by Karen Clow
Thirty minutes later he was ready. “You look very nice,” said Maria. He was wearing a pair of black trousers and a white designer shirt. All finished off nicely with a black leather jacket, Rolex watch, gold ring and a solid gold neck chain; which was just visible through his open top button. “Thanks babe now is there anything you need before I go,” said Jimmy. “No thank you, but what should I say to Gladys about why I’m here?” “Don’t worry babe, I’ll ring her and tell her you’re a friend who needed somewhere to stay because of some trouble with an ex- boyfriend.” “Does Gladys know Nick?” “Only by reputation.”
They heard a car horn outside. “Mickey’s here babe,” said Jimmy, “lock the door behind me, won’t be long.” “Be careful,” she called as the lift doors slowly closed behind him. Locking the door she stood in the hall thinking about him. Although she barely knew him she felt she could trust him. Despite what Nick had done to her, she found herself wanting to be with Jimmy. For the past three years she had only known cruelty and violence, but she never gave up hope that God would help her. Her prayers had finally been answered, Jimmy was her saviour. Momentarily she slipped into the most wonderful daydream, imagining that in time they could be like any regular couple. Jimmy would be kind and loving and maybe one day she would become his wife. Then the harsh reality that Nick would see them both dead before he would allow that to happen pounded through her head.
Jimmy got into Mickey’s car, “Alright Mickey, I just need to bell Gladys and tell her about my house guest.” “I hope you warned Maria she’ll need earplugs, our Gladys loves to talk.” Laughing Jimmy made the call.
The club was only fifteen minutes away. During the drive, Jimmy told him what Maria had said the previous evening. “That could be interesting Jimmy, shame she didn’t tell you more.” “I know mate, that’s why I had a rough night and then this morning the time went so fucking quick I never got a chance to ask her.” “Let’s just hope it’s something we can use, but for now let’s just concentrate on what to do about Nick. We both know he’s not going to let her stay and he’s far too arrogant to let it drop. Whether you won the bet or not, this is one game he doesn’t intend losing. I think things could get messy.” Looking angry at the mere mention of his name, Jimmy replied, “Well like I said before, I’m not backing down. You should see what the bastard did to her Mick he’s branded the cheeks of her arse with a crucifix! It turned my fucking guts when she showed me.” “The sick twisted bastard, he’s got it coming to him Jimmy!”
Pulling up outside the club, they could see two of their lads Shane and Billy unloading beer crates. As they approached Jimmy said, “Anyone in the club lads?” Billy nodded and said, “A couple of bar staff and a couple of dancers practicing their moves.” “Cheers Billy, we’ll see you inside.” “Ok, we’ll join you in a couple of minutes we’re just finishing.” The two friends made their way inside followed ten minutes later by the two lads. Mickey poured them all a drink. “Didn’t expect to see you two this afternoon,” said Billy. Then looking at Jimmy he added, “Don’t mind me asking but what’s going on about that bird and Nick, only rumours are flying round the place.” Grinning Jimmy replied, “Well let’s just say Nick’s not too happy about losing and no doubt the fucker will make an issue of it. Thankfully he’s away on business at the moment, but I dare say the shit will hit the fan when he comes back!” Billy had a look on his face, a look which said he wanted to ask something. Billy was probably the closest to them and without a doubt the man they relied on to keep things running smoothly at the club. He’d worked for them for years since joining their crew when he was just nineteen, now in his late twenties; he was big, bald and brawny. Known to be a tough cookie but with a kind heart, totally loyal and reliable and never one to shirk his responsibilities. “Something on your mind Billy?” said Jimmy with a grin. Billy laughed as he replied, “Fuck me am I that obvious?” “Yeah you are.” “Tell you the truth Jimmy I’m curious as to why you ever made that fucking bet in the first place, we all know Nick’s a fucking psycho! Why didn’t you just say one of his clubs or brothels? I’ve seen that bird once or twice, and yeah she’s definitely got something, but is she worth having your bollocks cut off for? After all you do have to work with the fucker!” Everyone laughed; they all knew Billy wasn’t one to mince his words. They waited for Jimmy to reply. After a few moments he said, “Sometimes Billy you have to go with your gut feeling. Nick treated her like shit; it just seemed like the right thing to do at the time.” Billy raised his eyebrows and jokingly replied, “Oh, so it didn’t have anything to do with the fact that you wanted to shag the fucking arse of her then?” “Well there was that as well,” laughed Jimmy. They all laughed. Then Jimmy added, “Trouble is Nick’s got too fucking cocky, it was worth every minute that night just to see his fucking face. Mind you, what he did to her afterwards made me wonder if I did the right thing. One things for sure though, she ain’t going back; it’s a fucking miracle he didn’t kill her, the sadistic bastard!” “Yeah we heard on the grape vine he messed her up pretty bad, how’s she doing now?” The two doormen listened as Jimmy told them what had happened to her. Billy was the first to say, “The fucking wanker!” “Yeah he is,” said Jimmy, “she’s a good kid who just needs a lucky break. She was only fifteen when he moved her in; we think he probably bought her.” Shane piped in and said, “Fuck me, no one loves pussy more than me, but fifteen that’s fucking sick! What’s going to happen now, because Billy’s right you’ve got to work with the arsehole?” Jimmy arrogantly replied, “I don’t have to work with him, he just thinks he’s fucking indispensable, well he’s not! Truth is I think maybe it’s time to reconsider our business relationship with Nick. I think the real reason he’s making such a fucking big deal over her is because she knows too much; probably about dodgy fucking deals that we know fuck all about!” Billy interrupted and said, “We’ve thought for a long time Nick was doing some dodgy stuff. I wouldn’t trust the slimy bastard any further than I could throw him. If things get rough over this bird you know you can count on me Jimmy, I fucking hate him the cocky bastard, especially when he comes into the clubs and fucking orders me about like some fucking errand boy! I don’t even work for him the cheeky bastard; you two are my bosses!” “Same goes for me,” said Shane “when he tries to order me about I usually just ignore the prick!” Mickey looked up and said, “When the Nick fan club closes.” Everyone rolled with laughter as he continued, “I’d like to say with any luck we’ll be able to sort this out peacefully. Who knows he may just decide to leave it. Although what you both said is appreciated, we’ll know who to call if we need someone to send him for a midnight dip!” “Be my fucking pleasure, I’ll even supply the fucking concrete boots,” said Billy.” Shane added, “Yeah just bell us.” They all laughed. There was definitely no love lost between Nick and the doormen, especially Shane. There had been several times over the years when Nick had ruffled Shane’s feathers, but like everyone else, Shane knew most of the time Nick did it to get at Tony Ramon. Shane was tight with Tony, usually working his clubs. It was only when Tony could spare him he worked for Mickey and Jimmy. They were just about to continue talking when Simone one of the dancers walked over and said, “Do you lot mind me practising my new pole routine?” The four friends looked at her, she standing in just a pair of skimpy hot pants, a good looking girl in her twenties with a great body. Billy was the first one to grin and reply, “Oh I think we could stand it, what do you lot reckon?” They all laughed and joked saying things like, “Well of course you’ve got to practice babe, we understand. If you like we’ll watch you and give you a few tips!” Laughing she replied, “You dirty load of bastards!”
It was as she walked away Jimmy noticed a large bruise on her thigh, calling after her he said, “How’d you get that,” pointing to her leg. With a look of hatred she replied, “Fucking Alfie Stubbs that’s how.” “I always knew he was a wanker, never could work out what you saw in him; anyway I thought that was over long ago?” Raising her eyeb
rows and shaking her head she replied, “It was; only he seems to have a problem with that, he keeps fucking turning up; he’s nothing but a punchy pig when he’s been drinking!” “Does Alfie still work the doors down at the Paradise Club?” As she nodded he said, “So are you going to shake your tits then or what!” Laughing she began walking away before she called over to Shane and said, “Can you put some music on.” They watched her gyrate up and down the pole, making several lewd comments as she danced. Billy said, “Fuck me I wouldn’t mind giving her one!” It was obvious the feeling was mutual amongst the four men and especially Shane, as he’d slept with most of the dancers. He was very good looking and built like an ox, there was never any shortage of girls.
They waited until she finished dancing before leaving the club. The time was just after four.
CHAPTER 7
Nick had arrived in the Ukraine with the Russians. Uri had booked him into a high class hotel before taking him to meet with another man at a club. Uri introduced the man as Sven; he was the man who wanted a partner in England. Shaking Nick’s hand Sven said, “Uri tells me you are interested in doing business with us?” Smirking Nick replied, “Well that depends on the business.” “Uri has told you I am looking to send girls to England? I understand there are many people who would pay good money for the right girl? I can supply many girls, but I need someone who can deliver them to the buyers.” “Yeah there are people who would pay for that service,” said Nick before he smugly added, “with the right man running things for you. What sort of figure would a man like that be looking at?”. “Let’s say for every girl I send, you make three thousand in English money. I can send maybe, three / three hundred and fifty a year.” Liking what he was hearing Nick said, “What exactly would I have to do?” “Just keep them somewhere for a few days until their buyers are ready. I send about fifteen at a time. Over a year you make a million, a good deal yes?” The Russian could see that Nick was keen to know more. Thinking about the offer Nick knew that keeping the girls would not be a problem; he had several properties and warehouses that would be suitable. Taking several minutes before answering he then said, “When do you need my answer?” “By tomorrow, I need someone now. I have eleven girls waiting to go and my colleague in England has let me down.” “Ok, you’ll have my answer in the morning.” Uri interrupted and said, “Good, then tonight we have some fun. I take you to one of my clubs.” “Sounds good to me,” said Nick.
Ten minutes later Nick and Uri were leaving after thanking Sven for his hospitality.
The club Uri took him to was right up Nick’s street, full of young girls that he could do whatever he liked to. Uri joked and said, “You like to get rough, yes.” Nick nodded. “Pick a girl,” said Uri. Scanning the room Nick pointed to a very young girl, she looked to be about fourteen. Uri called her and another girl over, and then along with Nick took them to a room under the club. It was like a dungeon, badly lit, there were shackles hanging from the walls, a selection of whips and torture implements were housed on a wooden table. The only normal thing was a bed with black satin sheets on. Uri could tell by Nicks face that he was going to enjoy being there.
“This room is only for my best clients,” said Uri. “Down here you can do whatever you like, but I should tell you if the girl dies I’ll expect you to pay for her, the price is twenty thousand in English money.” “Don’t worry I won’t kill her,” replied Nick with a smirk on his face. Within minutes both men were slapping the girls around. Uri was as much an animal as Nick, dragging one of the girls and forcing her onto the bed, where he ordered her to blow him. While doing what he’d ordered, he told Nick to fuck her. The other girl huddled in the corner of the room absolutely terrified. When they finished with the first girl, Uri ordered the other girl to join them. The two men continued to torture them as they drank vodka and snorted coke. Pitifully the girls begged them to stop. Nick punched one of them in the face and said, “Stop your fucking whining bitch!” Then he dragged her to the bed with the other girl. Within minutes both girls were handcuffed and gagged while the two men raped and beat them. It was three hours later when they finally stopped. One of the girls was barely alive by the time the two men left and returned upstairs.
Back upstairs in the club Uri called a woman over. She was about fifty, heavily built with a hard chiselled face. As she stood in front of them, Uri said, “Attend to the two girls downstairs.” Without answering him she just nodded and left.
Uri poured them a drink while they talked about business. Nick listened then said, “I want to make it clear, if I agreed to work with you it would be entirely down to me. None of my associates back in England are to know about it.” “That is your business Nicolai, we just send the girls. Maybe you see one you like as a replacement for Maria. You were very stupid to gamble with her!” “Don’t worry she knows better than to talk.” “I’m not worried, but she is a problem that needs to be dealt with, there are people in England who have expressed their concern to me. I assured them you would deal with it.” Arrogantly Nick replied, “Consider her taken care of!”
They drank heavily that night, finally leaving the club around half four in the morning. “I will see you later Nicolai, Sven expects us at midday, do not be late. I will pick you up at eleven thirty,” said Uri as the driver pulled up at Nick’s hotel.
CHAPTER 8
At Jimmy’s apartment Gladys and Maria were getting along just fine. She had really warmed to the elderly lady. Gladys had a sort of grandmother thing going for her, with grey hair and a plump happy round face; she made Maria feel very comfortable. They chatted about her husband Arthur, who was approaching his seventy eighth birthday. Maria noticed the look of love and pride every time she spoke of him and her family of three daughters and seven grandchildren, all of whom she loved dearly and saw regularly. Gladys took a sip of her tea and said, “So how long have you known Jimmy? I’ve known him since the day he was born; I can remember his father being thrown out of the hospital for being drunk. His father was a dreadful man; I don’t know how Jimmy and his mum survived the terrible beatings. Did you know his mum committed suicide?” Maria shook her head as Gladys continued, “Oh yes it was a real tragedy, Joan was such a lovely woman.” “Poor Jimmy, I had no idea. I don’t know anything about his past; I only know him through my ex-boyfriend.” “Oh yes him, young Jimmy told me you had a bit of a falling out when he rang me; but looking at your face it looks a bit more serious than a lover’s tiff! I hope you’re not thinking of going back to him?” Maria shook her head. Gladys continued, “Well thank Gawd for that, you’re better off without him love. Fifty years I’ve been married to my Arthur and he’s never so much as raised a finger to me, Gawd love him.” Unsure of what to say Maria just smiled and listened as Gladys chatted on about blokes who hit women, and how in her opinion they weren’t worth a pint of cold piss. One thing Maria had learnt about her in the short time she had known her was, she was honest, down to earth and she certainly didn’t pull any punches. If Gladys thought it, she said it. Maria had to smile when Gladys said, “You should find a nice boy like Jimmy, he’s the salt of the earth, they don’t come any better than my Jimmy.” Nodding her head in agreement, she listened as Gladys added, “Take me doing his cleaning love, I know he doesn’t really need me; he keeps the place lovely, which is unusual for a bloke. I know he only keeps me on because he doesn’t want to hurt my feelings, but between me and you love I don’t need to do it, my Arthur gets a good pension from the railway; he worked there for forty eight years.” Maria interrupted and said, “Why haven’t you packed this job in then Gladys?” “Same reason love, I wouldn’t want to upset him; anyway, the extra money pays for me bingo.” They both chuckled. Maria suddenly jumped as the front door opened. Gladys could see that she was nervous so in a calm voice she said, “Don’t worry love; it’s only the lad’s back.” They waited for the lounge door to open. “Alright girls, has Gladys talked you to death yet babe?” said Jimmy laughing as he entered the room. Gladys looked at Maria and
said, “Cheeky devil, take no notice of him love!”
