by Karen Woods
Suddenly he heard a voice shouting from behind him, loud echoing tone. “Yo, Tony, wait up.”
Tony squeezed his eyes together and tried to make out who it was running towards him. He dug his hand in his side pocket and gripped a small blade. If this was someone wanting some beef, then they were getting stabbed up for sure. The man had his hood pulled up covering his identity and so he still couldn’t recognise him. “Where you off to pal?” Tony looked closer and smiled. It was his old mate Toddy.
“Fuck me mate, when did you get out of the big house?”
Toddy chuckled and reached out his hand to Tony. “Two weeks ago. I’ll tell you what Toe, this sentence broke my fucking back. It was hard, gruesome. It’s not like the old days when you can walk about on the landing, it’s pure bang-up. Nightmare.”
“Well, I’ve only been in for bed and breakfast so to speak and that was enough. I was rattling my balls off too. No medication, no fuck all. The screws just leave you to do your roast. Twats they are.” Tony was pleased to see Toddy and gave him another hug. “Great to see you. You look good too. You’ve banged some timber on though, you fat fucker.”
Toddy slapped his hand against his podgy stomach. “You can say that again. Two stone I’ve put on. So jail might have done me good after all. Where you off too anyway?”
“I’m just going to pay the deposit for a holiday for our lot. I’m off the gear now and sorting my head out. I’ve even got a job.”
Toddy burst out laughing. “Are you having a laugh or what? Since when have you been on the straight and narrow?”
“A few months now. I feel miles better for it too. Got myself a little gardening job on the side, money in my hand, so it’s all good.”
Toddy was shocked to say the least. “I’m going for a few beers with the old gang if you fancy it. Just that pub over the road.”
Toddy pointed at a boozer not far from where he stood. “Come on lad, you can pay your deposit later. Come and see the firm, we’ll have a laugh.” Tony squeezed the money in his pocket and stood thinking for a few seconds. It was a few pints they were talking about, nothing more. What’s the worst that could happen?
*
Elsie was slumped on the kitchen table. Tina banged the kettle on and stood at the side of her friend. She held a curious look. “So, tell me again what’s happened.”
Elsie’s mood was low. “He’s got scratches on his back, Tina. Don’t try and defend him, I seen them with my own two eyes. No wonder he’s not been bothered with me for sex when he’s sticking it up somebody else. I’m a fool, why didn’t I see it?”
Tina patted the top of her shoulder and tried to calm her down. “You don’t know that for sure. Have you asked him where they’re from?”
“Fucking dead right I did. The lying bastard said he fell into a rose bush when he was at work. I’m not bleeding green Tina. He’s been at it.”
“You’re going a bit over the top if you ask me. Let’s look at the evidence. Tony is an ugly cunt to start with, so don’t have him down as a man that women are throwing themselves at, because he’s hanging. He has nothing to offer a woman. Plus, he only goes to work, and the rest of the time he’s sprawled on your sofa. I think you are barking up the wrong tree there love. Tony is a lot of things, but he’s never a love-cheat, he’s bloody rotten to the core.” Tina raised her eyes. So what, it was the truth in her eyes.
Elsie squirmed and steam was coming out of her ears. Her man was sexy and he would always be. “Oh, fuck off Tina. I come here for some support, not so you can slag my husband off. He’s got scratches on his back and I’ll get to the bottom of them if it kills me.”
“Like I said, he doesn’t move from your sight. He goes to work then he’s back home again. So, unless he’s sneaking somebody in your gaff when you’re asleep at night it doesn’t make sense.”
Elsie shook her head and yanked her coat off. “Give me a cig Tina. For fuck’s sake I don’t need the extra stress of this as well as worrying about the kids.”
Tina passed her friend a cigarette. “Here, let’s hope this calms you down.” Elsie lit up and sucked in a large mouthful of smoke, she must have been gasping. “What’s up with the kids? You’ve never mentioned that you were worried about them before.”
“I did, I told you last week. I’m out of my mind with worry about Emily. She’s staying at Jane’s all the time and switching her phone off.”
Tina sighed, “And, you’ve never been young, have you? Come on Elsie, you’re not thick. She’s got some male attention so just leave her to it. You’ve told her about the birds and bees, haven’t you? She’s not daft.”
“Tina, I’ve got a gut feeling something is not right. You know when you just know?”
“Oh, fuck off Mystic Meg. What are you, a psychic now or something?”
“I’m telling you, mark my words, something is fishy.”
There was a pause as Tina puffed on her cig. “Ay, I’ve met a man. Well, he’s alright and I think he’s got potential. He’s a bit of a fat fucker but he seems really nice. I met him in a pub when I was out with a few of the girls from the darts team on Saturday. I swear, he was treating me like a queen, he bought my drinks all night and then asked me to go back to his place. He said he had a big house with hot-tubs in and all that. I just gave him my phone number. I’m not into all that one-night stand stuff. I want something nice for a change. And, the good thing about him is that he knows nothing about my past. He’s not from the area.”
Elsie smiled and sat back in her chair. “You deserve it, chick. I mean, the shit you’ve had in your life, you should have been dead by now.”
Tina nodded, “Tell me about it. I just hope this one is different. My knight in shining armour.”
“Is he good looking?”
“Erm, he’s alright. He’s no Brad Pitt, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder or so they say.”
“I hope it all works out for you. Just remember me if he whisks you off to his big house.” The two of them giggled.
Elsie swigged her drink and sat deep in thought for a few seconds. “Do you think he’s banging the woman he works for - Sue?”
Tina spat out her mouthful of coffee and nearly choked. “Is he bleeding hell you daft get. Sue is a classy woman. Do you think for one moment she’d have a hobo in her bed, stinking the place out?”
Elsie sucked hard on her bottom lip. “He’s not a hobo. And, you hear about stories like this all the time, she might fancy a bit of rough. She could be lonely, after all, her husband is always away working. I might just pop around there one day, just to see how the land lies.”
“You’re talking out of your arse. If it makes you feel any better, then go around to see her. At least then your mind will be at rest.” Elsie never replied, she just sat looking into thin air.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
What an absolute disaster. How had he let himself get like this? Tony was on the floor in the boozer and he was steaming drunk. Toddy was a party animal and he made sure everyone in his company was necking as much beer as possible. He was a free man now and he wanted to celebrate his freedom with everyone there. Tony only meant to have a few drinks with the gang, but he just got caught up in the moment. There he was pulling money out of his pocket like it was nobody’s business. He’d spent the deposit money hours ago. Oh yes, he was buying everyone drinks, even people he didn’t know. He was everyone’s friend. The landlord tapped him on his shoulder as closing time came. “Come on mate. It’s time to go home. Go and get your head down pal, you’re wasted.”
Toddy was well gone; he was wrecked and didn’t even know what day it was. Tony’s eyes opened slowly as he took a few seconds to focus. He lifted his head slightly and you could see he was in pain. His hand touched the front of his head and his body wobbled as he tried to sit up straight. “Just give me a minute boss. Fuck me, how long have I been asleep?”
The landlord chuckled. “I’m not sure. One minute you were up dancing and the next you just collapsed.” Tony tr
ied to smile, but reality was hitting home. He dug his hand deep into his pocket and you could see the pain in his eyes as he rummaged about in it. The landlord was eager to get him out, he shot a look down at his watch. “Come on lad. I want to get to bed, it’s been a long day.”
Tony staggered to the exit. “Cheers pal,” he shouted, as the door bolted behind him. Tony scanned the area. It was pitch black and there was hardly any traffic on the road. It had just started to rain and small water bombs from the sky started to hit his body. He’d fucked up and he knew it, he’d dropped a right bollock this time. Reaching inside his coat he pulled out his mobile phone, a cheap basher phone and nothing to write home about. Elsie had got it him so she could keep in touch with him. “Jordan, it’s me son. I don’t suppose you can pick me up. I’ve got myself in a bit of a state and I’m stuck in Cheetham Hill.” There was shouting down the phone. “No son, I’ve just had a few beers with the lads. On my life I’ve not touched any drugs.” Tony had a lifeline; Jordan was on his way to pick him up. He made his way to a nearby bus-shelter and sat on the plastic bench inside it. His head rocked against the plastic glass and he sighed. “Fuck me, why, why, why? He muttered under his breath.
Within minutes Jordan arrived and honked his horn as he spotted his old man quivering at the bus stop. Tony stood up wobbling from side to side. What a state he was in! The silver BMW came to a halt not far from where Tony was stood. As soon as he saw his son he staggered towards the car and fell into the passenger side. “Fuck me it’s cold out there,” he slurred. He blew warm breath on to his hands and rubbed them together as he flicked the rain from his matted hair. “I was freezing my balls off. Thanks for the lift, you’re a saviour. Your mam is going to go sick. It’s nearly one in the morning. She’ll be sat at the front door like a fucking Rottweiler waiting for me to come home. You know what she’s like.”
Jordan raised an eyebrow. “It’s your own fault, you never learn, do you?”
Tony could hear a noise behind him, he quickly twisted his head and spotted a young girl sat on the back seat. Her perfume was strong, and he got a whiff of red roses, a sweet fragrance. “Are you alright love? I didn’t see you there. Sorry for swearing. I’m pissed, just ignore me.”
The girl just carried on looking out of the window, she never replied. Ignorant cow. “She’s a bit-tired dad. She’s been working all night,” Jordan said as he burned his eyes into her through the rear-view mirror.
Tony turned back around in his seat and nodded his head. “Where does she work, behind the bar somewhere?”
Jordan’s rolled his eyes, “Yeah, somewhere like that.”
Tony knew this wasn’t true, but he didn’t want to delve any deeper. It was Jordan’s business and if he didn’t want to tell him, then that was fair enough, no harm done. Tony was agitated. “Orr son, you need to come home with me and tell your mam that you picked me up. She’s been acting a bit crazy lately and I’m scared of what she’ll do next.”
Jordon chuckled. “No way pops. You’re a grown man, go and face her yourself.”
Tony was worried, he knew he was up shit street. He’d blown the money for the deposit and he was back to square one. Up the swanny without a paddle. “Where are you going anyway?”
Jordan was a bit sheepish and didn’t answer straight away. “I’ve just got some running about to do, you know how it is.”
Tony nodded and cracked his knuckles. “Yes lad, I do. Anyway, how have you gone on with Jimmy The Chop. I hope he’s backed off. It’s been playing on my mind.”
Jordan gulped and his grip tightened on the steering wheel. “Yeah, yeah. It’s all water under the bridge now. Everything is fine. It’s sorted.”
Tony smiled. “That’s my boy. You’re a chip off the old block you are. Nothing keeps you down for long.”
Jordan looked into his mirror and met the eyes of the young girl. She shook her head and snarled at him. What the hell was up with her?
*
Tony slid his key into the lock and took a deep breath. He slowly opened the door and his eyes were all over the place. With caution he went inside and closed the front door with a gentle push behind. Where was she? Was she hiding? He wasn’t sure. With the slightest movements he tip-toed into the hallway. He could see Frank now wagging his tail and getting ready to bark. He rushed towards him and cupped his hand firmly around his mouth, squeezing it shut. “Ssshh, you barmy get. Do you want to wake her up and have me hung drawn and quartered?” The dog was excited and started pissing as it jumped about. Enough was enough and Tony booted Frank right in his hind legs. “Fuck me, you dirty bastard. How many times have I told you about doing that? For fucks sake, look at the state of me now.”
The air changed and a chill ran down the back of his spine, hair standing on end slightly. He turned slowly and there she was, waiting for him with a face of thunder. “The dog has just pissed all over my foot, look at my trainers now.”
Elsie went nose to nose with him and her eyes met his. “So, let’s hear what excuse you come out with this time.”
“I’ve nothing to say. I’ve been for a few scoops with the lads and got a bit carried away that’s all. There’s no crime in that is there?”
“You just don’t get it do you?”
“Get what?”
“You can’t just go and get wrecked when you feel like it. I’ve been worried sick about you.”
Tony could see she’d let her guard down slightly and took control. “I hate it when we argue. It blows my mind up and I just need to get away from you. I’ve not touched drugs, I’ve had beer. So, stop stressing. Maybe a few spliffs with Toddy, but no hard stuff.”
“Did you pay the deposit?”
His eyes were wide open and he rubbed the end of his nose as if ten ants were running across it. “Yep, first instalment done and dusted.”
Elsie smiled. “I’m sorry for kicking off before. It was just the scratches on your back got my mind doing somersaults.”
Tony kicked his wet shoes off and plodded into the bedroom. “You’re mental woman. As if I would risk losing a beauty like you.” He winked at her and started to get undressed. Elsie was still suspicious and from the corner of her eye she watched his every move.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Jordan sat outside a house and tapped his fingers on the dashboard repeatedly. Where the hell was she? She was supposed to be finished fifteen minutes ago. This job was doing his head in already. Jimmy The Chop had called his role ‘security’ and had given him no option but to work off his debts. These girls were never on time. His neck stretched as he peered out of the car window. A large house looked back at him and he could see a few lights were on inside. He stared at the dwelling and looked for any sign of movement. Nothing. What should he do next? Should he just sit here until she came out? A light switched on in the hallway, he sighed and turned the engine over. At last. The young girl wobbled towards the car and he could see she was in a bit of a panic. He reached over and opened the car door. “Where the fuck have you been? You should have been here fifteen minutes ago. I don’t have all day, you know; time is money.”
The girl sat in the passenger seat and clicked her seat belt across her body. She was a lovely looking girl, long red hair, green eyes and a perfect smile. She never replied to him and carried on looking out of the window. Jordan snarled at her. Where were her manners, an apology would have been nice? “Oi, are you fucking deaf or what? I’ve just asked you a question” he snapped. She twisted her head slowly and looked directly into his eyes. There was so much sadness there. What was up with her?
“He kept me longer than he should have. I told him his time was up, but he stood in front of the door until he’d finished off. What could I do?”
Jordan wasn’t sure what she meant. “Finished what off?”
She opened her eyes wide and stressed her words. “He couldn’t come, he was trying all the time, but something was wrong with him. It was probably the drugs he’s had. He’s a dirty old bastard, he knocks me
sick. I’ve told Alex before that I don’t want to come here but he just doesn’t listen. They treat us like pieces of meat, it’s horrible.”
Jordan felt a wave of emotion run through his veins. The poor thing, she must have only been nineteen. She should have been at home tucked in her bed, not roaming the streets. “What’s your name then. You can tell me that, can’t you?”
“Lizzy,” she answered in a soft voice.
“How long have you been doing this? I’m not being funny but you’re stunning and wasted here. I’m sure you can get money some other way.”
Jordan was concerned and he had every right to be. Lizzy shook her head slowly. She looked straight ahead and licked her lips. “You don’t know my story, so don’t judge me. I do what I do to survive, not because I like it.”
“Feisty one, aren’t you?” he chuckled.
“I’m just telling the truth; everyone is quick to judge when they know shit about my life.”
Jordan was warming to her, there was something about her that he found attractive. “What’s your story then, go on, we’ve got at least twenty minutes before we get you home. I’m all ears.” Jordan made sure the radio was turned down and he was eager to hear how this young girl had lost her way.
“Nosey, aren’t you? Why do you care about my life? I’m just a brass. That’s all you need to know.”