Pinstripes (38 page)

***

The doorman hailed them a taxi and they both got in.

“
Where is this place?” Declan asked.

“So
ho, but it’s very private. Strictly members and guests only. I think you’ll like it. You can do what you want there. Oh, and the girls are for sale,” Tim added.

“
Really? Drugs and prostitutes? It sounds just my type of place.” This was so easy. Declan loved people with huge egos; they invited his deception.

“
Oh, yes. If you want any of the girls, let me know. I can arrange it easily.”

“
Do you have anything to do with this club?”

“
No, but I’m a good friend of the owner. I also have arrangements with several of the girls there. They come when I call. I meet them at a hotel in town – another discreet place. It’s tucked away just off Piccadilly. You can rent rooms by the hour, but it’s very respectable. Not like the fleapits shown on television. You only get a booking there if you know someone. Of course, any time you want one, just call me.” Tim was out of control. He seemed delighted to share all this information. Declan thought he was a huge liability for his bank, the way he spoke. And he was right: Tim often shared this information with other people – if only top clients and those he considered friends. He had already decided that William was his friend.

“
Really? So you can arrange a call-girl for me?” Declan asked clearly.

“
Not just one, if you get my drift. Any size, colour, age and so on. I have hotlines to all of them and, William, I would be delighted to share them with you.” Tim smiled straight into the tie cam.

They arrived at the club where, again, Tim was greeted as a regular. It was in a cellar, not noticeable from the street. Inside it was dimly lit, with plush sofas, a small bar and lots of men draped around half-naked women. Declan scanned his tie around the room. They went to a sofa. Tim had a word with the barman, and before their drinks arrived, two girls appeared wearing gold bikinis. One was tall, blonde with a perfect figure and relatively small boobs. The other was shorter with dark hair and huge ones. They drank champagne, the girls flirted and at some point took off their tops. Tim put some money into their bikini bottoms and told them to go and powder their noses.

“You see?” Tim said, visibly excited.

Declan wasn
’t interested in clubs like this, perhaps because he was doing his job. He often wondered whether, if he was out socially, like Lord William Galloway, he would go for this scene. He imagined not.

“
Amazing. How much are they?”

“
Well, they’re not cheap but they aren’t your common hookers. If you look at the men around you, they’re bankers, lawyers, businessmen. Lots of respectable men come here.” All Declan could see was a number of middle-aged men with young girls. They didn’t look respectable. “But I can get you anyone for five hundred pounds an hour. They usually charge a grand, but as a regular user I get a discount. I’m going to disappear with the brunette in a minute and give you time to get acquainted with Sally. If you want her, talk to me first. I’ll do the negotiating.” Tim was so excited that Declan felt a bit queasy.

“So
, you arrange this?” Declan asked, to be clear.

“
I have an arrangement, yes: I put a lot of business their way, they repay me. I shouldn’t say this but I have clients and colleagues who use these girls –
and
the cocaine, some of them. I like to think of myself as a fixer.” Tim beamed with pride. Declan didn’t know why: he had just admitted he was a drug-dealing pimp.

“
I see. It’s a great place.” Declan tried to sound excited. He was pleased that he would get a chance to speak to Sally. Although he knew these people weren’t kiss-and-tell types, he would get her to say something he could use. When he exposed it, this place would probably be closed down. The girls returned and Tim disappeared with the dark-haired one. Declan couldn’t see where he’d gone.

He smiled at Sally and poured her more champagne.
“Where have they gone?” he asked.

“
There’s a booth back there were you can go for privacy. Twenty minutes at a time. Would you like to go?” Sally said.

“
Not yet. I’m still enjoying the view.” Declan looked at her breasts. She was very attractive, but he didn’t feel aroused. “So, do you know my good friend Tim?”

“
Yes, he’s a regular. Tracy and me seem to be his favourites. We can go together if you want. It costs, but it’s worth it.” She sipped the champagne.

“
I bet it is. Actually, Tim was saying that.”

“
Oh, Tim loves us both together. If you need a recommendation I bet he’ll give you one.”

“
I don’t think that’s necessary. I can see how exciting it would be.”

“So
, you want to do it?”

“
Maybe next time. I’ve had rather too much to drink this evening.”

Sally put her hand on his thigh.
“As you’re a friend of Tim’s, he’ll arrange it for you whenever you want.”

“
Really? Don’t tell me my old mate’s an organiser?” Having confirmation from the hooker as well as from Tim would be great for the story.

“
Well, unofficially, yes. Actually, he sends so many men our way that we don’t charge him much at all,” Sally said.

“
Really? Well, lucky Tim.”

“
Yeah, if he gives us cocaine and we do him for free.” Declan couldn’t believe his luck. These high-class hookers were supposed to keep quiet.

“
He provides you with cocaine for yourself and men for your trade?”

“
Yes. He’s great. I’m only saying that because you’re a very attractive man. We’d like to do business with you.” Sally smiled seductively.

“
Well, in that case you’ll be hearing from me again. As I said, unfortunately I’ve had too much to drink so I’ll have to go home. But I’ll be in touch. Via Tim. Will you tell him I’ve had to go and that I’ll call him?”

“
Sure. See you soon.”

“
Of course,” Declan said, as Sally got up and moved on to another man.

***

When he got back to his flat and inserted the DVD into his laptop computer Declan was shaking. As he watched the evening’s events unfold in front of him he realised he had a story here that even the lawyers could not fault. The tie cam had filmed everything he needed, and the sound was clear. Thank God for small video cameras. He made copies, and as he had begun to feel turned on by the story he was about to break, he went to the bedroom to wake his obliging girlfriend.

***

Tim was disappointed to find that William had left, but when Sally told him he was going to call, he felt better. Sally also told him that he’d been too drunk to perform, which was why he’d gone home, but he was definitely a punter for the future.

“
Well done, darling. He’s a lord and could be good for all of us. Now, come to the booth with me and collect your reward.” Tim caressed Sally’s nipple as he led her to the booth. “At least
I
never let you down when I’m drunk,” he said, and pulled down his trousers to reveal a massive erection.

Chapter Thirty-five

Clara, Virginia and Ella were nervous wrecks. By Friday afternoon they were all tearing their hair out and getting in each other’s way.

“
I need to go out,” Ella said.

“
Where?” Clara asked.

“
I don’t know. Anywhere.”

“
You can’t leave us,” Clara snapped.

“
For God’s sake, why do we need to spend all our time here together? I’m beginning to feel closed in,” Ella snarled.

“
I know! We’ll all go out and buy Virginia some clothes.”

“
But I don’t have any money,” Virginia said, looking scared.

“
You’re about to get five thousand pounds. I’ll pay now and you can pay me back. At least it will give us something to do,” Clara insisted.

“
But I don’t get the money unless this is a success,” Virginia protested.

“
It will be,” Clara said sharply.

“
Do we have to?” Ella groaned. She missed her own company.

“
Yes.” Clara stamped her foot.

Ella thought she was such a child sometimes, but she didn
’t feel up to arguing. “I’ll get my coat,” she said.

They left the flat unsure of where they were going. Virginia was wearing the outfit Clara had bought her – she resented her old clothes now. She had brought her old jeans and jumpers with her to Clara
’s, but now that she had transformed herself, she couldn’t bring herself to wear them. Although terrified by the idea of Clara bossing her about, she wanted new clothes. For the first time ever, she was taking notice of her appearance. She had even mastered walking in heels.

“
Let’s go to Harvey Nichols,” Clara suggested.

“
Clara, can’t we go somewhere cheaper? I mean, I know I’ve got money coming but I need to live and pay rent,” Virginia pleaded.

Clara looked cross for a minute but then she smiled.
“We’ll go to some high-street stores, then. Apparently some are quite good and they’re cheap. Cheap chic, I think they call it.” She hailed a taxi.

When they got out in Oxford
Street Clara led them into Topshop.

“
Wow,” Virginia said. She had never been in the store before.

‘m
y goodness! It’s amazing.” Clara had walked past it on numerous occasions but never gone inside.

“
Isn’t it a bit teenagerish?” Ella said, as she looked at the other shoppers.

“
Apparently not. I read in a magazine that it copies all the designer stuff and it’s really quite hip,” Clara replied. Ella shrugged and decided not to argue further.

Clara picked up cropped trousers, normal trousers, skirts, tops, and jackets, just about everything the store had to offer, while Virginia and Ella followed her around. Ella was weighed down with clothes, as was Virginia. They had to admit that Clara was a good shopper: she picked out the best garments and put together the best combinations. Even Virginia seemed happy with her choices. Eventually when they all had as much as they could carry, Clara led them to the changing rooms.

“You can’t take all those in,” the assistant said, eyeing the bundles of clothes.

“
Why on earth not?” Clara asked.

“
I don’t have a disc with enough numbers on it.”

“
Oh, God, don’t tell me you think we’re shoplifters! Don’t be absurd.” Clara pushed past her and the girl looked as if she was going to cry.

“
Look, I promise we won’t steal anything. We just need a whole wardrobe, that’s all. You can keep an eye on us,” Ella explained reasonably.

“
OK,” the tearful assistant agreed. This was her first day.

Ella found a seat and flopped down on it. Clara started putting things together and ordering Virginia around. As Virginia tried on the outfits, Clara decided whether they were any good or not. Under the watchful eye of the assistant she made two piles. Virginia would never have admitted it but she was enjoying herself. She tried on tops she thought were too tight but which flattered her figure. She tried on skirts she thought too short but which Clara said showed off her great legs. She tried on jeans that were infinitely more flattering than her usual ones. She felt like she was in a movie. She felt special.

The others in the changing room noticed the three girls. They were all thinking it must be some sort of fashion shoot and they fluffed their hair in case one was a model scout. Clara was oblivious to the interest she was causing as she shouted, “turn round. Let me see your bum. Um, nice but a bit too tarty. No, not sexy enough,” Ella had finally found some enthusiasm and was helping Clara with the decision-making. Eventually Virginia had tried on the last outfit and Clara had shouted her last order. She gave a pile of discarded clothes to the assistant and took an even bigger pile to the till.

As she paid Virginia smiled. She couldn
’t stop smiling. Ella smiled too: she was pleased that Virginia was happy.

“
Shoes,” Clara announced, as she handed the bags to Virginia and Ella, and marched over to the shoe department. She picked out a pair of flat black shoes, which she said Virginia could wear because she was tall. She then picked up a pair of high heels in case she ever went out after dark. She picked out some trendy trainers, to replace the battered old things Virginia normally wore, and a pair of black wedge-heeled boots. Virginia tried them all on, they all met with Clara’s approval and again she went to pay.

“
I can’t believe it. Nothing like this has ever happened to me before,” Virginia said. She felt a child in a toyshop.

“
You looked great in those clothes. I have to hand it to Clara, she’s a whiz with fashion.”

“Thank
you,” Clara said, as she handed them the bags with the shoes. Ella and Virginia struggled up the elevator after Clara, who was empty-handed. She went outside and found a cab, pushing a businessman out of the way. He scowled as Clara beckoned to the others and they got in.

“
My wardrobe isn’t big enough for all this,” Virginia said.

“
Your whole flat isn’t big enough for it,” Clara replied.

“
True. Oh, well, I’ll just have to be either organised or messy.” Virginia laughed.

“
I can’t imagine you ever being messy,” Ella said.

“
Yes, but I bet you never imagined me looking like this either.”

“
God, no. But I still think you’ll never be messy,” Clara finished.

When they got home they ordered pizza, and Virginia couldn
’t resist trying on her outfits again. Clara went to get her cocaine, which she realised was running low. She found her address book and called the dealer whose number Josh had given her. She arranged to see him the following evening. She would have to get rid of the others, or just make some excuse. She decided she quite liked having them living there and not being on her own. It made her feel safe.

***

Their anxiety returned at seven that evening. They couldn’t bring themselves to voice their fears but they all felt the same ones. When Clara’s mobile rang at eight fifteen, she took a deep breath and snatched it up.

“
Hello.”

“
Clara, where the fuck are you?”

“
Out.”

“
You’re meant to be with me.”

“
I changed my mind.”

“
What do you mean?”

“
If you really thought I’d ever want to see you again after what you did to me you must be even more stupid than you look.”

“
Bitch,” Tim hissed, and Clara hung up.

“
Clara, that was a bit much, wasn’t it?” Ella said.

“
What if we need another meeting?” Virginia looked worried.

“
Well, that bloody journalist of yours had better make sure we don’t.” Clara shot them an evil look and went into her bedroom for more cocaine.

They sat and waited, watching the clock. They sipped wine. Clara and Ella smoked. Virginia looked at her feet. Eventually they went to bed, knowing that sleep wouldn
’t visit them that night.