Tuppence to Tooley Street by Harry Bowling Read Free Book Online Page B

obvious answer was to get a dog of his own. Unfortunately Shady Lady was lazy-a diet of Guinness and sausages did not appear to be successful–and on two occasions at least the dog didn’t even bother to leave the trap. But Biff would not give up, and he engaged the services of a trainer who was finally able to get the greyhound at least to run around the track. Eddie Kirkland told his pals that in his opinion Shady Lady was on a new diet, which probably included Biff’s special tonic.
    It was around noon when Danny walked sheepishly into the public bar and sidled up to the counter. The Globe was his local and he was prepared for some sort of reception. Becky Elliot took him completely by surprise however by grabbing his face in both hands and planting a kiss on his lips.
    ‘If it ain’t me ole Danny boy come ter see me,’ she laughed.
    Danny wiped the scented lipstick from his mouth as wellwishers slapped him on the back and asked how he was.
    Becky called the guv’nor into the public bar. ‘C’mon an’ see who’s just walked in, Eddie.’ The guv’nor shook hands warmly and told Becky to give Danny a pint on the house. Harriet Kirkland came over and put her hand on Danny’s. ‘Nice ter see yer back, luv. Are yer okay?’
    Danny nodded, his attention divided by people who wanted to buy him drinks and others firing questions at him.
    ‘Leave the boy alone,’ Becky said, prodding one of the customers in the ribs with her finger. ‘Let ’im drink ’is beer in peace, can’t yer?’
    When the excitement died down Danny took his drink and sat down to talk with ‘Bonky’ Williams and Johnny Ross. The two of them had been friends of Danny’s from school days. They were all about the same age and Bonky lived two doors away from Danny. He had got his name when, as a youngster, he lost his eye in an accident. The glass eye that he wore was often removed and laid down in front of unsuspecting victims in The Globe. Eddie Kirkland had threatened to bar him from the pub on more than one occasion, but Bonky spent well, and any altercation was quickly overcome by the lad buying drinks for the offended party. Johnny Ross was slight and dark-skinned. He limped noticeably owing to a tubercular ankle which had developed when he was very young. Johnny Ross had been involved in a few shady activities, and he was known to the police. He lived in Bermondsey Lane and worked as a labourer in the local vinegar factory.
    The Globe was packed and getting noisy and Becky’s raucous laughter could be heard above the din. Bonky was getting drunk and his good eye roved around the bar. Johnny nudged him. ‘’Ere. Don’t you start yer tricks. We don’t wanna get chucked out of ’ere.’
    Bonky grinned. ‘It’s okay, I’m jus’ lookin’.’
    Johnny turned his attention to Danny. ‘What yer gonna do now yer ’ome, me ole son?’
    ‘I dunno,’ Danny replied. ‘I’ve gotta sign on the Labour Exchange an’ get me cards on Monday.’
    ‘Take my tip, Danny, don’t let ’em palm yer orf wiv any ole job. Tell ’em yer a nerve-case, an’ yer gotta get somefink quiet. Tell ’em yer can’t stand noisy jobs.’
    ‘See if they’ve got a vacancy fer a shepherd, that’s a quiet job!’ Bonky piped in.
    ‘You be careful, Danny boy, if yer get too lippy they’ll suspend yer. Yer gotta be as crafty as they are,’ Johnny warned him. ‘You take ’is case. Go on, Bonky, tell ’im about you gettin’ suspended.’
    Bonky drained his glass and put a ten shilling note down on the table. ‘’Ere, get a round in, Johnny. We gotta cheer our ole mate up. ’E don’t look ’is ole natural self.’ He grinned and turned to Danny. ‘Yer look sort o’ different. You okay, son?’
    Danny put his glass down and leaned back in his chair. ‘I feel pissed. Mus’ be outta practice. Tell us about yer gettin’ suspended, then.’
    Bonky laughed. ‘Bloody scream it was. This geezer sends me fer a job at a glass factory down near