Mitchells And O'Haras: The Traitor Part 35

Eddie hated being spoken down to in public by anyone. Watch your mouth, Frankie. What kind of talk is that, eh? You ain't mixing with the pikeys now, love, so show some b.l.o.o.d.y respect. Gina's a friend of mine and I want you to apologise to her this minute.'

The restaurant fell silent apart from Vi, Joanie and Ronny's voices.

Attractive, ain't she, Joanie? He didn't hang about, did he?' Vi said.

Good luck to him. Can't bring the other one back to life, can he? He's a good boy, is Eddie, he deserves a bit of happiness,' Joan replied.

Maybe I should do my f.u.c.king Sharon in. It'll be worth it if I end up with a bit of crumpet like that,' Ronny joked.

Eddie's eyes were blazing as Frankie spat at his feet and walked away. I told you to apologise to Gina,' he shouted.

Frankie picked up her handbag and grabbed Kerry by the arm. She stormed over to the door.

Where do you think you're going, young lady?' Eddie asked her.

Home. I ain't sitting 'ere watching you fawning over that old slapper all night. I bet poor mum's turning in her grave right this minute. Don't you ever contact me again, Dad. You're now dead as far as I'm concerned.'

And on that parting note, Frankie flung open the door and slammed it so hard that it could be heard in nearby Bow.

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE.

Eddie woke up the next morning with a splitting headache. The previous evening had been a disaster from start to finish.

After Frankie had stormed out of the restaurant, Eddie had had a proper scream up at Gary and Ricky.

You stupid pair of p.r.i.c.ks! Why didn't you tell me Frankie was coming? I wouldn't have brought Gina with me if I'd have known.'

You never said you were bringing Gina with you. Frankie wanted it to be a surprise for you,' Gary said, glancing at Ricky for support.

Oh, it was a f.u.c.king surprise all right. I told you I'd moved in with Gina, so surely it was obvious that she would be coming with me. If yous two had a brain, you'd be f.u.c.king dangerous.'

It ain't our fault, Dad. We only did what Frankie asked us to,' Ricky said abruptly.

I don't want yous two anywhere near me tonight. Just keep out of my way,' Eddie shouted.

The evening had then gone from bad to worse. Ronny had got paralytic and kept talking about Jessica's murder and then, at half-past nine, he fell head-first out of his wheelchair, cut his head open and had to be taken to hospital in an ambulance.

Paulie wasn't much better. He also had far too many drinks and spent the evening chewing Eddie's ears off about working alongside him once again. In the end, Eddie had no choice but to give it to him straight.

It ain't gonna work, Paulie, me and you grafting together. Listen, if you've hit a rough patch and you need a few quid to tide you over, just ask me. You ain't gotta pay me back, it's a gift.'

Paulie had thrown Eddie's kind offer straight back in his face. I don't want your f.u.c.king charity. You've always thought you were something special, ain't ya? We were partners once and all I wanted was for us to be that again. I bet Dad's turning in his grave as we speak. You know, our wonderful dad that cut me and Ronny out of the will and gave you all his f.u.c.king money.'

Embarra.s.sed that Paulie had kicked off in front of Gina, Eddie had dragged him out to the bogs. Don't you dare bring Dad into this. You walked, remember? You was the one who wanted to go it alone with Ironside. Well, it ain't my fault if things have gone t.i.ts-up for ya. You made your choice, Paulie, so it's up to you to f.u.c.king well live with it.'

Paulie had left shortly after and gone to the Flag. Ed was appalled to learn that his brothers had planned a party there for him.

I didn't go inside for robbing a bank or emigrating with a load of gold bullion. I went in there for killing me own wife, who I happened to have loved dearly. It's hardly cause for a coming-out celebration, is it, Reg? My brothers must be the thickest pair of c.u.n.ts I know,' he'd said to his uncle.

You OK, Ed?'

Eddie rolled over and smiled at Gina. On the journey home, she'd insisted that she had enjoyed herself. I got on famously with both of your aunts and Sylvie,' she'd said brightly, not mentioning any of the other s.h.i.t that had happened.

Eddie kissed her. I'm all right. I was just thinking about Frankie. I'll have to go and see her at some point, won't I?'

Gina smiled. She'll come round. She's only a young girl and, having lost her mum, it must be hard for her to see her dad with another woman.'

Let's hope you're right. She's a stubborn little f.u.c.ker, is Frankie. Takes after me, she does.'

She's a very pretty girl and she looks like you. She's got your eyes and mouth.'

Eddie laughed. She's got my temper as well, unfortunately.'

Gina sat up. I think I've got a bit of a hangover. Shall we go out for lunch today? I can't be bothered to cook.'

Eddie rolled on top of her and pinned her down to the bed. Your wish is my command, my angel.'

Frankie studied the tape recorder. It is small, ain't it? I didn't think you could buy 'em this tiny.'

Kerry pressed the record b.u.t.ton. Let's talk for a minute and we'll play it back. It's really clear, Frankie, you can hear everything. My mum's mate said they're ever so expensive to buy in a shop.'

Frankie had cheered up somewhat since the previous evening. She was still furious with her father, but after stomping out of the restaurant, she and Kerry had gone to a local pub and had a right good laugh. It had done her the world of good and they had even got chatted up by a couple of blokes.

Say something, then,' Kerry urged her.

Giggling, Frankie started to sing Whitney Houston's I Will Always Love You'. She stopped at the end of the chorus. Jed's got the country and western version of this. Dolly Parton sings it, I think.'

Kerry stopped the tape and rewound. I bet Dolly Parton sounds a bit better than you do, and she's got bigger knockers,' she said as she pressed the play b.u.t.ton.

Frankie was surprised by the quality of their recording. Cor, it's really clear,' she said, as Kerry turned the volume up.

Kerry grinned. Brilliant, ain't it? We can find out everything them b.a.s.t.a.r.ds are up to with this little beauty.'

Frankie agreed. Let's hope they say they're working away again soon.'

I can't wait until then. If Jed and Sammy go to work tomorrow, put it in the motor then. They're bound to talk about what they've been up to this weekend when they're alone.'

OK. If I can, I'll do it tomorrow.'

Kerry stood up. I'd best be going now before Sammy gets back. Hide that somewhere safe, Frankie. Whatever you do, don't let the kids get hold of it or, worse still, let Jed find it.'

I'll hide it in the top of my wardrobe.'

Kerry hugged her friend. Good luck. Once we find out what the s.h.i.tbags are really up to, we can both move on, can't we?'

Over in South Woodham, Harry had had a restless night's sleep and Joey was worried about him. I don't think we should take him out today. I'm sure he's got a temperature, and he's really not himself. Do us a favour Dom, ring Frankie, and if she's in, take him home for me.'

Aren't you coming with us?'

No. I can't believe she went out last night celebrating with my dad. I don't want to see her at the moment, she winds me up. I'll tell you what, if you take Harry home for me, I'll buy you lunch. Deal?'

Dominic smiled. Joey could be very over-dramatic at times, but he loved him dearly. OK. Deal.'

After making love to Gina, Eddie showered, got dressed, then rang Gary.

I'm sorry for shouting at you last night. Apologise to Ricky for me as well. It weren't yours or his fault, it was just one of them things.'

Gary was very understanding. Don't worry, Dad, it's forgotten. You still up for tomorrow? What time are you and Raymond meeting us?'

We'll meet at yours. I'm picking Raymondo up at nine. You'll have to fill me in on everything that's been going on, then you can take me round and show me any new clients. I think the best thing to do, Gal, is halve the work and we'll work in pairs. That way we can expand a bit and get stuff done a lot quicker. You stick with Ricky and me and Raymond'll pair up. It'll be like old times, won't it, boy?'

Gary laughed. The East End'll be shaking in its boots, Dad.'

Now, what shall I do about Frankie? There's no point me ringing her today, she'll only put the phone down on me. I think I should pay her a little visit, but I don't wanna turn up and b.u.mp into that pikey c.u.n.t. When ain't he about? And what's her actual address?'

Gary gave him directions. It's just like a field, Dad. I think Jed works away a lot of weekends, so you're probably best turning up then. What I'll do is ring her next Friday and find out if he's away. If he is, I'll let you know and you can turn up there unexpected.'

Cheers. I can't leave things as they are. Me and Frankie were getting along so well and I'm dying to see the grandkids.'

Eddie smiled as he ended the phone call. Gina had just walked into the room in faded tight jeans, a black fitted T-shirt that enhanced her ample b.r.e.a.s.t.s, and tan, knee-high leather boots.

Wow, you look hot. Where we going, s.e.xy?'

Wherever. I haven't been in any of the local pubs around here. Shall we go for a drive and see where the car takes us?'

Sounds good to me, babe.'

Joey hugged Dominic as he opened the front door.

Thanks for doing that for me. How was Frankie? Did she say anything about me?'

No. She thanked us both for looking after Harry and said she'll keep an eye on him. She didn't seem too worried when I said we thought he had a temperature. She said he had a bit of a cough and cold last week, so it was probably something to do with that.'

Joey nodded and then changed the subject. I'm starving. Where shall we go for lunch?'

Shall we try Rettendon for a change? There's a pub there called the Bell that's meant to do a mean Sunday roast.'

Sounds great. Don't drive though, Dom. Let's both have a drink today and let our hair down. Call a cab; it's my treat.'

Dominic pecked his boyfriend on the lips. Do you think the driver will let us take Madonna with us? I don't want to leave her home alone.'

Joey laughed. Both he and Dominic were so besotted with their new addition to the family that they paid the woman next door fifty pounds a week to babysit Madonna while they went to work.

Of course they'll take Madonna, and if they dare say no, I'll get her to bite the evil driver.'

Over in Rainham, Frankie plastered on a false smile as Jed walked in. The tape recorder was hidden in her jacket pocket and the jacket had been carefully folded up at the top of the wardrobe.

You all right, babe?' Jed asked, handing her a cheap bunch of flowers.

I'm fine. And you? How was work?'

Knackering. Get us a beer, will ya?' Jed ordered, as he picked up Georgie and flopped on the sofa.

Say h.e.l.lo to Harry, then,' Frankie urged him.

h.e.l.lo, Harry. Come to Daddy,' Jed said in a sarcastic tone.

Aware that Jed was being facetious, Frankie stormed into the bedroom. She was determined not to lose her temper with him, as she didn't want to give him an inkling that she was on to him.

What's up?' he shouted out.

Nothing. I'm just gonna change the beds,' she said in the calmest voice that she could.

Opening the wardrobe door, Frankie put her hand on her jacket and fingered the tape recorder. Jed was a b.a.s.t.a.r.d to their son and the quicker she could find an excuse to leave him, the better.

Eddie took a sip of his beer and stood up. Just going to the toilet. Won't be a minute, babe.'

Gina smiled and studied the menu. She'd had quite a lot to drink last night, which must be the reason she was hungrier today than usual.

I think I'll have the hunter's chicken,' she said, as Eddie sat back down.

Eddie shook his head. We ain't staying 'ere. The bogs are f.u.c.king rotten.'

What's that got to do with us having some lunch?' Gina asked, laughing.

Me Auntie Joan. Whenever I was a kid and she took me anywhere, the first thing she did was check the khazi. "If the khazi is rotten, imagine the state of the kitchen," she'd say, and then she'd drag me out.'

You're having me on,' Gina said, laughing.

Eddie downed the rest of his beer and stood up. I ain't, babe. Come on, drink up and we'll find somewhere else to eat.'

Joey ordered the food at the bar and thanked the guvnor again for allowing Madonna inside the pub.

As long as it doesn't bark or run about, you're OK,' the pleasant landlord had told him.

Joey walked back to the table, sat down and grinned. Nice pub, isn't it? The customers are a bit old, but they all seem friendly and the food smells amazing.'

Dominic agreed. I think Rettendon is an area where a lot of people choose to live after they've retired. I don't know about you, but after spending the week in the City with all its bedlam, I'm happy to while away my weekends in a pub like this.'

Joey burst out laughing. We're like an old married couple, me and you. And Lady Madonna is our baby!'

Eddie and Gina pulled up outside the Bell.