Billy's Move

by Karen Clow

  Becoming irate Neville went to stand up as he shouted, “Whatever is going on here I won’t be a party to it. I’m calling the police!” George pushed him back down and said, “Shut the fuck up and listen to what the man has to say you prick!” Mickey couldn’t resist a grin, since leaving the force and working in the club George had started acting more like them.

  Arrogantly Neville said, “Make it quick Michael because you’ll be in a cell within the hour.” Leaning right over and looking directly at him Mickey said, “Don’t you threaten me you fat prick! We’ve just listened to you, admitting to the rape of a sixteen year old girl! Now as you so rightly pointed out, what we’ve done here may not be entirely legal, but believe me when your clients, along with your family and the local police, receive a copy of your confession through the post, I’m sure their opinion of you will change dramatically, don’t you? So why don’t you just shut the fuck up and listen to our terms. Of course if you really want to pursue your idea of calling the police then that’s fine, we’ll just send Billy in to escort you off the premises so you can make the call, so what’s it to be then Neville?” Looking angry he replied, “Well it wouldn’t appear I have much choice would it?” “I’m so glad you said that, after all the last thing we want is to cause you any more pain than you’ve already suffered, due to Billy’s short temper. Now the way we see this is simple. Jess has now put this to rest, but I think you’d agree that due to what you put the poor girl through, along with the fact that she’s had to live with the terrible fear that not only did you rape her, you could actually make it look as though she incited it, you should pay! Lets be honest here Neville, most women would find you physically repulsive, so we all know there was no way Jess would have willingly agreed to sleep with you. Fortunately she’ll never have to worry about that again as we have your full confession to the rape on tape, which was all Jess ever wanted. Now she just wants to put her ordeal concerning you behind her and move on to her new life with Billy.” “So what are you saying Michael, as long as this is kept quiet she’s not going to try and take it any further?” “That’s exactly what I’m saying.” “Surely she didn’t really think I would ever talk about it, so why has she gone to all this trouble to guarantee my silence which she already had?” Thinking quickly, because he didn’t want Neville finding out about Becky he replied, “Actually none of this was her idea, it was mine. It was my wife she confided in, but I’ve got a daughter of my own who’s just a bit older than Jess and the thought of a fat dirty pervert like you taking her innocence enraged me. Although I must say that if Jess was my daughter, we wouldn’t be having this conversation because you would be dead now.” “Here, here,” said George. “So what do you want?” asked Neville nervously. “Well, because technically I’m representing Jess, I feel it’s my duty to seek some form of compensation for her. On the grounds that for the past two years the girl has suffered mental trauma as a result of the malicious threats you made to her after you raped her.” Instantly Neville shouted, “That’s blackmail, I won’t have it! You’re little better than criminals!” To his surprise Mickey said, “Fair enough we just wanted to give you the option before you go.” Then he looked over at George and said, “Go and tell Lenny to start running off some copies of that confession, we’ll need at least forty for starters. Oh and send Billy in, he can escort Neville to the door.”

  As George turned to leave the room, Neville protested shouting, “You cannot do that, its blackmail!” Sarcastically George replied, “We can and believe me we will, because it would be your word against ours that we had anything to do with this and who are they going to believe, an ex police detective with an immaculate record and a solicitor of very high standing like Mickey, or a dirty corrupt pervert who used the law to allow him to get away with raping a young girl and through fear kept her silent? My guess would be that once that little film of you admitting to rape goes public, you’ll have a hard time getting anyone to believe you. So why don’t you do all of us a favour and agree to Mickey’s terms? Then we can all forget this ever happened and go and enjoy the party.” They could see from Neville’s face that he was fuming, but given the evidence there was little he could do about it other than agree, regardless of whether it was legal or not. He also knew that technically the film of him and Jess would never be admissible in court, but if they did send it out, albeit anonymously, he would undoubtedly be ruined. Several seconds passed before Neville said, “What sort of compensation are we talking about here?” Smiling Mickey said, “Well she’s getting married and we all know how expensive that can be, so considering that if we were in a court room I would be looking at a figure of around thirty thousand, possibly more, I think twenty thousand would be a fair amount, don’t you? Especially if we break it down, ten thousand for the rape and then five thousand for each year that she’s had to live with the knowledge that she could never report it. I would say that’s fair wouldn’t you Neville?” Snapping back he replied, “No I wouldn’t, because its blackmail and you know it Michael, but under the circumstances I don’t have a choice do I?” Smirking Mickey said, “No, you don’t!” “I’ll write her a cheque for twenty thousand, but I want the original film.” Shaking his head Mickey smugly replied, “Sorry those terms are not acceptable. We want the money in cash; obviously we are prepared to give you a few days to get it. I’m sure with what you charge per hour Neville that amount won’t be a problem. Regarding the film, we’ll give you the original, but as insurance for Jess I will keep a copy. Either you agree to our terms, or there is no deal and the film goes public.” “How do I know you won’t ever use that film against me?” “You don’t Neville, but I give you my word and like you, Jess just wants to put this all behind her, so do we have a deal or not?” Taking a few seconds to mull over what had been said Neville finally replied, “Yes I agree.” George said, “Next time Mr Howard, keep it in your pants, it could save you a lot of trouble.” Resenting George’s remarks he snapped back, “People like you are no better than me, corrupt officers are as bad as the scum they pursue.” Totally out of character George grabbed him by the neck and said, “For your information Mr Howard, in all my years in the force I never coerced anyone, nor did I take a bribe! But I did come across plenty of bastards like you who raped young men and women and got away with it because of who they were, or because of some loop hole in the law!” Then to everyone’s surprise he punched him in the guts and said, “And that’s for all the dirty low life rapists who got away with it!” Neville doubled over from the extent of the blow and clutched the edge of the desk to steady himself, before looking up at George and saying, “You’re no better than the rest of them, how dare you strike me!” Calmly George replied, “Think yourself lucky, like Mickey said if she was my daughter you’d be dead, you piece of shit! Now get out of here before I belt you again, you arsehole!” Hurriedly Neville made his way to the door. Just as he reached it Mickey said, “We’ll expect the money within the next five days, you can bring it to my house.”

  After he’d left, Mickey shook George’s hand and said, “Thanks George you didn’t have to stay.” “The pleasure was all mine and I must admit thumping him felt good, what an arsehole. I’m sure he’ll think twice before raping anyone else.” “Oh I’m sure he will,” said Mickey with a laugh.

  They made their way next door where the others were waiting. Lenny and the others started clapping as they entered. Both men took a bow. George looked at Jess and said, “Are you alright sweetheart?” Without actually answering him, she walked over and hugged him. “Shall I take that as a yes then,” he joked. Looking up at him she smiled, before moving over and hugging Mickey. Holding him tight she said, “Thanks for everything, you and George were great, it was just like watching a movie.” Everyone laughed as Mickey said, “You’re welcome babe, although I think maybe we should have forfeited the money and let Billy finish him off?” With a look of genuine sincerity she replied, “The money’s not important, I just wanted him to admit to what he’d done, although I’m
glad he’s going to pay, because you all deserve it.” “Hang on a minute Jess, the money is yours not ours.” Stunned she replied, “I don’t want it, I want you to keep it, share it out between you, please.” Smiling Mickey replied, “I’ll tell you what, how about you take us all out for dinner, we’ll even invite Lenny! Consider it as a wedding present from Neville, he owes you that much, so just say yes, then we can go and enjoy the rest of the party.” Still in shock she looked over at Billy for guidance. Smiling he nodded at her and said, “Dinner sounds good babe.” Hugging Mickey again she started crying as she said, “Thank you all so much.” “No thanks needed, now come on lets go and enjoy ourselves.” Lenny cut in and said, “Order me a double, I’ll be out in five minutes, I’ll just pack me gear away first. I’ve made a couple of copies, where do you want them?” “I’ll put them in the safe, cheers Len, you did well tonight,” said Mickey. Joking Lenny replied, “I know, so from now on you can call me Mr Spielberg!” Everyone laughed. Jess hugged him before they made their way back into the club.

  Maria and Monica were the first to go over to them. “How did it go Mickey, we saw Neville leaving in a bit of a hurry, he didn’t look too good,” said Maria. Grinning he replied, “That’s probably because both Billy and George belted him, but yes it went better than expected, Jess was exceptional.” Monica linked her arm through her husband’s and snuggled up to him saying, “George, why did you belt him?” “Because the man was a pig, he had no conscience or qualms about what he’d put poor Jess through. Then he had the audacity to accuse me of being corrupt, so I punched him.” Giggling she replied, “Oh George, you are my hero.” Then she looked at Jess and said, “Are you ok Jess?” Still clutching Billy’s hand she smiled and nodded her head. Mickey interrupted and asked where all the kids were. Laughing both women replied, “With Shaun where else, the little ones are all asleep. I think we should go and rescue him and Ann, don’t you?” Both men nodded.

  Billy sat with Kevin and Jacky Boy, while Jess went to say hello to Isabella. Despite what had happened earlier in the office, she seemed to be relaxed and enjoying herself.

  Kev and Jacky were ribbing Billy about him getting married. Looking serious he said, “I never thought it would happen to me, but I fucking love her. I never imagined I would get married, especially before you two, what a fucking surprise hey!” Jacky replied, “Me and Lisa hope to marry within the year, it’s only because everything’s so fucking expensive we’ve had to put it on hold for a while.”

  Thirty minutes later the kids had finally left Shaun alone and gone off to dance. Mickey and Maria walked across the dance floor towards his mum and dad, who were dancing. Mickey said, “Can we cut in?” A few seconds later he was dancing with his mum, while Maria danced with his dad. As they moved around the floor Mary said, “Did you get that problem sorted out for Jess love?” “Absolutely mum, she needn’t worry about that anymore.” “That’s great love, I saw that Neville bloke, reminded me of a fat shit house rat.” Laughing he replied, “Don’t hold back mum, say what you think!” They both laughed as he twirled her round.

  By midnight everyone except the family had left. Monica and Jess had stayed to help Maria clear the tables, despite Mickey telling them he’d paid for cleaners to go in first thing Monday morning.

  Billy and Jess arrived back at the cottage just after one that morning. Billy carried the baby in because she was fast asleep. “Just put her in her cot like that, don’t worry about changing her into her pyjamas. I changed her nappy just before we left,” said Jess. By the time he returned downstairs she had made them a coffee. Putting his arms around her he said, “Shall we take it up to bed with us?” Before she could reply he kissed her passionately. “What was that for,” she asked. “Because I love you and because you’ve agreed to marry me and because I want to fuck the arse of you!” Grinning she slapped him playfully and said, “That’s disgusting and to start with you sounded so romantic.” “Well I can’t help the way I feel about you, can I. All night long I thought about getting back here, you looked beautiful tonight babe.” Kissing him she replied, “That’s more like it, now come on lets get to bed.”

  For over an hour they made love. Jess had wanted to talk about what had happened at the club, but within ten minutes of him coming he was fast asleep. Snuggling up to him she thought about the events and the wonderful people who had finally got her the justice she had so wanted, eventually she drifted off to sleep.

  CHAPTER 57

  (One Week Later)

  Breakfast as Mickey’s was a mixture of happy and sad. Everyone had really enjoyed having his sister Fay and her husband Richard stay with them, but that morning they were flying back to the States, everyone was sad that the week had past so quickly.

  Maria and all the children waved them off as Mickey drove down the drive to take them to the airport. Madeline had made them laugh when she had called out to Mary and Den, “Don’t forget to bring us back a present nanny.”

  During the drive Fay said, “Don’t mind me saying this Mickey, but I had my doubts about you and Maria, what with Jimmy and all, but I must admit I can see why you fell in love with her, she really is special isn’t she?” Glancing at her in the rear view mirror, he smiled and replied, “She certainly is.” “You have a wonderful family, you must be very proud.” “I am, but then we had great parents, which I think has a lot to do with it, don’t you?” “Absolutely,” she replied as she smiled at Mary before continuing, “I really hope everything goes ok for Maria with her brother.” “Yeah, me too, but my gut instinct is it will, he sounds like a good bloke.” “I agree, Maria showed me his e-mails, he sounds very nice.”

  They waited in the airport lounge until their flight was announced. Hugging his family, Mickey said his goodbyes. “Thanks for this son, we’ll see you next week and thanks for looking after the dog,” said Mary. “Have a wonderful holiday and just remember to come back, don’t get any ideas about staying there we need you here.” He waited until they disappeared before leaving the airport.

  Back in Kent, Maria was just taking a call from Isabella. “Hi Maria I just wanted to say hello and thank you for a wonderful time at the party last week. I would have phoned sooner, but I knew Mickey’s sister was there and I didn’t want to hold you up.” “It was lovely to see you Belle and I must say Tony seemed to be very attentive.” “He is I just hope it lasts. He made love to me this morning; it was like it used to be, he told me that he’s enjoying spending time with me and the kids.” “That’s wonderful Belle, I’m so happy for you, do you think now he’s not going to the clubs much that’s helping?” “Oh yes he only goes at the weekends and Carlo is with him. I just hope it lasts, but in truth I have my doubts.” “Try not to think like that, maybe asking him to leave was the wakeup call he needed?” “I hope you’re right Maria.” The two friends chatted for almost thirty minutes about their families before Maria said, “Sorry Belle I’ll have to go, the trio have just started waking up and there’s only me here. Mickey’s taken the family to the airport.” “Ok we’ll talk again soon, maybe we could get together sometime for lunch?” “That would be lovely, now I really must go, take care, oh and tell Carlo I really liked Kelsey.” “Yes me too, see you soon.”

  Just as Belle put the phone down Tony walked in, he had been to the gym. “Who was that babe,” he asked. “Maria, I called her to say thanks for last week.” “Yeah it was a good party. I know I said we could go for lunch today babe, but something’s come up, I’ve got to go out for a couple of hours. How about I take you out for dinner later instead?” Nodding her head she replied, “Ok, can I ask where you’re going?” She had rarely asked him where, but he knew that despite his efforts she still doubted his loyalty. In an effort to reassure her he said, “Only over to the Jolly, I’ve got some business there. I shouldn’t be very long. I would say come with me babe, but I think Shaun said Ann is out shopping, so it might be a bit boring for you?” “I couldn’t anyway; Father Michael is popping in this morning.” “Oh, well next ti
me hey?” What he didn’t tell her was that Shaun had called him to say that Barry King was on his way over to the pub.

  Forty minutes later, Tony was walking into the Jolly. “Sorry about this,” said Shaun. “No worries, did he say what he wanted,” asked Tony. “No he just asked if you were coming in today. When I asked him why, he said he wanted to talk to you about something, so I called you.” “I’ll have a scotch while I’m waiting, where’s Ann?” “Shopping, she won’t be long.” “Cushty I told Belle she was, only I didn’t want her tagging along, just in case Barry gets out of hand.” “Great minds think alike, I gave Ann some money and told her to take a couple of hours off. So how’s tricks then, I must say your Isabella looked a picture of loveliness at the party last week. Talking of lovely, your Carlo’s hooked himself a cracker.” “Kelsey yeah, if I wasn’t his old man I’d be making a play for her myself.” Grinning Shaun replied, “Judging by the way she was looking at Carlo, I would say you’d be right out of luck. She’s got that look about her; you know the one that tells you he’s the only man for her. Your Isabella’s got it, so has my Maria, the way she still looks at Mickey says it all.” “Yeah I think I know what you mean, I’ve slept with so many women I’ve lost count, but my Belle still looks at me and her eyes tell me she wants me.” “Aye, you’d be a fucking idiot if you let her go Tony that’s for sure; she’s in that special league with my Ann. I heard her telling Ann you’re staying home more now and that things are good between you. Take it from me Tony, keep it that way because when all the bits of skirts have fucked off, your Isabella will still be there, no matter what. ” “I know that Shaun, between you and me I can’t imagine being without her. That bird down where Mickey is had something, but when I nearly lost Belle because of her, I realised it was just infatuation, she meant nothing to me.”