Most Wanted (2005)

Chapter Two: Diverging Paths

The morning drizzle had turned into a steady, cold rain as Chris Johnston and Claire Hind made their way through Corby's town centre. The streets were slick, reflecting the grey sky above, and the air was thick with the scent of damp concrete and exhaust fumes. Chris carried a duffel bag close to his side, the weight of the cash inside a constant reminder of what they were about to do-a step away from the life they'd known, and hopefully, towards something better.

Claire glanced up at Chris, her eyes filled with a mix of determination and unease. "Are we really doing this?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Chris nodded, his expression firm. "It's time, Claire. We need to give Cameron a better life, away from... all this."

The estate agent's office was a small, unassuming place tucked between a charity shop and a newsagent. They stepped inside, greeted by the familiar smell of old carpet and freshly brewed coffee. A woman with a tired but kind smile looked up from the front desk.

"Mr. Johnston, Miss Hind?" she asked, confirming their appointment.

"That's us," Chris replied, squeezing Claire's hand in reassurance.

"Right this way," the woman said, leading them into a small back office. The paperwork was already laid out, waiting for their signatures.

As they sat down, the atmosphere grew tense. The estate agent began explaining the details-deposit, first month's rent, the timeline for moving in. Chris handed over the cash, the duffel bag lighter but their hearts heavier with the weight of this decision. The estate agent assured them that the current tenants would be out within the week, and they could collect the keys soon after.

As they left the office, Chris couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched, but he brushed it off as nerves. They walked down the high street, Claire's grip on his arm tightening slightly.

"We're doing the right thing," she said, more to convince herself than him.

Chris nodded, though his thoughts were already swirling with what came next-how to tell Ray, and more importantly, how to keep their plan under wraps until they were safely moved in.

Meanwhile, Baz and Fleck were several pints deep at the Candlestick pub. The dim, cozy atmosphere provided a welcome contrast to the dreary weather outside. Baz leaned back in his chair, his muscular frame filling the space, as he regaled Fleck with stories of past brawls and wild nights.

"You remember that time in Kettering?" Baz asked, laughing as he slammed his hand on the table. "The bouncer who looked like he could crush us with one hand?"

Fleck grinned, taking a sip of his beer. "Yeah, and you went straight for him like a bloody madman. Thought we were done for when his mates showed up."

Baz shrugged, his grin widening. "But we handled it, didn't we? Just like always."

Fleck reached for his pack of cigarettes, only to find it empty. He frowned. "I'm out. Fancy a walk to get more?"

Baz downed the rest of his pint and stood up. "Yeah, why not? Need to stretch my legs anyway."

The two men left the pub, stepping into the cold, wet streets of Corby. Their breath formed small clouds in the air as they walked, their conversation meandering through tales of close calls, fights, and the ever-present tension in their world. It was a life they knew well, and one they didn't intend to change anytime soon.

As they turned a corner, they spotted Chris and Claire up ahead, walking with the purposeful stride of people who didn't want to be seen.

"Oi! Chris, Claire!" Baz called out, waving them over.