by Karen Clow
Standing next to Jimmy the Jamaican ordered four double Bacardi’s. Turning round he offered Jimmy his hand and said, “I am Damon, ya must be Jimmy?” They shook hands and then looking past Jimmy he added, “Ya must be Mickey,” as he offered his hand. Mickey took an instant dislike to him. Damon then said, “I like ya club, I wanna buy it.” Jimmy instantly said, “It’s not for sale mate.” In an arrogant tone Damon replied, “I don’t think ya understand me man. I said I wanta buy ya club!” Mickey answered him and said, “We heard you, but like we said it’s not for sale.” Damon seemed undeterred as he sarcastically replied, “I tell ya what man we play poker for it, or do ya only play for ya woman?” Jimmy had heard enough, aggressively he said, “Now listen hear you black mother fucker, the club is not for sale! Now you can either leave or be thrown out, the choice is yours!” “Dare is no need for ya ta be like that man, we is all business men here, ya don’t want any trouble man, its bad fa ya business. Ya have other clubs; I hear ya very successful, so do ya selves a favour and sell me dis club.” “Are you fucking deaf or what?” said Mickey, “the fucking clubs not for sale! So drink your Bacardi and fuck off!” Taking on an aggressive stance the Jamaican snapped back, “Ya’re making a big mistake man, ma boss wants dis club and he don’t like ta be told no, he’s not gonna like dis, he give ya trouble!” In a raise voice Jimmy said, “Tell your boss to go fuck himself!” “We know ya is getting married in eight weeks, would be tragic if ya Maria became a widow, although I sure ma boss would look after her, she’s young and beautiful.” Jimmy could not hold his temper another second, grabbing the Jamaican round the throat he pinned him against the bar. Instantly the three other Jamaicans rushed over. Terry picked up a baseball bat from behind the bar, while Sue pressed a bleeper to alert Billy and Reggie. Now standing around the bar one of the Jamaicans put his hand inside his jacket, Terry lifted the bat and said, “I wouldn’t do that if I was you mate!” Terry looked menacing and whatever the Jamaican was reaching for, he changed his mind. Billy and Reggie were by then also standing just a few feet away. Jimmy still had a firm grip on Damon, holding him with one hand; he smashed a glass on the bar held it to his throat and said, “Now you listen to me you black bastard, if you so much as say the name Maria again I will fucking kill you, do you understand man! And if your boss is looking for trouble, he’s come to the right fucking place! Now take your fucking shoe shine boys and fuck off back to Jamaica!” Throughout the incident, the dancers had continued to dance; fortunately the music had drowned out most of the noise.
They followed the Jamaicans out of the club and watched them get into their car, it was as they watched them pull away the passenger side window rolled down and Billy shouted, “Gun!” Suddenly a spray of bullets hit the pavement outside the club, the men ran for cover inside.
Once they were sure the Jamaicans had gone they checked the damage, the only noticeable damage was a few holes in the outer door. It wasn’t until the group calmed down they realised one of Reggie’s dogs was whimpering. Reggie started yelling, “Those fucking black bastards, they shot my dog!” Rushing over to the wounded animal he shouted, “He needs a vet now!” “I’ll drive,” said Billy. Reggie looked at the others and said, “You fucking find out who they are! I want them fucking dead for this!” Minutes later he was cradling the wounded animal in the car as Billy drove off.
Fortunately no one outside had seen the incident, the last of the queue had been let in just a few moments earlier. There were a few people walking nearby, but it was all over by the time they’d realised what might be happening. Despite no one inside having any idea as to the attack, Mickey and the others decided to close the club early, just in case the Jamaicans came back.
Turning the club lights on and using the DJs microphone Mickey said, “Can I have your attention please? Unfortunately we’ve just been informed that there’s a gas leak outside, so we’re going to have to close the club.” Several punters booed, hissed and shouted their annoyance, but the majority accepted what was being said. Mickey continued over the crowd, “I’m sorry but we don’t want to jeopardise anyone’s safety. If you form an orderly queue our bar staff will issue everyone with a free pass for another night. Thank you all for your co-operation, goodnight.”
When the club was finally empty they sent the dancers home. Jimmy phoned Maria, waking her up he said, “Sorry babe, was you asleep?” “Yes, Jimmy what’s wrong?” “Nothing babe, we’ve had a bit of trouble down the club that’s all; everyone’s aright I just wanted to check you were ok.” “I’m fine, I was fast asleep.” “Sorry babe, go back to sleep; just don’t answer the intercom or the door.” “Jimmy you’re frightening me, what’s going on?” “Don’t worry babe, I’ll be home in a couple of hours.” “I’ll wait up for you, I won’t be able to sleep now anyway, please be careful.” “I will, I’ll see you soon babe.” With the last of the dancers and bar staff gone, Shane locked the outer doors.
The men were sat in the club having a drink when Mickey said, “We need to find out who these bastards are and who they’re working for.” “Oh we’ll find them, fucking black bastards,” said Jimmy.
Billy returned. Using his keys to get back in he joined the others. Mickey said, “How’s the dog?” “He’ll pull through; according to the vet the bullet narrowly missed all its vital organs. They’re going to remove the bullet once the dog anesthetised. The Vet said the x rays looked good and that the dog would probably be fine in a couple of weeks.” Laughing he added, “I’m not so sure about Reggie though, he’s gone fucking psycho, he wants the fucking Jamaicans blood!” “I can imagine, grab a drink Billy and then I think everyone should go home. Keep your eyes and ears open. I’ll bell you all in the morning to let you know what’s happening.” Mickey and Jimmy left, leaving the others to lock up.
Jimmy dropped him off and then drove home. Maria was waiting up, “Thank God you’re back,” she said worriedly as he walked in. Despite his reassurance that everything was fine, she was not so easily convinced. She asked him exactly what had happened, although he did technically tell her the truth; he left out the shooting part, simply because he knew how much she would worry, but he also knew it would only be a matter of time before someone would let it slip. His theory on that being, he would worry about it when it happened.
For most of the night he tossed and turned, he kept trying to make the connection between the club and the Jamaicans, every thought he had seemed to lead back to Maurice. Despite the fact that Maurice had worked with them, it was no secret that he had kept some very dodgy company. It didn’t make sense though, if it was about Maurice why now; he was murdered two years earlier; which technically they had nothing to do with, his murder was down to Nick and the Russian. Maybe the Jamaicans didn’t know that. Finally he dropped off to sleep.
CHAPTER 27
Over breakfast she noticed he was unusually quiet. Pouring him another cup of tea she said, “Are you ok Jimmy is something wrong?” “I’m fine babe, I didn’t sleep very well that’s all”
When he’d finished eating he phoned Mickey, answering almost immediately he said, “Alright Jimmy.” “Just ringing to see if you’ve heard anything?” “No I was hoping you had.” “No not a dickey bird mate.” “I’ve arranged a meeting at Dixie’s with the lads, I’ll pick you up at midday; I just need to call in at my office first.” “Ok Mick, I’ll see you then.” No sooner had Jimmy hung up when his phone rang, it was Terry, “Alright Jimmy, thought you might like to know Reggie had a visit from the Old Bill; the vet reported the dog had been taken in with a bullet wound.” “So what did Reggie say then?” “Well they didn’t get any joy from him that’s for sure, he said he was walking his dogs on the common and totally out of the blue someone took a pot shot at them. They asked if he saw the shooter, I nearly fucking pissed myself laughing when Reg said, ‘No I fucking didn’t, I was more concerned over me dog than looking to see who’d done it!” “Yeah that sounds like Reggie, do you reckon the Old Bill believed him?” “I know they didn
’t, because they asked him about the club, apparently some good citizen called them about a disturbance; they heard gun shots and what may have been an injured dog.” “God bless neighbourhood watch! It was probably some nosey old fucking do gooder who had nothing better to do with their time. Cheers for letting us know, I’ll see you later at Dixie’s.” “Ok Jim we’ll see you there.” “Tell Reggie I’m glad his dog’s ok.” “Ain’t we all, fuck me can you imagine how he’d be if it had died!” “Don’t bear fucking thinking about. I’ll see you later.” Jimmy’s first thought was to phone Mickey again, but he didn’t want Maria to know about the shooting; so he decided to wait until they met later. Trying to act as normal as possible he said, “So what you got planned for the day babe?” “Gladys is going to pop round for a cuppa.” “Nice, I’m glad I’m going out,” he replied sarcastically. “Jimmy, don’t be nasty since she’s given up doing the cleaning she misses having something to do.” “I know babe.” “I enjoy seeing her, at least once a week she pops round for a cuppa and a chat.” Taking a twenty pound note from his wallet he handed it to her and said, “Here give that to her, tell her to have a night out at bingo.” Kissing him on the cheek she said, “That’s a sweet thing to do, she’ll be made up with it.” Despite his kind gesture, she knew he was keeping something from her, especially when he said, “Remember babe don’t open the door to anyone while I’m out.” Deciding not to question him, she nodded and smiled as she said, “Will you have lunch out? Or shall I do something for you and Mickey before you go?” “No don’t worry about us babe, we can grab something if need be and no doubt you’ll cook something delicious for dinner, just make sure there’s enough for Mickey in case he stays.” Jokingly she replied, “Don’t I always do enough for Mickey!”
By half twelve, everyone was at Dixie’s, well everyone except Hudson, no one had seen or heard from him in days. When Mickey said to Tony, “What’s going on with Hudson?” Tony replied, “For some reason he seems to be keeping a low profile Mick.” “And you’ve no idea why?” “No, at first I thought it might be a jealous husband looking for him, but a couple of weird things have happened in the last couple of days.” “What sort of things?” “Well as you all know Hudson always dealt with the hot cars. I knew this week he had an order for a Mercedes and a Porsche; I’d seen the lads working on them round the workshop. Anyway yesterday his buyer approached me, I’d met him before so I knew he was kosher and not under cover. The bloke said he’d expected a call from Hudson days ago, but been unable to get hold of him. I dealt with it then asked around at the workshop, no one has seen him. I checked out a couple of his regular women thinking they might know, but it was the same with them, even Tina and we all know he normally shags her at least twice a week. If I didn’t know better I’d say he’s vanished into thin air.” “Sounds like it, something definitely ain’t right.” Then he looked over at Jacky Boy and Kevin and added, “You two are well in with Hudson and the black community, poke around ask questions, see what you can find out.” They both nodded.
They spoke about the Jamaicans, all agreeing the only obvious link would be Maurice, based simply on the fact the Jamaicans seemed to know a lot about Jimmy and the business, and they could only have got that type of information from one of the crew. Whatever their reasons for wanting to make trouble, the priority was to find out who they were working for and how far they were prepared to go to get what they want. Jimmy referred to the shooting outside the club and said, “We should expect a visit from the Old Bill, as some nosey bastard called them. As far as everyone’s concerned, Reggie wasn’t at the club when it happened, ok.” Then looking at Reggie he grinned and sarcastically added, “Apparently you were walking your dogs on the common, is that right Reg?” Everyone laughed as Reggie grinned and nodded. Jimmy continued, “Whether the Old Bill believes us or not, it’s our word against theirs and the fact that Mickey was there his word should be enough to sway it. If you’re asked about any trouble with the Jamaicans, just play it down and say they got a bit out of hand with a couple of the dancers. Can you speak to the girls Shane, tell them what to say?” “Shane nodded and replied, “No problem Jimmy.” “Good, does anyone want to add anything?” When they shook their heads, Jimmy continued, “In that case shall we eat?” Mickey joked and said, “All you do is eat; I think you’ve got fucking worms!” “It’s Maria’s fault she can’t leave me alone, if I don’t keep my strength up I won’t be able to keep up with her!” “Oh you poor bastard, my fucking heart breaks for you; it must be hard for you mate, having to give her good sex all the time!” “You’ve got no fucking idea what I have to put up with Mick, its sex, sex, sex all the fucking time!” Everyone laughed.
Jimmy rang their restaurant in the hope of getting a table. When the waiter said they were packed he asked them to send some food over to Dixie’s. The men chatted about the Jamaicans while they waited for the delivery. An hour and fifteen minutes later their food turned up. When Adam the waiter from the restaurant brought the delivery in Jimmy joked and said, “Fuck me about time, if we’d waited much longer we’ve have died from starvation!” Adam laughed and replied, “The restaurant is heaving, Luigi wasn’t too impressed with you asking for such a large order, especially right in the middle of the rush hour.” “Tell the miserable old eyetie, he’ll get a good bonus at the end of the week.” Handing Adam a twenty pound note, he said, “Cheers for bringing it over.” The young lad looked well chuffed as he said, “Thanks Jimmy.”
They had just finished eating, when the door opened and in walked the Old Bill, two regular coppers and detective Samuels, or as Mickey refers to him, slimy Samuels. Having met him several times at different social functions with Monica, he couldn’t stand him, but he always remained friendly and polite for Monica’s benefit and also because he knew what an arsehole Samuels was, he certainly wouldn’t want to make an enemy of him.
In his normal arrogant, sarcastic manor Samuels looked at the group and said, “Well this is quite a gathering, didn’t expect to see you here Mickey, or could it be that you’re representing one of them?” Calmly Mickey replied, “I’m a partner in this club, and my friend Jimmy is getting married, so were going over the wedding plans, I’m the best man; there’s nothing illegal about that is there?” Sarcastically, Samuels replied, “No nothing illegal, but I’m curious as to why these others are here, or could it be that they’re the bridesmaids?” Shane glared at the detective.
Mickey could sense an atmosphere mounting so he quickly said, “They’re here to arrange the stag night.” It was obvious that Samuels didn’t believe him when he replied, “So what have you decided on then?” Jimmy interrupted and said, “We were just about to decide that when you interrupted us.” Samuels asked them questions about the shooting. They all stuck to the plan as earlier agreed. Well aware that no one was going to tell him anything, Samuels said, “The investigation is ongoing so I may need to speak to you again.” Then he sarcastically added, “Considering there are bullet holes in the main door I’m surprised no one saw or heard anything.” Mickey simply nodded and replied, “Yeah that was lucky wasn’t it?”
Samuels had turned to walk away when one of the policemen whispered something to him. The detective turned back and looking at Reggie said, “My colleague tells me it was your dog that was shot.” Reggie nodded, as Samuels added, “And you’re sure you were on the common when it happened?” Again Reggie just nodded, but before Samuels had chance to speak again, Mickey interrupted and said, “Is there a problem with that? I feel as though you’re implying something detective, so let’s get something straight, he was walking his dog on the common ok and several people will confirm that. So is there a problem?” Samuels knew Mickey was clever and pressing the subject would get him nowhere, so he replied, “No, there’s no problem, how is the dog?” “Yeah he’s doing ok; hopefully he’ll make a full recovery, but what bothers me is that somebody shot it in the first place. There are some sick bastards about, it’s coming to something when you’re not even safe t
o walk your dog. I hope you catch whoever did it soon, because next time it could be a child; maybe you would do better to take your investigation to the common and ask the people there if they saw anything. Can’t have people running about with guns, can we, that’s the trouble with London now, so many nutters. It used to be great living here, but it’s changed, quite worrying when you think about it. Anyway good luck with your investigation, hope you catch them soon.” Despite hoping that would be the last they’d hear from Samuels that day, no one was surprised when as he started to leave he turned and said, “Oh, one more thing who was working the door that night?” Shane looked up and said, “I was.” “And you are?” “Shane Bridger.” “And you didn’t see or hear anything?” “No I must have been in the toilet or something, never heard a thing; you know how loud the music gets, it’s no wonder really. Sorry I can’t help you.” With that Samuels left.