“It’s probably too much excitement,” said Mikey.
“I’m not so sure,” replied Jules, pressing a hand to Zach’s forehead. “He feels really hot.”
“I feel sick,” groaned Josh before throwing up all over himself.
“Oh no,” said Jules, rushing to his aid. “This bug’s been doing the rounds of the schools, I was hoping they’d been lucky and missed it. I bet it’s that snotty little get Dwayne Marshall. His parents sent him into school even though he wasn’t feeling well and he threw up in class. He’s the one who probably passed it onto them. Just wait till I get my hands on his dizzy, selfish mum.” She continued muttering to herself as she stripped off his jumper, which was covered in vomit. “Come on sweetie, let’s get you cleaned up.”
“Hopefully it won’t last long,” said Mikey.
“The wedding’s tomorrow,” she said anxiously. “What if they’re too ill?”
“They won’t be. They’re tough.”
Jules didn’t appear to share his optimism as she led Josh upstairs.
Five minutes after Mikey had cleaned up the puddle of sick on the floor, Zach contributed his own.
“Oh no,” he sighed. Everything had been going so swimmingly. He should have known something would go wrong. It wasn’t a Maguire celebration without at least one fuck up.
The boys continued being sick throughout the night. Josh tried to pretend he was fine, desperate to go to the wedding but after being sick for the third time he burst into tears.
“We could always cancel,” Jules said to Mikey the next morning, both bleary-eyed after being up half the night. Mikey had intended to spend the night at a hotel, not wanting to see the bride before the wedding but he couldn’t leave her alone with two sick children.
“How can we? It’s happening in three hours, everything’s in place. Rachel and Ryan have come all the way from Devon.”
“I want the boys to be there.”
“Me too but they’re just too ill.” Mikey was afraid that if they didn’t do this now something would happen to stop them from getting married.
“Where are we supposed to take them? All the family will be with us.”
“I’ll call Adela.” Adela was the Polish nanny who had worked for them for a couple of years. She came with good references, having worked for Ryan and Rachel when they’d lived in Manchester. She was entirely trustworthy.
“Shit,” he said, hanging up after speaking to her. “She’s booked up today, as is the other girl she works with. I’ll try Ken and Joyce.”
“Amber’s parents?”
“Yeah. It’s only until after the reception. We can rebook the honeymoon when the boys are better.”
“Fine by me.”
He tried calling them but there was no answer. The same applied to both their mobile phones.
“Fucking useless, as usual,” he snarled.
“Alright, take it easy,” she said, hugging him.
“I can’t believe this. You’re finally going to be my wife and this happens.”
“There must be someone else who can look after them?”
He chewed his lip before saying, “Amber.”
“Looks like we haven’t got a choice.”
“She’ll probably be too busy shopping or having her nails done.”
“All we can do is ask. If not then we’ll have to cancel.”
“I’ll call her,” he said, already scrolling through his phone for her number.
“Amber, it’s Mikey. We’ve got a huge problem. Josh and Zach are both sick, they’ve been throwing up all night, they’ve got that bug that’s been going round. No way can we take them to the wedding. The nanny’s already booked and I can’t get hold of your parents…oh that explains it. We wondered if you…” He sighed with relief. “That’s great, thank you. I’ll bring them round in half an hour.”
“So she’ll have them?” said Jules when he’d hung up.
“Yeah. Her parents are on holiday in Greece, that’s why they weren’t picking up. I don’t like to do this but it’s our only option.”
“Like you said, it’s only until after the reception. Then we can come straight home.”
He sighed. “I don’t believe this. First Cara’s away on holiday and now the boys are ill.”
“At least we’ll be married. That’s the important thing.”
He kissed her. “Too right it is.”
The boys cried when told they were going to Amber’s flat instead of the wedding but they calmed down when Jules said they’d hold another wedding for them and Cara, so they wouldn’t miss out. They got them dressed, Jules packing some of their favourite toys into their backpacks and led them downstairs. The vomiting had stopped, leaving them weak and exhausted.
“We’ll come round straight after the reception,” said Jules, hugging them.
“I want to go to the barn,” said Josh, starting to cry again.
“We’ll take you there, promise. We’ll have another party.”
“Okay,” he said reluctantly, lip wobbling but trying to be brave.
“After I’ve dropped them off I’ll go straight to Jez’s to get ready and I’ll see you at the church,” Mikey told her.
“You certainly will.”
“Do not be late.”
Jules kissed the boys, feeling wretched as Mikey led them out to the car. Five minutes after they’d gone Cathy, Rachel, Leah and Beth turned up, the latter clutching her make-up case.
“God you look awful,” Cathy told Jules.
“Just what a woman wants to hear on her wedding day.”
“Sorry but you look so pale and tired.”
“The boys were up all night being sick, they’ve got that bug that’s been going round. They won’t be able to come,” she ended glumly.
“Oh no. Are you and Mikey okay?”
“Yeah, we’re fine.”
“Cheer up, it’ll still be a great do,” said Beth. “You’re marrying the man of your dreams.”
Jules couldn’t help but smile. “Yeah, there is that.”
“Is Adela having them?” said Rachel. “She is such a good nanny.”
“No, Amber is.”
“What?” they exclaimed in unison.
“We’ve no choice. Adela is already booked, Ken and Joyce are on holiday and you lot will be with us.”
“I can always stay and look after them,” said Cathy. “At least then you’d have peace of mind.”
“You’re one of the bridesmaids. It’s only until after the reception. She can handle it until then. They’ll probably just sleep anyway.”
“What about the honeymoon?” said Beth.
“We’ll reschedule.”
“Right,” said Rachel. “Enough moping about. We need to get you ready.”
“Care for a glass?” smiled Beth, producing a bottle of champagne from a gift bag.
“Got any lager?” replied Jules.
“It’s your wedding day, not a barbeque.”
“Go on then, crack it open,” smiled Jules, feeling better already.
“Can I have some Mum?” said Leah.
“Alright but just one glass. I’m not having you falling up the aisle.”
“Thanks,” she grinned, accepting the glass of fizz Beth held out to her.
“I need you to do me a favour,” Jules said to Cathy as she opened her make-up case.
“What’s that honey?”
“I got Mikey a present,” she said, producing a black box.
“Can I take a peek?”
Jules nodded and Cathy opened the box to reveal a very expensive watch.
“Wow.”
“Mikey bloody loves watches, it’s the only thing he really buys himself. I had it engraved with the date of our wedding.”
“Aww Jules, that’s lovely.”
“I want to give it to him at the reception, if you could keep hold of it for me?”
Cathy slipped it into her handbag. “Course I will love. I’d no idea you were so romantic.”
“I have my moments,” she smiled, taking a sip of champagne.
“Hi Mikey,” replied Amber, opening the door. “Oh no, my poor boys. Come on in.”
Josh and Zach reluctantly walked inside Amber’s swanky flat and slumped on the cream couch.
Mikey handed Amber the backpack full of toys. “They’ve stopped being sick, thankfully but they’re really tired and weak. They’ll probably sleep most of the day.”
“Did they keep you up last night?”
“Yeah, most of it.” Normally he’d feel tired but he was running on excitement and adrenaline. “Thanks so much for this, we really appreciate it.”
“Not a problem. It’s such a shame they can’t be there, they were so looking forward to it.”
“We said we’d throw another party so they can be there too, along with Cara. Someone will be round to pick them up after the reception. It might not be me or Jules, it could be Cathy or Beth.”
“Okay, no worries.”
When Mikey knelt before the boys to say goodbye they both started crying again.
“Oh I’m so sorry,” he said, feeling terrible. “But you’ll be much better off here. And don’t forget, we’ve got our holiday to look forward to.”
This didn’t appease them and he had to bribe them with the promise of treats before he could finally leave.
He glanced at his watch. “I’m running late.”
“Get yourself off,” said Amber. “They’ll be fine.”
“Call me if there’s any problems.”
“There won’t be and I’m not interrupting your wedding day. We’ll curl up on the couch with a film and if they feel up to it later we’ll play some games. They’ll be fine.”
He nodded. “You know, I had doubts about this new you Amber but you do seem much more mature.”
“I understand why it’s taken you a while to believe me,” she said with a shy smile.
Mikey thought how much she was like the woman he’d married. Not that he’d ever go there again, Jules was the woman for him but it was good for his sons. “Right, see you later boys. Thanks again Amber.”
“Bye and good luck.”
She closed the door behind him, her happy grin falling, green eyes filling with fire. “Boy are you going to need it.”
CHAPTER 19
“Oh my,” smiled Beth when she opened Jules’s front door. “Looking good.”
“Thanks,” said Ryan, walking inside, smiling at the glint in Rachel’s eye when she saw him in the dark blue suit with steel grey shirt that brought out his eyes.
“Way-hey, you’re going to outshine the groom,” Cathy called across the room, waving her champagne glass in the air.
“Someone please take that off her,” said Jules. “She’s had three already.”
“Hey,” said Cathy when Leah snatched the glass from her hand.
“Sorry Aunty Cathy, bride’s orders and she’s in charge,” grinned Leah, putting it to her lips to take a sip. “Awww Mum,” she added when Rachel took it off her.
“The last thing this wedding needs is a drunk teenager,” said Rachel before drinking it herself.
“A drunk matron of honour won’t be any better.”
“Your mother can take her champagne,” said Ryan. He looked to Jules, Beth putting the finishing touches to her hair, which had been swept back off her face and pinned loosely, a few bangs left down. Her dress was ivory-coloured, long and sleek, hugging her curvy hips, the opposite to the dress she’d worn to her wedding to Jackson, which had been a huge meringue affair. “You look beautiful little sis.”
“Thanks big bruv.”
“Are we nearly ready to go? The car’s outside.”
“Almost there,” said Beth, sliding in the last pin and stepping back to admire her handiwork. “There, perfect. Although I must say Jules, your hair is as awkward as the rest of you.”
“It doesn’t like being dolled up,” she said, tugging at the bust of her dress.
“Please don’t do that during the ceremony,” said Ryan. “You’ll distract the vicar.”
“Sorry but if it’s not a hoodie and jeans then I’m not comfy.” She released a small burp. “Oh God, I feel sick.”
“You’re not coming down with the bug too, are you?” said Beth.
“Nah, just nerves.”
“Not again,” said Ryan. “You were like this before your last wedding.”
“I’ve got the jitters, okay?” she retorted.
“Mikey should be the one who’s nervous.”
“Oh charming. Are you sure giving me away is enough for you? Why don’t you just throw me at him and run instead?”
Ryan held out his arm to her. “I’m only kidding, you know that. Now stop being soft, it doesn’t suit you.”
With a smile she took his arm. “Let’s do this.”
Hayden looked down the sniper scope at Mark, Grant and Shane moving about the grounds of the barn, double-checking everything was secure. Not that they’d find anything, they were going to plant the bombs when everyone was inside. If anyone was left patrolling outside they’d be quietly taken care of. His men were already in position, hiding in different sections of the vast woodland surrounding the barn. It had been smart of them to book here for the reception, it was so secluded no passers-by would have a clue they were even here. If it hadn’t been for their little ginger spy neither would they in fact, it had been kept so quiet.
He was stationed behind a rock in the hill looking down on the barn with an unobstructed view. The weather was fine and there was only a slight breeze, not enough to knock any bullets off course. He just hoped it didn’t get any stronger or it might make his job difficult.
He shifted his left leg slightly to make sure it didn’t fall asleep. The waiting didn’t bother him, he’d had to deal with much worse conditions during his time in the army. Besides, it would certainly be worth it. With the huge obstacle that was the Maguires and Laws removed, nothing would be capable of stopping himself and Katia.
Mikey anxiously waited on the front pew in the church, Jez by his side. Jacob sat in the row behind with Ethan, Aaron, Daina and the rest of the children. Battler and Bruiser were in the row behind them. It was a quiet affair for a Maguire-Law wedding, usually their celebrations were packed with business acquaintances and hangers-on.
Alfie and Daina were doing their best to keep the younger children entertained while Ethan and Archie sat at opposite ends of the pew glaring at each other. After they’d come to blows three Christmases ago the two had been enemies ever since, although they hadn’t physically fought again.
“I know marrying my sister must be intimidating but can you try and keep still?” Jez told Mikey.
“I can’t relax. I’m worried something’s going to happen to stop her getting here.”
“Like what?”
“I don’t know, anything. I’ve waited so long for this I’m scared it’ll be taken away.”
Jez patted his shoulder. “Not going to happen. Very few people even know we’re here. Mark, Grant and Shane are up at the barn ensuring security’s water tight. It’ll be fine.”
“Yeah, I know I’m being daft but I can’t help it. Once Jules is my wife I’ll feel so much better.”
“Then you can never escape,” he said in a mock spooky voice.
“And you’ll be my brother-in-law. Great.”
Jules swept into the church on Ryan’s arm, looking so beautiful that for a moment Mikey couldn’t believe she was here to marry him. Her eyes met his and she smiled. Christ she actually looked nervous, clutching onto Ryan with one hand and the bouquet of black roses with the other. Trust her to throw something gothic into the mix.
“You ready to become Mrs Maguire?” grinned Jez as they took their places at the altar.
Mikey failed to notice the quip. “I’ve been ready my whole life,” he said, eyes on his bride as she progressed up the aisle.
Amber watched from across the street as the church bells began tolling. She’d left t
he boys under the watchful eye of her next door neighbour, Mrs Rea, a sweet but sometimes annoying septuagenarian who used to be a primary school teacher. Before leaving she’d slipped the boys a mild tranquiliser in their juice so they wouldn’t even know she was gone. At least Mrs Rea was experienced with children, after all she wasn’t completely irresponsible. She’d not been able to help herself, she had to see Jules and Mikey together. For the last time.
It wasn’t coincidence the boys had come down with a mysterious bug the day before the wedding. She’d specifically requested they came to her for lunch that day on the pretext that she wanted to see them before they went away for two weeks in Lanzarote. Personally she would have been quite happy to let them attend the wedding, even though she knew what they would be caught up in, she loved her freedom too much to give it up now but Katia had expected her to get her children out of harm’s way and it was important she play along to stay on her good side. A local drug dealer friend of hers had provided her with a little something to slip into their food to make them ill for a few hours, mimicking the symptoms of the stomach bug that was doing the rounds. She’d also arranged for her parents to be away for the wedding, paying for their trip to Greece and had got her friend to book Adela, so no one else would be able to look after them. It meant after today she’d be saddled with the boys again but she could always dump them on her parents when they got back.
The church doors opened and out stepped the new Mr and Mrs Maguire arm-in-arm. Every part of her screamed to march up there and strike them both dead. She felt sick as she watched them kiss. How was that even allowed when they were cousins? It was twisted, wrong. At least they couldn’t have any freakish kids because Jules had had her womb removed.
If she’d thought herself capable she would have killed them both on the spot. Only the thought of what Katia had in store for them forced her to rein it in. Soon their entire sick, twisted family would be eradicated and she couldn’t fucking wait.
When they were alone in the limousine together Mikey pulled Jules to him.
“Mrs Maguire, finally,” he smiled, stroking her face. “I can’t fucking believe it.”
Carnage Page 16
