Page 79 of Kicks

“So, you’ve brought some muscle, have you?” Brian said, directing his words towards Billy.

“From what I heard, Billy doesn’t need muscle,” Harry replied. “I would have thought you’d have learnt to protect yourself inside. Seems to me like you’re still the slimy fuckwit you always were.”

Brian chuckled. “You’re both very brave now. It might be a different story when we’re in court. In fact, I should probably tell you now. I’ll be taking Crystal to Spain once all that’s done. You won’t be welcome.”

Billy shook his head. “You’re living in a dream world, Brian. This is your last chance to do one.”

Brian took a step forward. “And I told you, I have a good case. Who would refuse a father over a queer uncle?”

It only took seconds for Harry to shove Brian away from Billy. He went flying back into the building, losing his footing in the process.

Brian grinned victoriously from the floor. “A queer uncle and another violent one. I think my case just got strengthened.”

“You haven’t got a case,” Billy said. “We’ll be back tomorrow. I want to hear you’ve checked out.”

Getting to his feet, Brian glared at them. “There’s no chance of that. I’m not leaving until I get what’s owed to me. Obviously, I’ll deduct whatever your useless mother frittered away.”

Billy sensed that Harry was going to launch at Brian again. He quickly moved in between them.

“Let’s go,” he said to Harry, who looked ready to explode.

Billy gently but firmly pushed his brother down the garden path.

“That’s it,” Brian shouted. “Heel. Dog.”

“Ignore him. I mean it,” Billy urged.

They walked to the car in silence. Once they got in, Harry let out a scream of anguish.

“That fucking cunt,” he raged. “How fucking dare he?”

“Getting physical with him won’t help anyone,” Billy fired back.

“You can hardly talk. You shoved him at your flat.”

He had him there. Brian’s tone brought out the worst in both of them apparently.

Harry started the car and screeched away from the shitty guest house.

“What are we going to do?” Harry asked.

“I guess I’ll have to get some legal advice,” Billy said. “I don’t think he’s got a chance. We should probably check. If he succeeds in getting the business frozen, it might fuck up the Pleasure Seekers deal.”

“And your little romance.”

Billy slammed his hand against the dashboard, making Harry jump.

“Don’t you fucking dare,” Billy roared. “I’ve given up my life for four years. Do you really think I would let Eddie factor into any decision I made about Crystal? Fuck you, Harry.”

They drove in silence. Billy didn’t dare speak. When he was this angry, all sorts of truths came tumbling out.

Billy’s phone rang out.

“That better not be him,” Harry snarled. “Or I’m turning this car around.”

“Chill out. As if he has my number,” Billy replied. He got his phone out of his pocket. “It’s Crystal. We’re keeping this from her for now. There’s no need for her to be upset. Understood?”

“Fine.”