Stray Cat

Chapter Twenty-Two

Martyn opened the door of his apartment for Phil with an expectant smile on his face. His smile fell when he saw Phil's expression. He guided Phil to the living room, made him sit on the sofa, and he said, "Tell me what happened."

Phil thought it would be difficult to explain, but it all came out in a rush. He had tucked the paper bag of money into the zipped jacket, and he pulled out the bag, telling Martyn that he only had half of the money he now needed to buy Dan. He kept his voice steady until he got to the description of where Dan was now being held, and Martyn handed him a paper napkin to dry his eyes. "Thanks." Phil sniffled and tried to compose himself. "I have to keep it together for now. I can't help Dan if I fall apart."

"Right. Just remember that you're not alone. I care about Dan, too. I'm here to help. So, we've got a deadline of a day or two to raise £10,000?"

Phil looked around Martyn's apartment, as if hoping to see some valuable collectables materialize, but Martyn wasn't much better off than Phil – living in London was expensive. "Is it too much to hope that you won the lotto since I last saw you?"

Martyn grimaced. "The only thing I have that's worth any money is my car, and not that much money anyway. I could maybe get £2,000 for it, maybe 3."

"I couldn't let you do that, you've had that car since college."

"Exactly, I've had it for ages and you've only had 2 weeks with Dan. I'm happy to give it up so that you two can be together. I only wish my car was worth more – I love it, but it's kind of a wreck. So, we're about £8,000 short. Any ideas?"

"I can sell the Muse tickets! That's about £120 for the pair. I will also be getting my last paycheck from the stationary store... which should be about the same amount. I've... got nothing else. I'm completely broke. Even my credit card is maxed out." Phil held his forehead in his hands. He could feel a headache coming on. "I don't know what to do."

"I'm sorry." Martyn bit his bottom lip. "I wish I was a more successful. You're supposed to be able to come to your big brother in times like this, but I've always cared more about doing what I love than making a lot of money. I've let you down."

"No, Mar. You're the best. I couldn't ask for a better brother. I... I've got to call Mum and Dad to ask if I can borrow the money, don't I?"

Martyn nodded. "I can't think of any other way. Was that last conversation you had with Mum really that bad?"

"Yeah, pretty bad." Phil frowned as he took his phone out of his pocket and looked at it. "She's not going to appreciate the fact that I don't call her for a couple weeks, and the first time I call her I'm asking for money. I can't put this off until we're on better terms though. There's no time. Maybe if I put in on speakerphone and you talk too it will go better?"

Martyn shrugged. "Worth a shot. Are we doing this now? Do you know what you want to say?"

"I'm going to wing it." Phil dialed the number, but it went to voicemail. He hung up and tried again. No answer.

He expected Martyn to say Mum was probably busy, but he said what they were both thinking, "She must still be cross with you. Want to try Dad?"

"I might have to, but I want to talk to her. You know Dad has her manage the money, so no matter what I say he is just going to say that he has to ask her. I don't want him to pass along my message – I want to explain what happened."

Martyn took his phone out and dialed the same number; Mum picked up on the second ring, and Martyn put the call on speakerphone.

"Child?" There was wariness in her voice, which was understandable given that Phil had been using Martyn's phone the last time they talked.