One Night in Hell

another place to stay. She feels let down. If she finds somewhere, I'm welcome. She likes the idea of Rob turning up to an empty room, the both of us eloped somewhere. I have to admit it would be funny.

But she fails. She calls and calls and calls, but no-one home, just answering machines, or no answer.

I was a little relieved somehow. Thought perhaps that Rob was extending a helping hand to a homeless friend. But very uncertain of what to think really. There'd been enough allusion to other motives as well. But Angie's efforts to find a place to sleep, and her touching story of homelessness touched me too I guess.

We call Rob on his mobile again. It rings! He answers. He's dismissively nonchalant, and promises to be here in two minutes. Our eyes roll, but our tongues say "O.K.".

Angie asked again if I didn't want a smoke. Am I sure?

Yes, I'm sure. But I could do with a beer.

Right, she hits the streets. She has no money (nor has Rob, who is still haggling for some) but promises she'll be back in two seconds (and a hustle) with a fag and a beer ...

Two seconds pass. She's still not back. No surprise. Two minutes pass. Still nothing.

Mark emerges. Of course the unfolding drama must be shared. He can't completely disguise his curiosity, though he does an admirable job of trying.

Angie turns up in time. She has several fags and no beer, nor hash. No surprise. A rank amateur can hustle fags after all, portable beer takes another level of talent altogether and hash yet another.

She smokes, semi content. She's not angry anymore. I'm puzzled why not, but can't pose the question.

I've had enough. It's maybe 1 or 2 in the morning now. At 7 Rob said he'd see me in an hour. All he's provided is fine entertainment and a warm (though threateningly ineffectual) offer of a place to sleep that night. I was about to stand up, pack my wet laundry and walk to Fran's, offering in my turn to put Angie up there, carrying through our earlier plan, if she likes, but not really caring one scrap one way or the other.

I’m halfway out the door and Rob turns up. Dang! My resolute plan dissolves into discussion. Rob is dismissive of any problem. No worries. Apologetic for the delay. He'd received a lecture from

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