I dont fancy doing that backshift, said Tammas. Even worse than the nightshift.
I know, you’re right, it’s the worst of the three. Robert lifted his book upwards and he looked at it closely, then he glanced at Tammas. Naw, he said, I dont like it myself.
Tammas nodded, he shifted on the settee a bit, inclining his head while gazing at the television screen. Some moments later he got up, saying: Think I’ll put the kettle on. .
Robert nodded without looking away from his book.
Once the kettle was on to boil he went ben to his own room. There were two ashtrays, one on the window sill and one on the small cupboard near to the bed; both were clean. He pulled open the wardrobe door and felt into the pockets of his clothes.
The kettle boiled while he was standing by the kitchen sink, staring out the window over the backcourt. He made himself a cup of instant coffee. When he opened the living room door Robert stirred, he sighed and closed the book, and said: Is she in bed yet?
She’s no in the bathroom anyway.
Ah well. . Robert nodded. He bent forwards to see his slippers, nudging his feet inside them. Never mind, he said, the holiday next week — we’ll probably get a heatwave.
Definitely.
Robert smiled. No that it’ll bother you.
Tammas looked at him.
Naw, what I mean, Blackpool, you’re no worried about the weather; even if it was blooming snowing you’ve got places to go.
Aw aye. .
We had a great time when we went. Course we were winching at the time. And that makes a difference. He smiled, walking round the armchair to the door. Goodnight.
Goodnight Robert.
The Evening Times lay to the side of the fire-surround, nearby Robert’s armchair and Tammas went to get it, opening it at the back pages.
Later on Robert could be heard leaving the bathroom and entering his bedroom; Once the bedroom light had been switched off Tammas turned the television back on. Another twenty minutes and he was checking the meter-bowl on the mantelpiece, withdrawing two ten pence coins. He went to his own bedroom and put on a pair of shoes; along the lobby he opened the outside door gently, leaving it on the latch.
It was raining quite heavily when he left the close and he ran to the corner and along to the cafe. One side of the shop was in semi darkness but the other side was open. Two guys were at the counter, telling jokes to the elderly woman serving. She was glancing at them now and again while turning the chips in the boiling fat with the long strainer. A younger woman appeared from the rear, wiping her hand on a teatowel. She nodded to him. Eh hullo Marie, he said. You got three singles?
After a slight pause she sniffed and turned to the cigarette counter and took three cigarettes from an opened packet. She took the money and gave him his change.
Thanks, he smiled at her.
•••
Here you are! said the foreman.
Ralphie glanced at Tammas before looking at the men, and he replied, Christ almighty we’ve just sat down.
The foreman nodded. I believe you I believe you — but come on the now till I show you; I’ve got a wee job.
They followed him from the smoke-area, right outside the building to the rear yard, where he indicated a big pile of broken wooden crates. A couple of your mates were breaking them up yesterday but they forgot to get bloody rid of them! The foreman shook his head: I told them as well! Anyhow, okay, I want yous to burn it. Alright? A bonfire, but make sure yous keep it well away from anything inflammable.
When he had gone off Tammas said, Thank Christ, I was beginning to wish he’d stick us back on the machine. Anything’s fucking better than nothing.
Aye, it’s been a long week son.
You’re no kidding.
Never mind. Ralphie lifted his bunnet up off his head for a moment then settling it back again he bent to drag out some of the wood. Watch for nails, he said.
They carted the wood across to a cleared area and also collected in bits of plastic and cardboard which were lying about. Rain began drizzling; soon it became heavier and Ralphie moved to shelter by the factory wall. Tammas continued finding rubbish until the other called him across, and added: You dont get paid to catch a fucking cold.
Several minutes later the foreman appeared at a door some yards away. He gestured to them to come. Here, he said, and handed them two enormous polythene bags. Stick a couple of holes in them and you’ll be able to wear them — they’ll keep you dry. And here. . He handed a gallon tin to Ralphie: Paraffin; to start your fire.
The foreman turned slightly and he winked at Tammas. You’re doing a grand job Ralph!
Ralphie grunted.
The rain was falling heavily now. When the foreman departed Tammas began pulling on one of the polythene bags but Ralphie laughed briefly and said: For fuck sake son!
He shook his head and grinned at him, then strode out to the big pile of wood and rubbish and emptied the paraffin on top. Tammas trotted out to beside him and watched as Ralphie knelt a little to drop on a match. Then he followed him along the path near the canal, leaving the pile to burn. They walked quickly, hunching their shoulders against the rain.
At the entrance to the boiler room Benny was standing gazing at the sky. That’ll be on for the rest of the day, he said. He stood aside to let them in.
To the back of the room, behind the boilers, there was a large pipe Benny used as a bench, and here the three of them sat down, Ralphie shaking the rainwater out of his bunnet before bringing out his tobacco and his pipe. Benny was already smoking a roll-up. So, your nightshift’s been halved? he said.
Ralphie looked at him. How did you know that? Ya auld cunt ye I bet you knew before us!
Benny sniffed before replying. Well, he said, I heard a wee whisper at the beginning of the week there but eh I didnt want to say anything — in case it was just a fucking rumour. You know what like they are in this place Ralph you can hardly believe a fucking word you hear. He nudged Tammas and continued, I’m telling you son see if you listen to everything you get fucking told in this joint you’ll wind up in a confused condition. It’s fucking notorious so it is! How long you been here now?
About seven month.
Is that all? said Ralphie.
Aye.
Hh. I thought it was longer.
Naw, it just seems like it!
Benny said, Wait till you’re here the same as us.
God forbid. . chuckled Ralphie.
Tammas shook his head. No point worrying about that auld yin — last in first out. I’ll be heading the line soon as the redundancies start.
There was a brief silence.
Then Tammas glanced at the boilerman. I was wondering, he said, any chance of loaning me a smoke?
What d’you say?
Naw I was just wondering, if you could lend me a smoke, one of your roll-ups.
Aw aye. .
Ralphie coughed.
Any chance?
Benny nodded. He took his tobacco pouch out of a pocket in his boilersuit and handed it to Tammas. There’s a couple rolled already, inside.
Thanks a lot Benny. Tammas unzipped the pouch and brought one out.
Ralphie passed him a box of matches and added, Look and see if that fire’s still going.
Shortly before the dinner break the foreman appeared in the smoke-area to distribute the wages’ packets. Minutes later Tammas was walking out through the factory yard, in company with others from his section. It was still raining. Just beyond the gates the teaboy and two other youths were sheltering, they had a ball they were throwing to each other; and the teaboy called: Hey Tammas you coming up for a game?
Maybe. . He glanced at the sky and shrugged.
The rain’s going to go off!
Tammas nodded; he continued on along the street. There was a pub down near the junction traffic lights and he entered, making his way through the crowded bar into the lounge. Ordering a pint of heavy and a pie and peas he walked to where a few of his workmates were grouped. When a gap occurred in the conversation he said: Any of yous seen Murdie?