Page 95 of Kicks

“Scott…”

“Listen. There’s one man still at Pleasure Seekers from when she joined.”

“How do you know they’re still working with us?”

“Because she told Tyler that she sees him all the time.”

Scott was clearly in his element.

Eddie groaned. “You’re going to get into trouble with this.”

“No, I’m not. Anyway, it’s done now.”

“Are you going to tell me?”

Scott giggled. “I’m simply building up the drama. Okay, brace yourself.”

“I’m braced.”

“It’s Barry.”

TWENTY-TWO

BILLY

Billy walked down the promenade with a purpose. The air had a bite to it and the usual day trippers were absent. It would soon be autumn, then winter. That had always been Billy’s favourite time of year. It meant hardly any tourists. He and his mother always used to joke that Brighton was given back to the locals for the winter.

He stopped and rested his hand on the railings. God, how he missed her. She would have known what to do with Crystal. And with Eddie. Not Brian though. She had always had a blind spot where that man was concerned.

It had taken nearly a week of sleepless nights and endless discussions with Harry before Billy came up with a plan that would sort Brian out.

He wiped the tear from his eye.

Gulls flew overhead, screeching. They were probably outraged that people weren’t sitting around with picnics. Most tourists were easy prey to the airborne terrors.

He reached the street of rundown buildings. If this was the best Brian could do, he would be an absolute idiot to refuse their offer.

Retracing his and Harry’s steps, he walked up the path and knocked on the door. This time a young man answered it.

“What?”

“I’m here to see Brian.”

“We don’t want any trouble.”

“And you won’t get any. Please let him know I’m outside?”

“Don’t you want to come in?”

“Not especially.”

“Snobby twat.”

As before, the door slammed in his face.

Charming.

Billy wandered down the path and perched on the wall. A crisp packet flew by in the breeze.