Weekend in Weighton Final Amazon version 12-12-12 by Unknown Read Free Book Online

knew.
    ‘She never really told me,’ I bluffed again. ‘First time we met she was just checking me out, see if she could trust me. She hinted it was to do with some hanky-panky, but I don’t know.’ I raised my eyebrows. ‘Second time, well, she wasn’t very talkative. I put it down to her being dead.’
    Cartwright stared at me, his head rocking slightly. Then he got up and walked around the room, all the while fiddling with his cuffs. Finally he perched on the desk, right in front of me. ‘If you’re lying to me, well, let’s just say this town ain’t gonna miss you.’
    ‘My mum’d be distraught. I wouldn’t give you anything but twenty-twenty.’
    ‘Well, let’s hope so. For your mum’s sake.’ He slapped my cheek gently. ‘Now, I want you to leave here, and forget all about me. Forget about Mrs Porson. Stay right out of it. You don’t say another word to Hobbs. Got it?’
    ‘Wouldn’t have it any other way.’
    ‘Remember, Eddie, I’m a big noise in this town.’
    ‘I hear ya.’
    His eyes compressed into a narrow stare. ‘Then hear this. Stay out of it, Eddie, or I’ll kill you.’
    I made a definite nod. ‘Yes, Jimmy. No problem.’
    ‘I’m telling you,’ he repeated, leaning closer. ‘Don’t fuck with me now. This isn’t a game.’
    In the way of head movements, I wasn’t sure what was required, so I nodded and shook my head, repeating the pattern.
    As I was leaving, Cartwright called out, ‘Your Dad had a big mouth, too.’
    The bastard had known all along.

 
     
    CHAPTER SEVEN
     
    Thursday – 16:12 (still the day before)
     
    I switched buses three times until I was sure Jimmy’s men had given up following me. And with the whole of 9B’s back row to myself, I had space and time to think. I had lots of questions but no solid answers. Why was Cartwright interested in Porson? Had he been blackmailing her? Had he killed her? Who was the tail from the police station? I was pretty sure the guy was from out of town, but if he was one of Jimmy’s men, why had he run off when Tommy appeared? How long had Kate waited for me at the café? Would she speak to me again? Why was I in this shitty mess?
    With the sun streaming through the bus window, I sat back and practised my breathing. Doctors say it’s the only way to live. My mind began whirling like a cement mixer, and I dared not stop in case it got stuck. Meanwhile, sleep took my ticket.
    A crashed gear woke me, snapping my head forward. Startled, I was afraid to look up, half expecting to see one of Cartwright’s heavies glaring down at me, but it was only a young redhead with kid in tow, smiling from a row further down. I jerked my head from side to side to take in the surroundings, pleased to see comfortable familiarity standing to attention on both sides.
    I had missed my intended stop, and was now deep in the heart of Eddie G country. Meanwood Street was one stop away. Gee, it was great to be back home.
    I checked my watch and sure enough it was food time. Mum would be pleased to see me. Of course she would.
    Like all mums, my mum knew when I was about to dock. As I arrived at the gate, she was standing tall at the front door. She would have made a great detective. She had Magnum beat no problem. Mind you, that applied to most people.
    My hand wasn’t even on the gate when she spoke. ‘What’s going on, Edward?’
    ‘Good to see you, too. And it’s Eddie, you know.’
    ‘Me and your dad – God rest his soul – christened you Edward. That’s how it stays.’ Her long arms folded slowly.
    I swung the gate open. ‘What’s for tea? I’m starving.’
    ‘Not before you tell me.’ She filled her chest with air, making it seem like the door frame had shrunk.
    ‘Tell you what?’
    ‘You know what ?’
    I shook my head. ‘What is what?’
    ‘Don’t lie to me, Edward. I know you’re in trouble.’
    ‘Define trouble?’ I put one foot on the doorstep, staking my claim.
    ‘I’m not stupid and I’m not talking about