by Karen Clow
When the two men had left, Mickey said, “The word is Nick is definitely well pissed off with you Jimmy, but he’s arrogantly confident about getting her back.” Jimmy looked serious as he replied, “Over my fucking dead body. I’ve tried talking to her but most of the time she just cries; she thinks this is all a set up between me and Nick to test her loyalty. One thing’s for certain, he’s really screwed her up; she won’t ask for anything, all she keeps saying is sorry, fuck only knows what she’s gone through. Oh and another thing; she was only fifteen when she moved in with him.” “Fuck me, I know he likes them young, but fifteen what is he a fucking paedophile?” “Truth is I think there’s more to this than meets the eye; something somewhere just doesn’t seem right.” “You could be right Jimmy; this could be very useful to us. Maybe the rumours about Nick being involved in sex trafficking are kosher. That’s probably why he’s so desperate to get her back, he’s afraid she’ll tell us some of his sordid little secrets. Try and find out as much as you can about the circumstances of how she came to be there.” “Easier said than done mate, she’s fucking terrified.” “Give her time, she’ll come round. What about Shaun, do you think he knows anything?” “Well he’s certainly surprised me; he turned up this morning with some gear for her. He cares about her that’s for sure.” “That’s interesting, perhaps at a later date we could have a little chat with Shaun, but in the meantime Jimmy, just try and stay out of Nick’s way.” “That won’t be hard, Shaun said he’s going on a business trip to Europe, he’ll be gone about a week.” Mickey frowned and said, “We haven’t got anything going down at the moment; Tony’s delivery is coming from Asia. Did Shaun say what the business was?” “No mate and I didn’t want to push him.” “I’ll try and find out, sounds as though Nick’s working alone. I don’t trust the slimy bastard he’s up to something. Still, never look a gift horse in the mouth; at least it gives you another week with her.” “Yeah saying that I should be getting back, I don’t like the idea of her being there on her own.” “Ready when you are.”
They called out to the lads that they were leaving and for them to enjoy themselves at the restaurant later. Mickey dropped Jimmy off fifteen minutes later, but declined his offer of a drink because he had court business to go over.
“Hi Maria, I’m back,” called Jimmy as he entered the apartment. Moments later she appeared in the hall. “You look better; those clothes Shaun brought round look good on you.” She smiled and nodded. “See, that’s better you’re smiling,” said Jimmy. Sensing that she wanted to say something; he added, “Everything ok while I was out?” “Yes.” “Is there anything you need?” “Could I please have a shower?” “Course you can, why didn’t you have one while I was out?” He noticed she began trembling as she replied, “Because I didn’t ask permission.” “You don’t have to ask babe, just make yourself at home. Now what do you fancy to eat? I can send out for whatever you like, Indian, Chinese, Thai, English, the choice is yours.” With a blank expression on her face she started crying. “Hey it’s only dinner, no need to cry, so what do you fancy then?” “You choose Jimmy.” “No come on, it’s your choice.” Looking quiet nervous and pale she burst into tears. Trying to comfort her, he said, “Hey it’s no big deal it’s only a takeaway, don’t get so upset. What about an Indian, a nice curry or something?” Nodding her head, she regained her composure and stopped crying before she replied, “I’m sorry, but it’s because you’re being so nice. Nick never asked me what I’d like. It’s the first time in years I’ve been given a choice.” “Fuck me are you serious, what is he some sort of fucking control freak?” She nodded. “Well I’m not, so I’d like you to choose.” “Indian please, if you’re sure it’s ok?” “Course its ok.”
Forty five minutes later they were sitting down looking at their meal. Being unsure exactly what she’d like and not wanting to risk upsetting her again by asking, he’d ordered just about everything possible; the table was full of takeaway dishes. “Tuck in,” he said as he began to take the food from the dishes. Unsurprisingly she just sat there and looked at him. “Tuck in babe, don’t let it get cold.” “What can I have?” “You can have whatever you like babe.” Hesitantly she picked up a spoon and began placing a tiny amount on her plate from each dish. With every spoonful he was aware that she was looking to him for approval, so throughout the meal he kept smiling at her. Still hurting from Nick’s beating she chewed her food slowly, despite the swelling having gone down slightly, there was still the split lip and two loose teeth to contend with.
Finding himself staring at her, he couldn’t help wondering what makes people like Nick do such things; did he think it made him look tough? Why had his own father given his mother such ferocious beatings? What makes men like them tick? Could it have been they were abused as children? Even if that was so, Jimmy could not accept it as a reason to hurt someone else; he wouldn’t have a problem hitting another bloke, but not a defenceless woman or kid.
“Phew I’m stuffed,” he sighed, “how you doing there babe?” Swallowing her food she nodded and replied “I think you ordered too much.” “Well better too much babe, than not enough. Fancy watching a bit of TV, or shall I put some music on?” Again she just nodded her head. Jokingly he said, “So which is it, TV or music?” “It’s up to you.” “Oh no not all that again, just decide babe” Trembling she just sat there looking at him, tears were welling in her eyes. Realising that it was all too much for her, he held out his hand, nervously she took it; moments later he led her into the lounge. Once they were both sitting down he smiled and said, “Babe, TV or music?” Several seconds past before she plucked up the courage to reply, “I really liked what you played when I was in the bath, it was lovely.” “Ok then that’s what it’ll be, classical favourites.”
Despite sitting on the sofa at opposite ends; he could sense that she was beginning to feel slightly more relaxed with him. Wondering if then might be a good time to try to coax some more information from her, he smiled then casually as though making conversation said, “So Nick treated you badly then?” Even though she simply nodded, there were no tears, so he continued; “Did you never think about getting away? I know Shaun would have helped you.” He could see that she was uneasy answering his questions, but she wasn’t crying, so he leaned over and patted her arm to reassure her. Unexpectedly she said, “I can’t talk to you, he will kill me. I know this is a test, please tell him I never told you anything when he comes for me.” Lifting his hand up to touch her face, she flinched and quickly sat back against the sofa. Determined not to stop, he reached over and gently cupped her face in his hand, as he said, “I give you my word this is not a test, nobody’s going to hurt you.” Tears ran down her cheek onto his hand, gently moving his thumb he wiped them from under her eyes. Still touching her face he continued, “Why do you think this is a test?” Too afraid to answer she just stared at him, so he said, “I swear to you babe, I won that game fair and square, do you really think it was planned?” Patiently he waited for her to reply. Finally she said, “He always warned me that if I ever told anyone anything about him, he would kill me. I told him I would never do that, but he would laugh and say; ‘well maybe one day I’ll test your loyalty, but you’ll never know when or who with.’” “Gently squeezing her hand Jimmy said, “On my mother’s grave babe, it’s not a test, truth is I fucking detest him.” Something inside was telling her to trust him, but she knew just how cunning and calculating Nick was. If it was a set up he would kill her for sure, but as she looked at Jimmy she felt a strange sense of calm. Hesitating for a moment, she took the rosary beads from her pocket and clasping them replied, “You were right about Shaun, but I could never have escaped.” “Why not, he would have helped you.” “I know, but Nick always told me if I ever tried not only would he kill me, but also my best friend Melanie.” “Did you believe him?” “Oh yes, I knew he would, he used to tell me all the time, he would have killed me yesterday if Shaun hadn’t turned up.” “You really believe that?” “Yes he’d told me h
e was going to. I begged him to stop, but he said he would rather see me dead than with you.” Feeling his temper surfacing he replied, “The fucker actually said that?” “Yes, he said it was my fault because I had led you on at the game.” Unable to suppress his temper a moment longer Jimmy raised his voice and said, “What, he’s a fucking psycho; we barely said more than five words to each other!” Despite feeling scared when he raised his voice she continued, “I know, but it wasn’t the first time he’d said it.” “What do you mean babe?” While waiting for her to reply he noticed she was rubbing the beads and trembling; recognising his display of anger had probably scared her, he squeezed her hand and said, “I’m sorry babe, carry on.” Mustering her courage she took a breath and said, “Many times when you had humbled him over me during poker nights, he would take it out on me afterwards.” “The fucking animal!” said Jimmy, now inwardly raging with aggression. Maria watched him clenching his fists. Sensing that she was scared, he apologised again. Trying to calm him she said, “It’s ok Jimmy, it doesn’t matter now anyway; Nick was right, I did really like you, I knew you were trying to protect me.” “Oh yeah I was protecting you alright, getting seven buckets of shit knocked out of you!” Tearfully she looked at him, her beautiful eyes all bruised and swollen, “Please don’t say that Jimmy. I used to pray every day that he would kill me and put an end to it all. Then when you won me I wanted to live; that’s why I fought back.” Gently touching her hand he replied, “I didn’t win you, you’re not my property. I couldn’t force you to stay here.” Tears rolling down her cheeks, the fear and torture she had endured was etched on her face as she replied, “You don’t have to I want to be here, for the first time in years I feel like a person and not a possession.” “Is that how you felt when you were with him?” “Yes.” Squeezing her hand gently to reassure her, he said, “What the hell did he do to you Maria to make you so afraid that you wanted to die?” Unable to contain her emotions she burst into tears. Moving closer to her and placing his arm around her shoulder he said, “You don’t have to talk about it babe, I shouldn’t have asked.” Suddenly she felt an overwhelming desire to get closer to him, for years she had been denied all tender human contact, yet she found herself wanting to hold him. Slowly she rested her head on his chest and placed her arm across him. Gently he stroked her hair as he said, “We can talk another time, let’s just listen to the music.” Lifting her head she said, “No, I want to tell you so that when he comes for me and kills me you can stop him from doing this to someone else.” Placing his hand under her chin and gently raising her head, he looked at her and said, “No one’s coming for you babe and if anyone does, I’ll deal with them. I promise I won’t let anyone hurt you.” “You’re a good man Jimmy, but I know in my heart Nick will get to me, so I need to tell you everything before that happens.” “Ok then, I’m listening, but I meant what I said.” Trusting her instinct that he wouldn’t hurt her she remained calm as she said, “Nick is an animal, he used to chain me up and do horrible things to me and he always beat me. Sometimes the beatings went on for days.” “Horrible things like what?” He asked curiously. With her hands trembling and her eyes filling with tears; it was clear she couldn’t go on. When she rested her head back on his chest he said, “We don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to.” Wiping her eyes before she replied, “I want to show you something.” Rising slowly from the sofa and standing up, she turned round to face away from him. Jimmy wondered exactly what she was going to show him as he sat looking at the back of her.
Slowly she undid her trousers and pulled them down just past her buttocks. Silently he watched, he had no idea what to expect, but the sheer horror of what he saw turned his stomach. Both of her buttocks had been branded by a crucifix; at least two of the burns were fresh. As she dressed, he stood up held her in his arms and said, “I promise you he will pay for this, as God is my witness he’s not going to get away with it. I’ll see him dead before I let him touch you again!” Hearing his words she wrapped her arms around him and said, “May God forgive me for saying this, but killing him would be too good, he needs to know what it feels like to be terrified every day.” “That’s not impossible I know certain people,” said Jimmy with a grin. At that moment for the first time ever, he saw a spark in her, a spark which Nick had failed to extinguish. Noticeably trembling she said, “I want him to live in fear day after day, year after year, just like I’ve had to.” “Now that could be a bit trickier,” he joked. “Not necessarily,” said Maria. “What do you mean babe?” Taking a deep breath she replied, “You cannot live with someone for all those years without seeing and hearing things, even when they think they have total control over you.” “What are you talking about Maria?” “I’m talking about sending him to prison for a very long time.” “Whoa, slow down there girl, a hit is one thing, prisons another; Nick’s far too clever; he’d never leave anything that incriminated him.” “You’re wrong, I know different; it involves me and several other girls.” Totally intrigued he said, “Tell me what you know.” Looking frail and exhausted she smiled and replied, “Could we leave it until the morning, I feel so tired; can I go to bed please?” “Of course you must be exhausted, but before you turn in would you mind if I asked Mickey to join us tomorrow?” “I was going to suggest he does, a good solicitor may be just what I need.”
As she walked towards the bedroom she turned and said, “Thank you for saving me, I will ask God and the blessed mother to keep you safe.” He didn’t reply to what she said he simply replied, “Get some sleep babe, I’ll see you in the morning.”
Jimmy tossed and turned the entire night. What exactly did she know? Lying in his bed gazing at the ceiling, he kept telling himself he should have encouraged her to tell him before she went to bed. Now his mind was going into overdrive, there would be no rest for him that night.
CHAPTER 6
The following morning Jimmy was woken by the sound of his mobile ringing. Fumbling to answer it he rallied to gather his senses, when through blurred eyes he looked at the number before he answered it and said, “What’s up Mickey, what’s the fucking time?” “Sorry Jimmy did I wake you? It’s ten o’clock; I thought you’d be up.” “No mate I’m knackered, I had a rough night.” “Oh, rough night hey; say no more Jimbo!” Knowing exactly what Mickey was thinking, he was quick to reply, “Not that sort of rough night you dirty bastard, I’ll explain later. Anyway, what did you want?” “It’s not what I want, it’s what Nick wants, namely Maria.” “Very funny, tell me something I don’t know.” “Straight up the fucker phoned me, he wants us to meet him to discuss it.” “Fucking discuss it, there’s nothing to discuss she’s staying with me!” “Yes I know that and you know that, but Nick doesn’t.” “Well then I’ll just have to make it clear to the dumb bastard, won’t I?” Mickey could tell from his voice that he was steaming, “Calm down Jimmy, remember what we discussed. We need time to work out a plan.” Knowing he was right Jimmy replied, “Ok, so what do you reckon we should do?” “Simple, let’s go along with things for the time being.” Jimmy’s feelings on the matter were, find Nick and beat him senseless, but he knew his friend was right, they had to pick their moment so he replied, “Ok Mickey, you make the arrangements.” “Already have, the only reason the bastard called me was to let us know he wasn’t letting it drop just because he’s away. I told him we’d meet up with him at Dixie’s when he gets back. So tell me, have there been any developments with Maria?” “Actually there has, she wants to talk and she wants you to be here.” “Looks like I’ll be seeing you later then. I’ve got to go now, see you this afternoon.” “Just one thing before you go Mick, I need to pop into Sweet Cheeks at some point, thought maybe I’d do it this afternoon because Gladys is due round.” “No problem, I’ll pick you up and come with you. Now I’ve got to go, catch you later.” It wasn’t until Jimmy closed his phone; he realised he could smell something cooking. Throwing on a robe he went to investigate.
Maria was cooking breakfast as he entered t
he kitchen, nervously she asked, “Are you hungry Jimmy?” “Yeah starving babe.” “I’ve cooked you some eggs and bacon is that alright, only you never said what time you wanted to eat. I can do you something else if you prefer.” “No babe that’s great, I didn’t expect anything.”
Placing his breakfast on the table she said, “Do you want tea or coffee?” “A cup of tea would be great thanks babe.” Within moments he was tucking into his meal. “You not joining me?” he asked. She shook her head. “This is great babe. How are you feeling?” “Much better thank you, it doesn’t hurt half so much today.” Looking round he noticed that the kitchen was clean and tidy; gone were the remnants of the previous night’s Indian. “You didn’t need to clean up Maria. I have a cleaner who comes in a couple of days a week; actually she’ll be along this afternoon.” “I don’t mind, I had to do it at Nick’s, only with him if I didn’t do it right he would beat me.” He just looked at her, despite the bruises and the swelling she was still beautiful, had things have been different for her, she could have been a model. His curiosity over her comments got the better of him, in the hope of not upsetting her he said, “What do you mean, he would beat you?” “Every day he would check that everything was perfect, nothing out of place, if it wasn’t perfect he would hit me. It was the same when I cooked, if it wasn’t right he would hit me, not always, sometimes he would just stop my food for a couple of days, it just depended what mood he was in.” “Hang on a minute babe, are you telling me he didn’t let you eat?” Tears welled in her eyes as she replied, “Yes” “Why didn’t you just eat something when he was out?” “I couldn’t, I was only allowed to eat when he ate.” “But Nick often ate out, what about those times?” Frowning she looked confused as she replied, “I didn’t eat, occasionally if he was going to be gone all day and night, he would leave me some crackers.” Jimmy could feel his temper rising as she spoke, he wanted to ask her more but for the first time she seemed relaxed talking, so he decided he would change the subject rather than push the issue and upset her. They talked about his cleaning lady Gladys, she had been a friend of his mother’s and she had always been kind to him, especially when he was a child. Looking worried Maria said, “Will Gladys mind me being here?” “No she’ll love it; chances are all she’ll want to do is sit, drink tea and chat.” Noticing that she looked a trifle uneasy with this information, he added, “You ok with that babe?” “What will we talk about, I’ve never done anything or been anywhere worth talking about.” “Don’t worry about that babe, Gladys can talk for England; it’s getting her to stop that’s the problem! You’ll be lucky to get a word in edgeways.” “Will you be here Jimmy, when Gladys comes?” “No sorry babe, Mickey phoned earlier we’ve got to go out for a while. We shouldn’t be too long though, and then we’ll both come back here.” Immediately her expression changed from one of happiness to dread as she said, “Do you have to go?” “Unfortunately yes, but don’t worry we won’t be long. By the way Nick called Mickey, he’s arranged a meeting for when he returns.” “He won’t let me stay, he’ll take me back. Please don’t meet him Jimmy something bad will happen, I’ll just go back.” Reaching over he touched her hand as she fought back her tears and reassuring her said, “Let’s not worry about it now, you’re not going back, let’s just wait and see what he has to say; believe me if you want to stay then he’s going to have to except it, one way or another.” With a sad expression she just looked at him, she so wanted to believe him, but she knew Nick wasn’t going to let her go. Jimmy continued to try and reassure her by saying, “Even Mickey thinks avoiding him will only make things worse. We’ll sort it out, I can’t avoid him indefinitely, I just hope I can keep my fucking hands off the bastard!” “Oh please Jimmy don’t do anything stupid, he’s so dangerous, just remember I know things he’s done.” “Don’t worry, I’m not going to give him any reason to kill me, let’s just wait and see what happens; he won’t do anything at the club because that’s my turf.” Looking at his watch he said, “Fucking hell is that the time? Mickey will be here soon. I need to get ready, but I’m dying to find out what you know babe.” “It can wait, I’m not going anywhere.”
