Page 67 of The Freshman

“Until it’sstaked.”

Tia rolled her eyes. “Bloody hell,you’re worse than me. Let’s stick the TV on, and not talk about Mr.Mystery.”

Alfie nodded and let her choose themovie. Thankfully not a soppy romance, but a sci-fi with plenty ofgore and aliens. It helped and watching Tia duck behind a cushionmade him smile.

Their movie was interrupted by Alfie’schirping phone. He sighed and peered at the screen, expecting Nate,then hurried to answer the call from Ryan.

“Alfie? How youfeeling?”

He swallowed awkwardly and nodded.“I’m—I’m much better.”

“Better enough to cover ashift on Sunday?”

“Erm, I guessso.”

Ryan sighed. “Great. I’ve got Dave andMike with you to accompany Nate to the funeral.”

“The what?”

“Yeah, dear old Doris wascremated on Wednesday, and her ashes are flying over to be buried.It was her wishes apparently, all arranged, and she wanted Nate tobe there.”

Alfie shook his head. “I can’tgo—”

“Why not?”

He looked to Tia and she wagged herfinger and nodded.

“I just don’t think I’mexperienced enough.”

Tia slammed her palm to her face, andAlfie turned away.

“Never going to getexperience if you say no when I suggest stuff. First you turn downdays on H, and now this. Besides, Dave and Mike will be there. Theystill go on about you punching Nate.”

“Isn’t that a reason Ishouldn’t go?”

Ryan tutted. “Can’t show them fear.He’ll be handcuffed the whole time, and Dave and Mike can handlehim.”

Alfie closed his eyes and exhaledslowly. “Fine.”

“Now you sound like aproper prison officer, tired and fed up.”

The line went dead, and Alfie glaredat the phone.

“Don’t let him stop youfrom doing your job,” Tia said, crossing her arms. “Get back inthere!”

Chapter Seventeen

Alfie arrived at the prison just intime to see Nate ducking into a car.

Mike climbed in after with a scowl.His short stockiness and round face reminded Alfie of abulldog.

Dave closed the car door, then turnedto Alfie as he approached. “Thought we’d have to go withoutya.”

Alfie offered a weak smile. “That wasthe plan.”

Dave tipped his head back and releaseda bark of laughter. His long hair floated in the wind, whippinginto his mouth. He spluttered, cursed, then scraped his hairtogether with his fingers. “Heard you’ve been chucking it up forthe last week.”

Alfie grimaced. “Yeah, wasn’tpleasant.”

---