Photographs

By Peter Harrison

He was the biggest star on television. From a small, walk-on part in Emmerdale, the charismatic Levi James soon headlines Eastenders as bad boy Wayne Gibson. Some years later the ex-amateur boxer is lured to I.T.V. where his portrayal of Lothario Jake Thackeray adds a million viewers to the ailing Coronation Street. It couldn’t last. Fame and fortune were James’s Achilles Heel. Months into his new contract, Levi James is unceremoniously dismissed from the Soap. Drunken brawls, missed rehearsals and a particularly ugly altercation with the director puts an end to James’s budding career.

Unemployed and desperate for employment, Levi starts work for an old acquaintance that helped secure his acting debut. Alex Monroe, ex-Emmerdale stalwart Martin Chopra (the loveable buffoon Mutton Chops) now a successful night club owner and loan shark, hires Levi James as a bouncer and unofficial collector. Life is anything but rosy for the fallen star.

Then old friend, Eric Nelson, contacts him. Eric’s father, the millionaire owner of Nelson Builders, has suddenly died. By chance, Eric has found a batch of obscene photographs in his late father’s possession, including one of Levi’s step-daughter Grace Lochrane. The prints are ancient, taken when the child was pre-school. Twenty four hours later Eric Nelson is found hanging from a rope, a typed suicide note close by. Still reeling from the news of his friend’s demise Levi is told by his ex-wife that sixteen year old Grace has vanished.

The death of his friend and the sudden disappearance of his step-daughter shock the ex-actor into action. Knowing the two are linked Levi James takes his finger off the self-destruct button and starts the search for Grace. Despite being assaulted and his apartment ransacked Levi is determined to uncover the truth about his missing stepdaughter.

Mayhem and murder follow the ex-soap star as he faces the biggest battle of his life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Barny Books
• Release date: Oct 12, 2014
• ISBN: 9781311407139

Book preview

The Northern Echo (Headlines)

Hit and Run kills prominent businessman:

Was it Murder?

Vincent O’Dowd, joint owner of numerous nightclubs and wine bars in the North East, was involved in a particularly horrendous traffic accident that left the businessman’s Saab a write-off and O’Dowd fighting for his life. The accident occurred at the Peterlee / A19 roundabout when his car was shunted from behind by a bronze-coloured Land Rover into the path of a wagon. It was five hours before the road was re-opened to the public.

Sixty-year old O’Dowd had been attending the funeral service of his life-long friend and associate, builder Richard Nelson. Vincent O’Dowd was last in line of the funeral cortege when he was hit by the Four Track. Despite all efforts by surgeons at the North Tees Hospital in Stockton, the millionaire died from multiple injuries.

Police found the burnt-out Land-Rover close to the Wingate slip-road, less than a mile from the crime scene. They ask anyone with information to come forward.

Did you visit Peterlee yesterday? Did you notice anything unusual? Any information would be welcome. Phone the police or contact Crimestoppers. Help us catch the person who has brought so much misery to the O’Dowd family.

1

Levi James locked his car and headed for the block of flats, turned a corner and saw Phyllis Goodyear, his next-door neighbour. He groaned and cursed under his breath. He was in no mood to talk to anyone. The pensioner was struggling with the huge suitcase. When Phyllis saw Levi she stopped in her tracks, her jowly features cracking into a haggard smile.

I’m off then, said the sprightly Phyllis, gesturing at the apartments, You’ll not forget?

I’ve got the key, Mrs Goodyear, replied Levi James, forcing a grin. I’ll check it every other day. You have a nice holiday and don’t worry about burglars. The necessities over, he continued on his way leaving the old lady staring after him.

How did the court case go, Mr James? she inquired. When he ignored the question Phyllis grimaced and shook her head.

Levi James entered the council-owned apartment block and silently climbed the stairs. Rummaging through his pockets he found keys and silently opened the door. He stood moments listening for activity. The place was deathly quiet. Kylie, his partner, was probably shopping. He sighed and headed for the den, unlocked the door and entered the small room. The door was bolted from the inside. Levi flopped on to an arm-chair and gazed around the room. Every wall was a collage of colour, a hotchpotch of photographs, newspaper cut-outs, magazine chit-chat, letters, all the paraphernalia and pap ever written about him. His life in print: Levi James, television star, occasional movie actor … The has-been, the alcoholic. He grabbed the day-old newspaper from the cluttered bureau and scanned the headlines …….

In the gutter

Levi James, ex-soap star, was banned from driving for twelve months. The shamefaced actor - real name Lawrence Lewis Jamieson - pleaded guilty to drink-driving and affray. According to witnesses, the out-of-work star caused mayhem when he stopped his ten-year old Vauxhall Corsa at traffic lights and began arguing with his partner, barmaid Kylie Fuller. When onlookers tried to intervene, James left the car and attacked two men. Male nurse, Moses Cleaver suffered a broken nose, local businessman, Bernard Whitman, a dislocated finger. James was arrested at the scene. Both Cleaver and Whitman refused to bring charges against the out-of-work actor.

Ex-amateur boxer Levi James is definitely on the ropes, the Vinnie Jones look-alike, waiting for the knock-out blow, his career in freefall after a series of mishaps and misdemeanours since he was sacked from Coronation Street eighteen months ago because of an alleged altercation with television director Wayne Watson-Plant.

One time pal Alex Munroe - the loveable buffoon Martin Chopra (Mutton Chops) of Emmerdale fame - made a last minute court appearance to plead for his old friend. It did not work. Levi James was left battered and bruised, humiliated by the stinging comments of J.P. Emile Bannister when he likened James to the character he played on the big screen, Dope Donavan, (‘Donavan’s Dreams’, James’s only leading role, went straight to D.V.D).

Reporter Jayne Toolen managed to speak to Alex Munroe as he signed autographs outside the court building. The ever loyal Munroe made excuses for the fallen star: ‘Levi hasn’t had the breaks. He’s been a year without work. Look at me. I left Emmerdale after years of playing one of the most popular roles in the Soap. What was I offered? Nothing … unless I donned the woollen hat and acted the country yokel! Only difference between me and Levi, I had ten good earning years. I saved my pennies and bought the club and even though I say it myself, ‘Chopra’s’ is the best nightclub in Sunderland! Levi James is a versatile actor, he isn’t the loud-mouthed drunk from Coronation Street! I’ve known him since school days. He’s a good man who’s had some bad luck!’

It was a little white lie from Munroe who had first met Levi James several years earlier. Monroe had been celebrating in one of the town’s wine bars years earlier when he was suddenly confronted by an irate husband convinced the actor had been having an affair with his wife. Despite the denial, Alex Munroe was grabbed and shaken like a rag doll. Levi James, standing with his first wife, Marjorie, watched with interest. When Munroe was head-butted and slumped to the floor Marjorie urged her husband to intervene. Ex-boxer, Levi James, felled the trouble-maker with two lightening-fast jabs, knocked the man unconscious and then helped Munroe to his feet. It was the start of a life-long friendship. A month later, such was the power of the Emmerdale star; Levi James was offered a small part (a travelling gypsy with ear-ring, a flowered cravat and a penchant for a well-known brand of stout). ‘Make that a Guinness, love’, were his first words on the small screen. The rest, they say, was history. Within six months Levi was head lining Eastenders as bad man Wayne Gibson. It was all head turning change for James; he had a new series and a new girl by his side, actress Louise Bellings, the Soap’s barmaid June, was his latest love ….

Kylie Fuller, his partner for the past two years, interrupted his thoughts. She rapped loudly at the door. Levi jumped with shock, flung the newspaper to one side and then switched on the portable television. The volume was turned up to maximum. He heard Kylie curse and kick the door in frustration before retreating. Levi sighed with relief, thankful for small mercies.

His mobile buzzed. It was Alex Munroe.

Levi! said the nightclub owner. Have you read the newspaper? I said a few good things about you!

Said more about your damn club! said James.

Hey, publicity is gold, man.

Levi James sighed resignedly, realised he had overstepped the mark. Thanks for the recommendations, Mutton, he answered, it’s appreciated.

Shall we cancel tonight? There’s no urgency, Mitchell can wait.

I need the money.

OK, said Munroe. When the job’s done call at the club and I’ll settle up.

The phone died. Levi rummaged for cigarettes and slumped deep into the chair, his thoughts muddled and spiralling into despair. A text message came through. It was Eric Nelson asking Levi to join him. The new owner of Nelson’s Builders was at the golf club and the drinks were on the table.

The pair had met when Levi was cutting the ribbon and declaring the brand new eighteen-hole golf club and fitness centre open to those who could afford the astronomical fees. Richard Nelson, Eric’s millionaire father had made a hole in one when he bought the derelict farm on the outskirts of the town. He built the complex and then filled the perimeter with homes that sold for half a million each. Richard Nelson was a shrewd businessman and amassed a fortune in his lifetime. He was sorely disappointed with his only son. Eric was a flamboyant, charismatic person with looks to die for; top of the class for being ostentatious and charming and zilch for business acumen. It was through Eric that Levi met his only love, Bernadette Lochrane. Bernadette was Eric’s secretary who looked after her bumbling inefficient young boss. She put right his mistakes, soothed irate customers and generally covered for him. Bernadette was more than his secretary, she was a friend.

Bernadette Lochrane was in her early twenties, a tall and willowy beauty. Bernadette was divorcee and mother of Grace, a flame-haired, vivacious six year old. Levi James was smitten. He ditched co-star Louise Bellings and moved in with Bernadette. Imagined there would be fireworks from his ex. There wasn’t a whimper. Cute Louise demanded, and received, the detached house bought by Levi with advanced money from his only film, ‘Donavan’s Dreams’.

Months after their first meeting Levi James wed Bernadette. He was deeply in love, abandoned the booze and the socialising and settled into martial bliss. Levi was on a roll. He moved from the B.B.C. to I.T.V. and became the new face of Coronation Street. It did not last, could not last because Levi James could not change his nature. The adulation, the fame of celebrity became too much for him. Bernadette was left at home while Levi partied. The marriage, surprisingly, lasted eight years before Bernadette asked for a divorce. Levi was never the same. On the rebound he married Sammi Tong, his co-star from the movie ‘Donavan’s Dreams’. Before the film was completed the pair separated leaving James on self-destruct mode.

2

It took Levi fifteen minutes to reach the Golf Club. Eric Nelson stood at the bar, the drinks ready.

Hello, Levi, said Eric Nelson. You didn’t mind me calling?

Levi shook his head then downed the drink in one.

I’ve something to show you, Levi. It’s important.

Eric Nelson moved from the bar and gestured Levi to follow. Midday and the room was filled with punters. The place was a goldmine.

We going far? asked the taller man.

Dad’s private apartment, upstairs.

Found the will? said Levi James.

A grim-faced Eric replied, Wish it was that simple. His words were hushed. Solemn.

The palatial flat oozed money. Oak panelled walls were punctured with the trappings of wealth. Oil paintings, glitzy ornaments, wall-lights adorned the rooms. A huge plasma television filled one wall, the top-of-the-range hi-fi, surrounded by a mountain of discs and videos, dominated another. Expensive carpets, sofa, the best that money could buy and all branded with the same word. Success.

Your old man had some class, said Levi.

I spent the whole of my life trying to live up to his expectations, replied the man. Told often enough I was a failure. Yes, father had class but he belittled and humiliated me so many times …

Don’t be hard on yourself, Eric, interrupted the actor.

Eric Nelson flopped down next to the bureau and motioned for his friend to sit opposite. Two days ago we had a break-in, said Eric, pulling open the top drawer and rattling the broken lock. He repeated the process, opening and shutting all four of the bureau drawers. They were searching for something.

The will? replied Levi. Money?

Eric shook his head, Mother has the will, he replied. He must have known his days were numbered because it’s only months old.

Premonition perhaps?

Putting his house in order! replied Eric gravely. Mother, plus the Board of Directors have legal ownership of the business. I have a nominal role. Perfunctory. I’m the face of Nelson Builders and for that I receive a salary. There’s a trust fund but I won’t see a penny until I’m too old to enjoy it.

Levi James shrugged his shoulders, a glimmer of impatience crept over his rugged features. These things happen.

Eric took a deep breath, rose from the leather-bound chair and walked to the corner of the room. He paused next to a large oil painting. The sketch showed a nubile girl in a provocative position. Nelson eased the painting to the floor and pointed to the wall safe. He produced a small booklet from his trouser pocket and looked at his friend.

When Mother opened the safety-deposit box at the bank she found stocks and shares, titles of ownership, and this. I retrieved it from the bin! The safe numbers, back-to-front, were printed on the jacket sleeve. Dad’s birthday: 08 11 48. Mother didn’t know about the wall safe. I did, but only by chance. I walked in unannounced one day and saw my father rummaging in the safe. He lost his temper, almost blew a fuse! Threatened me, said if I told anyone I would regret it for the rest of my life! There’d be no inheritance! Nothing! Naturally I kept quiet.

Nelson turned towards the safe and started entering digits. He cranked the handle and pulled open the steel door. A large envelope was taken from the safe. He returned to his seat, placing the envelope on the bureau.

I might be wrong, said Eric Nelson, but I think the thief was looking for this. He pushed the envelope across the polished surface towards his friend. Open it, Levi.

James opened the parcel and emptied the contents. Half a dozen photographs spilled on to the table.

The actor grimaced. Picking up the largest photograph, Levi said, What the hell is this, Eric?

Spent my life kowtowing to my father. He has a heart attack and I find stuff that could have ruined him. I thought he was a regular guy, no hang-ups apart from his love of money. I was wrong.

Levi placed the photograph in front of him then re-arranged the other prints either side. He shook his head in disbelief. Most of the photographs showed groups of people, naked, lewd, in various acts of copulation. The images did not show love-making, or scenes of titillation or teasing postures. The pictures were hard core, bottom line pornographic, group sex on a grand scale. The faces of the males were hidden behind cloaks and masks of various kinds; the females - under-aged girls - smiled unashamedly at the camera.

It’s hard to believe …

Eric Nelson interrupted, Levi, look at the smallest photo!

Levi’s jaw dropped when he picked up the print. It showed an infant, four maybe five years old. The auburn-haired poppet stood next to a door stanchion with her freckled arms on her hips and her chubby legs slightly apart in an unnatural stance. She was naked. Smiling.

Gracie! gasped Levi James. His features radiated every emotion. His chiselled face showed anger, amazement. Shock.

It’s your daughter, Levi …

Stepdaughter! corrected James, unable to take his eyes off the print. Realising his error, knowing how his words sounded, Levi muttered apologetically, My daughter Gracie Anne.

When you married Bernadette, how old was Grace?

School age … Six years old. He studied the grimy photograph, This has been taken before the wedding. Months maybe. Levi touched the picture, sadness enveloping him, Gracie’s hair is short in the photo. When I walked Bernadette down the aisle her hair was shoulder-length.

My own father! said Nelson.

You’re jumping to conclusions, Eric, he replied. Gathered the photos, tapped them into shape and placed them on top of the envelope. Possession doesn’t mean a thing. Could be your father was using the photographs as some kind of leverage against his competitors. Blackmail exists! It’s dog eat dog in business …

Alex was of the same mind! said Eric Nelson, interrupting.

Alex Monroe! replied Levi, clearly shocked. He’s seen them?

He’s a family friend, Levi. My father has been friends with Alex for as long as I can remember. You know that!

So Alex agrees with me?

Levi, if I’d known you were like-minded I wouldn’t have contacted you. I expected something different.

The bruising response made the ex-actor think again. Sighing loudly, Levi muttered, What else have you got?

Look at the photographs again, Levi, intervened Nelson. Only this time take your eyes off the flesh and concentrate on the background!

Levi James lifted the prints. One by one he studied them. He began to nod grimly.

The parties were held at Dad’s chalet park, said Eric Nelson. Check out the panelled walls, the bedroom furniture … the lino.

Thirty years earlier, passing through Weardale on a leisurely drive to the Cumbrian Lakes, Richard Nelson had noticed the roadside notice advertising grazing land for rent. The young entrepreneur detoured, viewed the boggy, abandoned acres bordering the swollen river and realised the enormous potential of the fields. Cute as a button, Richard Nelson approached the farmer, pretended he owned horses, and haggled about the annual fee. Having paid a year’s rent in advance; Richard Nelson bought half a