Chapter 52
Alfie looked at his wife with his arms outstretched,
"Don't you think I'm doin' all I can already?
She jabbed her finger at him accusingly,
"'Ow could you let him get involved in all that anyway? Especially after what 'appened¦.
"What do you mean woman let him? I told you this mornin' and every mornin' for months that the little shit was up to somethin'. I didn't expect this though, first I knew of it was this mornin' and believe me Al I blew a gasket, told 'im to stop. But oh no 'e 'ad to ignore me, carry on, like 'e's the big shot. You know what 'e is?
"'E's like it cause of you, never could do right by you that one, always felt 'e 'ad to impress.
Dismissing her with a wave of his arm Alfie turned,
"I aint got time for this, just thought I'd let you know that's all.
Getting into the passenger seat Freddie raised his eyebrows.
Shaking his head slightly Alfie grimaced,
"Not too well, she'll be alright though.
"Where to now?
"Just as well head back to the Magpie, get ready for tonight.
As they pulled away Alfie looked over,
"No calls no.
Freddie shook his head,
"Nothin'.
Looking down at the floor he tried to sound upbeat,
"Might be some news back at the Magpie aye?
"Maybe.
The pub was livelier than usual and Alfie pushed his way through, nodding to acquaintances as he passed.
"Heard the news Alfie, sorry¦.
He didn't look round to see who it was,
"Cheers, no offence, I got things to sort out.
Inside the office Alfie looked over at the man sat behind the desk,
"Any news?
"No, nothin', a few calls to make sure the fight was still on but that was it.
Alfie sneered,
"Full of compassion aint they. Cheers anyway Ritchie, go and get yourself a drink, dismissing him with a nod towards the door Alfie added, "oh and if Ray's out there send 'im in yeah.
"Sure.
Sitting behind the desk he picked up the phone and dialled a number. While it rang he looked over at Freddie,
"No one's gonna help are they.
It wasn't a question.
Freddie shrugged,
"You never know.
At that moment the phone was answered,
"It's Alfie Wilson.
Freddie watched as Alfie's expression turned to one of resignation,
"Alright, alright, I understand, I'll talk to you later.
Looking up Alfie shrugged,
"No get out of jail free card, not at the moment anyway. Not with what's gone on today. They're sayin' they'll try and do somethin' in a couple of months, but for the minute 'e's gotta sit it out. Oh and if 'e's linked to that girl dyin' there's nish that can be done full-stop, though they don't think 'e will be. They're goin' for that Jarvey on that one, wicked thing to say but I hope 'e cops for it an' all, I should 'ave 'ad 'im ironed out years ago.
There was an uncomfortable silence.
Alfie continued,
"Do you know what they got 'im with?
"'Ow much?
"'Alf a fuckin' kilo.
Freddie looked at the floor shaking his head.
"I ask you Freddie, what the fuck's up with 'im.
Before he could answer there was a knock on the door.
"Yeah?
"It's Ray, Ritchie said you wanted to see me.
"Yeah come in.
The big man looked nervous when entering.
Alfie looked him up and down,
"Listen sorry about earlier, it aint nothin' to do with you. Frank's a big boy now, 'e can look after 'is own affairs. Least you tried to talk 'im out of it.
Ray waited to see if Alfie was going to say anything else.
"Go on, get out, I'll see you later, you can come up the fight with me later.
"Cheers Alfie.
When the door closed Freddie looked over and chuckled,
"Going soft boss?
Laughing Alfie shook his head,
"Don't be fuckin' daft. That boy's alright, for one 'e wasn't stupid enough to get involved and two 'e hung around didn't 'e, didn't run like a rat. Oh and I suppose you can add loyal, didn't grass Frank up did 'e. Staunch, and that can't be said about too many these days.
Freddie walked over to the door,
"You aint wrong there. Wanna drink?
"What do you think.
