by Ricky Black
Marika sighed. ‘I know, but L’s awkward. He hated Marrion because he was involved with me, and he and K-Bar have been close since they were teenagers. K doesn’t want to jeopardise that.’
‘I understand, but he needs to know, and he should hear directly from K-Bar.’
The pair changed the subject. They were preparing to leave when Jenny blurted something out.
‘You should come for dinner.’
‘What?’ Marika shrugged into her coat and picked up her handbag.
‘You and the kids should come for dinner.’
‘What about L?’
‘It’s my house too, and it’s time you started talking again. It’s been too long.’
Marika opened her mouth to speak, then nodded. Jenny grinned. Lamont’s reaction would be worrying, but she would deal with that when the time came.
Lamont parked around the corner from the barbers and strode toward the building, hands in his pockets. He nodded at a few familiar faces, all of whom gave him blank stares. It was a strange response, but Lamont didn’t dwell.
The place was in full swing, with all four barber chairs filled, loud music and hearty conversation taking place. The noise dimmed a little when Lamont entered. Lamont nodded at Trinidad, who nodded back. He paused his hair cutting and handed Lamont a stack of letters. Lamont thanked him and headed to his office. He hadn’t been since he and Trinidad argued, and there was a fine layer of dust on the desk.
Lamont dropped the letters on top of the desk, thumbing his old chessboard. The pieces were dusty, but holding them seemed to calm him. Lamont took a deep breath. It had become abundantly clear lately that he had no idea who he was anymore. He pushed ahead, struggling to focus on anything around him. He didn’t know where to turn, or how he could stop.
All he’d wanted was freedom. That dream had changed to include Jenny, but now there was nothing but helplessness. Their relationship was precarious, and he didn’t know what to say to fix things. Everything he had worked toward seemed to have imploded, and Lamont was struggling to deal with that fact.
‘I’ve missed seeing you around here.’
Lamont looked up. Trinidad stood in the doorway.
‘I’d have thought you’d prefer me not being around.’
Trinidad stepped into the office and closed the door.
‘We both said some things. I don’t agree with your actions, but I shouldn’t have spoken to you the way I did. It’s not your fault Chapeltown is the way it is. This is going back before you were born.’
‘Even so, I respect your opinion. You’re more than welcome to blow off steam now and then.’
Trinidad grinned. ‘Glad you feel that way. Is everything good though? Would you like some food?’
‘I’m alright, Trinidad. I’m just going to catch up on some work. How are you doing though? Everything good money wise?’
Trinidad shrugged. ‘no complaints. I have money put away for my children, and I send a little something back home. All I can ask for, really.’
‘How would you like to buy my share of the business?’
‘What?’ Trinidad’s brow furrowed.
‘Seriously, how would you like to buy me out?’
‘You can’t be broke?’
Lamont wanly smiled. ‘I’m far from broke. You should have a business to leave to your children along with the money. I can help with that.’
Trinidad’s eyes shone as he surveyed Lamont.
‘I’ve always seen you as one of my children,’ he mumbled. Lamont was speechless, touched by the words. They awkwardly looked around each other for a minute, before Lamont spoke again.
‘I heard you’ve been a regular at the community meetings.’
‘They’re a great place to talk, and there’s a lot of positive work in place because of them. I don’t suppose I can get you to attend one?’
Lamont shrugged. ‘Never say never. What about this Malcolm dude? Is he as cool as everyone thinks?’ Lamont thought of Jenny, who had nothing but positive things to say about the man.
‘He’s a force,’ Trinidad said. ‘He lives and breathes what he does. He’s always doing something, and he gives people hope when he speaks.’
Lamont nodded, feeling a twinge of what he suspected was jealousy at Trinidad’s words. He wondered if it was worth attending a meeting to check Malcolm out. His phone rang, Trinidad leaving the room as Lamont answered.
‘Hey, Jen.’
‘I’m cooking a special dinner tonight, so make sure you’re home for six, if that’s okay?’
‘I’ll be there. Should I ask about the occasion?’
‘No, you shouldn’t. Bring wine please. Love you.’
Lamont dropped the phone on the table and closed his eyes for a moment. He needed caffeine. Deciding not to move, he allowed his eyes to droop and fell asleep in the chair.
Shorty rose from the gambling table with a smirk. He’d been playing cards and dominoes most of the day, making a small profit.
The gambling spot was an easy place to hang out. No one asked questions and Shorty liked the atmosphere. He’d had a few brandies and cokes, and was in the middle of a chat with another old head when he heard a commotion.
‘Oi, Shorty; I’ve been looking for you.’
Shorty turned his head to the speaker, who towered over most in the room, his muscled build obvious against the black crew neck and bottoms he wore. He was clean shaven with closely cropped hair and beady hazel eyes. Shorty didn’t recognise him.
‘Who the hell are you?’
‘I heard you’ve been sniffing around Sienna, and you need to stop,’ Lutel growled. The room was silent, everyone watching the exchange with interest. There was no fear. The older generation frequented the spot and this kind of standoff was commonplace, especially where women were concerned.
‘What’s it got to do with you?’
‘Sienna’s my woman.’
‘Forget the talking. You wanna do something, then step.’
Lutel lurched forward just as Shorty sprang from his stool. He swung for Lutel, who avoided the hit and caught Shorty with a looping blow that staggered him. Shorty kept his feet though, slipping inside Lutel’s guard and smashing his ribs with vicious hits. He clipped Lutel’s jaw with a nasty punch and flung the bigger man to the floor, kicking him twice in the head.
Reaching for a chair, Shorty smashed it against Lutel’s face and shoulders, feeling the glorious rage. It had been too long since he’d laid into someone, and he repeatedly hit Lutel until Jukie snapped him out of his trance.
‘Shorty, get out of here before someone calls the police!’
Shorty glared down at the barely moving Lutel, then left.
Lamont arrived home at a quarter to six, grabbing the bottle of red wine he’d bought on the way. He let himself into the house, surprised to see other voices. He entered the living room after taking his coat off, pausing when he saw Marika and the children sitting with Jenny. When Bianca saw Lamont, she hurtled into his arms.
‘Uncle L!’ She screamed as he lifted her into the air. He clutched his niece tightly, placing kisses on her face. Jenny and Marika watched, both wiping their eyes, overcome with emotion.
It took a while before Lamont released his niece, his eyes wet. He couldn’t believe how big she was. Keyshawn sat close to Marika, regarding Lamont almost warily. Lamont nodded and patted him on the shoulder. He was trying to respect Keyshawn as an adult, and the teenager seemed to appreciate that effort, returning the nod.
‘Hey, L.’
‘Rika, how are you doing?’ Lamont asked, his tone noncommittal.
‘Jenny invited us to have dinner,’ she said. Lamont flicked his eyes towards Jenny, whose eyebrows rose, daring him to say something.
‘I wasn’t aware you two were in touch.’
‘We’re friends,’ Jenny spoke up. ‘I thought you should talk. It’s been far too long.’
Lamont handed Jenny the bottle of wine and faced his sister. Marika’s hair was shorter; there
were more lines under her eyes, but he begrudgingly admitted she looked well. He slipped onto the sofa, Bianca plopping on his lap and chattering nonstop about all her friends and school and everything else going on in her life. Lamont half-listened, keeping his eyes on his sister.
They sat for dinner, Jenny and Bianca keeping up a running commentary of their favourite films, songs, and everything they liked in the world. Keyshawn spoke sporadically, confirming that school was fine.
Lamont was surprised that Marika was working, but it made sense. He doubted Marrion had left her any money and she couldn’t claim much from benefits, especially nowadays. When she spoke of studying, he couldn’t hide his surprise.
‘What’s brought this on?’
Marika smiled almost shyly.
‘I want to understand money,’ she replied.
After dinner, Jenny put on some music and they retreated to the living room. They had some wine, and Lamont showed Keyshawn and Bianca around the house.
‘Are we going to see more of you now, Uncle L?’ Bianca looked up at Lamont with wide eyes. Lamont felt his heart crack as he stared at his beautiful niece.
‘Yes, Princess Bianca. I’m not going anywhere.’
Lamont thought he saw a gleam in Keyshawn’s eyes but when he blinked, it was gone. His nephew reminded Lamont of how he’d been in his younger years. Quiet, introverted and damaged. He cursed himself for not being around; for allowing his temper and circumstances to cost him good years with the few family members he cared about.
It was after nine when Marika and the kids left. Lamont paid for their taxi. When he’d seen them off, he locked the door and headed to the kitchen, rolling up his sleeves to wash up.
‘I can do that.’
Lamont didn’t even turn.
‘I’ve got it covered.’
Jenny paused before she spoke again, entering the kitchen and standing close to Lamont.
‘Don’t keep it bottled up. Say what it is you’ve got to say.’
‘You had no right,’ Lamont mumbled.
‘Pardon?’
‘I said, you had no right to interfere in my family business!’ Lamont snapped, surprising Jenny with the ferocity. He didn’t turn, still washing a plate, but his shoulders shook with suppressed rage.
‘Are you serious? I care about you, L. I want you to be happy. The only reason I invited Marika is because this whole mess has dragged on too long, and you’re both too stubborn to make the first move.’
‘That’s not the point and you know it. It’s my situation to work out. It doesn’t need you forcing people together and trying to resolve things.’
‘You weren’t happy to see your family, is that it, L? Because you seemed really happy to see your niece, I can tell you that much.’
‘Stop trying to twist it. My family, my problems. Stay out of it.’
‘Don’t tell me what to do, L. I’m your partner, I don’t work for you, and I expect us to compromise on things.’
‘There was no compromise, because you didn’t tell me what you were doing. You didn’t even mention it. Seems to be a common theme with you nowadays.’
‘What do you mean by that?’
‘Who else are you going on little coffee dates with? There’s Malcolm, Marika, Shorty . . . who’s next, K-Bar?’
‘Is that was this is about? You don’t like me being around Malcolm?’
‘No, the problem as I clearly said, is you being around my sister and trying to force us together.’ Lamont flung the plate to the side and glared at Jenny, soap suds adorning his hands. Jenny was red-faced, chestnut eyes alight with rage.
‘I just want you to be happy, L. Is that such a bad thing?’
‘I’d be happy if I was left alone to deal with my life. Don’t speak to my family again without permission.’
‘I don’t need your permission. I’ll do what I think is right. You’re not dealing with your emotions properly. Why is that so hard for you to see?’
‘Jenny, just shut the fuck up with all that, okay? I don’t need help. I don’t need you to fix me. I’m not as weak as you, so focus on your own problems with your fucking counsellor, and leave me out of it!’
The palpable silence stretched, Jenny’s face whitening as Lamont’s vicious words hammered into her. Without a word, she stormed from the room. Lamont glared at the space where she’d stood, trying to control his trembling hands. He wanted to run after her and apologise, but didn’t move. When he heard the front door slam a few minutes later, he grabbed a plate and flung it against the wall.
Yelling, he began systematically destroying all the plates and cutlery he could see until he stood in the kitchen, surrounded by shattered kitchenware.
Lamont stared at his hands, breathing hard, wondering how he would get out of this latest mess.
Chapter Twelve
Tuesday 10 March 2015
Shorty headed to the barbers the next day. He’d missed the morning rush and when he walked in, Trinidad struggled to his feet to greet him.
‘Are you okay?’ Shorty noticed the stiff movements and pain in the old man’s face. Trinidad waved him off.
‘People have been talking about you all morning.’
‘I bet they have,’ Shorty’s phone had been ringing all morning. Everyone wanted to talk about his fight with Lutel. Even Sienna had called. Shorty had said little, but he was already tired of talking about it. ‘Have you seen L?’
‘A few days ago, but not today. Are you sure you’re cool though?’
‘Why wouldn’t I be?’
Trinidad squinted, rubbing his ear. ‘Lutel is a madman. He’s not gonna be happy that you whipped him in a room full of people. His reputation is on the line now, and he’s dangerous.’
Shorty shrugged. ‘I didn’t start this. He did.’
‘I understand, but you took it further when you embarrassed him. I just want you to be careful.’
Shorty growled, shaking his head.
‘Trinidad, I’m the one people need to worry about, not that dickhead. Did you forget who I am? Did you forget what the hell I’m about? I don’t avoid trouble, I end it,’ Shorty swept a glare around the room, people cowering from the fire in his eyes. ‘Any of you talk to that pussy, tell him I’m easy to find. He needs to worry about me, not the other way around.’
Silence ensued. Trinidad met Shorty’s eyes, nodding slightly. He seemed almost relieved.
‘Do you want a haircut now?’
Shorty nodded. ‘Shape me up please, old man.’
Lamont raised the glass of brandy to his lips, looking at his phone as he slumped over the table in his spacious kitchen. He and Jenny’s spacious kitchen. She’d packed some things and left the house.
Lamont had called Kate numerous times, but couldn’t get anything out of her. Lamont wondered for a fleeting moment if Jenny was with Malcolm. He’d received a dossier of information about the man. Malcolm had distinguished himself at college and university level, and his online work was prominent. Lamont had even listened to some podcasts he’d produced without even knowing Malcolm was involved. He was direct and able to control his obvious intelligence without sounding condescending. It was easy to understand why Jenny would enjoy his company.
His annoyance rising, Lamont dialled Kate again.
‘L, you’ve got to stop calling,’ she answered.
‘I just wanna know she’s okay.’
‘She is.’
‘And I want her to know that I’m sorry.’
‘She does.’
‘And I want her to come home.’
‘You need to give it time then. I know how you’re feeling, L, but you can’t rush this. Look after yourself and she’ll be in touch, okay?’
‘Okay.’ Lamont dropped the phone on the table. He hurled the bottle against the wall with a resounding smash, the pieces of glass joining the destruction from he and Jenny’s aborted dinner. Lamont picked up his phone to call her, but it went straight to voicemail. Nostrils flaring, Lamont called Akeem.
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‘Follow Malcolm, make sure Jenny isn’t with him.’
‘Okay.’
Lamont lurched to his study, locating a fresh bottle of brandy. He opened it, dropping the lid on the floor and not bothering to pick it up. He was about to drink when there was a knock at the door. Lamont left the bottle and wiped his eyes, smoothing his hair. Opening the door, he sighed when he saw Shorty.
Jenny pushed away her paperwork. There were orders she needed to sign off, but she couldn’t focus. She kept replaying the argument in her mind. She didn’t believe Lamont had meant the things he’d said, but it didn’t make them hurt any less.
The argument need to happen. They had probed one another for months, walking on eggshells, avoiding the major topics until it imploded. The fact Lamont had referred to Jenny as weak was jarring, and it had Jenny thinking, wondering if going to counselling was the right action.
Should she have tried speaking directly to Lamont about her issues?
Maybe he would have confided in return. Now, they were both adrift. Lamont had tried contacting Jenny but she couldn’t face him, not without knowing what she wanted to do.
Jenny slumped on the table, wanting to block out the outside world. She wanted to escape, leave it all behind. It was harder than it should be, and she had no idea where to start. Dimly, she wondered if that was how Lamont had felt the whole time.
‘Are you sleeping?’
‘You know I’m not,’ Jenny said to Kate, lifting her head and watching her friend hover in the doorway.
‘Good. I’m taking you to lunch.’
‘It’s three in the afternoon.’
‘So what? Did you eat at lunchtime?’
Jenny didn’t answer.
‘Exactly. Get up and put your coat on.’
‘I can’t go to lunch, Kate. I have work to do.’
‘You’re not getting any work done, and we need a change of scenery. Let’s go.’
They went to a local sandwich shop, Jenny picking at a Chicken Teriyaki wholewheat baguette. She sipped her water and waited for Kate to speak.