Jimmy's Game (Ruthless) (49 page)

They watched as the tape showed Samuels entering the office after he’d asked Shane if he could use the phone in private. The moment Samuels closed the office door, he went straight over to the filing cabinet; the look on his face was priceless when he pulled it out and realised the drugs were gone.
Mickey said, “What did Samuels say when he came out of the office?” Joking Shane replied, “Well he did look a bit pale and he asked if any Jamaicans had been in. I told him that you’d gone over buying the club with them. Then he asked if they’d been left alone in the office at any point, I said I didn’t know and then he asked if you two would be in today. I said probably; but not likely before ten.” “Well done Shane, Samuels probably thinks the Jamaicans took his drugs, because they knew that once the club was for sale Samuels would call off the raid. Might be an idea to get Lenny to come round and doctor the tape, so from the time Samuels pulled out the filing cabinet the tape lost visual contact. Then when I give the tape to George, there won’t be any way to prove that the drugs had gone before Samuels went back into the office.” Laughing Jimmy said, “I fucking love it when a plan comes together, this calls for a celebration!”

They had only been back inside the club for ten minutes, when who should walk in but Samuels. Accepting Mickey’s offer of a drink, Samuels said, “Have you seen anything of the Jamaicans?” Mickey smiled and said, “Yeah actually they’ve been in to discuss buying the club.” Looking suspicious the detective replied, “How did the meeting go?” “Good, we think the deal will happen. We’re just waiting for them to get back to us, we told them we’d give them a week to get back in touch.” Samuels nodded and replied, “Good. Do you know if anyone has found something that belongs to me?” Mickey looked confused and replied, “What do you mean, have you lost something?” “Yes, I seem to have misplaced my note book, thought I may have left it in the office when I used the phone.” “I’m not aware that anyone’s found it.” “Can I ask how many people use the office?” Jimmy replied, “Apart from us, rarely anyone.” “Did the Jamaicans discuss business from the office?” “Of course, we couldn’t do business out here.” “Were they left in the office on their own?”  Jimmy shook his head and said, “I don’t think so.” Mickey interrupted and said, “Hang on Jim, there were those few minutes when we went to see what the disturbance was outside; we left them in the office while we checked it out remember?” Jimmy nodded, “Oh yeah.” Mickey looked at Samuels and continued “Surely detective you don’t think for one minute that they would have taken your book, assuming that was where you left it?” Samuels looked suspicious and replied, “What was the disturbance?” “It was nothing, just a couple of blokes shouting their mouths off, probably over some old tart, whatever it was it had stopped by the time we got there.” “How long were you gone?” “Five minutes tops, but I don’t remember seeing any note book and I doubt they’d be interested in it, anyway if you thought you had left your book here why have you left it so long to inquire about it?” Thinking quickly Samuels replied, “I didn’t realise until today.” “Oh.”

Jimmy offered Samuels another drink; but he declined stating that he had work to do. Once he’d left the club, they all joked about the crap story of the missing book; they could not contain their laughter, especially Shane. Mickey said, “Fuck me that couldn’t have worked out better if we’d planned it down to the last detail.” It was obvious to everyone that the detective thought the Jamaicans had taken the drugs.

It was almost three o’clock that morning by the time Jimmy got home. Maria was fast asleep. Pouring himself a drink he went back over in his mind the events of the day. If everything ran smoothly he really believed that Mickey could put Samuels away with the evidence they had, although they would still have to be careful, there were still some loose ends to tie up. Then he reflected on his jealousy regarding Maria, but try as he might, he couldn’t bear the thought of other men getting close to her. Maybe it was because she was not the innocent young girl of two years ago. During her time there she had grown into an independent young woman, although in truth she never made him feel that she would ever want anyone else. Sitting there he admitted to himself that he had deep rooted insecurities about their relationship. When she first arrived he liked it that she relied on him for everything, even down to the fact that she did whatever he asked, although he never gave her orders like Nick had and
despite wanting to take her out and show her off, he now felt quite resentful that she had friends, be it only one or two. The more independent she became, the more insecure he felt, truth was he preferred it when she just stayed home looking after his every need; but knowing she had never given him cause for not trusting her, he tried to convince himself that once they were married he would feel differently.

Throughout his life he had never felt jealousy toward anyone, even as a young boy when he had nothing and Mickey seemed to have so much; he had never resented him. It was different with Maria; she had cast a spell on him, to live without her would be impossible; she was not like anyone he had ever met before, she had the assets that drive men crazy. Yet she never flirted; rarely went out, except for the odd lunch with Monica or Simone. Without ever complaining she willingly did everything for him, cooking, cleaning and sexually she was everything he could ever wish for and more, so why did he feel this way. Then he remembered something his mother used to say, ‘that when something seems too good to be true; it usually is.’ In his heart he knew this was not true of Maria, yet it somehow made his negative feelings easier to accept. Finally he went to bed.

Standing in the half light of the bedroom, he watched her as she stirred and wondered how someone so beautiful and loving could love him the way she did. Carefully he climbed into the bed next to her. Not wishing to wake her; he placed his arm around her and gently kissed her shoulder. Thinking she was still asleep he whispered, “I love you.” In a quiet sleepy voice she replied, “I love you too,” they snuggled down under the duvet and fell asleep.

It was almost eleven the next morning when he finally got up. Whilst cooking his breakfast she said, “Mickey phoned to say he would see you at Dixie’s around two, he said something about a meeting with the lads.” “Yeah that’s right, we’re going over our account of events concerning Samuels and the Jamaicans; it’s just to make sure everyone says the same. Why don’t you come with me babe?” Having heard all she wanted to about the dodgy detective she replied, “I’ll decline if you don’t mind, but can I be cheeky and ask you to drop me at the hospital on your way? Only I’d like to spend a couple of hours with Monica, we need to discuss the wedding arrangements. I can get a taxi back if you’re busy later.” “Oh I think I could manage that.”

Time flew by with her doing the housework while he made some calls. Later that day he dropped her at the hospital. Five minutes later she entered Monica’s room. Her friend was pleased to see her, especially as it was rare that they got to see each other without their men. “I can’t wait for you to leave here Monica, once you’re at home with me we can discuss the wedding in more detail,” said Maria. “I know I can’t wait either.”  “Perhaps we can even have a couple of dress rehearsals when Jimmy’s out.” “That’ll be great. I was wondering would you mind giving me some cookery lessons while I’m staying with you Maria.” “Of course not, I’d be only too happy to.” “Thanks, but can we keep it a secret so I can surprise Mickey?” “Of course we can.” They both giggled. They were really enjoying their time together, until Samuels turned up. Looking less than thrilled to see him Monica said, “This is a surprise, what brings you here?” Sarcastically he replied, “I didn’t think I’d need a reason to visit a friend.” Monica didn’t reply she simply smirked. Several times during his visit, Samuels leered at Maria, making her feel uncomfortable; she didn’t like the way he looked at her, like a dirty old man, she felt uneasy in his company. Eyeing her up and down, he said, “So where’s Jimmy today then Maria?” “Out with Mickey somewhere.” “Don’t you know where?” Shaking her head she replied, “No.” Monica interrupted and said, “It’s nice for me and Maria to have some time together, we were discussing the wedding plans.” Again Samuels sarcastically replied, “Ah yes the wedding, I can’t help but say I’m surprised with your choice of men, especially you Maria, I wouldn’t have expected a girl like you to be involved with a man like Jimmy Dixon.” Quickly she retaliated and said, “Jimmy’s the best thing that ever happened to me, I can’t wait to marry him.” Then unexpectedly Samuels rudely replied, “I hear he won you at a poker game, a royal flush wasn’t it?” Maria was dumbstruck; she looked as though she would burst into tears any second. Monica quickly jumped to her friends defence and said, “Yes that’s right, what a lovely way to get the one that you love. Did you know Jimmy had been prepared to lose his club for her, because he loved her so much? I only wish it had been the same for Mickey and me, I had to get shot and almost die before he proposed and for what it’s worth I think your conduct was shameful even mentioning it!” ” Samuels knew from experience that she would have an answer for anything he said, but being the arsehole he was, he just couldn’t resist another knock at Maria, so sarcastically he said, “I’m just amazed as to what type of business associates Jimmy deals with, you know, the type who would bet their ladies on a hand of cards.” Too upset to answer him Maria just shrugged her shoulders. Despite knowing he’d upset her, he added, “I must ask you Maria, aren’t you afraid that when he’s had enough of you he’ll simply gamble you off in a poker game? Incidentally the man he won you from was Nick Orphanides wasn’t it, quite a criminal if memory serves me right?” Monica was furious, snapping at Samuels she said, “That’s it, I’ve heard enough, you’re well out of order speaking to her that way. Her private life has got nothing to do with you. Sounds like you’re jealous of Jimmy, I can understand that, Maria’s beautiful and it’s obvious to everyone except you, just how much in love they are which considering you’re a detective is rather ironic, wouldn’t you agree?” At that point Samuels said, “I’ll have to be going now, work commitments.” Maria simply nodded as he said goodbye. Monica didn’t actually say anything; she just lifted her hand as a gesture to acknowledge his departure.

After he’d left Maria said tearfully, “God I hate him!” “He’s a prick.” “I know, I think he enjoyed embarrassing me.” Monica could see how much he’d upset her. “Don’t pay any attention to him Maria; he’s just a bitter twisted man. Rumour has it the only way he can get sex is by paying for it.” Maria tried to laugh, but what he’d said had upset her. Still close to tears she looked at Monica and said, “Maybe he was right after all, Jimmy did win me and perhaps one day he will do the same when he’s tired of me?” Monica laughed and replied, “Mickey told me years ago that he wanted you, in fact, Mickey’s convinced that’s why he never settled down, he was waiting for you.” “I hope you’re right Monica, I love him so much.” “You know I right, now put it out of your mind, everyone knows that Samuels is a wanker, so why are you allowing him to bother you?” Maria knew in her heart that she was right, no one could pretend to love someone the way Jimmy loved her. They were like two people who shared the same heart; she believed their love was real and forever. Grinning she replied, “You’re right Monica, Samuels is a wanker, a big one!” They laughed together.

Ten minutes later Maria said, “I really must go now, I need to prepare something for dinner, especially as we’ve invited Mickey; I want to make sure everything’s ready for when they get back.” “How are you getting home?” “By cab, there’s usually a couple in the hospital car park.” “Ok, thanks for coming; I’ve really enjoyed talking about the wedding. I’ll wave to you from the window.” Maria kissed her on the cheek and left.

Monica watched from her room as she crossed the hospital car park to where the taxis parked, she could see there wasn’t a taxi available; but fortunately there was a bench for people to wait on. Maria looked up at the huge building to try and find her friends window; had it not have been for Monica waving, she would never have found the right one.

A nurse entered Monica’s room with her afternoon drugs, after giving them to her they chatted briefly before she left. Monica resumed her gaze out of the window to watch her friend. Spotting her she was horrified to see Samuels sitting next to her on the bench. Although they were quite a distance away, she could tell from their body language that Samuels was harassing her friend so immediately she called Mickey. Answering it he said, “Hi babe what’s up, I thought you’d be busy talking to Maria?” “It’s Samuels he’s giving Maria a hard time in the hospital car park.” “We’ll be there in fifteen minutes.” “Hurry Mickey, he’s been a pig to her!” She kept watching from the window, Samuels was obviously bothering Maria. Monica watched as he tried to put his arm around her, firstly as if to comfort her and then tugging at her in an effort to get her to go with him. Helplessly Monica watched as he tried to lead her friend away by the arm. Maria was shaking her head and saying something; it was obvious she was refusing whatever his offer was.

Ten minutes had passed; it looked to Monica as though they were rowing, because Maria kept shaking her head and backing away from him. Then Samuels stood up and said something to her as he began walk away; Monica watched as her friend stayed sitting down. Maria was wiping her eyes as though she was crying. Desperate to help her friend, she had started to call Mickey’s number again when a taxi pulled in. Maria was just about to get into it when a car horn sounded behind her. It was Jimmy, who called out to her from the driver’s window as Mickey got out of the car and walked towards her. He could see she had been crying and looked visibly shaken. Looking relieved she said, “What are you doing here?” “Monica called us; she said Samuels was giving you a hard time, are you ok babe?” The moment she tried to answer him she burst into tears. Putting his arm around her they started to walk back to the car.