The Camden Tales

24 - The Most Difficult Task

-=₪ June 1924 ₪=-

Home / 150 Camden Street / 11.18pm

"Our time is precious and I can't be wi--" He then suddenly looked up the stairs, "There's no time to waste."

Without further word, he hastily grabbed his hat from amongst the broken glass at his feet and dashed up the stairs. Edna, who was loitering on the landing, jumped backwards towards the boudoir as Alfie dashed passed. She looked to David for answers as he ascended the stairs a short time later, but he was just as puzzled as her.

In the drawing room, sitting on the console table behind Alfie's sofa, was the stack of newspapers Malka had been reading that morning. One by one he hurriedly discarded newspaper after newspaper to the floor, when suddenly he froze. David appeared in the doorway behind him and watched as Alfie stared at the cover of The London Gazette.

"I want you to get Ishmael and bring him here." stated Alfie, without turning to David or lifting his head from the paper.

"Now?" asked David as a reflex, concerned about the hour.

As soon as the word left his mouth, he knew it would provoke his boss and instantly regretted asking. Alfie turned to David as quick and swift as starting gates opening at the races.

"YES, FUCKING NOW!" he roared, his face turning red as he spat the words with great volume.

No more was said as David promptly left the room and came to a stop at Edna, who was still by the door to the boudoir and looking more distraught then ever.

"Where's Louis?" he asked in hushed tones.

"He was fighting tonight." replied Edna snivelling.

"Where?"

"I don't know." she said, shaking her head.

David nodded his understanding and then looked back over his shoulder to the drawing room. He saw Alfie stood in the middle of the room continuing to read the newspaper.

"I know he can be scary." said David, turning back to Edna, "but he won't hurt you. I promise. Take some deep breaths." he said, encouraging her to take them there and then.

"For a quiet life I recommend keeping yourself available for requests for the time being, but don't interfere. Just... be here for him. Can you do that?" David asked kindly.

She nodded while wiping a few tears away from her cheeks.

"Good. I'll be as quick as I can." he confirmed and then hurried back down the stairs.

Edna watched David until he was out of sight and a moment later she heard the front door swiftly close behind him, leaving her alone in the house with an explosive Mr Solomons. She looked to the drawing room from the opposite end of the landing nervously. Alfie was stood with his back to the door and looking at the newspaper.

"Edna." he said calmly and still without looking up.

She swollowed deeply and tentatively approached the doorway.

"Yes, Mr Solomons?" she asked hoarsely.

He suddenly looked at her, initially making Edna jump a little, but she quickly noticed Mr Solomons appeared fairly calm. The redness in his face had gone and his eyes didn't express anger, but one of interest.

"Do you know if Abe had any fires going recently? Maybe last night?" he enquired.

"Yes Sir. Last night, Sir." she answered.