The Traitor

by Kimberley Chambers

  Joey nodded. ‘What about Mum?’

  Eddie stared at his son. The hurt in his eyes was clear to see and, unusually for Eddie, he broke down. ‘I’m so sorry, Joey. I loved her so much, I really did. Your mum was my life and when she died a part of me died as well.’

  Joey had rarely seen his father cry before; he hadn’t even believed Eddie was capable of showing such emotion.

  ‘If only you hadn’t tried to kill Jed. I hate that Jed – this is all his fault. If Frankie hadn’t got with him none of this would have happened.’

  With all the emotion in the room affecting her, Madonna decided to join in with a howl.

  Eddie laughed at the dog’s antics and wiped his eyes. He felt stupid, really stupid. How could a big macho geezer like himself sit here blubbing in front of two gay lads and a dog with a pink bow around its neck?

  ‘What’s the dog’s name?’ he asked politely.

  Dominic smiled. ‘She’s called Madonna, after the singer. Joey chose it, he likes her music.’

  ‘Have you seen Frankie? She said she was going out for a meal with you, but I wasn’t happy about it, so we haven’t spoken since,’ Joey asked his dad.

  Eddie thought about lying, but quickly decided against it. Joey and Frankie were bound to speak at some point soon, so it would be better to mention Gina now if he wanted to start with a clean slate.

  ‘The meal was awkward, Joey. I didn’t know that Frankie was coming and I took a woman with me; she’s a friend. Frankie got the wrong end of the stick, which I don’t blame her for. She walked out and we haven’t spoken since.’

  ‘Is that the woman you was in the pub with?’ Joey asked.

  Eddie nodded. Best he didn’t mention that Gina was a private detective and was the one he had hired out of the Yellow Pages to follow Joey and Dominic to confirm their relationship.

  ‘She stood up for me in court. Her name’s Gina and she’s a very nice lady, Joey. No one will ever replace your mum, but it’s nice to have a bit of female companionship, if nothing else.’

  Seeing his dad in a slightly different light, Joey nodded. ‘I won’t be annoyed if you like Gina. Mum’s been dead for ages now and you should try and move on with your life if you can.’

  Eddie was shocked by his son’s sensible attitude. ‘Thank you, Joey. That means a lot to me.’

  Dominic cracked open some more beers and handed them out. ‘So, are you living locally, Eddie? We saw you in the Bell, didn’t we?’

  Eddie nodded. It was too soon to tell Joey he was living with Gina. ‘I’m renting a pal’s place in Rettendon. What about yous two? What made you move out here?’

  Dominic smiled. ‘We got sick of living in London. We both work up town and it’s nice to have a bit of peace and quiet for a change.’

  Eddie sipped his beer. Joycie was right, Dominic was a nice lad and very sensible. He turned to Joey. ‘Are you still working in the post room?’

  Joey laughed. ‘I’m in the Stock Exchange now, I’m only a junior, but I love it. Dom got me the job and I’m doing really well at it.’

  Eddie was impressed. Joey working in the Stock Exchange was something he would never have predicted.

  ‘And what about Frankie? I was shocked to find out she was pregnant again. She’s so young to be a mother of three. Is she happy, Joey? Does Jed treat her OK?’

  Joey shrugged. ‘I hate him, Dad, I always have done. I’ve always sort of blamed him more than you for mum’s death and even before that I never liked him. He’s flash, loud, uncouth and I don’t think Frankie’s been happy with him for ages. She even sort of admitted it to me once.’

  Dominic stood up. ‘I do a mean stir-fry, Eddie. Are you hungry?’

  Eddie shook his head. Gina was cooking and he didn’t want to outstay his welcome. ‘I’d better be going soon. Gina is cooking me dinner tonight.’

  ‘Is she staying at yours?’ Joey asked, as Dominic left the room.

  ‘Will you be upset with me if I say she is?’ Eddie replied.

  Joey shook his head. ‘No, but I’d want and expect you to be honest with me.’

  Eddie smiled. ‘OK, I’ll tell you the truth. When I was inside, Gina was a friend and started to visit me after my court hearing. As the years passed, I began to have feelings for her. They wasn’t feelings like I had for your mum – I will never feel that way about any woman again – but I do like Gina very much. I’m not good on my own, Joey, so Gina rented the cottage in Rettendon for us to live after my release.’

  Joey was surprised by not only the intensity of the conversation he was having with his father, but also his sudden willingness to forgive him.

  ‘I’m pleased for you if you’ve found some happiness, Dad. I was broken-hearted that time when Dom and I split up. I felt so lonely without him.’

  Eddie ran his hands through his hair. It had been his fault that Joey and Dominic had split up that time and he was now full of remorse.

  ‘I’m so sorry for reacting the way I did over your sexuality. I was naive, immature and stupid. Dominic is a really nice guy, I like him very much and I’m pleased that he makes you so happy. I never thought that I’d say this, Joey, but I am so proud of you for how you’ve turned out. You’ve got a good job, a lovely home, a sensible partner and I’m proud to call you my son.’

  With tears in his eyes, Joey stood up and hugged his father. ‘Thank you. Your acceptance of the way I am was all I ever wanted. You always seemed closer to Frankie and I was closer to Mum. I thought you wanted me to act and be like Gary and Ricky, but I could only ever be me, Dad.’

  Eddie held his son tightly. They hadn’t ever spoken like this and it felt so bloody good to do so.

  ‘I’m sorry I made you feel that way, boy, but I always loved you as much as the others, I swear I did. I had this macho thing going on, and I suppose, in that thick head of mine, I wanted you to turn out like me. I can honestly say now, after every thing that’s happened, I’m glad that you didn’t.’

  Dominic grinned as he walked back in the room with Madonna in his arms. He was no longer scared of Joey’s father – in fact, he rather liked him.

  Joey held his arm out to Dom. ‘Come on, group hug,’ he said.

  Eddie laughed, as the dog gave him a lick on the side of his face. If Stuart and the other inmates could see him now, they’d have a field day, he thought. Eddie pulled away from the group hug. ‘Listen, I’d better be getting back now. What are yous two doing tomorrow?’

  ‘We’ve got nothing special planned. We usually just go to a pub for Sunday lunch,’ Joey said.

  ‘Why don’t you come over to mine for dinner? I’d really like you to meet Gina and you can bring Madonna with you.’

  Joey glanced at Dominic who immediately nodded. ‘OK, we’d love to.’

  CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

  Frankie emptied the can of spaghetti hoops into the saucepan and put them on a low gas. The kids were still outside playing, so it was an ideal opportunity for her to ring Kerry without Georgie earwigging.

  Kerry answered immediately. ‘Well, did you do it?’

  Frankie explained that she had been worried about the bulge in the teddy bear, so had instead secured the tape recorder under the passenger seat with masking tape.

  ‘Jed didn’t get back ’til after midnight and he was up and out again early this morning. The tape recorder’s still in there, but when he gets back tonight, no matter what time it is, I’ll sneak outside and get it.’

  ‘Will you come straight over to me after you’ve taken Georgie to school tomorrow?’ Kerry asked.

  ‘You bet I fucking will.’

  Eddie Mitchell was in a rather buoyant mood. His visit to Joey yesterday had gone much better than expected and he could barely believe that in less than an hour his son would be coming over for lunch.

  Gina was absolutely thrilled for Eddie. He’d been full of the reunion when he’d arrived home yesterday and she’d enjoyed listening to every single detail. Gina had been busy preparing the lunch all mornin
g and was desperate to make a good impression.

  ‘Pass me the coriander, Ed. It’s in the cupboard next to you, on the left-hand side.’

  Eddie handed it to her. ‘That was Stuart on the phone. He’s got his release date through, he gets out the week before Christmas.’

  Even though Gina had only ever seen Stuart when she had visited Eddie in prison, she felt as if she knew him personally. ‘I am so pleased for him, Ed. I know it’s a couple of months away yet, but you’ll have to be there to meet him when he comes out.’

  ‘Oh, I will do. Can I ask you a big favour, Gina?’

  ‘Yeah, go on.’

  ‘Is it all right if Stuart stays here in one of the spare rooms for a couple of weeks until he finds his feet? He can’t go back to Hackney where his family and friends are because of that rapist he killed, and I can’t see him spending Christmas alone.’

  Gina wiped her hands on the tea towel, walked over to Eddie and draped her arms around his neck. ‘Has anyone ever told you that under that tough exterior of yours, you really are a pussy cat, Mr Mitchell?’

  ‘No, not lately,’ Eddie said laughing.

  ‘Well, I’m telling you that you are. And as for Stuart, he is welcome to stay here for as long he wants.’

  Eddie held her close and pushed his groin against her. ‘I don’t ’arf love you. You’re one in a million yourself, sweetheart.’

  Jed smirked at Sammy as old Mr Franks opened the back door.

  ‘We’ve done all the jobs you asked us to do. Anything else you need doing?’

  Mr Franks shook his head. He had been extremely lonely since the death of his wife, Vera, and he liked having Jed and Sammy around. It was a bit of company for him and they were such lovely boys.

  ‘You got time for a cup of tea and a chat, lads?’

  ‘Yeah, go on. We’ve got a spare half an hour or so,’ Jed replied.

  Sammy grinned as Mr Franks stood in the kitchen talking about the war.

  ‘Senile old cunt,’ he whispered to Jed, as the old man turned his back.

  Jed who had pretended to be riveted by the conversation, gulped down his tea and looked at his watch. ‘Can you sort us our money out now? We’ve got another job to do this afternoon,’ he said.

  Mr Franks smiled. He had a habit of rambling on, his Vera had always told him that. ‘How much do I owe you this time?’

  ‘Five-hundred pound,’ Jed replied boldly.

  Mr Franks scratched his head. He was sure they only usually charged him a hundred, but he did get things muddled up sometimes. He counted the money out of his savings tin and handed it to Jed.

  ‘Are you coming back again next Sunday?’

  ‘Yep, same time. Same price.’

  As Mr Franks stood at the door waving them off, Jed and Sammy got in the Shogun and roared with laughter.

  ‘I only swept the path. What did you do?’ Sammy asked his cousin.

  ‘Painted one door,’ Jed replied.

  ‘Shall we up the price to a grand next week?’ Sammy suggested.

  ‘No. We don’t wanna frighten him off. I was chatting to him today while I was painting. He’s got a niece who lives in Australia and a nephew that he ain’t seen for years that lives in Leeds. Let’s keep him sweet and in a couple of weeks we’ll get him to make a will, eh?’

  Sammy rubbed his hands together. ‘Do you think he’ll fall for it?’

  Jed chuckled. ‘With my charm and gentle persuasion, of course he will.’

  Gina smiled as Eddie formally introduced her to Joey and Dominic. She had taken off the expensive engagement ring Eddie had bought her and replaced it with some costume jewellery.

  ‘It’s a pleasure to meet you both, and who is this little darling?’ she said, stroking Madonna.

  Dominic laughed. ‘This is Lady Madonna. Joey and I obviously aren’t going to have any kids, so we decided to buy ourselves our very own little baby.’

  Eddie led the boys into the lounge and told Gina to pour them some drinks.

  ‘Dinner smells nice. What are we having?’ Joey asked.

  Eddie laughed. ‘Don’t ask me, Gina has prepared about five different dishes. There’s prawn curry, chicken tikka and Christ knows what else she’s cooked.’

  Dominic admired the property first and then Gina. ‘She seems extremely nice and she’s very pretty,’ he said.

  Eddie looked at Joey and gently squeezed his arm. ‘Gina is lovely but, as I said yesterday, no one will ever replace your mum in my eyes.’

  Joey put his hand on top of his father’s. ‘I know that, Dad. I understand, honest I do.’

  In another part of Essex, Jed had just been told he was about to become a father yet again.

  ‘Well, say something. You are pleased, aren’t you?’

  Jed nodded. In a way he was pleased for Luke, as it meant he would have a brother or sister to play with. Looking at it from a different angle, Jed wasn’t so chuffed. Sally had no idea that Frankie was also pregnant and he daren’t ever let Frankie find out that Sally was up the spout again. Frankie would be bound to blame him, even if he had told her that Sally had a boyfriend.

  ‘Do you want another beer?’ Sally asked. She was a bit disappointed by Jed’s reaction – he wasn’t exactly ecstatic. She handed him a can of Foster’s and sat down next to him. ‘Are you sure you’re OK about it, Jed? I don’t want our relationship to suffer because of this. I have been taking the pill, honest I have.’

  Jed put his arm around Sally. He guessed that she had stopped taking her contraception on purpose, but wasn’t about to say so. ‘I’m fine. It’s just awkward, you know, having two with you. I wanna leave Frankie, you know I do, but I can’t walk away from Georgie and Harry. One day they’ll be old enough to make their own choices, then I can leave and they can live with us.’

  Sally laid her head on his shoulder. ‘I told my dad. He was OK about it.’

  Remembering his beating at the hands of Sally’s father, Jed pushed her head away and stood up. If Terry Baldwin knew that Sally was pregnant with his child and also found out that Frankie was, he would probably skin him alive.

  ‘What’s up? You look ever so white,’ Sally said.

  ‘I’m gonna get off, babe. I think I’m coming down with something and I don’t want you and Lukey boy to catch it.’

  ‘What about your dinner? I’ve cooked you a roast chicken.’

  Jed bent down and gave her a kiss. ‘I’ll try and pop round tomorrow and eat it cold if I can. I’ve gotta go, Sal, I feel as sick as a dog.’

  Jed ruffled Lukey boy on the head, opened the door and bolted down the stairs. He was still hiding the Shogun in Tilbury, so he clambered into his old pick-up truck and rang Sammy.

  ‘What’s a matter?’ Sammy asked.

  ‘I need a drink, a good fucking drink. Tell Julie your aunt’s just died and meet me downstairs.’

  Sammy smirked. ‘OK, give us five minutes.’

  Back in Rettendon, the atmosphere was jolly and the drinks were flowing freely.

  ‘That was my funniest Christmas ever, Joey, the one when your nan got pissed and came on to your grandad.’

  Joey squealed like a pig and spat his mouthful of drink back into his glass. ‘No, she never did! How long ago was that?’

  Eddie could barely explain for laughing. ‘It was only about five years back. You and Frankie had been out and had already gone to bed, I think. Anyway, Joycie was pissed – slaughtered she was – and her and Stanley went upstairs. Next thing me and your mum heard was a commotion on the landing and then I saw poor Stanley run out the bedroom in his Y-fronts.’

  Joey was by now laughing hysterically. ‘What did he say? Tell me what he said,’ he insisted, slapping his hands on his knees.

  ‘“Don’t you ever touch me in that way again, Joycie. If you do, I’m going to sleep downstairs on the sofa,”’ Eddie said, imitating Joyce’s voice.

  Gina had tears streaming down her face. Joey and Dominic were wonderful company: so much so that she had felt terribl
y guilty earlier, remembering how she had taken money from Eddie years ago to follow them and report back to him. As for Eddie, he was on top form today. If his work ever dried up, he could certainly earn a good living as a stand-up comic.

  Joey nudged Dominic. ‘Tell Dad and Gina about Nan embarrassing us. You know, about us being gay.’

  Dominic shook his head. He liked both Joey’s father and Gina very much, but seeing as Eddie had once put a knife to his penis and threatened to chop it off, he didn’t think talking about their sexuality was a particularly good move.

  Eddie sensed the lad’s reluctance to tell the story. ‘Tell us, Dominic, it’s fine. I’m cool about things now.’

  As Ed smiled warmly at him, Dominic laughed. ‘OK, then. Well, we was round Joey’s nan’s. She had invited us to a dinner party. Anyway, there was all these people there; I didn’t even know half of them. All of a sudden, someone gets up to do a speech and then another speech follows and then Joey’s nan stands up. I can’t remember her exact words, but she said something to the tune of, “My grandson is a gay man and this is his boyfriend, Dominic.” She then made us both stand up and admit to everybody at the table that we were a couple. Joey and I were so embarrassed when she broke into song and starting singing “Congratulations”.’

  Knowing Joyce as well as he did, Eddie laughed. He nudged Gina. ‘She’s a one-off, our Joycie. You’re gonna have to meet her one day. She’s a fucking scream, honest.’

  Joey wiped his eyes with his cuff. ‘And what about the “gay and proud” T-shirt with the pink lettering? Nan bought it for me for Christmas and when I said I wouldn’t wear it, she handed it to grandad and told him he could wear it when he cleans out the pigeon shed.’

  Eddie stood up holding his privates. ‘I’ve gotta go a toilet, else I’m gonna piss meself laughing. Gina, bring in a couple of bottles of that vintage champagne,’ he chuckled.

  As Gina and his father left the room, Joey leaned across and kissed Dom on the lips. ‘I’m having such a good day. I really like Gina. What do you think?’