Page 71 of A Long Way Back
When Lennie reached again for Tay, Ink blocked him. “There’s more in it than pennies. There’s one- and two-pound coins.”
“You expect me to sit and count it?”
“Just take it and leave. Don’t supply Tay or I’ll tell the police.”
“You little piece of shit. What makes you think you can tell me what to do?”
Ink sighed. He was a failure at telling anyone what to do. Lennie twirled the sock, then swung the bag of coins into the side of Ink’s face. Ink reeled into the wall, crying out in pain.
“Shit! Don’t hit him,” Tay pleaded.
Ink’s cheek was on fire but he stepped forward and shoved at Lennie’s chest. “Get out.”
The guy laughed. No way was Ink strong enough to force him to do anything.
“I’ll give you a cheque,” Tay said. “Please don’t hit him.”
“You’re joking. A cheque?”
Ink had known he’d stand no chance whatever this guy had turned out to be. Ink wasn’t a fighter and he’d hoped it wouldn’t come to this, but deep down, he’d not expected a drug dealer to turn up, shrug and leave without doing something. He didn’t want him to hit Tay and he really didn’t want him to leave the codeine.
Another blow from Lennie sent Ink sprawling. He swung the sock down and struck Ink’s chest, then his legs. Only quick thinking saved his cock and balls.
“I like this sock. Works well.” Lennie grinned.
Ink could hear Tay protesting and he was frightened Lennie would hit him too. He struggled to his feet.
“Go away.” Ink shoved at him again.
The man-mountain didn’t move except to launch a blow that sent Ink flying into the wall. He crumpled to the floor and curled up as Lennie kicked him, then a foot on his ribs kept him down. As he lay trying to draw air into his lungs, he was showered with small white pills.
“Half of ‘em,” Lennie said. “Don’t fuck me around like this again.”
He stepped on Ink’s thigh as he walked out. Ink yelped and the world winked out for a long moment. Tay locked the door and Ink pushed himself into a sitting position. Blood was dripping down his face. He bit back his groan and started to gather all the tablets together.
“Oh God, oh God. Fuck, fuck.” Tay’s breathing was shaky. “Are you okay? Are you bloody nuts? What the fuck, Ink?”
Ink got to his feet with some difficulty and stood in front of Tay. He held out his hand holding the bloody tablets along with the bank card. “Five seven nine four.” Tay’s PIN.
Tay stared at the codeine, then looked at Ink.
“Don’t give up,” Ink whispered. “You can do it. I believe in you.”
“Were you outside waiting the whole time?”
Ink nodded once. His head was pounding and he felt sick.
Tay sagged. “Get rid of the tablets.”
Thank…The world began to fade and though Ink struggled to stay in it, his knees buckled and he went down hard.
HE DIDN’T THINK HE WAS out for long, and when he came round, Tay was kneeling next to him holding a wet flannel against his cheek.
“Thank God,” Tay groaned. “You okay? You need me to phone for an ambulance?”
“No. I’m okay.”
Ink pushed to his feet, then helped Tay to his. The tablets were all over the floor again.
