Chapter 62
Mark Collins sat in front of the mirror smearing vaseline over his cheeks and chin. Pouring the contents of the plastic pot into his hands he patted them onto the ointment. Looking at his reflection he was pleased at the heavily stubbled face staring back.
Earlier he'd been out to scout around so knew exactly where he'd perform the hit. Tucking the pistol into his waistband he pulled on the black woollen hat before slipping out the window clutching a carrier bag. In minutes he was on the high street.
The rain from earlier had died down, reduced to a gentle drizzle, keeping his head down he darted along to the entrance of the alleyway. There he paused, a quick glance told him the few people who'd ventured out were hurrying to get in out of the weather taking no notice of anybody else. Slipping into the darkness he stopped a few yards up to pull the stripper's uniform from the bag. Putting the outfit on he took care to ensure all the Velcro strips were properly attached. Then he continued his journey.
At the end of the alleyway he crossed the road and took shelter in a bus stop opposite his destination.
Dwaine looked up at the clock, it would take him a while to walk over to Palmerstone Street so he'd better leave soon.
Grabbing a jacket he headed down the stairs, stopping again outside Kelly's door,
"I'm sorry for not doing enough.
The street was deserted, not even an addict at the phone-boxes.
A door opening caught his attention and he looked in the direction of the sound.
"Dunno, half hour tops, a voice called as a figure descended the steps of the house.
Stepping into the streetlight was the lad who sold for Jarvey.
Due to the rain Nigel had walked to his destination quicker than usual. When he was a few minutes away the weather had died down and he was left shivering in his cold clothes. It had been okay when he was walking, it was now that he'd stopped the damp was setting in. He knew tomorrow, without a doubt, he'd wake up coughing.
For a moment he debated leaving it, but he'd come here now, and it was a dead cert for spare change. It wasn't that long to wait, they'd be here, always were. At least one of them took pity and usually it was a couple, always a good earner and he hadn't been here for a while.
It was nearing the time for Jarvey to meet his droppers. Charlene hadn't phoned but he was confident he'd win her round over the next few weeks. She'd probably phone him later with second thoughts. She knew how long he'd be around, then he'd chuck his phone, Jarvey would be off to start his new life.
The only thing was without Charlene it wouldn't be in the luxury he'd anticipated, but there was no turning back.
Right now he had to go and collect his money and get the gossip of the day's events.
Pulling on his jacket he headed out and within minutes was en-route to his meet. Patting the bag in the passenger seat he thought of the day's events wondering if Charlene would contact him later or if it would be up to him to call her.
Pulling into a car park sheltered by bushes he turned off his lights and waited. His watch said five minutes.
Round at J.P's they watched the clock go round. After arriving and a brief tidy up he'd surveyed what was left of his worldly belongings. Nothing of value, not even a decent item of clothing. The worn out and no make items were left, but that was it, not even the few ornaments he possessed had survived the plague of locusts.
Tommy had sat offering commiserations, whilst J.P suspected him of knowing something about it. Now they sat in silence counting the minutes.
Agitated Tommy looked over at J.P,
"Go and check, it might already be there.
J.P looked annoyed,
"No I can't do that, besides it must be getting left late, otherwise he'd have said pick it up earlier.
Tommy looked at the floor muttering,
"Well it's near enough time.
Leaping up J.P headed to the door,
"Alright, alright I'll go, what's the weather saying?
Tommy pulled back the curtain,
"It looks alright, the rain's eased off anyway.
"Thank fuck for that.
Tommy saw him out into the hall, opening the front door,
"How long you going to be?
Jogging down the stairs J.P looked over his shoulder,
"Dunno, half hour tops.
Reaching the street he had a quick look around for police. The only person he could see was the fella who lived in the flats opposite.
Charlene stood on the patio looking at her mobile phone. Every night she came out here and phoned Jarvey at this time and knew he'd expect her to call, begging him to take her with him. But not this time.
Popping the back off the handset she removed the chip. Snapping it she knew there was no way back. Later he'd throw his phone, thinking he'd always catch her on this number, but not anymore.
Throwing the chip in the wheelie-bin she felt tears running down her face.
Bailey was one of the last to leave the Lodge, wallowing in the backslapping that had gone with his initiation.
Afterwards he'd arranged drinks with Raymond and a few of the others.
They were stood in the car-park when a figure approached them out of the gloom.
Through the drizzle, much to Bailey's displeasure, was the familiar figure of Nigel. As he went to vocalise his distaste Raymond turned and looked at the new comer,
"Ah long time no see, he exclaimed, then turning to Bailey asked, "do you know this man, fought for the country you know, look how he's been treated.
Nigel stood looking forlorn.
Reaching into his pocket Raymond pulled out his wallet and opening it handed the tramp a crisp ten-pound note. Bailey, eager to impress did likewise.
Nigel's eyes lit up, unable to believe his luck,
"Thanks guv,
Raymond looked back at Bailey,
"Maybe you could find him somewhere to live?
In response he grunted.
"Anyway man, Raymond returned his gaze to the tramp, "you want to get in out of the cold.
Nigel nodded, thanking his benefactors.
Alfie looked over at Freddie,
"Come on then, we'd better get up there.
The bar was still packed, hot and stuffy. As the office door opened the crowd parted to allow the two men through. Alfie nodded at acquaintances and gestured for Ray to join them. Out on the street the air was cooler, Alfie wiped his moist forehead with the back of his hand,
"I'm getting' too old for all this.
Getting to the car Freddie stopped, checking his pockets,
"Where's me keys. Sorry Alfie I must've left them in the office.
Handing him the office key Alfie shook his head,
"'Urry up then, as Freddie disappeared he turned to Ray, "'Ow longs Frank been involved in all that shit then?
Ray looked pained,
"A while, dabblin' for at least a few months from what I know, but the last few weeks 'e started to get somewhere.
Alfie let out a deep breath,
"Fuckin' fool.
Reappearing out of the gloom Freddie shook the keys.
Mark Collins looked at the picture again to be sure then headed over. He was on top of his prey before they were even aware of his presence. Shoving the muzzle into the back of the victim's ear he pulled the trigger.
As always everything seemed to go into slow motion.
Casually Mark knelt, put the gun to the head and fired a second shot. It was unneeded, the target was already dead, but he always made sure.
Then in one fluid motion he was off.
As soon as he entered the alleyway the clothing was off, expertly flicked round his arm and shoved into the carrier bag. Using the hat he wiped the fake stubble from his chin and threw it in the bag. It took seconds before he was continuing his sprint tucking the bag into his jacket.
Back on the high street he kept his head down and hurried back towards the hotel.
As he climbed back through the window he heard the sound of sirens as the first police hurried to the scene.
After a quick wash to remove any remnants of pubic hair from his face he limped out to use the toilet.
