CHAPTER 21

Most things were solved by luck. Anyway, that was Dexter’s experience. Right place, right time and all that. Today though he was not so lucky. Two cafes and nothing. That had taken three hours of the day sitting drinking coffee listening to the chit-chat. Ask the question of a waitress or cook and the resultant stare was full of suspicion. Three corner shops and the same. One older fella told him to bugger off and a younger girl thought he was police and looked about to spit in his face.

  Slipping into a newsagent he bought the local rag. As he strolled out he checked it had a list of properties that took in lodgers. It did but that made him think. He folded the paper so the list was on the outside. Took his pencil from his inside jacket pocket and ringed a few places. Waited a few minutes then went back inside and asked the lady with the ink-stained hands if she knew of lodgings in the area. 

The inevitable first question, “Why?” accompanied by the same suspicious look he was used to. 

“I’m new to the area and I’m looking for somewhere, that’s all. I’ve got the paper,” and he showed her the list, “but I’ve no idea what I’m looking at. What’s good. What’s worth looking at. What’s not. If any of these have vacancies. All that sort of stuff. I was hoping you could help.” 

The lady pushed her long dark hair aside and took a proper look at Dexter. Saw a smartly dressed good looking fella with broad shoulders. Was that a smile? Dexter was sure it was so he gave her one of his best. Said in a voice ladened with charm. “What do you think? I’m really stuck. Can you help?” and added, “please,” with one of his extra special smiles. 

The lady pulled her hair back some more. Hooked one side behind her ear. Maybe she thought that lopsided look made her look sexy. Anyway, her tone changed. It mellowed somewhat. Her smile started to beam as she saw Dexter’s eyes crease as his smile broadened. 

She glanced at the circles, “They’re no good,” she said. “Bottom of the market. Why’d you think they’re in the paper? Unless they up their game they’ll be empty until a skint, desperate soul comes along… Give me the pencil… Try these three. They’re the best. After that… umm…Let me see… See these?” and she put a big circle around two others next to each other on the list. “They’re not so bad. I know one has just had their lodger leave… that one I think so you’d be okay there.” 

“What about the first three? Do you know if they’re available?” 

“Sorry, darling, can't help you there… You know, if you get desperate I could put you up for a couple of nights. Just pop back in… Hello Jack,” she said to an old guy who drifted in. “The usual?” and the old guy nodded. As she picked a tin of old shag off a shelf behind her she turned back to Dexter and said, “Just pop back if you want. Anytime… That’ll be a shilling, Jack,” she said. 

Back on the street Dexter looked through those she had circled. Looked at the addresses. He knew the roads and that was a big advantage. He could work out a route and that would save the time of trying to find where all the houses were. She had circled five but if one had the lodger recently leave he could discount that. No point looking if Tolly was not there. Looking at his watch he decided it would take about two hours to walk to all the addresses which would mean getting back to the pub around five. Perfect. Probably early enough so Bill was not too busy to have a chat about anyone who might have heard of Tolly Parkin. 

 

Care was needed when dealing with landladies, that was what Dexter thought. After the war an abundance of war widows relied on renting their spare room to make ends meet. They were naturally suspicious. Protective of their lodger and, of course, their reputation. Most were proud of the room they rented. They knew to secure a lodger they would have to provide the necessary facilities. Word of a shabby place could mean penury if their source of income dried up. He would have to portray the right impression. Taking his tie from his jacket pocket, he lifted his shirt collar, wrapped the tie and tied it tightly. Checked the shop window and straightened it a touch. Flicked his hair to straighten his quiff. Grinned a practice charm smile and looked down the street deciding which route to take then strode the short distance to the first address. 

Strolling up the path to the front door holding the paper in front of him with the details outwards he knocked. Did not have to wait too long before the smart looking lady with the scarf tied tightly behind her head and duster was looking him up and down. She glanced at the paper. 

“Can I help you,” she asked, frowning and still staring at the paper. “I’ve got a lodger if that’s what you want.” 

“I’m looking for somewhere and was just hoping. I’ve got a list and the lady at the newsagents said you were the best so I thought I’d try here first. Hope you don’t mind.” His charm smile was starting to see some action. 

That made her lose her frown but she did not go as far as smiling. Suspicion still lurked, “That was nice of her but it makes no difference.” She looked at Dexter seeing his appearance and must have thought he looked a good bet because she said, “Let’s look at the list… I’m sorry but I know all these have got someone.” 

“I know. I’ve been looking for a few days. There’s very little about that’s good. Oh well, my friend was right. It’s a tough market in Wandsworth. Anyway, that’s what he said and he would know he’s stayed in the best in town.” 

“What was his name, your friend?” 

“Tolly Parkin. Short for Bartholomew, Tolly is. Nice fella. You’d like him if he’d ever stayed here.” 

“Never heard of him… Anyway, like I said I’ve a lodger… Sorry, can’t chat all day, things to do,” and she swung the duster about. “Best of luck… Hope you find somewhere soon,” and shut the door. 

As he walked back down the path Dexter’s smile had that sort of getting nowhere fast look about it. He was thinking he would try the others, give them the same spiel and then head back to the pub.  

 

The noise coming out of the open door indicated that the early evening trade had started. The buzz of conversation and the clinking of glass dominated the air. Sure enough most of the bar stools were taken but the tables were nearly empty. Just starting to hot up Dexter thought as he entered. Meandering around the tables he took one of the last stools near the end of the bar. Looked to the opposite end. The two regulars had left. 

Bill’s voice boomed as he chatted to a couple of fellas in blue dusty overalls with a thirsty look. Seeing Dexter, he moved his way while at the same time looking at the fellas and finishing the conversation with a, “There, I told you so.” 

“Any luck?” he said, finally turning Dexter’s way. 

“Nothing. Still, it’s early days I’ve got this evening and tomorrow.” He held off asking Bill if he had spoken to anyone. If he had it was better Bill gave up the information himself. 

“Pint?” 

“Sure. Why not? I’ll have the local stuff, please.” 

Bill pulled the pint then leant close as he put the glass in front of Dexter, “Had a word with a couple of fellas. They’d never heard of your friend. Don’t want to say too much to this lot though,” and he nodded along the bar. “Some rough ‘uns there who might not take too kindly, if you know what I mean. If I were you I’d be careful who I spoke to in the pubs around here. They’re a protective lot.” 

“Thanks for the warning, Bill, and thanks for trying.” 

“You eating tonight?” 

“Sure. About six. I’ll drink this then freshen up a bit and be back down. Have you got my key?” Bill took one off a rack by the swing door and handed it to Dexter, “Up the stairs and first on the left,” he said.