‘They’re my work colleagues. I’d love a glass of champagne, please, Michael. I still can’t believe it’s you. Do you come to this bar often?’
‘First time I’ve ever been in here, so our meeting must be fate. You said you were with work colleagues. You living back in England then?’
‘Yes. I’ve been back nearly a year.’
‘Bottle of champagne over here, guv. Your finest, please,’ Michael said, waving a wad of money in the air.
Bella chuckled. She’d missed Michael’s cockney accent, which was so different to her own. Her parents were Italian and she’d lived in Italy until her modelling career had taken off.
‘What you laughing at now?’
‘The way you talk. I could never forget your accent.’
Michael stared deep into Bella’s eyes. ‘And I could never forget you.’
Stunned by Sammi-Lou’s brief note saying she was staying at her parents’ for a while, Little Vinny decided to pay a visit to Molly’s grave.
Glaring at the two women who obviously thought a cemetery was no place to drink alcohol, Little Vinny asked them if they wanted a sip.
‘No, thanks,’ the shorter woman replied.
‘Well, what you staring at me for then?’ Little Vinny shouted.
When the women scuttled away, Little Vinny walked around searching for Molly’s plot. He hadn’t been here since the funeral, so had not seen the headstone yet.
‘There you are,’ he said, staring his sister’s image squarely in the eye. She had a massive headstone with her photo engraved in the centre.
Having taken two fat juicy lines of cocaine before leaving home, paranoia had kicked in and Little Vinny was now fixated with the idea his sister was somehow to blame for his recent run of bad luck. ‘Look, I’m sorry I killed you, Molly, but I was out of me nut. If I could change what I did, I would. You can’t go on punishing me for ever though. I wanna sort my life out and be normal, and all these bad things that keep happening to me are stopping me from doing that.’
Sparking up a joint, Little Vinny sat on the edge of the grave. ‘Can’t you send me a sign so I know you can hear me? Anything will do, like a bird falling out the sky.’
Getting more agitated by the second, Little Vinny whacked his plastic cider bottle against Molly’s photo. ‘Don’t ignore me, you spoilt little bitch. I wanna sign.’
Livid when a bird still didn’t fall from the sky, Little Vinny glanced around. He couldn’t see anybody nearby, so unzipped his trousers, flopped out his penis and pissed all over Molly’s headstone.
‘Oi! Whaddya think you’re doing?’ a voice bellowed.
Seeing a massive bald bloke ambling towards him, Little Vinny zipped himself up, picked up his cider and ran.
‘Vinny, it’s great to see you, mate. Welcome back to reality.’ Paul was grinning from ear to ear as he shook his boss’s hand and slapped him on the back.
‘Is Michael inside?’
‘No. I thought he was picking you up.’
‘Yeah, he did. Then we parted company. What about Pete and Jay Boy, they in there?’
‘Yeah. They’ll be thrilled to see you. Go and have a few bevvies with ’em before the madness starts. It’ll be rammed in there, give it another hour or so.’
‘No. Not tonight. I haven’t even seen my mum yet. Do us a favour, Paul, give the lads a shout for me. I just wanna have a quick word out here with the three of you.’
‘OK.’
Vinny glanced up at the new illuminated sign. It still said BUTLERS, but had the word DISCOTHEQUE below and silly musical notes that lit up all around it.
Sparking up a cigarette, Vinny leaned against the wall. Apart from in his dreams, Vinny had refused to allow himself to think about Molly while incarcerated. But being at the place where he lost her brought it all back to him in an instant.
‘Here he is! The main man. So chuffed you’re out, Vin. I’ve missed you big time, mate. I wanted to come with Michael to meet you, but he said you had some stuff to sort out,’ Jay Boy said.
‘Fuck me! That Scouse accent of yours has sped up even more since we were cellmates. You sound like you’ve been inhaling helium,’ Vinny joked, hugging his pal.
Pete was the next to greet Vinny. ‘You don’t arf look well. Great to have you back, boss. Whitechapel hasn’t been the same without you.’
‘I just wanted to put you in the picture, lads. Me and Michael have decided to go our separate ways. He wants to keep this club and, for obvious reasons, I need a fresh start. As soon as the New Year arrives I will be searching for the right premises to open up a posh wine bar. It’ll be up town somewhere. That’s where the money people are, and obviously I want yous three to come with me. You’ll be on more dosh than you get here, of course.’
‘Count me in,’ Jay Boy grinned.
‘What about Michael though?’ Paul asked.
‘What about him? He’ll have to get new staff in. Not being funny, Paul, but it was me and Roy who employed you and Pete all those years ago. Loyalty is very important in this day and age, don’t you think?’
Paul nodded. ‘Of course, boss. Count me in too.’
‘What about you, Pete?’
Pete wasn’t silly. He knew what Vinny was like and he wasn’t a geezer to get on the wrong side of. He grinned. ‘Yep. I’m in too. A change is as good as a rest, so they say.’
Queenie and Vivian had found a new tipple they were rather partial to. It was called Baileys and was incredibly moreish. The pair of them were singing along to Chas and Dave’s ‘Ain’t No Pleasin’ You’ when Vivian suddenly got the giggles.
‘What you laughing at?’ Queenie asked.
‘Us. We’re a funny pair, you know. I can’t believe we dressed Brenda up like a fucking Arab so none of the neighbours would recognize her, then shoved her in a cab. Our lives are like a comedy sketch at times.’
Queenie roared with laughter. ‘I reckon the cab driver thought Bren was one of them Muslim women until she opened her drunken gob. He looked shocked to the core, poor bastard,’ she cackled. ‘What about the time I made Vinny and Roy dress Albie up to come round for dinner? He looked like John Wayne gone wrong when he came walking up the path. Talk about bringing unwanted attention to the door. I said to Vinny and Roy I didn’t want the neighbours to recognize him, so they dressed him up like a bastard cowboy! All he needed was a bloody horse.’
‘Albie had that long mac and big hat on, didn’t he? I said he looked like a flasher, and I’m sure when he walked in my Lenny blurted out everything we’d said. He was a funny kid, weren’t he, Queen?’
‘Funny ain’t the word. That boy was a legend. I know you used to get embarrassed when he got his dingle-dangle out and flashed it at all the neighbours we didn’t like, but I secretly thought it was hilarious.’
‘I don’t arf miss him this time of year, Queen. Lenny used to love Christmas.’
‘I know, darling. I miss Lenny, Roy and Molly terribly this time of year. That poor little girl’s death still haunts me in my sleep. I dreamt she was standing at the end of my bed the other night, calling me, and when I woke up and realized she wasn’t, I cried.’
‘Perhaps her spirit came back to visit you. Fat Beryl believes in all that stuff. She goes to a medium who she reckons gets in touch with her Cyril.’
‘Whaddya mean, “gets in touch”? He’s been dead for over ten years.’
‘Mediums can contact the dead, according to Beryl,’ Vivian explained.
‘What a load of old bollocks! That medium must have seen Fat Beryl coming. Probably charges her a tenner a time an’ all.’
Vivian chuckled. ‘There ain’t much left of this Baileys. We might as well finish the bottle.’
Before Queenie had a chance to reply, the doorbell rang. ‘That better not be Brenda back again, because over my dead body is she staying ’ere.’
‘Don’t answer it then.’
‘I’ve got to, in case she starts shouting her mouth off,’ Queenie replied, marching int
o the hallway and yanking open the door.
‘Hello, Mum.’
‘Vinny! I wasn’t expecting to see you until tomorrow. I thought you’d be out partying with the lads tonight. Come in, boy. You’ll catch a death of cold out there.’ She ushered him through to the living room. ‘Now, what do you want to drink? Scotch? A brandy?’
Unable to stomach the happy reunion, Vivian put on her coat. ‘I’m off, Queen. Speak to you tomorrow,’ she said, barging past Vinny without even looking at him. Why should she acknowledge the man who’d killed her beloved son? She owed him nothing.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Fearing that her friends might reclaim Bella, Michael suggested that they leave the wine bar and grab a table at a nearby restaurant where it would be possible to have a proper conversation instead of trying to shout above the volume of noise in the wine bar. ‘What do you fancy to eat?’
‘I’m not overly hungry, Michael. Just order the pizza you want and I’ll have one slice. I had a big lunch,’ Bella lied. She didn’t want to admit that the butterflies in her stomach were playing havoc with her appetite.
Michael took a gulp of red wine and smiled. ‘When was it we last saw one another?’
‘I moved to New York in the summer of seventy-seven, so it must have been just before that. How are your sons? Did you have any more children?’
‘My boys are good, thanks. Daniel and Lee are both twelve now and Adam’s eight. No, I didn’t have any more kids. The three of them are enough to keep me on me toes. What about you? You married? Got kids?’
‘I’ve never been married, but I do have a son. His name’s Antonio, and he truly is the light of my life.’
Even though he had three sons himself, Michael couldn’t help but feel a pang of jealousy that Bella had fallen pregnant by another man. ‘How old’s Antonio? You still with his dad?’
‘Antonio’s three. And no, I’m not with his dad. We split up shortly after Antonio was born.’
‘Why was that?’
‘Because I found out I’d been cheated on while I was pregnant. It’s no loss. Clint was an arsehole anyway. Antonio and I are just fine on our own. I can give him everything he needs.’
‘Does Antonio have any contact with his father now?’
‘No. What about you? Still with Nancy?’
‘Yeah. We’re not happy though. Like ships that pass in the night these days. I will always respect and support Nancy ’cause she’s the mother of my kids, but I don’t love her any more. Well, not in the way I should.’
Michael Butler was an incredibly sexy man, and as he stared seductively into her eyes, Bella looked away. Michael oozed charm, had the gift of the gab, and that, combined with his handsome face and cheeky grin, was a fatal combination. ‘I should be going, Michael. I promised my au pair I’d be home early. She looks after Antonio while I’m working.’
Michael leaned across the table and put his hand on top of Bella’s. ‘Stay another half an hour, please? The pizza’ll be here in a minute and we’ve still got half a bottle of wine left.’
When Michael’s thumb began tantalizingly massaging the palm of her hand, Bella weakened. She never had been able to say no to him.
Ahmed Zane’s wine bar was situated around the corner from Liverpool Street station. It attracted mainly city workers, which was why Ahmed was only open for business Monday to Friday. Hordes of football fans passed through the station on a Saturday and there was no way Ahmed was going to risk his bar being smashed up by a bunch of rowdy hooligans.
Ahmed was at the bar most days. He liked to keep a watchful eye on his domain, and was usually to be found sitting in a corner of the bar smoking a fat cigar, sipping a glass of fine wine or champagne. He also liked to socialize with the clientele. It never hurt to let people know who was the boss, and like himself some of the punters were very wealthy, interesting people.
‘Boss, we have a bit of a problem. Vinny’s just turned up, he’s very drunk and he’s arguing with a couple of customers,’ Mario the bar manager whispered urgently.
‘Where is he?’
‘By the door.’
Ahmed was fuming as he made his way through the packed bar. He had a strict policy: none of his staff were allowed to drink alcohol while working. Once the bar was closed, they could go off wherever they liked and drink as much as they wanted. He and Little Vinny often ended up going on to a club or some sordid massage parlour and staying out till all hours.
‘In the office – now!’ Ahmed bellowed, arriving just in time to stop a full-blown fight.
‘It weren’t my fault. That posh geezer barged into me, then he started giving it the large. He was taking the piss, then all his mates joined in. I ain’t gonna stand for shit like that. Why should I?’
Ahmed locked the office door and handed Little Vinny a wrap. ‘Snort that. It’ll sober you up. This is our livelihood, Vin, so you must never turn up here shit-faced again. What’s happened? You had a row with your old man?’
‘Nah. I ain’t even seen him. It’s Sammi. I went home and there was a note on the table. I think she’s left me for good.’
‘Perhaps it’s for the best. I’m not sure you’re ready to settle down yet. You can still be a good dad without being shacked up with the kid’s mother. I only see my children a couple of times a week, yet they are happy and very balanced.’
‘But I can’t be a good dad. I don’t ever want kids.’
‘You’re just scared of fatherhood and the responsibility, Vin. Once the baby’s born, you’ll be fine, trust me.’
‘You don’t understand, Ahmed. Nobody does.’
‘Understand what? Look, I know there’s something on your mind, so why don’t you tell me what it is? A problem shared is a problem halved, and you know you can trust me. I’m your friend.’
Queenie Butler had missed her first-born dreadfully. She would have gone to see him at every opportunity, but Vinny had insisted that Pentonville prison was no place for a lady like herself and would only allow her to visit him twice a year: his birthday and hers. Even though he had rung her most days and written regularly, nothing beat seeing him in the flesh.
‘There you are, love. Get that down ya neck. Nice bit of ham off the bone and fresh crusty bread. Drink that drop of Scotch and I’ll pour you another. I’ve put some mince pies in the oven to warm up. Do you want double cream with yours? I did make some sausage rolls ’cause I know how much you love mine, but that bastard cat next door ate them. Had to throw what was left away.’
‘Mum, stop fussing and sit down a minute. We’ve stuff to talk about.’
Queenie topped Vinny’s drink up, turned the oven down, then sat on the sofa. ‘Your Auntie Viv will come round one day. Difficult time of year for her, is Christmas. That’s when she misses her Lenny the most.’
‘Well, I know how she feels now, which is probably God’s way of paying me back. Christmas Day felt like any other day in nick, but it’s gonna be strange being out and not being able to watch Molly open her presents.’ He took a swig of the Scotch and put the glass down. ‘I was wondering, Mum. Will you accompany me to her grave on Christmas Eve? We can lay flowers for Roy and Champ at the same time. I don’t think I can face going alone.’ Vinny and his brothers had never referred to their cousin as Lenny. They’d always called him Champ, ever since he was a nipper.
‘Me and Viv have already made arrangements to go over the cemetery on Christmas Eve. How about me and you go over there Sunday on our own, eh? Or we could go Christmas morning?’
‘Sunday sounds good. I have some running around to do on Christmas morning.’
‘You’re still coming to me for dinner, aren’t you? Michael’s coming. Nancy’s going to her parents, but she’ll be here in the evening with the boys. You won’t recognize them now, Vin. They ain’t arf shot up.’
‘Will Auntie Viv still come if I’m here? She couldn’t get out quick enough when I knocked on the door.’
‘You leave Viv to me. She’ll be fine. So where’s Michael?
I thought yous two would be out on the lash?’
‘We had words, Mum. Nothing serious, so don’t worry. Michael’s gonna buy the club outright I think, and then I’m gonna make a fresh start by investing in a wine bar.’
Queenie looked crestfallen. ‘But you’ve always worked together. That’s what brothers do.’
‘Yeah, well you can blame Michael for that. He’s known all along how I feel about going back to the club. How would he feel, having to work somewhere that reminds him of his kid’s murder? I’ve suggested we make a fresh start, buy a new place together, but he’s adamant on keeping the club. Selfish bastard he is. I’d have stood by him if the boot had been on the other foot.’
‘Oh dear. I was so hoping this Christmas would be one without any bleeding problems. We’ve had enough drama in this family to last us a lifetime.’
Vinny kissed his mother on the forehead. ‘I’ve got some good news for you as well. But, you have to promise me you won’t breathe a word until I give you the OK.’
‘You have my word.’
‘While I was in nick, I found something out. Joanna was pregnant when we split up. She doesn’t know that I know yet, but I have another daughter, Mum.’
Queenie put her hand over her mouth. ‘Crikey! That’s wonderful news! But how can you be sure the child’s yours? Jo’s probably shacked up with another bloke by now.’
Vinny took the photos out of his pocket. ‘The dates match up. See for yourself, Ava’s a ringer for me.’
Queenie gasped as she laid eyes on her granddaughter for the very first time. It was actually a blessing the child looked nothing like Molly, as that would’ve upset Queenie greatly. ‘Oh my gawd! She could be Little Vinny’s twin at the same age. Ava’s a pretty name. When can I meet her?’
‘Soon. Colin, my solicitor, is on the case. I met up with him after me and Michael parted company earlier. That’s where I’m going Christmas morning. I know Jo’s address and her parents’. I’m gonna pay ’em a surprise visit and meet my daughter. Big mistake on their part keeping Ava a secret from me. Biggest mistake they’ll ever fucking make.’
The Wronged Page 17