A Chancer by James Kelman Read Free Book Online Page A

passed him a box of matches and added, Look and see if that fire’s still going.
    Shortly before the dinner break the foreman appeared in the smoke-area to distribute the wages’ packets. Minutes later Tammas was walking out through the factory yard,
in company with others from his section. It was still raining. Just beyond the gates the teaboy and two other youths were sheltering, they had a ball they were throwing to each other; and the
teaboy called: Hey Tammas you coming up for a game?
    Maybe . . . He glanced at the sky and shrugged.
    The rain’s going to go off!
    Tammas nodded; he continued on along the street. There was a pub down near the junction traffic lights and he entered, making his way through the crowded bar into the lounge. Ordering a pint of
heavy and a pie and peas he walked to where a few of his workmates were grouped. When a gap occurred in the conversation he said: Any of yous seen Murdie?
    I dont think he’s in, somebody replied.
    You mean he’s no at work?
    As far as I know.
    Hh. Tammas shook his head.
    He still owes you a couple of quid?
    Aye . . . Tammas grimaced then returned to the bar to collect his pint and his food. Afterwards he left the pub and crossed the road to the betting shop.
    At 4.45 that afternoon he was stamping his timecard and racing down the sloping corridor to the front yard, and across and out through the gates, and down the street. Others were running also.
They dashed into the bookmaker’s just as the runners for the 4.45 race were about to come under starter’s orders. Tammas grabbed a betting slip and managed to scribble out a bet and get
it on just as the race was off.
    It was the last race of the day at that particular meeting but there was another meeting on; it had a race coming up at 5 pm and another at 5.30.
    •••
    Betty had her back to the shop window, staring at the pavement, her head bowed. Quite a few other people were standing about at this corner. He hesitated some yards away.
Another girl was approached by a youth and together they walked off round into Argyll Street. Betty raised her head a moment later and she gazed after them. Her head was bowed again when he reached
her. He tapped the side of her arm. Sorry I’m late.
    She made no reply but linked arms with him.
    I couldnt get a bloody bus. Ended up I just walked.
    Walked? She smiled.
    Aye.
    Is it no a long way?
    Aye. He shrugged. I do it a lot but, I quite like walking.
    She nodded. They continued up Union Street in silence, until Betty smiled: I thought you’d forgotten!
    Forgotten?
    Have you been for a pint? she said, sniffing near to his mouth.
    What – aye.
    Is that how you’re late?
    Naw, not at all . . . He paused; they stopped walking. Am I no allowed a pint on a Friday night!
    Tch Tammas, I didnt mean that . . .
    He nodded.
    I was just meaning if that’s how you were late.
    Aw, aye.
    They were standing at the traffic lights; he had his hands in his trouser pockets and Betty was to his left, her arm linking his. A few other people were there also and they started across
Gordon Street as the lights turned to amber. Tammas and Betty followed. After a bit she said, A girl in work was saying that the one in the ABC 2’s quite violent.
    Hh.
    That’s what she said, but . . . Betty shrugged, pursed her lips. D’you fancy it though?
    Eh . . .
    She was looking at him.
    Eh, well . . . He sniffed and glanced suddenly across the street, checking slightly in his stride.
    When they continued over to the other pavement she smiled at him: You fancy the pub, she said.
    Naw. Naw Betty, honest.
    Yes you do.
    I dont, Christ.
    She was smiling. I dont mind Tammas except I just dont like sitting all night in them. Sometimes I go with the people in the work and it gets awful boring, especially if some of them start to
get a bit drunk. Rena’s the same. She doesnt often go out with them at all. And d’you know something else?
    He nodded.
    Naw, she said, about Rena?
    What?
    I’m saying do you know