‘I’ve got the five grand,’ I blurt out, my voice cracking.
But before I can say more, a hand clamps around my throat and squeezes, and I can’t breathe. My lungs scream. Stars explode behind my eyes. Just as I think I’m about to black out, he lets go.
I hit the floor hard, nausea rising. My legs won’t hold me.
Raven towers over me. ‘I said seven o’clock,’ he growls. ‘And when I say seven, I mean seven. No one makes me wait.’ A kick slams into my ribs, and white-hot pain tears through me. ‘You still owe me, Danny.’
I shake my head, teeth chattering.
‘I thought it was five,’ I mumble, sounding pathetic.
‘There’s always interest,’ he sneers. ‘Surely you know that? You still owe me three grand.’
He crouches down, and his voice is a cold whisper against my ear now. ‘I’m going to be generous and give you ten days. Just ten. I understand you’re a little shaken up. I’m not ruthless, Danny. But I’m not a charity either.’ His tone softens, becoming almost gentle. ‘So don’t screw with me. Next time, it’s your wife.’ There is a pause, then: ‘Three thousand. Ten days.’
He stands up and walks away. I stay crumpled on the floor, trembling. My body won’t move. I’m frozen.
One of the goons hauls me up and shoves me toward the exit. I stumble through the door and hit the pavement hard. The door slams shut behind me.
I lie there on the pavement for a moment, dazed.
‘You alright, mate?’ a voice says. A man crouches beside me. ‘Want me to call the old bill?’
‘No,’ I say quickly. ‘Just… some aggro over a woman, you know?’
He eyes me, his expression sceptical, but shrugs. ‘You want me to call you a cab?’
‘No. I’ve got my car around the corner.’
‘Not sure you’re in any state to drive, mate.’
I wish he’d piss off. ‘I’m fine. Thanks.’
I stagger off, every step shooting fire through my ribs. I make it to the car just before I throw up.
***
When I pull up outside our block of flats, I see Joanna looking out of the lounge window. I’m later than I planned. The next thing I know, she is opening the main entrance doors.
‘God, where have you been? I tried your phone, but you didn’t answer.’
‘My battery died.’
‘I tried the office too, but the answer machines are on.’
‘I'm sorry, Jo. I got so immersed in work that I didn’t think to check the battery on my mobile.’
‘Why are you limping?’ she asks, concerned.
Shit.
‘I stupidly knocked my side on the desk. It’s nothing.’
She looks at me, bewildered. ‘Where’s your coat?’
Double shit. It’s still at the bloody casino.
‘I left it at work in the rush to get home,’ I lie.
