Tainted Love: The gritty new thriller from the #1 bestseller

by Kimberley Chambers

  About to remind her sister that Vinny had trashed the good name of the family many times over the years, Vivian decided this probably wasn’t the moment.

  Hearing music accompanied by laughter, Queenie glanced out the window. ‘Look at ’em. Sitting on a mattress swilling beer down their necks now. Where do they think they are, eh? Fucking Butlins. Vinny’s right you know, Viv. We should move to Essex. It’s had it round ’ere. All the good ’uns are gone. There’s nothing left for us. Foreigner-infested shithole, I hate it.’

  Vivian was horrified. ‘But we can’t move, Queen. We wouldn’t be able to settle anywhere else. Whitechapel is our home.’

  Back at the club, Michael had just had another almighty shock. ‘Dean Smart! So you’re telling me you faked your own death and left our son to grieve for you so you could shack up with my sister’s ex? Perhaps incest runs in the family, eh?’

  ‘Please, Michael, stop,’ Nancy sobbed. ‘No, that isn’t what I’m trying to tell you. Hear me out, will you?’

  Downing his brandy, Michael slammed the glass against the table. ‘Jesus wept! You could not sink any lower if you tried. Go on then, fire away. I’m all ears.’

  ‘Dean and I were never an item before I left, you have to believe me when I say that. But we did have a bond. I felt at times he was the only person in the world that could truly understand what I was going through. My head was all over the place after Adam’s death and when I found out about you and Bella, I couldn’t take any more upset. I know you must see things differently, but I always loved you, Michael, and I had known in my heart for a while that you no longer loved me. I’d only just found out I was pregnant when my mum told me about Bella. Telling you then would’ve only complicated matters, and you would never have let me leave if I was carrying your child. All I wanted was the chance to start afresh and be happy myself again.’

  ‘No surprise you and him bonded. He left two kids behind. Ever talk about Tara and Tommy, does he? Oh, and by the way, Brenda’s dead,’ Michael announced, his voice laden with sarcasm.

  ‘Dean and I were told about Brenda’s death by my mum and were genuinely shocked and saddened by it. And of course Dean has never forgotten his children. We’ve cried many a tear when we’re alone together over what we left behind, but believe me, Dean had his reasons for leaving as well, Michael. When he was working at the club, he overheard a conversation between Vinny and Ahmed. They were having a good old laugh about murdering Dean’s father, and what they’d put him through. Is it any wonder Dean left rapidly?’

  ‘Still no excuse for leaving your kids, Nance. Not in my world, anyway.’

  ‘Your world is a place of violence and betrayal, Michael, which normal people like Dean and I don’t belong to. Running away was our only option to be free. You know as well as I do Dean knew too much and Vinny would’ve hunted him down. He’d have murdered him, like he did his father. Look, I’m trying to be straight with you here. I am to blame for the awful situation we are currently in, but your family aren’t exactly blameless. Have you any idea how hard it was, being your wife? Yes, you chucked money at me and the kids, we wanted for nothing in that respect. But what I and the boys truly craved wasn’t money and gifts; it was you being part of our lives. You were never at home and we rarely did anything that normal families do. You were always too busy at the club or out securing some dodgy business deal. You never wanted to spend quality time with us. I felt like a drudge, stuck at home day after day, bringing up three young sons, one whom wasn’t even mine, may I add.’

  Knowing that Nancy had a valid point, Michael wasn’t in the mood to listen to it. ‘Don’t be trying to blame this situation on my family. It was you who faked your own death and allowed your own son to sit through some fucking warped memorial service that your notright family put on. How could you allow that to happen, Nance? There’s low, but that’s scraping the bottom of the barrel. No wonder Daniel had issues with you as his mother. And who helped you and lover boy set up new identities, eh? Let me guess. Was it that cocktard do-gooding, law-abiding policeman brother of yours? Do you think I’m stupid? I saw the look of horror on both your face and your mother’s when I threatened to call the Old Bill earlier. A DI now, ain’t he? For how much longer, though, I wonder?’

  Nancy stared at the man she had once married. He was still so bloody handsome, and part of her would always love him. Dean was steady and reliable, and she wouldn’t swap him for all the tea in China, but he’d never made her heart race in the same way Michael had once been capable of. ‘Yes, Christopher was involved. But that isn’t the only reason I’m asking you not to involve the police. This isn’t about me or you, Michael. It’s about our children and what we can do to sort this awful mess. Can you imagine how Annie and Daniel must be feeling right now? Involving the police is not the answer. That will only make matters worse for them.’

  ‘Stop calling her fucking Annie, will ya! To me she’s Roxanne. Jesus wept; she must’ve picked her skills of deceit up from you, that’s for sure. If Daniel had known she was only fifteen he’d never have touched her with a bargepole. This is madness, Nance. I can’t believe we’re sitting ’ere having this conversation. What the fuck are we gonna do?’

  ‘How are ya, love? I take it they’re keeping you in?’ Vivian asked. Albie looked a far better colour than he had earlier, thankfully. And he was sitting up, which was also a good sign.

  ‘I’m not bad, Vivvy. They don’t think it was a heart attack, just a funny turn. I’m waiting for a spare bed. They’re going to keep me in tonight and see how I am tomorrow. Told ’em I’d had a bad shock, but I couldn’t say what, obviously. Poor Daniel, I can’t stop thinking about the lad. Has he been found yet?’

  Vivian filled Albie in on the latest, then handed him a carrier bag. ‘Couple of chicken breasts in there, tomatoes and a buttered French stick. I didn’t know if you’d be allowed to eat or not, but guessed you might be starving later. Popped into the club on the way here. All the food laid out and the gaff draped in white. Must’ve cost Michael an arm and a leg, poor sod. He was there with Nancy, so I didn’t stop, just asked if Daniel had been in touch. I can’t believe Nancy’s still alive, can you? Must have been terribly unhappy to do what she did. Then again, she was never quite right in the head, was she? I could never have left my Lenny, ya know. Would’ve walked over hot coals for that boy.’

  Albie squeezed Vivian’s hand. ‘I know you would. Unlike Queenie, you were always a bloody good mother. She only ever wanted sons, her. Never had a lot of time for our Bren. And she’s to blame for how them boys turned out. Even when they were toddlers, she was determined to mould their futures. I remember she’d tell Vinny and Roy this story about how they were little lion cubs and one day they’d grow up into massive lions who would gobble everybody up around ’em and maul them with their big teeth. Not exactly Jackanory, eh? Trust me: Queenie had those boys’ futures mapped out before they were bleedin’ well walking.’

  ‘And I weren’t much help, was I? Being around all the time and getting in the way of your and Queenie’s relationship. I’m sorry, Albie. I was never nice to you, back in the day.’

  Albie Butler was not a man to hold grudges. ‘Forget all that now. It’s in the past. I do reckon I married the wrong sister though,’ he winked.

  Even though today had been totally awful, Vivian could not help but grin. She had always longed to hear those words.

  Vinny Butler comforted his distraught mother as best as he could. He was genuinely worried about both Daniel and Michael. As for Nancy still being alive, Vinny was stunned and angry. But not as angry as he’d been earlier when Eddie Mitchell had informed him he had a pal in Ford Open Prison and word was Jamie Preston was up for parole soon. Just the thought of that scumbag being back on the streets after what he had done to his beautiful daughter made Vinny want to vomit. Preston would most definitely get his comeuppance at some point. But now was not the right time to be informing his mother of such news. She had enough on her plate as it was. />
  ‘I’m gonna give Carl, Pete and Paul a ring. They’ll help with the search for Daniel. He can’t have gone far, Mum. We will find him, I promise. Best you prepare yourself for the gossipmongers though. Incest ain’t something people are liable to forget in a hurry. Keep your chin up and anybody says anything untoward, you tell me and I’ll deal with ’em, got that?’

  Queenie nodded. ‘Roxanne needs to be found an’ all, Vin. She’s only a kid herself and needs to get rid of that baby sharpish. I still can’t believe she’s my granddaughter. It’s beyond belief, all this. Too much to take in. My heart breaks for poor Daniel. So in love with a bright future ahead, and thanks to his lying, scheming whore of a mother it turns out that love was tainted all along. Why is life so fucking wicked at times?’

  ‘Look who it is! Auntie of da noncy boy,’ a male voice shouted out.

  Vivian glanced to her left. There were five of them and she couldn’t see them properly as they were all wearing tracksuits, had their hoods up and it was dark.

  ‘Daniel ever stick his pinkie up your batty? Bad boy is dat Daniel,’ one joked, much to the amusement of the others, who fell about like laughing clowns.

  ‘Fuck off,’ Vivian hissed, before crossing over the road. She’d stayed at the hospital far longer than she’d intended to. A bad accident involving a coach on the A13 had meant Albie had a long wait to be wheeled off to a ward and she hadn’t wanted to leave him all on his own.

  ‘You like a bit of ma cock in your mouth, old lady?’ a voice taunted from behind her.

  Silly little gang members with their fake Jamaican accents did not bother Vivian as a rule, but as she turned around again and stared into many pairs of cold eyes, she suddenly felt out of her depth. They all had their mouths covered now, with what looked like cotton scarves or handkerchiefs.

  One lad grabbed hold of his crotch. ‘Wanna suck on dis?’

  As another made a grab for her handbag, Vivian screamed, ‘Help! Somebody help me!’ She was terrified.

  Seconds later Vivian was punched so hard in the temple, she went down like a ton of bricks. As her head connected with the kerb, she lost consciousness immediately.

  Queenie Butler breathed a sigh of relief when the front door opened and closed. ‘There you are. Where you been? I was about to ring the police to send out a search party.’

  ‘I am the search party. Been out looking for Daniel and Roxanne,’ Ava replied.

  ‘Oh, it’s you. I thought it was Vivvy. How did it go, love?’

  After an exhausting day, Ava flopped on the sofa. ‘No sign of either of ’em. Me, Destiny, Lee and Little Vinny have driven everywhere. He’s in a proper state, Lee. We’re gonna go out searching again tomorrow.’

  ‘Oh, dear Lord. I wonder where they are? Worried about Viv an’ all now. I can’t find her either.’

  ‘Whaddya mean, you can’t find her?’

  ‘She left here earlier when your dad rang and said he was on his way over. I had a feeling she might pop up the hospital to see how the old goat was, but she’s not come back. No way would she still be there now, Ava. This was this afternoon. She ain’t indoors though. I’ve just checked again.’

  Ava’s complexion whitened. ‘Oh, Nan. As we were driving home there was a commotion round the corner. Little Vinny stopped the car so we could make sure it was nothing to do with Dan and Roxy, and when I asked the crowd stood there they said some elderly lady had been attacked. You don’t reckon—’

  The doorbell sounding ended any more speculation. It was the police. Seconds later, Queenie’s screams of pure anguish woke up the entire street.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

  One Week Later

  Michael Butler gently prised Bella’s arms from around him, then quickly leapt out of bed. Making love to her seemed the most natural thing in the world when inebriated. But in the sober cold light of day, thoughts of her writhing naked with Vinny tainted his mind once again.

  Bella put her dressing gown on. ‘I’ll make you some breakfast, Michael.’

  ‘Nah. Don’t bother, not today. I don’t feel hungry. Just want it to be over with. A coffee would go down well though, thanks.’

  When Bella left the room, Michael sat on the edge of the bed, head in hands. To say this past week had been traumatic was the understatement of the fucking century, but it had also built some bridges. Nancy had finally travelled back up north after learning that Roxanne had been in touch with Alex to say she’d moved up that way and was staying with a pal. She’d given no indication where she was actually staying or who the pal was, but Alex had assured them that Roxanne sounded OK on the phone and had promised to contact her mother as soon as she’d had the abortion.

  Daniel had also been in touch, but only with Lee. He had told his brother he was stopping with a pal he’d met in prison and wanted to clear his head before he contacted anybody else. He had made it clear though that he would never return to London, which was why there was now a big ‘FOR SALE’ sign above the club.

  Saying goodbye to Nancy yesterday had felt weird. They’d spent many hours this past week in one another’s company, liaising over their missing children, and even though Michael could never forgive her for what she’d done, he had a slightly better understanding of why she’d done it. He had promised to keep Dean Smart’s involvement a secret, for now at least. Roxanne had only ever known Dean as David, so there was no need to complicate matters. They were complicated enough as it was. Nancy’s brother Christopher was another person Michael had sworn to keep out the equation, and Nancy seemed eternally grateful for that. They had even shared an awkward hug as she’d left, and would obviously keep in touch. With two messed-up children who needed all the support they could get, they had no choice but to cooperate.

  Sighing at the thought of the day ahead, Michael got in the shower, hoping the hot water immersing his body would make him feel better. For once it didn’t, and no wonder. Ever since he could remember, his Auntie Viv had been an enormous part of his life. She was like a piece of treasured furniture who’d always belonged in his mother’s house, such was the little time she’d spent in her own. Her presence there was sorely missed, as was her getting on her soapbox, yelling at the TV, the waft of her Estée Lauder perfume and every other trait she had possessed. The woman was a legend and Michael dreaded saying goodbye to her.

  Ramming his rock-hard penis up Felicity Carter-Price’s arsehole was the only way Vinny Butler could cope with the day ahead. Luckily for him, Felicity liked a bit of rough, which was why they’d gelled so well.

  The horrid little bastards who’d been responsible for his Auntie Viv’s plight had been caught within forty-eight hours. A couple of witnesses had come forward, and they were now banged up awaiting trial. A local gang of mixed race, the leader of them being Raj’s brother, the lad Daniel had spent time inside over. All were under eighteen and Vinny knew only too well how the system worked. His grandson Regan was having the time of his life where he was paying the price for stabbing his teacher. The do-gooders involved in punishing the young nowadays allowed them every bastard privilege going.

  Vinny shot his load, rolled on his back and stared at the fly walking across the ceiling. He’d swat it in a minute, splatter the life out of it, just like he would to the scum who had ruined his mother and aunt’s lives once they’d served their cushy little sentences. Poor Viv hadn’t stood a chance once her head connected with the edge of that kerb. Fractured skull, swelling and bleeding on the brain, and all because some bastard punched her in a road she’d happily walked along thousands of times before. It beggared belief, it really did.

  Michael turned his phone on. He knew before he even listened to his messages that most would be from Katy. He was right, of course. She had left six, all ranting at him in that deranged voice. She’d obviously been on the wine again last night, and so had Sophie, by the sounds of it. His last fling had turned out to be another stalker who wouldn’t stop ringing him. No doubt the pair of them would go ballistic if he took the plu
nge and properly got back with Bella.

  The last message was from Vinny, so Michael dropped him a text to say he’d be in Whitechapel within the hour. The attack on Vivian had kind of built a bridge between him and his brother. They were now on speaking terms for the first time in years, and it wasn’t just to appease their mother. Both were distraught over their beloved aunt’s fate and it was natural, stuck up that hospital day after day, they’d end up grieving together.

  ‘Good morning, Dad. That’s five nights you’ve stayed here on the trot now. Does this mean you and Mum are officially back together?’ Camila asked cheekily. She so wanted her parents to reunite and her mother was being very cagey about the situation. She doubted her brother would be impressed though. Antonio was currently in Italy, visiting their grandparents, and Camila knew how much he hated her dad. He wouldn’t even speak to him.

  ‘I told you earlier, Cami. Stop asking awkward questions. Your father’s going through a tough time at present, as you well know.’

  Michael downed his coffee. ‘I’d better get off now. I’m not sure whether I’ll be back tonight. It’s gonna be a tough one, so I’ll probably end up crashing at my mum’s or the club. I’ll bell ya later though.’

  Bella D’Angelo wasn’t stupid, especially when it came to reading people, and she could currently read Michael like a book. She followed him to the front door, Madam Lydia’s advice firmly in her mind: Do not chase him – he will come to you. You are soul-mates.

  ‘Laters then,’ Michael said, pecking Bella on the cheek.

  ‘Goodbye, Michael. I will be thinking of you today. You know where I am if you need me, my love.’