Bad Blood Rising Read online

  “Have you seen what the crazy bitch did?” he snarled. “I thought she was going to kill me.”

  “It’s okay, Jimmy, I’ll take it from here. You get back to the club. Peter could do with a hand.”

  “That’s fine with me,” Jimmy said as he rushed out onto the landing and headed towards the lift. “Watch out for her nails, they’re like talons.”

  Karl entered the apartment and closed the door behind him. Christina was standing by the window, staring out into the street below. Before Karl could speak, she spun round and rushed towards him.

  “You have no right to keep me here,” she hissed. “I want to leave now.” She attempted to push past Karl, but he grabbed her shoulders and forced her down onto the couch.

  “Calm down,” he soothed. “I just need to talk to you, Christina. That is your proper name, isn’t it?”

  The girl glared at him.

  “What were my mother and brother doing at the club? Did you tell them where I was?”

  “I didn’t tell them anything. They came to see me.”

  “Why? What would my mother want with you?” Christina was almost hysterical.

  “I want you to calm down. You and I have got things to sort out.”

  “Is it the money you say I owe you? I’ll get it for you first thing tomorrow and…”

  “No, it’s not about the money, Christina. It’s about you and me.”

  “I don’t understand. What about you and me? There is no you and me.” She tried to get off the couch, but Karl’s grip remained firm.

  “Christina, just a couple of days ago I learnt something from your mother that came as a shock.” Karl’s tone became softer. “I was married to Lisa a long time ago, in fact, technically, I suppose I still am.”

  “You were married to my mother? I… I…”

  “When I got sent to prison, she left me. I didn’t know where she went, she just disappeared, but I had no idea that when she left she had been pregnant with you and Alex.”

  Christina sat motionless, staring at the floor.

  “Do you understand what I’m saying, Christina? You’re my daughter.”

  Christina remained silent. It was several minutes before she spoke. “Lisa said my father was dead,” she whispered. “Why would she lie? I don’t understand.”

  “She had her reasons, I’m sure.”

  “But why would she tell you about us now after all this time? I don’t understand.”

  “Oh, that’s down to Alex getting into a mess over money.”

  “Alex is always in a mess with money. He gambles, you know.”

  “Yes, I know, but I’m not here about Alex. I want to talk about you.”

  “Me? What is there to talk about? You know how I earn my living. I’m very good at it too as you can see.”

  “Your mother said you left home to be with a man. What happened?” Karl could sense the tension in Christina’s body as she glared at him.

  “I don’t want to talk about it,” she said angrily. “It’s over, I just want to forget.”

  “Tell me,” Karl insisted. “Tell me everything that happened to you, Christina. I have to know.”

  Christina was silent for a moment but when she spoke her voice was quiet and calm.

  “His name was Guido. Guido was the love of my life. I adored him.”

  “So what went wrong?”

  “Karl, I really don’t want to discuss it. It was a mistake and…” Christina lowered her head into her hands.

  Suddenly, Karl’s tone changed. “I don’t care what you want to do. From now on you’ll do as I say. Now, tell me what happened?”

  Defiantly, Christina raised her head and looked Karl in the eye. “I loved him, that’s what happened,” she said quietly. “When he suggested I move into his swanky apartment by the Thames, I didn’t hesitate.”

  “You knew he was married?”

  “Yes, of course I knew, but I didn’t care. I loved him.”

  “Did he love you?”

  “I thought he did. His wife was called Bella. She spent most of her time in Naples looking after her mother. Guido told me as far as he was concerned the marriage was over. He said he was going to divorce her and I believed him.”

  “Go on,” Karl encouraged. “What happened?”

  Christina got up from the couch and walked over to the drinks cabinet. “Want one?” she asked, pouring herself a vodka.

  “Whisky,” Karl answered.

  Christina walked over to him and handed him the glass.

  “You were telling me about Guido,” Karl said sternly.

  “Everything was wonderful for the first few months. Guido was so kind, he treated me like a princess.” Christina lifted her glass and swallowed its contents in one gulp. “We’d been together for a couple of months and then one day he brought a friend to the apartment, a man called Louigi.” Christina walked over to the cabinet and poured herself another vodka before continuing. “We all had a meal and Guido and Louigi were speaking in Italian. Suddenly Guido grabbed my arm and pushed me into the bedroom and onto the bed. Louigi followed us.”

  Karl could see that Christina was becoming agitated. He walked over to her and gently placed his arm around her shoulder.

  “Go on, Christina,” he said gently. “Tell me everything. No one can hurt you now.”

  Christina began to cry softly. “Suddenly Louigi began pulling at my clothes. I screamed for him to stop. Guido was standing in the doorway. He watched as Louigi raped me.” Tears began to cascade down her cheeks and her body trembled uncontrollably.

  Karl held her close, kissing her lightly on her forehead.

  “Guido had sold me to Louigi,” she gulped through her tears. “Guido said that from now on Louigi would be taking care of me and I was to do what he said.”

  “He said what?” There was no disguising the anger in Karl’s voice.

  “Louigi was a lot older that Guido. He was cruel. He would tie me up and beat me and sometimes he would lock me inside the apartment for days at a time. He would bring men back and I was made to have sex with them. It was horrible.”

  “How long were you with the bastard?”

  “About three months. One night, after Louigi had been drinking heavily, I managed to escape. It was impossible to take much with me, but I did manage to steal a couple of hundred pounds from his wallet. I got the first train north. That night I said goodbye to Christina and hello to Bunny. I think you know the rest.”

  Karl was standing by the window staring out into the street. His eyes were stinging with unshed tears and he wiped them away with the back of his hand.

  He turned to face Christina. “This Guido Rosso, Alex said he has a restaurant in London, is that right?”

  “He has two, one in Chelsea and one in Mayfair.”

  “And Louigi? Where do I find him?”

  “Louigi’s dead. I heard he had a heart attack soon after I left.”

  Karl walked over to the couch and sat next to his daughter. Gently he took her hands in his. “What is it you want to do with your life, Christina? You’re a very beautiful young woman. You could be anything you want. Surely you don’t want this work to be your life?”

  “Of course I don’t,” Christina said sharply. “I’m saving up to buy my own salon. I’m a qualified hairdresser and beautician.”

  “A hairdresser? That’s good, very good.”

  “I’ve almost got enough saved. Just a few more wealthy clients and I should…”

  “No more clients,” Karl snapped. “I can help with the money you need. I don’t want you working like this again, ever.”

  “Karl, I want to do this on my own. I’m never going to depend on a man for anything again.”

  “I’m not just a man. I’m your father and I’m going to help you.”

  “No strings?”

  “No strings, I promise.”

  Christina smiled at Karl and gently kissed him on the cheek.

  “I suppose we’ll have to think of something
to tell your mother,” Karl said at last. “I could say you were working as a hostess at one of the clubs.”

  Christina began to giggle. “She’ll throw a fit, but I suppose it’s better than telling her the truth. That would really finish her off.”

  “I’d better go and tell Lisa the good news,” he smiled. “Perhaps we can all meet up for dinner this evening? Lisa and Alex are at the Marriot. They have a pretty decent restaurant. I’ll make reservations.”

  “Alright,” Christina said slightly hesitantly, “but please tell her not to ask too many questions.”

  “Don’t worry, I’ll be there to look out for you,” he winked mischievously. “Oh, there is one more thing Christina.”

  “What’s that?”

  “The phone. I want you to give me the phone.”

  “What phone?”

  “The one you use for your private clients. We don’t want temptation, do we?”

  Christina picked up her handbag and removed the blue phone. “Goodbye, Bunny,” she whispered as she handed it to Karl.

  “I’ll see you at the Marriot at eight,” Karl grinned, kissing her lightly on the cheek.

  Christina walked with Karl to the door. “See you at eight o’clock, dad,” she smiled, throwing her arms around his neck affectionately.

  Karl waited until he was inside his car before he picked up his phone and dialled a number.

  “Paul? Paul, I have a job for you. Meet me at the club in twenty minutes, oh and you’d better pack an overnight bag. You’re going to the big smoke.”

  SEVENTY-FOUR

  Erica and Charlotte were finishing their breakfast when Karl came into the kitchen whistling.

  “Somebody’s happy this morning,” Erica grinned.

  “It’s a beautiful day, why shouldn’t I be happy?”

  “Do you want breakfast, or is it just coffee?”

  “I’m starving, full English this morning, I think. Good morning, Charlotte. How are you feeling today?”

  “Oh I’m alright, thanks. I really should be more careful crossing the road.”

  “Do you still want to come and have a look round the club today?”

  “No, sorry, Karl, I’ve got other plans. Perhaps another time?”

  “Suit yourself,” Karl shrugged sulkily, picking up the newspaper.

  Charlotte hurriedly put her breakfast bowl and glass into the dishwasher.

  “What are you up to today, dear?” Erica asked lightly.

  “I’m going shopping. I thought I might buy some jeans.”

  “Girls shouldn’t wear jeans,” Karl grunted from behind his newspaper. “Jeans are for boys.”

  Both women stifled a laugh.

  “Will you be back for lunch?” Erica asked.

  “No, I promised Marion I’d meet her for lunch. I should be back about four.”

  “Alright, dear, I’ll see you then. Have a nice time.”

  “See you later,” Charlotte smiled, as she went through the front door.

  “Did she say she was meeting Marion for lunch? What the hell is she meeting her for?”

  “I think they get on well. Charlotte really is a lovely girl.”

  “Has she said anything about moving out yet?” Karl grunted putting down his newspaper. “She does know staying here was only a temporary arrangement, doesn’t she?”

  “Charlotte’s no trouble. In fact, she’s good company for me. It gets lonely here on my own.”

  “Then come back to work in the club. There’s always plenty to do.”

  “You know I don’t want to do that, I hate working there.”

  Karl glared at Erica. “You never used to hate it. I always thought you liked poncing round the lounge bar, dressed up to the nines.”

  “No, Karl, I didn’t. Anyway you have all the staff you need now. I only went to help out.”

  He shrugged and picked up his newspaper once again. “I meant what I said about Charlotte. I want her gone by the end of the week.”

  “Why? She’s only just got here. Please let her stay a little longer. She needs us.”

  “One week,” Karl snapped. “We’ll need her room for another guest.”

  “What guest?”

  “Never mind, just make sure she knows she has to go. I won’t repeat myself again, Erica.”

  Erica sighed heavily as she busied herself making Karl’s breakfast. “She’s meeting a young man tomorrow,” she said lightly. “He’s a friend of hers from Ireland.”

  “Good, then he can take her back with him. The girl doesn’t belong here. Now, where’s my breakfast?”

  SEVENTY-FIVE

  It was half past eleven when Charlotte arrived at the Elkin Arcade. She’d visited several times before and was familiar with its layout. Barlow’s Coffee Lounge was tucked away at the back of the building, quiet and discreet. It was here that Charlotte headed. Matthew was already there. He rose from his seat as she approached.

  “I wasn’t sure you’d come,” she grinned as she took her seat at the table.

  “Who wouldn’t come at the invitation of such a pretty girl?” Matthew smiled. “Especially when the invitation was laced with intrigue.”

  “Matthew, I…”

  “I take it you have no after effects after the incident? You were very lucky not to have been seriously hurt.”

  “Yes, I know. It was a silly thing to do. I was in a hurry to meet someone and…”

  “What can I get you?” the chubby waitress wearing a lilac and white uniform asked as she pushed plastic menus in front of them both.

  “A cappuccino, please,” Matthew answered. “What about you, Charlotte?”

  “Orange juice, please.”

  “Anything to eat?”

  “No, thank you,” they both chorused.

  The waitress waddled over to the counter with their order. She returned a couple of minutes later carrying the drinks. When she left, Charlotte turned to face her companion.

  “Matthew, I had to meet with you. There’s something I think you should see.”

  “This is all very mysterious.”

  Charlotte opened her bag and took out the gold locket, opened it and handed it to Matthew.

  “Tell me I’m not going mad, but that man in the photograph, he looks just like you.”

  Perplexed, Matthew took the locket and stared hard at the picture.

  “That’s my dad,” he said at last. “What are you doing with a photograph of my dad? And who are these people with him?”

  Charlotte took a sip of juice before she answered. “The baby is me,” she said softly. “The woman is my mother. Her name is Paula. I believe the man is my father.”

  Matthew’s hands began to tremble slightly as he picked up the locket once more and stared intently at the photograph. “He can’t be. That’s ridiculous,” he spluttered. He turned to face Charlotte. “What makes you think he’s your father? He could just be a friend of your mother or…”

  “Look at me, Matthew,” Charlotte said gently. “Can’t you see the similarity between us? Our skin tone, our hair colour, even our eyes are the same pale shade of blue. I don’t think there’s any doubt that I’m your sister.”

  Matthew began to slowly shake his head. “That can’t be right, Charlotte. I always knew my father played around with other women, but to father a child by one? Even he wouldn’t be that bloody stupid.” Angrily he thrust the locket across the table towards her. “We can have a DNA test. That will prove if we are related.”

  “Of course we can, and we must,” Charlotte sighed, “but from what I’ve been told, Paula and your father had an affair and were very much in love. She told her friends that he was leaving his wife so they could be together.”

  “The bastard,” Matthew hissed, bringing his fist crashing down onto the table. “The cheating little bastard.”

  “Where’s your father now? Is he still around?”

  “Oh yes, he’s still around alright. He’s a senior policeman. Can you believe that?”

  “I don�
�t really know very much about him,” Charlotte sighed. “I found the locket in my mother’s effects and then when I saw you at the hospital and realised how much you resembled the photograph, I just knew…”

  Matthew turned to face Charlotte. “I take it your mother is dead?” She nodded.

  “She died when I was a baby. I was adopted and brought up in Ireland.”

  “I’m so sorry, Charlotte, I really am.”

  “Will you tell me about my father?”

  “What is there to tell? He’s a lying scumbag. He’s made my mother’s life hell over the years with a string of affairs.”

  “This must be difficult for you, meeting me and seeing the proof of your father’s infidelity,” Charlotte said softly, “but I had to tell you. You have a right to know the truth.”

  “It is a shock, but you did right telling me. My mother and I knew he saw other women, but they were usually prostitutes. He still does see them as a matter of fact. He’s never away from that whorehouse run by Karl Maddox.”

  “You mean the Emerald Club?”

  “You’ve heard of it?”

  “Who hasn’t? Tell me, do you think I should confront your father, let him know he has a daughter?”

  “What on earth for? If you take my advice you’ll stay as far away from that bastard as you can.”

  “But he’s my father too. He…”

  “Charlotte, trust me, the man’s toxic. You need to stay away from him.”

  They both lapsed into silence for a few moments. It was Charlotte who spoke first.

  “There’s something else you should know,”

  “Oh God, not more surprises?” He lowered his head and cupped it in both hands. “What is it?”

  “My mother was a sex worker when she met your father.”

  Matthew sat bolt upright and stared hard at Charlotte. “A prostitute? Your mother was a prostitute? This just gets better.”

  “I was a baby when she died. I was adopted by Karl Maddox’s sister-in-law and her husband. I was brought up by them in Ireland.” Charlotte took a sip of juice before continuing. “They were both killed in a car crash a couple of months ago. That’s why I came to England to be with Aunt Erica. I’m staying with Karl and Erica at the moment.”