by Karen Clow
Briefly he scanned the other pews to see if anyone had come in, still believing he was alone he continued his prayer adding, “This will be the only chance for you to prove to me that you care. If you want to punish someone, punish me not her. I promise if you let her live I’ll look after her and love her for the rest of her life.” He hadn’t noticed the priest come in, until he spoke and said, “Good morning, can I help you?” Jimmy looked up at him and said, “Who me Father? No thanks, I’m beyond help.” The priest smiled and replied, “Would you like me to hear your confession so God can be the judge of that? If whatever you’ve done is that terrible, perhaps we can ask God to forgive you?” Jimmy laughed and said, “I don’t need God to forgive me, I can live with what I’ve done.” The priest, although shocked by Jimmy’s reply said “Then may I sit with you?” Jimmy nodded. Offering his hand the priest said, “I’m Father Thomas.” “Jimmy Dixon.” “Pleased to meet you Jimmy, is St Augustus your parish? I appreciate I should know, but unfortunately I’ve only been here a few days, so I’m not yet familiar with my parishioners.” “No Father, I don’t go to church, I don’t believe.” “Yet you are here today Jimmy?” “Not for me Father, for someone else.” “Would you mind if I ask who? Is it a member of your family, or a friend?” “Let’s just say it’s someone I love; someone who has made me want to love again.” “That’s good Jimmy, love is a very powerful emotion.” Despite his hatred for the church, he actually found himself warming to Father Thomas. In fact, he thought in a different world they could actually be friends. Unlike the priests he remembered from his childhood; who had all been old and set in their ways, Thomas was different. In his early forties, plump with slightly receding hair line, a warm friendly attitude, the total opposite to the likes of Father O’Brien.
“What made you come to St Augustus Father,” said Jimmy. “Unfortunately my predecessor Father O’Brien died, apparently he had been here for years. I never met him; unfortunately there have been rumours about him.” “Rumours Father, what sort of rumours?” “Actually he was murdered; he died in hospital as a result of an attack on him. We thought the motive was robbery, but the police think he may have had dealings outside of the church.” “Dealings, what sort of dealings Father?” “I really cannot say, but that’s why I’m here; you see the church doesn’t like scandal. Sadly since he died we’ll never know, but I want to bring people back to the church. You see Jimmy I have never doubted God; my faith is as strong today as when I joined the church twenty four years ago.” The priest detected a hint of sarcasm as Jimmy replied, “So you believe God listens to you then?” “Oh I know he does,” said the priest with conviction. Despite Jimmy’s total lack of faith, there was something in the way Thomas had replied that made Jimmy say, “Do you think you could ask him to help Maria for me Father?” “Of course, why don’t we pray together?” Not wishing to offend the priest he politely reminded him that he didn’t believe. Father Thomas smiled, not because of Jimmy’s reply but because he had heard him praying when he’d thought no one could see or hear him. Smiling at him the priest said, “That’s ok Jimmy, I believe enough for both of us.”
Father Thomas began praying for her, when he finished he said, “The church doors will always be open to you, and I’ll pray for Maria every day.” “Thanks, I’d appreciate that,” replied Jimmy as he stood up to leave.
CHAPTER 22
Mickey and Shaun were already at the club when Jimmy arrived, the others arrived ten minutes later. The six men sat round the table as Mickey poured everyone a drink. Waiting until everyone was settled he said, “Right, the reason we’ve called this meeting is tell you we managed to retrieve Maurice’s safety deposit box, the contents were something of a shock to say the least. There were some very explicit photographs of kids being abused by very high profile men; also DVDs of Nick and several other men torturing, and we believe, murdering kids. Now as you’re all aware of the events of yesterday, Nick and his Russian friend won’t be abusing anyone else.” “Fucking good riddance, all animals like them should all be fucking terminated,” said Shane. “I think we’d all agree on that, but back to business. I’ve discussed the contents of the box at length with Jimmy and after some thought we came up with the idea of passing it on to Monica, who as you all know I’m seeing? Obviously it would be done anonymously; we don’t want to draw any suspicion to us, but I know she would do right by those kids. So can we have a show of hands of all in agreement with me passing it on?” In principle they all agreed, the show of hands was unanimous.
They talked about some of the people who were in the photos as some of them were known to them. Tony said, “It might be a good idea to keep the QC Quinton’s film and photos back, there may be a time in the future when we need his services; having a judge in our pocket could definitely have its advantages.” Mickey replied, “We both questioned whether or not to do that, but we didn’t like the idea of the QC getting off Scot free, especially as we know what he does to those kids.” Shaun interrupted and said, “Why don’t we just cut his fucking bollocks off and choke him with them, or just let the fucker bleed to death!” Jimmy piped in and said, “That’s what I like about you Shaun, you’re such a sweet gentle soul.” Everyone laughed. Jimmy continued, “Talking of people bleeding to death Shaun, I must say you were great yesterday; you really seemed to know what you were doing. We all thought Maria was dead; how come you know about that sort of stuff?” The big Irishman felt slightly embarrassed, but before he could answer Mickey said, “Yeah Shaun you were a regular fucking Doc Martin!” They all laughed. Then Shaun proudly replied, “It’s all down to my eldest boy Liam, he’s a paramedic. When he was doing his training he used to practice on me and my Ann.” “Good trade, no doubt we’ve sent him quite a bit of business,” said Jimmy laughing, before going on to add, “he didn’t want to work with you then Shaun?” “I think he did but his mother wouldn’t hear of it; she insisted all the kids had regular jobs.” “She sounds like a good woman,” said Mickey. “Aye she is they don’t come any better than my Ann that’s for sure.” “How long have you been married,” asked Tony. “Thirty two years.” “Fuck me you wouldn’t do that for murder!” They all laughed.” Jimmy said, “Tell us about her Shaun.” “Nought to tell really, I met her when I was eighteen, she was sixteen; a wee scrap of a lass back then, but I knew from the minute I laid eyes on her she was the girl for me. I married her when I was twenty. We’ve had our ups and downs over the years, but I wouldn’t change a thing.” “So do you reckon it was love at first sight?” “Aye it was Jimmy.” Thinking of the way he felt about Maria, Jimmy took heart from what he’d said. Mickey changed the topic when he interrupted and said, “Shall we get back to business? Perhaps we should take a vote on the QC; do we keep him or sell him out?” Everyone thought it would be wisest to keep him, especially when Shane said, “The dirty old bastard will probably think twice before attending any more orgies, especially if we put the frighteners on him.” They all agreed. “So it’s agreed, we give Monica the recordings and photos?” said Mickey. Everyone nodded, even though they couldn’t take any credit for it because she would receive them anonymously.
It was as Mickey finished discussing business that Jimmy handed them all an envelope each. “What’s this?” asked Kevin. “It’s a bonus for yesterday, you earned it.” Kevin opened his and looking inside said, “Fuck me!” as he saw the wad of money. Mickey joked and said, “That should get you a few shags Kev.” They all laughed. “We’ll keep hold of Billy’s and Jacky Boy’s until they come out of hospital,” said Jimmy. Shaun peered inside his envelope; being the newest member of the crew he hadn’t expected anything, let alone the same amount as the others. With a look of genuine gratitude he said, “It’s much appreciated, in all the years I worked for Nick I’ve never had a bonus like this.” No one was surprised when Jimmy replied, “Unlike Nick we look after our boys and now that we’ll be taking over his end of the business there will be more where that came from.” Before any of them could reply they were in
terrupted by Shane’s phone. “It’s Simone, she can leave a message, I’ll get back to her later.” “No answer it Shane, it might be important,” said Jimmy.
Opening his phone he said, “Alright babe, what’s up?” The others sat quietly as he listened to her then said, “Are you sure you’re ok babe, you don’t sound too good, I can barely understand you.” A few moments later he ended the call as he said, “Don’t worry babe, we can manage without you for a couple of days, just get better. Catch you later.” They all looked at him as Mickey said, “Is everything ok Shane?” “Yeah no worries Mick, Simone’s had a bad fall, Sharon’s been up the hospital with her, thankfully there’s no broken bones but sounds like she’ll be off for a few days. I’ll sort out some cover for her.” “Did she say when and where it happened,” asked Jimmy. “Not sure, but from the sound of it probably when she finished work last night. She said they didn’t get home from the hospital ‘til six o’clock this morning.” Mickey said, “We’ll send her some flowers.” Then he changed the subject and continued, “Have you lot eaten?” When they said “No” he replied, “Then might I suggested we all go to the restaurant for dinner?” It was a unanimous “Yes.”
Thirty minutes later they were sitting in the restaurant, as they waited for their meals they talked about the events of the previous day. Shaun said, “I heard on the radio the MPs manor burnt to the ground; fucking good riddance, we should burn all the sick dirty bastards!” The men all nodded and agreed with him.
Finishing his dessert, Jimmy said, “Right then, I’m off. I want to drop by the hospital to see Maria.” “Alright if I tag along Jimmy, only I’d like to see Jacky Boy,” said Kevin. “Yeah that’s fine.” Leaving the others talking, they left for the hospital. Twenty minutes later Jimmy was sitting by her bed holding her hand, feeling sad and disappointed that there had been no change in her. Laying his head on the bed, clutching her hand to his face he told her he loved her. Staying with her for a couple more hours, he told her that he would see her tomorrow before leaving.
Driving back home he thought about her, he missed her terribly. Walking through his front door the place seemed empty without her. After drinking a scotch he fell asleep on the sofa.
When he woke around eight that evening, he called Mickey, “Alright Mick fancy going to one of the clubs tonight?” “Yeah I do as it happens; Monica’s working the night shift. Shall we go to Sweet Cheeks and get ourselves a blow job.” Jimmy laughed before replying, “Ok, I’ll pick you up around nine.”
Mickey was ready and waiting as Jimmy pulled up. Fifteen minutes later they were parking at the club. Shane was on the door, as they approached they asked him if everything was okay. Nodding his head he said, “Fine.” The three of them chatted for a while before Jimmy and Mickey made their way inside.
They had only been there half an hour when Sharon one of the dancers came up to the bar for a drink. Jimmy placed his hand on her arse and gently squeezed her buttock as he said, “How’s Simone doing babe?” Both men noticed she looked nervous as she replied, “Yeah she’ll be ok.” Jimmy could tell she was hiding something from him, so he said “How exactly did she have the fall then Sharon? Must be pretty bad if she can’t work?” Moving closer to him she replied, “Simone asked me not to say anything, but I think you should know she didn’t have a fall; it was fucking Alfie Stubbs; he turned up at her place after work last night, bastard gave her one hell of a pasting, she’s black and blue. She called me when he left and I went round to her place. When I saw the fucking state of her I took her straight to the hospital, I thought they were going to keep her in, but they didn’t.” “Why did Alfie go round there?” “Beats me, she finished with him weeks ago. Simone didn’t say there was a reason, other than he just won’t take no for an answer. I’m staying with her for a few days, just in case the bastard comes back! I told her to call the police, but she’s too scared.” “Well tell her to get well, we need her here shaking her bits,” said Jimmy jokingly. “I’ll tell her” she replied with a giggle as she took her drink and headed back to the dressing room. Mickey could see by the look on his friend’s face he was seething, knowing he would have something to say about it, he said “So what do you want to do about it?” Angrily Jimmy replied, “I think I’ll pop round and see Simone.” “Thought you might say that, I’ll come with you.” They finished their drinks then left.
It was just before eleven when they arrived at her flat. They knocked on the door several times before she finally called out, “Who is it?” It was obvious she was afraid it might be Alfie. When she realised it was them she opened the door and let them in. “Fuck me babe,” said Mickey as he looked at her face, both her eyes were black and her lips where swollen and split. “What are you doing here?” she asked. “Well Shane said you’d had a fall, just thought we’d pop in and see if there’s anything you need.” “No I’m fine thanks, Sharon got me some shopping, would you like a coffee or something?” “Coffee would be great thanks,” piped Jimmy, “So what exactly happened babe, where did you fall?” Quickly she tried to make light of it by replying, “I’d just got home from work when I realised I’d left my handbag in the car. Went back down to get it, fell down the fucking stairs!” “Oh so it didn’t have anything to do with Alfie Stubbs then?” She knew by his face he was aware she was lying, so she replied, “I told Sharon not to mention it. I don’t want any trouble Jimmy; I just want him to leave me alone. Please don’t say anything to him, that’s why he came round again because you’d spoken to him. I don’t mean to sound ungrateful, but please just leave it. With any luck he’ll leave me alone now,” crying she added, “He scares me, there’s something wrong with him and the last thing I want is him coming to the club. I don’t want to lose my job, I like working there and you two are good blokes, so please don’t say or do anything.” Trying to remain calm Jimmy said, “He won’t come to the club babe, he’s a fucking coward and if he did you wouldn’t lose your job. Sharon was right to tell us, we can’t let this go babe, he needs to be taught a lesson, he’s only tough when he’s hitting women. Let’s see how tough he is with someone his own size who hits back.” In desperation she looked at Mickey and said, “Please Mickey, tell him to leave it, I don’t want Alfie doing this again.” Mickey touched her hand and replied, “Jimmy’s right babe, we can’t let him get away with this. If we don’t do something he’ll think he can just come round here whenever he likes. Don’t worry after tonight he won’t bother you again; I promise.” Jimmy interrupted and asked, “Is he down the Paradise Club tonight babe?” Crying she replied, “No it’s his pool night; he’ll be down the Red Lion with his mates. Please leave it Jimmy; you’ll only make it worse for me.” “Like Mickey said babe, don’t worry about Alfie fucking gob shite Stubbs, he definitely won’t be bothering you again, I give you my word on it. Anyway look at it from our point of view; we can’t have our best looking girl not working, we’ll get grief from the punters who only come to watch you dance.” Forcing a smiled she said, “Thanks Jimmy.”
Mickey put a roll of money in her hand as they were leaving. Trying to give it back to him she said, “No that’s ok Mickey, I can manage.” Jokingly he replied, “Take it babe, just look on it as sick pay, if Jimmy wasn’t here I’d offer to put it in your knickers!” Smiling she replied, “Hold that thought until I’m better Mickey.” “You’re on babe.” She kissed them both on the cheek and said, “Be careful.”
In the car Mickey said, “It’s only quarter to twelve, fancy driving to the Red Lion now?” Jimmy nodded. Ten minutes later they were pulling in opposite the pub.
It went very quiet as they entered and walked over to the bar. Mickey ordered two drinks as they stood facing the two pool tables. Alfie spotted them as he stood up from taking his shot, he didn’t acknowledge them he simply smirked. Jimmy put his drink down on the bar and walked towards him. The landlord looked at Mickey and said, “I don’t want any trouble, I’ll call the Old Bill.” “We didn’t come in looking for trouble,” replied Mickey.
&n
bsp; The four players stopped playing as Jimmy approached Alfie. They just stood there with their pool cues in the hands. It was almost as if they were trying to intimidate Jimmy. They should have known by his reputation he was not that easily intimidated. Standing in front of Alfie, he just stared at him. Alfie was trying to act cocky in front of his mates, smirking at him he said, “Fuck me, you must fancy me or something, this is the second time you’ve come looking for me.” With a menacing look Jimmy sarcastically replied, “And now I’ve found you, must be my lucky night!” Finding his manner slightly unnerving Alfie said, “What’s up then?” “Oh I think you already know the answer to that one, do your mates know what a big tough man you are Alfie, or haven’t you told them you like to beat up women?” Feeling belittled in front of his mates Alfie had to retaliate or lose face. Arrogantly he shouted, “Fuck off you wanker, she’s a fucking stripper! I needed to teach her a fucking lesson, especially after she sent you to do her fucking dirty work!” Mickey was surprised that his friend had managed to control his temper; but he knew any second it would all kick off. Walking over to Jimmy he quietly said, “We don’t want any trouble, it wouldn’t be a good idea to get ourselves arrested.” Jimmy nodded, then looking back at Alfie said, “Tell you what, why don’t we settle this outside Alfie, man to man. Your mates can come and watch, or are you to scared to take me on, after all I know you prefer women! Tell you what; just to make it fairer I’ll let you bring your cue, you’ll need it!” It was obvious that Jimmy unnerved him, but because his mates were watching he cockily replied, “Your fucking passed it Jimmy; I’ll take you outside anytime!” “Great let’s settle this tonight then, oh and there’s something else Alfie , if you ever go near Simone again after tonight you’ll be taking a fucking midnight dip, do I make myself clear? Oh one more thing, if any of you boys feel the need to join in, feel free, but just remember this, I will hold a fucking grudge and you won’t always be with your mates! Now that’s said, shall we take a walk over to the car park?”
