Tainted Lives

by Mandasue Heller

  It had been a turn-up seeing Pete after all this time. What a loser he’d turned out to be, in his snide DKNY tracksuit, pissed out of his head with some seriously tacky mates in tow. Vinnie almost hadn’t bothered talking to him – probably wouldn’t have if Pete hadn’t mentioned Sarah straight off. He’d found it hard to believe that Sarah Mullen would take up with Pete when she had never shown the slightest interest in him at Starlight, but Vinnie would know all the ins and outs by tonight. And maybe, just maybe, he’d be free of Sarah’s ghost once and for all. If she’d turned out anything like Pete, he doubted he’d feel anything but pity for her.

  Dinner was a riotous affair with the men cracking increasingly filthy jokes – to the chagrin of their women; Carina flinging malicious eye-daggers left, right and centre; Pam taking every opportunity to mention what a belting daughter-in-law Katie had been; and Vinnie trying desperately not to think about what was coming later, because it gave him butterflies just thinking about seeing Sarah again.

  When they had finished eating and the women had cleared the plates away, Glen called a final meeting before he and Carl set off for London.

  ‘You all know what I want so I don’t expect any unnecessary calls,’ he warned. ‘Emergencies, yeah – advice on how to tie your fucking shoelaces, no! Right . . . what you on, Joe?’

  ‘Didsbury and Whalley houses, and Stocky pubs.’

  ‘Freddie?’

  ‘Longsight streeters, Longsight and Levenshulme pubs.’

  ‘Al?’

  ‘Everything.’

  ‘Nelson?’

  ‘Moss Side and Hulme.’

  ‘Vinnie?’

  ‘Guarding the women,’ Vinnie muttered, refusing to tag himself as a babysitter.

  Grinning, Glen said, ‘Good lad. Did you bring a case, by the way? I didn’t see you bring one in.’

  ‘A case of what?’

  ‘Cham-fuckin’-pagne!’ Glen laughed. ‘Clothes, you dickhead!’

  ‘What do I need clothes for?’

  ‘Planning to wear that shite every day while you’re stopping here, are you?’ Glen nodded at Vinnie’s suit.

  ‘Stopping here?’ Vinnie repeated. ‘How come?’

  ‘How else d’y’ think you’re gonna look after them?’ Glen was beginning to bristle now. ‘You think we’re playing games here or something, Vin?’

  ‘No, but—’

  ‘But nowt! This ain’t a joke, man. It could get seriously moody, and if it does I want to know that no fucker’s gonna take an easy pop at them two. I thought we had this sorted last night.’

  ‘We did,’ Vinnie assured him. ‘I wasn’t thinking, that’s all. I’ll go and grab some stuff in a bit.’

  ‘“In a bit” ain’t good enough,’ Glen told him. ‘I want you back here before me and Carl set off. You’ve got an hour. Shift it.’

  Driving at speed to his flat, Vinnie grabbed a few clothes and stuffed them into an overnight case. Zipping it up, he checked his windows, set the alarm and went out. Flinging the case onto the back seat, he set off with a squeal of rubber.

  He was fuming. No way had Glen said anything about Vinnie having to move in with Carina and Pam while Glen was away. Vinnie would have told him right where to stick it if he had.

  Yeah, right!

  Checking the dash-clock he saw that he still had forty minutes. It wasn’t long for the most important reunion of his life, but it was better than nothing.

  Pete had been looking out of the window for the better part of an hour when the jeep pulled up behind his car and Vinnie stepped out.

  ‘He’s here,’ he yelled excitedly. ‘Sarah . . . Did you hear me?’

  ‘All right, you don’t have to shout!’

  Staring at her as she came through from the bedroom, Pete felt something lurch in his chest. He’d forgotten how fantastic Sarah looked when she made the effort – how stunning her figure was when she wore a dress instead of the baggy tracksuits she lived in these days; how strikingly beautiful her face was when she wore make-up, and how lustrous her hair was, brushed to a gleam and loose of its usual ponytail.

  ‘This good enough?’ she asked tetchily.

  ‘God, yeah!’ he spluttered. ‘You look gorgeous – just like when we got married.’

  ‘And the rest of the time I’m . . . what?’ she challenged, folding her arms. ‘The dog you completely take for granted?’

  ‘I don’t,’ Pete protested. ‘And I’ve never called you a dog.’

  Waving dismissively towards the door when the knock came, Sarah said, ‘You’d best let your friend in before he changes his mind and goes back to his minted life.’

  Peering at her across the great divide that their small living room had suddenly become, Pete said, ‘You’re not gonna be funny with him, are you?’

  ‘Oh, no.’ She gave a tight smile. ‘I’ll be the perfect hostess.’

  Murmuring ‘Thanks’, he went to answer the door.

  Taking a cigarette from the pack Sarah lit it and sat down on the couch. Glancing around the room she gave a sigh of disappointment. It was tidy but it was obvious that they were not doing well, and she was ashamed that the one person she had always felt superior to was about to witness how crap her life had turned out.

  Maintaining as impassive an expression as possible when Pete led Vinnie in a moment later, she felt something twist in her gut. He was a lot taller and broader than she had imagined he would be, and far more self-assured. He looked every bit as well off as Pete had said, but there was no way she had expected him to be so handsome. He’d always been a good-looking lad, but now he was an absolutely gorgeous man, and she had to force herself not to let her admiration show on her face. He had been nothing but a common thug when she had known him and it wasn’t fair that he was doing so well for himself.

  ‘Look who’s here,’ Pete announced, as if Vinnie’s arrival were a complete surprise. ‘You remember Vinnie, don’t you?’

  Flicking Pete an irritated glance, Sarah said, ‘Of course I remember him.’ Then, forcing herself to smile, she said, ‘How are you, Vinnie?’

  ‘Fine, thanks,’ Vinnie murmured, taking her appearance in with a surreptitious all-over glance. He’d had some stunning women in his time, but Sarah still had the something that none of them had possessed: the ability to make his heart beat so hard that it felt as if it were struggling to burst from his chest. ‘You?’ he asked.

  ‘Oh, you know.’ She shrugged. ‘Can I get you a drink?’

  Drawing back the edge of his sleeve, Vinnie glanced at his watch. If it had just been Pete, he wouldn’t have bothered turning up at all. But he’d been curious to see Sarah, and now that he had, he wasn’t sure he could bear to tear himself away so soon. He would just have to tell Glen that something had come up.

  ‘Okay.’ He nodded. ‘But it’ll have to be quick. I was only coming to tell you I couldn’t make it, to be honest.’

  ‘You don’t have to stay,’ she sniped, folding her arms. ‘I’m sure you’ve got far more important things to do than sit around here talking about the good old days.’

  Unnerved by the edge in her voice, Vinnie said, ‘No, it’s fine. I wanted to come. But . . . well, something came up at the last minute that I can’t get out of. I’d love a drink – if you don’t mind?’

  ‘Course she doesn’t!’ Pete assured him blithely. ‘Make yourself at home. I’ve got some nice brandy in the kitchen.’

  ‘Where from?’ Sarah demanded, immediately clamping her mouth shut to prevent herself adding ‘What with?’ The last thing she wanted was to make out like they were skint – true though it was.

  ‘I nipped out while you were getting ready,’ Pete told her. ‘Won’t be a minute.’ Grinning happily, he dashed into the kitchen.

  ‘All right if I sit here?’ Vinnie asked, waving towards the other end of the couch.

  ‘Whatever,’ Sarah muttered.

  Sitting down, he glanced around the room as Sarah smoked on in silence. ‘Nice place,’ he said after a moment. ‘How
long you been here?’

  ‘It’s a dump,’ she replied coolly. ‘And we’ve been here since Kimmy was born.’

  ‘Kimmy . . . ?’

  Sarah narrowed her eyes. He obviously didn’t have a clue what she was talking about.

  ‘My daughter,’ she said. ‘Didn’t Pete tell you?’

  ‘I don’t think so.’ He shrugged. ‘So . . . you’ve got a daughter?’

  ‘Yeah.’

  ‘Right.’ Another awkward silence. ‘Er, she not here?’

  ‘She’s in bed.’ Despite her determination to cold-shoulder him, Sarah’s tone softened of its own accord.

  Vinnie saw the hint of a sparkle in her eye as she told him about her daughter and the new pram. It was the first hint of joy he had witnessed since arriving. The kid obviously meant the world to her.

  ‘Tell me about her,’ he said, hoping to score bonus points by showing interest.

  ‘Well, she’s three,’ Sarah began. ‘And she’s into everything at the moment . . .’

  She immediately clammed up when Pete came back with the brandy and three glasses. Pouring the drinks, he handed them out and sat down.

  ‘So, what have you been up to, Vin?’ he asked. ‘I know you said you were working, but I can’t remember if you said what as.’

  Sitting casually forward with his elbows on his knees, Vinnie gave a slight shrug. ‘All sorts,’ he answered evasively. ‘Mainly driving, and a bit of bodyguarding, and that. But never mind me, what’s this about you having a kid?’

  Blushing as Sarah turned and stared at him accusingly, Pete said, ‘Kimmy? . . . Didn’t I tell you about her? I thought I had. Yeah, she’s our little ’un, isn’t she, Sarah?’ Beaming now, the proud father.

  ‘I’d love to meet her.’ Vinnie was looking at Sarah again. ‘Maybe I could come back sometime when she’s awake?’

  ‘If you want,’ Sarah murmured, wondering why she was encouraging him when he was the last person she wanted in their lives.

  ‘That’d be great,’ Pete chipped in enthusiastically. ‘You’ll love her, mate. She looks just like her mum.’

  ‘I’m sure she’s gorgeous.’ Forcing himself to stop staring, Vinnie downed his drink and stood up. ‘Look, I’ve really got to go. Thanks for that.’ He handed the empty glass to Pete. ‘I’ll bring something next time.’

  ‘Nice one!’ Pete grinned. ‘Did I give you the number?’

  ‘No. You want to give it to me now?’

  ‘I’ll write it down.’ Getting up, Sarah went to the kitchen for a pen and paper – shooting Pete a poisonous glare as she passed.

  Showing Vinnie out, Pete said, ‘Thanks for coming, mate. It was really good to see you again.’

  ‘Yeah, you too.’ Smiling, Vinnie shook Pete’s hand. ‘See you soon.’

  Climbing into the jeep, Vinnie exhaled loudly. That had been far worse than he’d expected. Sarah was even more gorgeous than he remembered, and he was jealous as fuck that she was married to Pete. Married, for God’s sake – with a kid! It wasn’t right.

  Still, he had the number now. There was plenty of time to do what had to be done.

  Taking his mobile from his pocket, he flipped it open as he did a neat u-turn in the middle of the road.

  ‘Yo, Glen. I’m on my way back. No, no problem. I just had a flat, but it’s sorted now. I’ll be there in ten.’

  Pete watched from the window as Vinnie rapidly disappeared from view. ‘God, I thought his gear was good,’ he murmured enviously, ‘but did you see his wheels? Come and have a look, Sarah. Quick, he’s nearly gone.’

  ‘I’ll see it next time,’ she said, snatching up the glasses and carrying them into the kitchen.

  ‘What did you think?’ he shouted after her. ‘Can’t you tell he’s loaded? Did you see his watch? It must’ve cost a bomb, that.’

  ‘Jealous?’

  ‘Nah.’ Coming into the kitchen, Pete wrapped his arms around Sarah and planted several kisses on the smooth skin of her neck. ‘He might have dosh and a flash car but I’ve got you. If anyone’s jealous it’s him. He couldn’t take his eyes off you.’

  Smiling slyly, Sarah prised his hands away and began to dry the glasses. So Vinnie was still into her, was he? Good! Maybe the realization that other men still found her attractive would give Pete the kick up the backside he needed to get his act together and stop seeing her as just a wife and a mother.

  ‘Thanks for that,’ Pete said. ‘I know you can’t stand him, so thanks for being so cool about him coming round.’ Kissing her cheek then, he said, ‘I’m just gonna nip round Steve’s for a bit – if that’s all right?’

  ‘Why wouldn’t it be?’ Turning around, she looked him straight in the eye. ‘It’s not like you’re going to do anything stupid like try and sneak off to a strip club again, is it?’

  Blushing furiously, he shook his head. ‘No way! You can trust me, babe. I’ll never do that again. I swear it.’

  Believing him, Sarah relaxed. ‘All right, I’ll see you later. But don’t wake me up if you come back late. I’m already knackered.’

  As Vinnie loaded the cases into the boot of the BMW Glen strolled around the jeep, inspecting the tyres.

  ‘Thought you said you had a flat?’ he said accusingly. ‘These don’t look no different to me. Which is the spare?’

  ‘None,’ Vinnie admitted. ‘I didn’t have to change it. I was right by the garage when it went down so I got them to take a look at it. They reckoned someone must have had the cap away and let the air out while I was getting my stuff together. They just pumped it back up.’

  ‘Took long enough, didn’t it?’

  ‘Yeah, but you know what it’s like. They had to put it on the machine, check it had no punctures.’

  ‘And did it?’

  ‘No, it’s fine.’ Vinnie was frowning now. ‘What’s up, Glen? Don’t you believe me, or something?’

  Peering at him through narrowed eyes, Glen said, ‘I don’t know, Vin. All I know is I give you an hour and you took the piss. If me and Carl miss the train you’re gonna know about it.’

  ‘You won’t,’ Vinnie assured him confidently. ‘Joe will get you there in time.’

  ‘Best had,’ Glen warned. ‘Anyhow, remember what I said.’ He changed the subject. ‘Don’t leave them two alone for any reason. Do full security checks before you lock up, and don’t let no fucker in. I don’t care who they say they are or what they want, no one gets in except Al and Joe. Got that?’

  ‘Yeah, no problem,’ Vinnie agreed, wishing Glen would stop going on with himself and go.

  ‘We right?’ Carl asked, coming out of the house with a thick package of turkey sandwiches in his hand – courtesy of Pam.

  Glen checked his watch and tutted when he saw that they had just fifteen minutes to get to the station. Pointing a warning finger at Vinnie, he wrenched the front passenger door open and hopped in, yelling at Joe and Carl to get a move on.

  Vinnie waited until they had turned out of the drive before going inside.

  ‘Can I get you anything, love?’ Pam came into the hall with a tea towel in her hands. ‘A butty or a brew?’

  Vinnie frowned when he saw how drained she looked. She was usually vibrant and lively, but right now she looked as if she had the weight of the world on her shoulders. She must have been more worried about Glen than she’d been letting on.

  ‘A brew would be great.’ Going towards her, he put an arm around her shoulders. ‘But how’s about I make it while you have a sit-down?’

  ‘Oh, no, I’m fine.’ She patted his hand. ‘You know me, Vinnie. I like having things to do.’

  ‘Yeah, but you’ve been running round after everyone all day so let me,’ he insisted. ‘And don’t argue, ’cos I ain’t listening.’ Walking her into the dining room, Vinnie pulled out a chair and sat her down.

  Carina stalked in seconds after he had gone into the kitchen.

  ‘Where’s Vinnie?’ she demanded.

  ‘In there,’ Pam nodded towards the door. ‘Ma
king me a brew. Give him a shout if you want one.’

  ‘I just want a word,’ Carina said, shaking out the coat she was holding.

  ‘Going somewhere?’

  ‘Yes. But don’t worry, I won’t be long.’

  ‘Glen don’t want you going out on your own. That’s why Vinnie’s here, isn’t it?’

  ‘You might need looking after,’ Carina replied huffily, ‘but I don’t. I’ve got things to do, and I’m not putting my entire life on hold just because Glen’s chosen to take a bloody trip.’

  ‘Aw, do what you want.’ Pam flapped her hand dismissively. ‘I’ve got a stonking headache, and I ain’t gonna let you make it worse by arguing with you.’

  ‘Well, hurray for that!’ Carina smiled tightly. ‘Maybe we will get along, after all.’

  Pam made a huffing noise, but didn’t bother saying anything. Carina going out was probably the best thing she could imagine right now. She felt rough as hell and relished the thought of a bit of peace and quiet.

  ‘What’s going on?’ Vinnie asked, coming back in time to see Carina pulling the coat on.

  ‘I’m going out,’ she told him coldly. ‘And don’t tell me I’m not supposed to because, as I’ve already told Pam, I have got a life of my own!’

  ‘Oi!’ he barked, giving Pam her coffee and following Carina into the hall. ‘What d’y’ think you’re playing at?’

  ‘I’m going out,’ she snapped, shrugging his hand off as he reached for her arm.

  ‘Oh no, you’re not.’ Stepping in front of the door, Vinnie folded his arms.

  ‘Get out of my way,’ she demanded. ‘You’ve got no right to hold me prisoner!’

  ‘I’m just following orders,’ he told her firmly. ‘And if it’s any consolation, I don’t want to be here any more than you.’

  ‘That’s blatantly obvious.’ Carina glared at him hatefully. ‘I bet it was your idea to move that old bitch in, wasn’t it? How d’y’ think it makes me feel having her spying on me?’