‘Why don’t you believe me. He said that he hated the idea of all the senseless killing, the fucking liar. What is he in? Ach it doesn’t matter, the bastard has been lying to me for years. Well hasn’t he?’ she was sobbing now, uncontrollably. Clements crossed the room and took her into his arms managing to calm her slightly.
‘I’m sorry that we bothered ye Clara. Ye have enough on yer plate without havin te deal with the likes of us. Now enjoy the rest of yer stay in England and don’t worry about the hotel bill, it is taken care of. Someone will be in contact with ye in a few days te help ye sort out finances and the like. Yer mate was right by the way, we do look after our own. Oh while I remember, when Sadie asks ye what went on here. Tell that ye were just givin ye a wee break to help ye cope with the situation. Don’t tell her that we got in contact with ye personally. She’ll know that yer lyin but I guarantee that she’ll accept what ye tell her and leave it at that. Once again let me apologise on behalf of Mr. Smith, he’s not capable of doin it for himself.’
‘Not so fast Mr. Brown,’ said Fairchilds, contemptuously,.
‘Enough you,’ countered Clements. The big man was furious and in two strides was across the floor but equally as quickly Billy had evaded him. He easily evaded his huge adversary and in a blur had him pinned against the wall with the gun barrel making an indent on his cheek..
‘Don’t be an eejit Mr. Smith. The good lady is tired and we have long outstayed our welcome. Ye agree don’t ye,’ he added, banging the others head against the wall to emphasise the point. ‘That’s better, I knew ye would see sense. Now just turn yer head in the right direction and walk through the door, unless of course ye’d like to leave by the windy.’ Fairchilds complied reluctantly. An angry bump was appearing where his head had came into contact with wall.
‘Sorry that ye had te witness that Clara, we won’t be botherin ye again. Oh by the way, be sure and open that bank account.’ With the smaller man’s words left hanging in the air the door closed silently behind them. Clara stood, opened mouthed, blankly staring at the door. Shaking her head, to collect herself, she slowly lowered her body onto the bed. Slightly more composed she sadly accepted that the evening’s events had left her a little wiser but not much. As a matter of fact what had taken place only served to make her more confused. With a wry smile she slid between the sheets,’ What does a housewife want to know of such matters anyway?’ she mumbled. The evening had taken it’s toll, she was physically and mentally drained. Recounting the episode, a vision of Fairchilds rushed to the fore, pulling the covers to her chin she gave an involuntary shiver. ‘Lord help us but if hell really exists, people like him must be the management,’ she whimpered. Her mind was racing, recalling everything, ‘And that other one, he seemed like a nice person but there was nothing nice about the way he battered the big bugger’s head off the wall.’ As her eyes grew heavy she concluded that Mr. Brown was the boss and the monster was just a lackey. ‘God George, how did you ever get yourself mixed up with the likes of those people?’ she murmured, as sleep finally claimed her.
Once outside the room Fairchilds made to speak but Billy held a finger to his lips. ‘Let’s you and me take this outside eh. We don’t want any nosy English person overhearing our conversation. do we Mr. Smith?’ Fairchilds nodded striding toward the lift. Clements followed at a more leisurely pace. Neither man spoke until they were well out of earshot, a couple of hundred yards from the hotel. Clements stopped, gesturing toward a park, which appeared deserted. It was tailor-made for their purpose. Fairchilds was first to begin, ‘You were out of order in there wee man. You jumped to too many conclusions if you ask me. How are you so sure she was telling the truth?’ he snarled. ‘Well now Sherlock, it was obvious she was tellin the truth otherwise she would not have brought her kids along. No mother would deliberately put her wee ones in danger. She had no idea who we were or even why she herself is here. I thought I had it wrong for a minute, when she said she didn’t know her man was in somethin, without me bringin it up. Therefore the natural assumption was that she knew about George bein one of us. Otherwise she would not have mentioned it. Then it all fell into place, she has a friend whose auld man is in the Kesh. So she does what any other woman in her shoes would do, she calls her mate for help. She never tried to hide the fact that her friend was gettin help from us. If she had any idea, of-who we are, she would never have dropped her mate in it by divulgin this information. And did ye see her reaction to the questions? She didn’t have a clue, if she was a tout who was stupid enough to come over here alone, don’t ye think that she would have made up some kind of bullshit story to give us?’
‘Aye that makes sense,’ agreed Fairchilds grudgingly. ‘As for her mate Sadie, I am going to pay her a visit one of these days. I’ll teach the fucking bitch how to keep her trap shut.’
‘Before ye go any further, I’m gonna give ye a piece of advice. If ye so much as contact Sadie
I’ll come for ye and so help me, I’ll fuck ye up so badly that yer own ma wont be able to recognise ye, understand?’
‘You take a lot for granted wee man. I could tear your fucking head off. The only reason that I didn’t do it in there is that I would have had to top the bitch as well and that’s against orders.’
‘Okay I’ll tell ye what bastard features, why don’t ye have a go now. There’s no barbed around it,’ whispered Clements thrusting out his chin.’
‘Aye that would be right, you know that I can’t do anything to you, I’d be signing my own death warrant. Never fear though Billy boy, there will be another time, I’m a patient man.’
As the grandmother clock chimed two, Nathan cursed his luck. ‘Where is the cow,’ he growled. He was becoming anxious that somehow the family had discovered his plans. ‘Do not be so silly,’ he chided himself, ‘If that was the case the police would have arrived and I would be in custody by now. Relax,’ he told himself, ‘Perhaps they decided to stay away for an extended period.’ Still he was angry at the disruption to his plans. Spending two days in an empty house, eating cold food without entertainment had frayed his nerves somewhat. The risk of detection had increased considerably as the woman may have requested a friend to look in on the premises. There was no choice, he was caught in a situation that he had not catered for. If he
was to leave, the Blackmores could return in his absence and if he stayed there was the possibility of detection. There was the certainty that the missing windowpane would disclose the fact that someone had been in the house. With nothing stolen the authorities would question the motive behind the unlawful entry. He thrashed it over in his head and decided, that to remain for another day, was probably his best option. His next problem was how to deal with any unwanted visitors. Killing unconnected people was against what he had set out to do but if the necessity arose he would have to live with it. As was the case with the unfortunate Maurice Scott. Having made up his mind to stay he settled on the sofa this time falling into a deep sleep.
Oblivious to the Black’s presence Sadie came up the driveway, shortly after ten, the following morning. Clara had asked her to purchase a few groceries, which would tide them over until she had time to visit the supermarket. ‘This is a right bloody nuisance,’ she grumbled. She had arranged a visit to town for the purpose of buying shoes for her son. It was the final day of the sales therefore imperative that she go today. ‘I could have done without traipsing over here,’ grumbled Sadie. Black spied her at the last moment, only just managing to conceal himself, before she reached the window. Becoming more agitated, she set the plastic carrier bag on the doorstep as she rummaged in her handbag for the door key. ‘Ach bollocks,’ she screamed. ‘I’ve left the fuckin key on the mantle-piece. Stupid bloody cow, I swear to God my head’s turned we them wee buggers in the mornins. Why could they not, for once, get out of their lazy beds and get ready for school early?’ she mumbled audibly. At the end of her tether, Sadie decided to leave a note in the
bag explaining her predicament to Clara, to phone later. Having done so, she stole a brief glance through the window and spotting nothing untoward, headed off back down the driveway. Nathan hissed a sigh of relief, the woman may have been a friend of Clara’s but hardly deserved to die because of it. Allowing time for the woman to leave the vicinity he opened the door just enough to permit the bags passage through. The note read,’Sorry I had to leave the messages outside. I forgot your bloody key. I’ll call you tonight. Sadie. Ps. I hope you had a great time.’ After reading the note he replaced it before setting the bag back on the doorstep in case Sadie should return. With satisfaction he recounted the notes text. ‘I’ll see you tonight,’ he repeated joyfully. ‘So my estimation is correct, today is the day. Sorry Sadie, Clara won’t be taking any calls this evening,’ chuckled Black. Anticipating the evening ahead Nathan calmly settled down to wait. With a sigh of pleasure he resumed reading a thriller. Time passed slowly as the novel did not hold his attention for long. He pondered on his immediate future after he was finished with
the Blackmore’s. Back to London for a few days then off to the slopes I think. Yes that is exactly what the doctor ordered, a bit of fresh air after being cooped up in this rabbit hutch for the past three days. I shall have to be careful, it’s been a while since my last foray in France.
Clara studied the dial on her good, going out watch. A smile played on her face as it engendered a glimpse of happier times. George had been a warm and attentive husband then. The smile remained as she recalled their first Christmas together. The apprehension as he proposed, his fumbling touch as he nervously placed the watch on her wrist. Vivid in her memory was the conversation they had used on that very day. ‘You are supposed to give me a ring silly.’ His reply had been so unexpected. ‘I was hedging me bets,’ he said. ‘If ye refuse, I wont look such an idiot returning a watch. I’ll let ye pick the ring when ye say yes.’ She remembered how she had laughed when he said it. ‘Rudolf Valentino must have been reincarnated on the day that you first saw light,’. The radiant sigh of relief as she kissed him tenderly in assent. The fond memory soon faded as a feeling of foreboding gripped her. What was to become of the family, torn asunder by this political bullshit. Smoothly the taxi glided to a halt in the driveway. She had to awaken the children who had fallen into a deep sleep brought about by the exertions of their last day in England. ‘The poor wee things,’ whispered Clara fondly. ‘Come on kids, home sweet home, up you get. Think we’ll ring for a Chinese eh. Afterwards we can soak in a hot bath, then off to bed. What do you think?’
‘Sounds good,’ was Jason’s reply, as usual he was economical with words.
‘That’s my Jason, brimful of enthusiasm.’ His sister was the complete opposite. The take-away and bath were a great idea but she was less than enthralled with the early bed scenario. Some local boys pop group were performing on television later and there was no way that she was going to miss that, ‘No way Jose`.’
‘We’ll see,’ replied her mother wearily, safe in the knowledge that her daughter would be asleep ten minutes after her bath. Clara made a mental note to tape the concert. After settling with the taxi driver they headed for the house. ‘What’s all them bottles doing there? I left that milkman a note, bloody get. I told him no milk for three days, wait till I get my hands on him. And what’s this?’ She exclaimed, catching sight of the carrier bag. ‘Look it’s a note from Sadie, silly ninny forgot her key. Says she’ll phone later.’ Clara lifted the bag and opened the door, allowing the children to enter before her. There was a scramble as all three headed for the bathroom but they were stopped in their tracks as Nathan intercepted them. Clara was taken aback, the girl screamed receiving an open handed slap for her transgression. The impact left a large white imprint on her face, which immediately began turning red. Her mother rushed scratching at the assailant but was punched to the ground. In an instant he was upon her grasping her hair and trailing her to her feet. A knife with a very large blade was quickly pressed against her neck dangerously close to her jugular, already puncturing the flesh. ‘Now if you kids want your mother to remain alive do not make a sound. Understand?’ In unison the children nodded agreement. ‘Good, you must be Jason. I am pleased to meet you. I knew a young man called Jason a short while ago.’
‘How do you know my name? What do you want mister?’
‘Do not interrupt there’s a good lad. Just do precisely as you are told, okay.’ Afraid for his mother’s safety the boy gave an expansive nod. ‘Excellent, you learn quickly. Now I want you to take some rope from that satchel and tie your mother to the chair.
‘N-no way,’ screamed the boy. He stood in horror as the intruder brought the blade across his mother’s cheek, opening a nasty gash. ‘Do you enjoy watching your mum suffer boy?’ asked Black casually.
‘No mister, sorry mister, please don’t hurt my mammy,’ bubbled Jason, hurrying to do as he was bade. ‘The sooner you realise this is not a game the better. Now gag her and make sure that the binding is tight. Without argument the terrified boy followed orders, flinching as his mother’s blood, stained his trembling fingers. Black examined the youth’s work, ‘Yes very good indeed, your mother is trussed like a Christmas turkey,’ he enthused, making the lad cringe at his own treachery.
‘You have a very beautiful sister Jason and you are a very handsome young man. The pair of you are going to entertain your mother and I.’ As the scene unfolded before her the girl sat whimpering, kneading her hands.
‘This simply wont do, put a gag on her as well. She is spoiling the spectacle.’ Jason seemed routed to the spot, uncomprehending.
‘Shut her up!’ shouted Black, forcing the boy out of his stupor. Hurriedly he knelt to the floor seeking to extract a cover from the bag. As he applied the offensive material to his sister’s pretty face he kept repeating over and over how sorry he was for his actions, all the time searching his mother’s face for encouragement.
‘She looks very appealing now that she has ceased that infernal racket. Help her to remove her clothing. Jason began to protest but the beast brought the weapon to his mother’s horrified face. Understanding her young brother’s predicament the girl quickly started to undress herself.
‘Now you are beginning to get into the swing of things. It is always more sensual to watch a person disrobe, don’t you think Jason? But you must also join in the game after all it takes two to tango. If you’ll pardon the cliché. Strip as well Jason,’ demanded the leering Black.
‘I can’t,’ replied the boy, timidly eyeing his mother.
‘Just fucking do it,’ snarled Nathan. ‘Now look what you have done, you have made me lose my temper. Please do not do that again,’ he continued, brandishing the knife in front of the boy’s face. Realising the futility of further argument Jason slowly began to remove his garments. ‘Very nice,’ gloated the Englishman, brushing his hand across the adolescent’s privates and causing further embarrassment. Glancing sideways at Clara the child drew his hands across to cover his nakedness.
‘Do not be shy Jason, a man should be proud of his possessions. Look at your sister Clara, she has a beautiful body don’t you think?’ Ashamed at the part he had played in his sister’s discomfort the boy defiantly turned his head in the opposite direction. ‘Look at her,’ screamed the intruder. Tearfully the boy reluctantly complied. ‘I want you to be honest with me Jason. You have tried to peek at her haven’t you. Tell the truth, there were times when she was in the bathroom and you stole a glimpse through the keyhole. Embarrassed at being caught, the boy’s face flushed. He was shaking his head slowly but could feel his mother’s accusing eyes burning into him. ‘Come now Jason you are almost a man, I can remember those urges when I was your age. Curiosity is a natural propensity. The evil man’s words were having an hypnotic effect. He did not want to listen to any more but he could not help it. The boy watched fascinated as the strange man stroked his sister down there.
‘You wanted to touch her didn’t you Jason? In a trance the child was nodding agreement to the stranger’s words. He could see how his sister was cowering as the horrible man touched her but he was growing hard.
‘I knew it Jason, you want more than just touching don’t you boy,’ cajoled the man softly. By their own volition his hands wandered to his thing. He had never experienced anything like this. The man was violating his sister but he did not want to stop him.
‘Do it,’ whispered the man tantalisingly. ‘Go on she wants to as much as you Jason.’ Clara was writhing, struggling to free herself. She wanted to destroy this creature from hell. The bindings cut deeply into her wrists but she felt no pain. She must save her little ones from this monster’s grasp before it is too late. His mother’s distress registered with the boy, snapping him out of the madman’s hypnotic control. ‘No, fuck you,’ he spat defiantly, but his resistance was short lived as the knife was thrust close to his sister.
‘Do you want me to do it with this?’ The lad was in turmoil, he looked to his mother for guidance. As tears streamed down her tortured face
she nodded approval. Sadly the boy went to his sister who lay down without a word. Afterwards Black dragged the sobbing girl to her room, ‘Stay there slut, if you make a sound or try to leave I will kill your mother, do you understand?’ The girl gave an almost indiscernible movement of her head, she was in severe shock. Returning to the mother and son he remarked on the boy’s performance. He was enjoying baiting the helpless trio.
‘Did you enjoy it?’ he sniggered, leering at the child. ‘Well you had a good time now it is my turn. Hungrily he snatched fresh rope from the satchel and bound Clara more tightly. Satisfied that the hapless mother could not possibly break free he called for the girl to rejoin them. Ghostlike the young girl re-entered the room averting her eyes, feeling ashamed and degraded she had wound a sheet around her to cover her shame. ‘Ah there you are, the little sow returns.’ A second chair was drawn adjacent to her mother’s and she was similarly bound.
Seeds of Evil Page 13
