CHAPTER 29

At nine-forty Dee was knocking on Dexter’s door. He was waiting. Hovering at the top of the stairs not wanting to risk Dora answering the door. As soon as he heard the rap he was down the stairs and opening the door. Dora appeared in her doorway. 

“I’ve got this Dora,” he said and watched her face drop as she slunk back and closed the door. “Come on,” he said to Dee and she followed him upstairs. As soon as they were through his door they were in each other's arms kissing passionately until she pulled away and sat on the bed. 

“You found Tolly then. How did you do it?” she said. 

“Bit of luck really. I had searched most places. You know, the pubs, shops that sort of thing and had moved on to trying to find where he lived. Spent the best part of a day knocking on doors then I overheard a bunch of women talking outside a shop. Tolly was mentioned by one, so I followed her. Anyway, one way and another I wangled my way into her house and waited for him.” 

“So, how was he when you saw him?” 

“Actually, he was all right. A bit tense to start with but his landlady was about so that gave time to get acquainted, if you know what I mean.” 

“What about the money? Did you get it?” 

“No.” 

“But you told my mother you did.” 

“He didn’t have it… He has a partner. His captain from the war. He has it.” 

“So, did you get it from him?” 

“No, he wouldn’t give it to me.” 

“Are you really trying to annoy me,” said Dee, standing up and pushing Dexter in the shoulder. “This is hard enough without all this dithering. Just get to the point.” 

“Okay, okay I’m only trying to explain.” 

“Well try harder, will you.” 

“He wouldn’t give me the money but he wants me to help them with a robbery. They're going to clear out a diamond dealer’s safe and will cut me in with a third. It’ll be far more than the cash we stole. I can sell some diamonds, pay off your mother and we’ll still have enough to start a new life. One more job is all it will take. It’s a chance, Dee and a good one.” 

“As long as you don’t end up getting caught. A big job means a long sentence, doesn’t it?” 

“Everything should be okay. They’ve done all the research. That’s what Tolly was down here for. It's all set. We should be in and out within thirty minutes. The owner’s away so there should be no problem.” 

“When?” 

“Tomorrow night. Then we pay off your mother and we’re away.” 

Dee spent a long time thinking until eventually Dexter said, “What do you think?” 

“I don’t like it. You said you were giving up after we stole the cash. Now you’re doing another job.” 

“That was before Tolly snatched the money and your mother found out. Now it’s different. If we want to be together, I see this as the only way.” 

“I know,” she almost whispered. “That's the problem. I’m frightened you’ll be caught. You don’t know these two, do you? They could be a pair of rubbish villains…” 

“I don’t think so. In fact, I think the exact opposite. I’m positive they know what they’re doing. After all, Tolly did switch the cases. We’ve got to take the chance though. There’s no alternative.” 

“I know,” she said again. Then said, “You know you told me Jimmy had called today and I said he left quickly. Well, I think he went out to phone someone. I know him. He’s up to something.” 

“And I think he definitely paid Dora to tell him when I was back.” 

“Why would he want to know that?” 

“I’m not sure but I thought as he’s involved in some dodgy enterprise he might feel uneasy with all this going on. All of this with the money is upsetting your mother and that’ll put him under pressure if he thought his mucky little world was threatened. Maybe he wants to have a word with me. Warn me off.” 

“Maybe he does. He can be ruthless. During the war he was into some very tough black-market operations that had to be protected. I think he’s good at it so you’ll have to watch out.” 

“I will but I’m sure I’ll have no problem dealing with him if it comes to it.” 

“I’m sure you could but don’t underestimate him. If he went out to phone it must be so he would not be overheard. He knows some pretty tough people. You might be able to handle him but what if he’s not alone?” 

“I don’t know but I’ll cross that one if it happens… Now, are you hungry?” 

“Famished. It’s been a long, hard day.” 

“The pub’s the closest place. Let’s go there then we’ve got some catching up to do and I intend to take every advantage.” He said, giving her a little nudge. “Dora’s so worried I’m going to leave, she's agreed you can stay over.” 

“That’s just as well.” Dee laughed. “After what you said on the phone I’ve told my mother I’m not coming back tonight and she’ll have to do breakfast in the morning.” 

 

After so many years of early starts Dee always woke early. Remaining quiet and curled up with the sheets pulled tightly around her shoulders she watched the window as the semi-darkness slowly dispersed as shafts of sunlight penetrated the badly fitting curtains. 

Shifting her weight, she rolled over to look at Dexter sleeping. More than anything she wanted to be with this man. She knew he was the right person. Just looking at him being peaceful stirred a passion. Maybe a memory of last night. As she watched he stirred, stretched then caught her eye. 

“You look wide awake,” he muttered, rubbing his eyes and yawning. 

“I’m used to waking up early.” 

“Good for you. I’m a slow starter… what’s the time?” 

“Eight-thirty and the day is wasting away.” 

“Let it waste a bit. You’ve not got to get back yet, have you?” 

“Not for a while. I’ll need to get breakfast cleared away and the rooms done but that will wait a while. All the clackers will be on their way out so there’s no rush.” And she slipped up close to him, caressing his chest and kissing his lips. 

“Been waiting for two hours for you to wake up,” she murmured. 

“Is this your idea of not wasting a day?” 

“One of them. The other is breakfast but for that I need to work up an appetite.” 

She slid on top of him all the time wiggling and caressing. “I feel you’re starting to wake up now,” and smiled as she looked into his eyes to see all the telltale signs. 

 

It was not until nearly ten that they left. As they went out of the front door Dexter glanced up and down the road. Double took a tall, well-built man walking along the opposite pavement. Watched him until he turned the corner, then, keeping an open mind, took hold of Dee’s hand and headed towards Sea Road.  

They found themselves sitting at a table in the cafe somewhere around the back of the pub eating eggs and drinking coffee. The lady with the glasses and long striped apron had looked rushed as she put their plates down. Breakfast service was slowing but the crush of people sitting at the tightly packed tables was only just starting to diminish. She brought more toast and smiled with a worn out look as she asked if there was anything else. Then swept around the tables collecting plates and picking up the few loose coppers left by the departing customers. 

“What time are you meeting the others?” asked Dee. 

“Seven-thirty in the pub.” 

“What’ll you do until then?” 

“I’ve a car to find. I won’t lift one until later but I want to find something suitable that looks like it will not be missed. Something tucked away somewhere that isn’t much used would be perfect.” 

“Well, I’ve got to get back.” Dee said, standing up. “I don’t care so much about my mother but the guests don’t deserve to be let down and I don’t want to give her an excuse to get at Derek… You take care, Dexter. I’ve only just found you and I don’t want to lose you now. And don’t forget about Jimmy. Remember, don’t you underestimate him. He can be dangerous… and, Dexter, it’s about time I told you I love you so that’s as good a reason as any to be careful.” 

“I won’t and don’t worry it’ll all go smoothly tonight. I’ll call you tomorrow.” He kissed her, leant close and whispered the words in her ear and a bit more that she was not expecting and that made her laugh. 

They both shuffled around the tables and out of the door to the pavement. Dee went right heading towards the bus stop. Dexter started left towards the station. First he would look in the station car park to earmark a couple of cars that might be left overnight. He wanted something common. A popular model that would not stand out. Black would be good, he thought.  

As he walked he glanced along the street and checked behind him but could not see any sign of Jimmy Raynott. Nearly eleven and Sea Road had the usual amount of traffic. Not so much, just enough to cause a problem crossing the road. Hitting the opposite pavement he saw the station car park maybe one hundred yards ahead. Crossing the road behind him a fella wearing a flat cap and baggy tweed jacket waved towards the station. He struck Dexter as being out of place.  

The people on Sea Road were mostly day trippers or holiday makers taking their time, sauntering along. This fella walked with real purpose. Dexter glanced in the direction the man had waved and saw the tall, well-built man he had seen earlier standing on the corner of the station entrance. Too late to change direction. The man behind was closing fast and the tall man stepped out in front of him. From behind the tall man Jimmy Raynott appeared, “Hello, Dexter. You and I, we’ve got to have a little conversation,” he said.