CHAPTER TWELVE

DECEMBER 2013

The small car parked outside the small row of terrace houses just outside Skipton. Lisa killed the engine and turned to Dave in the passenger seat, "I really can't believe you are out"

Dave was smiling at her, still feeling a little strange being back in civvy clothes again, "Nor can I...I used to live for your visits at the prison"

They both climbed out the car and ran down the path to the front door. Lisa couldn't get the key in the door quick enough, before they bolted inside and snogging each others faces off.

Dave came up for air as they went into the lounge, he took her into his arms, "Jesus I've missed you!"

"This is all very touching, but some of us our in a bit of a hurry here"

Both Lisa and Dave swung around as the lamp came on, and Brendan was sitting in the chair munching on a jam sandwich.

Dave was gobsmacked, "Brady? What the fuck are you doing in here!"

Brendan stood and finished his sandwich, "I was...let out on special licence"

This was news to Dave, it had been a good few weeks since Brendan was shipped off to hospital after the stabbing inside.

"Was you?"

Brendan looked at him like he really should have known he was just kidding, "No! What do you think I've done?"

The penny dropped for Dave, "You've escaped? I knew you were thinking about it"

Lisa was staring from one face to the other then pointed at Brendan, "Hey...is THIS the Brady your cell mate Brady?"

Brendan pulled a face at her, "Yes, keep up"

She was shaking her head at him and was grabbing for Dave's arm, "You can't be here...DAVE!"

Dave agreed, "She's right Brendan, there are conditions for my release, the coppers will come knocking"

Brendan knew all that and was in a hurry as he spoke, "I know that, I am not asking for a bed from yous, I just need a change of clothes and some money"

Dave could see that hope Brendan had in his eyes for him, he sighed trying not to give Lisa eye contact, "I haven't got much money...but I can give you a change of clothes"

Brendan nodded. It was better than nothing. He then looked at Lisa and tried to make light of the situation, "So...Lisa...David here tells me you are a hairdresser"

Lisa, completely thrown off course from wanting Brendan kicked straight out, shook her head on a daze, "What? Yes..."

Brendan was already making himself comfortable in a chair and pointed to his beard growth and hair, "then get your clippers out, I want this all off and give me a number one all over"

Lisa didn't know why, but she found herself getting the clippers out of the kitchen drawer. this Brendan had a persuasive aura about him.

Dave watched as Lisa approached Brendan and started to make a start on his hair, she looked briefly up at Dave, "Well go on, get those change of clothes for him, as soon as this is done he's out the door"

In no time Brendan was looking at himself in the bathroom mirror. He hardly recognised himself with his new crew cut and clean shaven face. he looked down to his stab wound, it looked like it was seeping by the stain on the dressing. He quickly pulled on the jeans and jumper and then came out the bathroom.

Lisa was at the window keeping look out. Dave came forward, and held out his hand, "All I can give you is 50 quid mate"

Brendan looked at him and was about to take it when he suddenly changed his mind, he shook his head at him, "No...you keep it...you've only just got out and need all the money you can get, I'll be alright"

Lisa was getting jittery, "look just GO...if the police catch you here then they'll implicate us!"

Dave shook his head, "She's right Brady...you've hit the local news...I don't think you'll get far now"

Brendan sniffed and took the bag of food left out for him, "Best go then..."

Dave followed him out the door, "Maybe you can call your sister? Or this Steven you go on about"

Brendan swung around. His reply in adamant tone, "No...I'm not having them risk everything for me...I'll be all right on my own, have a good life David...you'll a good man"

Lisa was wide eyed, "Oh right, don't implicate your family, never mind about me and Dave..."

Dave shushed her, and with that Brendan disappeared into the freezing fog.

Lisa shivered in the cold, "Where is he gonna go? The police will catch him for sure"

Dave shrugged, "Who knows...I'm sure we'll find out sooner or later"

Brendan headed to Liverpool. Whilst driving, he was conscious of police cars and cameras, but at the same time hoped that they hadn't yet realised what car he had stolen. He flinched, his stab wound was hurting him.

He reached Liverpool and dumped the car in a layby and headed into the centre by foot. He had lived around worked in a club around here for a few years on and off so he knew the place quite well. In fact, it was this very nightclub he was heading for he had worked in. All those memories from 5 or so years ago coming to the forefront of his mind. The likes of Danny Houston and that tart Vinny. Then there was Gregory James. He was running the place now. In-fact he took Vinny off him after seducing him in a car. But that was all in the past. Before Steven.

There it was, The seedy looking club was just across the street. He shivered in the frigid air. He crossed the street and saw the back ally where the over flowing bins were located. He approached the door and rattled the chains.