There was an awkward silence, then Flanaghan said, “I hope you boys ain’t up to no dirty work.”
Ackie withdrew into the car and sat down. Past his shoulder I could see Blondie’s big hat. I felt the sweat trickling down my back. “You know how it is,” I said. “She ain’t used to our drinking and she took a little too much. We’re taking her right home to sleep it off.”
Ackie moved over to Blondie and put his arm round her. I guess that guy was still pretty high.
Flanaghan stepped round me and peered into the car. Ackie took a quick look at him over his shoulder and moved closer to Blondie. He effectively screened Blondie from Flanaghan.
He said in a loud voice, “Hey I Wake up, honey. There’s a cop askin’ after your health.”
I took off my hat and wiped my forehead.
Flanaghan pushed in closer.
“You all right, baby?” Ackie bawled.
Then out of the silence that followed a horrible soprano voice floated out of the car. “Sure I’m all right. Tell the officer to go take a pill.”
With horrified fascination I saw Blondie nod her head twice and move her arm a little.