Revenge by Martina Cole Read Free Book Online Page B

wouldn’t be long before he did just that.
    She was losing her hold over him, and she couldn’t let that happen. Not without a fight anyway.

Chapter Five
    Patrick and Declan were holding court in a public house near enough to the docks to make a good meeting place, yet far enough away so the meetings didn’t look dodgy. It was a great pub, and the Costellos were regular punters. Their main workforce were happy to hang out there and, as it wasn’t that big, it was also easy to keep an eye on the clientele, watch the comings and goings.
    Michael walked into the bar just after nine. He was well dressed for the occasion, in a slim-cut, dark-blue suit, an outrageous lilac paisley shirt, open at the neck, and chunky gold cufflinks that had his initials etched on them. They had been a present from Patrick Costello and he wore them at every available opportunity.
    His thick dark hair was still long, but it was now cut and styled professionally. Michael had always been aware that his good looks made women love him, and men admire him. As well as the looks and the build, he also had the added bonus of a nice disposition.
    He made his way to the bar, and he was gratified to see that Patrick Costello already had a drink waiting for him. He caught sight of Terry Gold watching him intently, but he didn’t react in any way. Terry had not been pleased by the turn of events and Michael’s inclusion in the Costello inner circle; his nephew Jimmy had been his boss after all. Terry Gold was well aware of Jimmy’s business practices, robbing everyone he dealt with hand over fist. Michael knew that Terry Gold was probably wondering if he might have mentioned that to anyone of importance. He was insulted by the man even thinking that about him. As if he would do that! He wasn’t a fucking grass.
    ‘You’re looking sharp lately, Michael, I didn’t recognise you when you walked in.’
    Michael laughed, but he was a bit embarrassed at Patrick’s words. He had changed in a lot of ways, but now he had money he could afford to look good. He felt he needed to dress as befitted his new station in life.
    ‘Do you like it? I got it in Ilford from some Jewish geezer. It’s the most I’ve ever spent on clothes in my life.’
    Patrick laughed loudly. ‘You look the dog’s knob! All that old bollocks in the Bible about clothes don’t make the man – they fucking do! A nice bit of clobber makes you feel good about yourself. You can wear a suit well and all, boy, you’ve got the build for it.’
    Michael didn’t know how to accept the compliment, so he took a large gulp of his whisky and soda. He had started drinking Scotch because the Costellos were whisky drinkers. But, if he was honest, he didn’t really like the taste.
    ‘You did well this week, Michael – I’m pleased.’ Patrick swallowed down his drink, and motioned to the barman for another.
    The juke box came on suddenly, and drowned out the noise of the men talking. It was ‘Unchained Melody’ by The Righteous Brothers. Michael sighed with contentment; he loved this song. He guessed that one of the older men had put it on and, as he glanced around the packed bar, he felt a thrill that he was part of this world.
    Patrick motioned with his head, and Michael followed him through the throng to the men’s toilets. Inside, Patrick waited patiently for the men using the urinal to leave. Michael noticed that they each did just that. He was impressed with Patrick’s ability to get whatever he wanted.
    Once they were alone, Patrick looked into the large mirror that took up half the wall and, as he smoothed his hair down, he said quietly, ‘I need you to sort something out for me.’
    Michael nodded. ‘Whatever you need, Patrick. You know that.’
    Patrick turned from the mirror. ‘You’re a good kid, Michael. You are going to go far.’
    He faced the mirror once again, admiring himself from all angles. He had this young lad’s total loyalty, he already knew that. The boy had a