Yorkshire Lady

Yorkshire Lady part 15

Part 15

By the time Rick and Phyllis came into work the next morning all sign of the night before had been cleared from the garden. What couldn't be hidden was the starry eyed ness of John and Caroline. Rick found John singing Sweet Caroline as he pruned the roses and Phyllis caught Caroline waltzing with a pillow humming Unforgettable as she was changing her bed.

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After a welcome home night out with friends, Greg was nursing a hangover.

He knew that his Grandmother and Dad were expecting him to start to work with his probation officer who's aim was to 'reduce his risk of re offending by making him aware of the effect of his behaviour on his victims' http://www.wdcweb.info/socialwork/DisplayArticle.asp?ID=1928

He had no intention of going straight so saw no point in putting himself through the mill . He found crime so much more lucrative and satisfying than work.

Besides, he was also planning on getting his feet firmly under the same table as his brother.

Despite an aching head he grinned to himself.

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As lunch time approached, Caroline went to find John. He was weeding a flower bed and looked up with a delighted smile as he was greeted ' Hello Handsome. Lunch is almost ready'.

Caroline was leaning seductively against a nearby tree and John stood up eagerly pausing only to wipe his hands on his jeans before kissing her.

He smelled of new sweat, just turned earth and fresh air. Caroline felt weak with longing.

He tasted sweet and his eyes as he spoke to her felt as though they were looking into her soul.

'Good food and a beautiful lady to share it. How could a man refuse.'

' Don't be getting ideas now', Caroline teased him. We won't be alone'.

'We'll have to wait until later then won't we ? "  John purred.

'Come on then you seductress. Let's get that lunch before I lose what little self control I have'.

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After the four of them had eaten their evening meal Rick and Phyllis got ready to leave.

As soon as he closed the door behind them, John returned to the kitchen to find Caroline bent down filling the dishwasher. He grabbed her from behind making her shriek  with delight.....

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Later they were snuggled on the sofa watching Empire's Children, with Shobna Gulati finding out how her family in India were affected by the British Empire.

They were somewhat startled to hear the door bell at nearly 10 O clock in the evening.

John got up to answer it.

He resented the fact that he was feeling nervous at the thought of it being Greg. He'd been determined not to let his brother make him feel intimidated ever again.

When he opened the door to find that it was Greg the resentment had almost cancelled out the fear. ' I knew you'd turn up'. He commented, ' not even with the decency to arrive sober I see'. Greg was swaying like a tree in the wind and his voice was slurred. 'That's no way to be with your own big brother Johnny boy. You and me are gonna be such pals'.

'Interesting that your decision to be pally has coincided with me having a live in job in a  mansion'. John was concentrating on being as scathing and unwelcoming as possible.

'And just what are you going to bring to this friendship ?' He asked.

He was beginning to wonder why he'd ever been scared of Greg. The fact. He'd been a bully and a violent one at that but there was no substance to him.

He'd begun to develop a drink problem at 14. Prison had forced him to dry out for 10 years but he was back to it again now he was able. No doubt the crime would continue too.

'You'll be getting the company of your own dear brother. What else do ye want ?' Greg sounded belligerent. ' Come on let's you and me have a drink. You must have loads in'.

John dragged him into the living room. ' We need to sober him up'. He told Caroline. 'Will you make some strong black coffee please love'.

Caroline looked with some disgust at her future brother in law. He was attempting to light a cigarette. ' No way Jose'. She told him firmly.

'We're strictly no smoking here' and she walked purposefully kitchen wards.

' Bl**dy hell. No drink, no smoking. Right pair of boring old f*rts you 2 are'. Greg sounded more like 'Kevin the Teenager' than a grown man. Pretty pathetic. John thought.

'If you don't like the way we live, you know where the door is'. He stated firmly.

Greg looked sly. 'Anyone would think you were trying to get rid of me'. His drink addled grin was slack and distorted, no friendliness at all. ' We're meant to share stuff you and me.

Here you are in the lap of luxury.......................'.

'Yes.' John snapped and I work hard for the privilege. You can't just stroll in here after I've not seen you for 12 years expecting me to let you take up part time residence here...........

And don't insult my intelligence by denying that it's what you were planning to do. I know you too well'.

Caroline came in with coffee during an uncomfortable silence. Greg was now attempting to bait his brother.

As Caroline handed him a cup of midnight black coffee, he grabbed her around the waist and pulled her onto his knee. ' How are you then darlin'?' His breath stank. Caroline had to hold her face away to avoid the fumes.  He was far too close

John had seen enough. He was on his feet and pulled Caroline off Greg's knee before pulling his brother to his feet. 'Lay another finger on her and you're a dead man'. He hissed.

The lady in question came back in. 'I've rung security'. She told John. 'They're on their way to throw him out'. Ted and Dennis were tall enough to make John look short and their sixteen stone figure's were all muscle.

Caroline liked both of them very much and they had adopted her like a little sister. Woe betide anyone threatening her with them around.

Greg found himself lifted of his feet between them. 'I'll be back.' Ha cackled at John.

You're not rid of me yet Bruv. Not by a long way'.

TBC