[fic] Go Fish: Hook
TITLE: Go Fish: Hook
AUTHOR: fiandyfic
FANDOM: Life on Mars
SUMMARY: Sam finds there are lower depths to sink to and that he’s in worse trouble than he thought. And with thanks to hambelandjemima for inspiring the title.
RATING: Brown Cortina overall.
WARNING: Explicit slash, character death.
WORD COUNT: 2506 words
EMAIL: fiandyfic@livejournal.com
AUTHOR’S NOTES: Part 13a of the Hookerverse. Happy Christmas to each of us, every one!
DISCLAIMER: Life on Mars is copyright Kudos and the BBC. All Rights Reserved. No copyright infringement is intended and no money is being made.
Hook
A cold wind blew through the small railway station and Sam hunched closer into his jacket, hoping that his pick-up was not going to be long. It wasn’t routine, but it was familiar enough that Sam didn’t have too many qualms about meeting up with a stranger who would take him to see his client. He’d now been employed by enough big names, in all sorts of spheres, to know that security was security and that the secrecy was not for his benefit, but for the client’s.
Huffing on his cold hands, Sam decided that he was going to have to use some of his meagre savings to buy a warmer coat. With first-hand evidence now, he knew that the winters were certainly harsher than they had been where he had come from.
But that was for later, he realised as he narrowed his eyes, having spotted a beaten-up old Rover pulling up in the station forecourt. Not the kind of car he was used to on this type of assignment, but Sam knew that, to some of his clients, anonymity came without price.
He approached cautiously as the driver wound down his window, obviously checking Sam out, but whether as a potential threat or something else, Sam couldn’t quite work out.
Sam finally stopped about a foot away from the window and nodded.
“Sam?” the driver asked.
“Eddie?”
The man smiled, his eyes creasing as he did so. “Hop in.”
Sam cautiously walked around the vehicle, climbing into the front passenger seat and belting up as Eddie pulled out into the sluggish flow of traffic.
Eddie was bulky, fitting into the driver’s seat more from perseverance than nature. Greying, with the obligatory moustache, he was every inch the ‘muscle’. Sam shrank further into his seat, contrarily trying to hide his differences by becoming less than he was.
Eddie smiled at Sam as he drove back towards Manchester. “It’s not that far. We’ve got a hotel room booked. Useful place, actually. Discreet.”
“Do you know anything about the job?” Sam asked.
Eddie shook his head. “I’m just helping out today. I don’t know anything apart from where we’re going and the room number. Sorry.”
Sam nodded, morosely. That figured. It never crossed the ‘facilitator’s’ mind that their contractor might need to know the basics of the job beforehand for purely practical reasons.
After about a ten-minute drive, Eddie pulled up outside a small hotel on a back street somewhere on the outskirts of one of the small villages that made up the Manchester suburbs.
“Well, we’re here. I’ll show you up to the room.”
Bypassing the small reception desk, which was currently unmanned, Eddie led Sam up a staircase at the back of the building, and they climbed up several floors before he led the way down a dingy corridor, finally stopping outside a door about halfway down. He pulled a key out of his pocket and unlocked the door, swinging it open to let Sam into the room.
“If you just wait here a moment, I’ll go and let the client know you’re here.”
Sam nodded his understanding and walked into the room, Eddie closing the door behind him, his footsteps dimming down the thinly carpeted corridor. The room was very basic. A double bed took up most of the small area, with a small wardrobe by the side of a rather dirty window and a chest of drawers on the other side. A low armchair completed the inventory of furniture. He looked around, something feeling slightly off with the entire set-up. But he shook his head. He couldn’t see anything amiss and it was probably just his own apprehension that was making him feel on edge.
A small door in the opposite corner indicated that there were, surprisingly, en suite facilities, and Sam hesitated a moment. It would be a good idea to prepare himself, as he still had no idea of what was expected of him. It would be uncomfortable if that was not what the client wanted, but it was always better to be safe than sorry. He crossed over to the small bathroom, barely even a closet, and got on with his business, methodical and clinical, distancing his mind from the job in hand, thinking only of getting through this as he always did.
Finally ready, Sam left the bathroom to see the client standing in the room. Funny, rather that he’d not heard him come in. But shaking all thoughts aside, he walked towards the other man, hand outstretched.
“Hello. I’m…”
“Shut it,” the other man said. “I’m not interested. Just strip.”
Sam, slightly shocked, nodded mutely and undressed quickly. The client, some kind of businessman by the looks of him and definitely not local, just stared at Sam, not moving at all while he did so. Sam finally dropped his pants on top of the rest of his clothes and the man nodded.
“Bend over the arm of that chair. Now.”
Flinching slightly at the man’s tone of voice, Sam quietly did as he was told. Anything the client thought he could do was nothing compared to what Hunt would do if Sam didn’t obey. Finally balanced uncomfortably over the arm of the chair and bracing his arms against the other, he looked back at the other man.
“I…”
The man landed a stinging slap across Sam’s lower back. “I said shut it. And don’t look at me. Keep your face forward and your trap shut. Got it?”
Sam immediately faced forward, bracing himself mentally as well as physically as he heard the familiar rasp of a zipper behind him, keeping as still as possible as the man kicked his feet apart and, without preamble, forced his way inside.
“Filthy little whore. Absolutely gagging for it, weren’t you?” the man behind him said as he registered the ease in which penetration had occurred, all thanks to Sam’s foresight. Foresight that Sam was now grateful for, even if he did have to endure the insults. Pricked pride was nothing compared to the physical damage that could occur.
The client was supremely uninterested in the comfort of the naked man under him as he thrust his way back and forth, fingers digging deep into Sam’s hips, hard enough to leave bruises. Sam clenched his teeth, mentally preparing a shopping list, ideas for nights out, anything to distract him from the stinging pain and the obscene panting of the man behind him.
But the man, obviously warming up to his insults, carried on his tirade, cutting through Sam’s thoughts, peppering his words with savage thrusts of his hips. “You’re all the same, you filthy whores. It’s not the money is it? It’s getting as much cock as you can and as often as you can. It’s all a game to you, isn’t it? Begging on a street corner for a good time? Tarted up in skin-tight trousers, shaking your wares to anyone who might walk by. Pretty nancy boys, promising a good time in a single glance. Just for a quick fuck, to take as much cock up your arse as you can. May be next time I’ll bring some friends along. You’d like that, wouldn’t you? All lined up to take a turn at your skinny little arse. Or fucking your scrawny little mouth, yeah. You’re gagging for that aren’t you? Gagging for a taste of a real man. Scum, the lot of you. I’d have you all shot if I could. Fucking dirty, filthy, little whore!”
The last word came out at a near scream as the man thrust in brutally once more and came. He paused for a moment, leaning heavily on Sam’s hips and getting his breath back before quickly pulling out. Sam moved his arms, pushing up slightly to ease the ache in his lower back. But the man clapped a broad hand on the back of his neck, pushing his face back down into the seat of the armchair.
“Stay like that. Don’t move until I’ve left. If you move again you won’t get your money.”
Humiliated, Sam stood stock still, the arm of the chair digging into his stomach, head down, legs apart, come dripping down his thighs as he heard the man rezip his trousers and move away. Finally he heard the door open and close and, cautiously, he turned round to confirm that he was alone in the room.
Sam sank to his knees. He would fucking kill Hunt if he could.
Moments passed and Sam realised that he ought to start moving so, picking himself up off the floor, he grabbed his clothes and, ignoring for now the aches in his arms and legs, he cleaned himself up in the little bathroom.
Exiting a few minutes later he was surprised to see Eddie sitting on the bed. Eddie wasn’t looking too happy and Sam’s heart sank. If the client was prepared to complain, there was no telling what Hunt would do.
Sam gave Eddie a wary smile and Eddie sighed.
“Well, that didn’t go to plan. Completely the wrong angle. Couldn’t get sound either.”
Sam frowned. “You were taping this?”
“Well, no as it turned out. The camera was focused on the bed. Damn.” Then he turned his gaze to Sam, assessing. “I don’t suppose you’re willing to make a bit more money. On the side, no cut to your boss?”
Sam folded his arms. “Just what are you suggesting?”
“Well, if we had a little more participation going on in the scene, then we’d be able to nail it right that’s all. If we brought you on board we could have it done and dusted next time.”
“And what’s the game?” Sam said in an icy voice. “Blackmail?”
“No! Well, in a manner of speaking, maybe. We need to lean on the Councillor somehow. He’s been making life difficult for my boss. It’s more insurance than blackmail, I suppose.”
Sam shook his head. “Absolutely not. Apart from the fact it’d be more than my life’s worth with my boss, I won’t do anything illegal.”
Eddie threw back his head and laughed. “That’s rich coming from you. A bloke that peddles his arse to anyone with enough money and you won’t do anything illegal. Get real. Besides, your boss had already agreed to this. I’m surprised he didn’t tell you. Mind you, you being the uptight sort, I suppose he wouldn’t.”
Sam went white. He would kill Hunt for this. For setting him up like this. Well, he supposed that blackmail was only one other thing that the man would be willing to do. After all the backhanders and money he and Phyllis were making on the side, he shouldn’t be shocked that Hunt would stoop as low as this. And how else was Sam himself kept in place, except by a little blackmail and extortion? And just maybe he could use this to his advantage. After all, it was only a matter of time before Hunt and Phyllis’s double dealings would get them into trouble. This might just help things on slightly.
Then he shook his head. No, it was obvious that Eddie and his boss were good friends with Hunt. Anything stupid Sam tried now would just be another nail in his coffin when Hunt found out. Better to be cautious. Besides he wasn’t quite sure he could take another round with the esteemed ‘Councillor’. He’d be better off backing away, may be sniffing around the little set-up a little bit instead.
“I’m sorry Eddie. But I can’t. This was a one-off. I can’t help it if your camera wasn’t set up correctly. Anyway, the boss’ll have my hide if he finds out I’ve worked off the books. You’ll have to get someone else to help with your scheme.”
Eddie nodded mournfully, pushing up off the bed. “Well, it was a thought. But I will have a word with your boss,” he said meaningfully and Sam tightened his lips. “Under the circumstances, you’ll have to find your own way back. I’ve got a lot of work to do. The gig was paid for up front, so I don’t think we owe you anything.” And with that he left the room.
Sam fumed for a few more seconds before grabbing his jacket and following.
As Sam left the dingy little hotel, he spotted Eddie talking to someone, possibly the man he worked for, a few yards down the road. Curious and wondering if he could get something on the pair, he cautiously made his way down towards them, keeping as much out of sight as possible. He crouched against a low wall, straining to catch what they were discussing.
“…it’s no good, sir. He’s not going to play.”
“Well, we’ll just have to make him then, won’t we?”
Sam stilled in shock as he recognised the second voice. Pushing up and away from the wall, he turned and fled.
This time it was personal.
* * * * *
Gene was in the manager’s office of the Flamingo, going over business with Jack, when the door burst open. Jack looked up surprised, as Sam Tyler stormed into the room and grabbed Gene’s arm, his face flushed with anger.
“I can’t fucking believe that you would get me to do that, you bastard. I thought you’d sunk low, but that’s a new depth. I don’t give a shit what you do, but I’m not doing that.”
Gene pushed Sam backwards, pinning him against the wall. “What are you on about?” he demanded. “You’ll fucking do what you’re told. We had a deal. Or do you want me to break it?”
Sam didn’t back down. “We didn’t have a deal for that. Do you know the sentence for that? It’s up to fourteen years and it’d be all of us if it came out. You might be an amoral git, but I can’t believe you’re stupid enough to risk something like that. And with someone who knows who you are?”
“What the fuck are you talking about, Tyler?” demanded Gene.
“Blackmail.”
“WHAT?”
“The job at lunchtime. They were trying to film it. Said they needed insurance with the client and they’d set it up with you.”
Jack interrupted. “I took the job and all they said was that they needed a boy. That’s all - so I sent Tyler. I’ve sorted out girls for Eddie before, and I assumed it was the same thing. It’s what he does for me in Brum. I didn’t know about this.”
Gene glared at the interruption and Sam continued, ignoring Jack.
“And I know you know Eddie’s partner. God, you probably had that one running back years ago.”
“What?”
“You’d have let him go anyway, I suppose. Just told him to go and do his dirty work elsewhere? Are you getting a cut from him in Birmingham as well?”
“What do you mean, you obnoxious little toerag?”
“The man. Eddie’s partner. It was Vic Tyler.”
Gene dragged Sam away from the wall.
“We’ll take this further. You’re coming with me.”
To be continued
AUTHOR: fiandyfic
FANDOM: Life on Mars
SUMMARY: Sam finds there are lower depths to sink to and that he’s in worse trouble than he thought. And with thanks to hambelandjemima for inspiring the title.
RATING: Brown Cortina overall.
WARNING: Explicit slash, character death.
WORD COUNT: 2506 words
EMAIL: fiandyfic@livejournal.com
AUTHOR’S NOTES: Part 13a of the Hookerverse. Happy Christmas to each of us, every one!
DISCLAIMER: Life on Mars is copyright Kudos and the BBC. All Rights Reserved. No copyright infringement is intended and no money is being made.
Hook
A cold wind blew through the small railway station and Sam hunched closer into his jacket, hoping that his pick-up was not going to be long. It wasn’t routine, but it was familiar enough that Sam didn’t have too many qualms about meeting up with a stranger who would take him to see his client. He’d now been employed by enough big names, in all sorts of spheres, to know that security was security and that the secrecy was not for his benefit, but for the client’s.
Huffing on his cold hands, Sam decided that he was going to have to use some of his meagre savings to buy a warmer coat. With first-hand evidence now, he knew that the winters were certainly harsher than they had been where he had come from.
But that was for later, he realised as he narrowed his eyes, having spotted a beaten-up old Rover pulling up in the station forecourt. Not the kind of car he was used to on this type of assignment, but Sam knew that, to some of his clients, anonymity came without price.
He approached cautiously as the driver wound down his window, obviously checking Sam out, but whether as a potential threat or something else, Sam couldn’t quite work out.
Sam finally stopped about a foot away from the window and nodded.
“Sam?” the driver asked.
“Eddie?”
The man smiled, his eyes creasing as he did so. “Hop in.”
Sam cautiously walked around the vehicle, climbing into the front passenger seat and belting up as Eddie pulled out into the sluggish flow of traffic.
Eddie was bulky, fitting into the driver’s seat more from perseverance than nature. Greying, with the obligatory moustache, he was every inch the ‘muscle’. Sam shrank further into his seat, contrarily trying to hide his differences by becoming less than he was.
Eddie smiled at Sam as he drove back towards Manchester. “It’s not that far. We’ve got a hotel room booked. Useful place, actually. Discreet.”
“Do you know anything about the job?” Sam asked.
Eddie shook his head. “I’m just helping out today. I don’t know anything apart from where we’re going and the room number. Sorry.”
Sam nodded, morosely. That figured. It never crossed the ‘facilitator’s’ mind that their contractor might need to know the basics of the job beforehand for purely practical reasons.
After about a ten-minute drive, Eddie pulled up outside a small hotel on a back street somewhere on the outskirts of one of the small villages that made up the Manchester suburbs.
“Well, we’re here. I’ll show you up to the room.”
Bypassing the small reception desk, which was currently unmanned, Eddie led Sam up a staircase at the back of the building, and they climbed up several floors before he led the way down a dingy corridor, finally stopping outside a door about halfway down. He pulled a key out of his pocket and unlocked the door, swinging it open to let Sam into the room.
“If you just wait here a moment, I’ll go and let the client know you’re here.”
Sam nodded his understanding and walked into the room, Eddie closing the door behind him, his footsteps dimming down the thinly carpeted corridor. The room was very basic. A double bed took up most of the small area, with a small wardrobe by the side of a rather dirty window and a chest of drawers on the other side. A low armchair completed the inventory of furniture. He looked around, something feeling slightly off with the entire set-up. But he shook his head. He couldn’t see anything amiss and it was probably just his own apprehension that was making him feel on edge.
A small door in the opposite corner indicated that there were, surprisingly, en suite facilities, and Sam hesitated a moment. It would be a good idea to prepare himself, as he still had no idea of what was expected of him. It would be uncomfortable if that was not what the client wanted, but it was always better to be safe than sorry. He crossed over to the small bathroom, barely even a closet, and got on with his business, methodical and clinical, distancing his mind from the job in hand, thinking only of getting through this as he always did.
Finally ready, Sam left the bathroom to see the client standing in the room. Funny, rather that he’d not heard him come in. But shaking all thoughts aside, he walked towards the other man, hand outstretched.
“Hello. I’m…”
“Shut it,” the other man said. “I’m not interested. Just strip.”
Sam, slightly shocked, nodded mutely and undressed quickly. The client, some kind of businessman by the looks of him and definitely not local, just stared at Sam, not moving at all while he did so. Sam finally dropped his pants on top of the rest of his clothes and the man nodded.
“Bend over the arm of that chair. Now.”
Flinching slightly at the man’s tone of voice, Sam quietly did as he was told. Anything the client thought he could do was nothing compared to what Hunt would do if Sam didn’t obey. Finally balanced uncomfortably over the arm of the chair and bracing his arms against the other, he looked back at the other man.
“I…”
The man landed a stinging slap across Sam’s lower back. “I said shut it. And don’t look at me. Keep your face forward and your trap shut. Got it?”
Sam immediately faced forward, bracing himself mentally as well as physically as he heard the familiar rasp of a zipper behind him, keeping as still as possible as the man kicked his feet apart and, without preamble, forced his way inside.
“Filthy little whore. Absolutely gagging for it, weren’t you?” the man behind him said as he registered the ease in which penetration had occurred, all thanks to Sam’s foresight. Foresight that Sam was now grateful for, even if he did have to endure the insults. Pricked pride was nothing compared to the physical damage that could occur.
The client was supremely uninterested in the comfort of the naked man under him as he thrust his way back and forth, fingers digging deep into Sam’s hips, hard enough to leave bruises. Sam clenched his teeth, mentally preparing a shopping list, ideas for nights out, anything to distract him from the stinging pain and the obscene panting of the man behind him.
But the man, obviously warming up to his insults, carried on his tirade, cutting through Sam’s thoughts, peppering his words with savage thrusts of his hips. “You’re all the same, you filthy whores. It’s not the money is it? It’s getting as much cock as you can and as often as you can. It’s all a game to you, isn’t it? Begging on a street corner for a good time? Tarted up in skin-tight trousers, shaking your wares to anyone who might walk by. Pretty nancy boys, promising a good time in a single glance. Just for a quick fuck, to take as much cock up your arse as you can. May be next time I’ll bring some friends along. You’d like that, wouldn’t you? All lined up to take a turn at your skinny little arse. Or fucking your scrawny little mouth, yeah. You’re gagging for that aren’t you? Gagging for a taste of a real man. Scum, the lot of you. I’d have you all shot if I could. Fucking dirty, filthy, little whore!”
The last word came out at a near scream as the man thrust in brutally once more and came. He paused for a moment, leaning heavily on Sam’s hips and getting his breath back before quickly pulling out. Sam moved his arms, pushing up slightly to ease the ache in his lower back. But the man clapped a broad hand on the back of his neck, pushing his face back down into the seat of the armchair.
“Stay like that. Don’t move until I’ve left. If you move again you won’t get your money.”
Humiliated, Sam stood stock still, the arm of the chair digging into his stomach, head down, legs apart, come dripping down his thighs as he heard the man rezip his trousers and move away. Finally he heard the door open and close and, cautiously, he turned round to confirm that he was alone in the room.
Sam sank to his knees. He would fucking kill Hunt if he could.
Moments passed and Sam realised that he ought to start moving so, picking himself up off the floor, he grabbed his clothes and, ignoring for now the aches in his arms and legs, he cleaned himself up in the little bathroom.
Exiting a few minutes later he was surprised to see Eddie sitting on the bed. Eddie wasn’t looking too happy and Sam’s heart sank. If the client was prepared to complain, there was no telling what Hunt would do.
Sam gave Eddie a wary smile and Eddie sighed.
“Well, that didn’t go to plan. Completely the wrong angle. Couldn’t get sound either.”
Sam frowned. “You were taping this?”
“Well, no as it turned out. The camera was focused on the bed. Damn.” Then he turned his gaze to Sam, assessing. “I don’t suppose you’re willing to make a bit more money. On the side, no cut to your boss?”
Sam folded his arms. “Just what are you suggesting?”
“Well, if we had a little more participation going on in the scene, then we’d be able to nail it right that’s all. If we brought you on board we could have it done and dusted next time.”
“And what’s the game?” Sam said in an icy voice. “Blackmail?”
“No! Well, in a manner of speaking, maybe. We need to lean on the Councillor somehow. He’s been making life difficult for my boss. It’s more insurance than blackmail, I suppose.”
Sam shook his head. “Absolutely not. Apart from the fact it’d be more than my life’s worth with my boss, I won’t do anything illegal.”
Eddie threw back his head and laughed. “That’s rich coming from you. A bloke that peddles his arse to anyone with enough money and you won’t do anything illegal. Get real. Besides, your boss had already agreed to this. I’m surprised he didn’t tell you. Mind you, you being the uptight sort, I suppose he wouldn’t.”
Sam went white. He would kill Hunt for this. For setting him up like this. Well, he supposed that blackmail was only one other thing that the man would be willing to do. After all the backhanders and money he and Phyllis were making on the side, he shouldn’t be shocked that Hunt would stoop as low as this. And how else was Sam himself kept in place, except by a little blackmail and extortion? And just maybe he could use this to his advantage. After all, it was only a matter of time before Hunt and Phyllis’s double dealings would get them into trouble. This might just help things on slightly.
Then he shook his head. No, it was obvious that Eddie and his boss were good friends with Hunt. Anything stupid Sam tried now would just be another nail in his coffin when Hunt found out. Better to be cautious. Besides he wasn’t quite sure he could take another round with the esteemed ‘Councillor’. He’d be better off backing away, may be sniffing around the little set-up a little bit instead.
“I’m sorry Eddie. But I can’t. This was a one-off. I can’t help it if your camera wasn’t set up correctly. Anyway, the boss’ll have my hide if he finds out I’ve worked off the books. You’ll have to get someone else to help with your scheme.”
Eddie nodded mournfully, pushing up off the bed. “Well, it was a thought. But I will have a word with your boss,” he said meaningfully and Sam tightened his lips. “Under the circumstances, you’ll have to find your own way back. I’ve got a lot of work to do. The gig was paid for up front, so I don’t think we owe you anything.” And with that he left the room.
Sam fumed for a few more seconds before grabbing his jacket and following.
As Sam left the dingy little hotel, he spotted Eddie talking to someone, possibly the man he worked for, a few yards down the road. Curious and wondering if he could get something on the pair, he cautiously made his way down towards them, keeping as much out of sight as possible. He crouched against a low wall, straining to catch what they were discussing.
“…it’s no good, sir. He’s not going to play.”
“Well, we’ll just have to make him then, won’t we?”
Sam stilled in shock as he recognised the second voice. Pushing up and away from the wall, he turned and fled.
This time it was personal.
* * * * *
Gene was in the manager’s office of the Flamingo, going over business with Jack, when the door burst open. Jack looked up surprised, as Sam Tyler stormed into the room and grabbed Gene’s arm, his face flushed with anger.
“I can’t fucking believe that you would get me to do that, you bastard. I thought you’d sunk low, but that’s a new depth. I don’t give a shit what you do, but I’m not doing that.”
Gene pushed Sam backwards, pinning him against the wall. “What are you on about?” he demanded. “You’ll fucking do what you’re told. We had a deal. Or do you want me to break it?”
Sam didn’t back down. “We didn’t have a deal for that. Do you know the sentence for that? It’s up to fourteen years and it’d be all of us if it came out. You might be an amoral git, but I can’t believe you’re stupid enough to risk something like that. And with someone who knows who you are?”
“What the fuck are you talking about, Tyler?” demanded Gene.
“Blackmail.”
“WHAT?”
“The job at lunchtime. They were trying to film it. Said they needed insurance with the client and they’d set it up with you.”
Jack interrupted. “I took the job and all they said was that they needed a boy. That’s all - so I sent Tyler. I’ve sorted out girls for Eddie before, and I assumed it was the same thing. It’s what he does for me in Brum. I didn’t know about this.”
Gene glared at the interruption and Sam continued, ignoring Jack.
“And I know you know Eddie’s partner. God, you probably had that one running back years ago.”
“What?”
“You’d have let him go anyway, I suppose. Just told him to go and do his dirty work elsewhere? Are you getting a cut from him in Birmingham as well?”
“What do you mean, you obnoxious little toerag?”
“The man. Eddie’s partner. It was Vic Tyler.”
Gene dragged Sam away from the wall.
“We’ll take this further. You’re coming with me.”
To be continued