'There’s always a chance he’s got a copy of whatever it is.'
Sam grinned and suddenly he was the same comic I’d spent countless bar-room nights with.
'Bill will molicate him if he has.'
I laughed but Bill’s nod of agreement was serious.
'He’s treading on thin ice as it is. He knows the score. I got it from him gently this time, for the sake of whatever there was between him and my dad, next time I won’t be so patient.'
'And if he notices and comes up here?'
'Five minutes and we’re gone.'
'Good luck.'
I was already halfway through the door when the knock came from the hallway. Bill tensed, looked at me and put a finger to his lips.
'You in there, Bill?'
We froze, silent as kids in bed hearing their dad come home from the boozer.
'Good going, but you only got half the story there, Billy boy.'
There was a hesitation in the policeman’s voice that made me sure he was lying.
I whispered, 'He’s bluffing, I can tell.'
But Bill shook his head. He shouted, 'Hangon a second.'
Sam said, 'You promised me, Bill, no argy bargy.'
Bill’s whisper managed to be furious and pleading at the same time.
'Jesus fuck, Sam, he’s taking the piss now.'
Sam’s voice was low and determined.
'I know he is and you’re right to be angry, but I swear, Bill, you hit him and I’m out that door with William.'
Bill shot me a dark look and I said, 'I think he means at the same time as me.'
Sam shook his head.
'Bloody hell, William, get a grip.'
The knock came at the door again.
'I know you’re in there, Bill. This is the one chance for you to find out the truth about your mother.'
Sam took the envelope from his lover and shoved it into my hand.
'Look, let him search the place — he’ll find nothing. This’ll be safe as houses with William.'
I hissed, 'This is nothing to do with me.'
Bill’s voice was low and determined.
'Don’t worry; I’ll make it worth your while.' He smiled. 'And if you open it I’ll know and you’ll have your balls to play with to prove it. Now go on, it’s abracadabra time, this is your cue to disappear.'
Bill put his hand on my shoulder and pushed me firmly from the room, Sam gave me a last smile over his lover’s shoulder, then the door was closed behind me and the key turned softly in the lock. The landing was dark and damp. There was a small wash basin to my left, and next to it a steep set of stairs leading downwards. I stalled for a second silently cursing, the envelope in one hand my case in the other, trying not to breathe for fear the small man would hear. Through the door I heard Bill’s voice, welcoming as a warm brandy on a cold night.
'Inspector Montgomery.'
I started to creep my way down the stone stairs, hearing Montgomery say something, and perhaps a second man with him or maybe just Bill, responding to the policeman’s words. I wondered if I should wait, wondered if there was anyone I should call. Then padded softly on, careful of the flaking whitewash against my velvet suit. I reached the ground, pushed open the exit bar and stepped out into the night, the envelope containing Bill Senior’s secrets pressed tight against my chest.
My mobile woke me the next day, buzzing ‘The Sorcerer’s Apprentice’ from under the pillow. The ringtone had been a present from an ex-girlfriend. I’d never liked it, but I guess I didn’t get gifts, even sarcastic ones, very often. I retrieved the phone, wondering whether keeping it under the pillow would give me a brain tumour and why my alarm had gone off so early, then realised it wasn’t the alarm.
'Hope I’m not disturbing your beauty sleep?'
Richard’s voice was too loud for ten in the morning. I said, 'I was working last night.'
'I know. Did you have a divine time?'
'Is that why you’re calling?'
'Just a friendly enquiry.'
I reached for my gregs, put them on and watched the world come into focus, then got out of bed and walked naked into the tiny cupboard that served as my kitchen. Rich’s interest in my non-existent sex life was starting to grate.
'Do you want to get to the point?'
