Mitchells And O'Haras: The Traitor Part 34

You all right, babe?'

Gina smiled. Eddie was an unselfish lover, an expert in the sack, and he always made sure that she was satisfied. She laid her head on his chest.

I love living here. It's so peaceful, isn't it?'

Eddie twiddled with her long dark hair. Funny enough, I've been thinking about that. Why don't we contact the estate agent and put in an offer that the old couple can't refuse?'

They might not want to sell. They've only gone to Australia for a year, I think.'

They'll sell if I offer 'em silly money for it. I ain't a man that ever takes no for an answer, Gina. You should know that more than anyone.'

Gina's eyes shone as she sat up in bed. Shall I ring the estate agent on Monday to set the ball rolling? Oh, Ed, wouldn't it be wonderful if we bought the place. We could decorate it to our own taste and we could . . .'

Eddie put his finger over her lips. There's no ifs about it, darling. If you want us to purchase this place, then I will make sure we f.u.c.king well get it.'

Joey listened intently while Frankie told him the story. He had guessed she'd had something important on her mind and Dom, being Dom, had thoughtfully offered to take both Harry and Madonna out for a walk, so they could have some privacy.

So, what do you think I should do, Joey? What would you do if it was Dom? Would you plant the tape recorder or would you just confront him?'

Unable to stop himself, Joey gave a sarcastic laugh. Don't be speaking about Jed and Dominic in the same breath, Frankie. Dom's a beautiful man inside and out. As for Jed, well you know my opinion of him. I think he's an uncouth, pikey piece of s.h.i.t. You must never forget that our mum would still be alive if it wasn't for you meeting him.'

Annoyed that her brother wasn't being his usual supportive self, Frankie felt her hackles rise. I came here to ask for your advice, not for a f.u.c.king lecture, Joey. I know what you're saying about Mum but, say I hadn't got with Jed, say I'd met another boy and Dad didn't like him? It was Dad that nearly chopped Dominic's c.o.c.k off, remember? And you can't blame Jed for that.'

Realising that he'd been a bit unfeeling, Joey immediately apologised. I'm sorry. You're right: Dad is to blame for Mum's death, n.o.body else. As for Jed you've got to find out the truth, Frankie. I know it's gonna be hard for you with two kids and one on the way, but if Jed is leading a double life, it's best you find out now, rather than later.'

Do you think hiding the tape recorder in his motor and pressing "record" will work? I mean, say he finds it?'

Joey shrugged. If he finds it, he finds it. That's the chance you're gonna have to take. Whether you'll find out what you wanna find out, I don't know, but I suppose it's worth a try. I've never trusted Jed from day one. He's a con man and a liar, I'm sure he is.'

Frankie nodded. I can't let Kerry down now, so sod it, I'm gonna go for it. Apart from Jed going ballistic if he finds it, what have I got to lose? I'm not that happy with him now, anyway. We were so in love when we first got together, but everything seems to have changed recently.'

What do you mean? He doesn't hit you, does he?'

No, he doesn't hit me. Jed's really good in some ways, like with money. He's very generous to me and the kids, but I just sense he don't love me like he used to. We only have s.e.x about once or twice a month now, whereas a few years back we were at it all the time. He works away a lot and when he is at home he rarely tries it on with me any more. I tried it on with him recently, but he pushed me away, and said he was tired. Do you think he don't fancy me when I'm pregnant? Or is it because I've put on weight?'

Joey hated seeing his sister upset. He moved next to her and hugged her. I don't know what Jed's problem is, Frankie, but chances are if you and him aren't sleeping together that often, he's probably getting it somewhere else. There's nothing wrong with you. You're still so pretty and you haven't put on that much weight.'

Joey's kindness was too much for Frankie and she burst into tears. I'm so unhappy. What am I gonna do, Joey?' she sobbed.

Joey didn't really know what to say or do. The Frankie of old had been such a fiery, strong character. He hated seeing her like this; it was as though Jed had sapped every bit of life out of her.

Frankie dried her eyes with a tissue. She felt silly for blubbing and was keen to change the subject. I'm going for a meal with the family tonight. They've arranged it for Dad.'

Joey looked at her in horror. Whaddya mean? Is he out, then?'

Frankie felt awful. She'd had so much on her mind that she'd forgotten to tell her brother that their dad had been released. I'm so sorry, Joey, I forgot to tell you. Dad got out earlier this week. Gary and Ricky rang me and invited me to the meal. They've booked a restaurant in Canning Town.'

Joey was fuming. How could Frankie ask him to babysit, then go out celebrating with their dad? Their beautiful mum was dead and it was their father who had b.l.o.o.d.y well killed her. He stood up and walked over to the window. Can you leave now, Frankie? I feel ill and I need to lie down before I spew my guts up. You make me sick sometimes, you really do.'

Joyce watched Stanley walk down to the pigeon shed, then bolted into the living room. She picked up the phone and then quickly put it down again. Should she or shouldn't she? She couldn't make her mind up.

Joyce poured herself a small sherry and stared at the phone. Raymond had rung her the other day and informed her that Eddie had been released.

He wants to meet up with you, Mum. I think he wants to apologise to you in person. He said it's what Jessica would have wanted him to do.'

Joyce's first reaction was to say no. Stanley would be so against it and he'd have a b.l.o.o.d.y fit if she met up with Eddie behind his back and he found out. Twenty-four hours later, Joyce had changed her mind and had called Raymond back. Her son had given her Eddie's mobile number and had urged her to call him in secret.

Don't breathe a word to anyone, because you don't want Dad finding out,' he'd said.

Joyce took the piece of paper out of her purse. Unlike Stanley, she had always been fond of Eddie and even though she could never forgive him for what he had done, she felt that she should at least hear what the man had to say. He had given her the beautiful home she now lived in, after all.

She dialled his number. Eddie, it's Joycie,' she said, her voice shaking.

h.e.l.lo, Joycie, love. I'm so pleased that you called. How are you?'

I'm OK. Listen, I can't stay on long, as Stanley's in the garden and I don't want him to know I've been in contact with you. Raymond said you wanted to meet me for a chat. What about next Friday? I've got to pop to Romford to pick up some curtains. Can you meet me there?'

What time? And where?'

Is twelve o'clock OK? I can meet you in the Bull pub. I often pop in there for a crafty tipple when I'm out shopping on a market day.'

That sounds fine, Joycie. We can also have a bite to eat, if you like. Thanks for calling, I truly appreciate it.'

Hearing the back door open and close, Joyce quickly put the phone down. Meeting up with Eddie might prove to be a big mistake, but she had to see him again, even if it was only to discuss a certain subject that had been playing on her mind.

Frankie left Joey's house and immediately rang Kerry. I'll do a deal with ya,' she said.

What?' Kerry replied.

I'll hide the tape recorder in Jed's Shogun if you come to that restaurant with me tonight.'

Kerry didn't feel much like going out. She was still too wound up over Sammy to enjoy herself. Oh, do I have to, Frankie? I've got no money and I feel like s.h.i.t.'

Please, come with me. You don't need no money, my brothers are paying for everything. I really don't wanna go on my own, Kerry. I don't see much of my dad's family and for all I know they might blame me for him getting locked up. Raymond's gonna be there, you know, my uncle who you fancied at the barbecue round my nan's.'

OK, you've twisted me arm. How did you get on with Joey? What did he say about our plan?'

He said we should go for it. He then threw me out because I'm going out with my dad tonight.'

What! He threw you out of his house?'

Sort of. I'll tell you all about it later. Get to mine for six. Gary and Ricky are picking us up at half past.'

Frankie ended the call and drove towards home deep in thought. She couldn't wait to catch up with her dad properly, but was dreading the big family meal. She wasn't overly keen on her dad's family, especially his brothers, Ronny and Paulie. Ronny was always drunk and had glared at her in court, and Paulie had always ignored her since she was a child.

Thinking of Kerry, Frankie smiled. They were like the terrible twosome when they socialised together and they were bound to have a laugh tonight, whoever was there.

Gina studied herself in the mirror. She had treated herself to a sleeveless, long, red pencil dress, but was now worried that it was a bit over the top for the occasion. Eddie, come here a minute,' she shouted.

Eddie walked into the room in a dark grey suit, crisp white shirt and tan leather shoes. Wow, you look amazing,' he said.

Gina smiled at him. It's not too much, is it? I don't want to feel like a fish out of water.'

Guessing that Gina was nervous, Eddie took her hands in his. You look sensational, honest you do. Don't worry about tonight, everything will be fine. Jessica never had much to do with my family, so there'll be no animosity. I don't want to make you feel awkward, so I'll just introduce you as a friend, if you like. Gary, Ricky, Raymondo and me Auntie Joan all know the score and we'll just leave the rest to wonder, eh?'

Gina put her arms around Eddie's neck. You're such a gentleman. I can't wait to become your wife.'

Laughing, Eddie grabbed the cheeks of her a.r.s.e and thrust himself towards her. I'm having ungentlemanly thoughts. Get that dress off and let's have a quickie before we leave, eh?'

Unable to resist the man she had fallen head over heels for, Gina stripped naked within seconds.

Frankie and Kerry giggled as Gary handed them both a c.o.c.ktail.

I know I shouldn't really be drinking, but after all the s.h.i.t I've had to put up with this month, I think I deserve a few, don't you?' said Frankie.

Kerry nodded. I had a drink through both of my pregnancies. As long as you don't go too mad, it's fine.'

So, do you still fancy Raymond?' Frankie sn.i.g.g.e.red.

Not really. He is gorgeous, but he's far too old for me. So, who's who then? Who's that loud bloke in the wheelchair?'

Frankie raised her eyes. That's my uncle Ronny. He's an alcoholic, so if he gets lairy, it's because he's p.i.s.sed. The bloke next to him on the left is my dad's other brother Paulie, and the one on the right is my dad's uncle Reg.'

Who's that over there, talking to your brother?'

That's my dad's uncle Albert and the three women are his aunt Joan, aunt Vi and Sylvie. Sylvie used to go out with my grandad, Harry. He was the one I told you about, the one that got murdered.'

Yeah, that was awful. Have they still not caught the people that did it?'

Frankie shook her head. I don't think so. My dad will catch 'em one day, though. He won't let it rest, he's not the type.'

Kerry smiled. She had heard so much about Frankie's dad and was looking forward to meeting him. What time's your dad getting here?'

About to answer, Frankie was tapped on the shoulder by Auntie Vi.

h.e.l.lo, darling. How are you?'

Frankie stood up and gave the old lady a kiss. I'm fine, thanks. How are you?'

Vi looked her up and down. As Joan approached, she nudged her and smiled at Frankie.

You getting fat or you pregnant again?'

Pregnant,' Frankie said embarra.s.sed. She wasn't even that far gone and obviously looked enormous already.

How many's that now?' Joan asked.

This will be my third,' Frankie replied.

You still with that pikey lad?' Vi asked.

Yeah, I'm still with Jed.'

Joan and Vi both laughed. They know how to knock 'em out, them pikeys, don't they, Joanie?' Vi quipped.

Joan agreed. They're the same as the blacks and the Indians, ain't they? Bang 'em out one after the other none of 'em know when to bleedin' well stop.'

As the two old women wandered off, Frankie sat down, red-faced. Nosy, racist old cows,' she whispered to Kerry.

John, the ex-guvnor of the Flag in Canning Town had been invited and was standing by the window waiting for Eddie to arrive.

This is him. Oh, sorry, no it ain't,' he shouted.

Kerry laughed. Is the restaurant open to the public tonight or is it just us?' she asked Frankie.

I think it's just us. The owner, that man over there in the black suit, was a friend of my grandad's. He's known my dad since he was a little boy, so he offered to shut it so we could have some privacy. My uncles have organised a bit of a party back at the Flag later. Gary reckons my dad won't wanna go, but we can go if you like.'

Yeah, why not. My sister's looking after the boys, so I can stay at yours. What time do you reckon Jed and Sammy will be back tomorrow?'

About lunchtime, I suppose. Don't worry, you'll be long gone by the time Sammy comes back.'

Eddie's here and he's got a woman with him,' John shouted.

Gary and Ricky looked at one another. Neither had thought to ask their dad if he was bringing Gina. Because it was a family do, they'd sort of surmised that he wasn't.

s.h.i.t, what we gonna do about Frankie? Dad don't know she's here, does he?' Gary whispered.

Ricky shrugged his shoulders. It's a bit late to worry about that now, ain't it?'

Frankie sat with bated breath, waiting for the door to open. John must have been seeing things. Her dad had only been out of prison for a matter of days, so there was no way he could have met a woman.

Are you OK?' Kerry asked.

Yeah. Don't take no notice of John, my dad still loves my mum, he's probably got a female relation with him or something.'

As the door flung open and her dad strolled in with his arm around an attractive, dark-haired woman, Frankie felt the bile rise at the back of her throat. She turned to Ricky.

Who the f.u.c.king h.e.l.l is that?'

I dunno. Dad's friend, I think.'

Fuming, Frankie stood up and marched over to her father. Who's she?' she shouted.

Eddie felt the colour drain from his face. He would never have brought Gina with him if he had known Frankie was going to be here.

h.e.l.lo, darling. This is Gina, she's a friend of mine. Gina, this is my daughter, Frankie.'

Gina held her hand out, but Frankie pushed it away. She turned to her father. How could you, Dad? You've only been out five poxy days and you're s.h.a.gging some old tart already. You make me sick, you're a f.u.c.king disgrace.'