Page 78 of Inbetweeners
“They can’t see you.”
“I could have told you and you could have told them who it was.”
Emmett gaped at him. “You know the grey-haired guy?”
“Yes, well, no, but he came looking for a car last week. Sandra dealt with him. He was checking out people carriers. His name’s James Greyson. That’s what he said anyway. We have his name and number on file.”
“What happened this morning?”
“It was my turn to open up. I’d only just sat at the desk when the door opened and he came in. He said he’d wanted to catch me on my own.” Rashad sighed. “That sounded wrong, then I saw the knife. I was scared. I pressed 9-9-9 on my phone under the desk. I told him we’d not had any new cars in but he kept coming towards me. I managed to yell “help” before he stabbed me. Bastard.”
“Yes, he is.”
“Do you know him?”
“He stabbed me too.”
“Oh. What the hell is going on?”
“I’m dead as well.”
“But why can the police see you and not me? How can you touch stuff?”
“We have a long walk back to Greenwich. I’ll fill you in.”
Rashid asked a few questions, but grew quieter the more Emmett told him.
“So, what happens now?”
Emmett wasn’t surprised by Rashid’s glum tone.
“We’re going back to our place in Greenwich. I’m waiting for Phoenix to call me. Hopefully, he’s followed Greyson to where he lives.”
“I feel like I’ve stepped into a computer game. I’m not sure I want to press reset.”
“Do you live with anyone? Do you have a big family?”
“I live on my own in a tiny bedsit in Deptford. My family disowned me because they don’t think you can be Muslim and gay. You can, but…”
“They’ll be sad you’re dead, though.”
Rashid laughed, but the sound was hollow. “Saves them killing me.”
Emmett shot him a glance. “I’m sorry?”
“They probably wouldn’t have killed me, but they said I was dead to them after I told them. I only told them because I’d finally found a boyfriend, and then he dumped me, and I was so pissed that I’d told them for nothing.”
“Not for nothing. At least you had the courage to tell them. There are parents out there who just accept. Not yours and not mine. Well, mine accepted, but they didn’t give a shit.”
“You’re gay too?”
“Yes.”
“Are you tired? You’re slowing down.”
“I am tired, but I can’t get on a bus or call for a ride looking like this. The blood is already seeping through the hoodie. I can make it back.”
They were almost at the flat when Emmett’s phone rang.
“We found where he’s living,” Phoenix said. “Erith. It’s just an ordinary looking detached house. I’ve got his car reg. We’re on our way back. You okay?”
“Fine.”
Emmett slipped the phone back in his pocket. “By the way. I’d appreciate it if you didn’t mention the head injury to Phoenix. He worries.” He probably didn’t, but that was four lives gone.
“Okay.”
