Naw, thanks but. He drank a mouthful of coffee and then collected the cigarettes and matches and got to his feet.
Cathy also stood up. D’you want me to give her a message?
Naw eh. .
Just tell her you were here like?
Aye, that’ll be fine, ta.
It’s no bother. .
Out in the lobby he paused as she opened the front door and stood aside for him. And remember, she said, if you come up and she’s no in again just knock the door and you can always come in and wait.
Thanks.
It’s no bother. I’m nearly always in.
Thanks. . He nodded. Cheerio then.
Cheerio. Cathy shut the door immediately.
•••
The wad amounted to £40 of which £10 was to play about with forecasts as well as pay expenses; the other thirty was for the nap. He arrived in plenty of time for the first race. The nap would not be running until the third. While the dogs were being paraded he wandered around, glancing at the Adviser and the tips in the Evening Times. Most of the runners in the first were returning after lengthy absences and their fitness had to be taken on trust. He laid a small bet on the tote for a forecast, choosing the two dogs he expected to be the biggest outsiders. He placed a similar sort of bet on the second race. A couple of minutes before the off on the third he finished the export he had been drinking and strolled out of the bar and along to the betting enclosure. The bookies were making his nap a 4 to 1 chance and he moved up immediately, gripping the wad as he went, and bringing it out and passing it up to the bookie: Four thirties the bottom, he said quietly. And the bookie had taken it without returning him a betting-ticket and repeated the bet to his scribbler while dropping the notes into the big money bag, and he said, Down to Tam. He turned and glanced along the row, rubbed out the chalked 4/1, leaving the space blank. But shortly before heading up the Stand Tammas saw the guy chalking the 4/1 back in again.
He read the Adviser while climbing the steps. He had napped the dog the previous night and reading today’s newspapers had only strengthened his conviction. It was running from trap 5 and going from its best handicap in weeks; but even more importantly, there was a 3 yard gap between it and the 4 dog. 4 dog was much the faster out of the boxes and would be up with 5 at the 1st bend, but getting this 3 yard start meant 5 would have started racing by that time, and if it managed to keep 4 off round the 1st bend then it had a great chance of maintaining its head in front till the winning post. Anyway, dog 4 was not the real danger. The real danger was the 2 dog. If there was any trouble in running at all then this one’s chance was outstanding. But they were making dog 4 the favourite, in the belief it would lead the 1st bend.
The wee man with the spectacles was standing below him, puffing on a roll-up, listening to a guy beside him while studying the Adviser. Tammas reached to tap him on the shoulder: What’s the dangers Shuggie?
The bottom.
I’ve backed it, said Tammas.
Have you Tam aye it’s the worry, the worry.
D’you no fancy 2?
Aye — strong! Fucking flying machine Tam, if it gets the luck — see it on Tuesday night! Fuck sake! it walks out the boxes and it’s beat a short head! Fucking hell! I couldnt believe my eyes! No kidding ye!
Have you bet it yourself?
Nah I’m on the 4 Tam, if it beats 5 round the 1st it’s a fucking stonewall.
Tammas nodded, stepping back up, taking the Adviser back out of his pocket for another look. But the lights had dimmed and the hooter was sounding and Tammas was rapidly extracting a cigarette from the packet and getting it alight and exhaling as the traps opened and 5 had missed the break. Somebody nearby cried: 5’s fucked!
But Tammas roared: You’re still a good thing 5! On ye goooooo. . Eeeassayyyy, eeeaaasssayyyy the 5 — ah bastard! look at 2, look at 2, 2’s a fucking. . ah! bastard! bastard. . Tammas nodded.
Below him Shuggie was shaking his head and turning to exclaim: I thought you were a fucking certainty there Tam! The way 5 shook off the 4 coming round the 1st — I mean that 4! Fucking favourite! He’s shot the boxes and still got beat! Hh! Fucking hell! I’m sick backing the bastard — owes me a fucking fortune so it does!
Aye.
And that 2 dog too d’you see the way it finished? Eh? Fuck! No kidding ye Tam that’s a fucking flying machine so it is.
Tammas nodded. After a moment he stuck the Adviser into the inside pocket of his jacket and started walking down the steps.
As he crossed out through the parking area he chipped away his cigarette, checked the change he had in his trouser pocket, before heading along and up towards Bridgeton Cross.
•••
An old woman walked past him, round the corner and along to the grocer’s shop, and when she came back she stared at him. This was the second time she had been out to the shop since he had been standing there, almost half an hour. It was after 6 p.m. and Vi was late. When a bus stopped to let off passengers at the stop nearby he was unable to see who was there until after it had moved away. And when Vi appeared at last he hurried out of view, dashing through the next close and across the backcourt and into the close next to her own. He keeked out, seeing her turning the corner, carrying the big cardboard box, the top of a cornflakes packet showing. He waited until she was passing the close and he stepped out immediately behind her, going on her outside. Hullo, he said.
Tammas! She stopped walking. What you doing here?
Eh. . he sniffed and put his hand to her elbow. Can I carry your messages?
No, it’s alright, I can manage. She frowned: What you doing here?
Nothing. I was wanting to see you again.
You must be winning then. Or losing. . I can never work it out. . Vi started walking away and he walked after her.
You sure I cant help with the box?
I can manage.
It looks heavy.
That’s because it is heavy. She stopped just inside her close and she frowned again. I’m just going up the stair Tammas I’m in a bit of a rush.
I was wanting to see you.
What about?
Can I no come up, and tell you inside?
No.
Aw, hh. He nodded.
I’m in a rush. I’ve got to get Kirsty fed and then take her over to my mother’s.
Mm.
Vi had been standing side on to him; now she turned a little to look straight at him. You were up yesterday. Did you no know I would be at my work?
Ah I just took a notion, just in the off chance. . He sniffed, gestured at the box of messages: Let us hold it for you a minute Vi.
I’m going up the stair.
Aye but I want to see you.
What about?
A couple of things. I’ll no keep you back.
You’ll no keep me anything Tammas I just dont have the time, I’ve got to get ready and I’ve got to get Kirsty fed and everything. Honest I really dont have the time.
He smiled. What’re you going out with somebody?
Yes.
Aw. He looked at her.
I’m going out with Stan. And I dont know why I’m even bothering to tell you. Look, I’ve got to go up and get ready.
I thought you didnt like going out with him?
I’m no even going to answer that.
Cathy says he fancies you.
Well Cathy’s got no right saying that cause she doesnt bloody know!
He continued to gaze at her for a moment, then took out his cigarettes, offered her one which she declined, and lighted one for himself. You still off the smoking? he asked.
Is it anything special you want to see me about?
I’m going up to Peterhead.
What?
Peterhead, I’m going up to Peterhead, to work.