Hidden Sin: When the past comes back to haunt you

Billy knocked gently and, without waiting, turned the handle to open the door, upon which Mo’s distinctive voice floated out to them. He was talking on the phone. Though it wasn’t any phone – it was a mobile. A bloody mobile. That, as much as anything about the dark, compelling stranger, seemed to signify he was someone to be reckoned with and maybe be around. Paula obviously thought the same. As Billy ushered them in, she squeezed Joey’s hand and nudged him.

‘Do you clock that?’ she whispered as Mo finished the call.

‘Ah, good afternoon,’ Mo said warmly. He sat back in his swivel chair, looking amused. ‘Come to check us out, then, have you?’

‘If that’s still alright with you,’ Joey answered. ‘Looks like you’re pretty busy. Lots to do.’

Mo nodded at Big Billy, who was still standing by the door. ‘Bill and his team reckon it’ll all be ready in seven days, tops, don’t you, Billy? So, give or take any problems that crop up unexpectedly, that’s when we expect it to be done. Which means opening next Saturday week. Just under a fortnight.’ He waved Joey and Paula towards a brace of seats parked on their side of the crowded desk. ‘Billy works for Nico, my associate, and he’s good at what he does. If he says we’ll be ready,’ he said, obviously noticing Joey’s raised eyebrows, ‘then ready is what we’ll be. Thanks, Bill. I’ll take it from here, mate, if you want to get back.’