Life of Crime

by Kimberley Chambers

  Melissa beamed. ‘Tracey isn’t talking to me, funnily enough. She copped the hump because you gave me your number.’

  ‘Don’t surprise me. Girls like Tracey are ten a penny. Get ’em coming up to me on the stall all the time, and I always give ’em a wide berth. Don’t get me wrong; when I was young, before Shay was born, I was partial to the airheads. But if I’m to bother these days, I’m looking for the real deal. A woman I can potentially settle down with.’

  Melissa Brooks could not believe her luck. Jason made her heart melt. He also had the potential to be her very own knight in shining armour.

  ‘You on the waiting list for a council gaff?’ Jason enquired.

  ‘No. My parents wouldn’t want me to live on a council estate. They’re not snobs or anything like that, but they worry about me. My dad would rent me somewhere private, I think – if and when I move out.’

  ‘Don’t you want your own gaff?’

  ‘Yeah, one day. But not until I’m older,’ Melissa replied. She relied on her mother to help her out with Donte on a day-to-day basis, but wasn’t about to admit that to Jason.

  ‘Tell me about Donte’s father. Does he see the little ’un?’

  ‘No. He dumped me as soon as he found out I was pregnant. He was horrible, wanted me to have an abortion. He’s better off out our lives.’

  ‘Is he local?’

  ‘No. We met at a rave. Joel lived over the other side of London, but he came down this way a few times with his pals. I’d meet him up Berwick Manor.’ No way was Melissa going to admit she’d chased Joel something rotten and all but laid it on a plate for him. That made her sound like a thick, desperate tart.

  ‘I used to go up the Berwick. Surprised we never met there. Want another drink?’ Jason asked.

  Melissa took her purse out of her bag. ‘Let me get this round. It’s not fair, you buying all the drinks.’

  Jason stood up. Melissa was pleasant enough, but wasn’t much use to him if she didn’t have plans to move into her own gaff. Shame, as she’d have been perfect to look after Shay. ‘You put your money away. Believe in chivalry, me. If a man asks a lady out, then he foots the bill.’

  Melissa smiled when Jason sauntered up the bar. He dressed well. Black suit jacket, white T-shirt, faded jeans and smart leather shoes. She also liked the thick gold chain around his neck and the sovereign- and diamond-studded horseshoe rings he wore. The barmaid had certainly taken a shine to him too. Mel could sense she was flirting because she was acting like Tracey did when she fancied a bloke.

  Discreetly making sure Jason was not flirting back, Mel pretended to be engrossed in searching for something in her handbag as her date returned to the table. ‘So what’s your mum like?’ she asked.

  ‘Not the best, to be honest. Men have messed with her head over the years, if you know what I mean. What about your parents? Do they work?’

  ‘Yes. My dad owns a builders’ merchants and my mum does all his accounts.’

  ‘A small family-run firm?’

  ‘No. It’s a big business. My dad has lots of men working for him. He’s got a massive yard just off the A13.’

  Jason’s ears pricked up. ‘I got a pal in the building game. What’s your dad’s firm called?’

  ‘J J Brooks.’

  Jason wanted to laugh out loud, but remained calm. Himself and his pals had stolen stuff from there before the security had been upped. Johnny Brooks was well known in Rainham and it was common knowledge he was loaded. Perhaps Melissa was worth a punt on after all …

  CHAPTER FOUR

  Jason Rampling held on to Darlene Michaels’ pert arse cheeks as she rode him in her usual expert fashion. She was the best lay he’d ever had and, considering she was thirty-eight, had a fine figure. Skinny waist, long legs and a pretty face were a rarity in women these days, especially on the Mardyke Estate. She also had a dirty look about her that suggested she was up for anything, which she was. They’d even filmed their romps in the past and had great fun watching themselves in action.

  Red-faced, Jason grunted and groaned before finally shooting his load. ‘Fucking hell, Dar. Jesus wept!’ he mumbled. He then glanced at his watch and leapt out of bed. He couldn’t be late, not today.

  Darlene lit up a cigarette. ‘What’s the bloody rush?’ she asked, studying Jason’s nakedness. He was tall, fit and young, just how she liked them. But unlike others she’d sampled in the past, Jason had a decent-sized penis and knew exactly how to please a woman. She’d taught him that art, and Jason was a keen learner.

  ‘I gotta be somewhere. I’ll pop round again tomorrow while Andy’s at work,’ Jason promised. Andy was his old school pal and had no idea Jason was shafting his mother.

  ‘Where you got to be then?’ Darlene enquired, running her hand through her mass of untidy chestnut-coloured hair.

  ‘Just somewhere. Family stuff, dinner. Promised me nan I’d take her to see her friend,’ Jason flapped. Darlene hated it if she knew he had a girl on the firm, had refused to see him for a month when her pal had spotted him in a boozer with Tara Shepherd.

  Darlene angrily dotted her fag out in the ashtray. ‘You better not be dipping your wick in me, then taking some bird out, Jase. Be your hopping pot if you mug me off again, I’m telling ya,’ she warned.

  Jason buttoned his shirt, sat on the bed and kissed Darlene. ‘There’s no other birds, only you. Gotta dash now. See ya tomorrow.’

  ‘Erm, I think you’ve forgotten something.’

  Jason glanced at his watch again. ‘What? I put the johnny in the bin.’

  Darlene opened her legs wide. Her pussy was completely shaved, just the way Jason liked it. ‘I haven’t come yet.’

  Knowing she’d probably refuse to see him for weeks if he didn’t oblige, Jason kneeled on the bed and put his head between Darlene’s legs. Licking away rapidly, like a child tasting ice cream for the very first time, he prayed she’d come quickly.

  ‘Don’t put the bloody jar of mint sauce on the table, Johnny. Put it in this little china pot,’ Carol Brooks tutted. Her daughter and Jason had been dating for over two weeks now and today would be the first time she and Johnny would meet Jason properly. They’d said a quick hello to him on the few occasions he’d picked Melissa up from the house, but today he was coming round for lunch and Carol was determined everything would be perfect.

  Johnny Brooks sighed. ‘Anyone would think Prince Charles was on his way round, not some lad off the bleedin’ Mardyke Estate,’ he complained. Johnny had been disappointed to find out where Jason lived. Shame the lad didn’t come from decent stock, but beggars couldn’t be choosers and, given the position his Mel had ended up in, in Johnny’s eyes she was a beggar.

  ‘I know you want to find out more about Jason, Johnny, but don’t be bombarding him with questions. I know what you’re like when you’re in interrogation mode and I don’t want the lad to think we’re nosy, or Melissa to get the hump. She had the right needle when you asked where he lived the first time he stepped foot inside the door.’

  ‘I’m bound to have concerns, love, and so should you. Mel’s obviously smitten and if he’s gonna be part of this family then we need to know what he’s all about. Mel’s very vague about his job. I know he works on the market of a Sunday but he doesn’t run a motor and take our daughter out on that wage alone, does he? You don’t know that Mardyke like I do. Place is full of scallywags.’

  ‘It’s not up to you who Mel dates, it’s up to her. And I thought Jason was charming the times we met him. If you mess this up for her, you’ll have me to deal with – and I mean that, Johnny.’

  ‘Yes, dear.’

  Melissa burst into the kitchen. ‘Do I look OK?’ she asked. She still couldn’t believe her luck at having met Jason. He was absolutely gorgeous and entirely different to other lads she’d dated. He hadn’t even tried it on with her yet, which showed how much he respected her. He was the perfect gent, and tomorrow his daughter and Donte would be meeting for the first time.

  �
�You look lovely, Mel. But you don’t want to lose any more weight; you’ll have to buy a whole new wardrobe if you do,’ Carol warned. Her daughter was wearing black Lycra leggings and a white baggy top with bold silver print on the front. She’d certainly been hit by the love-bug, had been eating like a sparrow since meeting Jason.

  ‘He’s late,’ Johnny announced, pointing at the clock on the kitchen wall. He was a sucker for punctuality, lateness infuriated him.

  ‘It’s only ten past, Dad, and he has got a daughter to see to,’ Melissa snapped.

  ‘Your dad’s only winding you up, love. Take no notice,’ Carol insisted, glaring at her husband.

  Twenty minutes later, Jason finally arrived and, as Melissa ran excitedly to answer the door, Johnny could not help but let a few expletives fly.

  ‘Shut up. I mean it!’

  ‘What time d’ya call this?’ Johnny’s voice boomed as Jason walked into the kitchen.

  ‘I’m sorry, sir. But my daughter cut herself, was crying, and I also wanted to stop off to bring you these,’ Jason said, handing a bouquet to Carol and bottle to Johnny.

  ‘Aww, what beautiful flowers. You shouldn’t have, but thank you,’ Carol gushed.

  ‘Nice one. Cheers.’ Johnny studied the Jim Beam label to make sure it was genuine, before shaking Jason’s hand. One of his employees’ daughters had recently purchased a cheap bottle of vodka off the Mardyke Estate and ended up in intensive care.

  ‘Sit down, love. Let me take your jacket,’ Carol urged. Jason’s aftershave smelled gorgeous, and Carol could certainly understand why Melissa was off her food. He had a cheeky lopsided grin and a real sparkle in those deep blue eyes of his. His thick blond hair was an odd style but suited him, and he had charm and a certain aura.

  ‘Thank you, Mrs Brooks,’ Jason responded, handing Carol his jacket.

  ‘Call me Carol, love, and my husband’s Johnny. We’re not formal in this household. A pair of old cockneys, me and Melissa’s dad are. Out of Stepney originally. That’s where we met.’

  Jason had learned the art of being a sweet-talker from an early age. Becoming a market-trader had then helped him polish up his act even more. He asked Carol and Johnny numerous questions, showing genuine interest towards every answer they gave. He was determined to impress.

  ‘So what about you, lad? You said you were off the Mardyke. Always lived there, have you?’ Johnny enquired.

  ‘Most of my life. I don’t intend to be there much longer, though. Don’t get me wrong, there are some decent people live on the estate, but I’ve always wanted better in life and as a father it’s my duty to ensure Shay has the best upbringing possible. I want her to go to a decent school, so I’m working hard to achieve that. Where is Donte? I got him this. I know you said he’s mad on anything with a set of wheels,’ Jason said, handing Melissa a blue gift bag.

  ‘He’s having a nap. Kept me awake half the night. Oh, Jase, he’ll love this. Look, Mum, Dad,’ Melissa beamed. Jason had brought her son a shiny bright blue truck. It looked expensive, was in a posh box.

  Johnny Brooks smiled approvingly, but he wasn’t fooled. He could tell Jason was a bit of a wide boy. ‘So what d’ya do for a living then, Jason? Melissa said you work on Dagenham Market of a Sunday. That your only job, is it?’

  ‘I duck and dive, Johnny. Work most days of the week. I buy stuff and sell it on for a profit.’

  ‘What sort of stuff?’ The lad was obviously fond of throwing his money about and Johnny knew the Mardyke was rife with drug dealers.

  ‘Videos, CDs trainers, jeans – whatever I can lay my hands on really. I have a lot of contacts via the market, so I’ve got in with a few wholesalers. I don’t make a fortune, but I get by. I do plan to up my game one day, mind. My dream is to build my own property. Buy a bit of land. Either that or renovate an old gaff. That’s all in the future though, not any time soon. I need to save my pennies first.’ Jason had no interest whatsoever in building his own property, but had guessed Johnny would ask such questions so had planned an answer in the hope of impressing the man.

  ‘A client of mine is in that field. Does all his own electrics, plumbing, floor-laying, tiling, to cut back on the costs. You a jack of all trades, are you?’

  Jason was slightly taken aback by the reply. He knew Johnny was no man’s fool, but was he being sarcastic? Jason held his gaze. ‘No. Unfortunately, I’m not. But a man can have dreams, can’t he? I would rather be optimistic about my future than settle for a life on the Mardyke. No crime in wanting to better yourself, is there?’

  It was at that point Johnny grinned. He remembered saying something similar when he was Jason’s age, and he’d gone on to make it in life. The lad certainly seemed like a go-getter. A chirpy, confident bloke who knew what he wanted. Johnny would be proud to take him out for a pint with his pals, might lessen the embarrassment his daughter had caused him.

  Clocking the bit of male bonding, Carol nudged her daughter under the table. This was going well, even better than expected.

  The roast lamb dinner was delicious. Carol was a decent cook and had pulled out all the stops to impress their guest. She’d even made two pies – banoffee and apple – so Jason could choose a dessert.

  ‘That was amazing! I wish my mum could cook like you, Carol. Best meal I’ve eaten in years,’ Jason enthused.

  Carol smiled broadly. Jason was such a polite, charming young man. Her daughter had struck gold, she was sure of that. ‘Would you like some cheese and biscuits or a coffee?’

  Jason patted his bloated stomach. ‘Not at the moment thanks, Carol. I’m full.’

  Johnny picked up the bottle of Jim Beam. ‘How about a tipple, lad?’

  ‘No. I’d better not. I’ve already had two beers and I don’t want to be over the limit to drive.’

  ‘That’s very sensible, love. Isn’t it, Johnny?’ Carol said.

  ‘Car, Jason. Car,’ Donte shouted, bringing a toy into the kitchen to show his new friend.

  Jason lifted the lad up and sat him on his lap. He’d always been good with kids; case of having to be, with his mother.

  ‘So, does your mother work, Jason?’ Johnny enquired.

  ‘No. She has young children. I’m not going to lie to you, my mum isn’t a good role model like Carol is. She’s stuck in a rut and has lost her way in life. I help her out as much as I can, but unless somebody wants to help themselves, it’s difficult, isn’t it?’

  ‘You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink,’ Johnny agreed. He liked the lad’s honesty. Melissa had already told him and Carol that Jason’s mum sounded a nightmare.

  ‘May I use your bathroom, please?’ Jason asked.

  ‘Of course. The big bathroom is upstairs, but there’s a small one second door on your right in the hallway,’ Carol explained.

  When Jason left the room, Melissa excitedly asked her parents, ‘Well? What do you think?’

  ‘He’s lovely, and so good with Donte. I think you make the perfect couple, don’t you, Johnny?’ Carol gushed.

  Johnny nodded, but said nothing. He liked the lad, but couldn’t help thinking he was a bit too good to be true. He’d found out his surname earlier, so tomorrow he’d do some digging. If anybody could find out whether Jason Rampling was hiding something, or involved in any skulduggery, then he could.

  Jason Rampling cranked the volume up on his car stereo and sang along in tune with Marvin Gaye to ‘I Heard It Through the Grapevine’. He was a fan of most music genres, but soul was his ultimate passion.

  Today had gone extremely well in Jason’s eyes. Carol he already had eating out of his hand, and even though he could sense Johnny was the warier of the two, he knew he’d made a good impression. Johnny had shaken his hand before he’d left, saying, ‘Let’s go out for a beer soon. Have a man-to-man chat. Can’t get a word in edgeways with these women of ours, can we?’

  Jason could read people like a book. Johnny had fired many questions at him and Jason knew he would start digging around. That was
why he was now on his way to dump Charlotte Rivers. Charlotte was an extremely pretty girl who he’d been dating for the past five months. But she was only seventeen, lived with her parents and her father was unfortunately a builder. He genuinely did like her, but she wasn’t his answer to a better life. Her father’s company was tinpot in comparison to Johnny Brooks’s, which meant she wasn’t worth taking a risk on. If he continued seeing her and Johnny found out, it would balls-up all his long-term plans.

  She’d recently passed her driving test, so Jason had told Charlotte to meet him in the car park of the Plough at Gallows Corner. She lived nearby, in Harold Hill; they’d originally met in a pub in Romford.

  Charlotte smiled as Jason’s car pulled up next to hers. She was smitten with him and vice versa. When her parents and brother were out, they’d have rampant sex in her bedroom. When that option wasn’t available, they’d drive somewhere secluded and do it in the back of the car. They could not keep their hands off one another. That was a fact.

  Jason sat in the passenger seat and kissed Charlotte on the cheek. ‘This is a nice surprise,’ she said to him. ‘I didn’t think I was seeing you until Tuesday.’

  Jason stroked Charlotte’s long blonde hair. She looked stunning this evening. ‘I’m really sorry, Char, but we’re gonna have to call it a day.’

  Flabbergasted, Charlotte’s mouth opened wide. ‘What do you mean? Call what a day?’

  Jason stared at his hands. ‘Us. I do like you a lot, you know I do. But I need to concentrate on Shay. It’s not easy being a single father. She needs a mum and you’re too young to take her on. You’re beautiful, you can do far better than me anyway.’

  Charlotte’s eyes welled up. She had thought things were going so well between her and Jason. ‘Have you met someone else? You were fine when I spoke to you yesterday. What the hell has changed?’

  Jason squeezed her hand. ‘My mum’s going through a bad spell; I got a lot on my plate. Course I haven’t met anyone else. I wouldn’t do that to you. You’re a brilliant girlfriend and you’ve done nothing wrong, believe me. But I have a duty to Shay and I don’t wanna bring her up on the Mardyke. She deserves better in life.’