Chapter 26
After taking an early lunch Bailey was back at the office stood, hands on hips, staring incredulously at a couple of his goons. Earlier he'd sent them to visit a single mother who rented from him. She was on benefits but the social didn't cover all the rent, there was a shortfall of a few pound a week and it had been building up for a while. Bailey had dispatched them to recover the money but they'd come back empty handed.
"What nothing?
"That's Right Bill, she had no money whatsoever.
Bailey sneered,
"And how did you know that?
"She said so.
"She said so, he repeated in an animated fashion, "what she said that and you believed her?
The two heavies looked at each other and back to their boss,
"Well what do you expect us to do, turn the flat over?
"Well you could do more than just ask her that's for sure, what am I paying you for?
"Listen Bill she's there, the kids are screaming and she has no money.
Bailey looked outraged,
"No money, no bloody money, the woman and her brats are supported by the tax payer, she gets more than enough to live on. By paying my taxes, his face was reddening, "I'm supporting them already and I'm damned if I'm going to fork out more from my own pocket to enable them to have an even more luxurious lifestyle. Stopping to catch a breath the veins were bulging from his temple, "Now you get back round there and sort out a payment plan.
The men looked at each other again before nodding and leaving the office.
"Idiots. Bailey shouted at their retreating backs.
The annoyance soon disappeared as his thoughts returned to the forthcoming events.
William Bailey, Freemason, it had a nice ring to it.
And soon his other problem would be out of the equation.
Sitting back in the chair, hands behind his neck he smiled contentedly.
The radio was still playing in the corner and he listened out for an update on the Landers girl.
Earlier they'd mentioned the arrests so the bulletin didn't tell him anything new.
The phone interrupted his thoughts.
Snatching it up and holding it to his ear he smiled announcing,
"Bailey's residential lettings.
"Oh hi love.
"Of course you can, what about the boy?
"He's what, your mum's having him?
"Okay, but you'll be home for six won't you?
"Alright love, see you then.
Replacing the phone he grimaced, wondering if she was going to meet her lover.
A close second was his mother in law looking after his son, he hated the boy anywhere near his grandparents. They were a step backwards as far as he was concerned. Cheap, tacky, villains.
Maybe at some point he and Charlene could move somewhere a bit further away, sell up and buy an estate somewhere, the contacts he'd be gaining would make anything possible as long as he had the finances.
The phone rang again and snatching it up he gave the usual welcome.
"Oh, hello detective Riley.
"No it's alright, I'll pick them up myself.
"Okay see you then.
At least picking the keys up and checking the damage to the room meant killing some time. Pulling on his oversized overcoat he headed out.
The detective met him outside the station.
Leaning down Riley passed the key through the van window,
"Thank-you very much Mr Bailey.
Smiling Bailey shook his head,
"Bill, it's Bill detective Riley, he waited to see if the first name terms would be reciprocated, seeing it wasn't he quickly continued, "no thank-yous necessary, only too happy to do my bit.
Riley smiled.
Bailey continued,
"So you got your man then?
"We're not sure, still an ongoing enquiry.
"Ah yes I understand, my father was a police officer you know.
"Yeah I'd heard. Anyway I don't wish to appear rude but I've got to go, as I said it's an ongoing enquiry¦
"Oh I understand detective, good luck.
Ten minutes later he was pulling up outside the property on Riverside Street. Getting out of the van he grabbed a padlock and secure clasp for a quick repair job.
Outside the room he checked the door for signs of damage. Asides from the broken lock there was just a bit of a dent but it would be as good as new with a lick of paint.
Upon entering a quick look round told him the place had been ransacked since the police had left. In front of the cupboard under the sink lay the metal cash boxes from the electric and gas meters.
Tutting and shaking his head he went over, checking his pocket for change.
Selecting a one-pound coin he pushed it through each meter a number of times before disconnecting the electric.
Looking round one last time Bailey shook his head.
Reaching into his jacket he pulled out the clasp and began fixing it to the door.
