Mickey's Way

by Karen Clow

  “Yeah that would be good Woody, if you could look into that for us. I take it from the way you’re talking you’ve accepted our offer?”

  “I told your office last week that I had and I would be happy to meet with you. I thought that was why you were here today?”

  “Was it a young girl you spoke too?”

  “Yeah, it was, don’t mind me saying, but she didn’t sound too bright. I take it you never got the message?”

  “Let’s put it this way, today is the first we’ve heard of it and the girl in question, well, if she had a fucking brain cell it would be lonely! She’s working her notice, thank God! Thankfully she’s leaving at the end of the month; apparently she’s decided she wants to work in child care. God help the poor fucking kids, I’ve never had so much trouble getting an office girl. The one before her was fucking useless!”

  “Have you got a replacement lined up?” asked Woody.

  “Not yet, trouble is they all seem capable when you interview them. It’s when they start you realise they’re useless. Then you have to be careful how you get rid of them, or they’ll drag you through a tribunal for unfair dismissal.”

  “I might be able to help you there, my niece is looking for a job, she’s bright, quick to learn, clean and respectable.”

  “How old is she and has she worked in solicitors before?”

  “That’s the problem Mickey, she hasn’t worked; her mum my sister had a breakdown eighteen months ago. Shelly dropped out of college to care for her, she’s done a good job and my sister is doing well so Shelly can work now, but every job she goes for want experience. She helps out here behind the bar a few times a week. Truth is she too good for bar work, she’s nearly nineteen, good looking, polite and she wants a proper job, she did well at school passing all her exams.”

  “Maybe I should check her out for you Mickey?” said Billy with a grin.

  “Yeah, she’d be just your type Billy, shame she’s gay!”

  “Well, I have been known to drive lesbians into going straight Woody”

  “Sorry Billy she’s got a beautiful girlfriend the same age as her; they’ve been together since they were fifteen.”

  “Pass my number to Shelly;” said Mickey “if she’s interested in the job tell here to give me a ring.”

  “I’ll do that, thanks Mickey.”

  They discussed the ownership of the club. Mickey said he’d get the papers drawn up.

  “Great Mickey, I’d be happy to move the sale forward, if you want to take over earlier, only I’ve already found a place abroad.”

  “Fair enough, I’ll sort it out.”

  They all shook hands on it as Mickey said he’d be in touch within a few days.

  George couldn’t wait to tell Monica the good news. No sooner had they walked into the house when he blurted it out. Mickey noticed that Maria didn’t seem as excited about the prospect as her friend, but he was confident she would come round.

  George asked him if the offer for him to work as a legal adviser still stood, he was delighted when Mickey said absolutely.

  Mary asked Monica if they would be taking the puppy back with them as they were old enough to leave Rosie. She asked if they could leave it till the weekend as there were some things she needed to get. Mickey was quick to interrupt.

  “You could stay overnight if George fancies driving down after work?”

  “Yeah that’ll be good,” said George “I’m not working on the Sunday. Perhaps if I get here early enough us blokes could go out for a drink?”

  “Great idea George, but unfortunately I won’t be here; I’ve got to go to London Saturday. I probably won’t be back until Sunday morning, although I wouldn’t mind going for a drink then, if you’re up for it?”

  “That’s the night you’re going to the poker game, isn’t it? Couldn’t George go with you,” said Maria “after all he’ll be in London he could meet you there?”

  Mickey wasn’t happy with what she had just asked, but in fairness to her, he had lied and told her that it was just a friendly game that Tony had arranged. The last thing he wanted was for her to get suspicious,

  “Sorry George not this time mate,” said Mickey tactfully “I know Tony has turned down a couple of his friends, maybe next time hey?”

  “No problem Mickey, I’m not much of a poker player anyway, perhaps another time when we stay over we could have a game here?”

  “Great, but I ought to warn you George my dad is a pretty mean player, so we’ll keep the stakes low, otherwise we’ll all be bankrupt!”

  Mickey noticed that Maria had stayed very quiet throughout the conversation.

  George and his family left for London straight after dinner around half seven. Maria was just about to take the twins up for a bath, when the phone rang. Mary answered it.

  “Maria, it’s Jess. I can bath the girls so you can chat if you like love.”

  Thanking her, Maria took the phone. By putting her hand up to her eyes and pulling a sad face Mary indicated that she thought Jess was crying.

  “Hi Jess,” said Maria “this is a nice surprise.”

  “I wasn’t sure if you would be busy,” said Jess.

  Mary had been right, it sounded as though she was crying.

  “No, we’re fine to talk, I was just going to bath the girls, but mum’s doing it. Is everything alright you sound a bit upset?”

  “I’m having a bad day,” said Jess crying “I won’t be able to talk for long because my phone card is almost empty.”

  “Put the phone down Jess, I’ll call you straight back.”

  It seemed to take forever for her to be connected.

  “So tell me Jess what’s happened today?”

  “Oh nothing bad really, it’s just that when the doctor came round this afternoon, he said I may be able to go home in the morning.”

  “That’s wonderful Jess; you’ll be able to come and visit us. I take it that little Rebecca is thriving? I couldn’t believe how much she’d grown the last time I saw her.”

  “Yes she’s five pounds now, her breathing and everything is fine”

  Before she could finish what she was saying she burst into tears.

  “Calm down Jess, tell me what’s wrong.”

  After a few minutes, Jess pulled herself together.

  “I don’t want to go home tomorrow Maria; do you think you could ask the doctor if I could stay another day?”

  “Why don’t you want to go home sweetheart?”

  “Because no one is going to be there, the family have been away and they’re not coming back until the day after tomorrow. I know I sound stupid, but I’m worried about being there on my own with Becky.”

  “Firstly, I don’t think you’re stupid, I would have been exactly the same. It’s natural that you’re worried; in hospital you have the security of knowing there are people about. I can’t believe your family they knew you would be coming home anytime now, what sort of people are they! Let me talk to Mickey and I’ll ring you back.”

  “No, don’t worry about talking to Mickey. I can make my own way home I’ve got money for a cab.”

  “Who said anything about a lift home, of course we’ll pick you up, but it’s something else I want to talk to him about. Can I ring you back in half an hour; it won’t be when you’re feeding Rebecca will it?”

  “No, she’s fine for a couple more hours; I’d only just fed her when I called you. Thanks Maria, I’m sorry to be such a nuisance. I know I’m being stupid but,” she burst into tears again, unable to continue.

  “You’re not stupid, now put the phone down and have a rest. I’ll call you back and before you say it, no you’re not a nuisance. I’ll speak to you in a little while.”

  When she turned around, Mickey was staring at her and aware from what he’d heard, and the expression on her face, that all was not well. With a smile he asked if everything was alright.

  “No, everything is not alright Mickey. That poor girl, the hospital is discharging her tomorrow and that
dreadful family are away! She’s going home to an empty house and I don’t suppose for one minute they’ve thought about leaving her any provisions for fresh food like bread or milk. God it makes me so mad, she’s just a kid how can people be so cruel? Well it’s not going to happen Mickey; I want her to come here until they’re back! It’s only for one night and I know you said we don’t know anything about her and that you didn’t want her here, but she’s just a frightened kid. I never ask for anything, please let us help her. I know she’s not a bad girl, don’t ask me how, but I just know!”

  “Ok babe.”

  Maria looked dumb struck; she was expecting to have to go all out to convince him to let her stay. Shocked at his sudden change of heart, despite knowing that he was kind and compassionate, her first thought was maybe he was just doing it because it was just for one night and he didn’t want to argue about it, but something told her there was more to it.

  “I just know she needs my help Mickey, she is so sad and so alone.”

  “I know babe.”

  “You’ve had a change of heart.”

  “Yes I have and I agree with you, the kid needs help.”

  “What’s changed your mind then?”

  “You won’t like it babe, but I had someone look into her background for me.”

  “Why would you do that Mickey?”

  “Because I know what you’re like. I knew you would be seeing her once she was home and since the kidnapping I’m cautious of new people around the kids. It’s just made me wary that’s all. I did it to protect the kids.”

  Although she was angry because he had checked up on Jess, she could see his logic behind it.

  “I take it she checked out ok then as you’re letting her stay?” she replied sarcastically, “so are you going to tell me what you found out then?”

  “She’s seventeen, her father died, her mother is little better than a tart. Her step dad is a pervert, with two arrests for exposing himself to young girls, although he was never charged. Jess didn’t get on with him, her mother has little to no time for her; she would rather be with just the boyfriend. Jess was a model pupil at school, passing all her exams with flying colours. She had just started college when she found out she was pregnant. That’s the only strange thing, she was a loner at school and she was bullied for being a boffin. There is nothing to suggest that she had boyfriends, or ever has for that matter, she rarely socialised, staying home most nights studying. For pocket money she walked local people’s dogs. My theory on the baby’s father is, it could be a married man, or worse her step dad. Maybe that’s why her mum threw her out. If that’s the case, her mum would have done better to have thrown him out. One last thing, when the dad died he left them well provided for, but Jess never saw a penny of it. Her mother kept it and from what I gather, spent it! So I think you’re right babe, she is ok. There’s never been any criminal activity connected to her, she doesn’t smoke, drink or take drugs.”

  Having listened to everything, Maria grinned and smugly.

  “I knew it. I could tell she was ok; she just needs some friends that’s all. She shouldn’t have to live with that terrible family. They’re obviously only doing it for the money! Can’t we help her Mickey, couldn’t we buy a flat or something with some of the money that Jimmy left me. It would be an investment and she would never have to know, we could just say we have property that we let. The government would pay her rent. I’m sure she would look after the place and if it didn’t work out, we could just sell it.”

  “Let’s not get carried away babe,” he said as he took her hand and grinned “let’s wait and see what the council come up with first.”

  “Please Mickey; I just want to help her. It wouldn’t have to be anything fancy, just a two bedroom flat or something.”

  “I know what you’re saying babe and I’ll think about it, but let’s just give it some time, that’s all.”

  Due to the look of disappointment on her face, he put his arm round her. “We’ll help her babe, I promise, but the father could show up yet. So let’s just wait and see.”

  “Ok, but if she’s still at that dreadful house in two months time, I want to do something.”

  “Ok Mother Theresa!”

  Mary came downstairs stating that the twins were bathed and now in bed fast asleep. Den and Billy had gone over to the stables to lock the ponies up for the night. They returned just as Maria was calling Jess back, with the offer of her staying with them, until the foster family returned.

  Jess seemed overwhelmed that although they hardly knew her, they were offering her to stay.

  “Thanks Maria, but I’ll be ok staying alone at the house.”

  Maria was having none of it; she knew that Jess was only saying that because she felt embarrassed. Finally after several minutes of Maria badgering her, she accepted the offer.

  “Right then Jess; call me tomorrow morning as soon as you’ve spoken to the doctor.”

  “Thanks Maria, I really appreciate this.”

  Maria heard the triplets cry, it was time for their feed.

  “Sorry Jess I’ve got to go, the babies want feeding, I’ll speak to you in the morning.”

  After popping quickly to use the bathroom, she returned to the lounge. She wasn’t surprised to see Mickey, Mary and Billy holding the trio and giving them a bottle.

  “Looks like I’m redundant,” joked Maria “shall I make us all a cup of tea?”

  They all replied, “Yes.”

  When she returned with their drinks, she noticed that Den was feeding Martin, because Mickey was talking on his phone to Tony. Unbeknown to the others, he had spoken to him a couple of days earlier. Reason being he’d heard the rumour that someone called Rodney had threatened Davy Sheridan over money he was owed which had subsequently led to the kidnapping of the twins so he could pay the debt. Tony had found out that the Rodney in question was none other than Rodney Hopper. Not a man to mess with by any means; he was a big bloke, heavily tattooed, with a mean look about him. The top of his left ear was missing having been bitten off by a docker during a brawl in his younger days, now in his late sixties and all but retired from crime. In his heyday he was probably one of the hardest men in Britain, born in the East End of London. First introduced to crime when he was eight, running errands for the boss. His family had moved to Bracknell when he was fifteen, after he’d spent a year in borstal. Over a period of time, he served several years in prison mainly for GBH. His brother Alan had been killed in a pub brawl when Rodney was doing time. Alan was only twenty at the time of his death; he was ten years younger than Rodney. The man who killed him was found dead four days after Rodney was released. He had been so badly beaten that he was unrecognisable and his throat had been cut. According to older crew members everyone knew it was Rodney, but he was never charged with it because he had an air tight alibi. Despite staying in Bracknell, Rodney often did business in London, particularly the East End. Having made his money by the time he was fifty, he was now living a good life with his third wife, who was twenty four years his junior. With a big house in Bracknell, along with a villa in Spain and a stud farm in Epsom which boasted a Derby winner, his only weakness was gambling. Although he preferred poker to horses, he also liked the dogs, often seen having a night out with friends at White City stadium track. Mickey thanked Tony and said he would see him on Saturday for the game before ending the call.

  After his mum and Maria turned in around eleven, he told his dad and Billy what Tony had said. Den entertained them both with stories about Rodney until the early hours of the morning. They had met a few times over the years, when Den kept books for the mob. He liked Rodney, but he wouldn’t want to get on the wrong side of him, because Rodney Hopper made Davy Sheridan look like an amateur. Neither Den nor Billy was surprised when Mickey said; he was going to send Rodney the original film of Davy and his lover. He would tell him it was potentially worth five hundred grand. After that he’d leave Davy alone and just wait to see what happened.

  �
�Aren’t you bothered about the money?” asked Billy.

  “Course it bothers me, but the way I see it, I’ve got half back, which I didn’t expect and my family are safe and well. I thought about what dad said before and he’s right, I don’t want to go tempting fate. Anyway, who said I’m finished with Davy fucking Sheridan, I just want to see the bastard suffer before I kill him! I wanted him dead before the babies were born, now it doesn’t matter and as I always say, revenge is a dish best served cold. I want to see him lose everything, but I don’t want anything coming back to me, so that’s why I’m sending the film to Rodney. We all know it drove Davy to kidnap my family before, this time if he tried it again, we’d be ready for him. I’ll send it after the game; with any luck he’ll lose money that night and maybe some of his assets. I don’t think he would be stupid enough to kidnap my kids to pay the money, but just in case, once Rodney’s got the film I’ll step up security, which means you’ll be staying on a while longer Billy.”

  “Fine by me, I’m getting used to thinking of here as home.”

  “Well by now Davy will be wondering why he hasn’t received the original film as promised” said Den. “No doubt he’s getting worried and hopefully that will affect his game at the weekend. He could lose big time. Serves the little bastard right, but desperate men do desperate things and the fact that he thinks he got away with kidnapping the girls once, he may just be fucking stupid enough to try it again. Why don’t we just take him out, then we wouldn’t have to worry about it.”