Jimmy's Game (Ruthless)

by Karen Clow

  With a look of curiosity the QC said, “What’s the case about Michael?” “Paedophiles, sick perverts, sex trafficking; you name it this case has it all. The reason we’ve come to ask your advice is because some photographs have come into my colleague’s possession.” “What type of photographs?” “Lewd photos Quinton, some of men raping and buggering young boys and girls. We just need to know if they can be used as evidence in court. They’re quite sickening; there are some real animals out there.” “Oh I know, thank God I have the power to send these vile creatures away for a long time.” Jimmy clenched his fist; he so wanted to beat the pervert sitting in front of him to a pulp. “Would you care to see the photos Quinton; give you a clearer picture of the animals we’re dealing with?” “Yes Michael, I think that would be a good idea.” He handed him four copies of the originals, they were all of Quinton abusing young boys. Immediately the QC’s manner changed as he said, “I demand to know where you got these!” Before Mickey could reply Jimmy said sarcastically, “Does your wife know you like to fuck and torture little boys Quincy?” The QC ignored the question and said, “I demand to know how you came by these photos, and more importantly what do you intended to do with them?” Mickey looked deadly serious as he replied, “Well that’s up to you Quinton, we need you to identify some other men for us. If you don’t we will be sending these photos to every nick and every newspaper in London, oh and I’m pretty sure dear old Cynthia will want a set to!” “That’s blackmail, I won’t stand for it!” “Your choice Quinton,” said Mickey, as he called out, “Cynthia.” Panic stricken the QC said “Ok anything!” Moments later she appeared in the room and looking at her husband said, “Did you call me dear?” “Actually it was me,” said Mickey, “Could I have a glass of water please Cynthia?” “Of course, I’ll get Louise to bring you one in; anything else?” “No thank you sorry to be a nuisance.”

  Waiting until she left the room, he looked at the QC and said, “What’s it to be then Quincy?” With a condescending look he replied, “Well it wouldn’t appear I have any choice, would it? Show me the photos.” Jimmy passed him a photo of two men raping a young girl. The QC studied it, stopping momentarily when the maid came in with the glass of water for Mickey. After she left the QC said, “I don’t know the man on the right; I’ve never seen him before. The other one I met once at a private party.” Jimmy interrupted, “Would that be the type of party where animals like yourself torture and dick little boys?” The QC didn’t answer. “So who is he?” asked Mickey. “All I know is he’s a Russian diplomat; I think his name is Mikhel.” “Where does he live?” “I really wouldn’t have any idea.” Mickey passed him the next photo; it was of an old man dressed in bondage gear, holding a whip. A terrified young boy of about ten was cowering on the floor. Mickey watched him looking at it and said, “What’s the matter Quinton is it giving you a hard on?” Ignoring his remarks he replied, “I don’t know him.” “You’re a fucking liar Quinton; he’s into the same perverted sick stuff as you. We know you know him, so you’d better talk!” The QC looked intimidated as Jimmy glared at him and cracked his knuckles in the palm of his hand.

  After several seconds of silence the QC finally said, “I can’t, if he finds out I’ve said anything to you he’ll kill me.” Jimmy sarcastically replied, “I can understand that, I’ve only just met you and I want to fucking kill you!” “Just tell us who he is Quinton,” said Mickey. Trembling slightly and looking afraid the QC said, “He’s an MP, very high up in the government, he’s a very powerful man; more powerful than either of you can begin to imagine.” “So he’s an MP, what’s his name Quinton and don’t make me ask you again!” Now physically shaking the QC nervously replied, “Aubrey Morton- Smyth.” “And where might we find Aubrey Morton-Smyth?” “Why do you want to know,” asked the frightened man. “Let’s just say sometime in the future, some friends of ours may want to pay him a visit.” Jimmy interrupted in a tone which was an order rather than a request and arrogantly said, “Just write down his address and the address of the house where the orgies take place and make it quick, my patience is just about to run out! You’ve got about thirty seconds before I beat you to death, you disgusting pig!” “Oh God, this is a nightmare!” said Quinton.

  Knowing what Jimmy said had frightened the QC, Mickey said, “Finally Quinton, who sets up these disgusting meetings?” “Francis O’Brien.” “You mean the priest?” “Yes.” “Well, I’ve got some bad news Quincy, he won’t be arranging anymore; he died last night.” The QC went very pale and said, “What happened to him?” Smugly Mickey replied, “Let’s just say there are people out there who don’t like others talking about them, and I suppose you could say Father O’Brien had a big mouth, so remember to keep yours fucking shut; you can’t even trust your friends. Now it’s time for us to go Quinton, I’ve enjoyed our little chat.” Picking up the photos from the desk, Mickey looked at him and added, “Don’t go too far, we may need to speak to you again. Don’t get up we’ll see ourselves out.” The QC remained seated.

  As they emerged into the hall, Cynthia appeared and said, “Oh are you leaving Michael?” “Yes Cynthia, Quinton’s not feeling too well and I feel a trifle upset about it.” “Oh why’s that?” “It’s this terrible case my colleague is handling, Quinton was extremely helpful but we had to show him some photographs. Unfortunately they were very sickening; I think they turned his stomach. I just hope they haven’t affected him too badly.” “Oh I’m sure he’ll be fine Michael, he’s used to that type of thing.” “Yes I’m sure he sees a lot of it. Take care, it’s been lovely to see you again Cynthia.” The two friends grinned at one another as they said their goodbyes then left.

  Talking as they drove home, Jimmy said, “I think Shaun was right about Nick being in over his head. How long do you think it will be before the issue of Maria comes up again?” “Not long that’s for sure. I really like her Jimmy and for what it’s worth I think you make a great couple.” “Let’s just hope Nick thinks the same!” “We’ll worry about him when the time comes.” “Whatever happens Mick she’s not going back!” “I know that, she seems really comfortable with you and what a bonus that she can cook.” “Yeah, nowadays most women can’t even boil a fucking egg!” “Tell me about it, Monica’s one of them!” They both laughed especially when Jimmy said, “Ah yes, but according to you she has other talents.” “You’re not wrong there Jimmy.” Jimmy’s phone rang, checking the ID he answered it and said, “Alright Jacky Boy, what’s up?” “Think you’d better come to the club Jimmy.” Before he could ask him why, Jacky Boy hung up. “What did he want?” asked Mickey. “He didn’t say, but something’s up he sounded scared; he put the phone down on me.” “We can be there in fifteen minutes. Give Shane and Billy a bell, tell them to meet us there but to wait in the car park, it could be a set up.”

  Pulling up at Dixie’s they noticed a black people carrier with tinted black windows and new plates. Making a note of the registration Mickey asked Jimmy if he had seen it before. Jimmy shook his head. Reaching into the door side panels, Mickey took out a small baseball type club, while Jimmy took out a rubber truncheon from his side of the car. They hid them inside their jackets.

  Just as they got out of the car, Shane and Billy pulled up. “What’s up?” asked Shane. “Think we may have some uninvited guests,” replied Mickey pointing to the people carrier, “You two go round the back; anything out of the ordinary, hit first ask questions later.” Shane and Billy nodded. Neither man was afraid of a fight; late twenties to mid thirties both heavily built and knew how to handle themselves.

  When Jimmy and Mickey walked through the main doors, they could see Jacky Boy, Kevin and Lucy sitting at a table with three heavily built men sitting in between each of them. Lucy was crying. As they walked towards the table another man appeared, he was much smaller, they recognised him from the DVD’s as the Russian Uri Karpov. Speaking in Russian he said something to the three men sitting at the table. One of them got up and put three more chairs around it. Loo
king at Mickey and Jimmy, Uri said, “Sit!” They sat down, but not before Jimmy gave him a look that said he was already pissed off with his attitude. “You have something that belongs to us and it would not be in your best interest to fuck with me!” said Uri. “What might that be?” replied Mickey in a strong arrogant voice. “Do not play games with me, or this pretty girl will not be so pretty.” He was referring to Lucy, as he had spoken the big Russian sitting next to her had produced a knife and was pressing it against her cheek, she was terrified. Mickey said, “There’s no need for violence, exactly what is it you think we have?” “You know I am referring to something that belonged to the black bastard Maurice. Also I hear you have photographs of me and some of my comrades. Where did you get them?” They both knew that Quinton had contacted him as soon as they’d left. Jimmy was really pissed off with the Russian’s manner, especially as Lucy was petrified. Speaking to Uri in an arrogant tone he said, “We don’t know what you’re fucking talking about, we have nothing of Maurice’s! Whoever took him out did the place over, so if anything is missing I suggest you talk to them! As for the photos, someone sent them to us, but we don’t know who, but it’s obviously someone who doesn’t fucking like you! We don’t want any trouble; we just want Nick to back off!” “Ah yes, Nick, that reminds me he wants the whore back!” Jimmy could feel the anger raging within him as he snapped back and said, “You can tell Nick she’s staying with me until she wants to leave, if at all!” “I don’t think you heard me; the whore goes back to Nick! I have offered to get him another dog to fuck, but for reasons best known to him he wants her back, I even offered him a good price for her, but he refused.” Feeling the tension, Mickey interrupted and said, “Jimmy won her fair and square.” “So what?” said Uri, “No whore is worth dying for? Maybe I should fuck her, then maybe I can understand why Nick allows her to get in the way of business! Or maybe I just shoot her and put an end to it! Now tell me where you got the photos or I kill one of your friends here!” Mickey tried to reason with him, but his efforts were futile. Knowing he needed to come up with a name before someone got hurt, he said, “Maybe it was Nick who sent the photos?” “You are really getting on my fucking nerves now, you are trying my patience! Why would he send you photos? You have thirty seconds to tell me, or your girlfriend loses her face!” Lucy was crying as she interrupted and said, “Please Mickey, tell him.” Jimmy looked reassuringly at her and said, “It’ll be ok babe, no one’s going to get hurt.” Sounding sincere, Mickey said, “What makes you so certain that Nick isn’t behind all this?” Before the Russian could reply he added, “Think about it, Nick has made this personal not us, everyone at the game knew Jimmy won the bet fair and square. Nick will lose face if he cannot get her back, so he needs backup, who better than you?” The Russian sat staring at Mickey as he continued, “So he sends us photos knowing that it will get back to you then you do his dirty work for him.” “Nick would not dare to use me!” Jimmy started laughing and said, “Nick would use his fucking mother if need be.” Mickey interrupted, “Think about it logically; we’re probably the biggest threat to Nick. We’re very successful and he makes no secret of the fact he wants Dixie’s, with us out of the way he could have it. So he uses you to get rid of us, then if I know him he gets rid of you!” Looking suspicious along with angry, Uri replied, “Believe me; I would not be that easy to get rid of!” “Ok then, let me ask you something, why do you think we have whatever it is that belonged to Maurice?” Hesitating for a moment, Uri replied, “Because I do!” “Are you sure it’s not Nick who has made you believe that?” The Russian hesitated again; it was obvious that what he had just heard had made him think. Finally he said, “You are very clever Mickey; you try to make me turn against my friend.” “So if Nick’s your friend he would have told you about Razor?” “Who is Razor?” “He’s a thug who Nick uses to get information.” “What fucking information!” “I have a written account of a conversation between Maurice and Nick a couple of years ago; Maurice was trying to blackmail him. We all know that the only true connection between them was the fact that Maurice knew all Nick’s dirty little secrets, not to mention many others yourself included. Just imagine the power Nick would have if he had evidence that high up powerful men were committing vile acts against children.” “Where can I find this Razor,” snapped Uri arrogantly. “Ah well you could have a little problem there, you see he met with a nasty car accident just a couple of days ago. I’ve only just found out myself, but you must admit, it’s a strange coincidence.” “Enough of this bullshit; give me the photos now!”

  Mickey put his hand into his inside pocket and passed him the copies of the photos he had shown to Quinton. Taking them Uri snapped, “These are all of them?” “Yes.” Mickey hoped that would be an end to it for the time being, but he knew it wasn’t to be when the Russian said, “You have tried to fuck me off; so now I must teach you a lesson!” Then he nodded at the three heavies, who without any warning went for Kevin, punching him and sending him flying backwards. Immediately Jimmy pulled out his truncheon and hit the heavy, who was holding the knife at Lucy, forcing him to drop it. Within seconds a full scale fight was raging.

  The Russian’s did not anticipate Shane and Billy rushing in from the back after waiting and listening to the conversation just out of sight. Lucy immediately ran and hid behind the bar, narrowly missing being hit by a chair which hurtled past her before crashing into the optic bottles behind the bar. Mickey got a good hit against Uri; a full on blow to the guts from his bat. Winded and clearly in pain Uri ordered his men to get out. Making their way over to the door, the Russian shouted, “This is not over!” Jacky Boy helped Kevin to his feet as Jimmy asked if everyone was okay. Shane was holding his hand as he said, “That Russian had a fucking iron jaw!” Mickey led Lucy from behind the bar; she was shaking with fear. “It’s ok babe, they’ve gone. Come and sit down, have a drink,” he said.

  Sitting together Jacky Boy placed a bottle and glasses on the table. Mickey looked at Shane and Billy and said, “The damage would have been a lot worse if you two hadn’t been here.” Jacky Boy laughed and said, “Yeah you were like the fucking cavalry charging in and now you’re here you can help us clean the place up.” Everyone laughed as Billy looked at Shane and said, “I’ll polish you sweep, but just let me get me piny on first!” With a broad grin Mickey said, “Cheers lads, I’ll take Lucy home, she’ll be taking a few days off.” “I’ll wait here Mickey, give the lads a hand; you can pick me up on your way back,” said Jimmy before winking at Lucy and adding, “You take care babe and make sure he just drops you off. You know he has trouble behaving himself when he’s alone with a beautiful girl.” “Don’t worry Jimmy, my boyfriends at home,” said Lucy with a grin. “Fuck it that’s just my luck,” said Mickey.

  Unbeknown to them the Russians had only driven up the road before stopping. What had been said to Uri had left an element of doubt in his mind over Nick. Thinking about what Mickey had implied, he dialled Nick’s number. Answering the call Nick said, “Alright Uri this is a surprise, what can I do for you?” “You can meet me in five minutes at your friend Jimmy’s place; there is some business you need to take care of now!” Despite acting calmly, Nick knew something had happened. Keeping his cool he replied, “I told you I’d take care of Jimmy, so why now?” “Because today an associate of mine was shown some photo’s which could be very damaging to our business! We believe they may have come from Maurice’s safety deposit box, this Jimmy and his friend are involved and they must be taught a lesson! I will expect you there in five minutes, do not keep me waiting!” Uri hung up. Nick pondered over the conversation he had just had, the only photo he had was the one that had been sent to him, but there was obviously something very wrong, he had a strange feeling that Uri had tried to intimidate him, almost like a warning. Grabbing his car keys he left to meet the Russian.

  CHAPTER 20

  Having taken Lucy home, Mickey had driven back to the club to pick Jimmy up. Driving back to the apartment they
talked about what had happened. Grinning Jimmy said, “I thought the twist about Nick was worthy of an Oscar, especially the bit about Razor.” His reasons behind it were only two days earlier they had learned that the old time thug had been in a fatal car accident; there were no suspicious circumstances, he had been drunk at the time; running his car into the back of a stationary lorry. Jimmy continued, “That fucking Uri was definitely suspicious, he wasn’t sure you were lying.” “Yeah come in fucking handy old Razor checking out like that!” They both laughed.

  Reaching the apartment block they took the lift, as the doors closed Jimmy said, “I hope Maria’s cooked something, me fucking stomach thinks me throat’s been cut!” “Me too, I could eat a scabby horse and chase its fucking rider!” They were laughing as they got out of the lift, until Jimmy noticed that his front door was open. Quickly he prodded Mickey to alert him that something might be wrong. Both men took out their weapons from inside their jacket, before slowly pushing the door open and scanning inside the apartment. They could see Gladys lying on the floor; blood was trickling from her mouth. Mickey rushed over to her and bent down to tend to her whilst Jimmy continued to search the place. Certain that it was clear, he shouted to Mickey that Maria had gone.

  Gladys began to come round. “You alright Gladys, it’s me Mickey; what happened?” Regaining her senses she slowly replied, “Maria’s ex- boyfriend broke in, oh love, it all happened so fast, we didn’t have time to call the police.” “How do you know it was her ex Gladys?” With Mickey’s help she sat up and replied, “Because she called him Nick; she told me before that was his name. It was awful, I tried to get him to leave but he wouldn’t listen and then the bastard thumped me one! I don’t know what happened after that.”