by Karen Clow
BILLY’S MOVE
The ‘Ruthless’ Series
Book Four
By
Karen Clow
KINDLE EDITION
This novel is a work of fiction. Names and characters are the product of the author’s imagination and any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is entirely coincidental.
This work is registered with the UK Copyright Service Registration number: 284662485
Billy’s Move
Copyright © 2012 by Karen Clow
All Rights Reserved
Published By:
Karen Clow
Adult Reading Material
Find the author on Facebook:
www.facebook.com/karenclowbooks
or visit the authors’ website:
www.karenclow.com
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
All my life I’ve been passionate about writing, even as a child. Little did I know then I would have to wait until I was fifty to fulfil my dream and actually publish my novels.
My family have always been of paramount importance to me, so it seemed natural to put my life as a would-be writer on hold, until my children were settled and happy. There never seemed to be enough hours in the day, especially when my girls were growing up. I’ve always worked jobs that fitted in with my family, as I’m a great believer in what you put into family life is what you’ll get back. In my case it’s worked and I have a wonderful relationship with my girls and my beautiful grandchildren. I’ve loved every job I’ve had, but none more so than being a mum, which is why for thirteen years I became a foster mum for teenagers. My house was always full of kids and I loved every minute of it! Time was the only thing I could never control and between fostering, raising thousands of pounds locally for worthy causes and rescuing guinea pigs, I never seemed to have any left for me!
It was after having nursed both my wonderful, loving, parents through cancer until their deaths, I decided it was time to treat myself to some ‘me time’ and try my hand as a proper writer and not just as a hobbyist. Although the theory was good, putting it into practice was another matter. Often I would write during the night hours so as not to upset my family’s routine, old habits die hard.
It was only after asking several people to read my books, I felt confident enough to try and secure an agent, but I quickly realised I probably stood more chance of becoming the next Prime Minister than actually getting signed up! So after months of trying I said to myself, ‘hang on a minute! Agents are not God, just one person who gets to choose one book from thousands and who’s to say they’re right?’ Everyone loved my books and constantly said I should publish. So with the help of my lovely ‘little’ Ian (A young man who we all consider family) we looked at e-books.
I don’t know if my books will be successful, but for me it has never been about fame or fortune. I’ve never had either and you don’t miss what you’ve never had. It’s the thrill of finally being able to give people the chance to read them.
I have written several novels in different genres which I’m told is quite unusual. Truth is all of my writing comes from the heart and from some of life’s experiences. One question I’m always asked is where my story lines come from. My answer is simple, like most of my friends I attended the school of hard knocks, but I feel truly blessed to have a large extended family and to have met so many people from so many walks of life, some good, some bad and some decidedly dodgy, but never dull. Without any doubt they have helped to inspire some of my characters, but for the story lines, my colourful imagination has come into play.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
To my many friends who encouraged me not to give up, my heartfelt thanks to them. They know who they are. My lovely friends on Facebook who have read, commented and shared my book snippets, you inspire me!
I also want to thank some very special people who without their help and belief in me, my lifelong dream would never have come true.
My wonderful family, Pete, Michelle, Melissa, and Ruth for their love, patience and understanding.
Ian Paton, my very own earth angel, wonderful friend, critic and inspiration. I would be lost without his support. Sue Fairman, who for over thirty years has been my confidant, loyal, reliable, honest friend, a lady I hold very close to my heart.
Helen, who is not only my sister-in-law, but my dear friend. Her addiction to my books encouraged me to write more in the series. Jan Norse, my lifelong friend, whose knowledge and friendship started me on this amazing journey; she also has a special place in my heart.
Shelly Grant, my nutty friend who has put up with my constant moaning whilst preparing my books for publishing and whose encouragement and laughter has meant so much. Pam, my dear friend who came to my rescue in the eleventh hour and did a fantastic job.
Last but not least my dog, Fat Freddy, my loyal, faithful boy who kept me company through all those long lonely night hours when I was writing.
IN MEMORY
With love to my many friends who died too young xx
This book is dedicated with love to my wonderful daughters and their partners along with my amazing grandchildren who make my life richer just by being part of it. I love you with all my heart.
Also to my sister-in-law Helen, she knows why!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
IN MEMORY
CHAPTER 1
CHAPTER 2
CHAPTER 3
CHAPTER 4
CHAPTER 5
CHAPTER 6
CHAPTER 7
CHAPTER 8
CHAPTER 9
CHAPTER 10
CHAPTER 11
CHAPTER 12
CHAPTER 13
CHAPTER 14
CHAPTER 15
CHAPTER 16
CHAPTER 17
CHAPTER 18
CHAPTER 19
CHAPTER 20
CHAPTER 21
CHAPTER 22
CHAPTER 23
CHAPTER 24
CHAPTER 25
CHAPTER 26
CHAPTER 27
CHAPTER 28
CHAPTER 29
CHAPTER 30
CHAPTER 31
CHAPTER 32
CHAPTER 33
CHAPTER 34
CHAPTER 35
CHAPTER 36
CHAPTER 37
CHAPTER 38
CHAPTER 39
CHAPTER 40
CHAPTER 41
CHAPTER 42
CHAPTER 43
CHAPTER 44
CHAPTER 45
CHAPTER 46
CHAPTER 47
CHAPTER 48
CHAPTER 49
CHAPTER 50
CHAPTER 51
CHAPTER 52
CHAPTER 53
CHAPTER 54
CHAPTER 55
CHAPTER 56
CHAPTER 57
CHAPTER 58
CHAPTER 59
CHAPTER 60
CHAPTER 61
CHAPTER 62
CHAPTER 63
CHAPTER 64
CHAPTER 65
CHAPTER 66
CHAPTER 67
CHAPTER 68
CHAPTER 69
CHAPTER 70
CHAPTER 71
CHAPTER 72
CHAPTER 73
CHAPTER 74
CHAPTER 1
It was Saturday evening and everyone except Mickey was feeling a little nervous because it was opening night for their new club M4. Billy was like a cat on hot bricks, despite having worked the clubs for many years, tonight was different; he would be a club boss and not a doorman. Mary had declined the offer of going to the club; she had joked and said that she didn’t think she could cope with all the youngsters and the loud music. Je
ss had also opted not to go and offered to have the kids with Mary so Maria could. They had asked Ann if she would babysit with them so that they could have Monica’s boys as well. She had been only to happy to say yes. Billy had tried to talk Jess into going along after she told him that she had never been to a club. Finally, after giving her word that she would go another night; he had joked and told her that he would hold her to that promise.
Maria was surprised when just after five o’clock Ann arrived. When Maria let her in she said, “I wanted to come early so I could bath the kids and get them ready for bed, which means you can spend time getting ready. I know what it’s like when you’ve got kids; everything is a last minute panic!” Maria kissed her on the cheek and said, “Thank you, you’re an angel.”
Mickey had spent most of the day checking that everything was running on schedule because the club had been closed for two weeks and he was expecting it to be busy that night. They had kept on most of the staff that had worked for the previous owner, the last thing they wanted was a bitter ex-employee turning up and causing trouble, although they had decided to get rid of one of the bar staff after Den had seen him skim money for himself on the price of the drinks. Woody Banks, the previous owner, had recommended a couple of his doormen and after going to the club a few times and meeting them, Mickey and the others agreed with his choice. Billy appeared to get on especially well with two of them; they were brothers Jamie and Justin Dengate. Both experienced having worked the doors since their late teens, Jamie was thirty three married with two kids. Billy was aware, that like most doormen he had an eye for the ladies, it came with the job but he seemed to be a good family man. His brother Justin was twenty nine and a confirmed bachelor since having a four year old son with a girl he now hates who does everything she can to try and stop him seeing the boy, not they he is a bad father, quite the opposite; she is just bitter because he didn’t stay with her.
Maria heard the doorbell ring while she was upstairs getting ready; she knew it was Monica when she heard Mickey speak to her. Five minutes later Mickey appeared in the bedroom and said, “Are you nearly ready babe, the others are here.” “I know I heard them arrive, can you help me with my dress?” Zipping her up, he said “Give us a twirl then!” She looked stunning, wearing a short midnight blue strapless dress, black stilettos and finishing the outfit with a small bolero type shoulder jacket. Mickey just stared at her as he said, “You’d better stay in the office at the club tonight, every bloke there will be hitting on you!” Giggling she replied, “Don’t worry darling, I’ll just tell them that I’ve got five children, two dogs, two ponies and a restaurant to run, that’ll soon put them off!” Smirking he replied, “Don’t bother with all that, just tell them that your husband is a very jealous man who carries a gun. That should do it!” They both laughed and then he pulled her close to him and kissed her passionately before saying, “If we don’t go now, we could end up staying here. God I fancy you!” “We best make tracks then; after all I don’t want you messing up my hair!” As they walked down the stairs Billy wolf whistled. Maria blushed then smiled at him. “You look lovely darling,” said Ann, “Now you all enjoy yourselves tonight and don’t go worrying about the kids, they’ll all be fine. I expect we’ll be in bed when you get home, so we’ll see you in the morning.” They thanked them then left for the club.
As they arrived at the club they could see Jamie outside having a cigarette talking to his brother. “Alright lads,” said Billy. Mickey introduced them to Maria and Monica as they went inside. They had made a couple of minor changes since buying the club. They had moved the tables back and extended the dance area; also the toilets had been painted. They had plans for a complete face lift for the place, but they would wait to see what sort of money the club brought in first before spending anymore. The room adjoining the club would be their first priority. If things went well for the first six months they had agreed to open it as a topless club with pole dancers and, despite Maria’s earlier reluctance, she had come round to the idea.
Opening time was eight o’clock. Jamie was happy to inform them at quarter to eight that a large queue was waiting to come in. Mickey asked the girls to pick a table and sit with Den, because along with George and Billy he wanted to stand inside the main door, just to check on exactly who was being let in. Although they had every confidence in Jamie and Justin, they wanted to ensure they weren’t flooded with underage drinkers.
The two bouncers inside the club were Ricky Pengilly and Warren Moon, both seemed able to do the job well although Billy thought Warren spent too much time chatting up the girls and not enough time circulating. Truth was Billy hadn’t really taken to him, he found him a bit cocky but Warren could handle himself without losing his cool, which was an asset as a bouncer. According to Jamie, Warren takes a different girl home most nights, he sees himself as a real ladies man, which was fine with the others, it was his attitude they found hard to tolerate. Mickey told Billy that it was because he was young and arrogant and in many ways he reminded him of Jimmy; although Jimmy had real problems keeping his cool, which had often been his downfall. Warren was, in Mickey’s book, still a beginner in the club game, barely twenty two and built like an ox. Ricky was quieter, kept his eye on the punters at all times. Thirty six years old and not that big for a bouncer, around five feet nine inches tall, but he had that certain look about him, the one that said I won’t be backing down so bring it on. He lived with a woman and her two children from her previous relationship. Mickey and the others liked him, even George, who, as a former detective, was cautious of everyone.
As eight o’clock approached the three friends made their way to the main doors, standing just inside next to the kiosk where the punters paid as they came in. They were impressed with the two brothers asking several people for ID before allowing them in. Mickey and George grinned at each other as Billy talked to most of the girls as they paid, especially when one young girl asked him if he was a new bouncer. Billy looked chuffed as he’d winked at her and replied, “Actually babe I’m one of the owners.” It was around half eight when Mickey heard Jamie say, “I’m sorry sir could you get back in the queue, everyone is waiting.” Mickey recognised the voice immediately as Shaun’s. Looking round the door he said, “It’s ok Jamie he’s a friend of ours.” He was surprised to see Tony, Shane, Jacky Boy and Kevin with him. “Let them all in Jamie, they’re family,” said Mickey.
Making their way inside, they all shook hands. Billy said, “What are you lot doing here?” Kevin replied, “We thought you amateurs might need some help, anyway we wanted to see the club.” Mickey looked at Kevin and said, “Who’s working at Dixie’s tonight then?” Jokingly he replied, “We closed it for tonight, we didn’t think you’d mind!” They started laughing as Tony said, “Don’t look so worried Mickey, we’ve got it covered a couple of my boys are over there.”
Inside the club Maria was especially happy to see Shaun. “Does Ann know you’re here,” she asked. Laughing he replied, “Aye of course, we arranged it over a week ago, she knew I’d want to be here for your opening night!”
After they had a drink Billy gave them a tour of the club, telling them about their plans to expand. By half nine the place was packed and people were still queuing outside. Maria and Monica danced while the men sat and watched, the women laughed when a couple of young blokes tried to chat them up, especially when Monica had said to one of them, “I’ve got tights older than you!” Fortunately they took the hint and left them alone; lucky for them because Mickey and George were keeping a close eye on their ladies.
Their first night was looking like being a success; the club was packed to capacity. There had been the expected couple of dick heads who’d had too much to drink, along with the ones who’d been asked to leave because it appeared they had either drunk too much or were taking drugs. Several people had been searched before allowing them entry, only three had been found to be carrying either drugs or something that could be deemed as a weapon. Billy was impressed wi
th how quickly Ricky had dealt with things, although he still wasn’t happy about Warren, especially when Ricky had dealt with one loud mouth on his own because Warren was chatting up a young girl. Billy said to Mickey and the others, “If anything kicks off before closing, I’m going to tell Warren to deal with it and I’ll probably be having a little chat with him in the near future.”
Earlier in the evening, Maria had noticed a young girl pass Tony a piece of paper when he had gone to the bar for drinks; she guessed it was probably her phone number. She tried to put it out of her mind as he sat back down with them but she wasn’t stupid, she noticed the girl several times walking past their table and grinning at him. Maria thought the girl was barely twenty, Tony was in his fifties. Although still a very good looking man, she wondered what made girls give themselves so readily to older married men like him. Thinking about Isabella and how lovely she was, Maria remembered back to when she had asked Tony how he would feel if Isabella had a lover, he had replied that he would kill them both. Mickey had also told her that Tony was besotted with Isabella, so why did he need to be unfaithful. She was snapped out of her thoughts when Monica said, “Fancy dancing?”
Ten minutes later as they made their way back to the table from the dance floor, she noticed that Tony wasn’t sitting with the others. Scanning round the club to look for him, she spotted him standing at the far end of the bar, the girl was with him. Maria watched as he ran his hand up her back, their body language said it all. Mickey looked over to see what she was staring at, once he realised who and why he politely told her to sit down. When he asked her if she wanted a drink, she shook her head; he could tell that she was preoccupied with Tony and the girl. Squeezing her hand he looked at her lovingly and said, “Leave it babe,” then he changed the subject and said, “How was your dance then?” “Great thanks, although I must admit I did feel a bit dated with all those kids shaking their bits!” Shaun interrupted and said, “You could hold your own with any of them me darling, you look like a young girl.” Smiling she sarcastically replied, “Thanks you Shaun, I best keep away from Tony then, he seems to like them young!” Shaun gave her a look that told her she shouldn’t have said it, before saying, “Mickey’s right darling, just leave it alone. What Tony does is his business, not for us to go giving opinions.” As always he was right, it was just the way things were. She was just about to ask Monica to dance when she noticed Billy nudged Jacky Boy. Instantly the others looked at what Billy was looking at, they could see a group of young blokes standing just in front of the bar. “What’s up?” asked Mickey. “Something is about to kick off over there any minute,” said Billy. “I’m just gonna take a stroll over there and have a word with Warren, he’s been so busy talking to that bit of skirt he hasn’t even noticed those blokes!” Jacky and Kevin stood up as Kevin said, “We’ll come with you.” The others watched from their seats as Kevin and Jacky Boy went and stood at the bar just a few feet from the group while Billy made his way over to Warren, who was still talking to the girl. Standing next to him, Billy said, “Think you should be watching the bar area Warren, looks like there might be some trouble coming.” Warren glanced over towards the bar and casually replied, “Naugh everything looks ok, is there anything else, only as you can see I’m busy.” Managing to hold his temper Billy calmly replied, “Yeah I’ve been watching you, you’ve been busy most of the night. Maybe you’d be better as a punter Warren, then you can talk to as many girls as you like!” Before Warren could reply he added, “Let me put it another way, I’m not paying you to get laid, so either do your job or leave!” With that Billy turned and walked away to join his friends.
