Chapter 55
The drizzle had turned to sheets of water, drenching Nigel through in moments. As he turned the corner into Milo Street he bumped into a group of revellers, they were apologetic and as an after thought pulled a couple of cans of lager from a carrier bag. The look of annoyance on his face gave away nothing as he grunted, taking the offered cans and heading away. Turning into Milo Street itself he cursed, police everywhere.
After an hour shivering in a shop doorway he'd drunk his couple of cans and had made under two pounds.
After a quick visit to a convenience store he stood in the same spot drinking wondering where he could head.
"Nigel.
Looking up he saw Eddie, another homeless man, stood, looking pleased to see him.
The rain was falling from his thick mop of black hair and dripping from his nose as he smiled revealing yellowed teeth. Nigel smiled back while noting the other man had no visible drink. Eddie was a scammer, he'd stolen money from Nigel a few years before when he'd passed out drunk, it was the first time he'd seen him for a few months.
"Eddie, what you been up to?
"Nothing really, headed home, you know, up North for a while but I've been back a week or so. What about you?
"Same old.
He watched as Eddie's eyes flicked from the beer can in his hand to his face.
Licking his lips Eddie asked,
"Where you staying?
Nigel looked pained,
"All over really.
Eddie didn't look convinced,
"Who's around, anyone?
Shrugging Nigel took another swig from his can,
"Dunno, don't really see no-one.
As Nigel scrunched up the can and dropped it behind him, Eddie watched it fall,
"You aint got a spare beer have you Nige I'm gagging?
"Sorry mate, that was it.
Shrugging Eddie nodded,
"I'd better be going anyway, gotta see someone, you know how it is? We'll have to have a drink or something¦. on me, I'll see you round aye.
Nigel nodded,
"Yeah that'll be alright.
After Eddie departed Nigel opened the other can of drink before peering through the shop window at the clock.
His stomach began rumbling and he thought about places he could go for something to eat.
There was somewhere he hadn't tried for a while where he could probably get a couple of quid. The last time was six months ago when he'd been a little drunk and got abusive, things should be alright now though.
Would there be anyone there tonight?
What day was it? Friday, of course there would.
Pleased with himself he hunched into his jacket and headed out into the rain.
