by Sam Michaels
‘That’s where I got really lucky. I did a bit of digging and found out he’s been seen in The Penthouse Club, but long before I owned it. With that bit of knowledge, Benjamin dropped by his police cell to cut him a deal. Of course as soon as the man saw Benjamin, he recognised him. His silence about Varvara and me was agreed in return for us keeping quiet about him liking men. Last I heard, he’s buggered off to Bristol.’
‘So now everyone’s happy.’
‘Yes, and by the way, David, those diamonds you stole from the Pounders’ heist. Only the large ones were real. The rest of them were paste.’
‘How do you know that?’
‘Because I was brought up by a thief whose good friend has a jewellery shop and is a fence. You’ve got the real ones, haven’t you?’
‘Of course I have. I wasn’t going to go to the bother of turning over the Pounders for no reward. Bloody hell, Georgina, nothing gets past you.’
‘Why have Charlie set up for it?’ Georgina asked.
‘He’s a wanker. Sorry to be so blunt but I can’t think of any other word to describe him. He’s stitched me up one too many times but always worms his way out of trouble.’
‘I see. You don’t know about him then? His thing for little boys?’
‘Charlie Chops? No way, he reckons he’s a right ladies’ man.’
‘It was all front, David. I thought it was a bit strange that he wanted to do business with that Dickie, the American child molester who wanted to buy my club. So I looked into it and found out they both have the same taste in boys. As it turns out, I agree with you – the world is a much better place without Charlie Chops.’
‘Well, well, well, Dickie and Charlie Chops, the filthy gits. It seems birds of a feather really do flock together.’
‘It seems they do.’
‘You’re good at what you do, Georgina, especially as you’ve only been at the top for a short while. I suppose you’d like to know why I turned over the Portland Pounders?’
Georgina sipped her champagne and inwardly smiled at the familiar taste. The same as the brand served in both her and Charlie’s club. ‘I was wondering,’ she answered.
‘It’s been a long time coming. That heist, the diamonds. It was mine in the first place but I needed a good safe cracker, one who understood combination locks and didn’t want to just blow the door open. I knew the Pounders had a bloke so approached them about it. Next thing I know, they swooped in and did the job behind my back. All I did was take from them what should have been mine in the first place.’
‘You should have asked me.’
‘You can crack safes?’
‘No, silly, but I know a man who can.’
‘Why doesn’t that surprise me?’ David said with a little chuckle to himself. ‘Anyway, I hear congratulations are in order?’
‘Are they?’
‘Yes. You’re getting married, aren’t you?’
‘Oh, I see. Yes, next week. Just a small affair. I don’t want a fuss, not so soon after Ethel Mipple.’
‘Well, he’s a very lucky man, Georgina, and brave. I can’t say I’m not a little bit jealous. I’d like to meet him, the man who charmed the hardest and smartest woman I’ve ever met. I’ve heard he’s a fighter?’
‘Yes, that’s right,’ she said, ‘but I’m not the only one who’s been doing some digging lately. You seem to know quite a bit about my personal life.’
‘Just protecting my interests. Good job I did some checking up or I might have made myself look like a fool.’
‘How’s that?’ Georgina asked.
‘I was set on asking you to dinner and I don’t like to be turned down. I won’t be asking now. Anyway, tell me, how’s Victor getting on?’
‘Great, though I must say I was surprised when he said he wanted to stay on with me.’
‘I wasn’t. I think he needed a fresh start. I don’t suppose he’s told you about his wife and kids?’
‘No, he never says much about anything.’
‘Tragic, it was, absolutely bloody tragic.’
‘What happened?’ Georgina asked, more curious than ever now.
‘I’ve known Victor since we were kids. We lived on the same street and were always good mates. But we chose different paths in life. I followed in my father’s footsteps, whereas Victor set up a little company of his own. All legit. He had a mechanical spares shop. It was only small, and he used to ride about on his bicycle dropping parts off. He did all right. It would never make him a fortune but he earned enough to support Doris and their two lads. Then one day, Doris went to see her sister. She was at the train station with their youngest in her arms and the other lad running on ahead. No-one really knows how it happened but the lad was at the end of the platform and fell in front of a train. Doris went to pull him back but she fell too. All three of them were killed.’
‘Oh no, that’s terrible.’
‘Their bodies were caught under the wheels for quite a while,’ David continued, ‘long enough for Victor to have heard about the accident. They say he tried to push the train off them, and was eventually dragged away, screaming for them. No man should ever have to see his family killed like that.’
The atmosphere suddenly became very solemn and Georgina fought to hold back tears. She remembered hearing about the tragedy, years earlier, but hadn’t realised Victor had been involved. ‘The poor man, I had no idea,’ she managed to say.
‘He hardly ever talks about it. After the funerals, he went downhill. It was like he gave up on life. I was worried that he’d try to top himself, so I started dragging him around with me. It was the only way I could keep an eye on him. Anyway, he got through it but he’s never been the same. I reckon a new start with you will do him good.’
‘I hope so, but I doubt he’ll ever get over losing his family. Thanks for telling me, David. It was good of you to take him under your wing.’
‘I’d do the same for anyone I care about, just as I know you would.’
Georgina looked at David over the top of her champagne glass but quickly pulled her eyes away from his. She felt a pang of guilt at finding the man exciting and attractive. It was a betrayal to Lash and he would be sickened if he knew what had gone through her mind. It had only been a fleeting moment but there had been a definite spark. David had felt it too, she was sure. But she’d never act on any feelings she had towards him. She loved Lash too deeply and this was business. No matter what, for Lash’s protection, she had to keep her desire for David to herself – if the head of South East London’s biggest crime syndicate ever discovered there might be a chance for him, he could easily get Lash out of the way and that thought terrified her.
*
Mickey sat upright in his hospital bed and stared at his toes, willing them to move. His hands gripped the bed linen, turning his knuckles as white as the sheets. But no amount of willpower would encourage even the smallest amount of movement and his heart sank.
‘Still nothing?’ PC Frank Cunningham asked as he approached the bed.
‘Nah, fuck all. All right, mate, how are you?’
‘I’m fine, Mick. But you look pissed off?’
‘I am. They’ve been talking about me being transferred to an institution. They’re saying they can’t do any more for me here, but I’ve heard about them places. I ain’t going, Frank. I’d rather cut me fucking wrists.’
‘It’s all right, Mickey, you won’t be going anywhere except home. You’ve got family and we’ll look after you.’
‘I don’t want to be a burden, Frank. It would be too much for me mum. I can’t expect her to do everything for me.’
‘Stop worrying about that for now. I told you, we’ll sort it. In the meantime, I’ve got some news that might cheer you up.’
‘What? Is Georgina Garrett dead?’ Mickey asked hopefully.
‘No, but Charlie Chops is.’
‘You’re kidding? Who knocked him off?’
‘The Portland Pounders but Garrett set it up. She got me involved
and paid me well, so I’ve given my bonus to your mum.’
‘Thanks, Frank, I really appreciate that. Tell me, how the fuck did she get the Pounders to take out Charlie Chops?’
‘I don’t know the ins and outs, but it looks like Charlie pinched a load of diamonds from them and Garrett arranged for them to be found. Now that he’s dead, once we get you out of here, it leaves more opportunity for you.’
‘Or Maynard. He’ll be in there first, like a fucking vulture, picking out the bits he wants for himself.’
‘He seems to be keeping his head down. Him and Garrett are right cosied up together. He’s probably involved in the set-up somewhere along the line – that’s why he’s laying low now.’
‘Probably. Thanks, Frank. You’re right, that has cheered me up. Charlie Chops pushing up daisies… at least that’s one face out of the way. Do me a favour. Do a bit more digging, see what else you can find out. If the Pounders got rid of Charlie and Maynard is involved, with the right information perhaps we can orchestrate them killing off Maynard too.’
‘I don’t know, Mickey. If I start asking around too much, I might cause suspicion, especially as Maynard’s business ain’t on my beat. I think you should concentrate on one thing at a time. Get rid of Georgina Garrett first. She’s your biggest rival.’
Mickey rested his head back on his pillow and closed his eyes. Hatred filled his heart as he pictured George Garrett, the woman who’d looked and acted like a bloke. It was bad enough she’d humiliated him years ago when she’d punched him to the ground, but they’d been younger then. Now, as an adult, she’d taken it further but had gone too far. He couldn’t work out how she’d done it, but he held her responsible for the bullet in his spine. Because of her, Mickey knew he had to somehow accept that he would never walk again and he inwardly seethed.
One day soon he’d see that bloody Georgina Garrett got her comeuppance.
22
It was the morning of Georgina’s wedding and she was feeling surprisingly calm. She’d given specific instructions for no fuss but that hadn’t stopped Dulcie from baking a celebratory cake, or Molly from turning up with rice to throw.
Georgina checked her reflection in her bedroom mirror, happy with what she saw. Mary next door had arranged for her daughter, Aileen, to call in to do Georgina’s hair and make-up. The last time Aileen had given her a makeover, it had transformed her from George to Georgina and that transformation had led to her meeting Lash.
Her stomach flipped at the thought of him. In less than two hours’ time, she’d be his wife. But was she doing the right thing? Was it a mistake to marry Lash? Or were her doubts just pre-wedding nerves?
Georgina drew in a deep breath and sat on the edge of her bed. If she wanted to change her mind, it wasn’t too late. But she loved him. He drove her crazy and at times she felt like she could throttle him, but she knew she wanted to spend the rest of her life with him.
A light tap on the door distracted her and she called, ‘Come in.’
The door opened and her father walked in, bleary-eyed but not yet paralytic drunk. His dishevelled clothes bore days-old stains and with his un-brushed hair, and a long scar running across his face, he looked a frightful sight.
‘You look beautiful, my girl,’ he said and his eyes began to well up when he added, ‘just like your mother on the day I married her.’
‘Thanks, Dad,’ Georgina said. It was nice that he’d remained sober this morning, though she could smell the stale beer on his breath from the previous night.
‘She would have been very proud of you. You’re a beautiful young woman and clever too, just like she was.’
Georgina looked at her mother’s wedding ring. She had no memory of the woman, nor any idea of what she looked like. ‘I wish I’d known my mum. And I wish you wouldn’t drink like you do, Dad.’
Jack took her hand. ‘I know, sweetheart. Your mother always said I couldn’t handle me booze. I’m sorry. I’ve let you down, haven’t I?’
‘Yes, Dad, you have. I’ve needed you but you’ve had your head stuck in a bottle. Please, come back to me. I miss you, Dad,’ Georgina answered.
‘Answer me one thing. If I was sober and here for you, would you still be marrying Lash?’
Georgina had asked herself the same question many times. ‘Yes, I love him, Dad. But I’d be a lot happier if I knew you were here to look after Gran.’
‘I’ve been a mess since that time when I saw you beaten up, lying there, battered and broken. I thought I was gonna lose you, like I lost your mother. It’s no excuse, I know. I’ve got to pull me socks up, and I promise you, my girl, I will.’
‘Really? Are you really going to stop drinking? Because if you don’t, Lash is going to lock you up until your blood is clean. Please, Dad, don’t make us do that to you.’
‘Oh, Georgina, what an ’orrible situation I’ve put you in! I’m gonna try my best – no more booze from now on, but if I slip up you make sure that new husband of yours does whatever he has to do, and with my blessing.’
‘I’ll give you a chance to get yourself straight. If not, I’ll hand you over to Lash.’
‘Fair enough. It sounds like your man is downstairs and no doubt he’ll be wanting to see you. Have a special day, sweetheart. I hope your Lash realises what a very lucky man he is.’
‘I’m sure he does. Thanks, Dad.’
The door closed behind him and moments later, Lash walked in. Georgina had never seen him looking so smart and as his dark eyes roamed over her, she could feel her heart pounding faster.
‘I thank the fate that brought to me the most beautiful woman on Earth. I love you, Georgina… Mrs Hearn.’
‘Ah, about that,’ Georgina said uncomfortably. ‘I haven’t had a chance to speak to you about it yet, but the last name thing…’
‘What about it?’ Lash asked.
‘I’ll take your name on paper, but I still want to be known as Georgina Garrett. It’s purely for business purposes, you understand, don’t you, Lash?’
She saw his jaw clench and his eyes turned from loving to cold.
‘No, Georgina, I don’t understand. Are you ashamed to have me as your husband?’
‘Don’t be daft, of course I’m not!’
‘Are you ashamed to be married to a gypsy?’
‘No, not at all.’
‘So tell me what’s so bad about using the name you will take when we are married. MY NAME!’
‘Please, Lash, don’t be angry. It’s just that I’ve spent a while building the Garrett name and it means something. I realise the business isn’t important to you, but it is to me. I’d love to have your support instead of you fighting me on this.’
‘Are you mad, woman? How can you expect anything else but anger from me? I’m a man, a proud man and you make me feel like shit,’ Lash seethed through gritted teeth.
‘It’s only a name! I’ll still be your wife.’
‘I’m not so sure about that,’ Lash said and turned his back.
Georgina thought he was going to walk out and grabbed his arm and asked, ‘Do you still want to marry me?’
Lash spun back round. ‘Yes,’ he hissed, ‘but I don’t know why! What do you think my family will say when they hear of this?’
‘They don’t have to know.’
‘I won’t lie to them,’ Lash ground out.
‘Well just don’t mention it then.’
‘Have you any idea how this makes me feel?’
‘Well, I knew you wouldn’t be happy.’
‘Yet you continued to go along with what you want. You’re selfish, Georgina, selfish and cruel.’
‘You’re the selfish one for making such a song and dance about a name!’
‘A song and dance… Women always take their man’s family name. But, no, not you. You have to be different. Hearn isn’t good enough for you. It doesn’t match up to the mighty Georgina GARRETT! You treat me like the wife and I’m sick of it. I’m a man, Georgina, your man, and from now on, you’ll
do as I tell you to!’
‘No, I won’t. No man tells me what to do,’ Georgina spat and spun around.
She felt Lash yank her back and thought he was going to passionately kiss her. After all, they frequently argued but it always finished in a breathless clinch. But instead, she felt a sharp sting across her cheek and saw a black look in Lash’s eyes. He’d slapped her with the back of his hand and as the reality of what he’d done began to sink in, Georgina felt her own anger rising. She reacted instinctively and punched a powerful blow to his eye socket.
‘Don’t you ever hit me again,’ she blazed at him. She paused then, waiting to gauge his reaction. If he was going to retaliate she was ready to dodge his fists.
Instead, his hand touched where she’d whacked him. Blood oozed from his brow bone and the corner of his eye was now swollen and blue. With a shake of his head and a grin he said, ‘You’re a hard bitch, but you’re my hard bitch. I’m sorry. I’ve never raised my hand to a woman before and I never will again. You infuriate me, but in one hour you’re going to be my wife. Shall we go, Mrs Georgina Garrett?’
‘Miss,’ she answered with a wry smile. ‘Miss Georgina Garrett.’
*
Dulcie rolled her eyes to Molly as they heard the quarrelling couple upstairs.
‘They’re always at it,’ she whispered. ‘Then the next minute, they’re back in love. It’s a fiery relationship, that one. At least their marriage won’t be boring.’
‘Georgina needs a man who’ll stand up to her,’ Molly answered.
‘Yes, and Lash does challenge her, though she always ends up getting her own way.’
They heard the bedroom door open and footsteps coming down the stairs. ‘Here they come,’ Dulcie said, excited to see her granddaughter. When Georgina walked into the room, Dulcie gasped, ‘Oh, love, you look beautiful.’
Georgina’s pale gold satin dress, cinched at the waist, hugged her hips and flared out at the bottom, stopping inches above her ankles. She’d told Dulcie that she’d instructed Mary not to add padding to the shoulders, stating that she was already broad enough. It had a high neck with lace detail and she had a matching flat hat worn to the side. Dulcie didn’t think her outfit of choice was very traditional, but then her granddaughter was always breaking the rules when it came to tradition.