Grifters

A little vignette from the aforementioned booze 'protest'. I was waiting outside of Victoria with Anna and Edward for another friend, Andy, to meet us so we could go onto the Circle Line. A man shuffled up to us, a rather overfed fellow with a shiny, sweaty face.

Beggarman1: 'Scuse me, I wonder if you could help me out. I need to get to Tooting and need just a few quid so I can get a day ticket.

We shuffle around. Edward points to his carrier bag.

Edward: We won't give you any money, but you can have a tinny.

Beggarman1: No, no, mate. I can't pay the train man with a tinny of lager. Please, if you could just spare a quid or two.

Another man approaches. He has a number one hair cut, a jagged scar along his right cheek.

Beggarman2: Hey I know you.

Beggarman1: What? No, no.

Beggarman2: Yeah, we was in Brixton nick together. Coupla years ago.

Beggarman1: No, no. That weren't me. I'm trying to get home to Tooting.

Beggarman2: Sure it was you, Brixton nick, remember? [Turns to us] I was in for robbery. Armed robbery, I'm not no common street robber.

Me: That's reassuring.

Beggarman2 [back to Beggarman1]: When did you get out?

Beggarman1: Ah, mate. You're messing up me graft. [turns to Edward] Give us one of those tinnies, then.

The two shuffled off and started chatting, planning their next armed robbery, perhaps.