CHAPTER 27

Bill put the plate on the table in the corner of the saloon bar. “Mind that, it’s hot,” he said and looked at the beezer sitting next to Dexter’s chair. “Checking out?” 

“Yup. The two days are up… The breakfast looks good, thanks.” 

“You must’ve found him then.” 

“Yeah. He’s in lodgings with a nice old landlady, like you said, off toward Putney. I’m meeting him this morning if he’s still there.” 

“You sound doubtful. I thought he was your mate.” 

“He is but he has a habit of doing the unexpected.” 

“Well, best of luck. If you need anywhere to stay any time you know the place that does the best breakfast.” 

“Thanks Bill and hey… thanks for all your help.”

  “No problem,” Bill said as he drifted off to the bar and started polishing the glasses. 

Dexter shook the Ketchup bottle, removed the lid and bashed the bottom to let a big squelch land on his plate. Bill was right. This is the best breakfast. Sure beats the crap Dora dishes up. Buttered a slice of toast. Extra thick. Why not? It was there to be eaten. So much butter and the marmalade. Thick and chunky. The pukka stuff for sure. Yeah, this place might look a bit basic but it sure does a good breakfast. 

Finishing up he shouted, “See yah,” to Bill, grabbed the beezer and headed out the door. Nine-thirty. Perfect. The walk to Tolly’s lodgings would take just under thirty minutes. Would he be there? Yesterday afternoon when they were chatting, he was dubious. After the movie though he was confident he would be. There was something about him. Tolly had that way about him. Casual. Relaxed and, most importantly, said things as they were. Dexter could not help but like the fella and as for Mavis, well, she could not do enough to make Tolly’s so-called mate comfortable. 

 Early Sunday morning and Dexter felt good. By far the best time of the week in London and that was not only his opinion. Ask the people trying to get places. The lack of traffic. The pavements without the normal bustling crush. And the noise level. For London an almost peaceful tranquility that just occasionally was broken by the deep roaring of a long stroke motor bike engine. As he hit the street with the day warming up nicely he thought about the money as he sauntered in the direction of Putney.  Would he be able to get it back? One thing he was sure of if it came to a scrap he suspected that Tolly would definitely be more than a handful. There was no doubt he was a strong guy. Those shoulders said it all. No, that was not a route Dexter wanted to go down. He would have to try to reason with them. Having already told Tolly about Dee, when Dexter met his captain he would have to lay that on a lot thicker. 

 

When he knocked, Mavis answered the door, “Hello, Dexter,” she said, “I really enjoyed the film last night, didn’t you? Isn’t Jimmy Stewart wonderful.” 

“He sure is one of the best. It was a good night out, Mavis. Thanks for letting me join you.” 

“That’s no problem, darling,” she replied, affectionately touching his arm. “It’s nice that Tolly has friends who want to come and see him.” 

That made Dexter smile. The guy’s a villain. No, not a villain. That’s a bit strong. It makes him sound sinister. Like a gangster with a gun shooting people. A crook. Yeah, that’s better. A crook like me, two of a kind, good old-fashioned crooks. One crook chasing down another. “Is he there?” he said. 

“He’s waiting in the kitchen. He’s just finished breakfast. Come on through. Do you want anything? I can soon rustle up some eggs and toast.” 

“No thanks. The pub I’m staying in does a mean breakfast especially on a Sunday when there’s more time.” 

Following Mavis down the hall Dexter heard her say as she walked into the kitchen, “Here he is,” and turned to look at Dexter. “You sure now. It’s not too much trouble,”  

“Really, I’m fine thanks, Mavis… Morning Tolly, nice to see you're still here.” 

That made Tolly frown and nod towards Mavis. Dexter followed his gaze. Saw Mavis about to say something, so said, “I was worried you might have gone on without me. I’m an hour late, aren’t I? Didn’t we say we’d meet at nine?” 

Tolly relaxed and said, “It was ten, Dexter, you dope. So, what do you know, you’re bang on time.” 

Dexter looked at Mavis, and said, “You know, I was getting worried coming here in case Tolly had gone. I found myself almost sprinting. I’m not sure I can find Cap’s place on my own.” 

“He would have waited. I would’ve made sure of that,” said Mavis with a smile. 

“Okay, shall we go?” said Tolly, standing up and slipping on his jacket. “You remember, I told you I was staying with Cap for a couple of days, don’t you, Mavis?” 

“I do and be careful… You’ll come home, won’t you, Tolly?” 

“Don’t worry. I’ll be back by Tuesday evening and I’ll be taking you out for dinner. Somewhere nice. Now, we’re off.” He bent down and kissed her forehead then tapped Dexter on the shoulder, “Come on, we’re off.” 

“Nice to meet you Dexter,” said Mavis as they walked out of the door, “I hope I’ll see you again and the same goes for you. You be careful as well.” 

 

When they were outside Dexter said, “Sorry, I didn’t think.” 

“Yeah, you nearly caused me a problem. She suspects what I do, you know, and she worries… Quick thinking though with that being late tale.” 

“So, where are we going?” 

“Pimlico. We’ll get a bus at the end of the road.” He looked at his nearly new Rolex, “One should be along in about fifteen minutes.” Dexter swung his case as they strolled to the end of the road. 

By the time the bus arrived there was a queue. London was finally waking up. Tolly didn’t wait and was straight up the stairs to sit at the front. “Best place,” he said. 

“Sure is,” replied Dexter. “You can see it all from here. So, about Cap, is he all right?” 

“You’ll like him, if that’s what you mean.” 

“I mostly mean about money. I really do need it back. You’re a nice guy. Straight up. That’s what I mean.” 

“Yeah, I thought as much. Cap’s okay. You ask and he’ll listen. There’s a lot of cash there and that makes giving it up difficult… See what he says. One thing you don't have to worry about though. I’ll go with whatever he decides.” 

Dexter just nodded then kicked the case, “Recognise this?” 

“Sure. My old beezer. Well, not mine exactly. The geezer in the posh suit on the train down from London. It was his.” 

“You can have it back when you give me mine. Well, not exactly mine. It came out of a menswear shop. Same place I got the clobber.” 

“And the shoes?” 

“Nope. They came from a gentleman’s outfitters.” 

Tolly laughed, “Seems like we’re two of ‘em in a pod, eh?” and held out his hand. “Nice to meet you, Dexter Carmichael.” 

“Likewise,” replied Dexter, gripping it tightly and slapping Tolly on the back. 

 

“Nice place, nice street,” said Dexter as they strolled from the bus stop and approached Cap’s house. 

“Yeah, Cap bought it, what? must be five years ago now after a particularly good result.” 

“You didn’t buy a place then?” 

“Nope. I like living with Mavis.” 

“Wouldn’t she move with you?” 

“Not five years ago for sure. Her house, her memories. She had a son, Alfie. He was one of the ones who did not come back. Now though… she just might so I’m thinking about it.” 

They reached Cap’s gate, “Here we are,” said Tolly, “Now, you’ll get to meet Cap,” and he knocked on the door. 

Cap must have been waiting as the door opened straight away, “I saw you coming from upstairs,” he said. Then looking at Dexter he said, “Who’s this, Tolly?” 

“There’s a bit of a tale to tell, Cap. Let us in and I’ll tell you. We shouldn’t talk on the doorstep.” 

Looking at Dexter suspiciously Cap stood aside while Dexter and Tolly walked down the hall, “To the kitchen, Tolly,” said Cap… “Take a seat.” He was still staring at Dexter. “Tea?” 

Dexter replied, “Sure. two sugars.” Then added, “Please,” to keep it all polite. 

“So, Tolly…” and Cap nodded towards Dexter. “Is he reliable?” 

“Definitely. He’s a crook. We’re all crooks. Just like happy families.” 

“Okay, I’ll buy it if you say so… that’s for now though, then we’ll see. So…” 

“So, Cap, meet Dexter Carmichael. Remember, I told you about him when I came back from Eastbourne… Dexter meet Cap.” Tolly said. 

“Ah, yes, the man and the case full of money… What’s in your case, Dexter?” asked Cap pointing at the beezer sitting on the kitchen floor. 

“Clothes,” replied Dexter, “but unfortunately it’s not my case,” and watched Cap as he raised his eyebrows. “It belongs to Tolly. Unfortunately, due to a slight confusion he got hold of mine. I’ve come to swap them over. ” 

Cap glanced at Tolly who shrugged, “He’s right. It’s my case all right.” 

“Okay, Tolly, you’d better give me the whole story.” 

“There’s not so much to tell really. We’ve got Dexter’s case. As you already know I swapped them at the boarding house. Dexter has managed to track me down and wants his case back. Simple as that really.” 

“Bit careless, wasn’t it? Getting tracked down.” 

“What can I say? Like all good crooks he’s resourceful.” 

“Okay, we can swap cases. You put your clothes in the one we’ve got and we’ll put the cash in that one. Will that suit?” 

“Don’t be daft,” said Dexter. “You know what I mean, I need the money back. I don’t give a damn what case it’s in. If it comes to it you can have both” 

“No need to get stroppy…” 

“Well, be serious then. I’ve come here in good faith. I’ve tracked Tolly but so far I’ve not caused a scene. Tolly will tell you.” 

“Dexter’s right. There’s been no trouble when there might have been. After all, he’s got a reason.” 

“So far?” said Cap, “What do you intend?” 

“Nothing if I get the money back… I’ve a very good reason for it to be returned.” 

“He’s in love,” said Tolly. “In love with the landlady’s daughter. What’s her name, Dexter?” 

“Dee.” 

“Yeah, he’s in love with Dee and her mother has found out they both stole all her cash and, guess what? It's actually her mother who wants it back. Isn’t that right, Dexter?” 

“That’s about as right as you can put it. If I don’t get her money back Gloria Dubonnet will take it out on Dee and the cook and believe me she’ll do it.” 

The look on Cap’s face strayed from levity to concern as he thought about what Dexter had just said, “So that’s where the money came from. Gloria Dubonnet.”  

Tolly was watching Cap and saw the look on his face and that made him think, That look. I don’t often see that. It used to be before combat when he was planning. Cap’s thinking and thinking fast.   

“So, you’re in love with the daughter, Dee?” Cap said. 

“And we stole the money so Dee could get away from her mother. She doesn’t treat her so well. Now, she wants it back.” 

“What happens if you give it back?” 

“I’ll leave with Dee and her mother has promised to treat the cook properly. We’ll just have to try and make do. The cash was going to set us up. I was going to straighten up, if you know what I mean. Get a job and all that. Dee’s worried I’ll eventually get caught so I’m packing it all in. Now though, I suppose I’ll just have to take my chances.” 

The kettle boiled and Cap filled the teapot. As he poured the tea he glanced at Dexter and smiled, “Two sugars you said,”  

Dexter nodded, “Please.” 

“What do you think, Tolly?” Cap said. 

“A lot of cash in that case. That’s what I think. Shame for it to go to waste.” 

“It’ll not be wasted though,” said Dexter. “It’ll change a lovely girl’s life. Isn’t that more important.” 

“Might be for you, Dexter,” said Tolly, “I’m not so sure that’ll suit me though. You’re the knight in shining armour, not me.” 

Dexter did not reply but just sipped his tea thinking things were not looking so good. He started drumming his fingers and that was all that broke the silence for a few moments. The look on Cap’s face had a concentration about it. Tolly looked at Dexter maybe having some sympathy seeing him obviously feeling the strain. 

Suddenly Cap slapped the kitchen table and stood. Paced to the French doors. Stared out over the courtyard. Tolly looked at Dexter and smiled. He knew a decision had been made and it was likely to be something Dexter would like. After a few moments Cap said, “Can’t give the money back but there may be another way,” and he looked at Tolly. “Could we do with an extra man?” 

“Could do. Amongst all his talents Dexter can steal cars and crack safes,” said Tolly but he looked at Cap, maybe wondering why Cap would want to involve Dexter. They had always managed with just the two of them.  

“How about it, Dexter. We can solve your problems. All you’ve got to do is steal us a car and break into a safe.”  

“But how does that help?” replied Dexter, sounding a bit flat. 

“We’re going to rob a diamond merchant and rob him of a lot of diamonds. I’ve a fence set up to turn them into cash. It’ll make your suitcase of cash look a bit inadequate. How about it? Do you want in for one third? You’ll have more than enough to pay the mother back.” That did make Tolly think. One third… why so much. But he said nothing and just started to chew a few things over in his mind one of them involved the name Donovan. 

“When?” said Dexter, lightening up. 

“Tomorrow night.” 

“Where?” 

“A big manor house just outside Eastbourne.” 

“And the cash?” 

“Don’t push it. One third of the haul is the best you’ll get,” said Cap looking at Tolly and knowing there might be some trouble to overcome there. 

Dexter did not have to think too long. Realising it was a pretty good compromise he stood up, held out his hand and said, “One third,” and they all shook hands. 

The phone ringing in the hallway made them all look, “Hang on a moment, I’ll have to get that,” said Cap. 

Pulling the door to after him he moved into the hall. With it almost shut Tolly could just make out a few words but nothing that made any sense. He heard Cap hang up and as he came back into the room said, “Anything?” 

“No, nothing interesting. Just my old school friend. You know, Tolly, the one I’m meeting in a couple of weeks” 

“Is that the same fella you had that meeting with a few months back? You said he had something interesting to tell another friend of yours.” 

“That’s the one, he’s been doing me a couple of favours… Right, where were we. I know… Now we’ve sorted who’s coming there’s just a couple of points to go through… Dexter, where’s the best place to steal a car. London or Eastbourne.” 

“Eastbourne. It eliminates the risk of getting pulled driving down.” 

“Good. Tolly, I’ve been thinking about your concerns about the explosives. The solution: we won’t take any.” 

“But what if we can’t open the safe?” said Tolly. 

“Can you bust a combination lock, Dexter?” 

“I’ve done it before but I’m not so good at it. Picking a lock though is easy stuff.” 

“So, if it’s a combination Dexter can have a go then I will. If it's a lock between you two you’ll be able to pick it. I think between us we can get the thing open.” 

Tolly grumbled, “Okay, Cap, if you think that’ll work.” But Tolly was not at all sure. He could see no reason why they would not take the explosives and risk not being able to get into the safe. 

 Cap heard the grumble. That was it. There would be trouble later. But all he said was, “That’s it then. Any more questions?”  

Dexter said, “I’ve left my hot wires at my digs. I’ll have to pick them up and, anyway, I want to see Dee so if it’s okay with you I’ll go down to Eastbourne today and stay over at my lodgings then meet you Monday.” 

“No problem with that,” said Cap, “You, Tolly?” 

“None.” 

“Okay, Dexter, you go today and we’ll meet you early evening tomorrow. What about the car?” 

“I’ll pick one up after we’ve met. The closer to the time is best. Keeps the risk of getting spotted as small as possible.” 

“That makes sense. We’ll meet you…” 

“In the George on Sea Road, Bexhill at…” 

“Seven-thirty. We get something to eat then head off. One in the morning is the best time to hit the place. Hopefully we’ll be away in thirty minutes. One more thing. Give me the phone number of your lodgings in case we need to contact you.