Tainted Love: The gritty new thriller from the #1 bestseller

by Kimberley Chambers

  ‘But I have to follow Sammi down the aisle too. Please, Mummy,’ Millie begged.

  ‘Millie can come with us, Mum. She can look after Ollie.’

  Gary Allen handed his grandson to Meg and held his daughter in his arms. He couldn’t stop the tears from falling. ‘You look amazing, and I am so very proud of you.’

  ‘Don’t cry, Dad, else you will start me off and my mascara will run. Thanks so much for everything. I really do love you, y’know.’

  Pulling himself together, Gary smiled. ‘And I love you, more than you’ll ever know.’

  The atmosphere in the other limo, currently pulling out of Barking, was none too cheerful. Queenie was furious, but both she and Vinny had made a pact not to make a scene today, as neither wanted to make a fool of themselves in front of the Allens.

  The chauffeur had been in his job a long while, but never had he come across a family quite as strange and scary as this one. The nan and aunt certainly hadn’t been to finishing school, and the men had villain stamped all over them. Even the children seemed unhappy, especially the granddaughter. She hadn’t stopped whinging since they’d left Whitechapel, and her dog had pissed up the seat of his beloved vehicle.

  ‘Look at the state of me suit. You can still see the stain. All your fault,’ Queenie growled at Albie.

  Instead of arguing, Albie looked out the window. Queenie had actually taken the news of him being best man better than he’d expected, but he’d still be glad when the whole bloody day was over.

  ‘I think Dad looks like a paedophile in his suit, don’t you, Mum?’ Vinny mocked, trying to brighten her mood.

  ‘He is one. How old exactly was Judy Preston when he knocked her up?’ Queenie snarled.

  Vivian glanced sympathetically at Albie, but kept her mouth firmly shut. After being accused of having a bloody affair with the man, no way was she going to pipe up in his defence.

  ‘Shame Bella isn’t well, Michael. I was looking forward to spending the day with her and Antonio. Such a classy woman. You did well for yourself there, son,’ Queenie commented.

  ‘She’s probably pissed off back to Italy and left him in the lurch like she did last time,’ Vinny sniped.

  ‘Stop the car, mate,’ Little Vinny bellowed, slamming his fist against the leather seat. ‘Right, enough is e-fucking-nuff. This is meant to be the happiest day of my life, and all yous lot have done so far is moan and bicker. Granddad being my best man was my choice. He took me in when Dad got banged up and, let’s be honest, nobody else wanted me at the time, did they? Now you lot can either put a smile on your miserable faces before we reach the venue, or fuck off home. I’m sick of it. Sammi-Lou’s dad has spent a fortune on this wedding, and I will not be made to look like a prick.’

  Looking in his interior mirror, the driver nigh on jumped out of his skin as the dog began to bark like a maniac. Even that wasn’t normal. If this was the way this mob behaved when sober, no way was he taking them home later when they were all inebriated. He would call his boss this afternoon and tell him he was sick. Let another driver have the pleasure.

  The journey in the glass carriage was one of the most amazing experiences of Sammi-Lou’s life. Apart from meeting Little Vinny and having Oliver, she could think of no better.

  Lots of van drivers, cabbies, and plain old motorists were waving and shouting out good wishes, and Sammi-Lou truly felt like a princess.

  As the horses were brought to a halt at the traffic lights, a Mercedes pulled up next to it. The driver opened his passenger window, leaned across the seat and yelled. ‘Good luck, Gal. And you, Sammi. See you at the reception later.’

  ‘Who’s that, Dad?’ Sammi-Lou asked, as the horses began to trot once more.

  ‘Tony Garnet. I do a bit of business with him, and his daughter goes to Millie’s school.’

  ‘I don’t like Leisha Garnet, Daddy. Will she be coming to the reception too?’ Millie asked.

  ‘I should imagine so. Yous two fallen out? I thought you were pals,’ Gary replied.

  ‘We was. But then she said some nasty things to me.’

  ‘Dad, take Ollie. He keeps leaning against my dress. We shouldn’t have put that bloody Brylcreem on his hair until we got there,’ Sammi-Lou said.

  Gary Allen lifted his grandson up, then asked Millie, ‘What nasty things did Leisha say to you, love?’

  ‘I don’t want to say,’ Millie muttered.

  ‘Millie, there are no secrets in our family. Tell Dad what Leisha said, otherwise I won’t allow you to be my bridesmaid,’ Sammi-Lou threatened. If her little sister was being bullied, Sammi wanted to know about it. She was once bullied at school by a friend she’d fallen out with and it was the worst feeling in the world.

  Eyes brimming with tears at the thought of not being allowed to wear her beautiful dress, Millie replied: ‘Leisha said you were making a mistake marrying Little Vinny. She said her dad told her the Butlers were terrible people and you would probably end up dead.’

  Handing Oliver back to Sammi-Lou, a furious Gary Allen moved seats and hugged his youngest daughter. ‘Dry those eyes, sweetheart. You don’t have to worry. Leisha and her family won’t be coming to the reception after all. Neither will Leisha be horrible to you at school any more. Daddy will make sure of that, trust me.’

  After all the drama leading up to his big day, Little Vinny was pleased that his abrupt speech in the limo seemed to have worked, and now they had arrived at the venue, all his family were not only acting normal, but even had smiles on their faces.

  Gary Allen had done himself and Sammi-Lou very proud indeed, and as Little Vinny stared in awe at the wedding venue the Allens had created in the beautiful grounds of their property, he couldn’t help wondering why his father and Uncle Michael had never branched out. Neither of their properties were anything special and since Little Vinny had seen how the other half lived, he found that rather embarrassing. The East End and surrounding areas were shitholes now, so why were his supposedly wealthy family still living there?

  ‘Looks the bee’s knees, eh, boy?’ Albie said, putting a protective arm around his grandson’s shoulders. There were two gigantic marquees, and everything including the aisle was pure white, apart from the flowers. There were waiters handing out the finest champagne to the numerous guests who suddenly seemed to be arriving all at once. Truth be known, Albie would’ve felt far more at ease in an East End working man’s club had his grandson chosen to hold his big day there. Posh just wasn’t his bag.

  The Allens had left no stone unturned in preparation for their daughter’s big day and it was left to the Master of Ceremonies to announce, ‘Can we all be seated now, please. Apart from the groom, of course. Providing he hasn’t drunk too much champagne, he needs to remain standing. The bride will be with us shortly. It seems she hasn’t done a runner after all.’

  When the guests laughed, Little Vinny glared at the silly perverted-looking old bastard in the red felt jacket. He’d never been a fan of comedians, even at his dad’s old club, and this geezer was far less funny than those.

  Sammi-Lou’s dress was big, bold and had cost her father a hell of a lot of money. It had been hand-made by a West End designer, and as Gary linked arms with his daughter, he couldn’t help but think it was worth every penny, plus more. ‘You ready, sweetheart?’

  Sammi-Lou grinned, nodded, then held her son’s hand. She’d insisted that Oliver must walk down the aisle the other side of her. It seemed only right. Oliver had completed her perfect family for now, and hopefully more children in the future would make Sammi-Lou the happiest woman alive. She and Little Vinny were such great parents; they’d both decided the more kids they had, the merrier.

  As the organist’s fingers sprung into action playing ‘Here Comes the Bride’, Little Vinny turned around and gasped in awe. Sammi-Lou looked incredible, and his beloved son so dapper. The past was the past and there was sod-all he could do about that now. Walking towards him was his future, and he was determined to enjoy every single secon
d of it.

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  The ceremony was short, sweet, yet perfect. And as Little Vinny and Sammi-Lou exchanged vows, there was laughter and tears all round when young Oliver interrupted by shouting out, ‘Love you, Mummy. Love you, Daddy.’

  The seating arrangement at the top table wasn’t the norm. No way was Vinny sitting anywhere near his father, neither was he wearing that awful suit for a moment longer than need be, so he’d opted to sit with his mother on the table facing instead. When explaining the last-minute change of plan to the Allens, Vinny had blamed Ava. ‘She’s besotted with that mutt I bought her. Won’t go anywhere without it and we can’t have Fred on the top table,’ he’d joked to Gary and Meg during the hundreds of photos that were taken of him looking like a complete and utter prick.

  Queenie put her knife and fork down with a look of distaste on her face. ‘Looks a bit pink to me, that chicken. Don’t eat it in case you get salmonella. Little Vinny told me the Allens had hired the best catering firm in Essex. Wouldn’t want to meet the worst, would you? Even my prawn cocktail weren’t all that. Too rich, that bloody sauce.’

  ‘My chicken looks all right,’ Vivian replied, prodding it with her fork.

  ‘Watch this,’ Queenie cackled.

  Albie was scared as he glanced up and saw Queenie marching towards him, plate in hand. Surely she wasn’t going to smash it over his head? ‘Whatsa matter?’ he mumbled.

  Shoving the chicken quarter on Albie’s plate, Queenie replied, ‘Nothing. I’m full up, and I know how you like your chicken. Hate seeing things go to waste, so make sure you eat it all up.’

  Feeling much more comfortable now he was dressed in his dark grey Armani, Vinny nudged Michael. ‘What’s up with you? You look as miserable as sin. Told you to bring a whistle to change into, didn’t I?’ he chuckled.

  ‘I’m OK. I just wish Bella was ’ere, that’s all,’ Michael replied. The truth was, he was thinking about Katy. The thought of her giving birth to his child made him feel ill. Had it been Vinny in this situation, Michael had no doubt that Katy would be involved in some fatal accident before the baby arrived. But even though that thought had crossed Michael’s mind, he knew he could never live with himself. Vinny had no scruples whatsoever when it came to women, but Michael could never go through with something so awful, even if the alternative was losing Bella.

  ‘She looked over at me again,’ Daniel whispered in his brother’s ear.

  Lee looked over to the table where the Mitchells were seated. Frankie was pretty, but unlike Daniel, who obviously fancied her, Lee found her a bit scary. She looked as if she could hold her own in a fight with a girl or boy. ‘She ain’t looking now. But if you like her, you should ask her out on a date,’ Lee whispered back.

  ‘Say she says no? And where am I meant to take her?’

  Lee shrugged. ‘The pictures. Or what about McDonald’s?’

  ‘I dunno. Let’s get our hands on some booze later and get drunk. Then I might ask her.’

  ‘What yous two whispering about?’ Queenie asked.

  ‘Nothing,’ Daniel replied.

  ‘Nan, I do like my dress now. But that fat girl doesn’t look nice in hers,’ Ava said loudly, pointing towards the table opposite.

  ‘Right, let’s take Fred outside for a wee-wee,’ Queenie said, grabbing the dog’s lead and her granddaughter’s arm.

  Aware that Sammi-Lou had most certainly heard Ava’s comment, Viv mumbled, ‘I’ll come with you.’

  ‘Talk about show us up, Viv. I’m sure Meg’s sister clocked what Ava said and the fat bridesmaid is her daughter,’ Queenie said, once outside.

  Vivian chuckled. ‘So did Sammi. But I’m sure I saw her smirk.’

  ‘It’s not bastard-well funny. Look how the little mare behaved earlier when I tried to put the bridesmaid dress on her. Vinny asks her to wear it and, like a little angel, she does exactly what he bloody tells her. Now she has the cheek to say she likes the poxy dress.’

  Lighting up a cigarette, Vivian handed one to Queenie. Ava was now running around, being chased by that devil dog of hers. ‘She did have a point though. What a moose that other child is. Not seen it smile all day. No hope for that when it’s older. She’ll never find a husband.’

  ‘And what about its mother? Looks like a bundle of shit tied up ugly in that outfit. The skirt’s up its arse and the lils are on show. Been knocking back the booze like it’s going out of fashion an’ all. A definite old slapper, she is.’

  ‘Anyone ever tell you you have a way with words, Queen? No wonder Ava comes out with the stuff she does. Spends too much time with me and you,’ Vivian laughed.

  When Gary Allen stood up and delivered a wonderful, heartfelt speech, Albie’s nerves started to kick in. He was confident when belting out a song, but had always hated giving speeches.

  Gary Allen told them all how proud he was of his daughter and what fantastic parents her and Little Vinny were. ‘I’m not going to lie, when Sammi-Lou first introduced us to her choice of man, I did have my doubts. But what father wouldn’t? We only want the best for our children and I now know that’s what Sammi has got. Welcome to the family, son,’ Gary Allen proclaimed, shaking Little Vinny’s hand.

  Gary then waved an envelope in the air, before handing it to his daughter. ‘Your mum and I searched high and low before booking this. We know you wanted to take Oliver on honeymoon with you, and not only is this gaff truly five-star, it has so much going on for the little ’un. Enjoy.’

  When Sammi-Lou squealed, ‘We’re going to Spain on Monday,’ at his son, Vinny Butler smirked. He didn’t hate the Allens, but they weren’t exactly his cup of tea. A bit too flash for his liking, hence the fuck-off extravagant wedding. Well, he’d top that Spanish honeymoon in his speech, that was for sure.

  Outside the marquee, Daniel urged his brother to take another gulp of the revolting-tasting wine he’d swiped off a table.

  Lee did as he was told, then turned his nose up as he handed the glass back. ‘You drink the rest. It’s ’orrible.’

  ‘I saw yous two sneak out here. Aren’t speeches boring? Give us that. I’ll drink it.’

  When Frankie Mitchell snatched the glass out of his hand and sank the contents in one, Daniel Butler grinned at her in awe. Sod Katy Spencer, this was the girl he was in love with now.

  After telling a few crap jokes that everybody bar the groom seemed to find funny, the Master of Ceremonies finally handed the microphone to Little Vinny.

  Clearing his throat, he turned towards his in-laws. ‘Firstly, I would like to thank Meg and Gary for not only welcoming me into their family, but also giving Sammi-Lou and I the best wedding ever. We truly appreciate it, and can’t thank you enough for all the effort you’ve gone to in order to make our big day so special. Cheers, guys,’ Little Vinny said, raising a glass.

  Queenie mumbled the words ‘To Meg and Gary’ before turning to her sister and hissing, ‘I swear if he mentions that old goat and not me, I’ll be giving a bleedin’ speech meself.’

  ‘I’m not much of a public speaker, so rather than bore everybody I will keep the rest of this short and sweet. I want to thank my own family for all they have done for me over the years. But most of all I want to thank Sammi-Lou and Oliver for making my life complete. I’d never truly been in love in the past, and the moment I laid eyes on Sammi, I knew she was the girl I one day wanted to walk down the aisle towards me. I love you Sammi-Lou and our wonderful son, more than words can say.’

  ‘Let’s all raise our glasses to Sammi-Lou and Oliver, please,’ the Master of Ceremonies announced when the emotional bridegroom handed back the mike.

  To say Vinny Butler was livid was the understatement of the century. Not only had his son barely given his own family a mention, his failure to remember those who were unfortunately no longer alive was a true insult in Vinny’s eyes. His son had not done him proud with that speech at all, and when he stood up to give his, Vinny would most certainly fucking correct that. How dare he not ev
en mention Ava? Or worse still, Molly.

  ‘So what school do yous two go to?’ Joey Mitchell asked Daniel and Lee Butler. He’d seen his twin sister sneak out, and bored shitless by the speeches, he’d quickly followed suit.

  A grinning Daniel handed Joey the whole bottle of wine he’d just stolen. ‘A crap school in Barking. Now neck some of that,’ he ordered, showing off in front of Frankie. She looked nothing like Katy Spencer. Frankie had long dark hair, and massive eyes that made his stomach flutter every time she looked at him.

  Lee was slightly concerned. He could tell Daniel was only knocking back the booze to give it the large in front of Frankie Mitchell, but his eyes already looked glazed. ‘Let’s go inside and listen to the rest of the speeches, eh, bruv? We can all get drunk together later, on lager, or cider. Dad’ll go mental if we don’t show our faces again soon.’

  ‘Dad’ll be too busy worrying about our so-called babysitter he’s knocked up to be concerned about us,’ Daniel replied, grinning stupidly at Frankie.

  Joey Mitchell put his hand over his mouth. ‘No way! Your dad has got your babysitter pregnant? And why have you got one of those at your age?’

  About to explain the situation, Daniel was stopped from doing so by a none-too-happy-looking Eddie Mitchell poking his head around the side of the marquee. ‘Joey, Frankie, get your arses back inside now,’ he bellowed.

  When Joey and Frankie immediately did as they were told, Lee shook his head dismally. ‘You should never have said that about Dad, Dan. And as for calling Katy our babysitter, you made us sound like right divs.’

  Even though he’d drunk enough Dutch courage to grow a pair of clogs, Albie’s hand still shook as he took hold of the microphone.

  Apart from slinging a quarter of a chicken on his plate, which Albie wouldn’t put it past Queenie to have added arsenic to, she’d glared at him all day. As for Vivian, that poor woman was too scared to look his way, but he could fully understand why.