CHAPTER 35

“You first,” said Cap, smiling at Dexter. Dexter thought, He seemed to be enjoying this as he grabbed the door handle, heard the rattle and saw Gloria look up and smile expectantly as she recognised him. Pushing the door he strode into the hall right up to her desk and dropped his beezer down at his feet with a thud. Then returned her smile in a way that seemed to unsettle her a bit. Gloria put down her pen, took off her glasses and put them on top of the open ledger.

 Her smile widened. She stood, pushed her chair back a bit, pointed at the case and said, “Is that my money?” Then looked up as the door handle rattled some more, “Well, well and Tolly Parkin. Now why am I not surprised at that. You two been happy pals all along, have you?” Then the sight of Cap following Tolly made her face drop. She went as white as the flour Jimmy stole for her and started to shake. Then collapsed, slumping back into her chair with tears showing in her eyes. She had not lost all her composure though and managed to yell, “Jimmy… Jimmy get out here, now. We’ve got trouble.”  

“Hello Gloria, glad to see you still recognise me. I see the place still looks a dump,” said Cap with a huge grin.  

Dexter stared at Cap but Tolly just smiled. After all, he knew something was going on and Dee’s surname had struck a cord that had not gone unnoticed.  

Jimmy appeared from the sitting room, “What’s up, sweetness,” he said, then saw Cap and stayed quiet thinking, This is the man who… but stopped and started to wonder about the investments.  

“Sweetness is it, Jimmy. That’s a bit intimate… By the way, how are you? How’re your investments doing?” laughed Cap. It was clear he was enjoying Jimmy’s discomfort. 

Jimmy’s jaw slumped but before he could say anything Dee appeared from the kitchen, “What’s going… Oh, Dexter, you’re back. Is everything okay?” she glanced at the beezer and raised her eyebrows but Dexter shook his head. Glancing at Cap she could see a lot was going on so stayed in the background and kept quiet but did look at her mother. 

Gloria saw her looking at her and sighed, “You don’t know Johnny Bland, do you, Dee? Dee meet Johnny Bland. He was your father’s best man at our wedding. Thick as thieves they were in those days… Not heard a peep about you since the start of the war, Johnny. I had kind of hoped you might be dead.” 

“No such luck… So, how’s life been, Gloria? I hear you’re still beating your lovely daughter.” 

“She’s not any more,” cut in Dee, “I’ve already told her what’ll happen if she ever touches me again.” 

“So I hear. Dexter’s been telling me all about you… You know, Dee, I’ve been shadowing your life for ten years now. Since the war in fact. I made a promise, you see… You know Gloria, you’re so stupid. This girl could’ve made this place a goldmine if you had treated her right. Now though I do think you’re screwed.” 

“What promise?” Gloria replied but looked at Dee. Why does he think that? and glanced at Jimmy and saw him smiling and looking at Dee as well. He thinks the same. What have I missed? I’ve been so wrapped up in taking my crap life out on her I’ve missed something. She gazed at Dee. Saw her studying Cap then Dee looked at Dexter and smiled more with her eyes than anything. That smile. Those eyes. That’s what I’ve missed. It’s all there in that smile. In those eyes. She has it all. Smart, intelligent, affectionate and caring and she’s hidden it all from me. How have I missed it? I know how, it’s everything I’m not so I wouldn’t notice, would I. Maybe I should have loved her instead of… damn but it’s too late now.  

Her look of regret was disturbed by Cap speaking, “My promise to Bernie of course. Tolly knew Bernie, didn’t you Tolly?” 

“I sure did and was proud to. He saved my life, you know. Just before…” 

“Just before what?” Gloria snapped, recovering her venom and rounding on Tolly. 

“Just before he died,” snarled Cap. 

“Oh, so he is dead then… That’s a relief. I’ve never had anything official,” she blurted but the look in her eyes, that look of insecurity was growing. What’s going on here and why has that snob Johnny Bland suddenly appeared saying all that stuff about Dee. 

“But I see you’re still just as nasty,” growled Cap. 

“Worse,” snapped Gloria, “Now, give me money and get out of my place and Dexter, take this little trollop with you. I’ll be glad to finally see the back of her.” 

“Your place. Are you sure about that?” Cap pulled the envelope from the inside pocket of his jacket, took out a paper and unfolded it, “See this. You know what it is? See the title on the front Last Will and all the rest of the words. This is Bernie’s. Drawn up by a London solicitor. He made it when we went to war. Made me promise to look after Dee if anything happened to him… and guess what, Gloria, he leaves everything to Dee.” 

“So, that might be too old to enforce. I’d challenge it anyway. I was his wife for goodness sake.” The harshness in her voice sort of underlined her determination to hold onto what she considered was hers. 

“You could well be right but I doubt it. Anyway, you can’t get away from this.” He removed the Deed paper from the envelope and flicked it an inch from her face. “This is the deed for ownership of the hotel. Bernie suspected there might be trouble with the will so before we left for France in 1940 the same solicitor registered a new owner. The hotel belongs to Dee and that cannot be disputed.” 

Gloria’s face went ashen. She glanced at Jimmy. Tears started to run down her face. She was shaking, “This can’t be right.” She yelled at Jimmy, “Do something, Jimmy. I can’t lose this place. Just do something.”  

Jimmy took the paper and looked through the pages, “I’m sorry sweetness, I do think that the man’s right. The Bay View belongs to Dee.” 

As Gloria slumped back into her chair again she heard the front door handle rattle and watched four men walk up to her desk. Dexter, Tolly and Cap moved to one side. What now? If those three aren’t enough, who's this lot? She saw two men both in shiny blue suits. Saw the red ties and immediately knew they were official and the sort of official that spelled trouble. Looking at the other two in their almost casual clothes and loose-fitting garish ties she glanced at their feet. Saw soft soled creepers and immediately thought coppers. Lots of words rattled through her head but the only two that really stuck were, oh crap. And she was thinking of tins, flour, marmalade, you name it. She saw it all sitting on the shelves in the kitchen and she looked at Jimmy, her eyes wider than they had ever been before. 

Jimmy had the look of a man about to run but Andy Morris was way ahead of him, “Police, Mr Raynott. Just stay where you are please. I need a word with you and don’t even think about it. There are men waiting outside.” Jimmy looked at Andy’s grinning face. All these fellas are grinning. They would not be here if they didn’t have all the necessary to bury us. 

One of the red ties said, “My name’s Walter Smith of the Inland Revenue special investigations unit. Can we go somewhere private, Mrs Dubonnet?” 

“Certainly not. I’ve got nothing to hide.” said Gloria very sharply, “Say your piece then get out.” Adding, “Please,” as was her usual after thought. 

“As you wish,” said Walter, “I’ve reason to believe you’ve been under-declaring your income.” 

She knew this was coming as soon as he mentioned Inland Revenue. “And just what gives you that idea?” she huffed. 

“I’ll just say we’ve had a tip off.” 

“Well, I’m very sorry, Mr Smith, but whoever’s tipped you off is incorrect, there’s nothing amiss here. You can look at any of my ledgers. Everything is recorded and in fine detail,” replied Gloria rather brusquely. 

“I will, of course, be looking at your ledgers and for over a good number of years. For now though I’ve been observing your boarding house over the last four weeks and have taken photos of your guests as they arrive and leave.” Opening his case he removed the photos and spread them on her desk. “Just a sample. You’re welcome to see the other few hundred anytime at my office. Over that time I’ve seen ten people arrive every evening then leave every morning. That’s except for the odd day here and there when you might only have nine guests staying.” Pulling out the ledger he continued, “This is last year’s declaration. A copy of your ledger that you sent with your tax return at our request.” 

Jimmy intervened, “You didn’t tell me they asked for a ledger.” 

“Quiet, Jimmy,” snapped Gloria. She did not want him to get involved. He might say something about the beezer full of cash. 

“Thank you, Mrs Dubonnet. The ledger shows an average occupancy of just over six people per day. So, based on my observations it would appear you have been under-declaring income by up to forty percent. On the face of it I would assume you owe the revenue a good deal of underpaid tax.” 

All Gloria could do was splutter. She looked at the photos, flicked through them and knew she had no chance of wriggling her way out of this. She just sat back in her chair feeling that her world had just disintegrated. 

Walter looked at George and said, “See what I meant, George. Notice the effect a well taken photo can have.” 

Andy Morris took a step forward and said, “DI Andy Morris,” he showed Gloria and Jimmy his warrant card. “Can I have a look in your kitchen please, Mrs Dubonnet. Please look at this photo of Mr Raynott carrying tins into the Bay View. I have reason to believe you’ve stolen goods on the premises.” 

Before Gloria could respond, Dee said, “No need. The place is stacked to the rafters. Jimmy has just delivered new stock.” And she smiled at her mother and nodded a that’ll teach you. 

“Is that correct, Mr Raynott?” asked Andy. 

“There’s nothing there that you can prove is stolen,” replied Jimmy. 

Dexter, who of course, had just been minding his own business listening and joining everyone else with a big grin on his face. Seeing the opportunity for a bit of revenge, he said, “I can help you there, Andy.” 

Jimmy stared at Dexter with his eyes slightly closed, and said, “Just be careful what you say, Dexter old boy. Remember the conversation you nearly had with my two Bobs.” 

“What conversation?... What are Bobs?” Dee said, frowning and staring at Jimmy. 

“Jimmy threatened me with all sorts of violence unless…” 

“Unless you left Dee alone,” cut in Cap. “Isn’t that what you told me? Jimmy was worried about losing Gloria as a customer if Dee became a problem and left.” 

Dexter immediately caught on and said, “That’s exactly right. He had two real hard fellas with him. That’s who Bobs are, Dee. A name for tough guys.” 

Jimmy was about to mention the cash but Gloria blocked him and said, “You can search the place if you want. There’s no evidence here.” She shook her head at Jimmy who suddenly realised that mentioning the cash would be a mistake. Illicit gains and all that.  

“Sounds like something quite complicated is going on here,” said Andy. 

“Family stuff is all,” said Cap. “Dee is leaving home with Dexter and her mother has been trying to stop her. Jimmy… well, he tried to strong arm Dexter into leaving without Dee but, of course, when you’re in love those sort of things don’t worry you so much, do they. All we’re doing,” nodding at Tolly, “is making sure Jimmy does not carry out his threat.” 

“I’ve seen you two somewhere,” said Walter nodding at Dexter and Tolly, “I know, you stayed here a couple of nights ago. I’ve your pictures in the office.” 

“No surprise at that,” replied Dexter, “Dee and I are soon to be married and Tolly is my best man. We came to visit to see Dee and make wedding plans. As Cap said we’re all here for family business and you all know how sometimes that can get a bit fraught.” To that Andy just nodded, seemingly happy with the explanation. 

“As I was about to say,” continued Dexter looking at Andy, “I can help you with the evidence. Look at a fella named Dave Wilson.” Dexter looked at Jimmy and saw a look of understanding spread across his face. 

Andy said, “I know him. He’s very unsavory.” 

“Drives a black van with red lettering on the side. I saw him the other day unloading maybe one hundred big tins and other items into Jimmy’s van on the seafront.” He grabbed a pencil off the desk and wrote a registration number on the back of one of the photos. That’s the number of his van. I’m sure if you watch him for a while you'll get all the evidence you need and I’m positive there are plenty of people out there who this fella has upset enough for them to point all sorts of fingers once they know they’re free of his influence.” 

Andy smiled and said to Jimmy, “Jimmy Raynott, I’m arresting you on suspicion of handling stolen goods pending further enquiries. Take him to the car sergeant and read him his rights. We’ll have to take the stolen items as evidence. I’ll be sending the two lads outside back with my sergeant later.” 

Cap said with a little laugh, “Looks like you’re just about to remember what it’s like to be really poor, Gloria.” 

“Ha,” replied Gloria, “that’s where you’re so wrong. I’ve got investments that are worth a small fortune and you know what, they’re all legitimate.” 

“I hope they are doing well,” said Cap. “Maybe you should have a word with Jimmy about those when you get the chance.” He did not want to say any more while the police were there but he did look at Tolly who had a good idea of what Cap was talking about. 

There was no time to say anything else. Andy Morris said, “You as well, Mrs Dubonnet. You’ll be taken to the police station and cautioned for being suspected of handling stolen goods. Pending further enquiries, of course. Maybe there’ll be charges to follow regarding tax evasion but that’ll be up to Walter Smith and his team… Right, sorry to disturb your day gentlemen. Hope the family problems get sorted.” he said to Cap and walked out of the front door holding Gloria’s arm with her pleadingly looking back at Dee with a look that held the sudden understanding that maybe she had actually screwed up her life really quite well. 

 

“Is it true? I own the Bay View.” asked Dee. They were all in the sitting room. Dexter next to Dee on the sofa. The others spread around the room. 

“No question,” replied Cap, “It’s been yours since the start of the war.” 

“Why was I not told sooner?” 

“That’s an easy one to answer. Think about it. We had all gone to war. Fought through France, Africa, Italy and back to France. What could your father do? He made the best provision he could for you. After the war I came back and saw how Gloria was doing things. It was obvious you couldn’t handle her. I needed to wait until you grew up and could stand up for yourself.” 

Dee wiped tears from her eyes, “How was he killed?” she said. 

“In an ambush. He saved us. He was wounded and stayed behind to hold off the Germans so we could get away. There was a lot of shooting and we never saw him again.” 

“Are you sure he was killed?” 

“Positive. He was so badly wounded he could not have survived. He died a hero.” 

“Did you know him well?” 

“We grew up together. There were three of us. Best mates and all that. We all joined up at the outbreak of war. Your father was my lieutenant. Tolly was our sergeant but not the third friend. That was a chap named Claude Dupont. He was really clever so did not fight. Worked in the intelligence service code breaking and the likes. After the war he became a diamond dealer.” 

“So that was it then,” said Tolly, “All those meetings with old friends and the robbery. I thought you got into the safe a bit too easily and where were all the staff?” 

“That’s right. Claude and I hatched the plan. The diamond investment was a sure thing so it was not difficult to persuade Jimmy. He’s naturally greedy. Hooked him well and truly as soon as Claude mentioned a doubled return in six months. Jimmy checked out Claude, of course, but it really was a sure-fire, genuine scheme. I was sure Gloria would have a big stash of money. That’s what she’s always been like. More than anything, for the way she treated Bernie and Dee, I wanted her to reach rock bottom and even further down than that. It was easy really. I discovered Jimmy handled the investments and that was it. I introduced him to Claude and he did the rest. The cash in the beezer was a bonus and Dexter appearing… well that just helped things along.” 

“But why the elaborate burglary? Why not just give you the diamonds?” said Tolly. 

“To protect Claude. No one but Jimmy, and us, of course, knows the truth. By now Claude’s place will be swarming with police. He had removed his stock so all we took were Jimmy's and Gloria’s diamonds.” 

“Neat,” said Tolly, “Insurance scam. Real neat for sure.” 

“So, you see why it all had to look right.” 

“Won’t Jimmy be able to implicate you though?” asked Dee. 

“He can try but we’re just guests here. Both Tolly and Dexter have stayed. You’re getting married. There’s no proof. No staff at Claude’s to see us… and yes, Tolly, before you say anything Claude arranged that and gave me the safe combination. He was there of course. The bump you heard, the careless bastard banged against the wall in the dark. The police will look, sure they will, but there’s nothing to see.  It’s simple. No proof, no crime.” 

“I suppose that anonymous tip off to the revenue was you then,” said Dexter. 

“Of course. I had to get the ball rolling somehow. One thing Bernie would’ve wanted was for Gloria to be really hammered and I think we’ve done that rather well.” 

“What now then,” said Tolly, “Any ideas, Cap?” 

“I didn’t have but now… You’ve seen the place across the road for sale. How about the hotel business? That would suit me just fine and old Bernie as well. Use the proceeds from this place to buy a hotel. The irony of it. Bernie would love that for sure.” 

“I’ll not leave Mavis. You know that, don’t you?” said Tolly. 

“Wouldn’t expect it. Bring her down here, we’ll need her expert touch. She’ll love it by the sea. She’ll come, won’t she?” 

“You know, I think she would. There’s two girls to catch up with as well.“ 

“Tell you what, we'll have to go back to London later. I'll call Judy and make a date with her and Shirley… There’s the beezer full of the cash that started all this off, Dee. It came from this place so by rights it’s yours and of course Dexter who stole it in the first place… So, what about you two?” 

“Well for us it’s easy,” said Dee grabbing Dexter’s hand, “We’re getting married. We’ll close this place, refurbish and reopen as an upmarket seaside hotel and we’ll send Derek off to cooking school. A posh hotel with fine rooms with an excellent restaurant that also has a bar. The restaurant and bar will be open to non-residents as well as hotel guests. Somewhere nicer than a pub to have an evening drink and dinner all rolled into one. I've already thought of a name that’s appropriate. We’ll call it Bernie’s. What do you think, Cap?” 

“That sounds just perfect. There’s definitely no doubt that would be right up his street.”