CHAPTER 43
Freddie was stood waiting for Alfie as he walked back into the pub,
"Bad news boss.
Heading to the office Alfie indicated to the barman to bring him in a drink,
"What's 'appened now, don't tell me the fights off, it can't be.
"It aint the fight, no that's all sweet, Ray's seen to that¦.
Pushing open the heavy wooden door he looked over his shoulder,
"Well what is it then?
Indicating with his head that they needed to be out of earshot Freddie followed him in shutting the door behind them.
"What's 'appened?
Freddie winced,
"It's Frank, 'e's been nicked.
Alfie's face reddened,
"Nicked? Nicked for what?
"Drugs.
Narrowing his eyes Alfie demanded,
"What you sayin' 'e was set up?
Freddie looked solemn and shook his head,
"No, no 'e wasn't set up.
Alfie's teeth were clenched,
"Well what the fuck happened.
"Caught bang to rights with about five ounces of smack and a junkie in 'is car.
Looking puzzled Alfie shook his head slightly,
"What?
"Sorry boss, it's all a bit sketchy, got a call from someone down Riverside nick and apparently his car was clocked at a suspected dealers and 'e was followed.
Alfie stormed towards the door, as he pulled it open the bar man was just arriving with his scotch. Grabbing the offered glass he threw it across the bar at the group sat in the corner,
"Raymond, get in this fuckin' office, now.
The big man looked round nervously.
"I said fuckin' now.
As Ray entered Alfie was stood facing the opposite direction. As soon as the door shut he turned snarling,
"Did you fuckin' know about this?
"Know about what?
"Know about what? Don't take me for a fuckin' mug, Frank that's what. The stupid prick's been fuckin' nicked with fuckin' smack.
Ray shook his head,
"Listen Alfie, I warned 'im, told 'im not to, but you know what 'e's like.
Taking a step towards him Alfie growled,
"Yeah I know what 'e's like. Why the fuck didn't you say somethin'.
Freddie came forward,
"Come on Alfie, now aint the time for this.
Scowling for a moment he stopped,
"Yeah you're right, looking at Ray he nodded towards the door, "you fuck off, returning his gaze to Freddie he asked, "go and grab us another drink.
When he was alone he picked up the phone.
"Yeah Ron, it's me again.
"Not really, you know what I was sayin' about me boy earlier.
"Well the prick's only gone and got 'imself nicked.
"Yeah, cheers mate, we'll chat soon yeah.
Replacing the handset he stared at the phone, knowing he'd have to tell his wife the news.
The door opened and Freddie stood there,
"You calmed down?
Looking resigned Alfie nodded,
"Yeah, yeah, I just can't believe it, of all the stupid fucking¦arrgh I dunno.
"What you gonna do?
Exhaling sharply Alfie rubbed a hand over his head,
"Dunno, I dunno, course I'll do what I can but after that copper's daughter dyin' last night I aint sure I'll be able to do anythin'. You don't reckon that was anythin' to do with 'im do you?
"I dunno, it did cross my mind.
"Stupid little cunt.
Knocking back the whisky in one Alfie shrugged,
"Anyway, the show must go on. Did you say Ray 'ad checked everythin' was still good for tonight?
Freddie nodded.
"Right I'd better do some damage limitation, don't want Frank's fuck up to jeopardise that do we?
