Toxic (6 page)

“Unlucky streak.”

“You must be the unluckiest person in the world to lose two million.”

“You don't know the half of it.”

“There's more?”

“It doesn't matter.”

“Come on. You may as well tell me everything now.”

“You know how I was arrested in Spain?”

“Yeah. Lacey told me it was something to do with drugs.”

“I was meant to bring the drugs into the UK. The money I'd have been paid for delivering them would have allowed me to make a substantial payment against my gambling debts. But I lost my nerve and dumped them. It's a good job I did because I got picked up a day later. The Spanish cops tried to bluff that they'd found the haul, but they had nothing. That's how Raw was able to get me out so quickly. I didn't need his help—they'd have had to let me go anyway.”

“What happened to the drugs?”

“I dumped them in the sea.”

“Why don't you explain what happened, to the people you were working for?”

“It wouldn't help. You don't cross men like Tony Waverley. He paid me to bring in the drugs—I didn't. End of. ”

Suzy stared at Todd. He'd lost all of his swagger and bravado. “What do we do now?”

“You need to get the first train back home.” He pulled out another wedge of notes. “Here take this and go now.”

“I'm not leaving you.”

“You have to.”

“Actually, no I don't.”

“This isn't some kind of game,” Todd said. “These guys mean business.”

“Then you're going to need all the help you can get. There must be something you can do. What if you got out of the country?”

“Maybe, but they have people on their payroll at the ports and airports.”

“There must be somewhere we can go.”

Todd's eyes lit up. “Actually, there might be somewhere.”

Chapter 7

Kings Cross station was heaving with passengers rushing back and forth.

“I've never been to Scotland,” Suzy said as Todd bought the tickets.

“Two singles to Leumoor.” He said to the man behind the counter. “First class.”

“Why did you get First class?” Suzy said, as they walked towards the platform.

Todd shrugged. “Why not?”

“You owe two million pounds. Don't you think you should try to cut back a little?”

Todd bent down and kissed her forehead. “You're funny.”

“Get off.” She brushed his kiss away. “I'm not the one who's crazy here. I don't owe drug overlords two million pounds.”

Todd laughed. “Drug overlords? You've been watching too much TV.”

“Can we trust your friend?” Suzy asked.

“We'll be okay. Billy's a good lad.”

“Who is he anyway?”

“A guy I went to Uni with. His family is minted—old money. They've got property all over the country and overseas. The place he's letting me have sounds as though it's really remote.”

“So you just ring him up out of the blue, and he says you can stay there?”

“Why not? It's empty most of the year. It makes no odds to him. Just as long as I don't trash it.”

“I wish I had friends like that. I get grief from Lacey just for borrowing her jumper.”

“Lacey sounds like a bit of a tight-arse,” Todd said. “She and Raw should get along just fine.”

Todd and Suzy had an hour's wait for their train, so they headed for the nearest Costa Coffee.

“How much does Rawhide know about the money you owe?” Suzy took a bite of her chocolate twist.

Todd looked at her and laughed.

“What's funny?”

“You've got chocolate all over you.” He wiped her chin with his finger. “I've never known anyone make such a mess when they eat.”

Suzy blobbed her tongue out at him, and then took another bite of the chocolate twist. “I asked about Rawhide,” she said through a mouthful of pastry.

“He doesn't know anything, and that's how it's going to stay. Can we not talk about Raw or Carol please? They do my head in. Let's talk about you for a change.”

“I've already told you. There's nothing to tell.”

“Boyfriends?”

“Don't need 'em.”

“Which? Boys or friends?”

“Neither.”

“If I didn't know you better, I'd say that underneath that happy-go-lucky exterior was a bitter, twisted soul.”

“You don't know me better. You don't know me at all.”

“True. So why are you coming away with me?”

“Someone has to look after you.”

“Are you my nanny now?”

“If you like.”

“I always did have a thing about nannies.”

Suzy couldn't work out who the real Todd was. One minute he was the Joker, and the next, he looked like a scared little boy. One thing was for sure, he was well and truly fucked up. Just what she needed in her life.

“What are we going to do when we get there?” she asked.

“Lie low.”

“For how long?”

“Until I come up with a way to put all of this right.”

Suzy noticed that Todd kept glancing back and forth along the concourse. Could they have been followed?

“How are you going to do that?”

“Why don't you give it a rest with the third degree? You're going to drive me crazy. I'll sort it. I always do.”

“How though?”

“You're just going to have to trust me. It'll all work out.”

“What's the place like we're going to?”

“Tremain Sands? According to Billy, it's a small village just south of Aberdeen. Not much there from all accounts—just sand and sea. We could go fishing.”

“No chance. If you wanted to go fishing, you should have brought Lacey along.”

“Why?”

“Lacey's big on fishing. She made Rawhide take her on their first date.”

“I wish I could have seen his face.”

“From what I hear, he wasn't impressed.”

**********

The first class carriage was deserted. Suzy chose a table towards the centre. Todd slid onto the seat facing her.

“Looks like we've got this to ourselves,” Suzy said.

“Hmmm. Could be fun.” His grin was full of mischief.

“Whatever you're thinking—forget it.”

“Is there an equivalent to the Mile High Club for trains?”

“Forget it. It isn't happening.”

“It'd be fun. Think of all the vibrations from the track. We could do it on the table.” Todd ran his hand across the table-top.

Suzy brought her fist down hard on his hand. “I said no!”

“Ouch.” Todd waved his hand back and forth. “That hurt. You're crazy. You could have broken my hand.”

“Serves you and your filthy mind right.”

“If I remember correctly, you didn't need much encouragement when we were at your flat.”

“For the last time, I'm not having sex with you on a train!” She said much louder than she'd intended.

Only then did she glance towards the door at the end of the carriage where an elderly couple were staring at her. “Sorry.” She mouthed—her face beetroot red.

Todd was laughing uncontrollably.

“It isn't funny!” Suzy said, and then burst into laughter.

“Perhaps they'd had the same idea,” Todd said in a whisper.

“Give over.”

The couple sat a few tables down on the opposite side. Every time Suzy looked up, they seemed to be staring at her. Why couldn't she learn to control her big mouth?

Two hours into the journey; Todd was fast asleep. Suzy couldn't get to sleep—every time she tried, an image of the two of them naked on the table kept flashing across her mind. Damn him for being so bloody hot. The old woman was still staring at her, but this time she smiled. Could she read Suzy's mind—she hoped not. Suzy managed a weak smile back. She'd managed to buy a phone charger—or at least Todd had bought it for her—on the station. She had six unread text messages: Lacey, Lacey, Lacey, Lacey, Lacey and 'number not known'. Suzy clicked on the last message.

Suzy

This is Carol (Todd's sister). Lacey gave me your number. I know you are with Todd, and that he has told you not to tell us where you/he are, but it's vital you do. I now know what happened in Spain. Todd is in danger, and so are you while you're with him. I/Raw can help. Please contact us as soon as you can.

Carol

Lacey's messages all said pretty much the same thing.

“What you looking at?” Todd said—still only half a wake.

“Nothing.” Suzy slid the phone in her pocket.

Chapter 8

The train was delayed for thirty minutes with signalling problems. By the time they arrived at Leumoor, they were both knackered. It was another twenty minutes before they managed to find a cab.

The house was located on a single-track road that ran parallel to the beach. It was the only building for as far as the eye could see.

“You weren't kidding when you said it was remote,” Suzy said.

 The last houses they'd seen had been in the small village which they'd passed through en-route.

“We're going to need a car,” Todd said, as he made his way up the short path.

“I hope it has water and electricity.” Suzy said, as she checked her phone. “There's no network up here.”

Todd lifted one of the plant pots which were near to the door. There was nothing underneath. He tried the next one. “Bingo!” He held up a key.

Suzy followed Todd inside. The first thing she did was to try the light switch. “Yes!”

At least they had electricity.

The interior was surprisingly modern and well kept.

“What on earth possessed your friend's parents to buy somewhere as remote as this?”

“More money than sense. His father collects houses like most people collect stamps.”

“No they don't.” Suzy said.

“Don't what?”

“Collect stamps. You said most people collect stamps. I don't know anyone who does. Do you?”

“No but—. Why do you have to be so obtuse?”

“Obtuse? Now you've swallowed a dictionary.”

“If you're not careful, I'll make you sleep on the beach.”

“Who'd keep Big Todd company then?” Suzy smiled.

“Hmm. I hadn't thought of that.”

“Is there any food?” Suzy pushed past Todd. “Fridge is empty.” She tried each of the cupboards in turn. “They're all empty. Great.”

“There was a shop in the village.” Todd collapsed onto the sofa. “Why don't you fetch some provisions?”

“Why don't you kiss my arse?”

“Later maybe. Right now, I'm hungry.”

He only just managed to duck out of the way of the bar of soap which Suzy threw at him.

“Are you sure there's no food at all?”

“Nothing. Go check for yourself.”

“Let's walk along the beach,” Suzy said, as they headed back to the village.

“I'll get sand in my shoes.”

“Can you hear yourself? You sound just like a big girl's blouse.”

“What did you call me?”

“A BIG GIRL'S—” She screamed, turned, and began to run as Todd chased after her.

“No, please. I was only joking,” she screamed, as he lifted her off her feet. “What are you doing?” She thumped his chest. “Put me down.”

“It's a dip in the sea for you.”

“No! Todd! It'll be freezing. I'll die of pneumonia. Put me down! Todd! No!”

The tide was on its way out. When Todd reached the water's edge, he lowered his arms quickly, and for a moment she thought he was going to do it.”

“Say 'pretty please',” he said, as he held her just above the water.

“Never!”

“In you go then.”

“Okay, pretty please.”

“With sugar on it.”

“What?”

“Say 'pretty please with sugar on it'.”

“PRETTY PLEASE WITH FUCKING SUGAR ON IT!”

“Good girl.” He lowered her to her feet.

“I'm going to kill you!” She waved her hands frantically trying to get a clear blow to his head.

“Race you to the rock.” Todd pointed to a small rock which protruded from the sand some hundred meters down the beach.

“Not fair. I should get a start,” she called after him as she set off in pursuit.

In another lifetime, Suzy had been her school's top sprinter. She'd even represented the county once. That was a long time ago before she'd discovered booze and boys. She was making ground on him, and was determined to wipe that smug look off his face.

“Yes!” she screamed, as she shot past him in the last three metres. “Yes!”

Todd stared at her in total disbelief. “How the hell did you do that?”

“Whatsup loser?” She grinned. “What do I win?”

“What do you want?”

“Beer and lots of it. Chocolate too.”

“Your wish is my command, madam.”

“You're joking!” Todd said. “None?”

“Sorry,” the man behind the counter said. “We don't have a liqueur licence.”

The village shop was tiny, and filled from floor to ceiling with all manner of food and supplies. It had everything—except alcohol.

“Where can we get some?” Suzy asked. “Is there a pub?”

“Not in the village. Leumoor is the nearest town.”

“We just came from there.” Todd said. “Is there anywhere I can hire a car?”

“Yes.”

“Where?”

“Leumoor.”

“What about a cab?”

“None around here. There is a bus though.”

“Great. That'll have to do. When's the next one?”

“Tomorrow morning at nine-thirty.”

Todd and Suzy looked at one another.

“Tell me you have chocolate,” Suzy said.

“Oh yes. Plenty of chocolate.”

“How am I going to go all night without a beer?” Todd said.

“You'll be okay, babes.” Suzy took his arm. “We'll get through this together. Cold turkey.”

They were walking back to the house.

“You and your stupid steak,” Suzy said, as she swapped the bag from one hand to the other.  It weighs a ton.”

“No more than your stupid coffee.” Todd had a bag in each hand.

“How do you expect me to survive without coffee? It's going to be bad enough without beer. Trust me; you wouldn't want to see me come down off caffeine. Anyway, talking about stupid ideas. What about the ice cream?”

“I like ice cream.”

“It'll be melted by the time we get back.”

“I'll drink it then.”

**********

“That has to be the best meal I've ever eaten,” Todd said.

“It was only steak and chips.”

“Still. It was dee-lic-ious. You're going to make someone a fantastic little wifey.”

Suzy glared at him across the table. “You do realise that there are knives on here. And that they are sharp. Very sharp.”

“Can't you see yourself as someone's wife?” he asked.

“Not unless hell freezes over. I've seen what marriage can do. No thanks.”

“What about Lacey?”

“What about her?”

“Is she the marrying type?”

“It's not something we've ever discussed. What about Rawhide?”

“Definitely. Wouldn't surprise me if he hasn't asked her already.”

“Behave yourself. They've only known one another for five minutes.”

“You'll be bridesmaid. I can just see you now.”

“Let me guess. You've always had a thing about bridesmaids.”

“How did you guess?”

**********

“Why don't we go for a walk on the beach?” Todd was staring out of the window.

“Are you crazy?” Suzy said. “It's dark.”

“There's a full moon. Come on. It'll be fun.”

“I'm not sure.”

“Scaredy cat, scaredy cat.”

“Very mature.”

“Are you coming for a walk or not?”

Suzy had never liked the dark. As a young child, her father had refused to let her sleep with the light on. Many a night, she'd cried herself to sleep with her head hidden under the covers. “Okay, but only for a few minutes.”

Once they were outside, Suzy relaxed. The moon provided more than enough light, and it was still quite warm. They walked barefoot down the beach towards the sea.

“We should go for a swim,” Suzy said, as they reached the water's edge.

“Now?”

“Why not? The sea's as still as a mill pond.”

Todd stuck his big toe into the water. “It's bloody freezing.”

“Now who's the scaredy cat?”

“I'm not scared. It's just—”

“Scaredy cat.” Suzy pulled her tee-shirt over her head, and threw it onto the beach.

“Someone might come,” he spluttered.

“Scare-dee-caaattt.” Suzy unclipped her bra and let it fall to the ground. “Well?” She grinned, treating him to a quick jiggle of her boobs. “What are you waiting for?”

After slipping out of her jeans and panties, she ran into the sea. Once she was a few metres in, she dived, disappearing under the water.

“Suzy?” Todd shouted, as he tried to spot her.

“Come on in,” she called, when she reappeared. “I want some Big Todd action.”

He needed no more encouragement. In his rush to undress, he stumbled onto his backside, causing Suzy to dissolve into laughter.

“What kept you?” she said, when he eventually reached her.

They were both treading water.

“It's freezing,” he said, through chattering teeth.

“We'd better warm one another then,” Suzy said, as she reached a hand down into the water. “Is that supposed to be
Big
Todd?” There was a look of feigned disappointment on her face.

“It's cold. What do you expect?”

“A lot more than that. Oh wait.” Suzy grinned. “I think he's waking up.” She looked Todd straight in the eye as she continued to run her hand slowly up and down his cock. “Now we're talking!”