by Sam Michaels
‘You reckon you’re clever, eh? Well, you don’t ’arf talk some bleedin’ codswallop.’
‘Of course you’ll deny it, Johnny, but we both know it’s the truth. I’ve known all along. I never had your heart and never will. It belongs to Georgina. But you’ve made a very foolish mistake and placed your loyalties with the wrong woman. And for the record, I’m also too good for you.’
‘This is fucking bullshit! You don’t know what you’re talking about. For the last fucking time, I ain’t in love with Georgina and never have been. Tell this fucking cunt to let go of me!’
‘Um, I don’t think so. Sparrow reported to me that you didn’t leave your house all afternoon or evening. So, when exactly did you allegedly shoot Miss Garrett?’
‘We ain’t in court,’ Johnny ground out through gritted teeth.
‘Ah, but Mr Dymond, you are on trial. And as self-appointed judge and jury, I intend on deciding your appropriate punishment. But I must warn you – because of the severity of your crime against me, you will receive the gravest of sentences, probably death.’
‘Have you lost your fucking mind?’
‘No, far from it. In fact, my mind had never been sharper. Having said that, since learning of your betrayal, I’ve been thinking and I cannot fathom what you and that ghastly woman are planning. I can only assume that you came here this morning to lead me into a false sense of security and then shoot me when my back is turned. Is that correct, Johnny? Did Georgina tell you to wait until I open the safe and then put a bullet in my back?’
‘You think you’re so fucking clever; you work it out for yourself,’ he spat.
‘Actually, I think I have. I’ve noticed Georgina doesn’t like to get her hands dirty. She prefers to have her minions do her dirty work for her. That’s all you are to her, you know – an underling. She uses you and you’re too blinded by adoration for her to see that she thinks nothing of you. You’re dispensable. Superfluous to her operations. Why else would she have sent you here alone? Surely she should have ordered men in with you to watch your back? Where are all the whores? And Charlotte and Mr Harel? Where’s Ned and the Barker twins? You’re all alone, Johnny. She’s hung you out to dry because she doesn’t care about what happens to you, just as long as you do as you’re told and get the job done. Ha, look at your face. You know I’m right and the truth hurts, doesn’t it, Johnny?’
‘You ain’t got a fucking clue. I told you, you don’t know what you’re talking about.’
‘I do, Johnny, trust me. Oops, no, we’ve been there. You don’t trust me. You’d rather die for her,’ Nancy said scathingly and then shouted, ‘Sparrow.’
The door opened and Sparrow came in followed by Lillian.
‘You know what to do,’ Nancy said to him and nodded.
She turned her back and gazed out of the window. She’d already given instructions for Sparrow to remove Johnny’s gun and then to put a noose around his neck. She heard Johnny trying to fight him off but knew the thick rope would now be in place.
She spun round to be faced with Johnny now looking deathly pale with fright but he’d betrayed her and she felt no remorse for what Big H was going to do next.
‘Nancy, can we talk about this. Everything you’ve said has made me think and I can see now that you’re right. Georgina has been using me for years. But I’m not in love with her, I swear. Me and you, we were good together, weren’t we? Can’t we give it another go?’
‘Oh, Johnny, you’re so predictable. Please don’t beg; it doesn’t become you. And do you really think that I’m gullible enough to believe a word that comes out of your common mouth? But, yes, I suppose you do. Before Big H takes you to the passageway and puts the rope over the bannister, as your neck is being wrung, there’s something I’d like you to think about – I know people, Johnny. Important people. I made contacts when I worked in Westminster and during my time with Harold, I met some very influential men. There are people in Parliament who would like to see Georgina Garrett behind bars. And that’s where she is going to be, rotting in jail. You picked the wrong side, Johnny.’
‘What have you done?’ he asked, the fear in his voice evident.
‘Take him away,’ she said to Big H.
As Big H dragged Johnny from the room, she said to Sparrow, ‘Use his gun to kill Charlotte. Go.’
*
Georgina was tentatively waiting for word from Johnny. She looked round her front room. Victor was stood ramrod straight looking out of the window, Benjamin’s leg was jigging up and down and Charlotte was chewing her thumbnail. The thick tension was heavy but she hoped it would all be over soon.
‘Are you sure it was the right thing to send Johnny in alone?’ Charlotte asked.
‘Yes. It was the only way to not raise suspicion. Don’t worry. Johnny is well accomplished in what he does. He knows what he’s doing. Once Nancy has been dealt with, he’ll sort Big H out. I’m hoping Sparrow and Lillian will then come out of the woodwork.’
‘God, I hope you’re right, Georgina. This could go wrong.’
‘It could, but it won’t. And if it does, there’s nothing to be concerned about. We’ve got the blokes she paid. They can’t get to any of us.’
‘Shouldn’t we have heard something by now?’ Benjamin asked.
Just then, the telephone rang and assuming it was Johnny, Georgina dashed to answer it. She was surprised when she heard a woman’s voice, one she didn’t recognise.
‘Miss Garrett,’ the woman said.
‘Yes,’ she answered, her mind racing.
‘Good morning. This is Nurse Whitman from the hospital. I’m calling to tell you that Mr Maynard is awake and he’s asking for you.’
‘He’s asking for me?’ Georgina repeated.
‘Yes, please come as soon as you can.’
‘Yes, yes, of course. And thank you,’ she answered and put down the phone.
She stood in the hallway hardly believing what she’d heard. David was awake! He was asking for her! It was ironic that she wasn’t there when he’d opened his eyes but that wasn’t important now. It only mattered that he was awake.
‘David’s awake,’ she muttered to Charlotte.
‘You’re kidding! Bloody hell, he picks his moments.’
‘You’re not thinking of erm, going to the hospital?’ Benjamin asked.
‘I have to. I must see him.’
‘Can’t you wait?’ Charlotte asked.
‘No. I’ve waited long enough. But you’ll be fine here. I’ll be back soon,’ Georgina said and indicated for Victor to follow her. As they hurried to the car, she told him, ‘You have to get me to the hospital as quickly as possible.’
As Victor sped her through Battersea, Georgina fought to keep her emotions in check. She couldn’t believe David was finally conscious. The doctors had all but given up on him and if Georgina was honest with herself, her hope had been diminishing with each passing day. But David had defied the odds and if she’d believed in God, she would have been singing his praises now.
Victor pulled the car up outside the entrance and Georgina was quick to jump out and run through the hospital. The stairs and corridors were familiar to her. She’d walked them daily but now, as she raced towards David’s ward, her heart was soaring.
‘Miss, Garrett, you’re early today,’ the young nurse said as Georgina ran past her.
‘David’s awake,’ she called.
‘Erm… Miss Garrett…’ the nurse called back but Georgina didn’t stop.
She came to the entrance of the ward and swung open the double doors. She could hear the young nurse behind calling her name but ignored her and made her way to David’s bed.
Only as she approached, she thought he looked very much as he had the last time she’d seen him. His eyes were closed.
‘Miss Garrett,’ the young nurse said again as she caught up with Georgina.
‘I’m afraid there’s been no change in Mr Maynard. He hasn’t woken up.’
‘But… I had a t
elephone call…’ Georgina mumbled as the reality began to dawn on her.
It wasn’t the hospital who’d telephoned; that was becoming obvious. Whoever had placed that call now had her exactly where they wanted her. Georgina felt light-headed as she realised she’d been set up. Her legs felt like jelly and she reached out to the young nurse to steady herself.
The nurse gently led her to a chair.
‘Sit here for a moment. You’ve had a bit of a shock. I’ll fetch you a cup of tea.’
Georgina looked at her kind face and nodded. Yes, she’d had a shock and though she didn’t know it yet, there was much worse to come.
*
‘I can’t believe she’s gone flying out the door at a time like this,’ Charlotte said to Benjamin.
‘We all do strange things for love. Anyway, like she said, there’s nothing much to worry about. All the men who agreed to work for Nancy are out of the way and Johnny will have no problem seeing to Big H.’
‘I hope you’re right, and I wish I had your confidence but if you really believe that, why have you been so bleedin’ jumpy?’
‘That’s just erm, me, Charlotte. I live on my nerves.’
‘Perhaps I should phone Livingstone Road and get Errol and V to go and check on Johnny?’
‘No, I don’t think that’s a good idea. Georgina said to sit tight and wait. She doesn’t want anyone else at the house.’
‘All right but it don’t feel right. Something’s wrong, I’m sure of it.’
‘Put the kettle on,’ Benjamin said. ‘That’ll keep your mind off things for a few minutes and I’m gasping.’
Charlotte huffed and went through to the kitchen but she couldn’t shake the foreboding feeling. As she stood at the sink and filled the kettle, she suddenly let out an ear-piercing screech.
‘What? What’s the matter?’ Benjamin asked as he rushed into the room.
‘I saw a man… out the back.’
‘Are you sure?’
‘Yes, I’m bloody sure. He was trying the door handle and run off when I screamed.’
‘Who was it, do you know?’
‘No, but from what I’ve heard about Sparrow, it could have been him,’ Charlotte answered and ran to the front room where she began rummaging in her bag.
‘What are you doing?’ Benjamin asked.
‘I’m looking for me gun, the one that Georgina gave me.’
‘Do you really think we need it?’
‘Yes! Actually, you should go upstairs and hide. As far as we know, no-one knows you’re here. It’s me they’re looking for,’ Charlotte said and pulled the pistol from her bag. ‘But I’m ready for the bastards,’ she said, nervously smiling at Benjamin as she waved the pistol in front of her.
‘Christ, Charlotte, put that thing down. You’ve never used a gun before and could accidently shoot me.’
‘It’s all right. I know what I’m doing. Quick, get upstairs. I’m going to phone Errol in case I need backup.’
‘Yes, that’s a good idea. But I can’t hide away and leave you down here alone. You watch the front door and I’ll keep an eye on the back.’
Charlotte was about to agree but they both screamed out when they heard the sudden sound of glass smashing in the kitchen.
‘Shit, he’s coming,’ she whispered and pushed Benjamin down behind the side of the sofa. Then she stood behind the door, trembling with fear and holding the pistol poised ready to shoot.
Over the sound of her rapid breathing and thumping heart, she heard a floorboard creak and knew that Sparrow was just the other side of the door. She saw his shadowy figure through the gap in between the door and the frame. He stepped slowly into the room. Now there was just the door between them and any second, they’d be in sight of each other.
Charlotte’s finger squeezed the trigger in anticipation. Luckily, she had the advantage of knowing he was there and hoped she’d get the first shot in before Sparrow spotted her.
She almost jumped out of her skin when there was a hammering of the front door.
‘Are you all right in there?’ Mary’s voice sounded through the front door. ‘Georgina… Charlotte… I heard glass breaking. My old man’s getting the police and my sons are going round the back. So help me God, if anyone is in there who shouldn’t be, Mary Mother of Jesus, when my boys get a hold of them, they’ll be sorry.’
Sparrow quickly turned around and Charlotte heard him leave through the back door.
‘He’s gone,’ she said to Benjamin and rushed to the front door.
‘Thank you, Mary,’ she said to the neighbour.
‘Are you all right?’
‘Yes, you scared him off. But I didn’t think you had any boys.’
‘I don’t and my old man isn’t at home either.’
‘Ha, that was a good bluff and done the trick.’
‘Are you alone? You’d better come to mine and we can send Colleen to fetch the police.’
‘No, it’s fine, thanks, Mary. Mr Harel is here and it’s nothing to worry about. Just a robber who must have thought the house was empty. But I doubt they’ll be back now.’
‘If you’re sure. I’ll be right next door if you change your mind.’
Charlotte closed the front door and breathed a long sigh of relief. She went back to the front room and gasped when she saw Sparrow had hold of Benjamin and was holding a gun to his head.
‘Drop it,’ Sparrow told her, indicating the pistol in her hand.
Charlotte thought for a moment. If she did as Sparrow said, that would be it, game over.
‘Please, Charlotte, do as he says,’ Benjamin begged as if he’d read her mind.
Reluctantly, she threw the pistol to one side.
‘Sit,’ Sparrow said and nodded his head towards the sofa.
Once she’d sat, he pushed Benjamin towards her. He stumbled then sat beside her and grabbed her hand. His hand felt sweaty and she knew he must be petrified. She was too but felt strangely calm.
‘What a stroke of luck. I can kill two birds with one stone,’ Sparrow said, smirking.
‘You’ll need two bullets,’ Charlotte muttered.
‘Good job Johnny’s gun is fully loaded,’ Sparrow said and grinned, showing his blackened teeth. ‘And you’re both gonna get it.’
Sparrow aimed the barrel of the gun at Benjamin’s head and Charlotte squeezed her eyes shut. She waited to hear the bang but instead, the telephone sounded.
‘You should answer it,’ she told Sparrow. ‘We’re not expecting any calls. It might be for you. It could be important.’
Sparrow looked towards the hallway and Charlotte could tell he was considering her suggestion.
‘It might be Nancy. She knows you’re here.’
‘Get up,’ Sparrow said and pushed Charlotte in front of him and out to the hallway. ‘Pick it up,’ he instructed.
Charlotte reached for the receiver. Her hand was shaking and as she put it to her ear, she knew that once she shouted for help, the person on the end of the line would be the last voice she’d ever hear. She hoped it would be her sister’s.
*
Nancy closed the office door but not before she’d seen Big H on the stairs with the end of the rope in his hands. He’d thrown the rope over and through the bannister and was pulling back heavily on it. Johnny was in the passageway, his feet several inches off the floor, his legs kicking and his hands desperately clawing at the noose around his neck.
She sat down behind Georgina’s desk and tried to shake the image of Johnny’s frantic blue eyes. It would be over in minutes. Johnny’s life would be exterminated on her orders. It was the first time she’d been responsible for someone’s death and she realised it wasn’t as easy as she’d thought it would be. Part of her wanted to run across the room and sling open the door and scream at Big H to stop. Let Johnny live. But she didn’t do it. She had to get used to this if she was to remain in power. It was much simpler to tell someone to go out and commit murder but very different when it was happening right i
n front of her eyes.
Nancy cringed. She couldn’t stand the thought of what was happening just feet away and she pulled the safe key from her bra. The contents of the safe would be a good distraction from Johnny’s death and she was intrigued to know what treasures it held.
The safe was in an alcove on the floor beside Benjamin’s desk. She knelt in front of it and felt a shiver of excitement. This was the moment she’d been waiting for. Once she had the deeds to the properties in her hands, she knew it would make it all feel real. She really would be the boss. The woman of power. And soon she’d have all of Georgina’s people jumping to her every command.
Nancy could hear Johnny’s croaky cries through the door and his shoes kicking against the cupboard under the stairs. Big H must still be hanging the man and the thought turned her stomach. She hummed to herself, trying to blot out the noise. Not much longer, she thought, he’s got to die soon, surely!
She placed the small key in the safe lock and turned it. To her relief, it worked. At least Johnny hadn’t given her a false key. Then she pulled down the large handle and opened the door. She felt an explosive whoosh of air and then saw a flash of white light followed by a deafening booming noise. She felt herself being forced backwards. Her face felt hot, burning, and now she couldn’t see anything. What had happened? She lay in an unnatural twisted position. Intense pain ripped through her but she couldn’t scream. Her mouth wouldn’t work.
Blackness. Just blackness. Nancy panicked but was unable to move. She was vaguely aware of Big H’s voice. He was cursing. He said her face was missing. Whose face? Her face? How? The safe… Nancy’s memory returned and she remembered she’d opened the safe door. The booming noise, the light, the feeling of flying through the air. The safe had exploded and as she died, her last bitter thought was of Georgina.
