"It's cold. How long have you been waiting?" asked Davy.
Angie shivered. "Not sure, maybe half an hour."
He shrugged. "We need to talk. Coffee or something stronger?"
"Coffee, please."
He unlocked the door and led her into the lounge. "I could have been out for the night. Why didn't you call first?"
She sat on the settee and glanced at her watch. "Because you would have said no."
"Coffee. black with sugar, right." Angie nodded.
He strolled to the kitchen and returned a few minutes later with two steaming coffees.
He handed her a cup before making himself comfortable in the one armchair. Davy took a sip and smiled. "Why are you here? The last time you were in my flat, I was the biggest shit going. If you need company, buy a dog."
"As the world's biggest bastard, you must have a first-class degree in pissing people off? For fucks sake, face reality. It's tough out there, and our job is to clear the shit off the streets. The best we can do is keep going or give up trying."
"Face reality! People who do that are those too stupid to duck when the shit hits the fan. My life is and has been a mess for a long time.
Angie hesitated and then thought, in for a penny. "You are a strange person. When I was drunk, you could have taken advantage, but you didn't. Why not? Most men I know would have fucked me if for no other reason to say they have. That tells me a lot. You appear to care and have feelings. Do you know I was jealous of that woman in Spain?"
He leaned towards her. "Angie, since we first met, I've dreamt of us being together. You're an attractive woman, but the thought of loving you terrifies me. I don't have a life, and when Smith decides I'm a surplus commodity, he'll dump me like a sack of dog shit. Go and marry an accountant, have two kids and a dog."
Angie let out a humourless laugh. "What happened to that someone wanting to be normal? Together, we can make it happen. You can't put your life in reverse, but you can change direction. Let me help. If you don't want me, I'll walk out of your life, and you'll never see me again."
He smiled at her strength. "Tell me what you've told Smith?"
"I've told him what is necessary. Trust me. You need me. On your own, you have a snowball's chance in hell."
"You care. Why?"
As she glared at Davy, her shoulders sagged. There are moments when you drop your guard, and I see another person. I believe you are one of the good guys who took the wrong fork in a rather long road."
Davy made eye contact. "Why me." Should he tell her the truth? There was one way to find out.
He told her everything. Angie listened and stifled a yawn
Angie's eyes opened wide when he stopped speaking. "Davy, as I said, you are a good man, a survivor, and to be honest, I've never met anyone like you." She yawned. "What time is it?"
"Half two. I'd better get going. Will you phone for a black cab?"
His mind raced as the emotions he experienced came and went. "It's your decision, but you can sleep n the settee. I've spare sheets and blankets."
She chuckled. "Okay, if that's the best offer I'm going to get tonight."
"Never mix business with pleasure," said Davy as he left the room.
