by Karen Clow
“I don’t think it was the clubs she objected to, is was the other things, especially Jimmy. She’s talked to me about him from what I gather it’s a wonder he didn’t get both of you killed.”
“Yeah he was a bit of a hot head, but underneath he wasn’t a bad sort. One thing I always knew, he was always there watching my back, but Monica’s right, it’s a miracle I’m still here and like you, my priorities have changed. I’m a family man now and very content with my lot, I know I’ve been lucky, but if you’re really serious maybe we should look into it. Maria won’t be happy that’s for sure, I’ll have to convince her that you and Billy would be the ones running it. I’d be a silent partner, even my dad said about it as an investment. One thing in our favour though, she likes you and Billy. I presume I could tell her that you would consider moving your family down here, should this club happen?”
George grinned and nodded.
“Good, that would definitely help” said Mickey, “if she thought Monica and the boys were nearer. If Monica likes the idea of you owning a club, I think that would sway it for us. I’ll make a few calls this afternoon, any chance of you staying a few hours then we could discuss it later?”
“Yeah, we’re in no hurry, we’re not having the boys after school today, so we can leave as late as you like.”
They were just going to continue their conversation, when they heard the car pull up.
“The surprise is in the conservatory girls,” said Billy, as he undid the twins’ seat belts.
Instantly they ran into the house straight to the conservatory, their little faces were a picture as they saw the puppies and instantly asked if they could keep them.
“Well not all of them” said their mum, “we could probably keep one, but it would have to be a girl.”
After ten minutes of watching the twins pet the pups Maria said it was time to leave them alone, Rosie and the pups needed to rest and they needed to change out of their school uniforms. Perhaps Aunty Monica could help them while she made the lunch?
They had just sat down to eat when Mickey’s parents returned from their shopping trip. The moment they walked in, the twins dragged them both off to the conservatory to see the surprise. By the time they returned, Maria had poured them a cup of tea and made extra sandwiches.
“Oh they’re lovely,” said Mary “Rosie kept that quiet, I didn’t even notice she was pregnant. It must have been that Collie, although all of the puppies seem to look like Rosie. I’m no expert but I would say they’re more like German Shepherds than Collies.”
“Two of them are slightly different,” said George “I noticed one had a white tip on its tail and one had white paws, other than that I think you’re right Mary, they look just like her. I hear you and Den are thinking of having one?”
“Yes we would like one, now we’re both at home all day.”
Mickey interrupted and suggested if they were going to move they would have to take the other bitch. If they were going to move maybe they should discuss about having the annexe built now the summer was coming.
“Summer it’s only February!” said Den.
“I know Dad, but by the time we’ve had the plans drawn up, then the builders putting in their estimates, the summer will be here.”
“Are you sure about us having an annexe built love?” said Mary to Maria.
“I can’t wait Mum, plus the girls will love it.”
Monica told everyone they were seriously considering moving down there.
“What about George” asked Maria, “would he drive to work or commute?”
“Not if he bought a club here, he’d quit the force.”
Mickey noticed Maria’s face change; he knew she wouldn’t be happy with him taking on another club, so he quickly interrupted.
“Actually babe that was what George wanted to speak to me about. I thought they could stay for dinner, so we could discuss it?”
Maria tried to act normal so as not to embarrass their friends and nodded her head.
Den could sense the atmosphere so he offered to treat everyone to a takeaway. It would save Maria having to cook for everyone.
“Right then,” said Mickey “that means this afternoon you ladies can sit on your arses and watch a film or something. I’m sure the three of us can look after the girls.”
“Oh the voice of authority, yes master” said Maria “we’ll do whatever you say!”
“Quite right woman, now get your arses in the lounge!”
“I hope you’re taking all this in Billy” said Mickey, “it’ll stand you in good stead for any future wife.”
“Yeah I’m listening Mick, but my money’s on the girls!”
“Well said!” piped Monica.
The three ladies spent the afternoon chatting in the lounge, while the men took the twins out, ending up at a local play park playing football. It was almost half four when they returned and Mickey could tell that the ladies had been talking about the club.
Later that evening when Maria said it was time for the twins’ bath, he offered to help, almost insisting.
While the twins played in the bath, she asked why he wanted another club. She thought he’d finished with all that.
“I have babe, I don’t want another club, but Billy and George do. I would simply be a silent partner, that’s all. It would be a good investment financially. Obviously we’d have to speculate to accumulate, but I really think they could make a go of it.”
“So you wouldn’t have to go there every night then?”
“No babe, although as our investment, I would have to put in an appearance from time to time, like Dixies.”
By the look on her face he could see she wasn’t totally convinced.
“When I told you I was giving up the clubs, I meant it babe. This is where I want to be, not out half the night, but I could invest in it, just to help Billy and George out.”
“Promise me Mickey.”
“I promise babe,” he said kissing her cheek and hugging her.
By half seven the twins were fast asleep in bed. Downstairs the adults were waiting for their food to be delivered. They talked about the prospect of buying the club. Mickey had managed to make a few calls earlier that afternoon and found out that the asking price for the club was probably going to be around four hundred grand. Den reminded them that he wouldn’t mind going in on it, although like Mickey, it would purely be as an investment.
“As you two are only looking to invest,” said George “would it be acceptable for Billy and me to be the major shareholders? Purely because we’re looking at it as a working business, basically the more we own, the more we earn.”
“I wouldn’t see a problem with that, how about me and dad putting up fifty grand each, leaving you two one fifty each.”
“Don’t forget you’ll need money to do the place up,” said Den “can you two come up with that?”
George nodded. Billy could probably come up with another seventy grand, but anymore he’d have to borrow.
“Well don’t go to the bank,” said Den “if that happens I’m sure I could help you out, at a lot less than the bank.”
They both nodded and thanked him. George asked about staffing the place.
“Well I would certainly look at the staff already there,” said Mickey “the last thing you want is a bitter ex employee coming to the club. My advice there would be, make it clear you’re running the show and start how you mean to go on.”
The bell rang. It was the food. The men continued to talk while the ladies sorted out the food, they called them into the dining room when it was ready. They continued the conversation while they ate, when they finished they returned to the lounge.
The ladies stayed and cleared the table. While they were in the kitchen; Maria asked Monica if she was really happy about George buying a club.
“Yes, we want a better life for us and the boys, the force is not what it used to be and it would give us the chance to get out of London. Ironic really isn’t it, when you th
ink how I hated being married to a club boss, yet now I’m looking forward to it.”
“Don’t you worry about the other women Monica, we all know what they’re like, plus we know that club owners get in with some very dodgy people. Just look what happened to the twins. Do you think they would have been kidnapped if Mickey was a plumber?”
“I know that terrible things can happen, but let’s be honest here Maria, Jimmy was a lot to do with that. George is different, he’s doing it for us and as for other women both our men are settled and happy now.”
“She’s right love and anyway, I think Billy would have the monopoly on the women!” said Mary with a giggle.
They all laughed.
Monica could tell Maria wasn’t as sure about it as her, although considering her past that was understandable, so she tried to lighten the mood.
“Wouldn’t it be great if we lived nearer Maria, the kids could all grow up together? They can ride their ponies and we can go shopping.”
Maria smiled and nodded.
“About the club, don’t worry love” said Mary reassuringly. “I’m sure everything will work out just fine; he’s doing this for your future. He’s just trying to help the others out so they don’t get ripped off.”
“I know Mum; I wish I felt differently about it. Maybe I will once the babies are born.”
“You will love, now come on let’s make the drinks.”
“We’ve come up with a new name for the club,” said Mickey with a smile as the ladies entered the lounge, “what do you think about M 4?”
“Why M4?” asked Monica.
“Because of you girls,” said George “all the Ms.”
“Why 4, Billy he hasn’t got a wife with an M initial?”
The three men started laughing.
“In his case, it stands for Minge!”
They all started laughing and even though Maria thought it was disgusting, she could see the funny side of it.
Their friends left around midnight. Mary cleared away the cups, while Maria checked in on Rosie. The men checked that the house was secure, by half twelve everyone had turned in for the night.
Mickey watched her from the bed as she came out of the en-suite; despite her now looking rather pregnant she was still desirable, especially as she was only wearing a skimpy nightie.
Throwing back the duvet, she could see that he was hard. Putting his arm round her as she got in the bed, he kissed her neck before sliding his hand over her breast. She really didn’t feel like sex, but since having trouble with her blood pressure he had been very patient. Although she would try just to please him. Leaning over her, he kissed her and asked her to take her nightie off.
Taking it off, she lay back down and said she looked like a beached whale with her big belly.
“You look beautiful to me babe, not to mention sexy.”
“I certainly wouldn’t say that!”
“That’s because you’re not looking at it the same way as me. God I fancy you, but if you don’t feel up to it I’d understand.”
“Well I think I could manage it, as long as you’re gentle, it just takes me a bit longer now that’s all.”
Moving his head up to her breast he took her nipple in his mouth, flicking it with his tongue, before moving up to her mouth. Then he kissed her passionately, he could feel her beginning to respond as he slowly made his way down her body. By the time he reached her thighs, he could tell she wanted him as he gently he pushed her legs apart, to accommodate his body, his tongue teasing her as she guided his head with her hands pushing him harder onto her. When he made his way up her body, she said she was sorry but she didn’t think she could take him on top any more.
“I don’t care how we do it babe, but would you prefer to do it on your side with me behind you?”
“Maybe I should try with me on top first, if it’s too uncomfortable, we’ll do it on my side.”
It was uncomfortable, but Mickey was great and after telling her it was ok, he gently rolled her over onto her side and made love to her.
Fifteen minutes later they were lying in bed kissing.
“That was wonderful Mickey, I enjoyed it. I think we’ll probably have to do it from behind all the time now.”
“I’m happy with whatever you’re comfortable with babe.”
“I’m sorry I wasn’t very enthusiastic about this new club. I know you’re doing it for us and to help the others out, but we don’t need the money. I suppose I should be grateful I’ve got such a wonderful husband and at least it’s not a club like Sweet Cheeks, with half naked dancers.”
“You’re the only naked girl I want, it’s just a business arrangement babe, that’s all. Anyway, who said it wouldn’t have near naked dancers? I was thinking of suggesting it.”
She pinched him and started tickling him. Playfully he pinned her down and said if she didn’t behave he’d do terrible things to her.
“Well you’ll have to wait ‘til tomorrow stud, because I’m knackered!”
It was almost two in the morning before they finally went to sleep.
CHAPTER 32
Over the next few days there were endless calls from George about the club. The call from him that morning, Mickey suggested they should go along to the club as punters one Friday night, just to check the place out. Then if they liked the look of it they could arrange to speak to the current owner.
“Sounds good Mickey, I’m off for the weekend in two weeks time.”
“Great we’ll do it then it might be a good idea for Monica and the boys to stay over that night, because Maria will be okay about us going providing she’s not here on her own.”
Although the kidnapping was all but behind them now, he knew she would be reluctant to be there at night. There was also the fact that by then she would be over eight months pregnant.
The weekend seemed to come round quickly. Maria had seen the midwife on that Friday; she had appeared a little concerned about Maria’s swollen ankles and her blood pressure. She would speak to the doctor about it and make her an appointment because with her resting she had hoped to see more of an improvement. Mickey was determined that she was doing nothing that weekend. He had jokingly told her that she was confined to bed. His mum offered to do all the cooking, while Billy said he would occupy the twins. Maria hated every minute of it, she felt like an invalid and never in her life had she watched so much TV.
Mickey told the twins to go and cheer her up, a few minutes later they were sitting on the bed telling her what they had been up to with Billy. She found one account very amusing when Madeline told her that whilst at the park a lady thought Billy was their dad.
Monday morning was, as normal, very hectic but because she had rested the whole weekend Mickey agreed to let her go with him to drive the girls to school. Just after they’d left the house phone had rung. Mary had taken a message from the midwife.
When they returned, Mary told her the midwife rang. The doctor wanted to see her that morning at quarter to eleven. Mickey noticed that she looked worried with the news. Reassuringly, he said the doctor was just being thorough, that was all.
“I know Mickey, but the midwife was concerned on Friday and I’ve noticed today that my hands look swollen as well.”
Mary tried to reassure her that everything would be fine with the pregnancy. She could see Maria was agitated and obviously worried about seeing the doctor. They were interrupted by Mickey’s phone ringing; it was Lenny. Knowing what the call was probably going to be about, he quickly asked Lenny to hang on. Using the ruse the reception wasn’t very good that morning, he moved to the lounge. Once in the lounge, he pushed the door, almost closing it before asking Lenny what he wanted.
“We’ve had a result with Davy and the ballerina! I’ve just been watching it. Quite frankly it’s made me feel sick and you were wrong about Davy not taking it. I take my fucking hat off to him!”
Mickey laughed and asked when he could see it.
“I think Reggie is driving down to you to
morrow Mick. He said about some puppies or something. I can drop it round to him tonight if you like, but don’t get sending it to anyone until I’ve gone back and removed my surveillance gear from Davy’s house, we don’t want anything coming back to us.”
“Course not Len, when do you plan on getting it?”
“Most likely Friday night when lover boy is at his club, but I’ll need to confirm that. Have you heard anything from Tony about the poker game?”
“I’ve spoken to him, but because of the change of plan until after the babies are born, I think the game will happen in about two months time. He’s going to talk to Colin Brett this week, just to see how much interest he can generate. Is there anything else Lenny, only Maria’s got a doctor’s appointment this morning?”
“No that’s about it for now, oh except to say, I gave Big Willy the photos. He seemed quite chuffed; he’s actually quite a good bloke once you get to know him. Anyway I’ll catch up with you soon Mick.”
Mickey closed his phone and headed back to the kitchen.
Maria looked at the wall clock and told Mickey they had to leave soon.
“Fuck me, where does the time go? By the way babe, did you know Reggie is coming down tomorrow. No doubt Rosie will be pleased to see him and show off her new family.”
“Yeah, funny really when you think about it,” said Den “he wouldn’t cross the street to see a fellow human. Yet he’ll drive all the way down here to see the dogs.”
Everyone laughed. Mickey grabbed his jacket and her coat. Maria was quiet during the drive to the surgery despite him trying to reassure her that it would be fine.
Just as they walked in, the receptionist called their name. They made their way to Doctor Atwood’s room. The Doc smiled as they entered and made small talk to begin with then broached the subject of her blood pressure and her ankles swelling.
“Actually, I’ve noticed my hands seem swollen now too Doctor.”
Reaching over he took her hand, her fingers were clearly puffy.
“This is not good Maria, I’ll need to take your blood pressure.”