Mr and Mrs Spencer deemed themselves to be decent, law-abiding people. They went to church regularly and were always donating to different charities to help the less fortunate.
Like all parents, the Spencers had had extremely high hopes for their three children. Firstly Katy had shamed the good family name by falling pregnant out of wedlock to a man they had never met. Then their son Kevin had set up an insurance company and robbed many clients, including lots of their friends, of thousands of pounds. Their eldest, Neil, was the only child to be truly proud of. He was a well-respected solicitor.
‘Here we are. I should imagine that sporty number on the drive is our Katy’s, so it seems as though she might be home,’ Mr Spencer commented.
Katy was lying on the sofa sipping a glass of wine when the doorbell rang. ‘I told you Daddy would come, didn’t I?’ she said, ruffling Nathan’s hair. He’d been so upset earlier, had cried himself to sleep.
Checking her appearance in the hallway mirror, Katy flung open the front door and was absolutely deflated on seeing her do-gooding parents standing on the doorstep. ‘What the hell do yous two want?’ she screamed.
Queenie and Vivian were watching the news.
‘Don’t she look beautiful in that dress?’ Vivian gushed. Both herself and Queenie adored Princess Diana.
‘Won’t last, that marriage. Look at their body language. I reckon Charles is in love with that Parker-Bowles woman.’
‘Royals rarely divorce, Queen, and what about William and Harry? Those boys would be devastated. Anyway, why would Charles even look at another woman when he’s got fillet steak at home?’
‘Albie had fillet steak at home when I married him. Didn’t stop him poking his sausage elsewhere, though, did it? I’ll have a tenner bet with you that Charles and Di are divorced in the next five years.’
‘I bet they ain’t,’ Vivian insisted, shaking her sister’s hand.
Queenie changed the subject. ‘Tara rang me this morning. Asked if it was OK if her and Tommy came for Christmas dinner and stayed overnight. It’ll be lovely to see them, but I really could’ve done without it. I’d hate the shit to hit the fan while they’re here.’
Tara was nineteen now, Tommy fourteen, and when Brenda had died, they’d decided to continue living with Dave and his daughter in Dagenham. Neither had wanted to change schools or be parted from their friends, and for all Dave’s faults, it had been kind of him to take parental responsibility for two kids that weren’t even his. The arrangement had worked out well. Tara was now training to be a hairdresser, and Tommy had a Saturday job on Romford market.
‘D’ya know what, Queen, I think you should tell Vinny to hold fire for a while. Christmas is gonna be a bloody shambles otherwise.’
‘But Michael and the whore are meant to be bringing the kids over on Sunday. I even said I’d cook for them. No way is she ever darkening my doorstep again. And as for my Michael, I can’t lie to him. And what about Antonio? I can’t act normal towards him now I know he’s my grandson, can I?’
‘You’ll have to cancel ’em coming, Queen. I’ll ring Michael and tell him you’re laid up with a flu bug and I’m looking after you.’
‘What about the presents? She won’t be getting that silk scarf now, that’s for sure. I’m gonna get me money back.’
‘Dan and Lee can pick the presents up. I’ll ring ’em, tell ’em you didn’t have a chance to get Bella’s because you’re ill. Imagine how upset Antonio and Camila will be if their Christmas is ruined? And her parents are visiting from Italy, aren’t they?’
‘I wonder what Mr and Mrs D’Angelo will think of their slapper of a daughter when they find out the truth? You’re right though. I don’t want to spoil Antonio and Camila’s Christmas, nor Ava’s. Keeping it quiet until afterwards is probably best all round. I’ll ring Vinny now. Tell him to hold his horses until after Boxing Day.’
An extremely perceptive PA, Rupert followed Bella and waited outside the ladies.
‘What’s the matter?’ Bella asked.
‘I was about to ask you the same thing. You’re not yourself today, sweet pea, and don’t say there’s nothing troubling you as Rupert knows best.’
Bella had actually been in a vibrant mood until Martha, her new young assistant, had informed her a certain Mr Butler had rung the office again this morning. ‘I can assure you I’m fine, Rupert. Order me the crab for starters and salmon for main. I need to call Michael, check that Camila’s OK.’
Outside the restaurant, Bella took many deep breaths as she scrolled through her phone. What did the evil bastard want? And why did he keep ringing the office and not her? He only had to call Michael first to find out they weren’t in one another’s company. ‘Vinny, it’s Bella. My employees inform me you need to speak with me.’
Having already had strict orders from his mother, Vinny walked away from Jay Boy and into his office. ‘Yes. I do need to speak with you, but in person. Any chance we can meet briefly on the twenty-seventh? I’m willing to drive over your way.’
‘Whatever is this about, Vinny? Can you not tell me now?’
‘Nope. I’m afraid not. You’ll find out soon enough, when you meet me.’
‘But my parents are visiting. I will be spending time with them.’
‘Believe me, Bella, it’s in your best interests to meet me. Shall we say the Plough, Gallows Corner at twelve, lunchtime? That isn’t too far from you and you’ll be home within the hour. You can pretend you’re popping to the shops or picking up some belated presents. I’ll even wrap a few up personally if you want?’ Vinny smirked. He was thoroughly enjoying this conversation, would proper get off on it later when he watched one of his more violent films.
Vinny sounded far too calm to have found out about Antonio. And how could he? ‘Michael isn’t ill, is he, Vinny? Please tell me what this is all about.’
‘As I said earlier, I’m only willing to speak to you in person. Twelve p.m. next Friday at the Plough. See you then, Izzy. Sorry, I mean Bella.’
When Vinny cut her off, Bella crouched on her haunches. How the hell was she meant to entertain her parents and act normal now? Her Christmas was ruined. Totally fucking ruined, and she couldn’t wait for it to be over.
CHAPTER TWENTY
‘What’s wrong with you today? Twice you’ve snapped at Cami this morning for no reason. Time of the month, is it?’ Michael asked, voice laden with sarcasm.
‘I’m fine. I just didn’t sleep too well,’ Bella replied, dragging the hoover out of the cupboard. She needed to keep herself busy.
Urging Bella to leave the hoovering and speak to him, Michael noticed tears in her eyes, so took her in his arms. Something was definitely wrong, as Bella crying was a rarity. ‘Did something happen while you were out yesterday? You asked me twice when you came in last night if I was ill. I know you’d had a couple of champers too many, but why ask me that? Tell me what’s wrong, babe, and I’ll sort it.’
‘I thought you looked peaky, that’s all. Listen, I have decided I’m going to ring my parents, Michael, and tell them to book into a hotel. I’d forgotten I’d given Juanita time off when I OK’d it for them to stay here. We’re going to be under one another’s feet, and it will be too much hard work. I just want and need a relaxing break. We can still spend lots of time with them, obviously.’
Having listened to the conversation from the landing, Antonio bolted down the stairs. ‘You cannot tell Nonna and Nonno to book into a hotel, Mum. That’s extremely rude and I’m very much looking forward to them staying with us.’
As much as Michael didn’t want Bella’s parents staying at his, he also didn’t want to upset the father. If Bella told them they couldn’t stay, Mr Mafia might think it was down to him. ‘Antonio’s right, Bella. It’s a bit off for you to tell your mum and dad they can’t stay here at such short notice. We’ve got plenty of room, and I’ll help out with the cooking and cleaning if need be.’
‘Please, Mum,’ Antonio begged.
Bella forced a smil
e. Vinny had completely unnerved her, but she must try to act normal for the sake of her family. ‘Of course Nonna and Nonno can stay here, Antonio. Take no notice of Mummy. She’s having one of her stressed-out silly days.’
‘Nathan, take Jonny upstairs and play with your toys. There’s a good boy,’ Katy Spencer ordered.
‘So, what’s happened? You sounded distraught on the phone last night,’ Lucy Tompkins asked. Lucy was Katy’s lifelong best friend and the only one that knew the true identity of Nathan’s father. She’d even been with Katy on the day she’d purchased the pregnancy test.
Katy explained the difficulties she’d been having. ‘I was gutted when I thought it was Michael at the door yesterday and it turned out to be my parents. Like I care if my brother Kevin has been put in prison. He was always a crook. But now I feel bad. My mum was sobbing as she left and I was so rude to her and my dad. I blame Michael and the situation I’m in for my mood swings. It’s doing my head in. I love him so much and so does Nathan. But he doesn’t spend enough time with us. He’s very generous, as you know, but that’s not enough for me any more. Even if he doesn’t want to be with me, I want Nathan to be a bigger part of Michael’s life. He’s missing out on so much. Brothers, sisters, grandparents, cousins, it just isn’t fair.’
Lucy squeezed her pal’s hand. ‘You’re absolutely right. It isn’t fair. I think you should ring your mum and dad and apologize, while I pour us a drink. Then we can decide what to do about Michael over a glass of wine or two.’
Katy smiled. Lucy had always been the sensible one. ‘OK.’
‘Who was that?’ Bella asked, when Michael put the phone down.
‘Dan. Him and Lee are meeting up with the lads from the club in the Blind Beggar for a pre-Christmas drink. They wanted me to join them, but I won’t. I’ll help you get the place ready for your parents’ arrival.’
‘I think you should go, Michael. Will do you good to get out and catch up with the lads. You won’t be able to come rolling home drunk with my parents here, so you might as well make the most of it while you can,’ Bella joked.
‘Nah. The Old Bill are shit-hot on drink-driving these days. It’s not worth taking the risk.’
Bella was desperate for some time alone. ‘Ring Alan. He’ll drop you off and pick you up,’ she urged. Alan was her personal driver. ‘Honestly, you’ll only get under my feet here. I need to change the beds and all sorts. I insist you go out. It will look bad if you don’t turn up and buy your staff a drink or two.’
‘OK. I’ll ring Dan. It’s not my staff though, babe. I was referring to Vinny’s club. He’ll be there as well, and Little Vinny.’
When Michael walked into the lounge to make the call, Bella cursed herself. Vinny was a loudmouth in drink, she knew that much. Now she would be on tenterhooks all bloody day in case whatever the arsehole planned to say to her, he blurted out to Michael. Why the hell had she opened her big gob?
‘Nan, Fred’s bored. I think he’s missing Mabel. Can we take him to the park?’ Ava asked. Mrs Agg had gone to Upminster to spend time with her sister and had taken Fred’s girlfriend with her.
‘Not on your nelly! I told you before, Ava, I will never take that naughty creature out again after what he did to me last time. If Mrs Agg hadn’t caught him with a chicken fillet, the little bastard would still be running around the park now. Why don’t you knock for Destiny and have a wander down the market?’
‘Because I don’t want to leave you.’
‘Whyever not?’
Ava put her arms around her nan’s waist. ‘’Cause I sense something’s wrong. You seem unhappy.’
Queenie picked the child up and sat her on the kitchen table. ‘Nanny’s fine. I always get stressed this time of year. You must remember me throwing the date and walnut cake in the garden last Christmas?’
Ava giggled. ‘Yes. You burnt the cake.’
‘Well, there you go then.’ Queenie took a tenner out of her purse and handed it to her granddaughter. ‘Treat yourself and Destiny to a Wimpy. Make sure you wrap up warm though. It’s taters out there today.’
As brazen as ever, Ava asked, ‘Can I spend the change an’ all?’
‘Yes! Off you trot.’
When Ava left the house, Queenie sat at the kitchen table with her head in her hands. That poor little ha’p’orth was bound to be affected by all the drama beckoning as well. Queenie would break the news that she had an elder brother to Ava as gently as she possibly could. But how the child would react was anybody’s guess.
Vinny had closed his club yesterday for the festive period. Most of his clientele were City types who wouldn’t be working over the holidays, so it made sense not to bother reopening until the New Year.
Not in the right frame of mind for socializing with any old Tom, Dick or Harry, Vinny had avoided the staff party last night and arranged a smaller gathering today for himself and his main men.
‘So, what’s the plan?’ Jay Boy asked, when Vinny finally got away from his many admirers. Whenever they set foot in an East End boozer, his boss would be treated like a king. Star-gazers, Vinny called the majority. Especially the people he barely knew.
Apart from when he’d taunted Bella on the phone yesterday, Vinny had been as miserable as sin these past couple of days. He might not see much of Michael any more, but he would always love his brother dearly, and dreaded his reaction to the shocking news. As for the son he’d never met, Vinny had no idea what type of relationship he’d have with him, if any. It was all such a fucking mess.
Jay Boy nudged his boss. ‘Vin, wake up. I just asked you a question.’
‘Sorry, Jay. What did you say?’
When Jay Boy repeated the question, Vinny knocked his Scotch back in one, then grinned. ‘I suggest staying ’ere until Little Vinny and Finn turn up, then we go on a massive pub crawl. Later, we’ll soak up the booze with a curry in Brick Lane. Whaddya reckon, lads?’
‘Sounds good to me,’ Carl replied.
‘Same ’ere,’ Paul added.
Vinny banged the palm of his hands against the table. He had to get pissed to put on a happy act. It was the only way to get through the day. ‘Right, you slow-coaches, get those drinks down your ’atches. Pete, your turn to shout ’em up next. Money’s behind the bar.’
Over in Kent, Katy and Lucy were still discussing Michael. Their sons had been fed and watered and were now playing happily in the other room.
‘What should I do, Luce? I mean, if I blurt out all to Bella, Michael might pull the plug on this place and stop all my money.’
‘He won’t leave you homeless, Katy. From what you’ve told me, Michael adores Nathan, and he isn’t the type of man to take any issue he has with you out on his son. You’re not happy the way things are, you haven’t been for years, and you can’t stay on those pills the doctor gave you for ever. They will harm you in the long run.’
‘I know you’re right, but I’ve been threatening Michael for ages to turn up at his house if he keeps letting Nathan down, yet he doesn’t seem to care. He hasn’t even rung me today to see how Nathan is, knowing full well he was distraught yesterday. Bella’s parents are arriving on Monday, so we won’t see him at all then. It will break Nathan’s heart if his daddy doesn’t show up on Christmas Day.’
When her friend burst into tears again, Lucy hugged her. Katy had been so calm and confident before she’d met Michael; it was tragic she had so many issues now. Lucy wanted Katy to get better and become her old self once again, and if the truth coming out was the only way to force the situation, then so be it.
Vinny Butler leapt up, gave his son a manly hug and shook Finn’s hand. He liked Finn and was over the moon his son had a decent pal for the first time in his life. Apart from that loser Ben Bloggs, Little Vinny had never had any friends.
‘We’ve just got back from Essex. All is looking fine and dandy for our big New Year rave. We’ve had that much great feedback, we’re charging a score per head now. Gonna make a killing, Dad,’ Little Vinny boa
sted.
Extremely proud of his son for not only standing on his own two feet, but also buying a lovely gaff in Emerson Park, Vinny beamed with pride. ‘So how many punters you expecting?’
‘We’re hoping for approximately three thousand. Nothing the Old Bill can do to stop it as we’ve privately rented the land. It’s going to be advertised on every pirate radio station within a fifty-mile radius,’ Finn explained.
‘The only thing that can balls it up is the weather, Dad. I looked at the forecast today and they reckon it’s gonna snow soon,’ Little Vinny added worriedly.
‘Don’t be taking no notice of weather forecasters, boy. I remember that Michael Fish geezer announcing in ’87 that people in the south should not worry as there was no chance of a hurricane. Your nan and aunt’s roofs all blew off hours later,’ Vinny laughed. It hadn’t been funny at the time, mind. Everybody else’s roofs in the street had survived the terrible storm and his mum and aunt had had to vacate their homes for a week while repairs were ongoing.
‘Can I get everybody a drink, Vinny?’ Finn asked politely.
‘No. But order what you want, lad. Plenty of money behind the bar. We’re gonna leave ’ere in a while anyway. We’ll have a swift drink in the Maurice, then shoot down to Stepney. Last time I drank in the Black Boy, I beat some gobshite senseless outside. Let’s hope he still don’t drink in there, eh?’ Vinny chuckled.
‘We’ve gotta wait for Dan and Lee. They’re meeting us here,’ Little Vinny informed his father.
‘Oh right, I didn’t know they were coming. You invited Michael an’ all?’ Vinny enquired.
‘Nah. Just Dan and Lee. I thought you would’ve invited Michael,’ Little Vinny replied.
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