Past and Future, page 10
“Of course. Now, go and do whatever you need to do, and I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Love you, sis.”
“I know and I love you.” I end our call, still smiling.
Maria needs pushing in the right direction. She needs to face some of her fears. Put her demons where they belong, firmly behind her.
“Funny meeting you here,” I say, sarcasm lacing my voice as I get in the car.
“Anyone would think you didn’t like me,” he says, mirroring my sarcasm. “Anything you’d like to do after going to the school?”
“No, but you could tell me why you’re driving me about. I’m more than capable of driving myself.”
“I have no idea. I’m just doing what the boss has asked and if it means I get to hang out with a beautiful woman in the process, then it’s an added bonus,” he says with a broad smile before starting the engine.
I shake my head at him but smile and settle into the seat as he drives away from the house. Steve is actually very likeable. He reminds me of Joe in many ways; a bit older, and I know Giovanni trusts him. Like Joe, he’s much more than hired help.
It’s been a strange week. It’s gone from everyone being at the house to mostly just me and the girls, Teresa and Steve, with everyone else busy working. Silly as it sounds, the house has been really quiet, but I’ve never been lonely. Teresa has seen to that.
Heaviness sets deep within my chest as I think about how I’ll feel when I move into somewhere of my own. When it’s only the three of us together. I’ve enjoyed having everyone around me, especially on the days I’ve struggled. They’ve all helped me with the girls, and ensured that for the most part they don’t have to see their mummy break down on a daily basis. When I do find us somewhere to live, I’m going to miss the buzz that surrounds me. The people who fill my days.
I turn toward the window, a lonely tear falling from my eye. I’m not lonely here, but I’m certain that once in my own place, when there’s no one with me after I’ve tucked the girls into bed at night, loneliness will set in. And after living all my life surrounded by people every day, I’m not prepared for that.
“Lou, what’s wrong?” Steve asks, pulling me from my thoughts.
“Nothing. I’m being silly.”
“I bet you’re not. Tell me what’s wrong.”
“I’m just thinking when I do move into my own place, that I’ll miss the company.”
I watch as he smirks. “Have you told Giovanni that you plan to move out? I don’t think he’ll be impressed.”
“I can’t stay there forever. It’s not fair on him. The girls are taking over almost every room in his home and they take up too much of Teresa’s time.”
“Well, I’d like to be a fly on the wall when you tell him,” he says with a straight face and his eyes on the road ahead.
I try not to think about what he’s implying. Fuck. Does everyone know that Giovanni and I have history? It’s sure beginning to look that way.
When we pull up outside the school, Steve parks, gets out of the car, and leans against it with his hands in his pockets. His eyes dart around in all directions, his body looks tense, and for whatever reason, it’s making me uneasy. It’s as though he’s scanning the area for some sort of threat.
I shake my head in an attempt to clear my wandering thoughts. There’s no danger to me or the kids. He’s just doing his job. A job that Giovanni has assigned him.
“Have you finished?” I ask. He looks at me as though wondering why the hell I would ask. “I’m sure the rest of the parents are now feeling as uneasy as I do.”
“Sorry. I’m just keeping an eye out.”
“An eye out for what?” I ask, goosebumps spreading over my skin.
“Oh, erm, nothing. Force of habit.”
Force of habit my arse. He’s keeping something from me, and although I want to know, the heaviness seeping through my body tells me maybe I’m better off not knowing. “Steve…”
“Go and get the girls. I’ll be waiting right here for you. And if you want, we could take them for an ice cream?”
I shrug as I walk away from him. Why is everyone intent on changing the subject around me? Or am I just being over-sensitive? It’s most probably the latter. The school bell rings and I go and stand where a few of the other parents are standing and wait for Rebecca to come out before going to the nursery class for Daisy.
I hate this part of the day. Parents, or rather, other mothers, are so bloody judgemental. Yesterday I overheard a few talking about me. ‘The wee woman whose husband was gunned down.’
‘Oh, those poor little girls, being brought up surrounded by violence.’
‘Some people shouldn’t be allowed to have kids. Those girls will grow up thinking violence is acceptable.’
Those were just a couple of the remarks that were made. Why can’t people just be polite and say hello? Why do they feel the need to talk about other people’s lives? Because they have nothing exciting going on in their own. And they have no idea how I bring up my children. Who are they to judge?
The doors open and kids start running out. I wait at the side, watching. A couple of mums stand talking, but I don’t listen, I have no interest in what they’re talking about. I see Rebecca and she looks a little sad as she looks around on her own. I wave, grabbing her attention. She smiles as she bounces toward me.
“Hey, gorgeous,” I say, crouching down and wrapping my arms around her. “Did you have a good day?” She shakes her head and my already fragile heart breaks. I hold her at arm’s length and tilt her chin so I can see into her eyes. “Baby, what’s wrong?”
“I hate school.” She looks close to tears and her body trembles.
“What’s changed? Because you loved school. You always loved being with your friends.”
“I don’t have any friends now. Everyone is saying Uncle Tony was a killer. And that my daddy must’ve been a real bad man to be dead,” she says, and a tear rolls down her cheek.
I can cope with people giving me the cold shoulder because of what they think goes on in my life. But what I can’t cope with is this affecting my kids. They are completely innocent.
And for the kids who are saying this crap to my daughter, they obviously heard all this from someone, namely their parents. Kids can be so bloody cruel. Time to make an appointment and speak to not only Rebecca’s class teacher, but the head teacher.
“Let’s go and get Daisy. Then how about Steve takes us for an ice cream?”
She nods a little enthusiastically and takes my hand.
Parents whisper as we walk past, but I’m doing the right thing by my girls and not responding, especially when all I want to do is tear strips off them.
“Oh, ice cream. Can I pick what kind?”
“Of course you can.”
We go into the nursery class for Daisy and I have a quick word with her support worker, who ensures me Daisy isn’t having any problems, and if there was anything, I’d be the first to know. She’s put my wandering mind at rest. Now, I just need to sort out the trouble Rebecca is having.
I walk back to the car with the girls giggling and talking about which flavour of ice cream they’re having.
“They sound happier than you look,” Steve says, opening the car and helping Daisy into the car seat in the back. Rebecca gets in the back and I sort her seatbelt.
“I need to speak to Rebecca’s teacher.”
“Why?”
“A few problems. None of her friends are talking to her and some have made her upset talking about Tony and Mark. How her daddy must’ve been a bad man.”
Steve rubs my shoulder. “You’ll get it sorted, I’m sure.”
“I hope so,” I say, getting in the car.
“Okay, are we going for ice cream?” Steve turns around and asks the girls.
“Yes,” they shout together and he starts the car.
I wish ice cream would solve all my problems. If only life was that simple.
Chapter Eighteen
Giovanni
This is one week I’ll be glad to see the back of. The restaurant has been so busy, and I’ve hardly had a minute to myself. Of course, business being busy is good, but my mind hasn’t always been here. Any spare time I’ve had, I’ve been doing my homework on Frank Steel, finding out everything I need to know, and of course, keeping in touch with Jack and Steve.
I know Steel; anyone who is connected to the underworld does, and I did work for Tony. We’ve had dealings in the past that I haven’t really thought about and don’t want to think about now. I’ve not paid much attention to him in recent years, or what others had to say about him. He’s not someone I ever wanted to be associated with, either personally or professionally. None of his businesses are legitimate. How he’s got away with half the crimes he’s committed, I’ll never know. A few years inside for drugs-related crimes isn’t enough for someone like him. And I already know that was because of Tony and Pete. I really do need to start paying more attention to the rumblings of the city’s underworld.
Everything I’ve learned about Frank Steel has left a lasting effect on me. The crimes he’s committed turn my stomach. Reading through some news articles, I can’t fathom how he’s managed to escape manslaughter or murder charges. Something about not enough evidence. I find that highly unlikely. How can a man not face any sort of charges when the witness names him as the man who attacked him with a twin-bladed knife?
Because, like Tony, Steel was probably paying off someone within the police. That would also explain why he only spent a few years inside.
I need to stop thinking about Frank Steel. Try and not let him consume my thoughts, because if I can’t, I won’t be alert.
But it’s bloody hard when my thoughts drift off to a time and place I’d much rather I hadn’t witnessed.
I’m looking forward to a much needed night off tonight for the re-opening of Crave. A time to relax with family and friends and watch what my sister has achieved. I have no doubts that tonight will go exactly to plan for Maria. She’s worked damn hard these last few weeks trying to carve out a career for herself without any help. Independent woman that she is. I’ve offered my assistance more than once, but she was determined. And it’s good to see the spirit she has now.
My smile comes easily thinking about her and enjoying the closeness of our relationship that has been missing all these years.
Yes, time with family after a long week is what I need. Although, I’m mostly looking forward to seeing Lou for myself. She and the girls haven’t been far from my thoughts. I want to see how she’s coping. Steve has been keeping me informed, and I’ll admit that more than once I’ve had to stop myself from jumping in my car and driving out to the estate since yesterday. He told me Rebecca has been upset by problems at school, which is causing Lou some distress.
I’ve hated not being there for them, especially when I know Maria has been so busy and hasn’t spent much time at the house this week. Hopefully I can take a few days off next week and spend some time at home.
My mobile buzzes on my desk, Jack’s name illuminating the screen. “Hi, Jack. What can I do for you?”
“Any news on Frank Steel?”
“Nothing. No one has seen him yet. I presume everything is quiet at your end?”
“Yes, which has me worried. The last time it was this quiet, Pete went on a killing spree.”
“Try not to worry about anything. We should concentrate on tonight. How is Maria?”
“Busy. Dare I say it, a bit stressed. I just hope she relaxes and enjoys tonight.”
“She will. I’ll be there just after seven, and Steve is taking Lou straight to the club.”
“Okay. I’ll see you tonight.”
We end the call and I sigh, staring across the room. From McGovern paying me a visit until now, Friday, nothing. Absolutely no news has come back to me or Jack on Steel. It’s no wonder he’s worried, especially if everything is that quiet for him. It’s never a good sign if the streets of Glasgow are quiet. It means someone, somewhere, is plotting the next big job. Enemies of the city are always lurking in some dark alleyway, ready to pounce on the next unsuspecting victim.
I hope Joe has tightened up security ahead of tonight after he and I spoke about the threat. He’s assured me everything will be fine.
I stare at my watch. I have a few hours before I need to leave and head over to my apartment, so I really should go and make sure the staff are all okay for tonight.
When I leave my office and make my way to the restaurant, it sounds really busy. Why didn’t any of the staff come and get me? As I enter the area, I notice it’s not as busy as it sounds. Only a few tables. Loud laughter has me turning toward a table at the back. Six gentlemen, and I use the word gentlemen loosely. It’s been years since I saw him, but if I’m not mistaken, it’s Frank Steel and several of his heavies.
“Boss,” says Marcus, taking my attention from the loud men at the back of the restaurant. He’s one of my head waiters and I’ll be leaving him in charge tonight.
“What’s wrong?”
His eyes dart behind me and something about the expression on his face tells me he knows who is sitting in my restaurant. “They’ve been a little, how shall I put it, off with a couple of the young girls. Crude remarks. The girls are all on edge, given who that is.”
“Send the girls on a break. I don’t want any of the female staff dealing with them.” My job as an employer is to keep my staff safe, especially from the likes of him.
“I’m sure the girls will be happier about that.”
“Have they ordered?”
“Yes. Beer and main courses. That’s all, and hopefully they will leave as soon as they’ve finished.”
“Let’s hope so.”
At least if Steel is sitting in my restaurant, I know he’s nowhere near Lou or Maria. But then that brings me back to the small fact that he’s never been in here before to eat. So, why now? He’s obviously making his presence known. Is he aware that word on the street has come back to me about Maria and Lou?
“Ah, Giovanni DeLuca.” I don’t have to turn around to know it’s Frank Steel calling my name.
With my head held high, I turn around and approach the table with caution. “Gentlemen, I trust everything is okay?” I ask politely, in the same way I would ask any diner.
“Beer is excellent, and I have it on good authority that the food will be the same,” Frank says, casting his deep-set dark eyes over me. The other men at the table are all silent and staring directly at me. I want to laugh, but I don’t. They are trying to intimidate me, but it’s not going to work.
I’m not easily intimidated, and he should know this.
“Glad to hear it. I’m sure your meals will be with you soon.”
I’m just turning away from the table when I hear his voice. “How is your lovely sister, Maria Fraser, holding up after everything she’s been through?”
I stop and turn back to face him. “Maria DeLuca is a strong woman,” I say, holding eye contact with Steel.
“Such a sad business. Tony’s death, her attack, the baby she lost, and Mark’s death. I couldn’t believe it when I was told Pete was to blame for it all.”
My fucking arse.
Of course he already knows Pete is to blame for everything because he put him up to it. I’m hoping my anger doesn’t show. “Just goes to show some friends can’t be trusted.”
“That they can’t. Are you going to the re-opening of Crave tonight?” he asks me. “Of course you are. This is your sister, after all. Blood is thicker than water. Maybe I’ll see you there. Get a chance to talk when you’re not so busy working.”
My blood boils at the mention of him going to Crave tonight. How the hell did he end up on the guest list? “Maybe I’ll see you then,” I say, and this time I turn and leave the table, just as Marcus brings their food.
I stand at the bar watching as Marcus walks back toward me, and I’m sure we’re both thinking the same thing: hurry up and eat and get to fuck out of the restaurant.
“I think we’ll keep the girls on their break until they leave,” I say. Marcus nods. “I don’t know what his game is, but I will find out.”
I take my phone from my pocket and type out a message.
Me: Steel is sitting here larger than life drinking beer and eating some pasta.
Jack: What the hell does he want?
Me: To make his presence felt. He asked after Maria.
Jack: After tonight we have to tell her and Lou that there is a possible threat.
Me: Agreed.
I put the phone back in my pocket and keep myself busy in the restaurant, talking to some of the other diners, making sure they’re all happy, at the same time as keeping an eye on the people at the back of the restaurant making too much noise.
My concern for Maria has risen. There was just something about the way he said her name, the look in his eyes, that sent cold shivers through to my bones.
Chapter Nineteen
Lou
“Wow, look at you,” Maria says, taking my hand. Her eyes cast over me and she’s smiling. “I love this dress on you. You look amazing.”
She has me smiling, because she took me shopping at the start of the week and we got our dresses for tonight. I opted for black lace, and I love it. It’s not too showy and doesn’t cling to my body, and surprisingly enough, makes me feel like me.
“You look incredible,” I say taking in her appearance. Her long dark hair is flowing in soft curls down her back. Her tight red off the shoulder and almost backless dress is very elegant. She looks like my Maria. The one I knew long before my brother stuck his claws into her.
“Not too much?” she asks nervously, and this isn’t a side I’m used to seeing with her.
“No. This is your night. Has Jack seen you yet?”
“No. He’s not here yet. Something came up but he was going to pick up Giovanni because he’s running late as well.”
God, she’s stressing, and she shouldn’t be. I’ll be having words with both of them. What the hell are they playing at? I’m glad I’m here to help keep her sane. A waiter approaches with two glasses of champagne which I take, handing one to her. Initially she declines, but I’m not taking no for an answer. She needs to take a deep breath and enjoy tonight.
