat from the back of a kitchen chair, he checked the pocket. The ring he’d bought for Eva was tucked inside. It wasn’t an expensive gift but he’d enjoyed buying it for his mistress and was sure she’d show him her appreciation. The thought of Eva’s firm body wrapped around him made his groin stir. Without a second thought for Doris, he headed to his studio where he’d arranged to meet Eva. He’d find comfort in her arms. Their love-making would be passionate. And she’d be pleased with the cash windfall that Geert had acquired, though he was worried that the transaction would bring repercussions. But if there were, he felt confident that the man he’d struck a deal with would protect him. After all, it was in both their intere
sts to keep him safe.
*
Later that evening, Charlotte cleared the dinner plates away. Georgina had noticed that she’d hardly touched her food and had instead been pushing it around her plate. Charlotte returned from the kitchen looking miserable. She’d been moping around since Tim had left yesterday for basic training.
‘Why don’t you come down to The Penthouse with me tonight? I’ve got a bit of business to conduct but once that’s done, we can have a nice evening together,’ Georgina suggested, hoping to cheer Charlotte up.
‘No thanks. I’m shattered. It was busy in the café today.’
‘You’ve got Elsie there to help you.’
‘Huh, some bleedin’ help she is!’ Charlotte sniffed.
‘Isn’t she pulling her weight?’
‘No, she bloody ain’t, the lazy mare. She spends more time flicking through her fancy magazines than she does serving customers. You wanna hear her cooing at pictures of this dress or that hat. And all she talks about is what posh frocks and jewellery she had when she was with Jacob. I’m telling you, Georgina, there’s something not right about her.’
Georgina hadn’t noticed, but then why would she as she hadn’t spent any time with Elsie. But what Charlotte said set alarm bells ringing in Georgina’s head. She trusted Charlotte’s judgement of people. The girl had been right about Nancy Austin and said from the off that Nancy was a wrong ’un. Unfortunately, Charlotte had been spot on and the years Georgina had spent behind bars were a testament to that.
‘You’re the boss in the café, Charlotte. If she ain’t doing her job, you need to have a word with her?’
‘I have. I’ve talked to her until I’m blue in the face but it just goes over the top of her head. It’s like she’s in a world of her own. I know she’s Johnny’s girlfriend but I just ain’t keen on her at all.’
‘All right, leave it with me. I’ll speak to her. It’s a shame she’s not working in the cloakroom at The Penthouse anymore. But I’ll have a chat with her tomorrow.’
‘You’ll be wasting your breath. I reckon when her old man knocked her about, he knocked all the sense out of her an’ all. Don’t get me wrong, I feel sorry for her after what she went through with him, but I just can’t like her. I don’t know what Johnny sees in her.’
