Jimmy's Game (Ruthless) (44 page)

While he waited for the kettle to boil, he picked up all their clothes and put them in a black bag; at the first opportunity he would burn them.

Maria sat up in the bed as he passed her the tea before getting in beside her. After placing her empty cup on the dresser; she put her arm over his chest. Holding her close to him, he could feel her trembling as she said, “When I thought those Jamaicans were going to kill me, all I could think about was you.” “Try not to think about it babe, try and get some sleep.” Snuggling down together, she said, “I love you more than anything in the world; I wouldn’t want to live without you, I’d rather be dead.” “I’m not planning on going anywhere for a long time babe, so stop thinking about it. I’m afraid you’re stuck with me kid.” Lying next to her, he knew that he felt the same way, the very thought of her not being there was incomprehensible to him. Tenderly he stroked her hair until she fell asleep.

Other than a few isolated incidents when he had lost his temper with her, he had always been caring, kind and compassionate. Yet, just a few hours earlier to the Jamaicans he had been a sadistic, evil bastard, bereft of any feelings.

The time was a little after ten that morning, they had just begun to stir when they heard the door lock turn, followed by Mickey’s voice calling out, “Only me, anyone about?” “Yeah I’ll be out in a minute, stick the kettle on,” called Jimmy.

A few minutes later he emerged from the bedroom.  “Morning Mickey, why didn’t you ring?” “Because I took your car to be crushed at Sam’s scrap yard and as his place is only ten minutes from here I came straight round.” Then he passed Jimmy a carrier bag with his personal items in from the car. “Cheers for sorting that out Mick, how was Sam?” They had all been friends for many years, having used Sam’s crusher on many occasions. Sam was a good bloke and more importantly someone they all trusted, he never asked why they wanted it crushed, he knew better than to question what people like them did.  Laughing Mickey replied, “Yeah he’s ok, but he nearly cried when I told him to crush it, he said what a waste it was such a great car. You know he always liked it, but he never asked the reason why.” “I didn’t think he would, so are we sure it’s done?”  “Yeah by the time I left your car would have fitted into a shoe box.” They both laughed. “At some point I’ll need to sort out another car,” said Jimmy. His friend grinned and replied, “Funny you should say that, I’ve seen just the car for you; it’s on the forecourt of Baxter’s Autos. It’s right up your street, metallic silver; top of the range Mercedes convertible.” “Sounds good, I’ll take a look at it.”

They were still talking about the car when Maria appeared. Mickey stood up and walked over to her; hugging her and kissing her cheek as he said, “How you feeling sweetheart?” “I’m fine thanks Mickey.” Although he replied, “That’s good babe,” he thought she looked pale. Playfully he said, “Right you sit yourself down princess while I make the tea.” “I’ll do it Mickey, you’re a guest.” “Guest my arse, now sit down that’s an order.”

Mickey headed off towards the kitchen; Jimmy sat down beside her and kissed her on the lips. He was surprised when he felt her slightly pull away from him. Squeezing her hand he said, “You sure you’re okay babe?” The expression on her face was one of sadness, she looked as though she was about to burst into tears. Putting his arm around her he held her tight and said, “Perhaps it’s not such a good idea for you to go to Gladys’s, maybe it would be better if you stayed here and rested. I’ll ask Shaun to stay with you.” Too tearful to reply she nodded her head.

Mickey appeared with the tea, passing Maria hers first she sipped it slowly, only stopping to ask what the time was. “Almost midday babe,” said Jimmy, “I left you sleeping when I got up, you looked knackered last night. Do you want something to eat?” When she shook her head, Mickey said, “Why don’t you go back to bed babe, you don’t look too good.” Again she simply nodded. Jimmy stood up and held out his hand as he said, “Come on I’ll tuck you in.”

In the bedroom he noticed she seemed distant as he spoke to her; he was concerned about her, something wasn’t quite right. Making sure she was comfortable, he kissed her head and said, “I’m only in the next room if you need me babe.” Without replying she just snuggled down under the duvet.

Back in the lounge the two friends talked, Mickey said, “I think you should ask Doc Daniels to take a look at her. I can take care of business if you want to stay home with her today. I’ll call round later after I’ve spoken to the lads.” “I’d like to have gone to the meeting, but I think you’re right I ought to stay with her. Can I ask another favour Mickey?” “Course what is it?” “Can you call into Baxter’s and buy the Mercedes for me; a new car might cheer her up. If need be I can sort out the paper work over the phone.” “Baxter knows us well enough to know you’re good for the cash, there won’t be a problem.” “Another favour mate, I’ve put our clothes from last night in a bin bag, can you take it and burn it for me?” “Oh I think I could manage that.”

After Mickey left, he checked on Maria, she was asleep, so taking his friend’s advice he phoned Doc Daniels. Fortunately he had just finished a morning surgery; he told Jimmy he would call round within the hour.

Jimmy was just about to wake her, when the intercom buzzed; it was the Doc. His first words to Jimmy as he entered the apartment were, “Hello Jimmy, I was surprised when you called me, why do you think Maria needs to see me?” Without giving any real details he replied, “Last night a bloke assaulted her.” “No! Was it a sexual assault?” “Yes, but it was stopped before he raped her.” “Have you reported it to the police?” “No we know who it was, so we’re going to deal with it.” One thing the Doc had learnt over the years was not to ask questions. “Fair enough, shall we go and see her now?” “This way Doc, she’s in the bedroom.” Following him they entered the bedroom. Maria was stirring as she heard Jimmy say, “Babe the Doc’s popped in to see you.” Looking surprised to see the Doc, she smiled as he sat on the bed and said, “Jimmy’s a bit worried about you Maria, how are you feeling?” Before she could reply she burst into tears. Doc held her hand and said, “Don’t get upset, he’s explained to me that a man assaulted you.” Instantly she looked at Jimmy before nodding her head. Aware that she was worried as to how much the Doc knew Jimmy reassured her by saying, “It’s alright babe, I didn’t tell the Doc any details I thought I’d leave that to you.” It was his way of letting her know that the Doc knew nothing about the Jamaicans and Jimmy wanted it to stay that way.

Doc asked her a few questions and then said, “I’ll leave you some pills they’ll help to calm you down. The bruises on your face don’t appear to have done any serious damage; I’m certain that by the time you walk up the aisle they’ll have disappeared and you’ll be a stunning bride. Now, I suggest you try and go back to sleep.” “I will, thank you,” she said as he headed towards the door.

Back in the lounge the Doc said, “She’s suffering from stress Jimmy, obviously brought on by the recent trauma. I expected this from her years ago when she lived with Nick; I’m surprised it hasn’t happened sooner.” Jimmy found it hard to understand what the Doc was saying, with a frown he replied, “I could understand that before she moved in here, but she knows she’s safe with me.” “She’s more settled now than at any other time in her life. In a few weeks she’s going to marry the man she loves; weddings are actually very stressful events; she looks to you for her strength Jimmy. I never imagined that after just two years she would be the confident young woman she now is. This attack simply made her realise just how vulnerable she really is, you weren’t there to protect her and her mind is having trouble dealing with it.” “She will get over it, won’t she?”  “Of course, but my advice to you would be spend as much time with her as possible, especially over the next few days. Hopefully you’ll see an improvement by then, but you’ll need to be patient.” “Thanks for coming so quickly Doc, I appreciate it.” “No worries Jimmy, any problems just call me, if not I look forward to seeing you at the wedding.”

Jimmy returned to the bedroom after the Doc left. Maria was still awake, so he lay down on the bed and wrapped her in his arms as he said, “I love you so much. I’m really sorry about what happened babe.” In a quiet quivery voice she replied, “Would you still have love me if I’d been raped?” “I’d love you exactly the same, I always will.” Finding comfort in his words she snuggled her head to his chest.

Within minutes she’d dropped back off to sleep. Without disturbing her he got up, he wanted to make a couple of calls.

It was six o’clock that evening when Mickey phoned and said, “I’m on my way over Jimmy. Do you want to pick up something for dinner?” “Yeah that’ll be great. How about good old fish and chips, its Maria’s favourite, only she hasn’t eaten anything all day; hopefully she’ll eat that.” “Ok Jim, see you in about twenty minutes, have the kettle on.”

Gently waking her; Jimmy said, “Time to get up babe, Mickey’s on his way round with fish and chips.” Opening her eyes and looking at him she replied, “I’m not very hungry.” “But you haven’t eaten since yesterday; you should try to eat something.” She simply nodded.

Thirty minutes later Mickey arrived, letting himself in just as his friends were just making their way through the lounge. “Grub up,” he said as he made his way to the kitchen. They followed him and sat at the table. Mickey said, “Shall we eat it out of the paper?” “Yeah let’s,” laughed Jimmy. “Like when we were kids hey Jim. I preferred it when fish and chips came wrapped in newspaper. Fucking shame everything has to be politically correct now. I don’t remember anyone catching anything from eating out of the newspaper.” “I agree, the fucking country’s gone mad with all the old bollocks about, you can’t do this, you can’t do that.” Maria just smiled and nodded her head. While the two men tucked into their meal, she just picked at hers. Mickey had been watching her. Smiling he said, “How are you feeling babe?” “A bit better thanks.” “That’s good to hear.”

After they had eaten they took their tea through to the lounge.  Smiling at her Jimmy said, “You don’t have to sit here and listen to us talk business babe, you could always lie in bed and watch a bit of telly or a DVD if you wanted?” “Are you sure you don’t mind, I am feeling tired. Maybe I’ll watch a DVD then if I doze off I can rewind it.” Standing up he held out his hand and said, “Come on then.” Moments later they were heading toward the bedroom. Jimmy called over to Mickey as they entered the room and said, “Pour us a drink Mickey while I settle her down.”

After putting her chosen DVD in the player, he handed her the remote control. He was just about to leave when Mickey knocked on the bedroom door. “Come in,” said Jimmy. He entered carrying a hot cup of tea. Placing it down on the dresser he said, “There you go babe, that’ll put the colour back in your cheeks.” Jokingly she replied, “Thanks Mickey, I’ll have to be ill more often, having two such handsome men looking after me.” Jimmy said, “Steady on babe, you’ll ruin our hard men reputations!” She blew Mickey a kiss, as they left the bedroom.

Things took on a more serious theme, once they were back in the lounge. Mickey said, “The meeting went well. Lenny’s going to bug the offices at each club; we can’t assume Sweet Cheeks will be Samuels’s choice for planting the drugs.” “Good thinking.” “Lenny said he can put a camera in the light fittings, that way we’ll have total surveillance of each office. Once Samuels has planted the drugs we’ll simply remove them.” “Great, anything else I should know?” “Well regarding the Jamaicans and the attack on Maria, everyone’s sticking to the same story that there never were any Jamaicans at the restaurant. Without proof Samuels could never involve us.” Jimmy grinned and said, “Lying bunch of bastards!” They both laughed. Mickey continued, “All the lads have an alibi for last night. Shaun is simply going along with the original arrangement, he picked Maria up from the restaurant around midnight and dropped her back here, came in for coffee before going home. Me and you were at the club ‘til around half one, ok? One last thing Jimmy, regarding the restaurant, Shaun blew a fucking great hole in the ceiling! I’ve sent some builders round; hopefully they can fix it without shutting the place. Fortunately it’s at the back so if anyone asks it was a burst pipe, ok.” Jimmy grinned and replied, “Sounds like you’ve covered everything, what would we do without you?” They continued talking about what happened to Maria. “So what did the Doc say about her then,” said Mickey. Jimmy tried to explain to him the Doc thought she was suffering from. Mickey replied, “I’m sure she’ll be fine, Doc is probably right, what with the wedding, Monica being shot, now this fucking turn out with the Jamaicans, it’s no wonder she’s suffering from stress. Give her a few days Jimmy; I can take care of business. If anyone asks where you are I’ll just tell them you’ve got the flu, I’ll tell the lads just in case Samuels starts poking around.” “Cheers Mick, I’m sure she’ll be ok in a couple of days.”

Around quarter to eleven Mickey said “I’m off now Jim, I’ll check in on the clubs on his way home.” “Cheers Mick.” Just as Jimmy went to close the door behind him, Mickey turned and said, “Almost forgot, the Mercedes will be ready in a couple of days, one of Andy Baxter’s boys will drop it round for you.” “That’s great Mick; any problems?” “Not one mate, Andy’s a good bloke, even said you can sort out the money when you see him. I offered to pay him; he said no rush he’d wait to see you. Oh and he’s putting a year’s tax on it for you.” “Thanks for sorting it out for me; I’ll see him next week, maybe I’ll give him a bell tomorrow.” Mickey left.

Jimmy poured himself a drink before settling down to watched a bit of telly. Maria hadn’t stirred all evening; she was still asleep when he turned in around one. He tried not to wake her as he got in the bed, but he was unsuccessful. “Sorry babe, I tried not to disturb you, are you okay?” She just nodded. Putting his arm around her; he kissed her face, but out of character she didn’t respond, normally she would cuddle him, but she just laid there. Running his hand up her arm, he began kissing her neck, he hadn’t intended to initiate sex; but he was becoming aroused. Still unresponsive she just laid there. Slowly he began fondling her breasts, moving over he rolled his tongue over her nipple before taking it into his mouth. Maria could feel his erection against her body, but still she didn’t respond. Realising that she was trembling and her body was becoming more rigid, he stopped.