Chapter 57
He'd been unprepared for the reaction over Kelly and after Charlene left Jarvey sat in darkness unsure what to do.
Needed to think about things she'd told him.
It wasn't what he was used to, Jarvey did the thinking for both of them. Just over an hour ago everything was going as planned, now he'd lost his cash and Charlene was having second thoughts. On top of that Kelly being found dead made it near enough impossible for him to collect and off load his drug stash. Jarvey didn't like taking risks but losing the money meant he might have to. The face lighting up on his mobile phone caught his attention just before it started ringing. It wasn't Charlene's number and disappointedly he put it to his ear.
"You've what?
"Seriously, where?
"I'm on my way over.
The dealer had located the thief from earlier, Jarvey couldn't believe it, typical addict, had to score.
Maybe his luck was changing.
Screeching up at the kerb he leapt out the car,
"Where is he?
The bounty hunter nodded towards a door that served the flat above a grimy looking kebab shop.
"Nice one I owe you.
"Do you need a hand?
Jarvey shook his head.
The door was set back about a meter from the street enabling Jarvey to use the porch space as cover for what he was doing. A quick shake on the lock was enough to tell him the door was already weak.
Drawing himself back he shoulder barged the door through.
As he rushed in a familiar face looked down at him over the banister. Seeing Jarvey he immediately rushed to the back of the flat.
There was no way Jarvey was letting him get away again. As the thief tried jumping from a window in the untidy bedroom Jarvey grabbed him round the neck, dragging the struggling figure back in.
"Where's my fucking money?
"I dunno, I dunno.
Pinning him to the wall Jarvey brought his fist crashing into his cheek. Beneath the flesh bones gave way from the impact.
"Where's my fucking money?
"I dunno, honestly, I lost it.
Jarvey looked incredulous as he released his grip,
"Lost it? What do you mean lost it?
"Uh, um.
Grabbing him again Jarvey slammed his head into the wall,
"Do you think I'm some sort of mug?
The thief cowered,
"No¦.
He didn't have time to finish Jarvey was attacking him, beating him to the needle strewn floor. Then grabbing his leg Jarvey dragged his victim towards the front room,
"You're gonna fucking tell me where my money is, I can tell you that much.
A quick look round the sparsely furnished room that also served as a kitchen was enough to tell him his money wasn't there. Kicking the thief between the legs Jarvey demanded again,
"My money.
The thief gasped, trying to catch his breath,
"I¦I dunno.
Looking round Jarvey spotted an empty bottle of Jack Daniels serving as a candleholder. Reaching for it he brought a corner down hard on the already shattered cheek. As the injured addict went to scream Jarvey grabbed his throat to stop the sound escaping,
"Do you know who the fuck I am?
Eyes wide with fear the stricken man shook his head.
"Jarvey.
He saw the man's eyes widen further and knew he'd heard of him,
"You've heard of me right, well think about it, you know you're gonna tell me where my money is at some point, it's up to you to decide when.
"It's in the bathroom, b¦.behind the bath panel.
Jarvey smiled,
"See, that wasn't so hard was it?
With that he brought the bottle down on the thief's head like a club, the impact shattered the vessel leaving his victim out cold.
Jarvey kicked the still form in the face,
"You're lucky I'm in a good mood.
Walking into the bathroom he kicked the already cracked plastic panel, splitting it in two. Kicking away the wreckage he spotted the bag.
Opening the bag and seeing the money he let out a sigh of relief.
Minutes later he was driving back to the flat, there was a little time to kill before he had to meet his droppers, time better spent indoors. Letting out a laugh he patted the bag next to him affectionately. At least now he wouldn't need to go and risk his neck.
Back at the flat he thought of Charlene again, wondering if she would phone.
She always rang him just after ten, right after he'd picked up his cash, maybe she was leaving it till then.
His thoughts returned to the stash of drugs.
What a waste and the only person he'd even consider giving it to was Dwaine, but he wouldn't be interested. But then again, it was a lot of money's worth, and that could sway a man's judgement.
Feeling jubilant he reached for the phone and punched in the number.
