Family First

By Kim Hunter

Stella Nicholson lives in the East End of London, she is old school and has raised her four children as a single parent. When a vast inheritance is left to the wrong person, Stella sets out to regain what she believes rightfully belongs to her family. There is just one problem, she can't do it alone and in the end, is forced to ask for the help of notorious gangster Tony Miller. Stella and Tony have history from way back and it wasn't good. Things are complicated from the off so when the pair meet up again after more than thirty years, she doesn't expect all of the old feelings she previously had for the man to resurface. Family First is a novel about loyalty, about people that love and care for each other but who, when push comes to shove, will do anything to protect their own.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kim Hunter
• Release date: Jan 30, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370575602

Kim Hunter

Kim Hunter was born Norfolk and brought up in a small close knit family. She lives quietly with her English bull terrier Frankie.

Book preview

FOREWORD

This year has been the toughest of my life and for me just to finish this novel has been a mammoth task. The emotions a person experiences at the loss of a loved one are the worst in the world but it has allowed me to draw on my inner feelings and hopefully this will show in the depth of my writing. We are never ready to let a loved one go even if we know deep down that it is their time. The feeling of total devastation is at times overwhelming and almost too much to bare. To all those that are experiencing such a loss, my heart reaches out to you.

Kim Hunter x

QUOTE

"There is nothing like wounded affection for

giving poignancy to anger."

Elizabeth Gaskell (1810-1865)

CHAPTER ONE

December 26th 1959

'Bird Dog' by the Everly brothers was playing loudly on the radio as Wilf Nicholson thickly lathered his hair with Brylcreem. Still living at home with his mother and father in a two up two down end of terrace on Buxton Street in Shoreditch and after working for Hayes funeral directors over in Hackney for the last six years, going for a night out was the only thing that kept Wilf sane. For someone from such a poor background, his high hopes and dreams of a career in the city had been about as achievable as a trip to the moon. On the day that he left school, it was a matter of taking the first position that came up and that had turned out to be devastating for Vernon Hayes. He hated the job, he hated living in this piddling little house and if he was honest, he hated his parents as well. They had never achieved anything and in his eyes seemed content to always be poor, well Wilf had bigger plans and he was going to make sure they came to fruition. Pulling on his jacket he did one final inspection in the mirror, the flannel suit was new and Wilf turned in all directions to admire himself. He knew he was handsome and tonight, in his eyes at least, knew he looked sharp. Happy with the image staring back at him he slowly made his way downstairs. The annual Christmas bonus, albeit paltry, still sat behind the clock on the mantelpiece and opening the envelope he stuffed the contents into his trouser pocket.

You going out tonight son?

No Dad, I thought I would get dressed up just to sit here with you two.

Nora Nicholson rolled her eyes upwards and sighed. Her son was always rude to his father and she hated it. John, her husband of thirty years, had always worked hard for them and had given his only child everything he could but it was never enough and sometimes Nora felt like slapping her son but of course, she never did. Wilf was the apple of his father's eye and John had been far too lenient with him, maybe that was where the problem stemmed from, still, it was too late to change him now so getting up from her chair, Nora walked over and gave her son the once over before kissing him tenderly on the cheek.

Very smart, very smart indeed.

Wilf wiped his face with the back of his hand and grimaced as he did so.

Alright mum, that’s enough or you’ll mess my hair up.

Picking up his front door key from the mantel piece he checked his hair again in the mirror before turning to his mother.

Don’t wait up!

Without another word, Wilf was out of the house in seconds. The Rivoli ballroom was having its grand opening tonight and Wilf Nicholson had managed to get a ticket. Not one to have any close friends he was always happy to go out alone. He didn't like the idea of having to buy other people drinks, well not unless it was a woman and there was the chance of a leg over at the end of the night. It was a long bus trip over to south London as Wilf didn't have the cash to pay for a taxi but he was so excited that for once he didn't grumble. The Rivoli was originally a picture palace but had recently been purchased by Lenny Tomlin and turned into a dancehall. Anyone who was anyone would be there tonight and as the bus neared his stop Wilf could feel the excitement building to a crescendo in the pit of his stomach. Climbing the three steps up to the double doors Wilf again checked his reflection in the glass before stepping inside. 'Mack the knife' was blearing out and Wilf began to snap his fingers as he walked towards the main room. Red velvet flock wallpaper covered the walls and chandeliers and glitter balls hung from the ceiling. It was all a feast for the eyes and Wilf had never seen anything like it. Moving to the right-hand sidebar that ran the whole length of the room he scanned everything in detail. Leather-clad booths were arranged similar to a rail carriage and he thought that when the lights dimmed it would be a perfect place to get up close and personal with a girl. If there was one thing Wilf Nicholson loved more than himself it was women and he wasn't fussy about how they came. His work colleagues told him he was nothing better than a male whore when he bragged about his weekend conquests on a Monday morning. Sometimes it was the truth but most of the time when he'd been unlucky and had been forced to resort to masturbation, his imagination had run wild and the stories he'd repeated were crude and about as depraved as his mind would allow. Walking up to the bar and after ordering a pint he scanned the room again and his eyes soon fell upon a group of four young girls. Running a hand through his hair and after adjusting his tie Wilf picked up his drink and made his way over. Lena Salmon was at the Rivoli with two of her friends and much to her annoyance, her wallflower of an older sister, Daisy. Lena was tall and slim with a figure to die for and with her peroxide blonde hair she stood out above all the other women in the room. Wilf introduced himself and to begin with, Lena seemed interested, that was until he told her he worked for a firm of undertakers. The distaste on her face was noticeable to all but she wasn't bothered. Strangely, Lena Salmon was the same as Wilf Nicholson, she wanted the finer things in life and that included a husband with a very good career and money to spare.

Marge, Ivy, you up for a dance?

The three women instantly hit the maple-sprung floor and Daisy was left standing alone with the self-obsessed young man. She was so nervous that she stared at the ground in embarrassment. Wilf wasn't happy at Lena's brush-off but after taking a moment to study the young woman he reasoned that she wasn't too bad to look at and besides, anything was better than another hand-shandy and a pack of lies for Monday morning.

You want a drink darling?

Daisy thought for a second and then remembered what she’d heard her sister and the others talking about earlier.

I’ll have a dry martini please.

Oh no you won’t, I ain’t bleeding loaded you know. You’ll have an orange juice and like it.

Wilf didn’t usually speak to women that abruptly but he had a feeling this one was as inexperienced as they came. He took a couple of steps towards the bar and then turned back to face her.

You coming or what?

Daisy smiled and shuffled forward, he wasn't what you'd call romantic but she couldn't deny that he was good-looking and in all honesty boys never usually showed any interest in her. The couple stood awkwardly together for the rest of the evening and Wilf talked nonstop about himself and at the same time filled Daisy's head with lies. When the last song was announced Wilf grabbed her hand and led her out onto the dance floor. As they smooched he began to kiss her neck and starting to feel uncomfortable she scanned the room but there was no sign of her sister and the others. Daisy suddenly realised that they had already left and she was now alone with a boring self-obsessed idiot. Her Dad would go mad when she arrived home on her own and she was sure that Lena would get the blame but then again it would serve her sister right. She hadn't even wanted to go out tonight but her father was always trying to bring her out of her shell and had insisted that she go along with Lena. Daisy was shy, to say the least, and the forced outing was now turning into a nightmare.

What’s up?

His voice startled Daisy and as she looked up he could see tears beginning to form in her eyes.

I think my sister and her friends have already left.

Don’t worry about that darling; I’ll make sure you get home safe and sound. Scout’s honour.

Daisy breathed a sigh of relief and when the music ended she collected her jacket from the cloakroom. It was cold outside so when Wilf placed his arm around her shoulder she didn’t resist.

Where do you live sweetheart?

Elsiemaud Road, it’s not far.

Wilf didn't know the area that well but well enough to know that to get to Elsiemaud Road you had to pass Brockley cemetery. In the darkness, Daisy didn't see the sickly grin as it spread across his face. They walked along but didn't chat and as they reached the entrance to the cemetery he suddenly grabbed Daisy's arm and pulled her inside.

No don’t!

Oh come on girl, I only want a bit of a kiss and a cuddle.

Daisy again tried to stop him from pulling her but Wilf was strong and she was no match for him. Finally, she relented as she reasoned that it wouldn't hurt for a couple of minutes so long as no one saw them and told her father.

Alright but only for a minute. My Dad will go bleeding light if I’m home late.

Before she knew what was happening Wilf had marched her across the grassy walkway and backed her up against a gravestone.

Oh don’t Wilf please! My dress will get all dirty.

Wilf Nicholson ignored her plea and within seconds his hand was up Daisy’s skirt and he began to feel her body. The feeling was new to her and she couldn’t deny that she liked it but a nagging image of her father made her try and fight him off. It was useless and when his fingers found themselves inside her knickers and he began to explore her she couldn’t help but respond. As he pulled down hard Daisy felt her underwear drop to the floor and he soon began to force his knee forward pushing her legs apart.

No, no please, I mustn’t.

Come on sweet cheeks, you know you want to.

No, no I don't!

Shush baby, it will be alright I promise. Just trust me, sweetheart, you'll love it once you get going.

Laying her down onto the ground he climbed on top of Daisy and as he entered her and felt her whole body tense, he knew it was her first time. By anyone's standards, Wilf Nicholson had more than an average size penis. He was the kind of bloke who would get it out without a moment's hesitation and he had a habit, much to his works pal's disgust, of showing off how big he was at any given opportunity. Daisy whimpered in pain and the sound only heightened his pleasure knowing that no one had been there before him. It was all over in a matter of minutes and when he at last rolled off of her Daisy scrambled to her feet and pulled up her underwear. Standing up Wilf lit a cigarette and pecked her on the cheek. His breath was rancid and she now couldn't understand why she had been so attracted to him in the first place.

Thanks for that darling. You can make your own way home from here can’t you?

It was a rhetorical question and he didn’t wait for a reply. As Daisy stood and watched him walk away with a spring in his step tears streamed down her cheeks. Had she been raped? She didn’t think so and besides no one would believe her if she said he had forced himself on her, after all, what was she doing with a strange man in the dead of night in a cemetery? Slowly she made her way home and creeping up the stairs she lay down on her bed fully clothed. She could still smell him and the tears came thick and fast until she cried herself to sleep.

It was now over two months since that fateful night and she hadn't clapped eyes on Wilf Nicholson, nor had she clapped eyes on her period and she knew that she had to confide in someone before it was too late. One Sunday morning after she had thrown up in the outside toilet for the umpteenth time, Daisy climbed the stairs and knocked on her sister's bedroom door. Not waiting for an invitation she turned the handle and went inside.

Lena, Lena I need to talk to you.

Lena Salmon suddenly sat bolt upright in bed, her hair was in rollers and her face was still covered in night cream. She screwed up her face as she spoke and at the same time wiped the sleep from her eyes.

Well it’s nice of you to wait for an invite I must say. What do you want Daisy?

Daisy took a seat on the bottom of the bed and when she suddenly began to cry Lena instantly changed her tone. Placing a hand on her sister’s shoulder she softly spoke.

Come on now love, it can’t be as bad as all that?

It is, Oh Lena, I think I’m pregnant.

You’re what? Whose is it?

Daisy swallowed hard before she answered, shame-filled her to breaking point but she knew it was useless to try and say anything other than the truth.

You remember that night we went down the Rivoli, that bloke who was all over you but you weren’t having any of it? Well, he ended up walking me home because you’d left me and well, one thing led to another and I didn’t want to but he....

Bloody Nora! Dad’s going to blame me for this I just know he is. Did that bloke force himself on you, because if he did well you could....

Daisy placed her hand in the air in an attempt to silence her sister.

If you’re asking did he rape me? Then the answer is no, I could have walked away but I didn’t.

Have you told him?

I ain’t seen hide or hair since that night, oh Lena, I don’t even know where he lives.

For once Lena was silent. Deep in thought she bit down hard on her highly polished thumbnail as she wracked her brains. Suddenly she stopped and looked in her sister's direction as she recalled the conversation she'd had with the man.

I know where we can find him and tomorrow we’ll take the day off work but no telling mum or dad about this until later ok?

Daisy wasn't happy about the deceit but neither was she happy about being pregnant. She wasn't looking forward to seeing Wilf again but deep down she knew she had little choice in the matter. The following day the sisters set off for work as usual but when they reached the tube station they boarded a train to Hackney. Hayes's funeral Directors stood at the end of Hoxton Street and as they neared the building that would ultimately seal her fate, Daisy began to shake uncontrollably which didn't go unnoticed by her sister. Stopping dead in her tracks Lena grabbed Daisy's hands and stared deep into her eyes.

Sweetheart you have to pull yourself together, we have to get this sorted before we can even think of telling Mum and Dad.

Daisy nodded her head and as Lena pushed hard on the front door a bell instantly rang out. A grey-haired man walked through from the back room in a smooth silent manner which was typical for the business he was in. He smiled at the two women to reveal a set of yellowing teeth that appeared to be far too big for his mouth. In a calm low voice, he bowed his head as he addressed the women.

Good morning and how may I help you ladies?

Well I’m hoping you can Mr. It seems one of your employees forced himself upon my sister and now she’s in the family way!

Vernon Hayes was instantly embarrassed and he knew or at least he thought he knew, exactly who the women were referring to. Wilf Nicholson’s antics were legendary and he was the only man capable of this wicked evil deed. If any of the locals got wind of this shameful situation, well it certainly wouldn’t be good for business.

Please come through to my office ladies. I’m sure we can sort this out without too much fuss.

Lena marched through to the back with Daisy following in hot pursuit. In the rear workshop, they both came face to face with Wilf and Lena was in no mood to hold her tongue or speak quietly about her accusation.

That’s him, he’s the one that got our Daisy up the duff!

Wilf’s face suddenly went crimson when he recalled who the two women were. He knew that to try and deny it would be futile and would also show him in a cowardly light. Walking over he reluctantly took Daisy’s hand in his.

Is this true?

Daisy Salmon nodded her head and lowered her gaze at the same time, just as she always did when she was frightened, embarrassed or didn’t have a clue what to say next. Wilf suddenly took a step backwards and as he did he bumped into his boss.

I think you and I need to have a word in private Wilf. Go into my office and close the door, I will join you in a moment.

Ten minutes later the two men returned to where Daisy and a rather impatient Lena were still standing. Wilf had been told in no uncertain terms that he must do the right thing and marry the poor girl, or he wouldn't have a job come Monday, he was also warned that no one else on the manor would employ him either. At the end of the day, Wilf had called around to Daisy's house and asked Mr Salmon for his daughter's hand in marriage. By the end of that week, Daisy had been introduced and warmly welcomed into the fold by Wilf's parents. A date was set for two weeks but for the next fourteen days and while he was still a free man Wilf Nicholson made the most of his time. Meeting up with as many women as he could, he was rough with them and never gave away his name. With each encounter, he imagined that the whore beneath him was Daisy and he swore to God that he would make the little bitch that had trapped him; suffer for the rest of her life.

CHAPTER TWO

TWO YEARS LATER

Being allocated the flat on Roy Street was a dream come true and after many months of living with Wilf's parents, the couple finally moved into their very own home. While living with her in-laws, Daisy's married life had been happy, well maybe not happy but at least content, even if her husband did have an insatiable appetite for sex. Now after the first week of running her own house, everything changed for Daisy Nicholson and not in a good way. Struggling up the stone steps, in one arm she carried little Stella and in the other, she held onto the handle of the pram. Reaching the top she placed her daughter back into the carriage and pushed it along the landing. Alice Partridge who lived next door had just stepped outside when she saw her neighbour and her heart went out to the poor little kid, at least that was how she saw her, just a kid not much older than Alice's girls. Daisy always looked so weary and downtrodden and Alice had heard the nightly ranting that came from the flat. Wilf Nicholson was a pig to his wife but the poor little girl never once answered him back.

Hello, love, been down the market have you?

Hello Mrs Partridge, yes just to get a few veg. My Wilf has to have fresh every day or there are murders. Not so easy with this one and another on the way though.

How far gone are you now sweetheart?

Six months but it feels like a lifetime, I ain’t been sleeping at all lately.

Daisy gently rubbed her stomach.

This little bugger does nothing but kick me, I swear he’s going to be a footballer someday. Listen to me, dreaming again but I really would love a little boy Mrs Partridge.

Alice gently touched Daisy on the arm as she walked away.

You take care of yourself, have a cuppa and put your feet up for a bit love.

Daisy placed her key into the lock and wished that she could do just that but there was so much left to do and if she hadn’t completed her chores by the time he came home then there would be hell to pay. She didn’t mind so much for herself but Wilf was so volatile she was always worried that he might start on Stella.

Come on sweetheart, let’s get you inside.

After laying Stella down for a nap, Daisy set about tackling the housework. An hour later she had pulled out the copper and was heating the water to do a wash. Wilf’s shirts had to be pristine and he insisted on a fresh one in the morning and again at night before he went out for the evening. Lugging the laundry basket down to the outside square she hung out the washing and made her way back up to the flat to begin the evening meal. When a knock came at the front door, Daisy was in the middle of making a meat pie and sighing to herself she wiped her floured hands down the front of her apron. Her sad expression instantly changed when she saw who her visitor was.

Lena!!!

Hello Sis, I was in the area and thought I’d pay you a surprise visit.

As usual, Lena Salmon was done up to the nines and had her trademark Siamese cat tucked safely under one arm. Her peroxide hair was styled in the latest fashion and Daisy couldn't

help but admire the beautiful dress that her sister was wearing.

I see he still hasn’t decorated then?

Don’t start Lena, Wilf works long hours and....

And he’s a complete bastard is what you should be saying.

Lena Salmon still wasn't married and probably never would be but she did have a trendy flat on Portobello Road that was financed by Cyril Kramer, a portly middle-aged banker who granted Lena her every desire. Always one for wanting the high life, Lena had decided after seeing her sister get tied down to a total bully of a husband, that she would never get caught in the same way. It would be far better to exploit men and her ample assets meant she was able to milk many a poor sucker for her own gain and right at this moment that sucker happened to be Cyril Kramer.

Is he treating you any better?

The look on Daisy’s face said all that needed to be said and Lena proceeded to place her hand into her shopping basket. She had a crafty grin on her face as she pulled out a can of Spillers cat food.

Put this in his pie darling.

Lena! I couldn’t possibly.

The idea did make Daisy laugh and she didn’t protest any further when her sister placed the can onto the draining board.

Just in case honey! When that bastard is playing you up you just might change your mind and at least you can smile knowing what he's shovelling into that spiteful gob of his!

By the time her husband arrived home, Stella had been bathed and was in bed, a full gravy dinner was waiting to be dished up and the clean shirts were hanging in the wardrobe. Glancing down at her ankles she could see they were badly swollen and she thought back to Alice's kind words, but there wouldn't be a hope of putting her feet up until after he'd gone out for the night. In silence, Wilf sat down at the small dining table in the front room and after Daisy had dished up the meal and placed her own back into the oven she set about running him a bath. Ten minutes later he appeared in the doorway.

Have you looked in that fucking mirror lately? You’re a fat heffer Daisy; how the fuck did I get lumbered with you?

After the day she’d had Daisy for once couldn’t hold her tongue.

If you hadn’t forced yourself on me then you wouldn’t have got lumbered and besides Wilf Nicholson, you ain’t that much of a bleeding catch either.

His fist seemed to come out of nowhere and Daisy screamed as she clutched at her stomach. She was desperate to protect the life growing inside her but when he lunged for a second time and knocked her backwards into the hot water she didn't stand a chance. Wilf grabbed her by the scruff of the neck and threw her into the hall and at the same time radio's in all the flats along the landing suddenly seemed to increase their volume. No one ever poked their noses into anyone's business but for once Daisy prayed that someone would. Wilf marched out of the kitchen and Daisy crawled along the hallway to the toilet. The blood came thick and fast as soon as she sat down and with tears streaming down her face; she said a silent prayer in the hope that her baby would be saved. Daisy remained in the toilet until she heard the front door slam and then standing up and wincing with every step, she walked back to the kitchen. Mild cramps had begun and she hoped above hope that they would soon start to subside. As usual, her husband hadn't even bothered to empty his bathwater but for once she was grateful. Tentatively stepping in she allowed her whole body to submerge but nothing was comforting about the warm water as it caressed her body. She must have remained there for over an hour because when she opened her eyes she could feel and see that not only was the water cold but it was crimson red. When she at last got dressed, wiped out the tub and replaced the big heavy lid, there was a knock at the door.

Daisy, Daisy love, are you in there sweetheart? It's me, Alice Partridge.

Opening up Daisy fell into the woman’s arms just as her waters broke and she sobbed until there were no more tears left in her.

Oh lord above, whatever has he done to you now?

The baby, I think I’m losing the baby!

Alice couldn't believe what she was hearing, it went against everything she believed in when a man laid a hand on a woman but to do it to a woman carrying a child was, well she didn't have any words for it. Alice was old school and had lived in the East End her entire life. There were plenty out there who would beat Wilf Nicholson to within an inch of his life if they got wind of this and Alice was tempted to tell but she knew that if she did then the only one to suffer would be dear sweet Daisy. Holding the young woman around the waist Alice helped her back into the hallway.

Sweetheart you’ve got to leave that bastard before he bleeding well kills you.

"I can’t Mrs Partridge; I mean where would I