by Jacqui Rose
Alfie leapt up, but Bree pulled him back. ‘No, don’t! I don’t want you to fight because of me. Vaughn, I’m telling the truth. If you go to do the drop-off on Mersea Island, you’ll be in proper danger.’
Vaughn bent down. ‘And why’s that, hey? Could that be because you fucked us over?’
‘Look, Alfie,’ Frankie said. ‘Vaughn’s right, this could all be a set-up. How do you know that this bird ain’t just playing us and is trying to stop us going on the island?’
Alfie looked at Bree, then at Vaughn and Frankie. ‘We ain’t going to do that. We’re going to go through with it.’
Bree looked shocked. ‘You can’t. You could get killed.’
‘And so could you. If they think for a moment that you’ve tipped us off, well, it’ll be curtains. You said yourself that Johnny’s paranoid. You’re the obvious person to blame. If we don’t turn up, he’ll think you’ve given him the wrong information or you’ve bunged us the heads-up. Whichever way, it’ll be safer for you—’
Vaughn interrupted. ‘Safer for her? Mate, listen to yourself. I don’t care about her. I’m not having me brains blown away for some bird. Let’s just call it off with Perry.’
Angrily, Alfie said, ‘Nobody’s having their brains blown away. That ain’t going to happen because we know now, don’t we? We’re one step ahead. I ain’t saying it’s going to be easy. And I ain’t going to say it won’t be dangerous, but it’s what we need to do.’
Shielding the flame on his lighter from the weather, Frankie lit a cigar. ‘Maybe I’m getting mugged off or I’m too fucking soft, but I can’t just turn me back on Bree and what I’ve just heard. If the bird’s telling the truth, then we got to do something.’
Vaughn sneered. ‘Hold up! Seriously, Frank, when will you learn? You’ve always been a patsy when it comes to women, but this takes it to another level, son. Only a few minutes ago she was enemy number one, now you’re acting like her shit don’t stink.’
Glancing down at Bree and thinking about his own rotten childhood, Frankie blew out a mouthful of smoke. ‘I don’t think that, but everybody in Essex knows what a psychopath Johnny is. We’ve heard the stories of how much he likes to torture people that cross him. I remember having dealings with him years ago when I had a shipment of coke come through, and even then he was a nutter. She don’t deserve that. Look, this is just a suggestion but how about we call it off with Perry? Pull him out of the picture because the geezer’s carrying two million in cash, and nobody wants that to go walkies if it all goes down.’
Vaughn shrugged, irritated. ‘How does that help anyone?’
‘We still do as we planned. We’ll still go to Mersea, look like we’re meeting Perry. Bree says that Johnny isn’t interested in going after Perry’s money because of the repercussions from Perry if he did. Which is clearly a wise move on his part because otherwise the whole of Perry’s syndicate will hunt him down. Johnny’s not interested in starting a war with him. He’s only interested in us. Us and the diamonds. After all, the diamonds are fair game at the moment, they’re up for grabs.’
Alfie nodded. ‘But if we postpone Perry so he doesn’t show up, won’t it look suss?’
‘No, why would it? Johnny won’t think anything is wrong as long as he eyeballs us, or he’ll just think Perry has let us down. But he’ll still go after us because he knows we’ve got the diamonds. And we want it to look like he’s taken us by surprise. We’ll go through the motions, turn up on the beach as arranged, but we’ll be on our toes to scarper away with the diamonds. Johnny will be spitting feathers that we managed to cut and run, but he won’t suspect it’s anything to do with Bree, which means she’ll be safe, which is the most important thing. And then later we’ll just set up another meeting with Perry, and that’s it. Job done.’
Bree smiled gratefully at Frankie as Vaughn clapped his hands slowly and loudly. His voice dripped with sarcasm. ‘Well thanks for that, Frank. And there was me thinking that we’ll be walking into danger when all along it’s as simple as one, two, fucking three.’
‘Vaughnie, you know I’m not saying that. I know it’s not ideal, but it’s the only way to make sure Bree stays out of trouble.’
‘Funny, it sounds exactly like that.’
‘Then step out of it. Me and Alfie will go ahead. Don’t worry, nobody’s going to cut you out of the deal, but I understand why you don’t want to be involved.’
Vaughn snarled at Frankie. ‘You’re right, I don’t. I don’t want to get anywhere near it. I think you’re a right bunch of mugs. She’s proper turning you over and you lot can’t see it. I ain’t going to be coming to anyone’s funeral. Do what you like, but I’m washing me hands. I’m out of here.’
Alfie called out to him as he walked away. ‘Vaughn, come on. Don’t do this.’
‘Say what you like, but you won’t change me mind.’
‘Where you going? Vaughn! Vaughn, come on, mate! Come back. You can’t walk.’
‘Just try me!’ he shouted as he continued walking away.
Alfie glanced at Frank, smiling. ‘Thanks for staying Frank, I owe you one.’
Frankie winked. ‘I’ll add that to the list, shall I?’
Alfie turned to Bree, as she got up from the wet gravel. He put out his hand to help her up.
‘Look, if you can drive, you need to get back home, and quick. But I need to ask you something, if you could do me a favour.’
‘Anything.’
‘I’m worried about Sandra. I might be being silly, but I haven’t heard anything from her. From what you’ve said, I have a feeling she might be in trouble though. The thing is with Eddie down here, it’s the perfect opportunity to go to her house and have a look around. I know it’s a long shot, but it’s not like her not to get back to me. What do you say? You in?’
Bree gave a warm smile, relief ebbing from her as she squeezed Alfie’s hand. ‘Yeah, of course I’m in.’
‘And Bree, one way or another, I promise I’ll get you and Ryan and the kids out of there. Just give me time to work it out.’
68
Bree took another drink of coffee, trying to clear her head. She was aware she had to get back home, but she still had time if she was quick, and besides Alfie had asked her to check on Sandra, and it was the least she could do. There was no way she was going to let him down. Not again.
Although she was terrified for Alfie and Frankie, she couldn’t help feeling grateful for what they’d agreed to do. She was certain now there’d be no way Johnny would suspect anything, at least on that score, she’d be safe.
But everything had changed. Everything that had happened since earlier that morning felt surreal. She felt strange and it wasn’t just because of the morphine wearing off. For the first time in more years than she could remember, she didn’t know what might happen.
She couldn’t go back to her old life, Alfie had said as much, not now her secret was out. Though he hadn’t told her exactly what he was going to do or how long it would take. So, for the time being she had to just sit tight and wait.
But as much as the future didn’t quite seem so inevitable, so hopeless, so clear cut – and that excited her and scared her in equal measures, allowing her to think about a freedom that only yesterday had seemed so lost, a freedom she wouldn’t usually dare to dream – each time she came back to the same question. How? How would she ever be able to leave?
Johnny wouldn’t ever let her go anywhere. Not with the kids. Not with Ryan. He’d never let her walk out on him or on Ma. He would hunt her down, find her and bring her back and maybe that would be even worse. And besides, where would she go? She had nothing, she knew no one, and she couldn’t go for help, not now, there’d be too many questions, too many accusations, things she wouldn’t know how to answer.
So, all she could do was leave it to Alfie. Trust in him like she’d done when she was a kid. When she was a kid, he’d saved her. And maybe, just maybe, the dream she hardly dared to dream – the hope of one day seeing the child
she’d never stopped loving but who Ma had so cruelly snatched away and denied her contact ever since – would somehow become a reality.
Draining the last of the coffee, Bree sighed and stared at the imposing double gates belonging to the house Eddie and Sandra lived in, then checked her watch again. She slipped the handgun Alfie has insisted she take into her pocket.
With the effects of the morphine beginning to subside, she took a deep breath and stepped out of the car. She tried the bell first but, getting no answer and not wanting to waste time, Bree punched in the numbers Alfie had given her on the security pad. The gates immediately opened.
She walked down the gravel drive towards the house, looking around but seeing nothing unusual. Everything looked normal, calm and peaceful. Then, smoothing down her clothes, she knocked on the front door, suddenly aware that she was feeling anxious. There was no reply and not wanting to let Alfie down by leaving straight away without having thoroughly checked around, Bree made her way along the side of the house, deciding to look around the grounds first.
‘Sandra! Sandra!’ She shouted out for her old friend as she strode down the manicured garden, being careful not to knock the gun in her pocket as she pulled out her phone. She checked the time, working out how long she probably had before Ma began to wake up. There was no way she could risk being late.
Standing by the water fountain, a grey cat purred at her, wrapping its tail around her legs as she began to think that Alfie was worrying over nothing. Perhaps Sandra had just gone away without telling him, after all he had admitted to her that he and his sister hadn’t been close of late. Still, at least she’d be able to tell him she’d come to have a look, and maybe that’s all it needed to help put his mind at ease.
Striding back to the car, Bree suddenly stopped. She listened carefully, thinking she’d heard a sound. It definitely sounded like banging. Cautiously, she called again.
‘Hello?’
There. Yes, she hadn’t been mistaken, there was a distinct sound of banging. Edging back along the wall, Bree followed the noise and crouched down at the small basement window she hadn’t noticed before.
‘Hello? Hello? Is anyone there?… Sandra?’
‘In here! I’m in here! Hello! Hello!’
Bree scrambled onto her knees, lying down on the wet floor, the gravel digging into her skin. She talked hurriedly through the frosted glass which was covered with bars.
‘Oh my God! Sandra! Are you alright? It’s me, Bree.’
There was a slight pause before Sandra, said, ‘I’m locked in here! Help!’
‘What?’
‘Just get me out!’
Bree’s thoughts raced, she didn’t know what to expect but it certainly wasn’t this. Trying not to think about the time, or what might happen if she was late, she spoke hurriedly, her voice constricted by the tight knot of panic in her throat.
‘What do you want me to do?’
‘There’s a small black pipe at the back of the house, flush to the wall. It looks like a drain pipe, but if you unscrew the FloPlast cap, you’ll find the keys. Hurry up!’
Running around the house Bree saw the pipe, exactly how Sandra had described it, standing no more than a metre tall. Quickly she removed the cap and there attached to a string glued to the inside was a small bunch of keys.
She grabbed them and ran back around to the basement window.
‘I’ve found them!’
‘Then what are you waiting for! Get me out of here!’
Rushing around to the front, Bree fumbled with the keys. It took her a moment to open the door, which stuck slightly on its hinges. Then racing through the wooden hallway, Bree spotted a staircase which she assumed led down to the basement.
She switched on the light, taking the stairs two at a time and following the sound of banging, Bree rushed along the beige, seagrass-carpeted hallway and stopped at a large sandblasted wooden door, leaning her head against it.
‘Sandra, I’m here!’
Again, there was a slight pause before Sandra spoke. ‘On the key ring, there’s a grey brushed metal key, that’s the one you need.’
With her hands trembling, Bree unlocked the door. She stared at Sandra, breaking into a smile. She couldn’t remember how many years it’d been since she’d seen her, and she couldn’t put into words how it felt. But it was something like magic.
Overwhelmed, and overcome with emotion, Bree looked at her one-time best friend, she could ask questions later, but for now all she wanted to do was concentrate on this moment. Opening her arms to give Sandra a hug, Bree spoke in a whisper, choking back the tears.
‘Hello Sandra, it’s so good to see you.’
‘Hello Bree.’ And with that, Sandra Styler slapped Bree hard across the face. ‘Shame the same couldn’t be said for you. You little bitch, you fucked over my brother, and that means you fucked with me.’
The shock hit Bree harder than the slap – she was used to those. Tears filled her eyes as she stared at Sandra. ‘Please, Sand, let me explain.’
‘You ain’t explaining anything. What? Did Johnny send you?’
‘How … how do you know about him?’
‘Oh dear, have I spoilt your surprise? If you must know, I heard Eddie talking about how you set Alfie up. How could you do it? After everything he did for you as a kid. He might act the hard man, and sometimes be the hard man, but you knew he had a big heart and you played with it. He was falling for you and you used that to get your dirty, grubby hands all over the diamonds.’
‘You’ve got it wrong! It’s not like that.’
Sandra screamed at the top of her voice. ‘Have I got it wrong? Have I really, Bree? Are you going to tell me that you didn’t try to set him up?
‘I did but I …’
That was all that Sandra needed to hear. She dived at Bree, grabbing her top, pushing her hard against the wall.
‘If anything’s happened to him, I’m going to kill you!’
‘It hasn’t, I swear, that’s why I’m here! Please, let me explain.’
Furiously, Sandra shoved Bree again, causing her to stumble, causing her to fall, and as she did, the gun in her pocket came flying out.
For a split second, Sandra stared open-mouthed before running to grab the gun. She picked it up, pointing it at Bree.
‘So, you came here to kill me, did you? Finish me off. Go on, tell me who sent you. Was it Johnny? Eddie? Which one?’
Watching Sandra pulling back the trigger, Bree squeezed her eyes tight shut. ‘It was Alfie. He sent me.’
‘What are you talking about?’
‘He was worried about you because you didn’t answer the phone, he thought something might’ve happened.’
‘I don’t believe you … Open your eyes! Look at me!’
Tears continued to run down Bree’s face. ‘Sandra, I’m so sorry. I’m sorry for everything. I don’t blame you for how you feel. I know what I did was wrong, and I swear I tried to make it better, but please, I need to go home … I need to go home, it’s getting late.’
Sandra stared scornfully at Bree who now had her head in her hands. ‘What are you, a fucking kid?’
‘No, but it’s all going to go wrong. Just let me go.’
‘You ain’t going anywhere.’
Bree glanced up at Sandra, panic taking over. Her words tumbling out, spilling over each other. ‘They’ll hurt him if I’m late, if they find out, they’ll hurt Ryan, they’ll hurt him so badly. Please, you’ve got to help me, please. I know you don’t understand but let me go, just let me go. Call Alfie, do anything but please don’t keep me here.’
Without taking either the gun or her eyes off Bree, Sandra gestured to her. ‘Phone. Give me your phone.’
Trembling, Bree went into her pocket, passing the mobile to Sandra who snatched it, scrolling through the contacts to get to Alfie’s number. She pressed dial. It rang several times before Sandra heard the familiar voice she’d missed.
‘Hello? Bree. Are you alright darlin’?�
��
‘It ain’t Bree, it’s me, Sandra.’
Sandra heard the sigh of relief down the phone and she couldn’t help but smile.
‘Bree’s found you then. I was worried about you, girl.’
‘I need to tell you something. I’ve found out that she’s in leagues with Johnny and—’
Alfie interrupted. ‘Sweetheart, I know. It’s a long story, but I know. Don’t be too hard on her, she’s had a rough time of it. I’ll explain all when I can. But she ain’t the enemy here.’
‘But—’
‘No buts. I know what you’re like, so I want you to promise me you won’t do anything stupid.’
Sandra glanced down at Bree crumpled up on the floor and at the gun she was pointing at her. ‘Come on Alf, what do you take me for? Of course I won’t.’
‘Thank you, Sand. Look after her for me, and listen, I’ll see you soon … Oh, and Sand? It’s good to hear your voice.’
The phone clicked off and Sandra crouched down, placing the gun gently on the floor. She looked at Bree and slowly said, ‘How’s about if you and me, we start again?’
Bree’s face lit up. ‘I’d like that.’
‘Me too.’
Sandra leant over and gave Bree a long tight hug. She broke away, looking concerned.
‘Look, I don’t know what’s going on, but if you need to get off home, you better go, we can talk later … Don’t forget this.’ Sandra passed Bree the gun as she stood up.
‘I’d rather not take it if you don’t mind … Anyway, what about you? What are you going to do?’
Sandra smiled, slipping the gun into her pocket as an idea came to her. ‘Oh, don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine. More than fine.’
It was low tide and now evening, and Alfie’s Range Rover sped across the half-mile causeway. It was the only access to Mersea Island, a place Alfie had visited as a kid with Connor, eating cockles and listening to the story of the ghost of the roman soldier who still wandered the land, and tales of smugglers with buried treasure.
A long line of weathered fence posts stretched out in front of them as the wheels of the tyres cut through the lapping water, spraying it up and onto the blacked-out windows. Seagulls sat and surveyed, unperturbed by the speeding car.
