“You can’t have any today,” I said, sliding the bottle out of his reach. He laughed, called me a joker, and said it wasn’t the same without me around. I knew what he was really doing—testing the waters after everything that had happened. I told him I hadn’t sold all the vodka, and he gave me a knowing look.
He mentioned that someone had told him a little bit about what I’d said. She hadn’t told me what to do or made me feel stupid, and that meant more than he probably realized. Last night I’d had a few too many beers, a couple of whiskey chasers, and a dodgy kebab, so my taste buds couldn’t be trusted. I pointed out the two over there who’d clearly pre-loaded, and he said I should’ve asked him yesterday.
I told him to go sort them out, and he grinned, saying he thought I’d never ask. The pub was buzzing, but the weight of everything still sat heavy on my chest. My kids were distraught, finance companies were hounding me, and Theo’s mother still treated me like the hired hand. I joked about the wreath—big fella, big coffin, couldn’t risk looking like I was skimping.
He asked if there were substitutions for that arrangement this time of year. I just shook my head. It still drags on, though, doesn’t it? But that check was a bumper one.
I told him it wasn’t about the money. You have a fall, you get back on the horse. I couldn’t exactly sit in the police station complaining about heavy-duty trolling with Bertie listening in, now could I? I wasn’t going to stand for it—not now it was affecting Bertie too.
He said appeasement never works. I told him I was broad-minded but pitied the women who had to work in the office with those two creeps. He said it would be if I stayed here. I told him we were still eating, but he pushed back—said we weren’t finished.
I told him he’d overstayed his welcome. He said my vibe wasn’t welcome. I told him to shut it, blondie, before I shut it for him. Pack your doggy bags and your own brand vodka and do one.
Pay the bill and leave before I use your jacket as a mop. He asked how much these were on, and I asked if he was all right. Turned out we were at Smeagol’s wedding, on the same table. He asked if I’d been seeing four of them guys then.
I told him I was big on local knowledge and could handle myself. He said he’d see me around, chief, as long as I paid more than pot washing. He must have been impressed then. I said I was heading home because he was a wreck.
She asked how she knows all this stuff. He’d turned into a very rounded young man, hadn’t he? It does make everything all right. I asked if this was one of them sandwiches where you slip in bad news between compliments.
There hasn’t been enough of that lately. I said we might never get past this, but we can’t if we’re living parallel lives. We’ll never be the Waltons. They said they’re going to download the messages, check the IP location.
Truth Teller must be local, right? He’s the main target, he or she. But if they can pick off a few of the others that were piling in too, then… it’s the first time in weeks I’ve felt like I’ve got a dog in the fight. You won’t believe this—it’s the holidays.
I said maybe we should revise together, but we’re not even in the same year. We both got exams. We’re friendly around here, but we’re not divvies. If you chase her around like some pathetic little puppy… He cut me off, saying she chased him, and he told her to do one.
Her dad and Eva must be fuming. He told me he’s not stupid. I’d a pound for everyone who said I should get over to Thailand for some motherly TLC. What else do you want to take away from me?
I said he’s all right. I think we should start drinking wine. This investigation’s got a long way to go. I said I’d get us another bottle.
Whoever did this, June—do you think he ever wonders how those two kids feel without their dad? I activated my parasympathetic nervous system to release me of my salty cravings, so no to the scratchings. I called him a treasure but told him never to let me catch him doing that again. I said he doesn’t know the first thing about him.
Family, we all have our blind spots. It’s not a blind spot—if you were in trouble, Idris would give you his last penny. Everyone’s in the same boat. I said I want to be driving something like this by 25.
He said I could do that tomorrow. Not your circles, then. You’re not a gangster. If you know where to find me, give me a call.
Fresh start all round. It’s been one battle after another since we walked through them doors. It’s all behind us now. Megan thought she could walk all over you.
We all are.
