A Question Of Honour: A Harry Royle Thriller by PR Hilton Read Free Book Online

with Monsall Hospital on his left, Harry turned onto Hilda Street and pulled in. The ironworks were just across the way and Royle had a very good view. After a few minutes, he pulled the car out and drove slowly around the block. He eased the small black car down Ethel Street and back onto Lightbowne.
    He wanted to try a few routes but thought better of it. He didn't want the locals twitching their net curtains too much. Harry was an experienced driver but decided to avoid the city centre, as he didn't have any papers for the car, or even a driving license he could produce. He took a left onto Thorpe Road and then another right, which brought him to Oldham Road. Driving along Royle found himself moving too close to the city centre. Quickly pulling over, Harry got out of the vehicle and locking it, headed for somewhere to get a hot drink, to get rid of the greasy taste of the breakfast. He had just spotted a decent looking cafe when, passing a call box gave him an idea.
    Remembering the goodnight kiss and the phone number which had been pushed into his eager hand the night before. On the second ring, the receiver was lifted. It was an older woman who answered, her mother, Harry imagined. He asked for Susan, a long pause and then a bright, cheerful voice came on the line. Thanks to the newfound knowledge of the map, the he was able to tell her where he was and invite her to meet him. Once a meeting was arranged, Harry walked to the cafe he'd seen and ordered himself a pot of tea. He knew that coming by bus would take her a good 40 minutes or so.
    The tea was certainly an improvement on Barney's. Harry looked around at the other diners, There were the odd working men and one or two old folks, but most were those out for a quick bite to eat or a cup of tea. Many had shopping bags and baskets, no doubt halfway through shopping and desperately in need of respite. Looking at them made him wish his life was as normal as theirs. Draining his cup, Royle paid the waitress and left the cafe. Looking up and down the road and seeing no sign of Susan, he thought he'd wait in the car. He decided against opening up the map, as it might bring unwanted curiosity from well-meaning constables and he'd had enough of their attention lately. Harry had been smoking and looking at the ash, as it accumulated on the tip, before flicking his wrist and sending it drifting toward the curb below. He'd been doing this for several minutes when he glanced up and noticed the green coat from the night before standing beside the telephone box.
    Dropping the cigarette, he opened the car door and hurried over to join the waiting woman. She saw his approach and flashed a warm smile at him. They kissed their hello and then Royle showed Susan Brown the car. She was suitably impressed and suggested a drive. Harry quickly explained that he had only recently learned to drive and that he was more than a little nervous driving in the city. Royle disliked the fact that telling the lie seem to come all too easy for him. He had always had a very low regard for criminals. In such a short time, his view had turned on a sixpence.
    As he smiled at the pretty woman in the green coat, he realised that had things been different, he would have been an officer on leave meeting his sweetheart, not a desperate man on the run. Smiling in return, the woman asked if she might drive instead.
    "You drive?"
    She grinned.
    "Not only do I drive my dear Harold."
    Royle winced at hearing his Sunday name used, as she continued.
    "Having been taught by my dad three years ago, I drive very well. Just can't afford a car yet. I passed my competence test just after they came in and have my licence here in my bag, I'll show you."
    She reached inside her dark brown handbag but felt a gentle restraining hand upon her own.
    "I believe you and yes that would be lovely."
    They swapped positions and she eased the black car away from the curb. The drive was easy and surprisingly relaxing for Harry. She was a