“You know why!” said Dan. “You make cheap, nasty, home-made porn. You hide behind ASMR and call it therapy. Whatever, that’s on you. But that girl should have never been invited here. You wanted her to join you on the slippery slope and I wonder what would have come next. I think you know. Combing hair, scratching wood. Is that how you started, Jenny? And what do you do now? She’s a child!”
“It’s not like that,” said Olly. “You’re making it sound terrible on purpose.”
“You weren’t going to sexualise her, no. Not for yourself, Olly. Just for a global audience of sleazebags who would pay you money to see a girl combing her hair, while hoping for more. Not anymore. You’re finished. Your so-called channel is finished. This whole thing is finished. For good.”
“You don’t have the right—”
“After what you’ve done I have every right, Olly.”
“No. You don’t get to trash our stuff and tell us what to do! We’ll start again. We’ll just buy more equipment. We can rebuild. We’ll be back up and running in no time.”
Dan shook his head. “No. You didn’t listen. You’re finished.”
Dan’s eyes fixed on Olly.
“You’re beneath contempt, you know that. If you went to prison for what you’ve done, there are people inside who would kill you for less.”
Bleach shifted on his feet. Dan glanced at the knife in his hand.
“So consider my offer as generosity. Here it is. Every piece of equipment you own is broken, so forget trying to save anything. It’s over. Tonight, you’re going to leave this house, you’re going to leave this street and you’re never going to come back.”
“Why would we ever do that?” said Jenny Bleach.
“Because you’re going to be evicted anyway. Tomorrow. We found a piece of paper with your landlord’s contact details on it.
Dan pulled a sheet from the windowsill and waved it at them. “Turns out he never knew what you were doing here.”
“He’s evicting us? Like that?” said Bleach. “You’re lying.”
“Call him. Find out for yourself,” said Dan.
“He can’t do that. We’ve got a tenancy agreement.”
“The agreement is void. You broke the terms of that agreement when you started broadcasting porn from the master bedroom. Which means you don’t have any right to stay in this house whatsoever. You’re gone.”
“But…”
“No ifs, no buts.”
“Fine, we can go,” said Jenny. “We’ll argue with the landlord tomorrow. But we’re still the stars of this channel. We can start again,” said Jenny.
“No, you can’t,” said Dan. “You people are messy. You leave a lot of stuff lying around. We’ve also seen some records of the payments you receive from YouTube. Something tells me your friends here might not know quite how much you do make. Just a guess. Am I right?” Dan shrugged and scanned the faces at the door. “We’re talking multiple thousands a month, and that’s just the soft stuff. The other stuff, the X-rated subscription service must earn at least a thousand or two. Every month. Am I right?”
Bleach was pale. His girlfriend stayed quiet.
“Now here’s the thing. I have your paperwork. I have your contact details. I have your YouTube ID. Your email addresses. I have details of payments you’ve received for a whole year. And if I put a call in to the taxman, I bet he’s never seen a penny of it.. Which means a big bill. And if you can’t pay up, well… Remember those prison inmates I was telling you about?”
“You’ve stolen those documents from us!” said Jenny. “That’s theft.”
“I think of it as working for the common good. More like community work. The Neighbourhood Watch guerrilla division. And this here is you being kicked out, and me giving you one chance to turn away and go in peace. One chance. That’s all I’ll give you. And it’s a thousand times more than you deserve.”
“But we can’t,” said Bleach. “This is what we do. We’re getting older. We’re not cut out for anything else…”
“Do I care?” said Dan. “Go get a job flipping burgers. Go and become a monk. Whatever. That’s really not my problem. My problem with you ends here tonight. So, move it. Grab your stuff and say goodbye to Carberry Close. And if I ever, ever hear of you people producing anymore of these terrible videos, I’m going to send everything I’ve got about you and your business to the revenue, to the police and to the newspapers. I mean it. And I’ll make sure they speak to Kitty Mellot and Ronson about everything you’ve ever done here. Go. This is the best offer you’re ever going to get. Walk away tonight and walk away for good. Or face the consequences.
“You bastard,” said Jenny.
Dan pulled his jacket tight and looked at the knife in Bleach’s hand.
“And by the way folks. you’d better get rid of the bleached hair. It’s a bad look and McDonald’s prefer their staff to look a little less trashy. That’s it. I think we’re done. Are we finished here, Mark?”
Mark nodded. “I think so.”
Dan picked up the thin sheaf of papers from the windowsill and walked straight towards the door. Bleach didn’t back away one inch. Nor did his girlfriend.
“Of course,” said Dan. “If you try to hurt me, I could press charges. Ronson is certainly entitled to do so.”
“You broke into our house. It’d be self-defence.”
“And you beat your neighbour half to death and groomed a child for nefarious purposes,” said Dan. “Hey presto. We’re back to the prison scenario. It’s all stacking up, Olly. If I were you, I’d drop the knife right now.”
Dan and Bleach looked down at the small paring knife, and he loosened his hand and let it fall to the carpet.
“Wise move,” said Dan. “Now stand aside and let us through.”
“I—”
“Step aside. No ifs, no buts.”
Olly Bleach shifted on his feet and made a grudging gap in the doorway. Those behind him did the same. But before Mark could follow him out, Olly turned to launch a blow at Dan’s back. The blow knocked him forward. Another one came towards the back of his head. The first was a kidney blow. It hurt. But Dan had been a boxer and he’d taken a few of those. He turned fast, pivoting on his hip, dodging the second blow. He saw the guy couldn’t fight. His guard was non-existent, his chin exposed. But Olly Bleach was too close to punch, so instead Dan used the only option left. He brought his forehead down on the bridge of the man’s nose and felt it pop. Bleach reeled backwards, howling in pain and Mark backed out of the way. Dan walked back into the room and took aim. He delivered one, well chosen, half-strength punch through the man’s chin and sent him crashing to the floor. Dan looked around at the others, a loose crescent-shaped gathering of gawping faces outside the door.
“Are we done?” said Dan, looking at the others. No one said a word. “Good. Now pack up and get out before I change my mind.” Dan started walking. “I’ll come back tomorrow and if any of you are still here, I’ll do exactly what I said.”
Jenny Bleach’s eyes burned at Dan who shot her a pitying look, shook his head, and walked out of the house with Mark following behind him.
“You’re letting them off. I didn’t expect that.”
“No, I’m not letting anyone off. I’m shutting them down. The result is more important than revenge. They’re gone. Ronson’s free of them and that girl will be safe.”
Dan looked across at the Mellot house. He saw the girl standing by her window, peering out into the dark. Dan raised his hand in a parting wave. He felt the eyes of The Bleaches on his back as they walked along Carberry Close to the car.
“These leads…” said Mark, “they’ve all been so odd, but at least it looks like this one paid off.”
“Hmmm,” said Dan.
They got into the car and Dan turned the key in the ignition. The engine rattled. Dan shook his head and looked at the clock on the dash.
“It’s late, but I’m too wired to turn in yet. You fancy another beer?”
; Mark made a face.
“Come on. You’re the one who’s footloose and fancy free. I think one celebratory drink is the least we deserve…”
***
Dan parked in Southchurch Road in one of the bays at the side of the street. It was late and the shops were dark, and those still out walking the pavements were either up to no good or loaded with alcohol. Dan couldn’t make his mind up on which pub to choose, the big old boozer on the junction or the posh microbrewery with barrels lined up on the bar. In the end, he opted for peace and quiet. The microbrewery. Dan was surprised to find the place still going. Judging from the lack of clientele inside, it couldn’t last much longer. The small dark venue was empty but for the beer and the bored looking landlord.
“Yes, chaps. What can I get you?” Dan didn’t recognise any of the beer brands, hadn’t expected to either.
“I drink Kronenbourg most of the time. Got anything like that?”
“French lager, eh? No. Nothing like that. But try this. It’s a local pale ale. Bit like a lager, only this stuff’s actually good.”
The barman smirked at his own joke. Having finished the case Dan was in good spirits, so he let the comment pass. “Okay. I’ll try it.”
“And you?” said the barman.
“Same please,” said Mark.
“But with a straw and an umbrella,” said Dan.
The barman looked at Mark and he shook his head.
The landlord delivered them two pints in fancy glass tankards, then withdrew to fuss with his pipes and barrels. Dan sipped the pale golden brew and looked at the glass. “It’s beer, I suppose. One day maybe I’ll graduate to ales. Maybe when I retire.”
“I can’t see you ever retiring.”
“In this line of work, yeah. You have to. Otherwise it’ll kill you. Most jobs I hear of, a man retires and ends up dying of a boredom induced heart attack. But this job kills if you don’t.”
Mark made a doubtful face.
“I’m serious. My old boss Devon, he died because he didn’t know when to quit. Not a heart attack mind. Old Devon didn’t stay on the right path, that’s what did for him.”
“So, I suppose you’re my mentor.”
“Maybe,” said Dan, sipping his beer. “If you still want to stay in the business that is.” Dan sipped his beer and looked at Mark. “I had the feeling you weren’t too sure.”
“But I liked helping Ronson. He deserved someone to give him a chance.”
“Hmmm. Now, you sound like Eva. She’s helping Lauren Jaeger for the same reason. Where I see a dead loss and trouble, she sees someone in need. Sometimes she’s right. Yep. You saw Ronson needed help when I didn’t. It’s good to have a heart in this game… but not too much.” Dan thought it over. “Yeah. I still think you’ve got what it takes to hack life in this business, provided you want to.”
Mark looked at his beer. “How did you work out I was so close to packing it in.”
“Your face mainly. It wasn’t so hard. Because of Joanne, right?”
Mark nodded. “She was a natural at it. Most of the time I felt like a makeweight.”
“I know it hurt you when she walked out but this last year or so, I think Joanne helped you grow up a lot. She made a man of you. A woman can do that.”
Mark frowned. “And now she’s gone?
“Now you work until you get over it. And then you find yourself someone new. It’ll happen. It always does.”
“I don’t think I want that.”
“That’s not how it works. You don’t get to choose how, when or why, kid. It’s just the way things are. What’s the alternative? You end up like one of those sweaty subscribers that watches Jenny Soul’s ASMR videos. Or you stay open, and you meet someone new.”
“All these strange leads we’ve been getting lately,” said Mark, “they’re from Joanne, aren’t they? She’s sending them.”
“Did she tell you?”
“You don’t seem surprised,” said Mark.
“I worked it out like you did,” said Dan.
Mark shook his head. “It’s just her style, isn’t it? She can’t let go. She’s trying to control things from afar.”
“I don’t think it’s about control. I think it’s about where her heart is.”
“Then you didn’t mind her sending the leads?”
Dan shrugged. “I wouldn’t say that. We’ve never needed charity before. We still don’t and we never will. No matter how bad things get.”
The bar door creaked open and a petite, lone blonde stuck her head in. The entrance was shady, but it was clear enough to see that she had a longish blonde bob and a soft, well made-up face. For a moment Mark looked at her in hope, but his eyes soon fell away. Dan looked across when the girl called his name. As soon as he took a good look at the girl’s face, his chest filled with mixed feelings. Most were unpleasant reminders of past wrongs and hassle, but at least Alice Perry looked the part.
“Alice? What are you doing here?” said Dan. He looked at Mark, and found the kid reading his face.
“I was driving when I saw you two about to dive in here. I didn’t have you two down as late night drinking buddies. More of the slippers and the pipe at home type.”
“Goes to show you don’t know me as well as you think you do,” said Dan.
“Oh, I wouldn’t say that.” Alice said the words with a smile. Mark looked between their faces as Perry approached. Dan felt a hint of the spark between them. He didn’t want to feel it, and with Mark present, he wanted Perry to leave as soon as possible.
“What do you want, Alice?”
“Now, now, we’re on good terms, remember?” said Alice. The girl turned and used her wiles on Mark. “Does your boss always blow hot and cold like this?”
“Errmmm,” said Mark, hesitating as he read the vibe.
“No comment. Very sensible,” said Alice. “Seems he’s been learning all the tricks from you, Dan Are you going to buy me a drink or what?” she said.
“Not tonight, Alice. This is a work meeting.”
“You’re in a pub,” said Perry, raising an eyebrow.
Dan sighed and got off his stool. “If there’s something you have to say, then let’s talk outside”
“Won’t that give the wrong impression,” said Alice, smiling at Mark.
“Alice, there’s no impression to give. Come on. Outside. I’ll be back in one minute, Mark.”
“Suit yourself,” she said, leading the way outside. They stepped to one side of the pub, just out of sight of the windows. Inside, Mark shook his head and looked at his beer.
“Alice. You followed me here, didn’t you?”
“Don’t give yourself too much credit,” said Alice.
“Bit of a coincidence, isn’t it?”
“Not really. I’m a night owl. Turns out you are too. You know… if you ever do happen to be at a loose end one night, you could do worse than give me a call. I’m pretty good company, and you owe me an update as it is.”
“I think we’d better conduct all our meetings in the daytime, don’t you?”
“I can hear the words, Dan, but I can feel something else. Things change, don’t they?”
“What do you mean by that?” said Dan, but the pinprick of light he saw in her lingering eyes said it all.
“You know what I mean. A lot of things can change in a year. A girl can grow up. A fella can change his mind. And you know, I might not be around here forever.”
“No? Why not?”
“Bigger and better things. I know I’ll be moving on eventually. If not this year then next. Destiny’s calling. Dan, you don’t really want to wait until this ship has already sailed, do you?”
“If the ship’s sailing, let it sail.”
“You don’t mean that,” she said. “And think, when I leave, whatever happened between us stays a secret. Doesn’t it?”
Dan shook his head. “We’re not having this conversation, Alice. When we talk it’s an information exchange. That’s the deal, end of story.
”
Alice sighed. “Okay. Play it your way. Then how about my update?”
“I’ve been working a tough case the last few days. Unexpectedly tough. And Eva’s working another one.”
“Anything newsworthy for me?”
“Not as yet, no. And Eva’s case is… personal… which makes it off limits.”
“Personal and off limits? Now that sounds like a guaranteed scoop!”
“Leave it, Alice. Don’t go there.”
“In my experience, nothing is out of bounds. Especially when it comes to a scoop. Now, I’ve helped you, and you need to help me. Tell you what, let’s meet up when you’re in a better mood to share. Just make sure you think of something to tell me which will shift some newspapers.
Dan sighed. “Fine. Just give me a day or two. We’ve still got a lot on.”
The girl’s eyes flashed. “Don’t think you can play me or put me off forever, Dan. I might have been fair game last time round, but these days I’m wise to it.”
“I don’t doubt it.”
“Good.. We’ve got an agreement, so stick to it.” Her eyes went from fiery to soft again. “Any news on the long awaited Uber job?”
“Nothing. They’ve gone quiet. I’ve been thinking the old guy was just yanking my chain.”
Alice nodded. “Shame. A report on you as the crusading hero would have made sales for a week.”
“And would have been totally counterproductive,” said Dan.
“It’d help me sell papers. Okay. We’ll meet up tomorrow. My place,” said Alice.
Dan shook his head. “Tomorrow. But not your place. A coffee on the high street, somewhere nice and public.”
“You know, all these drinks out with me will soon look just as bad…”
“As bad as what?”
Her eyes sparkled. “As bad as the real thing… Available only while stocks last.”
“Enough,” said Dan. “Coffee. Tomorrow. On the high street.”
“How tiresomely safe. Fine… but bring stories, okay?”
Dan shrugged. “All I can guarantee is that I’ll bring me.”
“Some girls might settle for that.” She grinned and then leaned in to place a kiss on his stubbled cheek. “But not this girl.”
Play With Fire Page 32
