Jimmy's Game (Ruthless) (12 page)

The two men watched as her face relived every terrible moment of that first day at Nick’s. Gripping her hand tightly Jimmy asked her, “Can you go on babe?” Wiping her eyes, she replied, “Yes, after he had punched me he dragged me to the bedroom by my hair. On the bed there were some women’s clothes, I’d never seen anything like them before; it was a basque with stockings and a pair of high heeled shoes. He ordered me to put everything on. I had never undressed in front of a man before, I was terrified, he was so horrid, shouting at me, ‘hurry up or I’ll do it for you bitch!’ When I was dressed he slapped me and said I wasn’t a virgin, but I was, he called me a effin,”  suddenly she stopped, it was obvious to both of them that she wasn’t comfortable using bad language especially as she had said effing instead of fucking
throughout their conversation. Squeezing her hand Jimmy joked and said, “Don’t worry babe, Mickey swears all the time I’m used to it.” Smiling she knew it was his way of telling her that it was okay if she swore. Tearfully she continued, “He called me an effing lying whore. I pleaded and begged him to stop, but he was enjoying himself too much. Then he threw me onto the bed and said,” she hesitated again and placed her hand up to her mouth as though she felt nauseous. They could see she was too embarrassed to go on, so gently squeezing her hand again Jimmy said, “Take your time babe, but it’s important for us to know.” With tears streaming down her face she took a deep breath and said, “Nick said you won’t enjoy this you effing bitch, but I will,’ then he raped me. It was so painful I thought I would die.” Unable to go on she had to stop again and take a moment as the memories surfaced. A few minutes later after sipping her tea she continued, “Most days after that were much the same. Some days were better than others, but the beatings and the deprivation got worse. Many times I thought he was going to kill me.” “Can you remember anything else about the meetings at the church,” said Mickey. After thinking about it for a moment she nodded and replied, “There was something else, when we went to the Father’s quarters there was always someone else there; but we never saw him because he would hide behind a screen that partitioned off part of the room, even the men like Nick didn’t know he was there.” “How can you be sure then?” “Because he wore a strange perfume; it smelt like coconut. I remember once standing in front of the screen and smelling it quite strongly. When Father O’Brien realised where I was standing, he looked panic stricken and made me move. I didn’t know what the smell was then, but I’ve smelt it many times since at the poker game.” “Really, do you know what is it then?”  Confidently she replied, “Yes it’s something coconut Maurice uses on his hair.” “She’s right,” said Jimmy, “he does put something or another on his hair, smells like coconut. I think it’s to do with having afro hair.”  “Please continue Maria,” said Mickey. “Another thing was I noticed that Nick always seemed uncomfortable when Maurice phoned him.” “What do you mean by uncomfortable?” “I can remember one conversation; he didn’t know I was listening, but it was definitely Maurice he was talking to. Nick shouted down the phone at him; ‘don’t think for one minute you can effing blackmail me Maurice, you effing cock sucking nigger. I’ll take you and the effing church down with me, you black mother effer!’ After that call, Nick phoned someone called Razor, I didn’t hear all that was said, but I did hear him say, ‘don’t kill the effing nigger, just scare him, but find the pictures.’” “I don’t suppose you can remember when that call took place can you?” “I think it was about three years ago, I hadn’t been there long, but I could check.”

The two men looked curiously at each other before Jimmy said, “What are you saying babe, you kept a record?” She nodded, before he added, “Weren’t you afraid he would find it?” “Of course I was afraid; I know he would have killed me that’s why I hid it in the church.” “You fucking beauty Maria!” “There’s only one problem, I can’t go to church anymore.” “Good point, so we’ll just have to send someone else.
Let’s just hope it’s still there and no one else has found it?” “It’s safe, when I was living in the convent one of my duties was to clean the church after the Sunday morning service. I found a loose panel on one of the pews I used to hide things in from Sister Marjorie. After I moved in with Nick I remembered names, dates and times in my head. Then when I went to church later that week I would pretend to be singing, but I was actually jotting down the things that had happened in my notepad, which was hidden inside my hymn book. Once or twice I thought Shaun’s wife Ann had seen me, although she obviously never said anything.” “Looks like we need to get that notepad,” said Mickey, then looking at Jimmy he grinned and added, “How long is it since your last confession Jimmy? Perhaps it’s time for you to start practising your faith again?” “You can fuck off Mick; you know I’ll never set foot in a church again.” Looking surprised Maria said, “Are you Catholic Jimmy?” “Not anymore.” “Do you mind me asking why?” “Well let’s just say babe, I prayed to God day after day, begging him to stop my father from beating up on me and my mum, but even in confession the priest would tell me that no matter what, he was my father and that God was watching over us. Like a fool I believed him, until the day I came home from school and found my mother dead, where was God then, the same God she prayed to every day? I’ve not set foot in a church since.” Maria didn’t reply she just looked at him. “I think we should give Lenny Porter a ring,” said Jimmy. “Who’s he?” asked Maria. “He’s an ex-detective who now freelances as a private investigator. Lenny’s a good bloke, we’ve used him before.” Just as Mickey said, “I’ll sort it out,” his mobile rang. After looking at the caller ID he glanced at Jimmy and said, “Its Nick.” “Don’t answer it; we’re not at that fucker’s beck and call,” snapped Jimmy, “he can leave a fucking message!” “Yeah, you’re right Jim.”  Maria yawned, “Sorry, I didn’t realise I was so tired.” “Fuck me is that the time?” said Mickey, “It’s turned midnight, perhaps we should call it a night, we can go over everything tomorrow. I’m in court at nine, shouldn’t take long, just a greedy wife trying to screw her soon to be ex-husband over some property. I could be round here by midday, does that suit you two?” “Yeah that should be ok,” replied Jimmy, “I can work from home for a couple of days. I’ve got a meeting at four o’clock with Tony; probably take an hour or so. Is there any chance you could stay on ‘til I get back Mickey, just in case shit head decides to call again?” Smiling at her he replied, “No problem, Maria and I have got lots to discuss.” She interrupted and said, “As Mickey is going to stay with me while you’re out Jimmy, would it be alright if I cooked?” “That would be great, just let me know what you need and I’ll get one of the lads to pick it up for you.” Interrupting Mickey said, “Remember I’ve got a dinner date tomorrow night and it’s more than I dare do to stand Monica up again!” Jimmy smiled at her and said, “Just you and me then babe.” Smiling back she replied, “In that case maybe I can do us all a light lunch.” “That’ll be great.”

The two men sat talking while Maria went into the kitchen to make them all a drink. With a look of curiosity Mickey said, “So what’s the meeting with Tony tomorrow then Jimmy?” “Not sure really, he called me and said he wanted to talk about the situation with Nick.” “Well one thing’s for sure, we both know Tony hates him almost as much as we do.”
Maria returned with the drinks. They continued to talk about Tony, until Mickey finished his coffee and said, “Right then, you did really well tonight Maria, but now I’m going to bid you good people goodnight, get some rest Maria. I’ll see myself out.” Putting on his jacket he said, “I’ll see you both tomorrow.” “Thank you,” said Maria. “My pleasure, I’ll see you tomorrow babe.” See you Mick,” said Jimmy.

After he’d gone Jimmy looked at her and said, “Mickey’s right, you did really well babe. I’m sure Lenny can dig up something on Father O’Brien.” “I hope so. Can I ask you something Jimmy?” “Course babe what is it?” “Your friend Tony, do you think he’ll help us?” “Yeah we’re tight with him, he’s ok.” “I don’t really know him, only from the poker games, but he’s always nice to me.” “I’d expect him to be, everyone knows he’s got a thing for beautiful women.” Blushing she replied, “Yes I know I listen to the things he
says about his girlfriends. I feel sorry for his wife.” “Don’t babe, she adores him and he does her and believe me she’s a real beauty. Now get yourself off to bed, you need to rest.” She nodded.

When she stood up he pulled her to him and kissed her softly on the forehead. “Good night, sleep tight,” said Maria. “Catch you in the morning babe,” he replied with a grin.

Jimmy poured himself a scotch and thought about the events of the last few days. What he’d said to her about Tony was true, they were tight, they’d been friends since Jimmy was a youngster and they’d worked together in the same crew for twenty years. Jimmy topped up his glass and grinned to himself at some of the antics Tony had got up to over the years with women. He was still thinking about Tony and the meeting they would have the next day when he finally turned in for the night.

Maria was up before him the next day. When he finally appeared in the kitchen she said, “Good morning, did you sleep well?” “Like a log, what about you?” “Not too bad, but I couldn’t stop thinking about the call from Nick.” Putting his arm around her he said, “I promise you babe, everything will be fine.”
It had been a long time since she had trusted anyone, but something inside her told her she could trust him. “Oh by the way Maria I almost forgot, Doc Daniels is going to pop round later this morning.” “Oh ok. Your breakfast is nearly ready.” “I hope you mean our breakfast?” “Yes I’m going to eat with you.” “Good.”

The morning passed quickly with him making several business calls, while she kept out of his way by tidying the apartment and preparing lunch. Doc Daniels called in as expected; he was really pleased with how well she was doing. Joking with her he said, “Living here is obviously doing you good Maria.” “Yes, Jimmy’s been very kind to me.” “Good, at this rate you’ll be back to health in no time.”

Mickey arrived at about quarter past twelve and Maria served lunch ten minutes later. Looking at Mickey across the table, Jimmy said “I spoke to Lenny earlier; he said you’d called him, he’s going to call us when he has something.” “If I know Lenny it won’t take him long to check this Father O’Brien out.”

After lunch, Maria kept herself busy by clearing the dishes while the two friends talked. At half three Jimmy left for his meeting with Tony, thanking Mickey for staying with her as he closed the door.

Tony had arranged to meet Jimmy at his gym; it was somewhere they could talk without being interrupted. Tony had only bought it because he liked to keep in shape. When Jimmy entered the gym he could see him working out with weights. Spotting one another, Tony indicated for him to wait where he was and he would join him. A few moments later Tony was standing in front of him, “Alright Jimmy?” Both men liked one another; they had always got on well. “What’s up Tony, what do you need to see me about?” “Can’t talk here Jimmy, let’s go to my office.” They made their way across the gym to his office. On entering the office he said, “You’ve redecorated, looks good in here.” “Thanks, what you drinking Jimmy?”  “I’ll just have a small one, cheers.” Passing him a scotch, Tony asked him about Nick. Knowing he had no love for him, Jimmy replied, “What other than the fact he’s a fucking wanker?” “Be careful Jimmy, he’s a dangerous wanker. What’s happening over the girl, I hear he gave her a fucking good pasting?” “That’s an understatement, it’s a miracle he didn’t fucking kill her.” “So what’s the score then?” “Bottom line, he wants her back and it ain’t gonna happen. He’s made it clear Friday is the day.” “Fuck me you know he won’t back down on this; are you sure the girl is worth it?” “Nick’s a fucking animal, she’s not going back!” “Sounds like you need to buy some time Jimmy.” “Yeah, six months would be good.” “I can’t promise anything, but I’ll see what I can do.” “I appreciate that Tony, but this is my fight I don’t expect anyone else to get involved.” “I know that, but that’s why I like you Jimmy; you’re a criminal with morals!” They both laughed. Continuing Tony said, “We all know that sometimes in this game you have to pick sides, I just wanted to let you know.” “It’s appreciated Tony.” “So, what’s the plan then?” “Well we hope  we can find something that will buy us some time, Maria knows a lot about his dodgy dealings, but it’s gonna take time to put it all together. I don’t want a war, but I’m not going to back down, so what we need is a compromise, or at least enough time to come up with one. Trouble with Nick is he always covers his tracks and we all know he doesn’t like to get his own hands dirty.” “Leave it with me Jimmy; what you need is something that will take his mind off her for a while, I’ll make some enquiries.” “Cheers Tony.” The two men shook hands and Jimmy left.

Driving back to his apartment he thought about what Tony had said. Both he and Mickey trusted him and he was popular within the crew, unlike his business partner Maurice. Most of the others simply tolerated Maurice because of business, but truth was they disliked him. Not regarding the way he ran his business, he was reliable always making good contacts for the crew; it was because of his sexual preferences. They all knew he was a cruel sadistic bastard, although Tony seemed to block that out regarding their friendship, they had worked together for over twenty years and for the best part they got on well, but unlike Maurice, Tony is straight and proud of it. He loves women and brags about losing his cherry at the young age of fifteen to a girl of nineteen. Even now at forty six he’s still bedding beauties, despite his passion for his beautiful young Italian wife Isabella. God help any man who looks at her the wrong way, but Tony makes sure he keeps her happy with a rich lifestyle and four young children to keep her busy. Everyone including his wife knows one woman will never be enough for him; he keeps a mistress and regularly sleeps with the dancers from the clubs, yet despite his weakness for women, he’s a loving husband and father with three young sons, but the apple of his eye is his three year old daughter Sophia, she’s a real daddy’s girl. Tony is obsessed with looking good; strikingly handsome at six feet tall, with olive skin and dark hair, which is due to his Italian mother whom he adores. She raised him alone after his father died when he was just two. Tony is suave, sophisticated, educated and without a doubt a shrewd businessman. Having been introduced into organised crime by his Uncle Carlo, who had looked out for him like a father, until his own untimely death in a suspicious car accident when Tony was twenty nine. Jimmy knows there’s no love lost between Tony and Nick, often known to disagree with him over business, but out of necessity they tolerate one another, it could even be said that both men have respect for what each has achieved. Fact is, Nick needs Maurice to run the blacks and Maurice is loyal to Tony, so it would not be in Nick’s best interests to see that Tony met with an accident like his Uncle Carlo. Maurice is no fool, he knows he is the pawn between them and he uses this to his advantage, yet despite his loyalty to Tony and their mutual dislike of Nick, they’re an unusual pair. Tony is well aware that Maurice has had a hard on for him since they first met as teenagers when Maurice came to Britain from the Caribbean, but being as shrewd as he is, Tony uses this to keep him on side, always treating him with respect; even asking his opinion on personal matters, but everyone knows if Maurice ever overstepped the mark, it would be his downfall. Tony is straight and a forty five year old black queen would never be in with a chance, but business is business and if Maurice ever dreamt for one brief moment that will ever change, he’s most definitely kidding himself.