‘Dead right!’ said Ruby. She then sniffed, her demeanour displaying an air of nonchalance. ‘Was that client your last for tonight?’
‘Yeah, that’s me all done,’ said Tiffany, flashing a wad of notes at Ruby.
‘At least you got paid for tonight.’
‘Aw, you mean the bastard didn’t pay you either?’
‘No but, to be honest, I just wanted to get out of there as soon as possible. I can’t be doing with clients who think they can start roughing you up. You would never have thought it to look at him either. He seemed a real gentleman.’
‘It just shows, you never know what you’re dealing with in this business,’ said Tiffany, sitting next to Ruby on the sofa and giving her arm a sympathetic stroke. ‘Why don’t I pour us both a nice glass of wine and we can relax for the evening?’
‘Sounds great to me,’ said Ruby.
While Tiffany went through to the kitchen to pour the wine, Ruby thought again about the idea that had occurred to her on the way home, but it wasn’t until they were both feeling more chilled that she broached the subject.
‘I’ve been thinking,’ she began. Rewarded with Tiffany’s curious glance, she continued. ‘Well, strangely enough, that last client has given me an idea.’
‘Really?’
‘Yeah. I pulled my knife on the bastard and I couldn’t believe his reaction. He seemed to think it was some sort of game. So it set me thinking.’
Ruby paused, giving Tiffany chance to take in her words before she hit her full on with her idea. By this time Tiffany was staring at her with a confused expression on her face, and when Ruby knew she had her full attention, she came out with it.
‘I’m thinking of becoming a dominatrix.’
‘You’re joking!’
‘No, seriously.’
‘But why, for fuck’s sake? I thought you’d just been really freaked out by that guy.’
‘Yeah, because he hit me. But what if it was the other way round? I’d be the one doing the hitting.’
‘OK,’ Tiffany said, drawing out the word while she tried to come to terms with what Ruby was saying.
‘Think about it. It makes sense. I could earn a fortune as a dominatrix and I actually think it’s something I’d enjoy.’
Tiffany laughed. ‘Well, to be honest, you’d probably be good at it.’
Ruby returned her laughter. ‘Cheeky cow!’
When they’d finished laughing Tiffany said, ‘No, seriously, it does make sense. I mean, you’ve never fuckin’ liked men. This might give you chance to take all your hatred out on them. And you won’t necessarily have to have sex with them either.’
They both laughed again and when their laughter finally subsided, Ruby said, ‘I’ve been thinking about it all the way home. I honestly think it would suit me. And have you any idea what a fuckin’ fortune those girls earn?’
Tiffany was warming to the idea. ‘Go for it then, as long as you’re the one dishing it out.’
‘I’d have to kit the place out,’ said Ruby.
‘Where?’
‘Well, we’ve got two bedrooms and we only ever use one for ourselves. Why don’t we turn the spare room into Ruby’s Dungeon?’ She emphasised the last two words and then giggled. ‘You can also use it for your clients, which means we can’t be booked at the same time but that won’t matter as I’ll be taking a hell of a lot more money as a dominatrix.’
‘I don’t wanna be a dominatrix,’ said Tiffany.
‘No, that’s OK. We’ll put the gear behind a screen so your clients won’t have to see it. The room’s big enough for that although we won’t be able to buy any big equipment. But we’ll keep our bedroom strictly for ourselves.’
Tiffany smiled. ‘Sounds like a good idea.’
‘Great! So, when are we going shopping for the gear?’
11
November 2006
Ruby and Tiffany were standing inside the doors of one of central Manchester’s sex shops. Having done some research beforehand, Ruby had a good idea what she was looking for, and a dominatrix friend had been only too eager to talk her through things.
Tiffany giggled as they stood inside the shop entrance. ‘What do we do now?’ she asked.
‘We have a good look round, that’s what,’ said Ruby, striding across the shop floor till she came to the first display stand, which was full of vibrators in various colours and sizes.
‘We won’t need them,’ she said.
‘What about a strap-on?’ asked Tiffany.
‘Yes, good idea.’ Ruby looked around till her eyes settled on another display stand. ‘Over there.’
They walked over and Ruby began picking up the goods and examining them while Tiffany giggled.
‘This one will do,’ said Ruby, passing a strap-on to Tiffany who giggled again as she held it up high. Ruby looked at her scornfully. ‘You keep hold of the goods while I have a rummage around.
She continued walking through the store with Tiffany trailing behind, passing a set of shelves full of DVDs and another display stand containing sexy lingerie.
‘I’ve got plenty of that,’ she casually remarked. ‘It’s the rubber gear I’m after.’
Tiffany nodded her head towards a rail of black clothing. ‘Over there.’
Ruby headed in the direction Tiffany had indicated, her girlfriend still following behind. Then she picked up a rubber catsuit and examined it. ‘This looks great. I wonder if they’ve got one in my size.’
They searched the rail till they found Ruby’s size. ‘Come on,’ said Ruby. ‘I want to try it on.’
It fit perfectly and Ruby smiled at Tiffany as she showed her the outfit. ‘Good start,’ she said.
Tiffany pretended to whistle and, as Ruby turned towards the cubicle, she patted her on the backside. When they emerged from the changing rooms Tiffany was carrying the catsuit Ruby had handed to her. Ruby spotted the section with the S&M equipment and made her way towards it. Then she began picking up objects and examining them.
‘Excellent. They’ve got a brilliant selection.’
Tiffany watched in amusement as Ruby handled a leather paddle then a wooden one and slapped them against her hand to test them. Then she did the same with a number of leather whips. She noticed that Tiffany was also examining some of the equipment, holding them high and gazing at them with a puzzled expression, confused about their purpose.
Tiffany was on the verge of laughter again as Ruby said, ‘Um, I think I’ll go for one of each.’
Then Tiffany reached up to a shelf and pulled out a latex gimp mask, before pulling it over her head. She giggled. ‘What do you think, Rubes?’
‘Stop fuckin’ about! This is serious,’ snapped Ruby.
Tiffany looked at her with her most endearing expression, but Ruby was having none of it. ‘What’s wrong, Ruby?’ she asked. ‘Why are you so serious?’
‘This isn’t a game, Tiffany. It’s business. So we have to take it seriously, same as we would for any other fuckin’ business.’
‘Oh, OK,’ said Tiffany, looking put out.
But Ruby was riled and for the next half hour she was glad to see that Tiffany was keeping a straight face while she followed her round the shop. Grabbing a shopping trolley, Tiffany then helped her to select the items she would need for her new venture, and they filled the trolley up.
‘What about this?’ Tiffany asked, walking over to a cage.
‘We’ve no room for it,’ said Ruby. ‘We’ll have to settle for smaller items that we can put away when they’re not in use so your clients don’t see them. I think we’ll have enough to be going on with though.’
She looked down at the items in the trolley as Tiffany followed her gaze: whips, chains, a harness, wooden and leather paddles, handcuffs, gimp masks, blindfolds and nipple clamps, amongst other things.
‘Yes, I think you’ll definitely have enough,’ said Tiffany, and Ruby finally rewarded her with a smile as they made their way to the pay desk.
*
Even though Ruby still saw Crystal often, she hadn’t had chance for a good chat with her in the last couple of weeks. She’d been too busy getting things ready for her new dominatrix role. ‘So, how are you feeling?’ she asked.
‘Better. Not as weepy, y’know.’
‘Good,’ said Ruby. ‘I knew you’d get there. And how’s business? Anyone giving you any hassle?’
‘No, it’s fine. That pimp called Trevor tried to muscle in but I told him where to go.’
‘Good for you. If he gives you any aggro, you let me know. I’ll soon fuckin’ sort him out.’
‘Nah, it’s OK. I ain’t scared of that little worm,’ said Crystal.
Ruby wondered whether Crystal meant what she said or whether she was just displaying bravado for her benefit. Her friend often confused her; sometimes Crystal could seem so meek and yet, at others, she showed a lot of bottle. Maybe, like a lot of the girls, she had an inner strength that she sometimes relied on to get her through. Or maybe it was the drugs that had changed her.
‘Glad to hear it,’ said Ruby. ‘Don’t let that little shit or any of the others push you around. Remember what I said, you gotta learn to stand up for yourself, girl.’
‘Sure,’ said Crystal. Then she seemed pensive before saying, ‘There’s something you should know actually, Ruby. I’ve been meaning to tell you for some time but I didn’t want to worry you.’
‘Go on.’
‘Well, you know I still visit Gilly, don’t you?’
Ruby sighed dramatically. ‘Yeah.’
‘Well, he still talks about getting his revenge for grassing him up.’
Ruby felt a rush of fear, but she quickly disguised it from Crystal and from Tiffany, who was looking concerned. ‘He hasn’t got much chance of that from the nick, has he?’ She laughed falsely.
‘No,’ said Crystal. ‘But he says he’s gonna do it as soon as he’s released.’
‘Shit!’ said Tiffany.’
Ruby looked at her partner. ‘Don’t let it bother you. He’ll have got over it by then.’
But, despite her brave words, she was worried that Gilly would never get over it. Still, it would be years before he’d be released so she’d put it out of her mind for now and deal with it when the time was right.
Crystal smiled weakly, and Ruby changed the subject. ‘Anyway, there’s a reason I’ve asked you here today. There’s something I want to show you, and you’re gonna love it!’ She and Tiffany exchanged smiles, both aware of the surprise that was awaiting Crystal.
They walked her through to the spare bedroom and Crystal stood next to the door, staring around the room inquisitively. Then Tiffany crossed the room and pulled back the screen. A look of amusement flashed across Ruby’s face as she watched Crystal’s reaction.
‘Are they what I think they are?’ asked Crystal, looking at the instruments on the far side of the room, which Ruby and Tiffany had carefully laid out.
Ruby nodded. ‘Oh my word!’ said Crystal. She walked a little closer so she could examine the items. ‘Jesus, Ruby. What the fuck?’
Ruby grinned. ‘It’s Mistress Ruby now.’
‘Haha. So have you become a dominatrix?’
‘Not yet but you can see I’m all set up for it. I’ve had the walls soundproofed as well, which cost a bloody fortune.’ Then she smiled mischievously. ‘I don’t want the neighbours hearing the clients squeal.’
Crystal visibly cringed, then asked Tiffany, ‘Are you gonna do it as well?’
‘No fuckin’ chance!’ said Tiffany, stepping away from the instruments as though they were contaminated.
‘Aren’t you nervous?’ Crystal asked Ruby as she picked up a leather whip and ran her fingers along it.
Although Ruby had been apprehensive about her new venture, she played it down. ‘No more than when I first started on the game. So, if I could do that then, I’m fuckin’ sure I can do this. Besides, it only works one way. There’s no way I’m letting any of the bastards lay a finger on me! And if I make sure I’m always the one in control then how can it go wrong?’
‘Haha, good for you,’ said Crystal. ‘I think you’ll do well at it.’
Ruby picked up another of the leather whips. ‘I think so too. All I need now is my first client and I’ll be all set to go.’ Then she lifted the whip and brought it down so hard it made a cracking sound as it whizzed through the air. She smiled at the other two girls before saying, ‘Bring. It. On.’
12
December 1991
Trina was disappointed that her mother wasn’t going to talk to the Gallaghers’ parents about picking on her brothers, but she couldn’t blame her in a way. The whole family had a terrible name around the area. Mr Gallagher was known for getting drunk and picking fights in the local pubs and Mrs Gallagher was always falling out with her neighbours because of her troublesome sons who made their lives a misery, tearing around the streets on their bikes and making a racket until late at night.
Trina would have kept to her own resolution not to get involved with the Gallaghers if she hadn’t bumped into Shaun with one of his friends a few days later. She caught sight of them in the distance and decided to walk past and ignore them. But as she drew nearer, the boys began to taunt, making fun of the fact that Jarell had run home in tears. Trina’s feeling of injustice resurfaced and anger began to bubble within her.
She tried to keep her temper at bay until she had passed them, and she was doing well until the racist taunts started. Trina could take no more. She turned around and went for Shaun. She was so quick that he didn’t even have chance to back away before she grabbed hold of him and planted a punch on his nose.
Shaun screamed and pulled away from her, then raised his hand to his nose. ‘You bitch!’ he yelled. ‘You’ve bust my nose. Wait till I tell our Kyle about this. You’ll be for it!’
He backed away, clutching his nose and yelling dramatically. Trina was shocked by Shaun’s extreme reaction, given what had actually happened. It was only a small punch that didn’t even leave a mark and Trina shrugged it off. He was a coward and a typical bully. It was OK for him to pick on others but he didn’t like it when someone did it to him.
When Trina returned home, she couldn’t resist telling her brothers but unfortunately her mother overheard Ellis repeating what she had said.
‘You foolish child!’ she scolded. ‘Do you realise what you’ve done?’
Trina looked at her mother, bemused. ‘But it was only a soft punch,’ she said. ‘I didn’t even hurt him.’
‘It doesn’t matter how hard you hit him; he obviously didn’t think it was soft if he went home yelling. Why didn’t you leave things alone like I told you to? Do you think a family like that will let this go? You’ve just made a whole heap of trouble for yourself, my girl.’
Trina didn’t say anything. She just stared at her mother in shock as she felt a tremor of fear pulse through her.
*
After her mother’s warning that the Gallaghers would seek revenge for thumping Shaun, Trina avoided the family for a few days, especially Kyle Gallagher who was two years older than her, and vicious. If she saw them in the distance she turned and walked the other way until she was well out of view. Trina told her brothers to avoid the family too.
It was while she was taking a short cut through a back alleyway that she saw Kyle and two of his friends. They were surrounding someone and Trina could tell they were being mean to whoever it was. Then the other person came into view and Trina realised it was Jessica. The breath caught in her throat and for a moment she stood motionless, taking in the scene.
‘You’re that fuckin’ Trina’s friend, aren’t you?’ said Kyle.
‘No, I’m not,’ said Jessica, and Trina could hear the fear in her voice.
‘I don’t. I don’t even like her. She just keeps pestering, trying to make friends with us because she hasn’t got any other friends. None of us like her.’
‘You’re a liar,’ said Kyle, grabbing hold of Jessica’s arm and leaning forward menacingly till his face was close to hers.
Kyle and his friends had their backs to Trina so they didn’t spot her. But Jessica did. Trina felt her eyes upon her and prepared to run before the boys realised who Jessica was looking at. She quickly took to her heels and as she turned and ran, she heard Jessica scream in pain.
Trina rounded the corner so she was out of sight. Then she heard Jessica shout her name. ‘Trina, help me!’ but Trina kept running, getting as far away as she could from the boys.
When she had made some distance, she became aware of them pursuing her. She heard heavy footfall then Kyle shouting, ‘Come here, you bitch! I want you.’
Trina didn’t even turn round to check how close they were. She didn’t stop till she got home and fled through the door.
‘What on earth’s the matter with you?’ asked her mother.
Trina plonked herself down on the tattered old sofa, panting heavily, and her mother waited while Trina’s breathing steadied.
‘Kyle and his friends were after me,’ she gasped. ‘They hit Jessica because they thought she was my friend.’
‘What did I tell you, child?’ scolded her mother. ‘This won’t end here, you mark my words.’
Trina’s heartbeat had already accelerated after her run but now she felt a rush of blood pulse through her body as fear consumed her. ‘Can’t you have a word with his mam?’ she asked, desperately.
‘Oh no, my girl. I told you before, you can’t reason with those sorts of people.’
‘What can we do then, Mam?’ asked Trina, a note of hysteria in her voice.
Her mother seemed to pause for ages before she replied. Then she sighed heavily before speaking. ‘There’s not a lot we can do, Trina. Just keep away from them and let’s hope it blows over.’
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