‘Oh, for Christ sake, invite the old fucker round ’ere then.’
‘Really?’
‘Yes. Ring him quick before I change me mind.’
‘Thanks, Mum. You’re a diamond.’
Cackling away to herself, Queenie waited until Michael was out of earshot before muttering, ‘Be funny if the old tosspot kicks the bucket while he’s ’ere tomorrow.’
Johnny Preston was locking up the office, when the phone rang. He’d had a couple of near misses earlier with customers buying cars as last-minute presents and dashed back in, hoping it would be someone ringing to say they’d changed their mind.
‘Mum!’ Johnny exclaimed when he heard the voice at the other end. They hadn’t spoken since he’d refused to back Jamie.
‘Don’t you call me Mum. Jamie’s suffering from the most awful burns. Currently in St Andrew’s Hospital in Billericay fighting for his life. I hope you’re fucking proud of yourself, Johnny, and I hope that fat slag you chose over your own flesh and blood turns out to be worth it. You knew that boy was innocent, yet you opted not to help him. Don’t you dare show your face round here ever again – you disgust me.’
Vinny Butler got a hero’s welcome as he sauntered into the Blind Beggar. Even a soldier returning from the Falklands would not have received more handshakes, pats on the back and offers of drinks.
Lapping up the attention, Vinny gave the barman three hundred quid and told him the drinks were on him until the money ran out.
Jay Boy was impressed. ‘Jesus, Vin. I knew you were well known, but I didn’t know you were as famous as Kenny Dalglish,’ he joked, referring to his football idol.
‘Come on, let’s nab that table,’ Vinny said, excusing himself from his fan club.
‘What time you going to see Ava tomorrow?’ Jay asked.
‘My brief’s picking me up at nine. We’re gonna drive to Joanna’s first. If she ain’t there, she’s bound to be at her parents’. I can’t wait to see the lying slag’s face when I knock on the door. Colin’s had a load of legal-looking jargon drawn up, stating that if I am refused visitation rights, we’ll be taking Jo to court. And he’s threatened that she’ll be arrested if she disappears with the child. That’ll shit the life out the Prestons,’ Vinny chuckled.
‘You must be well excited.’
‘Very, but I’m also a bit nervous. Gonna be strange, meeting me daughter for the very first time. I hope Ava likes me. I went out first thing this morning and bought her some really nice presents.’
‘Sound. She’ll love you, Vin. Do you want me to come with you for a bit of moral support?’
‘Nah. I’ll be fine, but thanks anyway. Colin weren’t too pleased to be giving up part of his Christmas Day, but he soon changed his tune when he heard what I was paying him. Money buys anything, always remember that, Jay Boy. I’ll be back early, so I was gonna suggest you meet me in ’ere at lunchtime. We can have a few beers before we go to me mum’s. Bound to kick off once we get round there, it always does at some point,’ he chuckled.
Jay Boy joined in the laughter. He was grateful to Vinny for the invitation; he went back to Liverpool occasionally to visit his own family, but could never spend Christmas there now. It reminded him too much of the brother he’d so tragically lost.
‘Welcome back to reality, Vinny. How’s it going? You’re looking well, mate,’ Eddie Mitchell said.
Surprised to see Harry, Ronny and Paulie as well, Vinny leapt out of his seat and shook hands with all four of the Mitchells. ‘Sit down while I shout yous up a drink. What’s your poison? This is my pal Jay Boy, by the way. He was my cellmate in the Ville. Top lad, he works for me now.’
‘I’ll come up the ramp and give you a hand,’ Eddie replied.
Chatting away to Eddie at the bar, Vinny noticed that all eyes were on them. The Mitchells were just as notorious in the East End as his own family, and now he was about to part company with Michael, Vinny would love to one day set up a joint business venture with them. Especially with Eddie. Together they would be formidable.
When they returned to the table and Vinny handed Harry Mitchell a large brandy, he was surprised when the man thrust a large envelope into his hand. ‘What’s that?’
‘Just a little home-coming gift.’
When he saw the envelope was stuffed with fifty-pound notes, Vinny handed it straight back. ‘That’s a lovely thought, Harry, but I can’t take it. I’m fine for wonga, and the club’s done really well in my absence.’
Eddie Mitchell laughed. ‘Just take it, Vin, ’cause my old man don’t take no for an answer. I told him you wouldn’t accept it, but he’s old school.’
‘I’ll have it if you don’t want it,’ Ronny Mitchell joked.
‘Honestly, it’s a lovely gesture, but I would much rather you shared it amongst your grandkids,’ Vinny told Harry.
Harry put his hand on Vinny’s arm. ‘Back in the day, when a man came out of prison a gift was always waiting for him. It’s an unwritten rule for our kind. We look after our own. Believe me, I know you don’t need it, but I will be very insulted and upset if you don’t take it.’
Vinny took the envelope and shook the old man’s hand. No way was he going to insult or upset the fucking Mitchells.
Bella smiled as she sat down opposite Madam Lydia. ‘Thank you for fitting me in today. I thought you’d be too busy.’
Madam Lydia squeezed Bella’s hand before staring into her crystal ball. She had clients come to her from all over the world, such was her unique talent for predicting their futures. Bella had been to her quite a few times in the past and even though Madam Lydia had not been planning on working today, she’d had one of her funny feelings whilst speaking to Bella on the phone and knew it was important to see her as soon as possible.
Bella could feel her heart pumping in her chest. Madam Lydia had predicted some years ago that she would meet a married man, then move to New York when the relationship failed. All of which had since come true. She’d also predicted she would have a son.
‘Ah, so your visit today is regarding a man. Very handsome, dark hair, kind face. He’s also someone from your past. Am I correct?’
Bella nodded.
‘This man loves you. I can see his wife in the background, but she is moving away from him. That means their marriage will come to an end. Oh dear, that’s very strange.’
‘What’s the matter?’ Bella asked, alarmed.
‘The wife has completely vanished.’
‘What does that mean?’
‘I’m not sure, but she will no longer have contact with her husband.’
‘Is there a future with me and this man, do you think?’ Bella asked, nervousness creeping into her voice.
‘I can see lots of love between this man and yourself, and yes I can see bells, so that means a wedding is planned.’
Bella breathed a sigh of relief. Bella Butler had a wonderful ring to it and Madam Lydia had so often been right in the past.
‘Oh dear, now I don’t like the look of him. He has a dark shadow surrounding him. This man is sinister and is out to cause trouble for you.’
Suddenly feeling rather nauseous, Bella asked, ‘What man? The one who loves me?’
‘No. There is another man. He is not a nice person, not a nice person at all.’
‘I wonder who that could be then?’
‘I have no idea, but you stay away from him, do you hear me? Stay well away. He is not a nice person at all.’
‘They’re home. Look! And he’s only limping. No sign of the Old Bill either. Told you Brad wouldn’t die and we’d be in the clear. Yous two worry too much,’ Daniel told his brothers.
‘I didn’t say he would die. That was Adam,’ Lee reminded his brother.
‘Well, that taught the Baker boys a lesson. Bet they don’t mess with us again,’ Daniel chuckled.
‘Now they’re home, Dan, let’s go and buy our presents. We haven’t bought one yet,’ Adam said.
Daniel shook his head. ‘Nah, I c
an’t be arsed. You can get presents cheaper after Christmas. There’s a sale on then. That way we can keep most of the money Dad gave us. Good idea, right, Lee?’
Rather than admit he would prefer to buy the Christmas presents for their family today, Lee just nodded. It was always easier to agree rather than disagree with Daniel.
Bella answered the phone on the third ring. ‘Hello.’
‘Bella, it’s Michael. How are you?’
‘Very well, thank you. Yourself?’
‘All the better for hearing your voice. What you been up to?’
‘I have just read Antonio a bedtime story. He’s fast asleep now.’
‘I bet he’s looking forward to tomorrow. Where you spending the day?’
‘Here. My parents are in London, so they will spend the day with us. What about you? Will you be at home with Nancy and the boys?’
‘You’re joking, ain’t ya? Nancy’s going to her parents with the boys and I’m going to my mum’s. I told you, we lead separate lives now,’ Michael said, conveniently not telling Bella that Nancy and the boys would be joining him at his mum’s later in the evening.
The next half an hour was spent chatting about life in general, until Michael decided to ask the all-important question. ‘So when am I gonna see you again?’
Not sure if Michael was lying about his and Nancy’s stagnant relationship, Bella decided to test him. ‘How about Boxing Day? My parents are taking Antonio sightseeing, so we could meet for lunch if you like?’ Bella guessed it would be very difficult for a married man to make an excuse to leave his family on Boxing Day.
‘Yep. That’s fine. What time and where?’
After finalizing arrangements, Bella replaced the receiver and grinned. Madam Lydia had been right. She could feel it in her bones.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
‘Vin, open up. I know you’re in there. I saw you peep through the curtain.’
Receiving no reply, Ahmed lifted up the letterbox flap. ‘I swear, if you don’t open this door, I will break the poxy thing down.’
Little Vinny opened the door and Ahmed followed him into the lounge. The lad had obviously been on one of his binges. He looked awful. ‘I was worried about you yesterday. Why didn’t you come to the party?’ Ahmed asked.
Having already prepared his get-out clause, Little Vinny hung his head in shame. ‘Because of what I said about Molly. I never killed her, Ahmed. As if. I might be a bit of a lad, but I ain’t no child-killer. Neither was Ben. He loved Molly, and raised his brothers and sisters while his slag of a mother was out whoring. It was her I killed. I slit Alison Bloggs’ wrists and made it look like suicide. I did it to get revenge for Ben. Alison made his life hell. That’s why he topped himself.’
‘Why did you say you killed Molly instead of Alison then?’
Little Vinny shrugged. ‘To see if I could trust you, I suppose. I wanted to see if you’d say anything to my dad or Michael, before I confessed properly. You do believe me, don’t you?’
Ahmed wasn’t stupid. He knew the little shit was regretting his confession and trying to lie his way out of it. Well, two could play that game. Slapping his employee on the back, Ahmed chuckled. ‘Great minds think alike, Vin. That’s why I knew it was a good decision to make you my right-hand man at the wine bar.’
Confused, Little Vinny asked what his boss meant.
‘I’m afraid I lied too. Your dad didn’t really kill your mum. But he did kill other people. I was waiting to see if I could trust you before revealing the gory details.’
‘Saying my dad killed my mum isn’t funny, Ahmed. I’ve been thinking about it ever since.’
‘Neither is pretending you throttled your little sister, Vin. So shall we call a truce?’
Relieved that his own lie had been believed, Little Vinny held out his right hand. ‘Fancy a beer? Or you gotta dash home?’
‘I’ll have a beer. Anna and the children have gone to her parents’ for the day. My religion doesn’t really celebrate Christmas. New Year is when we have family and friends over and indulge in a big feast like you English do on Christmas Day. The kids love Christmas though. They got me up at six to open their presents. Speaking of kids, have you heard from Sammi?’
‘Not a peep. I really think it’s over between us.’
‘That girl loves you, Vin, and if you care about her you need to man up and do something about it. What I suggest is we pop to a pub, have a few beers and a couple of lines, that will give you some Dutch courage, then we drive round to Sammi’s parents’ house. If you haven’t contacted her, she probably thinks that you don’t want to know. She is pregnant with your child. You need to show her you have feelings towards her.’
‘What about her old man though? He’s a lairy bastard and he hates me.’
‘Bollocks to her old man. I’ll be with you to back you up. Shame you haven’t got Sammi any presents that you could take with you.’
‘I have bought her presents. I did my Christmas shopping weeks ago and got her a load of stuff from Beau Baggage.’
‘What you waiting for then?’
‘I’ll just have a quick shower and get changed before we go. I look a mess.’
‘No need. You look fine,’ Ahmed lied.
When Little Vinny grabbed his keys, Ahmed smirked. When the dishevelled-looking evil one turned up pissed and coked-up on the Allens’ doorstep, Gary was bound to knock his lights out.
His whole body pumping with adrenalin, Vinny Butler pressed the doorbell. There was a car on the drive, which was a good sign.
‘You looking for Jo, love?’ a neighbour asked, as she flung open her window.
‘Yes, I’m an old friend.’
‘She’s gone to her parents’ house. Not due back until the twenty-seventh.’
Thanking the nosy neighbour, Vinny opened the passenger door of Colin’s car, smirked and mumbled the word ‘Bingo.’
Shirley Preston had been planning on spending Christmas with a friend, but instead was at her grandson’s bedside at St Andrew’s Hospital in Billericay.
‘You all right, Nan? How long you been here?’ Jamie croaked.
‘Not long, love. You were soundo, so I didn’t want to wake you. How you feeling today?’
‘Sore. But I’ll survive. I’m just thankful my face ain’t scarred for life. I can cover up me body.’ Jamie’s left shoulder, chest and stomach had borne the brunt of the burns.
‘What did the guvnor say when he visited?’ Shirley asked.
‘Asked me who did it. I told him I didn’t know. Then he offered to put me in a different wing for my own protection, which I refused.’
‘Why did you refuse?’
‘Because it’s the wing where all the nonces are kept. I can’t handle being around scum like that.’
Shirley squeezed her grandson’s hand. She was so desperately worried about his welfare. ‘You can’t go back to where you were, love. At least you’ll be safe on that other wing.’
‘No way, Nan. Makes me look guilty when I’m innocent. I’ve asked the guvnor if I can be moved to Chelmsford. I’ve got a few pals in there who I was in Feltham with.’
‘Did he agree?’
‘Not yet. He said he’ll get back to me. I tell you something, Nan, and I mean this from the bottom of my heart. If I survive prison, the day I walk out those big gates, I will get even with every bastard who has ever wronged me.’
Nosy Hilda and Mouthy Maureen were indulging in a Christmas-morning tipple. Unable to keep the secret of what she’d seen to herself, Hilda had just informed Maureen.
‘Oh my God! I saw Michael’s boys acting suspiciously that day as well. I wasn’t sure it was them at first ’cause they had their hoods up, but then young Adam turned around.’
‘Lee and Adam didn’t do sod-all. It was Daniel who stabbed that poor boy. I saw everything,’ Hilda boasted.
Mouthy Maureen despised Queenie and Vivian Butler. She’d tried to make friends with them, but they were wrapped up in their own little bubble and
couldn’t be bothered with anybody but their own. Rude, common and abrupt were just three of the words that Maureen would choose to describe them.
‘The Baker boys must’ve known who the culprit was, but I bet Shell told ’em to keep their trap shut after her brother got a good hiding that time.’
‘What time?’
Hilda explained what had happened. ‘I’m only speculating, but I know Queenie and Viv were moaning about the loud music. My guess is Michael sorted it for them. I mean, I used to hear the Bakers’ music from my house, yet I’ve not heard it once since Karl got done over.’
‘Me neither. Not nice people those Butlers, Hilda. I think you should tell the police what you saw. I’ll back you up and tell them I saw Michael’s boys acting suspiciously.’
‘Don’t be so stupid. Anyone who grasses that family must have a death wish.’
Mouthy Maureen smirked. ‘Nobody will know it was us if we make an anonymous phone call, will they?’
Johnny Preston grinned at his wife as Ava opened her final present. She’d forgotten all about Bagpuss now, thankfully. Ava’s beloved kitten had met an untimely death under the wheels of a Vauxhall Corsa.
Cabbage Patch dolls were the latest kids’ craze and Johnny and Deborah had travelled miles to purchase the two they thought Ava would like best. Such was the demand for the dolls, Deborah had nearly had a fight in the shop when some deranged woman had tried to snatch the gifts out of her hands.
‘Say thank you to Nanny and Granddad,’ Joanna ordered, embarrassed by her daughter’s lack of appreciation.
‘When you wrote that letter to Santa, you told him these were what you wanted, Ava,’ Deborah reminded her granddaughter.
‘But then I wrote Santa another letter at nursery and told him I wanted a dog,’ Ava sulked.
‘Kids, eh? So ungrateful these days. Come on, Darren. Let’s go for a pint up the Anchor,’ Johnny ordered, his voice tinged with anger.
When her dad and boyfriend left the house, Joanna scolded her daughter. Ava could be such a sweet child at times, but unlike Molly she wasn’t perfect.
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