CHAPTER 24
“No good. Met some of the locals though, if you know what I mean.”
“Yeah… I wouldn’t have known. You still seem altogether… Where was this?”
“The pub up the hill. A real dump.”
“I know the place. Fancy themselves up there, they do. Big fella gets in there always looking for a scrap.”
“He’s the one… He’ll have a sore throat this morning.”
“I thought I saw something in you. Army man, eh?”
“Yup. Went the distance.”
“Thought so… What's on today then?”
“More lodgings to look at. I’ve decided that’s my best bet.”
“Maybe your fella has a bit of cash. Look over towards the Putney end of town. It’s a bit of a nicer area there.”
“Thanks for that, I'll give it a go. I’ve got the paper with a few addresses that way.”
Bill slapped the table and stood, “Well, have a good day and best of luck,” and he was off back to his bar top with Dexter thinking that there was one really nice guy who was proud of the place he worked.
If it was not for the pressure of having to locate Tolly, a stroll in the sun in Wandsworth was not such a bad way to spend a day. Armed with the few addresses he knocked at the first couple, gave the same story as yesterday and came away empty handed. Sauntering towards the next address he turned a corner to almost crash into a group of ladies chatting outside a corner shop. Thinking he would just ask a few questions inside he moved through the huddle to the doorway.
As he was about to open the door he heard a lady say, “So, Mavis, how was your dinner last night with that lovely lodger of yours?”
“Wonderful. Tolly’s such a nice boy. Just like my Alfie, you know. He did all the washing up. He didn’t have to but he insisted. You know, tonight he’s taking me to the pictures to see that lovely Jimmy Stewart. He’s such a nice boy is my Tolly.”
Dexter opened the door and bought a paper. Didn’t say anything to the man behind the counter but just slowly walked back to the door watching the group disperse and Mavis wander away in the direction of Putney. Bill was right and my luck’s changed at the same time. He followed her all the way to her house. Watched her walk up the path, put her key in the lock and disappear inside. How shall I handle this? Wait outside for Tolly to either come out or come home if he’s out. But that’ll risk him running. No, get inside. If he’s there he’ll be trapped and probably would not want to make a scene in front of Mavis. If he’s out maybe I can talk her into letting me wait. I know her name. That should be enough to convince her. Add a bit of the old Dexter charm… I’ll knock. That’s the best way.
Dexter’s slow style of talking helped. It made him seem all the more plausible, maybe adding to his natural ability to charm. Rushed words always seemed to have an edge of desperation. Either that or a demonstration of over excitement. Either way, the result could be detrimental if you were trying to convince a person of your sincerity.
Standing looking at the house he ran the words through his mind. Imagined scenarios. This had to work or Tolly would be alerted and he would lose him. The few strides up to the front door and his hand hovered over the knocker. The sounds of a radio playing old-time jazz drifted through an open fan light in the front window. He kept the knocks gentle but loud enough to clear the music.
Humming greeted him as the door opened which stopped when Mavis said, “Can I help you?” she looked Dexter up and down, maybe deciding who she had standing in front of her.
“You must be Mavis,” Dexter said, “Tolly’s told me all about the lovely Mavis.”
“And you are?” said Mavis.
Was that a hint of suspicion in her voice? Taking a bit of a punt, Dexter said, “Tolly said, Come and visit and meet Mavis. She’s lovely. He’s been here a while hasn’t he, so he must know you well? Sorry, I’m Dexter Carmichael.” He held out his hand which Mavis hesitantly shook with a loose grip, “Tolly and I were in the army together.”
“I know he was in the army…”
“Yes, France. We fought all the way to Germany.” Dexter was just hoping his guess was right. A lot of British troops fought in Europe.”
“What did you say your name was?”
“Dexter Carmichael. He must have mentioned me.”
“Not that I remember but he doesn't talk too much about the war.”
“No one does, do they. Bad memories and all that… Anyway, is he in?”
“Not at the moment. What time is it now?”
“One-thirty,” replied Dexter
“He’ll be in the pub. He’ll be back early today. He’s taking me to the movies to see Jimmy Stewart.”
“That’ll be nice. What time do you think he’ll be back then?”
“Oh, by two. Yes, two at the latest.”
Dexter looked at his watch. Glanced to the street. “Is there a cafe or something near here? I’ve walked from the station and could do with a drink. Then I can come back later. Perhaps in about half an hour if that’s okay.”
“Sorry. The nearest cafe is in the town.” Mavis looked at Dexter who was gazing down the street thinking, He looks nice. A friend of Tolly’s. He knew my name and Tolly being in France. She said, “Why don’t you come in? I’ll make you a cup of tea. You can wait in my front room. I’m sure Tolly will be pleased to see you and I wouldn’t want him to think I don’t look after his friends.”
She showed him into the sitting room and said, “Sit yourself down and I’ll put the kettle on. While we wait you can tell me some stories. I’d love to hear some things about Tolly. You know, when you get to my age you just love to have a chat.”
Dexter thought, That’s no problem. I can make up any number of stories about Tolly Parkin. Yeah, and I’ll make them real nice. Make him out to be a right proper angel.
For three quarters of an hour Dexter regaled Mavis with tales of his exploits with Tolly making her laugh until a key rattled in the front door lock.
“You’re so funny,” she said… “Listen. The door. That’ll be him now,” Mavis stood straight up and beamed at Dexter, “This is so exciting… I’ll let him in. He’ll be so surprised,” she said with her little titter.
He sure will, thought Dexter who stood and moved so the open door almost obscured him from the hallway.
He heard the door open and her rambling at Tolly, “I’ve a surprise for you. You won’t guess what it is, will you. We’ve been talking. Him and me. All about you and him and all those naughty things you got up to in the war.”
“Slow down, Mavis,” Dexter heard Tolly say. “Take it easy. What surprise? Who’ve you been talking to?”
“Come and see. Come on… Hurry up. Come on. He’s dying to see you. Been sitting here drinking tea and telling me stories.”
Mavis appeared towing Tolly by the hand, “Look who’s come to see you. Your old army mate Dexter.”
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