A Gangster's Grip: The Riverhill Trilogy: Book 2

by Heather Burnside

  “One thing’s for sure, he’ll miss her when you go back to Greece.”

  “Him and me too; she’s such a little darling and she’s inherited her mam’s good looks. I wonder if she’ll grow up to be a leggy blonde too.”

  “Give over, you’re not so bad yourself, Rita.”

  “Well, I’m not exactly model material but I managed to cop for Yansis, so that’s good enough for me.” She then lowered her voice so she couldn’t be overheard from the living room, before continuing. “Mind you, he’s driving me mad at the moment. He’s bloody sex mad. I mean, he always had a good appetite, if you know what I mean, but lately he’s insatiable.”

  “I’ve never heard you complain before,” Julie laughed.

  “Yeah but even I have my limits, Julie. Bloody hell, enough’s enough!”

  Maybe he’ll calm down when you’ve got things sorted out. You’ll know where you’re up to then. I don’t suppose you’ve heard anything further from the hospital, have you?”

  “No, it’s early days yet, but I’ll let you know as soon as we do. Anyway, it’s not just that; I’m that mithered with everything else that sometimes I just want to be left alone.”

  “I can understand that. All this business with Jenny and your dad is really stressing you out, isn’t it? You could do with a break from it all. A few days away would do you the world of good.”

  “Yeah, I wish I could just nip back over to Greece but it’s not that easy, is it?”

  “No, but you could go somewhere local, maybe Blackpool or the Lakes. You probably wouldn’t have got fixed up this weekend, with it being Easter, but next weekend shouldn’t be too bad at this time of year. Why don’t you have a ring around, see if there are any guest houses that can put you up for a few days?”

  “Do you know, Julie, that’s not a bad idea? I quite fancy Blackpool. Yansis has never been, so it should be fun, and there’s always something to do there, even if it’s raining. I’ll have a word with him while we’re having dinner.”

  Rita continued to stir the gravy while Julie spooned vegetables onto the plates.

  “Ooh, I forgot to tell you,” said Rita. “Jenny told me that Leroy gets his dodgy gear from Cheetham Hill, so I’m guessing he might get drugs there too. She said he goes there quite a bit, as well as Moss Side.”

  “I didn’t think Cheetham Hill was known for drugs but Moss Side is. It’s known for cheap goods though, and I bet a lot of them are knock-off or counterfeit.”

  “Yeah, that’s what I thought; still, it’s another piece of the jigsaw, isn’t it?”

  “I suppose so, but don’t you be bloody dragging Yansis off to Cheetham Hill. You know what happened when you went to Moss Side. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not having a go about the car. I was more concerned about you and Yansis. You could have got in a lot of bother with those teenagers.”

  “I know. Don’t worry, I won’t. I’m just biding my time, Julie, and treading carefully where Jenny’s concerned. She’ll come to her senses in good time. Leroy’s bound to slip up, then she’ll see him for what he is. And when she does, I’ll be there for her.”

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  Easter Sunday 31st March 1991 - afternoon

  Ged and Joan were having a great time. The Brown Cow had taken a bulk delivery of meat at a bargain price a couple of weeks before, no questions asked, and the landlord had latched onto the idea of providing a roast dinner on Easter Sunday. Although the pub had cooking facilities and frozen food storage, the current licensees didn’t normally provide cooked meals, just the occasional buffet for special occasions. However, this opportunity was too good to miss.

  Within a few days, there were posters in the windows advertising Easter Sunday roast dinner at £3.99 a head. As the meat had been such a bargain price, and the vegetables were also cheap, the landlord knew that he would still have a healthy profit margin. The only snag had been having to get up at a ridiculous hour to buy his vegetables from Smithfield Market.

  The place was heaving. Word had spread about the bargain Sunday dinner, and it seemed as though half the estate had flocked to the pub. Many had also brought their children. With an eye for a bargain, lots of the mothers were sharing a meal amongst two or three of their smaller offspring.

  Anticipating a good day of trade, Ged had arrived early, taking Joan with him. Between the two of them, they had managed a few carrier bags stuffed with video tapes and CDs. He had brought an assorted collection to the pub. It wasn’t all of his stock, but it was as much as they could carry. He was thankful that they had included a number of children’s videos in the selection, because the combination of pester power, drunken parents and Easter goodwill was doing wonders for his takings.

  “Easter specials. Come and get your videos, £3.99 each or three for a tenner,” Ged announced, as he worked his way through the crowds. Each time he saw a family with young children, he stopped to hold out the cases, watching the children’s eager little faces light up as they studied the bright animations on the covers. He selected the princess ones for the girls, and others to suit the boys. His eyes would then flit to the parents, gauging their reactions as the children tugged at their sleeves and begged for these colourful Easter treats.

  Because he was acquainted with many of the clientele in the Brown Cow, he knew who was good for a few pounds and who was a waste of time. He also knew those who preferred to keep their money for their own pleasures. Some of them wouldn’t normally bother wasting good drinking money on their kids, but under public scrutiny, with the kids begging and pleading, they might just part with a tenner to save face.

  As a result of arriving early, Joan had a seat at a good table with two of her friends. By taking turns going to the bar and the ladies, they had held onto their seats, despite the number of people that were standing up in the pub. Because of Ged’s recent change in fortunes, Joan now drank brandy and coke instead of the lager and lime she used to drink, and she had even stood a few rounds for one of her friends, Big Bertha, who wasn’t so well off. She was enjoying a chat and a laugh with her friends when Ged rushed over.

  “Joan, I’m running out. You’ll have to bring some more. Get some of the kids’ ones; they’re selling like hot cakes.”

  “Why me? I’m having a good time with my mates.”

  “Because I’ve still got some left to sell. I need you to bring me some more before I run out. I don’t want to miss any selling time, do I? This is one of the best days I’ve had for ages.”

  He stooped down and took a long swig of her brandy and coke. Then he waited for her response, knowing she wouldn’t say no. She wouldn’t dare; he held the purse strings and she knew it.

  “Come on love, I’ll make it worth your while. Eh …” he winked, “It’ll be BCR for you tonight.”

  “Ooh,” teased her friends, who then added a number of lewd comments, speculating on what the letters represented.

  Joan stood up, staggering as she reached for her handbag. “Piss off,” she giggled to her friends. “It’s not what you think … beef, curry and rice, that’s what it stands for. The chippy will be shut anyway. It’s Easter Sunday.” She then tottered unsteadily towards the exit.

  The landlord, who had been collecting glasses, walked over to them to find out what all the commotion was about. Spotting a carrier bag full of Ged’s dodgy goods, he picked out a video tape and asked, “What’s going on here then?”

  “No harm mate, just trying to make a couple of quid,” said Ged.

  “You and me had better have a word,” the landlord replied, leading Ged towards the vault.

  Ged’s heart sank. He couldn’t understand this change of attitude. People had been selling stuff in this pub for years, and the landlord had always turned a blind eye. Ged wondered what could have happened; maybe the police were getting keener.

  They entered the vault, which was quieter than the main room, and strode over to an empty corner where they wouldn’t be overheard.

  “Try to be a bit more discreet, will y
ou?” whispered the landlord. “I’ve heard the coppers have been round a few pubs in the area, and the last thing I need is to lose my bleedin’ licence.” He then relaxed his manner as he asked, “How many you sold anyway?”

  Ged couldn’t resist bragging, “Loads, trade’s been going really well. It was a great idea to put on some grub.”

  “Right, well as you’ve done so well out of it, I’ll take a cut. Call it £30, and if the coppers do happen to come knocking, I know nowt about it, OK?”

  Ged now understood the reason for the landlord’s attitude. It was just a show so that customers would think he had reprimanded him. That would make it easier for the landlord to deny any involvement if the police investigated. Ged was a bit put out, but there was nothing he could do. Besides, considering how much he was expecting to make today, £30 wasn’t too bad. As long as he could keep selling as fast, he should still do alright.

  He was pleased to see Joan return, until he saw how few video tapes she had brought, and she hadn’t brought any CDs. Ged was annoyed with her. The trouble was, she was too bloody drunk to think straight, and he was selling the goods so fast that he ordered her to go back again. Although Ged normally dominated Joan, the drink was making her difficult and he could tell she wasn’t happy.

  Ged was concerned, not on Joan’s account, but because she couldn’t bring fresh stock back quickly enough to replace the video tapes and CDs he had sold. Priding himself on his quick thinking, he offered her hard-up friend, Big Bertha, £10 to go back to the house with Joan while the other friend kept their seats for them.

  Living up to her nickname, Big Bertha was five foot nine and well-built, and Ged figured that she should be able to carry a few bagfuls. She could also handle her drink better than Joan, so she would hopefully take control and make sure Joan got back with a decent amount of stock. He’d pay her once she returned to the pub, to give her a good incentive to return quickly.

  His quick thinking paid off. After another trip, Ged had plenty of goods to sell, and Joan and her friends went back to having a good time. The adults in the pub got roaring drunk and had a sing-song; the kids got a good feed, and Ged and the landlord turned a healthy profit. Everybody was happy. In fact, as Ged commented to Joan on the way home later, it was the best Easter Sunday they had spent in the Brown Cow for years.

  Chapter 11

  Friday 5th April 1991 - evening

  It was early Friday evening, and Julie and Vinny were standing in their doorway, waving off Rita and Yansis who were setting off for Blackpool. Vinny held Emily in his arms as she joined in the waving. After ringing round a few guest houses, Rita had found one that had a double room available for three nights, so they had booked in till Monday morning.

  Once the car had fled up the street, and Rita and Yansis were no longer there, Emily’s smile was replaced by a look of confusion, which was soon followed by tears. As Julie tried to comfort her, she couldn’t help thinking what it would feel like when Rita and Yansis eventually returned to Greece. She had grown used to having them around during the last few weeks, and was enjoying their company, despite the problems that had accompanied Rita.

  “God, it’s going to be quiet this weekend without them two.”

  “You can say that again,” said Vinny.

  Rita hadn’t always been Vinny’s favourite person. At one time he had found her flirtatiousness and brash manner too much to handle. On occasion, he and Julie had had disagreements about her. However, she had mellowed over the years, and Julie was thankful that he could now appreciate what a loyal and true friend she had been. She felt sure that Yansis was part of the reason for the change in Rita.

  As far as Julie was concerned, she was the same great girl she had always been, but her attitude towards men had changed. It was no wonder she had previously had such low regard for men, considering the role model she had for a father. Yansis was completely different to Ged though. He was respectful to Rita, and he and Vinny got along fine. As Julie became lost in thought about Rita’s recent troubles, she shared some of her thoughts with Vinny.

  “I hope this break takes her mind off things. She’s had a lot to contend with since she came back.”

  “I know, but she shouldn’t take it all on herself. Her sister’s made her choice, so she should leave her to it.”

  “It’s not that easy though is it, Vinny? I mean, imagine if it was our Clare.”

  “That’s different. Your Clare’s only thirteen; anyway, she wouldn’t be that stupid. Rita’s sister’s a grown woman. How old is she, in her twenties?”

  “Twenty two, but you don’t understand. Rita’s always looked out for her. Jenny isn’t a bad person; she’s just one of those people that rushes into things without thinking, then realises her mistakes when it’s too late.”

  “Well she’s had plenty of warning from Rita. I think she should just leave her to it now. After all, it’s not doing Rita any good, is it? Or Yansis, for that matter.”

  Julie knew she was wasting her time arguing any further with Vinny. He had a point, but she could also appreciate Rita’s point of view. Besides, she knew how strong willed Rita was, and if she had decided that she wanted to save Jenny from Leroy, then nothing would persuade her otherwise. Julie couldn’t help but worry about Rita, knowing that none of this was doing her any good, and it was also potentially damaging for her relationship with Yansis.

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  Sunday 7th April 1991

  Rita let out a scream as the train raced down the track leaving her giddy with nerves. When she reached the bottom of the dip, the carriage that Yansis was sitting in drew level with hers on the parallel tracks. She turned to smile at him, missing the sharp bend until the carriage swerved chaotically to the right, dragging her with it, and she lost sight of Yansis. Before she could recover, the carriage shot down the track again, then spun to the right. This time it was a prolonged turn, forcing her to one side of the carriage. She balked at the discomfort. To her relief, the track straightened out and she had Yansis in her sights again. She cheered as the two trains raced to the finish through a series of softer dips, and her train crossed the line seconds before his.

  “Where to now?” asked Yansis, as Rita hobbled along the walkway next to the Grand National ride.

  “Give me a chance,” laughed Rita, rubbing an imaginary bruise on her arm. “I’ve got to get over that one first.”

  After a few minutes’ thought, she said, “I know, let’s go on the log flume.”

  They clambered into the log shaped boats, which meandered through the amusement park along a slow running river. Rita snuggled against Yansis, relaxed and contemplative, feeding him chunks of candy floss. It was the perfect end to their time at the amusement park.

  They had been in Blackpool for two days. Yansis had never experienced anything like it, and Rita had enjoyed showing him the sights, such as the famous Blackpool Tower, Sandcastle Water Park and Blackpool Pleasure Beach amusement park. Rita had always been a white knuckle rider, and although Yansis had been reluctant at first, he was soon enjoying it. They went on all the major rollercoasters including the Big Dipper, Wild Mouse, Revolution and the Grand National until they were dizzy. When they needed a break from the rollercoasters, they had fun with the Ghost Train and the Dodgems.

  After spending a great day at the amusement park, they found a Chinese restaurant tucked into the back streets, away from the main promenade.

  “So, did your crazy rides take your mind off your troubles?” asked Yansis, once they were seated at a table.

  “Definitely, I’m too busy thinking about my bruises to think about anything else after that Grand National,” said Rita, “but at least my train beat yours,” she added, grinning as she plunged her fork into a curried prawn.

  Rita loved seeing Yansis’s reaction to all the new experiences and sights. He was as thrilled as a young child when he spotted Blackpool Tower, and was intrigued by the old style trams that ran up and down the promenade. He insisted on having a
ride on one just for the experience. The colourful piers had amazed him with their kiddie rides and fruit machines, and the tacky gift shops had enthralled him so much that she had bought him a ‘Kiss Me Quick’ hat for a laugh.

  It was funny how something that seemed so tacky to people who had grown up with it, held a fascination for someone seeing it for the first time. The ability to see it all afresh though Yansis’s eyes made it all the more special for her.

  In the two days since they had arrived in Blackpool, she hadn’t thought too much about her family troubles, and she wished that Yansis hadn’t mentioned it because she didn’t want it to mar their evening. She forced all thoughts of her problems to the back of her mind while she indulged in the delicious Chinese banquet. They had discovered a few good bars the previous evening, one of which had live bands playing most nights, so they were planning to visit there after the meal.

  By the end of the night she was replete and content, but when she lay in bed listening to Yansis gently snoring by her side, the euphoria of the weekend started wearing off. She was due back in Manchester the following day, and she was thinking about what would await her on her return.

  As had happened on many nights since she had arrived in Manchester, the thoughts swirled around in her head, causing her muscles to tense and making sleep futile. When her overworked muscles and overwrought imagination eventually gave in to exhaustion, it was four thirty in the morning.

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  Sunday 7th April 1991 – late evening

  Ged was peeping through the lace curtains again. He couldn’t help it. He’d been expecting Leroy for the last couple of hours, and he was late. It was now ten o’clock and he said he’d be there by eight. He’d had such a good day last Easter Sunday, and sales hadn’t been too bad on the following bank holiday. The only problem was that it meant he was out of stock by Friday, and Leroy had promised to replenish him this evening.

  “Why don’t you sit down love and watch the tele?” Joan suggested.