Friday's Child Read Online Free PDF Page A

Patrick’s eyes on her as they headed through the door into the back of the club.
     
    ****
     
    Patrick glanced down at the image on his phone. Similar but not the same, the hair color was different for a start. He shook his head as the phone rang. He left now and he might miss this chap leaving or something might happen to Elle. On the other hand, it was DI Nemec so he couldn’t just ignore it. As much as he hated people who reacted like this when he rang them, he only had one choice. He took the call. “Page. I can’t talk right now. I’ll call back later if that’s OK.”
    He kept an eye on the doorway and waved over the bartender. “Another lime twist with ice, please.” He slid a tenner over the counter. “And one for yourself. So who’s the good looking dude that just went out back with Lisa?”
    The bartender looked at him. “Someone from high up, out of town. He’s just come down to check up on a few things. He’ll be here for a while, then off again. Has a finger in many pies, if you get my drift. But he can’t keep away from this place. He seems to be the center of things.”
    Patrick added a twenty to the ten already on the counter. “How so?”
    The barman pocketed the money. “Looks can be deceiving. Helps he knows when the police are coming so the joint is clean if you get my drift.”
    That turn of phrase was getting annoying. He slid another ten over. “I thought those things were meant to be unannounced.”
    “The boss has contacts.”
    “How often is he here?”
    “The boss is always here. Jake never leaves.”
    “No, this guy.”
    “Depends how often Lisa sings, but he’s here a lot. At least once a week. He’s a law unto himself. Has more money than I’d make in a lifetime.” He leaned over as he pushed the drink across, picking up the money. “Rumor has it, he’s more than slightly interested in Lisa. I reckon that’s the last we’ve seen of her tonight.”
    “Does this boss have a name?”
    “Mr. F is all I know.”
    Patrick took the drink. “Thank you.”
    He sat nursing his drink until the club closed, but Elle didn’t come back out. Nor did Mr. F. He yawned. It was too late now to call DI Nemec, but he’d do so first thing in the morning. Time to go home and hit the hay, before the sun came up. He might just make it—once he’d written up his report.
     
    ****
     
    “Come on, Eleanor, we’ll be late. Especially if you’re driving.” Her mother’s voice echoed up the stairs.
    Eleanor finished brushing her hair and rose, pulling it into a tight ponytail. “I’m coming.” She grabbed her bag and keys and left the sanctity of her bedroom. Going to church had to be one of her least favorite activities. This was funny considering how much she used to love going. At one point, the weekend couldn’t come quick enough. Even at university. She and Patrick would go twice every week.
    She shook her head. There was nothing in church for her now, despite her automatic prayers. Her mother insisted she attend for two reasons. Firstly, ‘if you live under my roof you abide by my rules’. Secondly, to ram home what she was no longer entitled to. Forgiveness. Salvation. Love.
    Abbie smiled at her as she reached the hallway. “Mum says I can sit in the front with you today.”
    Eleanor took in Abbie’s newly cut hair in dismay. It looked so much better longer. Why couldn’t her mother just leave things alone for once? “So long as you do up your seatbelt.”
    “Of course.” She skipped outside and stood by the car.
    Eleanor looked at her mother, taking in the scowl at her black trousers and close fitting shirt. “I don’t have time to change. Unless you want to be late.”
    The scowl deepened and her mother sighed before heading to the car. Eleanor closed her eyes for a moment, then followed them, locking the door. If only she hadn’t fallen from grace, but then she’d be without Abbie.
     
    ****
     
    Patrick slid into his normal pew just as the service started.