The Jump (55 page)

Mario took a sip of his wine before answering. ‘Off the record?’

Alan nodded once more, afraid of what he was going to hear, but needing to hear it anyway.

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Mario took a deep breath. ‘If Stephen’s involved it must be women or porn or both. That’s his forte, his business. Talkto is a slut-line. He also runs hostesses and rent boys. I know all this for a fact, have known it for a long time, actually. He deals with both ends of the market, the rough trade and the high-class ladies. He is a forty-two carat pimp.’

Alan lit one of his large cigars before he asked his next question.

‘Do you think Georgio is involved in the same things?’

Mario laughed outright. ‘Never! I’d lay money on that one. I know that Georgio wanted into the hotel industry, I think everyone knew about that. But porn, no way. Whatever Stephen’s doing out there, it won’t be to do with Georgio. For all my brother’s faults he ain’t a beast. No, I think Stephen has a few games up his sleeve and he’s using Georgio and his contacts as a blind. According to Donna, the hotel businesses were fucked ages ago, which is why Lewis is on his back. Stephen’s using Sri Lanka and Georgio as a front.’

‘So why do you think Donna is in trouble?’

Mario raised his eyebrows and said deliberately and forcefully, ‘Because Donna owns what’s out there, Alan, and she’ll go in with her usual breakneck speed laying down the law. If Stephen’s setting up a deal, then the last thing he’ll want is her on his back in front of his contacts. I shouldn’t say this, I know, but Stephen is capable of killing her, he hates her so much. He always did.’

Alan shook his head. ‘But why? Why does he hate her?’

Mario shrugged. ‘Who knows what goes on in someone else’s mind? Stephen’s always been strange, even when we were all kids. He takes against people, it’s in his nature.’

‘So what do you think Stephen’s setting up then? What’s the score with him?’

‘I suppose it can only be a brothel or some kind of porn. I know he’s brought girls over from China. They work from flats in Bayswater, and Wardour Street. They come over ostensibly as part of a household and stay on supposedly working for a particular family. In effect they’re locked up all day and night until they can be trusted to go out alone. You must remember, most of these girls worked in smalltime brothels at home. Over here they feel Uke they’ve come upmarket. And you know the Chinks - once they own the girl, that girl is theirs for life. It’s as simple as that.’

Alan laughed grimly. ‘Oh, I know what the Chinks are capable of, mate, none better. As for Stephen, do you think he’d be involved in beasting, real beasting, kids and that?’

Mario looked at the desk and said sadly, ‘Without a shadow of a

them doubt. Stephen has no qualms about anything: People are commodities to him. A girl of twelve on the game isn’t much different to one of sixteen, in his eyes. He does the baby phone lines as well, where the girls pretend to be little kids. I don’t think Stephen gives a flying fuck what he does or who he does it to. That’s why I’m so concerned about Donna.’

Alan nodded thoughtfully. ‘I think you have every reason to worry about her if all you say is true.’

Mario looked anxious. ‘So you’ll send someone out there then, to keep an eye on her?’

Alan took a large puff on his cigar.

“I’ll,do that all right, Mario, my son. In fact, I think Fll go myself.’ He saw Mario’s look of surprise and pretended not to.

‘There’s a flight tonight from Gatwick at eight-fifteen. I can get you on it.’

Then I think you’d better do it.’

‘A friend of mine works at Gatwick on the bookings, see. It was how I found out where Donna had gone. I just hope she doesn’t get there and antagonise Stephen because there’s something else I found out as well …’

Alan frowned. ‘What’s that then?’

‘Stephen has been working for, and with, Donald Lewis for the last five years.’

‘What!’ Alan’s face was incredulous. ‘How the fuck did you find that one out?’

‘From one of Lewis’s friends - a man called Greg Gordon. He was Lewis’s right-hand man in more ways than one for years. When he got too old for Lewis he was dropped as a boyfriend but kept on in the business. He runs a club called The Pink Paradise in North London. It’s a gay club obviously and I met him there. I was amazed when he knew my brother Stephen. Even more amazed to find out he had had dealings with him in a work capacity. They even collaborated putting together the deal through for Lewis and Georgio.’

‘But Stephen had nothing to do with that. Georgio worked that one by himself, didn’t he?’

‘Precisely. I nipped over to Donna’s today and against poor old Dolly’s wishes went through the papers in Georgio’s office. There’s nothing there linking Stephen with the hotels from Georgio’s end anyway, so something much more sinister is going on.’

This is getting a little too deep for me, Mario. What you’re saying is, when Georgio went into the hotel business, Stephen was working against him?’

Mario shrugged. ‘You know as much as I do. Maybe before it all

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fell out of line he was working with Lewis for Georgio. I don’t know, the possibilities are endless, ain’t they? Maybe he was Lewis’s ears. All I know is, Stephen isn’t a man to trust and if Lewis has sent him out there then you bet he will not want Donna breathing down his neck. Whatever he’s there for, it’s trouble for Donna Brunos. She will steam in and cause him hag, and he’ll retaliate.’

That much is certain, son. You book me the flight and I’ll be off tonight.’

Mario stood up. ‘One thing, Mr Cox. Why are you going out there yourself?’

Alan got to his feet and peered down at the slight young man before him. ‘Let’s get something straight here, shall we? My name is Alan or Al, take your choice. As for me going out there, I think my face will be just about the only thing that will stop your brother doing something silly, don’t you? Stephen knows me, my reputation, and he also has a small inkling of what I’m capable of. Plus, me and Georgio are like that.’ He crossed his fingers. ‘Everyone knows that much. Stephen will be very wary of starting anything while I’m there. I only hope I get there in time.’

‘If only we knew exactly what was going on?’

‘Believe me, son, we will know. Because I am going to make it my business to find everything out. No good having a dog and barking yourself, is there?’

Mario smiled. ‘Well, that’s true enough anyway.’

He walked to the door and turned back slowly. ‘Look after her, won’t you? For all her newfound independence, she’ll be like a fish out of water on her own.’

Alan smiled gently. ‘Don’t worry, son, I’ll look after her, I promise you that much.’

The two men stared at one another for a few seconds.

“I’m glad she’s got you, Mr Cox. Whatever happens, I know you’ll do your best for her.’

Then Mario was gone.

Alan sat back in his chair and sighed.

‘ He wished he could look after her properly, every day, every night. But she was Georgio’s wife, and Georgio was his friend. Alan was getting sick and tired of telling himself that.

Throwing his cigar into the ashtray, he pulled himself from his seat. He had to get home and get packed.

He had under six hours before his flight.

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Night was drawing in and Donna was busy watching the toddy tappers as the car sped into Hikkadoa. Raj, noticing her interest, slowed down and explained their role. He told her how the workers spent their days moving along ropes placed between one palm tree and the next, tapping the juice from the middle of the plants to make a brandy-type drink called Arrack. Donna smiled as the man warned her against drinking it, as it was very strong.

‘How far now to the hotel?’

Raj shrugged inside his off-white clothes. ‘I am not sure. This is Hikkadoa, now we have to find your destination.’

A woman walked past and he began talking to her in a fast heavy dialect. Donna saw the woman look at her and heard the incredulity in her reply. Then she walked off, pulling her sari around herself protectively.

The night was coming in fast and Donna felt a prickle of fear in this unknown place, with unknown people. The beautiful day was now turning into dark and threatening night. All the thrill of being there, seeing the sights and sounds, was overshadowed by fear of what she would find at the end of it all. In the bright daylight she had felt she could cope with anything. Now, in the deepening twilight, she was afraid, deeply afraid. Taking a long breath, she lit another cigarette and smiled at Raj. ” ‘What did she say?’

He looked at her, perplexed. ‘Is Madam “ure she wants the Bay View? Only there is very good hotels here that I could take you to.’

‘Really, I need to find the Bay View, and I need to find it soon.’

Raj didn’t move, just sat in his seat looking at her steadily.

‘And you are sure this is where your booking is for?’

Donna nodded again, harder this time.

‘Madam, I am not trying to call you anything bad like a liar, but 1 must tell you that Bay View is not a hotel at all. I don’t think you want to go there, Madam. Not at all.’

Donna looked into the rheumy eyes, took in the grimy face, duty

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neck and none-too-clean clothes, and sighed once more. He was a nice old man, but was probably paid commission to send people like herself to other hotels. He was trying to make a few pounds. Opening her purse, she took out a thousand rupees, then another thousand.

These are for you if you take me to the Bay View, OK?’

Raj took the money and shook his head sadly.

‘I will take you, Madam, but you will not want to stay there, I know this.’

Opening her briefcase, Donna took out the brochure of the Bay View Hotel and pushed it across the seat to him.

‘See? It’s a very beautiful hotel.’

Raj looked down at the picture and shrugged. ‘I do not know of this hotel, Madam. I have never heard of this place.’

Donna smiled gently. ‘It’s not open to the public yet. It has not long been finished. I own it, you see. As least, my husband and I own it.’

Raj frowned and nodded at her. ‘Very well, Madam, I will take you there. But I have never been hearing of a new hotel in Hikkadoa.’

With that he restarted the car.

He drove slowly through the tiny village to the outskirts. As they approached a narrow din track there was a faded board proclaiming The Bay View Hotel, with a black arrow pointing towards the roadway.

Donna smiled in happy relief. ‘See? I told you it was here!’

As they drove up the unsurfaced track, avoiding the potholes, Donna saw a family of monkeys feeding. Instead of enjoying the sight, she felt it was somehow sinister.

Her brain was asking why there was no real road yet. The other hotels she had passed mostly had concrete driveways, with beautiful flower-borders. Oh well, she told herself, the hotel was only just finished. Maybe the roads were made last? But then, her mind reasoned, how had they got all the plant out here to do the actual construction work?

‘Be careful of the monkeys, Madam. They bite and can carry the rabies.’

Raj’s words brought Donna back to reality.

He carried on a slow descent of the dirt road, finally pulling up about fifty yards from a dilapidated building.

This is the Bay View, Madam.’

Donna stared at the place, stunned. ‘No, Raj, it can’t be!’ She looked at the photograph before her of the palatial hotel complex.

This is it, Madam - look at the sign.’ Donna saw a sign above the entrance. It did indeed say Bay

View Hotel in faded black lettering.

The building itself was wide, built from breeze blocks that were obviously supposed to have been rendered at some time. The windows were devoid of glass, having only mosquito nets covering them.

What really caught her eye was the verandah that surrounded the building. Here white men were sitting, some on rattan chairs and others on the wooden steps, and beside them were children, little girls.

Some looked to be as young as only eight or nine.

The music was getting louder, as if the coming of night had turned up the volume. A foul smell was rife - cooking fat and heavy male sweat vying with each other for supremacy.

As Donna sat in the dusky night, the sound of insects loud in her ears, harsh music and laughter taunting her, she saw a man come out of the big double doors carrying a young boy on his shoulders.

The man was big, heavyset, with a swaggering beer belly and heavy jowls. He was calling something out in German and all the men were laughing at him. But the little boy was neither laughing nor crying. In the lights from the house Donna saw that his small face was set in resignation.

It was this sight that hit her harder than the others. In those few seconds she saw everything with a stunning clarity.

There was no big fancy hotel here, there never had been.

This was a building that had been knocked up to serve a purpose, bringing male tourists together with the children who abounded here.

Raj watched her shocked countenance and felt sorry for her. ‘We should go maybe, eh?’

In her state of shock, Donna only half-heard him.

But she acknowledged that he was right.

There was nothing she could do now. Not while it was dark, while the Bay View was open for business. She had to come here armed with knowledge and also armed with daylight.

‘Take me away from here, Raj. Now.’

He drove off quickly. No one seemed to have noticed them.

‘I told you, Madam, you would not like to stay there. It is very bad place for ladies.’

Donna leant forward in her seat and tapped him on his shoulder. ‘What did the woman say earlier, Raj? What were her exacrwords?’

He looked at Donna in the mirror.

‘She said it was a brothel, Madam. A brothel for the children.’ He saw Donna’s stunned look. ‘Madam, you are in Hikkadoa. This is what is here. It is not the only one, you know. Sri Lankans come from

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all over to sell their children. It is a good way of making the money and the people who come here know this.

‘During the day Hikkadoa is a good place, the beaches are nice and clean, the turtles have laid their eggs, and everyone is happy. But in the night, the work begins for the children.’

That is disgusting.’ All Donna’s feelings were in those few low words and Raj grinned sadly.

‘Madam, this is Sri Lanka. I have cousins in England, nurses, they have a very good life there. Here you have nothing, and no one gives you anything. To some people the only thing they have of value is their children. They may have many of those. The men come here to buy them, it is very simple. Some of them come here with their wives, and in the evening they go out for a little walk, maybe after their dinner. On the outskirts of Hikkadoa these kind of places are becoming very popular. Some Sri Lankans work from their own homes. Women walk the beaches in the evening with their children, offering them to anyone who comes along. I hear it is the same now in Goa.

‘Don’t judge them too harshly. However much it sickens you, as it sickens me, you must remember that poverty is the driving force. One child’s work can feed the rest of the family. It is a great sadness to do that, I know, but it is maybe necessary, eh? I know many. English people have never experienced real poverty or hunger. Here they are everyday occurrences for a big part of the population.’

Donna acknowledged the truth of what Raj said, but she could not in any way allow herself to accept it as a justification for child abuse. The beauty of the island was gone for her now, her few hours of forgetting her troubles in the face of its natural attractions vanished. The momentary joy of watching the toddy tappers was a forgotten pleasure. All that remained were bitter-sweet memories of a land full of beautiful women, smiling men, and tiny children sold into a life most people could only guess at, let alone comprehend. Having yearned for a child for so many years, so many lonely years, Donna found it harder than ever to understand the mentality of a woman who could sell off a childhood, a child’s life and body, for a few pennies.

‘Just get me to a proper hotel, Raj. One away from here, please.’

He smiled comfortingly. ‘I will take you to the big new one in Ambalamgoda. It is only one half hour away and I will escort you inside personally; they know me there. Raj is known everywhere in Sri Lanka for his goodness, and tomorrow, if you want, I shall take you to the elephant sanctuary.’

Donna gave him a smile she didn’t think she had inside herself.

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them No elephant sanctuary, Raj, I have work to do tomorrow.’

He shrugged good-naturedly. Tut the Bay View out of your head, Madam. Hikkadoa is not for a lovely lady like yourself. You must see the real Sri Lanka: the turtles on the beaches, the magnificent countryside and our Buddhist temples. Now they are a thing to see! Kandy is a wonderful city, and you know, they say the most beautiful women come from there. And Sigiriya, The rock temple is astounding, you would enjoy that very much …’

Donna let the man talk, strangely warmed by his voice and the singsong inflections in it. She felt a need to listen to him talk of beauty and gentleness, the side of the country she had enjoyed before coming to Hikkadoa.

Yet in a small part of her brain, Donna acknowledged that she had already suspected what she was going to find. She just hadn’t prepared herself for the full horror of it.

Where Stephen was, filth reigned supreme. She had known that all along, too. The only thing she had to find out now was whether Georgio was involved, and if so how deeply.

Because her name was on so many documents already, she had a sinking feeling in her guts that along with the house, the building businesses, the car lot, the peep shows and other interests, she was about to find herself the part-owner of a brothel. Not any old brothel either, but one that dealt in children.

Closing her eyes tightly to stem the tears of frustration and heartbreak, she prayed.

She prayed harder than she had when she had lost the boy. Because now she was praying not only for herself and her dead son, but for nameless children and their brothers and sisters after them.

Donald Lewis grinned at Georgio as they played chess.

‘You’re very good at this, Georgio. But then you would be, wouldn’t you? You are far more intelligent than you make out. It’s a good scam but one I saw through from day one.’

Lewis moved his bishop and sat back happily knowing he had Georgio in the next two moves. He had not, however, taken proper account of Georgio’s rook, and as his bishop disappeared off the table Lewis’s face set accordingly. Most people who played with him blatantly allowed him to win, with a great deal of old flannel about how clever he was. His eyes hardened to pieces of grey flint and

Georgio smirked.

I ‘Get out of that one without moving then!’

Lewis picked up his king and threw it on to the board. Like a child, Lewis found it difficult to lose at anything. He was a

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man with a competitive nature that made him want to win, either by superiority or by cheating.

‘Fuck you, Brunos, you Greek ponce.’

Georgio sniggered. ‘You just can’t lose, can you, Donald?’ This was said seriously.

He stared at Georgio with a hard expression in his eyes. ‘No, I can’t. I hate losers, Georgio.’

‘Then you should love me, Donald, old chap, because I just won, and I didn’t cheat either. Want a Cup of Rosie Lee?’

Lewis nodded slowly.

As Georgio walked away to get the teas Lewis watched him through half-closed eyes.

Georgio Brunos was getting too big for his boots. There was something about the way he was acting, like a kid with a big secret. It was almost as if Georgio knew Lewis was on his way out. Knew that he was going to be usurped in some way. And the only way he would know that, was if he was to be the usurper. He seemed to spend a lot of time with big Ricky and Chopper just lately. Donald Lewis smiled to himself.

He would keep his eyes and ears open and at the first hint of a mutiny, the three of them would be wiped off the face of the earth. His money was important to him, but not as important as his reputation. That was of the utmost importance to him.

It was what kept him alive.

He decided to arm himself and his henchmen well. Insurance was always worth taking out, especially in these troubled times.

Little Dicky sat with his usual white rum and sipped it slowly before answering Nick’s questions.

‘Come on, Dicky, spit it out. I ain’t paying you for fuck all.’ ‘The word on the street down south is that an Irishman called Paddy is asking around about the jump you’re organising. It seems he has a personal interest in it. He also asks a lot about Alan Cox and his association with a certain Donna Brunos. I get the impression he thinks Cox is knocking around with her. I know he isn’t. She is being used as a go-between, I sussed that one from the off.

‘I also hear that Donald Lewis is making waves about Georgio Brunos, saying he’s a beast. He’s making sure this gets out to all quarters. It has a grain of truth in it, but not anything I can give specifically. I know his brother is a whoremaster, but that’s beasting on a respectable level as you know yourself. The said Donna Brunos has disappeared, and I now find out that this Paddy is hunting high and low for her. The word is she is on holiday somewhere. Now it