Two Lovers, Six Deaths

by GRETTA MULROONEY

  JoJo Hayworth had been found at his girlfriend’s flat and was in police custody. He had confessed to the stabbing of Harry Merrell in an effort to protect his prostitution business. He had just bought another flat in Putney to extend his enterprise. There had been too much at stake to risk Harry’s promise of staying quiet. One of Kharal’s minions had phoned Swift to tell him. There had been no acknowledgement or hint of appreciation for his help.

  Swift asked how Adam was coping.

  ‘I’m not sure. He seems okay. Tearful at times and Sid is getting a lot of cuddles. He has a lovely teacher at school and she is being very kind. It’s hard to know what to tell him. I don’t want to upset him too much. There is a police liaison person who is good, too. He’s calling again tomorrow.’

  They sat and Swift listened to Georgie repeating her questions and comments. He gave her the same answers as the clock ticked on. She seemed to find some comfort in the constant reassurance. He made more coffee while she talked about meeting Dominic, their life together and the holidays they had enjoyed, the way he had been with the boys. She recalled all kinds of anecdotes, mining deep into her layers of memory. He remembered Harry’s jibe, asking if he was a shrink. As he listened to Georgie’s monologue, he felt like an unskilled therapist. He supposed that just being there and listening was of some small help.

  The sun highlighted greasy patches on the windows. The rubbish bin needed emptying, the cookbook still lay open at the same recipe he had seen on his last visit and the house looked forlorn and dusty. He thought it would take Georgie a long time to emerge from the stupor of shock and misery.

  CHAPTER 14

  Nora had phoned him to report that the brothel in Bolton had been located and raided and one of the owners arrested. Her colleagues there believed that the second man involved in running it had fled abroad. As soon as he heard the news, Swift had gone to see Malory Meredith, taking two boxes of Striped Tiger cheroots. This time, he gave her a hug when he arrived. They had sat in her cluttered living room and talked through what had happened to Lisa and the reasons. Swift was careful about the details he shared and about apportioning blame. He wasn’t in the business of hurting her any more than he had to, or tarnishing her memories of her friend. She was astute enough to make her own deductions as she puffed on a cheroot.

  ‘What will happen to Tamsin?’ she asked. ‘That poor child. Like Dominic, she has lost both parents. I presume her father might be in prison for a long time.’

  ‘I’d say so. I spoke to Donald Eastwood. He is going to come back and see her and her grandmother. He seems keen on the idea of taking Tamsin back home with him to Cape Town. Talked about having a huge house and gardens and a pool, getting a nanny. I suppose he sees it as a second chance at raising a child. Of course, JoJo Hayworth would have to agree to it but he might see it as the best option. I wouldn’t be surprised if Mrs Hayworth is keen on it, especially if Mr Eastwood offers a sweetener as part of the arrangement.’ He entertained gloomy thoughts about Eastwood’s indulgent parenting producing another self-obsessed young woman but chided himself that he had better see how he turned out as a father before casting aspersions.

  ‘Money,’ Malory said. ‘It causes trouble and eases trouble.’

  He had watched again as her hands trembled with the coffee cups. Then he had told her the story of a girl from Syria and put a proposal to her. After some detailed discussion, she had agreed and he said he would speak to Yana about the idea.

  Three days later, at the beginning of May, Swift drove Cedric and Yana to Dulwich with her small bag of possessions. She was wearing new jeans and shirt and looked like any other teenager, her hair twisted in a knot. Malory had made up carefully for her visitors and was wearing a red silk trouser suit with a red and white scarf at her neck. Bertram was in her arms when she opened the door and Yana immediately took him and cuddled him.

  Swift made coffee and cleared spaces on chairs. Malory had clearly been attempting to tidy up but this had resulted in more haphazard, tilting piles of objects blocking the floor. They agreed that Yana would stay for three months to start with and they would both see how things progressed. Yana was to have a room rent-free in return for helping with decluttering, shopping, some cooking and housework and flute playing. Malory sat on her throne-like chair with Yana beside her holding a dozing Bertram, and they were soon talking about music and Malory’s passion for Dusty Springfield. To her evident delight, Yana took out her flute and played The Windmills of Your Mind.

  ‘She’s a delightful lady. So elegant! Hopefully, you’ve made a good match here,’ Cedric whispered to Swift.

  ‘Fingers crossed. Worth a try and I thought it might be mutually beneficial. It gives Yana a chance to establish a life. And you get your sofa back.’

  ‘Yes, and Oliver can visit again. He told me he would stay away while Yana was with me because, to quote, “He would feel he had to speak his mind.” Astonishing, how narrow minded and self-righteous he can be.’

  Cedric’s uncertain tone chimed with Swift’s immediate thought that Yana’s move might prove a mixed blessing.

  Malory was tapping her fingers on the chair arm, nodding to the music, her eyes lively. It was good to see her so animated. Yana had put on weight and was growing less timid as each day went by. She seemed to have grown taller, probably because she raised her head more frequently. Swift hoped that the arrangement would work out. If it succeeded, Yana might be able to enrol in college in the autumn and start to build a future.

  He felt relieved but tired and was looking forward to his boat and the river. He was already imagining the sun and breeze and the flow of running water. His solitary heaven on earth. Time to unwind and clear his head of conflicts and betrayals, give his body something to think about other than scrapes and bruises.

  His phone rang and he excused himself and went into the hall. He heard a voice he had only listened to once before, when there had been deep mutual enmity. It was frailer now, higher in pitch and the words came with huge effort.

  ‘It’s Emlyn here. Emlyn Williams. I thought you would want to know. Ruth’s in labour, they have just taken her to hospital. The pains started about an hour ago. She is all right and as far as I know, the baby is too. Premature though, by a month.’

  ‘I’m on my way. I’ll text her.’

  ‘Good, good. I’ll stay at home, I won’t go there. I’ll wait here for news. I hope all will be well.’

  Swift’s mouth had gone dry. He returned to the living room.

  ‘I have to go. My baby is on the way. Cedric, can I take the car?’

  Cedric stood, swaying slightly. ‘Of course, of course. But she’s not due yet, surely?’

  ‘No, it’s too soon.’

  ‘Off you go, quickly! I’ll get a taxi home.’

  ‘A father! You’re going to be a father!’ Malory said.

  ‘I am, yes.’

  He ran out and got into the car. He put his shaking hands on the wheel, steadying himself. He had no idea what it meant for a baby to be born at eight months. He felt ignorant, stupid and unprepared for what was to come. He texted Ruth: On my way to the hospital now.

  He took a deep breath, turned the ignition and headed for Brighton.

  THE END

  THE TYRONE SWIFT SERIES

  BOOK 1: THE LADY VANISHED

  http://www.amazon.com/LADY-VANISHED-gripping-detective-mystery-ebook/dp/B0170HJAMY/

  http://www.amazon.co.uk/LADY-VANISHED-gripping-detective-mystery-ebook/dp/B0170HJAMY/

  How can someone vanish without a trace?

  Carmen Langborne is a woman who no one seems to like very much, and now she's gone missing. But there is no body, no leads and no real suspects. And the police have stopped investigating her disappearance.

  Carmen's stepdaughter Florence hires private detective Tyrone Swift to find the missing woman. If the body is found, Florence will inherit half of a very valuable house. As Swift delves deeper into the family’s affairs, he discovers dark family secrets tha
t threaten the reputations of powerful people. Will Swift get to the truth before those with much to hide stop him?

  BOOK 2: BLOOD SECRETS

  https://www.amazon.co.uk/BLOOD-SECRETS-gripping-thriller-suspense-ebook/dp/B01G8Y8F0I

  https://www.amazon.com/BLOOD-SECRETS-gripping-thriller-suspense-ebook/dp/B01G8Y8F0I

  A COMPELLING MYSTERY FULL OF TWISTS AND TURNS

  Fifteen years ago a teenage boy, Teddy Bartlett, left a mysterious note and went to a woods on the outskirts of London. In the forest twilight he was beaten to a pulp and left damaged for life. The police never discovered who did it or why he was attacked.

  Now, the boy’s father, recently returned from Australia, wants to find out what really happened to his son. He hires private detective Tyrone Swift to investigate the tragic crime.

  Swift quickly realises that the Bartletts are a family with dark secrets. Teddy’s seemingly devoted sister Sheila, his estranged brother, and his father Rowan, who left his wife for her sister, are not what they seem.

  Glossary of English Slang for US readers

  A & E: Accident and emergency department in a hospital

  A level: exams taken between 16 and 18

  Aggro: Violent behaviour, aggression

  Aye: yes (Scottish)

  Ball and chain: wife (negative)

  Banksy: famous graffiti artist

  Barm: bread roll

  Barrister: lawyer who argues in court

  Beaker: glass or cup for holding liquids

  Bedsit: a one-room apartment (small)

  Benefits: social security

  Bent: corrupt

  Betting shop: a place where you can place bets on horses and other sports

  Bin: wastebasket (noun), or throw in rubbish (verb)

  Blighty: means England

  Bloke: guy

  Blow: cocaine

  Bob: money

  Bonnet: hood of car

  Bookie’s: Bookmaker

  Bookies: a place where you can place bets on horses and other sports

  Boxing Day: 26 December

  Bully for you: good for you (sarcastic)

  Bumfluff: the first pubic hair

  Burger bar: hamburger fast-food restaurant

  Buy-to-let: Buying a house/apartment to rent it out for profit

  Car park: parking lot

  Care Home: an institution where old people are cared for

  Carer: person who looks after old or ill people

  Carrier bag: plastic bag from supermarket

  Chaps: men

  Charity Shop: thrift store

  Chat-up: flirt, trying to pick up someone with witty banter or compliments

  Chemist: pharmacy

  Childminder: someone who looks after children for money

  Chinwag: conversation

  Chip: fat French fry

  Chipper: feeling positive

  CID: Criminal Investigation Department

  Civil servant: someone who works for the Civil Service

  Civil Service: government departments which put central government plans into action

  Clock: punch

  Cock up: mess up, make a mistake

  Common or garden: ordinary

  Common: an area of park land/ or lower class

  Comprehensive School (Comp.): High school

  Cop hold of: grab

  Copper: police officer

  Cos: because

  Council flat: public or project housing

  Council: local government

  Coverall: coveralls, or boiler suit

  CPS: Crown Prosecution Service, decide whether police cases go forward

  Cross: upset or angry

  Crown Jewels: the Queen’s jewels and crown worn on state occasions (can also be an expression for anything valuable)

  Cuppa: cup of tea

  DCI: Detective Chief Inspector

  Deck: one of the landings on a floor of a tower block

  Deputy head: deputy principal

  DI: Detective Inspector

  Do a bunk: disappear

  Do a runner: disappear

  Do one: go away

  Do: party

  Doc Martens: Heavy boots with an air-cushioned sole

  Druid: priest or magician of ancient Celtic religion/ also modern-day adherent of the religion

  DS: Detective Sergeant

  Early dart: to leave work early

  ED: accident and emergency department of hospital

  Estate agent: real estate agent

  Estate agent: realtor (US)

  Estate: public/social housing estate (similar to housing projects)

  Ex-directory: not in the phonebook

  Fag: cigarette

  Fella: man

  Fitzrovia: smart London area

  Fizzy drink: carbonated beverage

  Flat: apartment

  Form teacher: class teacher

  Garden Centre: a business where plants and gardening equipment are sold

  Geordie: someone from Newcastle

  Get rid: dispose of

  Gilet: sleeveless padded jacket

  GP: general practitioner, a doctor based in the community

  GP: local doctor

  Graft: hard work

  Hack: newspaper journalist

  Hanky: handkerchief

  Hard nut: tough person

  HOLMES: UK police computer system used during investigation of major incidents

  Home: care home for elderly or sick people

  Inne: isn’t he

  Interpol: International Criminal Police Organisation, facilitating international police cooperation. HQ in Lyon, France.

  Into care: a child taken away from their family by the social services

  Kark: die

  Kneecapping: punish by shooting in the kneecap

  Knee-trembler: sex standing up

  Lad: young man

  Lass: young woman

  Lecky: electricity

  Lift: elevator

  Lippy: lipstick — can also mean loquacious

  Loft: attic

  Lorry: a truck

  Magistrate: a civil officer who administers the law

  Mates: friends

  Mare: derogatory term for woman, or can mean having a bad day (nightmare)

  Missus: wife

  MIT: Major Investigation Team

  Mobile phone: cell phone

  Mobile: cell phone

  Mothercare: shop selling stuff for babies and expectant mothers

  MP: Member of Parliament, politician representing an area

  Mumsnet: website where parents discuss stuff

  Naff: lame, not good

  Nail varnish: nail polish

  Narky: bad-tempered

  Net curtains: a type of semi-transparent curtain

  NHS: National Health Service, public health service of UK

  Nick: police station (as verb: to arrest)

  No-go area: dangerous place

  No-mark: loser

  Nowt: nothing

  NQT: Newly qualified teacher

  Nursery: a place which grows plants, shrubs and trees for sale (often wholesale)

  Nutter: insane person

  Ofsted: UK government’s inspector of schools

  Overall: a one-piece garment worn to protect clothes

  Owt: anything

  Oxbridge: refers to Oxford and Cambridge universities

  Oz: Australia

  Pay-as-you-go: a cell phone you pay for calls in advance

  PC: police constable

  Pear-shaped: go wrong

  Petrol: gasoline

  Piss off: as exclamation, go away (rude). Also can mean annoy.

  Pissed off: annoyed

  Pissing down: raining

  Planning Department: the local authority department which issues licences to build and develop property

  Plantagenet: English royal dynasty, on throne from 1154-1485

  Plaster: Band-Aid

  Pleb: ordinary person (often insulting)
>
  Poncy: pretentious

  Poofter: offensive slang for a gay person

  Portakabin: portable building used as temporary office etc.

  Post: mail

  Premier League: top English soccer division

  Prom: a classical music concert where some of the audience stands

  Puds: puddings/desserts

  Punter: someone who gambles in a betting shop

  Querent: person for whom the tarot card reading is done

  Rag: newspaper

  Ram-raiding: robbery where a vehicle is rammed through a shop window

  Randy: horny

  RC: Roman Catholic

  Red Brick University: university founded in 19th and 20th centuries

  Register office: a government building where you get married or register births

  Right state: messy

  Ring: telephone (verb)

  Roadworks: repairs done to roads

  Roedean: fancy girls’ boarding school

  Roundabout: traffic circle

  Rounders: baseball’s ancestor

  Row: argue/argument

  Rubbish: trash

  Rum bunch: odd

  Scally: scallywag

  Scroat: low life

  Semi: Semi-detached house, house with another house joined to it on one side only

  Shedload: a large amount

  Shout the odds: talk in a loud bossy way

  SIO: senior investigating officer

  Sixth form college: school for high school students in final two years.

  Skip: a large open container used for building waste

  Slapper: slag

  SOCO: scenes of crime officer, police officer who gathers forensic evidence

  Sod: an annoying person

  Solicitor: lawyer

  Sort: to do or make

  Stunner: beautiful woman

  Sun cream: sun lotion

  Super: superintendent (police rank)

  Sweet: candy

  Sweeting: endearment, like sweetheart

  Tabloid: newspaper

  Takeaway: takeout food

  Tea: afternoon meal of cakes, small sandwiches, tea etc.

  Tea: Dinner (Northern English)