Francesca, page 34
Julie looked directly at Tony. She knew what he was thinking. ‘I have to get off at the next stop. I’m meeting Francesca. We’re going shopping for my holiday clothes. You, Tony’—she smiled sarcastically at him— ‘do not need Irish men with bullets. You are your own worst enemy. Either sort out your differences with Fran or let her go.’
With that, Ralph helped her off the barge.
Julie was satisfied. She had said her piece. But just before she got off, she whispered in Tony’s ear. ‘Francesca is my friend, Tony. We tell each other everything. I know about your marriage scam. Do you hear me? I know.’
Tony was angry at her slight. Who the hell was Julie? Telling him to sort out his differences with Francesca. He did pale at the thought, though. He knew Ralph hadn’t heard because he was on the steps by the quayside waiting to give Julie a hand.
‘Then I will let her go, Julie. I don’t know what you think you know. But if it’s what I think, you know there’s nothing to let go.’
Julie gave him a smug smile. ‘Good. I will let her know, because she gets an awful lot of attention from a lot of guys, including where she works. Even he’—she nodded towards Jake— ‘has a soft spot for her.’
Tony looked back to where Jake was standing. They had shared many women in their time, but Jake wouldn’t do this to him, would he? They were brothers in arms. Jake had turned on him when Francesca had left the club, though.
Ralph got off the barge with Julie. He was going to drop her off in town to meet Francesca. He was curious as to why Julie and Tony were having heated whispers, but he knew it would be about Francesca and didn’t interfere.
Ralph felt he had stated the obvious. But he knew Tony was hot-headed and wanted this matter sorted once and for all. Tony didn’t have to prove himself to Ralph. He already knew that Tony had guts and that, beneath that charming exterior everyone loved, was a cold-hearted killer. Some would even go as far as to say he was psychopathic, which was why he had become so feared and successful.
Jake walked up to Tony, totally ignorant of what Julie had said. ‘So, Tony, are you going to sit it out like Ralph says? I think it would be for the best—let the police do their own digging. When it’s wrapped up, that is when we make our move.’
Tony put his arm around Jake’s shoulders. Jake had always seen reason. He had always been the thinker, whereas Tony was a hands-on kind of guy.
‘Ralph’s away for two weeks. When he comes back, we will see what his plan is. If it’s a load of reasonable rubbish, then I will step in, okay?’
Jake laughed. He knew Tony would have to have the last word. ‘I must admit though, Tony, even I thought you would have done something by now. All this secrecy on a barge in the middle of the Thames gave me the creeps. I thought he was going to kill us.’
‘Yes, Jake, it unnerved me too, especially with Julie joining him like that. Come on. Let’s go back to the club. We have our own business to attend to and money to collect. After all, today is the end of the month, which means collection day from all of the pubs for a little bit of protection.’
Even though, on the face of it, Tony and Jake had joined the respectable businessmen’s league, they still had their fingers in a lot of pies, including all the pubs and clubs who paid for protection against any trouble.
It didn’t matter what you did for people, or how kind you were, people always did anything to get their hands on cold cash. Even the police and judges paid. They were upright men with a standing in the community and were prepared to do whatever it took to keep their wives in jewellery and holidays.
Tony had learnt from a young age that money was power. It was the one thing that everyone wanted and would do anything to get. They had carried on with their moneylending, which was overpriced in interest. But if you were desperate to borrow money, then you had to pay it back.
I’d had a lovely afternoon with Julie. She seemed to be blooming and closer to Ralph than ever. Her excuses for buying so many dresses were that they might eat at the captain’s table and that it would be a while before she could fit into a small size like this, so she may as well enjoy it. Poor Ralph, his credit card took a real beating that afternoon. They were going away for a couple of weeks. The way Julie was buying, it looked like she was going away for two years.
She had also bought holiday clothes for Josh, who was doing exceptionally well in the art classes Julie had enrolled him in. I had been right. He had an artistic talent, and even though he struggled with socialising, his artwork spoke for him.
Elle was going to the cinema with Bobby, and after a lot of coaxing, from myself Albert had invited himself. He had popped around even though there was no more building or decorating to do, supposedly just to check on things.
He always seemed to turn up when he knew Elle would have a casserole ready. It was as though he had his own CCTV monitor in his van. He turned up just in the nick of time to be invited to stay for dinner.
Albert said she might like the company, and as much as Elle complained about it, she never said he couldn’t stay. But then, she never said he could either.
At around six, we had decided to call it a day, possibly because the chauffeur couldn’t fit any more bags in the boot in the car. I had my car, and Julie had her chauffeur. It sounds silly, I know, but, even though it was only a couple of weeks, I was going to miss her. She had become such a big part of my life.
By the time I got home, Elle, Bobby, and Albert were all sitting around the table having a cup of tea and some homemade apple pie. It looked like a very happy family scene. When Albert saw me, he stood up to make his excuses. I told him to stay where he was and finish his tea.
I went upstairs to give them some space to themselves. I could hear Albert getting ready to leave, hoping that Elle would see him to the door. She did see him to the door, but with Bobby in tow, using him as a shield.
While Elle was tidying away the tea things, she complained constantly about poor Albert inviting himself to the cinema and buying far too many sweets for Bobby, but I could tell she had enjoyed it.
‘You tease that poor man, Elle. You know he likes you.’ Now I was doing the teasing.
She became defensive, acting like she didn’t know what I was talking about. Her abrupt, carefree manner said it all. ‘He’s had no encouragement from me, Fran. He is only hanging around until your insurance money comes through.’ She avoided my eyes and busied herself upstairs, running Bobby’s bath.
I had to laugh to myself. You could see she enjoyed Albert’s company. And by all accounts it had been a while since she’d had male company. She had never said much about herself. But when I’d stayed at her bungalow, I’d seen photo frames full of pictures telling different stories about her past.
What had first caught my eye was a photo of Elle with two teenage boys, one with blonde hair and the other one with dark hair. Guess who? There were also lots of pictures of children, I guess these were all the children she had fostered in the past.
The children she had fostered were all adults now, but they had kept in touch with birthday and Christmas cards. It seems she had been widowed. Her husband had died of cancer early on in their marriage. They’d never had children of their own, and so she had taken up fostering.
After her husband had died, she’d had Jake and then eventually Tony. And as much as she loved all the children she had cared for, it was obvious to anyone that Tony and Jake were her boys and held a special place in her heart.
She had never gone into detail about her husband or how she had become Tony and Jake’s foster mother.
She kept herself to herself and spent her life taking on everyone’s troubles. But now she had an admirer, and as offhand as she was with him and as much as she spent her time bossing poor Albert around, she liked it.
Good for her. It was time she had something for herself. She had always put everyone before herself, and this was possibly her last chance of happiness, whether it came to anything or not.
I felt lonely sometimes, even though my life, on the face of it, seemed full—with Bobby and working at the doctor’s surgery. I enjoyed the chatter of the women I worked with and listening about their families. Julie kept me busy with all of her gossip about the other wives whose husbands worked for Ralph. But I had affinity with Elle. Sometimes it was lonely. Even my mam had George.
Bobby was full of news about his day at the cinema and how they’d all had burgers and chips. He was tired and ready for bed. It was school in the morning, and so after I had read him his story and tucked him in he seemed to fall asleep immediately.
I had the rest of the evening to myself. The house always seemed so big at this time of the evening. During the day, it was full of people, milling around and talking. But then they all went home. I had a bath and watched some television. There was nothing particularly worth watching, apart from the usual repeats, and so I went to bed.
I wondered what Tony was doing this evening. I knew he would be at the club or the casino, but with whom?
Julie made her farewell telephone call the next morning, and I took Bobby to school. I was getting ready to take Susie for her daily walk when I heard the postman. When I went to see what bills he had brought this time, I noticed an official envelope. I opened it and stood staring at the white paper that unfolded before my eyes.
It was my divorce papers. The divorce had gone through a lot faster than I had imagined, but there it was in black and white—decree absolute.
I desperately wanted to tell Julie, but then I remembered she had left by now. I didn’t want to ring her mobile, because I knew she would come back instantly to comfort me.
Elle wasn’t around. She had gone to the supermarket with Minnie this morning. I felt a little awkward telling her anyway. I was sure Tony would have received his by now. Elle would possibly already know that I was no longer Mrs Lambrianu.
I wanted to telephone my mam. But then I remembered she would be at work. It seemed all of my loved ones were getting on with their lives as normal. Yet mine had stopped, and there was no one to share it with.
26
Decree Absolute
Jake was making coffee in the apartment that he was now sharing with Tony. He was going to get his own place, but since moving back in with Tony after his split with Sharon, he had fallen back into their old habits and routine.
Tony wandered through from his bedroom a little worse for wear, dressed in a towelling robe. He picked up the mug of coffee Jake had been pouring for himself and started to drink it.
‘You want coffee, Tony, make your own,’ Jake shouted jokingly and reached for another mug. ‘You look awful, Tony. But I’m not surprised. You were putting away the drink last night. Anyway, happy birthday, Tony.’ Jake pushed an envelope towards him.
Tony opened the envelope and thanked Jake for his birthday card. Jake passed him another one, which of course was from Elle.
‘As you say, Jake, I was celebrating my birthday early. Are you up for a party tonight? Nothing big, just a few drinks and some female company.’ He laughed and winked at Jake.
Although Tony was boasting about the party to come, Jake felt his heart wasn’t in it. Normally, it was a club party, with flowing champagne and a night to celebrate. So why did Tony want this one low key?
‘I’m up for a party, Tony. But it sounds like any other night. What’s wrong, Tony? What’s on your mind? Please, don’t say nothing, because I know you. And even that woman who was draped all over you last night drew a blank. You walked away and just ignored her. So come on. What is it— age creeping up?’ Jake tried to make his inquiry sound as light-hearted as possible, and he didn’t even know why he was asking. Everyone knew it was Francesca that was on Tony’s mind. As hard as Tony tried to deny it, he missed her.
Tony took a large gulp of his coffee and opened the kitchen drawer. He took out an envelope and threw it onto the worktop. ‘Take a look for yourself. Happy fucking birthday, Tony,’ he said out loud.
Jake gave him a puzzled look. He picked up the envelope and opened up the letter. In bold writing across the top of it were the words decree absolute—an explanation that his marriage to Francesca was finally over.
Now Jake realised why Tony had drunk more than usual last night and couldn’t be bothered with the women who were doing their best to attract his attention.
‘When did this come?’ Jake was solemn now. He really didn’t know what to say. If Tony wasn’t bothered about it all, which was the impression he gave out, why was he so bothered and fed up?
‘It came yesterday.’ Tony took another gulp of his coffee, which was helping him sober up a little. ‘Just as well. I can get on with my life now. The deal is done. Ralph is doing business with us, and everyone is making money.’ Tony started to walk away towards the shower.
Jake knew this was bravado and ego talking. He also knew that, in his heart, Tony felt very differently about that piece of paper.
‘Well, fair enough, if that’s what you think. Personally, I think it’s a shame, but she did us proud, Tony. This time last year, everything we have now was just a dream. Your plan worked. But then, your plans always do. And she hasn’t had the easiest of times, what with burglaries and alibis.’
Tony had stopped and was listening to what Jake was saying. ‘I’m going for a shower, Jake. And don’t forget your little black book.’ Tony had always laughed about having a black diary full of women’s telephone numbers he could call should the occasion arise.
Jake decided to go with the flow and go along with whatever plans Tony would make. He knew Tony was hurting, and he wanted to be there and support him. Thiis was always going to be a memorable birthday for Tony, but for all of the wrong reasons.
Tony had busied himself for most of the day, sorting out plans for the club and going through the rotas with Sharon. He complained to her that he was sick of seeing the same ‘old bags’ at the club. It seemed everyone was on the receiving end of Tony’s anger today. Everyone was walking on eggshells. Jake watched as he barked orders and snapped his way through the day.
Cards came in the post for Tony’s birthday, and Jake watched him as he looked at the writing on the front of the envelopes and threw them to the side, unopened. Sharon pointed out the obvious to Jake—there wasn’t a card from Francesca, which was what he was looking for.
Jake was pleased that he and Sharon were still close and could talk. He knew she had a new man in her life, but she had never flaunted him under Jake’s nose. As far as he knew, he had never been to the club. Apart from he and Sharon not sharing a house and a bed, nothing had changed really.
It did cross Jake’s mind to wonder how he would feel when the very same letter came through the letter box for him, telling him he was no longer married.
Tony came rushing out of the office, still putting his jacket on as he walked quickly to the door.
‘What’s wrong? Where are you going in such a rush, Tony?’ Jake was worried. He could see the anger in Tony’s eyes. It crossed his mind that he might be going to see Francesca and vent his wrath there.
‘We’re a thousand pounds short in the collections. It’s that dump of a club on the other side of town owned by that snivelling Barry. I’m going to show him what protection means. He will need protection from me!’
Jake sighed. At last, Tony had found someone to vent his anger on—a way to let it all out.
‘A thousand pounds, Tony. You have spent more on a meal, and since when did you do your own fighting over a thousand pounds? Let the guys go, Tony. That is what we pay them for. If he’s going to take a beating, then let the guys do it. Maybe it’s a mistake. I will go and find out what’s happened.’
Jake knew his pleading was futile. Tony wasn’t listening. He had wanted to take his frustration out on someone, and this was it. Poor Barry. What a day to short-change Tony.
Sharon grabbed Jake’s arm. ‘Go with him. God knows what he’s going to do.’ She was panicking and pushing him towards the door after Tony.
Jake ran out of the club and opened the car door and got in the back seat of the car beside Tony. He tried talking to him but could see he wasn’t listening. Poor Barry, thought Jake. If it was a mistake, he was going to get a beating. And if sleazy Barry, as he was known to everyone, thought Tony wouldn’t notice and was trying to get away without paying the full amount, he was going to get a beating. Either way, he had chosen the wrong time to try and rip Tony off.
When they got to the club, which was no more than a glorified pub with entertainment on, it was not open for business yet. Tony jumped out of the car and started beating his fist on the door, which was also the entrance to the living accommodation upstairs.
Slowly the door opened, and Barry stood there, yawning and rubbing his face. A shocked and frightened expression crossed his face when he opened his eyes properly and saw Tony standing there. He froze in place.
‘Mr Lambrianu, come in.’ Barry stood aside for Tony to enter. You could almost hear his voice trembling and his knees knocking.
Tony hadn’t waited for an invite and pushed past him, sending Barry crashing against the wall and marched into the pub.
Jake spoke first. ‘We’ve come for the rest of our money, Barry.’ He was trying to intervene and hoping Barry wasn’t going to say something stupid. You could see Tony meant business, and he was in no mood to listen to excuses.
Tony walked through to the bar area. Empty glasses from last night were still on the bar and tables. Tony walked along the side of the bar with his arm stretched out, knocking all the glasses and sending them hurling and smashing to the floor. He then walked behind the bar where the glasses were. All the bottles of alcohol were hung up along the back of the bar and With one sweep of his arms, Tony sent them, crashing to the ground, sending a mixture of alcohol flooding the floor.
