Shell had been up since six that morning working at one of the smaller jobs she had on her books because one of her employees had called in sick. She had a handful of casual workers in her company, but the problem was they felt no remorse when they let her down. Her mind wandered and the curiosity she had about Patrick’s wife niggled at her. She wondered why he had no choice but to stay with Lucy.
She began to form a plan. Vicki was still on probation and was always pestering her for a lift. Perhaps she’d offer to take her to her next appointment. That way, there was the off-chance that she might catch a glimpse of Lucy.
After dropping her car off at home, Shell changed quickly, and walked towards the local pub. Even though it was only 11.00 a.m., she knew it was dole day for Vicki, and that the money would be spent as soon as it hit her bank account.
Vicki was alone at a table in the corner when Shell walked into the pub. She already looked well out of it, so Shell would need to move quickly, before Vicki reached the point of no return. Shell approached the table, removed her coat and hung it on the back of the chair. Vicki glanced up, bleary-eyed.
‘Hey, Vicki. Long time, no see. Can I get you a drink?’
Vicki looked at Shell warily. Then a big smile of recognition erupted on her face.
‘Well, fuck me! Shell Baker, how the hell are you? I’ll have a large pint of cider if you’re buying?’
Shell smiled to herself. This might be easier than I thought. Although they were still good friends, Shell and Vicki had had their ups and downs over the years, due to Vicki’s drinking and choice in men. Shell had become tired of bailing Vicki out of one bad situation or another She had hoped that once Vicki hit rock bottom, she would start sorting herself out. So far, that hadn’t happened.
Shell smiled sadly at Vicki, made her way up to the bar and ordered a large Coke for herself, wanting to keep her wits about her. She asked the barman, Kevin, to hold a £20 note behind the bar for Vicki. When Shell returned to the table and sat down, she began quizzing Vicki about her recent release from prison, working her way slowly to the question that had been burning in her mind ever since she arrived: ‘So who’s your probation officer?’
‘Ah, fuck, now you’re asking.’ The words were slurred, and Vicki began digging around in the pockets of the oversized coat she was wearing. She pulled out a piece of paper and threw it towards Shell.
‘It’s on there.’
Shell picked it up. Damn! ‘Sarah Hardy’ was written on the appointment slip.
‘Do you always see this Sarah lady? What’s she like?’
‘OK. Bit bossy, but guess she has to be. Sometimes I see another one. Lucy, I think her name is or it could be Lacy. I’ve also seen a bloke – but can’t remember his name.’
‘Well,’ Shell smiled, ‘if you ever need a lift or want someone with you, for support, or anything – let me know, OK? I’d hate to see anyone take advantage of ya.’
Another big, crooked smile lit up Vicki’s face. ‘You’re a fucking star, Shell – I’m on my way there in a bit. It’s only down the road, but I could do with the company.’