For Your Own Protection(15)

‘It’s impressive.’

‘Damn right it is.’ Harvey’s features clouded over as he gazed at the watch’s face. ‘You know, those shop assistants, I’m sure I had no more respect from them after I left than when I arrived.’

Matt felt he was beginning to understand Harvey’s motivations. ‘Try to ignore people like that. They’re not worth it.’

Harvey seemed to like that. ‘Thanks. Sounds like good advice. So,’ he continued, ‘why teachin’ then, bruv?’

‘Amy asked me. Told me she thought I might really enjoy it, find it rewarding. And I have.’

‘Maybe I should be a teacher then. Follow your sister.’

‘I think that might be a better idea. What would you teach?’

Harvey thought for a second. ‘Art, maybe.’

‘Art?’

‘I like to draw. Sketchin’.’

There was definitely more to Harvey than met the eye. ‘What do you sketch? Anything in particular?’

‘Urban landscapes. I try to capture the grimness, the gritty reality of what it’s like to live in this city for most people. Not the places the tourists see, Buckingham Palace or Big Ben, or Canary Wharf or the Shard or all that shiny shit. I draw real London.’

‘You should bring in some of your work, show the class.’

‘You’re shittin’ me! No way, man.’

‘Why not?’

‘No way, bruv. I’ll show you, but not them.’

‘Show me, then. And Amy.’

‘You’re serious?’

‘Completely. I’d love to see your stuff.’

‘Okay, I will. Next session, I’ll bring some. You really are cool, man.’

‘You got rid of the other tutors. Why not me?’

‘’Cos you’re Amy’s brother. And Amy is the coolest person I know. She’s helped me so much, cut me slack when others would’ve just stamped on my face. I thought, well, Amy’s brother deserves a chance, right?’

‘So I have her to thank.’

‘At first. But after that, you had to convince me.’

‘Convince you of what?’

‘That you were worth my time.’

Now Matt laughed.

‘Man, I don’t mean no disrespect, but if I want to achieve, I need to put my energies into the right things. Those other tutors, they were wastin’ my time. They didn’t believe in us like Amy does, or you do.’

‘How can you be so sure that I believe in you?’

‘I can tell. You do, don’t you?’

‘Yes. I believe you can all achieve things.’

‘First time I met Amy, she said that everyone has the potential to better themselves. That really spoke to me, you know – really spoke to me, right deep down.’

Before Matt could reply, Harvey’s phone rang.

‘Sorry, man,’ he said, peering at his top-of-the-range gold iPhone. ‘Got to get this.’

He dismounted from the chair and slipped out of the room. Matt could see Harvey in the corridor, animated in conversation. He was gesticulating, throwing his hands up in the air, putting his hands to his head and pacing around. Then a noise shocked Matt back from his thoughts about who Harvey might be talking to.

Harvey’s weighty rucksack had toppled from the table on to the floor. Matt leaned down and tried to lift it with one hand, straining to pull it off the ground. There was no chance – it was just too heavy. He got up and hauled the bag on to a chair. It was certainly some weight – the kind of weight you imagine Marine commandos lugging around on outward-bound exercises.

Matt had hold of the bag when the thought arose. He turned to look at Harvey, who had his back to him, still gesticulating. And then, without any more thought, he pulled at the bag’s zip.

The glint of metal caught the light.

The bag was full of knives.





CHAPTER ELEVEN


‘Hi, Matt.’

Matt stood on the threshold of what still felt like his family home, despite the fact that it had been invaded and colonised by his great rival. ‘Hi. Is James—’

‘He’s popped out to get a newspaper. Would you like to come in? Charlie’s just finishing off a Thomas movie.’

Sunday was Matt’s favourite day. It was his day with Charlie, a day he treasured more than anything.

Charlie was lying on the sofa, one of his arms draped over the side.

‘Hey, Charlie, how are you?’

‘Huh?’ he said, raising his head in Matt’s direction. Lost in the movie, he smiled in surprise, only just realising that Matt was there. ‘Okay, thank you, Daddy.’

‘Ah, Day of the Diesels. That still one of your favourites?’

Charlie nodded absent-mindedly, his focus drawn back to the television. Matt tried once more. ‘You looking forward to swimming?’

That did get his attention. ‘Yes! Swimming – I love swimming.’ He sat up and pumped his fist comically. ‘Are we going today?’

‘Yes, we are,’ Matt smiled, ‘and afterwards the park. Is that good?’

‘Yes!’

‘The zip wire?’

Another fist pump. ‘Yes! Zip wire! Wheeeee!’ Charlie mimed himself flashing past on the sit-on rubber ring.