by Karen Clow
The pub door opened and Ann walked in. Shaun quickly changed the subject and said, “There she is, my little pearl of the orient!” Grinning she replied, “Hello Tony, tell him his little pearl has got a boot full of shopping that needs bringing in.” Laughing Tony replied, “Sounds like a job for us Shaun.” Ann watched the bar while the two men carried the bags from the car upstairs to the kitchen.
Just as they returned downstairs and Ann left to pack the shopping away, Barry King walked in with Tank. Shaun nodded at them as Tony shook Barry’s hand and said, “What are you drinking?” “Scotch, shall we take it over to a table so we can talk, will you be joining us Shaun?” The big Irishman nodded as he passed Tony a bottle, four glasses and said, “I’ll be over in five minutes.”
Ten minutes later all four men were sitting at the rear of the pub. Barry was the first one to say, “Well Tony, I guess you know why I’m here, has there been any news from your people?” Sounding convincing he replied, “Yeah, funnily enough I was going to get back to you about that today. Sorry Barry, but they can’t handle anything at the moment, as you know things are getting very hot. Maybe in a couple of months, I’ve even asked around for you to see if anyone else can help you out, but nothing’s moving.” “That’s a shame because it could be worth a lot to both of us, still like you say maybe in a couple of months things might change? What about you Shaun, do you fancy making some extra cash? ” Shaun knew exactly what he was thinking, so he replied, “Aye, I’m always interested in making money, just as long as it doesn’t involve the Jolly, drugs or kids!” “That sounds like you know what I was going to say.” Coldly and slightly arrogantly he replied, “Aye I’ve got a pretty good idea, and if I’m right my answer would definitely be no.”
Tony could sense the animosity from Shaun, so trying to lighten the talks he jokingly said, “I think you’ve probably realised that Shaun is a bit passionate over the Jolly, it’s the history behind it, isn’t that right Shaun?” Smugly he replied, “Aye that’s right.” Just as smugly Barry said, “Well you can’t blame me for trying, can you?” They all laughed, but Tony could tell by Shaun’s face that he wasn’t impressed. They all sat talking and drinking, although Tank barely spoke. Then Barry said, “We’ll have to go out again sometime, then Shaun can tell me why this place means so much to him.” Before Tony could say anything, Shaun replied, “I’ll tell you now. When my friend Jimmy was killed by that low life Dave Sheridan, his widow gave me her share of the Jolly. I doubt you’d understand, but that meant more than anything to me. You see I’ve always been a bastard, but people are important to me, none more so than Jimmy’s widow Maria which is why I would never use the Jolly as a front for drugs or any other dodgy dealings.” Smirking Barry replied, “I never imagined you as the sentimental type Shaun, this Maria must mean a lot, which makes me wonder if you’re a bit more than friends?” Instantly Tony cut in and said, “You know we’re talking about Mickey Mann’s wife, Shaun thinks of her like a daughter and I’m sure none of us would take too kindly to anyone making something of that.” “Point taken, my mistake,” said Barry. Shaun stood up, looked down at Barry and said, “Suddenly I’ve lost my thirst, I’ll leave you boys to it. I’ll be at the bar if you need me Tony.” “Sit down Shaun, I never meant anything by it, no need to be so sensitive,” said Barry. Arrogantly Shaun replied, “If I thought you did mean something by it, believe me Barry you wouldn’t be sitting there, you’d be on your way to hospital!” Barry started laughing, as he replied, “I apologise Shaun, you’re reputation as a fiery Irishman is right. If you ever want a career change, I’d hire you as a minder. For a minute there I thought you meant it, which is what you need from the bloke protecting you. I shouldn’t have implied that, now stay and drink with us.” “Stay Shaun” said Tony, “no harm done.” Shaun sat down before looking at Barry and saying, “One thing Barry, I did mean it, I wasn’t bluffing. I’m not a man who makes idle threats, but it’s all forgotten now, so let’s have a drink.” Laughing Barry looked at Tony and said, “Remind me never to upset him again.” Tony felt relieved that the incident had passed without things getting out of hand. Just over an hour later, Barry and Tank left the Jolly.
“Fuck me, Shaun you had me worried there for a minute,” said Tony “Aye I had myself worried. Truth be told I don’t like him and I never fucking will, but the prick apologised, so I let it go.” Tony grinned and said, “Fuck me what is it about the Irish, they’re all fucking punchy, not like us Italians we’re the great lovers of the world.” Laughing Shaun replied, “Is that a fact, well let me tell you something you fucking eyetie, I’ve never had a woman complain.” They were both still laughing as Ann came over and said, “I don’t want to moan, but is there any chance of you actually doing any work today, only I need to go upstairs?” Still laughing as she walked away, Tony said, “Never complain hey!” “I meant in the sack you sarky bastard!” Tony sat at the bar while Shaun served a couple of regulars. After they’d taken their drinks, Shaun said to him, “What do you intend doing about Barry, only I’ve got a feeling he’s not going to let this go.” Grinning he replied, “Yeah I know I’d be surprised if he did. I’ll just keep fobbing him off, then maybe in a few months I’ll get him a delivery. I wouldn’t use my regular blokes, but there are a couple of boys I know who might help him out for the right price. When it comes up, we’ll take him back over to fat Benny’s to discuss it, if nothing else we’ll get a good fuck out of him.” “Sounds good to me,” said Shaun with a grin.
CHAPTER 58
Jess had called Maria to ask if they could go round that afternoon, just as she’d expected the answer had been yes. They arrived just as Mickey was leaving to pick the twins up from school. Jess and Billy played with the triplets and Becky, while Maria made the tea. “Thanks for watching them, I really miss mum, she usually has them now so I can prepare the dinner.” “No problem babe, get on and sort your dinner out, we don’t mind watching them,” replied Billy. “If you’re sure then I will, why don’t you stay for dinner?” “No you’re alright babe, we wouldn’t want to intrude.” “Billy this is me you’re talking to I’ve already cooked the chicken, I’ll just stick a few more veg on.” “Don’t seem right babe, we only intended staying a couple of hours.” “Well it’s up to you, but you’d be most welcome, the girls will want you to stay.” Thinking more of his stomach than anything else he grinned and replied, “In that case perhaps we should accept, I don’t want to go upsetting my best girls, do I?” Jess cut in, “You little liar Billy, you know you can’t say no to Maria’s cooking!” They all laughed.
As always Billy had second helpings of everything, including dessert. After dinner the triplets went to bed, while Becky and the twins played. “So Jess what are you going to spend your money on,” said Mickey. Before she could answer Billy replied, “Actually that’s why were here, Jess doesn’t feel right about taking it.” Looking serious Mickey replied, “Bollocks, you deserve every penny babe after what he put you through.” Nervously Jess said, “All I wanted was for him to admit it so he couldn’t take Becky away from me.” “We all know that, but the money is nothing to him. Take my advice babe; don’t have a qualm about taking it. Believe me you’ll need money if you’re getting hitched, if nothing else you can have a fabulous honeymoon.” “That’s what Billy said, but I think you and George should have the money, after all you earned it.” “Let me assure you babe, neither of us wants it, so you decide what you’re going to do with it by the time me dad gets back. Then he can open an account for you, if you fancy investing some of it he’ll give you good advice.” Smiling she replied, “Ok, but we will take everyone out for dinner.” “Great, we’ll look forward to that. Seriously babe, there must be something you really want?” “Only one thing, that’s to marry him,” she smiled as she looked at Billy. Joking Mickey said, “Him aside what would be second on your list, not including the honeymoon or anything for Becky, something for yourself?” Without hesitation she replied, “I’d love a sewing machine, you know the
really modern ones with all the bits built in.” Laughing he replied, “Actually babe, I have no idea what sort of machine you’re talking about, which is probably a good thing. But if that’s what you want then make sure she gets one Billy. Fuck me you’re a lucky man, she’s the only woman I know who would have said something like that. Most of them would say, a car or a fur coat, take my advice mate marry her quick!” Everyone laughed as Billy replied, “I intend to. I just hope people don’t think I’m marrying her for her money now!” Maria interrupted, “Talking of weddings, as you’re getting married in a few weeks, don’t you think we should seriously start organising things?” Nervously Jess replied, “I haven’t got a clue.” “Don’t worry me and mum did a list before she left, we can run through it while you’re here just to check that everything’s ok with you. Do you know what type of dress you want Jess?” “Not really, I did think about having a go at making one, but I’m worried I’ll make a mess of it. I did think about looking in the charity shops to see if I could buy one, then I could fiddle about with it and if I ruined it, I’d just go and buy one.” Maria didn’t reply straight away, it was obvious she was thinking about something. Then she said, “I might be able to help you there Jess, I’ve still got my dress from my first wedding.” Then she looked across at Mickey and said, “Would that be ok with you?” Smiling he replied, “Yeah, I think Jimmy would have liked that.” “Great, come on Jess, let’s leave the men down here and go and find it!”
Thirty minutes later the dress was spread out on Maria’s bed. “Oh my God it’s beautiful, I wouldn’t feel right cutting that up. Don’t you want to keep it for when your girls marry,” said Jess. Smiling she replied, “No, it would be different if I’d worn it when I married Mickey. I’d be only too happy to give it to you sweetheart, I’m sure you could do something with it. You’d definitely have to change the back though because its got a J on it and as your husband’s name begins with B, I don’t think that would go down to well, do you?” “Will you let me pay for it; I don’t expect you to give it to me.” “I’ll do a deal with you, if you and Billy baby sit one night so I can take Mickey out, we’ll call it even, ok?” “If you’re sure, you know we’d always have the kids, it still doesn’t seem fair though.” “That’s the deal take it or leave it.” They both laughed as she agreed.
When they joined the men downstairs Mickey said, “Well you’re both smiling, so I would imagine we’ve had a result?” Jess replied, “It’s beautiful.” “I know babe and you should have seen Maria in it, she was so beautiful, like someone out of a magazine. I probably shouldn’t say this, but I wished that day she was marrying me, but don’t tell Monica I said that!” They all laughed as he continued, “Brace yourself Billy, because over the next few weeks all we’re hear is fucking wedding talk! I take it you’ve decided on everything, we don’t want any last minute panics because something’s been overlooked?” Jess replied, “There’s just one thing we haven’t done and that’s asking you if you’d give me away?” “It would be a pleasure Jess; in that case I think Kevin should play the best man role, although I will be saying a few words at the reception.”
They didn’t leave that night until almost nine. Becky was asleep by the time they got home; Billy just had time to put her to bed before he left to go to work at the club.
Mickey had suggested having an early night, so by half ten they were in bed.
It was clear he was horny when he kissed and cuddled her from the moment she got in the bed next to him. “Can I ask you something,” said Maria. Kissing her he replied, “Of course what is it?” “Did you mean what you said earlier, about wishing I was marrying you?” “Yes babe I did, I knew deep down I was never really in love with Monica. When you walked in you took my breath away, I really envied Jimmy.” “Thanks.” “For what, it’s the truth. I know how lucky I am babe.” “I’m the lucky one Mickey; you’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me.” “And you to me so come here and show me just how much you love me.” They made love for almost two hours; the desire and passion was still there for both of them.
It was the following morning when the intercom buzzed. “Hello,” said Mickey.” “It’s Neville Howard.” “Ok come up, don’t worry about the dogs. I’ll meet you at the house.” Neville drove through the gates as the three dogs barked and ran along the side of the car. Had Mickey not had been waiting for him; he wouldn’t have got out of his car. Taking him through to the kitchen Mickey wasn’t over friendly as he said, “Take a seat Neville. I would offer you a drink but we’re busy, I was just on my way out.” “I won’t be staying, I’m busy myself. I just came to deliver this,” he placed his brief case on the table and opened it. He then proceeded to take out four bundles of bank notes each to the value of five thousand which he laid on the table. “I hope this will be an end to it Michael. I want you to know I’m really not happy with this arrangement, now give me the film and I’ll be going.” “Yes it’s a shame it had to come to this Neville, but you must see why Jess needed closure on the matter?” Nodding his head he looked sincere as he replied, “Yes and for what it’s worth, I am sorry. I cannot excuse what I did, other than to say I had been drinking that day. Believe me it’s not something I’d planned to do.” “I’m sure Jess didn’t see it like that, but as you say that’s an end to it now.”
Mickey handed Neville the film and said, “You have my word this will be an end to it, providing you never bother her again.” “I hope so, there is one last thing, can you tell Billy he won’t have to worry about Hilary anymore. She committed suicide yesterday.” Genuinely shocked Mickey replied, “That’s sad to hear, obviously she needed help, which unfortunately appears to have come all too late.” “Yes, we all thought this thing with Billy was because of their affair, but since it happened several things have come to light, she’s clearly been very ill for a long time. Unfortunately people often find out things when a tragedy happens, but Billy wasn’t the only one who she did this to. I’ll say no more, as it wouldn’t be ethical. I’m sure you’ll understand the family just want time to come to terms with what’s happened?” “Of course, I’ll let Billy know; despite everything I’m sure he’ll be upset.” Moments later Mickey was showing him out.
Walking back into the house, Maria was standing in the kitchen. “That was a surprise; I kept out of the way in the play room. Thank God you were back from the school; I would have hated to be here on my own with him.” “Did you hear what he said about Hilary?” “No what’s she been up to now?” “She’s topped herself.” “God Mickey that’s awful.” “From the sound of things, she was ill for a lot longer than anyone thought, still its one less thing for Billy and Jess to worry about.” “Yes you’re right; I know Jess was concerned that she would do something?” “I’ll call Billy now and give him the news.”
CHAPTER 59
Over the next five weeks the women arranged everything. Jess had worked on the dress during the evenings after Billy had gone to the club and Becky was in bed.
With the big day now just two days away everyone was showing a few nerves, especially Jess. Virtually everyday that week she had gone over to Maria’s, everyone could see that she was finding it hard to stay calm. She had nervously managed to get through the rehearsal with the bridesmaids and Harry. Maria had invited Monica over that day in the hope that they could take Jess’s mind off things. Her plan failed miserably when just as Jess arrived and the marquee had finally turned up a day late and was being erected, the company they’d hired the table and chairs from turned up expecting the marquee to be ready.
It was two that afternoon by the time everything was in its rightful place, even Den and Mary had come over to help. While making a fresh pot of tea Jess said, “Maria I’m so sorry about all this, if I’d have known how much work it was for you, I would have gone to the registry office.” Before she could reply Mary said, “She’s loved every minute of it, anyway its good practice for her, she’s got five more to organise!” Everyone laughed.
Sitting drinkin
g their tea, Mickey looked at Maria and said, “Have you showed her it yet?” Shaking her head she replied, “Not yet, shall we do it now?” Mary obviously knew what they were talking about but the others all looked intrigued as Maria said, “I can’t bring it in here you’ll have to come with me.” They all stood up and followed her into the kitchen. “Give me a hand Mickey, I’m terrified I’m going to drop it,” said Maria.
A few minutes later everyone was looking in awe at the wedding cake. It was absolutely beautiful, two love hearts piped with icing and tiny little lilac buds. Jess started crying as she said, “I can’t believe you made that, it’s amazing!” Billy hugged his wife to be and said, “Yeah its great babe, I’m so glad I taught Maria how to do it!” Despite him joking everyone could see that he was also chuffed. “Oh one last detail, pass me that box Mickey,” said Maria. Taking it from him she handed it to Jess and said, “If you don’t want to use it we’ll understand, but I hope you like it. Carefully Jess opened the box, “Oh my God it’s so lovely of course we want to use it, thank you so much.” “What is it,” asked Monica impatiently.
Jess carefully removed it from the box; it was a replica of the chapel with her and Billy standing outside. “Wow, that bride and groom actually look like you two,” said Monica. “It should, we sent the artist a photo and he models it on them,” said Mickey. Jess was clearly overwhelmed at the amount of effort her friends had put in for her big day. Billy lightened the mood by saying, “Jess has got a surprise for you. Shall I go and get them from the car babe?” Jess nodded and said, “What I’ve done is nothing compared to all this.”
A few minutes later Billy returned carrying a large bag. Looking a bit embarrassed Jess said, “I’ve made Becky and Melissa a dress each, the reason I didn’t say anything sooner was because I wasn’t sure if I’d get them finished in time. After I altered your wedding dress Maria, I had the train left over so, I bought some lace and stuff and made the girls’ a dress each.” When she lifted the first dress out Mary said, “Jess you should put this talent of yours to good use, that’s so beautiful.” The detail on them was amazing; they looked like fancy ball gowns all white and flouncy with tiny lilac ribbon traced through the bottom and a lilac sash round the waist tied into a bow. “I’ll leave Melissa’s here, then if you do want her to wear it she can.” Looking slightly confused Maria said, “Won’t they all be getting ready here?” Shrugging her shoulders Jess replied, “I just thought me and Billy would drive here when we’re ready.” “Oh no, you and Becky will be staying here the night before, its bad luck for the groom to see the bride. I think the plan is for Mickey or Kevin to collect Billy and drive him over here.” Billy interrupted and said, “Actually now you’ve mentioned it, I think Kev said about travelling down the night before and coming to the club with me.” Shaking her head in disbelief that he hadn’t mentioned it sooner Jess said, “Don’t you think you should call Kevin and asked him?” He grinned and nodded.
