Minute for What (continued)

"Where was it? Where did you go?"

He wanted a cigarette and said so.

"I'm trying to help you, father."

"By sticking your nose in? No thanks."

"Have to talk about it sometime."

"But not to you."

The server appeared at his shoulder and Rob was about to tell her he didn't need another pint when motion at the counter caught his eye. It was a woman and two police -the woman from the close.

"Your friend," the server told the boy, "needs a hand," and then to Rob, "Play along like you're nackered, father." He slumped at the shoulders and let his head hang and they carried him to the backroom where a door let onto the street.

"My groceries..."

"Come back tomorrow," the tall blonde server said. She slipped away. It was still wet and miserable out and his only protection a coat with a pistol in the pocket still warm to the touch. A minute later it didn't matter, as they were stopped ten yards later by a policeman's flashlight.

TO BE CONTINUED