A Pathway of Adversity
Chapter 36
Having promised Charlie that he would make a statement regarding Irene Roberts' story and produce whatever evidence was needed to back it up, Angelo Rosetta left with only one thought; to put Hugo Austin and whoever else was involved in Irene's death, firmly behind bars... for good.
Charlie sat for a long time just thinking about what Angelo had told her. It was quite a story. As he told it, Angelo had been warm, gentle and comforting; just as Charlie remembered him... as he used to be. She felt sad that for many months they had been estranged; Angelo living a sort of half life for the good of the community and she, lost and alone. She felt guilty because Angelo had been unable to confide in her and she had deprived him of life's comforts. But how was she to know? She knew nothing about his mission and now she could not give him what he wanted and perhaps what he deserved; her love and devotion.
She wiped a tear from her eye and slowly rose to check on Ruby. Ruby had long taken herself off to bed and was sleeping peacefully. Charlie smiled at her young sister; her mouth was slightly open and she omitted a little snore which she did when deep in slumber. Where had the years gone to? Here was Ruby all grown up and here was her big sister, confused and lonely; separated from one love and having let go of another.
She thought about Joey and wondered what she was doing? Was she deep in sleep or watching television? Was she lonely and frightened? Was she angry or sad? And was she thinking about her?
"Oh Joey!" She sighed longingly.
She hugged herself pretending that Joey was with her and tried to imagine her lips against her own. The taste of her skin and the beat of that tender heart beneath a soft breast made her groan in want of the woman she cared for so much. She closed her eyes and sighed deeply. Maybe the future was not looking as grim as it had been just a few hours ago, but she had no idea when it would be safe for Joey to come home.
Angelo, as good as his word, gathered together all the evidence he had regarding Hugo Austin since he had been working undercover. Now was as good a time as any to hand over his finding to the authorities, but he had one last thing to do – that was to expose 'Big C'. He thought he knew who 'Big C' was, but he needed one piece of evidence to make the story believable.
At all times when he had stalked Hugo Austin, Hugo had never been accompanied by 'Big C', Angelo was certain of that, but he felt sure that 'Big C' had always been there in the background, keeping a sharp eye on Hugo; making sure everything was going to plan. Hugo was involved in gambling, drugs, pimping and other such undesirable acts which brought in large amounts of money. In the old days, Angelo had made it his business to be involved in as much as possible with his friend, until the day he and Hugo fell out. Angelo accused Hugo of cheating during a friendly game of cards. Hugo had denied the charge and after much drinking and much arguing, Hugo struck Angelo with the butt of a gun, stole his money and left Angelo to bleed. Angelo had been blessed with a rock-hard head and quickly recovered. He was angry with Hugo, but upon mature deliberation decided that his real investigation of Hugo Austin could now take off in earnest. He understood Hugo and knew his haunts and techniques. He would be able to track Hugo anywhere and mould into the background easily and without trace. Hugo had become too big for his boots and was taking chances which, in the old days, he would never have done.
Irene Roberts had got too near to the truth. She had threatened to expose Hugo and the others and they, in turn, threatened Irene - blackmailing her, and when they found her weak spot, had finally killed her. And all this time, the likes of Alf Stewart was championing and grooming Austin, preparing him to take over the helm at the Summer Bay Fish and Crab Company; a respectable establishment which gave employment to many in Summer Bay. Had Alf realised what was happening but conveniently turned a blind eye? Surely not, being an old and respected member of the Summer Bay community. But what of his granddaughter, Martha? Did he not care what happened to her? Angelo knew that Austin only kept her around for the sake of convenience. He did not love her; he had declared his love only to get his legs under the 'big' table at the 'SBF&C' and this had worked like a dream!
But then there was Joey Collins. Yes, Hugo had wanted her badly and had spoken of his yearnings to Angelo, night after night until he received the rude awakening that she was a Lesbian and had no interest in him whatsoever! Quite a blow to his over-inflated ego! Angelo had laughed when Hugo gave him the frustrating news, but this had not stopped Hugo from lusting after Joey. But Angelo had stopped laughing when Hugo announced his intention to have her at all cost – Lesbian or not. He wanted her and he wanted the shares which she would bring along... and those shares which would be hers upon Irene's death.
It had just turned three o'clock in the morning as Charlie's car pulled up outside a remote bungalow in the back of beyond. All the lights in the dwelling were off and Charlie's heart beat quickly in anticipation of being with Joey Collins again.
She quietly walked up the little pathway to the front door and glancing around her, listened. There was no sound, accept for the inevitable crickets rubbing their back legs together. Charlie put her hand into her trousers pocket; her fingers touching the key that would unlock the door which stood between her and her love. As she raised the key to the lock, she thought she heard a creek from within the house. She listened intently. Yes, there it was again. Joey was still up... or was it another person in the house?
Charlie tapped lightly on the wooden door.
"Joey? Is that you?"
She stood back and listened, but the house became silent. Perhaps she had been mistaken and the creaking was only an old house moaning and groaning in its sleep. Slowly, Charlie took the key to the lock and placing it in the hole, turned it. But the door would not budge!
"Damn! She's locked it!" Charlie muttered, but was pleased that Joey had followed her instructions.
Well, there was nothing more to do. In the silence of the night, she knocked at the front door so anyone from within would hear. She listened and heard the creek again.
"Joey! It's Charlie! Let me in!" She called softly.
Charlie heard a little squeak from within and the patter of feet as they ran down the hallway. The bolt was soon unfastened and the door flung open. The two young women smiled lovingly into each other's eyes; one with tears of relief and the other, with tears of happiness.