The Traitor

by Kimberley Chambers

  Kerry grabbed the phone. ‘Frankie, I’ve been worried sick about you. Where are you now?’

  ‘I’m still with the police, but don’t worry, I’m fine. Jed’s not dead yet, which is a shame. Where are the kids? Are they OK?’

  Frankie sounded strange, very unlike her normal self, and instinct told Kerry not to say she had no idea where the kids were.

  ‘The kids are fine. Listen Frankie, you have to tell the police about the tape, you’ve got to tell them everything.’

  ‘No, I can’t. And you must promise me, Kerry, that you never mention it to anybody.’

  Kerry was bemused. Frankie sounded as though she was high on drugs or something. ‘You must tell them, Frankie. If you don’t, they won’t understand what you did and why you did it.’

  ‘I’m not going to tell ’em, I can’t, and one day I will tell you why, but I can’t really talk properly now. You won’t say anything about it, will you? Promise me, Kerry, that you won’t.’

  ‘I promise that I won’t say anything unless you want me to,’ Kerry replied sadly.

  Frankie smiled. ‘Put the kids on, I want to talk to them.’

  Kerry looked at Joanne. They had rung the police, told them that Sammy had taken the children and they were waiting for someone to come round. The police hadn’t seemed particularly concerned when they had heard that Sammy was the father of two of the kids and the uncle of the other two. Kerry and Joanne didn’t mention that Sammy had been violent earlier. They were too frightened of any repercussions.

  ‘The kids are out,’ Kerry said.

  ‘Where? Who with?’

  ‘Me mum. She’s took ’em to McDonald’s,’ Kerry lied.

  Frankie was bitterly disappointed. She had been so looking forward to speaking to her children; she needed to tell them how much she loved them. Her eyes filled up with tears.

  ‘I need you to look after them for me until everything’s sorted, Kerry. Can you do that for me? I will give you my dad’s number, he will give you some money and help you out.’

  Kerry started to cry. ‘Of course I can. Can I come and see you, Frankie? When are the police letting you go?’

  Frankie ended the call without giving an answer or saying goodbye. She tearfully handed the phone back to Blyth.

  ‘What do you not want your friend to say anything about, Frankie? Please tell me, I want to help you.’

  Frankie stared out of the window. Blyth seemed trustable, but what was the point of telling her about the tape when Sammy had run off with it? Without any evidence it was her word against Jed’s and, unless the bastard died, he would easily convince everyone that she was lying.

  Frankie put her head in her hands. Telling her dad about the tape was not even on her radar. He would definitely believe her, but Jed was dangerous and she couldn’t risk her dad doing life in prison or, worse still, ending up dead like her mother had.

  ‘Talk to me, Frankie. Please tell me what’s bothering you,’ Blyth said kindly.

  Frankie shook her head. ‘The only thing I can tell you is that Jed is a traitor. The rest is a secret and for my dad’s and my children’s sake, that’s the way it will have to stay.’

  CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR

  Aware that Harry was crying again, Alice lifted him up and sat him on her lap. Since Jed had returned from the operating theatre none of the family had left his side, and understandably the kids were getting bored.‘You’re a big boy now and big boys don’t cry,’ Alice said, wiping Harry’s nose with a tissue.

  ‘Will we be going home to Mummy tonight?’ Georgie asked innocently.

  Alice’s top lip took up a snarling position. ‘You won’t be living with your mother any more. She’s evil and she’ll be going to live in prison.’

  Seeing the distressed look on Georgie’s face, Alice softened and urged the child to sit on the chair next to her. ‘Don’t get all upset now. You and Harry can live with me and your grandad, and when your dad gets out of hospital, he can live with us too.’

  ‘You’re gonna have to toughen them up a bit, especially him,’ Shannon said, pointing at Harry.

  ‘Oh, I will do. Now the doctors have said that Jed’s gonna be all right, he’s bound to get custody of the kids, which means I can have ’em whenever I want. I’ll knock little Harry boy into a travelling mush in no time, you just wait and see.’

  Jimmy stood up. ‘Where the hell has Marky bloody well got to? The café’s only ten minutes away and he’s been gone well over an hour now.’

  Alice shrugged. ‘I hope he’s on his way back. I’m that hungry, I could eat a scabby horse. Try his mobile again, Jimmy.’

  ‘I’ve been ringing him. He ain’t poxy answering. If he’s gone home to get his head down without telling us, I’ll have his guts for garters.’

  Alice, Jimmy, Shannon, Marky, Billy, Sammy and the kids had all spent the night at the hospital. Since finding out that Jed was out of the woods, their mood had turned from morose to jovial, and Mark had offered to get them some much-needed breakfast from a nearby café.

  Alice leaped out of her seat as a nurse poked her head around the door. ‘For fuck’s sake, can’t you just let us have some family time? As soon as my Jed wakes up, you’ll be the first to know.’

  When the nurse made a quick exit, Shannon laughed and tickled Georgie. ‘If you ever see that old whore of a mother of yours again, I want you to tell her that Auntie Shannon’s gonna beat the granny out of her.’

  ‘Just shut it, Shannon,’ Jimmy said angrily.

  The kids were distressed enough as it was without his trappy daughter-in-law sticking her oar in.

  As Harry started crying again, Alice handed him to her husband. ‘Can you take him for a walk or something? He’s doing my head in with his whining.’

  Sammy and Billy followed Jimmy out of the room. Minutes later, Alice grabbed Shannon’s arm. ‘He’s waking up. Dordie, thank you God. He’s gonna be OK. Jed, it’s Mum, can you hear me?’

  ‘Where am I?’ Jed whispered.

  Alice moved her chair and squeezed his hand. ‘You’re in Basildon Hospital, boy. The old whore stabbed ya, didn’t she? Don’t you worry, the police have locked her up now. She’s in a cell, where she belongs.’

  ‘I’m so thirsty,’ Jed croaked.

  Alice had tears in her eyes as she held a cup of water to his lips. ‘You had to have an operation. Internal bleeding you had and a punctured bowel. Laparotomy or something, the doctor called it.’

  Shannon stood up. ‘I’m gonna see if I can find the boys, tell ’em Jed’s awake.’

  ‘Don’t tell them nurses yet. I wanna spend some time with my boy before they start poking their trunks in,’ Alice said.

  ‘What exactly did the quacks say, Mum? That bitch ain’t done me no permanent damage, has she?’

  ‘They told us you’ll make a full recovery, boy. No thanks to that evil whore, though. What type of woman tries to murder the father of her chavvies, eh? I hope they give her fucking life.’

  ‘Daddy, talk to me, Daddy,’ Georgie shouted.

  Alice lifted her granddaughter up and sat her on her lap. ‘Now you mustn’t touch Daddy ’cause he still ain’t very well.’

  Jed smiled. ‘Hello, Georgie girl,’ he said, stroking her arm.

  Georgie was too young to understand exactly what had happened, but she knew that her mum had done something bad to her dad. ‘Where is Mummy?’ she asked.

  ‘Where’s Dad? Is Harry here as well?’ Jed whispered, swerving Georgie’s question.

  Alice nodded. ‘Billy, Sammy and your dad have been up here all night. Harry kept whinging, so they’ve taken him out to get some fresh air. Marky was here as well, he went to get some grub and then disappeared into thin air. I wanted to contact Sally, Jed, but none of us have got her number. I’m sure her and Lukey boy would want to be here.’

  ‘I don’t know her number off by heart, Mum. Sammy will sort it, I’ll get him to contact her. Has Frankie been charged yet? Has anyone told you anything?’

&nb
sp; ‘Your father asked earlier and one of the gavvers said she’ll be up in court later today, but will probably get bail. She ain’t coming near them chavvies, Jed. I’ll fucking kill her if she comes within two hundred yards of ’em, on my Georgie girl’s life, I will.’

  ‘You’ll have to look after Georgie and Harry for me until I get meself sorted, is that OK?’

  Alice smiled. ‘That’s no problem, boy.’

  Georgie had picked up snippets of the conversation and was now more confused than ever. She tugged on Alice’s skirt. ‘Can I see Mummy tomorrow, Nan?’

  Shannon and Sammy returning saved Alice from having to answer the awkward question.

  ‘It’s mayhem out there. Someone said there’s been a bad road accident. I found Sammy on me way back. Jimmy and Billy have taken Harry to the café with ’em. They’ve given up on Marky, they’re getting our food themselves.’

  ‘Can I have five minutes alone with Sammy?’ Jed croaked. He was tired again now and needed to speak to his cousin before he drifted back off into the land of nod.

  Alice lifted up Georgie. ‘I wanna stay here with Daddy,’ she pleaded.

  ‘Daddy’s tired. Come with Nanna and she’ll buy you a chocolate bar.’

  As the door closed behind his family, Jed turned to Sammy. ‘Where’s the tape?’

  ‘In me pocket. Do you wanna see it?’ Sammy teased.

  Jed was fuming. That tape contained enough information to put them inside for donkey’s years. What was Sammy trying to do, kill him off?

  ‘Get rid of it, you dinlo. The hospital’s probably swarming with Old Bill as we speak. I can’t believe your brains, Sammy boy, ain’t ya got none?’

  Sammy laughed. He was absolutely thrilled that his cousin was out of the woods, but still couldn’t resist winding him up. He pulled out a see-through plastic bag from his pocket that contained nothing but ashes and a charred piece of plastic.

  ‘There’s the clever Frankie’s fucking tape,’ he said cockily.

  As ill as Jed felt, he couldn’t help but try to laugh. Wincing, he urged his cousin to give him a hug.

  ‘Well done, Sammy boy. We’re in the clear, mush.’

  Outside the magistrates’ court, Ricky flicked his fag butt into a bush and nudged Gary. ‘What are them fucking two doing ’ere?’

  Furious that his half-brother had brought his boyfriend to the court with him, Gary marched over to Joey.

  ‘Whaddya think you’re doing, bringing him ’ere with ya? You ain’t at the fucking gay parade now, you know.’

  Clocking what was occuring, Eddie walked over to Gary. ‘Leave them alone,’ he ordered.

  Gary glared at his father. ‘You’ve changed your fucking tune, ain’t ya?’

  Eddie put a protective arm around Joey’s shoulder. ‘I had a lot of time to sit and think while I was in prison and I came to the conclusion that life’s too short to be bitter and twisted. Joey and Dominic might be gay, but they’re good lads and what they do in their own time is entirely up to them, not us.’

  As Gary and Ricky stormed off, Joey hugged his father. ‘Cheers, Dad.’

  Dominic smiled. ‘Thank you, Mr Mitchell.’

  Eddie shook Dominic’s hand. ‘And no more, Mr Mitchell. You call me Eddie from now on, OK?’

  Raymond had wanted to come alone to the court, but his mother had had other ideas.

  ‘Look, you don’t wanna upset yourself. Stay at home with Dad and I’ll ring you as soon as we know Frankie’s got bail,’ he’d pleaded with her the day before.

  Unfortunately for Raymond, Joyce loved a drama and had no intention of missing out on this particular one.

  ‘Frankie’s our grandchild and me and your dad want to be there to support her. It’s what Jessica would have wanted,’ she insisted.

  As Eddie acknowledged him, Raymond put an arm around his father’s shoulder.

  ‘Please don’t start an argument with Eddie, will you Dad? Today’s about Frankie and none of us need any extra grief.’

  Stanley tutted and pointed at Joyce. He was still in the dark that his wife had already met up with Eddie and had all but forgiven the man who had murdered their daughter.

  ‘Best you tell Mouth Almighty that, not me,’ he mumbled.

  Joyce had ears like a bat. ‘What did you just say?’ she asked.

  ‘Nothing, dear,’ Stanley replied sarcastically.

  Desperate not to get into an altercation with Stanley, Eddie walked over to Larry, his solicitor.

  ‘What’s up?’ he asked as Larry ended his phone call. He had a glum expression on his usually cheerful face.

  Larry sighed. ‘There’s been a bit of a hitch, I’m afraid.’

  Eddie glared at him. Larry had been positive that Frankie would get bail when he had spoken to him yesterday.

  ‘Hitch! What fucking hitch?’ he exclaimed angrily.

  ‘The main magistrate today is none other than Rupert Dickens.’

  Eddie scratched his head. ‘Who the hell is Rupert Dickens? I’ve never fucking heard of him.’

  ‘Rupert Dickens is George Dickens’ brother. You know, the same George Dickens that we blackmailed at your trial, who passed away shortly afterwards due to a heart attack, which the doctors said was caused by stress.’

  ‘Fuck! Can’t you get him thrown off the case? I don’t care what it costs,’ Eddie spat.

  Larry shook his head. ‘I’ve just tried to wangle it, but I’m afraid there is little I can do. I’m sorry, Eddie, but we just have to hope for the best.’

  ‘Excuse me?’

  Eddie swung around and came face to face with two youngish girls. One looked familiar, but he couldn’t quite place her.

  ‘You’re Frankie’s dad, aren’t you?’ the familiar one asked.

  ‘Who wants to know?’ Eddie replied cautiously.

  ‘You probably don’t remember me, but I’m Frankie’s friend, Kerry. I was with her at the restaurant that night when you and her had a row.’

  Eddie nodded. ‘I’m sorry about that night. Things were a bit awkward, if you know what I mean. Listen, thanks for looking after the kids for Frankie. How are they? Are they here with you?’

  Joanne prodded her sister in the stomach. ‘Tell him, then,’ she hissed.

  ‘We really need your help, Mr Mitchell. Sammy, Jed’s cousin, came to my house yesterday and snatched my boys – he’s their father. He also took Georgie and Harry with him as well,’ Kerry stammered.

  Eddie looked at Kerry in horror. He had asked the Old Bill where his grandchildren were and had been told they were with Frankie’s friend, Kerry, and were safe and well.

  ‘Have you rung the Old Bill? What time did he take ’em?’

  ‘Yesterday afternoon. We told the police, but because he’s the dad of my two and uncle to Frankie’s, they didn’t seem that bothered. I’m frightened for their safety. I haven’t told Frankie yet: I didn’t want to worry her until she got bail.’

  Eddie turned to Larry. ‘You’re gonna have to help me get the kids back. Knowing them pikey shitbags they could be anywhere by now. Go through the official channels so everything’s kosher.’

  Larry nodded. ‘Come on, we need to go inside now. I’ll sort it, don’t worry.’

  Stanley glared at Eddie as he took his seat in the gallery. ‘Murderer,’ he mumbled under his breath.

  ‘Shut up,’ Joyce spat, punching him on the leg.

  ‘Unlike you and our Raymond, I’m loyal to our Jessica,’ Stanley spat back.

  Eddie glanced at Joey as Frankie stood up. She looked frail and ill and Ed was shocked by the change in her appearance since he’d seen her that night in the restaurant.

  DI Blyth smiled at Frankie as she nervously confirmed her name. She was sure Frankie would get bail and was also sure that she could help her, if only she would tell her the truth about what had really happened.

  Larry stood up and addressed Dickens.

  ‘I am not only here representing Miss Mitchell today, I am also a family friend that has known th
e defendant for many years.’

  Spotting Kerry, Frankie smiled and waved. ‘Where are the kids?’ she mouthed.

  Dickens immediately turned on her. ‘For goodness’ sake, Miss Mitchell. Control yourself and show some respect. This is a courtroom, not a fairground.’

  ‘Bastard. He ain’t gonna give her bail,’ Eddie whispered to Raymond.

  Larry continued. ‘Miss Mitchell is a doting mother of two young children. She is currently pregnant with her third child and, apart from one caution, has never been in trouble with the police before. I therefore plead with you to show some compassion and grant Miss Mitchell bail.’

  As the magistrates whispered between themselves, Eddie feared the worst.

  ‘Frankie looks ill, Dad. I’m so worried about her,’ Joey whispered.

  Eddie squeezed his son’s shoulder. ‘Frankie’s a tough cookie, she’ll be OK,’ he lied.

  Dickens cleared his throat. Revenge was a sweet thing and if he refused Frankie bail today then she would be taken to Chelmsford Crown Court for a second hearing next week. Dickens knew that his brother’s influential friends over at Chelmsford blamed Mitchell for George’s death, so young Frankie’s chances of bail were looking fairly bleak.

  ‘We have weighed up both sides of this application, and we are seriously concerned that if Miss Mitchell is allowed bail, she will not turn up for her trial.’

  Glancing at Eddie, Dickens smirked. ‘Application for bail rejected.’

  Eddie jumped up. ‘You fucking cunt! I’ll have you for this,’ he screamed at Dickens.

  ‘You evil bastard,’ Gary and Ricky shouted, as they grabbed hold of their father to stop him from throttling the heartless magistrate.

  Frankie turned to her family and friends with tears streaming down her face.

  ‘Look after Georgie and Harry for me. Tell ’em how much I love ’em and tell ’em what their mummy did, she did for them.’

  Alice and Shannon were furious when they clocked Jimmy and Billy walking towards them, minus their breakfast.

  ‘Where you been? Jed’s wide awake. Sammy said you were going to the bloody café. Absolutely starving we are, Jimmy.’

  ‘Take the kids and Shannon for a walk while I speak to your mother,’ Jimmy ordered Billy.