CHAPTER 32

The front door slammed around six-thirty. Dexter was not asleep but it stirred him from deep thoughts about the future. Everything was straight in his mind. Assuming the blag went well tomorrow he would go to the Bay View, tell Gloria he was paying her off and he would leave with Dee. He would not come back here after he left today, that was certain. They would move on to stay in a hotel while they looked for somewhere to live. If Cap’s estimate of the proceeds were anywhere near accurate, they would not have to worry about money for a while giving him plenty of time to find a job. One thing he was determined about: he would not go back to his old ways.

 After fifteen minutes he picked up the case and noisily went down the stairs to the hall. As expected, Dora was immediately standing next to him. 

“Are you in for dinner, Dexter? I’m making a steak pie.” 

“Actually, I’m leaving,” he said, holding up the case, “and won’t be coming back.” 

Dora looked surprised but Dexter thought it had a bit of a put-on look, “Any particular reason?” she said. 

Dexter had intended to give a long speech about her phoning Jimmy Raynott but decided to keep it simple. Besides, there was little point antagonising a person who could make trouble for him if she really wanted. 

“No, just time to move on. It’s Dee, we're going to get married and settle down. End of an era and all that.” 

“Oh, that’s nice. I thought it was because I’d upset you. You know, about Dee staying.” 

“No, not at all. If I was, I'm over it now you let her stay last night,” lied Dexter. “You’ve been very good to me. Thank you for letting me stay here and thank you for changing your mind about Dee.” 

“You’re more than welcome,” she said as Dexter opened the door. “Anytime, you know, you need somewhere to stay just look me up.” She gave a halfhearted wave as she watched him stroll down the street towards Sea Road. Good riddance. You’re one I'm glad to see the back of… But you paid the bills on time and that was better than some. She went back inside, slammed the door and stomped into the kitchen. Tea? No Gin and a good stiff one.  

In her hand she held an envelope that had been pushed through the letterbox. She knew what it was and in some way she was surprised. She had been expecting Jimmy Raynott not to pay. At least that’s some small compensation. Twenty quid for one phone call is not too bad. Tomorrow I’ll put the adverts out. Hopefully by next week I’ll have a new punter and maybe the next one will be just as handsome but a lot more accommodating towards my advances. She smiled at all her naughty thoughts and did not stop pouring until the tumbler was full. 

 

There was a table in the corner which Dexter nabbed as soon as he walked into The George. Making sure there were three chairs he put the beezer out of the way next to the wall and went over to the bar. Just after seven-thirty was obviously a popular time. The place was full of jumbled conversations. A nice buzz that added to the atmosphere of a well-kept pub. The temptation of Dora’s pie had made him feel hungry. Fortunately, it looked like pie was on the menu and it looked good. A nice steak pie in here would suit him very well. 

Like all pubs the bar was way back and the line of occupied bar stools just underlined how popular the place was. Mirrors behind the bar reflected light past the stacked glasses and bottles adding a touch of brightness. By standing at the end, he avoided the crush. The barman saw him and nodded a just a moment nod. While Dexter waited he kept an eye on his beezer. Old habits. You never knew, did you? 

The short stocky fella came over. His round face beaming as he turned and said something to a guy in work clothes sitting towards the end of the bar. “Yes, matey,” he said to Dexter.  He undid his cuffs and rolled up his shirt sleeves two turns. 

“Pint please. I’ve got the table over there… Yeah, that’s the one. I’m meeting two friends at seven-thirty.” 

“Oh, yes, they phoned. They said they’re going to be late something about the trains. Anyway, they said they’d be here around nine.” 

“Okay. I’ll take the pint now. Have you got any of your steak pies left?” 

“Sure, loads of them. They’re always popular… potatoes, veg and gravy?” 

“Perfect thanks. When will you stop serving food?” 

“Nine.” 

“So can you get a couple of pies ready for my mates for nine. Would it matter if they're a bit later.” 

“Not if the food’s prepared. Will you pay now?” 

“Sure,” said Dexter. He paid and wandered back to the table thinking. It won’t matter lifting a car a bit later. Actually, it’s better really. It’ll be getting dark.” 

 

Coming up to nine, people were starting to drift off. Most bar stools were becoming empty. The barman was busy wandering around the tables collecting plates and glasses when the door opened and Cap and Tolly walked in. Tolly carried their bag and looked sweaty. They saw Dexter and came straight over. 

“Sorry we’re late,” said Cap, “Tolly’s watch got a copper all excited is all I’ll say. Had to come a copper avoiding route via a walk to Clapham Junction and train to Eastbourne.” 

“No problem,” replied Dexter. “Plenty of time. It makes no difference really, does it... There’s a pint behind the bar for you and I’ve ordered you a pie. It should be ready. I’ve had one and they’re real good.” 

“All set?” asked Tolly, putting the bag down and slumping into a chair, “That gets really heavy after a while and that walk to Clapham Junction, well…” 

“Yup. I’ve sorted a couple of car options. Near the station.”  

Cap wandered to the bar, came back with a couple of pints and as he sat down said, “So, how’d it go with Dee?” 

“Fine. I told her what we were doing…” 

“And she was happy with that?” asked Cap. 

“After a bit of explaining. She wasn’t too pleased with you keeping the cash.” 

“Best not let her mother get her hands on it. It’ll break her heart to lose all her cash.” said Cap, smiling wide and Dexter thought, How would Cap know that? He’s not even met her and why would it make him so happy. 

He didn’t say anything but just said, “Sure to. Tomorrow I’m going over there. Take Dee away and tell her mother I’ll be paying her back. Then that’s us done and away and happy ever after… hopefully.” 

“She’s back at the boarding house then?” 

“Went back this morning… I had an interesting chat with Jimmy Raynott earlier. Do you know him?” 

“I know of him, that’s all.” 

“I’ve seen him,” said Tolly. “At the boarding house that morning we were both there. Looked a bit dodgy to me. Bit like that boarding house. When I first saw the place, I thought it wasn’t the sort to spend much time in.” 

“Well, he collared me here in the station car park with two big bruisers. Real Bobs for sure. You know the rear hard fellas who like to break heads. He wants me to give him the money so he can buy the hotel opposite the Bay View. Wants Dee and me to run it. He wants to use it as an outlet for some of his dodgy stuff.” 

Tolly laughed and said, “They're all into it in that place, aren’t they? Old Gloria skimming off the top with that neat stamp the invoice scam and Mr Jimmy pushing dodgy stuff.” 

Cap said, “So, is he any threat?” 

“Not so far. I thought I was in for a beating but he just wanted to talk… Waste of his breath. He’s so full of it. If bullshit was a commodity, he’d be so rich he’d have no need to cheat his way through life. What made him think I’d be happy stuck in his pocket, I don’t know. Maybe he’ll wind up the two Bobs when he realises I won’t be giving him anything but by then I should be a long way from here.” 

“Okay we’ll ignore him for now but if he becomes a problem Tolly and I will back you up… Right, it’s coming up to ten. We'll give it half an hour and then make a move,” Cap said as their pies arrived.