by Karen Clow
“I’ll tell you why Dad, because when he took the twins it was the worse time of my entire life. I want him to know what that feels like. Killing him with a bullet is too good for him. Something has got to give; with any luck someone else will do it for us.”
“Ok son, whatever you want to do we’re right behind you. Let’s just make certain this family isn’t at risk.”
They turned in for the night around three that morning. Mickey hardly slept; he was still awake when the babies woke for their feed at five.
CHAPTER 46
Davy was still seething; he had tried to trace his money, but it had proved impossible. He was no stranger to computers or off shore banking, but whoever had done it was clever. It had to be someone who had the brains and the technical knowhow to pull something like that off. All he kept thinking of was the amount, why five hundred grand why not a million. He thought back to all the deals he’d done which involved that amount, even thinking back to the kidnapping, but quickly dismissing the idea by telling himself that if Mickey had known it had been him who orchestrated it, there would have a been some retaliation long before now. However, there was the fact that Mickey was a solicitor and his father was well known for being a very shrewd accountant. With his mind going round in circles, he decided he would give it more thought as there were several people he could think of who would also fit the profile, if not by their own hand, they would be in a position to employ the services of someone who was.
His thoughts were interrupted when Seb appeared and asked him if he had finished working on the computer. Seb had no idea what had happened as he had been on the phone most of the afternoon, telling his family and friends about the dance studio. Davy noticed that since their visit to the studio, he had seemed happier. He’d obviously been quite taken aback when he’d seen how good the studio was looking. Davy nodded at him to confirm that he’d finished. Standing behind him Seb wrapped his arms around his neck and shoulders and kissed the side of his face.
“I’ve been telling everyone how wonderful the studio is Davy.”
It was the first time since their fight that Seb had initiated any affection towards him. Despite the fact they had been having sex, it had been Davy who had initiated it. When Davy tilted his head to look up at him; Seb kissed him full on the mouth. Then he pushed his hands down inside Davy’s shirt, before seductively moving them down his body. Davy stood up and pushed him against the wall, where they kissed passionately. It was only seconds before Davy asked him to get down on his knees and suck him.
“What about Danny” asked Seb “I’d be so embarrassed if he walked in on us.”
“Relax, Danny’s at the club auditioning some new dancers.”
Without further hesitation, Seb got down and pleasured him. When he finished giving him a blow job, he said he wanted to make love to him.
Davy undid his trousers and slipped them down past his buttocks before leaning over his computer desk to accommodate his lovers’ wishes. Moments later Seb was thrusting himself into him. Davy could tell from the passion that the fight between them was all but forgotten.
Davy had trouble sleeping that night, due to the fact that he hadn’t received the film as promised since paying the money. Despite making every effort to try and find out who was behind it, he’d failed.
The following morning over breakfast Davy’s mind was trying to focus on the forth coming poker game, which he now needed desperately to win. The only reliable thing in his life was his relationship with Seb. Since their fight, Davy had been on his best behaviour. Although with the business of the film and the money he now owed and the Turk lying heavy on his mind; he was becoming more and more agitated by the day. The poker game was his only hope. Seb had noticed a change in him over the past couple of days and he didn’t like what he was seeing. Davy was drinking heavily and popping pills, but thankfully was still loving towards Seb.
With the game now only days away, Seb was well aware of the pressure he was under, so he tried to keep himself busy rather than get under Davy’s feet and risk another outburst. Fortunately, the new studio would be finished by the end of the following week, so Seb had been busy arranging the party for the grand opening. There was already a waiting list for students, word had spread like a virus that some of the most influential families children would be attending the school. Seb had been interviewing potential teachers; he was meeting that day with the three that he had selected. They all came from dance backgrounds. One of them, Marcus, had been the lead dancer on several top West End productions. Seb felt pleased with his choice of staff; he was taking them for lunch so they could talk and get to know one another better. Davy had planned to join them, but at the last minute he had backed out, due to what he referred to as business. Seb was well aware that it was probably a drugs delivery or something dodgy, but he never asked. In truth he was quite happy about it, as Davy knew nothing about dancing.
Davy’s actual reason for needing to go out that day was to sort out the money for the game. He would have to use the takings from the clubs to raise enough to get him in.
CHAPTER 47
Jess called Maria around ten that morning to say the doctor had discharged her and the baby. When Maria asked Billy to drive to the hospital and pick them up, he joked with her.
“Have you any idea what this will do to my image if someone sees me leaving the hospital with a young girl and a baby?”
“Good job the hospitals not in London then Billy isn’t it?” laughed Maria, she knew he was fine about it really, he was a good sort.
“Before you go Billy, remember to take one of the triplet’s car seats into the hospital with you for Rebecca.”
“Ok babe, I’ll leave now then.”
Just as he left, Mickey appeared from the study and putting his arm round Maria asked if Billy had left.
“Yes he didn’t mind, he’s so good Mickey. Jess sounded so grateful when I spoke to her.”
“We will help her babe; let’s just take a bit of time.”
“Thanks darling, I know we’ll help her,” then she kissed him.
Ten minutes after arriving at the hospital, Billy walked into the ward. Jess was dressed and sitting on her bed waiting. She blushed as she spotted him. Billy could see she was embarrassed, so boldly he walked towards her.
“Alright babe,” he said with a smile “are we ready to go then?”
She smiled and nodded as she put Rebecca in the car seat. When she went to lift it off the bed, he said he would do it.
Looking at her, he thought how different she looked in her cloths, compared to her pyjamas and what a good figure she had, considering she had only given birth a few weeks ago. He also noticed how pretty she was. He would have paid her a compliment about how good she looked, but he knew it would embarrass her. The only people she said goodbye to were the woman in the next bed and the nurses.
At the car, he secured the baby seat in. Billy talked to her as they drove, but he found it hard because she was so quiet. Although by the time they reached the house she had said a few words to him.
Maria was waiting at the door with the twins as they pulled up. She could tell by Jess’s face that she was overwhelmed by the house. Maria embraced her as she approached the door. Billy was carrying the baby as they made their way into the house. Jess tried not to look round as they entered, but it was by far the nicest house she had ever been in.
“I’m so glad you’re here,” said Maria “Mum has made tea and cakes.”
“Hello love, I bet you’re glad to be out of hospital,” said Mary as they entered the kitchen.
“Yes I am.”
Mickey appeared.
“Alright babe, Billy got you here ok then?”
“Yes thanks Mickey, we had a good journey.”
“She never stopped talking from the minute we left the hospital,” said Billy humorously “she made my headache!”
Jess went bright red and looked mortified.
“Take no notice of him Jess,” said
Maria “he’s a comedian there’s never a dull moment with Billy, but believe me you’ll grow to love him. All the females in the house have a soft spot for him!”
“Careful Maria your husband is listening,” said Billy “so don’t go giving all our secrets away or I may have to go a few rounds with him.”
Before Maria could reply Mickey interrupted.
“Actually Jess, his biggest female following in the house is from the twins. Believe me they’re the only girls that fight over him!”
“Don’t believe a word of it Jess,” joked Billy “they just can’t get enough of me. Even Mary when Den’s not about, I have to fight her off!”
Mary slapped him with the tea towel.
“I’d be too much for you to handle young Billy, you cheeky devil!”
Everyone laughed.
Billy walked over to Mary and put his arm round her and kissed her cheek.
Jess was quiet for most of the day. Maria had shown her the room she would be sleeping in; she had also put the Moses basket that she had mentioned at the hospital next to the bed for the baby.
“It’s beautiful,” said Jess “I’m sure Becky will love it.”
Maria spent an hour that afternoon going through the things that she wanted Jess to have. There wasn’t a single thing that she didn’t like. She kept thanking her and saying she felt she should pay for it. Maria was having none of it, she was only too happy to see it go to a good home.
By dinner that evening, everyone could tell that Jess was feeling a bit more comfortable, she was actually quite chatty. During dinner she said how beautiful their house was. Mickey thanked her and said they liked living there. He went on to ask where she lived.
“I lived with my mum in the next village. I definitely preferred living there to the town, I like the country.”
While they made conversation, he tactfully asked her about school and college. He even acted surprised when she answered despite already knowing. Everyone at the table seemed interested in her which was something new to her.
“I had hoped to go on to university to study design” said Jess “I enjoy making things, especially clothes and soft furnishings.”
“I hate sewing,” said Mary “I can’t even sew a button on!”
“Well if you ever want anything mended or altered, I’d be only too happy to do it for you.”
“Thanks love, I’ll remember that.”
Throughout the evening she had seemed quite relaxed. That was until something was said about Mickey being a solicitor. Then everyone noticed she went very quite. It was obvious something about that made her uneasy, but whatever it was no one mentioned it. Although Mickey had a strange feeling that it was in some strange way connected to Rebecca. Aware that she was feeling uncomfortable about his work, he changed the subject by asking about her step father.
“I don’t like him,” she replied instantly “he gives me the creeps. When my dad was alive, I got on well with my mum, after his death that all changed when she met him. Mum started going out a lot, wearing different clothes and makeup, things that she would never have worn before. I tried talking to her, but she was nasty about it, telling me it was her life and I shouldn’t interfere. Basically, she said if I didn’t like it I could leave. I used to stay with my Nan a lot, but when she went into hospital and died, they sold her house. I asked mum not to sell it and to let me live there, but my step dad wanted the money, so they sold it. Then when I found out I was pregnant, all we did was row. In the end mum called social services and told them she was throwing me out, that’s when I moved in with the foster family. I hope the council will find me a place soon, because I hate it there as well, although, it’s no worse than living with my mum and him.”
“Don’t you like your foster family Jess?”
“The mother’s not too bad, but I hate my foster dad. He’s horrible to me, really bossy.”
“What do you mean bossy,” asked Mickey curiously.
“He tells me to do things, like the ironing, making the beds and cooking. I don’t mind doing it, but sometimes when I say I’m doing something else he swears at me. He’s the same with his wife, he shouts at her all the time. I think she’s afraid of him.”
“Surely he’s not allowed to shout and swear at you, that’s not what they’re paid for. Maybe you should say something to social services.”
“I did, but my social worker didn’t believe me, it’s because he’s always so nice when they’re there.”
Jess helped Maria bath the twins and put them to bed. Everyone noticed how good she was with all the kids, eagerly offering to help with the babies’ feeds and nappy changes.
By nine all the babies and the twins were fast asleep.
“I don’t like to ask Maria” said Jess nervously, “but could I have a bath please. I hated having one in the hospital, because there was always someone waiting to use the bathroom.”
“Well you can take as long as you like here love,” said Mary “why don’t you have a Jacuzzi?”
When Jess said she’d never had one, Maria said she would run it for her and Jess could turn it on. There were all types of bubble baths in the bathroom, which she could just help herself to.
Maria left to run the bath, five minutes later she returned telling her it was ready. Jess thanked her and then she went over and picked up the Moses basket which Rebecca was asleep in.
“What you doing?” asked Billy “I’m sure between us we can look after her while you take a bath babe. In fact I think little Rebecca has taken quite a shine to me, I told you the females just can’t help themselves!”
“Thanks, are you sure?”
When Billy and the others said they were sure, Jess made her way to the door.
“Take as long as you like,” said Maria.
“She’s a nice kid,” said Mary “shame about her mother. I can’t understand these women who put men before their kids; any decent mother would put their kids first.”
Maria agreed.
“What babe,” questioned Mickey “are you saying that you love the kids more than me?”
“Absolutely darling, Mum’s right that’s how it should be, especially when they’re young.”
“My old mum was a diamond,” said Billy “she always put us first, but she adored my old man in her own way.”
Jess didn’t return downstairs for almost an hour and a half. On entering the lounge, she apologised for taking so long, but she’d fallen asleep.
“It done you good” said Maria “right, well now you’re here Jess I can sort out what everyone wants for supper.”
Billy was the first to ask what was on offer!
It was after midnight when they finally turned in for the night. Billy joked with Jess as they walked up the stairs.
“If I were you babe I’d have a lay in tomorrow, because the rules of the house are first one up makes the tea and cooks the breakfast. I’m always doing it, some mornings I feel as though I’m running a café!”
Everyone laughed as Maria told Jess to ignore him. He’d never cooked breakfast or any other meal for that matter! She told Jess to just help herself to anything if she did get up early or wanted anything during the night.
Despite what Maria had said the previous night, Jess had stayed in her room until she heard the twins get up the following morning, even though she’d been awake for over an hour by then. Rebecca was fed and dressed by the time she went downstairs.
As soon as she walked into the kitchen, the twins asked her if she wanted to see their ponies. Immediately she nodded and told them she used to ride.
Maria poured her a cup of tea and asked Jess what time her foster family would be back from their holiday.
“I’m not sure. I think they said they’re getting the plane this evening.”
“So they could be away until the morning then, especially if the flight’s delayed?”
“I suppose so, I hadn’t really thought about it?”
“Well in that case you should stay another night,
no point going home if they’re not going to be there. We’ll drop you back tomorrow afternoon.”
“Are you sure Maria, I don’t want to be a nuisance, but I’d love to stay. I’m dreading being there on my own.”
“That’s settled then, you’re staying.”
Maria noticed she seemed more comfortable as the day went on.
Mickey spent the early part of that evening in the study, making calls and sending faxes to his offices. His last call had been to Tony to discuss about sending the film of Davy to Rodney Hopper.
“I think it’s a good idea Mickey, although I must say, if it was me I’d want my money back. Having said that I can see why you’re prepared to let it go rather than endanger your family.”
Tony gave him the address in Bracknell for Rodney. They both agreed that sending it after the game was a good idea.
After dinner, the kids were sorted out ready for bed and by half eight the adults were all watching TV in the lounge. When Jess offered to help make the supper, Maria readily accepted. Once they were alone in the kitchen she noticed that Jess seemed more relaxed and seemed comfortable to chat, although it did seem odd to Maria when she asked if Mickey’s office was in Kent or London. When Maria said both, Jess asked if he knew many solicitors in Kent. Curious as to why she’d asked, Maria asked if her father had been in the legal field.
Jess looked embarrassed as she shook her head.
“No, I was just wondering that was all. I used to walk a dog for a solicitor after school.”
“What was his name? I’ll ask Mickey if he knows him.”
She noticed Jess looked worried, when she quickly said she couldn’t remember he was a friend of her mums. It was clear to Maria she wasn’t comfortable talking about whoever he was. Rather than embarrass her, Maria would wait until the time was right and then if Jess wanted to tell her anything, she would be happy to listen.