Read Online Gangsters Wives by Lee Martin - Free Book Online Page B

pillow talk. Kate was wise to all that and gave little away, but Ali lived in hope. All he wanted to do was to get a lead on Robbo and the gang’s plans, nick them, get them sent down and have Kate all to himself. That was his dream, but he knew that even if she was free, her background would always be suspect. But people in love, whatever ulterior motives they might have, constantly live in hope.
    So when Eddie’s trial came up, Ali wheedled his way into the court, on the pretext that when he moved up in rank, which he knew he would, he wanted to be au fait with all sorts of criminals. It was weak, but it worked. Ali sat in the CCTV control room and listened intently to the goings on. Later, when Eddie changed his plea, he thought, one down, three to go.
    After lunch, as soon as there was a break, Kate made an excuse that she needed some air and left the building. As soon as she was clear, she found a bench in a tiny public park and called Ali. ‘What the hell do you think you’re doing?’ she demanded when he answered.
    â€˜This is not a good time cousin,’ replied Ali. Cousin was part of their code.
    â€˜Bloody right it’s not,’ she hissed. ‘I nearly fainted when I saw you.’
    â€˜Sorry, I couldn’t let you know,’ he replied. ‘You know why.’ He was still forbidden to call her.
    â€˜Christ,’ she said. ‘Are you going to be there again?’
    â€˜No. I’ve got a lot of other things to do. I was just in the area,’ he lied.
    â€˜Thank Christ for that. When are we going to meet?’
    â€˜Up to you. Call me. I can’t talk now, I’m with some senior officers and they’re giving me the evil eye,’ he whispered.
    â€˜I will,’ and she hung up without a goodbye, and realised she was shaking. Fear, anger, lust, all mixed in a stew of emotion. She lit a cigarette and tried to relax, but stubbed it out half smoked, got up and went back to the court.

18

    Kate had told no one about Ali. Not even Sadie, her best friend. She could just imagine the reaction. A copper, and an Asian to boot. Christ, that would set the cat amongst the pigeons. She suspected that Ali was grilling her about the workings of the gang, but she was convinced that wasn’t what their affair was all about. He was too eager and loving to be that conniving. But she knew men, and their ways, so she was always careful.
    The day after Eddie was sent down, Kate called Ali. ‘Hello cousin,’ he said. ‘Long time.’
    â€˜I’ve been busy.’
    â€˜You’re not the only one.’
    â€˜Yes. We need to meet.’
    â€˜When?’
    â€˜Tomorrow lunchtime?’
    â€˜Can do. The same place as last time?’
    â€˜Fine.’
    â€˜Call me tomorrow morning and I’ll give you the details.’
    â€˜OK. I’ll ring when I’m on my way. I should be there around one.’
    â€˜I’ll be waiting.’
    â€˜We need to talk,’ she said.
    â€˜And that’s not all.’
    â€˜I’m serious.’
    â€˜So am I cousin, so am I.’
    With that, and a quick goodbye, he broke the connection.
    Their meeting place of choice was a Holiday Inn on the A12 close to the Millennium Dome, just south of the Blackwall tunnel. It was convenient with a big car park. Anonymous, but clean and safe, and the room service was discreet.
    Kate phoned Ali en route and he gave her the room number. As usual he was first to arrive, and she took the lift to the fourth floor and tapped on the door. He welcomed her wearing a white towel wrapped round his waist, exposing his chocolate-coloured skin and taut stomach. His hair was wet and shiny, and she thought he looked good enough to eat. ‘Thought I’d take a shower,’ he said. ‘Be nice and clean for you.’
    â€˜Are you working?’ she asked as she closed the door behind her and he swept her up in his arms.
    â€˜Supposed to be. Just routine