shook his head.
‘Bloody hell, William, get a grip.’
The knock came at the door again.
‘I know you’re in there, Bill. This is the one chance for you to find out the truth about your mother.’
Sam took the envelope from his lover and shoved it into my hand.
‘Look, let him search the place – he’ll find nothing. This’ll be safe as houses with William.’
I hissed, ‘This is nothing to do with me.’
Bill’s voice was low and determined.
‘Don’t worry; I’ll make it worth your while.’ He smiled. ‘And if you open it I’ll know and you’ll have your balls to play with to prove it. Now go on, it’s abracadabra time, this is your cue to disappear.’
Bill put his hand on my shoulder and pushed me firmly from the room, Sam gave me a last smile over his lover’s shoulder, then the door was closed behind me and the key turned softly in the lock. The landing was dark and damp. There was a small wash basin to my left, and next to it a steep set of stairs leading downwards. I stalled for a second silently cursing, the envelope in one hand my case in the other, trying not to breathe for fear the small man would hear. Through the door I heard Bill’s voice, welcoming as a warm brandy on a cold night.
‘Inspector Montgomery.’
I started to creep my way down the stone stairs, hearing Montgomery say something, and perhaps a second man with him or maybe just Bill, responding to the policeman’s words. I wondered if I should wait, wondered if there was anyone I should call. Then padded softly on, careful of the flaking whitewash against my velvet suit. I reached the ground, pushed open the exit bar and stepped out into the night, the envelope containing Bill Senior’s secrets pressed tight against my chest.
My mobile woke me the next day, buzzing ‘The Sorcerer’s Apprentice’ from under the pillow. The ringtone had been a present from an ex-girlfriend. I’d never liked it, but I guess I didn’t get gifts, even sarcastic ones, very often. I retrieved the phone, wondering whether keeping it under the pillow would give me a brain tumour and why my alarm had gone off so early, then realised it wasn’t the alarm.
‘Hope I’m not disturbing your beauty sleep?’
Richard’s voice was too loud for ten in the morning. I said, ‘I was working last night.’
‘I know. Did you have a divine time?’
‘Is that why you’re calling?’
‘Just a friendly enquiry.’
I reached for my gregs, put them on and watched the world come into focus, then got out of bed and walked naked into the tiny cupboard that served as my kitchen. Rich’s interest in my non-existent sex life was starting to grate.
‘Do you want to get to the point?’
‘I’ll take that for a no then.’
‘No, I had a drink with the proprietor though.’
‘Ah yes, young burglar Bill.’
‘You know him well?’
‘Knew his father.’
I filled the kettle and plugged it into the wall. Rich shouted, ‘You’re breaking up.’
‘Sorry.’ I walked back into the small bed-sitting room and asked, ‘What was he like?’
‘A swine. Why’d you want to know?’
‘Just showing a friendly interest.’
The envelope containing the money Bill had given me was on the coffee table. I poured it out; a thousand in twenties, not bad for a couple of hours’ work, but I had a feeling it was money I was yet to earn. Montgomery’s manila envelope lay under the cushion on the sofa. I slid it out and looked at its seal. It wouldn’t be so difficult to break, but somehow I was happy to leave it alone.
Rich’s voice came loud down the wire.
‘Listen, have you got a passport?’
I ruffled the notes through my fingers.
‘Somewhere, why? Someone want to buy it?’
‘I’ve got something for you – Berlin.’
‘Berlin?’
‘Yes, Berlin, capital of Germany, once divided city now happily reunited.’
‘I know where it is. I’m just wondering what about it?’
‘I’ve got a contact, who has a contact there, who knows a man who needs a conjurer for his club. Bijou little place, the Schall und Rauch, means Smoke and Noise, just up your street, William.’
‘Maybe. How much are they offering?’
‘A bit of enthusiasm would be nice. I said Berlin. It’s a top entertainment spot son. The home of cabaret. Remember what Germany did for the Beatles.’
‘If I remember rightly one of them copped it there.’
‘The money’s OK. I managed to squeeze them for 10 per cent over the usual to cover your subsistence, plus they’ll pay for your flight and fix you up with accommodation.’
It sounded like the best offer I’d had in months, but something made me hesitate.
‘I don’t know, Richard. It’s a bit out of the blue.’
‘Remember what they say about gift horses.’
‘Don’t take one from a Trojan?’
‘It’s up to you, but there’s nothing much on the cards for you over here right now.’ There was a short pause while we both silently mourned my early promise. ‘I spoke to the boy in Berlin and it all seems kosher, they’ve got a website and all that jazz.’
‘Your faith in modern technology is touching.’
‘Got to move with the times, Will.’ There was another pause while I took a sip of my coffee and Rich sparked up; I heard him draw the smoke deep down into his lungs and reached for my own pack of cigarettes. When he spoke again Rich’s voice was brisk. I imagined him sliding his next client’s folder, complete with mug shot, onto the desk in front of him. ‘It’s up to you, old son. You’ve got an hour to decide. No skin off my nose either way.’
I looked at my one-room rented flat, the unmade bed, the scattering of books and CDs, the pile of unwashed laundry, the red demands propped on the window ledge. There was only one thing I had to ask.
‘When do they want me?’
‘That’s the attitude. They’re in a rush. Someone let them down. Get yourself there by tomorrow show time and the job’s yours.’
I
