They walked along the straight pathway that ran up through the centre of Bedford Way, but for Andy it felt somewhat surreal. He would normally have been too damned scared to have ventured in the park, let alone stroll up the middle of it as if he owned the place. He didn’t look at anyone, but felt an incredible power flow through him. He liked this feeling and could feel his walk metamorphose into a strut. No more would he be the kid being punched by the bully. Paul Daley was well known both as a dealer and as someone that you didn’t mess with. Andy was conscious of all eyes being on them. The park was well-known for being the place to get your gear and here he was strolling along with the main dealer. He felt elated but petrified at the same time. He had never broken the law; in fact he was a bit of a coward and almost stood to attention at the sight of a policeman. He knew he wasn’t actually doing anything wrong but he couldn’t help feeling a twinge of embarrassment, or was it shame, as if by simply being in the presence of Paul Daley made him guilty of something.
“This is my place” said Paul, “everyone here knows who I am and what I do.” Andy didn’t need to be told that, he knew Paul’s reputation only too well. That is why he was surprised that Paul had paid him any attention, let alone permit him to vicariously bask in his glory. “I know” said Andy, not knowing if Paul wanted him to say more.
“Stuff goes on here that doesn’t get talked about outside the park, understand?”, Paul looked at Andy in a very knowing way. Andy knew exactly what the look meant. “Absolutely,” Andy replied. Andy sensed something was going to happen and instinctively knew his life was not going to be the same again. Without warning Paul stopped walking, causing Andy to be a few more steps in front before he realised. He stopped and turned around but it wasn’t Paul who caught his attention.