by Karen Clow
CHAPTER 38
Tony was just getting up having stayed in bed because he had been at one of his clubs ‘til four the previous night. Since staying out all night at Lydia’s he had tried to be a better husband and father, but he was struggling. Lydia was constantly calling and texting him and despite him keeping their relationship on a much lower level than at first, he was beginning to weaken. It had now been over a week since he’d seen her and he was missing the sex more than her.
As he made his way downstairs a text came through on his mobile, it read, ‘Hi will I see u this week? If no then I don’t think we should continue, luv L.’ His first emotion was anger because she knew he was a busy man and her text sounded like a threat. Then he thought about it and realised that she did have a point, at that moment he wanted to text back and say it’s over but just like before he couldn’t bring himself to do it. Although he had been trying with Isabella, she was still hurting over his infidelity and his lack of interest in Carlo. When he reached the bottom of the stairs he suddenly realised how quiet the house was. Even though he knew the kids would be at school, he would normally hear Isabella. Looking at the wall clock the time was just approaching midday. Pouring himself a coffee from the percolator, he noticed a note on the side, it simply said, ‘back around two, Belle.’
Sitting at the table his mind went over where she may have gone. Convinced that she was either at church, shopping or visiting his mother, he called Lydia.
When she answered he said, “Alright babe?” There was a moment’s uneasy silence before she replied, “No not really Tony, considering I haven’t heard from you in days!” “Yeah sorry about that babe, I’ve been busy.” “Really Tony, too busy to even call me or text, to say I’m pissed off would be an understatement!” Sensing that she really was annoyed, he knew he’d have to say something to win her over. Smugly he said, “So you don’t want me to come down tomorrow, take you out for dinner and then make love to you?” There was another long pause before she replied, “Of course I do, but we need to talk Tony. I know you’re married and seeing me is difficult, but surely you could call.” “I will babe I promise, but I’ve got to go now, I’ve got a meeting at two.” “What time tomorrow?” “About six ok?” “Yes I’ll see you then and you’d better not let me down Tony, I mean it. There’s something I need to tell you!” “Babe I’ll be there ok, but tell me now because it will drive me mad wondering.” “Before I do, I want you to know that whatever you say won’t change anything, I just think you have a right to be told.” Getting impatient he snapped, “What the fuck is it Lydia?” “I’m pregnant and I’m keeping it, so if you don’t want us to continue then just tell me now and I’ll deal with it.” Momentarily too shocked to reply, he tried to take in what she’d just said. In his head he knew the last thing he wanted was for her to have a child that would ruin everything. Trying to remain calm he said, “Are you sure?” “Yes positive, I’ve done two tests.” “Well I think you’re right, we need to talk a pregnancy isn’t something I banked on or want.” Feeling a bit hurt she replied, “I know and that’s why I’m giving you the chance to walk away now. I’m not asking you for anything, but I want this baby with or without you. I’ll see you tomorrow.” She put the phone down. Almost instantly he selected Isabella’s number, but there was no connection; her phone was switched off.
Shane picked him up for the meeting at the Jolly just after half one, he’d hoped to see Isabella before he left but she was still out. Shane noticed that he was quieter than usual as they travelled. Breaking the silence he said, “Everything ok Tony, don’t worry about this Barry King he knows he’s over stepped the mark.” Arrogantly he replied, “Fuck Barry King, today he’ll find out just who he’s fucking dealing with, the prick, he’s the least of my fucking problems! I wasn’t even thinking about him, Belle’s gone out and I don’t know where.” “Probably just shopping or something, I wouldn’t worry about it.” Tony didn’t reply, which told Shane there was more to it than he’d let on. Without sounding as though he was prying he said, “Is everything ok with you and Isabella?” “Yeah I think so, but she’s been acting differently lately, but like you said it’s probably nothing.” “What do you mean by differently Tony?” “Ah it’s nothing, its just she seems to go out more and her phone is switched off.” Shane took several moments of thought before he plucked up the courage to say, “Do you reckon she’s seeing another bloke then?” Clearly shocked by the question he replied, “No, why would you ask that?” “No you’re right Tony; she wouldn’t do that, I shouldn’t have said it.” “So why did you then, there must have been a reason?” Out of respect for Tony he answered honestly and said, “She’s a good looking woman; let’s face it Tony men are not the only ones who mess around. I meant what I said though, she wouldn’t do it.” Several seconds passed before Tony said, “I want to ask you something and I want you to be totally honest with me ok.” Shane nodded and said “Yeah ok.” “Would you fuck my wife Shane?” Feeling very vulnerable along with angry, Shane snapped back and said, “I don’t know where this is going Tony, but lets get one thing clear, I have never hit on Isabella!” Laughing he replied, “I never thought you had, I was simply asking. We’re very alike you and me. We both love women so I’m curious what other men think of my Belle, do I need to worry?” Knowing Tony was serious, but not implying anything Shane replied, “I’d fuck her in a heartbeat mate, she’s one classy lady.” “Thanks for your honesty Shane, not many blokes would have the balls to say that to me.” “Not if they wanted to live, but you asked and you know I would never go there. You’re a lucky man Tony, I can’t think of any bloke I know who wouldn’t want a woman like her, yet we all know she is devoted to you.” “I hope you’re right, because I’d fucking see her dead before I’d see her with another man!” “From what I know of her, you’ll never have that worry.” The conversation ended just as they pulled up at the pub. Tony was happy to see Mickey’s Ferrari parked along side Reggie’s van.
The time was quarter to two as the two men walked into the bar. “Alright lads,” said Shaun, “Glad to have you with us.” Shane nodded as Tony replied, “The fucking King not here yet then? I hope he doesn’t keep us waiting.” Everyone laughed. “Alright Mickey, glad you could make it, didn’t bring Billy with you then,” said Tony. “No mate, I’ve left him watching the women and kids; he’s got other things on his mind.” “That sounds ominous.” “Yeah, he’s moving in with young Jess, but he’s having a bit of bother with that married bird he was fucking.” Tony grinned and said, “Its always pussy that gets you into trouble! From what I remember young Jess is a good piece of arse.” “Well Billy seems to think so, he’s fucking love struck!” “So what’s this bother with the married bird then?” “Fucking nutter if you ask me, it started as a bit of fun, she was the one who didn’t want anything serious. Then when Billy got serious with Jess and tried to end it, she cut the brakes on his car and threatened Jess and the baby.” Talking seriously Tony said, “So what’s Billy doing about it then?” “Not sure mate, he’s waiting to hear from the garage about his car, if they were cut I think he’s going to the Old Bill.” “Yeah, I’m fucking sure I’d do that, I’d be round there fucking sorting her out myself if she threatened my family.” Shaun interrupted and said, “That’s the trouble with some women they can’t accept when something’s over, if you ask me they’re worse than blokes.” At that moment Tony could only think of what Lydia had said, despite saying she wouldn’t ask him for anything, what if at a later date she did. Isabella was the love of his life who had stuck by him through thick and thin, but a child would be a test that he wasn’t sure their marriage could survive. He was just about to reply to Shaun, when the door opened and in walked Barry King, with his two heavies Tank and Clive.
Tony was the first one to speak as he said, “I was beginning to think you’d bottled out, it’s almost two.” Arrogantly he replied, “I’ve never lost my bottle yet and I’m a bit old to start now, don’t you think? Tony Ramon isn’t it and I
take it you must be Shaun Flannagan,” he said looking straight at the big Irishman. Shaun just glared and gave a quick nod. Barry looked round the table stopping at Mickey and saying, “And you must be Mickey Mann, me old mate Dave Sheridan told me about you, sorry about you’re mate Jimmy.” Instantly Mickey took a dislike to him and said, “I’d like to say sorry about your mate Dave, but he was a prick!” Barry laughed and said, “Pretty gutsy for a brief.” “I wouldn’t call it gutsy, I’d call it honesty,” said Tony sarcastically. Barry pulled out a chair and sat down, his two minders stood behind him. Shaun pushed a glass and a bottle of scotch in front of him. As Barry poured himself a drink, Tony said, “Now the introductions are out of the way, shall we get down as to why you’re here. Firstly I’d like to say that for a man of your obvious contacts, I’m surprised you ever came to our manor. I can only assume you were either wrongfully informed about us, or you’re just plain fucking stupid, so which is it?” Everyone was surprised at the ferocity of the verbal attack Tony had just launched, none more so than Barry King; the look of anger on his face said it all. It was clear to everyone there this meeting was not going to end well if Tony kept showing such disrespect.
Shaun had attended many such meetings over the years and not wanting for this one to end in a war, he interrupted and said, “As you can see Mr King my friend says what he thinks, no doubt as a boss yourself, you’ll understand his frustration as to why you allowed this get so out of hand? I’m sure like us you wouldn’t want this to escalate, as we all know there are enough bastards out there to keep us busy without a manor war. So perhaps you could explain exactly how this mistake happened, and then maybe we can discuss the outcome?” Smugly Barry replied, “It’s your pub, so maybe Tony should keep his mouth shut and let you do the talking?” At that moment tension hit boiling pitch, the atmosphere was heavy, but they all knew that Barry had to make a stand against Tony if he wanted to save face. Quickly Mickey intervened and said, “Actually I’m joint owner, but as you can see Mr King we all defend our manor, although I’ll grant you for a moment there it did seem that mutual respect was absent, which is a shame because we’ve all worked very hard at our business. So I’m sure like us you want to see this matter concluded to everyone’s satisfaction. It would be in everyone’s best interests, wouldn’t you agree Mr King?” Having listened, Barry seemed to be taking on board what Mickey had said. After taking a swig of his scotch he replied, “Spoken like a true solicitor, that’s why I’m here; let me assure you this was simply a misunderstanding and the people responsible have been dealt with. I am prepared to give you twenty grand as a good will gesture, in the hope the matter will end today and there will be no retaliation, because as Shaun so rightly pointed out, we have enough bastards to worry about without fighting each other.” Mickey replied, “I’m sure your offer will show your sincerity over this misunderstanding Mr King, obviously there will be no retaliation on our part, but rest assured should anything unforeseen happen on our manor, we will come looking for you.” “Fair enough Mickey, I hope this will be an end to it, who knows maybe we can do business sometime?” “Who knows Mr King,” said Mickey smugly.
Barry told Tank to go out to the boot of the car and fetch the money. The atmosphere was heavy as they waited. Barry made an attempt to break the tension when he looked at Reggie and said, “I’ve always wanted to meet you Reggie, people have a lot of respect for you.” Typically Reggie replied, “Really, well I’m not really interested in people, I prefer me dogs.” Laughing Barry replied, “Yeah, I’ve heard all about your dogs, from where I’m sitting they don’t look to frightening.” Reggie just grinned, then looking at his dogs he pointed at Clive the minder and said, “Hold him girls!” Instantly both dogs rushed at Clive then stopped suddenly in front of him and began growling. Looking fearful Clive said, “Call them off!” Smugly Reggie replied, “They won’t hurt you unless you move, if I was you I play like a statue.” Without moving a muscle Clive said, “Boss, tell him to call them off!” Barry clapped his hands together to applaud the dogs before saying, “Call them off, I get the message.” Reggie only said, “Back,” and instantly both dogs walked over and sat at his side.” “Very impressive, they must have taken a lot of training, would you consider selling them?” “You haven’t got enough money; anyway they wouldn’t be any good to you it’s me they obey and no one else!” Not wanting to be out done Barry patted his knee and said, “Here girls, look what I’ve got for you.” Everyone laughed as the dogs completely ignored him. Finally Reggie said, “Ok girls go and say hello,” without hesitation both dogs walked over to Barry and allowed him to pet them. Stroking them he said, “I meant it Reggie will you sell them to me?” Laughing he replied, “Hold him girls!” Suddenly as though possessed by an evil spirit, the dogs snarled at Barry. “Ok Reggie you’ve made your point,” said Barry grinning.
Tank returned with a canvas bag which he handed to Barry who placed it on the table in front of Shaun. Standing up he said, “I’m glad we had the opportunity to meet, I hope next time it will be under different circumstances. Tony cut in and said, “There won’t be a next time Mr King.” Barry ignored him and looking at Mickey said, “Just one last thing, I’ve always wondered did Dave Sheridan really die from a heart attack?” “So I believe Mr King, although I would have to say his lifestyle probably had a lot to do with his death.” Barry simply smiled and nodded. Five minutes later his car was pulling out of the car park.
The men were talking about what had happened when Ann came over and said, “God I nearly shit myself when I saw the size of that black bloke!” Shaun grinned and said, “Did he smile at you darling?” Shaking her head she said, “No thank God, I didn’t give him the chance. I looked the other way after they came in!” Everyone laughed as she added, “Why did you ask me that?” “Nothing me darling I was just curious.” He knew that had she seen Tanks teeth, it would have scared her to death. “Right, now they’re gone can I get you boys anything while Chris is watching the bar for me,” she asked. They all thanked her saying they’d eaten before the meeting. Stroking the dogs she said, “And what about you two, I’ve got some tit bits in the kitchen for you, if that’s ok?” Reggie smiled at her and said, “That’ll be fine Ann, take the girls with you, they can say hello to Murphy.” The others just watched as Ann walked with the dogs through the pub and into the bar before disappearing upstairs. Ten minutes later she returned with the bitches and Murphy. Placing two foil wrapped parcels in front of Reggie, she said, “There are some bits there to take home for the girls Reg and a slab of cake for you love!” Colouring up he smiled and said, “Thanks Ann.” “You’re welcome love and bring the girls over again Murphy always behaves when you’re here.” When she walked away Shaun piped in and said, “She loves those fucking dogs Reggie.” “My girls love her too; they know she’s a gooden.”
As the men started talking again they all noticed how quiet Tony seemed, Shaun was worried that Barry King had riled him. Pushing the money bag over to him he said, “You should sort this out Tony, if it wasn’t for you letting the fat bastard know who he’s dealing with, we wouldn’t have it.” Nodding his head he opened the bag and took out two wads of notes equalling four grand and put it in his jacket pocket. Then sliding it back to Shaun he said, “Do what you want with that Shaun, I’ve covered my time.” Emptying the bag onto the table Shaun put two grand in front of every man there. Mickey was the first to say, “No need for that Shaun.” “Aye I know that Mickey, just buy my princesses something.” Smiling he replied, “Cheers Shaun.” Shaun gave Shane his and Reggie a wad for Terry. Looking at the money that was left he grinned and said, “I’ll treat my Ann to something nice, this has all been a lot for her.”
