Chapter 70

CHAPTER SEVENTY

A na parked her car at the edge of the Ludbrook Grove estate. She didn't want to come out and find her car minus wheels. It was almost ten and getting dark. Although she could see where she was going, she still pulled a torch from her bag and walked slowly, occasionally looking behind her. The anorak hid her face, but she felt it was unlikely she would see anyone she knew.

She pushed the buzzer to Frankie's flat, and immediately the door clicked open. ‘Why didn't you check it was me?' said Ana. ‘I told you to be extra careful.'

‘I keep telling her,' said Sharon.

‘I knew you were coming,' said Frankie. ‘That's why.'

Sharon rolled her eyes.

Ana glanced at her watch. He was already a minute late.

‘He'll be here,' said Frankie. ‘Chill.'

The buzzer sounded, and Ana wiped the sweat from her face. He looked like the smart boy from next door. He's only a few years younger than me , thought Ana. God, I hope he knows what he's doing.

‘This is Vicky,' said Frankie, pushing Ana forward. ‘This is Spike. Have you got her stuff?'

He grinned and pulled his rucksack off his back. ‘Would I be here otherwise.'

He pulled out a small bag. Ana swallowed, checked it, and saw a syringe in the bag. ‘Just a useful little gift.' He smiled. ‘It's clean.'

‘Thanks.' She smiled. God, why was she sweating so much?

She handed him an envelope of money, which he carefully checked, and then, with a cute smile, said, ‘Nice doing business with you, Vicky. I'll see myself out.'

Ana let out a long breath. ‘Jesus,' she huffed.

Frankie laughed. ‘Who'd have thought it,' she said.

Ana smiled.

‘This badass girl is going to get things done,' said Frankie.