Cockney Returns
EARLY THE NEXT MORNING, Kev telephoned Black. He reported as near as word for word the conversation with Mad Mike.
Kev, Skylab, and Dam fought tears as they opened what was left of their office door. The shattered glass, splintered wood, and guns had snapped the top hinge off. They stepped in. Gently. The crunch of glass under their feet, the office paperwork scattered around, all their broken belongings - the memories hit home! They all had their favourite image of Nick.
For Kev, it was when he had crashed the door onto his head and spilt his tea. Skylab saw Nick's face light up as food appeared. Dam could remember the sweat-stained shirt. The new English swear words he learned when Nick hammered his thumb. A few moments passed as they took time to think, and Skylab started giving orders.
'Kev, check upstairs, make sure it is safe. Dam sweep glass, and I'll collect my school papers and separate them from the building invoices.'
Damʼs initial report was not too bad.
'Bullets went through the plasterboard. Otherwise, the building is safe enough. We can check the electrics when "Electricity" turns up later to give us their opinion.'
Kev had not returned from upstairs. Skylab went up to discover her man sitting on Nick's bed, weeping. He missed his oldest friend. Skylab put her arm around him, and they cried together.
'Now the broken glass is cleared, I can renew the wooden framework and get some new glass for the windows. We'll need a plasterer to fix the walls, no, wait a minute. I'll do it! Nick showed me how, but I never got to try the skill. I wish he were here to oversee my effort.'
Dam rubbed his eyes, hoping nobody noticed.
'After that, we'll need paint. How about a new colour for a new office?' Skylab, along with the office, had brightened up. 'How about light blue and beige?' she asked.
Pat showed up outside, worried she was disturbing them.
'Hey guys, come and see us at the bar tonight. Take your mind away from sad thoughts, and you can help us celebrate. We have got some great news.'
'Wow Pat, tell me now. I can't wait. Are you two getting engaged?'
'No Skylab, who would marry me - or Mike?'
The two girls went into fits of giggles.
'Let us tidy up here, shower quickly, and we'll be along.'
Kev and Skylab looked great, casual and relaxed. They seemed a lot fresher than they had in recent days. Both were looking forward to an enjoyable evening and something to drink.
'Beers all round, yes Skylab, even you.'
'Come on, Mike, let us in on the secret. What's the celebration?'
'Cheers, everybody,' as the happy gathering lifted their glasses.
Mike said, 'We have had a great offer for the bar.'
'What about all the partners? If you share with everybody, there canʼt be much cash each?'
'No, that's the interesting thing. This guy only wants my share.'
The jingle of alarm bells rang in Kev's ears. He was getting sensitive to seemingly good news.
'The deal is like this: tonight, somebody will hand me an envelope with some cash inside before we close the bar. Call it a deposit or travel expenses. We then go home, sleep and tomorrow, use the cash they give us to buy train tickets to Chiang Rai. When we get there, someone will give us instructions on how to meet the buyer. He will then pay us in cash, and we can enjoy a holiday in the north or wherever we fancy. I love the north of Thailand; Pat has never been past Bangkok, so it suits us both. Great or what?'
'Sounds marvellous. Congratulations,' said Skylab.
Kev was not so keen on the deal.
'Why did the buyer not come here and pay you?'
'I was told he was not ready. He needed a few days to sort things out, but as he was worried I would sell to someone else, he wanted to get moving on the deal.'
'Sounds fishy, mate.'
'Maybe, but we are ready for a change,' said Pat.
'Make sure you come back and visit us,' said Skylab, who added, 'You never know. You may have to be my maid of honour one day.'
Kev asked about the partners, and Mike replied, 'They never helped me. So why should I worry about them?'
Raising his eyebrows, Kev was already planning what he would say to Black first thing in the morning.
Sat outside on a big black bike, out of sight, Camilla listened to every word spoken next to the open door.
The atmosphere had cooled down. Skylab and Kev were preparing to leave. Then, a vision of loveliness appeared at the doorway. She dressed in a flowing chiffon gown covered in sparkling stones. The person floated past Kev and Skylab and looked at Mike. Closely following, three steps behind the dancer, was Camilla.
The show person was twisting and turning, arms outstretched. A very glamorous ladyboy, who they recognised as the star of the town's first transvestite show. Waltzed in, waving an envelope that she gracefully handed to Mike. Turning and blowing kisses to all, she wafted out. A true showman - or show lady or show whatever.
Camilla stood and slowly clapped.
'Anything I should know?'
Mike was alert, and he gave Camilla his brightest smile.
'Come in, join us.'
Skylab said, 'We are going. That is Camilla, the girl I told you about, Pat.' She turned to leave and silently said, 'Sorry.'
Kev and Skylab said goodnight to Pat and Mike. Kev was surprised by Skylab's coldness towards the beautiful girl, the female one. He would find out all about it later.
Camilla and Mike were settling down to a long and cosy session, forcing Pat to be the mad one tonight.