Blood Tracks Page 17

  The two policemen kept him waiting as they sat in their car, checking his registration number on their computer database. They then walked along either side of his vehicle, shining their torches into it.

  Tom put his window down and asked politely, “Can I help you, officers?”

  “Driver’s licence, please,” a thickset officer said.

  Tom got it out of the glove compartment and handed it over for inspection.

  “Would you mind getting out of the car, sir, and going over to my colleague on the grass verge?”

  Tom did as he was told.

  “Look, could you please tell me why you’ve pulled me over?” Tom asked tensely.

  He didn’t get an answer. He watched anxiously, as the light from the officer’s torch probed every corner of the car’s interior.

  “Would you open the boot for us please, sir?” the second officer asked.

  Tom obliged and the door of the boot glided open to reveal the gaping sack inside.

  “What’s this?” the officer said, feeling around the contents.

  “They’re cocoa beans, officer. It’s my business. I import them. These particular ones were damaged so I was going to dispose of them. Now, are you going to tell me why you’ve stopped me?”

  “We clocked you travelling at a speed of ninety-six miles per hour. Do you know what the motorway speed limit is?”

  Tom’s tense face cracked into a smile.

  “Do you find breaking the law amusing, sir?” the burly officer asked.

  “Of course not,” Tom replied.

  “Blow into this.” The second officer produced a breathalyzer and held it to Tom’s mouth.

  The breathalyzer pinged and the policeman shook his head. “He’s clear.”

  The burly policeman seemed disappointed. He handed Tom his licence back. “You’ll receive a letter in the post regarding a fine and points on your licence. I hope that I won’t have to pull you over in the future, sir.”

  “Oh, so do I, officer,” Tom said with genuine sincerity.

  Gina climbed up the rolling ladder and checked the lot numbers on the mound of sacks that Tom had just replaced there.

  She pulled out her notebook and found where she’d copied down the numbers. “Yeah,” she called down to Declan. “They’re all lot number fifty-four, the same number as on the piece of paper. You were right about the code. Do you think it could be drugs?”

  “Could be.” He didn’t sound convinced. “But if it is, we’re only talking tiny amounts. It fitted in his jacket!”

  “Yeah, but it could be a sample of some new super-drug or…what about some kind of detonator for a bomb?” Gina suggested, her mind whirring.

  “We could guess all night, but we’ll never get to know, stuck in here.” Declan gave a frustrated sigh.

  “I can think of worse places to be stuck,” Gina said, pressing her nose into the mound of coarse sacks. “God, I love that smell! I love this place! It just reminds me so much of my dad; even the ladders.” She tapped the rung with her hand. “Sometimes, when I came to visit the warehouse, Dad would let me climb a little way up, and then he’d push it and I’d go whizzing along the shelves. It was great.”

  “I could push you on it now, if you want?” Declan said, brightening up.

  “Go on then.” She grinned, gripping onto the rungs.

  “Hold tight,” Declan warned, as he gave the side of the ladder an almighty shove. He watched in alarm as Gina rocketed down the length of the aisle, the ladder rattling along the runners. It hit the rubber stoppers at the end and rebounded, almost throwing her off. He ran to her.

  “Are you okay? I had no idea it would be that fast or that loud.”

  She laughed giddily, unable to let go of the ladder. “That was brilliant!”

  Declan helped her down.

  “Do you want a go?” she asked.

  “No, we need to keep the noise down.” He plonked down on the nearest pile of sacks. “You haven’t got any food, have you? I’m starving.”

  Gina pulled out her lunchbox from her schoolbag and sat down beside him. “A soggy sandwich and a half-eaten packet of crisps – my leftovers. It’s the best I can do.”

  He took them gratefully.

  Gina wasn’t even aware that she was staring at him as he ate. She let out a tiny sigh. Declan looked at her looking at him and started to pat his mouth.

  “Have I got something on my face?” he asked.

  “No,” she replied.

  “Oh, only you were looking at it like I had.” He shrugged.

  Gina felt her face heat up. “Yeah…well, maybe there was a little something but it’s gone now,” she lied.

  She was grateful when his phone vibrated and took his attention off her.

  “It’s my mum,” Declan said in surprise. “Mammy, it’s a bit late for you to be phoning, isn’t it?”

  “Hi, sweetheart. Well I’m just lying here awake so I thought I might as well give you a ring. I know I shouldn’t disturb you when you’re busy, but Mrs. Mac rang to say that you were doing extra work, a night shift! I just wanted to tell you how pleased me and your daddy are.”

  “Oh, it’s nothing…just a one-off.”

  “You know we miss you, love.” Her voice quivered. “Please think about coming over. The life here will be good for you, Declan.”

  “Mammy, you’re talking like you’re in Australia or something. You’re only a boat ride away. When I get some more money together I’ll hop over and visit. I promise.”

  “Okay, see that you do. Now, Mrs. McManus tells me you’ve got a new friend. A girl, Gina, isn’t it?”

  “Mrs. McManus is very good at keeping you informed,” he said, rolling his eyes at Gina.

  “Well, someone has to; you never volunteer any information. Anyway, what’s she like? Would I approve of her?”

  Declan looked across at Gina and smiled. Gina shrugged, mouthing to him, “What?”

  “Yes, Mammy, you’d approve,” he said, holding Gina’s baffled stare.

  “Umm, okay then, but don’t be getting too serious. You’ve got your whole life ahead of you.”

  “You can talk. You and Daddy met when you were still both in nappies.”

  “That is entirely different,” she said self-righteously.

  “How?”

  “Well…I don’t know, it just is. Now don’t be questioning me, I’m your mother.”

  Declan chuckled. “Okay, Mammy, whatever you say. Look, I’ve got to get on. I’ll speak to you soon. Give my love to everyone.”

  “I will, sweetheart, and Declan…”

  “Yes, Mammy?”

  “Remember to stay out of trouble.”

  “What was that about?” Gina asked, when Declan had rung off.

  “Just my mam fussing. She seems to be under the impression that we’re going out together.” She picked up a forced laugh in his voice.

  “Us! Going out? Ha!” She rolled her eyes in mock outrage, while inside her head she shouted at him, Please say you want to. Go on, Declan, say you want to!

  “I know, ridiculous, isn’t it?” His frivolous tone was gone. His voice sounded rich and serious. Every other noise seemed to have been silenced. All Gina could hear was her own breathing; all she could see was Declan’s face. Was she imagining it, or did he just lean in, ever so slightly, towards her? Did his head just tilt a fraction? Did his lips just part, the tiniest bit?

  This is it! He’s going to do it, she thought. Why’s he being so slow, so shy? I’m just going to have to go for it. It’s now or never!

  Gina shuffled towards him and tilted her head in the opposite direction to avoid clashing noses. She closed her eyes and leaned in until she was a hair’s breadth away from his lips. There she hovered in exquisite anticipation. But seconds passed and nothing happed. Gina opened one eye to investigate.

  Declan found himself eyeball to eyeball with her. He was convinced that she could see into his very soul and he shot away, like she’d given him an electric shock.<
br />
  “What is it? What’s wrong?” she asked, dismayed.

  “Nothing. I just can’t, I’m sorry,” he mumbled.

  “But…but you looked like you wanted to,” Gina said, mortified.

  “Well I can’t. I don’t.”

  Gina saw how flustered he was and a thought suddenly dawned on her. “Oh my God! I know what you’re up to!”

  “What? Do you?” Declan panicked, his voice squeaked.

  “You’ve got a girlfriend, haven’t you? You’re feeling guilty. That’s why you haven’t introduced me to any of your mates. You’re afraid that they’ll tell me or tell her.”

  Declan tried to hide his relief. “No, I haven’t got a girlfriend, honest!”

  “Then what’s the matter?” she said, feeling literally repulsive.

  “It’s me, not you,” Declan said hurriedly.

  She winced. Is he really using that line on me?

  “I’m sorry. It’s complicated. It’s not a good time for us.” He looked pained.

  “What does that even mean?” she said, confused and humiliated. “Oh, forget it. It’s my mistake.” She picked up her bag, sucking in her cheeks to try to stop herself from blubbing. “I’m going to sleep down there.”

  “Okay,” he said quietly. “I’ll stay awake. We don’t want them to open up in the morning and find us snoring.”

  “Fine, thanks,” she muttered as she lay down on the itchy sacks, wishing the earth would swallow her up. It was going to be a long night.

  Tom pulled up in the car park of the motorway motel. He looked around at the smattering of other vehicles and, seeing that they were all empty, he bent down and felt inside the leather lining of the driver’s seat. He pulled out the pouch and put it in his pocket.

  He walked through the slightly tatty reception area and gave a friendly nod to the young woman behind the desk. He took the lift up to the second floor and gave two sharp knocks on room 203.

  “Mr. Egon, it’s me,” he said.

  A sickly-looking face peered round the door, inspecting Tom through his half-moon glasses. “Come on in, Mr. Cotter,” Mr. Egon wheezed. “I hope you’re not going to disappoint me this time.”

  Gina yawned as she walked slowly home from school. She’d hardly been able to keep her eyes open all day, after a sleepless, awkward night in the warehouse.

  Her phone rang and she cringed. It was Declan.

  “Hi,” she answered flatly.

  “Howdy partner, did you make it to school okay?” He sounded far too breezy.

  “Yeah.”

  “You were a real pro at sneaking out of the warehouse this morning. I had to creep out, hide round the corner for a bit, and then come back in, pretending I’d just arrived. Kylie was convinced I’d been out on the beers all night; she said I looked shocking.” He laughed but Gina didn’t join in.

  “You feeling okay? You don’t sound very happy,” he asked tentatively.

  “I’m fine,” she said brusquely. “What do you want, Declan?”

  “Just wanted to see you were all right. You know…after last night.”

  “What do you mean? Why shouldn’t I be all right?”

  “No reason. It’s just you didn’t really say much after…after…” he stumbled.

  “After I made an idiot of myself, you mean?”

  Declan gave a heavy sigh. “Oh God, Gina, you didn’t. I think you’re brilliant, you know that, don’t you? I love hanging out with you but…”

  “But you don’t fancy me. It’s okay. I’ve got the message.” She bit her quivering lip. “My mistake.”

  “I just can’t get involved with anyone right now.”

  “Why? Have you taken a vow of celibacy?” Sarcasm didn’t make her feel any better.

  “Please say we can still be mates,” he pleaded.

  “Declan, the truth is I need you. I want to find out what Tom is up to. I want to know what was in that sack; if it’s got anything to do with my dad. So yes, we’re still mates.”

  “I want to help you.”

  “Thanks. Then let’s just pretend that the most cringeworthy moment of my life never happened last night, okay?”

  “Okay,” he said quietly.

  “Anyway, what’s Tom been up to today?” she asked in a businesslike manner.

  “I’ve hardly seen him. He’s been in and out of the warehouse all day. He seems very pleased with himself. Him and Kylie have been deep in conversation in the office. She’s been on the phone loads, but she won’t tell me what’s going on. She says that I might tell you and spoil the surprise.”

  “Well, I’ve just walked onto my street and his car’s outside our house so let’s see what he’s got to say for himself.”

  “Don’t ask him about the sack! Don’t say anything to anyone,” Declan panicked.

  “Of course I won’t. Do you think I’m stupid? I’ll speak to you later.”

  Gina braced herself as she opened the front door, still thinking about how she could question Tom without raising his suspicions. However, her plans were abandoned as she walked into a whirlwind of activity and excitement. Her mother was flapping around, with Danny standing in the hallway, grinning like a Cheshire cat.

  “Gina!” Danny ran to her. “Uncle Tom’s taking us all to Disneyland for the weekend!”

  “What? Disneyland, Paris?”

  “Yep! Isn’t that brilliant?” Danny said, dancing around as if he’d just scored a match-winning goal.

  “But why?”

  “Don’t ask me.” He shrugged. “He just thought it would be a nice surprise. Even Mum’s dead excited and she gets sick on the teacup ride.”

  Gina grabbed her mother mid-flap.

  “Mum, what’s going on?”

  “Oh, Gina, love. My head’s spinning. Tom arrived saying he’s just closed a really good business deal and he’s taking us all away to celebrate. He just sprang it on me. Sorry I didn’t have time to tell you, but don’t worry, I’ve packed for you already. Go upstairs and check that I’ve put in the right things.”

  “But when? How?”

  “Flight leaves in three hours, taxi should be here in thirty minutes. Tom arranged everything secretly – can you believe it! And we’re spending a night in Paris itself. Paris, Gina! I’ve always wanted to go there.” Her mother’s face lit up. “Oh, sorry, love, how was Becky’s? Did you get any sleep?”

  “Forget Becky’s,” Gina said in frustration. “We shouldn’t go anywhere with Tom.”

  Her mum looked stunned. All the joy drained out of her.

  “What are you talking about? Of course we’re all going.”

  “I’m sorry, Mum. We really shouldn’t. We don’t know what he’s playing at.”

  Her mum looked close to tears. “He’s not playing at anything. Your Uncle Tom is doing something lovely for us. Please, Gina, don’t be like this.”

  Danny had been watching in confusion. “What’s up, Gina? What’s your problem?”

  “Sorry, Danny, but I don’t think we should be going away with Tom.”

  “Why?”

  “Because…because. Don’t you think it’s odd, him just whisking us off like this?”

  “No! I think you’re odd, Gina. Why do you try to spoil everything that Uncle Tom wants to do for us? It’s not fair!” he shouted at her.

  Tom emerged from the living room. “What do you think I’m playing at, Gina? I’m dying to know.”

  His presence cast a shadow over her.

  “Nothing,” she mumbled. “It’s just all too quick. We need more time.”

  “But spontaneity makes things much more exciting.” He smiled broadly. “Now, enough of this silliness. Everything’s paid for. Do as your mum says. Go and get ready.” He gestured towards the stairs.

  She swallowed hard. “No.”

  “This is the last time I’m going to ask you, Gina. Go and get ready,” he said threateningly.

  She stuck out her chin defiantly.

  “All right then, me, your mum and Danny will
go without you,” he said matter-of-factly.

  Gina looked to her flustered mother.

  “Oh, no, Tom. I can’t go without Gina.”

  “Yes you can. Danny, will you go without Gina?” Tom asked gently.

  Danny scratched his head nervously. He couldn’t look at his sister. “Yeah. I’m sorry, Gina, but I really want to go and you’re just being weird about it. It’s only a couple of days. You’ll be all right without us, won’t you?” he asked, talking rapidly.

  “Of course she will,” Tom insisted.

  Clare ushered Tom into the kitchen. They were whispering intently for what seemed like an age. Then it sounded as though Tom was making a phone call. When they finally stepped back into the hall it was her mum who spoke, as if she was reading from a script.

  “Gina, I’m going to ask you again. Will you come and have a lovely time in France with us?”

  “No, I’m not going with him.” She saw Tom cross his arms.

  “Please come, Gina,” Danny begged. “It won’t be the same without you.”

  Gina shook her head sadly at Danny. “I’m sorry, Danny.”

  Her mum continued. “Well, in that case I’m going to let you stay here, but not on your own. We’ve phoned Kylie and she’s kindly agreed to stay with you for the weekend.”

  “I’m sixteen! I don’t need a babysitter,” Gina protested.

  “They’re my conditions. You either agree to be looked after by Kylie or we’ll make you come with us,” her mum said firmly.

  “Fine, but you shouldn’t be going either.”

  Tom broke his silence. He smiled coldly. “No matter how hard you try, you can’t offend me, Gina. I understand your behaviour. Your road to recovery is bound to suffer setbacks, but we can’t let your illness damage this family. Your mum won’t let you dictate what happens any more. It’s not helping you get better. We all just want to see you well again.”

  “Oh, Gina!” Her tearful mum flung arms around her.

  “Don’t worry about me, Mum. I’ll be fine. You go and have a nice time. I’ll go up to my room and let you get sorted.” Gina started up the stairs. “By the way, Tom, thanks for dropping me off at Becky’s last night.”