Page 92 of Kicks

Billy whirled around. A small woman stood in front of him. She looked like a careworn version of the photos of Leanne they’d published in the newspapers at the time.

“I’m sorry,” Billy said.

She approached him. “Who is back?”

Billy knew he was cornered. “Brian Brookes has been released from prison.”

She looked as though her legs were about to give way underneath her. Billy helped her over to a bench where they both sat.

“I presume you’re Mrs Morrison?” Billy asked.

She nodded. “Who are you?”

“I had the misfortune of being Brian’s stepson,” Billy said.

He wondered if he still technically held that title. After all, his mother and Brian hadn’t divorced.

Mrs Morrison glared at him. “What are you doing here? Come to make yourself feel better?”

“That’s a fair question,” Billy replied. “I came to tell Leanne that I have it in my power to get rid of him and for her not to worry, that’s what I’m going to do. He’s scum and should never have come back here.”

“If my husband sees him, he’ll kill him,” she said. “I can’t have it all dragged up again.”

Judging by the weariness coming from the poor woman, Billy didn’t think the events of that night had ever left her. Nor would it. If only people like Brian were made to see the devastation they caused.

Not that it would bring Leanne back. Billy reached forward and took her hand. At first, she flinched but didn’t pull back.

“I promise you,” Billy said. “Your husband will not be bumping into Brian Brookes. I’m going to fix this. I can never ever undo what that piece of shit did. Believe me, I wish he’d never come into our lives in the same way you do.”

“Then do it,” she replied. “Please.”

TWENTY-ONE

EDDIE

James had called Brad and Eddie into a meeting room. For once in his life, Brad looked nervous. He had no reason to be. When James had found out that Eddie had destroyed Billy and Harry’s contract, he had simply shaken his head. The disappointment that exuded from him was almost too much to bear.

Brad glanced over at him. He was chewing the inside of his cheek. Even so, he still had a smug air about him.

Prick

James stood in front of them.

Eddie braced himself for the inevitable onslaught from Brad.

“So,” James said. “You’ve both put up a fight. Brad, the leather customer was a stroke of genius. No matter what happens, that’s a valuable client for Pleasure Seekers.”

Brad grinned like the cat that had got the cream. Eddie thought he might throw up at any moment.

James glanced at Eddie.

“Eddie, you’ve found some decent mid-range clients.”

Brad snorted. “What happened to your big seafront windfall?”

“They pulled out.”

Brad clapped his hands together. “I heard you were sleeping with him too. Not a good look, my friend.”