Chapter 46
After showing the boy round the squalid flatlet and signing the contracts the rest of the afternoon dragged for Bailey.
The Polish had come back pleased with the flat but since then nothing.
Nothing positive anyway.
The two goons had failed to resolve the tenant problem, returning to tell him the single mum had gone out by the time they got back there.
Cursing them he'd dismissed the pair for the day, instructing them to get hold of her first thing in the morning. If it hadn't been such a special day he'd have been in a foul mood.
Looking at his watch he saw it was nearing six.
Pulling on his coat he cursed the weather. As he locked the door he wondered if Charlene would be home when he got there. Usually she was, the only times she wasn't there was when she really was with her mum.
The traffic, as always, was a nightmare and arriving home an hour later Bailey was pleased to see her sat watching the television looking in a world of her own.
"You alright love?
She turned startled by his voice.
"Oh sorry Bill I was in a world of my own, she replied pushing a hand through her hair, "how's your day been?
"Same old same old.
Her eyes betrayed she'd been crying and Bailey knew she must have heard about Kelly,
"Did you hear?
Charlene nodded her head slowly.
"Terrible aye love, he gave a weak smile, "such a waste.
Again she nodded.
"Where's the boy?
"Upstairs asleep.
He nodded,
"Don't bother making me any dinner, I've got an appointment at seven thirty and then I'm off to the Lodge, it's the big night tonight.
Charlene tried to smile,
"Okay love.
Looking at his watch Bailey exclaimed,
"Look at the time, I'd better get a move on.
Disappearing up the stairs to get ready Charlene watched him go shaking her head.
