Fragile Truths by D. H. Sidebottom, R. M. James Read Free Book Online

Fuck it, tonight I’d had enough.
    I made my way to the door, dodging the many drunken wobbles of the clients as I snatched a bag of pills from someone’s hand, “Not here. Get the fuck out.”
    The obnoxious scrote stared at me. “What the fuck man, they’re mine.” He protested as he tried to snatch the bag back out of my hand.
    “Not any more. Get the fuck out and don’t come back.”
    Within seconds of our dispute, Ken and Tank were grabbing both of his arms and dragging him through the club, many of the drinkers shifting quickly to one side to make a path for my security men. “Usual, Boss?” Tank asked as he moved backwards with a grace that belied his huge frame.
    I gave him a simple nod in reply and threw the bag of whatever shit it contained at Ben on my way out. “I’m off, heads fucked.”
    He frowned at me with question, “You okay?”
    “Uh-huh” I carried on walking but he sidled up beside me.
    “Tate…”
    “Fuck – off, Ben.”
    He sighed angrily, “That’s the third this week.”
    “And?” I snapped as I quickened my stride across the car park and flicked the keys irritably in my fingers.
    “And,” he hissed as he grabbed my arm to stop me. “And, I’m worried about you.”
    I gave out a bark of laughter, “Fuck Ben, we aint married, mate.” He rolled his lips and I sighed as I turned to him, “Honestly, I’m fine but if I get any more, I’ll go see the quack.”
    He nodded, “That’s all I ask.”
    He held onto the car door as I slid inside, “Get Tank and Michelle to clear up. Get yourself off home too.”
    He shook his head as he shut my door and waited for me to lower the window. “Nah, I’m good. I’ll wait for the guy’s to get back with the stash then I’ll head off.”
    I nodded to him then contemplated what to do. “Evan needs outing. He fucked up big time tonight, shot one of the fucking bankers. Now I’ve had to get Stringer involved and a whole load of other unwanted shit will follow.”
    “Jesus Christ,” He rubbed at his short brown hair and closed his eyes in despair for a moment. “Sorry Tate, he came with some good references.”
    I shook my head and waved off his guilt, “Don’t worry. It’s sorted, not your fault.”
    He gave me a slow nod and tapped the roof of the car as I pulled away. My brain throbbed against my skull, its incessant pounding making my eyes ache and my jaw tighten. After the day I’d had all I wanted to do was down a few Jacks and climb in my pit, however my mother decided different as her distraught yelling filled the car through the Bluetooth when I answered her ring, “On my way, Mom.”

9 th January 2014
     

Frankie
     
    My lip was being destroyed under my teeth as my stomach ached with the guilt. Gray stared at me, his eyes both wide and searching as he fiddled restlessly with his fingers, “But…”
    I shrugged. “I’m sorry,” I repeated for the fourth time.
    “No you’re not!” He snapped, causing me to blink rapidly. Maybe in hindsight I should have phoned Maggie to come up from reception where she spent most of her time talking to Dale, the main reception administrator for Blaine and Roberts’ law firm where we both worked.
    “Yes, Gray, I am.” And I really was. I hadn’t wanted to end things – okay, maybe 30% of me hadn’t wanted to end things with him.
    I swallowed heavily but stood my ground when he stormed across the room and grabbed feverishly at my face, “Please Fran. I’m sure whatever it is, we can sort it. We can get through it. Is there someone else?”
    “No,” I argued for the second time. “I just… it, it’s not working, Gray. Come on, you can’t tell me you haven’t felt the slow spiral pulling us down?”
    His grip on my face tightened a little, his thumbs now digging slightly into my cheeks but I remained still and waited for his shock to subside. His eyes stormed over my face, his pupils wide and chaotic, making me think there was more in his system than the coffee