‘Look, we have a firm alibi, so no need to panic. What about the nosy neighbour? Shall I speak to Burak and make her disappear?’
‘No. We need to lay low, mate. What with Terry Smart going AWOL and now this, we definitely need to rein it in a bit. As much as I would like to see the nosy neighbour propping up a flyover somewhere, we are just going to have to let her do her very worst. As you said, our alibi is watertight so what can the pigs do? They have questioned Nick again as well, and he has vouched that Karen was fine in the restaurant until she disappeared into the toilets alone.’
Vinny jumped as he heard a knock on his office door. ‘Who is it?’ he shouted.
‘It’s me. The police are at the door, Vinny. They want to speak to you,’ Edna, the cleaner, informed him.
Cursing the fact that the bastards had turned up yet again, Vinny ordered Ahmed to stay in his office. He then composed himself and went to greet the boys in blue. ‘And what can I do for you today, gentlemen?’ he asked, half-politely, half-sarcastically.
One of the officers had been at the club the previous day, and it was he who answered Vinny’s question. ‘It’s about Karen’s funeral. Her mother has requested that under the unusual circumstances neither you nor your family attend. They agreed that if you want to pay your own respects, then you can do so after the service.’
Vinny knew that the nosy neighbour must have spoken to Karen’s mum. Maureen had been fine with him when he had rung her the other day. He also knew he had to put on an act to show his innocence. He smashed his fist against the wall, then turned back to the two police officers. ‘Karen was very dear to me and also the mother of my only child, as you well know. If you think that myself, my son, and my family will not be attending her funeral, then you have another think coming. What have we done wrong, eh? And what do you mean under the unusual circumstances? Karen had a drug problem and was found dead due to a heroin overdose. What the hell has that got to do with me or my family attending her funeral?’
The officer doing the talking immediately tried to pacify Vinny. Like most East End Old Bill, he hated Vinny Butler with a passion, would love to see him banged-up for life, but was also slightly wary of the man. Vinny was clever, too clever for his own good, and one day he would take an almighty tumble was the overall feeling down at the station. ‘As far as we are aware, you haven’t done anything wrong, Mr Butler, but Karen’s family are very upset over her death and would rather her service be kept small and personal.’
‘Well, I am very sorry, officers, but you can tell Karen’s family to go fuck themselves. My son has been in bits all week. He loved his mum very much and if I told him he couldn’t say goodbye to her, it would break his little heart even more. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have work to do. We are holding a small wake here afterwards, so we can toast Karen’s memory. Me and her may not have been properly together when she died, but I will always love her. She gave me the most wonderful son, so how could I not?’ Vinny explained, his eyes brimming with fake tears.
When the officers said they would also be attending the funeral to ensure that there was no unpleasantness, Vinny thanked them, shut the door, leant against it and smirked. He was far too clever for the likes of the Old Bill. Always had been and always would be.
As was to be expected, Karen’s funeral was a sad affair where plenty of tears were shed. Karen’s mum and aunt sobbed uncontrollably throughout the whole service, and when Karen’s Uncle Pete got up to say a few words, he got halfway through his speech, then broke down and was unable to continue.
Michael surreptitiously studied Vinny throughout. He genuinely looked as upset as anyone. If he was guilty of organizing Karen’s murder, Michael couldn’t help but think what a bloody good actor his brother was.
Michael put a comforting arm around Nancy, then handed her his handkerchief to dry her eyes. ‘Oh, Michael. It’s so sad. Karen was such a nice girl,’ Nancy whispered in his ear.
‘I know, babe,’ Michael whispered back, while clocking his nephew. Little Vinny’s face was devoid of any emotion. If anything he looked extremely bored. Perhaps he was too young to understand the finality of it all?
Knowing that the police were bound to have their beady eyes on him when the mourners left the church, Vinny made a beeline for Karen’s mum, Maureen. ‘I know you wasn’t particularly keen on my family attending the service, but we all thought the world of Karen and there was no way we could stay away. I just wanted to say how sorry I am for your loss. My son has been denied many happy years with his wonderful mum and I am as gutted about Karen’s death as anybody.’
‘You lying bastard. You killed her, I know you did,’ shouted Debbie Ryan, who happened to be standing just behind Maureen.
‘Don’t spout such rubbish. I wasn’t even with Karen when she died. I was playing cards at the club, and I have many witnesses to prove that,’ Vinny spat at the nosy neighbour.
‘How very convenient for you, Vinny. My brother is a known tea-leaf, so I do know a thing or two about having the perfect alibi,’ Debbie spat back.
When Maureen screamed at both Vinny and Debbie to stop arguing, the police stepped in and led Vinny away by the arm. ‘I think it would be better if you and your family left now rather than attend the actual burial,’ an officer urged Vinny.
‘My son has done sod all wrong, so why should we have to leave?’ Queenie yelled, waving her umbrella dangerously close to the policeman’s face.
When Vivian and Brenda both joined in the argument, Michael chucked his keys at Dean and ordered him and Nancy to go and sit in his car while he calmed the situation down.
‘Hold my arm in case you slip in those heels, Nance. I don’t want to have to scrape you up off the floor,’ Dean joked.
Nancy smiled and took his arm. ‘Never a dull moment being part of the Butler family, is there?’
‘Nope. Congratulations on your engagement by the way. Michael is a lucky guy,’ Dean said, sincerely.
‘Thanks. We are not looking to get married just yet though. What about you and Brenda? Have you arranged yours?’
‘Well, originally Bren wanted to get married before the baby was born, but she reckons she will be too fat now and wants to leave it until next summer. I’m easy, so I’ll just leave it up to her. Organizing weddings is definitely girlie stuff, so as long as Bren gives me the date and time, I’ll just make sure I’ve got a new suit and turn up,’ Dean chuckled.
‘Michael’s the same. He has told me to arrange whatever I want when the time comes and he will foot the bill. Changing the subject, any more news about your dad’s whereabouts, Dean? I meant to ask you earlier.’
‘Nope. He is still on the missing list. My nan has been in bits, but I wish she would stop blaming Vinny. It makes it so awkward for me being with Bren, if you know what I mean?’
‘I know exactly what you mean. I’m in a similar position with my family as you are with your nan. My dad and brother hate the Butlers and have completely washed their hands of me. At least your nan is still talking to you and you can visit her. I’m barred from visiting my family for good,’ Nancy explained, her eyes brimming with tears.
Being a gentleman, Dean put his arms around Nancy and gave her a hug. ‘If you ever need a shoulder to cry on, and you feel awkward discussing your family with Michael, you know where I am.’
Absolutely furious at what was happening not twenty feet in front of her, Brenda broke into a run, caught up with the cuddling couple, then punched her boyfriend hard in the side of his head.
‘What do you think you are doing?’ Dean yelled, letting go of Nancy.
‘What