Friday the Sixteenth by Peter Coombs

Author:Peter Coombs
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Troubador Publishing Ltd
Published: 2021-07-22T00:00:00+00:00

On the short drive home to Telcote Manor, Manning’s cell phone rang. There were no pleasantries, no ‘hello’ just a voice telling him it had been done.

Andy sat next to Susan on the sofa and gave her a reassuring cuddle. He knew that in the coming days he would need to make himself familiar with Manning’s latest plans, but for now his priority was Susan and her wellbeing. Manning could wait. For now.

The events of the day had made a big impression on the two of them. Initially, he and Susan did not realise why their business had been targeted, it was only after the conversation with the news reporter and being told about Manning’s latest development plans that the truth began to sink in.

Susan was still scared by what had happened. Andy was trying hard to hide his anger. He knew that nothing Manning or his hirelings could do would detract him from doing what he believed to be right. Whilst Susan was his main priority, he kept seeing flashes of the mothers he had seen in Hollybush Close and their overwhelming desire to protect their families. For the next week or so he would run the shop and if they came back, they would face him this time. And he would be ready.

The first week in the shop went smoothly for Andy. Yes, he was a little concerned every time a strange car or van parked outside, but as the days went by he settled down to the point where he didn’t look any more.

He knew the planning committee would be discussing Manning’s latest proposals on Friday, the day after tomorrow. He had read the documents on the internet and he reasoned that the proposed green areas of the site must hide something, but he didn’t know what. Whatever the trees concealed, he would attend the meeting and follow the proceedings.

He was deep in thought and didn’t hear the shop door open. He did hear it slam shut. The sudden noise got his full attention.

“Oh look! We’ve got the main man this time. Now that’s lucky, innit.”

Andy looked straight ahead. Not left or right or up or down, just straight ahead. There were two men. He didn’t know if they were the same two who had threatened Su, but he reasoned they probably were.

They were both heavy-set, although the one on the left was slightly smaller. Both were dirty and scruffy. Andy thought, ‘If these two are Manning’s hired muscle, judging by their appearance, he doesn’t pay them very much. Maybe there was an intermediary who creamed off the lion’s share of the money.’

“Hi fellas, something I can do for you?”

“As it happens, there is. You can stay at home with that lovely missus of yours for the next few days.”

“Why should I do that?

“Well, I think she would enjoy the company. To be honest, I wouldn’t mind spending a bit of time with her myself. The other thing is, you’re not popular in certain places, if you get my drift.

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