Intoxifresh

Chapter Fourteen

Tom had just turned the last corner and couldn't wait to get home so he could have a cigarette. George was first to recognise the Rolls Royce parked outside his address and soon everyone saw Greg and Marvin's chauffer standing at Tom's front door. 'Keep going, park round the back.' George instructed.

They parked and quietly opened the back door before tiptoeing to the lounge to sit down. Tom peeked through the window and saw that the driver had returned to the car and had already begun to drive away. 'They've gone,' he confirmed.

'I wonder what they wanted,' George said, several ideas running through his mind. 'I don't work for them anymore and they wouldn't know I'm staying here.'

'It's my fault,' Karim said as he removed his multi-coloured woollen hat revealing several plaits of lengthy dark hair. 'I should have parked the van at the back of the house. I guess I should be more careful in future.'

It wasn't long before Simon became the centre of attention. He was sitting as comfortably as he could with a head still pounding from the vodka he'd consumed in his car. He had been wondering why they'd all gone to his apartment but was truly thankful they had.

'Is pizza alright for everyone?' Tom asked as he made his way to the kitchen, knowing they'd all think more clearly if they weren't so hungry. He stopped and looked back at Simon. 'Perhaps an aspirin or two would do you some good.' Simon nodded eagerly, wanting to remove the sharp stabbing pain behind his eyes.

George could have used one of his pills to zap Simon's hangover in seconds if he wanted to but he didn't want to waste them on someone he viewed with contempt, someone who took his job away from him and was indirectly responsible for his house burning down to the ground.

With a pizza in the oven Tom lit up at the front door, leaving the three alone to talk. Karim felt a little worried that his boss knew he'd lied about being sick. He also knew he had to face him first thing the following morning, with the pills. 'George, I need more...'

'I know mate. I'll get them made up later today.'

Tom stubbed out and closed the door before walking to the kitchen drawer where he kept his aspirin. He filled a glass with water and returned to the lounge. Simon thanked him and smiled as he took the pills.

When the cooker timer signalled that the food was ready Tom went to the kitchen and shortly reappeared, handing everyone a slice. Deep in thought, Simon stared at the slice of pizza in front of him and before he took a bite he looked at George. 'Why did you go to my apartment?' he asked.

George thought for a second as he picked up his slice. 'Just eat your food, Simon,' he said with a deep and direct stare. 'I think you already know the answer.' Simon avoided all eye contact as they ate.

'I think you had a lucky escape today. It looked like you were in serious trouble.' George said. Tom and Karim nodded in agreement as he continued. 'So tell me, who was that guy with the gun?'

'It wasn't my fault,' Simon blurted out.

'What wasn't your fault?' George asked.

Simon scanned the room as if looking for answers. 'They made me do it.'

'Who was that man? Simon, tell me.' George could see Simon's anger building. 'Why was he holding a gun to your head? This is serious.'

Karim decided that enough was enough and added his two cents to the conversation. 'Simon, let me put it this way to make it easier for you. George knows you stole his pills.'