by Karen Clow
They started with plaice goujons on a bed of green salad, complete with tartare sauce and warm wholemeal rolls. By the time they finished Mickey felt like he would burst. Holding his stomach he said, “That was an amazing meal babe, my compliments to the chef; I couldn’t eat another morsel.” Maria laughed and said, “That’s a shame because I’ve made a tangy lemon mousse, drizzled with raspberry sauce.” “Well, maybe I could manage a little bit!” They all laughed.
Later that evening Mickey said, “Well I suppose I should be going, I’ll call a cab because I left my car at the club when we went to the hospital.” “I’ll run you Mick,” said Jimmy. Maria was quick to say, “I don’t think so, you two have drunk two bottles of wine.” “You’re right babe, thanks for the offer Jimmy but I’ll get a cab.” Both men were thinking their ladies would have a blue fit if they knew how much they drank when they went to the club and then drove home. Maria cleared the dishes, while the men talked. They did offer to help her but she said, “Go and sit down. I’ll bring your coffee through in a few minutes.” Since Jimmy had bought the new dish washer, it only took minutes to clear the dishes.
Mickey had only just finished drinking his coffee, when the cab driver rang the intercom. Standing up he kissed her on the cheek and said, “Thank you for another wonderful meal.” “You’re most welcome. I’m glad you enjoyed it.” “I’ll see you in the morning Jimmy.” Two minutes later he left.
When they were alone she said, “I’m sorry about the incident with Samuels.” “Forget about it babe; if everything goes to plan you won’t have to worry about him anymore.” Then unexpectedly she said “Jimmy, have you ever thought I was a whore?” Shocked by her question he immediately replied, “No I haven’t and I don’t appreciate you asking me!” She went quiet and just stared at him. Realising how abrupt he must have sounded and there must have been a reason why she had asked, he said. “I’m sorry babe, why did you ask?” “Everyone seems to think that because you won me in a poker game I must be a whore.” Tears began rolling down her cheeks. Putting his arm around her he said, “Listen to me babe, you’re by far the most decent girl I’ve ever met. It’s just small minded idiots who would think otherwise.” “I would never want our children to know about the poker game.” Knowing there was nothing he could do or say that could change the past she quickly added, “You always make me feel special Jimmy.” “That’s because you are special. I don’t give a shit what other people think; I love you more than anything in the world.” After kissing him, she said, “Shall we go to bed?” “Sounds like a good idea.” Then after reciprocating the kiss he said, “This is how I want it to be forever. No matter what happens babe don’t ever doubt my love for you.”
Knowing that things were hard for her he decided to cheer her up by adding, “I’ve decided to give you the surprise I told you about. You can have it tomorrow.” Excitedly she said, “What is it?” Kissing her cheek, he replied with a grin, “You’ll find out tomorrow!”
CHAPTER 39
Maria was up at the crack of dawn cooking breakfast. Jimmy dragged himself out of the bed when the aroma of bacon cooking had woken him. “Morning babe why are you up so early,” he asked with a curios look on his face. Excitedly she replied, “Because you’re going to give me my surprise, can I have it now?” “I can’t give it to you here; we’ll have to take a short drive, but first I need to call Mickey to find out what time they were going to pick up the tape.” Despite her eagerness to see her surprise she replied, “Eat your breakfast first; or it’ll get cold then call Mickey.”
It was obvious that he had woken Mickey up from the length of time his phone rang until finally he answered. “Sorry to ring so early Mick, but I’m taking Maria to see her surprise today. I just wondered what time we’re picking the tape up.” “No worries Jim, I can pick it up, there’s no need for you to go with me.” “Cushty are you sure?” “Yeah positive, on one condition you let me take you both out for dinner this evening.” “You don’t have to do that.” “I know; but it’s my way of saying thank you for the wonderful meals Maria’s cooked me and it’ll give us a chance to discuss what George says about Samuels.” “Ok then dinner’s on you.” “Good, so I’ll see you good people later.” After telling her what Mickey had said he added, “You best go and get ready then while I take a shower, then we can go.” Less than an hour later they were leaving the apartment. Throughout the drive, she kept asking him where they were going. Laughing, he repeatedly said, “Stop asking, I’m not going to tell you!”
They had driven for about fifteen minutes when he pulled into the driveway of a detached Tudor style house. “Who lives here Jimmy,” she asked. Without replying he just smiled. Getting out of the car he said, “Come with me babe.” “Will the people who live here mind?” “No they won’t mind, there really nice.”
Surprised that he had a key to the door, she walked behind him as they entered the hallway. “Oh Jimmy what a beautiful house.” Taking her hand he replied, “I’m glad you think so because it’s ours.” Shocked she replied, “What do you mean it’s ours?” “Well let’s just say it’s my wedding gift to you.” Standing there with her mouth open; tears began to roll down her cheeks. “Stop crying babe and tell me what you think. Do you really like it?” “Like it, I love it,” she replied as she wiped her eyes. “Suppose we should look round then, after all we’ll be living here soon. So if you don’t like anything, now would be the time to say so. My friend Justin completely refurbished it for us, he even hired an interior designer to select the furniture, but if you don’t like it we can change it. There are wood floors throughout the ground floor, but if you want carpet I’ll sort it out.” Still in shock she was trembling with excitement as she squeezed his hand. First room she wanted to see was the kitchen.
It was a cook’s dream, with a full size range, double oven and hob and never ending oak units, some which housed fridge, freezer, microwave, dishwasher and a washer- dryer. At the far end was a round light oak table which sat six. Everything you could ever want was there; right down to the last detail, there was even a stand with a cookery book on it. Maria was speechless; she simply flung her arms around him. Kissing her, he said, “I thought you’d like it.” “Oh Jimmy, it’s wonderful!” “Best look at the rest of the house then.” Next room was the dining room, furnished with a large oak table that comfortably seated eight people; a matching wall unit along the main wall complemented the table perfectly. Patio doors with vertical blinds dressed the outer wall, every detail of the room matching; even the cut glass fruit bowl housed in the centre of the table looked as though it was meant to be there. Next room was the lounge, equally as stunning as the previous two rooms. With a seven seat leather corner unit in cream, the room was completed beautifully with glass topped leather coffee table and a wall mounted 42inch plasma television. The large bay window which looked out onto the stunning landscaped garden was complemented with blinds. Hi Fi housed in its own unit, which had been wired throughout the entire ground floor, a large mirror hung on the wall and there were built in ceiling lights, complete with remote control function. Jimmy watched her, he could see by the look on her face that she loved everything, especially the wall mounted fluless gas fire with flame effect. When she finished taking it all in she said, “I thought the apartment was fabulous, but this is beyond all my expectations! I would be happy to live here for the rest of my life.” “Maybe we will babe?”
Continuing the tour of the ground floor, there was the cloakroom with gold sink taps and fittings, marble effect walls incorporating mirror tiles along one wall. Last but not least was the study, the smallest room downstairs. There was a desk with a top of the range computer housed on it, a matching oak book case and filing cabinet.
Unable to contain her excitement on leaving the study she ran up the stairs, calling to him, “Hurry up I can’t wait to see it!” Following her he walked quickly up the stairs.
Looking down on him from the top of the stairs, she commented on how bright and airy the whole
house was. The paint work being cream, beige mocha or white, with every room tastefully blending into the next, even the stairs were bright with a window half way up letting in the sunlight. It was huge compared to the apartment. Catching up to her he said, “There are four bedrooms.” Showing her the master bedroom first, the colour scheme was cream and mocha. A large satin throw over draped the king size bed, fitted mirrored wardrobes covered two full wall lengths and there was a matching dressing table, while the bed was housed under a bridging unit. Grinning he said, “What do you think of the mirrors?” She knew why he asked, it was in reference to him being able to watch them having sex. Smiling she replied, “Yes I like them.” “Good I was hoping you’d say that.”
Her feet seemed to melt into the plush cream carpet, looking round the room she pointed at a door and said, “Where does that lead to?” Boastfully he replied, “That’s the en suite.” It had a walk in shower cubicle, sink and toilet, along with luxury gold fittings. Showing her two further bedrooms; the first one had a mulberry wine and cream colour scheme, a double bed with bridging unit, light oak fitted wardrobes. The next bedroom was virtually identical except for the colour scheme, which was duck egg blue and cream.
When they entered the family bathroom, stunning was her first thought as she looked round. Complete with jacuzzi, shower cubicle, bidet and toilet, luxury gold fittings and marble walls completed the room. Maria said, “I thought you said there were four bedrooms?” “There are, but I’ve saved the best till last.” “Really, I wouldn’t think there were many bedrooms that could better the master one.” “Well maybe you’re right babe, wait and see.” As he opened the door she was momentarily overwhelmed, it was a large bedroom; that had been furnished as a nursery. “Oh it’s just lovely Jimmy. I’ve only seen rooms like this in magazines.” It was furnished with white fitted wardrobes and matching chests of draws, a gorgeous cot with a lace canopy and musical mobile was placed next to a rocking horse along with several other large cuddly toys, including a four feet tall Winnie the Pooh. A built in book case with several children’s books already housed on it. She noticed there was also a babies changing unit and several things hanging from the walls, including a Winnie the Pooh children’s height chart and a Winnie the Pooh wall clock.
Putting her arm around him she joked and said, “It’s fabulous, but we haven’t got any kids yet!” “That’s was why I left the nursery ‘til last.” “I’m not sure what you mean.” Running his hand down to her bum and squeezing it, he said, “I deliberately left the nursery ‘til last, in the hope you might want to get some practise in for making a baby to go in it!” “I’d love to, not that you need any practice!”
They made their way back to the master bedroom, it’s was only a matter of minutes before they were making love. Lying together afterwards he smiled at her and said, “We’ve only got ten more rooms to Christen.” Giggling she replied, “Not all of them today though, hey Jimmy!” Pulling her on to him he joked and said, “We can probably manage another three or four!” “Dream on lover boy,” she replied with a giggled. When they finally got up it was around three that afternoon. “Shall we stop at a café on the way home for a coffee,” said Jimmy. “Yes that would be lovely.” “Maybe it would be a good idea to buy a few things for here, like tea and coffee, as we’ll be living here.” “Good point, come on then let’s get going.”
As they drove, she said, “What will you do about the apartment?” “Not really sure, we could sell it or rent it out.” “I love it there but I can’t wait to move into the house. Maybe we could start moving a few things in over the next week or two? Perhaps we could even stay over a couple of nights?” “Sounds good to me, but remember Monica will be staying with us.” “I don’t think that’ll be a problem, especially if Mickey stays over at the apartment with her for the odd night.”
They spent the rest of the afternoon just talking about the house. “I can’t wait to get married Jimmy so we can start a family. If we have a boy I’d like to call him James Michael Shaun Dixon, Jimmy junior for short! If it’s a girl it’ll be Melanie Joanne after my friend from the orphanage and your mum Joan.” Smiling he replied, “Do I have any say in the matter?” “Of course not, you would have done your bit nine months earlier!” Continuing their talk about babies, she said, “That reminds me, my contraceptive injection is due in two weeks.” Jimmy had a tiny smirk on his face as he replied, “Don’t bother babe, especially if we’re going to have all these babies.” “You’ll make a wonderful dad Jimmy.” In that instant he felt an over whelming sense of pride; he had often thought about fatherhood, now it would be a reality.
During the drive back, all she talked about was the house and babies.
When Mickey arrived at the apartment, she couldn’t resist telling him all about it, but not once did he let on that he already knew about the house. He listened intently, even acting surprised when she said about certain features.
Finally she went to dress for dinner and he was able to tell Jimmy that he had passed the tape on to George Davage. “How did it go,” said Jimmy. “Everything went well; George implied that he hoped to be able to arrest Samuels once the tape has been verified. Shame my friend Jeff Black is away on holiday in America, or he would have dealt with Samuels. Despite all the evidence it will take several weeks, if not months, before it goes to court and no doubt Samuels will try everything he can to have the case thrown out; he’ll probably hire the best barrister London has to offer. Under normal circumstance I could imagine him getting away with some of it, maybe even getting a paltry sentence, which in theory could mean he won’t serve any actual prison time.” “Shouldn’t be allowed Mick, Samuels is as dirty as dogs shit!” “I agree whole heartedly; but as a solicitor I know only too well that the laws in Britain are as corrupt as some of the criminals, basically if you can afford the best, you can save yourself prison time. You only have to look at child sex offenders to realise that. In a nut shell, you only have to be someone important with money to get away with it. However, that’s where our old friend Quinton will prove useful, especially if he wants to keep himself out of prison, which I’m certain he will. There’s another added bonus; internal affairs will be taking a good look into Samuels. One thing is pretty much a certainty; he’ll be kicked out of the force. The last thing the government want is a dirty cop slapped all over the papers.” “When are you going to see Quinton, do you want me to come with you?” “No, I’ll look at the court rota to see when he’s available, I can probably talk to him at the courts, I just need to tell him to make certain he gets the case.” Jimmy was just about to call Maria when she appeared. “I’m ready, sorry I’ve taken so long I wasn’t sure what to wear.” Both men said she looked great.
Throughout dinner she talked about the house and the family they were going to have, although she did express to Mickey how bad she felt about Monica not being able to have children. Typically of him he replied, “There are always babies that need a good home, in fact I know several people who had even travelled to places like Romania to adopt babies; if that’s what Monica really wanted to do I’d be happy look into it.” “Oh Mickey it would be wonderful if our children could grow up together.” Grinning he replied, “Shall we get the wedding over with first, before we start thinking about kids?” They all laughed.
The evening passed quickly. Mickey arranged to call him the following day as they said goodnight.
CHAPTER 40
With the wedding drawing closer the days seemed to fly by. Maria was thrilled to hear that Monica was being discharged from hospital that day, which meant they would have almost three weeks to go over all the final wedding arrangements. She had picked up Monica’s wedding dress, so once she was home she would be able to try it on, just in case it needed any last minute adjustments.
“They’re here,” she called as she watched Mickey and Monica get out of their car. Jimmy had helped her to decorate the apartment with balloons and banners that read welcome home. There was a bottle of champagne and so
me tasty nibbles placed on the table, with a huge bouquet of flowers taking pride of place on the coffee table.
Maria embraced her friend as she entered the apartment. Monica said, “It’s great to finally be out of hospital.” “I know I’ve really missed you, how are you feeling?” “I feel fine, just a little weak.” Jimmy piped in and said, “With Maria cooking for you, you’ll have your strength back in no time. Actually girls as you’ve got lots of things to discuss; perhaps me and Mickey could pop down to the club for a couple of hours later? Leave you girls to talk about the wedding and stuff.” Maria joked with Monica and said, “Any excuse.” Then smiling at Jimmy added, “Its fine, I’d love nothing better than to sit and chat to Monica.” Looking rather sheepish, Mickey looked at Monica and said, “Are you sure its ok babe, you’ve only just come home?” “It’s fine darling, I think you’ve earned a few hours out.” They didn’t need telling twice; as soon as they had finished dinner they kissed their ladies goodbye and left for Dixie’s.
Billy was on the door, it was quiet they had only been open an hour. Jacky Boy and Kevin were inside. After stopping briefly to talk to Billy they entered the club. Inside Mickey said, “Everything ok lads?” Jacky boy was happy to reply, “Everything’s fine, it’s always quiet for the first couple of hours.” They were talking as a pretty young girl came over and spoke to Jacky Boy, Jimmy recognised her as his girlfriend Lisa. With a grin he said, “Alright babe, how’s it going? I hope Jacky Boy is taking care of you?” Smiling at him she replied, “Yes he’s lovely. We’re really looking forward to the wedding. We’re looking for a place to live so we can move in together and then hopefully get married” Mickey teased her and said, “So you’re going to make an honest man of him then Lisa? Where do you intend living?” “Anywhere, as long as it’s near to work we’re not fussy; property is like gold dust, especially in our price range. We hope to rent until we’ve got enough money for a large deposit.” Jimmy liked her; she was a decent sort, hard working, honest and reliable. Joking he said, “If you want some extra cash babe Jacky Boy could always get you a couple of night’s pole dancing at sweet cheeks.” Jacky playfully grabbed her arse and said, “Cheers Jimmy, but I’m the only one who’ll be grabbing this bootie!” Lisa blushed and said, “Behave!”
