got a bug.’
Michael ran up the stairs, took one look at the state of his nephew hugging the toilet and jumped to his own conclusion. He could smell the alcohol fumes and Little Vinny’s eyes looked glazed. ‘You been puffing and drinking, boy?’
‘Yeah. I’m sorry. It won’t happen again,’ Little Vinny promised. Anything was better than admitting he had chased the dragon with Alison Bloggs, then allowed her to suck his John Thomas and spunked in her mouth.
‘Where did you go? I waited here until ten for you. Was you with Ben?’
Little Vinny’s eyes filled with tears. ‘No. I was on my own. Ben’s still missing, Dad’s going to prison. Nobody wants me to live with them, and I still keep thinking about Molly. It’s all my fault she’s dead.’
Michael rubbed his nephew’s back as he retched again. His heart went out to the boy. ‘You got to stop blaming yourself for your sister’s death, Vin. You’ll drive yourself doolally if you don’t. That little cunt Jamie Preston is the one who snuffed Molly’s life out, not you. Your mate Ben is bound to turn up soon. Probably wanted a break from that monster of a mother of his. As for your dad, what will be will be. But you’ll never be homeless, I can promise you that. Us Butlers stick together. You know the score.’
‘But who am I gonna live with?’
‘I don’t know yet. We’ll worry about that once we know your dad’s fate. He’s up in court today and I know he would want you to be there. Why don’t you jump in the bath while I pop round the cafe and get you something to eat? A couple of greasy egg and bacon rolls will sort that hangover of yours right out.’
‘I don’t think I’m well enough to go to court, and I really don’t feel hungry.’
‘You’ll be fine, trust me. Put your smart suit on. Gonna look well bad if you don’t show your face. Don’t worry if you feel sick on the way, I’ll tell your nan and Auntie Viv you’ve had a bug, OK?’
Little Vinny sighed. Why should he go to court? His family were always banging on about sticking together, yet no one wanted him. About to argue his point, Little Vinny decided against it. If his Dad was going to prison, he needed to keep on the right side of his Uncle Michael. ‘OK. I’ll put me suit on.’
After trying on five different outfits, Queenie Butler decided to wear her smart apple-green skirt suit. The colour suited her bleached blonde hair and bright red lipstick.
Deciding to add her big gold cross for luck so she could hold it and silently pray while waiting for the verdict, Queenie studied herself in the full-length mirror. ‘Not bad for nearly fifty-four, if I say so meself,’ she mumbled.
Having recovered from her shock at seeing a rock-hard todger the previous day, Vivian put her key in the lock.
‘Cooey, Queen. I’m ready. Shall I make us a cuppa or would you prefer a sherry to settle your nerves?’ she shouted out. She was only going to the court hearing to support her sister. As far as she was concerned, Vinny could rot in prison after what he’d put her through.
Queenie picked up her handbag and marched down the stairs. ‘I’ll have a cuppa, but put a large brandy in it. How you feeling today?’
‘Fine. I saw Lil’s niece when I went round for my paper this morning. She reckons Lil might be home next week and said she’s gonna move in to care for her full-time. Nice of her, ain’t it? And it saves us the worry of being lumbered with new neighbours.’
Queenie pursed her lips. She didn’t much care for Lil’s niece. ‘Well, she’s no bloody beauty queen, is she? Her arse looks like the back of a bus and as for the face … Never gonna get a husband that one, so she might as well move in and look after her poor aunt. At least it will give her a purpose in life.’
‘Aw, Queen, you are awful,’ Vivian chuckled.
‘Well, no point beating about the bush, is there? Best to say it as it is, that’s my motto. ’Ere, that’s Michael just pulled up outside. I’ll drink me cuppa, then we’ll make a move.’
Ahmed and Burak were standing outside Bow Street Magistrates’ Court smoking.
‘Did you tell Michael that we would be here today?’ Burak asked.
‘No. I thought it would be a nice surprise for him and his witch of a mother.’
Burak chuckled. ‘Mumma’s broomstick has just arrived by the looks of it.’
After a terrible journey, with Michael having to stop three times because her grandson felt sick, Queenie Butler was not amused to spot Ahmed. ‘What’s he bastard-well doing here? I don’t want him in the courtroom. It should be family only.’
‘Ahmed’s all right, Nan. He’s dad’s best mate, so he’s gonna want to show his support,’ Little Vinny said.
Queenie glared at her grandson. ‘You keep your opinions to yourself, you. Stomach bug, my arse. Pissed last night, more like.’
‘Mum, please don’t kick off. We’re all here for Vinny and that’s all that matters,’ Michael hissed.
‘I’m not. I’m here for your mother’s sake,’ Vivian mumbled.
Ahmed nodded. ‘Good day to you all. Burak and I felt it only right to show our faces. Vinny has been through so much and he needs his friends at a time like this. I just hope he is freed.’
Ignoring Ahmed, Queenie grabbed her sister’s arm and marched straight into the court. She had never liked that Turk from day one and in her opinion he’d been a bad influence on her son. It might have been Vinny driving the car on the night Lenny died, but if it hadn’t been for Ahmed encouraging him to take drugs in the first place, Viv’s son would most probably still be alive. Queenie had always worn rose-tinted spectacles when it came to her eldest, and this new theory she’d come up with suited her. Anything was better than hating and blaming her own flesh and blood.
Nancy and Joanna had been on the phone for the past half an hour. Joanna seemed in pretty good spirits overall, and Nancy suspected this was entirely due to her pregnancy.
‘So have your mum and dad said any more about the baby, Jo?’
‘No. It’s as though they are trying to pretend I’m not pregnant. Perhaps they are hoping I will miscarry or change my mind about an abortion.’
‘I doubt your mum and dad would wish a miscarriage on you, mate. They’re obviously just worried in case Vinny finds out. Have you thought about where you are going to move to yet?’
‘I shouldn’t have to move far at all if Vinny gets sent down today. Our child will more than likely be a teenager by the time that bastard is let out. I am never going to tell my baby who his or her father is. Imagine having to tell your own kid their father is a murderer! It’s too awful for words. You haven’t told anyone, have you?’
‘No. Of course not,’ Nancy replied. Jo would be angry with her if she admitted she had told her mother.
‘Good. I’d better go now. My mum’s calling out that lunch is ready. I never skip a meal now I’m eating for two again. Promise me you’ll ring me as soon as you hear the verdict, Nance. I so hope the authorities lock him up and throw
