Soho DREAMS

Lizzy feared Mark was dangerous to know — and he was about to drop a bombshell

- 

Mark led Lizzy along a narrow alleyway, crowded with overflowing bins. She tried not to breathe more than was necessary to avoid the overwhelming smell of rotting food. Thankfully, there were no police waiting at the end of the passage, which opened on to one of Soho's busier roads, still teeming with people even at 1am.

'Let's find somewhere we can talk and have a drink or just a coffee,' suggested Mark.

'I don't know,' replied Lizzy uncertainly. 'I'm tired. Maybe I should head home.'

Mark stopped and met Lizzy's gaze. 'You think the police were after me? Honestly, Lizzy, I don't have anything to hide. I just didn't want to get caught up in controversy. The band is getting quite a bit of attention. The last thing we need is bad publicity. I'm hoping the other guys had already left.'

'I see.' Lizzy hadn't realised how big Mark and the band were. She normally kept up with the charts, but she'd been so busy working at Chez Taylor the past few months she hadn't even glanced at a music magazine. And she had barely listened to the radio, apart from when grabbing breakfast at Kath's Café.

'I promise I'm not that wild.' Mark offered a reassuring smile.

'I guess I could have a coffee before going to bed. I'm not working until the evening. Not sure where will be open at this time, though.'

Mark's smile turned into a grin. 'Great. Come on, I know just the place. I think they're breaking a few by-laws by staying open this late, but I know the owner, and he's always up until the early hours.'

As they weaved their way through the Soho crowds, Lizzy heard raucous laughter rising from a group of people waiting outside a minicab firm. She recognised Andrew and his friends, even more drunk than they had been at the club.

Andrew spotted her and his laughter grew louder. 'Having a good night?' he called.