Die Hard Mod (12 page)

‘Taxi?’ said Bobby.

‘Aye,’ said Steve. ‘Men of our means owe it to themselves, eh?’

‘Too true, boss.’

When the cab arrived, the driver was the same ageing rocker who’d driven them to the Hanbury Ballroom a month or so before.

‘Alright lads? Lovely night ain’t it? Just heard on Southern Counties about Cubitt’s accident down the undercliff. What a shame, eh? I tell you what. After I’ve finished this shift, I’m gonna go out with my brother and get fuckin’ rat-arsed.’

When he pulled up at the Sidewinder, Steve shoved the driver a tenner for the five-quid fare.

‘Keep the change mate and have a great night with yer bro later, alright?’

Steve had never been in the pub before but he reckoned it looked alright. The bar staff served them promptly, the red-brick rustic décor wasn’t offending his eyes and the lights were nice and low. Bobby was taking care of the drinks. A pint of
Harveys
for him, Guinness for Steve. Just along from the bar area, there was a DJ stood behind some decks. He had his headphones on and was intently lining up a new track to follow on from
The Letter
by The Box Tops.

Steve was grinning and swaying along to the tune when he felt a nudge.

‘Hey stranger.’

She was wearing a Small Faces t-shirt which pleased Steve but it was the kindness in her blue eyes that really got him.