CHAPTER 28

I bet that old goat will be surprised to see me when I turn up today, Dexter thought as he turned the corner into his road. What’ll she be doing at three on a Sunday afternoon? Kipping after lunch after an extra Sunday sherry I expect. I’ll make a bit of noise as I go in. That’ll stir her up for sure. She’s nervous of people breaking in. 

He turned the key in the lock, stepped into the hall and slammed the door. Immediately the door to her back room flew open and banged against the wall. With her hair ruffled and rubbing one eye Dora saw Dexter.

  “I thought you might not come back,” she said. 

“Why would you think that? I’ve paid the rent so I’m entitled, aren't I?” 

Dora managed to stop herself from snapping out her normal cutting reply and instead, hoping that maybe she would not have to find a new lodger after all, said, “Of course you are, Dexter. I’m glad to see you back. Did you have a good time in London?” 

“Very good, thank you.” He did not give any indication of how long he would be staying but just smiled at Dora and moved towards the stairs. 

“Would you like anything? Tea? A spot of lunch, maybe?” 

“No thanks, but… You said maybe you could make an exception to your rules and let Dee stay. Have you thought about that?” 

“I have and I can,” she said. Then kind of bit her lip and almost grated out, “I’m sorry I snapped at you the other day. I’ve thought about it and I should’ve been more considerate.”  

“That’s okay, and thanks,” smiled Dexter. “Hopefully Dee will come over this evening. I’ll phone her later if that’s okay.”  

Dexter carried on up the stairs thinking, Yup, Dee will come this evening. The lads and I will grab the diamonds tomorrow then I’ll pay off Gloria and we’ll leave Eastbourne. After all this there will be no room for Gloria Dubonnet and Dee in the same town that’s for sure. 

As Dexter disappeared across the landing Dora picked up the phone thinking, If he phones Dee, Jimmy Raynott will know Dexter’s back and bang goes my ten pounds. If I phone now though he’ll have to pay me.  

Dialing, she waited until a woman with what sounded like a put on posh voice, said, “The Bay View Boarding House, how can I help you?” 

“Is Jimmy Raynott there, please?” 

“Who’s calling please?” said the fake voice. 

“Tell him it’s Dora Kemp. he’ll know me.” And she heard a muffled shout. 

Next moment Jimmy's voice said, “Dora, how nice to hear from you. Good news I hope.” 

“He’s back. Came in at three. He said he was staying a couple of days.” 

“Thank you, Dora. That’s good news” replied Jimmy 

“My money?” 

“You’ll get it when I’ve had a word with your lodger.” 

“Soon I hope.” 

“Oh yes, you can be very sure of that.” Dora put the phone down as the line went dead but did not notice Dexter dart back across the landing. He had been coming down to phone Dee. Now he waited until Dora returned to her room before coming down the stairs.  

Picking up the phone he dialed the boarding house. Gloria answered with the same announcement she had given Dora. When Dexter told her it was him, she said, “You’d better be going to tell me you’ve got my money.” 

“Don’t worry I’ve found Tolly Parkin.” 

“But have you got my money?” 

“Of course. Now, is Dee there. I need to speak to her.” 

“Yes, but when will you bring me my money?” 

“Tuesday or Wednesday.” 

“Why not now?” 

“Because I’ve got to collect it.” 

“So, you haven’t got it then.” 

“I have, it’s just not here. Does it matter? You’ll get it by Wednesday. Now, Dee please.” 

The phone rattled and hummed as it changed hands. He heard Gloria’s muffled voice demanding Dee to tell him to get her money before Wednesday. Then Dee was saying, “Dexter?” 

“I’m here in Eastbourne. Can you come to my place after work?” 

“I can get off about eight… What about Dora?” 

“She’s okay. We’ve reached an understanding… She phoned the Bay View a few moments ago. I think she spoke to Jimmy.” 

“I saw him put the phone down. He’s gone out so I don’t know what it was about.” 

“It could be a problem but I only caught the end of the conversation. It sounded like Jimmy was paying her for something. Maybe to tell him when I return.” 

“Why would she do that?” 

“I’m not sure… Is your mother there?” 

“Standing right next to me,” she said, watching Gloria straining to hear their conversation. 

“We shouldn’t talk on the phone then. Come when you can this evening. I’ll expect you around nine,” said Dexter thinking he would have to be careful. Jimmy was in thick with Gloria so he might have some sort of grudge. Then he thought if it came to it Jimmy Raynott did not look all that. He was certain he could handle him without too much difficulty.  

 

Jimmy Raynott hung up and said to Gloria, “I’ll be back shortly,” 

“Hang on a minute. You said you would call about the investments. Have you done it yet?” 

“I did. Earlier when you were in the kitchen,” Jimmy lied. 

“And… Can you get any money?” 

“I’m sorry sweetness, it’s all locked away for the whole six months. No go, I’m afraid… Now, I’m really sorry but I have to go. There’s something I need to take care of.” 

 Without waiting for her to say anything more he rushed out. Strode down the pavement heading for the seafront. Turning the corner, with the sea crashing in the background, he pulled open the door of a phone box. The call he had to make was something he did not want to risk Gloria or Dee hearing. Especially Dee. 

Dropped in the four pennies. Dialed and waited. Listened to the drone. Pressed the button when he heard, “Yeah, what is it?” 

“It’s Jimmy Raynott. Are you and your brother about tomorrow morning?” He stared at the woman wearing a headscarf knocking on the glass. 

“Could be. What’s the story?” 

“I want to issue a warning if you know what I mean.” 

“Fifty quid and we can be available.” 

“Forty.” 

“Fifty. Say okay or I’m hanging up.” 

“Okay… meet me at Bexhill station at nine.” 

“How long will we be?” 

“Maybe two hours. We’ll have to wait for the man to leave his place.” 

“Till tomorrow then,” and the phone started to purr. 

Pushing open the door he said to the woman, “Have some patience, sweetness, or one time maybe you’ll end up with a slap,” and strolled off, glanced back to look at her startled face one more time, swerved around couple of slow moving cars to stand on the opposite side of the promenade road staring at the waves. Looked up as the sun disappeared behind a grey cloud and pulled up the collar of his jacket as the cool wind ruffled his hair.  

Stood a while just watching the sea with a stream of thoughts scattered through his head. Scowled into the breeze as his eyes began to water. Turning and leaning on the railings, he stared at the roofs of the buildings opposite. He could make out the Bay View with its red tiles, tall chimneys and the dormer window of Dee’s room. Things are becoming complicated and I don’t like it. He glanced again at the dormer window. She’s the root of the problem. Way too feisty. Her and her mother are always at it. If only Gloria would ease up a bit… Stealing that money has definitely chucked that old spanner about. But there may be another way. The Paradise… Gloria wants to wait until the investment matures but she’s right that’s too long… That money… If Gloria uses it to buy the hotel I could be stuck without a share. But if I used it I could own it all. There should be enough… Instead of warning Dexter off I’ll give him an alternative. Get him to give me the money. Dee could run The Paradise especially if I suggested Dexter help her. They would be together. I could even offer them a share. Not so big. Just enough of a carrot. Yeah, I need a word with Dexter but I’ll still need the brothers. He’s sure to be suspicious and he’s a handy sort for sure. I suspect he’s not too afraid of a beating so I’ll need to be more subtle. It might just be fifty quid well spent. I’ll offer him a solution to all his problems. 

 

As Jimmy left Gloria started to follow but stopped as she reached the street and watched him disappear around the corner wondering what this was all about. The lady had said her name was Dora Kemp then while Gloria stood listening to Dee’s conversation Dee had mentioned Dora. The woman must be Dexter’s landlady, who else could she be? This Dora phoned to say Dexter was back. I’m certain of that. What would Jimmy want with Dexter’s landlady? He had better not do anything stupid… Oh well, as long as I get my money back, what do I care? 

Wandering back towards her desk she saw Dee come out of the kitchen, “So, you’re going to see your man tonight?” 

“Yes, and I’m staying there.” 

“What about breakfast?” 

“Just for once you’ll have to do it. I’ll lay the tables before I go, all you’ll have to do is serve and be nice. You can remember how to do that, can’t you?” 

“Of course I can. I was serving at tables long before you cluttered up my life,” snarled Gloria. 

“I was talking about being nice,” snapped Dee and, turning her back, went into the dining room.” 

“Just make sure he gets my money,” Gloria shouted after her. Jimmy’s up to something. I think he’s gone to make a phone call and that means something serious otherwise he’d use my phone, she thought.