Page 28 of Now Comes the Dark

“It sounds lonely…and stressful, all those hours at work with no serious down time.”

Mallon shrugged. “I haven’t found much in Blyham to interest me.”

“It doesn’t sound like you’ve made any effort. There’s a lot more to the city than you would think. Don’t dismiss it too quickly.”

“Okay. What do you suggest? What do you do when you’re not at work—or fucking strange men?”

“Do you like football?”

Mallon grimaced harder than ever.

Roman laughed. “I’ll take that as a no. I follow Blyham FC, but I can’t afford the tickets much. I only make it to occasional games. But I like to watch the matches in the pub if they are on TV.”

“You are not convincing me. Is that all this city has? A football team?”

“No. There are lots of museums and art galleries. There’s the castle further along the river, cinema’s, exhibitions. There’s a theatre and a concert hall. In the summer, they have a lot of open-air concerts in the grounds of the castle. You can hear all kinds of live music—pop, rock, dance, opera. There are churches and a large cathedral, markets and street food. There’s a lot to Blyham, but you just haven’t discovered it yet.”

“So it would seem,” he said, sitting back and watching Roman with keen eyes. “Maybe I have underestimated this place.”

“A lot of people do.”

“And maybe you can show me some of these things.”

Roman put down his knife and fork as Mallon’s words sent a rush right through him. “I’d love to, whenever you want.”

After breakfast, Mallon suggested a walk farther along to the waterfront to help the food digest. It was still freezing outside, but Roman would agree to anything just to spend more time with him. Mallon lit a cigarette as he walked. Smoking had always been a turn off, but like most things with Mallon, he didn’t even mind that.

He pointed out a modern building on the other side of the river, the entire exterior of which was mirrored glass. “That’s Blyham Concert Hall. It’s only been open around three years, but it’s a great venue. They have all kinds of music playing. You should check out what is on. There’s bound to be something that suits you, and it’s so close to your apartment. They have a huge main hall and a smaller studio for more intimate concerts.”

“Maybe. I’m not a fan of crowded places, so I tend to avoid concerts and theatres.”

“There’s a coffee shop in there and a small art gallery, so it’s still worth your while to check it out.”

“All right. You win. I’ll have a look someday. You have convinced me that there is more to your city than I first assumed.”

It was late morning, and the usual gaggle of Saturday stag and hen parties started to arrive and fill up the bars. Despite the January cold, they came out in their skimpy dresses and loose shirts to brave the waterfront.

Roman indicated a path to their right. “We can cut up there and walk along the parallel street back to your apartment. It avoids the worst of the party gangs. They get rowdy quickly at the weekend. Most of them will have been drinking already.”

When they were off the main street, Mallon put out his cigarette and moved closer, putting an arm around Roman’s waist. Roman twitched with excitement. His cock was on a hair-trigger. The slightest touch or gesture from Mallon was all it took to get a stiff rise.

“I have a hard on,” Mallon announced.

“That makes two of us.”

“I’ve had one for the last half hour.” Mallon leaned over and nuzzled Roman’s cold ear.

“We don’t have far to go.”

Mallon pulled him even closer. “I can’t wait.”

They approached a narrow alley leading between a hotel and a restaurant. Mallon drove him down the gap.

“What are you doing?” Roman looked around in both directions. At least they were alone.

“I want you now.” Mallon said, shuffling behind a large waste bin. He put his back against the wall and unbuckled his belt.

“Here?” Roman gasped. “It’s freezing.” The cobbles beneath his feet were still coated in frost that had yet to thaw.

---