Chapter 36
Putting down the receiver Alfie looked over at Freddie shaking his shaven head,
"Toss-pot, what's the matter with that boy?
The dark haired man smirked,
"Come on, you were wild once.
Alfie turned his eyes skywards,
"I know, I know¦but I'm sure when I did anythin' it wasn't this much 'assle for me dear old ma.
Laughing Freddie shook his head,
"Course not, but it'll blow over boss.
"Yeah, you're right. I gotta bring 'im to 'eel though, proper, know what I mean. I can't 'ave 'im out there doin' all that shit. That smack aint no good.
Looking resigned Alfie waved his hand upwards,
"Anyway it's done. Is everythin' still set for tonight?
"Yeah, well as far as we know, Ray's just gone over to check everything's sweet.
Raising a nostril Alfie nodded,
"Ray aye? Do you reckon 'e's involved?
"In what, with Frank? I dunno.
"Freddie, Freddie, of course you know.
"Well 'e probably knew, but I don't fancy 'e'd get involved.
Alfie looked sceptical,
"Not involved, well why didn't 'e say fuck all?
Affronted Freddie shook his head,
"I fuckin' dunno, they spend a lot of time together, they're mates, fuck's sake, I thought you were lettin' it go?
"Sorry Freddie, I just aint too 'appy with 'im that's all.
The younger man shook his head,
"Don't worry about it Alfie, I'll go and check on Ray anyway.
After Freddie left the office Alfie picked up the phone,
"Yeah 'ello, is Ron there?
"Okay.
While he waited he reached for the box of cigars on the desk. Lighting one he relished the taste before exhaling the smoke.
"That you Ron, you okay?
"Okay I'll meet you in a short while.
Putting the phone in the cradle he smiled to himself, at least some things were going as planned. Ron The Watch was always reliable, always had been.
Getting up he pulled on his coat and headed out the office door.
Walking into the Indian restaurant Alfie located Ron The Watch easily, sliding into the booth he smiled,
"You alright Ron? What do you recommend?
Pulling off his glasses, Ron raised his white eyebrows,
"Fuck the food, it's all go mate.
Alfie looked at his old friend, while he'd gone bald Ron had gone white. Along with it he'd grown a beard, now he looked like a cross between Rolf Harris and Captain Birdseye. In the late seventies they'd held up security vans till Ron had copped a ten stretch.
Since getting out he'd sorted a little empire in counterfeiting, hence the name, The Watch, his snides were as good as the real thing.
"So you spoke to them?
"Spoke to them? It's further than that, it's sorted, thirty key of pure coke. It's on its way over as we speak.
Alfie's smile spread further,
"Sorted. What did you say the food was like, order then we can talk cash, I can't stay long though.
Ron raised his eyebrows,
"Nah, why what's occurring?
"Fight up the yard, come on up.
"What Flakey's?
Alfie nodded as Ron summoned the waiter.
