Jimmy's Game (Ruthless)

by Karen Clow

  As always she looked beautiful; wearing a figure hugging midnight blue strapless dress, black jacket and black high heeled shoes. Her hair was pulled up at the sides with two matching gold slides. Standing in front of him she waited for his reaction. “Fuck me babe, you look great!” Then grinning he said, “Maybe we should have a cosy night in?” Looking serious she replied, “Never mind that, do you like it and more importantly is it appropriate for the theatre?” Waiting for his answer she thought to herself that the last thing she wanted was him thinking she was drawing attention to herself. Joking with her he said, “You look fucking beautiful babe.” “Are you sure Jimmy, I don’t want you changing your mind once we’re there.” With sincerity he said, “Truthfully babe, you look fucking good enough to eat. If I wasn’t going with you tonight, I wouldn’t want you wearing it.” Taking note of his reply she said, “I’ll change if you want me to?” “Honest babe it looks lovely, but just out of curiosity when did you buy it?” “I didn’t, it was a gift from Monica. When she moved in here after the hospital she used to shop on the internet. I just happened to mention this dress when she was looking at it, all I said was ‘it’s lovely,’ I meant for Monica. Anyway a few days later she gave it to me as a gift; she said it was a thank you for teaching her how to cook.” Satisfied with her answer he said, “Nice gesture and all the more reason for you to wear it tonight. So are we ready then?” “We are,” she replied with a grin.

  They picked the others up just before half five. Monica immediately said, “Maria that dress looks fabulous! It would never have looked that good on me.” “Oh I’m sure it would, you’d look stunning,” replied Maria. Mickey piped in and said, “I agree. You look breath taking tonight Maria, so do you Monica. We should be so lucky hey Jimmy, with these two beauties.” “I’ll second that,” said Jimmy.

  Jimmy was aware that during the show several men eyed Maria up, but he never said anything. Although throughout the performance he’d sat with his arm round her and kissed her cheek every now and then. Maria knew it was just his way of letting other men know she was his property.

  After the show Mickey took them to a classy restaurant and having been there before with Monica, he boasted that the food was superb. Looking at the prices on the menu Jimmy said, “It ought to be superb, even we don’t charge these prices and we know the best chefs in London work for us!” They all laughed.

  Whilst enjoying their meal the waiter came over to them with a bottle of champagne. Placing it on their table he said, “Compliments of Mr Sheridan.” They all looked over to where the waiter had indicated the champagne had come from. A large built, well dressed man looking to be in his sixties raised his glass to them. He was sitting with two heavies and a very pretty young girl who looked young enough to be his granddaughter. Mickey and Jimmy nodded their heads in appreciation. Maria said, “Who is he?” Monica sarcastically replied, “Believe me sweetheart you don’t want to know.” Jimmy piped in and said, “His name is Dave Sheridan he runs the west end. He’s nothing but a loud mouth prick who makes Reggie and Terry look like choir boys.”

  It was as they finished their meal, Dave Sheridan walked over to their table. Standing in front of them he eyed Maria up and down before saying, “Alright boys, what brings you to my neck of the woods then?” Mickey replied, “Alright Dave, we came over to the theatre to give our ladies a night out.” Dave looked leeringly at Maria; she felt uncomfortable and nervously held Jimmy’s hand. Dave smiled at her, but sarcastically said to Jimmy, “I see your taste in women has drastically improved Jimmy.” Trying hard to keep his cool, Jimmy replied, “This is Maria.” Dave held out his hand to her, she offered hers and said, “Pleased to meet you.” Lifting her hand up he kissed it and said, “Pleased to meet you too Maria.” There was something about the way he looked and spoke to her, that made her uneasy. Mickey tried to make conversation, because he could see that Jimmy wasn’t impressed, but it was obvious that Dave was more interested in Maria than talking to either of them.

  Dave bantered with Mickey for a few moments before he looked at Jimmy and said, “Would I be right in thinking Maria is the girl you won on a royal flush?” Instantly, Maria felt intimidated along with nervous, despite her earlier breakthrough regarding Jimmy’s temper; she knew he wouldn’t stand to many snide remarks like that from anyone. So without hesitation she looked up and said, “Yes that’s right, romantic isn’t it? In fact it was the best day of my life Mr Sheridan.” Her friends knew why she was doing it, simply because she knew Jimmy would retaliate and she wanted to avoid that. Mickey joked about it and said, “If I’d have known how right they were for each other I would have fixed the game years ago.” Dave looked at her and said, “When you’ve had enough of Jimmy here and you want a real man, just give me a call Maria.” Then throwing Jimmy a smug look he said, “Unless of course you’d prefer to play poker for her?” Immediately Jimmy sprang to his feet, everyone in the restaurant stopped eating and watched them. Grabbing his arm Maria said, “Please Jimmy leave it, you’re better than that, please babe sit down.” Looking evil he stood with his fist clenched. Mickey quickly interrupted and said, “Maria’s right Jimmy, just leave it.” Then he looked at Dave and said, “You’re treading on dangerous ground Dave, why don’t you just go back to your table?” Jimmy interrupted and said, “Yeah why don’t you fuck of back to your table, your granddaughter looks lonely!” Dave laughed and said, “Still got that short fuse then Jimmy that temper of yours will get you in trouble one day!” Jimmy looked aggressively at him and said, “If you ever talk about her like that again you’ll see just how bad my fucking temper is granddad!” Dave smirked and said, “No need to be like that, I didn’t realise you thought that much of her, let’s face it Jimmy she is up market for you. What happened to that little blonde slapper you used to knock about with, what was her name?” Momentarily he just stood there obviously trying to recall the name then he said, “Della wasn’t it, have you still got her on the side then; she was a bit of a goer by all accounts, definitely more your type.” Maria was trembling and trying hard not to cry. Monica tried to comfort her and said, “Ignore him sweetheart, he’s well out of order!” It was obvious that Jimmy was seething. Just as it was about to kick off, Dave casually begun to walk away, calling over to them as he reached his table, “Nice to see you boys again. You should come to the west end more often; maybe we can have a few drinks and a game of cards one evening.” Then he sat back down, within seconds the young girl sitting with him was all over him like a rash, but he took no notice of her, he just stared at Maria. Maria nervously said, “Can we leave please Jimmy?” Mickey piped up and said, “That’s a good idea, she’s right Jimmy, I’ll get the bill.” Hailing the waiter he asked for their bill. Jimmy just sat there with his fist clenched. Maria was terrified that something would happen while they waited for the bill.

  Gripping his hand she said, “Stop looking at him Jimmy please don’t start anything.” “I won’t unless he says anything else about you.” “Please Jimmy, let’s just go.” “Stop panicking babe everything’s fine.” “Ok, but I’ll feel happier once we leave.”

  Five minutes later as they were leaving Dave called out to Maria and said, “Goodnight darling, don’t be a stranger!” That was all Jimmy could take, he spun round and looking aggressive started heading towards Dave’s table. Mickey grabbed him and bundled him out through the restaurant door. Jimmy was hurling abuse at Dave who just sat there laughing.

  Outside Mickey said, “Calm down Jimmy, we don’t want you starting a war.” “I can’t stand the fat bastard! I’ll take the fucker out!” Punching a parked car he triggered off the alarm, momentarily it seemed to bring him to his senses. Holding on to him Maria said, “Please Jimmy let’s just go home.” Noticing how scared she looked; he put his arm round her and began walking in the direction of their car.

  Minutes later they were pulling away. Jimmy was driving erratically until Mickey said, “Slow down Jimmy, we don’t want the Old Bill on our tail.”

&nb
sp; By the time he dropped their friends off, he was slightly calmer. As Mickey got out of the car he said, “Sorry about tonight, I thought we’d have a great night. Do you two want to come in for a drink?” “We’ll pass thanks mate and we did have a great night, the show was great,” said Jimmy. “See you tomorrow.” Monica waved at Maria as they pulled away.

  Once back home Maria said, “Do you want a drink?” Rather arrogantly he replied, “Yeah and make it a large one!” Because of what had happened she was anticipating his temper flaring up. Passing him his drink she sat on the arm of his chair, placing her arm around him she said, “I’m sorry.” Frowning he looked confused as he said, “Sorry for what?” “If I hadn’t worn that dress maybe Dave Sheridan wouldn’t have said anything to me? Pulling her onto his lap he slid his hand up her dress; rubbing it up and down her thigh he kissed her passionately. Whilst fondling her he said, “Dave Sheridan is a fat bastard, I fucking hate him! Believe me babe if he hadn’t said something about you it would have been something else. There’s no love lost between me and Sheridan, he hates me as much as I do him.” “Why?” “It’s a long story, which I’ll keep for another time, because right now I want to shag the arse off you!” Sliding his hand inside her panties he kissed her passionately. She knew he needed sex, only this time was different he was loving and gentle. Unzipping her dress, she slipped it off revealing the strapless bra she was wearing. Kissing her breasts he undid the clasps while Maria undid his trousers and pulled at them. Within seconds they were rolling about on the lounge floor making love.

  They finally went to bed at three that morning.

  CHAPTER 50

  With the wedding now only two days away Maria said, “After breakfast I need to check with the caterers that everything’s running smoothly.” “No problem babe, I need to go into town today, we can stop off at the hotel. I’ve got to pick the up the rings from Martin Blackwell’s.” “Yes we better not forget them.” “Are you nervous about Saturday babe?” Nodding her head she replied, “A little bit.” “You’ll be the best looking bride London’s ever seen.” “I doubt that,” she giggled. “Well last night there wasn’t anyone who even came close to you.” “I feel really bad about what happened at the restaurant. It was so nice of Mickey to take us out, I’m only sorry it ended so horribly.” “Mickey understands babe, especially when it comes to Dave Sheridan.” Still curious as to what had happened between them she said, “Why do you hate him so much?” Lifting his T shirt he pointed to a scar on his stomach and said, “Well that’s one reason.” She was shocked although she knew he had several scars, she thought most of them were down to fighting. “God Jimmy, did Dave Sheridan have something to do with that?” Picking up another piece of toast and biting into it, he chewed it as he replied, “About five years ago Dave Sheridan came to Sweet Cheeks with a couple of his boys, we were hospitable towards him out of respect. Everything was going ok, until he got a bit rough with one of the dancers, he just wouldn’t leave her alone; she was only a kid working to pay her way through university. Anyway, when she went back to the dressing room after her stint, unbeknown to us he followed her. By the time me and Mickey got there he had beaten her to a pulp and was raping her. I gave him a fucking good hiding and warned him never to set foot in any of our clubs again. We thought that would be the last we would hear from him.” “Oh my god that’s terrible.” “I should have known he couldn’t take the beating I gave him like a man. After we closed that night, Dave and two heavies waited for us, they jumped us in the car park.” “Oh my God Jimmy, he could have killed you!” If it hadn’t of been for Reggie and Terry working there that night, he probably would have.” “What happened to the girl?” “Poor cow she was a nervous wreck after that, she didn’t come back to work, dropped out of university. We compensated her with money but basically Dave fucking Sheridan ruined her life. So you see babe that’s why I hate the fat bastard.” She touched his hand lovingly and said, “I’m glad we left the restaurant, I didn’t like him he gave me the creeps.” “Don’t worry about the fucking likes of Dave Sheridan babe, I’d take the fucker out before I’d let him touch you!” Then he smiled and added, “Did you mean what you said to Sheridan about when I won the poker game?” With a look of sadness on her face replied, “I meant every word, it was the happiest day of my life when you won me, but it doesn’t take anything away from the way it made me feel when he mentioned it. I feel cheap and dirty when people use the fact that you won me, against me. If I could change it I would.” Pulling her to him, he said, “You’ll never be cheap, you’re a lady in every sense of the word. Sheridan was only jealous; he can only get pretty young girls because he pays for it.” Their conversation was cut short when the phone rang; it was Monica. Jimmy answered it. “Hi Jimmy is Maria about?” “Yeah she’s right here babe, I’ll pass you over.” Seconds later Maria said, “Hi Monica.” “Morning, sorry to call so early, but I was wondering if you would come into town with me this morning? Only I’ve got a couple of last minute things I need to pick up. Mickey was going to take me originally, but his office has just phoned and said there’s a client who needs to speak with him.” “Actually I was just arranging with Jimmy to go today, we could pick you up on the way.” “Oh great, are you sure you don’t mind?” No of course not, we’ll see you in about forty five minutes.” “Thanks, I’ll see you soon.”

  Less than an hour later they were driving to pick her up. When Monica got into the car, Jimmy said, “Alright babe. What time do you reckon Mickey will be finish at the office? Only I was thinking maybe we could all have lunch together down at the Swan.” Laughing she replied, “Yep, no doubt about it you two are psychically linked!” “Why did you say that?” “Because when he left this morning he said the same, he told me to tell you he’d meet us for lunch in the Swan.” They all laughed.

  Jimmy parked the car and said, “Right girls, I’ll meet you at the Swan at one o’clock, ok?” “Maria replied, “Aren’t you coming with us?” “No babe, I’ll go to the jewellers and have a chat with Martin, while you two shop for whatever it is you want.” “Oh ok,” she replied before giving him a kiss and adding, “We’ll see you at one then.”

  He was relieved when Mickey phoned to say he was on his way, because since leaving the jewellers he’d bumped into the girls who had talked him into going shopping with them. He’d spent the last hour being dragged in and out of shops. The look on his face was one of relief as he looked at them and said, “That was Mickey on the phone, he rang to say he’s at the pub, so I’ll see you girls there at one o’clock.” Monica giggled and said, “Are you sure you wouldn’t rather stay shopping with us?” “Positive thanks, I’ll see you at the pub!” They all laughed.

  Monica said, “Now he’s gone how about we buy the two grooms something?” “That’s a nice idea, what do you have in mind?” “I was thinking along the lines of maybe a day out at a race track. There’s a booth in the precinct that does those red letter days, there are loads to choose from. They do hot air balloon rides, flying a plane that sort of thing. I reckon they’d both enjoy driving a racing car.” “Yeah so do I, the way Jimmy drives I often think I’m at Brands Hatch!” “God I haven’t been there for years, have you?” “Never been there full stop, but I’ve heard Jimmy talking about it.” Monica laughed and said, “Perhaps we should book it then?” “What a wonderful idea.” They made their way to the booth where a nice young man talked them through the brochure. Both ladies decided on the racing cars and paid for the full package.

  After sorting the trip out, they started making their way to the pub. On the walk there Monica joked about the salesman at the booth being gay. Maria said, “How do you know he is?” She was just about to answer her friend, when a female voice said, “Doing some shopping for your big day Marsha?” They looked round it was Della with two very unsavoury looking friends. Monica leered at her and said, “Her names Maria.” Sarcastically Della replied, “Marsha, Maria who gives a shit!” Monica could feel the nastiness oozing from the group. Not a
bout to let them get the better of her, she looked at one of the girls with Della and said, “Hope you’re not shop lifting today?” The girl pulled a smug face but ignored her. Monica spoke again, this time even more sarcastically when she said, “Well nice talking to you delightful young ladies, but we really must be going we’re meeting our soon to be husbands, you know what it’s like.” Then with a smirk on her face, she sarcastically added, “Oh, of course you don’t, you’re all single!” Throwing them a dirty look and giggling, she added, “Can’t understand why, can you Maria?”

  As they walked away, Della called out, “See you on Saturday, oh and by the way Marsha, don’t think for one minute he’ll be faithful to you, I know what makes him tick, because I don’t suppose you take it up the arse do you lady muck!” In a moment of rare bravado Maria turned round and said, “Funny, if you’re so hot Della why didn’t he marry you when he had the chance?” Monica threw her arm round her shoulder and said, “Well done girl, you’re catching on. We’ll make a scrapper of you yet!” They laughed as they walked away. Della just stood there, momentarily lost for words before hurling abuse at them. They just laughed and continued walking.

  The Swan was busy, as they looked for their men Maria spotted Jimmy walking towards her. Kissing her, he jokingly said, “Enjoy your shopping babe am I bankrupt?” Smiling she replied, “Not quite!”

  They ordered lunch. While they waited for their food to arrive Mickey said, “So girls, did you have a good time shopping?” Monica replied, “Yes great, until we ran into delightful Della.” Jimmy looked straight at Maria who looked embarrassed that Monica had mentioned it. “Everything ok babe, you seem a bit quiet,” he said. Maria simply nodded. Monica interrupted and said, “No actually Jimmy she’s not alright, that old slag Della was nasty to her! However Maria done herself proud, I was well impressed.” Looking at Maria he said, “Tell me what happened babe.” “I don’t want to talk about it Jimmy.” Everyone could see she was close to tears. Hoping to avoid his questions she said, “I won’t be a minute I’m just popping to the ladies.”