Chapter 65
As Dwaine approached the derelict building he saw a car approaching. Not recognising it Dwaine continued walking. When the driver flashed his lights Dwaine slowed down and looked. Seeing his old friend behind the wheel he headed over.
"Wassup? he asked leaning down.
"Listen D, I can't stop, I dunno if your interested but I've got a stash I've been unable to move. It aint no good to me and I wondered if you wanted it, I dunno, you could off load it cheap or something, I don't want nothing for it.
Dwaine mulled it over.
Jarvey continued,
"There's about fifteen grands worth, it aint been stamped on yet.
"Uncut yeah. Dwaine debated with himself before shaking his head, "I can't get involved in all that again Jarv, cheers for the thought though.
"You sure?
"Yeah bro, I'm sure.
They didn't say anything until Dwaine interrupted the silence,
"You're going then?
Jarvey nodded.
"When?
"Now.
"Charlene not going?
Jarvey looked thoughtful for a minute,
"She'll probably catch me up later or something, right now this is all I need, he patted the holdall next to him.
"What about the lad released earlier?
"Fuck it, even if he said something it don't matter to me anyway, I'm outa here.
Dwaine changed the subject,
"Ruby's little brother got nicked earlier.
"Ruby's little brother?
"Yeah Ruby's little brother, Ty.
Jarvey looked taken aback,
"Shit, I forgot he had a little brother, I remember Ty now. What's he been nicked for?
Dwaine grimaced,
"Muggings.
Jarvey shook his head,
"Muggings, shit how old is he now?
"I dunno, fifteen, sixteen.
Jarvey looked shocked,
"No¦.is he? then looking reflective he nodded, "course he is, shit, it all seems like yesterday don't it D?
Dwaine nodded.
Jarvey noticed Dwaine's hand,
"What's up with your hand bro, it wasn't like that earlier.
Dwaine dismissed it with a laugh,
"Little bit of a scrape earlier, you know how it goes.
"Who with?
Dwaine shrugged,
"Lawrie Stevens.
Jarvey looked surprised,
"Lawrie? What about.
Looking uncomfortable Dwaine smiled,
"Dunno, looked at me funny.
They both laughed.
Looking behind Dwaine Jarvey nodded with his head,
"Who's that?
Pleased at the change of conversation Dwaine looked over. Gazza was walking towards them.
"One of Ty's crew. Probably come to tell me he was nicked.
Jarvey eyed the youth,
"Big lad.
"Yeah, good boxer, they reckon he'll go all the way.
"If the street don't get him first.
Dwaine nodded in agreement turning to greet the young boxer.
Gazza looked nervous as he drew up alongside the car. Then in one swift motion he pulled his hand from the pocket on the front of his hoodie revealing an old revolver. It was too quick for Dwaine or Jarvey to do anything as Gazza pushed the gun in the dealer's eye socket and pulled the trigger.
Dwaine stood rooted to the spot watching the youth run back in the direction he'd come from as the sound of the gun-blast ricocheted from the towering houses.
Looking at Jarvey he heard the faint sound of breathing, then it stopped,
"Jarvey!
After staring at his dead companion for a minute Dwaine dropped him and reached into the car. Grabbing the holdall he rushed across the road flinging it over the wall of the derelict house, it would only disappear somewhere else along the line. Then walking back to the still form he pulled out his phone and dialled 999. After relaying the information he sat on the curb, head in his hands.
Minutes later police cars began pulling up.
The same officer he'd seen last night approached him,
"Is that who I think it is?
Dwaine nodded his head.
"What happened?
"I dunno, some kid came up and just shot him.
"Did you get a good look at him?
Dwaine shook his head,
"No, it all happened too fast, he wasn't from round here anyway I'd have recognised him otherwise.
"Can you come down and make a statement?
"I dunno, maybe tomorrow.
"We'd rather you came now sir.
Dwaine scowled,
"Listen my oldest friend's just been shot dead in front of me, I'm a little traumatised.
Nodding the policeman took a step back,
"Sure, sure. I'm sorry.
Dwaine stood watching as Jarvey was zipped into a body bag and placed in the back of the coroner's vehicle.
Heading down the road Dwaine turned into an alleyway leading to the back of the houses. Slipping to the back of the derelict house he clambered over the wall. At the front of the house he saw the bulky shape of the holdall and headed towards it. Listening he could hear the forensic officers talking amongst themselves.
"So do you think the shootings were connected?
"No, this is definitely drugs, a bodge job, the other was a proper hit.
"Suppose. It's gonna be a long old night though.
"You're right there.
Shaking his head Dwaine lifted the holdall and headed to the back of the property.
