Part 9 (2/2)

Russell stood with his hands on his hips, quietly waiting. For what, I dont know, but Thomas and I stood quietly too.

Finally, he said, 'Come on, lad, dont sit there in the wet. Stand up now.

The figure shambled to its feet and unfolded. I caught just a glimpse of a frightened, white face, covered in dark blotches, a thin, stick-like body and big hands and feet. He must still be growing because his wrists and ankles stuck out from his clothing and his ears stuck out from his head like wing mirrors. His hair was just a dark, clogged, dirty ma.s.s. Not designer dirt, just ordinary, sleeping in an alley dirt. He was a pitiful sight, shaking with fear and cold. Blood trickled from his nose.

'Oh, dear, said Thomas in distress, and went to do what he did best. The lad had no idea he was there, but something must have got through, because the gulping slowed to just the occasional sniff.

'Well? said Russell. 'What have you got to say for yourself?

He just shook his head, staring at his feet. I knew that feeling.

'Come on, you were full of it five minutes ago. Whats this all about, then?

There was no reply.

'Last chance before I hand you over.

He muttered something.

'What? What did you say? I havent got all night and this ladys cold.

'I was hungry.

He was too. I could see it in his hollow eyes and cheeks. I know most teenage boys look like toast racks, but this was a different kind of hunger. A desperate kind of hunger. And there was a really bad smell. Not just stale body and dirty clothes, but a sharp tang of urine, as well. I wondered if hed wet himself when Russell hit him.

'So whats the story here?

He sighed and knuckled his eyes, like a child. He looked exhausted too. And now that I could see him more clearly, those dark blotches were bruises. Hed been pretty well knocked about even before Russell had a go at him.

'You on the streets?

He nodded.

'So whats the money for? Drugs? Booze?

He shook his head. 'Food.

'Theres shelters. I think theres one near St Stephens Clinic.

He nodded. 'I went.

'And?

'I was too late for that night. When I went outside they were waiting.

I grew suddenly fearful. Thomas looked at me, but I nodded for him to stay where he was.

'Who was waiting?

'Some men. I didnt really see. They hang around to have fun with ... When I came out they pushed me over. Grabbed my things what I had. Kicked me around a bit. Then they p.i.s.sed on me and walked off.

More silence. Thomas moved a little closer. Unconsciously, the boy leaned towards him. I looked at Russell to see what he would do. It never occurred to me that he would hand the boy over as he threatened. I dont think it occurred to him either.

I s.h.i.+vered again and that broke the spell.

'Come on.

'What? Where? Where are you taking me? Im not going anywhere with you. He started to back away and collided with the wheelie bin.

Russell sighed. 'Relax, will you. Jenny, tell him.

I did my best. 'Hes OK. A ... bit odd. Noisy. Shouts a lot. Dont worry.

He turned to me. 'A bit odd? You describe me as a bit odd?

'It sounds better than totally ... bizarre. I was trying to rea.s.sure him.

'By telling him Im odd?

'You want me to lie? Fine. I turned to the boy. 'Hes completely ... normal.

Thomas was laughing. 'Just offer him a meal and h.e.l.l go anywhere.

I struggled a bit. It had been a long day and it wasnt getting any shorter. 'Well ... give you ... food.

'What?

'Shes tired and sometimes words arent easy for her. Shes saying come with us and well give you a hot meal.

'Can I get my stuff?

'I thought it was all stolen.

'It was. This is other stuff I need.

He disappeared behind the wheelie bin and came back with a large flattened cardboard box and a carrier bag full of what looked like damp rags.

'Whats that?

'Whats left. They didnt want this 'You dont need the cardboard box.

'Yes, I do. Its hard to get one this size.

That was wet too. He struggled to get it under his arm. Russell told him he wouldnt need it, but he wouldnt let it go, so off we set.

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