Lesson 5 Chat in a pub

Lesson 5 : A chat in a pub.
Jason was sitting in The Six Bells, in Farnham, having a pint after work with a couple of mates when Nobby Clark came over to him.
‘Are you Jason, by any chance?’
‘Why do you want to know?’
‘I wondered if I might have a word.’
‘About what?’
‘In private … can I get you another pint?’
Jason laughed, ‘I’ll have another pint …yeah … not sure I want to talk to you, though.’ He winked at his mates and they all laughed.
‘Do you remember Nathan Saunders?’ said Nobby
Jason laughed but his eyes widened momentarily.
‘So what if I do?’ He turned towards his mates. ‘Give us a minute would you?’
Nobby looked at him, ‘He’s going for a retrial.’
‘Who? … Nathan?’
‘Yes.’
‘After 14 years … some hopes.’
‘You were quick with that … spot on … 14 years it is.’
‘Yeah well, what’s it to you?’
‘Because you helped to put him away didn’t you. Helped us get a murderer off the streets.’
‘You a cop then?’
‘Was then. Retired now.’
‘What’s this about a retrial?’
‘If it wasn’t for you and that music teacher we might not have nailed him.’
‘Yeah well. Where’s that pint you said about?’
‘Chaser with it?’
‘Scotch, why not?’
‘Right.’
Nobby went to the bar and returned with a pint a double Scotch and a mineral water.
‘Aren’t you having one?’
‘Driving.’
Jason downed the scotch. ‘So what’s it to you then … with Nathan?’
‘Interesting that you call him Nathan and rather than Saunders.’
‘Knew him in school.’
‘You’ll be called to give evidence … if he gets another trial.’
‘Won’t come to that. ‘
‘Think so?’
‘What’s it to you?’
‘We need to make sure he doesn’t get off. Life should mean life … shouldn’t it?’
‘You think he done it, then?’
‘Don’t you?’
‘Yeah … yeah… course.’
‘Another Scotch?’
‘Yeah … yeah … why not?’
Nobby went to the bar and returned with another pint and a double Scotch. ‘There you go.’
One of Jason’s friends came over. ‘You all right Jase?’
‘Yeah.’ he looked up at his mate and grinned, then downed to Scotch in one go.
‘Sorry, I’m keeping you from your friends. Shall I get them a pint?’
‘Yeah, and another Scotch, if you don’t mind.’
‘Fine,’ said Nobby, ‘two pints and a double coming up.’
When the beers were ready, Nobby signalled to Jason’s friend to come and get them while then returned to Jason with his scotch.
‘Here you are mate.’ Nobby sat down and took a mouthful of water. ‘As I said. It looks as though Saunders will get a retrial.’
‘Yeah, well.’
‘Well, I was just wondering if I can check a few points.’
‘Yeah, well. He done it in that’s that … the little pansy.’
‘Why do you call him a pansy?’
‘Poof if you ask me.’
‘Why did he kill the girl, do you think?’
‘Fancied her, I suppose?’
‘But if he was a poof, as you say?’
‘P’raps he swings both ways.’ Jason roared with laughter and several people turned round
‘But what if he doesn’t?’
‘What?’
‘Swing both ways.’ Nobby paused and smirked. ‘I mean … what if he is … erm … bent?’
‘He’s bent all right.’
‘How do you know that?’ Nobby leaned a little more across the table
Jason’s closed his eyes and leaned back in his chair as a smile flickered across his lips and he tapped the side of his nose.
‘Did she know … Elsie I mean?’ said Nobby.
‘What?’
‘That Nathan was … erm … gay, shall we say.?’
‘Yeah, he was gay all right.’
‘So why do you think he got on so well with Elsie?’
‘What’s all these questions? I’m off to play darts with the boys.’ Jason laughed, ‘Thanks for the booze … Tosser,’ he added quietly, as he turned away.’

Nobby smiled and nodded. Feeling in his pocket he brought out a pad and pen and put them by his drink on the table. ‘See you again Jason,’ he said as he began to write. But Jason, still laughing, was already moving unsteadily between tables towards his friends.