by Woods, Karen
Sandra licked the envelope and sat looking at it lying on the bed. She’s told Jenny everything and hoped she could help. She looked lonely as she sat twisting her hair on the bed. Wiping the tears from her eyes she went to make friends with Tina. After all it wasn’t her fault that she’d married a complete arse was it? Straightening her hair she went to make peace with her best friend.
The prison looked quiet. Only a few women walked across the landing. A few stood talking to each other and as she passed them the butch prisoner from earlier could be heard talking. “Fucking thinks she’s a hero now that one, bit of glue down her bloke’s cock doesn’t make her a criminal.”
Sandra heard her and stopped dead in her tracks. Her anger returned and she walked back to the two prisoners. She was fuming. “Listen, gobshite. Keep your snidey remarks to yourself. I don’t claim to be any fucking hero, so keep your beak out of my life alright?”
The convict stood tall and grabbed Sandra by her clothes. “Who the fuck do you think you are? Talking to me like that, I’m not your husband. I’ll twist you up you daft slag.” Sandra could feel her grip tightening around her neck and her face looked scared as she stood on her tiptoes in her grip.
Shouting could be heard coming from the stairway and Tina could be seen running towards them with a face of thunder. Tina was screaming. “Take your fucking hands off her. You big rug munching twat!”
The prisoner screwed her face up and threw Sandra to the side of her as Tina was now at her side. She was shouting in Tina’s face. “Do you want a bit then?” Tina held her hands out in front of her now and waved them in the inmate’s face. “Yeah bring it on ya lettuce licker. Let’s have it. Come on then.” The two of them pounced on each other and they were going for it, punching and kicking, Tina was holding her own. Sandra now stepped in as did the other inmate’s friend. Once they’d split them up they were both shouting insults back at each other. Sandra dragged Tina away from the landing. She was trying to break free to try and get back to the fight.
“Sandra let me fucking go. I’ll waste the big fucking trollop.” Sandra was struggling to control her. The other woman was still shouting at the other end of the landing and it was obvious that Tina had now made an enemy.
*
Maxine sat waiting with Zac as they shared a spliff. Kevin was due any minute now and she wanted to make sure that they got him to drop the charges against Sandra. Zac sat on the chair dressed in a black vest top and a long pair of canvas shorts. His trainers looked brand new and he kept removing specks of dirt from them with his index finger.
Maxine passed him the spliff. “Zac, I need you to proper shit this fucker up. He needs to know that if he doesn’t drop the charges he’s gonna get wasted.”
Zac choked as he inhaled the weed. “Since when do you need to tell me my job? I’m not no prick yanno, he’ll shit bricks when he sees me he always does. I can give him a few digs tonight if you want?”
Maxine chuckled. “Just do what you have to do to get the daft twat to drop the charges. I’m gonna go out of the way while you speak to him though. I don’t want him knowing I’m owt to do with it. He’s a grassing cunt and I can’t take the chance. Do you know what I mean?” Zac nodded.
Kevin walked into the old shop. It had been a meeting place for a lot of gangsters in the past and it was a safe place to sort out any deals. Kevin looked old. His once shining skin now looked dry and cracked. He’d not been on the sunbed for months and his tan had disappeared completely. His hand shook as he tapped on the back door of the shop. He could hear footsteps nearing and he struggled for his next breath. Zac stood at the door, looking like a man who could have killed him with a single blow.
He coaxed Kevin inside. “Come on slug. Get ya arse inside before anyone sees you.” Kevin hurried in but was still walking with a struggle. His penis was still sore and the doctors said it could take years before it felt normal again. Closing the door behind him he followed the drug dealer inside. Maxine hid in another room and watched Kevin enter.
“Fucking rat” she whispered.
Kevin sat down on the chair at the side of him as Zac jumped up onto the old counter. As he swung his legs out in front of him he joked with Kevin. “How’s the old cock then? Is it still fucked up?”
Kevin raised a smile but hesitated to answer. He looked terrified. “Yeah it’s getting there mate. Fucking loony women for ya innit?”
Zac watched Kevin’s face as he held his crotch. He could feel his pain as he watched him try to get comfy. Zac coughed loudly before he began. “Right I’ve got a business deal for you.” Kevin looked shocked, his face was blank. Kevin sat forward and hung his hands between his legs. “What kind of deal?” he asked in a quiet voice.
Zac sucked on his bottom lip. “I see it like this mate. You still owe me a lot of cash don’t you?” Kevin nodded slowly and waited eagerly for him to get to the point. He couldn’t rush him. He hung on his every word. “Well I want you to drop the charges on Sandra and Tina and your debt will be cleared.”
“Are you having a laugh or what? Are you serious?” Kevin chuckled.
Zac jumped down from the counter, he looked intimidating. “Fucking dead right I’m serious. I want you to go to the dibble and drop all the charges against them. So get into Tracy’s head too because she needs to drop all her charges as well. Once you’ve done that, you won’t owe me fuck all. You’ll be debt free.” Kevin stood up, he looked uneasy; scratching his head he paced the floor.
Zac was watching him like a hawk. Laughter could be heard and Kevin walked back to Zac with a cocky face. “Alright yeah I can do that. But I hope this is not bullshit and you’re not joking.”
Zac swung his fist right into Kevin’s face. “Do I look like I’m a fucking bullshitter?” he ranted.
Kevin covered his face and fell to his knees. “I know mate. I’m just saying it’s hard to believe that you’re gonna let me off with the money if I sort Sandra out.”
Zac pulled him up from the floor as Kevin wiped the blood from his mouth. He guided him back to his chair. “Right I want you to do it tonight. Don’t fuck me about though because if you don’t I’ll find you and make sure it’s more than ya cock that gets injured this time. I’ll cut the fucker off. Do you hear me?”
Kevin jerked his head up and down rapidly. You could tell by his face that he knew Zac meant every word he said. He was a bad arse and wouldn’t think twice about cutting his dick off. He’d heard of some ruthless things he’d done in the past. Kevin agreed to do it.
They sat there for a moment and Kevin was itching to speak. He didn’t want to wind him up anymore so he approached him with caution. Clearing his throat he coughed slightly. “Zac can I just ask you one question.”
Zac screwed his face. He squeezed his fist tightly and was getting ready to tune the cheeky fucker right in. “What now, what do you want to know?” he replied.
Kevin spoke quietly. “Why are you interested in helping Sandra?”
Zac yawned. He wasn’t ready for the question. Stretching his arms above his head he answered him. “Just let’s say that I don’t like seeing women who I’ve known for years being slammed in jail. Fuck me man, she’s your wife. Haven’t you got no morals?”
Kevin gulped; his mouth looked dry as his tongue slid across his bottom lip. “Yeah I know mate. I feel bad about it all you know; it’s just that the daft cunt tried to ruin my manhood.”
Zac giggled. “Women are mad fuckers mate, and word on the street is that you were shagging her sister. What do you expect?” Kevin knew it was the truth. He walked over to him and held his hand out for Kevin to shake it. Kevin was wary but shook it anyway. He told him to make sure he went to the police station tonight and Kevin agreed before he left.
The shop door closed and Maxine came out of hiding. She waited for Zac to return and hugged him as he entered. “Thank you so much love, did you see the cocky fucker? I’m so glad you punched the lowlife skank.”
Zac checked his knuckles and rubbed a
t them with a smile on his face. “Yeah well he was getting fucking cheeky wasn’t he? He knows not to fuck with me.”
Maxine stroked his muscles on his arm as he chuckled. “He better get his sorry arse to the police station tonight, because if he doesn’t, I’ll chop his one eyed worm weasel right off and send it up in the sky tied to a helium balloon.” Maxine roared laughing, “Yeah imagine that, that would be the dog’s bollocks that. I might have a go of that myself if my fella ever cheats on me.”
Zac looked blank and hunched his shoulders. “Since when did you have a man in your life?”
Maxine hesitated. “I mean if I ever get one. I’m having a drought at the moment but men are like buses aren’t they, none for ages then they all come along at once.”
Zac dragged her by the arm towards him. “Right let’s get down to business. Where’s this weed stash?”
Maxine kept to her side of the bargain and filled him in on the whereabouts of the grow. Twisting his fingers together he joked with her. “If we get a good earner on this I might take you out for a night on the town.” She looked embarrassed as he continued. “That’s if you have a wash and that you scruffy cunt.” Maxine patted her hair down and giggled. “Ay fuck off will you, I’ve not had time to get ready this morning. My mates are more important at the moment than looking good.” He walked towards the exit with Maxine following closely behind him. She liked him and it was so obvious, this was her chance to get into him. “Don’t worry, when you take me out, you won’t recognise me. I’m quite a stunner when I’ve got my slap on.”
He turned back to her as his fingers turned the key in the door. “I’m sure you do love, just make sure you wash your motty though. It was a bit whiffy last time.” Maxine playfully pushed him out of the door. They loved the banter between them. The desire for each other’s bodies was written all across their faces. Zac kissed her on the cheek and they went their separate ways.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
John sat in his mate’s flat. His body was weak. The cut on his hand still looked sore. He’d wrapped an old sock round it to stop it bleeding. All that was on his mind was drugs. He knew his mother was locked up but he didn’t have the courage to go and see her. Sandra could spot a drug addict from a mile off, she’d done it in the past so many times. They would be sat in the car and all of a sudden she would get his attention “Look at that baghead. You can just tell they’re on drugs cant you.” He remembered her conversation and knew she could never see him like this. Drugs were hard to get hold of now. And since he was no longer delivering them for his father he had to turn to crime to pay for his habit.
Kevin had been to the flat where he was staying over the last few days looking for his son but John always hid away and got his friends to lie for him. His life was in a state and every day he was falling deeper into a hole of desperation.
Kevin sat in the reception of Grey Mare police station. Dropping the charges on Sandra would be a small price to pay to clear off his debts. He’d told the policewoman behind the reception counter why he was there and he was now sat waiting to see someone about it. Chewing rapidly on his gum he read the notice boards all over the walls. The drugs notice seemed to grip him and he stood up to read it properly. Shaking his head he typed the phone number of the helpline in his mobile phone. Sitting back down the Domestic Violence data stared right at him. The picture showed a woman sunk in a corner with a man stood over her shouting at her. His face changed. He’d led Sandra a miserable life and he knew it. She just wound him up so much with her gob. A voice could now be heard and Kevin answered to his name being called.
Kevin walked into a small side office. He was told to sit down while the policewoman got all the paper work she required. Once she joined him again he couldn’t wait to get the words from his mouth. “I want to retract the statement I made against my wife and drop all the charges.”
The policewoman read through the file in front of her and shook her head. She was aware of the case. After all it had been all over the news. The officer now spoke “I think it might be a bit late for that.” Her eyes carried on reading the notes in front of her as Kevin watched in disbelief.
“Listen,” he said in a stroppy tone, “I don’t want to press charges. I want to drop all of them. I mean how hard is that? Just give me the form and I’ll sign it to that effect.”
The policewoman sat back in her chair. “You may want to drop the charges but the prosecution might still want to carry on with the case without your evidence. It’s not as easy as you think. Your wife committed a crime and she won’t just walk away from it just because you have changed your mind.”
Kevin was up in arms. “If I tell you I deserved it and I pushed her to it, then surely that must count for something. I know Tracy will also drop the charges on Tina as well, so there won’t be a case.” The policewoman took his statement and told him that in her experience the police would still carry on without him. He looked demented. Giving a big sigh he left the police station.
Walking from Grey Mare police station he phoned Zac to tell him the job was done. He didn’t tell him what they said about it not being over for Sandra. He just told him he’d retracted his statement. A smile filled his face and he felt himself again. He was debt free and his struggle to survive was nearly over. He had the spring back in his step.
Kevin’s son lay heavily on his mind now and he decided he would go looking for him. Kevin knew who was selling heroin on Monsall and felt certain John would sooner or later make contact with them for a fix. Making his way to Big John’s he set out to capture his son.
Big John was a middle aged man who lived in the block of flats on Monsall in Manchester. Kevin had known him for years and had often had a pint with him in the local pub. Pressing the button outside the flats he waited eagerly for John to answer. Kevin now spoke into the intercom. “Hiya mate its Kevin. Let us in.” The door made a buzzing noise and within minutes he was inside the flats. Walking to the right of him he located the lifts. John lived on the fifth floor. Kevin stepped inside the lift and pressed the floor number he required. The lift stank of piss. As he looked down on the floor he could see the wet liquid rolling about near his feet. “Scruffy cunts,” he mumbled.
John was stood at his front door waiting for him. They shook hands and John invited him inside. The flat was nothing like Kevin expected. He thought John was a scruffy twat but as he looked around the front room he realised how wrong he was. John had the latest TV and the smell from his brown leather sofa told him he hadn’t had it long. Everywhere looked spick and span.
John brought two cans of lager from the kitchen and passed one to Kevin. “Get that down your neck lad. From what I’ve heard you’ve earned it!” Kevin opened his Stella and slurped from the top of it. John held nothing back and came straight out with it. “How’s your love sword lad. Bet you want to do the tart in don’t you?”
Kevin raised a smile. “It’s getting there mate. Still a bit sore but the old fellow will be back in action soon don’t worry.” They both chuckled.
John made himself comfy in his large armchair. “So to what do I owe the honour then? It’s not often I get a visit from you what’s up?”
Kevin sighed. He looked deflated; you could tell he was trying to find the right words. After a few moments he spoke. “It’s our John. He’s on gear.”
Big John sat forward in his chair, his face looked traumatised. “Fuck off, are you joking or what?”
Kevin shook his head. “Nar mate. I found him injecting in his bedroom a while back. I locked him in there but the fucker smashed the window and done one.”
Big John took a big gulp from his drink. You could hear him swallowing the lager. After a big burp he placed his hand down his grey tracksuit bottoms and scratched at his ball bag. “Bad news that mate. I mean once they start on that shit it’s very rare they come back.” Kevin agreed. The mobile phone at Big John’s was ringing constantly and you could hear him speaking in drugs terms and organising drop offs.
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nbsp; Kevin knew he didn’t have long as he needed to go out now and asked the question that was lying heavily on his lips. “I need you to tell me when John or his mates phone you to score. I’ve looked everywhere for the little prick but can I find him? Can I fuck! Just ring me when you’re doing a drop and I’ll do the rest.”
Big John agreed. He knew Kevin’s son and wanted to help him as much as possible. “Yeah as soon as he rings I’ll phone you don’t worry, I want you to sort him out, it’s no life being a smack head.” Kevin thanked him and they left the flat together. John told him he would be in touch. He checked he had the right phone number for him and once he knew he had, he left him to go and drop the drugs off.
Kevin felt better. He would catch the fucker, he knew it. Now Big John was on side it was just a matter of time before he got his hands on the little bastard. His phone started to ring. Tracy’s name flashed.
“Hello sexy” he joked. His mood had lifted and as he touched his crotch he knew it was ready for action. He arranged to meet Tracy and a night of sex was all he had on his mind. Kevin had to get Tracy to drop the charges now against Tina. Once that was done he could sit back and enjoy his new life with her. Tracy’s parents seemed to have disowned Sandra and accepted that he was now with Tracy. Well Anita did, Graham always looked at him as if he wanted to plunge his fist deep into his face every time he saw him. Kevin thought it was wrong how Anita had sold out her eldest daughter but ay, if it made his life easier he didn’t give a flying fuck. He headed to meet Tracy at her parent’s house.
Tracy was lying on the sofa when he got to her house. Her mother was running round after her as per usual. Ever since she’d told her she was pregnant she’d been at her side for her every need. Walking into the front room Kevin was greeted by Anita.