Читать книгу Dead Inside - Noelle Holten - Страница 25

Shell Baker could always be found surrounded by men at one of the pubs in Markston. Most people who had grown up on the estates knew Shell. Her beauty made women jealous and her personality attracted men like moths to a flame.

The minute he walked in the door, Shell was intrigued. She had heard of Patrick Quinn and wondered if he really was as bad as everyone made him out to be.

He smiled at her as he made his way towards the bar. ‘What are you drinking, love?’

She had to admit, he had a certain charm.

‘Don’t you think you’d better introduce yourself first, love? I don’t take drinks from strangers.’ He seemed surprised by her straight-talking, but she liked the sound of his laugh.

‘Don’t get your knickers in a twist, the name’s Patrick – you going to share yours now?’

Shell was no fool. This guy was clearly a charmer, but a free drink didn’t mean she had to marry him, so why not.

‘Shell.’ She stuck out her hand. ‘Pleased to meet you, Patrick. I’ll have a cider and black.’

She’d seen Patrick at the pub before. Although he hadn’t grown up in the area, there were only a few pubs in Markston and most people knew the regulars. Shell didn’t like much of what everybody said about Patrick, but she always believed in giving people a fair shake.

Of course, Shell was no angel either. If Patrick messed her about, he’d regret it.

Patrick told Shell that he needed a break from home and the banter flowed easily between them.

‘So, why are you here talking to me if you have a wife and daughter at home?’ Shell said.

‘Lucy doesn’t get me. She’s controlling and always complaining. I can’t talk to anyone or go anywhere without getting the third fucking degree.’

Shell wasn’t convinced. He didn’t strike her as a man who would let someone control him. He oozed confidence and had a slight arrogance about him.

‘Why do you put up with that shit, then? I’d be out of there like a shot if anyone tried that with me!’

Patrick didn’t answer right away. He looked as if he was thinking carefully.

‘Not sure, if I’m honest. Been thinking about leaving her, but I have my kids to worry about too.’

Kids? ‘I thought you said you had a daughter. What do you mean by kids? She ain’t pregnant, is she?’

‘No. No. No. I have a son, he just turned fifteen but lives with his mother. I was with his mother before Becky, Siobhan’s mum.’

‘Oh, right. I see. Well, if she’s like that with you, what’s she like with the kids … especially when you’re not around?’

‘Hmmm. I see your point. I never thought about that.’

‘Where’s your daughter’s mother then? She still in the picture?’

A strange look came over Patrick’s face. ‘She’s probably in a psycho ward! She’s a raging alcoholic who fucked anything that gave her the slightest bit of attention.’

Shell wondered if Patrick could sense her surprise at his outburst.

‘Look. I’m sorry if that came out a bit harsh. Siobhan’s mum has problems. She needs help. She’s a violent, aggressive drunk, and I worried she’d hurt my little girl. Not sure what happened to her before she met me, but it made her drink herself stupid nearly every day. I couldn’t take it anymore, so I just upped and left.’

‘You left your daughter with her?’ Shell’s mouth gaped open and she inched away.

‘No. I took Siobhan with me and rang social services. I explained why I took Siobhan; they came, did their assessments, and the courts gave me custody. I would never leave my kid in a situation like that. What do you take me for? Sorry, I guess you don’t really know me so that was a fair comment.’

Shell was beginning to warm to this guy. As well as being good-looking, with his cheeky smile, Patrick gave off all the signs of a decent, caring father. Someone with a troubled past who was doing their best. Shell could relate to that. She fidgeted in her seat with embarrassment at jumping to the wrong conclusion. Her hand went to Patrick’s and she gave it a squeeze.

‘Oh God, that sounds like an awful situation. Thank Christ you had the sense to get your daughter out with you. Not many men would.’

He looked down and shook his head. ‘It was awful. I know girls need their mums, but there was just no way I’d put my princess through that.’

Patrick went on to tell Shell about Rory. How he’d last seen him ten years ago and, when Rory made contact via Facebook, Patrick knew they had to meet up. He told Shell that he had needed to explain his side of the story to Rory, because his mother had just left one day without an explanation, taking him with her.

Shell gasped. ‘How could she do that?’

Patrick shrugged his shoulders. ‘Still don’t know. Maybe she was having an affair? Who knows. I don’t care anymore, I’m just happy my kid found me.’

They had continued chatting until the pub closed and said their goodbyes outside. Patrick kissed Shell on the hand and suggested they exchange numbers. She reluctantly agreed but made it clear that she wasn’t into breaking up families. Patrick had mumbled a comment, but Shell just waved it off and headed home.