Midnight's Door

by Robert F Barker

  'I'm serious Danny.'

  'So am I. Listen Sis, I gotta go. Someone's trying to ring me. I'll see you later.'

  When I got to Tesco's, Carver was already there. His car was nose-up against the wall in the far corner where there are usually a few cars but it’s not too busy. We've met there before, when there's been stuff we need to talk about. I parked next to him, got out and jumped in the passenger seat.

  'You bastard,' I said. 'You could have given me a 'heads up' when we spoke yesterday.'

  He was ready for it. 'No, I couldn't. If I'd told you what was going on you'd have been expecting it and Welbeck would have known. He may come across as stiff, but believe me, he's switched on.'

  I couldn't disagree with the reasoning, so I dropped it.

  'So what's the score?'

  'The body turned up four days ago. When we realised it might be Ged Reilly your name came up and I had to take myself out of it. People know we know each other and you're involved with us with these murders. Conflict of interest and all that.'

  'So what happens now? Where does it leave me?'

  'Depends.'

  'On what?'

  'On whether you killed him.'

  I glared at him. 'Don't you start.'

  He gave a half-smile. 'Okay, let's assume you didn't. In that case there shouldn't be any evidence to support a charge and your bail will get cancelled.'

  'How long will that take?'

  He pulled a, how long is a piece of string sort of face. 'Could be several weeks. Welbeck's a good investigator and he's thorough. He'd want to be sure before letting you off the hook.'

  'Am I on a hook?'

  'Like I said, depends on-'

  'Yeah, I know. Whether I killed Ged.' After a moment I said, 'Your mate seems pretty keen on pinning it on me. Why's that?'

  'He doesn't like doormen. He was at Stockport during all that trouble at the Alambra. He reckons it was the lack of cooperation from the guys on the door stopped him getting convictions.'

  I nodded. The attack on the Alambra Club’s door one Saturday night has gone down in Doorstaff legend as, 'The Night Of The Alambro’. I must have heard about ten different versions over the years.

  I said, 'How did you come to find the body?'

  'We got an anonymous tip-off telling us where it was buried.'

  'Phone-call?'

  'Letter.'

  I thought on it. 'Good timing, don't you think?'

  'How do you mean?'

  'Think about it. Here's Yashin manoeuvring to take over the door, and here's me standing in the way of it happening. Suddenly I'm up to my neck in murder charges and, potentially, out of the equation.'

  Carver shook his head. 'That only works if you get convicted. If you didn't do it, it'll take more than your mobile in a grave to make that happen.'

  'It may not need a conviction.'

  'Why's that?'

  I told him about the void-clause.

  'So Frank could drop you for another company anyway?'

  'Possibly. We're looking into the legalities as we speak.'

  He stared at the wall in front of us, rubbing his chin. 'Who would know where the body was buried?' I gave him a pointed look and waited for the penny to drop. Eventually he said. 'Right. Whoever killed him.'

  'Thank you.'

  He thought some more. 'I still can't see a connection. Let's just say that you getting pulled in on a murder charge is part of an attempt by Yashin, or whoever, to get you off the door. How could Yashin know anything about a buried body, or Ged Reilly being killed and that he could use that way? Yashin was in Russia ten years ago.'

  'That's what's worrying me,' I said. 'I can't see the connection either.'

  Carver fell silent again. When I'd had enough of it I said, 'What're you thinking?'

  He shot me a distracted glance, thought some more, then said, 'I'm thinking about what would happen if Yashin did get a foothold in the club scene, particularly if he also had control of the doors. You remember what it was like around here ten years ago. The drug problem was out of control. The clubs were full of it. There was open dealing in the street. Christ, it was even rife in the schools. And we had all the shit that comes with it. Violence, beatings, petrol bombs, knifings. Not to mention the Bowling Club shoot out.' I nodded at his mention of yet another infamous entry in the annals of Warrington's Crime History. 'Okay, there're still plenty of problems, but they're nothing like as bad as they were. It's taken a lot of work by a lot of people to turn things around. But if Yashin starts to build a base, it'll undo everything we've done and we'll end up back at square one. Worse even.' He shook his head. I could see from his face his concern was genuine.

  We both thought some more.

  I said, 'Maybe we need a plan.'

  'To clear you of suspicion of murder you mean?'

  I rocked a hand. 'More than that, I think.'

  'How much more?'

  'As much as we need to stop Yashin.'

  He shot me a wary look. 'You're talking to a cop, remember.'

  I gave him my most level stare so he would know what I was thinking. Jamie Carver had a reputation for being as 'straight' as straight cops come. But I knew him well enough to know there'd been occasions in his career when the rules of his trade had clashed with what was best for the public. On those times the public tended to come out on top.

  I began to talk.

  We were there another thirty minutes.

  CHAPTER 36

  After my meeting with Carver, I headed to the club. I wanted to get there early so I'd have time to think about what I was going to do with the extra staff I'd asked Mike to arrange. I wasn't certain there was going to be trouble, but after the incident on the bridge I wasn't going to leave anything to chance. The hospital was on the way so I dropped by to see how Eric was doing. He was awake, hurting in lots of places, but a mile better than the last time I'd seen him. He asked about his attackers and almost managed a smile when I described some of what Gol and I had managed to inflict on them. As I was leaving, I told him not to waste time getting better. The way things were going, I would be needing him, and soon.

  He put on a cheesed-off face. 'Aren't you supposed to say things like , “Don't rush back”, and, “Only when you feel up to it”?'

  I gave him my best WTF look. 'In case you've forgotten. Midnight’s ain't no charity shop.'

  I got to the club just as Tony-the-Manager was opening up. His face showed surprise as he all-but ran up to me the moment I came through the front doors.

  'What's going on Danny? I've heard all sorts of rumours.'

  'Don't believe 'em,' I said as I waltzed past. Tony was the last person in the world I felt obliged to update. The only times he ever showed interest in my side of things was when there was scandal or the shit was about to hit the fan. Blow him, I thought. For now, he can stew with the rest of them.

  I'd just worked out my plan, ready to brief the team when I heard Frank had arrived. I gave him a few minutes then went to see him in his office. He threw Tony out, shut the door and asked me to sit down.

  Before my bum even hit the seat he said, 'What's all this about you being arrested for murder?'

  'Suspicion of murder,' I corrected. I'm not usually one for splitting hairs but in this case it felt right.

  'Are they charging you?'

  'No.'

  'Will they?'

  'Unlikely. Seeing as how I didn't do it, now that you ask.'

  He ignored the last and continued. 'It wouldn't look good for the club if you were charged.'

  'I know.'

  'Our licence is due up for renewal in the next few months.'

  'I know.'

  'When will you know if they intend to charge you or not?'

  'Like I said, that's not likely to happen.'

  'Yeah, I heard you. But when will you know?'

  I wasn't sure whether to be offended or impressed. I hadn't seen Frank so focused in a long time. Then again, it was his livelihood we were talking abo
ut. 'It could be a few weeks.'

  'That's cutting it fine, Danny. I can't apply for a licence renewal with my door security being run by a murder suspect.'

  'I understand, and I've spoken with Mike about the contract. I know where you're going with this.'

  'Don't get me wrong, Danny. You've done a great job since you took the door. But I have to put my business first. And it takes time to find good door companies.'

  By now our gazes were locked on each other, the subject under discussion important to us both.

  'What would help you feel reassured about the matter?'

  'Nothing, while you've got a murder charge hanging over you.'

  'But if I tell you that'll all go away. How long can you give us?'

  'I'm not sure I can answer that. It's not just-'

  He squirmed in his seat as he said it. I thought I knew why. I said, 'Can we talk straight?'

  'Haven't we always?'

  It was my turn to ignore it. 'I asked you the other night about the contract, and you said it's still mine.'

  'Yes, but that was before-'

  'Apart from what's happened, were you being honest?'

  'What do you mean? Why wouldn't I be honest?'

  For a second I debated whether to push. Then I thought, What have I got to lose? 'Is Yashin putting the screw on you?'

  He began to redden. 'Yashin? What makes you think-'

  'Frank, we're supposed to be talking straight. Is he putting the screw on you, yes or no?'

  He closed his eyes, let out a sigh. 'Yes.'

  'Tell me.'

  'He's threatened that if I don't sell out to him, Midnight's will burn. So will Charmaine's, and Dexie's.'

  I nodded, not surprised. 'What've you said to him?'

  'At first I tried holding out, hoping he was bluffing. But-' His head dropped.

  'What's happened?'

  'Last Thursday, my youngest, Lily, came home from school scared out of her wits. On her way home a couple in a black Mercedes SUV stopped her to ask directions. Afterwards they followed her the rest of the way. She said they spoke with Russian accents. From her description they sounded like one of Yashin's men and the blond bimbo... What's her name?'

  'Sasha.'

  'That's her. I tell you Danny, it scared the shit out of me. Since I got into the club business I've had the odd threat and bits of trouble here and there. But no one's ever threatened my family before. I've run clubs for fifteen years and I've met some people, but none of them hold a candle to Yashin. He makes Morris look like an amateur.'

  I nodded. It wasn't far from what Carver had said. But I still needed more.

  'Tell me about Charnley. What's he up to?'

  Frank looked even more sheepish. 'He approached me a few weeks ago. He said I'd be needing a new door outfit in the coming months and that he would give me a good rate. I tried telling him I was quite happy and there wasn't a problem but he kept saying, 'Not yet, but there will be.' Not long after, Yashin made me his first offer.'

  'Is it a fair one?' Though I knew the answer.

  He gave a sort of snorting sneer. 'Let's put it this way. It isn't one I'd normally be inclined to accept. Not until last week at any rate.'

  'Before Yashin, were you looking to sell?'

  'Not particularly. Okay, things are hard, with the recession and all, but we're holding our own compared to a lot of clubs. I was hoping to ride it out until things picked up. But now-'

  Suddenly, like a deck of cards, he collapsed. His head went down and I saw the veneer he wears as Mr Midnight disappear. In the space of a single second he was the carpet warehouse salesman I sometimes saw him as, and a scared one at that. When he lifted his head to look at me, his face was etched with worry. He appealed to me.

  ‘What can I do Danny?'

  I looked at the ceiling. Jesus. 'Why didn't you tell me what was going on, Frank? You pay me to look after your security for fuck's sake.'

  The sheepish look again. 'I'm sorry. I should have done. It was just that- I felt like I was trapped, that if I'd said something to you he'd have carried out his threat and firebombed the place.'

  'And you think I'd let that happen?'

  He shrugged. 'How could you stop him?'

  I shook my head. 'Christ, Frank. How the hell did you ever get into this business? More to the point, how have you managed to stay in it this long? Haven't you ever heard of fighting fire with fire?' Then I added, 'Okay, bad choice of words but you know what I mean.'

  He looked sad. 'Yes I have, and I know that's what you're trying to do now. But look what's happened to Eric. That's what comes of fighting fire with fire.'

  I gave him a long look. 'For someone whose been around so long, you've got a lot to learn Frank.'

  'How do you mean?'

  'Eric wasn't the result of fighting fire with fire. Eric was just an early spark. We haven't even begun to fight yet.'

  He stared at me. 'Are you planning something?'

  I took a deep breath. 'I was thinking I might have to. Listening to you, I'm certain of it.'

  'So what are you going to do?'

  'Better you don't know.'

  'But what do I tell Yashin?'

  I thought about it. 'What's your timescale?'

  'He's looking for me to accept his offer by the end of this month.'

  'Two weeks. That's not a lot of time.'

  'To do what?'

  'Whatever it takes.'

  He shook his head. 'I don't know, Danny. What if-'

  'Leave it with me Frank. When it comes to threats, especially when they involve kids, I'm right at home.'

  'But-'

  'But nothing. This is my department. And one other thing.'

  'What?'

  'I'm putting Winston back on the door. As of tonight.'

  He looked like he was about to question it so I said, 'There's a reason.'

  He nodded. 'Okay.'

  CHAPTER 37

  I was on my way to meet with my team when I bumped into Vicki coming along the corridor. She'd just come in and was on her way to check the Green Room. Looking her brightest best again in one of those sexy-but-smart jersey dresses that show off every curve, you'd never have known what she'd been through. The mark on her cheek was disguised under her make-up so you'd have had to know it was there to see it. And for all the words we'd had over Vincent, as she slowed down to speak to me, my heart beat a little faster.

  'How are you?' she said. She seemed genuinely concerned.

  'I'm okay.' I thought it appropriate so I asked ' How's Vincent?'

  'Coming along. They're talking about letting him out tomorrow.'

  'I'm glad to hear it.'

  'Are you?' For a moment I thought she was going to start on me again but then I saw what I thought was a bit of a teasing look which gave me hope.

  I pinned her with a look. 'Whatever you may think of me, I don't like hurting people.'

  The way she regarded me, eyes narrowed, I felt like I was in front of some X-ray machine. She shook her head.

  'What?' I said. 'Don't you believe me?'

  A wan smile. 'I want to Danny, but- It's just-'

  'What?'

  She checked around. We were still alone. 'When I was young, my father- He-' I waited. 'He-'

  'You don't have to tell me,' I said.

  She wafted a hand. Another time. She changed tack. 'Anyway, then I made the mistake of marrying a man who likes violence.' I nodded, letting her tell it at her pace. 'When I came to work here and first met you, I used to think you were another who liked violence. Then over the weekend I thought, hoped, I might be wrong.' I waited, knowing now where it was going. 'The other day, when I saw what you did to Vincent-' I winced inside. 'I thought my first impressions were right after all. And now-'

  I couldn't stop myself. 'Now, what?'

  'Now I don't know what to think.' She gave me the look again. 'You're a strange guy Danny. People say you're not what you seem.'

  I wanted to ask, which people? How do I seem? Bu
t I managed to keep my mouth shut.

  She gave another head-shake. 'I guess there's only one way to find out.'

  'What's that?'

  What she did next nearly sent me into orbit. Stretching up on tip-toe she closed her eyes, put her lips to mine and kept them there. It wasn't so much a kiss, as a contact. It was like she was saying, 'Now what are you going to do?' I was so surprised, so scared of doing the wrong thing, I did the only thing I could. Nothing.

  After a few seconds her eyes opened. Our lips were still touching. I felt like a rabbit caught in headlights. I felt her lips move as her look changed to a puzzled frown. She dropped back onto her heels, stared up at me.

  I had to say something so I said, 'Did that tell you anything?'

  'Not really.'

  I nodded, though I'm not sure why. 'I'd like to talk to you sometime, if you'll listen.'

  'I'll listen.'

  'Later, maybe?'

  She thought about it. My heart thumped. Torture.

  'Okay.'

  I went straight from seeing Vicki, to the staff room where I'd arranged to brief the team. Thinking back, I wouldn't be surprised if they all thought I was high on something as I went through what I wanted them to do that night and over the weekend. I'm usually pretty laid-back when I brief. I prefer to keep things low-key, so people don't get the wrong idea. It's easy to get carried away when you talk about dealing with people in situations that may involve getting physical. It's not like you see on TV or films where the SWAT Team Leader works them all up to a frenzy of chest-thumping excitement before sending them out to deal with situations that, in reality, call for cold, precise judgement and clear thinking. Start talking about 'taking people out,' or, 'putting them down' and you're asking for trouble. But that evening, I kept having to rein myself in as I outlined the possibilities we might face and how I wanted them to deal with situations that could arise. As I spoke I kept seeing glances passing between them. Winston was there of course, but apart from welcoming him back I didn't pick him out for any special task. That would all come later. When I was finished I said 'Any questions?'

  They all looked at each other, but all that came back was a chorus of 'No's and 'Okay's, apart from Eve who said, 'I s'pose its too late to put in for leave?' Then they all went off to their posts to wait and see what the night would bring.