by Karen Clow
“If the club does well babe” said Mickey “by the time Georgie starts hopefully you’ll be able to send both boys to a private school.”
“That’s a nice thought Mickey, I hope you’re right.”
They arrived back at the house around half seven. George and Monica left around eight thirty. Mickey helped put the kids to bed because they had to be up early for school. Keeping his word, he helped with the triplets last feed around half ten, so that they could have their planned early night.
They had left the others talking downstairs when they turned in around eleven. He was in bed before her. As he lay there waiting for her, he decided he would break the news that Davy was at the game because he didn’t want her hearing it from someone else. She came out of the en-suite and walked across the bedroom towards him.
“God you look sexy babe!”
She was wearing a skimpy black and red baby doll.
“I’ve been saving this for when I’d lost weight Mickey.”
“Well you’ve certainly got your figure back; no one would believe you had triplets just a few weeks ago.”
“Except for these,” she giggled lifting her breasts “I’ve never had such big boobs!”
“You don’t hear me complaining do you?”
“I’m only going to breast feed for another week. I’m finding it hard with the three babies, even though every other feed is formula. Another reason is I often leak milk, which isn’t a problem when I’m at home, but it’s embarrassing when we’re out.”
He kissed her passionately as she got in to bed beside him. Within minutes she was naked, him having removed her nightie. Slowly he made his way down her breasts with his tongue. Their love making was almost back to how it was before she had the triplets. She straddled him and gently lowered herself down onto him. Still aware that the doctor had told her to take it easy because of the surgery, she knew that her body had healed, especially when she took him deep into her and groaned with pleasure. Certain she was ok; he gently squeezed her buttocks as she moved up and down on him. It was as she leaned forward and he took her nipple in his mouth she started leaking milk, but now on the verge of orgasm she didn’t stop.
Thirty minutes later after cleaning herself up they lay cuddling each other, totally satisfied with their love making. Leaning over he kissed her tenderly.
“Jess seems to have settled in a bit more now babe.”
“Yes she has she’s a nice girl Mickey, thanks for being so good about her staying it won’t be forever.”
“Actually babe, I’ve been thinking about that. How about we buy a flat or a house and let Jess rent it?”
“Oh Mickey that would be wonderful,” she replied as she kissed his cheek.
“I’ve been thinking about it since she was talking about it at the pub babe. I did well at the game last night and I think maybe you’re right, she just needs a break.”
“How much did you win?”
“About two hundred grand, give or take a few quid.”
“I thought it was just a friendly game for you and the lads?”
She could tell by his face that there was more to it as she waited for him to answer.
“Actually babe as it turned out there was some big money there. I wasn’t sure who Tony had invited.”
“Who was there then?” she asked suspiciously.
Trying to act calmly, he rattled off a couple of names that she wasn’t familiar with, like Sam Leyton and Mehmet Azir before quickly dropping the name Davy Sheridan.
“Why would Tony invite him, did you know he was going to be there, tell me the truth Mickey?”
“Neither of us knew. The Turk, Mehmet had heard that one of Tony’s friends had dropped out and he took it upon himself to bring Davy. Had Tony known he would never have agreed, but he does business on occasion with the Turk and he didn’t want to offend him.”
“Offend him! In case Tony’s forgotten Davy Sheridan kidnapped our children. How could you even be in the same room as him? Please don’t tell me you were friendly with him?”
“Fucking friendly with him,” snapped Mickey “I wanted to fucking kill him! I never even spoke to him, but in case you’re interested I took him to the cleaners at the game.”
“I can’t believe this, if I ever find out Mickey that this was a planned set up…”
Before she could finish what she was about to say, Melissa woke up. Maria jumped out of bed and put her dummy back in her mouth. Then she gently stroked her head until she drifted back off to sleep. She returned to bed and suggested they got some sleep.
“Not until you say you believe me,” he said quietly as he put his arm round her, “you can ask anyone they’ll tell you.”
“I want to believe you Mickey,” then she kissed him and rolled over.
Knowing she was upset, he didn’t want to leave it like that, so he wrapped his arm around her and pulled her close to him. She was still angry about Davy, so she told him to get some sleep as she gripped his hand and held it around her waist. He wasn’t about to give up that easily, he started kissing the back of her neck as he moved his hand up to her breast. Trying hard not to respond, she’d hoped he would give up and go to sleep. Finally after several minutes, she turned to face him.
Kissing her tenderly he said, “I love you babe, let’s not end the day on a row say its ok between us.”
“You know how much I love you Mickey, it’s just every time I hear the name Sheridan my blood runs cold.”
While he kissed her, he seductively moved his hand down her back and squeezed her buttock. This time she responded by placing her leg over him and pressing her body against him. They made love again before eventually falling asleep, only to be woken by the triplets three hours later.
Mary did the breakfast that morning, while Maria got the twins ready for school.
Mickey asked Billy if he fancied doing the school run with him. Instantly Billy nodded. He knew that Mickey wanted him to go because of Davy. No matter how unlikely the chance of him doing something, they were taking no chances.
“I can go with you if Billy’s busy” said Maria, “the babies are sorted and I’m sure mum and Jess can keep an eye on them for us.”
Both men answered at the same time, that they would be fine taking the girls. Maria could sense that they were not telling her everything. Catching them off guard and without any warning she looked at Den and asked if he’d known that Davy Sheridan would be at the game. Mary looked surprised
Den had been ready for the possibility of her asking and had already agreed with Mickey what they’d say.
“No, had we have known we wouldn’t have gone,” he said without hesitation “the bloody Turk just turned up with him. Tony wasn’t too happy about it either. I dare say he’ll be having something to say about it next time he sees the Turk.”
For a moment he thought she believed him, but he could tell by the look on her face that she was still suspicious. Mickey changed the subject by telling them it was time they left for the school.
Driving back from the school, he told Billy more about what had happened at the game. Also mentioning about buying somewhere for Jess to rent, although he asked him not to say anything to her about it.
“I think that’s a great idea Mick, she’s a nice kid and it’s obvious she really cares for the baby. She talked quite a lot the night Monica stayed, but there’s something about her that just ain’t right. I can’t put my finger on it, but let’s just say she’s not the type to get knocked up. If you ask me she’s afraid to talk about the father.”
“Me and Maria think the same, you don’t think it could be her stepdad do you?”
“That thought did cross my mind. I think she might talk to Maria about it at some point, maybe she’ll tell her who the father is.”
Suddenly Billy shouted, “Mind that fucking sheep!”
Mickey hadn’t even noticed the stray animal. Swerving he just missed it.
“Fuck me Mick, another four inches and we’d have been ha
ving him with mint sauce!”
“Sorry, I was miles away.”
“Yeah, it makes you wonder who the baby’s dad is, don’t it.”
He was referring to Mickey’s lapse in concentration, because of the prior conversation about Jess.
“Actually I was thinking about Jimmy and how much my life has changed since his death. In six years. I’ve had five kids, moved to the country; my parents are living with me. I’m in bed most nights by midnight and I’m still in love with the same woman.”
“You’ve forgot to mention the dogs, horses and that you’re also giving refuge to me and a seventeen year old single mother! Truth is it suites you Mick. I’ve known you a long time and from where I’m sitting you look happy.”
“I am happy; in fact I’m happier than I’ve ever been in my life. Who’d have thought it hey Billy?”
“Fair play to you mate, I reckon its Maria, there’s something a bit special about her ain’t there?”
“Yeah you’re right Billy she’s changed my life for the better, that’s for sure. Let’s just hope there’s another Maria out there for you.”
They were still joking about Billy settling down as they pulled up at the house.
Mary made them coffee as Maria told him the architect had called while they were out about the plans for the annexe. They had finally been approved after some minor changes. Tony had also called Ann and Shaun. They were driving down that afternoon to pick up their puppy.
“Ok babe, I’ve got some things to do in the study I’ll call him back from there.”
“Me and Jess are going to take a walk into the village as it’s a nice day, so I’ll see you when we get back.”
Instantly she noticed his expression change, which made her suspicious and even more so when he quickly said, “If you give us an hour babe, me and Billy will come with you.”
She could tell something wasn’t quite right, so she called his bluff.
“No that’s ok darling, how can we talk about you men if you’re with us?”
The last thing he wanted was her leaving the house without one of the men.
“Don’t you think that triple pushchair is a bit heavy to push all that way babe?” he said thinking of any excuse for her not to go, “not to mention dangerous, there’s no footpath and the pushchair is wide.”
“If I didn’t know better darling, I would think you didn’t want us to go.”
“Not at all babe, I just think it would be safer if Billy drove you that was all. Anyway you won’t want to be back late because of Shaun.”
“What’s going on Mickey and don’t say nothing, because I know something is.”
“Nothing’s going on babe, honest.”
“I expect you know,” she said looking at Billy “I know he’s lying so are you going to tell me?”
“No babe everything’s fine,” said Billy “Mickey’s right about those country lanes though, bit dangerous with a pushchair.”
“Fine, if that’s how you want to play it, you can both do your own cooking, washing and ironing until one of you decides to tell me the truth!”
Then she looked at Jess and asked if she was nearly ready. Jess nodded her head.
“Ok, you’re right babe,” said Mickey “but not here let’s go upstairs and we’ll talk about it.”
He asked his mum to watch the babies as they headed for the stairs. Billy noticed that Jess looked upset. He asked her if she was ok.
“It’s because of me, isn’t it Billy that’s why Mickey doesn’t want her to go?”
“Good God no love,” interrupted Mary “if my boy didn’t like you, you wouldn’t be here, so don’t go thinking like that!”
Billy confirmed what Mary had said and then suggested Jess putting the kettle on for a brew.
Upstairs, Maria sat on the bed and looking serious asked Mickey what was going on. He didn’t want to worry her; so he tried to sugar coat it as best he could.
“It’s probably just me being paranoid babe,” he said taking her hand “but Davy Sheridan lost heavily at the game. I don’t think for one minute he would dare come near this family again, but I’m not taking any chances.”
“What are you saying Mickey, that if Davy needs money our family could be at risk?”
“Calm down babe, nothing’s going to happen to us, I give you my word. I’m just being cautious, that’s all.”
“Cautious, he kidnapped our fucking kids, or have you forgotten that?”
Although shocked by her outburst, especially her language, he could see she was terrified.
“They can hear you downstairs,” said Mickey “calm down babe.”
“I don’t care who can hear me! I wish you’d never gone to the bloody game. I can’t live like this Mickey; I’ve told you before enough is enough!”
He tried to console her by putting his arm around her, but she was having none of it. Finally she broke down into floods of tears.
“I love you Mickey, but I cannot live like this. I’m taking the babies and I’m leaving! It’s best if you don’t know where we’ve gone. I’ll call you once I’m settled.”
“You’re not going anywhere Maria. I’ve told you, I’m just being cautious that’s all.”
Standing up she walked over to the bedroom closet taking out two suitcases which she placed on the bed. Angrily he picked them up and threw them back into the closet. Taking them out again, she shouted at him.
“Please Mickey just leave me alone, I can’t do this anymore!”
He was slowly losing his cool as he tried to reason with her, but she wouldn’t listen to him. He knew she was serious, but there was no way that he was going to allow her to leave. When she placed the cases on the bed again he picked them up and threw them on the floor and grabbing her arm as she went to pick them up shouted.
“I told you Maria, you’re not fucking going anywhere!”
Downstairs everyone could hear them rowing. Mary suggested Billy taking Rosie for a walk with Jess. The last thing she wanted was for her to hear what was going on. Jess looked relieved to be going out; she suggested taking Rebecca with them to give her some fresh air.
Upstairs things between Mickey and Maria were going from bad to worse. She was adamant that she was going and he was adamant she wasn’t. Out of sheer desperation and frustration, he slapped her face. She looked mortified, but she didn’t give up, she snapped back at him.
“If you think hitting me will make me stay Mickey you’re wrong! You just don’t understand how I feel and I don’t think you ever will!”
“How you feel Maria, have you ever stopped to fucking think how I feel?”
“You weren’t here Mickey, have you any idea what it feels like when strangers burst into your home and take your children?”
She was becoming hysterical as she screamed at him, “What if they’d killed them, what then Mickey?”
Grabbing her by the shoulders, he shouted at her to calm down. Finally she broke down clutching her stomach as she sat down on the bed. He tried to hug her but she pulled away. When he tried to console her, she shouted at him.
“Enough Mickey, I’m not going to allow Davy Sheridan to hurt my kids because of some stupid feud that Jimmy started with his grandfather! I’ll never feel safe knowing he’s a threat to my family. I won’t allow him to ever get near my children again! I love you, but I can’t stay. If ever this thing is sorted out maybe things will be different, but nothing you can do or say is going to change my mind! So if you’re going to hit me again, just get it over with and then I can pack!”
Despite knowing she was serious, there was no way he was going to let her go, especially with the kids. Defiantly she picked the suitcases up and put them back on the bed and then opened her bedside drawer taking out her underwear she threw it in one of them. Mickey just stood there watching her pack, the last thing he wanted to do was lose his temper again.
“Please babe stop packing, let’s talk about this.”
“Go down stairs Mickey and tell mum and
dad I’m leaving.”
He sat on the bed next to the case she was packing. When she turned to take more things from her drawers, he closed the lid. She tried to open it, but he pushed down on it to stop her.
“Please Mickey,” she sobbed “don’t make this any harder than it already is.”
“I’m not trying to make it hard babe. I told you I won’t let you leave me, I love you. You and the kids are staying here where I can protect you.”
“Protect us Mickey! You were playing cards with him, why didn’t you just fucking come home?” Then through sheer temper and fear she blurted out, “Or just fucking shoot him! At least then we wouldn’t be worried about revenge and our family would be safe!”
Grabbing her by the wrist, he ordered her to sit down; virtually pulling her down next to him.
“I just can’t fucking win can I Maria? You keep on about honesty, yet when I tell you what’s going on you threaten to leave me and take my kids! Maybe I shouldn’t have said anything in the first fucking place? Or maybe you’re right, I should just fucking shoot him!”
Maria looked at him. For the first time since they had entered the bedroom, she felt sorry for him. He was right, she had always insisted on the truth. Gently she touched his hand.
“I’m sorry Mickey I said that in anger. Please don’t hate me, try and see it from my point of view.”
Putting his arm around her shoulders, he kissed her cheek.
“Don’t worry babe, I won’t let anything happen to any of us.”
She knew from his words he thought that was an end to the argument. He couldn’t have been more wrong.
“I’m leaving Mickey. I just can’t stay here, you don’t understand. I’ll leave it ‘til the morning then I’ll go.”
Shocked and devastated by her words he just stared at her, but then his anger got the better of him.
“I’ve told you, no one is fucking going anywhere! Don’t make me keep repeating myself Maria!”
When she didn’t answer him, he tried to be affectionate towards her, but she was having none of it.
“I’m not talking about it anymore Mickey, as far as I’m concerned the matter is closed. I will be leaving in the morning no matter what you think, say or do. I’m going downstairs now, are you coming?”
