•••
McCann was crossing the road, glancing sideways and moving quickly to avoid a big lorry. Reaching the pavement he brushed the sides of his trousers, shaking his head and gazing after it. These bastards try to splash you! he cried.
Tammas nodded.
They walked on together, detouring to the corner of the street where Billy lived. While they were standing waiting McCann asked, Any fags?
Naw. . Tammas brought a cigarette dowp out from behind his ear. This is to last me till Christmas.
McCann smiled. That wife of mine’s, she’s started hiding her handbag!
Another five minutes passed before Billy appeared. They strode along the main road, pausing occasionally to look in at the displays in shop windows. It was Billy stopped at the jeweller’s. Still there, he said, pointing to a gold watch with a white face and black Roman numerals.
Billy! McCann shook his head. D’you think there’s only one of the fuckers! Christ almighty, they’ll have half a hundred of them through in the back shop.
What?
They’ll just take a fresh yin out whenever some cunt buys one.
Hh.
Maybe no, said Tammas. A lot of jewellers like just to have a couple of things at once.
McCann was about to reply but his attention was attracted elsewhere, and he muttered, See yous in a minute. . He crossed over the road, watched by the other two. He approached a man and woman who were standing outside the post office.
He’ll be trying to tap them, said Billy.
Tammas nodded.
McCann and the pair were chatting now and the other man could be seen laughing at something said by him and then putting his arm round the woman’s shoulders.
Tammas said, Come on.
They started walking, halted about fifty yards farther on, at a corner beside a pub. Tammas took the dowp from behind his ear and struck the match, got it going. Billy asked, Give us a drag man?
Tammas gave him it.
Billy dragged twice on it and returned it. See the results at Shawfield last night?
Naw, no yet.
Only two favourites. Punters must’ve took a hammering.
Maybe.
No think so?
Depends.
Billy nodded.
McCann was walking along on the pavement opposite now.
When he made the crossing he did so without looking in their direction. The other two fell into step with him. He winked and led them into the next tobacconist’s. Billy laughed: You’re a genius.
Think nothing of it, replied McCann.
After signing on they headed round to the job centre but Tammas halted at the entrance. See yous later. .
What d’you mean? asked Billy.
I’ll see yous later.
Where you off to?
Just a message.
Aw aye. . Billy glanced at McCann.
Look, said Tammas, and he smiled, held his hands palms upward. I’m away to see if I can get a few bob. If I can I’ll fucking send you a postcard, alright!
No want us to come with you?
Naw, best no.
Billy shrugged.
Just as he was about to walk off McCann brought his cigarettes out and gave him one. Hope you’re lucky!
Tammas grinned. Ta.
A few guys in boilersuits were standing about talking together at the junction of the main road and the street leading up to the factory. He recognised a couple of faces but made no acknowledgments. He stood with his back to the wall of the pub for a time. Eventually he entered. A man stared at him and smiled: How’s it going? You got a job yet?
Naw, said Tammas.
Through in the lounge he spotted Murdie immediately; he was sitting at a table with another man towards the rear of the room. Tammas, he said. He looked at his companion: Mind Tammas?
Aye. How’s it going Tammas?
Ah no bad.
Take a seat.
Naw, no got much eh. . I just come in when I was passing and that — Murdie. That message? Mind?
O aye. Murdie nodded.
Can I see you about it?
Outside! grinned Murdie.
Naw, I dont eh. . Tammas sniffed: Just for a minute.
Actually, said the other man, I’ve got to go for a slash.
Tammas sat down as soon as he had gone.
Want a fag? said Murdie, opening the packet and giving him one.
It’s that twenty quid man. Tammas paused, accepting a light. He exhaled smoke.
Murdie was shaking his head. I know. I’ve been meaning to fucking weigh you in long before this. But listen Tammas dont fucking worry about it I mean at least you know you’ll get it.
Tammas nodded.
I mean I gave you that tenner.
Murdie that was fucking ages ago. Aye, I know, Christ.
I mean I’m right out the fucking game man. . Tammas sniffed and stared at the table.
Murdie sipped at his beer and grimaced. Tammas, he said, I’ve got three fucking weans. Christmas is coming — know what I mean?
Tammas frowned at him then glanced away. He had noticed the other man coming from the lavatory.
Murdie was saying: I know it’s out of order but what can I do? I’m owing half the wages this week as it is. I mean I’m no kidding you. I was up at that chemmy a couple of week ago and took a right fucking hammering.
Tammas looked at him.
Honest.
When am I going to get it then?
Soon.
Soon! Tammas shook his head, inhaled on the cigarette.
At least you know I’ll give you it.
Hh.
The other man was returning. Tammas got up and moved out from the table. Murdie asked, Have you seen auld Ralphie?
Tammas made no reply. The other man had sat down and was sipping beer. Murdie continued: He was talking about you the other day, wondering how you were getting on and all that.
Tammas nodded.
I’ll tell him I saw you.
The other man gestured at the pint of beer he was holding: You no having one yourself?
Naw, said Tammas.
•••
He blinked and shielded his eyes from the glare of the electric light. The book he had been reading lay closed; it dropped into the hollow left by his elbow and he raised himself to see the time. It was just after 3 am. He got off the bed.
Rain was falling. He stared out the window, watching some of it gather in a puddle on the ledge. He drew the curtains, went to the bathroom and to the kitchen. He filled a kettle to make tea and put on the grill, toasted a couple of slices of bread. When it was prepared he returned with it to the bedroom and got undressed and into bed. He had a cushion which he packed in beneath his pillow, opened his book at the page he had left off reading earlier. Then he reached for a slice of toast.
•••
After he had cashed the giro he went home and reckoned out the money, leaving different sums arrayed on top of the bedside cupboard. He took enough for a couple of pints and a game of dominoes. About 1 o’clock he was involved with Brian McCann and some others in a game of knockout when Phil from the betting shop came in. He waved Tammas over.
They exchanged hullos. Phil went on, Quite a decent boy that nephew of mine; he lets me skip out for a half now and again! He smiled and sipped at his whisky, and added, You’re looking a bit healthier than the last time I was in here.
Tammas grinned, indicated the whisky: Want another yin?
Naw son I’ll no bother — got to keep the head clear. He drank the rest of his whisky. Then he cleared his throat and lowered his voice while saying: The 6th son, keep your eye on the 3 dog.
Tammas frowned slightly.
I’m talking about this afternoon’s card. 6th race trap 3 — at least you’ll know it’s been trying. . Phil patted him on the side of the shoulder.