Chapter 50
Getting dressed Bailey approached the bedside cabinet, opening the top drawer. Pulling out a small box he opened it like an exited child opening a surprise present.
Gleaming up at him were his specially made gold cufflinks in the shape of the compass and square, the emblem of the freemasons.
As he flicked the first through the hole on his cuff it slipped from his hand landing on the bed. Cursing he reached over to pick it up and stubbed his foot.
Puzzled he knelt down pulling up the heavy throw to reveal three suitcases, and by the feel of them, full. Pulling one out he released the catch.
Inside were clothes, Charlene's clothes, grabbing another he opened it, clothing belonging to his son.
He felt his heart drop, she was leaving him and taking his son?
How could she do this to him¦. after all he'd done for her?
She couldn't.
Did she honestly believe she'd get custody if she shacked up with that Jarvey? And money? How much did she think she'd get in a divorce. That drug dealing scumbag might have money, but nothing compared to his wealth, Charlene certainly wouldn't have the life she had now.
She'd come crawling back of course but the damage would have been done, he'd be a laughing stock.
That couldn't happen.
Replacing the suitcases he reached for his mobile phone.
"Listen, he instructed his goon, "I want you to get Tweedle Dumb and I want you parked up the road from my house, if you see my wife trying to leave you stop her okay.
"It doesn't matter why, just do it, now get a move on.
He finished dressing and took one final look in the mirror before heading downstairs.
At the door to the lounge he stood staring at Charlene watching the television, unaware of his presence. He'd show her. Once Jarvey was dealt with he'd maybe tell her he'd known all about their little affair,
"I'm off then.
She jumped looking round,
"You look smart.
The look on his face gave nothing away, gritting his teeth he smiled, walking over,
"Cheers love
Craning up and kissing him she smiled,
"What time do you think you'll be back?
"I dunno love, late though, we'll probably go for more drinks afterwards.
Leaning over he kissed her again before heading out.
The rain was falling heavily as Bailey raced to his car.
Up the street he parked and reached for the phone,
"Where are you?
"Right make sure you are.
Looking at his watch again he cursed.
He was running late, he was due to meet Raymond, the mason who'd nominated him, at a private members club before they went to the lodge. Raymond liked punctuality, it was important to him.
The goons arrived a few minutes later and pulled in just ahead, after a flash of his headlights Bailey resumed his journey.
Arriving at the bar he was only five minutes late, Raymond was sat in a corner drinking a glass of brandy. Raymond had been a colonel in the army and it showed. He carried himself with a no-nonsense, statesman type manner, a man used to getting his own way. Nodding to him Bailey went to the bar and purchased a drink for himself and another for his companion.
Sitting down he looked over expectantly,
"Well?
Raymond fixed him with a stare devoid of any humour,
"Well what?
"What we spoke about earlier of course, did you manage to deal with it?
Raymond's eye's narrowed for a moment,
"Listen Bill, never discuss anything like that with me again, he began, "if you asked me about something and I said yes then consider it done unless I say otherwise, understood?
Bailey looked down at the table feeling stupid,
"Sorry.
"Forget it.
Bailey looked up again at his companion. Steel grey hair brushed neatly to the side and as always, impeccably dressed.
Picking up the glass of vintage brandy Raymond knocked the remainder back and picked up the fresh one,
"Are you eating?
Bailey nodded.
Snapping his fingers Raymond looked for a waiter.
In seconds one was there, placing a menu in his hand.
