Gods and Monsters

III

Quinn's - Camden, London

Peggy dodged a rather large man who came stumbling out of the entrance to Charlie's pub, cigarette in one hand, drink in the other with a mobile phone which appeared minuscule when pressed between his ear and his shoulder. At least it looked like they were doing good business. She strolled inside to see Scarlett at the bar, pouring a drink for a lady who's date had seemingly abandoned her to instead play some darts with the lads. The music was booming, the punters were roaring and glasses were clinking so Scarlett gave a quick wave and a smile to Peggy before gesturing that Charlie was in the back.

"Hello Stranger," he cheerily began. Charlie was carrying a couple of boxes, one on top of the other, of various snacks for the customers. "What brings you down to my neck of the woods today? I can't imagine you're here for a cheeky pint and a chat."

Peggy smiled lifting one of the boxes away from Charlie. "Unfortunately not. We've got another case. A pretty nasty one, as soon as you can..."

"Sorry love, busy." Charlie abruptly interrupted. He took off his cufflinks and rolled up the sleeves on his grey shirt so that he could wipe the sweat from his brow.

"Busy? What do you mean busy? I'm sure whatever you're doing can wait. This is a tad more important. The painkillers hadn't entirely kicked in yet and although she wasn't in the main part of the pub, the music was beginning to make her head thump. Charlie let out a little whine and a sigh, like a child who had been told they weren't allowed the sweets they wanted.

"But it's karaoke night tomorrow. I've still got to finish setting it up. It's our first big event here."

"Look at least two people are already dead. Is karaoke night really more important than people's lives?"

Charlie paused for a second. "Is that a rhetorical question or..."

Peggy was so tempted to just smack him there and then but knew she had to rise above it.

"Fine," he continued. "I'll get Scarlett to cover for me but if she asks for a pay rise, it's out of your pocket I hope you know."

"I thought she was co-owner now? Doesn't she set her own wage?"

"Ah, details, details."

Continued in Part 4