Watching the Wheels Come Off by Mike Hodges

Author:Mike Hodges [Mike Hodges]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
ISBN: 9781857829303
Publisher: Max Crime
Published: 2012-02-14T16:00:00+00:00

Avril is waiting for him in the foyer. She’s been watching him and Alice through the waiters’ window in the kitchen door. Its tinted glass captures her mood exactly, with a bold wash of bilious green.

‘Trying to get your leg over that American filly?’

‘How dare you suggest such a thing. My relationship with Miss Honey is purely professional. I’m here to liaise with the Personal Improvement Institute, and make sure their stay here is a happy and successful one. Don’t forget I was personally responsible for bringing their business to your hotel.’

Mark dances on past her, making for the cloakroom. She follows. He grabs his hat and coat, but she blocks his exit.

‘You ponce! What’s this, then?’ She grabs his crotch. ‘A stick of rock?’

‘Avril, has anyone ever told you that you’ve got a one-track mind?’

‘Often. Will I see you later at school?’

‘Your insatiable lust for knowledge is admirable. What’s it tonight?’

‘Art History.’

‘And tomorrow?’

‘Oral French.’

‘That sounds more promising. Tomorrow it is.’

She moves closer, whispering in his ear: ‘What about now?

Mark is horrified: ‘Out of the question. I’ve got to be in court at ten.’

‘A paternity suit?’

‘That’s not funny. It’s Reg Turpin’s inquest.’

Behind her he sees Ace sway out of his office into the foyer, clutching his first brandy of the day.

‘Cool it. Your beloved husband has just appeared on the horizon, giving another brilliant impersonation of W.C. Fields.’ Mark then calls out ‘Morning, Ace’ and dances past both Avril and the bemused Ace.

‘Must fly.’

* * *

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