Overend – A Year In Crime
Chapter Ten
Saturday April 6th 2002
The last time Detective constable Ben Clubley was in the “Fox and Flowerpot” pub he was told by one of the locals, whom he referred to as “Outhouse” because he was built like one, to avoid the pub in the evening because of the rough crowd.
He wasn’t kidding.
He recognized a lot of the crowd although mainly small fry petty criminals and there was no sign of “outhouse”.
He made his way to the bar and saw the same barman he’d seen last time but before he could serve him a tarty looking barmaid served him.
She was almost wearing a tight low cut cropped top which exposed almost as much of her breasts as it did her stomach.
As he watched her pour his pint he realized why she was there and it had more to do with selling drinks than serving them.
As it was Saturday night there was a full house and he thought to himself that there would be a lot of money changing hands tonight.
He took a drink of his beer and saw someone come down the steps from the raised area and make for the gents.
Clubley put down his drink and followed him.
In the toilets the target was at the urinal and had his back to the door Clubley quickly checked that they were alone.
“Hello Marty.”
The other man finished his business and attending to his fly turned to face Clubley it was DC Marty Griffin.
“Alright Ben?” He walked to the basin.
“I haven’t seen you in here before.” He began washing his hands.
“I thought you lived over Northchapel way.”
“I do.” Clubley answered. “I’m working.”
“Doing what?” Griffin dried his hands.
“Staking out the illegal gambling.” Said Clubley.
“Oh Shit.” He put his face in his hands.
“What the hell am I going to do?”
Ben shrugged his shoulders and said.
“That’s up to you.” Clubley said opening the door. “We’ll talk Monday.”
