Breaking the Circle Read online

Gerard turned and laughed. ‘You told me, “Don’t be shy – make friends.”’ He twirled Maya round. ‘So I’m makin’ friends.’

  ‘Yeah, you just watch yourself!’ Serena retorted.

  He gave Maya no chance to escape, pulling her away from the others and locking his arms round her back. ‘Say anythin’ and you’re dead,’ he whispered.

  ‘Like to bet?’ Maya snapped. ‘The last person who tried it ended up splattered.’

  ‘Think you’re so smart? I know who you are, Serena told me – Mummy’s some kind of cop, a government agent or some such crap, but she’s not ‘ere now, is she?’

  ‘You want to be careful. You’re lucky I haven’t shopped you. Have you told the beautiful Serena you nick bags for a living?’

  Gerard glanced over his shoulder and saw the others had retreated into the kitchen. Quick as a flash, his fingers snaked round Maya’s neck, digging painfully into a nerve, making her feel dizzy. ‘You’ve got somethin’ of mine,’ he snarled.

  ‘I don’t know what you mean,’ Maya said weakly.

  He grasped a handful of her hair, covertly twisting the strands and pulling her close. ‘You think I’m stupid. Kay told me you stole your bag back. That package was in it for safe keepin’. Thought you’d come into a fortune, did you, or, were you gonna dob me in to Mummy?’

  ‘I haven’t got. . .’

  ‘Don’t bullshit me. Bring it tomorrow to the ice rink – two o’ clock. If you’re not there, I’ll come lookin’ for you – me and Gunner.’ He screwed her hair tighter. ‘Don’t think you can get away with it, I got eyes everywhere, my mates keepin’ an eye out for me. Every time you walk down the street you are watched. Next time you won’t escape.’

  He jabbed his fingers hard into her neck before suddenly letting go and walking out of the room. Left reeling, Maya stumbled backwards and sank down onto a sofa. Gently massaging her neck she heard Serena laughing in the kitchen.

  ‘Maya too fast for you, darlin’? Come and chill with me and Leona, we’re more relaxed, ain’t we, girl?’

  When Leona giggled in reply, Maya felt betrayed. And Kay! She’d dumped her in it by telling Gerard that Maya had the drugs.

  Her neck hurt. She wriggled her shoulders and attempted to make circles with her head but it was too painful. Gerard must have had training – he knew how to use minimum force for maximum effect.

  More people were arriving, talking and shouting, and she drew into a corner of the sofa where she could sit unnoticed. Part of her was angry she hadn’t hit back at Gerard or publicly denounced him, but she knew why she hadn’t – as much as she was accepted by Leona, Evie and the other kids on the estate, ultimately she wasn’t one of them. She was different, an outsider. And Serena was top of the heap, as far as the girls were concerned. What Serena wore was cool, what Serena said was listened to, her boyfriends admired – she had respect.

  ‘You OK?’ Zac bent down in front of her.

  ‘Yeah.’

  ‘Do you wanna dance?’

  ‘Not really.’

  He held out his hand. ‘Come on through to the kitchen, then,’ he said, pulling her up. ‘Let’s get a drink.’

  The kitchen was packed. Leona and Serena were sipping some lethal-looking cocktails.

  ‘Have some,’ Serena said, ‘it’s wicked.’ She was giggling as she poured more from the jug into the stemmed glass Leona was holding.

  ‘I’m not good with alcohol,’ Maya said.

  ‘Chill, girl! There’s only a bit of vodka in it. The rest is juice, but don’t tell no one.’ Smiling, Serena pulled a glass from the worktop, filled it and handed it to Maya. ‘Nice to see you. You look cool. I like that top. I can tell Gerard’s well impressed.’ She turned and looked over her shoulder. ‘Hey, baby!’

  Gerard had appeared in the doorway. He came over and draped an arm around her.

  ‘How long have you two known each other?’ Maya asked.

  ‘Seven weeks, five days,’ Serena answered, with a smile. She looked up at Gerard, nuzzled into his neck and whispered something to him.

  He kissed her hair and said softly, ‘Yeah, babe. Course I did.’ His fingers stroked her cheek. ‘Wouldn’t let you down, would I? Bring your friends outside.’

  Maya watched as Serena whispered something to Leona and Evie, then they all went out of the back door.

  ‘What do you think’s going on?’ she asked Zac.

  Zac shrugged. ‘Some kind of surprise, maybe.’

  Maya looked doubtful. ‘Don’t think so. I’m going to see what’s happening.’

  Putting down her glass, she motioned to Zac to follow her and they hid behind the half-open door, peering through the crack. Her friends were gathered round Gerard, standing with their heads bent, eyes focused on something he was holding. Then Leona leaned back slightly and turned to look at the house. In the split second before she dodged back, Maya saw Gerard drop something into Evie’s hand.

  Maya didn’t hesitate. ‘Hey, what’s happening?’ she asked, charging out into the yard.

  Her friends looked guilty. Leona shrank back, shuffling her feet.

  ‘Oh, er . . . nothing. Gerard’s just . . . telling us . . . stuff.’

  ‘Stuff,’ Gerard echoed, with a wide grin.

  ‘Sure,’ Maya nodded, tugging at Leona’s arm.

  ‘What?’ Leona asked.

  ‘I want to tell you something.’

  ‘So, tell me.’

  ‘Bit of a disaster in the kitchen. Help me sort it.’

  She dragged Leona inside, past Zac’s startled eyes and into a corner. ‘Don’t trust him,’ she said urgently.

  ‘Who, Gerard?’

  ‘Yeah. He’s vile. Yesterday, when I was coming home from school, he was the one, the thieving moron who nicked my schoolbag – took everything, mobile, money.’

  ‘No way,’ Leona exclaimed. ‘Gerard’s not like that!’

  Maya shot her an impatient glance. ‘Listen! I took a short cut down the alley to the estate and he was waiting – Gerard. He had a vicious dog and he threatened me – if I didn’t give him my mobile and schoolbag he’d set his dog on me.’

  Leona looked stunned. ‘No way, not Gerard. He wouldn’t want your stuff. He’s always got money and he’s generous with it. Must have been somebody else. Did you get a good look at him?’

  ‘Yes, I did and I’m sure it was him. Does he have a dog?’

  ‘Well, yeah, he does but. . .’

  ‘That’s him then,’ Maya said. ‘You should warn Serena.’

  ‘She’s crazy about him, reckons he’s the one.’

  Maya raised her eyebrows. ‘I kind of got that by the way she was draped all over him.’

  ‘What’s got into you?’ Leona asked, picking up on Maya’s stinging tone. ‘You never used to be so suspicious.’

  ‘Suspicious! The guy robbed me! And he’s a dealer. Have you looked at Serena’s eyes lately, her pupils are like marbles.’

  Leona pursed her lips and looked away. ‘She’s excited is all, got a new man, yeah?’ She made a pleading face. ‘Give Gerard a chance, he’s cool and he’s a laugh.’

  Maya bit her lip, thinking of things she’d like to say, but before any words were spoken, Leona broke contact, turning away and shouting over to Zac, ‘Hey, Zac, give this girl a drink.’

  ‘What’s goin’ on?’ Zac asked, as Leona slipped back outside.

  Maya shook her head. ‘I’m not sure, but I don’t trust that Gerard guy.’

  She slid behind the door again, watching the girls clustering round him. Serena had both her arms clasped round his shoulders and Leona was laughing hard at something he’d said. She leaned forward to catch his words.

  ‘Seein’ ‘ow it’s you – a tenner.’ He tapped her gently on the nose. ‘Now you can really party, girl.’

  Maya stood in the kitchen, feeling lost and helpless, as her friends came trooping back in.

  ‘Come on, let’s go and dance,’ Leona shouted, making a grab for Maya’s arm.

  ‘Yeah
, in a minute,’ Maya said, fending her off. ‘I’ll just finish my drink.’

  ‘OK, baby,’ Leona giggled. She lurched forward and reached for Zac, dragging him towards the music, with Serena and Evie following. The back door slammed and, turning round, Maya saw that Gerard had come in. Moving forward, she barred his way.

  ‘Are you selling drugs to my friends?’ she asked quietly.

  He rocked back on his heels and smiled smugly. ‘What’s that got to do with you?’

  ‘I want you to leave them alone.’

  ‘I don’t think they want me to leave them alone. They’re just learnin’ ‘ow to enjoy themselves.’ He grinned, but when he stepped closer, his eyes were as hard as stone. ‘You don’t belong on this patch. Bring me my stash tomorrow – then keep away. I got somethin’ goin’ ‘ere and you are not gonna mess it up. Understood?’

  Maya glared at him. ‘There’s plenty of people you can sell drugs to – not my mates. I know people – cops, I could. . .’

  Gerard’s face sharpened, his eyes narrowed, his hand reached into his pocket. ‘You don’t wanna try that, girl.’

  Suddenly his fist was in front of Maya’s face. She reeled back when she saw a knife blade glinting.

  Gerard grabbed her arm. ‘Mummy can’t protect you now, can she?’ He dug his fingers into her flesh. ‘Deliver that package to me, two o’ clock tomorrow or you’re dog meat.’ Then, after looking over his shoulder, he leaned forward. Maya felt his hot breath on her cheek. ‘You owe me. I got a big bill to pay to fix up Gunner’s paw. I told Kay you was trouble.’

  Maya stood her ground, trying to stop trembling and keep her voice controlled. ‘Where is Kay?’ she demanded.

  ‘She ain’t comin’ out tonight,’ Gerard laughed, his spit landing on her cheek. ‘She’s got business to take care of.’

  ‘I thought she was your girlfriend.’

  He smirked. ‘Kay? She’s anybody’s.’

  ‘You don’t care, do you? You don’t care about anything or anybody,’ Maya snapped.

  ‘Smart, ain’t you?’ Gerard sneered. He touched the knife blade to the tip of her nose. ‘Two o’ clock sharp tomorrow, or I’ll have to punish your friend Kay for tellin’ me lies.’

  Cold shivers ran over Maya’s skin. As if from a great distance, she heard Leona’s voice behind her.

  ‘Oh great, you two have made friends,’ she trilled, seeing their heads so close together.

  Gerard’s face softened. He closed his fist, slipped the flick knife quickly back into his pocket and patted Maya’s shoulder. ‘We was just talkin’ over what ‘appened last night. My mistake. Should ‘ave known that girl Kay was up to no good. She’s scum. We understand each other now, don’t we, Maya?’

  Maya just stared.

  * * *

  What felt like a million hours later, Maya sat with Zac in the garden. The warmth of the day had gone and she shivered. Zac took off his jacket and placed it round her shoulders.

  ‘So, how do you feel now?’ he asked her.

  ‘Don’t know. Not much different, a bit hyper, twitchy. Somebody must have spiked my drink.’

  ‘Make sure you have plenty of water before you go to sleep or you’ll have a stormin’ headache tomorrow.’

  ‘Yeah, thanks. I hate feeling like this; I like to be in control.’

  ‘I gathered that.’ Zac took her hand, gently massaging her fingers. ‘How come you’ve stayed friends with Leona and this crowd – you’re so different.’

  ‘Am I? Sometimes I’m not sure where I belong,’ Maya said, ‘not sure I fit in anywhere. But at least Evie and Leona accept me for who I am. We’ve been best mates since junior school, ever since I punched a boy who kept throwing sand in their faces.’ She laughed at the memory. ‘We’ve always done stuff together – picnics, skating, sleepovers, netball – we were the best netball team, no other school could beat us. Actually, Evie’s brilliant at sport, a good hockey player, but don’t let on I told you. We’ve got more in common than you might think.’

  Zac nodded. ‘OK. I get it, but you aren’t from round here, are you?’

  ‘Close. I live the other side of the high street.’

  ‘The posh side.’

  ‘I suppose so,’ Maya admitted.

  ‘Other side of the tracks – different world,’ Zac said. He looked suddenly thoughtful, staring out at the rose-scented garden. ‘I grew up in the same street as my friends, one of them lives next door, but he don’t want to know me now. He’s in a gang, heavy stuff. Things change, I guess.’

  He let go of Maya’s hand and got to his feet. ‘I have to go. My mum worries.’ He squeezed her shoulder. ‘Don’t sit out here, OK? Go inside, drink more water.’

  For a moment he stood looking down at her. She didn’t want him to go. She wanted to tell him about Gerard, about how he’d threatened her if she didn’t deliver the package of drugs. It was so tempting to ask him for help, but she had no right to involve him. Gerard was vicious – she’d seen the hate in his eyes – he wouldn’t hesitate to knife Zac if he tried to interfere.

  Zac smiled and bent close. She thought he was going to kiss her, but instead he ran his fingers lightly over her hair, his fingers brushing her cheek.

  ‘You’re cool,’ he said.

  She handed him his jacket. ‘Good to meet you, Zac.’

  ‘See you soon.’ And he was gone.

  Staring at the almost-full moon that hung above the shadowy trees and bushes, she felt worried and lonely. The night hadn’t turned out at all as she’d expected and she wished she were going back to her own bedroom, snuggling down in her own bed, instead of sleeping over. The threat from Gerard was real, no doubt about that. She rubbed at her arm where his fingers had dug into her skin. Tomorrow he was expecting her to deliver the drugs and, of course, she didn’t have them.

  By telling Gerard that she, Maya, had the drugs, Kay had put her in danger. She didn’t doubt what Gerard had told her was true – wherever she went she’d be tracked, anytime, anywhere, by Gerard or one of his gang. A sick feeling welled in her stomach as she remembered how he’d held the knife blade in front of her face. Was the best thing to tell the police, or contact Simon, her mum’s deputy – ask him for help? But then, how safe would she be on the street tomorrow, and what would Gerard do to Kay? She needed time to think.

  The best plan was to find Kay before two o’clock tomorrow, get the drugs and deliver them to Gerard. That way he’d be satisfied and he wouldn’t beat Kay up. If she managed that then she’d have time to think – to plan how to stop Gerard selling drugs around her friends and, more than that, how to stop him dealing completely.

  * * *

  Waking up in the morning, Maya had a raging thirst and her head felt as if it were filled with cotton wool. Stumbling out of her sleeping bag and into the bathroom, she met Sadie coming up the stairs with bucket in hand.

  ‘Not a pretty sight in there,’ Sadie said. ‘Can you wait while I clean it up?’

  When Maya nodded, her head swirled. She leaned back against the cold painted wall and listened to Sadie, swishing and rattling stuff around in the bathroom, as if she were on another planet. She was desperate to pee and stood with her legs crossed until finally she heard the toilet flush and Sadie came out.

  ‘I think somebody drank too much last night cos I know it wasn’t my food; nothin’ wrong with my food,’ Sadie declared.

  ‘No,’ Maya mumbled, diving for the bathroom. ‘Your food was great.’

  Returning to the bedroom, Maya found Leona and Evie were still asleep. Leona was in her own bed with one leg flung out at the side and Evie was buried inside a sleeping bag, on top of an air mattress that seemed to have deflated in the night.

  From her sports bag, Maya fished out jeans, T-shirt, cardigan and trainers, dressed, packed away the previous night’s red silk top and sandals and went downstairs. Sadie was in the kitchen clearing plates and loading the dishwasher.

  ‘Not too much mess,’ she said cheerfully.

  Maya
looked around at the smeared dishes, the half-eaten food, the glasses toppled onto their sides and the stains all over the work surfaces and table.

  ‘Sorry, I’d give you a hand but I have to get back to Gran – she’s expecting me. Tell Leona I’ll call her and thanks for the party. It was cool.’

  ‘You’re welcome, girl, you’re welcome any time,’ Sadie replied, holding out her arms for a hug. ‘Remember, when your mum’s away, my door’s always open.’

  Leaving behind the comfort of Sadie’s kitchen, Maya felt suddenly nervous, and glanced around cautiously as she set off down the road. She was being stupid, she told herself, there was no way Gerard would be up and about at this early hour. It was nine o’clock, curtains were drawn and outside doors were firmly closed to morning sunshine. When she reached the little concrete square where she’d found Kay two nights previously it was empty, apart from piles of litter and the two rusty shopping trolleys. Nobody was around, it was too early for most of the ‘Parkies’, as residents of the Parkland Estate were known.

  Sauntering past three boarded-up shops, she saw that the last one was open and decided to buy some gum to freshen her mouth. Inside the shop, a couple of boys were standing in front of the counter, cramming their bags with papers. She thought she recognised the back of a head and, sure enough, when the smallest boy turned round, it was the cheeky crop-haired kid – Gerard’s messenger. He didn’t say a word, just gave her a funny look as he passed. She followed him out of the shop and grabbed his bike.

  ‘Oy, what you doin’?’ he yelled. ‘I gotta deliver me papers. I’m late already.’

  ‘I want a word.’

  ‘It’ll cost ya.’

  Maya seized his hand, pressing his little finger back. ‘I don’t think so. I’m specially trained, see, know all the tricks. See this place?’ She touched the back of his ear. ‘This is your weak spot, I press there and you’re dead in three seconds.’

  The boy shrank back, shuddering.

  Maya leaned forward and muttered sharply in his ear, ‘Tell me where Kay hangs out – the girl who was with Gerard, the one who took my stuff.’

  ‘I dunno, I dunno.’

  Her hand moved towards his ear.