Chapter 33 - Friends and Enemies
I nearly skipped with glee on the way home, except for the fact that my heart would give out if I did. I was finally done with rehab and I only had to attend therapy twice a month now. Hopefully that was only until the end of the year. Jim left me a note telling me he'd be late, but that he'd meet me at Angelo's when he was finished. I was ecstatically happy. I decided I wanted to celebrate properly and called Angie.
"I have good news, want to join me in a celebratory lunch?!" I asked excitedly.
"Sure! What's the good news?" Replied Angie happily.
"I have successfully finished rehab!" I squealed!
"That's great! I told you it would go by fast." Laughed Angie.
"You did! So Angelo's in ten minutes. Bring Russ, Jim will be joining us later, I hope that's alright?!"
"Uh-huh, sure. That's fine, Percy."
"You two certainly do have interesting lives, don't you? Rehab. Guns lying around." I heard Russ's voice chip in.
"It wasn't lying around, you snoop." Pointed out Angie.
"I swear I was just looking for a pen." Argued Russ playfully.
"We lead very strange lives and I have a tendency to do stupid things. It's all sorted though. Snooping Russ, careful you'll get into trouble." I replied with a giggle.
"Eh, nothing new. Great, I love lunch. And I finally get to meet this mysterious banker." Teased Russ. I smiled at his words.
"Alright guys. See you in a few." Said Angie.
I walked over to Angelo's with a spring in my step and smiling all the way. The world seemed a better place now. As I walked into the little restaurant Angelo, who hugged me and kissed my cheek, greeted me warmly and showed me to the window table I'd reserved. I was only sat for a few minutes when I saw Angie and Russ, Angie caught my eye and waved through the window.
"Hey guys! I got us a table." I greeted with a smile.
"Jim will be a bit late; he's coming from work. He told us to start without him." I said as they both sat down.
"I expected something fancier." Smirked Russ.
"Shut up, it's not like you're paying. Besides, the food here is amazing." Reprimanded Angie. Although she smiled as she spoke.
"It is very good. Fancy is boring, this is much more fun." I agreed. I preferred low key.
"Great, I'm not picky. Oh, I started reading what you guys have so far for the book. Great stuff. Did you really fight off three kids twice your size?
"Of course! I have no self-preservation instinct. That's what Angie's for?! So Russ, how much trouble have you been causing?!
"Hehe, the guardian angel of the family. And I'll have you know that I've been causing plenty of trouble. "
"Seriously, don't call me that. And I'm surprised you haven't blown the place up yet." Griped Angie.
"Hey, if that does happen, it's not my fault you have volatile chemicals in your kitchen.
"Those are not mine." Angie said raising her hands.
"Sounds like fun. My usual partner is crime is getting a bit old, maybe I need a new friend to make mischief with?!" I smile mischievously.
"You'd better not be talking about me, cause I am not getting old!"
"I might be, I might not. I'm not going to be 31 next year!" I teased.
"Percy, how could you?! 31 is not old!" Exclaimed Angie, which made me laugh more.
"It is quite old. Oh I'm only teasing Ang; you're stuck with me for the rest of time." I replied, giving her a one armed hug.
Our food arrived on huge plates; it was tapas style so everyone could try a bit of everything, and also I meant Jim could eat when he arrived later.
"Still, you're too old mentally. You're too...mature. Yuck." Laughed Russ.
"Hey, you're welcome for getting you out of trouble all those times." Pouted Angie.
"Haha. I like this a fresh young mind, welcome to the gang Russ!" I cheered.
"Hey, I'm not the one who painted her sister's floor red." Accused Russ.
"That was not my fault! You spilled the paint!" Rebuked Angie.
"I helped with that!" I admitted with a grin.
"Wait, you did that to Harry's room in London AND Brecon?!" Asked Russ shocked.
"Maybe." Replied Angie looking slightly sheepish, but pleased with out past escapades.
"Hehe!" I laughed.
"Oh, Percy, remember that one time we switched Harry's vodka with baby oil?" Asked Angie ginning.
"Oh yeah, except when she threw up everywhere we had to clean it up. It was worth it though." I laughed at the memory; it was disgusting, but very funny.
"Yeah, she was so mad!" Agreed Angie.
"Angie, I had no idea you were that awesome! Way to fight back against alcoholism!" Congratulated Russ.
"Thank you! Although I think that one was Percy's idea." Answered Angie meekly.
"It was more fighting Harry's bullying." I said, it had been my idea but only because she'd cut off one of my pigtails. I had to cut my hair short, I was not happy.
"Still awesome. She always made fun of my hair." Said Russ.
"Well, that was your own fault for dressing up like a leprechaun for Halloween." Jibed Angie.
"Why, I like your hair, its a rare genetic quirk, be proud of it!" I said.
"True, but leprechauns are awesome! But I'm too tall to be one. And yes, I'm very proud of my hair!" Russ laughed.
"Enough of the Harpy. You like the book then?" I didn't want to think about Harry anymore, not after recent events.
"Yes, it's amazing what I've read so far. Is it all based off your guys' real life, or is some of it made up?" Asked Russ taking a sip of his drink.
"Oh, it's all real, 100% true to life. The only reason we're going to publish it as fiction is because certain things later on are considered 'confidential'. I don't want the CIA suing us. Or other certain people getting upset." Replied Angie soberly, glancing in my direction.
"Yeah, there are some people that would be...irritated if they knew we were doing this." I agreed. Jim would go ballistic if he knew.
"Ah. Understand. But I definitely smell a best seller. I'll bet they'll even make a movie out of it. Natalie Portman will play you, Angie, and...Lily Collins as Percy." Russ added, with a smile.
"Haha, a movie really? I'm not sure that would go down well." No a book was enough; a movie would open a whole can of worms. "Good choices for the leads though Russ, you have great taste!"
"Although, should I be creeped out that they're both actresses that I happen to know you have major crushes on?" Asked Angie, looking a bit perturbed.
"That is kind of creepy." I nodded.
"Take it as a compliment. They're both hot." Defended Russ. That made it worse.
"Yeah, that just makes it creepier." Said Angie, covering her face with her hand.
"Alright. Angie, your family is weird...but awesome!" I said.
"Hey, I'm not weird, I'm limited edition." Exclaimed Russ.
"More like recalled." Muttered Angie.
"Haha! Russ you are hilarious!" I laughed.
"Thanks, it's a natural talent." He bowed dramatically in his seat. Which cause Angie and I to laugh more.
"Well, it's natural. His father is the exact same way. How my mother survived growing up like that, I'll never know." Admonished Angie.
"I'm sure she was grateful when my mother took him away to Scotland." Smiled Russ.
I heard the door open and couldn't help beaming at Jim. We were in a great place at the moment. I was staring. Jim was wearing his deep blue Westwood suit, but he's taken off his tie and undone his top two shirt buttons. I sighed, but felt a blush rise to my cheeks; I had to admit he looked good in a suit. What? He's my husband.
"It's where you get your resilience from Angie. Hello Beautiful, save me some food?" He smiled, kissing my cheek.
"Hi! You got here quick. Yeah, there's plenty left." Jim sat next to me.
"Is this the mysterious banker?" Smirked Russ, I laughed.
"Russ, this is my husband James. Jim, this is Angie's cousin Russ." They shook hands.
"Nice to meet you Russ." Said Jim.
"You too." Replied Russ.
"Mysterious no, just busy." I teased.
"I can be mysterious when I want to be." Pouted Jim.
"Of course sweetheart, you keep believing that." I placed my hand in his and gave him a knowing smile. He knew I was joking.
"I never did like bankers, no offense. Banks I love, hate bankers." Said Russ.
"You'd think your manners would be better with your line of work, Russ." Chided Angie. Probably worried Jim would get annoyed.
"No offence taken, I don't like bankers either. Don't tell anyone, I'm bringing the system down form the inside." He said conspiratorially. Russ cracked a huge smile.
"Really? Now that is mysterious. He's just as awesome as you, Percy."
"Flattery will get you everywhere." I laughed.
"Don't give him any ideas." Sighed Angie.
"That's why I love her." Said Jim, giving me his sexiest smirk.
"See, this how I ended up married, flattery. I was only eighteen, swept of my feet." I said dramatically.
"Eight years of begging and pleading." Said Jim, playing along.
"I finally relented." I said with a giggle.
"So how did you two lovebirds meet?" Asked Russ laughing at us, not with us. I took a second to catch my breath.
"We met when I was at art college, you could say it was love at first sight, we've been together ever since. Only recently married back in October."
"A colleague of mine introduced us." Added Jim. The only useful thing he'd ever done. "Russ, what do you do? Are you in London long?" Asked Jim.
"I'm a publicity agent. I'm trying to get based here in London. I already have a couple clients, so it should work out." He replied.
"Interesting work. Good luck to you."
"Thanks. Good luck with those plans of yours, too." Offered Russ sincerely, not realising that to everyone else at the table he could be endorsing some very scary things indeed.
We lapsed into a comfortable silence whilst we finished our food. It was actually really fun and normal to having lunch with friends and no outside drama affecting us. As pudding was brought to our table I decided to find out more about Russ than I could already see.
"Russ what's your favourite movie?" I asked.
"Spiderman. The original, not the new rubbish that just came out. They completely messed it up! He gets his powers from a radioactive spider biting him, not some silly little gadget. Yours?"
"Oh good choice, although I like the genetic science in the new one. Lord of the Rings, particularly Return of the King."
"Favourite band?"
"Probably Evanescence, but I love Muse and Linkin Park too. You?"
"Angie, they've started twenty questions, this is never going to end.
"Oh, wait till they get to the interesting questions."
"Muse, Linkin Park, both very good, love them. I also like Death Cab by Cutie. Favourite office supply?"
"Good choices. Oh I'm tied between a paper clip and a Stapler."
"Your preferred foot to start with when putting on socks."
"Though, I'm left-handed, so I suppose that's the reason." Ah that's what I missed, there is always something.
"Good reason. What was your favourite office supply?"
"Sharpie, of course! Favourite type of pickle?"
"Should we be worried?" Jim asked Angie.
"I'm not really sure." She replied.
"Umm...Caramelised Onion. You?"
"Classic dill pickle."
"Weirdest habit?" I asked with a grin. This would be interesting.
"Angie's gonna kill me for this. I used to eat my scabs. I don't do it anymore it scares away girlfriends." Russ admitted, blushing. I am not squeamish, never have been, not great with sick, but I'll manage; but what I just heard is one of the most disgusting things I've heard.
"Yeah, scares away cousins, too." Grimaced Angie. I was still shocked.
"That's grim. Haha." I laughed nervously. A serious stare form Russ met me. I was stumped; I didn't have any weird habits that I could think of.
"I'm waiting for your answer." He prodded.
"That's disgusting Russ." Added Jim, he then revealed. "Percy steals bones."
"Jim!" I exclaimed. I had stolen one skull. Kevin was a close friend. I tired to think of a better way to put it.
"I go to autopsies for fun...that sounds just as bad." I sighed defeated.
"It's a family trait." Told a shocked Russ. Why he thought was weirder or more disgusting than eating scabs I don't know.
"Yep Mycroft, my eldest brother, started taking me when I was six." I explained, but that probably made it worse. I felt a bit nervous that I'd scare Russ off, he was nice, it was great to meet someone new who wasn't linked to crime or politics.
"You are a deranged but loveable woman Percy." Said Jim, kissing my knuckles. He knew, he understood. He didn't need to say anything more. I smiled at him.
"So are you my love." I replied lovingly.
"Okay...and you say I'm weird, Ang? Uh...favourite era?" Russ finally found his voice again.
"You are weird, Russ." Deadpanned Angie.
"I'm not weird, I'm quirky. My brother, he's weird, in fact both of them are. Oh easy medieval. You?" I answered.
"Ancient Greece." He fired back.
"Your favourite Alien?" I asked. This question would tell me a lot.
"Marvin the Martian." Answered Russ. His favourite era is ancient Greece.
"I'll bet I know Percy's answer." Smiled Angie.
"Go on then Ang..." I prompted.
"The Doctor, of course!" Grinned Angie. She was right.
"Oh, that goofy show again." Muttered Russ. He got glares form both Angie and I.
"Hey, don't you dare start on Doctor Who!" Argued Angie.
"Alright, alright! I know if there's one fandom that is completely obsessively dangerous, it's Doctor Who fans!" We smirked in triumph. Never insult the Doctor.
"Trust me, don't insult the Doctor, they'll never forgive you." Added Jim, he was speaking form experience, he didn't really know what it was. He does like the Dalek's and he empathised with the Master. It's a start.
"Obviously you're right Angie, who else would it be...maybe Yoda!" Which made Angie and I laugh. There was a long running joke that I had Jedi powers, also we both liked Star Wars.
"Oh, forgot about him. Can I change my answer?" Asked Russ.
"Nope. Cats or Dogs?" I asked quickly.
"Darn it. Dogs. Book or movie?" He fired back.
"Good answer, cats are evil! Easy, Book!" I replied and thought of a tricky question. "This is a double question, firstly you're star-sign and do you believe in horoscopes?"
"I say movie, I don't have the attention span for a book. Uh...I do not believe in horoscopes, and I have no idea what my star sign is, but my favourite constellation is the bear one." Replied Russ. I respected his honesty. I don't believe in it either, its just fun to read and laugh at.
"Which one, Ursa major or minor?" I asked, wanting specifics.
"Which one's the bear one?" He asked, I had to resist rolling my eyes.
"They both are." Replied Angie.
"Oh. Well, then I like both." He replied with a smile.
"Books are wonderful though, you can escape into another world. I love the North Star, it's so pretty and sparkly." Russ Shrugged at my comment about books but agreed with my choice or constellation.
"Favourite mythical creature?" Asked Russ.
"I can't decide between a fairy and an elf. You?"
"Dragon"
"This is mad, although at least Percy hasn't deduced the life out of him...although that could happen too." Sighed Jim. I wasn't really listening although we still had our hand entwined.
"Well, the day's still young." Replied Angie sounding weary.
"Ooh I like it! Secret talent?" I asked.
"Nu-uh. You'll just laugh." Deflected Russ.
"Oh, come on, don't be a poor sport." Chivvied Angie.
"No." He said more firmly.
"Go on please, for me?!" I said with big eyes and a flutter of eyelashes.
"Dirty tactics, using the puppy dog eyes." Smirked Jim, he'd fallen them hundred's of times.
"Those won't work on me. I've resisted those from Angie plenty of times. No!" Replied Russ firmer still.
"Pouting like a toddler won't help you, Russ." Smirked Angie, she's joined the campaign for information.
"Please, pretty please with cherry on top? I could just work it out..." I threatened, not intending to do anything, I didn't want to offend him.
"Percy...are you sure?" Asked Jim. I looked back at him with wary eyes.
"Well, good luck, cause you're not getting it out of me." Said Russ, he sat back looking smug.
"You asked for it. Don't say we didn't warn you." Warned Angie. I turned my attention to Russ, scanned him and took a deep breath.
"You're Dad is Angie's Uncle, her Mother's brother, making your relation as cousins, obvious. You also both share the same eye shape and have similar smiles. You and Angie have always been close, being the youngest in your respective families, but your move to Scotland when you were 8 meant seeing each other regularly was difficult. You reconnected when you were in your twenties. You get your red hair form you're mother who is Scottish. She also breeds rabbits, hence the white fur on your jumper. You game a lot, almost obsessively, your personal favourite is the handheld playstation device, but you've used other consoles too. Unsupervised you spend 15 hours a day gaming. You mix humour into your life, it could be misconstrued as idiocy, but actually are quite intelligent and use humour to disarm strangers. It works. Don't fear intelligence, it's a gift. Now, something more hidden, you're athletic, the way you sit shows training and toned muscles. You don't slouch. Your shoulders a well-formed are toned, you're athletic, but you don't brag. You have a quiet confidence which leads me to you're secret talent…. You're good with animals, always had been, in fact so good you took over caring and rearing the rabbits. You have a snake called Bob, he's a Python, and you adore him." I finished to silence. I added as an important after thought. "Please keep Bob away form me; I'm terrified of snakes, really, really terrified of them. Oh and my special talent is that I can lick my elbow!"
Russ just stared at me like I'd grown an extra head. I felt really self-conscious. There is a reason I stopped telling people everything I knew about them, it made the really uncomfortable and me feel terrible.
"How...uh...just how much have you told her about me, Ang?!" Stammered Russ looking anywhere but me.
"Not one word." She replied. I glanced up apologetically she smiled at me. "You still completely astonish me, Percy." I gave her a smile in return. Jim squeezed my hand, reassuring me I hadn't done anything wrong.
"Sorry, I hope I didn't offend you. It's a weird family quirk." I said to Russ.
"No, it was amazing…" The entrance of an unwelcome guest halted his response. I noticed Angie stiffen. I surpassed the shudder that ran through me.
"What's a weird family quirk? Hello All." Greeted Moran.
"Seb, this Angie's cousin Russ. Russ this is a friend and colleague of mine, Seb Moran." Introduced Jim.
"Are you alright, Ang?" Russ asked quietly.
"Fine." She replied curtly.
"Nice to meet you." He said shaking Seb's hand.
"Thanks, most people get really offended. Sebastian how's the arm?" I asked coolly, also giving him a subtle reminder.
"You too. The arm's healing nicely thank you." He said cordially and turned to Angie. "Always a pleasure to see you Angie."
"Hello." She replied quietly. Moran pulled a chair between Jim and Angie. I turned to Russ and Angie, ignoring Seb.
"So, you're both coming over for our Christmas Party right?" I asked.
"Wouldn't miss it." Smiled Angie.
"Who both?" Asked Russ confused.
"You Russ, obviously." I said rolling my eyes.
"Sounds like fun. I'm there." He smiled.
"Where are you staying Russ?"
"With Angie. I'll be looking to get my own place, soon, though. I'm basing my business from London."
"Lucky Angie. What business are you in?"
"I'm a publicity agent."
"I need a publicity agent, I need some good PR to get back into Angie's good books."
"Well, if someone's not in her good books, there's a good reason then."
"We just had a minor disagreement."
"Yes, we had a 'minor disagreement'. Among all the major ones."
"Seb was who introduced Jim and I." I said tightly, trying to change the subject.
"Yeah, Jim's actually my Boss. We've been working together for about fifteen years."
"Has it really been fifteen years, time has flown." Said Jim lightly, but I knew he was fed up. He wanted rid of Moran.
"So Angie knows you through these two lovebirds?" Asked Russ, I could see he didn't trust Moran.
"I met Angie when she was at Cambridge, it was a good time, we lost touch. I met Percy through her brother. Jim and I work for a mutual cause, so it seemed beneficial for us both to work together. Percy reintroduced me to Angie. It's all a web of coincidences." Explained Moran.
"'Web', fitting words." Sniped Angie.
"Russ, I am not a bird, I don't coo. If I'm animal at all its a dolphin." I said, again trying to change the subject, lighten the mood.
"Sorry, Flipper." Laughed Russ.
"Flipper? Excuse me Bugs." I exclaimed, eye-brow arched. I did not appreciate being nicknamed.
"Well, you said you were a dolphin. Flipper the dolphin? No?"
"Bugs Bunny? Fair's fair. You could even say 'What's up Doc?' to John."
"Hey, that's getting personal! Good idea, though. I should start doing that."
"You have an excuse now!" I smiled.
"You're on sparkling form today Princess."
"Seb, you know Percy hates being called that, leave it."
"Sure, sorry Percy." He apologised.
"Thank you Seb." I said civilly.
"Yeah, she's Flipper now." Added Russ, his way of defending me. I smiled.
"Thanks Russ, I really appreciate it. Although, it's better than Smurf Girl." I said with mock disapproval.
"You had a Smurf t-shirt on and I didn't know your name." Argued Jim, I smiled at him. He still calls me Smurf Girl, only at home though.
"Excuses, excuses! Ang, you alright sweetie, you look a little pale."
"I'm fine. You know, I just don't like spiders." She replied, her eyes flicking towards Seb.
"I don't like them either. I make Jim squish them." Jim chuckled darkly.
"What did the poor spiders ever do to you?" He asked, finally clocking on to the topic of conversation.
"They're creepy, pops up when you least expect it and moves really weirdly."
"Has boundary issues, and possession issues, and killing issues."
"Sounds oddly familiar. This is why spiders get squished." I said with a fake smile.
"Sound's a bit irrational to me, but you two have always been...theatrical." Goaded Seb.
"Why is it you can never tell when we're serious." Asked Angie, her voice scathing.
"Oh Seb, its not your fault, it because you're male." I smirked. His expression flashed darkly, in a second it was gone, but I knew I'd said the wrong thing.
"I hear you're no longer an addict Percy, well done." He spat.
"Nope, all clean." I smiled. That was the best he could come up with?
"Maybe not the best topic of conversation?" Jim said, looking at Moran.
"It's alright." I consoled.
"See she doesn't mind. What about you Angel, anything exciting happened recently?" He asked with a smirk.
"Yes, actually, my boyfriend was scared off by this obnoxious, possessive moron who insists that I have feelings for him, even though that it the farthest thing from the truth, and it would never happen even if hell froze over."
"He obviously wasn't a very good boyfriend." Pressed Moran. I really wanted to punch him.
"He was better than any of the other ones I've had." Scoffed Angie.
"He was an amazing boyfriend and my brother, be careful what you say Seb." I said. It sounded pathetic. Seb just ignored it.
"Except one who was amazing, funny, good looking, the first everything, the one you can never get over." Recited Moran.
"No, that's the possessive, obnoxious moron I was talking about, and yes, I am completely over him." Said Angie icily.
"Are you sure, a 100% sure, you don't sound sure. If there is even a 1% chance of him getting her back, he will." He threatened.
"Seb, enough." Barked Jim.
"Of course, my apologies, I took the joke too far." Offered Seb. I didn't understand why was he doing as he was told, surely a broken wrist wasn't enough to dissuade him?
"Is that what this all is to you? A joke?" Asked Angie incensed.
"Gosh Angie, can't you tell when I 'm joking?" Said Seb, echoing Angie's earlier words.
"Seb, drop it please?" I pleaded.
"You don't look so good, Ang. Maybe we should get you home." Russ looked at Angie with concern she looked pale. I was furious with that monster.
"That's a good idea Russ. Let's all head home." I agreed.
"No goodbye-kiss Angel?" Moran asked with a dirty smirk.
"You know, I think you should just leave her alone." Defended Russ.
"But I'm having so much fun. Can't tempt you into a hug Angel? Although you know what I'd prefer…" He left the sentence open, we all know what he was insinuating.
"I'm warning you, stay away from her." Threatened Russ, he had no idea who was dealing with.
"Or what? What will you do? Huh?" Moran squared up to Russ. Seb was a good six inches taller and built like a tank.
"Leave him alone, Seb!" Spat Angie, he looked at her.
"For a kiss..."
"How about a good kick instead?" Offered Angie.
"I always have loved your fire Angel, so passionate!" Smirked Moran.
"I told you to leave her alone! Reiterated Russ. I looked pleadingly at Jim. He nodded minutely. I moved closer to Angie.
"Alright I think we've had enough. Time to stop Seb." Jim declared firmly. Seb looked torn, but decided to keep tormenting Angie.
"It was just getting interesting." He whined.
"You just never know when to stop, do you? Of course, you've always had that problem. In more than one area." Taunted Angie.
"I never heard you complain before." Seb Smirked, the dirty smile reappearing.
"Well, I'm complaining now, because now I can actually see you for what you really are. Now take this one last warning, or if you're too conceited for that, then take it as one last request from the woman you claim to love. Leave. Me. Alone. I don't want to ever see you again. Stay away from me, stay away from my family, and stay away from my friends." Said Angie angrily. Seb stepped closer, his voice low as he spoke.
"Such a shame, your words say one thing, but your eyes beg another. I will keep my distance if you want that, but the second that changes I'll be by your side." It was a threat, not a request, not comforting a simple threat.
"This has gone far enough, come on Seb, we've got things to do. Leave Angie alone. Percy, are you staying with Angie?" Jim's tone left nothing to be argued with. Seb's head whipped round and nodded. He followed Jim.
"Yeah. I'll be home later." I answered. I got up and paid the bill, leaving a sizable tip for our disturbance. I watched to make sure Seb was gone and not lurking. I headed back to your table; Angie was sat staring into space.
"Ang, I'm sorry, I didn't know he would turn up." I apologised.
"It's not your fault." She replied numbly.
"God, he really shook you up, didn't he?" Asked Russ. He had no idea what Seb had been doing.
"I hate him, I really do. I wish he would just leave me alone!" Angie ranted.
"Lets go home, Jim's paid for lunch. We can get another chapter finished for the book. It'll be alright Ang, I promise." I said, she nodded.
"Yeah, it's alright, he's gone." Said Russ protectively.
We walked back to 221b in silence. I stopped when we reached the front door. I turned to Russ.
"Russ before I go into that flat, the snake is going to be put away where it can't escape and where I can't see it, so in your room with the door locked. Understood?" I said curtly. Angie didn't need me freaking out.
"Yes, ma'am!" Russ gave me a mock salute and headed up the stairs noisily. I turned to Angie.
"Jim's keeping a closer eye him than normal, so is Mycroft. He has said to leave you alone, we all heard him, and it will make it harder for him to bother you. He will hopefully keep his word." I said, my to reassuring, but I wasn't sure if I believed the words.
"It won't last long. He'll come back, he always comes back. He never leaves me alone." She replied, nearly in tears.
"Alright, it's a snake free zone." Said Russ. We walked up the stairs. I helped Angie with her coat and went into the now familiar kitchen to make tea. I brought in our drinks and we sat on the sofa.
"Let's get writing Ang, it will take your mind off things. How about a chapter on our escapades annoying Harry?" I offered, I wanted to cheer her up. I could see form her expression it wouldn't work, but I needed to keep it normal for Russ. I logged into Angie's laptop, not difficult, and opened up the word document for the book.
"Yeah, that sounds like fun." Said Russ enthusiastically.
"I guess." Replied Angie half-heartedly. I would just talk enough for the two of use.
"It will be great. Remember the time we put green dye into her conditioner? Or when Mum caught her drinking at school and she got suspended, she only got caught from an anonymous tip off." I said with a fond smile. Mum had gone ballistic at her.
The rest of the afternoon passed this way. I told Russ about various escapades for when we were teenagers and how we met again by pure chance. I tired to explain to him we'd followed each other around London and never run into each other.
Afternoon turned to evening and I went home. Every pace I took closer to home my mood got worse, I was so furious with Sebastian for hurting Angie so much. I slammed the front door announcing my return home. I stomped upstairs to my piano I hammered the key's playing Bach's 'Toccata and Fugue in D Minor'. The complexity and melodrama always made me feel better.
I sat alone with my piano, playing until my fingers were numb. My fingers didn't numb from the playing, it was my heart, racing faster and faster. I might be clean from the drugs, but other muscles too longer to heel. Breathing was becoming more difficult, I couldn't clam myself down, I started to panic. It all stopped suddenly.