42

Eddy couldn’t wait until he reached home to check the contents of the envelope. Going into the first pub he passed, he hurried to the men’s room and locked himself in a cubicle before taking out the dirty white envelope. His hand shook as he counted it. The money was all there, just as Abe had promised, in soiled twenty pound notes. Eddy wondered what kind of stash Abe had made for himself that was worth being so generous to a driver who had been in the car for less than half an hour. But there was no point in speculating. He would probably learn all about the haul in the news the next day. In the meantime, at least Abe had been right about one thing: it wasn’t a bad day’s work.

Abe had told him to destroy the envelope straight away. He understood the urgency as it would be covered in fingerprints, so once he was outside he slipped into an alleyway, lit a match, and held the flaming paper between his finger and thumb until he was forced to drop the last charred corner. The black scrap floated to the pavement and, with the cash safely stowed in his pocket, he set off for home. He didn’t go that way deliberately, but his route took him towards the betting shop. Of course, he knew better than to succumb to that temptation, so instead of continuing on his way, he turned round and went back to the pub to have one quick beer before going home. After a couple of pints, he felt a lot better. He wasn’t sure why he had been so worried earlier on. All he had done was sit in a car for about ten minutes and then drive it round the corner. There had been nothing so frightening in that. The fear had been all in his mind. He had done a good job, so there would no doubt be more like that.

He leaned back in his chair and contemplated what to do next. It was a while since he last had so many options to choose from. He could go home, or have another drink, or even take his chances on placing one small bet, just for the hell of it. With getting on for a thousand pounds in his pocket, he could afford to risk losing a single modest stake. On the other hand, a thousand pounds would retrieve the television and go some way towards sorting out his rent. Still undecided, he went over to the bar for one last pint. Mulling over his situation rationally, he realised he would be a fool to let this opportunity pass. Luciana didn’t know he had taken the day off work. He had free time and money in his wallet. A chance like this might not come his way again for a while.

The old man seated at the table didn’t even look up as Eddy walked past him and placed twenty pounds on the favourite. For once there was no need to feel nervous about the possibility of losing his stake, because he had plenty more cash on him. One tiny flutter, just for luck, and he would be on his way. All the same, he could feel his heart pounding as he leaned against the wall, watching the race on a small screen. With a horrible sinking feeling he saw his horse stumble. It recovered, but not quickly enough to win the race outright. That was it. Reluctantly he turned to leave the betting shop.

The old man reached out a gnarled hand and clutched at Eddy’s sleeve as he passed by the table.

Eddy paused in his stride. ‘Did you want something?’

The old man nodded, leering up at Eddy. ‘I been at this game a long time,’ he mumbled.

‘So?’

‘I know a winner when I see one.’

‘How?’

‘I make it my business to know. I been studying form all day, waiting for a good bet, and I’m telling you, son, this is a big one.’

He jabbed at the paper with his knobbly finger, mouthing the name of a horse.

‘Here, son.’ He held out a greasy ten pound note. ‘Do me a favour, put this on for me. I been waiting for a sure bet all day. Go on. Save my legs.’ He gestured impatiently with his other hand.

Eddy frowned. ‘It’s good odds, but it’s not the favourite –’

‘What’s that to you? It’s my money. I’d put more on if I had it. I’m telling you that horse is going to win. It’s a sure thing. Go on.’

Eddy took the tenner and went up to the counter. He took his own money out of his pocket and hesitated, wondering how much to put down. He would be a fool to ignore a tip from someone who knew how to gauge the odds. He was trembling at being given a credible tip just when he had money to place a bet. If he didn’t seize this chance he would regret it for the rest of his life. He glanced back at the old man who nodded eagerly at him, muttering inaudibly. With a rush of adrenaline Eddy turned round, drew his own money from his pocket, and slapped it down on the counter. The bookie’s expression didn’t alter as he counted the notes. Eddy stepped back, feeling as though he was going to suffocate. He had walked in there resolving to place just one twenty pound bet, and now he had put down all of his money. This was make or break. He held his breath as the race started.

Too late, he changed his mind. He had made a stupid mistake. He shouldn’t have risked more than half his money. He knew nothing about the old man. Even if he knew what he was talking about, and the horse wasn’t outclassed by any of the others, it might stumble, or have an off day, and he would have lost everything. He could hardly breathe, couldn’t watch or even listen to the commentary. When the result was announced, he was so agitated he could hardly hear what was said. In a daze he went to collect his winnings.

Luciana was waiting for him at home.

‘Let’s book a holiday,’ he said, as he sat down.

‘A holiday?’

‘Yes. We’ve been so bogged down with the funeral, and my stepmother, and everything, I clean forgot we agreed to take some time off in August. Well, let’s book something and go away together, just the two of us. What do you say? I was thinking, you’ve been so supportive while all this has been going on, you deserve a break. Where do you fancy going? We can go anywhere in the world. Just name a place you want to go and I’ll book it up.’

‘Are you serious? You want to go away? Can we afford it?’

‘Sure, I’m serious. And yes, we can afford it. To tell you the truth, I’ve been planning this for a while but then with all that trouble with my father I didn’t have a chance to tell you, but I’ve been saving up for ages. You have a think and let me know where you want to go, anywhere at all, and I’ll book it up straight away.’

‘Italy,’ she replied without hesitation. ‘I’ve always wanted to go to Rome.’

‘Rome it is then. I’ll book it up first thing in the morning.’