Free Seven Daze by Charlie Wade Page A

halves, but luckily she wouldn’t hear of it. Forgetting himself for a moment, he told her Saturday night would be his treat. She reluctantly agreed and he wondered whether a burger, chips and walk by the river would be beneath her. Sighing as they got up, he followed her out of the door.
    As she turned towards him on the now quiet street, an awkwardness had crept in through the back door and was holding them hostage. What happened now? Brisk yet firm handshake, peck on the cheek or a full-on kiss? Jim wished, for probably the first time in his life, he was more European. The quick double peck on each cheek was built for this situation. But, being English, he pushed forward his right hand.
    She looked at it then offered her own.
    “Thank you.” He took her hand and gently shook it twice.
    “Thank you, too,” she replied, not releasing his flimsy grip.
    “I’ll ring tomorrow, you know, so we can arrange things.”
    She smiled and let go of his hand. He knew, or rather hoped, they’d be talking a lot sooner than tomorrow.
     “See you.” She turned and walked away.
     
     
     

 
     
     
Chapter 9
     
    Walking round the corner, Jim let out the scream he’d been holding back. Getting odd looks from briefcase-carrying yuppies didn’t bother him. He’d done it. Got a second date with the most eligible person he’d ever met. Finding his bearings, he headed for the riverside. He needed to clear his head before he started work. His head was now a Charlotte-filled mess recreating every conversation, every smile and every one of his lies. Taking a few deep breaths, he leaned against the dock wall.
    “Come on boy. Pull yourself together. Ten grand in six days. Ten grand in six days.”
    The come down was fast. Impending death usually took the glint off an otherwise agreeable lunch. His mind now in tatters, he hoped it would concentrate him on the job ahead.
    He lasted ten seconds before he thought of her again. He was taking her out tomorrow night so that would limit what he could do tomorrow afternoon. That left him needing a wedge of cash to take her out and pay for a few more nights at the hotel. At least three hundred quid. Though keeping Charlotte in the manner to which she was accustomed would probably make it nearer five hundred. Turning round, with just a hundred and fifty in his pocket, he headed for the nearest bar.
    Entering, the first words he heard were, “Tarquin, did you see Jocasta look at you earlier?” He instantly knew he was both in the right place and society could only benefit from his forthcoming actions. The place was cool, both air-conditioned and fashionable. White walls were offset by some new trendy artist’s painting, while the open-plan bar area left a large standing or mingling zone in the middle. Piped jazz played through decent speakers at a respectable volume, while the occupants sipped cocktails and bottled beers. A clean, fresh smell ripped through his nose, the combination of expensive aftershave and perfume.
    Jim approached the bar. After a minute waiting, he caught the barmaid’s eye and ordered a bottle of something foreign and lagerish. Robbing him of seven pounds, the barmaid removed the bottle top for no extra charge. Stood next to Jim were two bankers. He presumed they were bankers by their expensive suits, but would admit they could easily have been brokers, consultants or even just plain twats.
    “Off to Monaco this weekend,” said Twat A to Twat B.
    “On your own?” Twat B replied.
    “No, the baggage comes with me, unfortunately.” Twat A laughed.
    Jim smiled. These two would do. He wouldn’t lose any sleep tonight.
    “Whereabouts in Monaco,” interrupted Jim. His false posh accent turned Monaco into Mon-archo.
    Pushing his chest out, Twat A stepped aside from his buddy and looked Jim up and down. Red cheeks showed he’d been drinking heavily. Pale and tired, he looked wary of outsiders. After a few seconds, he seemed satisfied that although he didn’t