Chapter 15
"You eating anything?
Jarvey looked hesitant before replying.
"Yeah fuck it, why not, I aint had one of Pete's fry ups in a while and I got time to waste.
Raising an inquisitive eyebrow Dwaine narrowed his eyes,
"Time to waste aye bruv, does that mean you wanna chat, seek the wisdom of da Dwainus?
Shaking his head Jarvey sniggered,
"Na, nothing like that bro, just wanted to catch up and¦
"Spit it out.
"Just wanted to catch up and say goodbye.
Dwaine stared for a moment,
"Goodbye bruv, why where you going?
"Going, that's all you need to know.
"So shit, you wanna come and get all sentimental and crap on me?
The banter hid feelings but an awkward silence followed.
A loud guffaw from Jarvey smashed it,
"Sentimental, sentimental, Jees Dwaine, the fuck you think happened to me, I'm from the life bro, you know that, I don't do that emotion shit.
After a pause he added,
"That's more your line aint it?
"Fuck you.
They both laughed before Dwaine turned to Pete and shouted.
"Make that two P.
Pete looked over putting up a thumb to show he'd heard.
At that moment the presenter began announcing the year.
"Okay that's it for today listeners, time to put you out of your misery, so how many of you got this at home?
He paused as if listening to his invisible audience's reply,
"Difficult one this aye? he continued,
Pete shook his head, his expression serious,
"No not at all.
Breaking the suspense the D.J announced,
"Nineteeeeen eighteeeey¦.thurrrreeeya.
With that another track from the year kicked in.
Looking over Dwaine winked, Pete scowled back.
Returning his attention to his friend he asked,
"So what's the story? You made enough to retire already?
"Sommit like that, I've had enough of the whole thing D, you know, time to move on, aint shit here.
"Well if it's just the life you're bored of, just jack it in, I did.
"It aint that D, besides you think the life would let me walk away unhassled, someone would get brave bro, they'd think I'd gone soft.
"Why? Is that what you think happened to me? Went soft?
"No, no for you it was different.
"Different how?
"I dunno, just different, that's all.
Nothing was said for a few minutes.
"You hear about Kelly? Dwaine offered, changing the subject.
"No, what's that?
"Dead, last night, overdose.
"Shit, Jarvey let out a deep breath, "I only see her yesterday how'd they find her so soon?
Dwaine shrugged,
"Someone must have been there I guess.
Jarvey looked serious,
"It's gonna go right off then.
"You fucking know it.
At that moment Pete clattered the plates onto the table and they began tucking in.
With a look of pleasure on his face Jarvey smiled,
"I'd forgotten how good that Turkish fucker's fry ups were you know.
"Yeah, I used to dream of them when I was away.
They both knew they were filling the silence.
"Have you told your mum?
Jarvey smiled revealing a diamond set gold tooth,
"You're shitting me right? She believes I'm the son of the devil D, knows all about me from the good book as she puts it.
Dwaine shook his head,
"So what about Charlene, she going with you?
At the mention of her name Jarvey became guarded,
"Dunno, aint decided yet.
"What about the kid?
"Well it'll have too come to won't it.
"Bailey won't have that.
Jarvey tutted, an insulted look on his face,
"What's he gonna do?
Dwaine shrugged.
"What keeps you here D? Shit if I was you I'd have left this dump behind a long time ago, what's here for you bro, why not sell the flat and get the fuck out?
"Million dollar question I suppose, I just can't leave.
After a few minutes of silence Jarvey stood up,
"That was it D, I just came to say bye¦and good luck yeah, you take care bro.
Jarvey offered a fist and Dwaine stood up, clenched his own and touched knuckles,
"Safe bro. he murmured, then leant over to hug his childhood friend, "Listen Jarv, I'll always be here, you ever need to chat you know my number.
"Course.
They slapped each other's backs and Jarvey was departing, stopping only to slap a twenty-pound note on the counter telling Pete to keep the change.
As he reached the door he stopped and turned back to Dwaine who was sat back down,
"I mean it bro, you take care yeah.
"You to yeah.
Nodding Jarvey opened the door and started to walk out.
Quickly he stepped back.
"Looks like the shit's hitting the fan.
Dwaine jumped up and approached the door peering through the grease-smeared glass.
A riot van was outside one of the houses and police were pouring through the already open door.
"One of yours aye Jarv?
"Was D, was. Like I said I'm leaving all this shit behind.
Jarvey waited a moment until the police had disappeared inside then exited the café.
Ducking his head and pulling his chin into his coat he called over his shoulder,
"You take care.
"You too bro, you too.
