“Maybe, but that kid, he’s involved, somehow. Okay, I admit, we don’t know that Alfie was definitely murdered… but at the very least, Howard Trenton was in that old man’s house, and at some point recently. He’d broken in there, and for some fucking reason or other, was stood in Alfie’s bathtub. I want to know the reasons why.” Argued Tom.

“If you feel that strongly about it, haul him in, question him.” Suggested Kevin.

“What? On a hunch? The boss wouldn’t allow it. You know how fucking paranoid he is about being sued for claims of wrongful arrest… that might change though, once the results of the autopsy are in.” Considered Tom.

“And when are they due?” Asked Kevin, who wasn't working on the Alfred Whitehouse case.

“Maybe late this evening, or first thing tomorrow morning,” replied Tom, “and if those results tell me that Alfie Whitehouse was murdered, then I’ll be paying that creepy little fucker Howard Trenton a visit, post haste.” Promised the detective.

***

Howard Trenton ended up skipping college on that cold Friday in the middle of winter; he had far more pressing things on his mind. Instead, he left his home at just after midday, and wandered down to Coldsleet sea-front, slouching along the promenade with his hands dug deep into his coat pockets, gazing out at the ocean, lost in thought. It’s almost over. I can sense it. I always knew that I'd fuck up, sooner or later, and that’s exactly what I’ve gone and done, leaving those footprints all over Alfie Whitehouse’s home. I’m screwed. I thought that the old fucker’s death would just be put down to a heart attack… I mean, THAT’S what actually killed him, after all… okay, I caused it, but that’s not the point… I didn't think that there’d be any sort of investigation. I got complacent, too cocky. They’ll find my DNA, fibres, some shit like that, on Alfie’s clothing, from when I grabbed him, just before he snuffed it, and that’ll be the clincher. I’d never thought there’d be a sodding autopsy carried out on the miserable old cunt. I’ve got a day, two days at most, and then the piggies will be coming for me. I knew it would happen, one day, sooner or later… I’d have just rather it had been, well, later…

Howard Trenton reached down and picked up a pebble. He threw it out, towards the sea. On the horizon, dark clouds were beginning to roll in from the ocean. Oh, come on, give me a break… I need any bad weather that’s out there to hold off until after the weekend… snow, rain, stay the fuck away, please! Mary and that stupid shit-head Alex Crennell… they HAVE to go up onto the Black Pathway. I want to have one last bit of fun tomorrow, before I get found out.

“Is that too much to ask for?” Asked Howard, looking upwards, to the sky. “One last bit of fun. That's all I want. Kate tonight, Mary and Alex tomorrow. The three of them have fucked me over, good and proper, and now it’s my turn to balance the scales a little. Come on, God, or whatever the fuck you are… play fair, man. I’ve been wronged, I deserve some justice. It's not murder, if that’s what you’re worried about. Kate and Mary… let's face it, they’re both spiteful, shitty little whores who can’t keep their knickers on for five minutes. Alex Crennell? Well, the world will be a better place without that slimy arse-head in it. So keep the bad weather at bay, yeah? I’ll be doing your precious fucking Earth a favour, in the long run, ridding it of bad rubbish, unnecessary clutter.” Said Howard, but God wasn’t listening, and the dark clouds continued to head towards the town of Coldsleet.

Chapter Fifteen

Anita Morley handed Howard a mug of tea.

“Thanks.” He said, frowning. Anita sat down next to him on the sofa.

“What is it, Howard? You seem troubled.” She observed.

“Oh, it’s just been one of those weeks… stuff going wrong…you know how it is sometimes. One thing piling in on top of another.” Replied Howard.

“Do you wanna talk about it?” Asked Anita. Howard took a sip of his tea.

“No. I can’t.” Said Howard.

“Can’t? Or won’t?”

“Both… sorry, I’m not being awkward, Anita… it’s just private stuff. I’ll be okay.” Howard assured his friend, who gave him a skeptical look.

“Hmm, will you? I can never tell with you, Howard Trenton.” She said.

“Hey, where’s Jack today?” Asked Howard, changing the subject.

“He’s out with my mom. She’s taken him for a bus ride into Knighton. He loves going on the bus, bless him.” Smiled Anita.

“It’s quiet in here without him. You’ve got a gorgeous young son there, Anita. You should treasure every day that you spend with him.” Advised Howard.

“I do, Howard. I do.” Anita responded, as she leaned back on the sofa.

Howard fished around in his coat pocket for a moment, and pulled out a small brown envelope.

“Here, I want you to take this. It’s for you and the little fella.” Said Howard, and he handed the envelope to Anita.

“What is it?” She asked, puzzled.

“Open it and find out.” Howard replied. Anita pulled the envelope open. Inside, was a cheque. She took it from out of the envelope.

“Howard… what do you think that you’re playing at?” Mumbled Anita, staring at the cheque in front of her.

“Looking after my family.” Howard smiled, softly.

“But we’re not… Howard, this cheque is for fifty thousand pounds.”

“I know, and I want you to go down to the bank, this afternoon, and put it into your account. Do it as soon as possible. It’s yours. You and Jacks. It’ll set you up for a new life.” Suggested Howard.

“I can’t accept this. I c…” Howard put a finger to Anita’s lips.

“Hush. This is only what I would have left you in my will, anyway.” Howard informed Anita. She pulled away from his finger.

“What the fuck are you talking about, Howard? You’re scaring me.” Anita said, her voice shaking. Howard took her hand in his.

“I’m not going to be around for much longer… that’s why I want you to have this money. It won’t be any good to me. Not where I’m going.”

Anita stared down at the cheque, then back up to Howard.

“What is it, Howard? Are you telling me that you’re dying? Is that it? Are you ill?” She asked.

“No, I’m not dying, Anita… but very soon, I’m going to be in a lot of trouble, and I won’t be around any more.” Answered Howard. Anita shook her head.

“This is fucking crazy…” she whispered to herself. “What are you talking about? What sort of trouble are you in?” Anita demanded to know. Howard looked at her, feeling frustrated with himself.

“I can’t tell you. I’d love to be able to, but I can’t, and the reason that I can’t is because I have to protect you. I have to protect you and Jack.” Said Howard.

“What? None of this makes any sense… just tell me, Howard. Tell me. What is this all about?” She asked again.

“No.” Asserted Howard. He let go of Anita’s hand, and stood up. “All you need to know is that I love you, Jack too, and that, if I could somehow be a different person, then I would be, because that way, we could all be together… but I can’t change. I can’t stop being the person that I am… and I am not a good person, Anita. I’m not a good person at all. Say goodbye to Jack for me.” Requested Howard, before suddenly heading out of Anita’s living room and towards her front door. Anita stood up, to try and stop Howard from leaving. He glanced back at her as he opened the front door. “Just bank the cheque, enjoy your life, and forget about me.” He said, before departing. Anita Morley never saw Howard Trenton again.

***

Alex Crennell stood at the bar in ‘The Stagecoach’ public house, together with his friend, Gary Ackley.

“I need to ask you a favour.” Said Alex.

“What?” Asked Gary, with long blue strands of hair dangling into his eyes. Alex looked up at Gary’s flattened mohican.

“Doesn’t that get irritating?” Alex wanted to know.