Page 96 of Kicks

He heard the door open and braced himself. If he played this correctly, it would be the last time he would have to suffer his stepfather. He’d stuck to his guns about not telling Crystal her father had turned up. She didn’t need that kind of distraction from what was shaping up to be the most exciting time of her life.

“On your own?” Brian asked as he walked into Billy’s view.

“I thought it for the best.”

“Your brother is a fucking animal.”

Billy wouldn’t be distracted.

“I haven’t come here to talk about Harry. I’ve got a deal for you.”

Brian approached, more like slithered, and sat next to Billy on the wall. “I’m listening.”

Of course you are.

“I propose that we put the shop on the market. The area is getting a massive revamp so it’ll go for a fair amount. Then we split it four ways.”

“That was my shop.”

“It isn’t anymore. You’ll get a decent amount if we do this.”

Brian glared at him. “I should have the lot. I could take you to court.”

“That’s your prerogative. I can tell you now, the only people who will win then will be the lawyers. You’ll lose and have to pay all the costs.”

“If you’re so sure that I’ll lose, why don’t you try me? You must be rattled to even bother coming here.”

Billy faced him. At that moment he wished he’d let Harry rearrange Brian’s face for him. How had his mother imagined this vile, odious little man would care for their family?

“Because I don’t want to put Crystal through it,” Billy explained. “You obviously don’t give a fuck.”

Brian had the decency to look a little shamefaced.

“This isn’t what I wanted either,” he said quietly. “I’m desperate here. I don’t want no trouble.”

Billy might be willing to give him a cut of the family estate. He certainly wasn’t about to absolve him of guilt.

“Is that right? Seems to me that’s exactly what you came for. Well, you win. Take the money and fuck off.”

They sat in silence for a second. Billy remembered all the arguments when he and his mother had moved in with Brian. Harry had already left home and was sharing with some mates. Brian made it perfectly clear that he was happy to have a wife. As for a stepson, that was not on his agenda.

“Will she be all right?” he said eventually.

“Crystal? Of course she will. I’ve cared for her this last four years, haven’t I?”

“Thank you.”

Rage swirled inside Billy. Once he’d heard Brian’s acceptance of the deal, his plan was to get out of there as quickly as possible. Otherwise, he might finish what Harry started.

“I didn’t do it for you,” he replied through gritted teeth. “I did it for her and Mum. Now are you going to accept my offer or make a fool of yourself in court?”

“Fine,” Brian said with a sigh. “What about the money from the house?”

He’s unbelievable.

“It’s in trust for Crystal. Which is why she’s living with me. You’re not getting your hands on that.”

Brian opened his mouth to argue. Perhaps a rogue paternal emotion took control. Or it could have been the determination in Billy’s voice. Either way, Brian shook his head.