The back garden was in same state of decay as the front. The grass was so tall in parts the tips of their blades were kissing the downstairs windows. A limp washing line hung right away across the garden having been tied from one oak tree to a second at the far end of the lawn. Beyond this line, Luke spotted a conservatory. Each one of its windows had either been cracked or were completely missing. It was through one of these cracked panes that he noticed two figures wrestling with each other, the larger of the two figures having already pinned the smaller against the Chatterton Hotel walls. Biting his lower lip in pain, Luke began to limp towards the conservatory. The screams were clear now. He could hear a thick Russian accent as he drew nearer quickly followed by the sound of a slapped cheek.
Lena had collapsed across the lawn as Luke had edged his way past the conservatory. A large man, his back turned to Luke, loomed over her. It took Luke only a second to recognise her assailant. It seemed that Mr Dimitri had lost patience with Claire and had decided to pay her daughter a visit.
“I’m not leaving until I get my money, Lena,” Andre threatened. Lena was trying to sit herself up on her elbows, but Andre kept pushing her back down into the wet grass with the heel of his huge work boot. “You can tell me lies all you want little girl. I know you know where your bitch of a mother is and I will not leave until she has given the cash.”
“Go to hell!” Lena spat back trying to grab a stone to fling at Andre but only finding mud to throw at him instead. Andre wiped the dirt from his face and laughed.
“You think a little mud will send me away? Your mother owes me thousands little girl.”
“Then you need to talk to her yourself. I don’t know where she is and even if I did I would die before telling an ape like you!”
Andre’s expression drooped. Dirt he could handle. He didn’t like name calling. Slowly, he began to unbuckle his belt. A wolfish grin appeared across his face too. He’d very nearly released the leather belt from his enormous waist when, from behind, a thick section of a tree branch came smashing down across the back of his sizeable head.
The mighty Russian made no noise as the wood had connected with the base of his skull. Even more surprising, Andre had failed even to flinch. Even as a second blow connected, this time heavier and against the crown of his skull, he didn’t move a muscle. Instead, dabbing the top of his head gently with his free hand, he turned slowly to see who had attacked him.
“Mr McGowan.”
Luke was in shock. He’d put all of his considerable energy into both assaults and yet neither had caused the Russian any trouble.
“You know my name. Did Claire tell you?” Luke questioned. He was still holding the tree branch he’d found hidden within the tall grass.
“Of course,” Andre replied. A thin trickle of blood had now begun to run from the top of the Russian’s forehead and down across the thin ridge of his large, broken nose.
“That hurt, Mr McGowan.”
“Really?” Luke replied genuinely surprised.
“Yes.”
The blows had some effect it seemed. As Andre went to take a step forward he had to stop for a split second to regain his balance.
“Move one more step and I’ll slam you again,” Luke warned, raising the tree branch.
Andre took a step forward. Luke swung the branch at him but only managed to strike the Russian’s huge forearm as he’d raised it against the incoming blow. The branch snapped in two. Luke could hear the sound of bone cracking. Andre yelled for the first time and grabbed his forearm in agony.
“I warned you.”
Again, Andre stepped forward. He was preparing to run at Luke when, again from behind, a large object smashed against the back of his head. This time it was a large stone which Lena had picked up. She’d brought it down with such force against the Russian’s skull that he immediately collapsed to his knees. Andre yelled out in pain for the second time, his free hand grabbing at the back of his head in agony. He tried to stand, but Lena quickly brought the stone down against his skull once again. This time there was a sickening crack. Andre rolled over onto his back and began to cry.
“Lena! No!” Luke yelled out as he watched her preparing to raise the stone for the final, third time. “No Lena! You’ll kill him!” he continued limping quickly over to where Lena stood. He grabbed her arms so she was unable to raise the heavy stone a fraction higher.
“Let me go!”
“No!”
“I want to finish this swine off now!”
“Drop the stone!”
For a minute they struggled with one another. Eventually, Lena was forced to drop the stone.
“The swine!” she spat again. Andre had passed out by this point.
“Get a grip, will you?” Luke snapped, grabbing both of Lena’s arms and turning her sharply to face him. “You all finished now?”
“I haven’t even started. Let go of me, will you?”
“Not until you’ve calmed down.”
Lena kicked Luke in the shin and then pushed him to one side. She went to pick up the stone once again, but Luke was too quick for her. Grabbing the rock himself, he threw it into one of the conservatory windows smashing the only pane still intact.
“Whose side are you on?”
“I think it was me who saved your skin, sister, so let’s just stop with the accusations!”
“Screw you!”
Luke grabbed her for a second time; on this occasion he held both her arms tightly.
“You going to kick me again?”
“I might.”
They paused. Luke let go of her arms and instead placed his two hands firmly against each of her cheeks. “I think you’re trouble.”
“I don’t give a damn what you think!” Lena retorted trying to struggle free but helpless in Luke’s tight lock.
“Are you going to let me go?”
“Are you going to behave?”
She looked straight into Luke’s deep blue eyes and smiled.
“I’ll never behave.”
Luke slammed a kiss against her wet lips. He then dragged her body close into his and kissed her again, this time passionately. Lena didn’t resist throwing her arms around his broad shoulders.
“I think you’re a pig of a man, McGowan.”
“I don’t give a damn what you think,” Luke replied, kissing her again.
“Did you miss me?” she then whispered.
“A little.”
“You know. I didn’t want to wake you.”
“I figured that.”
“Are you mad at me?”
“I’m incandescent with rage.”
“I like the way you kiss, Luke.”
“I like the way you handle a stone.”
She smiled.
“Well, we better keep an eye on Andre.”
Luke glanced back at the Russian. He was still lifeless across the grass.
“How much did you leave in the safety deposit box? I got your note.”
Lena smiled.
“Enough.”
“Forgive me for being so direct. I’m high maintenance and I like to know what I’m worth in advance.”
“I thought five thousand would be a nice figure for you.”
Luke was genuinely surprised.
“Five thousand?”
“Yes. Will that be enough?”
“Enough? Yes. That’ll do nicely.”
Lena kissed him.
“You’re a very generous client,” Luke whispered.
“I know you’ll do a great job,” Lena replied, stepping away and walking over to where Andre was sprawled out.
“You have quite a temper when you put your mind to it, Lena.”
“I get it from my mother, I think,” she replied, kneeling beside Andre’s bloodied head. She took his wrist and felt for a pulse. “He’s still alive.”
“He’ll be okay. He’ll think twice before coming back, that’s for sure.”
“Oh, he’ll be back alright. He’ll be back with f
riends, too, I’m sure of it. Mother owes him a lot of money.”
Luke took Lena by the arm and raised her to her feet.
“Are you going to tell me everything now? The whole story?”
“Please Luke. Just promise you’ll help me.”
“I need answers first Lena.”
She sighed and began to shake her head.
“It’s all about money. That’s what it comes down to. I already explained this to you.”
“I know.”
She brushed the strands of her dark, silky hair to one side.
“I spoke to your mother. She’s a drunk for sure, but I know she loves that boy. I don’t think she could ever put him in any harm. I know I’m right. I’m a good judge of character.”
“I know, but it’s not mother that I’m worried about, is it? It’s my uncle.”
“I’m sure he’s a pussy cat too. I’m pretty sure you’ve got this all wrong, Lena. I think your uncle is just looking out for his sister and the boy. Like you said yourself, your mother owes a lot of money to the wrong people.”
“You’re wrong, Luke. If you knew my family like I do you wouldn’t be talking such rubbish. My uncle is a dangerous man. He makes Andre look like a kitten.”
Luke sighed and nodded.
“Well, I guess I’ll have to take your word on that one. I’ll track down your brother, Lena, but I won’t be starting any wars with your uncle. You need to understand that.”
“I just want you to bring them back safe.”
“And if your mother’s perfectly happy where she is? Then what?”
“Then you bring back Lee.”
“Oh no. That’s where you need a reality check. You’re paying me to locate them. That’s all.”
“You’re being well compensated, Luke. Don’t forget that.”
“Not enough for a kidnapping charge.”
Lena crossed her arms and glanced back towards Andre. Luke wasn’t finished with his questions.
“And what sort of work did this lump do for your mother exactly?”
“The dirty kind, Luke. The kind you read about on the front pages of local newspapers. Claire likes to get her own way in business. Before she started knocking back the gin she was quite the savvy businesswoman. I guess I have to give the witch credit for that. She invested in property and small businesses. Let’s just say Andre was hired to help smooth out the deals and keep competitors from getting too close. He was also useful when it came time to raise the rents and get rid of those tenants who couldn’t afford the changes.”
Lena now walked towards the conservatory and sat beside its dilapidated walls. Again, her head drooped slightly. She then began to wipe loose strands of hair from her flushed face. She looked so fragile Luke could not help but sit next to her and put an arm around her delicate shoulders.
Through moist eyes Lena said, “Of course I’m telling you the truth, Luke. I wouldn’t lie to you. I’m in love with you after all…”
Luke breathed in deeply.
“That’s a big word.”
Lena’s eyes narrowed. She wiped away more loose tears from her cheeks and whispered, “Don’t you feel the same, Luke? Don’t you feel it too?”
Luke lowered his head. Turning his face up to hers he simply nodded.
“You know, you can say those same big words too if you really like me.” Lena continued.
Luke smiled and held her close. He then said, “I’ll help you Lena. I’ll help you find your little brother.”
“Do you promise? Do you swear on my life you’ll do all you can to find them?”
Luke nodded.
“Okay. So, you’ll find all the information and cash in that little safety deposit box, Luke. I made sure I was very thorough. All you have to do is go fetch it.”
“If you insist. You’re the boss now after all.”
“That’s right.”
“You’re to go to the village of Chatterton in South Warwickshire. That’s where mother was born. That’s where you’ll find my uncle, Spencer Chatterton. He’s a lord, but don’t let the title faze you. Like I told you yesterday, he has very little funds and even less influence. He lives with his daughter, Elizabeth Chatterton, at Chatterton Hall. It goes back generations. Like I said, I’ve put the address and your funds in the box. I’m sure she’ll help you in any way she can.”
“You make it sound so easy.”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean, just swanning up to the Lord and Lady of the manor. I’m not sure it’s going to be that easy.”
Lena smiled.
“Like I’ve been trying to explain, it’s all a lot grander than it sounds. They inherited the mansion−Chatterton Hall. But that’s about it. Take it from me, they don’t have a penny to rub together. The last I heard they were selling off what land they hand just to keep the hall ticking over. They could lose everything quite soon from what I heard.”
“What’s stopping you from going to talk to her yourself?”
“I can’t be seen in that village, Luke. One look at me and they could move Lee somewhere else. I can’t take that risk. I need someone I can trust on the ground. Someone to be my eyes and ears. I need information. I need someone who can get information out of people. Do you understand?”
Lena now looked past Luke towards Andre. The Russian had come around and was pushing himself up slowly onto his thick elbows.
“You let me handle this,” Luke ordered climbing to his feet. At first he went to pick up the broken tree branch. He changed his mind quickly and walked back towards the conservatory. Pushing open its doors, he retrieved the stone Lena had used and stood himself over Andre. The Russian was now fully conscious and sitting upright in the tall grass. One of his huge hands rubbed at the back of his head. Blood covered almost all of his face. He took in a series of deep breaths and, looking tentatively up towards Luke, said, “You don’t know what you’re getting yourself into, Mr McGowan.”
“I think its best you just keep your mouth closed for now Andre. Is that clear?” Luke replied, holding the stone high above his own head ready to bring it crashing down against the Russian’s skull at any moment.
~ ~ ~
“Whatever that girl’s told you is a lie. Are you listening to me, man?”
“I’m not interested in anything you have to say right now. Are you listening to me? I think you should just get up and make your way back to whatever pit you crawled out from.”
Slowly, painfully, Andre stood up.
“Very well, Mr McGowan. If I can’t convince you otherwise, I’ll leave you both alone. But be aware that I will find out where Claire is hiding out and collect what I’m owed.”
“You can do whatever makes you happy, soldier,” Luke retorted keeping the stone trained carefully on its target as the ungainly Russian began to make his way sluggishly across the lawn. Andre glanced menacingly towards Lena but kept silent.
“And tell your friends to back off too, Andre. This isn’t Moscow. You’re in my neck of the woods now. I can rustle up enough trouble too if I have to,” Luke continued, walking back over towards Lena.
Still dabbing his bloodied head, Andre said, “I’m sure you could, Mr McGowan. I have no doubts you are well connected in this city. Perhaps when you realise what trouble you are getting yourself into you can call on those friends. I’m sure they’ll all be happy to help you. You will need all their help, Mr McGowan. Every one of them. Good day, Mr McGowan. Good day, Miss Chatterton.”
With that, Andre disappeared behind the conservatory, his large frame becoming disfigured as he passed across what remained of the crooked window panes. After a minute of walking, he was gone.
“I hope he trips over the garden wall too,” Luke mumbled dropping the stone into the grass. Lena placed a gentle hand across his arm.
“How is your leg? Are you badly hurt?”
“I can still walk. I’ll be okay by tomorrow. I don’t think anything is broken.”
“You should learn to jump high
walls.”
“Thank you for the advice. I think it’s best we make a move too. I assume you’re not planning on staying here anymore?”
“Not with Andre and his goons hanging around. I booked myself into another hotel in Chancery Lane. You know Chancery Lane?”
“Of course. I know all the best places in this town.”
“Very good. In that case you can take me there. Is that a deal?”
“Deal.”
~ ~ ~
Luke had flagged down a taxi once they’d reached the main road. He didn’t fancy a gruelling bus ride in his present condition. He also didn’t want to chance crossing paths with Andre again. The taxi driver, a middle-eastern man in his late fifties with receding hair and ears which stuck out a little too far, made small talk with Lena as he ferried them through central London. Luke had never been one to make small talk. His earlier exertions with Andre had exhausted him too much. By the time the taxi had spun onto the Pentonville Road Luke had fallen asleep.
“Wake up Luke. We’re here,” a soft voice, Lena’s soft voice, whispered into Luke’s ear. He opened his eyes to find Lena’s smiling face hovering just above his. Behind her, smoking a cigarette in the street, he could see their taxi driver.
“You fell asleep just as soon as your head hit the back seat.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. You earned yourself a rest, don’t you think?”
Luke sat up and began to rub his face. Lena was leaning in close to him now. He could smell her sweet lavender perfume. During their journey she’d applied her makeup. He watched her lips moving as she spoke not really listening to what she was saying. Her lips were full and perfectly shaped. She’d applied a faint red lipstick. This lipstick complimented her pale skin and dark eyes. Luke wanted to grab her and kiss her. She noticed Luke’s attention and said, “I paid the fare. Come on. We’ve no more time for hanging around, Mr McGowan. Let’s get you out. The hotel is just a minute away from here. Are you listening to me?”
The Devil's Blue Eyes Page 7
