Jimmy's Game (Ruthless) (7 page)

As she walked towards the bedroom she turned and said, “Thank you for saving me, I will ask God and the blessed mother to keep you safe.” He didn’t reply to what she said he simply replied, “Get some sleep babe, I’ll see you in the morning.”

Jimmy tossed and turned the entire night. What exactly did she know? Lying in his bed gazing at the ceiling, he kept telling himself he should have encouraged her to tell him before she went to bed. Now his mind was going into overdrive, there would be no rest for him that night.

The following morning Jimmy was woken by the sound of his mobile ringing. Fumbling to answer it he rallied to gather his senses, when through blurred eyes he looked at the number before he answered it and said, “What’s up Mickey, what’s the fucking time?” “Sorry Jimmy did I wake you? It’s ten o’clock; I thought you’d be up.” “No mate I’m knackered, I had a rough night.” “Oh, rough night hey; say no more Jimbo!” Knowing exactly what Mickey was thinking, he was quick to reply, “Not that sort of rough night you dirty bastard, I’ll explain later. Anyway, what did you want?” “It’s not what I want, it’s what Nick wants, namely Maria.” “Very funny, tell me something I don’t know.” “Straight up the fucker phoned me, he wants us to meet him to discuss it.” “Fucking discuss it, there’s nothing to discuss she’s staying with me!”  “Yes I know that and you know that, but Nick doesn’t.” “Well then I’ll just have to make it clear to the dumb bastard
, won’t I?” Mickey could tell from his voice that he was steaming, “Calm down Jimmy, remember what we discussed. We need time to work out a plan.” Knowing he was right Jimmy replied, “Ok, so what do you reckon we should do?” “Simple, let’s go along with things for the time being.” Jimmy’s feelings on the matter were, find Nick and beat him senseless, but he knew his friend was right, they had to pick their moment so he replied, “Ok Mickey, you make the arrangements.” “Already have, the only reason the bastard called me was to let us know he wasn’t letting it drop just because he’s away. I told him we’d meet up with him at Dixie’s when he gets back. So tell me, have there been any developments with Maria?” “Actually there has, she wants to talk and she wants you to be here.” “Looks like I’ll be seeing you later then. I’ve got to go now, see you this afternoon.” “Just one thing before you go Mick, I need to pop into Sweet Cheeks at some point, thought maybe I’d do it this afternoon because Gladys is due round.” “No problem, I’ll pick you up and come with you. Now I’ve got to go, catch you later.”  It wasn’t until Jimmy closed his phone; he realised he could smell something cooking. Throwing on a robe he went to investigate.

Maria was cooking breakfast as he entered the kitchen, nervously she asked, “Are you hungry Jimmy?” “Yeah starving babe.” “I’ve cooked you some eggs and bacon is that alright, only you never said what time you wanted to eat. I can do you something else if you prefer.” “No babe that’s great, I didn’t expect anything.”

Placing his breakfast on the table she said, “Do you want tea or coffee?” “A cup of tea would be great thanks babe.” Within moments he was tucking into his meal. “You not joining me?” he asked. She shook her head. “This is great babe. How are you feeling?” “Much better thank you, it doesn’t hurt half so much today.” Looking round he noticed that the kitchen was clean and tidy; gone were the remnants of the previous night’s Indian. “You didn’t need to clean up Maria. I have a cleaner who comes in a couple of days a week; actually she’ll be along this afternoon.” “I don’t mind, I had to do it at Nick’s, only with him if I didn’t do it right he would beat me.” He just looked at her, despite the bruises and the swelling she was still beautiful, had things have been different for her, she could have been a model. His curiosity over her comments got the better of him, in the hope of not upsetting her he said, “What do you mean, he would beat you?” “Every day he would check that everything was perfect, nothing out of place, if it wasn’t perfect he would hit me. It was the same when I cooked, if it wasn’t right he would hit me, not always, sometimes he would just stop my food for a couple of days, it just depended what mood he was in.” “Hang on a minute babe, are you telling me he didn’t let you eat?”  Tears welled in her eyes as she replied, “Yes” “Why didn’t you just eat something when he was out?” “I couldn’t, I was only allowed to eat when he ate.” “But Nick often ate out, what about those times?” Frowning she looked confused as she replied, “I didn’t eat, occasionally if he was going to be gone all day and night, he would leave me some crackers.” Jimmy could feel his temper rising as she spoke, he wanted to ask her more but for the first time she seemed relaxed talking, so he decided he would change the subject rather than push the issue and upset her. They talked about his cleaning lady Gladys, she had been a friend of his mother’s and she had always been kind to him, especially when he was a child. Looking worried Maria said, “Will Gladys mind me being here?” “No she’ll love it; chances are all she’ll want to do is sit, drink tea and chat.” Noticing that she looked a trifle uneasy with this information, he added, “You ok with that babe?” “What will we talk about, I’ve never done anything or been anywhere worth talking about.” “Don’t worry about that babe, Gladys can talk for England; it’s getting her to stop that’s the problem! You’ll be lucky to get a word in edgeways.” “Will you be here Jimmy, when Gladys comes?” “No sorry babe, Mickey phoned earlier we’ve got to go out for a while. We shouldn’t be too long though, and then we’ll both come back here.” Immediately her expression changed from one of happiness to dread as she said, “Do you have to go?” “Unfortunately yes, but don’t worry we won’t be long. By the way Nick called Mickey, he’s arranged a meeting for when he returns.” “He won’t let me stay, he’ll take me back. Please don’t meet him Jimmy something bad will happen, I’ll just go back.” Reaching over he touched her hand as she fought back her tears and reassuring her said, “Let’s not worry about it now, you’re not going back, let’s just wait and see what he has to say; believe me if you want to stay then he’s going to have to except it, one way or another.” With a sad expression she just looked at him, she so wanted to believe him, but she knew Nick wasn’t going to let her go. Jimmy continued to try and reassure her by saying, “Even Mickey thinks avoiding him will only make things worse. We’ll sort it out, I can’t avoid him indefinitely, I just hope I can keep my fucking hands off the bastard!” “Oh please Jimmy don’t do anything stupid, he’s so dangerous, just remember I know things he’s done.” “Don’t worry, I’m not going to give him any reason to kill me, let’s just wait and see what happens; he won’t do anything at the club because that’s my turf.” Looking at his watch he said, “Fucking hell is that the time? Mickey will be here soon. I need to get ready, but I’m dying to find out what you know babe.” “It can wait, I’m not going anywhere.”

Thirty minutes later he was ready. “You look very nice,” said Maria. He was wearing a pair of black trousers and a white designer shirt. All finished off nicely with a black leather jacket, Rolex watch, gold ring and a solid gold neck chain; which was just visible through his open top button. “Thanks babe now is there anything you need before I go,” said Jimmy. “No thank you, but what should I say to Gladys about why I’m here?”  “Don’t worry babe, I’ll ring her and tell her you’re a friend who needed somewhere to stay because of some trouble with an ex- boyfriend.” “Does Gladys know Nick?”
“Only by reputation.”

They heard a car horn outside. “Mickey’s here babe,” said Jimmy, “lock the door behind me, won’t be long.
” “Be careful,” she called as the lift doors slowly closed behind him. Locking the door she stood in the hall thinking about him. Although she barely knew him she felt she could trust him. Despite what Nick had done to her, she found herself wanting to be with Jimmy. For the past three years she had only known cruelty and violence, but she never gave up hope that God would help her. Her prayers had finally been answered, Jimmy was her saviour. Momentarily she slipped into the most wonderful daydream, imagining that in time they could be like any regular couple. Jimmy would be kind and loving and maybe one day she would become his wife. Then the harsh reality that Nick would see them both dead before he would allow that to happen pounded through her head.

Jimmy got into Mickey’s car, “Alright Mickey, I just need to bell Gladys and
tell her about my house guest.” “I hope you warned Maria she’ll need earplugs, our Gladys loves to talk.” Laughing Jimmy made the call.

The club was only fifteen minutes away. During the drive, Jimmy told him what Maria had said the previous evening. “That could be interesting Jimmy, shame she didn’t tell you more.” “I know mate, that’s why I had a rough night and then this morning the time went so fucking quick I never got a chance to ask her.” “Let’s just hope it’s something we can use, but for now let’s just concentrate on what to do about Nick. We both know he’s not going to let her stay and he’s far too arrogant to let it drop. Whether you won the bet or not, this is one game he doesn’t intend losing. I think things could get messy.” Looking angry at the mere mention of his name, Jimmy replied, “Well like I said before, I’m not backing down. You should see what the bastard did to her Mick he’s branded the cheeks of her arse with a crucifix! It turned my fucking guts when she showed me.” “The sick twisted bastard, he’s got it coming to him Jimmy!”

Pulling up outside the club, they could see two of their lads Shane and Billy unloading beer crates. As they approached Jimmy said, “Anyone in the club lads?” Billy nodded and said, “A couple of bar staff and a couple of dancers practicing their moves.” “Cheers Billy, we’ll see you inside.” “Ok, we’ll join you in a couple of minutes we’re just finishing.” The two friends made their way inside followed ten minutes later by the two lads. Mickey poured them all a drink. “Didn’t expect to see you two this afternoon,” said Billy. Then looking at Jimmy he added, “Don’t mind me asking but what’s going on about that bird and Nick, only rumours are flying round the place.” Grinning Jimmy replied, “Well let’s just say Nick’s not too happy about losing and no doubt the fucker will make an issue of it. Thankfully he’s away on business at the moment, but I dare say the shit will hit the fan when he comes back!” Billy had a look on his face, a look which said he wanted to ask something. Billy was probably the closest to them and without a doubt the man they relied on to keep things running smoothly at the club. He’d worked for them for years since joining their crew when he was just nineteen, now in his late twenties; he was big, bald and brawny. Known to be a tough cookie but with a kind heart, totally loyal and reliable and never one to shirk his responsibilities. “Something on your mind Billy?” said Jimmy with a grin. Billy laughed as he replied, “Fuck me am I that obvious?” “Yeah you are.” “Tell you the truth Jimmy I’m curious as to why you ever made that fucking bet in the first place, we all know Nick’s a fucking psycho! Why didn’t you just say one of his clubs or brothels? I’ve seen that bird once or twice, and yeah she’s definitely got something, but is she worth having your bollocks cut off for? After all you do have to work with the fucker!” Everyone laughed; they all knew Billy wasn’t one to mince his words. They waited for Jimmy to reply. After a few moments he said, “Sometimes Billy you have to go with your gut feeling. Nick treated her like shit; it just seemed like the right thing to do at the time.” Billy raised his eyebrows and jokingly replied, “Oh, so it didn’t have anything to do with the fact that you wanted to shag the fucking arse of her then?” “Well there was that as well,” laughed Jimmy. They all laughed. Then Jimmy added, “Trouble is Nick’s got too fucking cocky, it was worth every minute that night just to see his fucking face. Mind you, what he did to her afterwards made me wonder if I did the right thing. One things for sure though, she ain’t going back; it’s a fucking miracle he didn’t kill her, the sadistic bastard!” “Yeah we heard on the grape vine he messed her up pretty bad, how’s she doing now?” The two doormen listened as Jimmy told them what had happened to her. Billy was the first to say, “The fucking wanker!” “Yeah he is,” said Jimmy, “she’s a good kid who just needs a lucky break. She was only fifteen when he moved her in; we think he probably bought her.” Shane piped in and said, “Fuck me, no one loves pussy more than me, but fifteen that’s fucking sick! What’s going to happen now, because Billy’s right you’ve got to work with the arsehole?” Jimmy arrogantly replied, “I don’t have to work with him, he just thinks he’s fucking indispensable, well he’s not! Truth is I think maybe it’s time to reconsider our business relationship with Nick. I think the real reason he’s making such a fucking big deal over her is because she knows too much; probably about dodgy fucking deals that we know fuck all about!” Billy interrupted and said, “We’ve thought for a long time Nick was doing some dodgy stuff. I wouldn’t trust the slimy bastard any further than I could throw him. If things get rough over this bird you know you can count on me Jimmy, I fucking hate him the cocky bastard, especially when he comes into the clubs and fucking orders me about like some fucking errand boy! I don’t even work for him the cheeky bastard; you two are my bosses!” “Same goes for me,” said Shane “when he tries to order me about I usually just ignore the prick!” Mickey looked up and said, “When the Nick fan club closes.” Everyone rolled with laughter as he continued, “I’d like to say with any luck we’ll be able to sort this out peacefully. Who knows he may just decide to leave it. Although what you both said is appreciated, we’ll know who to call if we need someone to send him for a midnight dip!” “Be my fucking pleasure, I’ll even supply the fucking concrete boots,” said Billy.” Shane added, “Yeah just bell us.” They all laughed. There was definitely no love lost between Nick and the doormen, especially Shane. There had been several times over the years when Nick had ruffled Shane’s feathers, but like everyone else, Shane knew most of the time Nick did it to get at Tony Ramon. Shane was tight with Tony, usually working his clubs. It was only when Tony could spare him he worked for Mickey and Jimmy. They were just about to continue talking when Simone one of the dancers walked over and said, “Do you lot mind me practising my new pole routine?” The four friends looked at her, she standing in just a pair of skimpy hot pants, a good looking girl in her twenties with a great body. Billy was the first one to grin and reply, “Oh I think we could stand it, what do you lot reckon?” They all laughed and joked saying things like, “Well of course you’ve got to practice babe, we understand. If you like we’ll watch you and give you a few tips!” Laughing she replied, “You dirty load of bastards!”