The Take by Martina Cole

camp.
    Freddie was a good front man, Ozzy respected that, but Freddie would always need to be led by the balls. This Jimmy, he would lead and no one would ever realise what he was doing. It was the difference between a detached residence and a council flat, it was that clear to Ozzy. Freddie for all his big talk would always be just a tad below the average lifer, but this lad was going places.
    'How is Freddie getting on with the houses?'
    'He's doing marvels.'
    The fact the boy was so loyal to a man who could barely count without taking his socks off made him all the more endearing to Ozzy.
    'That's not what I heard.'
    Jimmy grinned. 'Look, honestly, I keep me eye out, he is a good investment. Everyone listens to him. He is as mad as a brush, but he keeps things running smoothly.'
    Ozzy was pleased with the answer.
    'He also shags every bird in the houses, don't he?'
    Jimmy smiled again. 'Yeah, but he ain't the only one to do that, is he? Anyway, his wife is ready to drop anytime. He's a family man at heart.'
    'A family man? Are you having a tin bath, son?'
    'You know what I mean. She is convinced it is a boy this time. A little lad would sort him out, no trouble.'
    'If not, you tell him a big lad will be sorting him out if he ain't careful. Tell him the armed robberies are too close together and that's a recipe for Old Bill to start pissing all over him.'
    'I'll relay the message, in me own words of course.'
    Ozzy laughed loudly. 'You'll do, Jimmy me boy. Just keep him on a short leash, OK, he is upsetting people.'
    Jimmy nodded. 'He is a really good enforcer you know, and in his own way he is fair.'
    'I understand that, mate, but he also brings a lot of attention his way and that is what we want to avoid.'
    'I know that, Oz, but he is loyal to you.'
    Ozzy smiled then, the boy himself was too loyal really, but then family ties were closer than any other kind.
    He snapped open his Kit Kat and ate it slowly, as always digesting everything that had been said before continuing.
    'Now, an old mate of mine is getting out of Durham soon. Give him a job and keep your eye on him, OK?'
    Jimmy nodded once more, knowing that whoever this was would be more likely to be keeping his eye on them.
    'What's his name, Oz.'
    'Bobby Blaine.'
    Ozzy watched the colour drain from Jimmy's face.
    Bobby's name was synonymous with lunacy and also with violence. It was why they had been such good mates.
    Bobby B, as he was known, could instil fear into the meanest of hearts. Bobby was also a laugh, he was the funniest man that Ozzy had ever met, and he had met a few in his time. Bobby could smile and joke as he slit your throat, which of course was his downside, and the side that Ozzy wanted to use.
    Jimmy decided he wouldn't give him too much responsibility until he had to because, knowing Bobby, he would only be out a year, if that, before he was once more at Her Majesty's pleasure. While he was home, though, he would use him.
    Ozzy used people like he used his Kleenex, and when they ceased to be of any use, he binned them.
    Simple as that.

    Lena watched her daughter drag herself from the kitchen chair.
    'My back's killing me, Mum.'
    She looked awful. Lena would be very surprised if Jackie went full term with this child. Her belly was heavy and had already dropped, even though it wasn't due for another few weeks.
    'It's all the weight you're carrying. That baby must be like Man Mountain Dean.'
    They both laughed at the thought.
    'I hope so, Mum. I like the name Dean, it's a manly, happy name.'
    'You're not naming it Freddie then, after its father?'
    This was said slyly to annoy her.
    'Of course it will be called Freddie, but a second name should reflect the child's family background and character.'
    Lena grinned. 'Better name it fucking Looney Tunes Jackson then, and be done with it.'
    They laughed once more.
    'Or how about calling it Radio Rental!'
    They were shrieking with laughter now.
    'Stop it, you rotten old cow. Want another cup of tea?'
    Lena