Jimmy's Game (Ruthless) (68 page)

Heading towards the bed she noticed a gift wrapped box on her pillow. Sitting down on the bed she opened it, while he sat down beside her and kissed her shoulder. As she opened the gift, he gently began taking the hair pins out of her hair. It fell loosely down, still wavy from the day before as he pushed it back off her shoulders. Excitedly she opened the box, inside was a beautiful eternity ring that matched her engagement and wedding ring. Tearful she said, “Oh thank you Jimmy, its beautiful.” Taking it from her, he slipped it onto her finger. Then he took her head in his hands and looking right at her he said, “That means you’re mine forever, no matter what
babe.” Smiling she replied, “I expect we’ll have our ups and downs like most couples, truth is I never thought I would want us to be apart and then I found myself in Brighton.” Still clasping her head in his hands, he kissed her again then said, “I mean forever, no matter what. I told you before babe I will never let you leave me. I’ll never give you a reason too.” Gently pushing her down onto the bed he grinned and said, “I want to experiment with the mirror.”

Several hours later they finally left the bedroom. Had it not have been through hunger, they would have stayed there all day.

Monday morning over breakfast, she said, “Are we doing anything specific today?” Grinning he replied, “As a matter of fact we are babe, we’re packing, we’ve got to be at the airport by ten.” She looked confused and said, “Why are we going to the airport?” “Because Mrs Dixon, we’re going on honeymoon to St Lucia for ten days with Monica and Mickey.” Throwing her arms around him, she excitedly said, “Come on we’ve got a lot to do!” First she wanted to phone Monica, who like her had just found out about the trip, they were both so excited.

Maria wasn’t keen on the flight she felt air sick; but once they landed she was fine. They all had a glorious honeymoon; although Jimmy did have a couple of jealous outbursts, but nothing serious.

By the time they returned home Maria had the most fantastic tan, she looked almost foreign and although she’d had the most amazing time, she was happy when she walked back through her own front door. There was a stack of mail on the table from where Ann had been popping round to check on the house. There was also fresh bread and milk, which she had left for their return. Maria kicked her shoes off and flopped into a chair. “You ok babe,” said Jimmy.  Shaking her head she replied, “No, I feel a bit queasy and really tired.” “Sit there for a while babe, it’s probably all the travelling today.”

She dozed off while he opened the mail. There was a letter from the courts stating, that he would be required to give evidence on Tuesday the 24
th
of July at two thirty, which just happened to be the next day. The letter had arrived nine days earlier. Jimmy immediately called Mickey who said, “Yeah I had the same letter waiting for me. I’ll pick you up at quarter to two tomorrow, I’ll drop Monica off; she can spend the afternoon with Maria, if that’s ok?” “She’ll love it, she’s a bit groggy at the moment; I think it’s all the travelling.” “Tell her we’ll pick the wedding photos up on the way over that should cheer her up.”

When Maria woke up, Jimmy said, “You look a bit pale babe. I think you might be going down with something, perhaps you should see the doctor, just in case you’ve picked something up abroad.” “I’m sure it’s just the travelling, I’ll be fine in a couple of days.” “Well it’s up to you. Mickey’s going to pick me up tomorrow; we’ve got to give evidence in court. He’s going to pick up the photos and drop Monica off so you can spend time together.” “Oh that’ll be lovely.” “Babe you sure you’re ok, you don’t look well to me? You were asleep for almost two hours, that’s unlike you.” “I’m sorry I just feel exhausted.” Despite adding, “I feel much better now,” she spent most of the day sleeping on and off. As soon as she did anything she felt exhausted.

She was still feeling tired the following day their friends arrived with the wedding photos. They left the girls looking through them as they left for the court.

Jimmy could understand what Mickey had meant about Virginia Hollingsworth; in court she was like a pit bull, although Samuels looked smug and over confident as usual. That was until he was questioned by Virginia.

When they were called they were ready for anything Alistair Munroe threw at them. They had talked through it a dozen times.

Virginia had managed to have the tapes brought into evidence and it came as no surprise to Mickey and Jimmy that the RT Honourable Quinton Randal Scott, was the judge presiding over the case. Mickey had spoken to him when Samuels was first arrested and convinced him that it would be in the judge’s best interests to ensure he got the case.

Driving back from the court that afternoon, Mickey said, “I definitely think it’s looking a bit dodgy for Samuels, especially as the star witness Max is due to be called tomorrow. I reckon her evidence will just about put the lid on things.”

Maria seemed to have perked up when they returned. She showed them the photos telling them which ones they liked the best. Jimmy sent out for take away to save her having to cook.

The four friends chatted until the early hours of the next morning. When Mickey and Monica readied themselves to leave Maria said, “You’re welcome to stay over.” Mickey was the first to reply, “Thanks babe, but we’re running Fay and the family to the airport first thing in the morning.” Jimmy piped in and said, “Fuck me that times passed quickly, don’t seem like yesterday you was picking them up. Send them our love and tell them to have a safe journey back.” “I will.”

Once their friends had left Jimmy talked about the case and how he felt it was looking bad for Samuels. Maria said, “I’m glad to hear that, but if you don’t mind can we talk about it tomorrow? I feel so tired I want to go to bed.” “Sounds good to me babe, I’m knackered.”

Maria slept through till half nine the next morning. Throughout the day she felt nauseas and lethargic. Mickey had arranged for them all to go to the clubs that evening.

When she and Jimmy sat down for coffee that afternoon she said, “Would you mind if I didn’t go tonight, only I’ve felt sick all day?” “No problem babe, you don’t look to perky. If I know Monica she’ll offer to stay in with you.” “Oh no, I wouldn’t expect her to do that.” “She’ll probably prefer to stay with you than go to the club.” As usual he was right; Monica was only too happy to stay in with her when they arrived at Jimmy’s later that evening. As the men were leaving Mickey said, “See you later girls, we should be back by one o’clock.”

Outside in the car Jimmy said, “So where are we going first?” “How about Lazer first then Sweet Cheeks, if we’ve got time we can call in at Dixie’s?”

Lazer was heaving with punters; the club was packed, both men were happy not to stay too long, after being told that everything had run smoothly during their absence.

At Sweet Cheeks Sue was working behind the bar, she greeted them both before asking about the honeymoon. They hadn’t noticed Della going to the bar, just as Sue said, “I thought the words you said to Maria during the wedding were beautiful Jimmy, they brought a tear to my eye. If Maria ever doubts how much you love her, she will only have to remember your wedding day. I never realised just how romantic you were!” Mickey piped up, “You would have thought they’d have calmed down after all this time, but oh no, you should have seen them on the honeymoon it was sickening Sue, he couldn’t get enough of her!” Sue laughed and said, “I don’t doubt it if the wedding was anything to go by.” Jimmy grinned and said to Sue, “Never thought I’d hear myself saying this, but Maria has changed my life, she’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me.” Their conversation was cut short when they heard a noise like glass breaking. Looking round they noticed a broken glass on the bar, Della was walking away; she had obviously heard what had been said. Sue sarcastically called behind her, “Don’t worry about clearing it up Della, I’ll do it!” Then looking at the two men she added, “I can’t stand her the dirty cow, she gets right up my nose!” They knew that Sue was not one to mince her words, she had never liked Della and by the sound of it she never would.

They checked with Shane that Max had done ok at the courts that day, they were pleased to hear that Virginia had told her that she had sealed Samuels’ fate. They all agreed that was great news.

After leaving Sweet Cheeks; they made their way to Dixie’s. Tony was there, after shaking hands with them he said, “Welcome back, business was good while you were away. I’ve deposited several grand into the club account, the rest I’ve put in the club safe. Money collections from the lads have also been good.” “Thanks for holding the fort Tony. We’re calling a meeting Friday lunch time, can you tell all the lads to be at here at Dixie’s midday?” “No problem.”

They talked with Tony and the other staff until after midnight; then they left.

The rest of the week passed without any great developments. Maria was convinced she had picked up a virus on honeymoon after feeling fine one day and poorly the next. Repeatedly Jimmy had told her to see the doctor.

Friday morning Mickey picked him up for the meeting at the club, everyone was there. It was no surprise to them as they walked in that everyone looked curious as to why the meeting had been called. Pulling out a chair Mickey smiled and said, “You can all stop looking so worried, nothing’s wrong.” They all laughed. “So I expect you’re wondering why we called this today. Well the reason is so we could say; as you all probably know the court case against Samuels is going well, better than any of us expected and as a result of that, we no longer see Samuels as a threat. Therefore, it’s going to be a good day all round, thanks to Tony and the drugs that Samuels planted at the club everyone is getting a nice bonus.”

Mickey handed everyone an envelope and said, “Getting married has obviously made me and Jimmy here a bit soft because on this occasion we’ve decided to share all of it out between all of you. It’s not just because of Samuels though; you have all probably noticed that since the demise of Nick everything has run smoothly, the crew are doing a good job. Our appreciation of which will be shown in the envelopes. Well that’s about it, unless Jimmy wants to add anything?” Nodding he replied, “Yes, as you all know Mickey and me got married recently, not to each other I might hasten to add!” Everyone laughed. “Anyway, as I was saying it was a great feeling to be able to leave the country knowing that everything would be taken care of and like Mickey said, we do appreciate it.” Everyone acknowledged what had been said, but nobody opened their envelope, they just put them in their pockets as they thanked them. Mickey said, “If we get a good result on Samuels, I think everyone will agree this will have been one of the best years the firm has ever had.” They all agreed.

None of them realised just how good until they went home and opened their envelopes, each one contained ten thousand pounds in cash.

The weeks passed and the case drew to a close, but no one could foresee the outcome. They attended court on the final day. They were ecstatic when the jury returned a guilty verdict on several serious charges against Samuels. Virginia Hollingsworth had certainly earned her money. When the court was called to order, she quickly and quietly said to Mickey, “Now let’s hope old Quinton does the right thing and Samuels is looking at ten to fifteen years.”

A deadly silence hung over the court as Judge Quinton- Randal-Scott said, “Detective Samuels, you held a high position of trust within our great police force. Not only have you let yourself down, but the very people who strive to keep this country safe, often putting their own lives at risk, to infiltrate criminal activities, such as drug rings. Based on that I feel you should be made an example of, therefore, you shall receive the maximum sentence, of twenty five years and to serve no less than fifteen.” Samuels looked pig sick. His barrister was obviously in shock, but immediately said they would appeal against the judges’ decision.

Mickey leaned over the chairs and kissed Virginia. Smiling she said, “If either of you ever need a barrister just give me a call.” They couldn’t wait to get home to tell the girls. Twenty minutes later Mickey dropped him off before heading home to Monica.

Entering the house Jimmy called out to Maria, but the house was empty. She had left a note on the table, which read, ‘gone to the doctor’s back soon love M.’ He had just poured himself a drink when she returned.

He was pleased that she’d gone to the doctor’s; he’d been worried about her health since the honeymoon. Kissing her as she sat down, he said, “What did the doctor say babe?” Grinning she shook her head and said, “Not much really, but he did think a shopping trip would help me!” Having trouble believing what she had just said, he replied, “What fucking doctor did you see, a fucking witch doctor! Why on earth would he tell you to go shopping?” Giggling she replied, “Because soon none of my clothes are going to fit me, you see I’ll be putting on a bit of weight over the next few months!” His heart started pounding; as he grabbed hold of her and said, “Babe, are you saying what I think you’re saying?” “You’re going to be a dad Jimmy!” Unable to contain his emotions he burst into tears and shouted, “Babe that’s fucking wonderful!”

TO BE CONTINUED