The old man was asleep when Baldock got back and he gave thanks for this small mercy. Sleepless nights were usual for him. He cleared up the tea tray in the bedroom, going through suitable punishments for TJ in his mind. The old man had fallen asleep with one of his old photo albums open on the bed. There was one of him in the last big war, standing proudly by his tank. Baldock swore his father thought his wartime experiences were the best thing that had ever happened to him.
Gently, Baldock took the book from his father’s hands and looked through it himself. It was familiar territory for him, too, now. When his mother had been alive, the scrapbook was rarely seen. Most of the photos were black and white, many yellowing at the edges. His father was fit and powerfully built then, always ready to show off his torso to his mates. He’d been the army middleweight champion and had survived the war with just the one wound, despite being on many battlefields. As Baldock turned the worn pages he realised he was quite proud of the old man. He’d not asked anyone for anything in his life, and took no nonsense from anyone, either. A good way to be, Baldock thought.
Baldock tidied up the bed, put the light off and went downstairs before he remembered about his head. He checked it in the bathroom mirror. It was just a graze. Sticking his head under the cold water tap washed away the small patch of blood and there was no further bleeding. He smiled at his reflection in the mirror, a sheepish smile when he thought how he’d let that Julie get the better of him. It was that mother thing again. He’d seen it so many times. Blind protective love, no matter how little their offspring deserved it.
Baldock decided to check out his money stash, as he often did when things were going wrong, and TJ had gone badly wrong. The notes calmed him. Money had become so important to him that sometimes he thought it was better than sex. But only if he kept Karen out of his head. He hated the effect she still had on him, though he liked it too, if he was honest. There had been many before her, too many, but no one since.
Baldock closed the blinds, got out the money box and started to arrange the twenties in columns. It was almost like a kid’s game. He felt himself calming as he fondled the notes. They were symbols of his success, the result of it. He was planning a trip to Switzerland soon, if he could get someone to look after the old man. He needed to deposit the money in a safer place than the house. Also, they might decide to bring in a new twenty pound note. He knew a few other dealers who had been caught out like that the last time. They had to rush out and buy a Merc or a house, or both. Drawing the police to them for sure.
Baldock sat back, lit a cigarette and looked at his money like a proud father. He took a deep drag on his smoke and sent grey smoke around the room to mingle with the blue. He enjoyed everything about smoking, but he planned to give it up as soon as he stopped dealing. Baldock wanted to enjoy his new life as long as possible.
It was starting to rain. Baldock heard it on the flat roof of the house extension. It didn’t take long to get going. Within a minute it was belting down. He loved the rain, the way it cleansed everything. He sat back in his father’s old armchair and watched it through the front window. He was almost nodding off when his mobile rang. He became alert quickly, spilling cigarette ash on himself.
‘Hello?’
There was a moment’s silence but Baldock heard the intake of breath on the other side.
‘Is that you, TJ, you little weasel?’
‘No, it’s not one of your scummy friends.’
Karen. He almost dropped the phone.
‘Well, say something, then. Not often you’re lost for words.’
‘No.’
‘Well, what you doing, then?’
‘You’re something else, Karen. You walk out on me six months ago and phone me up to ask me something like that. Don’t tell me you’re having a kid.’
Karen was a great shrugger and he could see her doing it now. The shrug of the shoulders and toss of the hair. Like she’d been on that first date, wearing that come-and-get-me dress. All confidence and cheek. And something else. Something that had sunk a hook in his gut. It was there now, and he could feel it tugging.
‘Don’t be stupid. Are you on your own?’ Karen asked. ‘Not counting your father. How is he, by the way?’
‘As ever, and yes, there’s no woman here, if that’s what you mean.’
‘Good, because I’m outside the back door.’ Baldock had his second shock in a minute. ‘Lemme in, then. I don’t want to wake your father.’