Beyond Cutting: A Viv Fraser Mystery (The Viv Fraser Mysteries Book 1) by Clifford V

Author:Clifford, V. [Clifford, V.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Inverardoch Press
Published: 2014-02-20T06:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

Outside, Viv as usual pulls her jacket up round her chin. The temperature can’t have got above zero today and the wind chill, whatever that is, means the cold bites her hard. Johnny motions towards Royal Terrace. He walks quickly and although her legs are longer than his she has to run a step, walk a step to keep up with him. In the small car the smell of its newness is overwhelming. She’s glad that he’s sensible and wasn’t tempted to have ‘just one’. The car starts first time.

‘Thanks, by the way. It’s good of you to give me a lift.’

‘I’m so shocked about Andrew. Are you absolutely sure? It couldn’t be another mistake?’

‘No. I heard it through official channels.’

‘What? Are you working with the cops?’

‘Well, not officially. But they have asked me for the information I’ve got on what’s going on at that flat. Have you any idea? Have you ever been there?’

‘I’ve been once. Wasn’t my scene. The old guy who owns it is a good bloke.’

This is a surprise to her. ‘Sandy?’

‘Yeah. He looks after people. There are tons of guys who make their way to Edinburgh thinking it’s the gay capital – and you’d think it was if you believed the pink mags. But the reality can be bleak. Accommodation is expensive, booze is expensive – everything is really. So they end up having to get work, and what could be easier than renting?’

Viv takes a second to get his meaning. ‘Rent boys?’

‘Yeah. Renting your arse isn’t that different to just giving it away night after night, which is what they end up doing. At least they’ve got a chance of a bed for the night. Maybe even breakfast if they’re lucky.’

Viv can’t help herself and interrupts. ‘You’re a bit jaded, aren’t you?’ She waits, tempted to add ‘for one so young’, but that’ll not win her any favours. ‘You’re an intelligent bloke. What’s Len’s part in this?’

‘I’m not sure. But he’s rich and rough and straight.’

Viv turns in her seat. ‘Christ!’ This is getting beyond curious. ‘Straight? Are you sure?’

‘Yeah, he runs the boys.’

‘He’s their pimp?’

‘Don’t know if that’s what he’d call himself. But he gets them set up. I’ve never done it, so I don’t really know. But Andrew . . .’

‘What – he sold himself? I wouldn’t have thought with his looks he’d have had to. I mean sugar daddies an’ all that.’

‘He’s got a habit . . . had a habit. And doesn’t . . . didn’t like older men. Not as straightforward as you think.’ They sit in traffic at the top of Leith Walk waiting for the lights to change.

‘Oh, I don’t think there’s much about this case that’s straightforward, but you’re right, I have made assumptions. So, Len? You sure he doesn’t have a last name?’

‘No idea. Always just known him as Len. I’ve never spoken to him or anything. Tommy has, but he wouldn’t do it for him. There’s so many who will. Len doesn’t need to push anyone into it.

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