The Feud

by Kimberley Chambers

  As he saw the horse and cart pull onto the drive, Jimmy’s eyes widened. He had been aware of a horse trotting about earlier, but thought he had dreamed it. Seeing Jed jump off the cart, he threw down the bucket he was holding and moved nearer to see who the pretty little filly was. He had seen the girl before, she definitely looked familiar, but she didn’t look like a travelling girl. His Jed was a dark horse. Jimmy had guessed by Jed’s recent behaviour that he had met a bird he liked, but Jed had said very little about her.

  Jimmy sneaked around the back of his house so he could get a closer peek. Seeing Frankie not twenty yards from him, realisation crept in and Jimmy smiled with such gusto, it nearly pushed his teeth out. ‘It’s fucking Eddie Mitchell’s girl,’ Jimmy whispered as he ducked down, desperate not to be seen.

  As Jed shut the door of his trailer, Jimmy stood up. Unable to stop himself, he laughed out loud. Eddie Mitchell was one flash bastard, and wiping the smile off his smarmy face would make Jimmy the happiest man in the universe.

  THIRTY-FIVE

  Eddie was in a foul mood the following day. ‘Where’s the twins?’ he asked Jess.

  Jessica shrugged. ‘They’re not back yet. I think they stayed round their friend’s house.’

  Ed glared at her. ‘Whaddya mean, you think? It’s your duty to know where they are. I’ve told you time and time again to keep tabs on ’em. You’re far too fucking lenient, Jess.’

  ‘I do keep tabs on them, but just lately they’ve been a bit secretive. I’ve a feeling our Frankie’s got a boyfriend and Joey’s covering up for her,’ Jessica said honestly.

  ‘Your parenting skills leave a lot to be desired. Best you find out what Frankie’s up to, ’cause if she comes home pregnant, I’ll crucify her and fucking blame you,’ Ed shouted as he slammed the kitchen door.

  The twins finally arrived home at Saturday teatime. Desperate to know the truth about Joey, Eddie tried to call Gina, but her mobile was switched off. ‘Bollocks,’ Ed shouted, chucking his phone against the wall. The not knowing was torture. At least once he had some proof, he could do something about it.

  On the Sunday morning, Jessica had a list of jobs for Ed to do and it wasn’t until lunchtime, when her parents arrived, that Eddie had a chance to escape. ‘Right, I’ve vacced your car and tidied up the garden. You’re OK with your parents for a bit, ain’t ya? I’m gonna take the dogs out for a run.’

  Jessica gave him a dubious look. He never usually took Buster and Bruno for a run. The last time he had, there had been a murder and the police had come knocking on the door. ‘You’re not going far, are you? How long will you be?’ Jessica asked him suspiciously.

  ‘I dunno. For fuck’s sake, Jess, I’ve worked me bollocks off all morning. Give us a break, will ya?’

  Jessica felt uneasy as he left the house. She could always tell when Eddie had something on his mind and she was sure he was up to no good. He’d been in a funny mood for days now and certainly wasn’t his chirpy self.

  Bored with sitting with Stanley, Joyce walked into the kitchen. ‘Let me help you, dear. Shall I peel some potatoes or veg for you?’

  ‘You go and sit in the lounge with Dad. Everything’s under control, Mum.’

  ‘I can’t sit in there with your father. Been doing my head in all weekend, he has. Just got himself a new cock, ain’t he? It’s all he talks about. Called it Willie, he has, as a tribute to Willie Carson. I mean, how can you call a cock Willie? Ain’t normal, is it, Jess?’

  Jessica burst out laughing. Her mother was hilarious and she didn’t even realise it.

  ‘There you are! Is Joey still in bed?’ Jessica asked, as Frankie suddenly appeared.

  Kissing her nan, Frankie flopped onto a chair. She didn’t want to be stuck in all day – she wanted to be out with Jed, but wasn’t sure how to broach the subject. ‘Joey’s getting up now, Mum. I know we’re having dinner and all that, but do you mind if I go out afterwards?’

  Jessica felt her hackles rise. Frankie was always out lately and Jessica barely saw her. Sometimes she stayed out all night and Jessica had a feeling that she had met a boy and was up to Christ knows what. ‘Will it hurt you to stay in for one day? Gary and Ricky are coming over, so are Raymond and Polly. This is meant to be a celebration for you and Joey leaving school.’

  ‘Yeah, I know and I do appreciate it, but it’s one of my friend’s birthdays today and we’re all meant to be going bowling. Please say I can go, Mum. I haven’t got to go till after dinner.’

  ‘Do as you like, Frankie, I don’t care any more,’ Jessica said bluntly. Her daughter was a selfish little cow and she was beginning to lose patience with her behaviour.

  As Joey walked in, Frankie slunk into the lounge to see her grandfather.

  ‘Mum, Joey, go and sit in the front room. I’ll be in meself in a minute,’ Jessica said. Her kitchen was enormous, but somehow people still managed to get under her feet.

  Stanley told the twins all about his new cock. ‘My Willie’s a beauty. Faster than the speed of light, he is. My mates down at the pigeon club are so jealous. Two of ’em have already tried to buy him off me. They say he’s the best cock they’ve ever seen.’

  Frankie giggled. ‘I’m sure Joey would like to see him, Grandad. He likes pigeons, especially cocks. Don’t you, Joey?’

  ‘Really? Why don’t I pick you up in the week, Joey? You can come round and see him,’ Stanley enthused.

  ‘That would be lovely, Grandad,’ Joey lied, glaring at his sister.

  Deciding to get his own back, Joey turned to his nan. ‘Do you think our Frankie looks like a gypsy, Nan? We was in a pub the other day and this travelling girl came up to us. She said she was positive that our Frankie had a bit of gypsy in her.’

  Joyce was furious. ‘Of course she don’t. Christ, she don’t wanna look like one of them tinkers. Never trusted the bastards, I ain’t. Years ago, when your mum was little, I had one knock on me front door. She was selling lucky heather and when I refused to buy any, she told me that bad luck was coming my way. The next morning, I got up, tripped down the stairs and broke me bloody arm. Even to this day, I swear she put a curse on me. Evil bastards they are. If you have the misfortune of meeting one again, don’t have nothing to do with ’em, will you?’

  Joey smirked at his sister. ‘Of course not Nan. We wouldn’t dream of having any dealings with gypsies, would we Frankie?’

  Eddie Mitchell tied the dogs to the wooden table and went inside the Optimist to get a drink. His mouth was as dry as a nun’s crotch and he didn’t know whether it was due to the hot weather or the impending phone call he had to make.

  Eddie thanked the barmaid and went back outside. Buster and Bruno were lying on their backs having their stomachs tickled by some old boy in a trilby hat.

  ‘Good guard dogs you’re gonna be,’ Eddie muttered, as he walked towards the table. He had been training them to growl and bark at strangers, not lie on their backs with their legs up in the air.

  ‘Beautiful day, isn’t it?’ the man in the hat commented to Eddie.

  ‘Wonderful, mate,’ Eddie replied sarcastically. He was too worried about his gay son to get involved in pointless small talk.

  As the man walked away, Eddie downed his whisky chaser in one. His heart was pumping nineteen to the dozen at the thought of what he might be about to hear. He rang Gina’s number and took a deep breath as she answered.

  ‘Well?’ he asked, trying to sound calm.

  ‘I have all the information you wanted, Mr Smith, including photographs.’

  ‘What did you find out?’ Eddie asked abruptly.

  ‘I’ll tell you everything when we meet up. I did an eighteen-hour stint to find out all the information you required. I now need to arrange collection for the remainder of the money I’m owed.’

  ‘Can I meet you now? Please, my mate’s desperate to find out the score,’ Eddie pleaded

  ‘Well, it’s a bit awkward. I have to attend a function at three o’clock at a friend’s house.’
<
br />   ‘I’ll meet you now. Anywhere that suits you. I’ll pay you extra, make it worth your while.’

  Gina sighed. Mr Smith was a very generous but difficult client and, due to her crush on him, she couldn’t say no. ‘My friend lives in Benfleet. Do you know the Tarpots? I can meet you there at two-forty-five.’

  ‘I’ll be there,’ Eddie responded immediately.

  Overcome by anxiety, Eddie got himself another pint and a whisky chaser. He didn’t know what he was going to say to Jessica. With everyone due around for dinner, she was bound to go apeshit at him.

  As Buster and Bruno tried to clamber up his leg, he sipped his drink and stroked their heads. ‘Why is my life so fucking difficult, boys? Yous two have got it easy. When I die, I’m coming back as a fucking dog!’

  Jessica basted the roast potatoes and slammed the oven door shut. Where the bloody hell had Eddie got to?

  ‘All right to get another beer, Jess?’ Gary asked.

  ‘Help yourself, love. Can you make sure everyone’s got a drink for me? Christ knows where your father is. He was only taking the dogs for a run and he’s been gone nearly two hours. I can’t do everything, Gary. I’m trying to cook the bloody dinner.’

  Gary squeezed Jessica’s arm. ‘You just concentrate on the food and I’ll deal with everything else. Once I’ve sorted the drinks out, I’ll give the old man a ring, see where he’s got to.’

  ‘Thanks, love. I already tried to ring him twice, but he’s not answering his phone,’ Jessica said gratefully.

  Shouting at the dogs to stop yelping, Eddie sped down the A13. Aware that his phone was ringing yet again, he answered it. ‘Where are you, Dad? Jess has got the right needle,’ Gary informed him.

  Eddie didn’t want anyone to know where he was going. ‘I’ve lost one of the dogs, Gal. Buster bolted into the woods and I’m hunting for him now.’

  ‘Me and Ricky’ll come and help you find him,’ Gary offered.

  ‘No, don’t worry. I’ve got a couple of dog walkers helping me. Look, do us a favour, son. I don’t wanna upset the kids, so tell Jess on the quiet. I won’t come back till I’ve found him – he can’t have gone far.’

  Gary ended the call and went to find Jessica to explain.

  ‘I can’t understand why he took ’em out in the car in the first place. We’re inundated with fields around here. Where has he taken them?’

  Gary shrugged. ‘He didn’t exactly say, but he mentioned the woods.’

  Jessica thanked Gary and began cutting the meat. Her husband’s story sounded a little bit too far-fetched for her liking.

  Not sure where they were supposed to be meeting, Eddie rang Gina as he drove into Benfleet.

  ‘Follow the road straight down and the pub comes up on your right. I’m sitting in the car park in a black Nissan Micra,’ Gina told him.

  Eddie spotted her immediately and parked right next to her. ‘What have you got?’ he asked, as he squeezed his big frame into her small passenger seat.

  Gina handed him Dominic’s name and address. ‘Your friend’s suspicions were correct,’ she said, getting straight to the point.

  ‘Where’s the photos?’ Eddie asked, his heart feeling like a lump of lead.

  Gina handed him a sealed envelope. ‘Your friend might want to look at these in private, Mr Smith,’ she said diplomatically.

  Eddie nodded and handed her a wad of money. ‘There’s sixteen hundred quid there. Fifteen that I promised you and a oner on top for meeting me today.’

  ‘You’ve paid me far too much. Please, take some back,’ Gina urged. Her heart was beating like a drum, as she’d never been so close to him before.

  Eddie opened the car door. ‘You keep it, love, but promise me: what you saw, you’ll never breathe a word. My pal’s an important geezer and he wouldn’t be happy if any of this got out.’

  ‘You have my word and my word is my bond. I can guarantee you, your friend has nothing to worry about. I work in a very clandestine manner, Mr Smith.’

  Watching Gina drive away, Eddie decided to head back nearer to home before he opened the envelope. He would probably write his Land Cruiser off down the A13 if he opened it in Benfleet. Dreading what the contents held, Eddie started the engine and sped off like a loony.

  Annoyed that her day had been thoroughly spoilt, Jessica barely touched her dinner.

  ‘You not hungry, Mum?’ Joey asked, concerned.

  ‘No, love. Has everyone finished? I’ll take the plates out.’

  ‘Would you like me to give you a hand?’ Polly asked politely.

  ‘That’s a first. You don’t usually lift a cup,’ Raymond joked.

  With Polly’s help, Jessica cleared the table and organised the dessert. If Ed wasn’t home by the time the strawberry pavlova was eaten, then sod him, she would announce her good news alone.

  ‘I don’t want afters. Is it all right if I go out now, Mum?’ Frankie whinged.

  ‘No, it’s not. Sit down and shut up for five minutes,’ Jessica spat back.

  ‘I don’t think I like that, dear. What’s it called?’ Stanley asked, pointing to the dessert.

  ‘Pavlova! You always have to be awkward, Stanley, don’t you?’ Joyce said.

  ‘Don’t worry, Dad. I’ve got a blackberry crumble as well. Just waiting for it to warm up. I forgot to turn the oven back on again.’

  Half an hour later, everybody was full to the brim.

  ‘Thanks, Jess, that was lovely,’ Ricky remarked as he helped his stepmum take the dishes out to the kitchen.

  ‘So, how’s your father’s business doing, Polly? Has he been affected by this recession at all?’ Joyce asked nosily.

  Stanley felt sorry for his son’s girlfriend. For the past hour, all Joyce had done was give her the third degree. ‘For goodness’ sake, woman. Can’t you change the subject?’ he said bravely.

  ‘Shut up and mind your own business,’ Joyce snapped back.

  Jessica handed two bottles of champagne to Ricky and told him to open them. Handing everybody a champagne flute, Jessica topped up their glasses.

  ‘Is this to toast my wonderful grandchildren?’ Stanley asked, winking at the twins.

  Jessica smiled. She felt sad that Eddie wasn’t here to join in, but Frankie was waiting to go out, so what could she do?

  Urging Joey and Frankie to stand up, Jessica grinned at them. ‘My little babies have now left school and are about to start looking for jobs. To Frankie and Joey – we all wish you every success in your future,’ she proclaimed.

  ‘To Frankie and Joey,’ everyone repeated.

  Frankie knocked her champagne straight back. She was aching to see Jed. ‘Can I go out now, Mum?’ she asked cheekily.

  Jessica hated giving speeches. Eddie was good at them, but she wasn’t, and even felt nervous in front of her close family. Urging Frankie to sit back down, Jessica cleared her throat. ‘I’ve got some news of my own. I know Mum and Joey have both commented on me putting on a bit of weight recently. Well, there is a reason for this. I’m pregnant! Eddie and I are going to be parents again, and Joey and Frankie are going to have a little brother or sister.’

  An expert at overacting, Joyce leaped up and down like a kangaroo. ‘That’s wonderful. Oh Stanley, we’re gonna be grandparents again,’ she squealed with delight.

  ‘Congratulations, dear,’ Stanley said in a monotone voice. He still didn’t like Eddie – never had and never would. He loved his grandchildren, though, and would certainly welcome another.

  Joey turned to Frankie and pretended to put his fingers down the back of his throat.

  ‘It’s disgusting. How old are they? I hope they don’t expect us to wipe its arse and babysit, ’cause I won’t,’ Frankie whispered to her brother.

  Aware that the twins’ reaction hadn’t been one of utter joy, Jessica spoke softly to them. ‘You’ll always be Mummy’s favourites. You were my first born,’ she assured them.

  ‘Ain’t you a bit old?’ Joey asked her bluntly.

  ‘Don’t
expect me to look after it,’ Frankie chipped in. Jessica smiled. They were probably a bit jealous, bless them. She was sure they would get used to the idea once the baby was born, and would make wonderful siblings for him or her.

  ‘Go on, you can go out now, Frankie. Are you going out as well, Joey?’

  ‘Yep,’ Joey said, as he shoved Frankie out of the room. A screaming brat in the house was the last thing either of them needed.

  Raymond hugged his sister. ‘Me and Polly are thrilled for you,’ he said kindly.

  ‘Who wants more champagne? Me and Ricky are gonna be bruvvers again and that deserves a celebration on its own, don’t it, bruv?’ Gary said.

  Ricky agreed and gave Jessica a squeeze. ‘Gal, ring Dad again, see where he is,’ he ordered his brother.

  Not wanting anyone listening in, Gary wandered out into the garden and rang his dad’s number. Unbeknown to Jessica, he had been ringing him for the last hour, but couldn’t get any response. The more he thought about the Buster story, the more he knew his dad had been lying. ‘What the fuck is going on?’ Gary said out loud, as once again he received no answer. Unbeknownst to Gary, Eddie was back in the Optimist. Finishing his fourth pint, Ed untied the dogs’ leads. He was dreading looking in that envelope. He knew by Gina’s voice and face that the contents were bad news, but it was now or never and he had to know the truth.

  Lifting the dogs into the back of the Land Cruiser, he sat in the driver’s seat and ripped the envelope open. As Eddie stared at the picture of his son kissing Dominic, he repeatedly smashed his fist against the steering wheel. Taking a deep breath, he looked at the rest. The worst one was the last one. His son, his own flesh and blood, had his hand placed on Dominic’s cobblers.

  Aware of a watery taste in his mouth, Eddie opened his door and retched his guts up.

  Conscious of a couple looking at him, Eddie started the engine and sped off. He stopped in a lay-by in the middle of nowhere and got out of the motor again. Furious, he banged his head against the passenger door.