by Karen Clow
Billy stayed in the office for a few minutes, just to ensure that she had left the club so he didn’t have another run in with her. Unbeknown to him, outside she had calmly stopped to speak to Den and Mickey. It was only when he left the office he saw her talking to them. Spotting him she politely said goodbye to the others and left. “Thank fuck she’s gone,” said Billy as he joined them. Den looked confused and replied, “Better not let Jess know you’re still seeing her.” “Fucking seeing her, as far as I’m concerned I never want to fucking see her again!” Den and Mickey looked at each other curiously before Mickey said, “What happened in there Billy?” Angrily he replied, “What fucking happened, she went like a fucking lunatic! Telling me that she would leave her old man and her kids, but I think she’s finally got the fucking message!” “That certainly wasn’t the impression she gave us, in fact it was quite the opposite.” “What she say then Mick?” “She said that you’d sorted everything out and that you asked her to stay tonight and you were really upset that she couldn’t.” “Like fuck was I, I couldn’t wait for her to go!” Frowning Mickey said, “Obviously she sees it differently, better watch yourself Billy I think she could be trouble.” Before he could reply George appeared and said, “That Hilary just stopped and spoke to me on her way out, I don’t even know her.” “We was just talking about her, apparently she can’t seem to grasp that Billy doesn’t want to see her,” said Mickey. Just like the others, George looked curious as he replied, “That’s funny because she’s just told me you’ve sorted out the misunderstanding, and you said how sorry you were for being unfaithful, I presumed she meant with Jess. Tell you the truth she acted and sounded convincing, I’ve come across people like her before when I was in the force, we used to refer to them as bunny boilers!” Shaking his head Billy said, “Fucking bunny boilers!” Den jokingly said, “Yeah, haven’t you seen the film Fatal Attraction!” “Fuck off Den; she’s just a sad lonely bitch whose husband can’t get it up!”
CHAPTER 33
Tony had left his club around one that morning. He was surprised to find Isabella still up. Glancing up from the TV as he entered the lounge, she asked him if he was ok. Nodding he replied, “Fine, you’re not usually up this late.” “No, I couldn’t sleep, so I came down to make a drink and watch a bit of TV. Did you want me to get you anything?” Pouring himself a scotch he replied, “No, I’ll just have this drink then I’m turning in, Shane is picking me up at ten in the morning.” Smiling she nodding her head at him, before she turned back to watch the TV. Tony could sense that she was still angry with him. Sitting down next to her he said, “Aren’t you coming up to bed with me?” “No I’ll stay down here for a while, if you don’t mind.” Reaching over to touch her hand, he was annoyed when she moved hers away. Leaning closer he took it and said, “Belle come to bed.” Glancing quickly at him she replied, “I’ll be up shortly; I just want to watch the end of this.” Undeterred he said, “You can watch this another time; I want you to come to bed.” Totally out of character she replied, “Why Tony?” Frowning he said, “Because you’re my wife and I want you to come to bed, that’s why.” Looking sad she replied, “I’m not feeling well.” Argumentatively he replied, “You never said you didn’t feel well, you said you couldn’t sleep.” Knowing that he wasn’t going to let it drop she stood up, walked over and turned the TV off.
Ten minutes later they were both in bed. Turning so her back was to him she said, “Goodnight, see you in the morning.” Sensing she didn’t want to talk or have sex, he wrapped his arm around her and started kissing her neck. Without moving she said, “Go to sleep Tony you’ve got a long day tomorrow.” Ignoring her he slipped his hand up her pyjama top and fondled her breast. Still not responding she said, “Please Tony I’m tired.” Angry that she wasn’t reciprocating his affection he sarcastically replied, “I thought you couldn’t sleep Belle.” Rolling over to face him he noticed how sad she looked as she said, “You don’t have to do this Tony.” At a loss as to what she meant he said, “I know I don’t have to, I want to, what’s going on Belle?” Trying to sound convincing she replied, “Nothings going on, I’m just tired that’s all.” Well aware that she was lying, he lovingly touched her face and said, “I know you too well Belle, something is bothering you. Is it something that Carlo said when you talked to him?” Instantly she felt angry that he could never see any fault in himself, it always had to be down to someone else, usually Carlo. Determined not to let her son be dragged into it she snapped, “Carlo, it’s got nothing to do with him. Have you forgotten what happened at dinner Tony?” Replying immediately he snapped back at her saying, “I said I was sorry about hitting you!” Unable to hold her feelings back, she said, “No you didn’t Tony, you never say sorry because that would make you look weak wouldn’t it?” Feeling his temper rising he snapped, “Well you pushed me too far Belle, but I am sorry.” Tearfully she replied, “Sorry for what Tony, hitting me or staying out all night with one of your whores when our son and his friend were here?” “Is that what this is all about, because Carlo and his pretty boy were here?”
Getting out of the bed she stood looking down at him and replied, “You have no idea do you Tony? Did you do it to make yourself look like a big man, or to make me look stupid, because I just put up with your infidelity?” Despite his guilt over what she was saying, in order to keep his pride he snapped at her and said, “I told you I was at a fucking poker game!” “Yes I know what you told me Tony, but surely you didn’t think for one minute I believed you?” “Fuck me I’ve stayed out hundreds of times Belle and I don’t ever remember you being like this.” “Well maybe I should have, I’ve had enough Tony!” Suddenly he felt vulnerable, never before had she ever said anything like that, at that moment he doubted her love for him. Then he remembered he had heard her tell Carlo that she did love him. Needing to show his authority and not give in to his guilt, he got out of bed and hurriedly walked round to her. Grabbing her by the shoulders he shouted, “This is down to Carlo; tell him he’s not welcome in my house again!” Trembling with fear but adamant she wasn’t going to allow him to twist it round and use her son as a scapegoat; she retaliated saying, “If my son cannot come here then I will leave. How dare you use him to try and intimidate me!”
Raging with anger he shook her as he shouted, “Don’t ever think about leaving me Belle!” “Why not Tony, you don’t really want me, so why don’t we just divorce then you can do whatever you want!” Totally overwhelmed with her words he replied, “I do want you Belle, I love you I thought you knew that?” Telling herself not to be fooled by him, she replied, “If you loved me Tony we wouldn’t be having this conversation.” Still holding her, he sat down on the edge of the bed and pulled her down beside him. Because he had never been really violent towards her other than the odd slap, she didn’t feel afraid just angry. Then to her surprise he broke down, this wasn’t something she was used to from him. The last time she’d seen him cry was when Sophia was born and they were tears of happiness. She just sat there waiting for him to say something. Several minutes passed before he looked at her and said, “Believe me Belle, I’ve always loved you, what can I do to prove it?” In a moment of sadness she replied, “Be the man I married Tony.” Squeezing her hand he said, “I know I don’t deserve you Belle, but I need you with me, I love you.” Choosing her words carefully she replied, “Then why aren’t I enough for you Tony, you’ve always been enough for me. Maybe we’ve just grown apart now the children have grown up, it happens, and please don’t pretend that you’re faithful it’s insulting.”
Knowing she was right and there was nothing he could say, he leaned forward and kissed her on the lips. Pulling away from him she said, “Stop it Tony, it’s late and we should get some sleep because you’ll be tired for your business tomorrow.” Kissing her again before he replied, “I want to do it; I don’t care how late it is and fuck the business, you’re the most important thing in my life Belle. I don’t want us to fight and I’m sorry what I said about Carlo.” A tear
ran down her cheek as he kissed her again. A few minutes later he was making love to her. Even though he had managed to control the situation, he knew that he would have to be on his best behaviour at least until she calmed down.
CHAPTER 34
The weekend passed quickly, Monica had driven back to London on Sunday evening, they had originally planned for George to go with her but Billy had asked him to go over the club figures with Den. The arrangement had been that they would do that on Monday morning then George could be back in London by early afternoon. Everything would have run to plan had Billy not have received a hysterical call at seven o’clock that morning from Jess. He told the family that he was driving over to the cottage because something was obviously wrong, but due to her hysteria he couldn’t quite make out what had happened other than she had received a letter. George said he would go with him and Maria insisted that he brought Jess back to the house with him.
Ten minutes later the two men were pulling up outside the cottage. Using his key to enter he called out to her. In a nervous shaky voice she replied, “We’re in here.” As the two men walked through into the lounge they could see her holding Becky, sitting in the darkness because the curtains were still drawn. “Alright babe what’s going on” asked Billy. Before she could reply she burst into tears. As Billy walked towards her George said, “I’ll make some tea.” Billy lifted the baby up off of her and said, “Morning princess, what’s going on with your mum?” Then sitting down on the arm of the chair he sat Becky on his knee securing her with one hand as he placed the other one around Jess’s shoulder. Feeling her trembling he said, “What’s happened babe, I couldn’t understand you over the phone, but I think you said about a letter.” Nodding her head she pointed to the coffee table, Billy could see an envelope with a note lying across it. “Sit with your mum princess” he said as he put the baby down on Jess’s lap before getting up to read it.
George walked in with the tea as he was reading it. They waited for Billy to say something, only a few seconds passed when he said, “Whoever sent this they’re not getting away with it!” Then he looked at George and passed him the letter. Sitting down on the sofa he began to read, it said, ‘if you value your child’s life keep away from Billy you little whore, I’ll be watching you, tell him it’s over and you’ll be safe. He doesn’t want to be with you, he’s only using you for sex. If you involve the police or tell him, I will kill you and your child.’ Still crying Jess looked at them and said, “Who would do this to us? I wasn’t going to tell you, but I was so scared.” George smiled and said, “You did the right thing Jess, really we should take this to the police.” Shaking her head she replied, “I thought that, but I think it’s safer if I just do as the note says and stop seeing Billy.” Before Billy could say anything George said, “Now that’s not a good idea is it, whoever sent this could be dangerous Jess, chances are it’s just some bitter ex girlfriend who’s trying to frighten you, but if it’s some sicko we need to find out.” Physically trembling she replied, “I don’t know any of Billy’s ex girlfriends and they’re in London, why would they come all the way down here just to put that through my door?” Billy interrupted and said, “George can you take Becky upstairs for a minute while I talk to her?” “No problem, come on sweetie lets go and play with your toys,” said George as he held out his arms to take Becky.
When they heard him reach the landing Billy hugged her and said, “Babe I’ll sort this out no- one’s going to hurt you or Becky, but I think it might be a good idea for you to stay at Mickey’s for a few days and for me to stay here.” Trying to talk through her tears she said, “This is my home Billy, I can’t stay at Maria’s forever.” “Ok babe I’ll take some time off from the club if need be, the staff we’ve got are good, I’m sure they won’t say no to a couple of extra shifts.” “Do you have any idea who sent that letter Billy, are you seeing someone else?” Holding her he replied, “No babe, I’m not seeing anyone else and I don’t know who sent it, but I will find out.” Despite what he’d said he knew in his heart that it was Hilary, it was just too big a coincidence for it not to be her. His feelings on the matter were once he’d taken Jess and Becky to Maria’s, he would be paying Hilary a visit.
Thirty minutes later they were walking through the door at Mickey’s. Maria could tell immediately by the look on Jess’s face that something was very wrong. When they embraced she said, “Are you alright Jess.” Before she could answer she burst into tears. Billy explained to Maria what had happened and without hesitation she replied, “Why don’t you and Becky stay here with us for a few days, just until this is sorted out? George is probably right it’s just some ex who’s trying to scare you.”
Although Jess had told Billy that she wanted to stay at the cottage, being at Maria’s made her feel safe and she had Becky to think of, so she nodded her head and said “Thanks Maria. Maybe just for a few days, but I’ll need to go home for some clothes and things for me and Becky.” Billy interrupted and said, “Write down what you want babe, I’ve got to go out somewhere this morning, I’ll call in for it.”
Mickey and Den returned from taking the twins to school, as soon as they walked in both men knew that something had happened. Looking at Billy, Mickey said, “Everything ok mate?” Shaking his head he replied, “That call from Jess was about this,” he handed him the letter. As he started reading it he said, “Shall we leave the girls’ in here and talk in the lounge?” The others nodded. The four men discussed the letter and then Mickey looked up and said, “My money is on Hilary, have you told Jess?” Billy shook his head and replied, “No mate she looked scared stiff when we got there, although I think you’re right Hilary was my first choice. I’ll be paying her a visit this morning, after I’ve picked the stuff up from the cottage that Jess wants.” George said, “Mind if I tag along, just thought I might take a look around.” Billy grinned and said, “Once a detective always a detective hey George, I’d be glad of your company mate.”
An hour later the two men were back at the cottage; Billy went inside to collect Jess’s things while George looked round outside. It was when he crossed over the road he found something of interest; because the road was narrow there were lay bys cut into the hedges so that cars could pull in while the oncoming traffic passed. Virtually opposite the cottage was a lay by, George could clearly see fresh tyre tracks, there was also what looked to be several sweet wrappers on the ground. It was as though someone had been parked there watching the cottage, throwing their sweet wrappers out the car window. Walking back towards the cottage he noticed another sweet wrapper just outside Jess’s gate.
“Find anything?” asked Billy as his friend appeared inside. “I think so,” then he told him about the wrappers and tyre tracks adding that they looked like they’d been made by a large vehicle with wide tyres. “What like a Range Rover?” “Yeah could well be, what does Hilary drive?” “A fucking Range Rover and she’s always chewing sweets!” “Let’s go and pay her a visit, shall we Billy?” Checking that the cottage was secure before they left, they headed for the stables.
George spotted a Range Rover as they pulled in, “Pull up near that” he said pointing at the vehicle. Billy did as he’d asked then left him sitting in the car while he went up to the house, ringing the bell several times before Hilary answered it. Opening the door she looked smug and said, “I knew you’d change your mind.” Then she turned and walked back through the hall, leaving the door open for him to follow her. No sooner had he closed the door, when she turned and flung her arms around his neck and started kissing him. Pushing her away he said arrogantly, “You know why I’m here Hilary, so don’t fucking mess about!” Almost as though she was oblivious to what he’d just said, she moved towards him again and reached for his fly. Grabbing her arms he pushed her against the wall and shouted, “What the fuck is wrong with you! I came here today to tell you to fuck off and don’t send my girlfriend anymore fucking letters!” Trying to look and act as though she didn’t know what he was talking about she repli
ed, “What letter, I have no idea what you’re talking about!” Still restraining her he snapped, “You know exactly what fucking letter, so don’t play fucking dumb, if you send anymore you will see a different fucking side to me, and believe me you won’t like!” He turned to leave, but she wasn’t about to give up that easily, pushing past him she stood in front of the door and begged him not to leave, stating again that she would give up everything for him. Then she dropped down on her knees and grabbed his leg sobbing and screaming, “Please Billy stay with me, I love you. If you hadn’t met her you would want us to be together, I know you would!” Dragging her up from the floor he shouted at her, “Get a grip Hilary, it’s got nothing to do with her, it’s over between us! We both knew it wasn’t going anywhere, why are you making this so fucking hard? We had some fun but now its over, and I don’t want to see you again!” Desperately she sobbed, “Please Billy, please don’t leave me, I need you!” Shaking her he shouted, “That’s enough Hilary, I’m going now, don’t phone me, don’t come to the club and above all keep away from my girlfriend! If we see you around there for any reason we’ll phone the police, do you understand?” When he released his grip she crumpled in a heap to the floor, sobbing hysterically. Although Billy had a sensitive side, he was reluctant to show her any compassion because he knew she would read more into it. Standing over her said, “Get up Hilary I’m going, now pull yourself together.” Moving past her, she grabbed out at his leg again, but he moved quickly and pulled away before she could take hold of him, even as he walked out the door she was still on the floor sobbing and wailing for him not to leave her. Without looking back he closed the front door behind him and made his way to the car, from outside he could hear her begging him to go back.
