Page 78 of We Chase Shadows

‘But now?’ says Steve.

‘The ones that didn’t get arrested or shot back then all went to Dubai,’ says Graham. ‘You know, for the safety.’

‘Ah,’ says Rosie.

‘Yeah,’ says Graham. ‘And then, you know, a few of them decided to move back when it got a bit less safe.’

‘And you’re taking us to meet some of them?’ Rosie asks.

‘Taking you? No,’ says Graham. ‘I’m behind you. How could I be taking you anywhere?’

‘Of course,’ says Steve.

‘This left,’ says Graham.

They turn left. A dead-end alley. Ahead to their right a set of steps leads down to a basement. Amy’s hand goes to her gun again. This time Graham has not followed them. He has stayed at the head of the alley.

‘No guns down there,’ says Graham. ‘If you know what’s good for you.’

‘We’re going down these steps?’ Amy asks.

‘You’ll find a couple of old hands down there who’ll help you,’ says Graham. ‘They’re here every day.’

‘How will we know them?’ says Steve.

‘Only Brits in the place,’ says Graham. ‘You take care now.’

They hear him walk away. Steve, Amy and Rosie look down the flight of steps and then at each other.

‘Sha–’

They hear Graham trot back.

‘And, Rosie,’ says Graham, ‘it’s spelt A-R-B-U-T-H-N-O-T-T. Maybe I could be a pilot, or a stuntman. Your choice.’

He leaves again. Steve looks at Rosie. ‘Something to think about there.’

‘Shall we?’ says Amy, starting down the steps. She pulls out her gun.

‘Graham Arbuthnott said no guns,’ says Steve.

‘I don’t work for Graham Arbuthnott,’ says Amy. ‘I work for you … with you.’

Steve and Rosie follow Amy down the steep steps. At the bottom is a red-and-yellow door, and from behind the door they hear conversation.

On the door is a small plaque. Amy reads.

‘What does it say?’ asks Rosie.

‘El Club de Bridge y Whist de Málaga,’ says Amy.

‘The Málaga Bridge and Whist Club,’ says Steve.

‘Thank you, Duolingo,’ says Amy.

‘I think you can probably put your gun away,’ says Rosie.

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