Chapter 13

 

Against her better judgement, April had allowed Rachel and Joey to drag her to the pub. Despite not wanting to go, she was actually enjoying it. She couldn’t relax and let her guard down so was going easy on the lager, but it was infinitely better than sitting in the flat on her own for yet another night.

She had her first meeting with Paddy the following day and she was hoping to have something to feedback, so anything she could glean would be helpful.

As yet another karaoke singer took to the tiny area that served as a stage, Rachel asked her, “Can you sing?”

“Me, sing?” April sniggered, “You must be joking. If I got up there, the place would empty in seconds.” She drained the last dregs of the lager, “What about you?”

“Only when I’m truly pissed, then I can give a good rendition of Gloria Gaynor’s, I Will Survive.”

“Oh, really? We must get you pissed then, I’d love to hear that.”

Joey returned clutching three drinks and April took two from him and put them down on the table. “Rachel was just telling me she does karaoke occasionally. What about you, can you sing?”

“I have been known to if I’ve had a few,” he grinned, “did she tell you we once did a mean Sonny and Cher, I got you babe.”

“Really,” she laughed, “this gets better. I’d love to see that.”

“Aw, shut up, Joey. I’m not doing that ever again.” Rachel widened her eyes playfully, “Have you told Gemma about your speciality performance?”

“Nah, she doesn’t want to hear about that. Anyway, it was just a one-off to help out a mate.”

“What. Tell me?” April asked enthusiastically.

“Go on, tell her, Joey.”

“Bloody hell, Rachel, that was ages ago. It was just for a laugh.”

“I’ll tell you if he won’t,” Rachel giggled, “they did the full Monty.”

April widened her eyes at Joey.

“They were fabulous,” Rachel continued, “you should have seen them all. They came on dressed as policemen and looked so hot in their uniforms. And they did it all, everything came off. They had the balloons in strategic places but surprised us all by popping them. We well and truly got the full Monty, which was okay in some cases, but definitely not in others.” She screwed her face up, “It made you realise how men are all very different. Some were at the front of the queue when they gave out . . . you know . . . vital tackle, while others were most definitely at the back.”

“Where was I then?” Joey asked cheekily, “you know, when they gave it out?”

Rachel took a mouthful of wine, “Err, I’m leaning more towards the back.”

He rolled his eyes, “Cheers.”

Rachel put her arm around him, pulled him towards her and kissed his head. “Aw, sweetie pie, I’m only joking. You’re just right.” She winked at Rachel, “Not that I’ve ever seen it up close.”

Joey grinned, “Say the word and you can have access anytime you want.”

April took a mouthful of her lager and watched them both interacting. Joey clearly liked Rachel; they seem to have a natural rapport and a mutual respect for each other.

She checked her watch, it was time she left and got the bus home before it was too late. Travelling on public transport at night didn’t make her nervous. Her police training and extensive self-defence classes prepared her for any eventualities, but the part she was playing insisted she displayed caution.

“I’m going to make a move and leave you two to it, if you don’t mind before it gets too late. It’s been a great night and I’ve really enjoyed it.”

“Aw, don’t go, Gemma, have another quick one, it’s early yet. You can stay at mine if you want to?”

“No, I’m fine honestly, I’d rather get off. And I couldn’t stay over as I’m not allowed out all night. I’ll have to ask Tom, my parole officer, when the ban will be lifted. He did say to sleep in my flat initially, so I’d better do as I’m told.”

“That’ll be the key,” Joey chipped in, “they want to see you complying, then you’ll have more freedom.”

“Yeah, I’m sure you’re right,” she agreed gulping down the last of her drink.

She stood and took her denim jacket off the back of the chair.

“They can’t keep you locked up though, surely,” Rachel frowned, “what if you meet someone?”

“I think I just need to ask, that’s all. Best to make sure I’m not breaking any of the rules.”

Joey stood up and leant forward to give her a kiss on her cheek. “You’ll be okay getting home on your own?”

“Course I will. It’s not that late.” She reached across and hugged Rachel. “Right, I’ll see you both on Monday night.”

“You sure will,” Rachel smiled.

“Hey, I meant to ask you,” Joey cut in, “did Dylan Rider catch up with you?”

“Catch up with me?” she repeated.

“Yeah, he asked me where you were earlier on when we were at the gallery. I told him you’d be on the ground floor. He seemed to want you for something?”

“Well he never came and found me,” she frowned, “I can’t imagine what he’d want me for?”

“Maybe he likes you,” Rachel widened her eyes, “I did see him watching you from behind the other night. And you are really attractive.”

“Yeah, right. Like a millionaire playboy is going to be interested in a jailbird cleaner. I don’t think so somehow, do you?”

Rachel crinkled her nose. “Maybe you’re right. Wonder what it was though?”

“It’ll be something and nothing, you’ll see. I probably haven’t left enough toilet rolls out in the gents, or something like that.”

“I can’t imagine you doing that. You’re like cleaner of the year the way you clean.”

April did a mock curtsey, “Why thank you, ma’am, you are very kind,” and bent down and picked up her bag from the floor.

“It’s true. You’re really thorough, and very quick.”

“I’m trying. I do need this job so I can get back on my feet.”

“Well, you’ve got it, hun, they won’t be getting rid of you any time soon. You work too hard. Now me, they wouldn’t be bothered if I went or not.”

“I bet that’s not true,” she dismissed throwing her decorative scarf around her neck. “Right you two, thanks for a great evening, enjoy the weekend.” She blew them both a kiss as she walked away.

Why had Dylan Rider been looking for her?

What did he want?