Doughnuts: A Fictional Narrative

The air in the room was stale and the draught from the open door sent particles of dust spinning in the light from the window. Alex lay on his back on the bed, his hands folded on his chest, his profile austere and saintly. ‘Is he ok?’ Mike had hardly spoken on the walk to Hilda’s building; he seemed deflated. He and Sadie were still at breakfast when they arrived, and she and Gary had by stood by awkwardly as Mike drained his coffee and put down his cup before shrugging on his jacket. Sadie mumbled a greeting when she let them in, but had been so unwelcoming that Jen hadn’t dared to ask if she could talk to Hayley.
‘“He” is fucking freezing.’ Alex sat up like Nosferatu rising from his coffin. Gary handed him the coffee and doughnuts they’d …show more content…
Gary sat beside Alex, offered him a cigarette and lit it for him. He and Mike were acting as if they felt guilty at how they’d treated him, and were trying to make amends. Jen had stifled any pity she felt; Alex was a master of manipulation, and she was determined not to let him influence her.
‘When did Hayley tell you about Angie, Alex?’ Mike came back into to room in time to hear his answer.
‘A couple of days ago. Her and that Goth type she hangs around with told me.’ He looked up at Mike.
‘Great girl you’ve got there, Mike.’ There was a sneer implicit in the …show more content…
There are eyes on you. Go near either of them, or Jen, and you’ll be done for.’
No violence, Gary had said, and she and Mike had agreed, but now she could see how effective a threat could be. Batting feebly at Mike’s hand, Alex’s eyes were popping, and his bare feet were sliding about on the floor as he tried to free himself.
‘Ok,ok.’ He gasped out the words and Mike let him go. Gary handed him the bin bag containing his clothes. Something closed in his face then: an acceptance that there was no point in him fighting on. She’d seen it before, when he gave up on a stubborn punter or an unsuccessful scam and cut his losses. Rummaging about in the bag, he ignored them. It was a brave attempt; he was toughing it out, but they all knew he had lost. Jen wondered if he had never been serious, if he had seen what might be advantage, and was just trying his luck.
‘What are your plans?’ Gary handed him a sock that had dropped out of the bag.
‘That for me to know, and for you to find out.’
‘Oh,we will, Alex. You can count on it. Whatever they are, take it out of the area, or you and the Avery’s might get a visit from the lads. They won’t like that, they won’t want the