Beautiful Beast (Gypsy Heroes)

His voice startles me and I jump.

Shane doesn’t look at Raja. ‘What’s good to eat here?’ he asks me.

‘The Neer dosa with chicken curry, I think,’ I say awkwardly.

‘Is that what you’re having?’

I nod.

He glances up briefly at Raja. ‘I’ll have two portions of that and a bottle of beer.’

Raja shuffles away, his eyes brimming with curiosity. From now on, Raja will never look at me in the same way again.

‘I’m not a gangster, if that’s what you’re asking,’ Shane says.

‘So, what are you?’

He shrugs carelessly. ‘I’m just a regular guy. I own some businesses.’

‘And how do you know Lenny?’

‘My brother used to do business with him.’

‘Is your brother a gangster?’

‘He used to be.’

‘And you? Were you one too?’ I ask.

‘No.’

‘What are you doing here?’

He grins irresistibly. ‘I’m doing what the fireflies do when they flash. I’m sweet-talking you.’

Raja comes with the beer and a glass, and Shane ignores the glass and takes a mouthful straight from the bottle. ‘So: are you on for Friday?’

‘I don’t think you understand. Lenny will kill you if he finds out.’

‘I don’t think you understand. Lenny is sorted.’

‘How?’ I demand.

‘Let’s just say he’s had an offer he just can’t refuse.’

‘What kind of an offer? I thought you said you weren’t a gangster.’

‘I’m not. But I know people Lenny wants to trade with. As to what kind of an offer, you’re better off not knowing Lenny’s business.’

I frown. ‘You’re not going to get him into trouble, are you?’

His jaw tightens. ‘Lenny’s old enough and ugly enough to dig himself into trouble without any help from me.’

‘But it’s not some kind of trap you’re luring him into?’ I insist.

His face softens. ‘It’s not a trap. It’s just business.’

And immediately I know. He is telling the truth. I hardly know Shane but I trust him. ‘OK, I believe you.’