Retribution - A Dish served Cold

Chapter Fourteen

John swore when the radio alarm rattled his brain. With his mind in a whirl, he tumbled out of bed and went for a long hot shower. The heat from the water relaxed aching muscles. Once dry, he examined his arm. Satisfied, it was on the mend. He recoated the wound with TCP cream and applied a fresh bandage.

From his desk, he removed a writing pad and two envelopes, one large and another, smaller marked and sealed for the attention of Angus Hope. He scribbled a note and sellotaped it to the package. One he inserted into the other and taped shut. It wasn't a comfortable feeling.

The morning sun had warmed the air as John made his way on foot to Angus Hopes's office.

He entered the office and cheerfully said, "Morning, Kathy. Is Angus free?"

She smiled. There's a client with him. Can I help?

John liked Kathy. She was petite, attractive and intelligent. Most of all, she cared about ordinary people. "Thanks, but this time I must see him. I wouldn't mind one of your coffees."

"Watch the phone, and I'll get you one. It's a fresh brew, so it should be okay."

He sat on the edge of her desk until she returned.

"One coffee as ordered."

He took it from her. "You'll make someone a great wife."

She giggled. "So long as he's rich, a hunk and worships the ground I walk on. You could be right."

The office door opened. The client leaving John was familiar with, and they nodded as he strolled to the door.

"Hi, John. It would help if you made this quick. I've another meeting in ten minutes."

"Can I bring my coffee?"

"Of course. Kathy, would you please bring me a coffee."

Both men entered the room, with John closing the door. Before he sat, John removed the large envelope from underneath his jacket and placed it on the desk.

Angus lifted it as his eyes examined the seal. "I take it you don't want this opened."

"It's a form of insurance I hope I do not need. If you do not see or hear from me for more than a month, please follow the instructions inside."

Angu scrunched his forehead and nose. "I don't understand."

"If you open it, you will. If my idea bears fruit, I'll collect, and we will both be happy." John forced a smile.

A knock on the door interrupted the conversation. Kathy entered with one cup of coffee.

"Thanks, must go." He drank the remains of his coffee in one gulp, handed the cup to Kathy and left.

"He's one of the good guys," said Kathy. "I heard he makes trains."

Angus laughed. "He makes exact replicas of famous steam trains, The Flying Scotsman and the like. Enthusiasts pay a fortune for one of his steam engines."

"Oh, Mrs Laidlaw is waiting."

"Give me a minute. I must put this," Angus lifted the envelope, "in the safe."

***

John took his time packing a few things he might need if David Little agreed to his plan. Ready, he lifted his holdall and strolled to The Lion and the Unicorn. Using their payphone, he used it to call David. It answered after four rings.

"What do you want?" came an offhand answer.

"I want to talk to David, so shift your arse."

"He's busy. Call back later."

"Look, moron, tell him it's John Daniels, and if I have to wait more than thirty seconds, the deal is off."

"What did you say your name was?"

"John Daniels. Twenty seconds." John smiled when he heard. "Boss, it's some bloke called Daniels. Says he wants to speak to you."

"Give me the phone," said David. "Good afternoon John. Have you made a decision"?

"We need to talk. You can buy me lunch in the Lion and the Unicorn. I'll be here until about one-thirty. And wear old clothes. Don't want your suit getting dirty."

"I don't do dirty."

"Suit yourself." John ended the call.

After his call, he chose a quiet spot in the pub and signalled Heather.

With her notepad in hand, Heather arrived at his side. What would you like today? The special is beef chilli with rice."

He smiled. "Steak pie with whatever is on the menu, please and a pint of best bitter."

"Would you like your pint now or with the meal."

John leant back in his chair. "Now, please."

"Thank you."

He watched her saunter behind the bar, wished he was thirty years younger, and then dismissed the thought.

His meal arrived, and he began to enjoy the tender steak filling. He gently pushed his empty plate with the knife and fork across the table and sipped his pint.

"Good to see you again, John," said David Little.

John's eyes glanced at the muscular thug standing behind David. "Get rid of him, or I walk."

"You can't speak to Mr Little like that," said the thug.

John picked up his holdall and started to walk to the bar.

The thug grabbed his arm.

John dropped his bag, stepped back, and kicked him in the crutch. "Don't ever touch me again, or your balls will be in your throat, and you'll choke to death."

David laughed, "You idiot go and sit in the car. John, can we talk about our project?#John returned to his seat but said nothing until he was alone with David.

"Mines a pint of bitter. You can collect it at the bar when you pay for my lunch."

David strolled to the bar without saying a word, handed over a twenty-pound note, returned carrying two pints, and placed them on the table. "Do you know John, you don't make life easy. Were both in the same boat, so to speak, being civil is not hard."

John crossed his arms in front of his chest. "I'm in this to make money and retire to Spain. You are an unavoidable accessory to my plan. You can supply men and equipment. I don't trust you, and just in case the thought of double-crossing me enters your mind, I've placed a sealed envelope with my solicitor. It details what I am doing mixing with the likes of you."

David rubbed his cheek. "That wasn't necessary, but no matter, what's the plan?"

John's fingers drummed on the table. "Right, send your car home. We are going for a walk.

"Can I ask where?"

"No."