Just thinking about stuff."
Like what?" Sammy asked.
Jed smiled. Can you imagine what the girls would do if they found out what me and you were really up to?"
Kerry would no doubt chop my b.o.l.l.o.c.ks off, and I reckon your Frankie would probably do the same to you," Sammy said, chuckling.
Jed playfully punched his cousin. Moving the girls on that bit of land in Wickford was the best move we ever made. They"ll never find out about our other lives while they"re stuck in the middle of nowhere, will they?"
Sammy shrugged. I f.u.c.king hope not."
Arriving at their destination, Jed laughed as he b.u.mped the Shogun onto the kerb. Just remember Harry Mitch.e.l.l, Sammy boy. If me and you can get away with what we did to him, we can get away with anything, mush."
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT.
Eddie Mitch.e.l.l grinned as he studied the photocopied details of the six properties. Two of them weren"t his cup of tea, three were possibilities, but it was the cottage in Rettendon that really caught his eye.
What do you think of this one?" he asked Stuart.
Stuart stared at the piece of paper and nodded. It looks nice, but where is Rettendon? I"ve never heard of it."
Eddie laughed. Stuart was from Hackney and had rarely set foot outside London. In fact, Stu was the only person Ed knew, apart from his Auntie Joan, who spoke about Ess.e.x as though it was as remote as Timbuktu.
Itching for visiting time, Eddie decided to do some press-ups to take the edge off his impatience. At fifty press-ups, Eddie stopped for a breather. Four weeks, four measly weeks and he would be out of this s.h.i.t-hole for good.
Thinking over his stretch, Eddie knew that the only thing he would miss about Wandsworth Prison was Stuart. Once Stu had been convicted, they"d both been moved off the remand wing, but thankfully, they"d still been allowed to share a cell. Ed had been offered the chance to spend his last six months at an open prison, but had opted not to, as he hadn"t wanted to be parted from his young cellmate. Usually, inmates wouldn"t have much say on the matter, but since a new guvnor had taken over and that evil screw, Carter, had left, Eddie had the whole of the prison system sussed.
Eddie felt desperately sorry for Stuart. Three weeks ago, his young pal had opened a letter that had broken his heart. His girlfriend, Carly, had met someone else and was pregnant by him. I"ve done all this bird for her, thinking we had a future together and she don"t even want me, Ed. What am I gonna do with my life now? I can"t go back to Hackney "cause of Jonesey"s mates. He was part of a gang and I"ll get lynched if I go back there."
Stuart had become like a son to Eddie over the years. f.u.c.k Carly. She ain"t worth a toss, mate. If she can"t wait for ya after what you did for her, then she ain"t worth knowing. As for Hackney, f.u.c.k that s.h.i.t-hole as well. I promise you, Stu, on the day you get released from here, I"ll be waiting outside them gates for ya, boy. You"ll have a flat, a job and a bird waiting, you got that?"
Stuart had cheered up over the past week or so. He was still bitter about Carly at times, but was now looking forward to his future. You won"t regret helping me out and taking me on, Ed. I"ll be the best worker you ever had and I won"t let you down, I promise," he repeatedly told Eddie.
As Eddie finished his exercise routine, Stuart smiled. I take it Gina"s coming to visit?"
Eddie nodded. Frankie, Gary, Ricky and Raymond visited him occasionally, but since his conviction he was no longer allowed three visits a week, so he saved most of his allowance for the woman who had stolen his heart. G.o.d only knows what spell Gina had cast on him, but she had something about her that sent tingles down his spine. She had awoken something inside him that he had only ever felt with Jessica in the past.
He wasn"t stupid. They"d never eaten together, slept together or even shopped together, so there was always a chance that he would come out of nick, move in with Gina, then things would go dreadfully wrong. He couldn"t see that happening, though. They clicked, were besotted with one another and, most importantly, they both wanted the same things out of life.
Eddie nodded politely at the guard as he unlocked the cell. Being in love was the best feeling in the world and, considering the circ.u.mstances, he felt blessed to have been given a second chance.
Bored with waiting for Jed to return home, Frankie got herself showered and dressed, then knocked at Kerry"s. I"m gonna pop over to Lakeside and have a mooch round. You coming with me?"
Kerry shook her head. Sammy had promised to take her out for lunch and she was determined to get herself dolled up to look her best for him. Sammy"ll be back soon and we"re going out later. What you going to Lakeside for? You gotta get anything special?"
My nan"s having a barbecue for my grandad"s birthday on Sunday, so I"ve gotta get my grandad a present. I might buy myself a new outfit as well. Why not, eh? Jed"s always telling me to treat myself out the money he gives me and I rarely do. I always spend it on the kids."
Kerry smiled. I"ll do a deal with ya. I"ll look after Georgie and Harry while you go to Lakeside, then when you get back, you look after my two while me and Sammy go out for a boozy late lunch."
Frankie immediately agreed. It was hard work dragging Georgie and Harry around the shops and she could browse much better on her own. I"ll get going now, then. When Jed gets home, tell him I"ll be back by two."
Not knowing what on earth to buy for her grandad, Frankie"s first stop was Debenhams. She wanted to get him something practical, so after a lot of umming and aahing, she chose a waterproof jacket that he could wear while messing about with his pigeons.
While Frankie was standing in the queue waiting to pay, she felt a tap on her shoulder and turned around. It was her old schoolfriend, Stacey.
Stacey! You look fantastic. It"s so lovely to see you," Frankie gushed.
Frankie had knocked about with Stacey for years, but they"d lost contact when she"d settled down with Jed.
As Stacey hugged her, Frankie felt ever so dowdy standing beside her old friend. Stacey was incredibly slim and much more attractive than Frankie remembered her being.
Let"s go for a coffee so we can have a proper catch-up, shall we?" Stacey suggested.
Ten minutes later they were sitting at a table opposite one another, both nursing a cappuccino.
So, how are the kids? I heard you"d had a little boy as well."
Frankie grinned. They"re great, thanks. Georgie"s four now, she starts school in September, thank G.o.d. She drives me mad she"s four going on fourteen. Harry"s nearly three. He"s a little darling, he is no trouble whatsoever, bless him. What about you? Do you still see Demi and Paige?"
We"re all still in touch, but I don"t see them as much as I used to. I"m engaged now," Stacey said proudly, showing Frankie her rock.
Frankie admired the beautiful ring. It had a ma.s.sive diamond and Frankie wondered if it was real or fake.
Wow, that must have cost a fortune. Who"s the lucky man? Do I know him?"
Stacey shook her head. Oh, he"s gorgeous, Frankie. His name"s Ashley and I met him in Hollywoods in Romford. He"s really fit he"s a professional footballer."
Really!" Frankie said impressed. Who does he play for?"
Millwall. He"s not in the first team yet, but he reckons next season he will be. He"s a brilliant player, Frankie. I go to all the games to cheer him on. Ashley"s amazing, he really is."
He sounds wonderful, Stacey. When are you getting married?"
About to answer, Stacey stopped herself and squeezed Frankie"s hand. Hark at me going on about myself. Tell me about your life. I"m sorry it didn"t work out with Jed."
What do you mean?" Frankie asked, puzzled.
I"ve seen him with Sally Baldwin. I don"t know her, but my sister used to go majorettes with her. She"s got a son with him, hasn"t she? I saw them shopping together in Romford last week, acting all lovey-dovey. So, when did you actually split up? Who are you with now?"
Frankie felt herself go all hot, then felt the colour drain from her cheeks.
Are you OK, Frankie?" Stacey asked, concerned.
Desperate to find out some more information, Frankie sipped her cappuccino and tried to ignore her shaking hands. I"m fine. Being pregnant makes me come over all funny sometimes. Now, where was we?"
We were talking about you and Jed splitting up."
Frankie forced a smile. If she told Stacey she was still with Jed, Stacey would probably clam up. As hard as it was, she had to lie to find out the gossip. We split up a few months back. It"s Jed"s kid I"m pregnant with, but I"m happy on my own for now."
You did know that he was with Sally, didn"t you?" Stacey asked.
Frankie nodded. Yes, of course. Jed had a son called Luke with her. I"ll be honest, I didn"t know they were back together, but I suppose he"s hardly gonna tell his ex, is he?"
Stacey moved nearer to her friend. You"ve always been far too good for Jed, anyway. I used to see him down the Berwick with that cousin of his and they were always with different girls. Jed"s a player, Frankie, and you"re so pretty, you could get anyone. That Sally"s welcome to him, if you want my honest opinion."
Desperately trying to stem the tears threatening to pour down her face, Frankie stood up. I have to go now, Stacey. My neighbour"s looking after the kids for me and I said I wouldn"t be long. Have you still got my mobile number?"
Stacey nodded. Yeah, if you"ve still got the same number, it"s in my old address book," she lied. Although she felt sorry for Frankie, Stacey had no intention of getting involved with her again.
About to walk away, Frankie turned around. You don"t happen to know where that Sally lives, do you, Stacey?" she asked, her voice trembling.
Unable to believe the change in her once feisty, glamorous best friend, Stacey led Frankie outside the coffee shop. Pulling a tissue from her handbag, she handed it to her and sat her down on a nearby bench. I"m so sorry if I"ve upset you, Frankie. I really didn"t mean to."
I"m fine, honest I am," Frankie wept.
Stacey felt sad. There was a time when Frankie was the dog"s b.o.l.l.o.c.ks, could pick any lad she wanted, but not any more. She had changed beyond belief. I"ve got to go now, Frankie. Ashley is taking me up the West End tonight. I don"t know Sally"s actual address, but I do know that she lives in Rush Green Gardens. Good to see you, and look after yourself, mate."
As Stacey walked away from her, Frankie held her head in her hands and sobbed.
Back in Wandsworth, Eddie and Gina were busy discussing where they were going to live. With Eddie due for release in the next few weeks, he had asked Gina to find them somewhere nice and cosy to rent for now. Then, if all went well, they could look at possibly buying a place of their own next year.
I thought that cottage in Rettendon was perfect. How long was the lease on it?"
Stroking Eddie"s ma.s.sive hands, Gina smiled. It had been a long wait and she could barely believe that this time next month she and Eddie would be sharing a house and waking up next to one another every morning.
It"s a six-month lease with an option for another six months. The estate agent said it"s owned by a wealthy couple in their early sixties who have just retired and are going to live in Australia with their daughter for a year. It"s a lovely place, Ed, and I know we can afford it, but it"s ever so expensive compared to the others, don"t you think?"
Eddie laughed and leaned forward for a kiss. Money"s never been an object with me you, of all people, should know that. I"ve got dough stashed all over the place, and me father left me a fortune. Anyway, I want us to live somewhere nice. f.u.c.k me, we deserve it, we"ve waited long enough. Between you and me, sweetheart, I could buy ten cottages just like that one you wanna rent tomorrow for cash if I wanted to."
Gina grinned. She couldn"t wait to hold Eddie in her arms without the prison officers and the inmates watching them. I"ve decided that when you get out, I"m going to take at least a couple of months off work. That way we can spend some real quality time together. We can chill out, go shopping, visit nice restaurants. We can even go away on holiday if you like."
Eddie laughed. Forget the shopping, all I wanna do is make love to you morning, noon and night."
Gina shuddered as Eddie stared intently into her eyes. She had bought herself one of those vibrators recently and it had kept her company at night while she lay in bed imagining Eddie doing all sorts of naughty things to her. Feeling herself pulsating down below, Gina quickly changed the subject.
So, have you had a chance to speak to your sons or Raymond about us living together yet?"
Eddie shook his head. Gary and Ricky knew that he had a woman visiting him regularly, but he hadn"t told them how serious things were. As for Raymond, Eddie was dreading telling him. He was Jessica"s brother and the conversation was bound to prove difficult.
I"ll tell you what we"ll do. When I get out I"m gonna organise a big family get-together. You come to it with me. I can introduce you and at the same time we"ll tell everyone we"re living together."
I can cook a meal or something, if you want, and you can invite your family round to the cottage," Gina offered.
Eddie squeezed Gina"s hand. I"ll book a restaurant. Indoors is just for us, babe. I don"t want anyone knowing where we"re living, because I just want our new home to be about me and you. People are f.u.c.king nuisances, Gina. You tell "em where you live and they"re forever knocking on the b.a.s.t.a.r.d door. That"s why that Rettendon place is perfect for us. It"s rural, out of my manor and secluded. Tomorrow, I want you to go to that estate agent and sign the contract. I"ll settle up with you when I get out. If the nosy gits ask, just tell "em I"m working away or something."
Gina smiled seductively at Eddie. The cottage in Rettendon would become their first love nest and the thought of having Eddie all to herself literally made her feel like the luckiest woman alive.
In Wickford, the atmosphere wasn"t quite as lovey-dovey as it currently was in Wandsworth. Frankie had barely said a word since she came back from Lakeside and Jed was becoming p.i.s.sed off by her silence.
Cat got your tongue or summink? For f.u.c.k"s sake Frankie, if I"ve done something wrong, just spit it out like you usually do, will ya?"
On the journey back from Lakeside, Frankie had barely been able to see the road markings along the A13. She had been crying so much that she had very nearly caused a fatal accident. A lorry driver had tooted and cursed at her as she"d swerved into his path. Frightened, Frankie had immediately pulled over into a pub car park. She knew Jed would probably be there when she got home and she needed to think fast about what she was going to say to him.
Knowing how clever Jed could be, Frankie decided that the only way to catch him out was to try to act normal. If her boyfriend had any inkling that she knew he"d been spotted with Sally, he would move heaven and earth to cover his tracks. Positive that this was the best way to play things, Frankie dried her eyes, put on a false smile and drove towards home.
The trouble with that was, with Jed now standing only a few feet away, spouting his usual c.o.c.ksure rubbish, Frankie wanted to smash his smarmy face in. Unable to control her emotions any longer, she lunged towards him, lashing out with her fists.
I know you"ve been seeing that slag Sally again, you f.u.c.king b.a.s.t.a.r.d."
As Frankie caught her philandering boyfriend on the chin with a right hook, Jed managed to grab both of her arms.
I can explain. Calm down, you"re frightening the kids."
Realising that both of her children were screaming, Frankie put her head in her hands and slumped onto the sofa.
Desperate to buy himself some time to create a story, Jed made a big issue of comforting the children. Sammy ain"t gone out yet, so I"m gonna take "em next door. We can talk properly then, just the two of us," he said solemnly.
Annoyed with herself for blurting out her findings, Frankie began to cry. She was still crying when Jed returned five minutes later.
It"s not what you think," he said as he sat down opposite her.
Well, what is it, then? You were seen out shopping with the old slapper in Romford, playing happy families. You were all over one another, apparently. How you gonna explain that, Jed?"
I promise you it ain"t what you think, Frankie. Look, I didn"t tell you because I knew you"d react like this. I have seen Sally and I have been paying maintenance for Luke. I had to. At the end of the day, he"s my kid and I didn"t wanna end up in court. I swear there is nothing between me and Sally. She"s with another geezer now, right loved-up she is, and as for someone telling you we were all over one another, that"s b.o.l.l.o.c.ks. Sally"s fat and ugly now I wouldn"t give her one if she was the last woman in Ess.e.x."
Well, why ain"t her own boyfriend taking her f.u.c.king shopping, then?" Frankie screamed.
Once I took her shopping Frankie, once. And the only reason I did that was because it was Luke"s birthday. She asked me to buy him this plastic car and it was ma.s.sive, too heavy to carry, so I took her there to get it."
But why didn"t you tell me?" Frankie said.
Jed shrugged and at least had the gall to look sheepish. It"s awkward, ain"t it? I"m frightened to speak to you about it, but Luke will always be my son. This is all my fault, I know that, I"m the one that made mistakes, but I have to acknowledge the boy. What type of bloke would I be if I didn"t, eh?"
Frankie had stopped crying, but was still fuming. I don"t want you seeing that s.l.u.t or that kid any more unless I"m with ya. I mean it, Jed. If you"re spotted out with "em again and I find out, I"m leaving you and taking the kids with me."
OK, but out of interest, who told you they saw me?"
It doesn"t matter who told me. All that matters is you don"t go behind my back no more. I ain"t some mug, Jed, and I won"t be treated like one."
Breathing a sigh of relief that his lies had been believed, Jed smiled. How about we go out for something to eat? It"ll be nice. Just me, you and the kids."
You go with the kids. I"ve got a really bad headache. I could do with a lie-down."