Shadows of Deceit by Patrick Cotter Read Free Book Online Page B

refuge for the remainder of the night. Soon peace had again returned to Argyle Street.
    ‘What a place.’
    Harry thought as he climbed into bed again,
    ‘Street entertainers on every corner!’
    A few days later he set out from his own house to complete the week’s collection and returned to hand everything over to Andrew as arranged.
    As previously Andrew busied himself counting cash and checking the books whilst Harry quietly read the newspapers.
    “Do you want some more tea?”
    “No, I’m busy thanks. I’m OK,” said Andrew.
    Harry made some for himself and returned, Andrew was still engrossed with his bookkeeping. Harry examined Andrew’s gramophone record collection before returning to the newspapers. He was becoming restless, wanting to know more about the ‘shadow’ operations.
    “Why is it I get the feeling you’re not telling me everything?
    I’m a big boy now, you can confide in me. I just need to know what I’m likely to get involved with.”
    “I’ve not the faintest idea what you mean.” Andrew said indignantly,
    “You’ve been out, collected the cash and brought it back. That’s all you had to do today.”
    “Nuff said Andrew. You can fill me in with more details another time, when you’ve a feeling to trust me a bit more perhaps.”
    “Harry there is more, but as I said I need to get Dermot to see you. Once on board then all will be revealed – I’ve said that to you before as well!”
    “Yes I know. I’m grateful for what you’ve done but I don’t just want to be a rent collector.”
    “I know, just be patient.”
    Harry knew that there was no point in pursuing this with him. Andrew was waiting for Dermot to give the nod. He decided not to raise any further questions that day. His curiosity could be re-ignited tomorrow.
    Later that evening Harry went across to see if Eileen was working at the Royal Stuart.
    “I’ve got an extra shift to do I’m afraid so I won’t be finished until eleven. How’s your house by the way?”
    “It’s in a charming neighbourhood, but I just need a woman’s touch to sort out the place – when’re you coming over?”
    “Could be later tonight, once I’ve finished here”
    “By the way, have you ever heard of ‘Irish Duffy?’
    “No can’t say that I have, why?”
    “I heard some of my neighbours mention him but no matter.”
    “Listen Harry, I’ve an idea. Instead of you sitting here and waiting for me why don’t you go over to the Dugout. I’ll speak to Wemyss on reception. He’ll remember you and let you in.”
    “The bouncer is Wemyss?”
    “Yes, the ‘Steward’ is Wemyss; he’s the biggest shareholder of the club. There will be some other people there that I know who may be able to entertain you until I’m free later.”
    “Sounds as though it’s all arranged, who are these people?”
    “They’re just customers that I knew from here who have moved across to the ‘Dugout’. Wemyss told me they would be in tonight so he’ll introduce you. Tommy and Steve are their names.”
    “And their business?”
    “The motor trade and a bit of this and that, if you know what I mean. They’re always looking for people to work with them.”
    “Sounds interesting.”
    “You’ve nothing to lose Harry.”
    “Fair enough, I’ll go and find out what they’re up to. But you’ll follow over later?”
    “Yes as I said, sorry Harry I’m needed.”
    Eileen had to break away to serve other customers.
    Wemyss the ‘bouncer’ in his dinner suit was sitting at the desk as Harry approached.
    “I came here the other evening if you remember, with Eileen?”
    The man examined the visitor’s book meticulously.
    “Yes, I see. You’re going in alone tonight?”
    “For the time being if that’s OK, Eileen will call in later?”
    “Yes, she said you might be in, sign here please.”
    “Are you busy?”
    “No, not really, it’s a bit early perhaps. There’s a group of people in, some that Eileen know, she said to introduce you if