‘Who are they?’ I whisper. At yet another question, we snigger in unison. ‘They’re the brothers who own the building company, Krawley Construction, that are proposing knocking down the derelict clubhouse at the end of the street. I suppose with the size of ground that comes with it, it’s a great investment for them. It won’t be for anyone else though. There’s hardly any affordable accommodation in this city as it is, and yet these lot only care about lining their own pockets. It’s a disgrace really. I’d prefer they left it, even as the eyesore it is, than turn it into another high-rise that people like me still can’t afford.’
I don’t mention I already have my mother on the case, sniffing out all the information I need in order to proceed. The promise I made Shelly is rapidly fading to a distant memory. This is different. This is for a good cause. If I didn’t already have enough personal motivation to intervene, or the conviction to actually break my promise, this is the final push I need.
The vibration of my mobile phone tickles the outside of my thigh through my jeans. Speak of the devil.
It’s Mam. ‘Marcus, I’ve done a bit of digging. If you’re serious about the old club we need to move quickly.’
‘I’m deadly serious.’
‘Can you call over?’
Glancing down at the empty whiskey tumbler, I shake my head. As if things weren’t bad enough. ‘Am I too old to get my mother to pick me up? I’m actually not far from the clubhouse now.’
‘Oh, Marcus!’ She tsks with a chuckle. ‘Give me half an hour. See you soon.’
She puts the phone down and I order a Diet Coke from Maddy. Only an hour ago, I felt useless, hopeless and utterly defeated. Now, the clubhouse restoration calls to me like a beacon of light from the end of a long and lonely tunnel. The prospect of a new and very worthy project to get my teeth into provides a much-needed focus, another outlet.
I can’t control what’s going to happen withSexy Come Dancing,but I can control what’s going to happen here. Even if it does mean breaking my word. Shelly will understand. She’ll have to, because as of right this second, my mind is unequivocally made up.
