Brian & Gordon: Living in threes - 10. Holiday plans & stalking panic

“And Noah said it’s dead cool.”

Toby looked expectantly at his Father, hoping to persuade Brian that the latest film was worth a family outing.

Brian was assembling dinner and Toby was supposedly helping. “Well. We’ll consider it. I’ll chat to Gordon and see if we can sort out a date.”

“Thanks Dad.”

“When did you see Noah?”

“Oh, we met up after school last Monday. I cycled over to Wentworth Park, which isn’t far away and is close enough to his place. We had an ice cream and watched the ducks.” This was all said with studied nonchalance.

Brian wondered whether more than ice cream and ducks had been fitted in, but he could hardly call it out and frankly, didn’t want to. Though the idea of the two boys disappearing behind the bushes or into a bog (if any were left in the park, which Brain doubted) rather appalled him, but he’d agreed with Gordon that he’d not labour the point.

“Thing is Dad…”

“What?”

“We saw Jasper.”

“Jasper?” Brian stopped his preparation and turned to his son.

Toby was pensive, “Yeah, I’m pretty sure. Noah saw him too, but he doesn’t know him.”

“Where was this?”

“In Wentworth Park. We’d were larking about eating our ice creams by the lake.”

“Did he do anything?”

“Jasper? No. But he was just there for a moment, appeared and disappeared. Thing is, Dad…”

“What?” It came out sharper than intended.

“I think I’ve seen him before, last week. Justin and I were mooching round the shops in Huntsford after school and I thought it was him, but it seemed daft.”

“It might be a coincidence.”

“Justin and I have seen him before, in Huntsford but it figured. Thing is, at Wentworth Park he saw us buying ice cream, then Noah pointed him out when we were sat down. I wasn’t going to do anything, but Noah said I should at least say hello.”

“Brave of you.”

“It was Noah’s idea, and I figured that it’d be Ok with the two of us.”

“What happened, then?”

“Dunno. He just disappeared. Do you think it was him? Did Mum say anything about him being around?”

Brian sighed, “No idea. Your Mum never said anything, and there’s no reason for him not to be around. He used to live here, after all, and your Mum said he comes back.”

“Mum says that he’s still doing jobs for his brother.”

Brian looked fierce, “So, he is coming back?”

“But Dad…”

“Look. We don’t need to start building mountains out of molehills, it might be nothing. I’ll have a chat to Gordon about it. But you make a note if it happens again and tell us. In fact, let’s keep a log.” Brian went to fetch an empty notebook and started a list. He hoped they’d never add to it, but it seemed a particular coincidence, coming only a week or so after his Mother’s warning. Were they imagining things or was Jasper up to something?

---

“A honeymoon?” Russ wiggled his eyebrows, “What fun. Where?”

Brian laughed, “Not sure yet. It was my Mother’s idea.”

Russ started humming then singing.

“What the hell was that?”

“Some old song, ‘And her mother came too’, goodness knows where that came from, I think possibly from watching old musicals with my grandmother, Father’s Mum.”

“Doesn’t sound like you.”

Russ grinned, “Hidden depths. Anyway, to get back to the case in point, where?”

Both men shrugged, “We got as far as deciding that we didn’t fancy a posh hotel, we wanted somewhere we could be quiet and chill out.”

“And have lots of nookie.”

“But I’ve had a quick look at holiday place websites, and most of the nice-looking places are booked up.”

They were interrupted by the doorbell; their food being delivered. Russ had messaged them late on Sunday evening, saying he was going to be back in Parborough on Tuesday but was tied up for the rest of the week. How about the three of them and Toby going for a meal? Brian hadn’t been keen, because Toby needed to do homework and there was a talk at school after lessons finished, so he wouldn’t be prompt home.

It had been Gordon who had suggested that Russ come round, and they have a take-away and the man had agreed, on the proviso that he paid for it. Fair enough.

Toby had greeted Russ warmly and been reluctant to go off to his room to work, but Brian had bribed him by saying that if he got everything done before dinner, he could stay chatting with them and Russ. Brian had apologised to Russ for their lack of privacy, but the man had seemed relaxed about it. When Toby had disappeared into his room, Russ had commented that he’d come over for a midweek supper, and any nookie was an unexpected bonus. Though the way he’d wiggled his eyebrows suggestively had implied lots.

Russ positively bristled when they told him about Jasper. Gordon and Brian hadn’t planned to say anything, but the idea of sharing the information with someone to whom they could talk rationally about it had been a temptation too far. The two men had already agreed that first thing tomorrow, Brian would phone his Mum. She’d be horrified and probably upset by the news, but she was their secret weapon, she could tap Jasper’s Mother for news.

Russ, however, had other ideas. “You’ve no idea how long this has been going on?”

Brian frowned, “Toby’s seen him before, but only a couple of times in the last week.”

“What about Deirdre?”

Brian gave a bitter laugh, “If I so much as mention the idea of her boyfriend stalking Toby, she’ll explode. There’s no easy way with her.”

“What about her cousin David?” Gordon was trying to be constructive.

Brian shrugged, “I’ll message him. Deirdre might have been sounding off to him.”

Russ looked fierce, “Better to get someone onto it, and keep an eye on Toby.”

Brian looked puzzled, “What do you mean?”

Gordon stared, “Personal security?”

Russ shook his head, “More private detective. Find out more about the nasty shit as well as discreetly watching Toby.”

“Expensive.”

“Do we need that?”

Russ nodded firmly, “I’ll cover it.”

“Do we have a choice?”

Russ looked surprised, “Of course, you could say no”, but the way he said it implied that the idea was not a good one. “When it comes to family, there’s no question, and to me you three are family.”

“You sure?”

Russ gave a small smile, “Bloody hell, I see more of you two than I do of my brother, and Toby’s certainly more my style than my brother’s brood.” He came to a halt and suddenly seemed uncharacteristically uncertain. “You don’t mind?”

Gordon gave him a grin, “You’d not be here if we did.”

Brian nodded, “Toby likes you as well, which is what it takes as far as I’m concerned.”

Russ nodded, “Good. As long as we manage to fit in some nookie too!”

The other two men smiled.

“If you’re happy, then my PA will handle things. There are a couple of private detectives on file, I’m pretty sure.”

“You use them? Brian gave him an almost roguish look.

“Not personally”, Russ grinned, “but I’ve known some guys who needed to, and we’ve kept note of a couple of recommended firms. If you give me what you have on Jasper, then there’ll be nothing for you to do.”

“And Toby?”

“Don’t tell him. He’s already wary of Jasper, so just suggest he stay with other boys. If he sees the detectives, then they’re crap at their job.”

Brian looked thoughtful, “Ok. Thanks. It’s a bit much…”

“Bit much my arse. What I’d like to do is put a hit out on the bloke”, Russ gave a wry grin, “But I figured it wouldn’t be cool for a close friend to arrange to have Brian’s ex’s boyfriend taken out.”

Both men’s eyes went wide, and Russ grinned, “Besides. There’s a slight hitch to that idea. I don’t know anyone who could do the task. So, we’ll have to go with what we have.”

---

Next morning, Brian went out onto the balcony and phoned his Mum. She was surprised at the call, anxious that it meant something serious had happened, and then surprisingly furious when he explained about Jasper. He’d thought she’d balk at Russ’ detective, but quite the contrary, she was all in. And agreed to bump into Jasper’s Mother to discreetly pump her, evidently the woman’s schedule was like clockwork so Denise had a fair idea of where she would be that morning. It would be worth the price of coffee at the town’s most expensive coffee shop.

Brian and Gordon had had a long talk about Russ taking over. They were a bit uncertain, except that both agreed that if they’d had the cash and connections, they would want to do the same thing. And the idea that he was family? It was feeling right.

At Ares, all hell broke loose. Gordon mentioned having to dip out of work to deal with the private detective. Both Connor and Hugh were all for getting a posse together and going to beat the shit out of Jasper. When Gordon commented that it wouldn’t look good for Deidre’s boyfriend to get beaten up by Brian’s work mates, Hugh had simply given a wolfish grin and pointed out that he had connections who could do it covertly.

Both Brian and Gordon were amazed. They’d both been in the Army, worked in the Middle East yet neither felt like doing violence to Jasper. ‘Much’ added Gordon with a grin.

Gordon did a video call with the private detective, well they both did. There was no way Brian was going to simply leave it, and Gordon didn’t expect him to. The detective was something of a surprise, certainly a long way from the greasy-haired middle-aged, portly man that they’d expected. The detective, Victoria, was a brisk 40-something woman, business-like and practical, concerned to get the details yet sympathetic. They would put someone watching Toby, ask questions of locals such as Brian’s Mother. And though Russ was paying, Victoria, insisted that she would give Brian a regular phone update too.

Toby had after school activities and promised that he’d cycle home with some of the other guys that lived near Parborough, though Brian couldn’t imagine what Jasper would get up to if the boy was on his bike. Brian and Gordon made an effort to be home promptly, so that when Toby was having his cake and juice, they could discuss things. This had been subject of much dispute between the two men, but Brian had finally agreed with Gordon that it was better to be open with Toby.

“We’ve got a private detective looking into Jasper, background mainly as we don’t trust him.”

Toby looked up sharply, “A private detective, like on TV!”

Gordon gave a slight smile, “Hardly like on TV, she’s brisk and middle-aged. Bit like one of your teachers.”

“So, they’re going to be tailing Jasper.”

“Not really, sport. We want to find out what he’s doing, why he’s here.”

Toby looked a bit worried, “Do you think he’s moved back home? That’s not what Mum said.” Then he brightened, “Do you think that means she’s going to be home as well?”

Brian sighed, “Don’t know, sport. I’m going to ring your Mum to find out. She won’t be happy.”

“Because you don’t trust Jasper?”

“Something like that. Best thing is to continue to be careful and not be alone. I expect it was co-incidence.”

Toby frowned in concentration, “But it’s a bit odd him being in Wentworth Park.”

“Got it. So, we’ll see what the detectives can find. But look sport, we don’t trust the man and he’s obviously a bit of an arsehole”, Toby giggled at his Father’s language, “but I hardly imagine he’s something out of a horror film, right?”

Toby nodded, “Right. Can I tell Justin and Noah?” Then he thought, “Well, Noah sort of knows anyway, because we both saw him in the park and Justin was with me the other time.”

“There you are then, and it’s OK to talk to them about it. Only them, and don’t go inventing stuff. All we know is that you’ve seen him a few times. Right?”

---

>Hi, Brian, long time no chat. Sorry, I’ve been a bit snowed under at work, we do need to get together at the cabin again soon.

“We do indeed, David. But that wasn’t why I was calling.”

>Oh. Well, fire away.

“Have you seen Deirdre recently?”

>A few weeks ago, she dropped in briefly. After she got back from her weekend away with Toby. Why?

“I wondered if she’d said anything about Jasper to you?”

>Him? I try not to mention him, and she hasn’t said anything. Why?

“Toby’s twice seen him hanging around, in the last week or so. We were sort of a bit suspicious, especially as he is supposed to be working down South.”

David gave a laugh.

>I’m not sure the bloke knows what work is. It does sound a bit dodgy. Can’t help you though, I’m afraid. But if Dee does get in contact, I’ll try and ask her.

“Thanks.”

“No joy?” Gordon pulled a face.

“Not a dickie bird. He’s not seen her since they got back from Cumbria.”

“Figures. So, when are you going to phone her?”

Brian pulled a face, “I’ll message her tomorrow morning, and say we need to chat about Toby. She’ll phone me when she has a break at work. That’s what usually happens.”

Gordon nodded, “So, we wait.”

They didn’t have to wait long. Around ten, when the two men were comfortable on the sofa and Toby had retired to his bedroom, the phone rang. It was Victoria.

> I have a bit of news for you.

She gave a dry laugh.

>Turns out your Mother is as good as one of our team. According to Jasper’s Mother, he’s been off work on sick-leave as he did something to his arm and can’t work. He’s due back at work this weekend.

“So, we’ll be OK from the weekend. He’ll be back down South.”

>That’s about it, not much else to report. He has been located in Huntsford and I’ve someone keeping an eye on him. Also, we’re making contact with his mates on the South coast. I’ll report back as soon as we have anything more.

The call was brisk and short, but if Russ was paying her by the hour, then that was a good job.

“Sounds a bloody expensive business. A detective keeping their eye on Jasper.”

Gordon snorted, “Sounds like a good thing, to me. If he goes back to work this weekend, then we tell Russ to pull the plug.”

Brian nodded. “OK. But I still don’t trust the bloke. Besides, according to what Toby got from Deirdre, Jasper’s been coming back to do jobs for his brother.”

“Under the counter and under-hand.”

“Almost certainly.”

“You’re still phoning Deirdre?”

Brian made a face, “You bet.”

They had just settled down again, when the phone went again. It was Russ.

“We’ve just had your detective on the blower.”

>So, I gather. Jasper’s on sick leave and returns on Friday.

“Looks like it.”

>Good, if true. We’ll let them keep at it a few days. OK.

“You’re the one paying.”

>But I want you comfortable too.

“Fair enough.”

>That wasn’t actually why I rang; it’s about your honeymoon.

“Honeymoon. Shit, all the stuff with Jasper sent it clean out of our heads.” Brian looked over at Gordon, “Russ has an idea about our honeymoon. I’ll put you on speaker.”

>I took the liberty of contacting a friend. Well, business contact that I’m friendly with.

“I take it this is someone who is not short of a bob or two?”

Russ laughed.

>Makes my little enterprise look like small change. Anyway, I managed to do him a favour last year. A bloke got a bit drunk at one of my parties and was a little bit too free with gossip about his employer.

“Shit.”

>Not that kind of gossip. Business stuff. Well, I passed the info onto Jack who managed to make a nice killing.

“Couldn’t you have taken advantage of the information yourself?”

>It wasn’t really my area of business interest, and besides, would have looked a bit too obvious. Anyroad, Jack said he owed me, but I just let it ride. Then I remembered his bolthole.

“Bolthole?”

>Yeah. A cottage in Derbyshire, good for walking the Peak District. His second wife was keen on walking. The third one isn’t. He’s had the cottage done up to suit her taste, but its days are numbered. They still use it, however, and since the revamp he’s been reluctant to let anyone else borrow it. Seems wife number three is rather demanding.

The two men laughed, “You don’t say. And where do we come in?”

>Oh, Jack was delighted to return a favour, and you can have the cottage for three nights, starting the day after your wedding. They’re using it at the weekend following, so you arrive Tuesday and leave Friday, giving the housekeeper time to get things ship shape.

“For the demanding wife.”

>Got it in one.

“So how much is all this costing?”

>Nothing. Free gratis and for nothing.

“Shit. You sure, you’re not pretending and paying behind our back?”

Russ laughed.

>As if I would. But no, he was quite clear that it was a favour that needed returning.

“So, I take it he made quite a killing?”

>It would seem so. There’s a housekeeper that lives nearby, she’ll be doing the cooking for you, and you don’t need to worry about food or drink.

“Christ. What’s the catch?”

>It’s in the middle of nowhere, so unless you fancy a long walk in the October rain, you’ll be driving if you want to do anything. You must be on your best behaviour, no roughhousing; you can’t break anything or damage wifey’s new décor. And you can’t use the pool, that will have been closed for the season.

The two men looked at each other, “I think we can live with that. Tell me, was the favour legal?”

Russ snorted.

>Truth. It was near the knuckle. I was party to confidential information, but I acquired it perfectly licitly.

“Via the babbling of a drunken executive?”

>Yep. Moral?

Gordon laughed, “Always make sure your business confidants can hold their liquor?”

Russ laughed.

>I like it. So, is it on?

The two men looked at each other and nodded. “OK. We’ll give it a go. And Russ.”

>Yes.

“Thanks. A lot.”

>No problem. I’ll get my PA to send you pictures and joining information later.

They agreed that it sounded too good to be true, but Russ had been adamant that it was just a favour.

---

>What’s the problem? Not like you to phone again so soon, Bri. Toby OK?

Brian bit back a snide comment about how Deirdre never phoned him unless she wanted something. “Toby’s fine. It’s just that he’s been seeing Jasper around town.”

>Stands to reason, he’s been off sick. Managed to fuck his arm up, stupid arse. He got antsy, not even able to go sailing. He’s being doing the odd job for his brother, so he went to see his Mum. What’s the problem?

“It just unnerved Toby, seeing him two or three times.”

>Christ, Bri. Just because the kid sees Jasper in town where, gasp, his Mother lives, you get your knickers in a twist.

“In Wentworth Park?”

>Wentworth Park, in Parborough. What’s Toby doing there?

“He met a mate; it’s between the two houses. They had an ice cream, watched the ducks…”

>Oh, for Christ’s sake, Bri.

“And saw Jasper.”

>In the park? Why the fuck…

She tailed off. Clearly not having an explanation or an excuse.

>Look, he’s coming back on Friday, so there’s nothing more for you to fret about, and I’m certainly not quizzing him about his movements just because of Toby. Leave it be, Brian.

“OK. But if he says anything, let us know.”

>Huh. Fat chance of that.