Riven

Chapter 61

So

Rab stood at the bar. ‘I only want an Irn-Bru. Need to talk to you, So

So

Rab nodded. ‘I only wanted tae get rid of this.’ He put his hand in his pocket.

‘Stop right there.’ So

Rab followed him to the rear of the building, handed him the St Christopher medal and chain.

‘Aye, wee George told me there was a bit of tinsel round the old cunt’s neck. This it?’

Rab nodded. ‘I need tae eat, So

‘Right ye’are, son. Ye’r ma still with that ugly cunt?’

Rab nodded.

So

Rab nodded, folded the notes and stuffed them into his jeans. ‘Manky said if I was stuck to go to see him. So I told him Smithy chased us. Me and Alec. He said Mr Doyle would sort it.’

‘Aye, well Andy Doyle has sorted a lot, you’ve got that right. But it’s over, wee man. Forget it now.’

‘But . . .’

‘Sshh.’

‘I’ve got the bat.’

‘Right. Where is it now?’

‘Allotment.’

‘I’ll get it rehomed.’

‘But George said somebody came intae Gilmore’s hoose and told him not to worry, that if he hadn’t done it then he was there to do . . . was it Mr Doyle? Was he there tae kill Mr Gilmore only George got there first?’

So

‘Only George wouldnae say who wis there, who put Mr Gilmore on the hook . . . wis it Mr Doyle?’

‘It’s over. You know nothing, son. Nothing.’

Rab nodded. ‘That’s what I told the polis.’

‘Good.’

‘How come me and Alec ca

So

‘Naw. But I hate where I’m living and Alec dis tae.’

So

‘Aye, okay. I see whit ye mean.’

So

Rab nodded and followed So

Chapter 62

It was after midnight and the rain had momentarily stopped battering the city. It was only a light drizzle by the time the Smuggler’s Rest closed. The twins had left earlier after So

So

‘You’re out for the count, Mason.’ So

The video was in the right-hand pocket. So

So

Then he got to work.

Outside at the back of the pub, a battered blue van was reversing quietly into the deserted car park.

Chapter 63

‘Think of it as a wee road trip for Mason.’ Stella winked at Lizzie as So

‘You jist after doing your stint at the panto?’ So

‘Aye So

‘You and Doyle not out celebrating?’

She shook her head. ‘He thinks I’m out with my pals; besides, him and Weirdo are having a wee meeting. Business.’

‘You sure you want tae dae this Stella? I could’ve done it for you, no problem.’ So

Stella smiled at him. ‘Definitely, So

Lizzie nodded. ‘But I went tae see Doyle . . . will the polis no think that—’

Stella cut her off. ‘The polis don’t know that you went to see Andy. No one knows.’ She turned to So

‘Only the twins and they left before I put him out. Anyway, they’d never talk to the polis.’

‘No chance,’ Stella agreed, helping to heft the body into the van.

So

‘He go under okay?’ Stella asked.

‘Aye. Easy enough, although his nose is busted so his breathing’s already fucked. And I put the wee bit of tinsel round his neck for luck.’

Stella looked at him. ‘Tinsel?’

‘You don’t know about it doll, but it’ll come in handy.’

Stella smiled. ‘Feeding time for the fishes.’

Lizzie whimpered.

Stella looked at her, pointed a warning finger. ‘Once it’s done, it’s done, Lizzie. End of. Move on. Lizzie Coughlin, you’re not your father’s daughter. I’m disappointed.’

Lizzie hiccupped softly but nodded her head. ‘No, I thought I could dae it . . . but . . .’

‘But what, Lizzie?’ Stella’s voice was harsh.