“What did you say it sounded like?”
“The cries of the damned.”
“No, mate. That wouldn’t be covered by your insurance. It’s probably rusted pipes.”
John sighed. It might have been mistaken for relief. But only by those who didn’t know him.
He adjusted his tie. It was hot in the small passageway that separated the bathroom from the kitchen in his council flat. No windows, that was the problem. Shut the doors that lined the passage, and it was as dark as the grave in there.
He removed his glasses, took a handkerchief from his waistcoat pocket, and wiped the sweat from his bald head.
“Will it take long to fix?”
The plumber looked up from the bathroom floor. Long dark hair hung in front of his eyes. All John could see was his hawkish nose, bent slightly at the end. “Got to find the problem first, guv. But I hope not. I’m supposed to be done for the day. I’d already have my feet up if you hadn’t walked past while I was loading the van up the road.”
John stepped into the kitchen and crossed to the window that was permanently open, even in winter. He placed his glasses carefully next to the kettle. He could tolerate most of the problems that had developed recently in his little flat. The smells. The voices. But not those sounds from the toilet every time he flushed.
“Thanks for agreeing to pop up on the spur of the moment.”
“No problem. I could use the extra cash. Mondays are slow.”
“Right. I don’t like Mondays.”
John opened one of the cardboard boxes lining the kitchen counter. He poked around inside until he found two wine glasses. Then he slipped a small glass bottle from his waistcoat pocket. “Would you like some chianti?”
“You what?”
“Red wine. From Tuscany. This one’s rather nice. I thought I’d fry some liver for supper. Would you like some?”
A series of grunting bangs preceded the response.
“With onions?”
John shook his head. He reminded himself that this was Notting Hill, after all. He couldn’t expect the tradesmen to share his tastes.
“Onions don’t agree with me, I’m afraid. I prefer fava beans. You’re sure I can’t tempt you?”
Dancing in Valhalla – 13 twisted tales of music, magick & mayhem – will be released at all your normal online retailers on 21 April (and in paperback shortly thereafter). Only a few retailers currently list the pre-order edition. They can be found at Books2Read.
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