Bittersweet Summer

24

The following day, Valerie informed Giles she needed to take her car to be looked at. Giles waved her on like she was some sort of inconvenience. She said nothing, but left the house. Seething with rage. It was time for him to learn a lesson. And Tommy. But how? She drove to Summer Autos. As she drove she called Charlie. "Can you see me?" she asked, sounding a little desperate. "Of course" he answered, trying to sound as calm as he could. "Good" she said, realising she was too snappy, he was only trying to help. "I will see you shortly." When she got to the stables, she went inside. Callum was nowhere to be seen. She called out "Charlie" are you there? "Do you want sugar"? The question came back. "And come up, I have sent Callum out in the truck" She went up the stairs and into the office. Charlie was behind his desk, and she could see he was distraught. "I know how you feel" she said. I have always known Giles needed young pussy to make him aroused, but this is taking the piss" She spat the last words out with a depth of anger that slightly surprised Charlie. He answered rather weakly, "I know". "SO Mr fixer upper, how do we fix this?" Charlie had no idea. He needed time. He needed to think clearly. Whatever he wanted, and how desperately he may have wanted it, there was Michelle to think about. And, much as he was ok with Valerie, he also got the feeling she knew perfectly well what Giles did, and to be honest, she wasn't his concern. She sensed what was in his mind. "I want Michelle to be ok too" she said. Calmer now. "Tommy is a monster, and he thrives on it. Giles is a weak man, but also one who enjoys exploiting other people's weaknesses. However, I think Tommy is slowly taking over, and if, and perhaps when he does, it can only end in tears" Charlie looked thoughtful. Give me time,'' he said. "I know I will take Michelle away from all this, "but, " he paused, "What about you?" "Don't worry about me, ''she answered. "I have enough ammunition and strength to be ok. Jamie was the man I should have been with, but life didn't end up that way. Did you sell the car?" Charlie told her he had a serious buyer coming next week. "What do you want to do with the money?" "Give it to charity" she said gently. "Your choice which one" and she smiled at him. "Ok" he replied. "If you are sure" "Im sure Charlie" she said. "I am off, and, for now, all is normal ok. I have spoken to Anesh. He is happy with your word. He trusts me, but never trusted Giles. So, when you have the funds available, let me know, and he will make it happen". She stood up. "Thank you" she smiled. "I seem to be saying that a lot to you lately don't I?" "don't mention it" he smiled back. "Let me know when Anesh has everything in place. And I will transfer the money" Valerie passed her coffee cup. "I will" she said. "Look after her" and she turned on her heel and left.

Charlie couldn't help feeling that things were getting a little out of hand. And his ex- girlfriend was almost certainly part of the cause. Perhaps that was his best starting point. He had no idea where she was living now, but was eternally glad she wasn't around anymore. He needed to find out where she was living. And there was only one way to do that. Tommys nightclub. He opened Whatsapp. "Fancy going clubbing?" he sent a laughing face with the message. The reply was almost immediate. "Are you joking old man?" "nope" he sent back. I need your help, and I'm too bloody old to go on my own!" More laughing faces. Charlie's phone rang. "What's up old man?" "Nikki is what's up" "for fucks sake, can't you leave her alone?" Charlie smiled. "See you at my place about 8. Lets eat, and go party" Callum laughed on the other end of the telephone. "Ok old man" and the line went dead. Charlie leant back in his chair. It was time to put things in place. The two men met just before 8. Though there were 25 years between them, they both enjoyed the chance to dress well, and tonight was no exception. Armani jeans, smart shirt, loafers. And smelling good. They enjoyed a decent curry, and chatted about the situation. Charlie told Callum pretty much all that was going on. Callum listened intently. He was always a little hot headed. Always a little angry and full on. Charlie both loved it and loathed it in equal measure. But he was fiercely proud of his boy. He and his ex wife had not spoken in years, and Callum rarely saw his mum. But Charlie had never stopped him. Callum just preferred it that way. As they reached the club, Callum saw the Challenger. Tommy had changed the wheels to bright green and all the lights had bright green halos. "He fucking ruined it!" Callum laughed. "I don't want Nikki to see me if we can help it" Charlie asked his son. "Don't worry old man, it's bloody dark in here, you have to be careful who you pull, you might see them in daylight and shit yourself!" and he laughed out loud. The music was deafening. Charlie wanted to walk out immediately but Callum reminded him of why they were there. Charlie found a small booth and Callum went to get drinks. He saw Nikki at the end of the bar. Her eyes wide. She saw Callum and Charlie could see the recognition, but she made no attempt to say hello. As the night wore on, Charlie became more and more bored. Callum had met his barmaid, and, when he came back for his drink, Charlie checked his watch. At 12.45 he had had enough. He told his son" I'm going home" Callum was pissed now, Charlie stone cold sober, "be safe old man" . Charlie wasn't sure he could guarantee that, but his son was now useless as back up. He went back to his car. He had at least 2 hours to kill. He tried to get comfortable. And closed his eyes. His phone alarm went off at 2.45am. He jumped at the noise. Then realised it wasn't the alarm. It was the noise of a loud engine. A V8. An Aston Martin. As the Aston pulled out, the Bentley followed. Charlie followed a distance behind. It was at least thirty minutes drive from the club, when he saw the cars slip into a side road. All the occupants got out simultaneously. He watched Nikki take the packet from Tommy, as Giles laughed and stepped up the stairs and let himself in. Charlie waited. After around 30 mins, he decided to set the alarm off on both cars. He waited. Not too long. Before the curtains opened. And there in all their naked glory were the three of them.He opened his phone. Took the photo, Charlie had seen enough. He started the Saab. And left. Fast. His eyes wet with anger. He wanted Michelle. He wanted her to leave. With him. To be with him forever. The emotions overcame him. And he sobbed as the car sped along. He rang Valerie. A sleepy voice answered. "Tell Anesh he will have the money tomorrow" and he hung up. He arrived back at his house. Frustrated. Angry. He opened Dial Chat. "I love you Michelle" he knew she would be sleeping. He went to bed. Still dressed. His mind in turmoil. He needed to make things happen.