Jimmy's Game (Ruthless) (13 page)

Back at the apartment things were going well. Mickey was really warming to Maria; he had never really spoken to her at the poker games other than to say hello, but since spending time with her he could tell she was actually a very smart, gutsy lady. “We need to get our hands on that notepad Maria, I think if we play it right we could really do some damage,” said Mickey. As he waited for her to reply he looked at her, Jimmy was right, she was beautiful. Taking her time before answering, he noticed she looked worried. “Would you like to take a break,” he asked. He was secretly happy when she said “No, it’s ok.” Moments later she added, “Don’t think I’m not grateful Mickey, I know you’re only trying to help, but I don’t want anyone to get hurt over me, especially Jimmy.” Knowing that she was genuinely concerned he smiled and said, “Let me tell you something about Jimmy; he’s just about the most decent bloke I’ve ever met, despite his temper which I must say has caused me some concern over the years, I couldn’t wish for a better friend. I know he’s doing this for you because he wants to, not because he has to. You really like him don’t you babe?” She nodded. “Well he really likes you too, so let’s not worry about whether or not anyone’s going to get hurt; let’s just concentrate on hitting Nick where it hurts. Now is there anything else you can remember that might help us?” Just as she was about to answer him, the door opened and Jimmy walked in.

“Hi, how did it go with Tony?” asked Mickey. “Good.” “What did he say?” “Basically he’s going to try and help us find something to slow Nick down.” “Sounds good, but now you’re back, I’d best be making tracks. I’m picking Monica up later.” With a big grin on his face Jimmy jokingly replied, “Oh yeah she’ll be pleased you remembered, say hello to her for me.” “Sarky bastard, I remember most of the time!  I’ll catch up with you tomorrow,” he called out as he left.

With Mickey gone, Jimmy put his arm around her shoulder and said, “So how did you get on with Mickey then?” “He’s really nice.” “Can I take it from that babe, everything went ok this afternoon?” Smiling she nodded her head.

After eating a wonderful meal she’d prepared, they spent the evening talking and listening to music.

Across town Mickey was actually on time for his date, pulling up outside Monica’s place just as she was coming out the door. “Thanks for not standing me up again,” she said with a grin as she got into his car. “Yeah I’m really sorry about that babe; I was tied up with Jimmy.” Laughing she wittily replied, “Sounds painful, but if that’s what rings your bell, why not!” “Cheeky cow, a lot of things I might be, queer I’m not!” “How is Jimmy, I haven’t seen him for a while?” “He’s good, he sends his regards. So how are things in the detective world?” “Things are going very well actually, I made a really good arrest last week, which will look good on my record sheet should any promotions come up and this very day we’ve received a hot tip from a reliable source, so yes, everything’s good in the detective world thank you.” “That’s great babe, what was the tip?” “You know I’m not supposed to discuss that Mickey.”

Placing his hand on her knee and squeezing he jokingly said, “Oh come on, it’s no big deal, anyway I’ll probably end up giving whoever it is counsel!” “Believe me Mickey, if you weren’t a solicitor I wouldn’t even consider telling you.” “Well I am, so you can.” “Ok, but not a word, the tip is about a local jeweller who is handling stolen goods and we have it on good advice that he’s connected to a heist on a security van a few months ago. At the time the van was carrying several rare pieces of jewellery and up until now every lead we’ve had turned out to be a dead end, but this tip sounds kosher, those pieces will be moved.” “So when is this supposed to happen?”  “Our source said it will go down on Friday this week, it will look very good for me if I can nail them.” Mickey knew the heist she’d referred to was one they had given to Jacky Boy and Kevin, along with two of Nick’s boys; he also knew that Friday was the day that Martin Blackwell, the local jeweller had arranged a meeting with an overseas buyer for the rare pieces. Jacky Boy and Kevin were going along with Nick’s boys to make sure the deal went down okay. Trying to act impartial he said, “So who’s the grass?” “No idea; another detective got the information.”

First chance he got Mickey rang Jimmy to let Jimmy know what Monica had said about the jeweller’s job. Hearing the news, Jimmy said, “We’ll have to let Nick know, especially as two of our boys will be there.” “I was thinking the same, if need be I’ll arrange to meet with him.” “Ok if you must.” “Got to go Jim, Monica will be wondering where I’ve got too, I’ll call round yours in the morning.” “Cheers Mickey, have fun tonight.” “I intend to, I’m staying at hers!” “Enjoy yourself you dirty bastard.” “Don’t worry I will!”

Jimmy didn’t sleep particularly well that night; things were heavy on his mind. It was the same for Maria in the next room; she tossed and turned for hours, finally dropping off around half three.

Mickey arrived early at Jimmy apartment the following morning. They discussed what Monica had said to him the previous night, both agreeing that they would have to tell Nick, the last thing they wanted was their lads getting caught. Mickey said, “I’ll call him later today after I’ve called in at my office, there are some papers I need to go over.” Just over an hour later he was standing at Jimmy’s front door ready to leave. “I’ll call you later to let you know what Nick said.” “Cheers Mick.”

Thirty minutes later Mickey entered his office, Jan his secretary said, “Hi Mickey, there’s a man waiting to see you.” Curiously he replied, “Does he have an appointment?” “No and I tried to tell him you’re very busy and he needs to make one, but he said you would see him.” “What’s his name?” “Nick; I asked him for a last name, but he just repeated Nick.” “It’s ok Jan I know him.”

When Mickey entered the corridor he could see him waiting for him outside his office. Nodding at him Mickey said, “Alright Nick,” as he opened his office door and Nick followed him in. With an arrogant tone Nick replied, “No I’m not alright, are you deliberately trying to avoid me?”  “Course not?” “I told you at Dixie’s to bell me about a job; you didn’t! Then I tried phoning you and had to leave a fucking message, but you still haven’t called me! I hope this little problem with Jimmy isn’t going to affect business?” Mickey laughed and said, “You’re getting paranoid in your old age Nick, it’s just I’ve been busy that’s all, in fact I was going to call you today, so what can I do for you?” “It’s about the job at Blackwell’s on Friday, I’m not really comfortable about the boys handling it, you know what these overseas buyers can be like; I’d prefer you and Jimmy to do it.” Mickey had a bad feeling about the police tip, but he decided to not mention it then, he would wait to see what Nick had to say first, because this was a big coincidence. “Sorry Nick, Fridays a no go, we’ve got something on.” Sounding more like an order than a request Nick arrogantly replied, “Well fucking cancel it!” “Sorry we can’t do that, it’s important.” Mickey could see he was agitated, which only convinced him that what Monica had told him, was the reason why he was so adamant about them doing it. Again Mickey said, “Sorry Friday’s impossible, I’ll give Martin a call; see if he can change the day or something.” Nick looked evil as he replied, “Don’t do that, we don’t want the buyer thinking there’s something wrong.” “Can’t Terry and Reggie handle it then, or Maurice?” “No! I want you and Jimmy to do it! So stop giving me grief and fucking sort it out!” “Yeah ok Nick, calm down.” “Sorry it’s just this thing with Jimmy, it’s getting to me.” Totally out of character he was being unusually polite. “Yeah I understand Nick;” said Mickey smugly, “I think you’ll find it’s getting to all of us.” “How is Maria?” “Truthfully, I’m not sure; wouldn’t surprise me if she didn’t just go back to you.” “Really, what makes you say that?” Nick had one of those smirky looks on his face; he knew that Mickey would say anything to help his friend, but how could he be sure he was lying. “What has she said then Mickey?” “That’s just it, she doesn’t say fuck all. All she does is cry, she knows this mess between you and Jimmy is because of her, maybe if you gave her time to recover, she’ll see sense.” “Jimmy has made this personal though.” Trying to convince him that he was being sincere, Mickey replied “Leave him to me, I’m his best friend, I’m sure I could convince him to see sense if I had enough time.” For a brief moment he thought that Nick was falling for his bullshit, to be a good solicitor, you have to be good in the bullshit department. Nick paused for a moment then in his normal arrogant manner said, “She’s had enough time, Friday and it’s not negotiable!” With that he got up and walked out, slamming the door behind him.

Mickey made his way out of the office and back to the reception area. Jan smiled at him and referring to Nick sarcastically said, “He was a real charmer!” “Yeah he’s a real gem. I’ve got to go out again Jan, can you hold all my calls. If anything urgent comes up one of the clerks can handle it. You can get me on my mobile if it’s a matter of life or death.” “Ok Mickey, I’ll see you tomorrow.”

From his car he rang Jimmy, as soon as he answered Mickey said, “Alright mate, I’m coming back round, you won’t believe who’s just turned up at the office.” “Don’t tell me, Nick?” “Fuck me Jimmy you should take up doing psychic work!” They laughed before Jimmy replied, “Do us a favour when you get here, pick up my post on your way up to the apartment.” “Ok, get the kettle on.”

Twenty minutes later he was taking the mail out of the pigeon hole in Jimmy’s apartment block. Curiously he looked at the plain brown envelope that simply had the name Jimmy, typed on the front.

Maria opened the door and with a smile said “Hello Mickey, would you like a drink?” Removing his jacket he replied, “A cup of tea would be great babe.” Handing Jimmy his mail with the plain envelope on top, he looked questioningly at him. Jimmy opened it, inside was a single photograph with a typed note attached by a paper clip. It read, ‘This should buy you some time.’ After taking another look at it he passed it to Mickey; who was looking at it when Maria came in with their tea. Seeing the photo she cried out, “Oh my God!” The photo was of a dead girl; it was obvious that she had been tortured and murdered; there were ligature marks around her hands and feet indicating that she had been tied up. Her naked body was covered in cuts and bruises and she had what looked to be the brand of a crucifix on her breast. There was another key factor; a man’s hand could be seen quite clearly in the corner of the print. Whoever he was, the ring on his finger was a clue. Maria began to shake violently. Jimmy sat her down on the sofa and tried to comfort her. Slowly she calmed down enough to say, “The girl in the photo is my best friend Melanie, the man is Father O’Brien.” Sitting with his arm around her Jimmy said, “How can you be so sure?” “Because all priests wear those particular rings, only Father O’Brien wears his on that finger instead of his wedding finger, because his hands are crippled with arthritis.”

Looking at his friend Jimmy smiled and simply said, “Tony.” Grinning Mickey nodded and replied, “This could be just what we need, I’ve just spoken to Nick, he was waiting for me at the office.” “What did the fucker say?” “Apparently he wants us to handle the job on Friday, doesn’t want to trust it to the boys!” “That’s interesting considering what Monica said.” “My thoughts exactly, it’s just too big a coincidence.” “Isn’t it just,” said Jimmy with a snarl.

Ten minutes later Maria was still sobbing over Melanie despite all Jimmy’s efforts to console her. Although she did stop briefly to ask Mickey if he thought Nick had killed her friend. Answering her as honestly as he could, he replied, “I really don’t know babe, but it’s obvious whoever sent the photo thought it would have an effect on him; so we can’t rule out that he may well have been involved, if not responsible.” Holding back her tears she said, “Melanie was so lovely, she must have been picked after me. If Nick did do it, he didn’t do it at his apartment because I was always there.” Jimmy interrupted and said, “Well someone else knew.” “Who,” she asked. “Father O’Brien, if you’re sure that’s his hand.” “I’m positive.” “Perhaps it’s time we paid Father O’Brien a visit.” Mickey nodded and said, “I agree. I think it might be an idea to get some photocopies of the picture.” “Good thinking, now what are we going to do about the job on Friday?” “Well I think we can safely assume it’s a set up, I should have known.” “What makes you say that Mick?” “Because the bastard actually apologised about giving me a hard time over it, that’s why; have you ever known Nick to apologise for anything and he was a little too insistent that we handled it!” “Who the fuck does he think he is! I swear I’m going to have that mother fucker; he’s got it coming!”

They noticed that Maria looked dazed, the impact of Melanie’s death was obviously taking effect; combined with the added stress of seeing both men so angry was making her feel more responsible for what was happening. “Cheer up,” said Mickey as he glanced over at her. Trying to force a smile as she replied, “All this is my fault, now Nick is trying to set you up because of me.” “None of this is your fault babe,” assured Jimmy, “It’s because Nick’s nothing but a mother fucker and the fact that he thinks he has set us up has got nothing to do with you being here. Believe me he’s an opportunist; he thinks that getting us stuffed will give him more power, but regarding you it’s purely a matter of his pride being hurt and that could well be his undoing, because you know how the saying goes?” She shook her head. “Well it is said, pride cometh before a fall and believe me babe, mother fucker Nick is about to take a fucking big fall!”
“How about us paying a visit to Father O’Brien this afternoon,  might be a good idea to give my old pal Jeff Black a ring first, just to see if he knows anything about this Melanie,” said Mickey, before looking at Maria and adding “What was Melanie’s last name babe?” “Humphreys,” she replied tearfully.” After wiping her face she added, “Who is Jeff Black?” Jimmy replied, “Jeff’s the big chief down at the nick, Mickey went to university with him and I must say it’s one friendship that has come in very handy over the years.” Mickey took out his mobile and said, “No time like the present,” as he rang through to Jeff on his direct number; seconds later he spoke into his phone, “Hi Jeff, Mickey here sorry to bother you.” “Hello Mickey, it’s no bother how’s it going, family doing ok?” “Fine thanks Jeff, yours?” “Yeah they’re great thanks. So what can I do for you?” “Sorry to call during work hours, but I wonder if you can help me out, what do you know about a girl name of Melanie Humphreys?” Pausing for a moment to scan his memory, Jeff then replied, “If memory serves me correct she was a runaway from St Augustus, but it was a long time ago, about three years I think. I worked on the case; she turned up in a rubbish bin in an alley. What do you want to know about her for?” “Not me, Lenny Porter asked me I think he’s working on an old case and her name came up.” “I remember now, she was reported missing the same day we found her, it was pure fluke.” “What do you mean?” “The bin men were on strike at the time, but some kids were messing about; one of them threw another kid’s bag in the bin and bingo, instead of his bag he found a dead body. I interviewed some nun and a priest from the convent where the girl lived, found them a bit creepy had my doubts about the pair, but nothing solid.” “Cheers for that Jeff, I’ll pass it on to Lenny. We’ll have to catch up soon for a drink.” “I’ll look forward to that, regards to the family.” Closing his phone he repeated to them what Jeff had said. Maria was crying as she said, “Melanie could only have been fifteen, if it was three years ago. After my first year at Nick’s I wondered why none of my friends were ever at the church when I went with Shaun, now I know why, like me they had been sold. It’s no wonder Sister Marjorie avoided me like the plague when she saw me with Shaun, not once did she ask me how I was getting on.”