Men of London 05 - Cross to Bare by Susan Mac Nicol Read Free Book Online Page B

deserved its own CSI programme. There was definitely something fishy about it. At that silly thought, Lenny chuckled, ignoring Leslie’s questioning look and Naomi’s deep sigh.
    “Private joke,” Lenny managed. “Give me a minute then take Richard to the conference room. He’s doing a presentation for me. It’s all set up for him.”
    Leslie turned to leave then swung around. His blue eyes were warm, concerned. “Laverne, call your man back. Go and explain things to him. It might not be that bad. You deserve to tell him the truth at least and let him make his own decision. Not do it for him. He must really like you if he’s been calling nonstop.” He flashed a quick smile and disappeared out of the office, Naomi right behind him.
    Lenny finished wiping his eyes, making sure he had nothing in his teeth, then sprayed some more antiperspirant under his arms. Silk tended to make him sweat. Then he picked up his tailored jacket from the hanger on the coatrack in his office. Shrugging into it, he considered Leslie’s words. Perhaps he had a point. Maybe it was time to clear the air and tell Brook about Laverne. He guessed he had nothing to lose. He adjusted his wig, making sure it covered his own hair properly and picked up his folder from his desk.
    Time to get to work. Then, perhaps later, he might have a glass of wine for Dutch courage and make that damn call.
    *****
    “Hey, freak. My lady and I have a bet on. I say you’re a freak of nature and she thinks you’re a fag dressed like a woman. Can you put us out of your misery and tell us who’s right?”
    Lenny sighed, rolled his eyes, catching the sympathetic glance of the woman standing next to him.
    I am so not in the mood for this. The train is delayed again and it’s as hot as Hades down here. Perhaps if I ignore these arseholes they’ll go away .
    “Hey, dickhead. I’m talking to you.”
    Lenny groaned softly. The tube station was packed due to the late rush hour and the delay. He really didn’t need the aggravation. Also his head itched from his wig but he daren’t take it off because underneath he’d be a sweaty, mussed-hair mess. Lenny hated bad hair days, especially when it was his own.
    Not going to go away then? You prick.
    Occasionally, when he travelled home in his Laverne persona, it caused some raised eyebrows and invited more than a couple of derogatory comments and snide remarks. Normally Lenny changed back into his ‘man’ clothes after work but tonight, he couldn’t have been arsed. He was eager to get home; it had been late and the thought of changing and removing everything had been too much bother. It was only three tube stops to home, so a short ride, but still. Usually no one seemed to notice him, everyone too busy staring into iPads or mobile phones, or simply gazing hopefully down the track as they awaited their ride.
    Once or twice as Laverne he’d had to kick a guy in the balls because the men had gotten a little too aggressive and insulting. That must have been a sight to see for onlookers—a broad-shouldered woman in a skirt and low-heeled boots whirling her way through a series of Taekwondo moves—because Lenny could take care of himself. He’d studied martial arts and boxing in his twenties for close to five years, but he really didn’t want to resort to violence on a crowded station platform if he could help it.
    He turned to face the man passing comment. The man was well dressed, in his late forties, early fifties, with the red nose and blotchy face of a heavy drinker. His companion was a skinny, bottle-blonde woman of around the same age, and Lenny’s discerning eyes noticed her tacky knockoff suit. She certainly didn’t look like the type to afford the real thing. Lenny sniffed. Classy was not a word he’d have used for the pair.
    Why the fuck do arseholes have to cause trouble?
    He tried a polite smile. His lips were dry and devoid of lipstick because, after work he couldn’t be bothered to apply