Chapter 20
Alfie looked over at his wife,
"E's up to somthin'.
"You're bein' paranoid love.
Rolling his shoulders Alfie looked incredulous,
"Paranoid? I've been in the life forever, I know when sumthin's goin' on under me own roof. 'E aint got outta bed before eleven for weeks, out partyin' all night. 'e's probably doin' drugs an' all.
Alice looked shocked, shaking her dyed blonde hair,
"Course 'e aint doin' drugs, 'e wouldn't, not after Charlene.
"Like that would make a difference.
"But 'e knows how you fee¦
"E don't care 'ow I feel, you know what 'e is, finks 'e's a bit flash an' all that don't 'e. You know 'e's gettin' too big for 'is boots¦
The phone rang interrupting.
Alice picked the mobile and threw it over to Alfie. Glancing at the name on the display he answered it.
"Alright Freddie.
"Yeah I'll be there in a minute.
Looking over at his wife he pointed upwards,
"Get 'im up, still in bed at this time of the day, I dunno, he shook his head, "still at 'ome at his age is somthin' else but I aint having 'im in bed all day.
Alice looked skywards,
"See you later love.
Leaning over Alfie kissed her, pinching her bum, she giggled,
"You old¦
Winking Alfie waved,
"See you later girl.
Leaping into the car he slapped Freddie on the shoulder,
"'Ow's things?
The younger man smiled,
"So so, 'ow about yourself?
"Same as everyday, Frank's gettin' on me tits, the prick's up to no good. In bed till all 'ours of the day and mixing with the wrong sorts, you know what 'e is.
Freddie grimaced.
"She won't have it though, Alfie continued, "you know how she is around 'im, 'e can do no wrong.
Chuckling Freddie looked over,
"That's just mothers though aint it.
Alfie snorted,
"Yeah s'pose.
Continuing their journey they made light talk about the amount of traffic on the road until they drew up outside The Thieving Magpie, the pub Alfie used as an office.
Walking through the deserted bar Alfie looked over at the burly man cleaning the pump handles,
"Mornin' Warren, any calls.
"Mornin' boss, no nothin' yet.
Alfie nodded heading towards the back,
"Send us through a drink yeah.
Letting himself into the office he headed over to the large desk and sat down.
Picking up the remote control he aimed it at the small portable fixed to the wall. Before the screen lit up there was a rap at the door and Freddie appeared, in one hand he held a thick glass tumbler, which he offered Alfie.
Taking the glass Alfie took a sip,
"Cheers.
Settling back behind the desk Alfie looked up at the screen where the day's horse racing fixtures were displayed. His eyes narrowed, studying the form.
Just as he went to say something the phone rang,
"No rest for the wicked.
Freddie smiled,
"You know that.
"'Ello.
"Ah Ron, 'ow's it goin'?
"Developments aye. Listen I gotta sort a few fings out and I'll give you a call, we'll meet up later yeah.
"Alright mate, talk to you then.
Replacing the receiver he looked over at Freddie,
"The Watch, wants to meet with me later. You couldn't get 'old of Ray could you, get 'im to check everythin's sorted for tonight?
"Course boss.
Knocking back the rest of his drink Alfie stopped Freddie as he left,
"And tell Warren to send in another drink yeah.
As the door shut the phone rang again, sighing Alfie picked up the receiver,
"'Ello.
"Yeah speakin'.
"Oh yeah, you alright?
"What's that then?
"WHAT? You sure?
