Chapter Twenty Four
Brendan rolled over onto his side, connecting with Steven's bare back. His lips grazed his shoulder, gently coaxing the younger man from sleep.
"Hey." He murmured softly, wrapping his arms around Steven as he turned to face him. "Morning, roomie."
"Morning." Steven grinned brightly, brushing the top of his head underneath Brendan's chin. "Sleep okay?"
"Yeah, not bad." Brendan replied. "How about ye?"
"Great." Steven hummed in satisfaction. "Shall I make us some breakfast?"
Brendan groaned, licking his lips unconsciously. "What did I do to deserve ye, hm?"
Steven shrugged, sliding himself out of the bed and stretching himself out. Brendan watched him intently as his t-shirt rose, exposing the small wisps of hair on his stomach.
"Do you think dad will want anything?"
Brendan rolled onto his other side, away from him. He slipped on his slippers and robe, not rising with the same amount of grace Steven had.
"Brendan?" Steven questioned when he didn't answer.
"Ye best ask him." Brendan said eventually, combing his fingers through his hair in the mirror.
"Good idea."
Steven was about to bound off until Brendan caught his wrist gently, pulling him back. "Don't I get a good morning kiss?" He smiled ruefully.
"I've got morning breath!"
"I don't care." Brendan said, pulling him in closer by the waist and kissing him softly on the mouth, tongue swiping across his bottom lip. "Ye always taste right to me."
"I'm not giving you a morning blow job, if that's what you're after." Steven said, raising his eyebrows.
Brendan clapped his hand to his chest, mock hurt. "I'm offended, Steven."
"Yeah, sure." Steven slipped out of his grasp, heading for the door.
"Wait." Brendan said, taking their shared robe off and wrapping it around Steven's shoulders. "Ye looked cold." Brendan muttered when Steven gave him a quizzical look.
Samuel was already in the kitchen reading the morning paper. He glanced up, coffee in hand, as they entered the room.
"I was gonna make us some breakfast, want any?" Steven offered, already locating a pan from the cupboard.
"If it's not too much trouble." Samuel said mildly, putting his paper down once Brendan sat across from him. "I trust you slept well?"
"Like a baby." Brendan replied, taking the paper and opening it himself. "Hope we didn't keep ye up, Samuel."
"Of course not." Samuel said with a smile. "I slept perfectly well, thank you."
Brendan nodded, eyes scanning the paper for any important news. Even though he was out of the game now, it didn't hurt to be knowledgeable.
"Huh." He said as a particular article caught his eye.
"What is it?" Steven asked, laying three plates out on the table.
Brendan considered lying but then decided it wouldn't be wise to. "Walker's in here."
The silence was palpable. Samuel glanced between the two of them, confused. Steven froze mid-way between laying his knife on the table.
"Why?"
"Nothing major. Just that they're re-directing that train route; they're saying too many accidents occur there considering how secluded and unmanned it is. He's not mentioned by name."
Steven stared at him warily. "Do you think Mitzeee's seen it?"
"I hope not, she doesn't need that dredged up again." Brendan said, rolling up the paper carefully and placing it back on the table.
"Sorry to interrupt," Samuel cut in, not sounding sorry in the slightest. "But who is 'Walker'?" He said the name strangely, unpronounced and common. Brendan hid his smile behind his hand.
"He's just a bloke we used to know." Steven said unhelpfully. "He accidentally got splattered by a train." His eyes sparkled wistfully as he said it.
"Accidentally?" Samuel asked, frowning.
"Took his life, tragic really." Brendan said lightly, standing up to help Steven bring more coffee to the table.
"What was wrong with him?" Samuel pressed.
"He had some issues." Brendan shrugged.
"And how does Mitzeee know him?"
"He killed her boyfriend, Phoenix's dad." Steven said, quieter now. Previous to that revelation he'd almost seemed to be enjoying himself, sharing a secret with Brendan. Brendan was sad to see that joy fade.
"I'll talk to her later, see if she saw anything." Brendan told him, taking his wrist lightly and stroking along his pulse. Samuel followed his movements, mouth a thin, firm line.
"You'll be back to work today I assume?" He asked, re-collecting himself.
"Oh, yeah! Course." Steven said, returning to making the breakfast. "What time do you want us?"
"I only need you today." Samuel said lightly. "Until the late shift of course, if you don't mind, Brendan?"
"Ye want me to do the late shift?"
Samuel nodded. "Not a problem, is it?"
"Not at all." Brendan said reasonably.
"I have some… guests coming down specially. Thought you could help me entertain them."
"What kind of guests?" Brendan asked, not liking Samuel's tone.
"Oh, just some old associates of mine." Samuel said mildly. "It might be a late one though."
Brendan looked from Samuel to Steven, noting the down turned pout of Steven's mouth.
"Keep the bed warm for me?"
Steven nodded, saying nothing. He'd sulk for a while, that much was certain.
"I have a few things to sort out in town anyway." Brendan said. "I'll ask Anne along, if she's free."
Steven brightened a little at that. "Phoenix needed new shoes, I was gonna help her out."
"I can do that." Brendan offered. "Ye just take it easy, yeah? Yer back is still…" he trailed off at the look on Samuel's face, guarded and suspicious.
"I will." Steven said quickly, placing their breakfast down in front of them. "I'll go shower after this."
"Take your time, son." Samuel said, biting into a sausage a little too aggressively.
Brendan sat on the edge of their bed while Steven was in the shower. He looked through his wallet, noting that he was running low on cash. He needed to sort his accounts out anyway; he still had that money from the Chez Chez sale. He called Mitzeee, relieved to hear she had the day off as well. She sounded odd on the phone and Brendan was under no doubt that she'd seen the newspaper article. They hadn't spoken much of Walker's demise and Brendan was beginning to wonder if it was wise to fill her in. Better to be knowledgeable, he always thought, than to be taken by surprise.
Steven and Samuel left shortly after Steven's shower. His hair was still damp and sticking to the back of his neck. He crawled into Brendan's lap before they left, giving him a long, deep kiss.
"I'll call you on my break, okay?"
"Okay." Brendan said, listening as he went through the front door, shutting with a strange sense of finality.
Brendan showered and dressed quickly, fetching his car and meeting Mitzeee in the village.
He wound down his window as he approached her, Phoenix attached to her hand.
"Want any help?" He asked as she opened the passenger door to help Phoenix inside.
"I got it." She said, buckling him in tightly before slipping into the front seat herself. "Thanks for this, Bren."
Brendan shrugged. "No bother."
They drove along in silence for a while, Phoenix kicking his feet absently against the seat. He stared out the window, reading any signs he saw and understood. Mitzeee turned around often to beam at him.
"Good kid ye got there." Brendan said after a while.
Mitzeee turned back to him. "I know. I heard all about Cheryl's new arrival by the way. Thanks for the text." She nudged him playfully.
"Did she say what she called him?" Brendan asked with an unusual amount of trepidation.
"Brendan? Oh yes. She seemed pretty pleased with herself."
"Why did they call the baby Brendan?" Phoenix asked in confusion.
Brendan looked in his rear view mirror. "After me." Brendan told him.
Phoenix frowned. "But there's only one Brendan."
Brendan laughed. "Well, now there's two."
"How was the trip anyway?" Mitzeee asked quietly.
"Ah, eventful." Brendan answered. "I'll fill ye in later."
Mitzeee nodded, staring straight out at the road again. "I saw the paper."
"I was hoping ye wouldn't."
"I did though."
Brendan sighed heavily. "We'll talk about that too."
"Please." Mitzeee answered simply, dropping the subject for the time being.
When they got into town Brendan parked up, lifting Phoenix easily out of the car and helping Mitzeee attach his straps.
"Why do ye use these?" Brendan asked, buckling him up.
"In case I lose sight of him, it is a big place."
"Seems wrong though." Brendan said, frowning down at the little boy with his restraints.
"He loves it. He pretends to be a puppy."
"Course he does." Brendan ruffled Phoenix's hair, who simply barked at him.
They went to the bank first, sorting out Brendan's finances. He still had money that had been frozen since his time in prison. His debit card was thankfully still in date and he renewed his credit card contract.
"You planning on making big expenses?" Mitzeee asked, lips quirking at the corners.
"None of yer business." Brendan replied, not unkindly.
They went to buy some new shoes for Phoenix afterwards, Brendan insisting on treating him.
"Brendan, you can't." Mitzeee said, exasperated.
"Let me do this." Brendan told her firmly. "It's nothing, really."
Mitzeee sighed, reluctantly taking the money from him. "It's gonna be a nightmare when he eventually starts school. New shoes every year, uniform… he grows so fast."
"Samuel not paying ye enough?"
Mitzeee snorted. "Enough to get by. That money I got for that article a few weeks ago barely lasted me. I need more work."
Brendan frowned. "Was it not better to stay in America with Carl?"
Mitzeee sighed. "It wasn't for me. I didn't want Phoenix growing up there, no offence to the place."
"Never really been my cup of tea either." Brendan said reasonably.
"It's not just that. He'd have been spoiled rotten there. Carl was brilliant but I had to make my own way in the world, you know?"
"I get that." Brendan nodded.
"Maybe we'll go back one day though, when Phoenix is older."
"Sure. I've always wondered if I'll stay around here myself."
"Yeah?" Mitzeee looked up at him. "You fancy going back to Ireland then?"
"It was certainly more peaceful there, after the initial discomfort." Brendan coughed, scratching his neck absently.
"Ste enjoyed himself?" Mitzeee asked.
"Loved it. Cheryl's place is a palace. Not that he cared much about that."
"It must have been nice, just being the two of you." Mitzeee said pointedly.
"Alright, out with it, Anne."
"What?"
"I know ye have something to say so spit it out."
Mitzeee sighed, smiling a little. "It's a bit weird, isn't it? Living with Sam?"
"It's not ideal." Brendan admitted.
"Then why not kick him out? It should just be you and Ste now."
"It's not that simple, Anne. Steven wants him there."
"Ah." Mitzeee looked away, troubled. "I still don't trust him."
"Why do ye say that?" Brendan asked curiously, directing the three of them outside a café for lunch.
"He was just weird when you were gone. Short with everyone, jumping every time his phone rang."
"Maybe he just missed him." Brendan said, knowing the feeling intimately.
"Maybe." Mitzeee frowned. "Are you working tonight by the way? Sam asked me to, said I'd be a real asset with his business associates coming in."
Brendan's expression darkened. "I don't like the sound of that."
"Oh, Bren I'm sure that isn't what he meant."
"I wouldn't put it past him."
"I'm not that girl anymore." Mitzeee said firmly, wiping Phoenix's mouth with a tissue. "Want some juice, sweetie?" She asked him. Phoenix nodded happily.
They called the waitress over, making their order. Brendan leaned forwards, lowering his voice.
"Should I be worried, Anne? About these guys he wants us to entertain?"
"He's not into anything dodgy, if that's what you mean. Not like you." Mitzeee smiled apologetically.
"That's not me anymore either." Brendan said quietly. "Which brings us onto our next topic of conversation…"
Their food and drink order was brought over. Once Mitzeee had helped Phoenix begin his meal, she leaned back towards Brendan, listening intently.
"How much do ye know about that day with Walker?"
"Only what Ste's told me. That he threatened the kids so you sorted it."
"Sorted it…" Brendan trailed off thoughtfully. "Ye know what that means?"
"Yes."
"And the paper filled in the blanks?"
"For the most part, yes." Mitzeee glanced back at Phoenix but he was happily munching on his sandwich, oblivious. "What was it like?"
"Horrible." Brendan said, unable to find an appropriate means of describing it. "He wasn't expecting it, I saw it in his face. It happened so quickly."
"I wish I'd been there." Mitzeee said eagerly, then caught herself. "I mean, he did so much damage. I'm glad that in the end you were the one to finish it."
"Had to be done." Brendan said, matter-of-fact. "Still dream about it sometimes. His face, his eyes… dark with hatred." He laughed shortly. "He got a bit of hair caught in his mouth just before the train hit him. Fascinating really." Brendan stared off into the distance, both amused and horrified.
Mitzeee placed her hand on his arm. "I'm sorry."
Brendan shook his head. "I've seen worse, believe me."
"How was it, being back home?"
"Not easy." Brendan admitted, describing to her the business with Seamus' will.
"He left Ste money?" Mitzeee exclaimed incredulously. "The old git."
"Tell me about it."
"Ste did the right thing." Mitzeee said, nodding. "It's not the kind of money you want dealings with."
"I've got plenty anyway." Brendan said. "It was the principal of the thing, ye know?"
Mitzeee nodded solemnly. "They offered me compensation, for Riley. I had to take it though, it's our back up fund."
"If ye ever need any help, ye know that we will."
"I know." Mitzeee smiled, taking his hand. "It means so much, having you back."
"Likewise." Brendan said, giving her hand a squeeze.
"We should probably head back soon."
"Mm." Brendan said absently. "There was one other thing I wanted to look into first."
"Yeah?"
"It won't take long."
Xxx
"Dad?" Ste peered over the bar.
"Yes?" Sam straightened, wiping his hands on a tea towel.
"What are you doing?"
"There was a leak." Sam explained, wiping his forehead.
"Brendan can fix that you know."
"I'm perfectly capable, Steven."
"Oh, right." Ste propelled himself away from the bar, busying himself with dusting the tables in preparation for tonight.
"Sorry, I didn't mean anything by it." Sam said, coming up behind him.
"It's fine. I just think you two have more in common than you think." Ste said, spraying some polish and holding his nose.
"What are you doing?" Sam asked with a grin.
"It reeks." Ste said, wrinkling his nose.
"Allow me then." Sam offered, taking the cloth and polish out of his hands.
Ste perched on one of the sofas, fiddling with his fingernails. "Who are these blokes coming tonight then?"
Sam looked up, mid-polish. "No one you need to worry about."
"Yeah but maybe I can help."
"No." Sam said shortly.
Ste frowned at that. "Why not? You're letting Brendan help."
"I gave Brendan a shift, that's all."
"Yeah but why that one sp-sp." Ste stopped himself, frowning again.
"Specifically?"
"Yeah, that."
"I just know he can handle himself."
"Why would he need to?"
Sam laughed. "What's with all the questions, Steven? You don't think it's a good thing for Brendan to get back into the swing of things?"
"Course it is. Are there gonna be any young blokes?"
Sam stared at him. "Not really."
"That's alright then." Ste said, swinging his legs off the sofa.
"Do you not trust him?" Sam said to his retreating back. Ste froze in place.
"Course I do." He said shortly.
"That's good, trust is important in any relationship."
"I know." Ste said, turning around. "And we have it."
"I'm glad." Sam smiled. "We'll be opening up in a few hours, would you mind giving the bar a quick once over?"
"Course." Ste said absently.
Brendan and Mitzeee came up the steps once Ste had finished tidying up. Brendan swept straight up to him, kissing him and catching him around the waist.
"Ye okay?"
"Better now." Ste smiled. Mitzeee stared at them, looking very pleased with herself.
"What's up with your face?" He asked.
"Charming!" Mitzeee laughed.
"Ste!" Phoenix piped up, opening his arms for Ste to pick him up. "You were gone."
"I know, little man."
"I didn't like you being gone."
"Aw, well I'm back now. Did you get your new shoes?"
Phoenix swung his feet happily. "Brendan got them for me."
"That was kind of him." Ste said, relaxing as he smiled at Brendan. "Did you have a nice day?"
"Yeah, lovely." Mitzeee said, taking Phoenix from Ste's arms and kissing him on the cheek. "I don't suppose you fancy babysitting tonight, Ste? Sam wants me in work."
"He does?" Ste asked, troubled once more.
"What is it?" Brendan touched his forearm gently.
"Nothing. Just you're both working and I'm not."
"Well, you're working now." Mitzeee pointed out. "So… babysitting? Yes?"
"Yes." Ste agreed, snapping back to reality. Brendan brushed the small of his back.
"How's the back?" He asked, leaning in close.
"Still a bit sore." Ste admitted, acknowledging Sam walking towards them from the office.
"Hello." He said pleasantly. "Still okay for tonight, Mitzeee?"
"Yep!" She said brightly. "I'll wear my best dress." She added with a glance at Brendan.
"Your lovely presence is all we need." Sam said smoothly.
He turned away back towards his office, Brendan's eyes trailing after him.
"You'll text me, yeah?" Ste asked, feeling anxious for some reason. Brendan looked back at him in some surprise.
"As long as the boss doesn't catch me."
"What, like you used to do with me when I texted Rae?" Ste said, amused.
"Maybe." Brendan's eyes sparkled.
"Get a room." Mitzeee rolled her eyes, exasperated. "Let's leave him to it, Bren. I still need to get ready and you can watch Phoenix while I do."
"That's me told." Brendan mumbled, giving Ste another lingering kiss before departing.
The rest of Ste's shift passed by uneventfully. He noticed that Sam closed off an area of the club as VIP. He asked for Ste to prepare some drinks on trays ready for opening time.
"They're coming a bit early, aren't they?"
"Better to be ready, son." Sam told him. "You can get off if you like. What are you up to tonight?"
"Babysitting Phoenix." Ste said, shouldering his hoodie back on.
"You sleeping at Mitzeee's then?"
"Oh, I don't know." Ste said. "I best check. If you think these blokes are gonna be early though…"
"I really don't know, son. You know what these official types are like."
"Official? What are they exactly?"
Sam laughed. "You're acting like they're from another planet!"
"Maybe they are." Ste shrugged. "Just call me if you need anything, okay?"
"Okay." Sam patted him on the shoulder. "See you later."
It was still faintly light outside when Ste exited the club. People were already beginning to queue up. He went up to Mitzeee's, greeted by Brendan at the door.
"She's just doing her make up." He told him, offering him a drink when he sat down.
"Thanks." He said, taking the can. "You okay? Did you have a good chat?"
"Yeah." Brendan said, sitting beside him and pulling him in close to his side.
"It must feel good, having someone else to talk to." Ste sipped his drink.
"What do ye mean? Besides ye?"
"Well, yeah. You can't just talk to me, can you?"
"It wouldn't bother me."
"Maybe not." Ste said heavily, leaning forwards. Brendan's hand was at his neck, stroking and soothing.
"Ye seem stressed."
"No, I'm fine." Ste said, biting his lower lip. "You will remember to text me tonight, won't you?"
"Of course I will. What are ye so worried about, hm?"
"Nothing really." Ste said vaguely. "First proper night apart, init?"
"Yeah." Brendan said softly. "Ye will be alright on yer own here, won't ye?"
"I've got Phoenix."
"Ye know what I mean."
"No one to worry about anymore, remember?"
"Right." Brendan agreed, kissing the top of his head for a long moment. "Ready, Anne?"
"Coming!" She tottered out of her room in high heels, bright pink dress and shoes, clutch handbag to match. "I've left you some pizza in the freezer if you get hungry." She told him. "I've just got him off to sleep, he should be fine. If you need anything, call me. Or come to the club."
"We'll be fine." Ste said, ushering them out of the door. "You two have a good night."
"We'll try." Mitzeee said, kissing him and getting lipstick on his face. "We'll come back for you if you're awake, okay? I've set the spare room up."
"Thanks." Ste said, waving them out the door. "See you."
"Steven." Brendan said, pausing.
"I'll be fine, go." Ste gave him his best encouraging smile which seemed to satisfy him. Next moment they were out of sight and the door clicked shut. Ste sighed, going to the freezer to get the pizza out.
Xxx
The club was in full swing, music blaring, punters chatting animatedly together. Brendan was rushed off his feet. He spied Mitzeee in the distance, chatting to customers. Samuel's eyes were on her constantly, unnerving Brendan. Their special guests arrived much later, around eleven o'clock. Sam greeted them at the door, offering them drinks and directing them to the VIP area. Brendan didn't know what kind of business they were in. Brewery? Clubs? Maybe property development? Perhaps Sam was keen to expand; the thought had certainly crossed Brendan's mind when he owned the place.
He gathered very few clues in his interactions with them. There was one man in a dark suit, older than himself, who seemed to be in charge. His eyes also settled on Mitzeee. Brendan often found himself shielding her from view, much to her amusement.
"I can handle myself, Bren."
"Do ye want me to pretend to be yer boyfriend?" Brendan asked tightly.
"Ah, that ship has sailed, my friend. HMS Britzeee. Good times." She laughed.
Brendan rolled his eyes. "Point taken. Who are they anyway?"
"No idea. But Sam seems to think they're important."
"He would."
"Oh, Bren play nice."
"Steven isn't here, why should I?"
"Because you'd be playing straight into his hands and you know it. Speaking of Ste, have you called him?"
"Shit." Brendan reached into his back pocket. Steven had sent him a message about an hour ago.
Miss u xx
"You look so happy." Mitzeee said wistfully. "He doesn't even have to be here for it."
"Shut up." Brendan said, pressing the call button. It went straight to voicemail. "He must have gone to sleep." He said, a little uneasy.
"Call the home phone if you're worried." Mitzeee offered, slipping away to serve someone.
Brendan was about to until Samuel called him over to the VIP area.
"Ah, Brendan! Just the man. Could you stay and entertain our guests a moment while I make a few phone calls?"
"Sure." Brendan sat down opposite the man in the dark suit, perfectly poised.
"Brendan Brady is it?" He asked, leaning forwards slightly and taking a long draught of his drink.
"The one and only." Brendan said coolly, not correcting himself when he realised how untrue that now was.
"I've heard a great deal about you." He said. "Name's Smith."
"Smith who? John?" Brendan said dryly.
Smith laughed deeply. "I like you, you're funny."
"So they tell me." Brendan said lightly. "Anything I can help ye with?"
"Now, that depends…" Smith said, leaning closer and lowering his voice. "If you're interested in our… product."
"And what might that be?"
Smith raised his eyebrows. "I think you know. As I said, I've heard all about you."
Brendan baulked, catching on. "I'm not in the game anymore."
"Is that so?" Smith raised his eyebrows.
"Promised someone I'd stop." Brendan said stiffly. "Besides, only ends in tears."
"You think? I personally find it ends in a great deal of cash."
"Got plenty, thanks." Brendan said, glancing around the dance floor for any sign of Samuel. Did he know these men were drug dealers?
"Not the kind we're talking about." Smith said pleasantly. "Thousands, if you play your cards right."
"My cards are, as ever, very close to my chest." Brendan said, rising from his seat. "Sorry to have wasted yer time but that's my final word."
"Fair enough." Smith said, nodding to his men to stand with him. "It was nice meeting you, all the same."
Brendan shook his hand, saying nothing.
Samuel returned a few moments later, staring after them.
"Scared our guests off?"
Brendan turned to him, taking in his neutral expression. "Did ye know?"
"Know what, Brendan?"
"Their line of business."
Samuel shrugged. "They're just customers, none of my business."
"Still." Brendan frowned. "Shouldn't be bringing people like that into the club."
"Thanks for the tip." Samuel said darkly, beginning to move away. Brendan grabbed his arm.
"What are ye playing at?" He asked, voice low and dangerous.
"I have no idea what you mean." Samuel said, shaking himself from his grip. "You're tired. Go home, Brendan. You're done for the night."
Brendan watched him walk away in disbelief. He was about to follow until Mitzeee put herself in front of him.
"Leave it, Bren. Go home to Ste."
"That man…" Brendan said, making a violent gesture in mid-air.
"I know. Ignore him. I'll go get our coats."
When Mitzeee let them into the flat, Steven was curled up on the sofa, fast asleep. Mitzeee smiled, kissing him goodnight and slipping quietly into Phoenix's bedroom to check on him.
Brendan sat on the sofa, resting his hand on Steven's hip.
Steven shifted a little, slowly drawn back to consciousness. "Did I fall asleep?"
"Yeah." Brendan said softly. "I did call."
"My phone died." Steven said, yawning. "What time is it?"
"Gone one." Brendan said. "Wanna go to bed?"
"Sure." Steven sat up, leaning heavily against Brendan. "Did you have a good night?"
"Not too bad." Brendan said. He put his arm around Steven's waist as they went to the spare bedroom.
Steven collapsed onto the bed, eyes closing immediately. "Sorry. Blow job tomorrow, maybe?"
Brendan chuckled, taking the covers off and placing them back over the two of them. "I'll hold ye to that."
"Thought so." Steven smiled a little in his sleep. "Love you, night."
"Ye too." Brendan said, smoothing his hand through his hair and listening to Steven's soft breaths as he drifted off to sleep once more.