Page 31 of Read Between The Lines

Gavin nodded. ‘Cheers, Kat. She likes her occasional visits to stay with you.’

‘But she’s always much happier when she’s back with her dad,’ I said.

‘I can’t lie, she is. Anyway, I hope your friend arrives soon. I’d better get off. I’ve got the old penny whistle out and I’m going to do some busking on Broad Street. I was planning to use the bookshelf money to get a bed at a dog friendly place tonight, but I had to buy Robin some new food as the last stuff gave her a gippy tummy. I’m not far off what I need though, so hopefully a bit of music will earn me the rest.’

‘Good luck. Hope you don’t have to stay out long,’ I said.

I fought back the urge to make up the difference myself, knowing that it was a point of pride with Gavin to earn his way.

He whistled between his teeth, and Robin sprang to her feet and back to his side. As the pair sauntered down the street, an idea suddenly occurred to me and I hurried after them.

‘Gavin, would you be able to do an odd job for me tonight? And, in this instance, the use of the word “odd” is particularly appropriate.’

He looked quizzically at me. ‘That sounds intriguing. I’m happy to help with anything, as long as it’s legal.’

‘It’s one hundred percent legit. It just might sound a little strange, that’s all. When I said I was waiting for a friend, it wasn’t strictly true.’

I quickly told him about the Single Mingle and why I was attending it, knowing that Gavin would be the soul of discretion.

He nodded. ‘Ah, I heard about your disappointment from Doris earlier. Very sorry to hear that, I was. You deserve better.’

‘That’s very kind of you to say.’

‘But you should be careful taking on that kind of bloke. He could be dangerous to get on the wrong side of.’

Gavin and Leo would probably get on really well.

‘I’ll be fine. I was wondering if I could hire you to keep an eye on the bar’s entrance for the next quarter of an hour or so. The event begins at eight o’clock, and it said on the invitation that latecomers wouldn’t be admitted.’

‘Have you got a photo of this Brian bloke so I know who I’m looking for?’

‘If only it was that easy.’ I quickly explained about the stolen photos. ‘Anyway, I was hoping you could keep an eye on everyone who’s going in, and if there’s anyone acting shifty, make a note of what they’re wearing and, when you’re next in the library, we can compare experiences.’

If truth be told, I didn’t really expect anything useful to come from this bit of the operation, but it would be a way of making sure Gavin got his bed for the night, and that was what mattered.

‘I can help,’ said Gavin, and indeed, he did look a lot brighter than he had at the start of our conversation. ‘But it doesn’t feel right to take your money when I’m happy to assist for free.’

‘Well, I won’t feel right unless I pay you. It’s only like putting up bookshelves for Doris, after all.’

‘I suppose so. It’ll be like my old army days. And at least I have the perfect disguise for carrying out surveillance. It’s amazing how being homeless is as effective as Harry Potter’s invisibility cloak.’

He was delighted by this analogy, but the truth in his words made me feel sad.

‘What are your rates?’ I asked.

‘As it’s been a while since I’ve been on stag, a tenner would be more than acceptable.’

‘Are you sure? Given your military experience, I’d be happy to pay double that.’

He shook his head. ‘You’re alright. Half of it will get me over the line for tonight’s accommodation, and the other half will put some credit on my phone. A man couldn’t ask for more.’

‘You’re a good guy. Now, promise me, if you’re not sure about anyone or you feel in any way threatened, you’ll get out of here immediately. Not that I’m expecting any kind of trouble,’ I added hastily, recognising that Gavin would probably do the exact opposite. I couldn’t bear the thought of him and Robin coming to any harm because of me. ‘All I need is your insight into the people attending the Single Mingle. They might be putting on a front in the bar, but I doubt they’ll be doing the same when they’re walking down the street beforehand. You can offer us a really useful perspective.’

‘I’ll take photos,’ he said eagerly. ‘I’ll bring them to the library first thing in the morning.’

‘I’ve got a day off tomorrow, so maybe we can catch up on the phone? But there’s no rush. You’ve got to make the most of that comfy bed. Don’t leave until check-out time, deal?’

He shook my hand. ‘Deal. Come on, Robin, let’s set ourselves up over there by the bike rack. We’ll watch Kat’s back for her, won’t we, clever girl?’

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