The Quest for the Penny Black by MSA Blackwell

Author:MSA Blackwell
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9789814358361
Publisher: Monsoon Books Pte. Ltd.

Chapter 17

Sitting in his yard office, Archie waited for Nick and Muster to turn up. He rang Mrs W.

‘Yes?’ she answered.

‘It’s Mr Brown,’ returned Archie. ‘Has Mr Blazer turned up yet?’

‘No, it’s still early.’

‘OK, let me know if he doesn’t come.’ Archie was well aware of Raz. He spent more time in the betting and video game shop than any other place.

She went into the lounge where Jake was sitting. ‘Now,’ she began. ‘Have we got everything?’

‘I think so, just the sandwiches.’

‘Oh yes.’ and off she went off to the kitchen.

The front doorbell rang. Jake went to the door and opened it, to be faced with Raz. ‘Can I leave my Vespa in your front garden?’ he enquired.

‘OK, but mind the flowers.’

Raz went out and pushed the bike through the gate. Raising it on its stand, he made his way through the open door where Jake was standing. ‘Come in,’ he said. ‘Take your shoes off.’

He entered. He was dressed in a bright green, zip-up top and tight black jeans, with four stainless steel chains hanging down to his knees. He had a pair of black calf-length boots which he gamely removed. He had some holes in his socks.

‘Go on,’ said Jake, ‘into the lounge.’ He looks like a horror show, Jake thought as he made his way out into the hall. ‘Sit down, but don’t touch anything.’ he called back.

Raz went into the lounge and sat on the settee next to the dummy. Looking around, whilst he couldn’t see Rodney, he drew his legs up to his waist and sat there waiting for someone to come in.

Jake went to the kitchen and Mrs W was busy with some sandwiches. Going out into the garden, he whistled for Rodney to come in. Then after seeing him in his box, he announced that Raz had turned up.

‘Good. I’ll be ready soon,’ she shouted from her room. ‘It might be a good idea if you bring your metal detector.’

‘OK,’ he mumbled and went upstairs. There, he rummaged through his cupboard and eventually found the unit. ‘It’s lucky I’ve got some spare batteries,’ he muttered to himself. He hadn’t used the machine for a few months and then only when he went to the seaside. There, he would scan the beach after the visitors had left. Once or twice, he had found a ring or two, both of little value and other times, small metal bottle caps or small change. Nevertheless, he hoped to strike gold one day. It was quite a large model and could identify between useless caps and other things. God knows how we’ll get this through security. He thought. Coming down the stairs and standing by the lounge door, he found Mrs W talking with Raz.

‘Why are you doing this with Mr Brown?’ he heard her asking.

‘Well Mrs W,’ the reply came. ‘I was a hairdresser but got into trouble and had to leave my hoom toon.’

‘Where’s that?’

‘Glasgoo.’

‘Well, I don’t know what you’re up to now,’ she continued. ‘But a hair stylist is becoming a highly paid trade.

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