Lee Weeks - Cold as Ice

‘Have you dated him, Selena?”

‘Me? No way. He’s not my type. We had a snog last Christmas, when I was drunk, but that was it. He got pushy. I had to tell him to back off. He sent me filthy texts for weeks. I got sick of it. Every time I opened the phone there was another dirty message. Plus, he went further, videoing himself masturbating. Really yuck.’

‘Gross! He looks like he could be into all sorts.’

‘Oh yeah, that was another thing: did I have a girlfriend that we could have a threesome with? You know – the usual.’

Ebony tutted. ‘Did anyone else ever say he tried something weird with them?’ she asked.

‘Like what?’

‘I don’t know, something they didn’t like, dangerous maybe? It’s just that, well… you think he has a temper? I know what that’s like. I had enough of that with Archie’s dad.’

‘Oh yes. He definitely has a nasty streak if he doesn’t get his own way. He’s just a big baby really. He doesn’t get what he wants he stamps his foot till he does. He uses the fact he has a child to score with women. The only time he pushes the buggy is when he sees a good-looking woman in the park. I met his ex once, she looked really harassed by him. I reckon he’s been a wife-beater in his time.’

‘Julie’s dated him, hasn’t she?’

‘Yes, well she likes to think so – it was two nights at best, hardly dating. She’s really pissed off that he’s made a move on you.’

‘Do you think she really likes him?’

‘Julie always goes for the bad ones. She’s been beaten up by most of the boyfriends she’s had. Seriously, Ebony; I’m not just saying it to put you off him – he’ll bring you nothing but trouble.’

Ebony left Selena’s house and walked down to meet Yan in the café near the college as arranged. She was early. She ordered a coffee and looked at his Facebook page whilst she waited. He was everything she wasn’t: adventurous and daring. He’d swum with dolphins, gone into bat caves, he’d ridden on elephants in Thailand. Ebony realized she was slightly in awe of him and his free spirit. All her life she’d felt a massive weight of responsibility and never once had she been able to say she was carefree. She was beginning to regret that this was just an operation; that at the end of her time undercover she would not see him again. She wondered if he might still want to be friends after it was all over – maybe more than friends.

Tina called Ebony on her personal phone as she waited for Yan in the café opposite the college.

‘Hey, Teen.’

‘You all right, Ebb?’

‘Not bad.’

‘Really? The course you’re on, the accommodation? The hotel is shite, isn’t it? I can tell it in your voice. You sound tense.’

‘It’s not meant to be a picnic. I’m fine, honestly, Teen. Busy, that’s all. Anyway it has its plus side.’

‘What? Tell me. Ebony Willis, have you met a man out there?’

‘No. No way.’

‘OMG, you have. I can hear it in your voice. You’re lining up some nooky.’

‘Tina, pack it in. Just work, that’s all. I’m feeling good about it – positive.’

‘Hmmmm, well, nothing’s happening here. The house is still standing. My brother Dermot’s talking about staying for New Year’s now when he comes. I suppose that’s okay?’

‘Sounds great. Not sure whether I’ll be working or not – I said I would. You can share with me and Dermot can have your room.’ There was a silence. Ebony could hear Tina thinking.

‘Head up, Ebb. Christmas is coming. We’re going to have a blast.’

‘Can’t wait, Teen. Better go now.’ She spotted Yan in his three-quarter-length overcoat which was turned up at the collar. He waved to her then tucked his head down against the cold. She watched him walk towards the café.

‘Ebb… you keep safe. Love you, mate.’

‘And you, Teen.’

Ebony closed her phone and pushed it to the bottom of her bag.

‘How’s it going?’ Yan said as he walked in, smiling bashfully.

‘Going well, thanks. Thanks for agreeing to meet.’

‘It’s a pleasure.’ He hesitated before he sat down, looked around as if expecting to see something. ‘Is my coffee on the way?’ Ebony shook her head confused. ‘Don’t worry. I just texted you about getting me a coffee, that’s all.’

‘Oh sorry. Let me order one for you.’

‘Don’t worry, I’ll get it. You were busy talking on the phone; I expect the message will come through eventually. It’ll be in a few hours and it’ll say please get me a mocha latte with extra sprinkles.’

‘Really sorry.’

‘No probs. Do you want anything?’ She shook her head. Yan went and got a drink and brought it back to the table.

‘How’s it been going with you?’ he asked. ‘I see you’ve mastered Facebook. You seem to be always on there.’

‘Do I? God, I’m addicted already. I suppose it’s because it’s on my phone, makes it easier.’

‘It does everything but give you my texts. Sorry – only joking.’

She laughed. ‘Are you getting ready for the Christmas break? Does the college close?’

‘We close for two weeks.’ He smiled but Ebony could see he was bothered by something. He looked nervous.

‘Sorry I couldn’t join you yesterday evening,’ he said. His eyes fixed on hers, watching her every expression. ‘Did you have fun?’ His face betrayed the fact he was pretty sure Christian had made a pass.

‘Yes.’ Ebony smiled and gave him a sideways glance as she sipped her coffee. ‘We just had a drink or two. We met up with a couple of women from the college: Selena and Julie?’

‘Christian’s exes.’

‘Selena gave me coffee at her place earlier and she had quite a bit to say about you and Christian.’

‘Me?’

‘Actually, mainly about Christian. He seems to have quite a reputation. She thinks highly of you.’ Ebony watched and waited as Yan took his coat off and hung it on the back of his chair. It was expensive, Urban Outfitters. Must have been at least three hundred quid, thought Ebony. Jeanie had shown her some things from there and then decided that someone on Ebony Wilson’s supposed budget wouldn’t be able to afford them. ‘Has he dated a lot of women on the course?’

Yan paused, turned his eyes skyward as he thought about the question.

‘A fair few over the couple of years I’ve known him. Not Selena though; she’s one of a rare breed.’

‘Doesn’t he have any competition? He can’t be the only single dad at uni?’

‘He’s the one that does the socializing and organizes things via social network sites. He makes an effort. You must have noticed.’ She sipped her coffee and watched him sip his. He had a plaster on his hand and she clocked dirt beneath his nails.

‘What happened?’ Ebony could see the plaster peeling, two puncture wounds beneath it. ‘Looks nasty.’

‘Don’t worry, I’ve had my tetanus booster – staple gun; been doing some DIY for a friend.’ He looked sheepish. Ebony shook her head. Inside, her stomach flipped a little as she wondered whether Selena had really wanted to know about any designs Ebony might have had on Yan rather than Christian. Had Ebony missed the point? It wouldn’t be the first time. She was rubbish at judging things like that. Christ, how did she ever expect to be a good detective when a whole part of her knowledge of life was missing? She could read a zillion books on how people behave but she couldn’t tell what it really added up to. She couldn’t put it into practice.

‘Does she always call you to help with her DIY?’ He looked surprised at the question and gave her a smile.

‘Me? No. I’m far too busy. Plus I’m not boyfriend material for her. I’m not ready for fatherhood. There’s a lot of the world I still want to see.’