A Pathway of Adversity
Chapter 48
"Look love, it won't be for long. I'd just feel happier if you and the kids went and stayed with your mother in the City for a few weeks – at least until all this murder stuff is cleared up."
"But Doug! This is our home! And what about you?"
"I can look after myself honey and besides, I've recently spoken to Charlie Buckton. She'll keep an eye out, don't you fret!"
"I don't like it one bit Doug! We're a family. We should stick together!"
"It's unpleasant enough for the kids to see and hear all about Irene's murder on the t.v. without having to witness it first hand in town – that's why I want you all out of the way. Your mum will be pleased to see you all, I'm sure. Here… let me get the suit cases down from the top of the cupboard then, you can start to pack." Doug said, pushing his wife along the hall way and into the bedroom.
"But Doug! My place is here by your side!"
"No love… on this occasion, it's by the side of the children. I'll be fine. Now, get packing your underwear!" He laughed, smacking her bottom playfully.
For the fifth time, Charlie Buckton tried to contact Joey Collins using the designated mobile phone. She had received a missed call from Joey, but no voicemail message had been left. Charlie sighed. What was Joey playing at?
Detective Richard Arnold closed a file and placed it on the desk before him. With his fingers linked in a prayer-like stance, he rested his chin on them and considered.
"He's a nasty bit of work, boss." Constable Watson pointed out. "A big bully."
"Mm. Well, big bullies like Hugo Austin are taught a lesson under my watch!" The detective muttered. "How well do you know Angelo Rosetta?"
"Angelo? We go back a way." Watson replied.
"He came to see me last night."
"How is he?"
"Badly battered, but he'll live. He's provided H.Q. with invaluable information and evidence and much of it concerning our Mr. Austin. They were buddies, I believe?"
"Once… They were pretty thick together. I think they pretty much hate each other's guts now."
"Any particular reason?"
Watson shrugged.
"Think Austin cheated Rosetta out of some dough."
"Gaming?"
"Probably."
"Was he mixed up in all this recent stuff?"
Watson considered.
"No. I think he's learnt a lesson from being mixed up with the tough guys. Why do you ask?"
"He's a bit out of his mind about a certain young woman."
"Charlie?"
"What's the story?"
Watson shrugged.
"He made life tough for her – kept her in the dark."
"A necessity of the job."
"He was a pig."
"Part of the game."
"He was her life!"
"And now she's moved into pastures new."
Watson remained quiet.
"What's your take on Joey Collins?"
"Straight as a dye."
Arnold raised an eyebrow.
"Well, maybe a little kinked." Watson smiled. "All the same, a good sort."
"Friend of yours?"
"Yes."
"Can be trusted?"
"Without a doubt."
The detective nodded his head.
"Are you aware of her relationship with Charlie Buckton?"
Watson felt ill at ease. She was aware of a relationship – she had seen it blossom almost in front of her eyes, but wasn't sure if discussing it with Detective Arnold was, strictly speaking, what Joey or Charlie would have liked. She could understand the detective's motives, but both girls were her friends.
"Do you prefer not to answer?" He asked kindly.
"They are friends of mine."
"Enough said. Can Rosetta be trusted?"
Watson took a deep breath. She wasn't over fond of Angelo Rosetta but until he got into trouble with the Police, he had been a first class officer.
"My instinct is, when his own concerns aren't of the uppermost importance to him, then yes, he can be trusted."
"A very diplomatic answer, Constable Watson."
"Why do you ask?" Watson asked.
"You've no doubt heard the name 'Big C' banded about?"
"Ooh yes!" Watson answered raising her eyebrows. "It's not Angelo, is it?"
The Detective laughed. He had a pleasant laugh and his eyes sparkled with delight.
"If only! No... But he's provided me with a possible identity for 'Big C'."
"Who?" Watson asked inquisitively.
Arnold looked over the top of his glasses at the young police constable.
"I can't make-up my mind if he's serious of joshing!"
"So, Hugo… It appears you are all at odds with the world again! Who has upset you this time?" Morag asked as she settled herself in an easy chair.
"It's got fuck all to do with you!" Hugo Austin sneered.
"I'll have you speak with more respect to my sister, thank you!" Alf Stewart boomed as he walked into the room.
"What do you want, Alf?" Hugo growled.
"A few minutes of your time, Austin... if it's not too much trouble?" Alf replied, sarcastically.
"What is it?"
"We want to know if you've landed yourself in some trouble."
"Oh! There's plenty of trouble, Alf! It's just untangling one intrigue from another!" Morag grinned.
"If you can't say anything of real value, Mrs. Lawyer woman, I suggest you keep it shut!" Hugo hissed.
"I could do this of course, but your fiancé's grandfather thought you might need some help. You do realise that certain evidence has recently come to light which, potentially, could land you in deep trouble?"
"Such as?" Hugo answered defiantly.
Morag sat back and observed the young man. If he tidied himself up, he would be a nice looking man, but years of late night drinking, smoking and heaven knows what else, had prematurely aged him.
"Drop the arrogance and I'll try to sort out this unholy mess!"
As night fell, Joey Collins was ready to make her escape. She knew if someone was watching the house it would be difficult, but she had to go. She had switched Charlie's mobile phone onto silent-mode in case it rang and alerted her assailant, then, popped it into a draw. She quickly packed only necessities which she considered crucial for the journey and made a significant change to her appearance too; with the aid of a large pair of blunt scissors, cut her long, dark hair into a rather undulating bob. She'd cried as the dull blades tore into her beloved locks and cried again as she poured bleach over her head in a bid to become a blonde. Now she was ready to go. She took one last look about the small house before clambering out of a back downstairs window.
Charlie threw a small holdall onto the back seat of her car. She was still livid with Joey. How could she be so stupid as to advertise that someone was living in the safe house – after all the warnings that she'd given. She had not tried to communicate with Joey again – she hoped to surprise her or catch her in the act! She drove off quickly into the night.
"Ok! I was involved in gaming fixes and yes, I have been involved in one or two dodgy business deals, but I swear to you, I wasn't involved in Irene's murder!" Hugo insisted tearfully. "I'm not a killer!"
He was tired and worried sick. Morag had grilled him for over two hours and now he looked done in. Morag glanced at her mute brother. He had listened incredulously for most of the conversation between Morag and Hugo without saying a word. He was outraged and deeply offended that a man whom he had trusted so entirely with his business had used his position, company assets and contacts to fuel his gaming empire. Worst of all, he had crawled and simpered his way into the affections of his only grandchild, Martha.
"You little prick! You dirty little toe-rag! Just let me get my hands round his ungrateful little throat…!"
Alf rose from his chair with anger in his eyes.
"Sit down, Alf! You're in no fit state to give this young man a good thrashing! Leave that for his enemies!" Morag grinned looking back at the subdued, troubled, young man sitting in front of her. "How much of this does Martha know about, or is involved in?"
"Nothing." Hugo mumbled.
"If I find you've ever touched a hair on her head, I'll personally pull your head off your body and piss in the hole!" Alf roared.
"I told you to sit down, Alf!" Morag boomed alarmingly.
"I swear to you – Martha has never been affected by any of my business deals!"
"And just how much of my money have you gambled away?" Alf hissed.
"Very little, Alf, I swear!"
"I'm not sure if I believe you or not! Sitting here listening to what you've been confessing… well, it's made me feel sick! Sick! I can't believe that someone could betray trust like you've been doing for so long!"
"Ok! I admit that I did borrow funds early on, but since, I've made such a lot of dough that I've been able to finance my own concerns." Hugo boasted.
"Living off the backs of others! You parasite! How many folks have you cheated and lied to? Breaking up their homes and…"
"What's done is done, Alf! Hugo is a suspect in a murder case. I for one, though God alone knows why, believe he is innocent of this, but he will have to pay dearly for his syndicate. Hugo…" Morag said, turning to the younger man. "You do understand that this whole thing is serious?"
Hugo nodded his head.
"You do realise that even if you are not charged with the murder of Irene Roberts, you will be charged with running an illegal gaming cartel?"
Hugo nodded again.
"A custodial sentence is likely but if you repay the money you have cheated out of your associates, then, we may be able to get you a reduced sentence."
"You're not telling me you're going to represent this thug?" Alf cried.
"There is a method in my madness, brother dear. If this young man makes a complete and truthful statement to the Police, repays every red cent he has stolen from you, resigns from your company and promises to never contact Martha again, we can be rid of him for good."
"Resigns from my company?! As far as I'm concerned, his sacked! You're fired! Do you hear that you dirty, little creep?"
Hugo nodded numbly.