by Dani Oakley
Well, a person only needed to look at the state of their lives to see who would come out on top. Despite his controlling nature, Dave’s family were cursed.
Gary smiled to himself as he followed Trevor and reached into his pocket for his door keys.
The boy turned to look at him with trust in his eyes, and Gary knew it wouldn’t be long now. Soon he would have Trevor’s complete trust, and it would all be worthwhile.
“Slowly, slowly, catchy monkey,” Gary whispered to himself.
“What was that?” Trevor asked blinking at him with a confused frown wrinkling his forehead.
“Nothing,” Gary said, “nothing at all.”
Chapter 22
The following day, Tony picked Ruby up outside the house.
His mother had been eager for him to come in for a cup of tea and perhaps a spot of breakfast. But Tony had seen the horrified look on Ruby’s face and turned his mother down. He knew she was worried about not catching the train on time.
Of course, he didn’t say as much to his mother. She didn’t know what Ruby was doing today. Instead, he kissed his mother on the cheek and promised to pop in later that day for a cup of tea.
As Ruby slid into the passenger seat, Tony started the engine.
“Are you sure you want to do this?”
It was a waste of time asking the question. Ruby had a determined look on her face, much like the look Babs had when she’d made up her mind about something.
“Yes, this is the best way to make sure he turns up.”
Tony wasn’t going to argue with her. She knew Derek better than anyone. Tony hadn’t had much to do with the boy since his early years, and last time he had seen him he had been shocked by the change.
Derek was a good-looking lad, but it was the way he spoke and held himself that took Tony aback. He spoke like one of those posh people who read the news.
Derek obviously wasn’t comfortable in their company anymore.
He could remember when Ruby and Derek used to fight like cats and dogs, and Tony had only been able to separate them by promising them money for sweets.
Babs had found it difficult to control the children, who were both strong-willed little buggers, after Martin was sent down.
He thought now perhaps she regretted sending them off to private school. Ruby had hated the place on sight and done everything in her power to get home, but Derek had revelled in it and made friends and connections who he preferred to spend his summers with these days.
It was hard to believe that Derek was now almost twenty.
When he thought of the type of men he and Martin had been by that age, proper bruisers out for a brawl and ready to take anyone on, it was hard to remember that Derek was the same age. Whenever Tony saw him, he couldn’t get it out of his head that the boy was playing dress up, pretending to be something he wasn’t. And Tony didn’t think that was any way to live life.
As he turned right at the end of the street, he said, “You know, I don’t mind driving you down to Southampton to save you getting the train.”
He was well aware that Ruby was street smart and would probably be fine, but he didn’t want her to feel that Derek was all her problem.
She was a good kid with her head screwed on right, and although Martin might not appreciate it, she definitely had a head for business.
Ruby shook her head. “No, thanks. I worked out the train times, and I’ll be back by early evening. I think it’s best if I talk to Derek alone.”
Tony nodded slowly. “Right. If you run into any trouble or miss the train, give me a call. If I’m not home, I’ll be having dinner with your grandmother tonight, and if it’s later than that, I’ll be at the club.”
Ruby allowed herself to relax enough to smile. “Thanks.”
She carried a lot on her shoulders. Tony knew she was worried about her father as much as he was, and she was fretting over what would happen when her mother got out.
It was too much for a young woman to take responsibility for, but he knew she wouldn’t listen if he tried to persuade her to let the adults sort it out.
She would be offended if he even tried.
They drove in silence for a little while, and it wasn’t until they were approaching Waterloo that Ruby turned to him and said, “I can’t believe Mum will be out next week.”
Tony nodded. Ruby wasn’t really one to open up or talk about feelings, so he didn’t want to say anything to make her clam up. “I bet she can’t wait to see you and Derek.”
Ruby let out a sigh. “Yes, that’s exactly why I have to go to Southampton and make sure that Derek gets his backside up here in time for her release. She’ll be devastated if he is not there.”
Tony couldn’t argue with that. Although Derek hadn’t been to visit Babs much in prison, she seemed to imagine that would suddenly change when she was out. She had the idea that Derek would be around all the time, and it would be just like the old days. Tony couldn’t quite see that happening.
“It’s good of you to try. But don’t blame yourself if he is difficult.”
“I’m not giving him the chance to be difficult. He’s only got one option. Come home, or I make his life hell.”
Tony couldn’t help smiling at that. It could have been Babs herself saying those words.
“Well, I’m sure if anyone can persuade him, Ruby, you can. But try not to worry too much. Just enjoy the thought you’ll have your mum home for a change soon.”
Ruby took a deep breath and nodded and then smoothed out her skirt and squared her shoulders as the front of Waterloo station came into view.
Tony pulled up to the kerb and then hopped out, ready to walk around and open Ruby’s door, but she was already out and standing on the pavement by the time he got to the passenger side of the car.
“Last chance,” Tony said. “Are you sure you don’t want me to drive you?”
Ruby nodded firmly and then reached up on tiptoes to kiss her uncle on the cheek.
“I’m sure. I don’t want us both turning up there, in case Derek feels he is under attack. You know how he can be. But, trust me, he’ll be back in the East End before Mum is released, if it’s the last thing I do.”
* * *
Linda knocked on Mary Diamond’s door. She often visited Mary on a Saturday morning for a cup of tea and a chat. Usually, Linda enjoyed their get-togethers, but today she was feeling nervous.
She knew Mary was well aware of her involvement with Big Tim and could understand why the older woman was shocked.
“It’s on the latch,” Mary Diamond called from inside the house, and Linda opened the front door herself and stepped into the familiar hallway.
Although it had been years since Kathleen had passed, she couldn’t step inside this house without remembering her old friend. She felt a twinge of pain every time she recalled how Kathleen was taken before her prime, and today that feeling was even more acute than usual.
But she fixed a smile on her face and walked along the hallway to the kitchen.
Mary looked up and smiled, “Hello, Linda love. I’ve just brewed a pot of tea. Sit down, and I’ll pour.”
Mary set out some Garibaldi biscuits and then sat down at the kitchen table opposite Linda.
“So,” she began tentatively. “What’s new with you?”
Linda had come to Mary’s this morning prepared to explain everything so that Mary would understand, but now she was here, she couldn’t find the right words to express everything she needed to say.
“Oh, not much,” Linda said, stalling for time. “Work is the same as ever. Although we’ve just taken on a new order, so it’s been ever so busy.” She watched as Mary poured the tea. “And how is Jimmy?”
Mary beamed at the mention of her grandson. “Ah, he is grand. He’s still seeing Diane Harrison; you know that pretty girl from Cross Street?”
Linda nodded. She’d seen Jimmy with Diane now on a number of occasions, and it looked like things were getting serious. “She seems like a plea
sant girl.”
Mary pursed her lips and shrugged. “She seems nice enough, but I’m not sure about her family.”
Mary handed Linda a cup of tea, and Linda raised an eyebrow. “What’s wrong with her family?”
“Snobs,” Mary said bluntly. “They think themselves a cut above us. I don’t think they like the fact Jimmy works for Dave Carter, which is silly because everybody knows he’s gone straight now.”
Linda wasn’t so sure about that. He certainly wasn’t as overt in his dodgy deals, but she knew Dave Carter still held a firm grasp on the East End. He had just grown cleverer over the years and liked to maintain a respectable front.
Of course, it suited Mary to believe Dave Carter was as pure as the driven snow now that Jimmy worked for him.
They chatted a little more, but neither of them mentioned the elephant in the room: The fact that Linda was courting Big Tim, a man who had been working for Martin Morton at the time of Kathleen’s death.
“Another cup?” Mary offered, reaching for the teapot.
Linda pushed her cup forward. “Thanks.”
As Mary poured, Linda considered how life had turned out since Kathleen had passed. Despite her burning need for vengeance after Kathleen’s death, Mary had been an absolute rock for Jimmy. Things could have turned out very differently if she had filled his head with ideas about revenge. But she had chosen to sacrifice her desire for retribution and instead brought up a kind and clever young man.
“I spoke to Bev last week, and she wants to come and meet Diane. I’m not sure what Jimmy will have to say about that, though.” Mary grinned. “He complains I’m trying to marry him off before the end of the year.”
“Do you think it’s that serious?”
“I’m not sure. I’ll be happy as long as Jimmy is content. But to tell you the truth, I’d miss having him around if he got married and moved out.”
Linda nodded. “I’m sure even if he did get married he wouldn’t go far.”
Mary nodded and smiled. “I’m sure you’re right. As long as he is working for Dave Carter, he’ll stay local.”
There was a pause as Linda sipped her tea and then Mary said, “I saw you with Big Tim. You can say it’s none of my business, but…”
Linda put her tea down on the table and reached out to grab Mary’s hand. “I wanted to tell you before now, but I didn’t know how to bring the subject up. I know he used to work for Martin Morton, but over the last few weeks I have got to know him better, and he isn’t a bad man.”
Mary looked at Linda intently. “I’d like to believe that, Linda.”
“I thought the same as you, Mary. I thought maybe he was involved somehow with what happened to Kathleen, but I don’t believe he had anything to do with it. He’s a kind man. I think he just got caught up with the wrong person and then made the decision to walk away.”
“It’s strange, isn’t it?” Mary said a little coldly.
Linda frowned. “What is?”
“Well, how many people do you know who were allowed to walk away from Martin Morton?”
Linda nodded slowly and then leant back in her chair. “I’ve thought about that. But, he went to work for Dave Carter, so maybe Martin left him alone because he was under Dave’s protection?”
Mary tilted her head to the side and then shrugged. “Maybe. But don’t let your guard down, Linda. Anyone involved in that type of life, can’t be all good.”
Linda felt her temper rise. “No one is all good, Mary.”
She thought Mary had a cheek. Her grandson was working for Dave Carter, so how could she judge Big Tim for doing the same?
But she didn’t argue with Mary. She had grown close to Kathleen’s mother over the years as well as Jimmy and considered them practically family.
“I know you’re just concerned for me. But I’m going into this with my eyes open. I’m not going to rush anything.”
Mary nodded and managed to raise a smile. “That’s good. Just be careful. We live in a wicked world, and the last thing I want is for you to get hurt.”
Linda knew that Mary was looking out for her and told her she appreciated her concern.
“I don’t know if I ever told you this,” Mary said. “But it was Tim who came to me and warned me to get out of London with Jimmy. I suppose I could look at it two ways. One, he’s a nasty bastard, who would have killed a baby, or two, he was warning me so Martin couldn’t get to Jimmy. I have to admit he’s been good to Jimmy over the last few years.”
Linda nodded. “Yes, I really do think he’s got a good heart deep down.
I mean, why else would he look after Jimmy like that? Do you remember after the fire, it was Tim who stuck up for Jimmy and stopped Martin coming back at him in revenge.”
“I suppose,” Mary said. “He might have done it because he’s a good man deep down.”
Linda smiled with relief that Mary was finally coming around to her way of thinking, but then Mary added, “Or he could have done it because he was feeling guilty. Guilt is a powerful motivator, Linda.”
Chapter 23
Gary Carter grimaced as he emptied the bowl of vomit into the lav and then flushed it away.
He gave it a quick rinse and then returned it to the sitting room in easy reach of Trevor, who was now snoring on the settee. He’d been sick so many times; Gary couldn’t believe there was anything left.
Trevor looked pale, but Gary assumed he was past the worst of it now.
In the kitchen, he washed his hands and prepared a cup of tea. He thought about waking Trevor and asking if he wanted one but then thought it would be better to let the lad sleep. Gary smiled to himself as he carried his tea through to the front room. Dave would be going spare. Trevor had spent the night on Gary’s sofa, so he hadn’t been home.
The decent thing to do would be to reach out and let Dave know that Trevor was safe at least, but Gary didn’t feel like doing the decent thing. He was already quite disgruntled that Dave hadn’t bothered to reach out and tell him about Sandra himself. He’d had to hear it from the East End grapevine, which was just typical of Dave. He cut Gary out of his life at every opportunity.
He was sick of the way Dave treated him. He had grown up with Dave looking down at him, and now Dave was doing the same thing to his own son, but he would soon regret it.
Gary took a sip of his tea and looked over at Trevor as the boy moaned in his sleep and turned over.
Of course, Gary couldn’t put it off for too long. He would soon have to go to his brother’s house to offer his condolences and all that stuff. He’d probably be lumbered with the job of contacting some weird relatives of Sandra’s who had never really liked Dave very much. Dave had never wanted much to do with her side of the family.
He wondered how Georgie was taking it. Not very well by all accounts. Gary decided he would show his face later and make sure Dave knew he was the one who had been there to pick up the pieces for poor Trevor when his father hadn’t been.
Gary heard the rumble of a rubbish lorry outside and got up to look out of the window. The streets were full of people already as it was mid-morning, but Gary had never been a morning person. He didn’t wake up until lunchtime most days and didn’t really get going until the evening. He’d have to go out tonight. He’d been intending to score last night as he was getting a little bit low on his personal supply of coke, but then he’d heard that Trevor was in The Lamb, and of course, he hadn’t been able to let that opportunity pass him by.
He was already itching to have a little sniff later, so he would have to leave Trevor at some point to go to his dealer.
Still, there was plenty of time for that. It wasn’t as if the drugs had a hold on him. He could give up any time he wanted to. He just didn’t want to at the moment.
He needed a clear head over the next few days. Gary Carter had plans, and once he got Trevor on his side, there would be no stopping him.
* * *
Dave Carter was trying to hold it all together. Georgie was still
asleep. He’d been tearful and distraught last night and hadn’t been able to settle or drift off until the early hours of the morning.
Dave had sat beside Georgie’s bed, as he had done so many times in the past, hoping his presence would give the boy some comfort.
He felt like saying to hell with it and doing some serious damage to someone. But he had to be strong for Georgie’s sake.
Jimmy had popped in earlier that morning and brought some bread and milk. He wasn’t exactly talented in the kitchen, but he’d prepared some toast for Dave and Georgie. As Georgie hadn’t stirred, Dave had left him sleeping while he went downstairs to eat a slice of toast and talk to Jimmy.
The toast had tasted like cardboard, but he knew he had to eat something. If he was honest with himself, he’d known this day was coming for a long time. But somehow he couldn’t help thinking that this was his fault. He’d let Sandra down. There must have been some way he could have reached out and provided the help she needed, but he had given up. He’d grown tired of it and resented her constant pill popping over the last few years.
Later that morning after Jimmy left, Dave had walked from room to room, aimlessly, not knowing what to do. He stood in front of the mantelpiece in the living room and saw his wedding picture.
He’d always loved that photograph. It reminded him of happier times and of how things used to be. They had posed for that photograph when their future was full of promise, and they hadn’t lost poor Lillian or known that their youngest boy would have so many problems.
But now the photograph looked different to him. Instead of Sandra smiling happily, she seemed to have an accusing stare. She was judging him.
He couldn’t bear it, and with one quick movement, he slammed the framed photograph down on its face so that he couldn’t see Sandra’s judgemental glare anymore.
He took a deep breath and walked out of the sitting room just as there was a knock at the door. Dave walked towards it slowly, expecting yet another local offering their condolences. When he opened the door, he was relieved to see it was Charlie Williams, one of his most faithful men.