Come on Dave

‘Come on Dave!’
‘No, no, you’re all right’
‘Look, I know I was a pain, I know what I’ve been like...’
‘Tell it to Gavin.’
‘OK, fair enough, I do need to speak to Gavin. But to be honest, he’s not as important.’
‘You accused him of killing your parents for Christ’s sake!’
‘I know, I know. The thing is...’
‘What, what is the thing exactly?’
‘Well, it just seemed like such a coincidence.’
‘Yeah, it was; coincidences DO happen you know.’
‘Dave, come on mate, give me a break will you. I thought they were dead!’
‘Listen, I know, I know. But you were completely out of order Mark, completely!’
‘What do you think you would have done in my place then?’
‘Honestly, I don’t know; maybe the same, maybe worse. The point is you’ve not even contacted him!’
‘OK, OK, you’re right. I don’t know though...’
‘What! I don’t believe you. You still don’t trust him do you?’
‘It’s not that...’
‘Well what is it then?’
‘Its not that I don’t trust him I just... Actually, no, you’re right. I know it’s harsh I know he’s been exonerated...’
‘Exonerated! He didn’t need exonerating did he? Your parents, in case you’ve forgotten, are alive and well, having just returned from their holiday.’
‘I know, I mean...’
‘Far from being murdered by your old schoolmate Gavin...’
‘He wasn’t a mate that’s the thing.’
‘Far from being kidnapped and murdered, as you told the police, they were skiing in France.’
‘OK.’
‘So exoneration wasn’t relevant was it? What exactly is your problem with him?’
‘I don’t know, I don’t know! I just think there’s something odd about him.’
‘Odd?’
‘Yes Dave, odd! Come on; don’t tell me you don’t find him a little bit odd?’
‘Well, maybe a bit, all that Kung fu and Yoga. Hardly a murderer though?’
‘I don’t even really remember him from school Dave, but he suddenly turns up at my work place, just happens to be working there...’
‘Coincidence Mark, remember coincidence.’
‘Look, I’m sorry Dave but I don’t trust him, I don’t want to spend any time with him and I won’t be apologising.’
‘So, what happens next then?’
‘We go to the pub, we ring Rob, we DO NOT ring Gavin and we never see him again, hopefully.’
‘That’s not right Mark, I’m sorry, but you can’t...’
‘I can Dave. It might not be fair, or right, but frankly after all this I just need a break and I need some support from my friends.’
‘Don’t even start with that...’
‘OK, I know you’ve been there for me but I’m asking for a final favour.’
‘Mark!’
‘Seriously Dave, I’m being serious. You’re my best mate. Who is Gavin?’
‘I know but...’
‘No! Who is he? We’ve known him for a few months.’
‘I don’t know Mark.’
I do. I do know. If it was the other way round...’
‘Mark, come on!’
‘No!  I’m asking you to drop it Dave. I want to get back to normal and I don’t want to ever see or speak to him again.’
‘Jesus Mark!’
‘I’m serious Dave. Can’t you do that for me?’
‘He keeps ringing me though. I don’t know what to say.’
‘Please Dave.’
‘What will I say to him?’
‘I don’t know. Look I’m sorry...’
‘I suppose I could just block his number.’
‘You could.’
‘It feels wrong.’
‘I know.  I don’t like it either. When have you known me do something like this though?’
‘Never, I guess. That’s what’s so weird. It’s not like you Mark.’
‘Are we cool then?’
‘Yeah, yeah, OK, OK.’
‘I really appreciate this Dave.’
‘OK, it’s OK.’
‘Let’s ring Rob shall we?’
‘He won’t be allowed out though, you know what Karen’s like.’
‘Let me try, she might make a special allowance.’