‘I wish I could say I’m lookin’ forward to it, son, but I’m not, what with John moving in and no sign of ’im leaving. I’ll be worn out washing and cooking for all three of you.’
David slurped his tea, put two more sugars in and then sat stirring the mug.
‘I need to get some groceries in,’ Renee said.
David nodded and opened a packet of digestive biscuits.
‘Price of bread has gone up, eleven pence a loaf. I was thinking I might make a big pot of stew, would you like that for your tea?’
‘Yeah, sounds good. Do it for dinner, though.’
‘I was thinking of having it ready for your tea at five. It needs a good few hours simmering so the meat will be tender.’
‘Then put it on earlier – a late dinner will do.’
‘I can do that… Are you out again this evening?’
‘I’m meeting up with some friends to watch the latest “Carry On” film so I’ll be out late.’
‘Two nights out on the trot? John going with you, is he?’
‘What’s with all the questions, Ma? Just leave it out, will ya.’
She took a biscuit and nibbled at it.
‘I see he’s got a big van all done up.’
‘What?’
‘With painting-and-decorating signs on it. I saw you both in it last night when you left. I was going over to see poor Nancy Phillips, you know, the lady whose grandson got found dead. I thought she might like to go to bingo but she didn’t, been very poorly and the police won’t release his body for a funeral yet.’
‘Listen, John told you to keep your head down and not go out mixing with those gossips. You got to do what he tells you, Ma, or he’ll get real angry.’
‘Have I? Well, this is my flat and I like my bingo nights. I’m sick and tired of being cooped up and don’t you think I’m stupid – I know when something is up, just like I do with your dad cos I been married to him so long.’
‘John’s just looking out for you.’
‘Bollocks to that – he’s never done nothing for me in years. He should get back with his wife, I mean God knows what she’s up to whilst he’s living here. Is he still paying the rent at his place?’
‘I dunno, I’m gonna go back to bed for a kip.’
She leaned over and gripped his arm.
‘He’s not got you involved in something, has he? Don’t you treat me like I got no eyes or ears, you both been skulking round for weeks, and if he’s up to something you don’t let him drag you into it.’
‘He’s just drummin’ up work, Ma. He’s openin’ a new decorating company. He’s good with his hands.’
‘Like his dad was, but not for decorating. When did John ever lift so much as a brush? This whole flat needs a lick of paint; he should be gettin’ it freshened up for when your dad gets out, you know how particular he is. Look at the washer and drier John got me – I was quite happy goin’ to the launderette. I even got a fridge freezer and nothin’ in it cos John says he don’t want me shoppin’ for ’im.’
‘I go shoppin’ with you, you know that.’
‘All of a sudden you two are lookin’ out for me when you never done it before. I was happy cleanin’ offices, meetin’ me friends and then John moves back in and takes over my friggin’ life and I don’t like it.’
‘Leave it out, Ma.’
‘I won’t because I lived with your dad and I could tell when he was up to no good, I always knew, and I’ve thought for a few weeks you two were actin’ like you were hidin’ somethin’ from me. Don’t go tellin’ me it’s down to the slag your dad’s kept payin’ for cos I don’t give a toss about her. I know she visits him in the nick and I don’t care. I never have for years, not since you fell off that bloody roof. You are the only person I care about and I won’t sit cooped up here whilst John drags you into some dirty business.’
She suddenly started to gasp, her face turning blue. She clutched her chest as she heaved for breath.
‘You see what you done to yerself? Where’s your inhaler?’
She fished into her apron pocket, found her inhaler and began to puff on it, her face now drained of colour as she gasped, her shoulders lifting up and down. David was helpless to do anything for her as the attack worsened and she sucked on the inhaler.
‘Shit, Ma, go and lie down on the sofa. You need a doctor?’
She shook her head, the inhaler pressed to her mouth. She hissed and gasped as she got unsteadily to her feet. They slowly made their way to the lounge where she flopped down onto the sofa and closed her eyes. Gradually her breathing became steadier. David stood watching, and then limped to sit on the sofa arm.
‘Are you feeling better now, Ma?’
She wafted a hand, but did not open her eyes.
‘You want me to go get a doctor?’
‘No, no, it’s all right.’
‘I can go to the phone box, ring for one.’
‘Just leave me alone for a while,’ she said, still gasping for air. Slowly she seemed to breathe more easily and relax and David watched as her eyes flickered and eventually closed. He waited until she fell asleep.
