The Trip

Bobby spied Diane driving along the front. Where in God’s name had she been this early in the morning?

The cafés and restaurants were only just opening their shutters and his mother was most definitely not a morning lady. Christ, he hoped she had no suspicions about his plans for the day. She was no fool, his mother. No, she was driving on past, presumably on her way home. He breathed a sigh of relief. It was a beautiful morning, as always in Marbella, just the weather for a day’s cruising with friends.

As far as anyone was concerned, especially those in authority, this was simply a pleasure cruise to commemorate his late father’s birthday. Being a long term resident and co-owner of the most prestigious club in Marbella, it was highly unlikely that his movements would draw suspicion, but should that happen he was well covered.

The plan was to make a quick trip across the straits to spend the day in Tangiers, collect his consignment and return home just before nightfall. His previous trips had been uneventful, but until the package was delivered and paid for Bobby would remain on tenterhooks.

His father had made this trip successfully, countless times, for years. Pete had established an exclusive clique including the glitterati of Marbella, the chief of police, the mayor and various other town dignitaries. That elite had given him immunity on the few occasions the trip had been interrupted; the embarrassment of a dignitary on board securing a clean bill of health.

The canon had introduced Bobby to his father’s contacts and re-established the excursions. However, it was the beautiful people Bobby cultivated, not the influential friends of his father, which increased the risk level somewhat.

The trip was glorious; the champagne flowed and for some time they were accompanied by a school of dolphins, much to the entertainment of the guests on board. The pod of magnificent creatures performed their acrobatics to the delight of their audience.

His guests were free to explore the old souk whilst Bobby went off to complete his transaction. He had decided that for the time being this would be his last trip. The profits from the deals were fantastic, but not enough for the risk involved, he fancied. It was only his determination to deal with the Coyles that had tempted him.

Drugs had never been his thing and he was loathe to become involved. However, clubs and drugs went hand in hand and he knew that no matter what his opinion was, they would be dealt. Therefore, the scene was better under his control than some other greedy dealers, cutting the coke with who knew what. After this trip he would hand the enterprise over to his two partners. Frank would have to be involved, but he’d make sure the old coyote played his part. The days of him sitting back with his hand out were long gone. If he wanted an ‘earn’ he’d have to get off his old, wrinkly backside and get his hands dirty.

The ex-man-of-the cloth had been back on his case about Erin and the kid. Bobby knew he was right and in order to put his plan into action they would have to be in Spain. Thankfully, his mother seemed to be on the ball. Having really taken to the boy, and being a grandma, she talked about him constantly and was forever buying gifts for him. A nursery was even starting to take shape in one of the guest rooms.

The trip to Tangiers went off without a hitch and the two pool cleaners, Bobby’s partners in his first venture, were now two of the main suppliers in town.

Bobby now had the financial means to carry out his revenge and his first task would be to get his son within his grasp.