Chapter 6
“Well,” Sean piped up from behind the cover of the music magazine he was reading, “Ash seems to be taking his time. There’s either a hell of a lot to talk about or ...”
A knowing look passed between Albert, Mickey and Stacie. “I don’t think we really need to speculate,” Albert suggested quickly cutting off Sean’s remark.
“No,” agreed Mickey, “Whatever Ash is up to or not isn’t our concern, Sean.”
“Sorry!” Sean put his hands up in mock defence, “just hoping he was enjoying himself.”
“I hope they both are.” Stacie put in, looking up to two discouraging sets of eyes. “Jesus Mickey, Albie. Those two deserve some happiness and I for one am actually with Sean on this. With everything that Imi has been through it would only be right that Ash should be the one to put her back together. And it would make them both realise what they’d been missing over the last ten years. We all need someone in this life.” She spat out, unsure of the reception. A comforting hand from Mickey covered one of hers as it lay on the table, his fingers deftly smoothing the skin of her hand. Albert got up from the table and ushered Sean out of the flat with him.
As the door closed Mickey took hold of her hand, bringing it to his mouth and laying the sweetest kiss on her palm. She sighed, closing her eyes to the sensation, how long had she been waiting for this? “Beautiful,” was all she heard him say before she opened her eyes again to the sight of his wandering wildly over her face. He pulled her closer, his mouth finding hers allowing himself to gently caress her lips with his own. She could feel the slow build up of heat as their exchange intensified, was this the moment? Was this the time that Mickey would finally let bygones be bygones and make her his own?
Pulling her up to her feet, he guided her to sit in his lap. As their embrace continued their hands clawed through hair and felt over the others body. One of Mickey’s hands rested at the base of her spine the other at her neck; small circles were executed by agile thumbs and fingers. Stacie’s hands felt over his shoulders and down biceps before resting on his waist ready to pull at his shirt and explore the smooth skin beneath.
The door was suddenly opened and they just as suddenly sprang apart, Stacie smoothing down her crumpled clothing and bedraggled hair; Mickey looking anywhere but at Stacie, all the while attempting to ascertain who had just come in. The hushed voices of Danny and Emma could be heard underneath them somewhere until that was blocked out by the closing of a bedroom door and music began drifting upstairs.
Stacie looked over to Mickey, his face juxtaposed with several emotions. After their kiss, she had expected to find some contentedness or comfort, but instead his fixed glare showed hatred and anger, not to mention a good deal of jealousy too. “You like her, don’t you?” She said matter of factly.
Mickey looked up, searching her face for clues to her demeanour. “Who?” He asked serenely.
“Emma, you like Emma.”
He looked away, unable to keep eye contact with the woman that had recently been uppermost in his thoughts but never in his dreams. He couldn’t deny it, not to Stacie. He loved Stacie, but as a good friend, as a sister, he wouldn’t lie to her. “Yes.” He stated.
A fleeting smile crossed her features before she turned on her heel and walked out onto the balcony, the brisk warm sirocco breeze picking up the tresses of her hair and gently whipping them around her face.
He watched her go wondering why he had ever been so stupid as to let her walk away from him the first place. They could’ve been terrific together, she’d have come back to London or joined him in Sydney instead of staying in America with Danny and he would never have then had the opportunity to meet Emma. But everything happened for a reason and even though he knew Stacie was ripe for the taking, Emma was the one that had his heart. He knew that he and Stacie would’ve become bored with one another, whereas life with Emma would be constant turmoil and extremely interesting. He laughed at himself, only he could imagine having a highly successful relationship with a woman that would want to spend ninety nine per cent of her time making his life a misery. And that was before Sean would have his turn.
But then he needed to make sure that Stacie knew that too. He picked himself up from his seat and traced her earlier steps. She was leaning out over the banister, a slight pout on her face, as he came closer to her. “I’m sorry Stacie. A lot has happened since you went away.”
“Like you and Emma.”
“There is no me and Emma.”
“But you want there to be.”
“Yes, I would like that. But she’s not interested.”
“Really,” she turned around, her back now against the balcony, her elbows on the railing, “if there’s one thing I know about Mickey, it’s if a woman is interested in you or not. I know, I’ve been there.” She admitted sarcastically.
“And now?”
Her eyes clashed with his, “I don’t know. From the way you just kissed me I thought that you finally wanted me but, as it turns out, I don’t know what to think. I always thought I’d be enough for you but obviously ...”
“Stacie, it’s not that. It’s just you weren’t here and along came Emma. You and I have shared our lives almost exclusively for so long that we know nearly every intimate detail about each other and I’m sure you must realise that we’d tire of one another quite quickly.”
“And Emma is so fresh and young.”
“Yes. And no. My wanting to be with her has nothing to do with how old she is.”
“Then what is it?”
“She is completely different from me and you, to be honest. She’s exciting, fun to be with and not afraid to share her opinions with me or any of us. And if she’s got a problem with you, then watch out. She’s incredibly talented, can be moody and sarcastic and then she can be extremely kind in the next breath. When her mum died she bought Sean up on her own so she won’t allow anyone to look after her in case she falls prey to them taking advantage of her.”
“You want to look after her and she won’t let you.”
“Something like that, yes.” Mickey smiled. “We talked about having dinner but it never materialised. And now it’s too late.”
“Why?” Stacie asked.
“Because of Danny, Stace. Emma seems to be totally enamoured with him.”
Stacie grinned, “Emma is a clever girl, and she’s not going to let Danny get too close to her. I think she likes his company but apart from that she likes you, a lot.”
“Rubbish!”
“No, I’ve seen the way she looks at you when she thinks no one is watching her. She wants you. Look, if you want me to get rid of Danny for you so that the two of you can have a chat then I’ll find a way.”
“Thanks, but I think I can do that on my own. Has he been using any fake credit cards recently?”
Stacie shook her head, “Mickey, you are so wicked.” He beamed, thinking of how exactly he was going to make Emma realise that he was the better bet.
.oOo.
For the first time in years Imogen felt incredible. Not only did she believe she was lying in one of the most comfortable beds in London but she’d also spent the better part of the day in bed with a man that she knew loved her. Who had, in fact, never stopped loving her. She stretched out, what was left of the bedding quickly evading her naked body as she moved. “Now that is a sight for sore eyes.”
“You weren’t exactly saying that yesterday,” Imogen remarked, sitting up as she felt the bed dip next to her. “Are you coming back to bed to make it up to me some more?” She noted the furrowed brow. “What’s wrong?”
“I’m not sure, it may be nothing but, I don’t know, there’s this bad feeling in my gut.”
She smiled, “well if Ash Morgan has a really bad gut then you know there is something definitely wrong.” She placed her arms round him, hugging him from behind. His arms crossed over hers protectively, she kissed him in response, “so what is it?”
“Room service has just been back.”
“The young girl from this morning?”
“Yes, and not to collect our trolley either. I noticed that had already gone from the corridor when I opened the door to her. She had another trolley laden with afternoon tea, came to our room by mistake. I can’t help getting this nagging feeling that the mistake wasn’t accidental.”
“So you think we should leave?”
“Yeah. As soon as. Much as I hate the idea of us having to leave this room,” he sighed, “we’re not going to get a moment’s peace you know, or much privacy when we get back to the others.”
She squeezed him a little, “we’ve got the rest of our lives, Ash, if that’s what you want?”
Pulling her around to face him he kissed her with a ferocity that neither of them shied away from. “You’re right, and it’ll be fun making up for the last ten years but first off we’ve got some business to attend to.” He stroked her unruly hair back behind her ears. “Do you remember me telling you about Marty’s?” She nodded, following him into the bathroom and only beginning to talk again once a tap was running. His arms closed around her waist bringing her closer to him. “Don’t get caught, Imi, you weren’t exactly yourself the other night when I was following you.”
She grinned, “I knew you were following me, Ash,” she whispered, “it felt good to know you were there just in case, that’s why I never said anything.”
“I taught you well, then?”
She nodded, “and you’re the only person I’d allow to tail me, ever. No one else will be that lucky, promise.”
“So you know what to do?” Another nod. He looked at his watch, “left fifteen by seven, ok?” She nodded once more watching him as he quickly dispensed of her dressing gown and dressed himself in his own clothes. Following him out towards the bedroom door she stopped as he hesitated, going over to the table and picking up the magazine that Imogen had been writing her plan onto, “is there anything else?” He asked quietly.
She stepped past him and picked up her iPod, handing it over to him. He looked at her quizzically but decided not to ask, she’d tell him in her own good time. Hiding the iPod within his jacket he took her into his arms and kissed her. “Stay safe,” he whispered into her hair feeling her nod her head in acceptance. Parting with one final desperate embrace he was out of the door and on his way.
Imogen gathered herself and her courage, quickly washing and changing into her disguise. She donned a blonde elfin wig, before encasing her eyes in blue contacts. Someone would be over to get her things, Ash would be arranging that already, so she had no reason to take anything with her apart from her money and that was easily hidden within her clothing.
Quickly crossing the corridor from her suite, she was able to take the stairs down to a side fire exit and escape unnoticed. Turning the corner away from the hotel she took a walk up Sussex Gardens before turning up Old Marylebone Road and double backing onto Chapel and then Transept, finally ducking into Edgware Road and hopping the Circle line to Moorgate with the Oyster card that Ash had given her. If someone was following her she hadn’t sensed anything and even though she had plenty of opportunity to make the journey easy on herself, there was no way she was actually going to do it.
At Moorgate she found the Northern line and travelled down to the Elephant before heading back up on the Bakerloo line and coming up at Charing Cross. She quickly walked through Duncannon Street ending her journey underneath the colonnades of St Martin-in-the-fields, just as a clock struck 6.45 pm and she, along with several hundred people, were ushered into the church for a free recital.
Barely past the doors and her elbow was latched onto. She looked to her left, relief washing over her as Ash smiled down on her, drawing her away down a side aisle and into a vestibule that led them outside once more. Picking up on Adelaide Street they made their way up to William IV where they were able to catch a cab. As she settled back into the crook of his arm she realised that she hadn’t a clue where they were going to. Not that she much cared, wherever it was she would be safe, Ash would see to that.
.oOo.
The closing door and the thudding steps up the stairwell signalled yet another arrival to the squabbling occupants of the crew’s suite. “Don’t stop on our account,” Ash’s unmistakable voice lilted up into the living space as he and Imogen followed it up.
Mickey looked up from his steadying glare on the carpet, his hands on his hips, “we were just ...” He began.
“Arguing?” Ash asked bemused, looking around each of the four faces that were now directed towards him.
“Discussing, actually,” Mickey intoned, making a move towards the pair and holding his hand up for Imogen to take.
She did so, pulling the man into an embrace. “Before you say anything, I forgive you.”
He pulled back, watching her as she now took off her glasses and blonde wig, “for yesterday?” He asked.
Discarding the items on the table behind her, she leant up and kissed him on the cheek, “yeah, that and the school disco.”
He looked quizzically between the pair, Ash grinned, “you told me that Imogen stood you up.”
“Ah!” Mickey shrugged.
“Telling more lies,” Emma cut in sarcastically, “well, why break the habit of a lifetime, eh, Mickey?” She turned on the spot, “come on Danny, I’m suddenly feeling quite lively. Think I need a drink and a dance.” She stomped off down the stairs as fast as her heels would carry her.
Danny trailed behind, only hampered by Ash’s steadying grasp of his arm. “Be careful, Danny,” he warned, his blue eyes flashing between Danny and Mickey. Judging by the lack of response from Danny, Ash sensed that there was definitely trouble in paradise. It was just working out in which part of it trouble existed.
Gently ushering Imogen over to the sofa, Ash retraced his steps to the drinks cabinet and poured out four generous portions of whiskey. He handed them around before taking his place by Imogen, a tender hand placed on her thigh. “So what’s going on, Mick?”
“I could ask the same of you, Ash,” he nodded towards the couple’s proximity.
“Don’t change the subject.”
Stacie took a seat opposite Imogen, “Mickey has a crush on Emma.”
“Now tell me something I didn’t know.” Ash responded.
“You knew?” Mickey asked.
“Course I did.” Ash sniggered, “what, did you think I didn’t notice the way you two were leering at each other the night we were fitting Lord Alfie and his mates up? If we’d been only a few minutes later home then we’d have found the two of you ripping each other’s clothes off. Can’t imagine Sean would’ve been too impressed.”
“Nothing happened.”
“Maybe, but it weren’t for the want of trying.”
“Emma’s complicated, she needs treating in the right way to get her to open up.”
“Bollocks!” Ash stared him down, “just kiss the girl and be done with it. What do you reckon, Stace?”
“I agree. Poor girl doesn’t know whether she’s coming or going. You should stop teasing her and get it over with.”
“You’ve changed your tune,” Mickey sat down next to her.
“Well, I’ve had time to watch you two at each other’s throats and I’ve been able to re-evaluate my own part in all of this.”
Imogen had been so amused by the interplay that she’d kept quiet. But now she needed to ask, “your part?”
Stacie nodded, “I thought that it was finally my chance to be with Mickey, but I now realise that that ship sailed a long time ago. And after observing their row...”
“Debate ...”
“Disagreement,” Ash and Imogen were laughing, “from the side lines I now feel ready to voice my opinion on Mickey and Emma. They are both as bad as one another.”
“And both gagging for it!” Ash pointed out.
“What were you ... debating?” Imogen asked interestedly, although there was amusement in her tone, “if you don’t mind me asking.”
Mickey shook his head, there was no way he wanted to get into this. “What didn’t they argue about?” Stacie cut in. “First it was how much time she was spending with Danny. Then it was how she should be watching out for the kinds of stunts Danny pulls and how she felt she could be with a man like that. And finally it was stupid things like the way she wore her hair or the length of her skirt.”
The other occupants of the room continued to laugh at him as he strode out onto the balcony. He leant out over the railings, watching cars and pedestrians cross on the landscape beneath him, his heart heavy and his mind occupied. By the time he came back up for air, Ash had joined him. “What should I do, Ash?”
“Only you know the answer to that one, Mick; but, if you want my opinion then the two of you should just get on with it.” He mirrored Mickey’s pose, his eyes darting over the landscape in front of him.
“It?” Mickey questioned as he turned to face Ash.
“Yeah. Whatever it is that you two need to do, you know, to get rid of the tension that has built up between you both. And between the rest of the group, before it takes a knock on us as well.”
“Do you think it would harm the group?”
“Potentially, yeah. You’ve already got Sean turning circles because he’s not sure how you’re gonna treat Emma. And I wouldn’t like to see either one of them leave us.”
“You think Emma would leave?”
“Given the right incentive, mate, yeah.”
“I need to get her away from Danny?”
Ash shook his head, “nah, you need to leave Danny exactly where he is. He’ll trip himself up and when he does you’ll be there to pick up the pieces.”
Mickey smiled, “yes, that would work.”
Ash stood up, reflecting Mickey’s grin, “just so long as you don’t tell her that you told her so, it will.”
Mickey was affronted, “Ash, I never,” he noticed the arched eyebrow on his friend’s face, “ok, I do. But I won’t, not immediately anyway.” Ash rolled his eyes, shaking his head, “what about you and Imogen?”
Ash looked back inside briefly noticing Stacie and Imogen in animated conversation, “I did what I was told.” His blue eyes sparkling as he turned back towards Mickey, “I listened to her, let her cry on my shoulder, was her friend and then ...” Mickey’s wide eyes encouraged Ash to go on, “she told me that she was broken.” He smiled absently, his mind replaying over those first kisses.
“And?” Mickey’s voice suddenly brought him back.
“Well, red rag to a bull in’ it? Had to fix her.”
“So the two of you ...” Mickey probed.
“We’re good, Mick. We’re better than good.”
Mickey knew that that was all Ash would ever impart on that particular subject, “I’m glad, for both of you. A relationship that should never have been subjected to a ten year gap, in my honest opinion, but it’s good to see you two back together.”
“Thanks.” Ash’s smiled waned, “she’s got a plan to get back at Liakos.”
“I thought she would, do you know what it is?”
“I only know what I picked up from the notes she’s scribbled down.” He passed the magazine over, “take a look, and see what you think.” Ash wandered back into the living room leaving Mickey to scour over Imogen’s handwriting. He smiled, her body may have had to be mended but there was nothing wrong with her brain.
He strode back inside, “right we need the crew back here as soon as for a briefing tomorrow, Stacie can you sort that out?” She nodded, “and we need research, background, anything and everything that you can tell Ash, Imogen, would be fantastic.”
“No problem,” she smiled, her hand reaching inside of Ash’s jacket and pulling out the iPod. She got up and made her way to the table. “Got a cable to attach this to the laptop?”
“Forgotten that you work better with noise,” Ash watched her as she rummaged through some cables in the laptop’s bag. He got up, “hang on, there isn’t one in there.” His arms settling around her and stilling her hands, “please don’t mess up my bag.” After telling her off, he kissed the top of her head affectionately.
Quickly turning to a briefcase he pulled out the required cable and passed it to her. Within seconds she’d plugged in the iPod and had downloaded the data from the player’s hard drive. She opened up the information, text files, images, schematics, anything and everything that both Ash and Mickey would need to put the plan into motion. She turned to Ash, kissing him on the nose, “enjoy.” She grinned.
He sat at the table, systematically beginning to go through all of the information that she had provided him with on his laptop. “Blimey, you really have been thinking about leaving him for a while. I couldn’t get some of this information if I tried really hard.”
“I’m sure you could, Ash,” Imogen pandered to him, “but it does help when you’re in the thick of it.”
“Clever girl.” His arm snaked around her waist, pulling her close, “I’m just sorry for what you had to go through in order to get it.”
By this time Mickey had sidled over, “what have you got there?”
“Information that Imogen must have spent months compiling.” Ash gushed, “we’ve got everything here, and she’s even got us access to his diary.”
“That’s fantastic, we’ll have a breakdown at about twelve noon tomorrow, if that’s ok with you Ash?”
Ash was like a kid in a sweet shop, “yeah, no probs, Mickey. I’ll be ready to give you the lowdown then.” Suddenly he looked up towards Imogen, “first things first though.” He grabbed her hand and began pulling her to the stairs. “I’ve just got to put Imi to bed,” he called over his shoulder, their companionable laughter and giggling cutting off as Ash’s bedroom door closed behind them.
“That should’ve been us,” Stacie sighed, her hand resting on Mickey’s shoulder as she stood behind his reposed form on the sofa. His hand covered hers, she smiled; they would always be better friends than lovers. “But I know why it wasn’t. Thank you, Mickey. Had we not stopped ...”
“It would’ve been a big mistake, Stace. And not just for us, it would have affected everyone.” He watched her as she made her way towards the chair that she had draped her coat over earlier and picked it up. Quickly getting up from his seat he went to her, helping her into her coat and passing her her bag. “I’m sorry, Stace. Maybe in another life we could’ve been something very special.”
She smiled, tugging him closer to peck him on the lips. “We would’ve been Mickey. But sometimes the life we choose makes decisions for us that don’t always sit too well. Whatever happens, I know we’ll both be happy.” She pulled the door open letting him lean against it as he watched her slowly stroll over to the lifts, blowing him a kiss as she stepped into the carriage.
From his position he looked back towards the bank of closed bedroom doors, it wasn’t fair for him to stay. Picking up his coat he closed the door behind him, knowing that he would find most of the others at Eddie’s and in his role as leader he felt duty bound to keep them away from the suite for the time being. After all, Ash and Imogen deserved some privacy. Because the way things were shaping out in his head it wouldn’t be long before they were apart again. And for how long this time, he couldn’t say.
