by Lee Weeks
Ebony picked up her phone from the floor beside her and read the message. She was just wondering how he got her number.
In case you’re wondering – I got your number from the forms you filled in ;-)
Ebony texted back: ‘See you at 3.’ She sat looking at her phone. Interesting, she thought, unprofessional, even to take her number. She hadn’t expected that.
‘Nice place,’ said Ebony as Selena opened the door to her.
‘Thanks. Come in. Glad you could make it. How’s Archie?’
‘He’ll be okay, thanks.’
‘Been here long?’ Ebony asked as she went inside.
‘About a year.’
Ebony followed Selena through the flat to the kitchen at the back of the house. She walked straight over to the window, which overlooked a small garden with a kid’s swing and a bike.
‘It’s a bit overgrown,’ said Selena. ‘I’m going to tackle it by the time spring comes.’
‘It looks great – loads of potential. It’s just great to have a garden.’
‘Yeah, I feel lucky. I’m sorry it’s a bit cold though. I can’t afford to have the heating on when I’m here alone.’
‘Of course. It’s the same as my place. I don’t mind the cold.’
‘I thought you’d really feel it coming from Jamaica?’
‘Yeah . . .’ Shit, thought Ebony. She’d let her guard down. ‘Surprising how quickly you can adapt to a climate.’
‘Do you miss it?’
Ebony nodded, shrugged. ‘Yeah, but I’m better off here.’
‘Because of Archie’s dad?’
‘Yeah, Archie’s dad. Plus, this is my home. I was here till I was twelve. It always felt like home. After I had Archie I felt the urge to come back – the homing instinct.’ She remembered what Jeanie had said about wanting to go home when she had Christa.
‘Did you grow up in London?’
Ebony relaxed a little. Now that conversation had returned to London she could use her own life as a reference point. She only had to be truthful.
‘Here, there, everywhere. I was in foster homes and kids’ homes in between going back to my mum but she moved all over London. I spent more time away from her than with her.’
Selena was filling the kettle. She turned and smiled at Ebony.
‘I’m sorry. It must have been really tough.’
Ebony shrugged. ‘Some times were worse than others.’
‘You must have really missed your mum.’
Ebony didn’t answer. She’d already said more than she’d ever usually tell anyone, and to a complete stranger. What was it about being undercover that meant she was beginning to open up about her own life like that? Did it feel safer because it was like playing someone else, even when she was telling the truth? ‘What about you? Are you from London?’
Selena shook her head. ‘I’m originally from Bristol. I came up here to work in a graphic design studio in Islington. I did a degree in it, and then I got pregnant. I decided to keep the baby. I am retraining now. I miss the money I used to earn and the social life I had; but it was all worth it. She’s called Imogen.’
‘I saw her photos on Facebook – she’s so cute.’
‘Yeah, I think so. Tea?’
‘Yes, please. Milk, two sugars.’
‘You don’t have many photos of you and Archie on your Facebook page?’
‘I’m just loading them. I haven’t been doing it for long. Social media wasn’t so popular in Jamaica.’
‘Oh, of course. Yeah, it’s quite time-consuming to start a new account and load everything on.’
Ebony looked about her at all Imogen’s drawings and toys everywhere. Selena caught her looking.
‘Yeah – sorry about the mess. Imogen has taken over my life really. I try and keep a balance but she’s everything to me. Must be difficult for you, twice as precious, having Archie when your own childhood was difficult? Did you ever think that you’d do it? Considering your past?’
Ebony nodded. ‘I wondered if I’d be a good mother.’
‘I can see you are. You were lovely with him when I saw you together. It’s a shame he’s poorly. Lucky you have a babysitter.’
‘Yes. My aunt lives in London. I’ve roped her in to help.’
‘Ideal. Leaves you free to date?’
Selena grinned. She sat opposite Ebony at the kitchen table. ‘What’s happening with you and Christian? I thought you might have gone for Yan – the nerdy quiet type – still waters and all that. But which would you say is more your type?’
Ebony shook her head, embarrassed, and tried not to smile. ‘Christian tries it on, doesn’t he? I’m the new girl. But seriously? We’re just friends. What do you think of Yan?’
‘Complicated. Deep. He gives so much then he backs off. He seems to be always looking for something, someone. He looks like a sweet-natured nerd but he must have seen and done a lot; he’s been all over the world with his hippy mum.’
‘Did he tell you about that?’
‘He doesn’t seem keen to talk in depth. He’s really kind to me, comes over and puts up shelves for me, that kind of thing.’ Ebony was sure she detected a flush coming to Selena’s face. ‘Christian and him have an odd friendship where you think Yan is always cleaning up Christian’s mess. Kind of like Christian is his wayward brother. They even look alike sometimes – wear the same type of things.’
‘They that close?’
She shrugged.
‘No, not really. They know each other well. They maybe tolerate one another; they have to – I suppose; they hang about with the same people a lot of the time. I’m not sure what else Yan does when he’s not working or helping out. In many ways he’s quite a private person.’
‘What about girlfriends?
‘Yan? Never seen any. He gets close to people. Christian pinches them.’
‘Did he pinch you?’ Ebony watched Selena’s reaction over her mug of tea.
A grin spread across Selena’s face. ‘Oh, so you were more than friends?’ said Ebony.
‘We thought about it.’ Selena gave Ebony a look that said that’s all you’re getting for now. ‘How did it go last night?’ she asked.
‘I was home by ten.’
Selena looked surprised. ‘That was fast work even by Christian’s standards – back to yours for an early night, hey?’
‘No. No.’ Ebony laughed. ‘Absolutely not.’ But Selena gave her a knowing look.
‘That’s what they all say, but he usually gets what he wants. Christian fancies himself more than he’ll ever fancy anyone else. He has women fawning over him all the time. He’s never going to settle for just one.’
‘Have you dated him, Selena?”
‘Me? No way. He’s not my type. We had a snog last Christmas, when I was drunk, but that was it. He got pushy. I had to tell him to back off. He sent me filthy texts for weeks. I got sick of it. Every time I opened the phone there was another dirty message. Plus, he went further, videoing himself masturbating. Really yuck.’
‘Gross! He looks like he could be into all sorts.’
‘Oh yeah, that was another thing: did I have a girlfriend that we could have a threesome with? You know – the usual.’
Ebony tutted. ‘Did anyone else ever say he tried something weird with them?’ she asked.
‘Like what?’
‘I don’t know, something they didn’t like, dangerous maybe? It’s just that, well . . . you think he has a temper? I know what that’s like. I had enough of that with Archie’s dad.’
‘Oh yes. He definitely has a nasty streak if he doesn’t get his own way. He’s just a big baby really. He doesn’t get what he wants he stamps his foot till he does. He uses the fact he has a child to score with women. The only time he pushes the buggy is when he sees a good-looking woman in the park. I met his ex once, she looked really harassed by him. I reckon he’s been a wife-beater in his time.’
‘Julie’s dated him, hasn’t she?’
‘Yes, well she li
kes to think so – it was two nights at best, hardly dating. She’s really pissed off that he’s made a move on you.’
‘Do you think she really likes him?’
‘Julie always goes for the bad ones. She’s been beaten up by most of the boyfriends she’s had. Seriously, Ebony; I’m not just saying it to put you off him – he’ll bring you nothing but trouble.’
Ebony left Selena’s house and walked down to meet Yan in the café near the college as arranged. She was early. She ordered a coffee and looked at his Facebook page whilst she waited. He was everything she wasn’t: adventurous and daring. He’d swum with dolphins, gone into bat caves, he’d ridden on elephants in Thailand. Ebony realized she was slightly in awe of him and his free spirit. All her life she’d felt a massive weight of responsibility and never once had she been able to say she was carefree. She was beginning to regret that this was just an operation; that at the end of her time undercover she would not see him again. She wondered if he might still want to be friends after it was all over – maybe more than friends.
Tina called Ebony on her personal phone as she waited for Yan in the café opposite the college.
‘Hey, Teen.’
‘You all right, Ebb?’
‘Not bad.’
‘Really? The course you’re on, the accommodation? The hotel is shite, isn’t it? I can tell it in your voice. You sound tense.’
‘It’s not meant to be a picnic. I’m fine, honestly, Teen. Busy, that’s all. Anyway it has its plus side.’
‘What? Tell me. Ebony Willis, have you met a man out there?’
‘No. No way.’
‘OMG, you have. I can hear it in your voice. You’re lining up some nooky.’
‘Tina, pack it in. Just work, that’s all. I’m feeling good about it – positive.’
‘Hmmmm, well, nothing’s happening here. The house is still standing. My brother Dermot’s talking about staying for New Year’s now when he comes. I suppose that’s okay?’
‘Sounds great. Not sure whether I’ll be working or not – I said I would. You can share with me and Dermot can have your room.’ There was a silence. Ebony could hear Tina thinking.
‘Head up, Ebb. Christmas is coming. We’re going to have a blast.’
‘Can’t wait, Teen. Better go now.’ She spotted Yan in his three-quarter-length overcoat which was turned up at the collar. He waved to her then tucked his head down against the cold. She watched him walk towards the café.
‘Ebb . . . you keep safe. Love you, mate.’
‘And you, Teen.’
Ebony closed her phone and pushed it to the bottom of her bag.
‘How’s it going?’ Yan said as he walked in, smiling bashfully.
‘Going well, thanks. Thanks for agreeing to meet.’
‘It’s a pleasure.’ He hesitated before he sat down, looked around as if expecting to see something. ‘Is my coffee on the way?’ Ebony shook her head confused. ‘Don’t worry. I just texted you about getting me a coffee, that’s all.’
‘Oh sorry. Let me order one for you.’
‘Don’t worry, I’ll get it. You were busy talking on the phone; I expect the message will come through eventually. It’ll be in a few hours and it’ll say please get me a mocha latte with extra sprinkles.’
‘Really sorry.’
‘No probs. Do you want anything?’ She shook her head. Yan went and got a drink and brought it back to the table.
‘How’s it been going with you?’ he asked. ‘I see you’ve mastered Facebook. You seem to be always on there.’
‘Do I? God, I’m addicted already. I suppose it’s because it’s on my phone, makes it easier.’
‘It does everything but give you my texts. Sorry – only joking.’
She laughed. ‘Are you getting ready for the Christmas break? Does the college close?’
‘We close for two weeks.’ He smiled but Ebony could see he was bothered by something. He looked nervous.
‘Sorry I couldn’t join you yesterday evening,’ he said. His eyes fixed on hers, watching her every expression. ‘Did you have fun?’ His face betrayed the fact he was pretty sure Christian had made a pass.
‘Yes.’ Ebony smiled and gave him a sideways glance as she sipped her coffee. ‘We just had a drink or two. We met up with a couple of women from the college: Selena and Julie?’
‘Christian’s exes.’
‘Selena gave me coffee at her place earlier and she had quite a bit to say about you and Christian.’
‘Me?’
‘Actually, mainly about Christian. He seems to have quite a reputation. She thinks highly of you.’ Ebony watched and waited as Yan took his coat off and hung it on the back of his chair. It was expensive, Urban Outfitters. Must have been at least three hundred quid, thought Ebony. Jeanie had shown her some things from there and then decided that someone on Ebony Wilson’s supposed budget wouldn’t be able to afford them. ‘Has he dated a lot of women on the course?’
Yan paused, turned his eyes skyward as he thought about the question.
‘A fair few over the couple of years I’ve known him. Not Selena though; she’s one of a rare breed.’
‘Doesn’t he have any competition? He can’t be the only single dad at uni?’
‘He’s the one that does the socializing and organizes things via social network sites. He makes an effort. You must have noticed.’ She sipped her coffee and watched him sip his. He had a plaster on his hand and she clocked dirt beneath his nails.
‘What happened?’ Ebony could see the plaster peeling, two puncture wounds beneath it. ‘Looks nasty.’
‘Don’t worry, I’ve had my tetanus booster – staple gun; been doing some DIY for a friend.’ He looked sheepish. Ebony shook her head. Inside, her stomach flipped a little as she wondered whether Selena had really wanted to know about any designs Ebony might have had on Yan rather than Christian. Had Ebony missed the point? It wouldn’t be the first time. She was rubbish at judging things like that. Christ, how did she ever expect to be a good detective when a whole part of her knowledge of life was missing? She could read a zillion books on how people behave but she couldn’t tell what it really added up to. She couldn’t put it into practice.
‘Does she always call you to help with her DIY?’ He looked surprised at the question and gave her a smile.
‘Me? No. I’m far too busy. Plus I’m not boyfriend material for her. I’m not ready for fatherhood. There’s a lot of the world I still want to see.’
‘You don’t want any responsibilities?’
He shook his head. ‘Why would I? Way too immature. I want to spend my money on myself.’
She smiled. ‘I noticed the coat – very nice.’
He looked like he’d been caught out.
‘Yeah – I’m lucky. I don’t have to worry too much. I got left a house. I rent out a couple of rooms in it to pay the bills.’ He looked apologetic. ‘You’ve had it tough, I take it? Difficult childhood?’ His eyes had hardened slightly, as if he’d heard it all before and was hoping for something different from her.
She smiled, shrugged. ‘It’s all comparative, isn’t it? If I was a child growing up in Sierra Leone I’d think my childhood over here was a piece of cake. But – yeah – it wasn’t ideal.’
He looked at her curiously; his smile was back. His eyes were focused on her and affectionate.
‘It’s how things affect you personally, isn’t it?’ he said. She nodded. ‘And . . . it looks like it didn’t do you any harm. You’re doing the best you can for Archie.’ He looked around. ‘Where is Archie?’
‘My aunt’s looking after him for me. He’s got chicken pox.’
‘Un-lucky. Does she live far from you?’
‘Not far.’
‘Will you be able to get out again? It’s just that there’s another really nice group who you didn’t meet and they’re meeting up tomorrow evening for a Christmas drink if that’s any good for you? It will start at the Pear and Peach on Upper Street. Saturday nights
are always quite lively in there. Could be fun.’
‘Yeah. I should be able to get out. Shall I let you know on Facebook?’
‘Or text me. I don’t really like spending hours on Facebook. I’ve got better things to do with my time.’
‘I know what you mean. I’ll message you,’ Ebony answered.
‘I better get back to work now.’ He looked at his watch. ‘Coffee break is over.’
‘Of course. Thanks for meeting me.’
‘Not at all. I’m glad you’re going to be around next year. Should be fun.’ Ebony watched him as he struggled to say something. ‘You know, I didn’t mean I wouldn’t date someone with a child. I just meant . . . well . . .’ He shrugged. ‘You know?’ She nodded. ‘I’d like to ask you out. I’m into opera – don’t laugh . . . or we could take in the ballet if you’d like? The Nutcracker is on at Sadler’s Wells?’
‘You picked the only one I know! I’d love to, Yan, but I can’t at the moment.’ She shook her head. ‘I’m sorry.’ She could see it had taken a lot of guts to ask her out. ‘Could I get a rain check on it?’
He smiled, embarrassed, and disappointed.
‘Of course. I understand. Christian seems to get all the women.’ He has a right to be pissed off, thought Ebony. ‘Be careful of him, if you know what I mean,’ Yan added. ‘I’d hate it to put you off coming on to the course – you know, if things went badly?’
She nodded. ‘Point taken. Just friends. I’m not going to hurry into anything.’
‘Yeah – wise choice to stay friends. His girlfriends have a habit of disappearing from the course and one of them was in the news recently – Emily Styles?’ Ebony felt a surge of adrenalin but tried not to show it. She frowned and played with her coffee cup.
‘Yeah, well, it was so sad. I wondered what happened to Emily. I thought she’d just dropped off the planet.’ Yan was putting his coat and scarf on. ‘She turned up in Regent’s Canal. Such a shock. I wonder where she’s been all that time. Her Facebook page is open. People have posted things on there. We all thought she’d just had enough after it didn’t work out with Christian but all that time she was in real trouble.’
‘That’s really terrible. Did you know her well?’ Ebony knew that Yan was in group photos with Emily.