Hell Bent on Revenge

By Robert James Bridge

Hell Bent on Murder #2
This is number two in a four books series. Jim Bent sometimes has doubts on whether he made the right decision to leave his desk job in the met and become a private eye.That is until he is faced with more action?. This part of the Hell Bent on Revenge and Jim is finding it hard pressed to keep up with the action as the body count grows and the finger of doubt is wrongly pointed at one of his pals in the Metropolitan Police.
Lovers of adult fictional crime will I hope enjoy the twists and turns as the story progresses and proves even the best of us are subject to human fallibility!.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Robert James Bridge
• Release date: Mar 19, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463267011

Robert James Bridge

The Black and White House has been reviewed by [e-mail] and a small section is attached to this intro!. Just been informed A Bolt From The Blue-The Halifax Explosion is to be published alongside Sealed With A Loving Kiss and The Black and White House at penitpublications.com or https://www.smashwords.com/ I am a prolific author of many books, books that may never see the light of day or indeed get published, but I love what I do and that gives me the hope that one day I see one of books in the stores. I do not write one specific area, infact my books are mostly diverse for instance. A Bolt From The Blue is historical fiction woven around a true story.A story that has mostly been erased through the sands of time . Un coup de bleu L'explosion de Halifax Available at penitpublications.com A Bolt From The Blue-The Halifax Explosion . The bells ring out in Halifax Nova Scotia Canada each and every year on December 6th at 9am to remind folks of the tragedy that happened in 1917 when two ammunition ships collided in the Harbour of Halifax and Dartmouth. A tragedy that took almost 2,000 lives. Kinmel Revisited is another of historical fiction woven once again around the fascinating story of the Kinmel Camp Riot in 1919 in North Wales. This book is also available at penitpublications or blazingheartpublishing.com The Black and White House is a on the edge nail biting thriller that will leave readers maybe thirsting for more of the same as Joshua Jenks a poor coloured boy from Memphis goes on to defy the odds by becoming a Senator and this is where his troubles begin!. At this stage I would like to introduce adult readers to my series of adult fictional crime. I say adult simply because each book contains explicit references suitable for adults. I have four books in the series and the first is now on Smashwords entitled Hell Bent on Murder,followed by Hell Bent on Revenge and if this has wetted your appetite then to come shortly is Hell Bent on Corruption followed by Hell Bent on Blackmail, all featuring ex met cop turned private eye Jim Bent. It is my hope one day to continue with Hell Bent on Collaboration, but at this juncture please by all means read of Jim Bent and his adventures when he leaves the met after fifteen years and takes on the role of a private eye.If you have enjoyed the first two in my series then Hell Bent on Corruption and Hell Bent on Blackmail will leave you thirsting for mor...

Book preview

Hell Bent on Revenge

By

Robert James Bridge

Number two in the Hell Bent Series and this time our intrepid Ex Met cop turned Private eye Jim Bent is faced with none Other than revenge, as the saying goes Hell Hath No Fear Than a Women Scorned.

Chapter 1

One year on from his encounter with murder our intrepid ex Metropolitan policeman turned private detective Jimmy Bent was beginning to find life a little dull following unfaithful husbands and wives was not his cup of tea but it did help pay the bills. Dismissing it from his mind Jim set about opening his daily post which consisted mainly of junk mail. He began reflecting on whether it was time he showed Mrs Bragg the photos of her husband Jack entering one of those sleazy back street hotels with a young woman half his age on his arm, when suddenly the postcard slipped from his hand and fell to the floor. Retrieving it, Jim was taken aback by the picture of a lake with the sun going down behind it and printed in bold letters the words LAKE GUARDA BY NIGHT. Turning it over he was confronted by writing which was in Italian; the only word he understood was the signature at the bottom. Franco a name Jim had never heard of, so without further ado he put the card in his jacket pocket and phoned his client Mrs Bragg.

Mrs Bragg? Jim asked when she answered the phone, It’s Jim Bent. Please, Jim call me Mary, she answered. I, er, have those photos you asked me to get you and they show you were right, he is in fact playing away should I send them to you?" Jim enquired. Now Jim had experienced a lot of unfaithful husband and wife cases and in most cases he had kept himself at a distance since it did not pay to get too involved with a client. When Mary suggested he bring the photos to her house Jim knew he must resist or get in a tangle he would find hard to get out of especially if Maria were to find out.

I think, Jim I at least owe you a drink, she said as Jim was about to put the phone down. OK, Mary I’ll meet you in your local next Thursday if that’s alright? Jim replied. She quickly said, It’s the Duck and Drake and it’s in Maidstone High Road, shall we say about eight and you can give me the photos and your bill, have a drink and say goodbye. Is that alright, Jim?Yeah sure, Mary, it’s just that I don’t get involved with any of my clients I think you understand? replacing the phone Jim proceeded to place the photos of Jack Bragg in a large envelope, As he did he hoped for once he would be able to spend some time with Maria instead of sitting outside some seedy hotel taking photos, an occupation he hated doing but which was part of his job as a Private DetectivJim was no stranger to the streets of London since before his retirement he had spent fifteen years as a cop, mostly in and around Soho, which is until the bullet he had received during a bank raid forced him into a desk job. During his early years Jim became well known especially amongst the traders and the vice girls and their pimps who frequented the area. In fact, many a time Jim avoided trouble by looking the other way, as it were, and for this alone he became known as the friendly cop.

It was about three days later when Jim was putting his coat on, that the card sent from Italy dropped out onto the floor of his office. Suddenly the phone rang so once again he slipped it back in his jacket pocket. The familiar voice of his old pal Tony Ray who had just been promoted to Detective Inspector rang in his ears. Tony reminded Jim that Jean Shildon was about to be released and for the interim period would be under his watchful eye. So me old mate you ain’t got anything to worry about, by the way, Jim we’re having a little get together in the Coach and Horses next Friday to celebrate my promo and you and Maria are very welcome. Jim thought about mentioning the postcard but instead replied, cheers, matey and of course congrats, it’s about time. Anyway, we’ll try and make it. You had better come, matey, I’m counting on you, Tony replied as Jim replaced the phone. A strange set of circumstances was to happen as Jim returned home that evening. Maria for some reason said she fancied a pizza in a restaurant up west; at first Jim asked why they shouldn’t send out for one but she insisted on an evening out so Jim agreed. I know the best Pizza restaurant in the whole of the West End, it’s the three P’s, or rather Paolo Palluchi’s Pizzas and believe me, this guy knows how to make a pizza that will melt in your mouth.

Palluchi’s pizzas are known as far as the North of England, Jim said. OK, Jim, you win, its Paolo’s we go to," Maria replied.Palluchi’s was a family run restaurant. Mama did most of the cook¬ing whilst Anna the daughter did the witnessing. Paolo, the head of the family, just took the orders and of course the money. Jim had known Paolo since his days on the beat and once helped stop a gang demanding money for protection from Paolo, so Paolo reckoned he owed Jim for helping him out. Italians, it seems, like to repay any such favours.The Restaurant was almost full but as soon as Paolo saw Jim and Maria he ushered them to a vacant table. Hey Jimmy, my friend, who is this young lady you have been hiding from us?

Jim sat down and replied, her name’s Maria and yes, she is part Italian, you old scoundrel. Jimmy boy, you sure know how to pick ‘em, Paolo replied, offering the menu as he spoke. Now anything you see is my treat this much I owe you, my friend, Paolo said as Anna made her way towards the table, swinging her hips as she did. You remember my little Anna, Jim? Well here she is, all grown up and getting married next year. Anna, meanwhile, had gone a bright red as he father spoke about her. Jim had his tongue hanging out: Maria retorted, Er, see anything you fancy, Jim?" He didn’t know whether she either meant on the menu or the young woman almost pushing her breasts into his face.

Ordering a cheese and tomato pizza, a bottle of red wine along with chocolate iced cake for dessert we knew we were going to be full up and indeed we both were. As Paolo joined us asking if the meal was to our liking I reached inside my jacket for my wallet and as Paolo pushed my hand aside I felt the postcard from Italy fall to the floor. Maria picked it up saying, I thought you got rid of this? Jim sat for a moment before replying. I thought I had, he said. Maria turned the card over and said, who the bloody hell is this Franco? How come it has a picture of Lake Guarda on the front and yet it was posted in Sicily? Although part Italian Maria was unable to speak the lingo so Jim asked Paolo what it said.You have heard before from this Franco guy, Jim? he asked. No, Paolo, I’d never heard the name until last week. Well, I am afraid he knows you and says he wants revenge for his Cousin Roberto’s death and for putting his uncle Antonio behind bars. But I had nothing to do with Roberto’s death or the putting way of his uncle, I swear. Wait one moment, Jim, you have a friend in the police called, er, Tony Ray? Well, he is the guy Franco blames and says he will get revenge if it takes for ever. Jesus Christ, Jim, this guy is sure mad at you and that friend of yours.

Jim took back the card saying as if to reassure Maria there was nothing to worry about, I get that kind of threat almost every day, let’s just enjoy the evening and forget the damn thing. Placing the card back in his jacket Jim poured another round of drinks only to be told he had to drive home and he should stay sober. Maria was no fool and knew the threats from that guy Franco would be taken seriously by Jim, but for now she made as if to forget the card ever arrived by saying, anyway, Jim, I want you sober when I get you home." This of course was met with laughter from Paolo and most of those still eating in the restaurant.

Chapter 2

Jean Shildon was looking nothing like the women who had begun her eighteen month sentence. Her hair had been cut short and was showing distinct signs of grey. With good behaviour she had served only one year of her sentence but that one year had taken its toll and although she at first wanted revenge for her time in jail she had come to realise life was too short for such things. Blinded by the sunlight she picked up what belongings she had and wondered were she should go. London was her first thought but since she had a sister living down South, a sister she had not spoken too for many years it was time maybe to visit her instead.

Since Jim had experienced meeting many of his clients in their homes and it had turned out very badly he was glad he was meeting Mary Bragg in her local public house even though Maria still objected, saying, that cow is after one thing, Jim, and she isn’t gonna stop until you tell her to go to hell. Just give her the photos and her bill then politely leave. Jim knew Maria was right and that he did not want to get involved even if he was a big softy and let most women walk all over him. This time Jim made up his mind not to get involved no matter what.

Thursday evening, and the Duck and Drake was almost empty as the clock on the wall struck eight. Jim, clutching the envelope with the photos of Jack Bragg, bank manager turned gigolo, entered the pub and his eyes fell straight on Mary Bragg, Jim had come to think she had gone by her sell by date but boy, she sure stood out in the smoky atmosphere of the Duck and Drake. Jim knew instantly it was her because as he entered she gave him a broad smile. Good evening Mary, can I get you a drink? Jim asked as he approached her. The smell of her perfume drifted past his nose as she replied. Er, gin and tonic please, Jim.

As she sat down Jim could not help but notice her long shapely legs, legs he had seen on a younger woman a few years earlier and for a women of forty something she sure was a looker, the open necked blouse revealed two large mounds that were perfectly formed. As Jim returned with the drinks he tried to ignore the sex object sitting with her legs crossed. Sliding the brown envelope towards her Jim said, I never actually got a photo of him, er, you know?

Mary took a mouthful of her drink before opening the envelope. Suddenly tears ran down her face as she said, twenty bloody years and you think you know someone but it seems you never really do. At that moment Jim felt sorry for her but kept saying to himself, ‘don’t get involved, Jimmy boy‘. Suddenly a well manicured hand rested gently on his knee and she said, I suppose I should pay you but I don’t carry money or a cheque book, I think I owe you more than money, Jim, which is why I’m going to ask you to break your promise and let me cook you a meal. Jim removed her hand and said, Look Mary, you sure are some looker and Jack wants his brains tested but I made a promise not to get involved. Jim, she replied, I want to cook you a meal, not bloody well marry you, a meal and that’s all, I promise. Jim knew he was about to break his promise but he said, Give me your address and maybe, just maybe, I’ll call for my money and the meal but that’s all."

As she began to write down her address Jim noticed she wasn’t wearing a bra and those two mounds were pushing against the blouse. Friday night at eight, Jim, and thanks for the photos. Jim offered to run her home but she insisted he call a cab. Remember, Jim, you don’t want to get too involved, now do you? See you Friday, I hope? as she made towards the door Jim wondered why her old man had gone walkabout since she was sex on legs. ‘Stop it Jim’ he said to himself, ‘Maria will kill you if she