Read Online The Feud by Kimberley Chambers - Free Book Online Page B

felt the colour drain from his skin. Memories of the past came flooding back and all he could picture was Roger Dodds covered in blood with his eye hanging out. Unable to swallow the lump of fillet steak in his mouth, Stanley began to make choking noises.
    ‘For goodness’ sake, Stanley, why do you always have to show me up?’ Joyce yelled, as she punched him on the back.
    As the meat flew out of his mouth and landed on Harry Mitchell’s lapel, Stan felt his bowels loosen.
    Raymond burst out laughing and, luckily for Stan, Harry Mitchell was in a jovial mood. ‘Fucking hell, I’ve had a few bullets aimed at me in me time, but never a lump of meat,’ he joked.
    Jessica was mortified. ‘Dad, this is Harry, Eddie’s father.’
    ‘Pleased to meet you,’ Stanley mumbled, shaking his hand.
    There was no recognition on Harry’s face, and Stan breathed a sigh of relief.
    ‘Christ, you’re shivering. Shall I get them to turn the heating up?’ Harry asked kindly.
    Stanley shook his head. ‘No, I’m fine thanks. I’ve got a bit of a chill, I think.’
    Aware that her father was making a total penis of himself, Jessica quickly dragged Harry towards her brother. ‘And this is Raymond, my younger brother.’
    Raymond stood up and shook Harry Mitchell’s hand. ‘Nice to meet you, sir,’ he said politely.
    ‘I’m sure we’ll all catch up again later in the pub,’ Harry said, bemused by his new in-laws. The brother was a proper kid with a handshake like a man’s. As for the father’s limp hand, the less said the better. ‘You can always tell a man’s soul by his handshake,’ his old mum used to tell him and Harry had learned over the years that she was spot on.
    After everybody had finished their meals, champagne was poured freely all round. Harry Mitchell was the first to give a speech. He kept it short and sweet, but ended it by giving Jessica an envelope to open.
    ‘My wedding present to both of you,’ he said.
    Jessica gasped as she looked inside. There were flight tickets and a stay in a five-star hotel in Italy. ‘It’s booked for next week. I’ve never flown before!’ she yelled gleefully.
    As the best man, Ronny was the next to stand up. He spoke about Ed as a kid and ending it by saying, ‘Bev, my brother’s ex-wife, was as thick as two short planks. She was ugly, a monster, and I’m sure that everyone will agree that this time Ed’s got it right. Jessica is everything his first wife wasn’t and I’m sure they’ll be extremely happy together. Raise your glasses everybody. To Eddie and Jessica.’
    Eddie locked eyes with his dad and Uncle Reg. All three shook their heads. Ronny had the brains and decorum of a fucking rat. Eddie quickly stood up, made a couple of jokes and glossed over his brother’s comments. He ended his speech by handing Jess yet another envelope.
    ‘You’ve made me so happy by becoming my wife, Jess. This is my present to you,’ he told her.
    Jess couldn’t believe her eyes as she tore it open.
    A few days ago they’d viewed a beautiful house not far from where her parents lived. Jess had fallen in lovewith it on sight. It was in a private road and was beautifully decorated.
    ‘We can’t afford it yet, Jess. Let’s get the wedding out of the way and we’ll find somewhere after we’re married,’ Eddie had told her.
    Now she had the deeds and keys in her hand and could scarcely believe her luck. ‘I can’t believe it. Thank you, I love you so much,’ she said, as she threw her arms around Eddie’s neck.
    Overcome by excitement, Jess lifted up the hem of her dress and ran over to her mum’s table. ‘Look, Mum, it’s only ten minutes’ walk from you. That’s the house I told you about. There’s a picture of it there.’
    Eddie stood proudly behind his wife. ‘I knew she wanted to live near you and what Jess wants, she will always get,’ he told Joyce.
    Joyce grabbed Eddie’s face and planted a smacker on his forehead. ‘I can pop round when you’re