Sleaford Noir 1
Content
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
SLEAFORD NOIR 1. © Morris Kenyon. March 2013.
McTeague's once trusted friend and associate !heelan has bro"en off #art of the older $obster's cri$e e$#ire around the east Midlands. %ar &orse !heelan has also ta"en McTeague's $uch younger second &ife laire a&ay &ith hi$. Kno&ing the rest of his e$#ire &ill fall a&ay or defect to !heelan if he fails to act McTeague sends his trusted and lethal enforcer (ennessy to Sleaford to sho& !heelan &ho is chief and to ta"e laire bac" ho$e. So (ennessy starts a ca$#aign of )iolence until !heelan has no choice but to return laire. *ut that is only the start of both gang boss's #roble$s...
+ !,-NN/ This boo" contains scenes of gra#hic )iolence. t is not intended for the easily offended. ou ha)e been &arned so if you read on don't bla$e $e.
+ The na$es characters #laces and e)ents in this boo" are #roducts of the &riter's i$agination or ha)e been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. ,ny si$ilarities to real #ersons li)ing or dead actual e)ents locales or organisations is #urely coincidental and not intended by the author.
+ icense Notes: Than" you for do&nloading this eboo". This boo" re$ains the co#yrighted #ro#erty of the author auth or and $ay not be scanned re#roduced co#ied c o#ied or distributed for co$$ercial or nonco$$ercial #ur#oses &hatsoe)er &ithout &ritten #er$ission fro$ the author e4ce#t in the case of brief 5uotation e$bodied in critical articles and re)ie&s. f you en6oyed this boo" #lease encourage your friends to do&nload their o&n co#y &here they can also disco)er other &or"s by this author. Than" you for your su##ort.
CHAPTER 1. first heard Sleaford called Slea7eford in a $oc" Tudor gastro#ub out on the ,18 high&ay. The &o$an had irongrey hair and had co$e straight fro$ the golf course. ,t first thought the &o$an
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
&as 6o"ing $e. Then thought 'd $isheard her. ,lthough not drun" she and her friends had si##ed on a fe& gins already that afternoon and had reached the stage of laughing too loudly. Much later realised she'd hit the nail dead centre on the head. eah "no& &hat you're thin"ing. (o& could this slee#y little incolnshire to&n deser)e to be called Slea7eford9 The $ean streets of /unchester Shottingha$ or e)en ondonistan it isn't. That's &hat thought then. %ull fro$ $y dinner &al"ed out of the gastro#ub and sa& t&o youths right ne4t to $y &hite ,udi ,8 cou#. They straddled t&o *M; bi"es< their lo& riser 6eans sho&ing the &hite band of their al)ins. gri##ed $y car "ey &ith the serrated teeth stic"ing out through $y "nuc"les. *ut "e#t $y hand in $y #oc"et. =ou (ennessy9= the taller youth as"ed &ith a grunt. (is face &as half $as"ed by his hoodie but the rollu# dangling dang ling fro$ his lo&er li# ga)e hi$ the loo" of a $uch older $an. =Might be. !ho &ants to "no&9= =Turn your car round and go ho$e. !e don't &ant you here.= (e #ushed a&ay fro$ $y ,udi. ,s he did so a #oc"et "nife a##eared in his hand. *efore could sto# hi$ the yobbo ran the blade do&n the side of $y car in a 6agged line. The blade $ade a terrible screeching sound on the $etal&or" that set $y teeth on edge. (is s"inhead $ate follo&ed and gobbed in $y direction > the #hleg$ landing centi$etres cent i$etres fro$ $y shoes. shouted and ran to&ards the$ but they &ere already out the car #ar" and #edalling do&n the road. So $uch for arri)ing under the radar. No &ay &as ha)ing that. ran to $y disfigured dis figured ,udi. The scratch loo"ed li"e a scar on a lo)er's face. turned the "ey in the ignition and #ulled out of the car #ar". The t&o youths &ere cycling do&n the ,18 li"e they &ere co$ing do&n the ha$#s ?lyse on the final s#rint stage of the Tour de %rance &ith the ello& @ersey still u# for grabs. gunned the engine and #ressed the #edal to the $etal. The t&o litre turbo ho&led h o&led and the re) counter needle s&ung o)er into the red. *ut the ,udi's #rotesting engine hurled the car for&ard. The rear yobbo loo"ed bac" and shouted so$ething to his $ate. had al$ost reached their bi"es but they "ne& the local area a rea better than $e. They loo#ed off the high&a y and into a little #ublic #ar". turned to follo& the$ th e$ but couldn't. , doubleline of concrete co ncrete bollards guarded guard ed the #ar" fro$ 6oyriders. nstantly nstantl y sla$$ed on the bra"es and $y ,udi sle&ed round to a dead sto#. The t&o youths s#un their *M;s round on the concrete under a rusting s&ing fra$e. The s&ings had gone as had the rubber $atting and the bare fra$e loo"ed li"e a gallo&s &aiting for the e4ecution #arty. The yobs sa& 'd #ulled u# hard by the bollards. They both fli##ed $e the finger. The taller one the scu$bag &ho'd scarred $y ,udi grabbed his crotch and thrust his groin
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
in $y direction. &ondered if they'd ha)e done that if they "ne& had a *eretta A2 se$iauto$atic #istol hidden in a custo$ $ade secret co$#art$ent in $y car. So$eho& didn't thin" they &ould. So didn't bother getting out $y cou# but instead re)ersed into the traffic on the ,18 and a $inute later 'd left the #ar" behind $e and &as heading into Sleaford. thought about calling $y boss McTeague on $y *lac"*erry to let hi$ "no& that so$eone in his organisation had been tal"ing to !heelan's $ob. *ut in the end didn't bother. McTeague trusted $e to get the 6ob done and &asn't about to let hi$ do&n. t 6ust added an e4tra layer of co$#lication. That's all. f it &as late at night if there &as no traffic on the ,18 and if #ut $y foot do&n< 'd ha)e blo&n through Sleaford in fi)e $inutes flat. t's a one horse to&n built 6ust southeast of the crossroads of the northsouth ,18 high&ay and the east&est ,1B &here the t&o 6oin at the (oldingha$ roundabout. t too" $e longer than that but not by $uch. My SatNa) directed $e to an u#$ar"et lose on the other side of Sleaford. No& !heelan's $ob "ne& 'd hit to&n had no reason to &aste ti$e. turned into a s&ee#ing bric" #a)iour dri)e&ay laid in a herringbone #attern that dre& the eye to a large 1A30s $oc" Tudor $ansion. They see$ed to li"e their $oc" Tudor in Sleaford. The detached house had been e4tended since then &ith a &ing o)er the double garage and dor$er &indo&s high in the roof follo&ing a loft con)ersion. #ulled u# before a large entrance #orch $a"ing sure the ,udi's scratch &as on the o##osite side so it couldn't be seen fro$ the house. got out and rang the bell. Nothing ha##ened. So #ressed the bell again longer this ti$e< letting the tune ring through the house. ?)entually a light ca$e on in the hall and the door &as o#ened by a schoolgirl. The girl &as sensible enough to "ee# the door on the chain. She &as $aybe fourteen or fifteen years old. She had dyed her hair red &ith #in" strea"s running through it and had long co&li"e fa"e eyelashes. !e &ouldn't ha)e got a&ay &ith that at school in $y day. ,#art fro$ that she &as 5uite #retty des#ite ha)ing the #ro$inent !heelan ears. The crest of her #ri)ate school too" u# her bla7er #oc"et. The girl ga7ed i$#assi)ely at $e. searched $y $e$ory for !heelan's daughter's na$e. ,lice9 No it &asn't &ho the % is ,lice. ,le4andra9 No that &asn't 5uite right. ,le4a > that &as it. =s laire McTeague in9= as"ed. The girl shoo" her head. =No= she said around a $outhful of gu$. &aited for a $o$ent. The girl leaned on the door fra$e. heard $usic in the bac"ground > #robably so$ething fro$ the current to# ten. Not that 'd "no&. =Co you "no& &here she is ,le4a9= =No.=
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
felt li"e "ic"ing o#en the door and sla##ing her. That &ould "noc" the sullen e4#ression off ,le4a's face. *ut don't agree &ith hitting girls or &o$en so "e#t $y hands to $yself. *ut &hat &as laire McTeague to this girl9 Nobody. ?4ce#t laire McTeague &as a &o$an &ho could bring do&n her father's #etty e$#ire crashing do&n around her !heelan ears. =Than"s for your hel#= said. The girl didn't re#ly but started closing the hea)y oa" door. stuc" out $y foot bloc"ing it. ,le4a loo"ed u# sur#rised. %or a $o$ent she sto##ed che&ing. =f you see laire before find her tell her (ennessy's loo"ing for her. D"ay9= The girl nodded and this ti$e let her shut the door. &al"ed bac" to $y ,udi dee# in thought. "ne& laire McTeague but didn't "no& Sleaford that &ell. *ut as it &as a to&n &ith only one ti$etable thought 'd find her fairly 5uic"ly. So dro)e bac" along the bric" dri)e&ay $ade a right and &ithin a fe& $inutes &as bac" in Sleaford's to&n centre. laire McTeague &as a &o$an &ho al&ays too" a great deal of #ride in her a##earance. That &as ho& she'd snared McTeague hi$self in the first #lace. 'd tried to &arn $y boss the &o$an &as no good but at that #oint the $an &as thin"ing &ith his &hat he "e#t bet&een his legs and &as &asting $y breath. So shut u# before he beca$e angry &ith $e "no&ing he'd find out the hard &ay. Df course it &ouldn't be the first ti$e he'd fallen for the &rong &o$an after the $arriage to his first &ife bro"e u#. *ut he fell further for this laire McTeague than he'd fallen for any of his other bi$bos or floo7ies. (e actually $arried her. Enbelie)able "no&. The first salon dro)e #ast &as co$#letely unsuitable. The e4terior &as scruffy there &as a tac"y #oster of a bi"inibabe and there &ere signs in Folish in the &indo&. (o&e)er e)en "ne& that abo)e the salon &as a $assage #arlour that offered all the 'e4tras' a des#erate $an $ight need. ?)ery to&n has a #lace li"e that if you "no& &here to loo". laire $ight not be bothered about sharing &ith Folish far$ &or"ers but there &as no &ay she'd enter a #lace also offering those sorts of ser)ices. The ne4t #lace see$ed $ore u#$ar"et and also ad)ertised itself as a *eauticians. re$e$bered it &as also controlled by !heelan $a"ing it a $uch better bet. gnoring the #ar"ing restrictions outside #ulled u# behind a buttercu# yello& Forsche A11. #ressed the bell and a rece#tionist released the electronic door loc". ,s soon as the bu77ing sound started &as inside. There &as a s$ell of acetone fro$ nail #olish re$o)er. , young $anicurist &as sitting at a nail table filing and #olishing the nails of a &o$an in her $idt&enties &ho had elegant hands. (ands that had ne)er done a day's hard &or" in their life. Ms. ?legant (ands &as chatting about her holidays in the Seychelles. thought soon she'd start on about the Forsche &hich guessed &as
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
hers. gnoring the$ crossed to the rece#tion des" and the girl greeted $e &ith a #rofessional s$ile. Those teeth had to be ca##ed > they &eren't a #roduct of *ritish National (ealth dentistry. =/ood afternoon. Co you &ant to boo" an a##oint$ent9= she as"ed. =s laire McTeague here9 Dr she $ight be using the na$e !heelan no&9= The girl closed the leather bound a##oint$ent boo" and loo"ed u# at $e &ith a &orried e4#ression. That told $e all needed to "no&. &al"ed #ast the rece#tion des" and along to a corridor running behind it. The rece#tionist laid a hand on $y ar$ but shoo" it off. The corridor &as lined &ith nu$bered &hite #ainted doors behind &hich &ere the sunbeds or s#ray tan booths. =!hich one9= said turning bac" to the rece#tionist &ho &as follo&ing $e. (er &orried loo" had been re#laced by scared. /ood. Sho&ed she &as brighter than she loo"ed at first sight. =... ...= #ushed her against the first door. The fli$sy #anels shoo" and it echoed &ith a hollo& sound. =!hich one9= re#eated $y face only centi$etres fro$ hers. (er #retty face scre&ed u#. Scared no& u#graded to terror. =S... s... si4= she sta$$ered. #ushed the girl a&ay. She staggered bac" and one of her flatties fell off her feet. &al"ed do&n to door si4. %or a $o$ent thought of a ga$e sho& on the TG that used to en6oy &hen the &inning contestant had to choose &hich door to o#en. The doors all hid different #ri7es< so$e &orth ha)ing li"e a holiday to Ma6orca but behind others &ere 6ust a chea# *iro or so$ething. There &as only one #ri7e &anted today. The 6ac"#ot. turned the handle and #ulled o#en the door. laire McTeague &as standing there na"ed e4ce#t for a #air of &hite #a#er #anties and a #a#er hat co)ering her hair. Their &hiteness stood out bright against her tanned s"in. (er ar$s &ere s#read out &ide as if she &as $a"ing a se$a#hore signal &hilst the beautician coated her underar$s. The s&eet biscuity s$ell of the s#ray tan filled the air. $$ediately laire s5uealed and flung an ar$ across her boobs. The &o$an needn't ha)e bothered > she had a tri$ al$ost boyish figure. "ne& laire had &anted a boob 6ob but McTeague &ouldn't allo& her that. (e #referred his &o$en natural. The girl o#erating the s#ray turned to loo" at $e o#en $outhed &ith astonish$ent. ste##ed bac" to a)oid the s#ray until her finger released the trigger. =Dh it's you (ennessy. Should')e e4#ected you'd sho& u#= laire McTeague said dro##ing her ar$ to her side. %or a $o$ent &e all stood there at the #oints of a triangle > laire McTeague the beautician and $yself. Entil snatched do&n a fluffy &hite bathrobe that &as hanging u# behind the door and tossed it o)er to laire McTeague.
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
=/et dressed and co$e &ith $e= said. =*ut ha)en't finished here > the s#ray's not dry yet= she said not really gras#ing the situation. n res#onse ste##ed for&ards and #ulled her for&ards. My hand felt stic"y fro$ the s#ray still co)ering her s"in. =D"ay don't bother getting dressed. don't care you can co$e as you are.= That grabbed the &o$an's attention. She 6er"ed her ar$ out of $y gras# and shrugged on the robe belting it around her &aist. The tanning lady stared at us as half led half dragged laire McTeague bac" do&n the corridor. *ac" out in the rece#tion area the $anicurist and her client stared at us as &e #assed. This afternoon's action &ould gi)e Ms. ?legant (ands so$ething to tal" about &ith her $iddleclass boo" club friends. (o&e)er the rece#tionist &as s#ea"ing 5uietl y on the #hone. crossed to her des" too" the recei)er fro$ her hand and set it do&n. =Naughty naughty )ery naughty= said. She flinched. #ushed laire McTeague out of the salon door and an instant later 'd unloc"ed $y ,udi. =!ho's "eyed your car9= laire McTeague as"ed &ith a little s$ile on her face. t's 6ust as &ell don't hold &ith hitting &o$en or 'd ha)e "noc"ed that s$ir" right off her face. =/et in= contented $yself &ith saying. ,s laire s&ung into the #assenger seat being careful to "ee# her "nees together ran round the front bonnet and dro##ed into the dri)er's seat. ,s #ulled a&ay fro$ the "erb noticed the &o$en in the *eauticians #arlour all standing and #eering out the &indo& at us. hadn't arri)ed in Sleaford under the radar and &asn't lea)ing under it neither.
CHAPTER 2. Turning into the flo& of traffic $y ai$ &as to hit the ,18 southbound and "ee# going until 'd brought laire McTeague bac" ho$e to $y boss< her husband. ,fter that &hat ha##ened &as out of $y hands. The traffic &as hea)ier than e4#ected along the *181B "no&n as /rantha$ -oad &ithin Sleaford but a glance at the dashboard cloc" told $e it &as rush hour > or &hat #asses for rush hour in a #lace li"e Sleaford. thought laire McTeague &ould cry or argue &ith $e but instead she sat 5uietly &ith her hands in her la# 6ust loo"ing out the side &indo&. ,t least she'd ta"en off that ridiculous #a#er ca#. tuned into the local radio station ** incolnshire 10H.B %M 6ust for so$ething anything to
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
brea" the silence bet&een us. ,ll &as going &ell until a beat u# builder's )an #ulled out of a suburban side road ,ncaster Cri)e ahead of $e. The side #anel said '(ansen and Sons: ,ll Fro#erty -eno)ations' abo)e a cell #hone nu$ber and untraceable hot$ail e$ail address. The )an dri)er sta$#ed on his bra"es causing $e to #ull u# suddenly in an abru#t sto# that $ade $y seatbelt catch across $y chest. $$ediately t&o $en lea#ed out the bac" of the )an. ,t that #oint recalled that !heelan laundered so$e of his under the counter cash through #ro#erty de)elo#$ent. That and ga$bling beauty #arlours restaurants. The usual stuff > any business &here cash is "ing and you can start and close co$#anies at a faster rate than the nland -e)enue or usto$s and ?4cise can follo& the #a#er trail. ,ny fool could see &hat &as going do&n and $y $other raised no fools can tell you. $$ediately flung the gear stic" into re)erse. *ut one glance in the $irror sho&ed there &as no easy esca#e that &ay. &as bloc"ed by a &o$an in a Slo)a"ian registered S"oda Dcta)ia. The &o$an bee#ed her horn at $e. Trust $e $ada$ if could get out this situation then &ould. *efore could engage central loc"ing both doors of the ,udi &ere &renched o#en at the sa$e ti$e letting in a chill draught. The t&o $en &ere &hat you'd e4#ect. They both had solid $uscles built u# by &or"ing on building sites. They &ore #aint s#attered #added shirts filthy 6eans and rigger boots. Dne had on a hi)i7 6ac"et e5ually dirty. s$elled s&eat tobacco and clay earth. The $an by $y door said =out= as the second $an leaned o)er laire McTeague's body and uncli##ed $y seat belt. The first then grabbed a fistful of $y 6ac"et and hauled $e out of the ,udi. (e then #ushed $e out of his &ay to&ards the &aiting )an. stu$bled o)er the #a)e$ent unbalanced fro$ the force of his sho)e. ,ll this too" less ti$e to ha##en than for $e to tell you about. They &ere that good. The $an ga)e $e a second #ush harder than before and to##led into the )an's cargo bay. &as out of $y ,udi and in the bac" of the )an in under a fe& seconds flat. The second $an ran round the ,udi's boot bet&een $y car and the Slo)a"ian S"oda and di)ed into the dri)er's seat > still &ar$ fro$ $y body. sa& this 6ust as the first $an ste##ed u# to the bac" of the )an and sla$$ed the doors cutting off $y )ie&. , slic" al$ost #rofessional 6ob. &ondered if the Slo)a"ian &o$an &ould blo& this incident in to the co#s. t's not e)ery day you see so$eone bundled out of their car and into the bac" of a )an. thought it de#ended on ho& good her ?nglish &as. ,s soon as the rear doors sla$$ed shut the )an dri)er dro##ed the handbra"e and shot for&ards. sat u# on the cargo area's floor. My suit &as ruined no& fro$ the $ud and ce$ent dust on the floor of the )an. *ut all the sa$e brushed so$e of the &orst off &ith $y hands. =Thin" about it. ou're $a"ing a big $ista"e here -iordan= called for&ard through a s$all hatch into the dri)er's cabin. =ou're going to seriously annoy McTeague. ou sure that's &hat you
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
&ant to do9= =Shut u# (ennessy= -iordan said. =That goes for you too= called u# to the dri)er. didn't "no& his na$e. -iordan $ade a fist. So shut u#. The )an turned around in the ne4t road &e ca$e to and then headed bac" east to the centre of Sleaford. The traffic &as e)en hea)ier no& but as the )an s&ung around sa& $y ,udi still follo&ing us. !e carried on through the to&n centre #ast the still o#en sho#s. "ne& &here &e &ere going. !heelan's crib. No sur#rises there. felt the change beneath $e as the )an's tyres ru$bled o)er !heelan's bric" dri)e&ay but the dri)er didn't #ull u# in front of the house. nstead &e dro)e #ast the side of the $oc" Tudor &here there &as a range of bric" outbuildings. The )an sto##ed. -iordan told $e to get out. t &as good to 6u$# do&n fro$ that cluttered stin"ing )an but $y i$$ediate future didn't loo" $uch better at this #oint. No #oint $y shouting as !heelan's house &as a fair &ay fro$ any neighbours and surrounded by thic" treelined hedges. loo"ed around at the business$an's e4tensi)e gardens. There &ere so$e children's toys out on the la&ns. =n there= -iordan said #ointing to a shed that loo"ed li"e it had doubled as an old &arti$e air raid shelter in its ti$e. ste##ed into its dan" gloo$y interior. The shed &as e$#ty of anything useful. There &ere a cou#le of children's bicycles &ith #in" tassels dangling fro$ the handlebars leaning against the &all ne4t to a s"ateboard. , deflated #addling #ool half filled &ith enough footballs to su##ly the Fre$ier eague. There &as a bro"en bas"etball hoo# and a folded u# table tennis table. i"e say nothing ob)iously useful li"e a baseball bat so unless &anted to #lay so$e s#orts &hilst &aited &as stuffed. -iordan shut the door behind $e and heard the "ey turn as he #adloc"ed it. The only light ca$e fro$ an arro&slit &indo& far too narro& for $e to cli$b out of. set u# the s"ateboard and sat do&n on it and &aited as the light outside faded to night. &aited. &as good at &aiting. ater &hen &as cold and hungry heard footste#s and then the "ey inserted in the #adloc". *y the ti$e the door crea"ed o#en on rusted hinges &as standing on the balls of $y feet and &aiting for the$. -iordan ste##ed bac" fro$ the door and !heelan too" his #lace. *ut he didn't enter the bric" shed. Gery &ise. Security lights on the side and rear of his house lit the scene &ith a harsh brilliant glare that $ade the shado&s e)en dee#er and dar"er. $ust ha)e been standing in #itch blac"ness to
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
!heelan. The socalled business$an &ore a na)y #olo shirt &ith so$e logo on the breast #oc"et and "ha"i chinos. !heelan &as tall > si4 t&o so$ething li"e that > and his ar$s had gy$ honed $uscles. ,lthough only in his early to $id thirties he &as already balding so he'd ta"en to sha)ing all his head. n $y o#inion this &as a $ista"e as it $ade his ears a##ear to stic" out further fro$ his head than they did. *ehind !heelan &as -iordan and the other $an fro$ the $an. The one &ho'd dri)en $y ,udi. !heelan glanced bac" to his t&o thugs. =et's send a $essage bac" to McTeague. *ut &ant (ennessy's $essage to reach $y old boss > not the hos#ital or the $orgue. ou &ith $e9= he said to the$. -iordan crac"ed his "nuc"les. ,t that #oint heard laire McTeague call out fro$ the big house. !heelan turned a&ay and crossed the #atio area bac" to the "itchen. -iordan crac"ed his "nuc"les again &aiting for his boss to lea)e. = don't li"e hittin'...= -iordan said #ushing for&ard. That &as all he $anaged to say before "ic"ed hi$ s5uare in the balls. (ard and faster than a stri"ing rattlesna"e. -iordan gas#ed and bent for&ard the stuffing "noc"ed out of hi$. @ust the o#ening &as loo"ing for. "arate cho##ed hi$ straight in the throat s$ashing his )oicebo4 against his s#ine. (is hands didn't "no& &hat to do > go for his crushed testicles or his nec". Elti$ately that &as his #roble$ to &or" out and deal &ith. Not $ine. -iordan colla#sed on the floor $a"ing strange strangulated sounds. Dnly one $an at a ti$e could enter the shed. The other ste##ed o)er -iordan's t&itching body his fist dra&n bac" ready to #ul)erise $e. So$e $en ne)er learn. grabbed his ar$ dra&ing hi$ dee#er into the dar"ened interior. (e s&ung &ildly but had no real idea &here &as. Esing his e4tended ar$ sla$$ed hi$ into the bric" &all. #ounded a 5uic" onet&o into his "idneys before the $an #ushed a&ay. (e started to turn as "ne& he $ust. hoo"ed a leg around his calf #ushed $y hi# into his< t&isted and turned and the $an staggered and al$ost fell. $ust ad$it had a little luc" at this #oint. *ut you use &hat fate hands out. ,s he stu$bled for&ards he trod on the s"ateboard lost his balance and fell for&ards. #ushed hi$ do&n hel#ing hi$ on his &ay until gra)ity too" o)er and he fell. heard a crash as he hit the concrete floor. #ic"ed u# the folded table tennis table and s$ashed it do&n on the $an's head. heard a sic"ening crunch. , second blo& finished the 6ob. couldn't see $y &atch in the dar" but if the fight had lasted $ore than fifteen seconds &as losing $y touch. %eeling glad to lea)e the shed ste##ed out into the night air. The #adloc" &as still dangling fro$ its has# so loc"ed the$ in and thre& the "ey as far as could into the bushes. didn't see it
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
fall. Kee#ing to the #itch blac" shado&s 6ogged around the side of the house. heard !heelan gobbing off to so$eone on the #hone. My ,udi &as still out on the dri)e&ay near the double garage. ts "eys &ere still in the ignition. su##ose !heelan's ai$ &as to lea)e $e 6ust ca#able of dri)ing bac" to McTeague's. !ith $y face $essed u# $inus $ost of $y teeth a bro"en nose crac"ed ribs and #issing blood fro$ $y "idneys for the ne4t &ee" or so. That &as the $essage !heelan &anted to send > that nobody $esses &ith hi$. Not &anting the hood to "no& 'd gone didn't s&itch on the ,udi's lights until had dri)en out of !heelan's and &as bac" on the road. !hat had 6ust ha##ened $ade $e thin". !heelan $ust be feeling su#re$ely confident if he thought he could ta"e McTeague's &o$an for his o&n and gi)e $e a beating. onfidence racing o)er the dial to&ards arrogance. i"e say &as still hungry so dro)e out of Sleaford until sa& the golden arches abo)e a dri)ethru shining bright in the incolnshire dar"ness. say ga)e $y order to the Fole &or"ing the &indo& but the guy $ight ha)e been a ithuanian for all "no&. (e s#o"e as $uch ?nglish as s#ea" Folish. Dr ithuanian. ?)entually collected $y food dro)e round the bac" of the restaurant out of sight of the road. *ehind the #ar"ing lot the flat e$#ty incolnshire fields stretched all the &ay to the North Sea. The &ind ble& against the side of $y car but inside felt all &ar$ and secure inside li"e &as snug in a cocoon. The burgers filled $y ,udi &ith sa)oury aro$as increasing $y hunger tenfold. (ungry li"e a &olf tore the #a#er bags o#en and ate. The hot greasy food hit the s#ot. ,s &as on $y o&n belched long and loud after finished. s$iled to $yself. ou can't do that in #olite co$#any. ,fter eating &added the #a#er and #olystyrene and tossed the bundle in the trash on $y &ay o)er to the rest roo$s. There &ashed $y face and brushed do&n $y dirty suit under the driers and tried to $a"e $yself loo" #resentable at least. So$eone &ho follo&ed $e in &ith their toddler in to& loo"ed at $e strangely as tidied $yself u#. They &ere glad &hen 'd finished thin". f it &asn't for the 5uality of $y suit $ust ha)e loo"ed li"e so$eone &ith $ental health issues to the$. Ne4t to the dri)ethru &as a 2H hour garage &ith a $ini$art attached. !ith &hat &as going to $a"e ha##en later tonight< there &as no &ay &anted $y face a##earing on any TG ca$eras. So sli##ed $y o)ersi7e grey hooded chain store s&eatshirt o)er $y 6ac"et before dri)ing across to the garage and filling u# $y ,udi's tan". t co)ered $y face nicely. No &ay could anyone .C. $e no&. ,fter re#lacing the blac" no77le &al"ed into the $ini$art to #ay. ,t this hour there &asn't $uch ha##ening but sort of guessed could &al" in at any hour and there &ouldn't be $uch ha##ening. strolled along the aisles and #ic"ed u# a fe& things fro$ off the shel)es 'd need later
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
tonight. i"e you thin" it's a$a7ing that these #laces stoc" so $uch boo7e. (a)en't #eo#le heard there's la&s against drin"ing and dri)ing9 ,ll the sa$e bought half a do7en bottles of chea# &hite &ine > the sort of stuff only one ste# abo)e the industrial cider the #ar" bench al"ies drin" > a bo4 of su#er absorbent e4tra large Ta$#a4 ta$#ons $ints and a lighter. The &o$an behind the glassed in counter ga)e $e a funny sy$#athetic loo" as she bagged the$ all u#. -eaching into $y #oc"et #aid using a credit card that had been cloned fro$ one of !heelan's of course. t see$ed a##ro#riate in a &ay > $a"ing !heelan #ay for the de)astation co$ing his &ay. ,fter all he should ne)er ha)e ta"en laire McTeague. (e $ust ha)e "no&n &hat &ould co$e his &ay. eah "no& &hat you're thin"ing. !hat about $y )ehicle nu$ber#lates9 They'd be recorded by the TG ca$eras. ?4ce#t they &ere cloned #lates of course. ,fter the ordure hit the air conditioning unit so$e #oor ,udi dri)ing &o$an in Sutton oldfield< a #illar of the co$$unity no doubt > ha)e you noticed they al&ays are9 > &as going to lose a fe& hours of her life being s&eated in so$e base$ent #olice cell until the co#s established her innocence. She'd #robably loo" bac" on the e4#erience as the high s#ot of her year. t &ould gi)e her so$ething to tal" about at her no doubt $ind nu$bing dinner #arties. Ma"es a change fro$ tal"ing about house #rices stable fees or her "ids' #ri)ate schools. dro)e bac" to the diner's car #ar" and sto##ed furthest a&ay fro$ the glassedin building. Dne of the security lights &as out and that #art of the tar$ac e4#anse &as al$ost as dar" as the field on the other side of the &ire fence. /etting out noticed the &ind had got u# and ble& in a flat &hine o)er the field and it cut though $y clothes. rossing to the nearest drain #oured a&ay the chea# #lon". ou didn't thin" 'd drin" it did you9 then unloc"ed the gas tan" before #ushing a length of #lastic tubing into the tan". /ri$acing &ith disgust at the foul taste and stin" as suc"ed #etrol into $y $outh then si#honed off enough gasoline to fill the si4 bottles. then stuc" the ta$#ons into the bottles' nec"s. They $a"e great &ic"s. t too" $ost of the tube of $ints to $as" the #etroche$ical taste filling $y $outh. Then carefully #ut $y Moloto)s in the #assenger foot&ell and co)ered the$ fro$ )ie&. Not that anyone &as li"ely to see the$ in the dar"ness in the $iddle of no&here. Dnce again used the rest roo$s in the diner. Dne of the Folish or ithuanian girls recognised $e as left and ga)e $e a loo" as &e #assed but really &hat interest is so$eone luc"y to scra#e by on the $ini$u$ &age and doesn't s#ea" the language too &ell e4#ected to ta"e9 !hy should they care if so$eone uses their boss's nearly e$#ty #ar"ing lot to crash out for a fe& hours during the night9 nodded to the girl as she entered the adies in turn.
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
*ac" in $y ,udi set $y cell #hone's alar$ #ushed the seat all the &ay do&n &ra##ed $yself u# in $y hoodie and fell into a thin do7e for a fe& hours.
CHAPTER 3. ou're ne)er #ro#erly aslee# and &as a&a"e although un$o)ing at least ten $inutes before $y *lac"*erry's alar$ shrilled into life. stretched and rubbed $y chin. ,t least didn't ha)e to sha)e. rolled out of the diner's #ar"ing lot at three a.$. #recisely. ,bout the 5uietest ti$e of the night. turned the ,udi's front to&ards Sleaford and a fe& $inutes later &as dri)ing through its deserted streets. '$ fro$ the city $yself and can't ta"e these slee#y little to&ns &here nothing ha##ens fro$ one year to another. t &ould dri)e $e cra7y. !hat &as going to ha##en tonight &ould $a"e the headlines. /i)e the$ all so$ething to tal" about ho& the &orld &as going to hell in a handcart. Maybe that's true $aybe the &orld has sold its soul for $oney but !heelan &as about to find out a little about hell. The other side of Sleaford on ?ast -oad #ulled u# o##osite a co$#le4 of $idsi7ed industrial units. ou')e seen the sort of thing > they')e s#rung u# all o)er the country li"e $ushroo$s o)er the last fe& decades. Se)eral huge $etal hangars clustered together all s#ray coated a sort of greyish green. Maybe &hoe)er built it thin"s that &ill hel# the estate blend into the countryside. Dr $aybe they 6ust don't care and greyish green is the chea#est o#tion. Nothing to $e either &ay. Dne of these sheds &as !heelan's. The units &ere fenced off fro$ the road &ith a sliding electric gate at the front controlling the access road. Ne4t to the gate stood a little fibreglass security hut. closed $y ,udi's door as 5uietly as #ossible and crossed the road. nside the hut a radio tuned to ** -adio 2 finished #laying a song fro$ the 1AI0s hadn't heard since the 1AI0s and then the distincti)e )oice of ,le4 ester hi$self ca$e on. The guard &as ti##ed bac" in his chair his feet u# on the des" and &ith his ar$s folded o)er his chest. ta##ed on the glass. The guard 6er"ed a&a"e his feet dro##ing to the floor. (e blin"ed and then #eered at $e his eyes ta"ing a $o$ent to focus. =(el# you9= he $uttered thic"ly as held u# a large #added en)elo#e. The guard slid his glass &indo& #anel to one side and leaned out into the night air. (e blin"ed again in the chill. too" $y *eretta A2 fro$ out the en)elo#e and sho&ed hi$ the gun. That grabbed his attention. =Enless your hut's bullet #roof< o#en u#= said.
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
The guard blin"ed and thought. Not easy &hen you')e only 6ust &o"en fro$ slee# and so$eone's threatening your life. =(urry= said tightening $y finger on the trigger. The guard #ressed a red button on his des" and the electronic gate slid along its groo)es. &al"ed #ast and o#ened the security hut's door. The interior &as cluttered &ith a ban" of TG $onitors attached to obsolete loo"ing co$#uter ter$inals. Ne4t to the$ stood his Tu##er&are lunchbo4 Ther$os and radio. ,le4 ester's )oice &as going on about his crossdressing truc"ers. =Coesn't anyone e)er clean this #lace9 t's filthy= said to hi$. The guard bac"ed a&ay into a corner. Fointing to his s&i)el chair told hi$ to sit. (e did so. %ro$ $y #oc"et too" a roll of duct ta#e and ri##ed off a length. This &as the dangerous #art &hen &as u# close and #ersonal &ith the guard. (e $ight ta"e it into his head to fight bac" and catch $e &hen &as $ore )ulnerable. ,d$ittedly he didn't loo" li"e he could #ut u# $uch resistance being in his $idfifties and o)er&eight fro$ a diet of late night co$fort eating. (is unifor$ &as scruffy illfitting and &ell &ashed &ith a frayed shirt collar. (e s$elled of chea# deodorant. No didn't thin" it li"ely he'd ris" his life o)er a deadend $ini$u$ &age 6ob. dragged the guard's ar$s behind his bac" and ta#ed the$ to the chair bac". No& felt $uch safer ta#ed his an"les to the chair base. The guard glanced u# at the cloc". =The &agons start co$ing in at fi)e thirty or so= he told $e. =The dri)ers'll see $e tied u# &hen they can't get in.= =Than"s for the ti#. *ut '$ not here to rob the #lace so 'll only be a fe& $inutes.= thought for a $o$ent. =an you o#en unit nu$ber three fro$ here9= The guard shoo" his head. =No. The o&ners of the units all ha)e their o&n "eys and things.= =an you silence the alar$9= =No that's inde#endent as &ell.= than"ed the guard for his hel# and then ta#ed his $outh closed. gently #ulled his chair o)er and laid hi$ flat on the floor out of sight of the hut's &indo&. f any early arri)ing truc"ers > cross dressing or other&ise > sho&ed u# they $ight thin" the guard &as in the attached toilet. left the hut returned to $y ,udi and collected &hat needed. ?arlier McTeague had told $e unit three belonged to !heelan. t &asn't in his na$e of course but held by an offshore shell co$#any. That $uch !heelan had learned fro$ McTeague< that it &as &ise to "ee# yourself se)eral ste#s a&ay fro$ anything dodgy. The directors of the shell co$#any &ere #robably a cou#le of residents in an old fol"s ho$e &ho'd sign anything that &as #laced in front of the$ in return for a litre bottle of *ristol crea$ sherry each. , fe& $inutes later stood in front of unit three. t &as identical to the other fi)e units in this
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
#art of the industrial co$#le4 e4ce#t for the shell co$#any's sign abo)e the door. There &ere t&o doors > a large one for )ehicular access &ith a s$aller one for #edestrians set into it. The #edestrian door's loc" &as nothing that couldn't be #ic"ed. So guessed !heelan &as relying on the fencing and guard to #ro)ide security. f that &as the case he &as $a"ing a big $ista"e. crouched on the da$# tar$ac before the door #ushed in $y sha#ed #ry 'd brought &ith $e and after thirty seconds or so heard a clic" as the door unloc"ed. stood brushed $y suit #ants do&n and then &as in. ,s e4#ected a ro& of light s&itches &ere on the &all by $y right. losing the door behind $e sna##ed one ro& of lights on. The o)erhead hi&atts flic"ered on di$$ed and then ca$e onto full brilliance. ,ll the illu$ination needed. Near the ban" of light s&itches &as the alar$ #anel's "ey#ad. The nu$ber in the dis#lay scrolled do&n e)ery second: 1I0 1BA 1BI... too" no notice after that. oo"ing around sa& the unit &as far larger than !heelan needed. Enless he &as stu#id enough to thin" that McTeague &as a busted flush and &as about to roll o)er and gi)e u# all his incolnshire and ?ast Midlands o#erations. ,nd it &ould ta"e so$eone &ay stronger than !heelan to grab the$ fro$ McTeague's hands. 1JB 1JJ 1J8... The unit s$elled li"e a distillery. !hich &asn't sur#rising as that's e4actly &hat it &as. ,n illegal distillery #roducing hundreds of gallons of $oonshine )od"a to su##ly the needs of the thirsty ill#aid ?ast ?uro#eans in the to&ns all around the ?ast Midlands. (o&e)er there &as a nasty undertone of industrial alcohol si$ilar to the nail #olish re$o)er 'd s$elled in the *eauticians earlier. To one side sa& a &ash still standing o)er an unlit furnace. ,n angled s&an nec" fro$ the &ash still led do&n to a condenser and that in turn led onto a s#irit safe. The units &ere cold and dead at the $o$ent. oo"ed li"e !heelan didn't ha)e enough custo$ yet to 6ustify ta"ing on a night shift. Me &ouldn't let a dro# of it #ass $y li#s but $aybe the ?ast ?uro#eans' sto$achs &ere $uch stronger than $ine. re$e$bered reading about a teenage girl &ho &as found dead in a /rantha$ #ar" after drin"ing a bottle of this stuff. The #a#ers &ere full of it for a cou#le of days until the ne4t scandal ca$e along. Then it &as 5uietly dro##ed and the dead girl faded bac" to obscurity $issed by noone e4ce#t her fa$ily. The s&eet s$ell of fer$enting #otatoes &as $i4ed in &ith che$ical undertones. D)er by one &all &ere crates of e$#ty bottles ne4t to a bottleca##ing $achine. !heelan $ight as &ell ha)e sourced the bottles fro$ the local recycling bottle ban"s rather than buying the$ in. That's all his rotgut &as fit for thought as &al"ed o)er to the bottleca##er.
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
Ne4t to the ca##er &as a bo4 filled &ith #rinted labels > the labels $ar"ed u# as /ooe a"e. There &ere #lenty of differences bet&een these labels and those of a high end )od"a of a )ery si$ilar na$e. Maybe !heelan thought he'd get around trading standards that &ay. doubted it but you ne)er "no&. *ut if you're a Fole or ithuanian &anting to get blotto after a long day's graft on the $ini$u$ &age then !heelan's "noc"off rotgut did the 6ob. ,nything to dull the $isery of &or"ing in this &retched rainsoa"ed country. #ut the labels bac". f it hadn't been for the clic" of it's cla&s on the #ainted ce$ent floor it &ould ha)e been on $e before could react. s#un round fast as a s#inning to# as a (ellhound trotted round the corner of the fer$enting )at. t $ust ha)e been attracted by the lights or $y scent. So !heelan &asn't 6ust relying on the contract security guard. The dog &as a huge tan and blac" rott&eiler &ith huge bone crunching hyenali"e 6a&s. t too" one loo" at $e and '$ sure it grinned. Me being here $ust ha)e $ade its day. The guard dog tensed coiled its bac" legs li"e a s#ring and then raced to&ards $e. Slobber and foa$ dro##ed fro$ its ga#ing 6a&s and sa& its e)il red eyes li"e fire la$#s. ts si$#le doggy brain had )isions of blood on the floor. Mine. Enfortunately for the hellhound it &asn't u# against so$e teenage #un" or crac"head 6un"ie loo"ing for so$ething to rob to score their ne4t fi4. t &as u# against $e. McTeague's to# enforcer. !ith one fluid $otion dre& $y *eretta A2 and shot it. The hollo& #oint Farabellu$ nine $illi$etre bullet sla$$ed into its chest. The gunshot echoed around the )ast s#ace of the unit bouncing off the $etal &alls $ulti#lying its loudness $a"ing it sound as if an ar$y of gun$en had #ulled the trigger. %or a $o$ent the tang of cordite "illed the s&eet s$ell of boo7e. The hollo& #oint ri##ed into the rott&eiler's broad chest. The dog s#un bac"&ards al$ost head o)er heels and crashed onto the ce$ent floor. ts fore legs t&itched beneath it as the dog tried to stand. t raised its great hyena li"e head and bar"ed fiercely but after a $o$ent ga)e it u# and ho&led #iteously. ts legs &ere scra$bling no longer strong. ts eyes no longer e)il and red loo"ed u# at $e. The dog's brain couldn't understand &hat had ha##ened e4ce#t that it &as in a lot of #ain and couldn't $o)e its body any $ore. *lood s#read out to for$ a #ool under its body. The hollo& #oint $ust')e ri##ed through its insides > the bullet e4#anding and $ushroo$ing as it tra)elled through the dog's body de)astating e)erything in its #ath. &ould ha)e li"ed to #ut the rott&eiler out of its $isery but didn't &ant to ris" a second bullet on the ani$al. Dnce 'd finished here didn't thin" the #olice forensics unit &ould notice one tiny lu$# of $olten lead under the dog's body but t&o9 oo"ing around s#otted the brass shell casing
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
lying bright in the o#en so stoo#ed to #ic" it u#. ,nd then the alar$ sounded > its shrill bray adding to the dog's ho&ls of #ain and fury. The noise &as deafening. 'd &asted too $uch ti$e already but thought still had enough. !e &ere on the edge of to&n. ,nd after all !heelan &ouldn't ha)e lin"ed this factory's alar$ syste$ to the local co# sho#. Not &ith &hat he &as #roducing here. Nearby &ere t&o stac"s of #allets all loaded &ith cases of )od"a a&aiting distribution. The #allets had all been $u$$ified in layer after layer of shrin"&ra#. , for"lift &as connected u# to its charging unit 6ust ne4t to the stac". s$iled to $yself. This &as getting better and better. So 6er"ed out the electrical lead dro##ing it onto the floor and then engaged re)erse raising the for"s to &aist height. bac"ed a&ay fro$ the stac"s then thre& the gear into for&ards. The for"lift crashed into the first stac" of #allets. t s&ayed and then to##led o)er. The stac" crashed to the concrete floor the bottles s$ashing into a $illion #ieces the shrin"&ra# holding its sha#e for a $o$ent before deflating and colla#sing in on itself. %or a $o$ent the crash dro&ned out the alar$'s bray. ,fter the noise of the crash the #lace sounded 5uiet for a $o$ent until $y ears #ic"ed u# the alar$ again. , la"e of boo7e s#illed out fro$ the shrin"&ra# flooding out fro$ the i$#act s#reading out o)er the floor to&ards the in6ured rott&eiler. t o#ened its 6a&s and ho&led. , tric"le of blood lea"ed fro$ its $outh $i4ing in &ith the $oonshine )od"a staining it #in". ,gain re)ersed and "noc"ed o)er the second stac". This crash see$ed e)en louder than the first. There's so$ething dee#ly satisfying about $a"ing a lot of noise destroying crates and crates of bottles. The floor &as an inch dee# in $oonshine &ashing around the furnace's base the #oor rott&eiler trying to bac" a&ay the fu$es of chea# $oonshine )od"a filling $y nose and $a"ing $e gag. ste##ed do&n fro$ the for"lift and &al"ed through the la"e of )od"a. The rott&eiler didn't e)en bother sna##ing at $e as #assed. ,s if it "ne& &hat &as co$ing its &ay. &al"ed to the entrance and loo"ed around at the scene of de)astation before $e. ,t the door lit the ta$#on &ic" of $y first #etrol bo$b. #aused for a second en6oying the feeling of #o&er of destruction in $y hand. felt li"e so$e $ale)olent god. Then lobbed the Moloto) straight into the la"e of boo7e. t caught &ith a dull &hoo$#f. *lue fla$es lic"ed u# fro$ the )od"a as the alcohol started to burn. The rott&eiler ho&led and des#erately tried to scrabble a&ay as it felt the heat and fla$es s#read to&ards it. &atched the fire ta"e hold until the heat beca$e too $uch. Dnly then did ste# outside of the unit and closed the door behind $e. @ogging #ast the security hut crossed the road and a $o$ent later &as bac" inside the safety
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
of $y ,udi. No rest for the &ic"ed thought as dro##ed the handbra"e engaged first and dro)e out of the industrial estate. Shortly after &as bac" in Sleaford's to&n centre.
CHAPTER 4. Cri)ing slo&ly #ast !heelan's betting sho# rather i$aginati)ely called '!heel an' Ceal' sa& that #articular target &as out of $y reach. ,n ar$oured $etal shutter closed off its front and although "ne& could ha)e #ic"ed the loc" it &ould ha)e ta"en too long and didn't fancy crouching on the #a)e$ent fiddling about &ith the loc" &ith se)eral Moloto)s in the car behind $e. t &ouldn't ta"e e)en the di$$est co# to &or" out &hat &as going on > or to connect $e to the recent firebo$bing on the industrial estate. So carried on through the to&n centre and #ast so$e large buildings that belonged to so$e #ri)ate schools and then follo&ed a Folish registered articulated lorry as it thundered do&n Southgate before $ade a left along ?astgate. n front of $e &as the *eauticians 'd snatched laire McTeague fro$ earlier. Maybe !heelan thought that as this #lace &as on a $ain road it &ould be safe. t &asn't. , large #late glass &indo& too" u# $ost of the front. Feering inside the *eauticians sa& a stac" of to&els #iled u# on the rece#tionist's des" and all the $aga7ines neatly stac"ed u# on a side table all ready for to$orro&. ?4ce#t there &ouldn't be a to$orro&. Not for this one of McTeague's businesses. fetched the tyre iron fro$ out of the ,udi's trun" too" a s&ing and s$ashed the iron into the #late glass. The &indo& e4#loded in&ards shards of crystal shattering and scattering into the sho# and onto the #a)e$ent around $y feet. $$ediately the alar$ added its &hoo#ing rising and falling high #itched din dro&ning out the late night L early $orning street sounds. , $o$ent later 'd lit the ne4t firebo$b and thre& it through the 6agged hole in the &indo&. No& the fla$es scattered o)er the tiled floor and lic"ed u# the rece#tionist's des". chuc"ed another gasoline bo$b o)er the seating area 6ust for fun. No& the fire s#lashed u# the &alls raced along the ceiling and too" hold on the settees. &ondered if McTeague &as insured against this carnage. could ha)e stood hy#notised and &atched the fire do its &or" of destruction but already there &ere lights co$ing on in the flats abo)e the sho#s. So s#rinted bac" to $y ,udi and dro)e a&ay. Dnly one $ore 6ob to do before 'd finished tonight. This &as the 6ob didn't &ant to do. 'd argued against it but McTeague hi$self insisted so had no choice. ,t first &as sur#rised that McTeague &anted it doing. (e &as one of the last of the socalled 'oldstyle' )illains and li"e $e
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
he'd al&ays left #eo#le's houses and fa$ilies alone. Sure he'd &rec" businesses brea" e)ery bone in your body if needed and "ne& for a fact there &as $ore than one body feeding the fishes under the North Sea &a)es that &as do&n to hi$. *ut until no& fa$ilies had been offli$its e)en sacrosanct &ith McTeague. *ut su##ose that in ta"ing McTeague's second &ife > e)en if McTeague &as in the #rocess of getting a di)orce > the boss thought that !heelan had crossed the line. ,s dro)e thought about McTeague's first &ife Melissa. She "ne& the score all right and since her di)orce she "ne& $en &ere strictly off li$its for the rest of her life. Dr McTeague's > &hiche)er ca$e sooner. ,lthough McTeague had finished &ith Melissa he didn't &ant any other $an en6oying &hat he'd had. (as to be said McTeague had been )ery generous &ith the di)orce and bought Melissa a nice house u# in the Cu"eries area of north Nottingha$shire. i"e a -o$an e$#eror of old McTeague had banished Melissa to the farflung edge of his e$#ire. So$e&here he could control her but far enough a&ay that he &ould ne)er ha)e to see her. !hen he last as"ed $e to chec" u# on his e4 she &as "ee#ing herself to herself. She'd found a #art ti$e 6ob in a gift sho# and "e#t herself busy &ith charity &or". *ut bet she still $issed ha)ing a $an in her life. Melissa hadn't let herself go and she "e#t herself tri$ &or"ing out se)eral ti$es a &ee" at a gy$ in the nearby larger to&n of !or"so#. *ut laire &as of a younger generation $ore frees#irited and had bro"en McTeague's rules. She'd left the older $an and ta"en u# &ith !heelan. There &as no &ay McTeague could tolerate that sho& of disres#ect. McTeague had )isions of e)eryone laughing behind his bac" e)en &hile they did business together. tried to tell McTeague that it didn't $atter so $uch these days > although their di)orce hadn't co$e through as long as laire &as discreet she should be allo&ed to do &hat she li"ed. *ut McTeague said fro$ $en laughing it &as only a short slide before they thought he &as &ea" and decided to hel# the$sel)es to his e$#ire. Ferha#s he had a #oint. So McTeague felt he had no choice e4ce#t to ta"e her bac" and sla# do&n !heelan. Sho& hi$ &ho &as to# dog in the ?ast Midlands. *ut it &as $e carrying out the old gangster's instructions and so it &as u# to $e as to ho& they &ere e4ecuted. The #lans > not the fa$ily sincerely ho#ed. dro)e along *oston -oad before turning off into an u#$ar"et culdesac called Dld Flace. Maybe this &as #art of an older Sleaford but &ouldn't "no&. The large houses &ere all in dar"ness although so$e had carriage la$#s $ounted onto their gate #osts or #orches. &ondered if !heelan &ould ha)e one of his $en on guard but fifteen $inutes of 5uietly &atching con)inced $e there &as noone about. Sure the alar$ bo4 &as flashing its blue light at regular inter)als and sa&
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
TG ca$eras $ounted o)er the #orch and gates. *ut a#art fro$ ha)ing loc"ed the electronic gates there see$ed to be no e4tra security #recautions. !heelan's confidence &as about to be sha"en. ?4ce#t &asn't going to do e4actly &hat McTeague &anted. ea)ing the engine on ste##ed out of the ,udi's &ar$ interior and crossed o)er. ,s &ell as an eight foot high $etal fence to##ed &ith s#ear #oints McTeague had also ta"en a leaf out of the #olice's cri$e #re)ention boo"lets &hich so$eti$es co$e through the door and #lanted a barrier of #ric"ly shrubs behind the fence. don't "no& &hat they &ere as don't &atch /ardener's !orld but e)en in the dar" could see their shar# )icious thorns. Feering through the railings the house loo"ed aslee#. !a"ey&a"ey thought as returned to $y ,udi and fetched the ne4t t&o of $y Moloto)s. lit the ta$#on &ic"s and lobbed the$ high o)er the fence to&ards the front door. The bottles shattered on i$#act the noise sur#risingly loud in the 5uiet suburban night. The fire s#read out o)er the bric" #a)iours the orange fla$es reaching out to&ards the garage doors. , light ca$e on in the neighbouring house so ran bac" to $y ,udi and &as half &ay do&n the road before the nosy #ar"er had ti$e to dra& the curtains. Turning the corner bac" onto *oston -oad #ulled u# at the "erb and then slo&ly &al"ed bac" in ti$e to &atch the fun. *y this ti$e so$e of the closer neighbours &ere ste##ing out of their dri)e&ays and onto the #a)e$ent. They all &ore night&ear the &o$en had $ussed u# hair and one or t&o &ere still #ulling on dressing go&ns. Dthers $ore #re#ared &ere already recording the scene on their s$art #hones. figured footage of the bla7e &ould all be u#loaded onto outube &ithin the ne4t half hour. hec" it out if you &ant. ,s they fil$ed slun" bac" into the dee#est shado&s out of sight of any )ie&finders. The fla$es soared higher into the night s"y. Dne elderly $an said to his &ife that they should ha)e brought out a Ther$os of tea. o$ing round the side of the house s#otted !heelan clutching a fire e4tinguisher closely follo&ed by his $oody fourteen year old daughter ,le4a &ith another girl didn't "no& > #resu$ably a friend on a slee#o)er > and laire herself. *y the light of the fire and !heelan's security halogen la$#s sa& the girls loo"ed scared. *y no& as they had no e4tra fuel the fla$es &ere starting to die do&n. ,ll the sa$e !heelan ai$ed the e4tinguisher's no77le at the base of the bla7e and s$othered it &ith foa$. So$e of his neighbours cheered and one $an as"ed if e)erything &as all right. !heelan ga)e the $an a thu$bs u# sign but didn't say anything. !heelan and laire ins#ected the da$age > &hich &as confined to a charred garage door burned bric"s and shrubs > &hilst the t&o girls stood together. ,le4a's friend &as crying. She #robably ne)er e4#ected to be firebo$bed during a slee#o)er.
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
guessed it &ould co$e as a shoc". Ne4t ti$e she $ight choose her friends $ore carefully. ?)entually !heelan said so$ething to laire and she led the t&o girls bac" do&n the side #assage. n the distance heard sirens. Ti$e to go. Dne or t&o of the neighbours loo"ed at $e as &al"ed bac" do&n the road to $y ,udi. Nobody "ne& $e and &as the only one fully dressed. *oth things $ade $e an ob6ect of sus#icion. *ac" in the car ya&ned &idely. could ha)e done &ith a slug of caffeine or one of those high energy drin"s but 'd forgotten to buy one. shoo" $y head #ressed the button to lo&er $y &indo& and dro)e a&ay. n $y rear )ie& $irror sa& blue flashes fro$ an e$ergency ser)ices )ehicle. (o&e)er still had a lot to do tonight. /lancing at the dashboard cloc" sa& &as cutting it fine if &as to co$#lete tonight's last 6ob. Cri)ing along *oston -oad no& the *181B heading out of Sleaford &as soon out in o#en countryside. continued east until the *181B 6oined the $ain ,1B high&ay to&ards *oston and the coast. had no ti$e no& to deal &ith $y ne4t 6ob in *oston itself but could only ho#e to interce#t the$ so$e&here along the ,1B. That &ould ha)e to do. ,s the lights of Sleaford d&indled a&ay in $y rear $irrors 6ust ho#ed 'd recognise the truc" &hen sa& it. ?)en at this ti$e of night or )ery early $orning if you #refer there &as traffic in both directions along the ,1B. i"e $e so$e heading to&ards *oston or S#alding others bac" to Sleaford and then onto Ne&ar"onTrent. Kee#ing $y &indo& do&n the cold sli#strea$ freshening $e u# dro)e into the da&n. ?4ce#t it still &ouldn't be da&n for another cou#le of hours or $ore. *y no& ,le4 ester had finished his sho& so tuned into incs AJ.B %M for so$ething a bit li)elier. So$ething that &ould hel# "ee# $e a&a"e. turned u# the )olu$e. The ,1B is a road &ith fe& cur)es or bends as it stretches across the flat incolnshire countryside. No &onder they call this area (olland %en. t really is as flat and featureless as the o& ountries. n the distance on either side of the road sa& a fe& lights co$ing fro$ early rising far$houses but not $uch else. gained on the ne4t set of tail lights and follo&ed a Gol)o estate as &e carried on. Dnco$ing headlights filled $y &indscreen. loo"ed to $y left< no only a car. Not &hat &as loo"ing for. ,s dro)e &ondered about the #erson in the car ahead. , sales re# $ost li"ely thought hurrying to a #o&erbrea"fast &ith his client. No her client as $y headlights sho&ed the dri)er had long hair and a sli$ build. ,lso she dro)e carefully. To "ee# $y $ind occu#ied &ondered &hat she &as selling > $aybe #har$aceuticals $aybe greeting cards $aybe a ne& ty#e of soft&are #rogra$9 Dr $aybe she &as the area $anager for a chain of gastro#ubs9
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
, blare of an air horn a glare of hibea$ headlights. My ,udi filled &ith &hite light fro$ an onco$ing hea)y goods )ehicle. 'd crossed the centre line and had strayed into the #ath of onco$ing traffic. Ces#erately hauled on the &heel and dragged $y cou# hard o)er bac" to the left. The (./.G. blasted #ast its &heels huge in $y sight. The dri)er leaned on his horn the sound also filling $y car. &i#ed #ers#iration fro$ $y forehead. That &as close > far too close. $ust ha)e do7ed off behind the &heel > one of those $icro slee#s lasting only a fe& seconds but that's the sort of inattention that can get you "illed. &ound the &indo& do&n so$e $ore suc"ing cold air dee# into $y lungs and turned u# the radio's )olu$e. Ta"ing a rene&ed gri# on the &heel stared ahead through the &indscreen concentrating on the road ahead. !ithin a $inute &as bac" behind the Gol)o. ,s dro)e also "e#t an eye on the onco$ing traffic > the )ehicles dri)ing in the direction of Sleaford. ,ll the cars could ignore but had to chec" out the licence #lates of e)ery truc". %ortunately there &eren't too $any. The first fe& &ere all *ritish then a Cutch one. No interest to $e. Then a.. a... yes a Folish (./.G. My interest #ic"ed u# as sco#ed its #late. No no good. dro)e on into the night. ya&ned again and shifted in $y seat. This &ouldn't do. !e ca$e to a for" in the road. The Gol)o carried on along the ,1B to&ards King's ynn and Norfol" but turned off along the slightly narro&er ,1121 to *oston. thought 'd ha)e seen the Folish truc" &as loo"ing for by no&. Maybe the dri)er had been delayed at custo$s. Maybe he'd had a brea"do&n. My $ind &as filled &ith all sorts of #ossibilities. Then thought sa& it co$ing. , s$ile ca$e to $y li#s. Dnly to )anish again. -ight $odel > a %ord uton bo4 truc" > right colour but &rong nationality. ,nother fe& $iles clic"ed u# on $y odo$eter. &as #ast the )illage of (ubbert's *ridge. Much further and 'd be in *oston itself and then the North Sea.
CHAPTER 5. et another uton truc" a##roached and scanned its licence #late. es es es The #late started &ith -, B. ,ll $y fatigue all $y e4haustion &ashed a&ay and sat u# straighter. *y no& the truc" had #assed by and sa& its red tail lights receding in $y $irror. , layby ca$e u# ahead. So s&ung in a)oiding a length of blac" shredded tyre and turned around follo&ing the uton bo4 truc". ,ccelerating &as soon u# behind it. flashed $y lights but the dri)er too" no notice. f
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
anything he s#ed u# and the lu$bering )an slo&ly gained s#eed. My foot #ressed the accelerator do&n. Si4ty si4tyfi)e. flashed $y lights again and again. No res#onse. The )an &as no& u# to se)enty. thought these things &ere all fitted &ith s#eed go)ernors no&adays but this )an didn't see$ to be. There &as nothing co$ing so #ulled out and s#ed u# alongside the )an. #ointed at the dri)er $a"ing gestures for hi$ to #ull o)er. sa& the $an had a huge handlebar $oustache li"e it &as 1ABH all o)er again. (e ignored $e. So $ade $ore gestures but then had to dro# bac" behind the uton as a %ord Mondeo &as bo$bing do&n the road to&ards us. ,s soon as the Mondeo #assed #ulled out and resu$ed #osition alongside the uton. Dne last chance. More gestures< frantically urgently &a)ing to the dri)er. The $an glanced $y &ay but then turned his head and loo"ed a&ay his eyes staring steadily at the road ahead. !ell if that's the &ay he &anted it. loo"ed both ahead and behind. There &as noone near us only a fe& headlights far off around the slight cur)e in the road. ,l$ost #erfect. leaned to one side and #ulled out $y *eretta A2 se$iauto$atic. then &ound do&n the #assenger &indo& to its fullest e4tent before ta"ing ai$. %ortunately the ,1B &as s$ooth and &ide at this #oint. $atched s#eeds &ith the uton bo4 truc" and fired. T&o things ha##ened. The bang in the enclosed s#ace deafened $e the after effects ringing in $y ears and s$elled cordite s$o"e before the &ind rushing in ble& it a&ay. The other thing &as that the uton's front dri)er's tyre shredded as the nine $illi$etre Farabellu$ hit shedding its rubber along the high&ay. That grabbed the dri)er's attention li"e nothing else could. The $an gri##ed his &heel &restling &ith it to "ee# control. *y no& $y ,udi cou# had shot ahead. decelerated dro##ing bac" but "ee#ing $y distance as the )an's dri)er controlled his s&er)es. et's $a"e things $ore difficult. too" ai$ a second ti$e and shot out one of the rear tyres. No &ay could the dri)er control his )ehicle no&. /i)ing in to the ine)itable the dri)er steered o)er to the hard shoulder by the side of the high&ay. (e s&itched off the engine but didn't get out. Fulling u# in front of the uton it &as $e &ho got out. &al"ed o)er to the uton in &hat ho#ed &as a slo& and $enacing &ay and the dri)er &atched $e a##roach. (e clic"ed do&n the door loc" and sat there slabli"e. sa& hi$ #ic" u# his cell #hone so shoo" $y head at hi$. 6er"ed u# $y *eretta's barrel in an un$ista"able sign for hi$ to unloc". (e $istoo" $y signal and loo"ed at $e &ide eyed &ith fear. So ai$ed the #istol at hi$ through the glass and tightened $y finger on the trigger still sha"ing $y head. No $ista"ing $y intentions. The dri)er dro##ed his cell and lifted the loc". o#ened the )an's door. =Dut= sna##ed. The dri)er gabbled so$ething in Folish or ithuanian. (o&e)er &as too tired to care. "ne& the $an
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
$ust s#ea" so$e e)en if only a little ?nglish and didn't ha)e the ti$e to $ess about. stretched u# too" a fistful of his 6ac"et and hauled hi$ out of his cab. (e stu$bled and al$ost fell at $y feet. sho&ed hi$ the *eretta A2 again $a"ing sure he got a really good loo" at its deadly sha#e. Fushing the dri)er a&ay fro$ the uton leaned in and too" the "eys out the ignition. Then tossed the "eys to the dri)er and #ointed &ith $y se$iauto$atic to the cargo area of the )an. (e got the idea and &al"ed bac" &ith $e. , car s#ed #ast its headlights &ashing us in colour before )anishing. f the car dri)er sa& the uton's shredded tyres he $ust ha)e thought 'd sto##ed to hel#. n the dar"ness at the bac" of the )an the dri)er fu$bled &ith the "eys. =(urry u#= said. The bac" had been #adloc"ed and the dri)er sna##ed o#en the loc" and lifted it fro$ the has#. (e then slid u# the bac". ?)en in the near dar" sa& the bac" &as 5uarter filled &ith #lain cardboard bo4es. Se)eral #eo#le sat a$ongst the bo4es. They loo"ed at $e as the uton's tailgate rolled u#. So$e stood and #ic"ed u# ruc"sac"s suitcases and se)eral #lastic carrier bags. =Dut. No&= told the #eo#le. The dri)er o#ened his $outh to s#ea". Entil #lanted $y *eretta A2 in his ribs. Then he got the $essage loud and clear and closed his $outh again. !e ste##ed to one side to let the #eo#le get off. They &ere a $i4ed bag > a #etite hinese &o$an a )ery tall ,frican youth three young $en fro$ the $iddle east $aybe ra5is or Syrians or Kurds or so$ething and lastly an older ndian or Fa"istani gent. So !heelan &as $uscling in on the hu$an traffic"ing front as &ell. McTeague &ouldn't li"e that. The #eo#le shuffled out of the bac" of the uton bo4 truc". The ndian hel#ed do&n the hinese girl. The grou# stood loo"ing about the$ da7ed confused by the side of the road. This &asn't &hat they e4#ected at all. They $ust ha)e been told they &ould be dro##ed off in a city not du$#ed in the $iddle of no&here in the blea" &inds&e#t incolnshire countryside. ,nother fe& cars s#ed by. Dne of the dri)ers slo&ed do&n slightly to ta"e in the little scene. The #eo#le the i$$igrants started tal"ing in their o&n languages. didn't need to s#ea" the$ to "no& that they &ere #rotesting that this &asn't &hat they had #aid for. Dne of the$ the ndian gent #ushed his &ay to the front. =?4cuse $e. !e &ere told &e &ould be ta"en onto ondon= he said in #erfect if hea)ily accented ?nglish. =,nd cannot see *ig *en.= turned to the $an. (e ste##ed bac" catching sight of $y #istol and a loo" of alar$ crossed his face. =our bus has bro"en do&n. ondon's that &ay. f &ere you 'd start &al"ing before the co#s round you all u# and de#ort you.= (e turned to his co$rades and tried to e4#lain. !ith angry sco&ls fro$ the $iddle easterners
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
and tears on the face of the hinese girl they shouldered their bags and started &al"ing. Not a good deal but at least they'd arri)ed so$e&here in the #ro$ised land so they couldn't co$#lain too $uch. turned bac" to the Folish dri)er. (e bac"ed a&ay. =/et your bag and #ass#ort and you can start &al"ing as &ell.= (e nodded returned to the cab and #ulled out a blue holdall. Maybe thin"ing he'd be bla$ed by his i$$igrant #assengers &ho &ere no& &al"ing along the high&ay to&ards Sleaford in a grou# the dri)er turned the other &ay and started &al"ing bac" to *oston. (e cast a glance bac" at $e. 6ogged to $y ,udi too" out $y last Moloto) lit its ta$#on &ic" and tossed the bottle into the uton's cab. Drange fla$es lit u# the inside of the &indscreen. raced bac" to $y car engaged first gear and #ulled a&ay 6ust before the )an e4#loded. ,nother ya&n hit $e and felt $y 6a&s crac". &anted no needed slee#< but no chance of that tonight. nstead it &as east&ards along the ,1121 to&ards *oston for $e. ,fter a fe& hundred yards #assed the Folish )an dri)er. (e shoo" his fist as $y ,udi s#ed #ast but didn't brea" his stride. hit *oston 6ust as the earliest risers &ere out on the streets. There &ere a fe& deli)eries to ne&sagents and a grou# of $en cli$bing into the bac" of a $uddy Transit )an #robably for a bac" brea"ing day labouring on one of the local far$s. The $en loo"ed e4hausted and that &as e)en before they'd started &or". dro)e do&n to the harbour and &al"ed out along the 5uayside. %or a #ort *oston is a long &ay inland. Maybe the coast has shifted since it &as founded9 Con't as" $e as '$ not fro$ around here. No& the harbour is sited along the ban"s of the ri)er !itha$. The $uddy ri)er flo&s sluggishly bet&een concrete 5uaysides and &harfs. , rusting crane stood nearby o)erloo"ing a nu$ber of barges and narro&boats that &ere $oored to the 5uayside. , cou#le of $en &ra##ed in thic" #ea 6ac"ets leaned against the crane and $uttered in -ussian or so$ething. (eading a&ay fro$ *oston to&ards the o#en sea &as a s$all tra&ler or fishing boat to&ing a dinghy its sailing lights roc"ing slightly as its diesel engine $o)ed it do&nstrea$. That $ust ha)e been the boat that brought in the i$$igrants thought as $ade a note of the nu$ber #ainted on its side. Dr should say bul&ar"9 Con't as" $e. D##osite $e on the far ban" stood a grou# of grey &arehouses their outlines shar# under the glare of industrial lighting. ,s the fishing boat $o)ed further do&nstrea$ along the ri)er sa& the eastern hori7on shade fro$ blac" to dar" grey and then a still lighter grey. The start of another day. No rest for $e. too" in se)eral dee# breaths of the oil and fish s$elling salty air before realising &as star)ing. (ands in $y #oc"ets turned a&ay fro$ the ri)er !itha$ and &al"ed o)er to a doc"side greasy s#oon diner. ?)en at that ti$e of the $orning the caf &as #ac"ed &ith $en > truc" dri)ers
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
doc"ers fisher$en cabbies as &ell as the usual handful of runa&ays oddbods the do&n at heel all nursing a $ug of tea for an hour's &ar$th and those for &ho$ life dealt a bad hand. Con"ey 6ac"ets fluorescent hi)i7 coats and cast off $ilitary gear see$ed to be the dress code here. The $en loo"ed at $e as o#ened the door and &al"ed into the stea$y heat inside. heard )oices tal"ing in se)eral different languages. No &onder the #lace is also "no&n as '*ostongrad'. There &ere one or t&o &olf &histles. #ut it do&n to $y suit as don't su##ose $any #eo#le in suits ate here. &al"ed u# to the counter. =%ull ?nglish > no blac" #udding > e4tra toast and tea= ordered. The shortorder coo" stared at $e. Maybe because "ee# fit and &or" out and don't loo" the sort &ho &ould nor$ally go for this sort of grub. (o&e)er you can get a&ay &ith it no& and again and really needed the calorie infusion. 'd &or" it off later. #ic"ed u# a co#y of the Caily Star fro$ the end of the counter. ,gain not a ne&s#a#er nor$ally read > #refer the %inancial Ti$es or Telegra#h as they re#ort the Test cric"et in far $ore detail than 6ust the briefest highlights. (o&e)er not $uch chance of co$ing across those t&o 5uality broadsheets in a di)e li"e this. too" the #a#er o)er to a nearby table. ,ll the tables &ere occu#ied. nodded to a $an sitting by hi$self at one of the %or$ica to##ed tables. =May 9= as"ed dra&ing out a chair. The $an nodded and cleared a&ay so$e of the clutter littering the %or$ica. There &ere a fe& $ore &histles and catcalls fro$ so$e of the truc"ers but too" no notice. nstead shoo" out the Star and loo"ed through the full colour #ictures of celebs $ost of &ho$ 'd ne)er heard of as &ell as ad)erts for cell #hones legalised loan shar"s and lotteries. The s$all a$ount of actual te4t too" less than fi)e $inutes to read. flic"ed bac" through the #a#er on the off chance 'd $issed anything ending u# on #age three. The largebreasted #age three babe a girl &or"ing under the na$e of Ni""ii ga7ed out at $e. =Nice ba#s on that eh= one of the truc"ers said leaning bac" in his chair and loo"ing at $e. (e &ore a blac" fleece hat against the cold. =!ouldn't say no.= There &as so$e $ore laughter fro$ the other $en. ?)en the coo" &as grinning as he brought out so$e $ore brea"fasts. turned to Mr. %leece (at. =ou e)er get an urge for a feel of so$e tits &hy don't you 6ust #lay &ith your o&n $an boobs9= The others all laughed at hi$. The $an at $y table called out =that told you $ate.= The laughter &as directed at Mr. %leece (at instead of $e no&. The truc"er turned as red as the tinned to$atoes on his #late. , fe& $inutes later $y o&n full ?nglish arri)ed. T&o incolnshire sausages bacon fried eggs fried to$atoes beans $ushroo$s cou#le of hash bro&ns and hot toast the butter $elting into it. ,ll &ashed do&n &ith a $ug of hot tea. !ho says you can't get good cuisine in ?ngland9 s5uirted bro&n sauce onto $y brea"fast arranged $y na#"in and tuc"ed in.
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
Dne or t&o of the truc"ers &atched $e for a fe& $inutes a$a7ed that &ith $y sli$ build &as going to eat it all but by then $y no)elty had &orn off and the $en got bac" to their o&n con)ersations or ne&s#a#ers. More &or"ing $en ca$e and left as ate but too" no notice of their stares or co$$ents. ,fter &i#ed u# the last of $y sauce &ith $y toast stood and left a #ound as a ti# on the %or$ica to#. Then used the diner's toilets to freshen u#. They &ere sur#risingly clean if cold and old fashioned &ith chi##ed tiles. Nobody follo&ed $e in and had the$ to $yself. *ac" outside &al"ed o)er to $y ,udi. leaned against its body&or". To be honest after that huge brea"fast felt full &ith a bloated feeling in $y sto$ach but the energy "ic" &ould "ee# $e going for a &hile yet. o)ering $y $outh &ith $y hand gently belched. /lancing at $y &atch it &asn't too early no& so called McTeague hi$self to "ee# hi$ u#dated on #rogress. (e &as on his &ay for his early $orning &or"out. (e too" the call on one of his dis#osable cells and e4#lained &hat 'd done so far. =E# the ante. Ma"e hi$ hurt. ,nd $ost i$#ortant get laire bac"= McTeague told $e. No roo$ for doubt there. =No #roble$s boss= said before dro##ing $y cell bac" in $y #oc"et. /lad to get confir$ation fro$ hi$. thought 'd be hearing fro$ !heelan any ti$e soon. ,nother loo" at $y &atch. t &as co$ing u# to se)en in the $orning so lo&ered $yself into $y ,udi and s&itched on the radio tuning into ** incolnshire 10H.B %M for the local ne&s. Ensur#risingly the ne&s &as filled &ith a series of arson attac"s around Sleaford. There &asn't $uch $ore than that at the $o$ent. Frobably the station's re#orters hadn't yet had ti$e to do their digging and $a"e the connections. thought there'd be $ore info at eight. Then fired u# the ,udi's t&o litre turbo engine #ulled a&ay fro$ the "erb and accelerated a&ay do&n the ,1121 bac" to&ards Sleaford. (o&e)er had to slo& do&n as a##roached the burned out uton. , co# in a hi)i7 &as directing traffic and a tailbac" had built u#. The &oodento# directed us onto the other side of the road &hilst one of his colleagues held u# the onco$ing traffic. ,s #assed the blac"ened shell of the bo4 )an sa& a full forensics tea$ gi)ing the area a fingerti# search &hilst a lo& loader stood by &aiting to ta"e the )an a&ay. ga&#ed li"e any rubbernec"er as #assed the scene. Then re6oined the ,1B and &as in Sleaford an hour later. ,s e4#ected the ne&s at eight &as $ore infor$ati)e. The burned industrial unit and *eauticians &ere identified as belonging to a 'local business$an' &hose ho$e &as also targeted but no na$es &ere gi)en out. t also said #olice sus#ected arson attac"s. figured that those good #eo#le of incolnshire listening in &ould $utter to the$sel)es 'gangster' as that's &hat $ost #eo#le thin" an unna$ed 'local business$an' &ho gets firebo$bed $ust be.
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
,nd in !heelan's case they &ouldn't be &rong.
CHAPTER 6. My *lac"*erry rang as a##roached the outer suburbs of Sleaford. #ulled the #hone fro$ $y #oc"et but didn't recognise the nu$ber so let the #hone ring and ring until the caller ga)e u#. &as on the (oldingha$ roundabout &hen $y #hone rang again. This ti$e too" the call. recognised the )oice of !heelan's friend and in #olice ter$s 'associate'. , $an called Mulhearn. thin" he &as so$e distant relation of !heelan > a second cousin or so$ething li"e that. !hate)er the t&o $en had gro&n u# together on the sa$e estate< been friends since #ri$ary school and &hilst !heelan had &or"ed for McTeague the old boss had ne)er ta"en on Mulhearn. Not that Mulhearn &asn't ca#able enough. D"ay through !heelan McTeague had thro&n Mulhearn a fe& bones fro$ ti$e to ti$e a fe& scra#s fro$ his table $ade use of his talents but the $an &as > &ell fla"y. (e didn't use )iolence strictly as a $eans to achie)e an end but used it for its o&n sa"e. (e got off on )iolence &ay too $uch. Mulhearn &as trouble &ith a great big ca#ital T< a $an &ho got you noticed > and not in a good &ay. =Mulhearn. /ood to hear fro$ you= said. %or a second &ondered if !heelan had authorised this call but on reflection realised he $ust ha)e. ,lthough &ondered &hy !heelan hadn't called $e direct. Frobably he &as sho&ing $e he &as far too i$#ortant these days. ,bo)e $y le)el. f that &as the case !heelan &ould soon find out he &asn't. 'd bring hi$ do&n to earth in a hurry. =ou')e been a bit li)ely (ennessy= Mulhearn said. =Me9= acting the innocent. =Con't "no& &hat you're tal"ing about.= =Con't hand $e that (ennessy. !e "no& you')e been $a"ing things rather 'hot' in Sleaford.= didn't need to say anything. let the silence s#in out bet&een us. t &as Mulhearn #aying for the call after all. ?)entually Mulhearn s#o"e. =!e need to $eet (ennessy. /et this SN,%E sorted. The King's ,r$s (otel t&el)e hundred hours. D"ay &ith you9= Mulhearn said. re$e$bered Mulhearn had been the ar$y and still li"ed to salt his tal" &ith $ilitary slang. ou'd thin" a $an &ith his record &ould ha)e tried to #ut his ar$y #ast behind hi$. (e dre& a dishonourable discharge after so$e business &hen he and so$e others in his unit &ent too far interrogating a bunch of ,fghan #risoners of &ar. heard that at the ti$e the ar$y si$#ly &anted to brush their $isdeeds under the car#et before ne&s hungry 6ournos found out. The &ay the &ar
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
&as going it &ould ha)e been too #olitically e$barrassing if that story e)er lea"ed out &hen &e &ere su##osed to be &inning the ,fghans' 'hearts and $inds'. !hich &as an i$#ossible tas" any&ay. So the court $artial concentrated on his '$isa##ro#riation of $edical su##lies' instead. *asically Mulhearn and others &ere stealing as $any $edicines and drugs and selling the$ on )ia a ca$# orderly to the ,fghans. t's not li"e Mulhearn and his s5uad &ere the only ones at it. !ay heard it the biggest 5uarter$aster for the insurgency in the area &as the *ritish ar$y. *ody ar$our night sco#es boots rations you na$e it< e5ui#$ent flo&ed out of the ca$# gates. So$e of it in the sa$e bo4es it had been deli)ered in earlier that day. f our s5uaddies could')e sold the ,fghans a hallenger 2 tan" then they &ould ha)e. *ut Mulhearn &as caught out dre& a year at the olchester glasshouse and then $ade his &ay bac" north to tea$ u# &ith his old $ate !heelan. ne)itably a harder and $ore dangerous $an after lea)ing the ar$y than he'd been &hen he'd signed u# as a roo"ie. (o&e)er as far as &as concerned it &as a 'Situation Nor$al ,ll %ouled E#' scenario. ,fter $y 5uic" snatch fro$ the *eauticians had failed "ne& 'd ha)e to u# the ante. =Dnly thing to tal" about is laire McTeague. Ma"e sure you bring her along &ith you= said. =That's not going to ha##en (ennessy. *ut &e need to rende7)ous > $aybe co$e to so$e alternati)e arrange$ents.= agreed e)en though "ne& that the only &ay this &as going to finish &as &ith laire McTeague bac" &here she belonged > at McTeague's side for as long as he &anted her. hec"ing $y &atch had a fe& hours to "ill before the $eet so dro)e to the $assi)e Tesco ?4tra su#er$ar"et o)er on Northgate. &ent along *oston -oad loo#ed around Dld Flace and slo&ly dro)e #ast McTeague's house. The gates &ere shut tight closed so sa& no sign of $y fire bo$bing. So turned around #ic"ed u# s#eed and a fe& $inutes later &as #ar"ing outside the Tesco ?4tra. The car #ar" &as a &ide &inds&e#t e4#anse of grey as#halt stretching out to the hori7on under the grey s"y. #ar"ed as far as #ossible fro$ the store > and the gang of Foles offering to &ash your car for a fi)er or )alet it for fifteen. nside the store the s$ell of fresh ba"ed bread filled $y nose. ,fter &hat 'd eaten in *ostongrad the s$ell $ade $y sto$ach roll slo&ly inside. *reathing shallo&ly #ic"ed u# so$e toiletries under&ear and loo"ed along the rac"s until found another grey suit that fitted. t &asn't designer or anything but it still loo"ed &ay better than the cru$#led soiled outfit &as still &earing. Dnce again #aid using !heelan's cloned credit card. =lubcard9= the s$iling blonde girl behind the till as"ed &ith an accent that ca$e fro$ &ay east
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
of the Dder ri)er. shoo" $y head. McTeague hadn't bothered cloning !heelan's Tesco clubcard. =!here's the toilets9= as"ed the girl. Still &ith a s$ile on her face she #ointed $e in the right direction. The store &as so big only got lost once before found the$. ,nother &o$an fro$ so$e )illage on the *altic Sea &as $o##ing the tiled floor. , yello& cart surrounded by yello& '&et floor' signs filled the s#ace. =ater= told her holding o#en the door. =No > is $y schedule. clean no&= she said gri##ing the $o# a little tighter. too" a fi)er fro$ $y #oc"et and held it out to the &o$an. She loo"ed at the note li"e it $ight bite her. Entil sho&ed her a cou#le of its sisters as &ell. She loo"ed u# at $e and then snatched the notes fro$ $y hand. = clean other toilets first= she said. =Ta"e your ti$e > t&enty $inutes= told her as she left. too" an 'out of order' sign fro$ her trolley and #ro##ed it outside the toilet door. (o#efully 'd be left alone as didn't &ant to be disturbed. The cubicles &ere all i$$aculate and s$elled of #ine disinfectant. They didn't really need cleaning but a##ro)ed of the &o$an's attention to detail. ,fter 'd finished in the cubicle had a stri# &ash s#rayed on deodorant and then changed into $y ne& under&ear and suit ho##ing on one leg as did so before bundling the old clothes into the carrier bag. brushed $y hair. es loo"ed the #art no&. More businessli"e. o#ened the toilet door to see the cleaner $o##ing the corridor. nodded to the &o$an as #assed. =!as a 5ueue but send a&ay= she said to $e. =Than"s= said. t had started to rain as left the su#er$ar"et. Dne of those fine dri77les that gets into your clothes and soa"s you before you "no& it. didn't &ant to ta"e $y ,udi to the $eet &ith Mulhearn at The King's ,r$s so strolled along the co)ered &al"&ay outside the su#erstore and too" the first cab on the stand. The dri)er an o)er&eight $an &earing grey s&eat #ants and #ur#le fleece< a $an &ho loo"ed beaten do&n by life s&itched on his $eter flic"ed on his &i#ers and dro)e out of the e4#anse of #ar"ing lot and $ade a right onto Northgate. $$ediately he launched into a diatribe about all the eastern ?uro#eans co$ing o)er here ta"ing all the 6obs their #ri)ate hires "ee#ing all the fares do&n ho& you can't $a"e a li)ing any $ore before $o)ing on to ho& $uch they drin" that decent local &o$en can't &al" about in safety no $ore... grunted in the right #laces and &as glad it &as only a short 6ourney into the centre of Sleaford. ,t least the cabbie hadn't got ti$e to tell $e ho& he &ould '#ull the le)er $yself' or ho&
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
he &ould deal &ith all nonces e4ce#t all the #oliticians are... Ste##ing out in front of The King's ,r$s (otel told the cabbie to "ee# the change. thought about suggesting he use it to buy a co#y of The /uardian ne&s#a#er to get a different slant on life but so$eho& didn't thin" he'd a##reciate $y suggestion. oo"ing u# sa& the King's ,r$s &as #erha#s ine)itably a $oc" @acobean building &ith e4#osed blac" #ainted bea$s. The u##er floors &ere larger than the lo&er gi)ing the &hole a to# hea)y a##earance. ,n ornate if faded heraldic royal coat of ar$s hung fro$ the inn sign. The hotel's &indo&s &ere all leaded &ith s$all dia$ond #anes surrounding stained glass coats of ar$s. !ar$ light shone out brea"ing u# fro$ the $yriad tiny #anes. ran in out of the rain #ushing through the hea)ily studded oa" doors. My footste#s died a&ay on the dar" red dee# #ile car#ets inside the lobby. *y#assing a rac" of tourist leaflets &al"ed o)er to the lounge on the left #ast the rece#tion des". , 5uic" glance at $y &atch sho&ed &as still early. found a corner seat but $ade sure it &as near to a side door. The lounge &as done u# &ith hea)y baronial furnishings to $atch the @acobean e4terior. ,s soon as sat do&n a s"inny #ale blonde girl &earing a &hite blouse and burgundy s"irt ca$e o)er. (er gilt coloured na$e badge told $e she &as called Morela. !ith barely a trace of an accent Morela as"ed $e if &anted so$ething to eat or drin". ,lthough &as still full fro$ $y brea"fast in *ostongrad ordered a #late of sand&iches and coffee. The lounge &as $ostly e$#ty e4ce#t for a fe& cou#les ha)ing a brea" fro$ sho##ing. They &ere &ell dressed elderly the $en &earing t&eed 6ac"ets and ca)alry t&ill trousers the &o$en fa)ouring "nitted na)y t&in sets. -elics fro$ a bygone age. &ondered if 'd see $y friend fro$ the gastro#ub yesterday. My coffee and sand&iches arri)ed and settled bac" to &ait for Mulhearn. ya&ned once... Mulhearn stood in front of $y table. My coffee had gone cold &ith a $il"y s"in on its surface. sat u# straighter and blin"ed the slee# fro$ $y eyes. =Gery la4. ould ha)e "illed you there (ennessy. Should ha)e done= Mulhearn said. loo"ed u# at Mulhearn. The $an &as of only a)erage height > fi)e eight or thereabouts but #o&erfully built. (e had a broad ugly face dee#ly tanned as if he'd only 6ust co$e bac" fro$ a tour of so$e $iddle eastern hellhole. (o&e)er the tan $ust ha)e co$e fro$ the electric beach as Mulhearn had been out of the ar$y for a fe& years no&. (e &ore a &hite shirt &ith the slee)es rolled u# to sho& off regi$ental and other tattoos. =Trying to "ill $e &ould be the &orst and last $ista"e of your life= said #ushing a chair a&ay fro$ the table &ith $y foot. Mulhearn sat and called Morela bac" o)er and ordered t&o $ore filter coffees. felt fresher $ore alert after $y catna#.
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
=!heelan's angry &ith you= Mulhearn said as soon as Morela &as out of earshot. =(urt hi$ ha)e 9= =No= said Mulhearn but his eyes told a different story. doubted if the actual firebo$bings had da$aged his e$#ire $uch but &hen ne&s of &hat 'd done ine)itably reached bac" u# the food chain it &ould $a"e !heelan loo" &ea" to the bigshots of Nottingha$ and *ir$ingha$. The real bigshots &ould sit bac" and &ait to see &hether this u#start !heelan could stic" or fold. =Then 'll ha)e to do so$ething that &ill hurt. T&ist the "nife a little. Maybe 'll ta"e a tri# to -otterda$ and go after !heelan's Cutch contacts. (e's still dealing &ith that e4Fro)o %innigan isn't he9 et the$ "no& they're only hurting because !heelan &on't gi)e u# McTeague's &o$an.= Mulhearn lifted his coffee cu#. =That $ight be too hard an as" e)en of you (ennessy. %innigan's #rotected by the -o$anian no&.= nodded. The -o$anian &as one bad $an and didn't thin" e)en McTeague &ould &ant $e to go u# against hi$ $erely for the sa"e of getting his runa&ay second &ife bac". loo"ed Mulhearn straight in the eye. They &ere $uddy as if his tan had lea"ed into the &hites of his eyes. =Then ha)e no choice. 'll ha)e to bring do&n !heelan > and anyone &or"ing &ith hi$ &ill be so $uch collateral da$age. can do it too. -e$e$ber &hat ha##ened to the Kir"ha$ brothers of (ull9= Mulhearn did. ?)eryone in our line of &or" "ne& &hat ha##ened to the late Kir"ha$ brothers. The e4tre$ely late brothers. Dne died slo&ly. The other lingered for days. ,#art fro$ a $issing #ersons re#ort in the local rag the story ne)er $ade the #a#ers. =t doesn't ha)e to be li"e that (ennessy= Mulhearn said. =!heelan's #re#ared to cut a deal you "no&.= =/o ahead.= =(e's built his business u# $ore than McTeague e)er did. ,nd !heelan's o#ened u# so$e ne& lines of &or". ines.= Mulhearn leaned for&ard o)er the table #ressed one nostril closed &ith his finger and $i$ed snorting u# a cou#le of lines of co"e. That &as one of the -o$anian's s#ecialities after all. oo"ing u# sa& Morela and another &aitress glance our &ay. s$iled at the$ to sho& there &as nothing silly going on. =ut it out. !hat's !heelan offering9= Mulhearn's ans&er &as too 5uic". =%ifteen #er cent. Df e)erything. ?)en the ne& business. ?)en the lines.= laughed. This &asn't an insult. t &as a 6o"e. !heelan $ust ha)e a sense of hu$our after all. ?)en Mulhearn loo"ed asha$ed. =T&enty #er cent then.=
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
No& &e &ere edging into the real$ of insult. =,nd &hat about laire McTeague herself9= =She stays. !heelan's not gi)ing her u#. ,nd she doesn't &ant to go bac" to your boss any&ay. They're getting di)orced.= ,s if laire McTeague's &ants had anything to do &ith the situation. shoo" $y head. =No. laire McTeague's nonnegotiable. She's going ho$e...= =!hether she li"es it or not9= =That's right. She's going ho$e. f McTeague chooses later to gi)e her u# > $aybe e)en let her shac" u# &ith !heelan > then that's his decision. ertainly not laire's or !heelan's.= ='$ sur#rised at you saying that (ennessy. thought you of all #eo#le &ould ha)e $ore sy$#athy &ith laire= Mulhearn said. shoo" $y head. =No. laire "ne& full &ell &hat she &as getting into &hen she $arried McTeague. She can't change the rules of the ga$e no&.= loo"ed Mulhearn full in the face again getting the full attention of !heelan's lieutenant. Ma"ing sure the $an fully understood &hat &as saying. =,nd neither can !heelan.= =,nd neither can you or $e (ennessy.= =True. !e're 6ust #a&ns Mulhearn. Fa&ns &ith teeth and cla&s but that's all &e are at the end of the day.= =So there's no &ay you'll go &ithout ta"ing laire &ith you9= thought 'd already $ade that crystal clear but shoo" $y head. =No.= Mulhearn thought for a $o$ent and too" out his No"ia. = need to touch base &ith !heelan. /i)e $e a $o$ent9= nodded and stood to gi)e hi$ #ri)acy.
CHAPTER 7. left the lounge &ith its hea)y dar" furnishings and crossed the corridor to the toilets. The la)atories &ere old fashioned but clean. So$eone had left little )ases of fresh flo&ers by the &ash basins ne4t to bottles of scented hand lotion > a nice touch that. !hich is &hat you'd e4#ect in an u#$ar"et #lace li"e the King's ,r$s. Fulling the chain ste##ed out of the cubicle and a $o$ent later &as &ashing $y hands. , $o)e$ent a sudden reflection in the $irror caught $y eye. loo"ed u# a$a7ed that Mulhearn had follo&ed $e into the toilets. (is #hone &as bac" in his #oc"et but no& he carried a yello& cloth in
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
his hand. Mulhearn lea#ed for&ards annoyed that he hadn't been able to catch $e una&ares. The #ungent sic"ly s&eetish scent of chlorofor$ ca$e fro$ the cloth as he clutched it. raised $y eyes a&ay fro$ the cloth. !heelan $ust ha)e told Mulhearn to bring $e in ali)e. Maybe as re)enge for the firebo$bings or to use $e as a bargaining chi# &ith McTeague. Mulhearn #ulled u# hard seeing that his sur#rise attac" had failed. #aused &aiting for Mulhearn to ta"e the ne4t $o)e. , grin crossed his broad face. t &ould be a $ista"e to underesti$ate Mulhearn's co$bat s"ills. The $an had ser)ed in both ra5 and ,fghanistan and "ne& he'd fought se)eral straighteners &ith other soldiers out there. Farticularly against the 6oc"s. %or so$e reason Mulhearn hated Scots. ne)er found out the reason &hy #erha#s it &as si$#ly their accents that grated on his ner)es. *ut a lot of Scots are )ery tough #eo#le and together &ith their hatred of e)erything ?nglish the 6oc" s5uaddies al$ost held their o&n against Mulhearn's ferocity. ,l$ost > but the &ay heard it Mulhearn al&ays &on his bouts in the end. So didn't dare do&n#lay Mulhearn's s"ills in oneonone co$bat. ,ll the sa$e Mulhearn should ha)e &aited until left the toilets and grabbed $e fro$ behind in the corridor. The $an $ust ha)e &anted the honour the glory of ta"ing do&n the infa$ous (ennessy face to face. No& Mulhearn lea#ed for&ard ho#ing to use his hea)ier build and &eight to o)er#o&er $e. The fu$es fro$ the chlorofor$ rag hit the bac" of $y nose $a"ing $e gag. sideste##ed his attac" and Mulhearn's body sla$$ed into the rac" of &ashbasins. (e #i)oted a&ay sur#risingly light on his feet and launched hi$self at $e the rag clutched tight in his hand. s#un a&ay and caught Mulhearn's 6a& &ith $y fist. Dnce again he crashed against the &ashbasins. Mulhearn bello&ed &ith rage and frustration. (e #ushed a&ay fro$ the &ashbasins and attac"ed. ga)e hi$ a s&ift onet&o to his face but $ight as &ell ha)e #unched the tiled &all as his face. (e didn't e)en recoil. %or a $o$ent felt a shudder of fear before #ushing that feeling bac" do&n. /rinning Mulhearn a##roached. (e &as no& bet&een $e and the door so couldn't 6ust cut and run. Not that &anted to. (o& long &ould last out on the streets if no &hen &ord got around that 'd run fro$ Mulhearn9 ess than a &ee". Not an o#tion. ,ny&ay &anted to beat Mulhearn. (e'd bro"en our truce and tried to attac" $e fro$ behind. The $an had it co$ing. Mulhearn 6abbed at $e. , s&ift right straight to $y face. bobbed out of the &ay &ith a fraction of an inch to s#are and felt the airflo& as his fist sailed #ast $y ear. Then brought $y "nee u#. (ard. -ight u# bet&een his legs. My "neeca# connected s5uarely &ith Mulhearn's crotch. =Doo#h= Mulhearn gas#ed. (e leaned for&ard gas#ing for air. (is left the hand holding the
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
yello& cloth di)ed bet&een his legs. That &as too good an o##ortunity to &aste. thought Mulhearn &as better than that. #lanted one dee# in his solar #le4us under his breastbone. (e doubled o)er in #ain. =Eu$$#h= Mulhearn said this ti$e. =!hat's that9= as"ed. Mulhearn's hair &as cut short in a $ilitary bu77cut. Too short for $e to grab and #ull the $an u#right. nstead ga)e hi$ an u##ercut to his nose. (e roc"ed bac" straightening u#. Shoc" and rage in his eyes. !ith an effort of &ill an effort could a##reciate Mulhearn #ulled hi$self u#right again. (e loo"ed far $ore dangerous no&. *lood lea"ed fro$ his &ide nose staining his chin and &hite shirt collar. (is chlorofor$ soa"ed rag no& forgotten Mulhearn charged for&ard li"e a #ri7e incolnshire bull. (is shoulder caught $e and using his hea)ier build he sla$$ed $e u# against the tiled &all. My ribs s5uashed in further than they &ere $eant to contract. No& it &as $y turn to feel &hat it &as li"e to ha)e all the breath "noc"ed out of $y body. gas#ed dra&ing o4ygen dee# into $y hurting lungs. Mulhearn #unched $e in the gut. gas#ed again cho"ing and felt $y gorge rise $y coffee and sand&iches co$ing bac" u#. forced the #artially digested food bac" do&n. sa& Mulhearn grin and no& he re$e$bered his chlorofor$ rag. (e #ressed the rag o)er $y $outh and nose. needed o4ygen needed life. Mulhearn #unched $y sto$ach again #ushing $ore air out of $y lungs forcing $e to inhale another dee# breath. The sic"ly stench of chlorofor$ filled $y throat and lungs instead. ,l$ost instantly felt strength lea)e $y $uscles. The crea$ tiled &alls of the la)atories greyed. felt &oo7y da7ed unsteady on $y feet. s&ayed. n $y fading greying )ision sa& Mulhearn's face loo$ing abo)e $e li"e a tanned fall $oon. struggled but his hand &as cla$#ed )iceli"e o)er $y air&ays and there &as nothing could do as $y strength &aned. *lac" blotches s&a$ into )ie& and already the far side of the la)atories &as no $ore than a grey blur. Mulhearn said so$ething but couldn't really tell &hat he &as saying. (is &ords sounded $uffled indistinct )ague. Still "ee#ing his hand #ressed o)er $y $outh and nose Mulhearn su##orted $y li$# body as slid do&n the &all. The blac"ness &as ta"ing o)er $y )ision and felt light headed and outofit. My head slu$#ed to one side and the tiled floor filled $y re$aining )ie&. Maybe Mulhearn rela4ed the #ressure 6ust a fraction. !hate)er had one last une4#ected chance and too" it bet&een $y teeth. iterally. T&isting $y head bit do&n as hard as could
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
through the yello& cloth. My teeth connected on the base of Mulhearn's thu$b. The $an cried out but the yell sounded dull on $y drugged ears. (is left hand 6er"ed a&ay auto$atically the #ressure on the rag bloc"ing $y breathing falling a&ay. So t&isted $y head further a&ay and dre& in a lungful of s&eet clean air. suc"ed in another breath and $y )ision started to clear and $y thoughts ca$e through 5uic"er and &ith $ore clarity. There &ere blood s#ots on the tiles. Mine or his didn't "no&. dre& $yself u# onto $y hands and "nees and retched. , string of bile dangled fro$ $y li#. s#at. Mulhearn stood and "ic"ed $e in the side. More #ain flared fro$ $y already bruised ribs. *ut the agony #urged $ore of the effects of the chlorofor$ fro$ $y syste$. felt shar#er a bit $ore in control of $y o&n body no&. Mulhearn raised his leg to "ic" $e again. Enbalanced he &as easier to to##le o)er. grabbed Mulhearn's an"le lifted and t&isted and thre& hi$ o)er on his bac". (e sla$$ed do&n onto the floor. heard his s"ull crac" on the tiles. The adrenaline surge through $y syste$ blasted e)en $ore of the chlorofor$ fro$ $y bloodstrea$. Esing the shelf &ith the basins as su##ort #ulled $yself to $y feet. Mulhearn turned o)er leaning on his elbo&. (e'd dro##ed the yello& cloth and it lay ne4t to his body. &as on the $an before he had chance to get to his feet again. di)ed onto his bac" crushing hi$ do&n onto the tiles. Snatching u# the chlorofor$ rag it &as $y turn to #ress it o)er his air&ays instead. Mulhearn buc"ed and &rithed beneath $e until #ressed $y "nees and thighs against his side holding hi$ in #osition. eaning for&ard "e#t the da$# rag tight against Mulhearn's ugly face. (e shoo" his head fro$ side to side trying to free his air&ays. clung on for gri$ death. Mulhearn's struggles &ere fierce at first but gradually the strength ebbed fro$ his body and his atte$#ts to free hi$self beca$e slo&er sluggish losing their urgency. (e lay still. felt his energy lea)e his body. &asn't fooled by his stillness but held the rag tight against his face until &as co$#letely sure Mulhearn &asn't fa"ing it. arefully stood and &atched Mulhearn's body for a $o$ent half e4#ecting hi$ to rise to his feet and resu$e the attac" li"e e)ery )illain in the last reel of e)ery $o)ie ')e e)er seen. (o&e)er Mulhearn didn't $o)e but lay still on the tiled floor. $ust be losing $y touch thought as &as out of breath. eaning on the &ashbasin shelf for su##ort chec"ed $y a##earance in the $irror and 5uic"ly &ashed $y face and brushed $y hair until loo"ed half &ay #resentable again. ,nd not li"e so$eone &hose 6ust co$e fro$ a life or death struggle rolling about on a toilet floor. %or good $easure thre& a double handful of &ater onto the tiled floor near Mulhearn's feet.
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
Stoo#ing chec"ed on Mulhearn. %or a $o$ent thought 'd "illed the $an. Not that &as bothered > it &asn't li"e Mulhearn's &ould be the first cor#se 'd left behind $e. Df course it &ould be incon)enient ha)ing to deal &ith Mulhearn's body as &ouldn't be able to call in the ser)ices of McTeague's #rofessional 'cleaner' to tidy u# the scene for $e. Not here at a busy #lace li"e the King's ,r$s. The big danger &as that so$eone &ould &al" in &hilst &as dealing &ith Mulhearn. /lancing u# at the door half e4#ected so$eone to &al" in there and then. Mulhearn dre& in breath > a ragged shuddering inhalation. (e $uttered so$ething thic"ly. rolled Mulhearn o)er onto his side in the reco)ery #osition. ,nother glance at the door. Ceciding to #ush $y luc" chec"ed Mulhearn's #oc"ets. too" his car "eys and found a tightly sealed bro&n bottle labelled '(alothane'. That &as the chlorofor$. "ne& enough to "no& that re#eated doses of (alothane can cause so$ething called he#atoto4icity. No '$ not too sure &hat he#atoto4icity is either but one of McTeague's associates Cr. NabiKhan told $e it is a serious blood disorder > it can gi)e you things li"e 6aundice. listened to Cr. NabiKhan M* h* %-, CM &hene)er he tal"ed to $e. That string of letters after his na$e9 Means: *achelor of Medicine *achelor of Surgery > they are the degrees all doctors ta"e at uni)ersity > and then %ello& of the -oyal ollege of ,naesthetists finishing off &ith a Ci#lo$a of ntensi)e are Medicine. ?)en other doctors regard the training to beco$e an anaesthetist as the $ost difficult. t ta"es a $ini$u$ of fourteen years to beco$e an onsultant ,naesthetist. D)er the years ')e found it's al&ays &orth listening to #eo#le &ho are e4#erts. ou can #ic" u# a lot of ti#s fro$ #eo#le &ho really "no& &hat they are tal"ing about. (o&e)er although he's )ery "no&ledgeable Cr. NabiKhan &as a $an &ho ga)e $e a se)ere case of the cree#s. (e used to be an anaesthetist at Nottingha$'s $ain ity (os#ital. *ut he got caught out once too often touching u# the &o$en on the o#erating table. Not only the young #retty girls but older &o$en too. n his &ay Cr. NabiKhan &as an e5ual o##ortunity #er)ert. No& he'd been struc" off Cr. NabiKhan $ade al$ost as lucrati)e a li)in g &or"ing for #eo#le li"e McTeague and a nu$ber of other capos around the Midlands. (e &as the goto guy if you needed bullet &ounds treating &ithout troubling the authorities. Dr if you needed so$eone "ee#ing ali)e for a &hile longer &hilst you find out &hat they "no&. i"e the Kir"ha$ brothers fro$ (ull. *ut still didn't li"e being alone in a roo$ &ith Cr. NabiKhan &ith his eyes cra&ling all o)er $y body. unscre&ed the ca# off the bottle. ,gain the fu$es hit the bac" of $y throat and felt $y earlier &oo7iness co$e on as #oured out a fe& dro#s of (alothane onto the yello& cloth and #ressed it tight o)er Mulhearn's face until the $an subsided again. f Mulhearn got this
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
he#atoto4icity thing later then that &as his #roble$. Not $ine. tried to lift Mulhearn's body. ,lthough '$ strong for $y si7e and &or" out at the gy$ Mulhearn's dead &eight &as too $uch for $e to lug about. So dro##ed hi$ bac" onto the floor. (is head hit the floor &ith a dull thud. Duch. Ste##ing out of the la)atories had another stro"e of luc". Morela &as &al"ing do&n the corridor holding a dust#an and brush. She glanced round at $e. =uic" hel# $e= called to her in distress. =My #artner's had a fit and he's colla#sed on the floor.= Morela dro##ed the dust#an and brush and ran &ith $e bac" into the la)atories. She sa& Mulhearn's body on the floor. =!hat &as he doing in...= the stress $a"ing her Folish accent stronger. She sa& the cubicle's o#en door and #ut t&o and t&o together to $a"e a nu$ber that &as no&here near four. (er #ale co$#le4ion flushed red $a"ing the young &o$an e)en $ore beautiful. = call a$bulance= Morela said her accent )ery thic" no&. =No ne)er $ind that< gi)e $e a hand to get hi$ u#. (e's had these attac"s before. only need to get hi$ ho$e &here he can rest 5uietly= said. Morela loo"ed at $e. Ensure. Enha##y &ith the situation. =Should get a$bulance= she said again. Mulhearn stirred slightly and his tongue lolled fro$ his $outh. , string of drool lea"ed out onto the tiles. =Con't &orry he'll be o"ay= reassured her. =?)en though he's banged his head. 6ust &ant to get hi$ to $y car.= oo"ing Morela full in the face said those $agic &ords. =oo" at this &et floor. No &onder he sli##ed. Maybe should sue the hotel for negligence9= That decided her. No &ay did she &ant e)en the hint of a stain on her &or" records here. There &ere lots of eastern ?uro#eans out there eager and &aiting to ta"e her 6ob. %ar better to get us out of the King's ,r$s as soon as #ossible. =Stay here. get ,r"adius7 fro$ "itchens. (e hel# you ta"e hi$ to car= Morela said. She dashed out of the la)atories and heard her calling to ,r"adius7 before the door closed behind her. nstantly ga)e Mulhearn another sniff of the chlorofor$. , $inute later Morela burst into the la)atories closely follo&ed by ,r"adius7. (e &as a stoc"y dar"er $an &earing "itchen &hites. They s#o"e together in Folish. ,r"adius7 crouched and hoisted Mulhearn's body u# in one fluid $otion. Morela and ,r"adius7 s#o"e so$e $ore in Folish. The only &ord could $a"e out &as 'a$bulance' but Morela shoo" her head. !ith Morela leading the &ay &e e4ited the la)atories &al"ed do&n the corridor until she #ushed o#en a fire e4it and &e &ere out in the car #ar". Ta"ing out Mulhearn's "eys #ressed the
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
central loc"ing button and the lights flashed on and off a @ee# hero"ee. ran for&ard and o#ened the @ee#. su##ose Mulhearn thought it loo"ed $acho to "ee# his @ee# H4H as $uddy as #ossible. "ne& Mulhearn en6oyed offroad rallying of a &ee"end but he could still ha)e s&ung by a car &ash on his &ay ho$e. Maybe he thought $ud and dirt &ent &ith his $ilitary hard$an i$age as if he'd co$e straight fro$ $anoeu)res. D#ening the door e4#ected the hero"ee's interior to be as filthy as its body&or" but the H4H &as sho& roo$ fresh inside &ith that ne& car s$ell. arefully &ith Morela's assistance ,r"adius7 slid and #ushed Mulhearn's body into the #assenger seat and then leaned o)er hi$ to clun"clic" the seatbelt. than"ed the t&o Foles for their hel# sli##ed the$ a tenner and then got behind the &heel. n $y $irrors sa& the$ &atch $e dri)e out and turn onto Northgate.
CHAPTER 8. My first sto# &as the tar$ac e4#anse of the Tesco ?4tra car #ar". too" Mulhearn's SatNa) out fro$ its &allet in the glo)e loc"er and s&itched it on. chec"ed its list of #re#rogra$$ed locations. Mulhearn's ho$e address in /rantha$ ca$e u# and stored that infor$ation a&ay for future use. !heelan's house ne4t and then &hat &as loo"ing for. The location of ,le4a !heelan's daughter's #ri)ate school. ,s e4#ected it &asn't far. No&here is in Sleaford. The fresh air fro$ the car #ar" $ust ha)e re)i)ed Mulhearn because he shifted #osition in his seat. =!ha'...= he said thic"ly and tried to raise his ar$ to &i#e the slobber fro$ his chin. That bought hi$ yet another dee# sniff of the (alothane and he &ent under again. f anyone &as a candidate for he#atoto4icity that day it &as Mulhearn. hec"ing $y &atch sa& had #lenty of ti$e. 'd tried to #lay it nice but !heelan and Mulhearn hadn't left $e $uch choice so had to #lay it nasty no&. t &ouldn't be the first ti$e 'd been #ut in that #osition. carried on through the to&n centre and then out along ?ast -oad follo&ing a bus $ar"ed as 'To&n Ser)ice 1'. Sur#rised as &ouldn't ha)e thought a one horse to&n li"e Sleaford &ould ha)e needed $ore than one to&n ser)ice bus. #ulled u# outside !heelan's daughter's #ri)ate school. , large green and gold sign told $e this &as 'Sydenha$ Fri)ate /irl's School' founded in 1A82 together &ith the na$e of the head$istress. The school loo"ed li"e ho& you &ould i$agine a #ri)ate school to loo" li"e. t &as a large red bric" building set &ell bac" fro$ the road &ith tall t&isted chi$neys on either side li"e an
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
?li7abethan $anor house. !hat is it &ith Sleaford and $oc" Tudor architecture9 s that the only style #er$itted here9 )y co)ered $ost of one &all and abo)e the traffic noise along ?ast -oad heard roo"s ca&ing a$ongst a line of chestnuts. f the girls' #arents &ere #aying e4tra for Sydenha$'s a##earance then they &ere getting )alue for $oney. eaning o)er #ulled Mulhearn's $obile #hone fro$ his #oc"et. scrolled do&n through his list of contacts until ca$e to the na$e &anted. t &as near the to#. ,le4a. !heelan's $oody fourteen year old daughter. hec"ing through Mulhearn's te4ts in the 'sent ite$s' folder in his cell sa& that he &as a $an of fe& &ords. /ood. sent ,le4a a te4t. 'Fic"ng u u# 2day. M' it read. , $o$ent later Mulhearn's $obile bee#ed at $e. ,le4a &as also a girl of fe& &ords< at least to Mulhearn. 'DK.' No 444's Ds or anything else on either side. settled do&n in the seat to &ait for school to finish. Tuning the radio to ** -adio H listened to the #resenters of Moneybo4 i)e e4#lain co$#le4 financial #roble$s to #ensioners. Me don't ha)e their difficulties as "ee# $y $oney in a series of nu$bered offshore accounts. don't "no& &hy e)eryone doesn't do the sa$e. t's the best &ay to ban" as long as you don't forget your account nu$bers and #ass &ords. %ortunately didn't ha)e long to &ait before a security guard &earing a yello& and blue contrast hi)i7 6ac"et ca$e out and lounged against the stone gate #ost. The $an cast a glance u# and do&n the street but then see$ed lost in his o&n &orld until an elderly teacher ca$e out and rang an old fashioned handbell in the yard. Shortly after one or t&o schoolgirls ca$e out follo&ed by a fe& $ore and then a torrent a Niagara of girls. ?)en fro$ the other side of the road heard the$ laughing and chatting. Sydenha$'s unifor$ &as an unflattering bottle green &ith yello& tri$. Se)eral of the girls had rolled u# their s"irts to &ay higher than any regulation length. That ha##ened in $y day too. The security guard stood straighter too" his hands fro$ his #oc"ets and ad$ired their legs as they #assed. Fer)ert. (e'd $a"e a good friend for Cr. NabiKhan. thought ,le4a &ould stand out &ith her dyed red hair but she &asn't the only schoolgirl s#orting e4otic hair colours. ,t one #oint thought 'd $ade ,le4a in the cro&d but it &asn't her. slu$#ed do&n in $y seat as $uch out of sight fro$ the road as #ossible lea)ing Mulhearn breathing hea)ily still co$atose in the hero"ee's #assenger seat. , gaggle of girls clustered around the bus sto#. , fe& #eered at one of their friends' s$art #hones. There &as a little #ushing and sho)ing but all good natured and restrained. They &eren't boys after all. Their giggles ca$e loud o)er the traffic along ?ast -oad. oo"ing in the $irrors s#otted ,le4a in the cro&d. ,le4a stood by herself on the edge of the
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
#a)e$ent loo"ing both &ays until she s#otted Mulhearn's @ee# hero"ee. She held a large bag. Then lost sight of the girl as a To&n Ser)ice 1 bus #ulled u# outside the school. s&ore under $y breath. No she &ouldn't get on the bus told $yself not &hen Mulhearn &as ta"ing her ho$e. *ut schoolgirls are erratic at the best of ti$es. Moody and hor$onal. Maybe ,le4a had changed her $ind at the last $inute and had gone off &ith one of her friends instead. Ferha#s she &as going round to her friend's house to do her ho$e&or" listen to $usic and tal" about celebs and boys. &as telling $yself to rela4 and ta"e it easy &hen the bus #ulled a&ay fro$ the "erb. There &ere far fe&er schoolgirls by the bus sto# no&. Then sa& ,le4a's )i)id red hair. She loo"ed both &ays and then crossed ?ast -oad. ,le4a !heelan &as reaching out to the hero"ee's #assenger door handle &hen she noticed Mulhearn's slu$#ed body. The $an &as only held in #lace by his seatbelt and his face &as loose and slac". More drool tric"led do&n his chin and onto his shirt collar. The $an loo"ed seriously un&ell at the $o$ent. Shoc" and confusion flashed across her face. She e)en sto##ed che&ing gu$. *ut by then it &as too late. &as already out of $y seat around the hero"ee's bonnet and standing ne4t to ,le4a. o#ened the rear #assenger door. She turned her bro&n co&li"e eyes u# to $ine. (er false eyelashes hel#ed &ith that bo)ine loo" she &as culti)ating. *ut ,le4a didn't loo" scared only be$used. =Mulhearn's ta"en sic"= e4#lained as held o#en the rear door. =our Cad's as"ed $e to ta"e you ho$e instead > and then 'll ta"e this useless lu$# onto the /rantha$ and Cistrict (os#ital.= ,le4a thought for a $o$ent. could al$ost hear the cogs turning in the girl's brain. She $ight ha)e inherited her Cad's ears but not his brains. =ou're (ennessy aren't you9= ,le4a said her )oice rising. =ou burned...= Ferha#s 'd $is6udged !heelan's daughter. *ut that &as all she had ti$e to say. S&iftly #ushed ,le4a onto the bac" seat of the hero"ee. Mulhearn hi$self $ight ha)e been too strong but there &as no &ay ,le4a could resist. %ro$ $y 6ac"et #oc"et &hi##ed out the yello& cloth and #ressed it hard o)er the girl's face. %ro$ $y other #oc"et too" out the bottle of (alothane unscre&ed the to# and #oured so$e dro#s onto the cloth. ,s soon as the sic"ly s$ell hit ,le4a's nose the #oor girl struggled e)en harder. (er feet flailed and dru$$ed on the hero"ee's floor and one shoe fell off. She $ade $uffled cries for hel# but only succeeded in dra&ing $ore chlorofor$ dee#er and dee#er into her lungs. arefully dri##ed out a little $ore (alothane. turned $y head slightly "ee#ing $y face clear of the fu$es filling the car. ,le4a &as only a fourteen year old schoolgirl. She &asn't so$e #sycho hard $an li"e Mulhearn.
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
There &as only one &ay this &as ending. (er struggles ra#idly &ea"ened and her ar$s and legs beca$e still. re$o)ed the rag and &atched for a $o$ent but the girl &asn't fa"ing. She had to##led o)er onto the rear seat so li"e any concerned #arent &ould straightened her u# and stra##ed her in. The &hole struggle had ta"en less than a $inute. loo"ed bac" o)er the road at the grou# of schoolgirls gathering around the bus sto#. f they'd noticed &hat had ha##ened 'd be in big trouble but the girls all see$ed &ra##ed u# in their o&n little &orlds. ,ll the sa$e &as glad &hen #ulled a&ay fro$ the "erb and 6oined the traffic flo& heading out of Sleaford. t &asn't too long before &as &ell out of Sleaford and heading north east along the ,183. Curing the dri)e both Mulhearn's and ,le4a's $obile #hones rang out se)eral ti$es. The high&ay crossed a rail&ay line and dro)e #ast the )illage of ,n&ic" before turned off along a $inor country lane. Nobody follo&ed $e and the flat &aterlogged fields under the )ast grey s"y let $e see in all directions. ,#art fro$ the constant flo& of traffic along the ,183 had the #lace to $yself. There &asn't e)en a tractor in the fields today. The air s$elled da$# and cool. ?)entually #ulled u# in a little layby and then too" a roll of grey duct ta#e fro$ $y bag. Mulhearn &as starting to co$e round again so dealt &ith hi$ first. &ra##ed ta#e around his &rists and an"les and then sla##ed a length o)er his $outh. didn't thin" he'd cho"e as &as staying &ith hi$. also cut t&o s$aller #ieces and ta#ed his eyelids closed. *eing )ulnerable in the dar" not being able to see &hat's going on is )ery disorientating. should "no&. t ha##ened to $e once. !hen &as sure that Mulhearn &as secure did the sa$e to ,le4a. felt a little sorry for ,le4a !heelan as the only thing she'd done &rong &as ha)ing a &annabe capo hood li"e !heelan for a father. She'd lose her co&li"e false eyelashes &hen she #eeled off the ta#e closing her eyelids. That &ould hurt but rec"oned she'd soon get o)er it. straightened $y bac" after 'd finished &ith $y #risoners and loo"ed around. The light &as starting to fail and the s"y &as a dee#er gun$etal grey. The cars heading along the ,183 &ere the only sign of life a#art fro$ a ragged ! sha#ed s"ein of geese flying high o)erhead. Their hon"s to each other sounded ghostly in the half light. *ehind $e heard a cho"ing sound co$ing fro$ Mulhearn. The $an &as gagging and hea)ing. turned to hi$ and ri##ed off the duct ta#e co)ering his $outh. (e leaned for&ard out of the hero"ee and retched and then )o$ited his lunch onto the $uddy layby. ste##ed bac" until he'd finished. =%eel better9= as"ed. Mulhearn s&ore )iolently. too" that to $ean he &as.
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
=ou &ant so$e &ater9= Mulhearn s&ore again but nodded his head. too" a litre bottle of $ineral &ater found in the door foot&ell unca##ed it and held the bottle to his li#s. Mulhearn s&allo&ed greedily. =Dnly si# it= ad)ised. =ou don't &ant to get sto$ach cra$#s or anything.= Mulhearn s#at. The gob of s#it landed near $y feet. cut off another #iece of ta#e and #ressed it o)er the $an's $outh. Turning to ,le4a &as a little &orried. The girl see$ed as if she &as in a co$a. &atched her chest and then #laced $y fingers gently o)er her carotid artery. felt her #ulse fast and light throb 6ust beneath her s"in. Then her breasts rose and fell as the girl too" a shallo& breath. guess being s$aller ,le4a &as $ore susce#tible to the effects of the (alothane than Mulhearn. Dr $aybe 'd 6ust gi)en her a bigger dose. ,fter all hadn't $easured it out &ith scientific accuracy ta"ing into account body $ass li"e they do before an o#eration in hos#ital. *ut thought she'd li)e and that &as all &as interested in. *y ,le4a's feet &as her school bag. ru$$aged through her bag. ,s &ell as the usual dogeared folders and te4t boo"s and a s$all toilet bag containing $a"eu# and e$ergency sanitary #rotection found her s$art #hone. She'd treated it to a #in" case co)ered &ith #in" crystals. *ut all the sa$e a crac" ran across the screen. The case s#ar"led in the fading light. %lic"ing through her a little diary in the notes section s#otted a four digit nu$ber surrounded by doodles of hearts and flo&ers. guessed that &as her #hone's FN nu$ber. S&itching it on entered the FN nu$ber and then scrolled do&n through her contacts. ,nd scrolled and scrolled. (o& $any friends did this girl ha)e9 !as she on s#ea"ing ter$s &ith e)ery girl at Sydenha$9 ,nd half the boys at the nearby arres /ra$$ar School9 t see$ed li"e it. ?)entually found the only nu$ber &anted. !heelan hi$self. #ressed the nu$ber and heard it rang out. !heelan ans&ered on the third ring. =oo" Sugara##le '$ busy so...= !heelan started. Sugara##le9 ,le4a didn't loo" $uch li"e a sugara##le no&. More li"e the usual $oody hor$onal teenage girl. Maybe she &as s&eeter &hen she &as a little girl. =This isn't your little Sugara##le= cut in. =!ho's this9 s that you...9= =eah it's (ennessy. '$ ta"ing ,le4a and Mulhearn for a little dri)e out in the country. Con't &orry they're both safe although don't thin" they're en6oying the ride )ery $uch.= !heelan e4#loded &ith rage threatening $e &ith terrible re)enge. too" no notice but let hi$ #urge his anger fro$ out of his syste$. (e finished &ith ho& he should ha)e started > by getting
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
confir$ation by as"ing to s#ea" to his daughter and Mulhearn. ,$ateur. turned bac" to the @ee# hero"ee. The engine &as tic"ing as it cooled in the ne)er ending east &ind blo&ing o)er the %ens. Mulhearn &as sitting $ore u#right no& and had been trying to unt&ist and free his hands. tore off the ta#e o)er his $outh again ri##ing $ore s"in fro$ his li#s. (e s&ore. held the cell #hone to Mulhearn's ear. =%riend as"ing ho& you are= told Mulhearn. =et hi$ "no& you're safe and &ell.= !heelan s#o"e. heard hi$ as" about ,le4a. = don't "no&= Mulhearn re#lied. ='$ tied u# and blindfolded.= /lancing bac" #oor ,le4a &as still out of it. too" the #hone a&ay fro$ Mulhearn and crossed to the bac" seat. t &as only the seatbelt "ee#ing her u#right but she had slu$#ed for&ard against the stra#. #ushed her bac" and sla##ed the girl's face. No res#onse. sla##ed her again harder lea)ing #al$ #rints on her chee"s. =!hat's going on9= !heelan shouted through the #hone his )oice distorted. returned to Mulhearn in the front #assenger seat and ri##ed off the ta#e co)ering his eyes. (e cried out &ith shoc" and blin"ed se)eral ti$es. =onfir$ to your boss ')e got ,le4a= co$$anded. Mulhearn t&isted in his seat and loo"ed behind hi$. (e sounded defeated &hen he told !heelan that ,le4a &as also in the hero"e e &ith hi$. snatched the #hone a&ay before Mulhearn could tell !heelan that his belo)ed daughter didn't loo" in the #in". =ou should ne)er ha)e gone against $y fa$ily. ou'll #ay for that= !heelan shouted to $e. =ou started it > you shouldn't ha)e ta"en laire. ou $ust ha)e "no&n that &ould bring the roof do&n.= =t &as laire &ho ca$e to $e in the first #lace. She &anted $e &anted &hat her old fella couldn't gi)e her no $ore > not &ithout a load of blue dia$onds rattling around inside hi$.= =!hate)er !heelan. %ran"ly couldn't care less. '$ only here to bring laire ho$e. ou')e got to decide &hat's $ore i$#ortant to you right no& > ,le4a or laire.= !heelan s&ore so$e $ore. =ou of all #eo#le &ouldn't hurt ,le4a (ennessy. She's only a girl. She's done noone any har$.= The second and third #arts of his state$ent &ere true. She &as only a girl and she had not hurt anyone. =-e$e$ber &hat ha##ened to the Kir"ha$ brothers fro$ (ull9= re$inded hi$. = en6oyed that 6ob.=
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
CHAPTER 9. !heelan fell 5uiet so too" ad)antage of his silence. ='ll gi)e you ti$e to decide. !e $eet in t&o hours= said. =!here9= =Tell you nearer the ti$e= said "illing the connection. This &as !heelan's turf and didn't &ant to gi)e hi$ ti$e to #re#are an a$bush. !heelan hadn't argued though. didn't "no& if that &as a good or bad sign. =ou'll ne)er get a&ay &ith this (ennessy= Mulhearn said. =(a)e done so far= said before #ressing $ore duct ta#e o)er his $outh and eyes and tightening his &rists. (e &riggled but there &as nothing he could do. Dnce again chec"ed on ,le4a and &as #leased to see that the girl &as breathing dee#er no&. sla##ed her face not so hard and this ti$e she stirred a little. &as glad about that as didn't &ant to #resent !heelan &ith a cor#se. t &ould ha)e $ade $y night's &or" a &hole lot $ore difficult. Not i$#ossible you understand but $ore difficult than it needed to be. The light bled out of the s"y. f it &asn't for the cloud co)er 'd ha)e had a great )ie& of the constellations. The cars and lorries ne)er sto##ed along the ,183 $a"ing a strea$ of light. ,nd the &ind ne)er sto##ed its flat dirge o)er the %ens. t &as getting colder but didn't fancy sitting in the hero"ee &ith $y t&o ca#ti)es. So &ra##ed $y 6ac"et tighter around $y body and stood &ith $y ar$s crossed but the searching fingers of the &ind found e)ery chin" in $y clothing $a"ing $e shi)er. ,ctually &as glad to be disturbed fro$ $y thoughts by a "noc"ing on the glass behind $e. ,le4a &as ta##ing the side of her head against the &indo&. o#ened the door. The girl &riggled a&ay fro$ $e. leaned in and carefully un#eeled the ta#e fro$ her $outh. She still &inced as the fine do&ny hairs on her u##er li# &ere torn a&ay. ,le4a lic"ed her li#s but her tongue &as dry and coated &ith &hite. held the bottle to her $outh and the girl dran" greedily thirstily until re$o)ed it. =ou all right ,le4a9= as"ed trying to #ut so$e co$#assion in $y )oice. Sure &anted !heelan's daughter scared but not so terrified that she sto##ed being co$#liant. Dn the front seat Mulhearn shifted #osition to face us. don't "no& &hy as the $an &as still gagged and blindfolded. Then noticed tears lea"ing out fro$ under her ta#ed do&n eyelashes. #ut $y hand on her shoulder in a friendly $anner. She recoiled fro$ $y touch. =F.. #... #lease don't "ill $e (ennessy. '$ s... so scared= ,le4a cried.
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
That &as a gi)en. =isten '$ not going to &hac" you ,le4a< nor you neither Mulhearn. Not if your Cad decides to be sensible and #lays along. ou thin" he'll do that9= ,le4a nodded furiously trying to con)ince herself. Mulhearn grunted so$ething but ignored the $an for the ti$e being. =f that's all= said about to ta#e the girl's $outh closed. =!ait... no= ,le4a blushed furiously her chee"s al$ost $atching her hair dye. #aused. = really need a &ee. Flease can't last out.= (er surly indifference all gone no&. loo"ed do&n at the girl sitting in the bac" seat so forlorn. She &as no threat to $e es#ecially not tied u#. =D"ay but be 5uic"= told her. ,le4a s&ung her legs out of the hero"ee and hel#ed her stand. loo"ed both &ays u# and do&n the country lane but nothing &as co$ing. =f you're not going to untie $e you'll ha)e to hel# $e= ,le4a $ur$ured her )oice little $ore than a &his#er lost in the unending &hine of the &ind. &as about to tell her to #ee &here she stood #ee in her #ants and let it tric"le do&n her legs but that &asn't fair on the girl. ,ll the sa$e felt li"e her nurse $aid. Gery carefully not loo"ing reached u# under her s"irt and #ulled do&n her #anties by the sides before holding her s"irt a&ay fro$ her body as ,le4a s5uatted by the hero"ee and did &hat she had to. %inished ,le4a stood to let $e tug u# her #anties again. =Than"s= she &his#ered before closed off her $outh again. ,s hel#ed ,le4a bac" into the hero"ee Mulhearn $ade $ore $uffled de$ands. ='$ not doing the sa$e for you Mulhearn. Tie a "not in it= told hi$. =Dh you can't can you9 Ne)er $ind &e'll be finished soon.= Mulhearn groaned. Tough. /lancing at $y &atch rec"oned 'd gi)en !heelan enough ti$e. $ade the call. =!heelan= he ans&ered. =*ac" of the *ass Maltings. @ust you and laire. Noone else. /ot that9= =Sure. *ass Maltings. ,le4a had better be fine= !heelan said. =!hat do you thin" 'd do to your girl9= !heelan didn't re#ly to that. *ut 'd heard the eagerness in his )oice as he confir$ed the *ass Maltings )enue. !hich &ould be a big disa##oint$ent to !heelan as the last #lace &anted to $eet hi$ in the dar" &as Slea7eford's *ass Maltings. %or sheer scale d&arfing the little to&n of Sleaford you can't beat the *ass Maltings. t's li"e a $odern day builder #lacing a Manhattan s"yscra#er in the $iddle of Sleaford's to&n centre. Totally out of scale > and totally unsustainable. !hich is &hy the *ass Maltings ha)e been closed
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
and left e$#ty since the 1AJ0s. heard there's recently been tal" of restoring the Maltings and con)erting the$. f you're not fa$iliar &ith Slea7eford the *ass Maltings are huge bre&ing $althouses that re#laced all the other s$all bre&eries in the area. So$eti$e before the %irst !orld !ar this &as. There is a line of eight huge detached bric" buildings together &ith a to&er and chi$ney in the $iddle of the$ all. The total frontage is o)er three hundred yards. , really i$#ressi)e slab of industrial architecture out in the $iddle of the #anca"e flat incolnshire countryside. *ut li"e say the #lace &ent bust in the 1AJ0s and is filled &ith rusting abandoned $achinery dee#ly recessed door&ays and &indo&s and there are too $any #laces &here a $ar"s$an &ith a sni#er rifle and night sco#e could hide and ta"e $e do&n. So no &ay &as $eeting !heelan any&here &ithin rifle shot of the *ass Maltings. &al"ed round to the dri)er's seat did a three #oint turn and turned the hero"ee around. *ac" through Slea7eford. sa& so$e young $an stagger across the road clutching a )od"a bottle. (e lobbed the e$#ty at the @ee# hero"ee but it sailed #ast and shattered in the o##osite gutter. The $an then turned a&ay and disa##eared do&n a dar" alley bet&een t&o sho#s. =Nice #lace you ha)e here= said to $y #assengers. =%riendly.= Dnce &e had dri)en o)er the bridge #ast Sleaford's train station rela4ed a little. ,lthough hadn't e4#ected any trouble fro$ !heelan but $ight ha)e been eyeballed and follo&ed as dro)e through to&n. Dn the other side turned off ondon -oad and onto /rantha$ -oad the *181B. The traffic &as lighter no& at this ti$e of night. =,l$ost there= told $y #assengers to "ee# u# their s#irits. , fe& $inutes later &e turned right u# astle ause&ay and onto $y intended destination all along. !here could "ee# control of the hando)er and not !heelan. Sleaford astle. ou $ight be &ondering &hy re6ected the *ass Maltings but chose Sleaford astle instead. f you're thin"ing Sleaford astle is li"e one of those huge $edie)al castles built to "ee# the !elsh under control such as aernarfon or on&y or (arlech then you'd be $a"ing a $ista"e. Maybe Sleaford astle &as li"e that once but no longer. ,ll that's left no& is so$e earth&or"s in a field together &ith a $oat and a section of rubbled &all. ,t one end of the field is a co#se of trees and bushes. ,nd that's that. D)er the centuries the locals #robably had it a&ay &ith the castle's $asonry to i$#ro)e their cottages. t's funny to thin" that &hat &as once so i$#ortant is no& barely a third rate tourist attraction. #ulled u# o##osite the site's entrance. ,s e4#ected the $etal barrier &as #adloc"ed but a $o$ent later 'd #ic"ed the loc" &ith $y #ry and s&ung the gate o#en. Turning the @ee#
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
hero"ee onto the castle fields dro)e along the rough trac" and #ar"ed near the ruined &all. Ferfect. Dnly one &ay in and out. No &ay could !heelan snea" in so$e of his hoods to blindside $e. My ca#ti)es stirred the$sel)es and sat u# straighter. They "ne& they &ere nearly through. Ste##ing out of the hero"ee called !heelan a second ti$e. =hanged $y $ind !heelan it's Sleaford astle.= !heelan $ade so$e crac" about ho& it &as $y #ri)ilege to change $y $ind at short notice but underneath could tell the $an &asn't ha##y about the change. *ut &as &hich &as &hat $attered. Kee#ing an eye on the only entrance stood and &aited. , train thundered by to the south of the castle fields > a long tube of light and sound fracturing the night's dar"ness. t too" longer than e4#ected for !heelan to sho&. So guessed he had set u# a little '$eet and greet' #arty at the *ass Maltings. t's &hat &ould ha)e done in his #lace after all. Then a large offroad H4H turned u# the dirt trac" leading to Sleaford astle. The car flashed its lights the once. got behind the hero"ee's &heel and flashed $y lights in re#ly. =ou t&o. Ti$e to go. Dut no&= told the$. o#ened their doors and hel#ed the$ both out. Mulhearn slightly hunched o)er groaning to hi$self. The $an $ust be absolutely des#erate by no&. The chill air &ouldn't hel# his bladder any. Ta"ing a S&iss ar$y "nife "nelt and cut the duct ta#e binding their an"les. =!al"= told the$ gi)ing the #air a gentle sho)e in the right direction. They too" slo& hesitant ste#s little $ore than a cautious shuffle as their hands &ere still bound behind the$ and their eyes ta#ed shut. Strangely it &as the schoolgirl ,le4a &ho see$ed bolder than Mulhearn. ,le4a stu$bled o)er a tussoc" of rough grass and caught her ar$ steadying her. !hen &e &ere about fifty yards fro$ !heelan's Mercedes Mclass H4H co$$anded that they sto#. My ca#ti)es did so and stood tre$bling slightly in the e)er #resent &ind. ,le4a's s"irt rustling around her "nees. Ta"ing out ,le4a's $obile called !heelan again. Noone had yet got out of the Mercedes *en7 and couldn't see inside the )ehicle. =!e're here !heelan. et's get this o)er &ith.= ,s s#o"e to !heelan heard laire McTeague's )oice carrying on in the bac"ground. Fleading and begging. t sounded li"e the &o$an &asn't ha##y about going ho$e. =o$e on !heelan. ha)en't got all night= re$inded hi$. The Mercedes door o#ened. sa& !heelan's si4 foot t&o bul" as he crossed his headlight's bea$s and o#ened the #assenger door. Ces#ite the cold !heelan &ore only a s"inny rib tee shirt the better to sho& off his $uscles. (e leaned in and gently hel#ed laire McTeague out. The &o$an &as &ar$ly dressed in a )elour trac"suit hoodie and &ore &hite trainers. (e s#o"e to her
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
and then both started for&ards to&ards $y grou#. $$ediately called !heelan again. ?)en at that distance heard his ringtone. !heelan ans&ered. =Dnly laire McTeague !heelan. ou "no& the drill > they $eet half &ay and then "ee# &al"ing. -e$e$ber hold all the aces here. Co you need $e to s#ell it out9 '$ ar$ed and &hac"ing your daughter your lo)er and your second is less than nothing to $e. /ot that9= !heelan got that loud and clear. To be honest didn't need to re$ind hi$ but 6ust &anted it crystal to e)eryone. Foor ,le4a shuddered and sun" her head into her shoulders as if she could feel the A$$ Farabellu$ blasting through her body #unching through her insides and sending her into eternity. Mulhearn groaned. Ste##ing for&ard #ulled off the ta#e co)ering ,le4a's eyes so she could guide Mulhearn. (er false lashes ca$e &ith it and she cried out. She blin"ed her eyes ad6usting to the di$ light and she focussed on her father's Mclass. !heelan &a)ed to her. =ou t&o can go no&= said gi)ing the$ another #ush. =/ood luc".= ,s soon as they started &al"ing !heelan nudged laire McTeague. !ith a bac"&ard loo" at her lo)er the &o$an started for&ard. So far so good. Nice and easy. No dra$as. My #hone rang. !heelan. too" the call. =Flease (ennessy= he started. hated hearing the $an beg. =Flease it doesn't ha)e to be li"e this. laire doesn't lo)e McTeague no $ore > its $e she &ants. ou $ust understand ho& she feels. isten one last chance thro& your hand in &ith $e and 'll $a"e you $y second instead...= laughed at this #oint. t &as #athetic. =... $y #artner then. ?5ual shares. ou and $e (ennessy together. !e're both younger than McTeague. (e's yesterday's $an al&ays going on about the club scene of the ?ighties and Nineties. *attling the old Scouser gangs. !hat does he "no& about the future9 Dutsourcing...= &asn't e)en te$#ted. McTeague had seen challengers li"e !heelan co$e and go. i"e an old oa" he'd stayed the course. =isten !heelan. 'll gi)e you one ti#. !ait for McTeague to cal$ do&n and then $a"e hi$ an offer.= finished the call. That &as good ad)ice. t &asn't $y business but rec"oned once McTeague had li)ed &ith a &o$an &ho no longer lo)ed hi$ for a fe& $onths he'd be o#en to a trade for her. *y no& the three had $et in the $iddle of the castle field. laire McTeague s#o"e to Mulhearn &ho nodded a cou#le of ti$es before they crossed #aths and then laire &as co$ing to&ards $e. She &al"ed slo&ly carefully o)er the une)en ground. loo"ed o)er the field. !hen she &as only a fe& yards a&ay fro$ her father's Mclass ,le4a forgot caution and ran for&ards into her father's
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
ar$s and he enfolded her in a bear hug. , touching sight. laire McTeague &as al$ost u# to $e by no&. nodded #olitely and o#ened u# the hero"ee's #assenger door for her li"e any good chauffeur should. =,re you carrying9= as"ed her before she got in. didn't thin" she &as as laire &as out of the life e4ce#t for the good things $en li"e McTeague and !heelan &ere #re#ared to la)ish on her in order that they could ha)e her dra#ed o)er their ar$. couldn't see the attraction $yself. laire shoo" her head and sniffed. (er eyes &ere red and &atery. !hether fro$ the cold or crying neither "ne& nor cared. #atted her do&n any&ay but the &o$an &as clean. =n= said. *efore she sat do&n sho&ed her Mulhearn's bottle of (alothane and told her 'd ha)e no #roble$ &ith using it on her if that's &hat she &anted. ,gain laire shoo" her head her carefully coiffured hair re$aining in #lace. =ou &in (ennessy< you and McTeague. *ut it's &rong &hat you're doing.= Dne sentence in and already couldn't ta"e any $ore of this dri)el so tuned into incs %M for so$ething loud fro$ the charts and dro)e o)er the bu$#y field and then along the trac". !e #assed !heelan &ho &as still cuddling ,le4a< and Mulhearn &ho &as #issing li"e a horse before re6oining astle %ields road and then onto the *181B. !e &ere lea)ing Sleaford on the ,18 before allo&ed $yself to rela4. laire &as going ho$e. She sat 5uietly a#art fro$ the occasional sniffle. (er hands rested in her la#. '$ not telling you &hich direction &e headed nor ho& far dro)e as the Serious Drganised ri$e ,gency $ight find that infor$ation of use.
CHAPTER 10. Df course it all "ic"ed off big ti$e. ,lthough McTeague still had the far bigger e$#ire !heelan &asn't &ithout resources and a cou#le of other capos sided &ith hi$ es#ecially the Norfol" %ar$ *oys ho#ing to #ic" o)er the re$nants of McTeague's e$#ire after the older $an &ent do&n. ,nd $aybe they also genuinely "ne& &hat it &as li"e to lose a &o$an they lo)ed and had so$e sy$#athy for !heelan. ,lthough in the case of the Norfol" boys that &o$an &ould ha)e been one of their close relations. , )ery close relation. ou "no& &hat $ean by that. (o&e)er the general consensus &as that although !heelan &as out of order for ta"ing laire &ithout as"ing< McTeague &as bang out of order for ta"ing her bac" by force. Strange ho& $en's $inds &or".
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
Enless you're a her$it on the Duter (ebrides or Scilly sles or so$e&here you'll ha)e seen on the Ne&s or read in the #a#ers about &hat ha##ened ne4t. The gang &ar $ade headline ne&s< #olice hief onstables &ere dragged blin"ing before the TG ca$eras and there &ere e)en 5uestions as"ed in the (ouse of o$$ons about the cri$e &a)e s&ee#ing eastern ?ngland. The to#ic do$inated one uestion Ti$e on -adio H &ith solutions ranging fro$ the usual 'bring bac" the ro#e' fro$ the right &ing Tory renta5uote $e$ber of #arlia$ent to the e)en $ore #redictable hand&ringing 'they are all )icti$s of #oor u#bringing' liberalis$ of so$e #in"o 5uangocrat. !ith $y s"ill set &as $uch in de$and. ou re$e$ber that tourist fro$ Dtta&a &ho &as stabbed to death by a $ugger in a hoodie thirty seconds after lea)ing ?ast Midlands ,ir#ort's arri)als hall as he &aited for a ta4i9 There &as a lot of fuss $ade at the ti$e about ho& dangerous *ritain &as beco$ing9 Gisitors not e)en $a"ing it out of a #ro)incial air#ort before being "illed in our increasingly )iolent country9 That &as no $ugger. ,nd that &as no ordinary tourist but a to# dollar hit$an flo&n in to &hac" McTeague. The o&ner of a string of la#dancing clubs throughout South or"shire > that's right. The $an &ho &ent do&n in a hail of bullets fro$ a con)erted Mac10 's#ray'n'#ray' $achine#istol as he crossed the #a)e$ent fro$ his club to his &aiting li$o one rainy night9 There &ere t&o #eo#le in blac" leathers on a stolen a$aha -J su#erbi"e. The #illion rider shredding the club o&ner li"e a S&iss cheese before the bi"e 7oo$ed off into the night. The bi"e &as later found burned out a $ile a&ay. *ut the dri)er and the shooter still ha)en't been found. Nor &ill they e)er be. That club o&ner shouldn't ha)e thought he could get a&ay &ith 6oining forces &ith !heelan by bringing so$e anadian hit$an in on his ne& friend's behalf. (e'd #robably still be ali)e and en6oying the nightly stri# sho&s to this day. Then there's the t&o Koso)an socalled asylu$ see"ers dee# underground in Sher&ood %orest. T&o hard$an chancers in leather 6ac"ets &ho thought they could $uscle in and ta"e o)er &hilst the ?ast Midlands &ent u# in s$o"e. No &ait. They ha)en't been found yet. ,nd ho#e they ne)er &ill be. ou $ess &ith one Koso)an ,lbanian and you $ess &ith the$ all. No &ay do &ant their brothers cousins uncles ne#he&s inla&s and outla&s all after $e in one of their unending )endettas. Df course this couldn't s#in on out of control for e)er. The to# brass at incolnshire Folice $ust ha)e been leaned on by so$e of the high $andarins at the (o$e Dffice to get this sorted before the red to# #ress started another $oral #anic about *ritain's cri$e rate &hich &ould cost the go)ern$ent the 'la& and order' )otes at the ne4t election. Su#erintendent Conelan of the incolnshire Folice as"ed to see $e. (e &as res#ectful but $ade it crystal that not $eeting &asn't on the cards. !e $et in that sa$e $oc" Tudor gastro#ub on the
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
,18 that 'd been in at the start of all this. !here got $y ,udi "eyed. The #re)ious chef had since $o)ed on and the ne& chef see$ed to be ha)ing so$e trouble as se)eral of the dishes &ere off the $enu. Conelan ca$e in out of the rain &earing a ci))ie 6ac"et o)er his unifor$ but he still loo"ed li"e a #lugugly co##er. (e ordered a freshly s5uee7ed orange 6uice and brought it o)er to $y table as folded u# $y co#y of the Telegra#h. (e held out his hand and after a $o$ent's hesitation shoo". ,lthough Conelan &as o"ay for a co##er still don't li"e sha"ing their hands. Ma"es $e feel dirty so$eho&. (e sat do&n and glanced at the bac" #age headlines. =ndia's doing &ell. -ec"on &e'll dra& the series9= he as"ed. =Dn the radio 6ust no& it said &e're currently t&o hundred and eight in re#ly.= nodded. = thin" so. The forecast's for rain but &e $ade a $ista"e by not as"ing the$ to follo& on in the %irst Test. !e should ha)e &on that easily and then &e'd ha)e the u##er hand= said. !e discussed the su$$er's cric"et so$e $ore as the dri77le hit the &indo&s. Dutside so$e fa$ilies dodged the rain under the #arasols and a fe& hardy "ids $ade the best of the s$all #lay area. , &o$an called out for Dli)er darling to be careful. S$all tal" o)er Conelan got to the #oint. t &as short and s&eet. =(ennessy. Tell McTeague to cal$ it do&n. ,s for you: get out of the country for a &hile. Dther&ise you're going do&n for a long stretch. ,nd don't cry if it's a fitu# 6ob. ou')e ruffled too $any feathers of #eo#le &ho don't li"e ha)ing their feathers ruffled.= Conelan stood u# to lea)e. =f you go do&n forget any a##eals e)en if you can afford to hire the best barristers out of your offshore accounts. The big&igs in !hitehall &ill ha)e a 5uiet &ord &ith the 6udges to laugh any a##eals out of court.= Conelan $ade a strange gesture &ith his hand &hich too" to be so$ething fro$ the %ree$asons' rituals. Not that 'd e)er be allo&ed to 6oin (e couldn't ha)e been any clearer. The (o$e Dffice $andarins and to# 6udges all drin" in the sa$e odges. Conelan loo"ed do&n at $y ne&s#a#er. =Three do&n. %orbidding ,lbert and Ciana to 6oin royal fa$ily9 The ans&er's /ri$aldi.= loo"ed do&n at $y cross&ord. That &as one of $y fe& blan" ans&ers but should ha)e got that. &as annoyed that Conelan had co$e by before 'd had chance to co$#lete the cross&ord. =%inished &ith this9= Conelan said as he too" $y Telegra#h &ith hi$ as he left. o##ers. They're as light fingered as e)eryone thin"s they are.
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Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
(o&e)er McTeague too" ad)antage of $y enforced absence by sending $e to ha)e a &ord &ith %innigan. trac"ed the old e4Fro)o bo$ber to his lair in ,nt&er# after s#ending too long loo"ing for hi$ in his old sta$#ing grounds around -otterda$'s ?uro#oort area. That is a story in itself< but one for another ti$e. found hi$ &ith his Thai $ail order bride > &ell &ho else &ould loo" at a $an &ith %innigan's face9 > in a coffee sho# o)erloo"ing the $edie)al cathedral. e4#lained that it &ould be far better for hi$ to cut ties &ith !heelan and resu$e business &ith McTeague. Df course %innigan #rotested that he &as #rotected by the -o$anian. Ta"ing $y ti$e loo"ed around the coffee sho# and told hi$ that couldn't see any -o$anians in here but &as sitting o##osite &ith a ra7or shar# /erber co$bat "nife stra##ed to $y thigh and a (onda %ireblade su#erbi"e ca#able of hitting one hundred and fifty $iles #er hour &ithin 5uarter of a $ile's distance #ar"ed outside for $y geta&ay. =Not in these streets it's not doing one hundred and fifty= %innigan said &ith a s$ile. *ut that &as bra)ado and nothing else. *oth of us "ne& 'd found hi$ once and could find hi$ again. Cid he still feel so #rotected no&9 %innigan got the $essage loud and clear and said he'd cut off !heelan's su##ly routes. later found out that the old fo4 #layed off both ends against each other and su##lied both $en. can't say bla$e hi$.
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(o&e)er McTeague didn't ha)e it all his o&n &ay and &hilst &as out of the &ay hunting %innigan throughout *elgiu$ and the Netherlands things &ent &rong for $y boss. (e &ould ha)e li"ed to "ee# $e by his side but &e both "ne& that &as i$#ossible for the ti$e being. McTeague called $e one e)ening as &as resting in a 5uir"y hotel on Kei7ersgracht canal in ,$sterda$'s bohe$ian @ordaan district. Not the sort of #lace nor$ally use > not a high enough star rating > so that's &hy chose it. The sound of tourists 6ostling &ith cyclists ca$e fro$ belo& $y bedroo$ &indo&. McTeague told $e that there had been a conference in ondon about the situation. Most of the big gangland fir$s &ere re#resented. To cut to the chase McTeague told $e that the big fir$s had let hi$ "no& that his acti)ities &ere bang out of order and he &as affecting all their businesses. *asically he had to lea)e !heelan alone for the ti$e being > and #ush through his di)orce before letting laire ha)e her o&n life bac". McTeague &asn't ha##y but &hat could he do9 These capos &ere the real hea)y hitters of organised cri$e.
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
f the Serious Drganised ri$e ,gency could ha)e charged the $en in that roo$ &ith e)erything they had co$$itted these capos &ould be loo"ing at sentences of about a thousand years each. *asically their great grandchildren &ould die inside. (o&e)er and because of that &hat they said &ent. Enless you &ere really stu#id and had a death &ish. , &ish to die a #articularly nasty nast y death. Strangely McTeague didn't sound too u#set by the ulti$atu$. thin" e)en he had beco$e fed u# &ith the chaos and uncertainty but he couldn't let laire go )oluntarily no& &ithout losing too $uch face. Not after ha)ing started a big gang &ar 6ust to get his &o$an bac". ,lso McTeague had by no& co$e to the conclusion that he could ne)er $a"e laire lo)e hi$ again. (e bought her #resents: a -ole4 &ith dia$onds inset on the ri$ a $in" coat filled his ho$e &ith hothouse flo&ers s#ecially brought in fro$ (olland. %innigan organised that for hi$ > a change fro$ his usual co$$odities. Fa$#ering sessions at #lush s#as. ou get the idea. She li)ed &ith hi$ in his far$ outside of... if told you 'd ha)e to "ill you. Dnly 6o"ing but you really don't &ant to "no&. *ut &ithin &ee"s they &ere bac" to sni#ing at one another and the at$os#here at ho$e beca$e tense and un#leasant )ery 5uic"ly. heard that they had se#arate roo$s &ith se#arate ensuites > &ell their far$house &as $ore than big enough. McTeague should ha)e listened to $e in the first #lace. could ha)e told hi$ that and sa)ed all the trouble. !hat do they say9 So$ething li"e be careful &hat you &ish for. ou $ight get it. No& that things had cal$ed do&n McTeague #ut out so$e feelers to Conelan and $aybe $ade a cash donation to the #olice &ido&'s fundO and &as allo&ed to co$e ho$e. can't say &as sorry as &as fed u# &ith eating fries &ith $ayo > it &as #laying ha)oc &ith $y &aistline. McTeague hi$self $et $e outside ?ast Midlands ,ir#ort. This ti$e he &as dri)ing an anony$ous %ord Mondeo 1.J. t had tinted &indo&s but other&ise &as #lain )anilla. @ust li"e you see countless sales re#s belting u# and do&n the $otor&ays in. Things $ust be bad for McTeague to be dri)ing those &heels because he &as a $an &ho lo)ed his $otors. !e shoo" hands and on the &ay bac" to his far$house filled $y boss in on ho& 'd got on &ith %innigan. (e see$ed #leased at the result. (o&e)er on the &ay bac" realised that &as the only good ne&s. McTeague's hands gri##ed the &heel his "nuc"les &hite and he changed gears &ith shar# cho##y $otions. (e lo&ered his &indo& lit u# and ble& s$o"e into the sli#strea$. = need you to $eet &ith !heelan. Thrash out a fe& details out &ith hi$. can't face seeing that 6u$#ed u# fool= McTeague said. (e sla$$ed his #al$ onto the &heel hard . S$o"e drifted into the Mondeo and coughed. =Sorry. forgot you don't s$o"e (ennessy. No res#ect > taught that fool e)erything he "no&s.
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
f it &asn't for $e he'd still be 6oyriding around the estates &ith his teara&ay $ates< a baseball ca# on bac" to front and thin"ing half a "ilo of blo& and a do7en tabs of ? is so$e big deal.= McTeague sla$$ed the &heel again. t &as rare to see $y boss in such a foul $ood. "e#t $y silence and &aited to hear &hat he &anted $e to do. So$eho& didn't thin" 'd be sitting &ith $y feet u# on the sofa &atching the coo"ery or #ro#erty reno)ation sho&s on dayti$e TG any ti$e soon. McTeague sounded off about !heelan so$e $ore. (is $ain the$e &as !heelan's lac" of res#ect. = &ant you to $eet &ith !heelan. ')e decided he can "ee# that bitch laire. '$ gi)ing her a nocontest di)orce and a decent #ayoff but only fro$ &hat $y legit businesses can afford you "no& &hat $ean9= "ne& &hat McTeague $eant. ,s a front he o&ned lots of legiti$ate businesses through $ost of &hich he laundered his less "osher sources of inco$e. ou "no& the "ind of things > ta4i fir$s an a$use$ent arcade a chain of #i77a ta"ea&ays. Fubs and clubs. ,s al&ays anything &here cash &as "ing. (e'd e)en been in)ited to 6oin the -otary lub of the nearby city. (o&e)er his illicit inco$e d&arfed that and there &as no &ay he &anted the nland -e)enue or the G,T #eo#le getting a sniff of that. &as sur#rised. Ces#ite &hat the ondon capos had told hi$ had thought McTeague &ould try and hang onto laire if only to sto# !heelan gloating o)er her. (o&e)er on second thoughts it loo"s a little $edie)al to "ee# t&o e4&i)es in seclusion. ,nd unli"e Melissa there &as no &ay a young &o$an li"e laire &ould "ee# herself out of the &ay. Maybe he &as doing the right thing by letting the &o$an go. f McTeague #resented it right he could $a"e it loo" li"e a gesture fro$ a #osition of strength strength rather than &ea"ness. told hi$ this and he s$iled. =Trust you to see it in the right light (ennessy= McTeague said &ith a s$ile.
CHAPTER 11. *ac" at McTeague's far$ found $y ,udi &hich had been collected fro$ Sleaford after dro)e a&ay fro$ the little to&n in Mulhearn's @ee# hero"ee. t had been res#rayed )aleted and loo"ed good as ne&. collected $y "eys fro$ McTeague. laire McTeague ca$e out of the far$house. She &ore co$fortable 6eggings and a cerise cash$ere s&eater that clung tight to her slender fra$e $a"ing the &o$an loo" li"e she &as s$uggling out a cou#le of #eanuts under her to#. Dne of McTeague's $en follo&ed carrying se)eral suitcases and bags &hich he loaded into the ,udi ,8's trun". glanced o)er at McTeague.
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
=Ta"e her a&ay= he said. (e loo"ed sad. Cefeated. didn't thin" his lo& $ood &ould last for e)er as of course McTeague could ha)e his #ic" of al$ost any &o$an in the life and being a $an &ith both needs and $oney he &ouldn't slee# alone for long. ,ll the sa$e "no& laire had been so$eone s#ecial to hi$ at least at first. slid behind the &heel and laire got in beside $e. She didn't loo" at $e. don't thin" she &as ha##y about the &ay snatched her a&ay fro$ !heelan se)eral $onths ago. Dr about the &ay that ulti$ately !heelan sho&ed he )alued his daughter $ore than her. *ut &hat did laire e4#ect9 Not that 'd "no& #ersonally but guess a $an's lo)e for his daughter is so$ething )ery s#ecial. dro)e a&ay fro$ McTeague's far$house. The last sa& &as McTeague standing all forlorn outside his hand raised in a half &a)e. laire didn't res#ond but stared ahead through the &indscreen. She didn't s#ea" to $e &hich &as fine as far as &as concerned so s&itched on -adio H and listened to ?ddie Mair on the FM sho& before the Ne&s at Si4. , cou#le of hours later &as #ulling into !heelan's $oc" Tudor $ansion on Dld Flace. ?)en before 'd sto##ed !heelan's !heelan' s $en &ere #iling out of the house. ho use. Mulhearn -iordan and cou#le co u#le of others. Standing tall behind the$ &as !heelan hi$self. Mulhearn &renched o#en the dri)er's door and loo"ed li"e he &as going to haul $e out and gi)e $e a #asting. -iordan loo"ed li"e he &ould 6oin in. felt a little li"e that cha# in the *ible > the one &ho got thro&n into a lion's den or so$ething. ?4ce#t these lions didn't loo" li"e they &anted to $a"e friends. !heelan #ushed his &ay through his $en and held out his hand. !e shoo" and his $en ste##ed bac" but li"e a #ac" of &ild beasts they circled around arou nd us until !heelan ordered -iordan to fetch laire's bags fro$ out of the trun". !heelan escorted laire and &e all &al"ed into his house. ='$ gonna $ess you u#= -iordan &his#ered as he #assed $e &ith the bags. -iordan hadn't before so too" no notice. no tice. That annoyed hi$ $ore than anything an ything else could ha)e said or done. There &as no $usic blaring out fro$ u#stairs so guessed ,le4a &as either not at ho$e or hiding in her roo$. ,nother one &ho &asn't so "een to $eet $e. can't say &as sur#rised. !heelan sho&ed us into his front li)ing roo$ and crossed to his drin"s cabinet. ='$ dri)ing. o"e for $e #lease= said. !heelan #retended to $isunderstand. =Fe#si or china &hite9= &asn't in the $ood to #lay along. =Ciet Fe#si if you')e got it.= ?)eryone "no&s don't do drugs. Ne)er ha)e and ne)er &ill. "ee# $y body clean > &hy #ollute it9 !heelan unca##ed the bottle and handed it to $e together &ith a tu$bler filled &ith ice. The at$os#here &as hea)y and the con)ersation li$#ed along until it died. 'd hurt !heelan's $en and both McTeague and !heelan had da$aged each other's e$#ires. e$#ires . Not long after !heelan stood and
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
sho&ed his $en the door lea)ing $e alone &ith the gang boss. #ut to !heelan &hat McTeague had authorised. laire he already "ne& about as the &o$an &as under his roof. e4#lained the di)ision of territories that the ondon capos had agreed. t &as $ore than McTeague &anted to lose and !heelan couldn't hide the #leasure on his face. (e grinned li"e the heshire cat. Elti$ately it &as a cli$bdo&n a hu$iliation for McTeague. (o&e)er dressed u# the deal. ,nd !heelan "ne& it. ='ll need to confir$ that &ith your boss (ennessy= !heelan said. =Ma"e sure he's cool &ith that Ma"e sure there's no co$ebac"s.= nodded and "eyed in McTeague's latest nu$ber into $y *lac"*erry. handed the #hone o)er. !heelan s#o"e and &al"ed into his conser)atory out of earshot. sat bac" and si##ed $y drin" &atching !heelan #ace to and fro as he s#o"e &ith $y boss. ?)entually !heelan #ressed the end call button on $y #hone and ca$e bac" into the lounge. , big grin co)ered his face. =oo"s li"e ')e &on (ennessy. McTeague says he's gi)en u#. (e can't > &on't "ee# laire. (e e)en says he's no ob6ections to us getting $arried.= =That's good !heelan. '$ #leased for you. *est ne&s ')e heard all year= said. =Con't be li"e that (ennessy. ou should be #leased. ,ll the fighting's o)er. ,nd ')e &on > ')e got all incolnshire the %ens e)en #art of east Nottingha$shire...= =,s &ell as laire of course.= !heelan s$iled again. Sur#risingly gentle. =es and laire.= , thought ca$e to $e. =Entil McTeague ta"es it all bac" again.= *ut nothing could say dented !heelan's good hu$our. (e'd &on and he "ne& it. (e laughed. =No &ay (ennessy. McTeague's yesterday's $an. (e's losing it > &hilst you &ere running around (olland ')e ta"en control of the su##ly routes fro$ *ostongrad and Kings ynn no&. ou "no& $aybe 'll $o)e into the !est Midlands at so$e #oint. That's $ore than McTeague e)er $anaged. (ey li"e said you should thin" about thro&ing in your lot &ith $e. could use so$eone li"e you (ennessy in s#ite of &hat you')e done.= =Than"s for the offer !heelan but 'll #ass. 'll stic" &ith McTeague's outfit.= !heelan stood and offered $e his hand. !e shoo". &asn't to see hi$ again until the &edding.
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The &edding &as the social e)ent of the year in Slea7eford as 'd co$e to thin" of the #lace no&. !heelan had boo"ed St. Cenys #arish church in the centre of the to&n. The ancient t&elfth century church &as filled &ith bloo$s &hich turned out to be su##lied by %innigan. The e4Fro)o
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
&as $a"ing a nicely legit sideline e4#orting flo&ers no&. !heelan had s#ared no e4#ense. ello& and &hite garlands &ra##ed around the #illars co)ered the altar and filled big )ases in full )ie& of the congregation. The brides$aids loo"ed gorgeous in $au)e dresses. ,nd as for laire McTeague herself9 Sorry laire !heelan as should call her no&. !ell she &as si$#ly beautiful. She loo"ed stunning as she &al"ed do&n the aisle on McTeague's ar$. es e)en in these days su##ose it's unusual for the e4husband to gi)e a&ay the bride. *ut if that's &hat McTeague &anted to do &ho &as going to argue9 There &ere $en there fro$ *ir$ingha$ eicester< hell fro$ all o)er the country and as far a&ay as Scotland. Dne face e)en too" a chance and had sli##ed bac" into the country fro$ the S#anish ostas. Men &ho &ouldn't nor$ally be seen sitting together in the sa$e roo$ shared the sa$e #e&. Their &i)es and girlfriends all dolled u# li"e birds of #aradise. don't su##ose the sy$bolis$ &as lost on the assorted faces in the congregation. The handing o)er of the #ri7e by the older gang head to the leaner $eaner younger boss. can't say #aid $uch attention to the ser)ice or the )icar's ser$on and forty $inutes later &e &ere all outside. That flat unending east &ind ble& off the fens $a"ing the s$o"ers huddle together against the sheltered side of the old &hite stone church. ,fter the #hotos had been ta"en > as you &ould e4#ect there &ere a nu$ber of faces there &ho declined the o##ortunity to a##ear > McTeague dre& !heelan and $yself to one side. = $ight not get chance to catch you during the rece#tion !heelan so let $e congratulate you no& and &ish you e)ery ha##iness and success in the future.= =Than"s McTeague= !heelan said sha"ing the older $an's hand. =That's really good of you.= =')e arranged for your &edding #resent to be deli)ered Monday the t&entythird. ,fter you t&o get bac" fro$ your honey$oon. , truc" load of hinese cigarettes at least fifty thousand cartons &orth. To# 5uality #ac"aging. Noone &ill s#ot the difference.= !heelan did the su$s in his head. (e s$iled and thre& his ar$s around McTeague's body in a bear hug. 'd had enough so didn't stay on for the &edding rece#tion. S#eeches and toasts follo&ed by drun"en dancing ne)er a##ealed to $e. nstead &al"ed alone do&n the churchyard #ath #ast the $ossy gra)es cli$bed into $y ,udi and dro)e ho$e.
CHAPTER 12. Today &as the $orning of Monday the t&entythird.
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
&as #ar"ed further do&n ?ast -oad fro$ !heelan's industrial unit. &asn't in $y ,udi ,8 as that &as too &ell "no&n round here by no&. nstead &as in a C,% tractor cabo)er the obligatory hi)i7 coat co)ering $y suit #ulled u# by the side of the road as if &aiting for $y tachogra#h to gi)e $e #er$ission to start dri)ing again. !here's the best #lace to hide9 n #lain sight. ,lthough $y cabo)er &as huge< on an industrial estate it &as totally incons#icuous. The cab's heater &as on and a #a#er bea"er of Starbuc"'s s"inny latte stea$ed in the cu# holder ne4t to a half eaten lo&cal $uffin. , red truc" dro)e do&n the road leading to the co$#le4 of industrial units. stirred in $y seat. The truc" &as $ar"ed u# &ith the logo of a furniture hire co$#any. Must be a regular as the dri)er bantered &ith the security guard leaning out of his hut before the guard raised the barrier. t &as a different guard than the $an 'd tied u# $onths before. guess that first guard had got the sac". ?)entually the truc" s&ung into the forecourt shared by the units. &atched as the truc" turned into the si4th unit. This truc" &asn't for !heelan. settled bac" in $y seat and carried on &aiting. ,nother truc" turned into the co$#le4 but this ti$e didn't e)en bother stirring in $y seat. t &as 6ust a flatbed co$e to collect for recycling a load of blue #lastic dru$s filled &ith dirty "itchen oils. There &as a long ga# before the ne4t lorry arri)ed during &hich listened to @ohn (u$#hrys on -adio H's Today sho& tell $e all about failed breast i$#lants. ,s if he "ne& anything about the$. My eyelids droo#ed so &ound the cab's &indo& do&n a fe& inches allo&ing fingers of cold air to "ee# $e a&a"e. ,nother goods )ehicle turned in also #ausing at the barrier. This see$ed $ore li"ely. t &as a battered &hite uton bo4 truc" &ith no $ar"ings on the side. The old )an loo"ed li"e it had been round the &orld and bac". The security guard raised the barrier and &atched the uton turn left and #ull u# in front of !heelan's de#ot. The dri)er bee#ed his horn once t&ice before the #edestrian door inset in the $ain gate o#ened. T&o $en ste##ed out. recognised -iordan and his friend. The $an 'd once sla$$ed into a bric" &all. The second $an's face loo"ed li"e he had recently lost a bout in a bare "nuc"le #ri7e fight so he &asn't ha)ing $uch luc" recently. The t&o $en as"ed the dri)er to ste# do&n fro$ his cab. The dri)er did so &al"ed to the bac" of the truc" and then unloc"ed the doors. -iordan cli$bed u# into the bac" and disa##eared fro$ $y sight. *attered%ace "e#t his eye on the dri)er. ?)entually -iordan ree$erged fro$ the bac". (e nodded to the dri)er and they shoo" hands. E# in $y cabo)er felt a little li"e the guy the /ree"s left behind &ith their Tro6an (orse. *ut that guy had $uch the harder 6ob as he'd had to #ersuade the sus#icious Tro6ans to unloc" the gates
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
and let the hollo& &ooden horse filled &ith /ree" soldiers into their city. Me all 'd had to do &as &atch and &ait. !hich &as 6ust as &ell as $y #resence &ould')e $ade -iordan and his $ate $ore sus#icious rather than less. s$iled to $yself. McTeague's #lan had &or"ed #erfectly. %inally the large )ehicular gate slid u#. ?)en fro$ $y high u# #osition in the road outside couldn't see the inside of the unit. &ondered ho& !heelan's $en had got on &ith the clearu# after $y firebo$bing. ,fter all although the industrial unit &ould ha)e had a $odern s#rin"ler syste$ $ust ha)e done a lot of da$age to the distillery e5ui#$ent. n s#ite of the bree7e blo&ing in thought could s$ell the blac" stench of old s$o"e but really "ne& it &as only $y i$agination running a&ay &ith $e. ,ll the sa$e $y nostrils t&itched at the &ell re$e$bered s$ell of burning. ,s soon as the uton &as inside the $etal unit the )ehicular gate rattled do&n. The industrial estate once again beca$e a ha)en of #eace bro"en only by a grou# of s$o"ers so des#erate to satisfy their needs that they &ere #re#ared to stand outside in the &ind tunnel bet&een t&o of the $etal units. Their laughter floated o)er to $e as they loo"ed at so$ething in the fluttering #ages of the Caily Star. , bro&n EFS courier )an $ade a deli)ery but other than that the #lace &as as 5uiet as it had been at three in the $orning. &atched and &aited. Maybe t&enty certainly no $ore than t&enty fi)e $inutes later the uton bo4 truc" e$erged fro$ the unit and the gate slid do&n in its trac"s i$$ediately after. The uton dro)e out #ast $y #ar"ed cabo)er and the dri)er ga)e $e a little nod but &ithout slo&ing do&n. ?4cellent. too" Mulhearn's $obile #hone fro$ $y #oc"et. (o& co$e had Mulhearn's ne& #hone9 Too easy. %or rela4ation the e4s5uaddie li"ed to )isit that $assage #arlour abo)e the scruffy salon &ith the tac"y #oster of a bi"inibabe and Folish signs in the &indo&. -egular as cloc"&or" he &as. Cid he ta"e ad)antage of the 'e4tras' on offer9 !hat do you thin"9 So the other day sli##ed bac" into Slea7eford and had a &ord &ith the E"rainian $asseuse &ho #ro)ided $uch of these ser)ices. ?)en could see &hat Mulhearn and her other clients sa& in her. She had long blonde hair and legs u# to her chin her ass barely co)ered by the shortest tunic 'd e)er seen. handed her a foil &ra##ed #ac" of strong slee#ing tablets and told her to s#i"e Mulhearn's drin" on Sunday night and to let $e "no& &hen the $an &as aslee#. had to e4#lain it a fe& ti$es as her ?nglish &asn't that good but she soon gras#ed &hat &anted. The s$all &edge of t&enties also ga)e her hel#ed her ?nglish i$#ro)e. =all $e= said $i$ing a #hone call. Then all had to do &as &ait for Mulhearn to )isit.
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Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
%irst $ade a call to the $assage #arlour. , tired )oice &ith a strong east ?uro#ean accent told $e that yes Mulhearn &as still fast aslee#. No sur#rises there. The a$ount of "eta$ine in his )eins &ould')e "noc"ed out the entire field at Mar"et -asen races. !ith so$e left o)er for Concaster the ne4t day. !heelan's $an &as going to slee# until Tuesday &ee". Esing Mulhearn's #hone sent a te4t to !heelan. i"e said earlier !heelan had learned enough fro$ McTeague to "ee# hi$self a cou#le of ste#s re$o)ed fro$ anything incri$inating. et the s$all fry and $iddle$en ta"e all the ris"s &hilst you $a"e the big buc"s. Ne)er get caught in the sa$e building &ith anything that could get you in any trouble. f the co#s do co$e for you loo" &ide eyed and innocent and deny e)erything > $a"e the ro&n Frosecution Ser)ice #ut in the night shifts #ro)ing you "ne& anything about it. ?)en if they "no& you're in)ol)ed they still ha)e to #ro)e it before a 6ury. ,nd if it co$es to trial there you stand in the doc" in a good suit > but not too e4#ensi)e as you don't &ant to get the 6urors' bac"s u# > &hilst your brief #aints a #icture of an innocent business$an &ho &as so ti$e#ressed he had no idea &hat his associates &ere u# to behind his bac". ,nd if e)en that doesn't &or" you send so$eone li"e $e to ha)e a 5uiet &ord &ith so$e of the 6urors in their o&n ti$e. i"e late at night on their doorste# or outside their "id's school. *ut so$eti$es there are e$ergencies &hen you ha)e to brea" that cardinal numero uno rule. ,nd the te4t sent fro$ Mulhearn's #hone &ould ha)e !heelan flying do&n here. The cigarettes had been #artly #aid for on !heelan's cloned credit card and a transaction sli# had been left for the $en to find. !heelan &as lin"ed to the hoo"y cigs no&. That's &hat $y te4t said any&ay. , $o$ent later Mulhearn's #hone bee#ed. loo"ed at the ans&ering te4t. !heelan had risen to the bait. ,s he had to. (e &as on his &ay o)er. s$iled but it lasted only for a fleeting second. didn't li"e &hat McTeague had as"ed $e to do. t &ent against the grain against e)ery fibre of $y being. *ut the &ay McTeague e4#lained it had to agree this &as the best &ay for&ard. Then $ade $y ne4t call. To Su#erintendent Conelan of the incolnshire Folice. =t's all ready for you. !heelan's on his &ay. 'll call &hen he actually lands o"ay9= Conelan said so$ething but closed the call before he started tal"ing cric"et. hate tal"ing to the co#s > they $a"e $e feel dirty. "ne& that if the circs &ere different if !heelan had #layed his cards $ore cle)erly Conelan &ould ha)e no hesitation in dragging $yself and McTeague do&n the fun factory for a cou#le of days solid interrogation. Slea7eford's only a s$all #lace after all and not long after $y first call !heelan ca$e bo$bing do&n the road. (e &as dri)ing laire McTeague's > sorry "ee# forgetting her na$e's !heelan no& > yello& Forsche A11. Dn the dull blac"ishgrey road in the dull greenishgrey industrial
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
estate under the dull &hitishgrey s"y the s#orts car stood out li"e the sun. No &ay could Su#erintendent Conelan and his boys in blue $iss that. The Forsche $ade a hard left !heelan 6a$$ed on the bra"es &hich bla7ed red hot and the security guard raised the barrier. ,s soon as the barrier &as high enough !heelan shot for&ard and 6er"ed to a sto# 6ust outside his o&n unit. (e thre& o#en the Forsche's door and an instant later he &as inside. $ade that second call. =!heelan's onsite. ou &ant hi$< he's yours= said before ending the connection. That's it. My 6ob done. don't "no& &here the co#s had been hiding although guessed it &as #robably behind the abandoned #a#er $ill on the other side of the estate because only a fe& $inutes later they arri)ed in force. Their blac" and yello& cho##er s&oo#ed do&n and then clattered in the air abo)e the unit. , fleet of #ale grey D#erational Su##ort Enit carriers &ith $esh &indo& shields s&ung #ast $y #ar"ed C,% cabo)er and into the industrial co$#le4. %ro$ $y cab's high u# )antage #oint sa& their identifying roofto# nu$bers and letters. They &ere closely follo&ed by so$e co# cruisers and e)en one or t&o on #o&erful $otorbi"es. Their blue lights bounced off the $etal sidings of the industrial units. The grou# of s$o"ers stood o#en $outhed their nicotine addiction forgotten for the $o$ent. The security guard leaned out the hut's &indo& and stared at the fast a##roaching carriers. ?)en fro$ $y distance heard the dri)er of the lead carrier as he bello&ed at the guard to =o#en u# no& no&= The security guard $ust ha)e leaned on the o#en button as '$ sure the barrier lifted 5uic"er than usual and the #olice ar$ada &as barely delayed. Most of the$ s#ed to the front of the unit but a cou#le of DSE carriers raced around to the rear as &ell. !heelan and his cre& &ere caught li"e rats in a tra#. No &ay out. The DSE could ha)e "noc"ed #olitely on the door of !heelan's unit but that's ne)er been their style. nstead a hea)ily ar$oured lead #air holding a t&o$an enforcer battering ra$ lea#ed out of the first carrier. They too" ai$ and s&ung the ra$ at the inset #edestrian door. No &ay could it &ithstand that blo&. !ith a $etallic crash the sto)ed in door s$ashed o#en. The t&o &ith the ra$ ste##ed to one side and instantly $ore hea)ily ar$oured DSE co#s ste##ed o)er the threshold and into the unit. These carried )icious loo"ing (ec"ler P Koch sub$achine guns. al$ost felt sorry for !heelan. ,l$ost but not 5uite. &ould ha)e heard shouting co$ing fro$ inside the unit as the DSE co#s raided the #lace but the cho##er had descended to a fe& hundred feet and its rotors dro&ned out e)erything else. Su#erintendent Conelan hi$self ste##ed out fro$ the bac" of one of the cruisers. (e rubbed his hands in the cool air and he loo"ed #leased &ith the
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
result. (e too &al"ed into the chaos inside the unit. So$e ti$e later !heelan and his $en e$erged into the daylight each &ith an ar$oured co# by their side. The #risoners' hands &ere bound behind their bac"s &ith lengths of cable ties the #lastic ends stic"ing out into the cold air. None of the$ &ere s$iling. Dther co#s follo&ed clutching e)idence bags. Dne grinning li"e a heshire cat held a bin bag. They'd found McTeague's little e4tra gift. "ne& they &ould. The co#s bundled the #risoners into the bac" of the DSE carriers #ulled out of the yard and accelerated out of the industrial estate. Maybe they thought their #risoners' $obster $ates &ould $a"e a rescue atte$#t< $aybe they'd 6ust &atched &ay too $any of those 'Folice a$era ,ction' ty#e sho&s that litter the high nu$bered satellite channels. Dr both. The cho##er hung about a bit longer until it too &as su$$oned bac" to base and in the sudden silence could hear $yself thin". , fe& co#s &ere left on guard and told to &ait for the forensics tea$s to sho&. ,s they &aited they uns#ooled blue and &hite cri$e scene ta#e o)er e)erything they could see. Su#erintendent Conelan &as one of the last to lea)e. (e s#o"e to those co#s re$aining and cla##ed the$ on the bac". , 6ob &ell done. (e had his dri)er sto# near $y cab. #ulled off $y hi )i7 6ac"et and then s&ung do&n fro$ the &ar$ interior. Conelan lo&ered his &indo&. =(ennessy= he said. = "no& ci)ic duty isn't your or McTeague's strong suit but than"s for the ti#off. No &ay is !heelan &al"ing free fro$ that lot.= =,l&ays a #leasure to hel#= said. =!e also found t&o thousand yello& tablets in &ith those hoo"y cigarettes= he told $e. My eyebro&s lifted as re$e$bered to loo" sur#rised. = don't "no& &hat they are but one of $y sergeants &ho bet&een you and $e li"es to go clubbing in bi7a she tells $e they're $ost li"ely $andies > ecstasy in other &ords. ,nd of a #articularly high 5uality. They're "noc"ed out by so$e -o$anian outfit in onstanta belie)e. don't su##ose you "no& anything about the ?9= Conelan shot $e a loo" fro$ under his bushy eyebro&s. =Me9 &ouldn't "no&< don't deal in drugs. ou "no& that Conelan= lied. (e let $y lac" of res#ect to his ran" slide. =!e')e got !heelan's #rints all o)er the bags= Conelan said his finger ho)ering o)er the button to raise his electric &indo&. =(o&'s that9= blurted out before shutting u#. Conelan shot $e a loo". =es got so$e nice #rints on the drugs. (is brief &ill clai$ in court &e #ressed the bags into his hands but &hat chance has a $an li"e !heelan got of a 6ury belie)ing
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
such #al#able nonsense9= Conelan s$iled li"e a fo4. =Not $uch > sounds thin to $e= said returning his grin. =Dh. *efore go (ennessy. Co yourself a fa)our and lea)e laire !heelan alone= he said 6ust before raising his &indo&. =@ust go ho$e to McTeague and lea)e it at that.= !e discussed our #ros#ects in the forthco$ing Test $atch for a fe& $inutes and then touched $y fingers to $y forehead in a brief salute as Conelan's cruiser #ulled a&ay. No& !heelan &as off the scene still had to deal &ith laire. loc"ed the cab and &al"ed out of the estate to #ic" u# Mulhearn's @ee# hero"ee. t's not li"e he &ould be using it in the near future.
CHAPTER 13. n the end it &as all too easy. Esing Mulhearn's #hone sent a te4t to laire telling her that her husband had been #ic"ed u# by the la&. She &ould ha)e found out shortly any&ay > as soon as !heelan's solicitor had been briefed. ,l$ost i$$ediately she sent a return te4t. , brief s$ile crossed $y li#s. t's easier no& than it used to be in the old days. don't ha)e to s#ea" to #eo#le unless &ant as $ost #eo#le on a $obile #hone contract get gi)en fi)e thousand free te4ts. Enless you're a teenage girl li"e ,le4a &ith a &ide circle of friends $ost #eo#le ne)er use the$. (o&e)er nobody li"es to thin" that they are &asting their free te4ts so they use the$ &hene)er #ossible. chec"ed laire's te4t. She &ould be &aiting for $e at ho$e. engaged first and dro)e the long &ay round o)er the (oldingha$ roundabout and then do&n through the congested centre of Sleaford onto *oston -oad and then loo#ed u# Dld Flace. ,s soon as $y hero"ee #ulled into the dri)e&ay laire ca$e running out of the door clutching her handbag. She &renched o#en the #assenger side door and only then #ulled u# in confusion. =(ennessy9 !hat are you doing here9= laire as"ed. =Mulhearn's busy dealing &ith the arrests. ,s '$ sure you can a##reciate. ,s &as in the area he as"ed $e to ta"e you do&n the co# sho# instead.= s$iled and tried to loo" friendly. This &as the tric"y #art. f laire !heelan s$elled a rat then &ould ha)e to use force. didn't &ant that. *ut soft li)ing and &orry for her ne& husband had &ea"ened her sense of danger and laire got in beside $e her handbag on her la#. = didn't "no& you &ere &or"ing for $y husband no&= said laire. =(e ne)er told $e.= edged out into the traffic. = didn't &ant it s#read all o)er but McTeague's yesterday's $an. So s&itched sides= lied.
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
laire nodded. Feo#le in $y line of business usually ha)e as $uch loyalty to their boss as an o)er#aid Fre$ier eague club footballer has to their tea$. That is: 7ero. ,s soon as a better deal co$es along they're off e)en if the in" is barely dry on their old contract. She should ha)e "no&n better. *ecause '$ li"e one of those old fashioned oneclub #layers you so$eti$es still get. =Mulhearn said !heelan needs so$ething #ic"ing u# fro$ his tanning studio. !e'll s&ing by there on our &ay to the co# sho#. D"ay9= #ar"ed outside the *eauticians. t had been reno)ated since $y firebo$bing raid and e)erything &as brand ne& &ith a lu4urious #ur#le and blac" interior. The #lace &as closed and the to&els &ere #iled u# in neat fluffy hea#s. Not sur#rising the #lace &asn't o#en. ?arlier using Mulhearn's #hone had sent te4ts to all the staff telling the$ not to co$e in today. Enloc"ing the salon sho&ed laire inside. =t's a ES* $e$ory stic" hidden in the sunbed roo$. t holds so$e docu$ents !heelan &ill need for his defence. /i)e us a hand to loo" for it #lease= said. laire &as &ay too trusting. She follo&ed $e into one of the sunbed roo$s. laire #eered around &ith a #u77led loo" on her face. There &eren't $any #laces you could hide e)en so$ething as s$all as a $e$ory stic". She turned to $e 6ust as too" a fresh bottle of chlorofor$ out of $y 6ac"et #oc"et that 'd sourced fro$ Cr. NabiKhan. =(ennessy9 !hat are...9= &as all laire said before cla$#ed a hand to&el o)er her face and #oured out a dose of the (alothane. The fu$es filled the air $as"ing the s$ell of tann ing lotion. laire struggled frantically and her $anicured nail scratched $y hand dra&ing blood. Slo&ly slo&ly her struggles di$inished and her li$bs stilled. (o&e)er before laire &ent under co$#letely too" a&ay the rag. She loo"ed u# at $e. t's funny but 'd ne)er before noticed ho& #retty laire's eyes &ere > a sort of tur5uoise blue. half led half dragged her o)er to a chair and sat her do&n. =McTeague sent $e to gi)e you a &arning= told her. =-e$e$ber he can reach out and ta"e you &hene)er he &ants.= laire nodded but '$ not sure if she &as ca#able of ta"ing it in. =et $e fetch you a glass of &ater.= ea)ing the sun bed roo$ crossed to the s$all bac" "itchen for the staff's use and fetched a bottle of &ater fro$ the fridge before returning to laire. She still loo"ed groggy and ill. %ro$ $y 6ac"et #oc"et too" out a cou#le of #ills that $y friend Cr. Fer)ert had also gi)en $e. =These &ill hel# you reco)er faster= lied holding the$ out. laire shoo" her head &ea"ly but #ut the$ in her $outh and then held the bottle of &ater to her li#s gi)ing her no chance to s#it the$ out or refuse. She 6er"ed her head around but ta##ed her throat forcing her to s&allo&. =%eel better9= as"ed.
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
Terror filled laire's eyes and they o#ened &ide. She "ne& &asn't there to hel# her es#ecially &hen #laced the stin"ing rag bac" o)er her face. dri##ed a fe& $ore dro#s of (alothane onto the cloth. laire could no longer struggle as $uch as earlier and &ithin $inutes she &as as li$# as a rag doll. gently let her slide do&n onto the tiled floor. loo"ed do&n at laire for a $inute as she breathed. felt no sy$#athy for her. f she hadn't ta"en u# &ith !heelan none of this gang &ar &ould ha)e ta"en #lace. McTeague &ould ha)e "e#t on 5uietly running the ?ast Midlands &ith !heelan as one of his lieutenants. *ut !heelan had &anted it all and no& he &as going to lose it all. Kneeling by laire stri##ed her na"ed and then lifted her u# and #laced her on the sunbed. She loo"ed li"e she &as slee#ing. lo&ered the coffinli"e lid #ut in the to"ens and turned the dial to the $a4 > a full hour's &orth of high tan. ,s &aited folded her clothes neatly &i#ed do&n all the surfaces 'd touched and then brought in a cou#le of $aga7ines fro$ rece#tion. &ondered about #o##ing out to Mulhearn's @ee# for $y Telegra#h but that &ould ha)e been an unnecessary ris". laire stirred and $uttered thic"ly until ga)e her another dose of chlorofor$. ,t this #oint he#atoto4icity &as the least of her &orries. The rest of the hour #assed slo&ly. ,nd so did the second after turned laire o)er onto her bac" fed the slot &ith $ore to"ens and then ga)e her front an hour's full tan. %inally at long last the sunbed's dial turned full circle until it reached the off #osition. stood. *ig fluid filled blisters &ere already for$ing on her breasts sto$ach thighs and u##er ar$s. There &ould be $any $ore later. dreaded to thin" &hat her bac" and buttoc"s &ere li"e. laire &as a dead &o$an. Not no& but &ithin a fe& days &e &ould be attending her funeral. The #ills 'd forced do&n her &ere #soralen &hich greatly enhances the effects of light thera#y. n $edicine they are $ostly used for the treat$ent of s"in conditions such as #soriasis before a #atient goes under the la$#. (o&e)er in laire's case they &ould gi)e her #hototo4icity. Together &ith the o)erdose of EG rays fro$ the sunbed she &as &ell on the &ay to getting $assi)e third degree burns leading to se#sis > blood #oisoning. This is &hat Cr. NabiKhan e4#lained to $e &hen 'd )isited hi$ a fe& days before. ,nd the great thing &as that noone &ould sus#ect a thing. ?)eryone "ne& that laire &as a high$aintenance "ind of girl addicted to the sun beds and beauty #arlours. !hat could be $ore natural that she &ould ta"e a short cut by using blac" $ar"et #soralen sourced fro$ so$e dodgy &ebsite and then fall aslee# on the sunbed9 *ecause it &as such a rare cause of death already "ne& the coroner's )erdict: ,ccidental Ceath. That &ould do $e and McTeague fine. ollecting $y gear and $a"ing sure didn't touch anything else let $yself out of the
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
*eauticians salon. The sun had bro"en through the clouds and it #ro$ised to be a beautiful day. Dn a bench o)er the road three youths sat #assing a bottle of !hite ightning cider bet&een the$ &hilst a girl tried to cadge a s$o"e fro$ the$. Their *M; bi"es &ere #ro##ed u# against an abandoned retail unit. !elco$e to Slea7eford thought recognising t&o of the yobs as the lads &ho had "eyed $y ,udi cou# $onths before. ,s crossed the road to&ards the$ $y *lac"*erry rang. !ondering &ho &as calling $e loo"ed at the dis#lay. t &as $y husband. S$iling too" the call. =')e been trying to reach you all $orning honey. (o& &as the conference9= he as"ed. =/reat. My #resentation &ent &ell and the chair$an's only 6ust finished &ra##ing the &hole thing u#. isten 'll #ic" u# a nice bottle of ,ussie Shira7 on the &ay ho$e and #re#are a beef casserole for dinner= told hi$. (e "no&s nothing of &hat really do. (e than"ed $e. My husband's a good $an. Enli"e $e > '$ a bad &o$an to "no&. ,s those youths &ere about to find out.
THE END.
OTHER BOOKS BY THE AUTHOR: + S!"#$%&' N%(& 2: Dne slee#y %enland to&n. T&o Folish chancers eager to $a"e a fast buc" &ith no 5uestions as"ed. , grou# of business$en &ith funny handsha"es &anting to ra"e off big buc"s fro$ to&n #lanning contracts. , neoNa7i bigot &ho'll 6u$# at the chance of beco$ing Mayor as his first ste##ing stone to total #o&er. (is bunch of thuggish s"inhead hangerson. ,dd a huge abandoned industrial co$#le4 on the edge of to&n ri#e for rede)elo#$ent. Fut the$ all together and &hat could #ossibly go &rong9 ?4ce#t that $atters soon escalate &ay beyond anything any of these grou#s e4#ected. !elco$e to Slea7eford...
f you en6oyed this story you $ight en6oy $y longer boo"s featuring -o$anian cri$inal Nicolae ara$arin:
+ 200 S)"*+ D%,-: !hen his cri$e boss in Ddessa E"raine decides to u# his ga$e by getting in)ol)ed in #eo#le traffic"ing Nicolae ara$arin $ust $a"e a choice. Should he turn a blind eye to the horrors he &itnesses and carry on being a good soldier for the gang< or ta"e his
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
SLEAFORD NOIR 1. © Morris Kenyon. March 2013.
McTeague's once trusted friend and associate !heelan has bro"en off #art of the older $obster's cri$e e$#ire around the east Midlands. %ar &orse !heelan has also ta"en McTeague's $uch younger second &ife laire a&ay &ith hi$. Kno&ing the rest of his e$#ire &ill fall a&ay or defect to !heelan if he fails to act McTeague sends his trusted and lethal enforcer (ennessy to Sleaford to sho& !heelan &ho is chief and to ta"e laire bac" ho$e. So (ennessy starts a ca$#aign of )iolence until !heelan has no choice but to return laire. *ut that is only the start of both gang boss's #roble$s...
+ !,-NN/ This boo" contains scenes of gra#hic )iolence. t is not intended for the easily offended. ou ha)e been &arned so if you read on don't bla$e $e.
+ The na$es characters #laces and e)ents in this boo" are #roducts of the &riter's i$agination or ha)e been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. ,ny si$ilarities to real #ersons li)ing or dead actual e)ents locales or organisations is #urely coincidental and not intended by the author.
+ icense Notes: Than" you for do&nloading this eboo". This boo" re$ains the co#yrighted #ro#erty of the author auth or and $ay not be scanned re#roduced co#ied c o#ied or distributed for co$$ercial or nonco$$ercial #ur#oses &hatsoe)er &ithout &ritten #er$ission fro$ the author e4ce#t in the case of brief 5uotation e$bodied in critical articles and re)ie&s. f you en6oyed this boo" #lease encourage your friends to do&nload their o&n co#y &here they can also disco)er other &or"s by this author. Than" you for your su##ort.
CHAPTER 1. first heard Sleaford called Slea7eford in a $oc" Tudor gastro#ub out on the ,18 high&ay. The &o$an had irongrey hair and had co$e straight fro$ the golf course. ,t first thought the &o$an
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
&as 6o"ing $e. Then thought 'd $isheard her. ,lthough not drun" she and her friends had si##ed on a fe& gins already that afternoon and had reached the stage of laughing too loudly. Much later realised she'd hit the nail dead centre on the head. eah "no& &hat you're thin"ing. (o& could this slee#y little incolnshire to&n deser)e to be called Slea7eford9 The $ean streets of /unchester Shottingha$ or e)en ondonistan it isn't. That's &hat thought then. %ull fro$ $y dinner &al"ed out of the gastro#ub and sa& t&o youths right ne4t to $y &hite ,udi ,8 cou#. They straddled t&o *M; bi"es< their lo& riser 6eans sho&ing the &hite band of their al)ins. gri##ed $y car "ey &ith the serrated teeth stic"ing out through $y "nuc"les. *ut "e#t $y hand in $y #oc"et. =ou (ennessy9= the taller youth as"ed &ith a grunt. (is face &as half $as"ed by his hoodie but the rollu# dangling dang ling fro$ his lo&er li# ga)e hi$ the loo" of a $uch older $an. =Might be. !ho &ants to "no&9= =Turn your car round and go ho$e. !e don't &ant you here.= (e #ushed a&ay fro$ $y ,udi. ,s he did so a #oc"et "nife a##eared in his hand. *efore could sto# hi$ the yobbo ran the blade do&n the side of $y car in a 6agged line. The blade $ade a terrible screeching sound on the $etal&or" that set $y teeth on edge. (is s"inhead $ate follo&ed and gobbed in $y direction > the #hleg$ landing centi$etres cent i$etres fro$ $y shoes. shouted and ran to&ards the$ but they &ere already out the car #ar" and #edalling do&n the road. So $uch for arri)ing under the radar. No &ay &as ha)ing that. ran to $y disfigured dis figured ,udi. The scratch loo"ed li"e a scar on a lo)er's face. turned the "ey in the ignition and #ulled out of the car #ar". The t&o youths &ere cycling do&n the ,18 li"e they &ere co$ing do&n the ha$#s ?lyse on the final s#rint stage of the Tour de %rance &ith the ello& @ersey still u# for grabs. gunned the engine and #ressed the #edal to the $etal. The t&o litre turbo ho&led h o&led and the re) counter needle s&ung o)er into the red. *ut the ,udi's #rotesting engine hurled the car for&ard. The rear yobbo loo"ed bac" and shouted so$ething to his $ate. had al$ost reached their bi"es but they "ne& the local area a rea better than $e. They loo#ed off the high&a y and into a little #ublic #ar". turned to follo& the$ th e$ but couldn't. , doubleline of concrete co ncrete bollards guarded guard ed the #ar" fro$ 6oyriders. nstantly nstantl y sla$$ed on the bra"es and $y ,udi sle&ed round to a dead sto#. The t&o youths s#un their *M;s round on the concrete under a rusting s&ing fra$e. The s&ings had gone as had the rubber $atting and the bare fra$e loo"ed li"e a gallo&s &aiting for the e4ecution #arty. The yobs sa& 'd #ulled u# hard by the bollards. They both fli##ed $e the finger. The taller one the scu$bag &ho'd scarred $y ,udi grabbed his crotch and thrust his groin
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
in $y direction. &ondered if they'd ha)e done that if they "ne& had a *eretta A2 se$iauto$atic #istol hidden in a custo$ $ade secret co$#art$ent in $y car. So$eho& didn't thin" they &ould. So didn't bother getting out $y cou# but instead re)ersed into the traffic on the ,18 and a $inute later 'd left the #ar" behind $e and &as heading into Sleaford. thought about calling $y boss McTeague on $y *lac"*erry to let hi$ "no& that so$eone in his organisation had been tal"ing to !heelan's $ob. *ut in the end didn't bother. McTeague trusted $e to get the 6ob done and &asn't about to let hi$ do&n. t 6ust added an e4tra layer of co$#lication. That's all. f it &as late at night if there &as no traffic on the ,18 and if #ut $y foot do&n< 'd ha)e blo&n through Sleaford in fi)e $inutes flat. t's a one horse to&n built 6ust southeast of the crossroads of the northsouth ,18 high&ay and the east&est ,1B &here the t&o 6oin at the (oldingha$ roundabout. t too" $e longer than that but not by $uch. My SatNa) directed $e to an u#$ar"et lose on the other side of Sleaford. No& !heelan's $ob "ne& 'd hit to&n had no reason to &aste ti$e. turned into a s&ee#ing bric" #a)iour dri)e&ay laid in a herringbone #attern that dre& the eye to a large 1A30s $oc" Tudor $ansion. They see$ed to li"e their $oc" Tudor in Sleaford. The detached house had been e4tended since then &ith a &ing o)er the double garage and dor$er &indo&s high in the roof follo&ing a loft con)ersion. #ulled u# before a large entrance #orch $a"ing sure the ,udi's scratch &as on the o##osite side so it couldn't be seen fro$ the house. got out and rang the bell. Nothing ha##ened. So #ressed the bell again longer this ti$e< letting the tune ring through the house. ?)entually a light ca$e on in the hall and the door &as o#ened by a schoolgirl. The girl &as sensible enough to "ee# the door on the chain. She &as $aybe fourteen or fifteen years old. She had dyed her hair red &ith #in" strea"s running through it and had long co&li"e fa"e eyelashes. !e &ouldn't ha)e got a&ay &ith that at school in $y day. ,#art fro$ that she &as 5uite #retty des#ite ha)ing the #ro$inent !heelan ears. The crest of her #ri)ate school too" u# her bla7er #oc"et. The girl ga7ed i$#assi)ely at $e. searched $y $e$ory for !heelan's daughter's na$e. ,lice9 No it &asn't &ho the % is ,lice. ,le4andra9 No that &asn't 5uite right. ,le4a > that &as it. =s laire McTeague in9= as"ed. The girl shoo" her head. =No= she said around a $outhful of gu$. &aited for a $o$ent. The girl leaned on the door fra$e. heard $usic in the bac"ground > #robably so$ething fro$ the current to# ten. Not that 'd "no&. =Co you "no& &here she is ,le4a9= =No.=
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
felt li"e "ic"ing o#en the door and sla##ing her. That &ould "noc" the sullen e4#ression off ,le4a's face. *ut don't agree &ith hitting girls or &o$en so "e#t $y hands to $yself. *ut &hat &as laire McTeague to this girl9 Nobody. ?4ce#t laire McTeague &as a &o$an &ho could bring do&n her father's #etty e$#ire crashing do&n around her !heelan ears. =Than"s for your hel#= said. The girl didn't re#ly but started closing the hea)y oa" door. stuc" out $y foot bloc"ing it. ,le4a loo"ed u# sur#rised. %or a $o$ent she sto##ed che&ing. =f you see laire before find her tell her (ennessy's loo"ing for her. D"ay9= The girl nodded and this ti$e let her shut the door. &al"ed bac" to $y ,udi dee# in thought. "ne& laire McTeague but didn't "no& Sleaford that &ell. *ut as it &as a to&n &ith only one ti$etable thought 'd find her fairly 5uic"ly. So dro)e bac" along the bric" dri)e&ay $ade a right and &ithin a fe& $inutes &as bac" in Sleaford's to&n centre. laire McTeague &as a &o$an &ho al&ays too" a great deal of #ride in her a##earance. That &as ho& she'd snared McTeague hi$self in the first #lace. 'd tried to &arn $y boss the &o$an &as no good but at that #oint the $an &as thin"ing &ith his &hat he "e#t bet&een his legs and &as &asting $y breath. So shut u# before he beca$e angry &ith $e "no&ing he'd find out the hard &ay. Df course it &ouldn't be the first ti$e he'd fallen for the &rong &o$an after the $arriage to his first &ife bro"e u#. *ut he fell further for this laire McTeague than he'd fallen for any of his other bi$bos or floo7ies. (e actually $arried her. Enbelie)able "no&. The first salon dro)e #ast &as co$#letely unsuitable. The e4terior &as scruffy there &as a tac"y #oster of a bi"inibabe and there &ere signs in Folish in the &indo&. (o&e)er e)en "ne& that abo)e the salon &as a $assage #arlour that offered all the 'e4tras' a des#erate $an $ight need. ?)ery to&n has a #lace li"e that if you "no& &here to loo". laire $ight not be bothered about sharing &ith Folish far$ &or"ers but there &as no &ay she'd enter a #lace also offering those sorts of ser)ices. The ne4t #lace see$ed $ore u#$ar"et and also ad)ertised itself as a *eauticians. re$e$bered it &as also controlled by !heelan $a"ing it a $uch better bet. gnoring the #ar"ing restrictions outside #ulled u# behind a buttercu# yello& Forsche A11. #ressed the bell and a rece#tionist released the electronic door loc". ,s soon as the bu77ing sound started &as inside. There &as a s$ell of acetone fro$ nail #olish re$o)er. , young $anicurist &as sitting at a nail table filing and #olishing the nails of a &o$an in her $idt&enties &ho had elegant hands. (ands that had ne)er done a day's hard &or" in their life. Ms. ?legant (ands &as chatting about her holidays in the Seychelles. thought soon she'd start on about the Forsche &hich guessed &as
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
hers. gnoring the$ crossed to the rece#tion des" and the girl greeted $e &ith a #rofessional s$ile. Those teeth had to be ca##ed > they &eren't a #roduct of *ritish National (ealth dentistry. =/ood afternoon. Co you &ant to boo" an a##oint$ent9= she as"ed. =s laire McTeague here9 Dr she $ight be using the na$e !heelan no&9= The girl closed the leather bound a##oint$ent boo" and loo"ed u# at $e &ith a &orried e4#ression. That told $e all needed to "no&. &al"ed #ast the rece#tion des" and along to a corridor running behind it. The rece#tionist laid a hand on $y ar$ but shoo" it off. The corridor &as lined &ith nu$bered &hite #ainted doors behind &hich &ere the sunbeds or s#ray tan booths. =!hich one9= said turning bac" to the rece#tionist &ho &as follo&ing $e. (er &orried loo" had been re#laced by scared. /ood. Sho&ed she &as brighter than she loo"ed at first sight. =... ...= #ushed her against the first door. The fli$sy #anels shoo" and it echoed &ith a hollo& sound. =!hich one9= re#eated $y face only centi$etres fro$ hers. (er #retty face scre&ed u#. Scared no& u#graded to terror. =S... s... si4= she sta$$ered. #ushed the girl a&ay. She staggered bac" and one of her flatties fell off her feet. &al"ed do&n to door si4. %or a $o$ent thought of a ga$e sho& on the TG that used to en6oy &hen the &inning contestant had to choose &hich door to o#en. The doors all hid different #ri7es< so$e &orth ha)ing li"e a holiday to Ma6orca but behind others &ere 6ust a chea# *iro or so$ething. There &as only one #ri7e &anted today. The 6ac"#ot. turned the handle and #ulled o#en the door. laire McTeague &as standing there na"ed e4ce#t for a #air of &hite #a#er #anties and a #a#er hat co)ering her hair. Their &hiteness stood out bright against her tanned s"in. (er ar$s &ere s#read out &ide as if she &as $a"ing a se$a#hore signal &hilst the beautician coated her underar$s. The s&eet biscuity s$ell of the s#ray tan filled the air. $$ediately laire s5uealed and flung an ar$ across her boobs. The &o$an needn't ha)e bothered > she had a tri$ al$ost boyish figure. "ne& laire had &anted a boob 6ob but McTeague &ouldn't allo& her that. (e #referred his &o$en natural. The girl o#erating the s#ray turned to loo" at $e o#en $outhed &ith astonish$ent. ste##ed bac" to a)oid the s#ray until her finger released the trigger. =Dh it's you (ennessy. Should')e e4#ected you'd sho& u#= laire McTeague said dro##ing her ar$ to her side. %or a $o$ent &e all stood there at the #oints of a triangle > laire McTeague the beautician and $yself. Entil snatched do&n a fluffy &hite bathrobe that &as hanging u# behind the door and tossed it o)er to laire McTeague.
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
=/et dressed and co$e &ith $e= said. =*ut ha)en't finished here > the s#ray's not dry yet= she said not really gras#ing the situation. n res#onse ste##ed for&ards and #ulled her for&ards. My hand felt stic"y fro$ the s#ray still co)ering her s"in. =D"ay don't bother getting dressed. don't care you can co$e as you are.= That grabbed the &o$an's attention. She 6er"ed her ar$ out of $y gras# and shrugged on the robe belting it around her &aist. The tanning lady stared at us as half led half dragged laire McTeague bac" do&n the corridor. *ac" out in the rece#tion area the $anicurist and her client stared at us as &e #assed. This afternoon's action &ould gi)e Ms. ?legant (ands so$ething to tal" about &ith her $iddleclass boo" club friends. (o&e)er the rece#tionist &as s#ea"ing 5uietl y on the #hone. crossed to her des" too" the recei)er fro$ her hand and set it do&n. =Naughty naughty )ery naughty= said. She flinched. #ushed laire McTeague out of the salon door and an instant later 'd unloc"ed $y ,udi. =!ho's "eyed your car9= laire McTeague as"ed &ith a little s$ile on her face. t's 6ust as &ell don't hold &ith hitting &o$en or 'd ha)e "noc"ed that s$ir" right off her face. =/et in= contented $yself &ith saying. ,s laire s&ung into the #assenger seat being careful to "ee# her "nees together ran round the front bonnet and dro##ed into the dri)er's seat. ,s #ulled a&ay fro$ the "erb noticed the &o$en in the *eauticians #arlour all standing and #eering out the &indo& at us. hadn't arri)ed in Sleaford under the radar and &asn't lea)ing under it neither.
CHAPTER 2. Turning into the flo& of traffic $y ai$ &as to hit the ,18 southbound and "ee# going until 'd brought laire McTeague bac" ho$e to $y boss< her husband. ,fter that &hat ha##ened &as out of $y hands. The traffic &as hea)ier than e4#ected along the *181B "no&n as /rantha$ -oad &ithin Sleaford but a glance at the dashboard cloc" told $e it &as rush hour > or &hat #asses for rush hour in a #lace li"e Sleaford. thought laire McTeague &ould cry or argue &ith $e but instead she sat 5uietly &ith her hands in her la# 6ust loo"ing out the side &indo&. ,t least she'd ta"en off that ridiculous #a#er ca#. tuned into the local radio station ** incolnshire 10H.B %M 6ust for so$ething anything to
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
brea" the silence bet&een us. ,ll &as going &ell until a beat u# builder's )an #ulled out of a suburban side road ,ncaster Cri)e ahead of $e. The side #anel said '(ansen and Sons: ,ll Fro#erty -eno)ations' abo)e a cell #hone nu$ber and untraceable hot$ail e$ail address. The )an dri)er sta$#ed on his bra"es causing $e to #ull u# suddenly in an abru#t sto# that $ade $y seatbelt catch across $y chest. $$ediately t&o $en lea#ed out the bac" of the )an. ,t that #oint recalled that !heelan laundered so$e of his under the counter cash through #ro#erty de)elo#$ent. That and ga$bling beauty #arlours restaurants. The usual stuff > any business &here cash is "ing and you can start and close co$#anies at a faster rate than the nland -e)enue or usto$s and ?4cise can follo& the #a#er trail. ,ny fool could see &hat &as going do&n and $y $other raised no fools can tell you. $$ediately flung the gear stic" into re)erse. *ut one glance in the $irror sho&ed there &as no easy esca#e that &ay. &as bloc"ed by a &o$an in a Slo)a"ian registered S"oda Dcta)ia. The &o$an bee#ed her horn at $e. Trust $e $ada$ if could get out this situation then &ould. *efore could engage central loc"ing both doors of the ,udi &ere &renched o#en at the sa$e ti$e letting in a chill draught. The t&o $en &ere &hat you'd e4#ect. They both had solid $uscles built u# by &or"ing on building sites. They &ore #aint s#attered #added shirts filthy 6eans and rigger boots. Dne had on a hi)i7 6ac"et e5ually dirty. s$elled s&eat tobacco and clay earth. The $an by $y door said =out= as the second $an leaned o)er laire McTeague's body and uncli##ed $y seat belt. The first then grabbed a fistful of $y 6ac"et and hauled $e out of the ,udi. (e then #ushed $e out of his &ay to&ards the &aiting )an. stu$bled o)er the #a)e$ent unbalanced fro$ the force of his sho)e. ,ll this too" less ti$e to ha##en than for $e to tell you about. They &ere that good. The $an ga)e $e a second #ush harder than before and to##led into the )an's cargo bay. &as out of $y ,udi and in the bac" of the )an in under a fe& seconds flat. The second $an ran round the ,udi's boot bet&een $y car and the Slo)a"ian S"oda and di)ed into the dri)er's seat > still &ar$ fro$ $y body. sa& this 6ust as the first $an ste##ed u# to the bac" of the )an and sla$$ed the doors cutting off $y )ie&. , slic" al$ost #rofessional 6ob. &ondered if the Slo)a"ian &o$an &ould blo& this incident in to the co#s. t's not e)ery day you see so$eone bundled out of their car and into the bac" of a )an. thought it de#ended on ho& good her ?nglish &as. ,s soon as the rear doors sla$$ed shut the )an dri)er dro##ed the handbra"e and shot for&ards. sat u# on the cargo area's floor. My suit &as ruined no& fro$ the $ud and ce$ent dust on the floor of the )an. *ut all the sa$e brushed so$e of the &orst off &ith $y hands. =Thin" about it. ou're $a"ing a big $ista"e here -iordan= called for&ard through a s$all hatch into the dri)er's cabin. =ou're going to seriously annoy McTeague. ou sure that's &hat you
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
&ant to do9= =Shut u# (ennessy= -iordan said. =That goes for you too= called u# to the dri)er. didn't "no& his na$e. -iordan $ade a fist. So shut u#. The )an turned around in the ne4t road &e ca$e to and then headed bac" east to the centre of Sleaford. The traffic &as e)en hea)ier no& but as the )an s&ung around sa& $y ,udi still follo&ing us. !e carried on through the to&n centre #ast the still o#en sho#s. "ne& &here &e &ere going. !heelan's crib. No sur#rises there. felt the change beneath $e as the )an's tyres ru$bled o)er !heelan's bric" dri)e&ay but the dri)er didn't #ull u# in front of the house. nstead &e dro)e #ast the side of the $oc" Tudor &here there &as a range of bric" outbuildings. The )an sto##ed. -iordan told $e to get out. t &as good to 6u$# do&n fro$ that cluttered stin"ing )an but $y i$$ediate future didn't loo" $uch better at this #oint. No #oint $y shouting as !heelan's house &as a fair &ay fro$ any neighbours and surrounded by thic" treelined hedges. loo"ed around at the business$an's e4tensi)e gardens. There &ere so$e children's toys out on the la&ns. =n there= -iordan said #ointing to a shed that loo"ed li"e it had doubled as an old &arti$e air raid shelter in its ti$e. ste##ed into its dan" gloo$y interior. The shed &as e$#ty of anything useful. There &ere a cou#le of children's bicycles &ith #in" tassels dangling fro$ the handlebars leaning against the &all ne4t to a s"ateboard. , deflated #addling #ool half filled &ith enough footballs to su##ly the Fre$ier eague. There &as a bro"en bas"etball hoo# and a folded u# table tennis table. i"e say nothing ob)iously useful li"e a baseball bat so unless &anted to #lay so$e s#orts &hilst &aited &as stuffed. -iordan shut the door behind $e and heard the "ey turn as he #adloc"ed it. The only light ca$e fro$ an arro&slit &indo& far too narro& for $e to cli$b out of. set u# the s"ateboard and sat do&n on it and &aited as the light outside faded to night. &aited. &as good at &aiting. ater &hen &as cold and hungry heard footste#s and then the "ey inserted in the #adloc". *y the ti$e the door crea"ed o#en on rusted hinges &as standing on the balls of $y feet and &aiting for the$. -iordan ste##ed bac" fro$ the door and !heelan too" his #lace. *ut he didn't enter the bric" shed. Gery &ise. Security lights on the side and rear of his house lit the scene &ith a harsh brilliant glare that $ade the shado&s e)en dee#er and dar"er. $ust ha)e been standing in #itch blac"ness to
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
!heelan. The socalled business$an &ore a na)y #olo shirt &ith so$e logo on the breast #oc"et and "ha"i chinos. !heelan &as tall > si4 t&o so$ething li"e that > and his ar$s had gy$ honed $uscles. ,lthough only in his early to $id thirties he &as already balding so he'd ta"en to sha)ing all his head. n $y o#inion this &as a $ista"e as it $ade his ears a##ear to stic" out further fro$ his head than they did. *ehind !heelan &as -iordan and the other $an fro$ the $an. The one &ho'd dri)en $y ,udi. !heelan glanced bac" to his t&o thugs. =et's send a $essage bac" to McTeague. *ut &ant (ennessy's $essage to reach $y old boss > not the hos#ital or the $orgue. ou &ith $e9= he said to the$. -iordan crac"ed his "nuc"les. ,t that #oint heard laire McTeague call out fro$ the big house. !heelan turned a&ay and crossed the #atio area bac" to the "itchen. -iordan crac"ed his "nuc"les again &aiting for his boss to lea)e. = don't li"e hittin'...= -iordan said #ushing for&ard. That &as all he $anaged to say before "ic"ed hi$ s5uare in the balls. (ard and faster than a stri"ing rattlesna"e. -iordan gas#ed and bent for&ard the stuffing "noc"ed out of hi$. @ust the o#ening &as loo"ing for. "arate cho##ed hi$ straight in the throat s$ashing his )oicebo4 against his s#ine. (is hands didn't "no& &hat to do > go for his crushed testicles or his nec". Elti$ately that &as his #roble$ to &or" out and deal &ith. Not $ine. -iordan colla#sed on the floor $a"ing strange strangulated sounds. Dnly one $an at a ti$e could enter the shed. The other ste##ed o)er -iordan's t&itching body his fist dra&n bac" ready to #ul)erise $e. So$e $en ne)er learn. grabbed his ar$ dra&ing hi$ dee#er into the dar"ened interior. (e s&ung &ildly but had no real idea &here &as. Esing his e4tended ar$ sla$$ed hi$ into the bric" &all. #ounded a 5uic" onet&o into his "idneys before the $an #ushed a&ay. (e started to turn as "ne& he $ust. hoo"ed a leg around his calf #ushed $y hi# into his< t&isted and turned and the $an staggered and al$ost fell. $ust ad$it had a little luc" at this #oint. *ut you use &hat fate hands out. ,s he stu$bled for&ards he trod on the s"ateboard lost his balance and fell for&ards. #ushed hi$ do&n hel#ing hi$ on his &ay until gra)ity too" o)er and he fell. heard a crash as he hit the concrete floor. #ic"ed u# the folded table tennis table and s$ashed it do&n on the $an's head. heard a sic"ening crunch. , second blo& finished the 6ob. couldn't see $y &atch in the dar" but if the fight had lasted $ore than fifteen seconds &as losing $y touch. %eeling glad to lea)e the shed ste##ed out into the night air. The #adloc" &as still dangling fro$ its has# so loc"ed the$ in and thre& the "ey as far as could into the bushes. didn't see it
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
fall. Kee#ing to the #itch blac" shado&s 6ogged around the side of the house. heard !heelan gobbing off to so$eone on the #hone. My ,udi &as still out on the dri)e&ay near the double garage. ts "eys &ere still in the ignition. su##ose !heelan's ai$ &as to lea)e $e 6ust ca#able of dri)ing bac" to McTeague's. !ith $y face $essed u# $inus $ost of $y teeth a bro"en nose crac"ed ribs and #issing blood fro$ $y "idneys for the ne4t &ee" or so. That &as the $essage !heelan &anted to send > that nobody $esses &ith hi$. Not &anting the hood to "no& 'd gone didn't s&itch on the ,udi's lights until had dri)en out of !heelan's and &as bac" on the road. !hat had 6ust ha##ened $ade $e thin". !heelan $ust be feeling su#re$ely confident if he thought he could ta"e McTeague's &o$an for his o&n and gi)e $e a beating. onfidence racing o)er the dial to&ards arrogance. i"e say &as still hungry so dro)e out of Sleaford until sa& the golden arches abo)e a dri)ethru shining bright in the incolnshire dar"ness. say ga)e $y order to the Fole &or"ing the &indo& but the guy $ight ha)e been a ithuanian for all "no&. (e s#o"e as $uch ?nglish as s#ea" Folish. Dr ithuanian. ?)entually collected $y food dro)e round the bac" of the restaurant out of sight of the road. *ehind the #ar"ing lot the flat e$#ty incolnshire fields stretched all the &ay to the North Sea. The &ind ble& against the side of $y car but inside felt all &ar$ and secure inside li"e &as snug in a cocoon. The burgers filled $y ,udi &ith sa)oury aro$as increasing $y hunger tenfold. (ungry li"e a &olf tore the #a#er bags o#en and ate. The hot greasy food hit the s#ot. ,s &as on $y o&n belched long and loud after finished. s$iled to $yself. ou can't do that in #olite co$#any. ,fter eating &added the #a#er and #olystyrene and tossed the bundle in the trash on $y &ay o)er to the rest roo$s. There &ashed $y face and brushed do&n $y dirty suit under the driers and tried to $a"e $yself loo" #resentable at least. So$eone &ho follo&ed $e in &ith their toddler in to& loo"ed at $e strangely as tidied $yself u#. They &ere glad &hen 'd finished thin". f it &asn't for the 5uality of $y suit $ust ha)e loo"ed li"e so$eone &ith $ental health issues to the$. Ne4t to the dri)ethru &as a 2H hour garage &ith a $ini$art attached. !ith &hat &as going to $a"e ha##en later tonight< there &as no &ay &anted $y face a##earing on any TG ca$eras. So sli##ed $y o)ersi7e grey hooded chain store s&eatshirt o)er $y 6ac"et before dri)ing across to the garage and filling u# $y ,udi's tan". t co)ered $y face nicely. No &ay could anyone .C. $e no&. ,fter re#lacing the blac" no77le &al"ed into the $ini$art to #ay. ,t this hour there &asn't $uch ha##ening but sort of guessed could &al" in at any hour and there &ouldn't be $uch ha##ening. strolled along the aisles and #ic"ed u# a fe& things fro$ off the shel)es 'd need later
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
tonight. i"e you thin" it's a$a7ing that these #laces stoc" so $uch boo7e. (a)en't #eo#le heard there's la&s against drin"ing and dri)ing9 ,ll the sa$e bought half a do7en bottles of chea# &hite &ine > the sort of stuff only one ste# abo)e the industrial cider the #ar" bench al"ies drin" > a bo4 of su#er absorbent e4tra large Ta$#a4 ta$#ons $ints and a lighter. The &o$an behind the glassed in counter ga)e $e a funny sy$#athetic loo" as she bagged the$ all u#. -eaching into $y #oc"et #aid using a credit card that had been cloned fro$ one of !heelan's of course. t see$ed a##ro#riate in a &ay > $a"ing !heelan #ay for the de)astation co$ing his &ay. ,fter all he should ne)er ha)e ta"en laire McTeague. (e $ust ha)e "no&n &hat &ould co$e his &ay. eah "no& &hat you're thin"ing. !hat about $y )ehicle nu$ber#lates9 They'd be recorded by the TG ca$eras. ?4ce#t they &ere cloned #lates of course. ,fter the ordure hit the air conditioning unit so$e #oor ,udi dri)ing &o$an in Sutton oldfield< a #illar of the co$$unity no doubt > ha)e you noticed they al&ays are9 > &as going to lose a fe& hours of her life being s&eated in so$e base$ent #olice cell until the co#s established her innocence. She'd #robably loo" bac" on the e4#erience as the high s#ot of her year. t &ould gi)e her so$ething to tal" about at her no doubt $ind nu$bing dinner #arties. Ma"es a change fro$ tal"ing about house #rices stable fees or her "ids' #ri)ate schools. dro)e bac" to the diner's car #ar" and sto##ed furthest a&ay fro$ the glassedin building. Dne of the security lights &as out and that #art of the tar$ac e4#anse &as al$ost as dar" as the field on the other side of the &ire fence. /etting out noticed the &ind had got u# and ble& in a flat &hine o)er the field and it cut though $y clothes. rossing to the nearest drain #oured a&ay the chea# #lon". ou didn't thin" 'd drin" it did you9 then unloc"ed the gas tan" before #ushing a length of #lastic tubing into the tan". /ri$acing &ith disgust at the foul taste and stin" as suc"ed #etrol into $y $outh then si#honed off enough gasoline to fill the si4 bottles. then stuc" the ta$#ons into the bottles' nec"s. They $a"e great &ic"s. t too" $ost of the tube of $ints to $as" the #etroche$ical taste filling $y $outh. Then carefully #ut $y Moloto)s in the #assenger foot&ell and co)ered the$ fro$ )ie&. Not that anyone &as li"ely to see the$ in the dar"ness in the $iddle of no&here. Dnce again used the rest roo$s in the diner. Dne of the Folish or ithuanian girls recognised $e as left and ga)e $e a loo" as &e #assed but really &hat interest is so$eone luc"y to scra#e by on the $ini$u$ &age and doesn't s#ea" the language too &ell e4#ected to ta"e9 !hy should they care if so$eone uses their boss's nearly e$#ty #ar"ing lot to crash out for a fe& hours during the night9 nodded to the girl as she entered the adies in turn.
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
*ac" in $y ,udi set $y cell #hone's alar$ #ushed the seat all the &ay do&n &ra##ed $yself u# in $y hoodie and fell into a thin do7e for a fe& hours.
CHAPTER 3. ou're ne)er #ro#erly aslee# and &as a&a"e although un$o)ing at least ten $inutes before $y *lac"*erry's alar$ shrilled into life. stretched and rubbed $y chin. ,t least didn't ha)e to sha)e. rolled out of the diner's #ar"ing lot at three a.$. #recisely. ,bout the 5uietest ti$e of the night. turned the ,udi's front to&ards Sleaford and a fe& $inutes later &as dri)ing through its deserted streets. '$ fro$ the city $yself and can't ta"e these slee#y little to&ns &here nothing ha##ens fro$ one year to another. t &ould dri)e $e cra7y. !hat &as going to ha##en tonight &ould $a"e the headlines. /i)e the$ all so$ething to tal" about ho& the &orld &as going to hell in a handcart. Maybe that's true $aybe the &orld has sold its soul for $oney but !heelan &as about to find out a little about hell. The other side of Sleaford on ?ast -oad #ulled u# o##osite a co$#le4 of $idsi7ed industrial units. ou')e seen the sort of thing > they')e s#rung u# all o)er the country li"e $ushroo$s o)er the last fe& decades. Se)eral huge $etal hangars clustered together all s#ray coated a sort of greyish green. Maybe &hoe)er built it thin"s that &ill hel# the estate blend into the countryside. Dr $aybe they 6ust don't care and greyish green is the chea#est o#tion. Nothing to $e either &ay. Dne of these sheds &as !heelan's. The units &ere fenced off fro$ the road &ith a sliding electric gate at the front controlling the access road. Ne4t to the gate stood a little fibreglass security hut. closed $y ,udi's door as 5uietly as #ossible and crossed the road. nside the hut a radio tuned to ** -adio 2 finished #laying a song fro$ the 1AI0s hadn't heard since the 1AI0s and then the distincti)e )oice of ,le4 ester hi$self ca$e on. The guard &as ti##ed bac" in his chair his feet u# on the des" and &ith his ar$s folded o)er his chest. ta##ed on the glass. The guard 6er"ed a&a"e his feet dro##ing to the floor. (e blin"ed and then #eered at $e his eyes ta"ing a $o$ent to focus. =(el# you9= he $uttered thic"ly as held u# a large #added en)elo#e. The guard slid his glass &indo& #anel to one side and leaned out into the night air. (e blin"ed again in the chill. too" $y *eretta A2 fro$ out the en)elo#e and sho&ed hi$ the gun. That grabbed his attention. =Enless your hut's bullet #roof< o#en u#= said.
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
The guard blin"ed and thought. Not easy &hen you')e only 6ust &o"en fro$ slee# and so$eone's threatening your life. =(urry= said tightening $y finger on the trigger. The guard #ressed a red button on his des" and the electronic gate slid along its groo)es. &al"ed #ast and o#ened the security hut's door. The interior &as cluttered &ith a ban" of TG $onitors attached to obsolete loo"ing co$#uter ter$inals. Ne4t to the$ stood his Tu##er&are lunchbo4 Ther$os and radio. ,le4 ester's )oice &as going on about his crossdressing truc"ers. =Coesn't anyone e)er clean this #lace9 t's filthy= said to hi$. The guard bac"ed a&ay into a corner. Fointing to his s&i)el chair told hi$ to sit. (e did so. %ro$ $y #oc"et too" a roll of duct ta#e and ri##ed off a length. This &as the dangerous #art &hen &as u# close and #ersonal &ith the guard. (e $ight ta"e it into his head to fight bac" and catch $e &hen &as $ore )ulnerable. ,d$ittedly he didn't loo" li"e he could #ut u# $uch resistance being in his $idfifties and o)er&eight fro$ a diet of late night co$fort eating. (is unifor$ &as scruffy illfitting and &ell &ashed &ith a frayed shirt collar. (e s$elled of chea# deodorant. No didn't thin" it li"ely he'd ris" his life o)er a deadend $ini$u$ &age 6ob. dragged the guard's ar$s behind his bac" and ta#ed the$ to the chair bac". No& felt $uch safer ta#ed his an"les to the chair base. The guard glanced u# at the cloc". =The &agons start co$ing in at fi)e thirty or so= he told $e. =The dri)ers'll see $e tied u# &hen they can't get in.= =Than"s for the ti#. *ut '$ not here to rob the #lace so 'll only be a fe& $inutes.= thought for a $o$ent. =an you o#en unit nu$ber three fro$ here9= The guard shoo" his head. =No. The o&ners of the units all ha)e their o&n "eys and things.= =an you silence the alar$9= =No that's inde#endent as &ell.= than"ed the guard for his hel# and then ta#ed his $outh closed. gently #ulled his chair o)er and laid hi$ flat on the floor out of sight of the hut's &indo&. f any early arri)ing truc"ers > cross dressing or other&ise > sho&ed u# they $ight thin" the guard &as in the attached toilet. left the hut returned to $y ,udi and collected &hat needed. ?arlier McTeague had told $e unit three belonged to !heelan. t &asn't in his na$e of course but held by an offshore shell co$#any. That $uch !heelan had learned fro$ McTeague< that it &as &ise to "ee# yourself se)eral ste#s a&ay fro$ anything dodgy. The directors of the shell co$#any &ere #robably a cou#le of residents in an old fol"s ho$e &ho'd sign anything that &as #laced in front of the$ in return for a litre bottle of *ristol crea$ sherry each. , fe& $inutes later stood in front of unit three. t &as identical to the other fi)e units in this
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
#art of the industrial co$#le4 e4ce#t for the shell co$#any's sign abo)e the door. There &ere t&o doors > a large one for )ehicular access &ith a s$aller one for #edestrians set into it. The #edestrian door's loc" &as nothing that couldn't be #ic"ed. So guessed !heelan &as relying on the fencing and guard to #ro)ide security. f that &as the case he &as $a"ing a big $ista"e. crouched on the da$# tar$ac before the door #ushed in $y sha#ed #ry 'd brought &ith $e and after thirty seconds or so heard a clic" as the door unloc"ed. stood brushed $y suit #ants do&n and then &as in. ,s e4#ected a ro& of light s&itches &ere on the &all by $y right. losing the door behind $e sna##ed one ro& of lights on. The o)erhead hi&atts flic"ered on di$$ed and then ca$e onto full brilliance. ,ll the illu$ination needed. Near the ban" of light s&itches &as the alar$ #anel's "ey#ad. The nu$ber in the dis#lay scrolled do&n e)ery second: 1I0 1BA 1BI... too" no notice after that. oo"ing around sa& the unit &as far larger than !heelan needed. Enless he &as stu#id enough to thin" that McTeague &as a busted flush and &as about to roll o)er and gi)e u# all his incolnshire and ?ast Midlands o#erations. ,nd it &ould ta"e so$eone &ay stronger than !heelan to grab the$ fro$ McTeague's hands. 1JB 1JJ 1J8... The unit s$elled li"e a distillery. !hich &asn't sur#rising as that's e4actly &hat it &as. ,n illegal distillery #roducing hundreds of gallons of $oonshine )od"a to su##ly the needs of the thirsty ill#aid ?ast ?uro#eans in the to&ns all around the ?ast Midlands. (o&e)er there &as a nasty undertone of industrial alcohol si$ilar to the nail #olish re$o)er 'd s$elled in the *eauticians earlier. To one side sa& a &ash still standing o)er an unlit furnace. ,n angled s&an nec" fro$ the &ash still led do&n to a condenser and that in turn led onto a s#irit safe. The units &ere cold and dead at the $o$ent. oo"ed li"e !heelan didn't ha)e enough custo$ yet to 6ustify ta"ing on a night shift. Me &ouldn't let a dro# of it #ass $y li#s but $aybe the ?ast ?uro#eans' sto$achs &ere $uch stronger than $ine. re$e$bered reading about a teenage girl &ho &as found dead in a /rantha$ #ar" after drin"ing a bottle of this stuff. The #a#ers &ere full of it for a cou#le of days until the ne4t scandal ca$e along. Then it &as 5uietly dro##ed and the dead girl faded bac" to obscurity $issed by noone e4ce#t her fa$ily. The s&eet s$ell of fer$enting #otatoes &as $i4ed in &ith che$ical undertones. D)er by one &all &ere crates of e$#ty bottles ne4t to a bottleca##ing $achine. !heelan $ight as &ell ha)e sourced the bottles fro$ the local recycling bottle ban"s rather than buying the$ in. That's all his rotgut &as fit for thought as &al"ed o)er to the bottleca##er.
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
Ne4t to the ca##er &as a bo4 filled &ith #rinted labels > the labels $ar"ed u# as /ooe a"e. There &ere #lenty of differences bet&een these labels and those of a high end )od"a of a )ery si$ilar na$e. Maybe !heelan thought he'd get around trading standards that &ay. doubted it but you ne)er "no&. *ut if you're a Fole or ithuanian &anting to get blotto after a long day's graft on the $ini$u$ &age then !heelan's "noc"off rotgut did the 6ob. ,nything to dull the $isery of &or"ing in this &retched rainsoa"ed country. #ut the labels bac". f it hadn't been for the clic" of it's cla&s on the #ainted ce$ent floor it &ould ha)e been on $e before could react. s#un round fast as a s#inning to# as a (ellhound trotted round the corner of the fer$enting )at. t $ust ha)e been attracted by the lights or $y scent. So !heelan &asn't 6ust relying on the contract security guard. The dog &as a huge tan and blac" rott&eiler &ith huge bone crunching hyenali"e 6a&s. t too" one loo" at $e and '$ sure it grinned. Me being here $ust ha)e $ade its day. The guard dog tensed coiled its bac" legs li"e a s#ring and then raced to&ards $e. Slobber and foa$ dro##ed fro$ its ga#ing 6a&s and sa& its e)il red eyes li"e fire la$#s. ts si$#le doggy brain had )isions of blood on the floor. Mine. Enfortunately for the hellhound it &asn't u# against so$e teenage #un" or crac"head 6un"ie loo"ing for so$ething to rob to score their ne4t fi4. t &as u# against $e. McTeague's to# enforcer. !ith one fluid $otion dre& $y *eretta A2 and shot it. The hollo& #oint Farabellu$ nine $illi$etre bullet sla$$ed into its chest. The gunshot echoed around the )ast s#ace of the unit bouncing off the $etal &alls $ulti#lying its loudness $a"ing it sound as if an ar$y of gun$en had #ulled the trigger. %or a $o$ent the tang of cordite "illed the s&eet s$ell of boo7e. The hollo& #oint ri##ed into the rott&eiler's broad chest. The dog s#un bac"&ards al$ost head o)er heels and crashed onto the ce$ent floor. ts fore legs t&itched beneath it as the dog tried to stand. t raised its great hyena li"e head and bar"ed fiercely but after a $o$ent ga)e it u# and ho&led #iteously. ts legs &ere scra$bling no longer strong. ts eyes no longer e)il and red loo"ed u# at $e. The dog's brain couldn't understand &hat had ha##ened e4ce#t that it &as in a lot of #ain and couldn't $o)e its body any $ore. *lood s#read out to for$ a #ool under its body. The hollo& #oint $ust')e ri##ed through its insides > the bullet e4#anding and $ushroo$ing as it tra)elled through the dog's body de)astating e)erything in its #ath. &ould ha)e li"ed to #ut the rott&eiler out of its $isery but didn't &ant to ris" a second bullet on the ani$al. Dnce 'd finished here didn't thin" the #olice forensics unit &ould notice one tiny lu$# of $olten lead under the dog's body but t&o9 oo"ing around s#otted the brass shell casing
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
lying bright in the o#en so stoo#ed to #ic" it u#. ,nd then the alar$ sounded > its shrill bray adding to the dog's ho&ls of #ain and fury. The noise &as deafening. 'd &asted too $uch ti$e already but thought still had enough. !e &ere on the edge of to&n. ,nd after all !heelan &ouldn't ha)e lin"ed this factory's alar$ syste$ to the local co# sho#. Not &ith &hat he &as #roducing here. Nearby &ere t&o stac"s of #allets all loaded &ith cases of )od"a a&aiting distribution. The #allets had all been $u$$ified in layer after layer of shrin"&ra#. , for"lift &as connected u# to its charging unit 6ust ne4t to the stac". s$iled to $yself. This &as getting better and better. So 6er"ed out the electrical lead dro##ing it onto the floor and then engaged re)erse raising the for"s to &aist height. bac"ed a&ay fro$ the stac"s then thre& the gear into for&ards. The for"lift crashed into the first stac" of #allets. t s&ayed and then to##led o)er. The stac" crashed to the concrete floor the bottles s$ashing into a $illion #ieces the shrin"&ra# holding its sha#e for a $o$ent before deflating and colla#sing in on itself. %or a $o$ent the crash dro&ned out the alar$'s bray. ,fter the noise of the crash the #lace sounded 5uiet for a $o$ent until $y ears #ic"ed u# the alar$ again. , la"e of boo7e s#illed out fro$ the shrin"&ra# flooding out fro$ the i$#act s#reading out o)er the floor to&ards the in6ured rott&eiler. t o#ened its 6a&s and ho&led. , tric"le of blood lea"ed fro$ its $outh $i4ing in &ith the $oonshine )od"a staining it #in". ,gain re)ersed and "noc"ed o)er the second stac". This crash see$ed e)en louder than the first. There's so$ething dee#ly satisfying about $a"ing a lot of noise destroying crates and crates of bottles. The floor &as an inch dee# in $oonshine &ashing around the furnace's base the #oor rott&eiler trying to bac" a&ay the fu$es of chea# $oonshine )od"a filling $y nose and $a"ing $e gag. ste##ed do&n fro$ the for"lift and &al"ed through the la"e of )od"a. The rott&eiler didn't e)en bother sna##ing at $e as #assed. ,s if it "ne& &hat &as co$ing its &ay. &al"ed to the entrance and loo"ed around at the scene of de)astation before $e. ,t the door lit the ta$#on &ic" of $y first #etrol bo$b. #aused for a second en6oying the feeling of #o&er of destruction in $y hand. felt li"e so$e $ale)olent god. Then lobbed the Moloto) straight into the la"e of boo7e. t caught &ith a dull &hoo$#f. *lue fla$es lic"ed u# fro$ the )od"a as the alcohol started to burn. The rott&eiler ho&led and des#erately tried to scrabble a&ay as it felt the heat and fla$es s#read to&ards it. &atched the fire ta"e hold until the heat beca$e too $uch. Dnly then did ste# outside of the unit and closed the door behind $e. @ogging #ast the security hut crossed the road and a $o$ent later &as bac" inside the safety
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
of $y ,udi. No rest for the &ic"ed thought as dro##ed the handbra"e engaged first and dro)e out of the industrial estate. Shortly after &as bac" in Sleaford's to&n centre.
CHAPTER 4. Cri)ing slo&ly #ast !heelan's betting sho# rather i$aginati)ely called '!heel an' Ceal' sa& that #articular target &as out of $y reach. ,n ar$oured $etal shutter closed off its front and although "ne& could ha)e #ic"ed the loc" it &ould ha)e ta"en too long and didn't fancy crouching on the #a)e$ent fiddling about &ith the loc" &ith se)eral Moloto)s in the car behind $e. t &ouldn't ta"e e)en the di$$est co# to &or" out &hat &as going on > or to connect $e to the recent firebo$bing on the industrial estate. So carried on through the to&n centre and #ast so$e large buildings that belonged to so$e #ri)ate schools and then follo&ed a Folish registered articulated lorry as it thundered do&n Southgate before $ade a left along ?astgate. n front of $e &as the *eauticians 'd snatched laire McTeague fro$ earlier. Maybe !heelan thought that as this #lace &as on a $ain road it &ould be safe. t &asn't. , large #late glass &indo& too" u# $ost of the front. Feering inside the *eauticians sa& a stac" of to&els #iled u# on the rece#tionist's des" and all the $aga7ines neatly stac"ed u# on a side table all ready for to$orro&. ?4ce#t there &ouldn't be a to$orro&. Not for this one of McTeague's businesses. fetched the tyre iron fro$ out of the ,udi's trun" too" a s&ing and s$ashed the iron into the #late glass. The &indo& e4#loded in&ards shards of crystal shattering and scattering into the sho# and onto the #a)e$ent around $y feet. $$ediately the alar$ added its &hoo#ing rising and falling high #itched din dro&ning out the late night L early $orning street sounds. , $o$ent later 'd lit the ne4t firebo$b and thre& it through the 6agged hole in the &indo&. No& the fla$es scattered o)er the tiled floor and lic"ed u# the rece#tionist's des". chuc"ed another gasoline bo$b o)er the seating area 6ust for fun. No& the fire s#lashed u# the &alls raced along the ceiling and too" hold on the settees. &ondered if McTeague &as insured against this carnage. could ha)e stood hy#notised and &atched the fire do its &or" of destruction but already there &ere lights co$ing on in the flats abo)e the sho#s. So s#rinted bac" to $y ,udi and dro)e a&ay. Dnly one $ore 6ob to do before 'd finished tonight. This &as the 6ob didn't &ant to do. 'd argued against it but McTeague hi$self insisted so had no choice. ,t first &as sur#rised that McTeague &anted it doing. (e &as one of the last of the socalled 'oldstyle' )illains and li"e $e
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
he'd al&ays left #eo#le's houses and fa$ilies alone. Sure he'd &rec" businesses brea" e)ery bone in your body if needed and "ne& for a fact there &as $ore than one body feeding the fishes under the North Sea &a)es that &as do&n to hi$. *ut until no& fa$ilies had been offli$its e)en sacrosanct &ith McTeague. *ut su##ose that in ta"ing McTeague's second &ife > e)en if McTeague &as in the #rocess of getting a di)orce > the boss thought that !heelan had crossed the line. ,s dro)e thought about McTeague's first &ife Melissa. She "ne& the score all right and since her di)orce she "ne& $en &ere strictly off li$its for the rest of her life. Dr McTeague's > &hiche)er ca$e sooner. ,lthough McTeague had finished &ith Melissa he didn't &ant any other $an en6oying &hat he'd had. (as to be said McTeague had been )ery generous &ith the di)orce and bought Melissa a nice house u# in the Cu"eries area of north Nottingha$shire. i"e a -o$an e$#eror of old McTeague had banished Melissa to the farflung edge of his e$#ire. So$e&here he could control her but far enough a&ay that he &ould ne)er ha)e to see her. !hen he last as"ed $e to chec" u# on his e4 she &as "ee#ing herself to herself. She'd found a #art ti$e 6ob in a gift sho# and "e#t herself busy &ith charity &or". *ut bet she still $issed ha)ing a $an in her life. Melissa hadn't let herself go and she "e#t herself tri$ &or"ing out se)eral ti$es a &ee" at a gy$ in the nearby larger to&n of !or"so#. *ut laire &as of a younger generation $ore frees#irited and had bro"en McTeague's rules. She'd left the older $an and ta"en u# &ith !heelan. There &as no &ay McTeague could tolerate that sho& of disres#ect. McTeague had )isions of e)eryone laughing behind his bac" e)en &hile they did business together. tried to tell McTeague that it didn't $atter so $uch these days > although their di)orce hadn't co$e through as long as laire &as discreet she should be allo&ed to do &hat she li"ed. *ut McTeague said fro$ $en laughing it &as only a short slide before they thought he &as &ea" and decided to hel# the$sel)es to his e$#ire. Ferha#s he had a #oint. So McTeague felt he had no choice e4ce#t to ta"e her bac" and sla# do&n !heelan. Sho& hi$ &ho &as to# dog in the ?ast Midlands. *ut it &as $e carrying out the old gangster's instructions and so it &as u# to $e as to ho& they &ere e4ecuted. The #lans > not the fa$ily sincerely ho#ed. dro)e along *oston -oad before turning off into an u#$ar"et culdesac called Dld Flace. Maybe this &as #art of an older Sleaford but &ouldn't "no&. The large houses &ere all in dar"ness although so$e had carriage la$#s $ounted onto their gate #osts or #orches. &ondered if !heelan &ould ha)e one of his $en on guard but fifteen $inutes of 5uietly &atching con)inced $e there &as noone about. Sure the alar$ bo4 &as flashing its blue light at regular inter)als and sa&
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
TG ca$eras $ounted o)er the #orch and gates. *ut a#art fro$ ha)ing loc"ed the electronic gates there see$ed to be no e4tra security #recautions. !heelan's confidence &as about to be sha"en. ?4ce#t &asn't going to do e4actly &hat McTeague &anted. ea)ing the engine on ste##ed out of the ,udi's &ar$ interior and crossed o)er. ,s &ell as an eight foot high $etal fence to##ed &ith s#ear #oints McTeague had also ta"en a leaf out of the #olice's cri$e #re)ention boo"lets &hich so$eti$es co$e through the door and #lanted a barrier of #ric"ly shrubs behind the fence. don't "no& &hat they &ere as don't &atch /ardener's !orld but e)en in the dar" could see their shar# )icious thorns. Feering through the railings the house loo"ed aslee#. !a"ey&a"ey thought as returned to $y ,udi and fetched the ne4t t&o of $y Moloto)s. lit the ta$#on &ic"s and lobbed the$ high o)er the fence to&ards the front door. The bottles shattered on i$#act the noise sur#risingly loud in the 5uiet suburban night. The fire s#read out o)er the bric" #a)iours the orange fla$es reaching out to&ards the garage doors. , light ca$e on in the neighbouring house so ran bac" to $y ,udi and &as half &ay do&n the road before the nosy #ar"er had ti$e to dra& the curtains. Turning the corner bac" onto *oston -oad #ulled u# at the "erb and then slo&ly &al"ed bac" in ti$e to &atch the fun. *y this ti$e so$e of the closer neighbours &ere ste##ing out of their dri)e&ays and onto the #a)e$ent. They all &ore night&ear the &o$en had $ussed u# hair and one or t&o &ere still #ulling on dressing go&ns. Dthers $ore #re#ared &ere already recording the scene on their s$art #hones. figured footage of the bla7e &ould all be u#loaded onto outube &ithin the ne4t half hour. hec" it out if you &ant. ,s they fil$ed slun" bac" into the dee#est shado&s out of sight of any )ie&finders. The fla$es soared higher into the night s"y. Dne elderly $an said to his &ife that they should ha)e brought out a Ther$os of tea. o$ing round the side of the house s#otted !heelan clutching a fire e4tinguisher closely follo&ed by his $oody fourteen year old daughter ,le4a &ith another girl didn't "no& > #resu$ably a friend on a slee#o)er > and laire herself. *y the light of the fire and !heelan's security halogen la$#s sa& the girls loo"ed scared. *y no& as they had no e4tra fuel the fla$es &ere starting to die do&n. ,ll the sa$e !heelan ai$ed the e4tinguisher's no77le at the base of the bla7e and s$othered it &ith foa$. So$e of his neighbours cheered and one $an as"ed if e)erything &as all right. !heelan ga)e the $an a thu$bs u# sign but didn't say anything. !heelan and laire ins#ected the da$age > &hich &as confined to a charred garage door burned bric"s and shrubs > &hilst the t&o girls stood together. ,le4a's friend &as crying. She #robably ne)er e4#ected to be firebo$bed during a slee#o)er.
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
guessed it &ould co$e as a shoc". Ne4t ti$e she $ight choose her friends $ore carefully. ?)entually !heelan said so$ething to laire and she led the t&o girls bac" do&n the side #assage. n the distance heard sirens. Ti$e to go. Dne or t&o of the neighbours loo"ed at $e as &al"ed bac" do&n the road to $y ,udi. Nobody "ne& $e and &as the only one fully dressed. *oth things $ade $e an ob6ect of sus#icion. *ac" in the car ya&ned &idely. could ha)e done &ith a slug of caffeine or one of those high energy drin"s but 'd forgotten to buy one. shoo" $y head #ressed the button to lo&er $y &indo& and dro)e a&ay. n $y rear )ie& $irror sa& blue flashes fro$ an e$ergency ser)ices )ehicle. (o&e)er still had a lot to do tonight. /lancing at the dashboard cloc" sa& &as cutting it fine if &as to co$#lete tonight's last 6ob. Cri)ing along *oston -oad no& the *181B heading out of Sleaford &as soon out in o#en countryside. continued east until the *181B 6oined the $ain ,1B high&ay to&ards *oston and the coast. had no ti$e no& to deal &ith $y ne4t 6ob in *oston itself but could only ho#e to interce#t the$ so$e&here along the ,1B. That &ould ha)e to do. ,s the lights of Sleaford d&indled a&ay in $y rear $irrors 6ust ho#ed 'd recognise the truc" &hen sa& it. ?)en at this ti$e of night or )ery early $orning if you #refer there &as traffic in both directions along the ,1B. i"e $e so$e heading to&ards *oston or S#alding others bac" to Sleaford and then onto Ne&ar"onTrent. Kee#ing $y &indo& do&n the cold sli#strea$ freshening $e u# dro)e into the da&n. ?4ce#t it still &ouldn't be da&n for another cou#le of hours or $ore. *y no& ,le4 ester had finished his sho& so tuned into incs AJ.B %M for so$ething a bit li)elier. So$ething that &ould hel# "ee# $e a&a"e. turned u# the )olu$e. The ,1B is a road &ith fe& cur)es or bends as it stretches across the flat incolnshire countryside. No &onder they call this area (olland %en. t really is as flat and featureless as the o& ountries. n the distance on either side of the road sa& a fe& lights co$ing fro$ early rising far$houses but not $uch else. gained on the ne4t set of tail lights and follo&ed a Gol)o estate as &e carried on. Dnco$ing headlights filled $y &indscreen. loo"ed to $y left< no only a car. Not &hat &as loo"ing for. ,s dro)e &ondered about the #erson in the car ahead. , sales re# $ost li"ely thought hurrying to a #o&erbrea"fast &ith his client. No her client as $y headlights sho&ed the dri)er had long hair and a sli$ build. ,lso she dro)e carefully. To "ee# $y $ind occu#ied &ondered &hat she &as selling > $aybe #har$aceuticals $aybe greeting cards $aybe a ne& ty#e of soft&are #rogra$9 Dr $aybe she &as the area $anager for a chain of gastro#ubs9
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
, blare of an air horn a glare of hibea$ headlights. My ,udi filled &ith &hite light fro$ an onco$ing hea)y goods )ehicle. 'd crossed the centre line and had strayed into the #ath of onco$ing traffic. Ces#erately hauled on the &heel and dragged $y cou# hard o)er bac" to the left. The (./.G. blasted #ast its &heels huge in $y sight. The dri)er leaned on his horn the sound also filling $y car. &i#ed #ers#iration fro$ $y forehead. That &as close > far too close. $ust ha)e do7ed off behind the &heel > one of those $icro slee#s lasting only a fe& seconds but that's the sort of inattention that can get you "illed. &ound the &indo& do&n so$e $ore suc"ing cold air dee# into $y lungs and turned u# the radio's )olu$e. Ta"ing a rene&ed gri# on the &heel stared ahead through the &indscreen concentrating on the road ahead. !ithin a $inute &as bac" behind the Gol)o. ,s dro)e also "e#t an eye on the onco$ing traffic > the )ehicles dri)ing in the direction of Sleaford. ,ll the cars could ignore but had to chec" out the licence #lates of e)ery truc". %ortunately there &eren't too $any. The first fe& &ere all *ritish then a Cutch one. No interest to $e. Then a.. a... yes a Folish (./.G. My interest #ic"ed u# as sco#ed its #late. No no good. dro)e on into the night. ya&ned again and shifted in $y seat. This &ouldn't do. !e ca$e to a for" in the road. The Gol)o carried on along the ,1B to&ards King's ynn and Norfol" but turned off along the slightly narro&er ,1121 to *oston. thought 'd ha)e seen the Folish truc" &as loo"ing for by no&. Maybe the dri)er had been delayed at custo$s. Maybe he'd had a brea"do&n. My $ind &as filled &ith all sorts of #ossibilities. Then thought sa& it co$ing. , s$ile ca$e to $y li#s. Dnly to )anish again. -ight $odel > a %ord uton bo4 truc" > right colour but &rong nationality. ,nother fe& $iles clic"ed u# on $y odo$eter. &as #ast the )illage of (ubbert's *ridge. Much further and 'd be in *oston itself and then the North Sea.
CHAPTER 5. et another uton truc" a##roached and scanned its licence #late. es es es The #late started &ith -, B. ,ll $y fatigue all $y e4haustion &ashed a&ay and sat u# straighter. *y no& the truc" had #assed by and sa& its red tail lights receding in $y $irror. , layby ca$e u# ahead. So s&ung in a)oiding a length of blac" shredded tyre and turned around follo&ing the uton bo4 truc". ,ccelerating &as soon u# behind it. flashed $y lights but the dri)er too" no notice. f
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
anything he s#ed u# and the lu$bering )an slo&ly gained s#eed. My foot #ressed the accelerator do&n. Si4ty si4tyfi)e. flashed $y lights again and again. No res#onse. The )an &as no& u# to se)enty. thought these things &ere all fitted &ith s#eed go)ernors no&adays but this )an didn't see$ to be. There &as nothing co$ing so #ulled out and s#ed u# alongside the )an. #ointed at the dri)er $a"ing gestures for hi$ to #ull o)er. sa& the $an had a huge handlebar $oustache li"e it &as 1ABH all o)er again. (e ignored $e. So $ade $ore gestures but then had to dro# bac" behind the uton as a %ord Mondeo &as bo$bing do&n the road to&ards us. ,s soon as the Mondeo #assed #ulled out and resu$ed #osition alongside the uton. Dne last chance. More gestures< frantically urgently &a)ing to the dri)er. The $an glanced $y &ay but then turned his head and loo"ed a&ay his eyes staring steadily at the road ahead. !ell if that's the &ay he &anted it. loo"ed both ahead and behind. There &as noone near us only a fe& headlights far off around the slight cur)e in the road. ,l$ost #erfect. leaned to one side and #ulled out $y *eretta A2 se$iauto$atic. then &ound do&n the #assenger &indo& to its fullest e4tent before ta"ing ai$. %ortunately the ,1B &as s$ooth and &ide at this #oint. $atched s#eeds &ith the uton bo4 truc" and fired. T&o things ha##ened. The bang in the enclosed s#ace deafened $e the after effects ringing in $y ears and s$elled cordite s$o"e before the &ind rushing in ble& it a&ay. The other thing &as that the uton's front dri)er's tyre shredded as the nine $illi$etre Farabellu$ hit shedding its rubber along the high&ay. That grabbed the dri)er's attention li"e nothing else could. The $an gri##ed his &heel &restling &ith it to "ee# control. *y no& $y ,udi cou# had shot ahead. decelerated dro##ing bac" but "ee#ing $y distance as the )an's dri)er controlled his s&er)es. et's $a"e things $ore difficult. too" ai$ a second ti$e and shot out one of the rear tyres. No &ay could the dri)er control his )ehicle no&. /i)ing in to the ine)itable the dri)er steered o)er to the hard shoulder by the side of the high&ay. (e s&itched off the engine but didn't get out. Fulling u# in front of the uton it &as $e &ho got out. &al"ed o)er to the uton in &hat ho#ed &as a slo& and $enacing &ay and the dri)er &atched $e a##roach. (e clic"ed do&n the door loc" and sat there slabli"e. sa& hi$ #ic" u# his cell #hone so shoo" $y head at hi$. 6er"ed u# $y *eretta's barrel in an un$ista"able sign for hi$ to unloc". (e $istoo" $y signal and loo"ed at $e &ide eyed &ith fear. So ai$ed the #istol at hi$ through the glass and tightened $y finger on the trigger still sha"ing $y head. No $ista"ing $y intentions. The dri)er dro##ed his cell and lifted the loc". o#ened the )an's door. =Dut= sna##ed. The dri)er gabbled so$ething in Folish or ithuanian. (o&e)er &as too tired to care. "ne& the $an
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
$ust s#ea" so$e e)en if only a little ?nglish and didn't ha)e the ti$e to $ess about. stretched u# too" a fistful of his 6ac"et and hauled hi$ out of his cab. (e stu$bled and al$ost fell at $y feet. sho&ed hi$ the *eretta A2 again $a"ing sure he got a really good loo" at its deadly sha#e. Fushing the dri)er a&ay fro$ the uton leaned in and too" the "eys out the ignition. Then tossed the "eys to the dri)er and #ointed &ith $y se$iauto$atic to the cargo area of the )an. (e got the idea and &al"ed bac" &ith $e. , car s#ed #ast its headlights &ashing us in colour before )anishing. f the car dri)er sa& the uton's shredded tyres he $ust ha)e thought 'd sto##ed to hel#. n the dar"ness at the bac" of the )an the dri)er fu$bled &ith the "eys. =(urry u#= said. The bac" had been #adloc"ed and the dri)er sna##ed o#en the loc" and lifted it fro$ the has#. (e then slid u# the bac". ?)en in the near dar" sa& the bac" &as 5uarter filled &ith #lain cardboard bo4es. Se)eral #eo#le sat a$ongst the bo4es. They loo"ed at $e as the uton's tailgate rolled u#. So$e stood and #ic"ed u# ruc"sac"s suitcases and se)eral #lastic carrier bags. =Dut. No&= told the #eo#le. The dri)er o#ened his $outh to s#ea". Entil #lanted $y *eretta A2 in his ribs. Then he got the $essage loud and clear and closed his $outh again. !e ste##ed to one side to let the #eo#le get off. They &ere a $i4ed bag > a #etite hinese &o$an a )ery tall ,frican youth three young $en fro$ the $iddle east $aybe ra5is or Syrians or Kurds or so$ething and lastly an older ndian or Fa"istani gent. So !heelan &as $uscling in on the hu$an traffic"ing front as &ell. McTeague &ouldn't li"e that. The #eo#le shuffled out of the bac" of the uton bo4 truc". The ndian hel#ed do&n the hinese girl. The grou# stood loo"ing about the$ da7ed confused by the side of the road. This &asn't &hat they e4#ected at all. They $ust ha)e been told they &ould be dro##ed off in a city not du$#ed in the $iddle of no&here in the blea" &inds&e#t incolnshire countryside. ,nother fe& cars s#ed by. Dne of the dri)ers slo&ed do&n slightly to ta"e in the little scene. The #eo#le the i$$igrants started tal"ing in their o&n languages. didn't need to s#ea" the$ to "no& that they &ere #rotesting that this &asn't &hat they had #aid for. Dne of the$ the ndian gent #ushed his &ay to the front. =?4cuse $e. !e &ere told &e &ould be ta"en onto ondon= he said in #erfect if hea)ily accented ?nglish. =,nd cannot see *ig *en.= turned to the $an. (e ste##ed bac" catching sight of $y #istol and a loo" of alar$ crossed his face. =our bus has bro"en do&n. ondon's that &ay. f &ere you 'd start &al"ing before the co#s round you all u# and de#ort you.= (e turned to his co$rades and tried to e4#lain. !ith angry sco&ls fro$ the $iddle easterners
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
and tears on the face of the hinese girl they shouldered their bags and started &al"ing. Not a good deal but at least they'd arri)ed so$e&here in the #ro$ised land so they couldn't co$#lain too $uch. turned bac" to the Folish dri)er. (e bac"ed a&ay. =/et your bag and #ass#ort and you can start &al"ing as &ell.= (e nodded returned to the cab and #ulled out a blue holdall. Maybe thin"ing he'd be bla$ed by his i$$igrant #assengers &ho &ere no& &al"ing along the high&ay to&ards Sleaford in a grou# the dri)er turned the other &ay and started &al"ing bac" to *oston. (e cast a glance bac" at $e. 6ogged to $y ,udi too" out $y last Moloto) lit its ta$#on &ic" and tossed the bottle into the uton's cab. Drange fla$es lit u# the inside of the &indscreen. raced bac" to $y car engaged first gear and #ulled a&ay 6ust before the )an e4#loded. ,nother ya&n hit $e and felt $y 6a&s crac". &anted no needed slee#< but no chance of that tonight. nstead it &as east&ards along the ,1121 to&ards *oston for $e. ,fter a fe& hundred yards #assed the Folish )an dri)er. (e shoo" his fist as $y ,udi s#ed #ast but didn't brea" his stride. hit *oston 6ust as the earliest risers &ere out on the streets. There &ere a fe& deli)eries to ne&sagents and a grou# of $en cli$bing into the bac" of a $uddy Transit )an #robably for a bac" brea"ing day labouring on one of the local far$s. The $en loo"ed e4hausted and that &as e)en before they'd started &or". dro)e do&n to the harbour and &al"ed out along the 5uayside. %or a #ort *oston is a long &ay inland. Maybe the coast has shifted since it &as founded9 Con't as" $e as '$ not fro$ around here. No& the harbour is sited along the ban"s of the ri)er !itha$. The $uddy ri)er flo&s sluggishly bet&een concrete 5uaysides and &harfs. , rusting crane stood nearby o)erloo"ing a nu$ber of barges and narro&boats that &ere $oored to the 5uayside. , cou#le of $en &ra##ed in thic" #ea 6ac"ets leaned against the crane and $uttered in -ussian or so$ething. (eading a&ay fro$ *oston to&ards the o#en sea &as a s$all tra&ler or fishing boat to&ing a dinghy its sailing lights roc"ing slightly as its diesel engine $o)ed it do&nstrea$. That $ust ha)e been the boat that brought in the i$$igrants thought as $ade a note of the nu$ber #ainted on its side. Dr should say bul&ar"9 Con't as" $e. D##osite $e on the far ban" stood a grou# of grey &arehouses their outlines shar# under the glare of industrial lighting. ,s the fishing boat $o)ed further do&nstrea$ along the ri)er sa& the eastern hori7on shade fro$ blac" to dar" grey and then a still lighter grey. The start of another day. No rest for $e. too" in se)eral dee# breaths of the oil and fish s$elling salty air before realising &as star)ing. (ands in $y #oc"ets turned a&ay fro$ the ri)er !itha$ and &al"ed o)er to a doc"side greasy s#oon diner. ?)en at that ti$e of the $orning the caf &as #ac"ed &ith $en > truc" dri)ers
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
doc"ers fisher$en cabbies as &ell as the usual handful of runa&ays oddbods the do&n at heel all nursing a $ug of tea for an hour's &ar$th and those for &ho$ life dealt a bad hand. Con"ey 6ac"ets fluorescent hi)i7 coats and cast off $ilitary gear see$ed to be the dress code here. The $en loo"ed at $e as o#ened the door and &al"ed into the stea$y heat inside. heard )oices tal"ing in se)eral different languages. No &onder the #lace is also "no&n as '*ostongrad'. There &ere one or t&o &olf &histles. #ut it do&n to $y suit as don't su##ose $any #eo#le in suits ate here. &al"ed u# to the counter. =%ull ?nglish > no blac" #udding > e4tra toast and tea= ordered. The shortorder coo" stared at $e. Maybe because "ee# fit and &or" out and don't loo" the sort &ho &ould nor$ally go for this sort of grub. (o&e)er you can get a&ay &ith it no& and again and really needed the calorie infusion. 'd &or" it off later. #ic"ed u# a co#y of the Caily Star fro$ the end of the counter. ,gain not a ne&s#a#er nor$ally read > #refer the %inancial Ti$es or Telegra#h as they re#ort the Test cric"et in far $ore detail than 6ust the briefest highlights. (o&e)er not $uch chance of co$ing across those t&o 5uality broadsheets in a di)e li"e this. too" the #a#er o)er to a nearby table. ,ll the tables &ere occu#ied. nodded to a $an sitting by hi$self at one of the %or$ica to##ed tables. =May 9= as"ed dra&ing out a chair. The $an nodded and cleared a&ay so$e of the clutter littering the %or$ica. There &ere a fe& $ore &histles and catcalls fro$ so$e of the truc"ers but too" no notice. nstead shoo" out the Star and loo"ed through the full colour #ictures of celebs $ost of &ho$ 'd ne)er heard of as &ell as ad)erts for cell #hones legalised loan shar"s and lotteries. The s$all a$ount of actual te4t too" less than fi)e $inutes to read. flic"ed bac" through the #a#er on the off chance 'd $issed anything ending u# on #age three. The largebreasted #age three babe a girl &or"ing under the na$e of Ni""ii ga7ed out at $e. =Nice ba#s on that eh= one of the truc"ers said leaning bac" in his chair and loo"ing at $e. (e &ore a blac" fleece hat against the cold. =!ouldn't say no.= There &as so$e $ore laughter fro$ the other $en. ?)en the coo" &as grinning as he brought out so$e $ore brea"fasts. turned to Mr. %leece (at. =ou e)er get an urge for a feel of so$e tits &hy don't you 6ust #lay &ith your o&n $an boobs9= The others all laughed at hi$. The $an at $y table called out =that told you $ate.= The laughter &as directed at Mr. %leece (at instead of $e no&. The truc"er turned as red as the tinned to$atoes on his #late. , fe& $inutes later $y o&n full ?nglish arri)ed. T&o incolnshire sausages bacon fried eggs fried to$atoes beans $ushroo$s cou#le of hash bro&ns and hot toast the butter $elting into it. ,ll &ashed do&n &ith a $ug of hot tea. !ho says you can't get good cuisine in ?ngland9 s5uirted bro&n sauce onto $y brea"fast arranged $y na#"in and tuc"ed in.
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
Dne or t&o of the truc"ers &atched $e for a fe& $inutes a$a7ed that &ith $y sli$ build &as going to eat it all but by then $y no)elty had &orn off and the $en got bac" to their o&n con)ersations or ne&s#a#ers. More &or"ing $en ca$e and left as ate but too" no notice of their stares or co$$ents. ,fter &i#ed u# the last of $y sauce &ith $y toast stood and left a #ound as a ti# on the %or$ica to#. Then used the diner's toilets to freshen u#. They &ere sur#risingly clean if cold and old fashioned &ith chi##ed tiles. Nobody follo&ed $e in and had the$ to $yself. *ac" outside &al"ed o)er to $y ,udi. leaned against its body&or". To be honest after that huge brea"fast felt full &ith a bloated feeling in $y sto$ach but the energy "ic" &ould "ee# $e going for a &hile yet. o)ering $y $outh &ith $y hand gently belched. /lancing at $y &atch it &asn't too early no& so called McTeague hi$self to "ee# hi$ u#dated on #rogress. (e &as on his &ay for his early $orning &or"out. (e too" the call on one of his dis#osable cells and e4#lained &hat 'd done so far. =E# the ante. Ma"e hi$ hurt. ,nd $ost i$#ortant get laire bac"= McTeague told $e. No roo$ for doubt there. =No #roble$s boss= said before dro##ing $y cell bac" in $y #oc"et. /lad to get confir$ation fro$ hi$. thought 'd be hearing fro$ !heelan any ti$e soon. ,nother loo" at $y &atch. t &as co$ing u# to se)en in the $orning so lo&ered $yself into $y ,udi and s&itched on the radio tuning into ** incolnshire 10H.B %M for the local ne&s. Ensur#risingly the ne&s &as filled &ith a series of arson attac"s around Sleaford. There &asn't $uch $ore than that at the $o$ent. Frobably the station's re#orters hadn't yet had ti$e to do their digging and $a"e the connections. thought there'd be $ore info at eight. Then fired u# the ,udi's t&o litre turbo engine #ulled a&ay fro$ the "erb and accelerated a&ay do&n the ,1121 bac" to&ards Sleaford. (o&e)er had to slo& do&n as a##roached the burned out uton. , co# in a hi)i7 &as directing traffic and a tailbac" had built u#. The &oodento# directed us onto the other side of the road &hilst one of his colleagues held u# the onco$ing traffic. ,s #assed the blac"ened shell of the bo4 )an sa& a full forensics tea$ gi)ing the area a fingerti# search &hilst a lo& loader stood by &aiting to ta"e the )an a&ay. ga&#ed li"e any rubbernec"er as #assed the scene. Then re6oined the ,1B and &as in Sleaford an hour later. ,s e4#ected the ne&s at eight &as $ore infor$ati)e. The burned industrial unit and *eauticians &ere identified as belonging to a 'local business$an' &hose ho$e &as also targeted but no na$es &ere gi)en out. t also said #olice sus#ected arson attac"s. figured that those good #eo#le of incolnshire listening in &ould $utter to the$sel)es 'gangster' as that's &hat $ost #eo#le thin" an unna$ed 'local business$an' &ho gets firebo$bed $ust be.
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
,nd in !heelan's case they &ouldn't be &rong.
CHAPTER 6. My *lac"*erry rang as a##roached the outer suburbs of Sleaford. #ulled the #hone fro$ $y #oc"et but didn't recognise the nu$ber so let the #hone ring and ring until the caller ga)e u#. &as on the (oldingha$ roundabout &hen $y #hone rang again. This ti$e too" the call. recognised the )oice of !heelan's friend and in #olice ter$s 'associate'. , $an called Mulhearn. thin" he &as so$e distant relation of !heelan > a second cousin or so$ething li"e that. !hate)er the t&o $en had gro&n u# together on the sa$e estate< been friends since #ri$ary school and &hilst !heelan had &or"ed for McTeague the old boss had ne)er ta"en on Mulhearn. Not that Mulhearn &asn't ca#able enough. D"ay through !heelan McTeague had thro&n Mulhearn a fe& bones fro$ ti$e to ti$e a fe& scra#s fro$ his table $ade use of his talents but the $an &as > &ell fla"y. (e didn't use )iolence strictly as a $eans to achie)e an end but used it for its o&n sa"e. (e got off on )iolence &ay too $uch. Mulhearn &as trouble &ith a great big ca#ital T< a $an &ho got you noticed > and not in a good &ay. =Mulhearn. /ood to hear fro$ you= said. %or a second &ondered if !heelan had authorised this call but on reflection realised he $ust ha)e. ,lthough &ondered &hy !heelan hadn't called $e direct. Frobably he &as sho&ing $e he &as far too i$#ortant these days. ,bo)e $y le)el. f that &as the case !heelan &ould soon find out he &asn't. 'd bring hi$ do&n to earth in a hurry. =ou')e been a bit li)ely (ennessy= Mulhearn said. =Me9= acting the innocent. =Con't "no& &hat you're tal"ing about.= =Con't hand $e that (ennessy. !e "no& you')e been $a"ing things rather 'hot' in Sleaford.= didn't need to say anything. let the silence s#in out bet&een us. t &as Mulhearn #aying for the call after all. ?)entually Mulhearn s#o"e. =!e need to $eet (ennessy. /et this SN,%E sorted. The King's ,r$s (otel t&el)e hundred hours. D"ay &ith you9= Mulhearn said. re$e$bered Mulhearn had been the ar$y and still li"ed to salt his tal" &ith $ilitary slang. ou'd thin" a $an &ith his record &ould ha)e tried to #ut his ar$y #ast behind hi$. (e dre& a dishonourable discharge after so$e business &hen he and so$e others in his unit &ent too far interrogating a bunch of ,fghan #risoners of &ar. heard that at the ti$e the ar$y si$#ly &anted to brush their $isdeeds under the car#et before ne&s hungry 6ournos found out. The &ay the &ar
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
&as going it &ould ha)e been too #olitically e$barrassing if that story e)er lea"ed out &hen &e &ere su##osed to be &inning the ,fghans' 'hearts and $inds'. !hich &as an i$#ossible tas" any&ay. So the court $artial concentrated on his '$isa##ro#riation of $edical su##lies' instead. *asically Mulhearn and others &ere stealing as $any $edicines and drugs and selling the$ on )ia a ca$# orderly to the ,fghans. t's not li"e Mulhearn and his s5uad &ere the only ones at it. !ay heard it the biggest 5uarter$aster for the insurgency in the area &as the *ritish ar$y. *ody ar$our night sco#es boots rations you na$e it< e5ui#$ent flo&ed out of the ca$# gates. So$e of it in the sa$e bo4es it had been deli)ered in earlier that day. f our s5uaddies could')e sold the ,fghans a hallenger 2 tan" then they &ould ha)e. *ut Mulhearn &as caught out dre& a year at the olchester glasshouse and then $ade his &ay bac" north to tea$ u# &ith his old $ate !heelan. ne)itably a harder and $ore dangerous $an after lea)ing the ar$y than he'd been &hen he'd signed u# as a roo"ie. (o&e)er as far as &as concerned it &as a 'Situation Nor$al ,ll %ouled E#' scenario. ,fter $y 5uic" snatch fro$ the *eauticians had failed "ne& 'd ha)e to u# the ante. =Dnly thing to tal" about is laire McTeague. Ma"e sure you bring her along &ith you= said. =That's not going to ha##en (ennessy. *ut &e need to rende7)ous > $aybe co$e to so$e alternati)e arrange$ents.= agreed e)en though "ne& that the only &ay this &as going to finish &as &ith laire McTeague bac" &here she belonged > at McTeague's side for as long as he &anted her. hec"ing $y &atch had a fe& hours to "ill before the $eet so dro)e to the $assi)e Tesco ?4tra su#er$ar"et o)er on Northgate. &ent along *oston -oad loo#ed around Dld Flace and slo&ly dro)e #ast McTeague's house. The gates &ere shut tight closed so sa& no sign of $y fire bo$bing. So turned around #ic"ed u# s#eed and a fe& $inutes later &as #ar"ing outside the Tesco ?4tra. The car #ar" &as a &ide &inds&e#t e4#anse of grey as#halt stretching out to the hori7on under the grey s"y. #ar"ed as far as #ossible fro$ the store > and the gang of Foles offering to &ash your car for a fi)er or )alet it for fifteen. nside the store the s$ell of fresh ba"ed bread filled $y nose. ,fter &hat 'd eaten in *ostongrad the s$ell $ade $y sto$ach roll slo&ly inside. *reathing shallo&ly #ic"ed u# so$e toiletries under&ear and loo"ed along the rac"s until found another grey suit that fitted. t &asn't designer or anything but it still loo"ed &ay better than the cru$#led soiled outfit &as still &earing. Dnce again #aid using !heelan's cloned credit card. =lubcard9= the s$iling blonde girl behind the till as"ed &ith an accent that ca$e fro$ &ay east
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
of the Dder ri)er. shoo" $y head. McTeague hadn't bothered cloning !heelan's Tesco clubcard. =!here's the toilets9= as"ed the girl. Still &ith a s$ile on her face she #ointed $e in the right direction. The store &as so big only got lost once before found the$. ,nother &o$an fro$ so$e )illage on the *altic Sea &as $o##ing the tiled floor. , yello& cart surrounded by yello& '&et floor' signs filled the s#ace. =ater= told her holding o#en the door. =No > is $y schedule. clean no&= she said gri##ing the $o# a little tighter. too" a fi)er fro$ $y #oc"et and held it out to the &o$an. She loo"ed at the note li"e it $ight bite her. Entil sho&ed her a cou#le of its sisters as &ell. She loo"ed u# at $e and then snatched the notes fro$ $y hand. = clean other toilets first= she said. =Ta"e your ti$e > t&enty $inutes= told her as she left. too" an 'out of order' sign fro$ her trolley and #ro##ed it outside the toilet door. (o#efully 'd be left alone as didn't &ant to be disturbed. The cubicles &ere all i$$aculate and s$elled of #ine disinfectant. They didn't really need cleaning but a##ro)ed of the &o$an's attention to detail. ,fter 'd finished in the cubicle had a stri# &ash s#rayed on deodorant and then changed into $y ne& under&ear and suit ho##ing on one leg as did so before bundling the old clothes into the carrier bag. brushed $y hair. es loo"ed the #art no&. More businessli"e. o#ened the toilet door to see the cleaner $o##ing the corridor. nodded to the &o$an as #assed. =!as a 5ueue but send a&ay= she said to $e. =Than"s= said. t had started to rain as left the su#er$ar"et. Dne of those fine dri77les that gets into your clothes and soa"s you before you "no& it. didn't &ant to ta"e $y ,udi to the $eet &ith Mulhearn at The King's ,r$s so strolled along the co)ered &al"&ay outside the su#erstore and too" the first cab on the stand. The dri)er an o)er&eight $an &earing grey s&eat #ants and #ur#le fleece< a $an &ho loo"ed beaten do&n by life s&itched on his $eter flic"ed on his &i#ers and dro)e out of the e4#anse of #ar"ing lot and $ade a right onto Northgate. $$ediately he launched into a diatribe about all the eastern ?uro#eans co$ing o)er here ta"ing all the 6obs their #ri)ate hires "ee#ing all the fares do&n ho& you can't $a"e a li)ing any $ore before $o)ing on to ho& $uch they drin" that decent local &o$en can't &al" about in safety no $ore... grunted in the right #laces and &as glad it &as only a short 6ourney into the centre of Sleaford. ,t least the cabbie hadn't got ti$e to tell $e ho& he &ould '#ull the le)er $yself' or ho&
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
he &ould deal &ith all nonces e4ce#t all the #oliticians are... Ste##ing out in front of The King's ,r$s (otel told the cabbie to "ee# the change. thought about suggesting he use it to buy a co#y of The /uardian ne&s#a#er to get a different slant on life but so$eho& didn't thin" he'd a##reciate $y suggestion. oo"ing u# sa& the King's ,r$s &as #erha#s ine)itably a $oc" @acobean building &ith e4#osed blac" #ainted bea$s. The u##er floors &ere larger than the lo&er gi)ing the &hole a to# hea)y a##earance. ,n ornate if faded heraldic royal coat of ar$s hung fro$ the inn sign. The hotel's &indo&s &ere all leaded &ith s$all dia$ond #anes surrounding stained glass coats of ar$s. !ar$ light shone out brea"ing u# fro$ the $yriad tiny #anes. ran in out of the rain #ushing through the hea)ily studded oa" doors. My footste#s died a&ay on the dar" red dee# #ile car#ets inside the lobby. *y#assing a rac" of tourist leaflets &al"ed o)er to the lounge on the left #ast the rece#tion des". , 5uic" glance at $y &atch sho&ed &as still early. found a corner seat but $ade sure it &as near to a side door. The lounge &as done u# &ith hea)y baronial furnishings to $atch the @acobean e4terior. ,s soon as sat do&n a s"inny #ale blonde girl &earing a &hite blouse and burgundy s"irt ca$e o)er. (er gilt coloured na$e badge told $e she &as called Morela. !ith barely a trace of an accent Morela as"ed $e if &anted so$ething to eat or drin". ,lthough &as still full fro$ $y brea"fast in *ostongrad ordered a #late of sand&iches and coffee. The lounge &as $ostly e$#ty e4ce#t for a fe& cou#les ha)ing a brea" fro$ sho##ing. They &ere &ell dressed elderly the $en &earing t&eed 6ac"ets and ca)alry t&ill trousers the &o$en fa)ouring "nitted na)y t&in sets. -elics fro$ a bygone age. &ondered if 'd see $y friend fro$ the gastro#ub yesterday. My coffee and sand&iches arri)ed and settled bac" to &ait for Mulhearn. ya&ned once... Mulhearn stood in front of $y table. My coffee had gone cold &ith a $il"y s"in on its surface. sat u# straighter and blin"ed the slee# fro$ $y eyes. =Gery la4. ould ha)e "illed you there (ennessy. Should ha)e done= Mulhearn said. loo"ed u# at Mulhearn. The $an &as of only a)erage height > fi)e eight or thereabouts but #o&erfully built. (e had a broad ugly face dee#ly tanned as if he'd only 6ust co$e bac" fro$ a tour of so$e $iddle eastern hellhole. (o&e)er the tan $ust ha)e co$e fro$ the electric beach as Mulhearn had been out of the ar$y for a fe& years no&. (e &ore a &hite shirt &ith the slee)es rolled u# to sho& off regi$ental and other tattoos. =Trying to "ill $e &ould be the &orst and last $ista"e of your life= said #ushing a chair a&ay fro$ the table &ith $y foot. Mulhearn sat and called Morela bac" o)er and ordered t&o $ore filter coffees. felt fresher $ore alert after $y catna#.
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
=!heelan's angry &ith you= Mulhearn said as soon as Morela &as out of earshot. =(urt hi$ ha)e 9= =No= said Mulhearn but his eyes told a different story. doubted if the actual firebo$bings had da$aged his e$#ire $uch but &hen ne&s of &hat 'd done ine)itably reached bac" u# the food chain it &ould $a"e !heelan loo" &ea" to the bigshots of Nottingha$ and *ir$ingha$. The real bigshots &ould sit bac" and &ait to see &hether this u#start !heelan could stic" or fold. =Then 'll ha)e to do so$ething that &ill hurt. T&ist the "nife a little. Maybe 'll ta"e a tri# to -otterda$ and go after !heelan's Cutch contacts. (e's still dealing &ith that e4Fro)o %innigan isn't he9 et the$ "no& they're only hurting because !heelan &on't gi)e u# McTeague's &o$an.= Mulhearn lifted his coffee cu#. =That $ight be too hard an as" e)en of you (ennessy. %innigan's #rotected by the -o$anian no&.= nodded. The -o$anian &as one bad $an and didn't thin" e)en McTeague &ould &ant $e to go u# against hi$ $erely for the sa"e of getting his runa&ay second &ife bac". loo"ed Mulhearn straight in the eye. They &ere $uddy as if his tan had lea"ed into the &hites of his eyes. =Then ha)e no choice. 'll ha)e to bring do&n !heelan > and anyone &or"ing &ith hi$ &ill be so $uch collateral da$age. can do it too. -e$e$ber &hat ha##ened to the Kir"ha$ brothers of (ull9= Mulhearn did. ?)eryone in our line of &or" "ne& &hat ha##ened to the late Kir"ha$ brothers. The e4tre$ely late brothers. Dne died slo&ly. The other lingered for days. ,#art fro$ a $issing #ersons re#ort in the local rag the story ne)er $ade the #a#ers. =t doesn't ha)e to be li"e that (ennessy= Mulhearn said. =!heelan's #re#ared to cut a deal you "no&.= =/o ahead.= =(e's built his business u# $ore than McTeague e)er did. ,nd !heelan's o#ened u# so$e ne& lines of &or". ines.= Mulhearn leaned for&ard o)er the table #ressed one nostril closed &ith his finger and $i$ed snorting u# a cou#le of lines of co"e. That &as one of the -o$anian's s#ecialities after all. oo"ing u# sa& Morela and another &aitress glance our &ay. s$iled at the$ to sho& there &as nothing silly going on. =ut it out. !hat's !heelan offering9= Mulhearn's ans&er &as too 5uic". =%ifteen #er cent. Df e)erything. ?)en the ne& business. ?)en the lines.= laughed. This &asn't an insult. t &as a 6o"e. !heelan $ust ha)e a sense of hu$our after all. ?)en Mulhearn loo"ed asha$ed. =T&enty #er cent then.=
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
No& &e &ere edging into the real$ of insult. =,nd &hat about laire McTeague herself9= =She stays. !heelan's not gi)ing her u#. ,nd she doesn't &ant to go bac" to your boss any&ay. They're getting di)orced.= ,s if laire McTeague's &ants had anything to do &ith the situation. shoo" $y head. =No. laire McTeague's nonnegotiable. She's going ho$e...= =!hether she li"es it or not9= =That's right. She's going ho$e. f McTeague chooses later to gi)e her u# > $aybe e)en let her shac" u# &ith !heelan > then that's his decision. ertainly not laire's or !heelan's.= ='$ sur#rised at you saying that (ennessy. thought you of all #eo#le &ould ha)e $ore sy$#athy &ith laire= Mulhearn said. shoo" $y head. =No. laire "ne& full &ell &hat she &as getting into &hen she $arried McTeague. She can't change the rules of the ga$e no&.= loo"ed Mulhearn full in the face again getting the full attention of !heelan's lieutenant. Ma"ing sure the $an fully understood &hat &as saying. =,nd neither can !heelan.= =,nd neither can you or $e (ennessy.= =True. !e're 6ust #a&ns Mulhearn. Fa&ns &ith teeth and cla&s but that's all &e are at the end of the day.= =So there's no &ay you'll go &ithout ta"ing laire &ith you9= thought 'd already $ade that crystal clear but shoo" $y head. =No.= Mulhearn thought for a $o$ent and too" out his No"ia. = need to touch base &ith !heelan. /i)e $e a $o$ent9= nodded and stood to gi)e hi$ #ri)acy.
CHAPTER 7. left the lounge &ith its hea)y dar" furnishings and crossed the corridor to the toilets. The la)atories &ere old fashioned but clean. So$eone had left little )ases of fresh flo&ers by the &ash basins ne4t to bottles of scented hand lotion > a nice touch that. !hich is &hat you'd e4#ect in an u#$ar"et #lace li"e the King's ,r$s. Fulling the chain ste##ed out of the cubicle and a $o$ent later &as &ashing $y hands. , $o)e$ent a sudden reflection in the $irror caught $y eye. loo"ed u# a$a7ed that Mulhearn had follo&ed $e into the toilets. (is #hone &as bac" in his #oc"et but no& he carried a yello& cloth in
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
his hand. Mulhearn lea#ed for&ards annoyed that he hadn't been able to catch $e una&ares. The #ungent sic"ly s&eetish scent of chlorofor$ ca$e fro$ the cloth as he clutched it. raised $y eyes a&ay fro$ the cloth. !heelan $ust ha)e told Mulhearn to bring $e in ali)e. Maybe as re)enge for the firebo$bings or to use $e as a bargaining chi# &ith McTeague. Mulhearn #ulled u# hard seeing that his sur#rise attac" had failed. #aused &aiting for Mulhearn to ta"e the ne4t $o)e. , grin crossed his broad face. t &ould be a $ista"e to underesti$ate Mulhearn's co$bat s"ills. The $an had ser)ed in both ra5 and ,fghanistan and "ne& he'd fought se)eral straighteners &ith other soldiers out there. Farticularly against the 6oc"s. %or so$e reason Mulhearn hated Scots. ne)er found out the reason &hy #erha#s it &as si$#ly their accents that grated on his ner)es. *ut a lot of Scots are )ery tough #eo#le and together &ith their hatred of e)erything ?nglish the 6oc" s5uaddies al$ost held their o&n against Mulhearn's ferocity. ,l$ost > but the &ay heard it Mulhearn al&ays &on his bouts in the end. So didn't dare do&n#lay Mulhearn's s"ills in oneonone co$bat. ,ll the sa$e Mulhearn should ha)e &aited until left the toilets and grabbed $e fro$ behind in the corridor. The $an $ust ha)e &anted the honour the glory of ta"ing do&n the infa$ous (ennessy face to face. No& Mulhearn lea#ed for&ard ho#ing to use his hea)ier build and &eight to o)er#o&er $e. The fu$es fro$ the chlorofor$ rag hit the bac" of $y nose $a"ing $e gag. sideste##ed his attac" and Mulhearn's body sla$$ed into the rac" of &ashbasins. (e #i)oted a&ay sur#risingly light on his feet and launched hi$self at $e the rag clutched tight in his hand. s#un a&ay and caught Mulhearn's 6a& &ith $y fist. Dnce again he crashed against the &ashbasins. Mulhearn bello&ed &ith rage and frustration. (e #ushed a&ay fro$ the &ashbasins and attac"ed. ga)e hi$ a s&ift onet&o to his face but $ight as &ell ha)e #unched the tiled &all as his face. (e didn't e)en recoil. %or a $o$ent felt a shudder of fear before #ushing that feeling bac" do&n. /rinning Mulhearn a##roached. (e &as no& bet&een $e and the door so couldn't 6ust cut and run. Not that &anted to. (o& long &ould last out on the streets if no &hen &ord got around that 'd run fro$ Mulhearn9 ess than a &ee". Not an o#tion. ,ny&ay &anted to beat Mulhearn. (e'd bro"en our truce and tried to attac" $e fro$ behind. The $an had it co$ing. Mulhearn 6abbed at $e. , s&ift right straight to $y face. bobbed out of the &ay &ith a fraction of an inch to s#are and felt the airflo& as his fist sailed #ast $y ear. Then brought $y "nee u#. (ard. -ight u# bet&een his legs. My "neeca# connected s5uarely &ith Mulhearn's crotch. =Doo#h= Mulhearn gas#ed. (e leaned for&ard gas#ing for air. (is left the hand holding the
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
yello& cloth di)ed bet&een his legs. That &as too good an o##ortunity to &aste. thought Mulhearn &as better than that. #lanted one dee# in his solar #le4us under his breastbone. (e doubled o)er in #ain. =Eu$$#h= Mulhearn said this ti$e. =!hat's that9= as"ed. Mulhearn's hair &as cut short in a $ilitary bu77cut. Too short for $e to grab and #ull the $an u#right. nstead ga)e hi$ an u##ercut to his nose. (e roc"ed bac" straightening u#. Shoc" and rage in his eyes. !ith an effort of &ill an effort could a##reciate Mulhearn #ulled hi$self u#right again. (e loo"ed far $ore dangerous no&. *lood lea"ed fro$ his &ide nose staining his chin and &hite shirt collar. (is chlorofor$ soa"ed rag no& forgotten Mulhearn charged for&ard li"e a #ri7e incolnshire bull. (is shoulder caught $e and using his hea)ier build he sla$$ed $e u# against the tiled &all. My ribs s5uashed in further than they &ere $eant to contract. No& it &as $y turn to feel &hat it &as li"e to ha)e all the breath "noc"ed out of $y body. gas#ed dra&ing o4ygen dee# into $y hurting lungs. Mulhearn #unched $e in the gut. gas#ed again cho"ing and felt $y gorge rise $y coffee and sand&iches co$ing bac" u#. forced the #artially digested food bac" do&n. sa& Mulhearn grin and no& he re$e$bered his chlorofor$ rag. (e #ressed the rag o)er $y $outh and nose. needed o4ygen needed life. Mulhearn #unched $y sto$ach again #ushing $ore air out of $y lungs forcing $e to inhale another dee# breath. The sic"ly stench of chlorofor$ filled $y throat and lungs instead. ,l$ost instantly felt strength lea)e $y $uscles. The crea$ tiled &alls of the la)atories greyed. felt &oo7y da7ed unsteady on $y feet. s&ayed. n $y fading greying )ision sa& Mulhearn's face loo$ing abo)e $e li"e a tanned fall $oon. struggled but his hand &as cla$#ed )iceli"e o)er $y air&ays and there &as nothing could do as $y strength &aned. *lac" blotches s&a$ into )ie& and already the far side of the la)atories &as no $ore than a grey blur. Mulhearn said so$ething but couldn't really tell &hat he &as saying. (is &ords sounded $uffled indistinct )ague. Still "ee#ing his hand #ressed o)er $y $outh and nose Mulhearn su##orted $y li$# body as slid do&n the &all. The blac"ness &as ta"ing o)er $y )ision and felt light headed and outofit. My head slu$#ed to one side and the tiled floor filled $y re$aining )ie&. Maybe Mulhearn rela4ed the #ressure 6ust a fraction. !hate)er had one last une4#ected chance and too" it bet&een $y teeth. iterally. T&isting $y head bit do&n as hard as could
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
through the yello& cloth. My teeth connected on the base of Mulhearn's thu$b. The $an cried out but the yell sounded dull on $y drugged ears. (is left hand 6er"ed a&ay auto$atically the #ressure on the rag bloc"ing $y breathing falling a&ay. So t&isted $y head further a&ay and dre& in a lungful of s&eet clean air. suc"ed in another breath and $y )ision started to clear and $y thoughts ca$e through 5uic"er and &ith $ore clarity. There &ere blood s#ots on the tiles. Mine or his didn't "no&. dre& $yself u# onto $y hands and "nees and retched. , string of bile dangled fro$ $y li#. s#at. Mulhearn stood and "ic"ed $e in the side. More #ain flared fro$ $y already bruised ribs. *ut the agony #urged $ore of the effects of the chlorofor$ fro$ $y syste$. felt shar#er a bit $ore in control of $y o&n body no&. Mulhearn raised his leg to "ic" $e again. Enbalanced he &as easier to to##le o)er. grabbed Mulhearn's an"le lifted and t&isted and thre& hi$ o)er on his bac". (e sla$$ed do&n onto the floor. heard his s"ull crac" on the tiles. The adrenaline surge through $y syste$ blasted e)en $ore of the chlorofor$ fro$ $y bloodstrea$. Esing the shelf &ith the basins as su##ort #ulled $yself to $y feet. Mulhearn turned o)er leaning on his elbo&. (e'd dro##ed the yello& cloth and it lay ne4t to his body. &as on the $an before he had chance to get to his feet again. di)ed onto his bac" crushing hi$ do&n onto the tiles. Snatching u# the chlorofor$ rag it &as $y turn to #ress it o)er his air&ays instead. Mulhearn buc"ed and &rithed beneath $e until #ressed $y "nees and thighs against his side holding hi$ in #osition. eaning for&ard "e#t the da$# rag tight against Mulhearn's ugly face. (e shoo" his head fro$ side to side trying to free his air&ays. clung on for gri$ death. Mulhearn's struggles &ere fierce at first but gradually the strength ebbed fro$ his body and his atte$#ts to free hi$self beca$e slo&er sluggish losing their urgency. (e lay still. felt his energy lea)e his body. &asn't fooled by his stillness but held the rag tight against his face until &as co$#letely sure Mulhearn &asn't fa"ing it. arefully stood and &atched Mulhearn's body for a $o$ent half e4#ecting hi$ to rise to his feet and resu$e the attac" li"e e)ery )illain in the last reel of e)ery $o)ie ')e e)er seen. (o&e)er Mulhearn didn't $o)e but lay still on the tiled floor. $ust be losing $y touch thought as &as out of breath. eaning on the &ashbasin shelf for su##ort chec"ed $y a##earance in the $irror and 5uic"ly &ashed $y face and brushed $y hair until loo"ed half &ay #resentable again. ,nd not li"e so$eone &hose 6ust co$e fro$ a life or death struggle rolling about on a toilet floor. %or good $easure thre& a double handful of &ater onto the tiled floor near Mulhearn's feet.
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
Stoo#ing chec"ed on Mulhearn. %or a $o$ent thought 'd "illed the $an. Not that &as bothered > it &asn't li"e Mulhearn's &ould be the first cor#se 'd left behind $e. Df course it &ould be incon)enient ha)ing to deal &ith Mulhearn's body as &ouldn't be able to call in the ser)ices of McTeague's #rofessional 'cleaner' to tidy u# the scene for $e. Not here at a busy #lace li"e the King's ,r$s. The big danger &as that so$eone &ould &al" in &hilst &as dealing &ith Mulhearn. /lancing u# at the door half e4#ected so$eone to &al" in there and then. Mulhearn dre& in breath > a ragged shuddering inhalation. (e $uttered so$ething thic"ly. rolled Mulhearn o)er onto his side in the reco)ery #osition. ,nother glance at the door. Ceciding to #ush $y luc" chec"ed Mulhearn's #oc"ets. too" his car "eys and found a tightly sealed bro&n bottle labelled '(alothane'. That &as the chlorofor$. "ne& enough to "no& that re#eated doses of (alothane can cause so$ething called he#atoto4icity. No '$ not too sure &hat he#atoto4icity is either but one of McTeague's associates Cr. NabiKhan told $e it is a serious blood disorder > it can gi)e you things li"e 6aundice. listened to Cr. NabiKhan M* h* %-, CM &hene)er he tal"ed to $e. That string of letters after his na$e9 Means: *achelor of Medicine *achelor of Surgery > they are the degrees all doctors ta"e at uni)ersity > and then %ello& of the -oyal ollege of ,naesthetists finishing off &ith a Ci#lo$a of ntensi)e are Medicine. ?)en other doctors regard the training to beco$e an anaesthetist as the $ost difficult. t ta"es a $ini$u$ of fourteen years to beco$e an onsultant ,naesthetist. D)er the years ')e found it's al&ays &orth listening to #eo#le &ho are e4#erts. ou can #ic" u# a lot of ti#s fro$ #eo#le &ho really "no& &hat they are tal"ing about. (o&e)er although he's )ery "no&ledgeable Cr. NabiKhan &as a $an &ho ga)e $e a se)ere case of the cree#s. (e used to be an anaesthetist at Nottingha$'s $ain ity (os#ital. *ut he got caught out once too often touching u# the &o$en on the o#erating table. Not only the young #retty girls but older &o$en too. n his &ay Cr. NabiKhan &as an e5ual o##ortunity #er)ert. No& he'd been struc" off Cr. NabiKhan $ade al$ost as lucrati)e a li)in g &or"ing for #eo#le li"e McTeague and a nu$ber of other capos around the Midlands. (e &as the goto guy if you needed bullet &ounds treating &ithout troubling the authorities. Dr if you needed so$eone "ee#ing ali)e for a &hile longer &hilst you find out &hat they "no&. i"e the Kir"ha$ brothers fro$ (ull. *ut still didn't li"e being alone in a roo$ &ith Cr. NabiKhan &ith his eyes cra&ling all o)er $y body. unscre&ed the ca# off the bottle. ,gain the fu$es hit the bac" of $y throat and felt $y earlier &oo7iness co$e on as #oured out a fe& dro#s of (alothane onto the yello& cloth and #ressed it tight o)er Mulhearn's face until the $an subsided again. f Mulhearn got this
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
he#atoto4icity thing later then that &as his #roble$. Not $ine. tried to lift Mulhearn's body. ,lthough '$ strong for $y si7e and &or" out at the gy$ Mulhearn's dead &eight &as too $uch for $e to lug about. So dro##ed hi$ bac" onto the floor. (is head hit the floor &ith a dull thud. Duch. Ste##ing out of the la)atories had another stro"e of luc". Morela &as &al"ing do&n the corridor holding a dust#an and brush. She glanced round at $e. =uic" hel# $e= called to her in distress. =My #artner's had a fit and he's colla#sed on the floor.= Morela dro##ed the dust#an and brush and ran &ith $e bac" into the la)atories. She sa& Mulhearn's body on the floor. =!hat &as he doing in...= the stress $a"ing her Folish accent stronger. She sa& the cubicle's o#en door and #ut t&o and t&o together to $a"e a nu$ber that &as no&here near four. (er #ale co$#le4ion flushed red $a"ing the young &o$an e)en $ore beautiful. = call a$bulance= Morela said her accent )ery thic" no&. =No ne)er $ind that< gi)e $e a hand to get hi$ u#. (e's had these attac"s before. only need to get hi$ ho$e &here he can rest 5uietly= said. Morela loo"ed at $e. Ensure. Enha##y &ith the situation. =Should get a$bulance= she said again. Mulhearn stirred slightly and his tongue lolled fro$ his $outh. , string of drool lea"ed out onto the tiles. =Con't &orry he'll be o"ay= reassured her. =?)en though he's banged his head. 6ust &ant to get hi$ to $y car.= oo"ing Morela full in the face said those $agic &ords. =oo" at this &et floor. No &onder he sli##ed. Maybe should sue the hotel for negligence9= That decided her. No &ay did she &ant e)en the hint of a stain on her &or" records here. There &ere lots of eastern ?uro#eans out there eager and &aiting to ta"e her 6ob. %ar better to get us out of the King's ,r$s as soon as #ossible. =Stay here. get ,r"adius7 fro$ "itchens. (e hel# you ta"e hi$ to car= Morela said. She dashed out of the la)atories and heard her calling to ,r"adius7 before the door closed behind her. nstantly ga)e Mulhearn another sniff of the chlorofor$. , $inute later Morela burst into the la)atories closely follo&ed by ,r"adius7. (e &as a stoc"y dar"er $an &earing "itchen &hites. They s#o"e together in Folish. ,r"adius7 crouched and hoisted Mulhearn's body u# in one fluid $otion. Morela and ,r"adius7 s#o"e so$e $ore in Folish. The only &ord could $a"e out &as 'a$bulance' but Morela shoo" her head. !ith Morela leading the &ay &e e4ited the la)atories &al"ed do&n the corridor until she #ushed o#en a fire e4it and &e &ere out in the car #ar". Ta"ing out Mulhearn's "eys #ressed the
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
central loc"ing button and the lights flashed on and off a @ee# hero"ee. ran for&ard and o#ened the @ee#. su##ose Mulhearn thought it loo"ed $acho to "ee# his @ee# H4H as $uddy as #ossible. "ne& Mulhearn en6oyed offroad rallying of a &ee"end but he could still ha)e s&ung by a car &ash on his &ay ho$e. Maybe he thought $ud and dirt &ent &ith his $ilitary hard$an i$age as if he'd co$e straight fro$ $anoeu)res. D#ening the door e4#ected the hero"ee's interior to be as filthy as its body&or" but the H4H &as sho& roo$ fresh inside &ith that ne& car s$ell. arefully &ith Morela's assistance ,r"adius7 slid and #ushed Mulhearn's body into the #assenger seat and then leaned o)er hi$ to clun"clic" the seatbelt. than"ed the t&o Foles for their hel# sli##ed the$ a tenner and then got behind the &heel. n $y $irrors sa& the$ &atch $e dri)e out and turn onto Northgate.
CHAPTER 8. My first sto# &as the tar$ac e4#anse of the Tesco ?4tra car #ar". too" Mulhearn's SatNa) out fro$ its &allet in the glo)e loc"er and s&itched it on. chec"ed its list of #re#rogra$$ed locations. Mulhearn's ho$e address in /rantha$ ca$e u# and stored that infor$ation a&ay for future use. !heelan's house ne4t and then &hat &as loo"ing for. The location of ,le4a !heelan's daughter's #ri)ate school. ,s e4#ected it &asn't far. No&here is in Sleaford. The fresh air fro$ the car #ar" $ust ha)e re)i)ed Mulhearn because he shifted #osition in his seat. =!ha'...= he said thic"ly and tried to raise his ar$ to &i#e the slobber fro$ his chin. That bought hi$ yet another dee# sniff of the (alothane and he &ent under again. f anyone &as a candidate for he#atoto4icity that day it &as Mulhearn. hec"ing $y &atch sa& had #lenty of ti$e. 'd tried to #lay it nice but !heelan and Mulhearn hadn't left $e $uch choice so had to #lay it nasty no&. t &ouldn't be the first ti$e 'd been #ut in that #osition. carried on through the to&n centre and then out along ?ast -oad follo&ing a bus $ar"ed as 'To&n Ser)ice 1'. Sur#rised as &ouldn't ha)e thought a one horse to&n li"e Sleaford &ould ha)e needed $ore than one to&n ser)ice bus. #ulled u# outside !heelan's daughter's #ri)ate school. , large green and gold sign told $e this &as 'Sydenha$ Fri)ate /irl's School' founded in 1A82 together &ith the na$e of the head$istress. The school loo"ed li"e ho& you &ould i$agine a #ri)ate school to loo" li"e. t &as a large red bric" building set &ell bac" fro$ the road &ith tall t&isted chi$neys on either side li"e an
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
?li7abethan $anor house. !hat is it &ith Sleaford and $oc" Tudor architecture9 s that the only style #er$itted here9 )y co)ered $ost of one &all and abo)e the traffic noise along ?ast -oad heard roo"s ca&ing a$ongst a line of chestnuts. f the girls' #arents &ere #aying e4tra for Sydenha$'s a##earance then they &ere getting )alue for $oney. eaning o)er #ulled Mulhearn's $obile #hone fro$ his #oc"et. scrolled do&n through his list of contacts until ca$e to the na$e &anted. t &as near the to#. ,le4a. !heelan's $oody fourteen year old daughter. hec"ing through Mulhearn's te4ts in the 'sent ite$s' folder in his cell sa& that he &as a $an of fe& &ords. /ood. sent ,le4a a te4t. 'Fic"ng u u# 2day. M' it read. , $o$ent later Mulhearn's $obile bee#ed at $e. ,le4a &as also a girl of fe& &ords< at least to Mulhearn. 'DK.' No 444's Ds or anything else on either side. settled do&n in the seat to &ait for school to finish. Tuning the radio to ** -adio H listened to the #resenters of Moneybo4 i)e e4#lain co$#le4 financial #roble$s to #ensioners. Me don't ha)e their difficulties as "ee# $y $oney in a series of nu$bered offshore accounts. don't "no& &hy e)eryone doesn't do the sa$e. t's the best &ay to ban" as long as you don't forget your account nu$bers and #ass &ords. %ortunately didn't ha)e long to &ait before a security guard &earing a yello& and blue contrast hi)i7 6ac"et ca$e out and lounged against the stone gate #ost. The $an cast a glance u# and do&n the street but then see$ed lost in his o&n &orld until an elderly teacher ca$e out and rang an old fashioned handbell in the yard. Shortly after one or t&o schoolgirls ca$e out follo&ed by a fe& $ore and then a torrent a Niagara of girls. ?)en fro$ the other side of the road heard the$ laughing and chatting. Sydenha$'s unifor$ &as an unflattering bottle green &ith yello& tri$. Se)eral of the girls had rolled u# their s"irts to &ay higher than any regulation length. That ha##ened in $y day too. The security guard stood straighter too" his hands fro$ his #oc"ets and ad$ired their legs as they #assed. Fer)ert. (e'd $a"e a good friend for Cr. NabiKhan. thought ,le4a &ould stand out &ith her dyed red hair but she &asn't the only schoolgirl s#orting e4otic hair colours. ,t one #oint thought 'd $ade ,le4a in the cro&d but it &asn't her. slu$#ed do&n in $y seat as $uch out of sight fro$ the road as #ossible lea)ing Mulhearn breathing hea)ily still co$atose in the hero"ee's #assenger seat. , gaggle of girls clustered around the bus sto#. , fe& #eered at one of their friends' s$art #hones. There &as a little #ushing and sho)ing but all good natured and restrained. They &eren't boys after all. Their giggles ca$e loud o)er the traffic along ?ast -oad. oo"ing in the $irrors s#otted ,le4a in the cro&d. ,le4a stood by herself on the edge of the
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
#a)e$ent loo"ing both &ays until she s#otted Mulhearn's @ee# hero"ee. She held a large bag. Then lost sight of the girl as a To&n Ser)ice 1 bus #ulled u# outside the school. s&ore under $y breath. No she &ouldn't get on the bus told $yself not &hen Mulhearn &as ta"ing her ho$e. *ut schoolgirls are erratic at the best of ti$es. Moody and hor$onal. Maybe ,le4a had changed her $ind at the last $inute and had gone off &ith one of her friends instead. Ferha#s she &as going round to her friend's house to do her ho$e&or" listen to $usic and tal" about celebs and boys. &as telling $yself to rela4 and ta"e it easy &hen the bus #ulled a&ay fro$ the "erb. There &ere far fe&er schoolgirls by the bus sto# no&. Then sa& ,le4a's )i)id red hair. She loo"ed both &ays and then crossed ?ast -oad. ,le4a !heelan &as reaching out to the hero"ee's #assenger door handle &hen she noticed Mulhearn's slu$#ed body. The $an &as only held in #lace by his seatbelt and his face &as loose and slac". More drool tric"led do&n his chin and onto his shirt collar. The $an loo"ed seriously un&ell at the $o$ent. Shoc" and confusion flashed across her face. She e)en sto##ed che&ing gu$. *ut by then it &as too late. &as already out of $y seat around the hero"ee's bonnet and standing ne4t to ,le4a. o#ened the rear #assenger door. She turned her bro&n co&li"e eyes u# to $ine. (er false eyelashes hel#ed &ith that bo)ine loo" she &as culti)ating. *ut ,le4a didn't loo" scared only be$used. =Mulhearn's ta"en sic"= e4#lained as held o#en the rear door. =our Cad's as"ed $e to ta"e you ho$e instead > and then 'll ta"e this useless lu$# onto the /rantha$ and Cistrict (os#ital.= ,le4a thought for a $o$ent. could al$ost hear the cogs turning in the girl's brain. She $ight ha)e inherited her Cad's ears but not his brains. =ou're (ennessy aren't you9= ,le4a said her )oice rising. =ou burned...= Ferha#s 'd $is6udged !heelan's daughter. *ut that &as all she had ti$e to say. S&iftly #ushed ,le4a onto the bac" seat of the hero"ee. Mulhearn hi$self $ight ha)e been too strong but there &as no &ay ,le4a could resist. %ro$ $y 6ac"et #oc"et &hi##ed out the yello& cloth and #ressed it hard o)er the girl's face. %ro$ $y other #oc"et too" out the bottle of (alothane unscre&ed the to# and #oured so$e dro#s onto the cloth. ,s soon as the sic"ly s$ell hit ,le4a's nose the #oor girl struggled e)en harder. (er feet flailed and dru$$ed on the hero"ee's floor and one shoe fell off. She $ade $uffled cries for hel# but only succeeded in dra&ing $ore chlorofor$ dee#er and dee#er into her lungs. arefully dri##ed out a little $ore (alothane. turned $y head slightly "ee#ing $y face clear of the fu$es filling the car. ,le4a &as only a fourteen year old schoolgirl. She &asn't so$e #sycho hard $an li"e Mulhearn.
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
There &as only one &ay this &as ending. (er struggles ra#idly &ea"ened and her ar$s and legs beca$e still. re$o)ed the rag and &atched for a $o$ent but the girl &asn't fa"ing. She had to##led o)er onto the rear seat so li"e any concerned #arent &ould straightened her u# and stra##ed her in. The &hole struggle had ta"en less than a $inute. loo"ed bac" o)er the road at the grou# of schoolgirls gathering around the bus sto#. f they'd noticed &hat had ha##ened 'd be in big trouble but the girls all see$ed &ra##ed u# in their o&n little &orlds. ,ll the sa$e &as glad &hen #ulled a&ay fro$ the "erb and 6oined the traffic flo& heading out of Sleaford. t &asn't too long before &as &ell out of Sleaford and heading north east along the ,183. Curing the dri)e both Mulhearn's and ,le4a's $obile #hones rang out se)eral ti$es. The high&ay crossed a rail&ay line and dro)e #ast the )illage of ,n&ic" before turned off along a $inor country lane. Nobody follo&ed $e and the flat &aterlogged fields under the )ast grey s"y let $e see in all directions. ,#art fro$ the constant flo& of traffic along the ,183 had the #lace to $yself. There &asn't e)en a tractor in the fields today. The air s$elled da$# and cool. ?)entually #ulled u# in a little layby and then too" a roll of grey duct ta#e fro$ $y bag. Mulhearn &as starting to co$e round again so dealt &ith hi$ first. &ra##ed ta#e around his &rists and an"les and then sla##ed a length o)er his $outh. didn't thin" he'd cho"e as &as staying &ith hi$. also cut t&o s$aller #ieces and ta#ed his eyelids closed. *eing )ulnerable in the dar" not being able to see &hat's going on is )ery disorientating. should "no&. t ha##ened to $e once. !hen &as sure that Mulhearn &as secure did the sa$e to ,le4a. felt a little sorry for ,le4a !heelan as the only thing she'd done &rong &as ha)ing a &annabe capo hood li"e !heelan for a father. She'd lose her co&li"e false eyelashes &hen she #eeled off the ta#e closing her eyelids. That &ould hurt but rec"oned she'd soon get o)er it. straightened $y bac" after 'd finished &ith $y #risoners and loo"ed around. The light &as starting to fail and the s"y &as a dee#er gun$etal grey. The cars heading along the ,183 &ere the only sign of life a#art fro$ a ragged ! sha#ed s"ein of geese flying high o)erhead. Their hon"s to each other sounded ghostly in the half light. *ehind $e heard a cho"ing sound co$ing fro$ Mulhearn. The $an &as gagging and hea)ing. turned to hi$ and ri##ed off the duct ta#e co)ering his $outh. (e leaned for&ard out of the hero"ee and retched and then )o$ited his lunch onto the $uddy layby. ste##ed bac" until he'd finished. =%eel better9= as"ed. Mulhearn s&ore )iolently. too" that to $ean he &as.
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
=ou &ant so$e &ater9= Mulhearn s&ore again but nodded his head. too" a litre bottle of $ineral &ater found in the door foot&ell unca##ed it and held the bottle to his li#s. Mulhearn s&allo&ed greedily. =Dnly si# it= ad)ised. =ou don't &ant to get sto$ach cra$#s or anything.= Mulhearn s#at. The gob of s#it landed near $y feet. cut off another #iece of ta#e and #ressed it o)er the $an's $outh. Turning to ,le4a &as a little &orried. The girl see$ed as if she &as in a co$a. &atched her chest and then #laced $y fingers gently o)er her carotid artery. felt her #ulse fast and light throb 6ust beneath her s"in. Then her breasts rose and fell as the girl too" a shallo& breath. guess being s$aller ,le4a &as $ore susce#tible to the effects of the (alothane than Mulhearn. Dr $aybe 'd 6ust gi)en her a bigger dose. ,fter all hadn't $easured it out &ith scientific accuracy ta"ing into account body $ass li"e they do before an o#eration in hos#ital. *ut thought she'd li)e and that &as all &as interested in. *y ,le4a's feet &as her school bag. ru$$aged through her bag. ,s &ell as the usual dogeared folders and te4t boo"s and a s$all toilet bag containing $a"eu# and e$ergency sanitary #rotection found her s$art #hone. She'd treated it to a #in" case co)ered &ith #in" crystals. *ut all the sa$e a crac" ran across the screen. The case s#ar"led in the fading light. %lic"ing through her a little diary in the notes section s#otted a four digit nu$ber surrounded by doodles of hearts and flo&ers. guessed that &as her #hone's FN nu$ber. S&itching it on entered the FN nu$ber and then scrolled do&n through her contacts. ,nd scrolled and scrolled. (o& $any friends did this girl ha)e9 !as she on s#ea"ing ter$s &ith e)ery girl at Sydenha$9 ,nd half the boys at the nearby arres /ra$$ar School9 t see$ed li"e it. ?)entually found the only nu$ber &anted. !heelan hi$self. #ressed the nu$ber and heard it rang out. !heelan ans&ered on the third ring. =oo" Sugara##le '$ busy so...= !heelan started. Sugara##le9 ,le4a didn't loo" $uch li"e a sugara##le no&. More li"e the usual $oody hor$onal teenage girl. Maybe she &as s&eeter &hen she &as a little girl. =This isn't your little Sugara##le= cut in. =!ho's this9 s that you...9= =eah it's (ennessy. '$ ta"ing ,le4a and Mulhearn for a little dri)e out in the country. Con't &orry they're both safe although don't thin" they're en6oying the ride )ery $uch.= !heelan e4#loded &ith rage threatening $e &ith terrible re)enge. too" no notice but let hi$ #urge his anger fro$ out of his syste$. (e finished &ith ho& he should ha)e started > by getting
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
confir$ation by as"ing to s#ea" to his daughter and Mulhearn. ,$ateur. turned bac" to the @ee# hero"ee. The engine &as tic"ing as it cooled in the ne)er ending east &ind blo&ing o)er the %ens. Mulhearn &as sitting $ore u#right no& and had been trying to unt&ist and free his hands. tore off the ta#e o)er his $outh again ri##ing $ore s"in fro$ his li#s. (e s&ore. held the cell #hone to Mulhearn's ear. =%riend as"ing ho& you are= told Mulhearn. =et hi$ "no& you're safe and &ell.= !heelan s#o"e. heard hi$ as" about ,le4a. = don't "no&= Mulhearn re#lied. ='$ tied u# and blindfolded.= /lancing bac" #oor ,le4a &as still out of it. too" the #hone a&ay fro$ Mulhearn and crossed to the bac" seat. t &as only the seatbelt "ee#ing her u#right but she had slu$#ed for&ard against the stra#. #ushed her bac" and sla##ed the girl's face. No res#onse. sla##ed her again harder lea)ing #al$ #rints on her chee"s. =!hat's going on9= !heelan shouted through the #hone his )oice distorted. returned to Mulhearn in the front #assenger seat and ri##ed off the ta#e co)ering his eyes. (e cried out &ith shoc" and blin"ed se)eral ti$es. =onfir$ to your boss ')e got ,le4a= co$$anded. Mulhearn t&isted in his seat and loo"ed behind hi$. (e sounded defeated &hen he told !heelan that ,le4a &as also in the hero"e e &ith hi$. snatched the #hone a&ay before Mulhearn could tell !heelan that his belo)ed daughter didn't loo" in the #in". =ou should ne)er ha)e gone against $y fa$ily. ou'll #ay for that= !heelan shouted to $e. =ou started it > you shouldn't ha)e ta"en laire. ou $ust ha)e "no&n that &ould bring the roof do&n.= =t &as laire &ho ca$e to $e in the first #lace. She &anted $e &anted &hat her old fella couldn't gi)e her no $ore > not &ithout a load of blue dia$onds rattling around inside hi$.= =!hate)er !heelan. %ran"ly couldn't care less. '$ only here to bring laire ho$e. ou')e got to decide &hat's $ore i$#ortant to you right no& > ,le4a or laire.= !heelan s&ore so$e $ore. =ou of all #eo#le &ouldn't hurt ,le4a (ennessy. She's only a girl. She's done noone any har$.= The second and third #arts of his state$ent &ere true. She &as only a girl and she had not hurt anyone. =-e$e$ber &hat ha##ened to the Kir"ha$ brothers fro$ (ull9= re$inded hi$. = en6oyed that 6ob.=
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
CHAPTER 9. !heelan fell 5uiet so too" ad)antage of his silence. ='ll gi)e you ti$e to decide. !e $eet in t&o hours= said. =!here9= =Tell you nearer the ti$e= said "illing the connection. This &as !heelan's turf and didn't &ant to gi)e hi$ ti$e to #re#are an a$bush. !heelan hadn't argued though. didn't "no& if that &as a good or bad sign. =ou'll ne)er get a&ay &ith this (ennessy= Mulhearn said. =(a)e done so far= said before #ressing $ore duct ta#e o)er his $outh and eyes and tightening his &rists. (e &riggled but there &as nothing he could do. Dnce again chec"ed on ,le4a and &as #leased to see that the girl &as breathing dee#er no&. sla##ed her face not so hard and this ti$e she stirred a little. &as glad about that as didn't &ant to #resent !heelan &ith a cor#se. t &ould ha)e $ade $y night's &or" a &hole lot $ore difficult. Not i$#ossible you understand but $ore difficult than it needed to be. The light bled out of the s"y. f it &asn't for the cloud co)er 'd ha)e had a great )ie& of the constellations. The cars and lorries ne)er sto##ed along the ,183 $a"ing a strea$ of light. ,nd the &ind ne)er sto##ed its flat dirge o)er the %ens. t &as getting colder but didn't fancy sitting in the hero"ee &ith $y t&o ca#ti)es. So &ra##ed $y 6ac"et tighter around $y body and stood &ith $y ar$s crossed but the searching fingers of the &ind found e)ery chin" in $y clothing $a"ing $e shi)er. ,ctually &as glad to be disturbed fro$ $y thoughts by a "noc"ing on the glass behind $e. ,le4a &as ta##ing the side of her head against the &indo&. o#ened the door. The girl &riggled a&ay fro$ $e. leaned in and carefully un#eeled the ta#e fro$ her $outh. She still &inced as the fine do&ny hairs on her u##er li# &ere torn a&ay. ,le4a lic"ed her li#s but her tongue &as dry and coated &ith &hite. held the bottle to her $outh and the girl dran" greedily thirstily until re$o)ed it. =ou all right ,le4a9= as"ed trying to #ut so$e co$#assion in $y )oice. Sure &anted !heelan's daughter scared but not so terrified that she sto##ed being co$#liant. Dn the front seat Mulhearn shifted #osition to face us. don't "no& &hy as the $an &as still gagged and blindfolded. Then noticed tears lea"ing out fro$ under her ta#ed do&n eyelashes. #ut $y hand on her shoulder in a friendly $anner. She recoiled fro$ $y touch. =F.. #... #lease don't "ill $e (ennessy. '$ s... so scared= ,le4a cried.
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
That &as a gi)en. =isten '$ not going to &hac" you ,le4a< nor you neither Mulhearn. Not if your Cad decides to be sensible and #lays along. ou thin" he'll do that9= ,le4a nodded furiously trying to con)ince herself. Mulhearn grunted so$ething but ignored the $an for the ti$e being. =f that's all= said about to ta#e the girl's $outh closed. =!ait... no= ,le4a blushed furiously her chee"s al$ost $atching her hair dye. #aused. = really need a &ee. Flease can't last out.= (er surly indifference all gone no&. loo"ed do&n at the girl sitting in the bac" seat so forlorn. She &as no threat to $e es#ecially not tied u#. =D"ay but be 5uic"= told her. ,le4a s&ung her legs out of the hero"ee and hel#ed her stand. loo"ed both &ays u# and do&n the country lane but nothing &as co$ing. =f you're not going to untie $e you'll ha)e to hel# $e= ,le4a $ur$ured her )oice little $ore than a &his#er lost in the unending &hine of the &ind. &as about to tell her to #ee &here she stood #ee in her #ants and let it tric"le do&n her legs but that &asn't fair on the girl. ,ll the sa$e felt li"e her nurse $aid. Gery carefully not loo"ing reached u# under her s"irt and #ulled do&n her #anties by the sides before holding her s"irt a&ay fro$ her body as ,le4a s5uatted by the hero"ee and did &hat she had to. %inished ,le4a stood to let $e tug u# her #anties again. =Than"s= she &his#ered before closed off her $outh again. ,s hel#ed ,le4a bac" into the hero"ee Mulhearn $ade $ore $uffled de$ands. ='$ not doing the sa$e for you Mulhearn. Tie a "not in it= told hi$. =Dh you can't can you9 Ne)er $ind &e'll be finished soon.= Mulhearn groaned. Tough. /lancing at $y &atch rec"oned 'd gi)en !heelan enough ti$e. $ade the call. =!heelan= he ans&ered. =*ac" of the *ass Maltings. @ust you and laire. Noone else. /ot that9= =Sure. *ass Maltings. ,le4a had better be fine= !heelan said. =!hat do you thin" 'd do to your girl9= !heelan didn't re#ly to that. *ut 'd heard the eagerness in his )oice as he confir$ed the *ass Maltings )enue. !hich &ould be a big disa##oint$ent to !heelan as the last #lace &anted to $eet hi$ in the dar" &as Slea7eford's *ass Maltings. %or sheer scale d&arfing the little to&n of Sleaford you can't beat the *ass Maltings. t's li"e a $odern day builder #lacing a Manhattan s"yscra#er in the $iddle of Sleaford's to&n centre. Totally out of scale > and totally unsustainable. !hich is &hy the *ass Maltings ha)e been closed
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
and left e$#ty since the 1AJ0s. heard there's recently been tal" of restoring the Maltings and con)erting the$. f you're not fa$iliar &ith Slea7eford the *ass Maltings are huge bre&ing $althouses that re#laced all the other s$all bre&eries in the area. So$eti$e before the %irst !orld !ar this &as. There is a line of eight huge detached bric" buildings together &ith a to&er and chi$ney in the $iddle of the$ all. The total frontage is o)er three hundred yards. , really i$#ressi)e slab of industrial architecture out in the $iddle of the #anca"e flat incolnshire countryside. *ut li"e say the #lace &ent bust in the 1AJ0s and is filled &ith rusting abandoned $achinery dee#ly recessed door&ays and &indo&s and there are too $any #laces &here a $ar"s$an &ith a sni#er rifle and night sco#e could hide and ta"e $e do&n. So no &ay &as $eeting !heelan any&here &ithin rifle shot of the *ass Maltings. &al"ed round to the dri)er's seat did a three #oint turn and turned the hero"ee around. *ac" through Slea7eford. sa& so$e young $an stagger across the road clutching a )od"a bottle. (e lobbed the e$#ty at the @ee# hero"ee but it sailed #ast and shattered in the o##osite gutter. The $an then turned a&ay and disa##eared do&n a dar" alley bet&een t&o sho#s. =Nice #lace you ha)e here= said to $y #assengers. =%riendly.= Dnce &e had dri)en o)er the bridge #ast Sleaford's train station rela4ed a little. ,lthough hadn't e4#ected any trouble fro$ !heelan but $ight ha)e been eyeballed and follo&ed as dro)e through to&n. Dn the other side turned off ondon -oad and onto /rantha$ -oad the *181B. The traffic &as lighter no& at this ti$e of night. =,l$ost there= told $y #assengers to "ee# u# their s#irits. , fe& $inutes later &e turned right u# astle ause&ay and onto $y intended destination all along. !here could "ee# control of the hando)er and not !heelan. Sleaford astle. ou $ight be &ondering &hy re6ected the *ass Maltings but chose Sleaford astle instead. f you're thin"ing Sleaford astle is li"e one of those huge $edie)al castles built to "ee# the !elsh under control such as aernarfon or on&y or (arlech then you'd be $a"ing a $ista"e. Maybe Sleaford astle &as li"e that once but no longer. ,ll that's left no& is so$e earth&or"s in a field together &ith a $oat and a section of rubbled &all. ,t one end of the field is a co#se of trees and bushes. ,nd that's that. D)er the centuries the locals #robably had it a&ay &ith the castle's $asonry to i$#ro)e their cottages. t's funny to thin" that &hat &as once so i$#ortant is no& barely a third rate tourist attraction. #ulled u# o##osite the site's entrance. ,s e4#ected the $etal barrier &as #adloc"ed but a $o$ent later 'd #ic"ed the loc" &ith $y #ry and s&ung the gate o#en. Turning the @ee#
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
hero"ee onto the castle fields dro)e along the rough trac" and #ar"ed near the ruined &all. Ferfect. Dnly one &ay in and out. No &ay could !heelan snea" in so$e of his hoods to blindside $e. My ca#ti)es stirred the$sel)es and sat u# straighter. They "ne& they &ere nearly through. Ste##ing out of the hero"ee called !heelan a second ti$e. =hanged $y $ind !heelan it's Sleaford astle.= !heelan $ade so$e crac" about ho& it &as $y #ri)ilege to change $y $ind at short notice but underneath could tell the $an &asn't ha##y about the change. *ut &as &hich &as &hat $attered. Kee#ing an eye on the only entrance stood and &aited. , train thundered by to the south of the castle fields > a long tube of light and sound fracturing the night's dar"ness. t too" longer than e4#ected for !heelan to sho&. So guessed he had set u# a little '$eet and greet' #arty at the *ass Maltings. t's &hat &ould ha)e done in his #lace after all. Then a large offroad H4H turned u# the dirt trac" leading to Sleaford astle. The car flashed its lights the once. got behind the hero"ee's &heel and flashed $y lights in re#ly. =ou t&o. Ti$e to go. Dut no&= told the$. o#ened their doors and hel#ed the$ both out. Mulhearn slightly hunched o)er groaning to hi$self. The $an $ust be absolutely des#erate by no&. The chill air &ouldn't hel# his bladder any. Ta"ing a S&iss ar$y "nife "nelt and cut the duct ta#e binding their an"les. =!al"= told the$ gi)ing the #air a gentle sho)e in the right direction. They too" slo& hesitant ste#s little $ore than a cautious shuffle as their hands &ere still bound behind the$ and their eyes ta#ed shut. Strangely it &as the schoolgirl ,le4a &ho see$ed bolder than Mulhearn. ,le4a stu$bled o)er a tussoc" of rough grass and caught her ar$ steadying her. !hen &e &ere about fifty yards fro$ !heelan's Mercedes Mclass H4H co$$anded that they sto#. My ca#ti)es did so and stood tre$bling slightly in the e)er #resent &ind. ,le4a's s"irt rustling around her "nees. Ta"ing out ,le4a's $obile called !heelan again. Noone had yet got out of the Mercedes *en7 and couldn't see inside the )ehicle. =!e're here !heelan. et's get this o)er &ith.= ,s s#o"e to !heelan heard laire McTeague's )oice carrying on in the bac"ground. Fleading and begging. t sounded li"e the &o$an &asn't ha##y about going ho$e. =o$e on !heelan. ha)en't got all night= re$inded hi$. The Mercedes door o#ened. sa& !heelan's si4 foot t&o bul" as he crossed his headlight's bea$s and o#ened the #assenger door. Ces#ite the cold !heelan &ore only a s"inny rib tee shirt the better to sho& off his $uscles. (e leaned in and gently hel#ed laire McTeague out. The &o$an &as &ar$ly dressed in a )elour trac"suit hoodie and &ore &hite trainers. (e s#o"e to her
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
and then both started for&ards to&ards $y grou#. $$ediately called !heelan again. ?)en at that distance heard his ringtone. !heelan ans&ered. =Dnly laire McTeague !heelan. ou "no& the drill > they $eet half &ay and then "ee# &al"ing. -e$e$ber hold all the aces here. Co you need $e to s#ell it out9 '$ ar$ed and &hac"ing your daughter your lo)er and your second is less than nothing to $e. /ot that9= !heelan got that loud and clear. To be honest didn't need to re$ind hi$ but 6ust &anted it crystal to e)eryone. Foor ,le4a shuddered and sun" her head into her shoulders as if she could feel the A$$ Farabellu$ blasting through her body #unching through her insides and sending her into eternity. Mulhearn groaned. Ste##ing for&ard #ulled off the ta#e co)ering ,le4a's eyes so she could guide Mulhearn. (er false lashes ca$e &ith it and she cried out. She blin"ed her eyes ad6usting to the di$ light and she focussed on her father's Mclass. !heelan &a)ed to her. =ou t&o can go no&= said gi)ing the$ another #ush. =/ood luc".= ,s soon as they started &al"ing !heelan nudged laire McTeague. !ith a bac"&ard loo" at her lo)er the &o$an started for&ard. So far so good. Nice and easy. No dra$as. My #hone rang. !heelan. too" the call. =Flease (ennessy= he started. hated hearing the $an beg. =Flease it doesn't ha)e to be li"e this. laire doesn't lo)e McTeague no $ore > its $e she &ants. ou $ust understand ho& she feels. isten one last chance thro& your hand in &ith $e and 'll $a"e you $y second instead...= laughed at this #oint. t &as #athetic. =... $y #artner then. ?5ual shares. ou and $e (ennessy together. !e're both younger than McTeague. (e's yesterday's $an al&ays going on about the club scene of the ?ighties and Nineties. *attling the old Scouser gangs. !hat does he "no& about the future9 Dutsourcing...= &asn't e)en te$#ted. McTeague had seen challengers li"e !heelan co$e and go. i"e an old oa" he'd stayed the course. =isten !heelan. 'll gi)e you one ti#. !ait for McTeague to cal$ do&n and then $a"e hi$ an offer.= finished the call. That &as good ad)ice. t &asn't $y business but rec"oned once McTeague had li)ed &ith a &o$an &ho no longer lo)ed hi$ for a fe& $onths he'd be o#en to a trade for her. *y no& the three had $et in the $iddle of the castle field. laire McTeague s#o"e to Mulhearn &ho nodded a cou#le of ti$es before they crossed #aths and then laire &as co$ing to&ards $e. She &al"ed slo&ly carefully o)er the une)en ground. loo"ed o)er the field. !hen she &as only a fe& yards a&ay fro$ her father's Mclass ,le4a forgot caution and ran for&ards into her father's
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
ar$s and he enfolded her in a bear hug. , touching sight. laire McTeague &as al$ost u# to $e by no&. nodded #olitely and o#ened u# the hero"ee's #assenger door for her li"e any good chauffeur should. =,re you carrying9= as"ed her before she got in. didn't thin" she &as as laire &as out of the life e4ce#t for the good things $en li"e McTeague and !heelan &ere #re#ared to la)ish on her in order that they could ha)e her dra#ed o)er their ar$. couldn't see the attraction $yself. laire shoo" her head and sniffed. (er eyes &ere red and &atery. !hether fro$ the cold or crying neither "ne& nor cared. #atted her do&n any&ay but the &o$an &as clean. =n= said. *efore she sat do&n sho&ed her Mulhearn's bottle of (alothane and told her 'd ha)e no #roble$ &ith using it on her if that's &hat she &anted. ,gain laire shoo" her head her carefully coiffured hair re$aining in #lace. =ou &in (ennessy< you and McTeague. *ut it's &rong &hat you're doing.= Dne sentence in and already couldn't ta"e any $ore of this dri)el so tuned into incs %M for so$ething loud fro$ the charts and dro)e o)er the bu$#y field and then along the trac". !e #assed !heelan &ho &as still cuddling ,le4a< and Mulhearn &ho &as #issing li"e a horse before re6oining astle %ields road and then onto the *181B. !e &ere lea)ing Sleaford on the ,18 before allo&ed $yself to rela4. laire &as going ho$e. She sat 5uietly a#art fro$ the occasional sniffle. (er hands rested in her la#. '$ not telling you &hich direction &e headed nor ho& far dro)e as the Serious Drganised ri$e ,gency $ight find that infor$ation of use.
CHAPTER 10. Df course it all "ic"ed off big ti$e. ,lthough McTeague still had the far bigger e$#ire !heelan &asn't &ithout resources and a cou#le of other capos sided &ith hi$ es#ecially the Norfol" %ar$ *oys ho#ing to #ic" o)er the re$nants of McTeague's e$#ire after the older $an &ent do&n. ,nd $aybe they also genuinely "ne& &hat it &as li"e to lose a &o$an they lo)ed and had so$e sy$#athy for !heelan. ,lthough in the case of the Norfol" boys that &o$an &ould ha)e been one of their close relations. , )ery close relation. ou "no& &hat $ean by that. (o&e)er the general consensus &as that although !heelan &as out of order for ta"ing laire &ithout as"ing< McTeague &as bang out of order for ta"ing her bac" by force. Strange ho& $en's $inds &or".
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
Enless you're a her$it on the Duter (ebrides or Scilly sles or so$e&here you'll ha)e seen on the Ne&s or read in the #a#ers about &hat ha##ened ne4t. The gang &ar $ade headline ne&s< #olice hief onstables &ere dragged blin"ing before the TG ca$eras and there &ere e)en 5uestions as"ed in the (ouse of o$$ons about the cri$e &a)e s&ee#ing eastern ?ngland. The to#ic do$inated one uestion Ti$e on -adio H &ith solutions ranging fro$ the usual 'bring bac" the ro#e' fro$ the right &ing Tory renta5uote $e$ber of #arlia$ent to the e)en $ore #redictable hand&ringing 'they are all )icti$s of #oor u#bringing' liberalis$ of so$e #in"o 5uangocrat. !ith $y s"ill set &as $uch in de$and. ou re$e$ber that tourist fro$ Dtta&a &ho &as stabbed to death by a $ugger in a hoodie thirty seconds after lea)ing ?ast Midlands ,ir#ort's arri)als hall as he &aited for a ta4i9 There &as a lot of fuss $ade at the ti$e about ho& dangerous *ritain &as beco$ing9 Gisitors not e)en $a"ing it out of a #ro)incial air#ort before being "illed in our increasingly )iolent country9 That &as no $ugger. ,nd that &as no ordinary tourist but a to# dollar hit$an flo&n in to &hac" McTeague. The o&ner of a string of la#dancing clubs throughout South or"shire > that's right. The $an &ho &ent do&n in a hail of bullets fro$ a con)erted Mac10 's#ray'n'#ray' $achine#istol as he crossed the #a)e$ent fro$ his club to his &aiting li$o one rainy night9 There &ere t&o #eo#le in blac" leathers on a stolen a$aha -J su#erbi"e. The #illion rider shredding the club o&ner li"e a S&iss cheese before the bi"e 7oo$ed off into the night. The bi"e &as later found burned out a $ile a&ay. *ut the dri)er and the shooter still ha)en't been found. Nor &ill they e)er be. That club o&ner shouldn't ha)e thought he could get a&ay &ith 6oining forces &ith !heelan by bringing so$e anadian hit$an in on his ne& friend's behalf. (e'd #robably still be ali)e and en6oying the nightly stri# sho&s to this day. Then there's the t&o Koso)an socalled asylu$ see"ers dee# underground in Sher&ood %orest. T&o hard$an chancers in leather 6ac"ets &ho thought they could $uscle in and ta"e o)er &hilst the ?ast Midlands &ent u# in s$o"e. No &ait. They ha)en't been found yet. ,nd ho#e they ne)er &ill be. ou $ess &ith one Koso)an ,lbanian and you $ess &ith the$ all. No &ay do &ant their brothers cousins uncles ne#he&s inla&s and outla&s all after $e in one of their unending )endettas. Df course this couldn't s#in on out of control for e)er. The to# brass at incolnshire Folice $ust ha)e been leaned on by so$e of the high $andarins at the (o$e Dffice to get this sorted before the red to# #ress started another $oral #anic about *ritain's cri$e rate &hich &ould cost the go)ern$ent the 'la& and order' )otes at the ne4t election. Su#erintendent Conelan of the incolnshire Folice as"ed to see $e. (e &as res#ectful but $ade it crystal that not $eeting &asn't on the cards. !e $et in that sa$e $oc" Tudor gastro#ub on the
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
,18 that 'd been in at the start of all this. !here got $y ,udi "eyed. The #re)ious chef had since $o)ed on and the ne& chef see$ed to be ha)ing so$e trouble as se)eral of the dishes &ere off the $enu. Conelan ca$e in out of the rain &earing a ci))ie 6ac"et o)er his unifor$ but he still loo"ed li"e a #lugugly co##er. (e ordered a freshly s5uee7ed orange 6uice and brought it o)er to $y table as folded u# $y co#y of the Telegra#h. (e held out his hand and after a $o$ent's hesitation shoo". ,lthough Conelan &as o"ay for a co##er still don't li"e sha"ing their hands. Ma"es $e feel dirty so$eho&. (e sat do&n and glanced at the bac" #age headlines. =ndia's doing &ell. -ec"on &e'll dra& the series9= he as"ed. =Dn the radio 6ust no& it said &e're currently t&o hundred and eight in re#ly.= nodded. = thin" so. The forecast's for rain but &e $ade a $ista"e by not as"ing the$ to follo& on in the %irst Test. !e should ha)e &on that easily and then &e'd ha)e the u##er hand= said. !e discussed the su$$er's cric"et so$e $ore as the dri77le hit the &indo&s. Dutside so$e fa$ilies dodged the rain under the #arasols and a fe& hardy "ids $ade the best of the s$all #lay area. , &o$an called out for Dli)er darling to be careful. S$all tal" o)er Conelan got to the #oint. t &as short and s&eet. =(ennessy. Tell McTeague to cal$ it do&n. ,s for you: get out of the country for a &hile. Dther&ise you're going do&n for a long stretch. ,nd don't cry if it's a fitu# 6ob. ou')e ruffled too $any feathers of #eo#le &ho don't li"e ha)ing their feathers ruffled.= Conelan stood u# to lea)e. =f you go do&n forget any a##eals e)en if you can afford to hire the best barristers out of your offshore accounts. The big&igs in !hitehall &ill ha)e a 5uiet &ord &ith the 6udges to laugh any a##eals out of court.= Conelan $ade a strange gesture &ith his hand &hich too" to be so$ething fro$ the %ree$asons' rituals. Not that 'd e)er be allo&ed to 6oin (e couldn't ha)e been any clearer. The (o$e Dffice $andarins and to# 6udges all drin" in the sa$e odges. Conelan loo"ed do&n at $y ne&s#a#er. =Three do&n. %orbidding ,lbert and Ciana to 6oin royal fa$ily9 The ans&er's /ri$aldi.= loo"ed do&n at $y cross&ord. That &as one of $y fe& blan" ans&ers but should ha)e got that. &as annoyed that Conelan had co$e by before 'd had chance to co$#lete the cross&ord. =%inished &ith this9= Conelan said as he too" $y Telegra#h &ith hi$ as he left. o##ers. They're as light fingered as e)eryone thin"s they are.
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Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
(o&e)er McTeague too" ad)antage of $y enforced absence by sending $e to ha)e a &ord &ith %innigan. trac"ed the old e4Fro)o bo$ber to his lair in ,nt&er# after s#ending too long loo"ing for hi$ in his old sta$#ing grounds around -otterda$'s ?uro#oort area. That is a story in itself< but one for another ti$e. found hi$ &ith his Thai $ail order bride > &ell &ho else &ould loo" at a $an &ith %innigan's face9 > in a coffee sho# o)erloo"ing the $edie)al cathedral. e4#lained that it &ould be far better for hi$ to cut ties &ith !heelan and resu$e business &ith McTeague. Df course %innigan #rotested that he &as #rotected by the -o$anian. Ta"ing $y ti$e loo"ed around the coffee sho# and told hi$ that couldn't see any -o$anians in here but &as sitting o##osite &ith a ra7or shar# /erber co$bat "nife stra##ed to $y thigh and a (onda %ireblade su#erbi"e ca#able of hitting one hundred and fifty $iles #er hour &ithin 5uarter of a $ile's distance #ar"ed outside for $y geta&ay. =Not in these streets it's not doing one hundred and fifty= %innigan said &ith a s$ile. *ut that &as bra)ado and nothing else. *oth of us "ne& 'd found hi$ once and could find hi$ again. Cid he still feel so #rotected no&9 %innigan got the $essage loud and clear and said he'd cut off !heelan's su##ly routes. later found out that the old fo4 #layed off both ends against each other and su##lied both $en. can't say bla$e hi$.
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(o&e)er McTeague didn't ha)e it all his o&n &ay and &hilst &as out of the &ay hunting %innigan throughout *elgiu$ and the Netherlands things &ent &rong for $y boss. (e &ould ha)e li"ed to "ee# $e by his side but &e both "ne& that &as i$#ossible for the ti$e being. McTeague called $e one e)ening as &as resting in a 5uir"y hotel on Kei7ersgracht canal in ,$sterda$'s bohe$ian @ordaan district. Not the sort of #lace nor$ally use > not a high enough star rating > so that's &hy chose it. The sound of tourists 6ostling &ith cyclists ca$e fro$ belo& $y bedroo$ &indo&. McTeague told $e that there had been a conference in ondon about the situation. Most of the big gangland fir$s &ere re#resented. To cut to the chase McTeague told $e that the big fir$s had let hi$ "no& that his acti)ities &ere bang out of order and he &as affecting all their businesses. *asically he had to lea)e !heelan alone for the ti$e being > and #ush through his di)orce before letting laire ha)e her o&n life bac". McTeague &asn't ha##y but &hat could he do9 These capos &ere the real hea)y hitters of organised cri$e.
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
f the Serious Drganised ri$e ,gency could ha)e charged the $en in that roo$ &ith e)erything they had co$$itted these capos &ould be loo"ing at sentences of about a thousand years each. *asically their great grandchildren &ould die inside. (o&e)er and because of that &hat they said &ent. Enless you &ere really stu#id and had a death &ish. , &ish to die a #articularly nasty nast y death. Strangely McTeague didn't sound too u#set by the ulti$atu$. thin" e)en he had beco$e fed u# &ith the chaos and uncertainty but he couldn't let laire go )oluntarily no& &ithout losing too $uch face. Not after ha)ing started a big gang &ar 6ust to get his &o$an bac". ,lso McTeague had by no& co$e to the conclusion that he could ne)er $a"e laire lo)e hi$ again. (e bought her #resents: a -ole4 &ith dia$onds inset on the ri$ a $in" coat filled his ho$e &ith hothouse flo&ers s#ecially brought in fro$ (olland. %innigan organised that for hi$ > a change fro$ his usual co$$odities. Fa$#ering sessions at #lush s#as. ou get the idea. She li)ed &ith hi$ in his far$ outside of... if told you 'd ha)e to "ill you. Dnly 6o"ing but you really don't &ant to "no&. *ut &ithin &ee"s they &ere bac" to sni#ing at one another and the at$os#here at ho$e beca$e tense and un#leasant )ery 5uic"ly. heard that they had se#arate roo$s &ith se#arate ensuites > &ell their far$house &as $ore than big enough. McTeague should ha)e listened to $e in the first #lace. could ha)e told hi$ that and sa)ed all the trouble. !hat do they say9 So$ething li"e be careful &hat you &ish for. ou $ight get it. No& that things had cal$ed do&n McTeague #ut out so$e feelers to Conelan and $aybe $ade a cash donation to the #olice &ido&'s fundO and &as allo&ed to co$e ho$e. can't say &as sorry as &as fed u# &ith eating fries &ith $ayo > it &as #laying ha)oc &ith $y &aistline. McTeague hi$self $et $e outside ?ast Midlands ,ir#ort. This ti$e he &as dri)ing an anony$ous %ord Mondeo 1.J. t had tinted &indo&s but other&ise &as #lain )anilla. @ust li"e you see countless sales re#s belting u# and do&n the $otor&ays in. Things $ust be bad for McTeague to be dri)ing those &heels because he &as a $an &ho lo)ed his $otors. !e shoo" hands and on the &ay bac" to his far$house filled $y boss in on ho& 'd got on &ith %innigan. (e see$ed #leased at the result. (o&e)er on the &ay bac" realised that &as the only good ne&s. McTeague's hands gri##ed the &heel his "nuc"les &hite and he changed gears &ith shar# cho##y $otions. (e lo&ered his &indo& lit u# and ble& s$o"e into the sli#strea$. = need you to $eet &ith !heelan. Thrash out a fe& details out &ith hi$. can't face seeing that 6u$#ed u# fool= McTeague said. (e sla$$ed his #al$ onto the &heel hard . S$o"e drifted into the Mondeo and coughed. =Sorry. forgot you don't s$o"e (ennessy. No res#ect > taught that fool e)erything he "no&s.
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
f it &asn't for $e he'd still be 6oyriding around the estates &ith his teara&ay $ates< a baseball ca# on bac" to front and thin"ing half a "ilo of blo& and a do7en tabs of ? is so$e big deal.= McTeague sla$$ed the &heel again. t &as rare to see $y boss in such a foul $ood. "e#t $y silence and &aited to hear &hat he &anted $e to do. So$eho& didn't thin" 'd be sitting &ith $y feet u# on the sofa &atching the coo"ery or #ro#erty reno)ation sho&s on dayti$e TG any ti$e soon. McTeague sounded off about !heelan so$e $ore. (is $ain the$e &as !heelan's lac" of res#ect. = &ant you to $eet &ith !heelan. ')e decided he can "ee# that bitch laire. '$ gi)ing her a nocontest di)orce and a decent #ayoff but only fro$ &hat $y legit businesses can afford you "no& &hat $ean9= "ne& &hat McTeague $eant. ,s a front he o&ned lots of legiti$ate businesses through $ost of &hich he laundered his less "osher sources of inco$e. ou "no& the "ind of things > ta4i fir$s an a$use$ent arcade a chain of #i77a ta"ea&ays. Fubs and clubs. ,s al&ays anything &here cash &as "ing. (e'd e)en been in)ited to 6oin the -otary lub of the nearby city. (o&e)er his illicit inco$e d&arfed that and there &as no &ay he &anted the nland -e)enue or the G,T #eo#le getting a sniff of that. &as sur#rised. Ces#ite &hat the ondon capos had told hi$ had thought McTeague &ould try and hang onto laire if only to sto# !heelan gloating o)er her. (o&e)er on second thoughts it loo"s a little $edie)al to "ee# t&o e4&i)es in seclusion. ,nd unli"e Melissa there &as no &ay a young &o$an li"e laire &ould "ee# herself out of the &ay. Maybe he &as doing the right thing by letting the &o$an go. f McTeague #resented it right he could $a"e it loo" li"e a gesture fro$ a #osition of strength strength rather than &ea"ness. told hi$ this and he s$iled. =Trust you to see it in the right light (ennessy= McTeague said &ith a s$ile.
CHAPTER 11. *ac" at McTeague's far$ found $y ,udi &hich had been collected fro$ Sleaford after dro)e a&ay fro$ the little to&n in Mulhearn's @ee# hero"ee. t had been res#rayed )aleted and loo"ed good as ne&. collected $y "eys fro$ McTeague. laire McTeague ca$e out of the far$house. She &ore co$fortable 6eggings and a cerise cash$ere s&eater that clung tight to her slender fra$e $a"ing the &o$an loo" li"e she &as s$uggling out a cou#le of #eanuts under her to#. Dne of McTeague's $en follo&ed carrying se)eral suitcases and bags &hich he loaded into the ,udi ,8's trun". glanced o)er at McTeague.
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
=Ta"e her a&ay= he said. (e loo"ed sad. Cefeated. didn't thin" his lo& $ood &ould last for e)er as of course McTeague could ha)e his #ic" of al$ost any &o$an in the life and being a $an &ith both needs and $oney he &ouldn't slee# alone for long. ,ll the sa$e "no& laire had been so$eone s#ecial to hi$ at least at first. slid behind the &heel and laire got in beside $e. She didn't loo" at $e. don't thin" she &as ha##y about the &ay snatched her a&ay fro$ !heelan se)eral $onths ago. Dr about the &ay that ulti$ately !heelan sho&ed he )alued his daughter $ore than her. *ut &hat did laire e4#ect9 Not that 'd "no& #ersonally but guess a $an's lo)e for his daughter is so$ething )ery s#ecial. dro)e a&ay fro$ McTeague's far$house. The last sa& &as McTeague standing all forlorn outside his hand raised in a half &a)e. laire didn't res#ond but stared ahead through the &indscreen. She didn't s#ea" to $e &hich &as fine as far as &as concerned so s&itched on -adio H and listened to ?ddie Mair on the FM sho& before the Ne&s at Si4. , cou#le of hours later &as #ulling into !heelan's $oc" Tudor $ansion on Dld Flace. ?)en before 'd sto##ed !heelan's !heelan' s $en &ere #iling out of the house. ho use. Mulhearn -iordan and cou#le co u#le of others. Standing tall behind the$ &as !heelan hi$self. Mulhearn &renched o#en the dri)er's door and loo"ed li"e he &as going to haul $e out and gi)e $e a #asting. -iordan loo"ed li"e he &ould 6oin in. felt a little li"e that cha# in the *ible > the one &ho got thro&n into a lion's den or so$ething. ?4ce#t these lions didn't loo" li"e they &anted to $a"e friends. !heelan #ushed his &ay through his $en and held out his hand. !e shoo" and his $en ste##ed bac" but li"e a #ac" of &ild beasts they circled around arou nd us until !heelan ordered -iordan to fetch laire's bags fro$ out of the trun". !heelan escorted laire and &e all &al"ed into his house. ='$ gonna $ess you u#= -iordan &his#ered as he #assed $e &ith the bags. -iordan hadn't before so too" no notice. no tice. That annoyed hi$ $ore than anything an ything else could ha)e said or done. There &as no $usic blaring out fro$ u#stairs so guessed ,le4a &as either not at ho$e or hiding in her roo$. ,nother one &ho &asn't so "een to $eet $e. can't say &as sur#rised. !heelan sho&ed us into his front li)ing roo$ and crossed to his drin"s cabinet. ='$ dri)ing. o"e for $e #lease= said. !heelan #retended to $isunderstand. =Fe#si or china &hite9= &asn't in the $ood to #lay along. =Ciet Fe#si if you')e got it.= ?)eryone "no&s don't do drugs. Ne)er ha)e and ne)er &ill. "ee# $y body clean > &hy #ollute it9 !heelan unca##ed the bottle and handed it to $e together &ith a tu$bler filled &ith ice. The at$os#here &as hea)y and the con)ersation li$#ed along until it died. 'd hurt !heelan's $en and both McTeague and !heelan had da$aged each other's e$#ires. e$#ires . Not long after !heelan stood and
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
sho&ed his $en the door lea)ing $e alone &ith the gang boss. #ut to !heelan &hat McTeague had authorised. laire he already "ne& about as the &o$an &as under his roof. e4#lained the di)ision of territories that the ondon capos had agreed. t &as $ore than McTeague &anted to lose and !heelan couldn't hide the #leasure on his face. (e grinned li"e the heshire cat. Elti$ately it &as a cli$bdo&n a hu$iliation for McTeague. (o&e)er dressed u# the deal. ,nd !heelan "ne& it. ='ll need to confir$ that &ith your boss (ennessy= !heelan said. =Ma"e sure he's cool &ith that Ma"e sure there's no co$ebac"s.= nodded and "eyed in McTeague's latest nu$ber into $y *lac"*erry. handed the #hone o)er. !heelan s#o"e and &al"ed into his conser)atory out of earshot. sat bac" and si##ed $y drin" &atching !heelan #ace to and fro as he s#o"e &ith $y boss. ?)entually !heelan #ressed the end call button on $y #hone and ca$e bac" into the lounge. , big grin co)ered his face. =oo"s li"e ')e &on (ennessy. McTeague says he's gi)en u#. (e can't > &on't "ee# laire. (e e)en says he's no ob6ections to us getting $arried.= =That's good !heelan. '$ #leased for you. *est ne&s ')e heard all year= said. =Con't be li"e that (ennessy. ou should be #leased. ,ll the fighting's o)er. ,nd ')e &on > ')e got all incolnshire the %ens e)en #art of east Nottingha$shire...= =,s &ell as laire of course.= !heelan s$iled again. Sur#risingly gentle. =es and laire.= , thought ca$e to $e. =Entil McTeague ta"es it all bac" again.= *ut nothing could say dented !heelan's good hu$our. (e'd &on and he "ne& it. (e laughed. =No &ay (ennessy. McTeague's yesterday's $an. (e's losing it > &hilst you &ere running around (olland ')e ta"en control of the su##ly routes fro$ *ostongrad and Kings ynn no&. ou "no& $aybe 'll $o)e into the !est Midlands at so$e #oint. That's $ore than McTeague e)er $anaged. (ey li"e said you should thin" about thro&ing in your lot &ith $e. could use so$eone li"e you (ennessy in s#ite of &hat you')e done.= =Than"s for the offer !heelan but 'll #ass. 'll stic" &ith McTeague's outfit.= !heelan stood and offered $e his hand. !e shoo". &asn't to see hi$ again until the &edding.
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The &edding &as the social e)ent of the year in Slea7eford as 'd co$e to thin" of the #lace no&. !heelan had boo"ed St. Cenys #arish church in the centre of the to&n. The ancient t&elfth century church &as filled &ith bloo$s &hich turned out to be su##lied by %innigan. The e4Fro)o
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
&as $a"ing a nicely legit sideline e4#orting flo&ers no&. !heelan had s#ared no e4#ense. ello& and &hite garlands &ra##ed around the #illars co)ered the altar and filled big )ases in full )ie& of the congregation. The brides$aids loo"ed gorgeous in $au)e dresses. ,nd as for laire McTeague herself9 Sorry laire !heelan as should call her no&. !ell she &as si$#ly beautiful. She loo"ed stunning as she &al"ed do&n the aisle on McTeague's ar$. es e)en in these days su##ose it's unusual for the e4husband to gi)e a&ay the bride. *ut if that's &hat McTeague &anted to do &ho &as going to argue9 There &ere $en there fro$ *ir$ingha$ eicester< hell fro$ all o)er the country and as far a&ay as Scotland. Dne face e)en too" a chance and had sli##ed bac" into the country fro$ the S#anish ostas. Men &ho &ouldn't nor$ally be seen sitting together in the sa$e roo$ shared the sa$e #e&. Their &i)es and girlfriends all dolled u# li"e birds of #aradise. don't su##ose the sy$bolis$ &as lost on the assorted faces in the congregation. The handing o)er of the #ri7e by the older gang head to the leaner $eaner younger boss. can't say #aid $uch attention to the ser)ice or the )icar's ser$on and forty $inutes later &e &ere all outside. That flat unending east &ind ble& off the fens $a"ing the s$o"ers huddle together against the sheltered side of the old &hite stone church. ,fter the #hotos had been ta"en > as you &ould e4#ect there &ere a nu$ber of faces there &ho declined the o##ortunity to a##ear > McTeague dre& !heelan and $yself to one side. = $ight not get chance to catch you during the rece#tion !heelan so let $e congratulate you no& and &ish you e)ery ha##iness and success in the future.= =Than"s McTeague= !heelan said sha"ing the older $an's hand. =That's really good of you.= =')e arranged for your &edding #resent to be deli)ered Monday the t&entythird. ,fter you t&o get bac" fro$ your honey$oon. , truc" load of hinese cigarettes at least fifty thousand cartons &orth. To# 5uality #ac"aging. Noone &ill s#ot the difference.= !heelan did the su$s in his head. (e s$iled and thre& his ar$s around McTeague's body in a bear hug. 'd had enough so didn't stay on for the &edding rece#tion. S#eeches and toasts follo&ed by drun"en dancing ne)er a##ealed to $e. nstead &al"ed alone do&n the churchyard #ath #ast the $ossy gra)es cli$bed into $y ,udi and dro)e ho$e.
CHAPTER 12. Today &as the $orning of Monday the t&entythird.
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
&as #ar"ed further do&n ?ast -oad fro$ !heelan's industrial unit. &asn't in $y ,udi ,8 as that &as too &ell "no&n round here by no&. nstead &as in a C,% tractor cabo)er the obligatory hi)i7 coat co)ering $y suit #ulled u# by the side of the road as if &aiting for $y tachogra#h to gi)e $e #er$ission to start dri)ing again. !here's the best #lace to hide9 n #lain sight. ,lthough $y cabo)er &as huge< on an industrial estate it &as totally incons#icuous. The cab's heater &as on and a #a#er bea"er of Starbuc"'s s"inny latte stea$ed in the cu# holder ne4t to a half eaten lo&cal $uffin. , red truc" dro)e do&n the road leading to the co$#le4 of industrial units. stirred in $y seat. The truc" &as $ar"ed u# &ith the logo of a furniture hire co$#any. Must be a regular as the dri)er bantered &ith the security guard leaning out of his hut before the guard raised the barrier. t &as a different guard than the $an 'd tied u# $onths before. guess that first guard had got the sac". ?)entually the truc" s&ung into the forecourt shared by the units. &atched as the truc" turned into the si4th unit. This truc" &asn't for !heelan. settled bac" in $y seat and carried on &aiting. ,nother truc" turned into the co$#le4 but this ti$e didn't e)en bother stirring in $y seat. t &as 6ust a flatbed co$e to collect for recycling a load of blue #lastic dru$s filled &ith dirty "itchen oils. There &as a long ga# before the ne4t lorry arri)ed during &hich listened to @ohn (u$#hrys on -adio H's Today sho& tell $e all about failed breast i$#lants. ,s if he "ne& anything about the$. My eyelids droo#ed so &ound the cab's &indo& do&n a fe& inches allo&ing fingers of cold air to "ee# $e a&a"e. ,nother goods )ehicle turned in also #ausing at the barrier. This see$ed $ore li"ely. t &as a battered &hite uton bo4 truc" &ith no $ar"ings on the side. The old )an loo"ed li"e it had been round the &orld and bac". The security guard raised the barrier and &atched the uton turn left and #ull u# in front of !heelan's de#ot. The dri)er bee#ed his horn once t&ice before the #edestrian door inset in the $ain gate o#ened. T&o $en ste##ed out. recognised -iordan and his friend. The $an 'd once sla$$ed into a bric" &all. The second $an's face loo"ed li"e he had recently lost a bout in a bare "nuc"le #ri7e fight so he &asn't ha)ing $uch luc" recently. The t&o $en as"ed the dri)er to ste# do&n fro$ his cab. The dri)er did so &al"ed to the bac" of the truc" and then unloc"ed the doors. -iordan cli$bed u# into the bac" and disa##eared fro$ $y sight. *attered%ace "e#t his eye on the dri)er. ?)entually -iordan ree$erged fro$ the bac". (e nodded to the dri)er and they shoo" hands. E# in $y cabo)er felt a little li"e the guy the /ree"s left behind &ith their Tro6an (orse. *ut that guy had $uch the harder 6ob as he'd had to #ersuade the sus#icious Tro6ans to unloc" the gates
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
and let the hollo& &ooden horse filled &ith /ree" soldiers into their city. Me all 'd had to do &as &atch and &ait. !hich &as 6ust as &ell as $y #resence &ould')e $ade -iordan and his $ate $ore sus#icious rather than less. s$iled to $yself. McTeague's #lan had &or"ed #erfectly. %inally the large )ehicular gate slid u#. ?)en fro$ $y high u# #osition in the road outside couldn't see the inside of the unit. &ondered ho& !heelan's $en had got on &ith the clearu# after $y firebo$bing. ,fter all although the industrial unit &ould ha)e had a $odern s#rin"ler syste$ $ust ha)e done a lot of da$age to the distillery e5ui#$ent. n s#ite of the bree7e blo&ing in thought could s$ell the blac" stench of old s$o"e but really "ne& it &as only $y i$agination running a&ay &ith $e. ,ll the sa$e $y nostrils t&itched at the &ell re$e$bered s$ell of burning. ,s soon as the uton &as inside the $etal unit the )ehicular gate rattled do&n. The industrial estate once again beca$e a ha)en of #eace bro"en only by a grou# of s$o"ers so des#erate to satisfy their needs that they &ere #re#ared to stand outside in the &ind tunnel bet&een t&o of the $etal units. Their laughter floated o)er to $e as they loo"ed at so$ething in the fluttering #ages of the Caily Star. , bro&n EFS courier )an $ade a deli)ery but other than that the #lace &as as 5uiet as it had been at three in the $orning. &atched and &aited. Maybe t&enty certainly no $ore than t&enty fi)e $inutes later the uton bo4 truc" e$erged fro$ the unit and the gate slid do&n in its trac"s i$$ediately after. The uton dro)e out #ast $y #ar"ed cabo)er and the dri)er ga)e $e a little nod but &ithout slo&ing do&n. ?4cellent. too" Mulhearn's $obile #hone fro$ $y #oc"et. (o& co$e had Mulhearn's ne& #hone9 Too easy. %or rela4ation the e4s5uaddie li"ed to )isit that $assage #arlour abo)e the scruffy salon &ith the tac"y #oster of a bi"inibabe and Folish signs in the &indo&. -egular as cloc"&or" he &as. Cid he ta"e ad)antage of the 'e4tras' on offer9 !hat do you thin"9 So the other day sli##ed bac" into Slea7eford and had a &ord &ith the E"rainian $asseuse &ho #ro)ided $uch of these ser)ices. ?)en could see &hat Mulhearn and her other clients sa& in her. She had long blonde hair and legs u# to her chin her ass barely co)ered by the shortest tunic 'd e)er seen. handed her a foil &ra##ed #ac" of strong slee#ing tablets and told her to s#i"e Mulhearn's drin" on Sunday night and to let $e "no& &hen the $an &as aslee#. had to e4#lain it a fe& ti$es as her ?nglish &asn't that good but she soon gras#ed &hat &anted. The s$all &edge of t&enties also ga)e her hel#ed her ?nglish i$#ro)e. =all $e= said $i$ing a #hone call. Then all had to do &as &ait for Mulhearn to )isit.
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Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
%irst $ade a call to the $assage #arlour. , tired )oice &ith a strong east ?uro#ean accent told $e that yes Mulhearn &as still fast aslee#. No sur#rises there. The a$ount of "eta$ine in his )eins &ould')e "noc"ed out the entire field at Mar"et -asen races. !ith so$e left o)er for Concaster the ne4t day. !heelan's $an &as going to slee# until Tuesday &ee". Esing Mulhearn's #hone sent a te4t to !heelan. i"e said earlier !heelan had learned enough fro$ McTeague to "ee# hi$self a cou#le of ste#s re$o)ed fro$ anything incri$inating. et the s$all fry and $iddle$en ta"e all the ris"s &hilst you $a"e the big buc"s. Ne)er get caught in the sa$e building &ith anything that could get you in any trouble. f the co#s do co$e for you loo" &ide eyed and innocent and deny e)erything > $a"e the ro&n Frosecution Ser)ice #ut in the night shifts #ro)ing you "ne& anything about it. ?)en if they "no& you're in)ol)ed they still ha)e to #ro)e it before a 6ury. ,nd if it co$es to trial there you stand in the doc" in a good suit > but not too e4#ensi)e as you don't &ant to get the 6urors' bac"s u# > &hilst your brief #aints a #icture of an innocent business$an &ho &as so ti$e#ressed he had no idea &hat his associates &ere u# to behind his bac". ,nd if e)en that doesn't &or" you send so$eone li"e $e to ha)e a 5uiet &ord &ith so$e of the 6urors in their o&n ti$e. i"e late at night on their doorste# or outside their "id's school. *ut so$eti$es there are e$ergencies &hen you ha)e to brea" that cardinal numero uno rule. ,nd the te4t sent fro$ Mulhearn's #hone &ould ha)e !heelan flying do&n here. The cigarettes had been #artly #aid for on !heelan's cloned credit card and a transaction sli# had been left for the $en to find. !heelan &as lin"ed to the hoo"y cigs no&. That's &hat $y te4t said any&ay. , $o$ent later Mulhearn's #hone bee#ed. loo"ed at the ans&ering te4t. !heelan had risen to the bait. ,s he had to. (e &as on his &ay o)er. s$iled but it lasted only for a fleeting second. didn't li"e &hat McTeague had as"ed $e to do. t &ent against the grain against e)ery fibre of $y being. *ut the &ay McTeague e4#lained it had to agree this &as the best &ay for&ard. Then $ade $y ne4t call. To Su#erintendent Conelan of the incolnshire Folice. =t's all ready for you. !heelan's on his &ay. 'll call &hen he actually lands o"ay9= Conelan said so$ething but closed the call before he started tal"ing cric"et. hate tal"ing to the co#s > they $a"e $e feel dirty. "ne& that if the circs &ere different if !heelan had #layed his cards $ore cle)erly Conelan &ould ha)e no hesitation in dragging $yself and McTeague do&n the fun factory for a cou#le of days solid interrogation. Slea7eford's only a s$all #lace after all and not long after $y first call !heelan ca$e bo$bing do&n the road. (e &as dri)ing laire McTeague's > sorry "ee# forgetting her na$e's !heelan no& > yello& Forsche A11. Dn the dull blac"ishgrey road in the dull greenishgrey industrial
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
estate under the dull &hitishgrey s"y the s#orts car stood out li"e the sun. No &ay could Su#erintendent Conelan and his boys in blue $iss that. The Forsche $ade a hard left !heelan 6a$$ed on the bra"es &hich bla7ed red hot and the security guard raised the barrier. ,s soon as the barrier &as high enough !heelan shot for&ard and 6er"ed to a sto# 6ust outside his o&n unit. (e thre& o#en the Forsche's door and an instant later he &as inside. $ade that second call. =!heelan's onsite. ou &ant hi$< he's yours= said before ending the connection. That's it. My 6ob done. don't "no& &here the co#s had been hiding although guessed it &as #robably behind the abandoned #a#er $ill on the other side of the estate because only a fe& $inutes later they arri)ed in force. Their blac" and yello& cho##er s&oo#ed do&n and then clattered in the air abo)e the unit. , fleet of #ale grey D#erational Su##ort Enit carriers &ith $esh &indo& shields s&ung #ast $y #ar"ed C,% cabo)er and into the industrial co$#le4. %ro$ $y cab's high u# )antage #oint sa& their identifying roofto# nu$bers and letters. They &ere closely follo&ed by so$e co# cruisers and e)en one or t&o on #o&erful $otorbi"es. Their blue lights bounced off the $etal sidings of the industrial units. The grou# of s$o"ers stood o#en $outhed their nicotine addiction forgotten for the $o$ent. The security guard leaned out the hut's &indo& and stared at the fast a##roaching carriers. ?)en fro$ $y distance heard the dri)er of the lead carrier as he bello&ed at the guard to =o#en u# no& no&= The security guard $ust ha)e leaned on the o#en button as '$ sure the barrier lifted 5uic"er than usual and the #olice ar$ada &as barely delayed. Most of the$ s#ed to the front of the unit but a cou#le of DSE carriers raced around to the rear as &ell. !heelan and his cre& &ere caught li"e rats in a tra#. No &ay out. The DSE could ha)e "noc"ed #olitely on the door of !heelan's unit but that's ne)er been their style. nstead a hea)ily ar$oured lead #air holding a t&o$an enforcer battering ra$ lea#ed out of the first carrier. They too" ai$ and s&ung the ra$ at the inset #edestrian door. No &ay could it &ithstand that blo&. !ith a $etallic crash the sto)ed in door s$ashed o#en. The t&o &ith the ra$ ste##ed to one side and instantly $ore hea)ily ar$oured DSE co#s ste##ed o)er the threshold and into the unit. These carried )icious loo"ing (ec"ler P Koch sub$achine guns. al$ost felt sorry for !heelan. ,l$ost but not 5uite. &ould ha)e heard shouting co$ing fro$ inside the unit as the DSE co#s raided the #lace but the cho##er had descended to a fe& hundred feet and its rotors dro&ned out e)erything else. Su#erintendent Conelan hi$self ste##ed out fro$ the bac" of one of the cruisers. (e rubbed his hands in the cool air and he loo"ed #leased &ith the
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
result. (e too &al"ed into the chaos inside the unit. So$e ti$e later !heelan and his $en e$erged into the daylight each &ith an ar$oured co# by their side. The #risoners' hands &ere bound behind their bac"s &ith lengths of cable ties the #lastic ends stic"ing out into the cold air. None of the$ &ere s$iling. Dther co#s follo&ed clutching e)idence bags. Dne grinning li"e a heshire cat held a bin bag. They'd found McTeague's little e4tra gift. "ne& they &ould. The co#s bundled the #risoners into the bac" of the DSE carriers #ulled out of the yard and accelerated out of the industrial estate. Maybe they thought their #risoners' $obster $ates &ould $a"e a rescue atte$#t< $aybe they'd 6ust &atched &ay too $any of those 'Folice a$era ,ction' ty#e sho&s that litter the high nu$bered satellite channels. Dr both. The cho##er hung about a bit longer until it too &as su$$oned bac" to base and in the sudden silence could hear $yself thin". , fe& co#s &ere left on guard and told to &ait for the forensics tea$s to sho&. ,s they &aited they uns#ooled blue and &hite cri$e scene ta#e o)er e)erything they could see. Su#erintendent Conelan &as one of the last to lea)e. (e s#o"e to those co#s re$aining and cla##ed the$ on the bac". , 6ob &ell done. (e had his dri)er sto# near $y cab. #ulled off $y hi )i7 6ac"et and then s&ung do&n fro$ the &ar$ interior. Conelan lo&ered his &indo&. =(ennessy= he said. = "no& ci)ic duty isn't your or McTeague's strong suit but than"s for the ti#off. No &ay is !heelan &al"ing free fro$ that lot.= =,l&ays a #leasure to hel#= said. =!e also found t&o thousand yello& tablets in &ith those hoo"y cigarettes= he told $e. My eyebro&s lifted as re$e$bered to loo" sur#rised. = don't "no& &hat they are but one of $y sergeants &ho bet&een you and $e li"es to go clubbing in bi7a she tells $e they're $ost li"ely $andies > ecstasy in other &ords. ,nd of a #articularly high 5uality. They're "noc"ed out by so$e -o$anian outfit in onstanta belie)e. don't su##ose you "no& anything about the ?9= Conelan shot $e a loo" fro$ under his bushy eyebro&s. =Me9 &ouldn't "no&< don't deal in drugs. ou "no& that Conelan= lied. (e let $y lac" of res#ect to his ran" slide. =!e')e got !heelan's #rints all o)er the bags= Conelan said his finger ho)ering o)er the button to raise his electric &indo&. =(o&'s that9= blurted out before shutting u#. Conelan shot $e a loo". =es got so$e nice #rints on the drugs. (is brief &ill clai$ in court &e #ressed the bags into his hands but &hat chance has a $an li"e !heelan got of a 6ury belie)ing
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
such #al#able nonsense9= Conelan s$iled li"e a fo4. =Not $uch > sounds thin to $e= said returning his grin. =Dh. *efore go (ennessy. Co yourself a fa)our and lea)e laire !heelan alone= he said 6ust before raising his &indo&. =@ust go ho$e to McTeague and lea)e it at that.= !e discussed our #ros#ects in the forthco$ing Test $atch for a fe& $inutes and then touched $y fingers to $y forehead in a brief salute as Conelan's cruiser #ulled a&ay. No& !heelan &as off the scene still had to deal &ith laire. loc"ed the cab and &al"ed out of the estate to #ic" u# Mulhearn's @ee# hero"ee. t's not li"e he &ould be using it in the near future.
CHAPTER 13. n the end it &as all too easy. Esing Mulhearn's #hone sent a te4t to laire telling her that her husband had been #ic"ed u# by the la&. She &ould ha)e found out shortly any&ay > as soon as !heelan's solicitor had been briefed. ,l$ost i$$ediately she sent a return te4t. , brief s$ile crossed $y li#s. t's easier no& than it used to be in the old days. don't ha)e to s#ea" to #eo#le unless &ant as $ost #eo#le on a $obile #hone contract get gi)en fi)e thousand free te4ts. Enless you're a teenage girl li"e ,le4a &ith a &ide circle of friends $ost #eo#le ne)er use the$. (o&e)er nobody li"es to thin" that they are &asting their free te4ts so they use the$ &hene)er #ossible. chec"ed laire's te4t. She &ould be &aiting for $e at ho$e. engaged first and dro)e the long &ay round o)er the (oldingha$ roundabout and then do&n through the congested centre of Sleaford onto *oston -oad and then loo#ed u# Dld Flace. ,s soon as $y hero"ee #ulled into the dri)e&ay laire ca$e running out of the door clutching her handbag. She &renched o#en the #assenger side door and only then #ulled u# in confusion. =(ennessy9 !hat are you doing here9= laire as"ed. =Mulhearn's busy dealing &ith the arrests. ,s '$ sure you can a##reciate. ,s &as in the area he as"ed $e to ta"e you do&n the co# sho# instead.= s$iled and tried to loo" friendly. This &as the tric"y #art. f laire !heelan s$elled a rat then &ould ha)e to use force. didn't &ant that. *ut soft li)ing and &orry for her ne& husband had &ea"ened her sense of danger and laire got in beside $e her handbag on her la#. = didn't "no& you &ere &or"ing for $y husband no&= said laire. =(e ne)er told $e.= edged out into the traffic. = didn't &ant it s#read all o)er but McTeague's yesterday's $an. So s&itched sides= lied.
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
laire nodded. Feo#le in $y line of business usually ha)e as $uch loyalty to their boss as an o)er#aid Fre$ier eague club footballer has to their tea$. That is: 7ero. ,s soon as a better deal co$es along they're off e)en if the in" is barely dry on their old contract. She should ha)e "no&n better. *ecause '$ li"e one of those old fashioned oneclub #layers you so$eti$es still get. =Mulhearn said !heelan needs so$ething #ic"ing u# fro$ his tanning studio. !e'll s&ing by there on our &ay to the co# sho#. D"ay9= #ar"ed outside the *eauticians. t had been reno)ated since $y firebo$bing raid and e)erything &as brand ne& &ith a lu4urious #ur#le and blac" interior. The #lace &as closed and the to&els &ere #iled u# in neat fluffy hea#s. Not sur#rising the #lace &asn't o#en. ?arlier using Mulhearn's #hone had sent te4ts to all the staff telling the$ not to co$e in today. Enloc"ing the salon sho&ed laire inside. =t's a ES* $e$ory stic" hidden in the sunbed roo$. t holds so$e docu$ents !heelan &ill need for his defence. /i)e us a hand to loo" for it #lease= said. laire &as &ay too trusting. She follo&ed $e into one of the sunbed roo$s. laire #eered around &ith a #u77led loo" on her face. There &eren't $any #laces you could hide e)en so$ething as s$all as a $e$ory stic". She turned to $e 6ust as too" a fresh bottle of chlorofor$ out of $y 6ac"et #oc"et that 'd sourced fro$ Cr. NabiKhan. =(ennessy9 !hat are...9= &as all laire said before cla$#ed a hand to&el o)er her face and #oured out a dose of the (alothane. The fu$es filled the air $as"ing the s$ell of tann ing lotion. laire struggled frantically and her $anicured nail scratched $y hand dra&ing blood. Slo&ly slo&ly her struggles di$inished and her li$bs stilled. (o&e)er before laire &ent under co$#letely too" a&ay the rag. She loo"ed u# at $e. t's funny but 'd ne)er before noticed ho& #retty laire's eyes &ere > a sort of tur5uoise blue. half led half dragged her o)er to a chair and sat her do&n. =McTeague sent $e to gi)e you a &arning= told her. =-e$e$ber he can reach out and ta"e you &hene)er he &ants.= laire nodded but '$ not sure if she &as ca#able of ta"ing it in. =et $e fetch you a glass of &ater.= ea)ing the sun bed roo$ crossed to the s$all bac" "itchen for the staff's use and fetched a bottle of &ater fro$ the fridge before returning to laire. She still loo"ed groggy and ill. %ro$ $y 6ac"et #oc"et too" out a cou#le of #ills that $y friend Cr. Fer)ert had also gi)en $e. =These &ill hel# you reco)er faster= lied holding the$ out. laire shoo" her head &ea"ly but #ut the$ in her $outh and then held the bottle of &ater to her li#s gi)ing her no chance to s#it the$ out or refuse. She 6er"ed her head around but ta##ed her throat forcing her to s&allo&. =%eel better9= as"ed.
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
Terror filled laire's eyes and they o#ened &ide. She "ne& &asn't there to hel# her es#ecially &hen #laced the stin"ing rag bac" o)er her face. dri##ed a fe& $ore dro#s of (alothane onto the cloth. laire could no longer struggle as $uch as earlier and &ithin $inutes she &as as li$# as a rag doll. gently let her slide do&n onto the tiled floor. loo"ed do&n at laire for a $inute as she breathed. felt no sy$#athy for her. f she hadn't ta"en u# &ith !heelan none of this gang &ar &ould ha)e ta"en #lace. McTeague &ould ha)e "e#t on 5uietly running the ?ast Midlands &ith !heelan as one of his lieutenants. *ut !heelan had &anted it all and no& he &as going to lose it all. Kneeling by laire stri##ed her na"ed and then lifted her u# and #laced her on the sunbed. She loo"ed li"e she &as slee#ing. lo&ered the coffinli"e lid #ut in the to"ens and turned the dial to the $a4 > a full hour's &orth of high tan. ,s &aited folded her clothes neatly &i#ed do&n all the surfaces 'd touched and then brought in a cou#le of $aga7ines fro$ rece#tion. &ondered about #o##ing out to Mulhearn's @ee# for $y Telegra#h but that &ould ha)e been an unnecessary ris". laire stirred and $uttered thic"ly until ga)e her another dose of chlorofor$. ,t this #oint he#atoto4icity &as the least of her &orries. The rest of the hour #assed slo&ly. ,nd so did the second after turned laire o)er onto her bac" fed the slot &ith $ore to"ens and then ga)e her front an hour's full tan. %inally at long last the sunbed's dial turned full circle until it reached the off #osition. stood. *ig fluid filled blisters &ere already for$ing on her breasts sto$ach thighs and u##er ar$s. There &ould be $any $ore later. dreaded to thin" &hat her bac" and buttoc"s &ere li"e. laire &as a dead &o$an. Not no& but &ithin a fe& days &e &ould be attending her funeral. The #ills 'd forced do&n her &ere #soralen &hich greatly enhances the effects of light thera#y. n $edicine they are $ostly used for the treat$ent of s"in conditions such as #soriasis before a #atient goes under the la$#. (o&e)er in laire's case they &ould gi)e her #hototo4icity. Together &ith the o)erdose of EG rays fro$ the sunbed she &as &ell on the &ay to getting $assi)e third degree burns leading to se#sis > blood #oisoning. This is &hat Cr. NabiKhan e4#lained to $e &hen 'd )isited hi$ a fe& days before. ,nd the great thing &as that noone &ould sus#ect a thing. ?)eryone "ne& that laire &as a high$aintenance "ind of girl addicted to the sun beds and beauty #arlours. !hat could be $ore natural that she &ould ta"e a short cut by using blac" $ar"et #soralen sourced fro$ so$e dodgy &ebsite and then fall aslee# on the sunbed9 *ecause it &as such a rare cause of death already "ne& the coroner's )erdict: ,ccidental Ceath. That &ould do $e and McTeague fine. ollecting $y gear and $a"ing sure didn't touch anything else let $yself out of the
Sleaford Noir 1: by Morris Kenyon
*eauticians salon. The sun had bro"en through the clouds and it #ro$ised to be a beautiful day. Dn a bench o)er the road three youths sat #assing a bottle of !hite ightning cider bet&een the$ &hilst a girl tried to cadge a s$o"e fro$ the$. Their *M; bi"es &ere #ro##ed u# against an abandoned retail unit. !elco$e to Slea7eford thought recognising t&o of the yobs as the lads &ho had "eyed $y ,udi cou# $onths before. ,s crossed the road to&ards the$ $y *lac"*erry rang. !ondering &ho &as calling $e loo"ed at the dis#lay. t &as $y husband. S$iling too" the call. =')e been trying to reach you all $orning honey. (o& &as the conference9= he as"ed. =/reat. My #resentation &ent &ell and the chair$an's only 6ust finished &ra##ing the &hole thing u#. isten 'll #ic" u# a nice bottle of ,ussie Shira7 on the &ay ho$e and #re#are a beef casserole for dinner= told hi$. (e "no&s nothing of &hat really do. (e than"ed $e. My husband's a good $an. Enli"e $e > '$ a bad &o$an to "no&. ,s those youths &ere about to find out.
THE END.
OTHER BOOKS BY THE AUTHOR: + S!"#$%&' N%(& 2: Dne slee#y %enland to&n. T&o Folish chancers eager to $a"e a fast buc" &ith no 5uestions as"ed. , grou# of business$en &ith funny handsha"es &anting to ra"e off big buc"s fro$ to&n #lanning contracts. , neoNa7i bigot &ho'll 6u$# at the chance of beco$ing Mayor as his first ste##ing stone to total #o&er. (is bunch of thuggish s"inhead hangerson. ,dd a huge abandoned industrial co$#le4 on the edge of to&n ri#e for rede)elo#$ent. Fut the$ all together and &hat could #ossibly go &rong9 ?4ce#t that $atters soon escalate &ay beyond anything any of these grou#s e4#ected. !elco$e to Slea7eford...
f you en6oyed this story you $ight en6oy $y longer boo"s featuring -o$anian cri$inal Nicolae ara$arin:
+ 200 S)"*+ D%,-: !hen his cri$e boss in Ddessa E"raine decides to u# his ga$e by getting in)ol)ed in #eo#le traffic"ing Nicolae ara$arin $ust $a"e a choice. Should he turn a blind eye to the horrors he &itnesses and carry on being a good soldier for the gang< or ta"e his
