Edge of the Land: The Merseyside Crime Series Book 3 by Malcolm Hollingdrake

Author:Malcolm Hollingdrake [Hollingdrake, Malcolm]
Language: eng
Format: epub, azw3
Publisher: Hobeck Books Ltd
Published: 2024-04-16T00:00:00+00:00

Danny Maynard sat crouched in the corner of Beales’s shed, the only one devoid of domestic and gardening equipment. The diffused light from the outside lamp, positioned on the corner of the house, filtered through an old, yellowing net curtain strung across the window on what appeared to be string, allowing it to sag in the centre. It seemed to attract spiders and webs, adding to the privacy it provided. He had been here so many times; it was almost like home. It was dry, warm and safe.

He tumbled the harmonica in his hands, the chrome glistening before he brought it to his lips. Blowing gently, the sound was louder than he had anticipated. He stopped blowing. He knew the forensic people would find his sleeping bag; they would find his DNA; it would be everywhere. Would they believe he had killed Trevor? Would they think he was now a murderer as well as a dealer and all-round no-mark? He closed his eyes and thought of school.

The map, the bloody map. How often had the kids told him, dared him to do things and like a fool he complied. It was a laugh, at the time, unless you were the teacher. They were never caught, but he was. ‘Danny’s not a grass,’ they’d say and pat him on the back at home time. Danny was good for mischief, game for a laugh. Why could I never say no?

The noise by the shed door brought him back to his senses. It opened to reveal the silhouette of Mrs Beales. ‘I saw you sneak in, Danny. Thought you’d be hungry. There’s some butties and a brew. I’ll not tell Wayne and you don’t either. He’s snoring on the settee. When he goes to work, you can pop in. You know just where I’ll be. Those bruises still look sore. My little gladiator.’

The door closed. Danny could immediately smell the strong, sweet tea and that was more important than the thought of what was expected of him later. He lifted the slice from the top of the sandwich, it was ham. She knew he liked ham. He held it before taking a large bite, remembering the day she had seduced him. It was all so strange, so wrong but yet exciting. He even remembered her words – ‘Me and Wayne haven’t got you an eighteenth pressie, but I thought as he’s out you might like …’ – It was the first time. It became regular and she would slip him a few quid afterwards. ‘Never look a gift horse in the mouth,’ she often said as she beckoned him in when the coast was clear. She also helped hide drugs and on one occasion a handgun, not that she was aware of it. He made up all sorts of stories and she seemed to just accept them without question. What was strange, Wayne never knew or if he did, he said nothing. Maybe it was one job fewer for him to do!

He sipped his tea and leaned back against the shed wall.

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