Lingard042

40

"Fine. "

There was a further silence and then Tommy said,"How’s Brede?"

"O.K."

"Tell her I was asking after^for her."

"I will." Kevin scuffed his foot against the edge of the kerb.
"Well, I suppose I'd better be going. Nice to see you again, Tommy."
He nodded at Linda. "Good night, Sadie."

"Good night, Kevin." ^{said Sadie}

He walked quickly away.

"He'd need to walk fast in case any of our boys go^et the hold of
him," said Linda.

"You shut up, Linda Mullet," ^{said Sadie.}

"hy Why should I shut Up?" demanded Linda.

"Stop it^{Pack it in,} both of you," said Tommy.

"You don't seem to care that your sist^er's been consorting with ^a
Mickey." Linda tossed her head. Tommy knew he had nettled her by
sending his regards to Brede.

"Let's go home, " he said. They began to walk^{As they came} down the street, ^they
saw the shape of Mrs Mullet outlined in her lit doorway. "And don't
you say anything to your mother^Ma, Linda."

"I'll say what I like."

"If I^you do you won't see me again."

"That'll gi make her pause^stop to think," said Sadie. "She doesn't
want to lose hold of you now that she's got her claws into you."

Linda flew at Sadie. Tommy separated them. "For heaven's s^ake,
cut it out!" He cursed Sadie under his breath. She had the devil