Page 34 of The Good Neighbour

They got into Hugh’s room.

“There’s a bottle of brandy over there,” Hugh said, sitting at the dressing table.

Josh dutifully went over to a chest of drawers that had brandy and glasses on.

“You’re prepared,” Josh remarked.

With great effort, Hugh yanked the wig off. His head was covered in a bald cap and masking tape, making the ripping sound quite unnerving.

“Oh God, that feels good,” Hugh said.

He placed the wig carefully on a stand. Josh poured two generous slugs of the dark alcohol and put one down next to Hugh. His hand shaking.

“Are you okay?” Hugh asked.

Josh nodded and perched on the end of the bed.

Come on, get a hold of yourself. You’ve been here before.

“I’m a bit nervous,” Josh admitted.

He took a swig of the brandy. It burnt his throat on the way down. The warmth it gave on hitting his stomach was very welcome.

“It’s only me,” Hugh replied. “There’s no need to worry.”

After turning to the mirror, he helped himself to a wipe and started to attack his face.

“All that work, gone,” Josh said, taking another gulp of his drink.

Hugh shrugged. “There’ll be more tomorrow and the day after and probably the day after that.”

The room fell silent as Hugh focused on removing every trace of makeup.

“Did you have a good time?” Josh asked.

“Too bloody right I did,” Hugh replied. “Mrs Wimpole and the Professor are amazing.”

Hugh had spent most of the evening talking to them. Mrs Wimpole had seemed charmed by him. Josh worried that when she found out the real reason, she would be furious.

“Be kind to them,” Josh said. “They’re decent people.”

Hugh stopped and spun around. “Of course I will. Honestly, Josh, I promise you it will all be done from love. You have to admit, they are a special pair.”

That was true. Ever since he’d first set foot on the crescent, Mrs Wimpole and the Professor had welcomed him. In those days it had been a totally white area. He had been the first person of colour to grace the cobbles. There had been a few raised eyebrows.

“They certainly are.”

Hugh was emerging now. Josh watched carefully. Hugh pulled off his false eyelashes.

“Doesn’t that hurt?”

“Nah,” Hugh replied. “It’s all for the greater good. Have you done anything about that letter?”

Josh lay on the bed and groaned. “Let’s not ruin a wonderful evening by talking about that. I will say, Madeline is getting me the best lawyer in town so Winston may not find it all so easy as he thinks.”

“Good for Madeline,” Hugh replied.

He winced when he said the name.