Kitabı oku: «Backstabber», sayfa 2

‘You all right, Ed?’ Stuart asked. At thirty-four, Stuart often got mistaken for Eddie’s younger brother. Both were tall, dark and broad-shouldered. Eddie had taken Stuart under his wing in prison. A strong friendship had developed which had since resulted in Stuart becoming a part of Eddie’s firm.

Rubbing the stubble on his chin, Eddie nodded. ‘Yeah. I was just thinking about what Frankie said earlier. That home-tutoring lark might be a good idea after all. For now, at least.’

‘Why the sudden change of heart?’ Frankie snapped, her tone as cold as ice.

Not wanting to worry his daughter, Eddie casually replied, ‘I just want what’s best for the children. That’s what we all want, isn’t it?’

CHAPTER TWO

Gina Mitchell was awoken by her husband’s naked arm and leg entwining with her own. She rolled over. ‘Not again. I’m sure you have a sex addiction,’ she smiled.

Eddie Mitchell kissed Gina on her naturally luscious lips. ‘Never. I’m just more hot-blooded than most men. Don’t knock a good thing, darlin’. You don’t know how lucky you are. Women are queuing up to be in your position,’ he joked, tantalizingly circling Gina’s vaginal lips with his middle finger.

Gina chuckled, then sighed as Eddie’s finger finally made contact with her clitoris. He was a joker, her man, but as loyal as a guide dog. He’d never cheated on his previous wife Jessica, and Gina knew he would never betray her either. Eddie Mitchell was a one-woman man, that was his finest attribute, as well as being permanently horny, charming, funny and incredibly handsome.

Eddie entered Gina then allowed her to take charge by riding him. His wife was forty-two, seventeen years his junior, but nobody ever guessed there was such an age gap. Gina was of Irish origin, had a mass of dark wavy hair, the longest legs Ed had ever seen in the flesh, and was incredibly beautiful. He, however, did not look a day over forty-five. Many people told him so. He’d started training while serving time in prison and had kept the gym sessions up on the outside. His body was lean, and the only sign of Eddie’s true age were the grey hairs that now mingled with his dark-brown.

Gina quickened her movement and ran her hand down Eddie’s battle wound. The scar ran from the outside of her husband’s left eye to the corner of his mouth and Gina had always found it quite a turn-on. It was a reminder of what he’d once been. Before they’d got together, Ed had run a pub protection racket and been a loan shark, and this particular scar had been given to him back in the seventies by Jimmy O’Hara. There were few secrets between them. A lot of Ed’s past had come to light in court, and the rest he’d told her in person.

‘I love you,’ Ed whispered, his orgasm nearing.

‘I love you too,’ Gina responded, running her fingers through her man’s hair to smooth it down.

Eddie still had a full head of hair and wore it in a short-back-and-sides style. It was a standing joke between him and Gina that once it got to a certain length it would start to curl, and it was in desperate need of a cut at present.

‘I’m nearly there. You?’ Eddie mumbled, his face reddening with desire.

Before she could reply, a voice said, ‘Mum, why are you sitting on Daddy’s tummy? Get off, you’re hurting him.’

‘Rosie! You mustn’t creep about like that.’ Gina rolled off Eddie and was horrified to see Aaron standing next to his sister in the doorway. She pulled the cover over her body to hide her nakedness. Rosie was only two, but Aaron was six now and had already started to ask questions about the birds and the bees. ‘Why do boys have a winkle and girls don’t, Mum?’

Eddie sighed. ‘Talk about pick your moment.’ His own winkle had just shrunk.

‘Why don’t you knock first? I’ve always told you to, haven’t I?’ Gina scolded.

Rosie’s eyes filled up. ‘Because I thought you were hurting my daddy.’

Aaron put an arm around his little sister’s shoulders. ‘It’s OK, Rosie. They were making us a brother and sister.’

Eddie chuckled. ‘No chance of that, I’m afraid. You two are enough to put a sperm donor off having any more kids.’

When her children leapt on the bed, Gina couldn’t help but laugh. She turned to Eddie. ‘The wonders of bloody parenthood, eh?’

Vinny Butler breathed heavily as he threw Felicity Carter-Price on to the bed, then forcefully tied her legs and arms to the posts. She was face downwards, just the way he liked his women.

‘Get off me. Who are you?’ Felicity shrieked, while trying to wriggle out of Vinny’s grasp.

Lifting his hand, Vinny whacked it as hard as he could against Felicity’s bare buttocks. ‘You’ll find out soon enough, slut.’

Felicity begged for mercy until, unable to move, she lay on the bed defeated. Seconds later, she screamed in agony as the huge vibrator was shoved up her backside without as much as a smear of KY Jelly.

Vinny grunted and groaned when he replaced the vibrator with his pulsating penis. He’d met Felicity earlier that year when she’d started working at his Holborn Gentleman’s Club as an exotic dancer. He preferred to think of her as that rather than a stripper or plain old lap-dancer. Exotic had a certain ring to it, and she was certainly exotic in the sack. Fliss, as he called her, was as keen on wild sexual role-play as he was. Vinny liked her to pretend she was a stranger and he was a rapist. Not once had Fliss complained. Anything he suggested they try, she was up for.

Vinny’s orgasm was powerful and, once over, he untied Felicity and lay on his back, sweating. That was another thing he liked about this particular relationship. She wasn’t demanding. Vinny wasn’t one to go down on women, he didn’t even like kissing them, truth be known. Sex was all about what he got out of it. In Vinny’s eyes, a woman was born to please a man. Although that didn’t apply to his close female family members, of course. He always wanted the best for those. His mother had deserved far better than his drunken bum of a father. And one day he hoped Ava would meet a wealthy bloke who wasn’t cut from his cloth. He wanted his daughter to be with a man who had a decent, law-abiding career and who would treat her like a princess.

Felicity snuggled up to Vinny. He was a selfish lover, but so good to her in other ways; she was willing to overlook his faults. She was also seeing more and more of him, which pleased her immensely. She knew she was Vinny’s first proper girlfriend in years, and that he was a hard nut to crack because of his past. It was only recently he’d started opening up and Felicity could tell he was warming towards her. He’d even kissed her properly and passionately on a few occasions of late.

Feeling more relaxed around a woman than he could ever remember, Vinny planted a kiss on Felicity’s forehead. He’d had his heart broken as a teenager by Yvonne Summers and he’d never really recovered from that. The few relationships he’d had since were based solely on sex or payback. The only reason he’d snared Joanna Preston was to get even with her father. Johnny Preston had shot his brother Roy, and it appealed to Vinny’s warped mind to impregnate his daughter, especially as the bullet had been meant for him in the bloody first place. As for Little Vinny’s mother, Karen, she’d been a stripper at his old club and he’d only been using her for the odd shag.

‘What are you thinking?’ Felicity asked.

‘I was thinking it’s about time we went public. Not to my family, yet, but we will soon. First, though, I’d like you to meet my new business partner and his wife. You’ll like Eddie Mitchell, he’s good craic. And Gina’s OK too. I’m sure you’ll have lots of girlie stuff in common. Shall I give ’em a bell, see if they’re free tonight? I’ll book a restaurant, take us somewhere nice.’

Felicity pecked Vinny on the lips. ‘I’d like that very much.’

Gina Mitchell was none too enthralled by the evening ahead. She’d met Vinny Butler on a couple of occasions in the past, but had yet to form any kind of connection with the man. Unlike her Eddie, who was a loveable rogue who liked a laugh, she could sense Vinny had more of a sinister serious side to him and little respect for women in general.

‘Cheer up, for Christ’s sake. We rarely go out on our own these days, so let’s make the most of it, eh? Vinny’s footing the bill an’ all, so make sure you order the most expensive champagne and food on the menu,’ Eddie Mitchell joked.

‘What’s Vinny’s girlfriend like? You told me in the past that he was destined to remain a bachelor for the rest of his life,’ Gina reminded her husband.

‘Well, he was. But a bit like me and you, I suppose, darlin’, love sometimes smacks you in the chops when you’re not exactly searching for it. I don’t know that much about Felicity, but Vinny’s definitely taken with her. She’s a lot younger than him – mid-to-late twenties, I think. Oh, and she used to work for him as a dancer at his Holborn club.’

When Gina turned to look out the car window, Eddie squeezed her hand. ‘Don’t be worrying about the kids, they’ll be fine. You know how they adore Joey and vice versa.’

She wanted to bellow, I am not worried about our children, Eddie. I’m more concerned about trying to hold a conversation with your strange friend and his young stripper, but instead Gina bit her tongue. Her husband wasn’t a fool and if he deemed Vinny Butler to be a good enough man to go into business with, Gina knew she must make an effort for his sake.

‘Who is it?’ Queenie Butler shouted, her voice full of suspicion. Even though her new home was in a much nicer area than Whitechapel, after what had befallen Viv, no way was she taking any chances.

‘It’s me, Nan.’

Queenie opened the door and smiled at the sight that greeted her. Her grandson was holding a large bouquet, his wife a beautiful potted plant and her eldest great-grandson had a balloon with WELCOME TO YOUR NEW HOME scrawled across it. ‘This is unexpected. To what do I owe this pleasure?’

Little Vinny was Vinny’s eldest child and Queenie’s first grandchild. He put his free arm around his nan and kissed her on the cheek. ‘We’re neighbours now, aren’t we? Dad said he wasn’t about tonight and Sammi-Lou thought we’d surprise you. I’ll treat us to a takeaway.’

‘I’m not fond of that Indian or Chinese rubbish, as you well know. A nice bit of fish and chips’ll do me,’ Queenie said, hugging Sammi-Lou. Her grandson’s wife was, in Queenie’s eyes, a godsend. Though she was no ravishing beauty – she’d put on quite a bit of weight since having the children – she had a pretty enough face, but it was her personality that had won Queenie over. The girl had a heart of gold and Queenie only wished her own sons would take a leaf out of Little Vinny’s book and date an average-looking girl instead of the bloody glamour model types they seemed to go for. There’d been a time when Queenie had worried and despaired over Little Vinny’s future, but meeting Sammi-Lou and becoming a father had been the making of him.

‘It’s a nice bungalow, Nan. I like your kitchen. When you going to invite me round for a Sunday roast? Mum’s isn’t as good as yours,’ Oliver Butler said, winking at his mother.

Queenie gave her favourite great-grandson a hug. He was sixteen now, a proper little man. Unlike his father, who was a typical Butler male, tall and dark-haired, Oliver had the trademark Butler bright green eyes but was blond. ‘Where’s your brother?’ Queenie asked. Oliver had two brothers: Regan, the youngest, was currently serving a sentence for stabbing his school teacher; it was the middle child Queenie was referring to.

‘Calum’s gone round a pal’s to play Pokémon,’ Oliver replied.

Little Vinny raised his eyebrows. ‘How times have changed since I was a lad, eh, Nan? Kids don’t want to breathe fresh air or do much bar play computer games these days.’ The truth was, Calum had been in a foul mood and refused to visit Queenie, but Little Vinny didn’t want to hurt his grandmother’s feelings by telling her that.

‘Oh well, at least if Calum’s indoors playing games he can’t put you through what you did me. Little bastard, you were, out street-raking with that Ben Bloggs. Surprised I never went grey.’

Seeing her grandson’s relaxed expression change, Queenie grabbed him by the arm. ‘Your father and uncles were bastards an’ all. Now, come and look at the garden. I’ve decided to do a memorial fence in honour of Vivvy.’

Little Vinny followed his nan outside. She pointed to the right-hand fence and told him of her plans to put a plaque up, plus a framed photo of Viv. ‘I’ll plant a rose bush in her honour too. She loved a garden, did Vivvy, boy, and I can’t see myself going to that cemetery much. Be too upsetting, especially as it’s all still so raw. If and when those bastards finally decide to release her body, I’ll go to the funeral then remember her here for the time being. You and your dad can drive over there once a week to make sure the grave’s tidy, can’t you? Leave some fresh flowers an’ all. Vivvy’s going in the same grave as Lenny. Be nice, pair of ’em resting in peace together. It’s what she wanted.’

Little Vinny couldn’t speak. Lenny’s grave was very close to Molly’s and he hadn’t been able to visit that cemetery for years. How could he, after the atrocious crime he had committed? The guilt wouldn’t allow him to. It wasn’t right. But neither had he been, back in the day. Not right at all. In fact, he’d been evil.

Having dreaded the evening ahead, Gina Mitchell was pleasantly surprised. Vinny had been thoroughly charming and his pretty young girlfriend was adorable, rather posh and extremely good company.

Vinny clicked his fingers. ‘Another bottle of champers over ’ere, guv,’ he shouted, well aware that he and Eddie were the focus of the rest of the diners. With their swagger and sharp suits, they looked what they were: top-class villains. Both had evaded the law and had their fingers in many pies over the years while hiding behind legit businesses.

‘You still got the salvage yard, Ed? Not heard you mention it for yonks,’ Vinny asked.

‘Sold it a while back. I thought I told you. No need to hang on to it any longer. Everything’s above board for the first time in my life,’ Eddie chuckled. Unlike Vinny, who’d always owned a club or two, Ed’s enterprises, aside from the salvage business, had all been dodgy. Earnings from pub protection and loan-sharking weren’t exactly something you declared to the taxman. He’d made plenty of dosh over the decades, but these days Gina and the kids came first and he didn’t want to take unnecessary risks so he’d knocked everything bent on the head. He was looking forward to getting his teeth into the new venture, and had put the nasty surprise received yesterday to the back of his mind. He’d yet to tell Vinny that he thought the gypsies were behind it, but he planned to when the time was right.

‘Found a new number plate earlier: VB1. Gonna treat meself to it, put it on the new Range Rover. Arm and a leg job the price, mind,’ Vinny bragged.

Eddie burst out laughing. ‘You bell-end. I remember you telling me private number plates were a waste of wonga and a curse, ’cause every bastard clocks where you are. You’ll stand out like a sore thumb with that one, pal.’

Vinny shrugged. ‘As you said, we’re all above board now, so why not? I certainly haven’t got any enemies, so if you have, best you speak up now.’

Eddie gave Vinny a warning look. He had told him earlier that under no circumstances was he to mention the dead rats to Gina as he didn’t want to worry her. ‘Oh well, each to their own, mate.’

Aware that Vinny wasn’t very amused, Gina chuckled falsely and punched Eddie on the arm. ‘Don’t be taking no notice of him, Vinny. He made me go for a test drive in a Rolls-Royce with him the other day. A bright red convertible, I kid you not.’

Vinny put his arm around Felicity’s shoulders and leaned back in his chair, rolling up. ‘You prick! Don’t tell me you bought it, Ed?’

‘Nah. Gina reckoned it wasn’t suitable for everyday use with the kids. She has got a point, I suppose. I was bloody tempted though. You should’ve seen the interior. It’s the bollocks of a motor and a dream to drive.’

When the men started chatting and bantering about motors, Gina moved next to Felicity. She was very beautiful, classy and reminded Gina of a younger version of Bella, Michael Butler’s other half. Gina knew that Vinny had once had a fling with Bella when she and Michael weren’t together. They’d even produced a child, and Gina could not help wonder if that was what had attracted Vinny to Felicity in the first place. She could remember Eddie telling her a while back that Vinny had once had a fixation with Bella.

‘Is it always like this, people looking over? I know when I worked at the club, Vinny was seen as some kind of god, but I didn’t expect him to be so well known in a restaurant in Ongar,’ said Felicity.

Gina smiled. Smith’s restaurant was a favourite haunt of hers and Eddie’s, and it was her husband who’d suggested coming here when Vinny rang up earlier. ‘You’ll get used to it. I think Eddie and Vinny are reasonably well known wherever they go. It can be a pain in the butt at times, especially if the children are with us. I remember going to a restaurant in Brentwood a few years ago and Eddie got pestered left, right and centre. Aaron was only young then and the attention scared him.’

‘Vinny doesn’t take me out much, to be honest. You’re the first friends of his I’ve dined with. That lady with the short blonde bob we spoke about earlier is looking over again at your Eddie. Does that not bother you, Gina?’

Gina laughed. ‘Not at all. For a start, Eddie is well aware I’d chop his testicles off if he even thought about messing me around. And secondly, there are some sad, lonely women in this world. The amount of times I’ve seen women try to chat Eddie up or pass him their phone number is far too many to count.’

‘Really! I don’t think I would like that at all. It’s very disrespectful to do such a thing in front of you.’

Having been half-earwigging, Vinny turned to Felicity. ‘What’s disrespectful?’

‘Nothing important. We’re just having a girlie chat.’

‘Come on, I wanna hear it. Otherwise that’s disrespectful, isn’t it? To be sitting on the same table as your bloke, who’s treated you to a top night out, and whispering behind his back.’

Gina glanced at Eddie while Felicity spilled the beans. She knew her husband wouldn’t be bothered about anything they’d spoken about, so why was Vinny?

Eddie moved seats and kissed Gina on the cheek. ‘Can’t help being a handsome bastard who regularly attracts menopausal old birds, can I?’ he joked.

Aware of the angry glint in Vinny’s eyes as he grilled Felicity over something she’d said, Gina leaned towards her husband’s ear. ‘I know he’s your business partner, but I feel sorry for that poor woman. Vinny’s not like you. He’s possessive and arrogant.’

‘More like nosy and pissed. Vin’s OK, Gina. He’s got a good side, very loyal – he’s offered to watch my back many a time if I needed him to. You’ll get used to him in time. He’s just not used to being with a woman. Jo died years ago and this dating lark is all new to him,’ Ed whispered back.

Gina wasn’t a big drinker as a rule. She was devoted to being a mother these days, an odd glass of wine occasionally once the children were in bed was all she consumed. Forgetting to whisper, she blurted out, ‘I don’t care what you say, Felicity won’t be happy with him.’

Vinny smashed his glass against the table. ‘Sorry, Gina. I didn’t quite catch that, love. If you’ve got something to say to me, I’d prefer you to say it to my face.’

Eddie Mitchell leapt out of his chair, grabbed Vinny by the arm and marched him out to the toilets.

‘Don’t be getting bolshie with me, Ed,’ Vinny spat, his eyes blazing. ‘It’s your old woman you want to be having a word with. I heard every fucking thing she spouted,’ he added, releasing his arm from Eddie’s grasp like a petulant child.

Once inside the men’s a furious Eddie Mitchell grabbed hold of Vinny’s lapels and pushed him against the wall. ‘You need to man up, you do, and start acting like a gentleman. We’ve all had a skinful tonight, but that doesn’t excuse your lack of respect. Gina isn’t a “love”, as you so nicely put it; neither is she an “old woman”. Gina is a Mitchell. My wife and the mother of my kids – and don’t you ever forget that, Vinny. Because if you do, me and you are gonna fall out big time. Under-fucking-stand?’