Mitchells And O'Haras: The Traitor Part 36

This looks a bit more like it. You can always tell if the food's up to scratch by the amount of cars in the car park at lunchtime.'

Gina giggled. You're very fussy for a man that's been eating prison food for years. And I thought you said you could tell if the food was good by the toilets.'

Shut up and move your carca.s.s,' Eddie said affectionately.

Dominic dropped his knife and fork and crouched down.

Seeing his boyfriend clutching his chest, Joey began to panic. Help, I think he's ill,' he said to the people sitting at the next table.

Dominic, who was deathly white and also shaking, immediately waved the people away. I'm fine. I choked on the beef,' he mumbled.

With Madonna clutched to his chest, Joey crouched down next to him. You sure you're not having a heart attack or something? Whatever's wrong? Please don't die on me, Dom.'

Remembering the awful experience he'd once had at the hands of Joey's father, Dominic put one hand protectively over his private parts and pointed towards the left-hand side of the pub with his other. Joey, your dad is in here. He's standing at the bar with a dark-haired woman.'

Joey shook his head in disbelief. It can't be. Are you sure?'

Of course I'm b.l.o.o.d.y well sure.'

Petrified for his partner's safety, Joey moved towards the people on the next table and urged Dom to do the same.

You don't mind if we sit here with you for a minute, do you? We need to sit with our backs to the bar.'

Seeing the fright in the two young men's eyes, the grey-haired lady made room for them. Then, being nosy by nature, she turned to Joey, Who are you hiding from, dear?'

My dad. I'm gay and he can't accept it. He's already attacked my boyfriend once and cut him with a knife. He's a real nutter; he's just come out of prison for murdering my mum.'

Dominic kicked Joey under the table to shut him up. He could see the look of astonishment on the woman's face. Her husband looked like he'd just seen a ghost, and the other lady was totally dumbstruck.

The woman stared open-mouthed at her husband and sister. For thirty years they'd all lived in Rettendon and they'd thought it was such a safe, quiet little village. Now there was a ma.s.s-murderer on the loose and he was standing at the bar in their local pub.

Shall I call the police?' the lady asked Joey.

No,' Dominic said, turning around to see if Eddie was still there. He turned to Joey. Your dad's got his back to us, he's facing the bar. I suggest we get out of here while we can.'

Thanks for your help,' Joey said, as he gingerly stood up.

Don't worry, we'll watch you and make sure he doesn't follow you,' the woman replied.

Gina was the first to spot Joey and Dominic. As a private detective she had to have eyes like a hawk and it had been her that Eddie had hired to tail the boys when they'd first got together. Eddie had called himself Mr Smith and had told her that Joey was the son of a friend, but Gina had always known the score. Grabbing Eddie's arm, she pointed out of the window.

I don't really know how to say this, but Joey has just run out the door with a Chihuahua in his arms.'

Eddie looked at her as though she had lost the plot. What? Don't be silly. What the f.u.c.k you on about?'

Gina dragged him over to the window. Look, sprinting across the road. It's definitely Joey and I think that's Dominic with him.'

On impulse, Eddie ran outside the pub. Joey!' he yelled.

Hearing Eddie's voice, Joey and Dominic picked up speed.

Oi! You leave that boy alone. He's told me all about you and if you chase after him, I'm calling the police,' shouted a voice behind him.

Eddie turned around and came face to face with an elderly woman with grey hair who seemed to be chasing after him. I'm his dad. I only wanna speak to him.'

We don't want the likes of you around here; this is a decent area with decent people,' the woman said bravely.

Realising that Joey had blabbed to the old biddy, Eddie ignored her and ran across the road. Joey!' he yelled again.

As his son, his lover and the dog disappeared down a remote country lane, Eddie gave up the chase, and ran back to the pub. If that old cow called the Old Bill, he'd have some explaining to do to his probation officer, and he couldn't chance being banged up again.

Gina was standing outside the boozer and, as Eddie approached, he could see the grey-haired woman, the guvnor and all of the other customers staring at him through the windows. Embarra.s.sed beyond belief, he marched straight over to the motor.

Where you going, Ed? I've ordered our lunch,' Gina shouted.

Eddie's eyes clouded over and, unable to stop himself, he repeatedly booted the door of Gina's new BMW.

f.u.c.k lunch. I ain't hungry any more. Get in this car and c.u.n.ting well drive it, Gina. Now.'

CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX.

Frankie shut the Shogun door and ran back inside the trailer. She was pleased with the hiding place she had found. Jed had never looked after his motors very well and there was a loose bit of plastic interior in the back that she had managed to fit the tape recorder behind.

You off, then?' she asked as Jed came out of the bedroom.

I might have another couple of slices of toast. You trying to get rid of me or something?'

Don't be silly. I just want to get some housework done before I take Georgie to school. I might have a mooch around the shops later and I don't want to have to clear up when I get back.'

All right, I get the hint. I can get something to eat in the cafe. Me and Sammy have got to go to Newmarket today to look at a couple of trotting mares. I'll probably be back around teatime or something.'

As Jed started the engine, Frankie glanced at the clock. The ca.s.sette was an hour long; surely that would be enough time for Jed and Sammy to hang themselves.

Frankie sat the kids at the breakfast table and handed them each a bowl of Rice Krispies. She then picked up her mobile and went into the bedroom.

Kerry, it's me. I've done it.'

Within days of being back in the fold, Eddie Mitch.e.l.l had found out exactly where Albie Clark was living.

Gary and Ricky had done a fine job of running the firm while Ed was inside. They were his sons, extremely well respected, and no one dared knock 'em, apart from one silly man called Albie Clark.

Eddie had known Clarky, as he was better known, for many years. An arrogant piece of s.h.i.+t, Clarky had owned a builders' yard in Bromley-by-Bow, but had recently gone skint.

If Eddie had known that Clarky had come to them cap in hand, he'd have warned the boys not to lend him a penny. Gary and Ricky hadn't known who he was, had lent him twenty grand and the b.a.s.t.a.r.d had done a runner with it.

It was a one off, Dad. Everything else has gone smoothly. We would have told you before, but we didn't want to upset you while you were in nick,' Gary explained.

It had taken Eddie only two days to find out where Clarky had done a runner to. He'd sold up, moved to Gloucesters.h.i.+re and had bought a cottage and a garden centre.

Ed took the bit of paper out of his pocket. Slow down, Ray, I think it's along 'ere somewhere. This is it, Bluebell Cottage. Don't pull in, hide the motor around the corner.'

Eddie grinned as Clarky's wife Martha answered the front door. Years ago, Martha Riley, as she was then known, had been the local bike in Canning Town. Eddie had s.h.a.gged her when he was only fourteen years old. She had been thirty when she seduced him and he thought he'd died and gone to heaven. Soon afterwards, both Ronny and Paulie had shafted her too, and Ed immediately lost interest in her. Even as a teenager, he didn't want his brothers' sloppy seconds.

h.e.l.lo, Martha. Long time no see.'

Eddie! What do we owe this pleasure?' Martha squealed in delight.

I was just pa.s.sing through the area. I'd heard you'd moved 'ere, so I thought I'd pop in and say h.e.l.lo. Your Albie about, is he?'

Martha gave a naughty giggle. He's just called. He'll be back in ten minutes. Come in, boys. I'll make you a nice cup of tea.'

Eddie sat down at the kitchen table and glanced around. The place was certainly worth a few quid and wasn't the mark of a man on his uppers. Cheeky c.u.n.t, he ain't short of a few bob,' he whispered to Raymond.

Martha handed them both a mug of tea and smiled as she heard the front door close. This is Albie now. He'll be so surprised to see ya, Ed.'

h.e.l.lo, Clarky. Nice place you've got here, mate,' Eddie said chirpily, when Albie opened the kitchen door.

Albie Clark's face immediately drained of colour. Eddie, I heard you were out. In fact, I was gonna come and see you next week,' he said shakily.

Eddie sipped his tea and grinned. What a coincidence! No need now, is there? I've come to see you, me old c.o.c.ker.'

Gina ended the phone call and jumped up and down with glee. I've been in contact with the owner of your property,' the estate agent informed her. And he said that he is willing to sell if you up the offer by ten thousand pounds.'

Gina had no doubt that Eddie would stump up the extra cash. He had some grovelling to do, especially after smas.h.i.+ng up her new car the other day.

Thinking of their wonderful relations.h.i.+p, Gina grinned. Eddie was everything she had expected him to be and much, much more. Gina hadn't been frightened by Eddie's behaviour the other day. She had known what he was all about from the beginning. The only thing that did frighten her was the strength of her feelings for him. She loved him more than she had ever loved anyone and no matter how bad his temper became, she knew she would always forgive him. Eddie Mitch.e.l.l was like a cla.s.s-A drug to her and, whatever happened in the future, she knew she was hooked on him for life.

Back in Gloucesters.h.i.+re, Eddie Mitch.e.l.l stood over Albie Clark with a kettle of boiling water in his hands. Clarky was kneeling on the kitchen floor and quickly covered his face with his arms as he realised what Eddie intended to do.

Please, Eddie, don't hurt me. I'll pay you back every penny, I promise. I've got five grand upstairs and I can get you the rest by the end of next week.'

Eddie laughed sarcastically. Raymond had taken Martha upstairs, so he and Clarky could talk in private.

No one mugs me or my sons off. You took a f.u.c.king liberty and now you're gonna pay, you c.u.n.t.'

Clarky screamed as Eddie poured a couple of splashes of boiling water over his right leg. Stop squealing like a schoolgirl, get your fat a.r.s.e upstairs and get me that five grand. Don't even think of doing a runner, Clarky, 'cause if you do, I'll kill ya stone dead.'

Jed O'Hara was not in the best of moods. Driving up to Newmarket had been a complete waste of time. He could trot faster himself than the two horses he'd just seen.

Why didn't you knock the geezer down on the price, Jed?' Sammy asked him. If you'd have offered him a grand apiece, we could have took 'em to Southall and flogged 'em for twelve, thirteen-hundred each.'

Jed disagreed. Dog's meat, mate. That's all them two nags were fit for, to be chopped up and put in cans of Chum.'

There's a boozer over there. Let's stop and have a beer,' Sammy suggested.

Jed shook his head. Usually he was up for a beer whatever the time of day, but today he was in a rush to get back.

What's a matter with you? You've been a miserable b.a.s.t.a.r.d all day,' Sammy said.

Jed shrugged. I just wanna get home.'

Sammy laughed sarcastically. What, to Frankie? You usually can't wait to get away from her.'

Jed stopped at the red traffic light and turned to his cousin. I'm clued up, ain't I, Sammy boy. Frankie's been acting really strange recently. She's up to something, I know she is, and I won't rest until I find out what.'

Albie Clark lay on the floor, writhing in agony. He had just given Eddie the five grand and, instead of being grateful, Eddie had chosen to pour the kettle of boiling water over his head.

I think I'm dying. Call an ambulance,' Albie mumbled. His skin was on fire and he could already feel the blisters forming on his face.

Eddie crouched down next to him. He could see that Albie was on the verge of losing consciousness. I'll be back next week for the rest of the dosh. Fifteen grand you owe me, plus an extra five for causing me so much inconvenience. If you don't pay me on time, Clarky, I will douse you in petrol, set you alight and watch you burn. Do you understand me?'

I promise, I'll pay,' Albie whispered. He could barely speak through pain.

Martha screamed when she ran into the kitchen and saw the state of her husband. His face was red raw and his s.h.i.+rt was stuck to his body.

Help me, Martha,' Albie croaked.

Raymond came flying down the stairs with his hands over his groin. Sorry, Ed, she kicked me in the b.o.l.l.o.c.ks and got away.'

Martha picked up a frying pan and lunged towards Eddie. What have you done to him, you b.a.s.t.a.r.d? Look at his face! You're an animal, Mitch.e.l.l.'

I'm sorry, Martha. He knocked me for money, so he had to be taught a lesson,' Eddie said, grabbing the frying pan out of her hands.

Whether he owes you money or not, he don't deserve to be disfigured for life, does he? Get out of my house,' Martha yelled.

I'll be back next week for the rest of my dough,' Eddie said, pus.h.i.+ng Raymond towards the front door.

Give us that frying pan,' Martha said, chasing after Eddie.

Eddie handed it to the distraught woman and laughed. I suppose there's little chance of a bunk-up for old time's sake, is there, sweetheart?'

Frankie's heart turned over when she returned home from picking Georgie up from school. Jed had told her he wouldn't be back until teatime, so something must be wrong.

Petrified in case he had found the tape recorder, Frankie walked nervously into the trailer. I didn't expect you back yet. How did you get on in Newmarket? Sorry about the state of the place, I'm gonna do the housework in a minute,' she gabbled.

Jed sat on the sofa with a can of lager in his hand and a smirk on his face. He could sense Frankie's nervousness. His premonition was right; she was definitely up to no good, the b.i.t.c.h. I thought you were doing the housework this morning. That's why you wanted me out of the way early, wasn't it?' he asked sarcastically.

I didn't get time in the end. Georgie wouldn't eat any breakfast and by the time I got some down her and got Harry dressed, it was time to drive to the school.'

Jed stood up and ordered Georgie to take her brother into the bedroom. Go and play with your toys while I talk to your mum, there's a good girl.'

Frankie felt incredibly apprehensive as Jed kicked the bedroom door shut and walked towards her. What are you doing? What am I meant to have done?' she asked, as he pushed her up against the fridge.