The Reluctant Villain

by James Williams

  Ernie pulled into the car park at the rear of the Centre and parked by the double doors. Both men got out of the van and removed the plastic signs from the front doors of the van and took them along with their haul of items into the building and up the stairs into the room overlooking Ernie’s office.

  It was the first time Mark had been in this room and he was surprised at the number of items that were stacked in the corner.

  3

  Over the next few weeks Ernie managed to convince four more businesses to accept his security patrol offer, following the fire at the construction yard. Three paid a monthly retainer while the fourth pays in kind, using surplus stock in lieu of payment.

  A month after announcing his intention to sell his business David Evans called Gerald into his back office to give him the latest news.

  “Gerald, I just want to let you know I’ve had a firm offer for the business and the prospective buyer is coming here next week to go over final details. He has assured me that you will have a place in his plans for expanding the customer base and that there is no need for you to look elsewhere for work. Two things I want to share with you.

  “I will introduce you to Mr Matthews on Thursday. The second point is, because you have worked so hard on your skills as an engraver I will pay your college fees for a further 2 years so you can complete your course and take your exams. Also, I will make sure Mr Matthews is aware of your college commitments”

  Gerald only managed to stammer out an acknowledgement to the first point and then added,

  You’re very kind Mr Evans but it won’t be the same here without you and Catherine. Can I ask what she is going to do when you leave?”

  “As you know she is going to University in Cambridge next year. She will continue to work here until the end of the year and then starts a temporary job in Newmarket in the National Stud College for six months. I don’t know when Mr Matthews plans on taking over but I expect it won’t be until at least the end of January. Oh, by the way, how is your Grandmother keeping these days, are you still managing to maintain the flat in good order?”

  David Evans also owned the building where Gerald and his ageing relative resided. He had lived with her for the past seven years, ever since his parents were killed in a car crash and his grandmother took him under her wing

  “What about the rent and any work to be carried out on the flat?” Gerald asked.

  “Before I leave I will give you my bank details so you can continue the payments as at present. Any work needed doing on the flat, call our usual builder in and send me the bill so that I can sort out payments”

  “I’m sorry you and Catherine are leaving Mr Evans, I’ve enjoyed working with you both and for your friendship towards my grandmother and me”

  “Well, I hope we will all keep in touch and you can update me on how Mr Matthews is dealing with, shall I say, some of our more eccentric customers”

  Gerald smiled, he knew who his boss was referring to, and went back into the shop to be confronted by Graham Bishop.

  “Where the hell is your boss, kid?”

  Gerald knew better than to antagonise this man he lived a short distance from his grandmother’s flat.

  “Can I help Mr Bishop? Mr Evans is busy in his office right now”

  “I want to speak to the organ grinder not his pipsqueak monkey, get out of my way!”

  Without thinking of what he was doing Gerald stepped forward to block the older man’s attempt to pass through into the back of the shop.

  “Sorry Mr Bishop, no customers allowed beyond this point unless Mr Evans says so” Gerald spoke apologetically,

  Bishop drew back his right arm with the intention of punching the youngster but a voice from the rear of the store stopped him in mid motion.

  “Don’t you dare hit any of my staff!”

  “Then tell this bloody kid to get out of my way!” snarled Bishop.

  “Gerald, please go and finish the order for Mr Perkins while Mr Bishop and I have a talk”

  Gerald nodded and walked past Evans, he understood the coded message his boss had given him. There was no customer called Perkins, instead he was to stand just out of Bishop’s sight and listen in case there was any trouble.

  Waiting until he thought they were alone Bishop spoke to Evans in a hoarse whisper,

  “What’s this I hear you’re doing a runner? If you are skipping town I want three months money right now. And the name of the geyser who’s taking over this dump”

  The shopkeeper stared up at his aggressor and spoke in an even tone,

  Mr Bishop, I am not doing a runner, I’m retiring and selling my business to a man who owns a chain of stores in other towns. No, I have told you a dozen times I have no intention of paying you any protection money. So, if there is nothing else I can help you with please leave my shop now”

  Bishop stood motionless with his mouth wide open, then he stepped forward and shouted,

  “You’re a snivelling apology for a man, you’ll pay up or I’ll burn this place to the ground with you in it! And Matthews will have inherited a pile of ashes”

  “I heard that threat” Gerald said stepping back into full view.

  “So did I” said a young woman standing in the doorway, Sally had come in to purchase some refills for her pens. Bishop glared at both of the younger people, then at Evans before storming out of the shop.

  “He’s not on your Christmas card list is he, Mr Evans?” Sally said with a grin.

  “Most definitely not Sally. Thank you for distracting him, his type don’t like witnesses to see what nastiness they are up to”

  Sally walked up to the counter and spoke to his assistant,

  “Hi Gerry, I’ve not seen you in the library lately, gone off my coffee have you?”

  Gerald blushed, Sally was the only one to use that name but he didn’t mind her doing so,

  “No, we are getting ready for a stock audit for the new owner…” then he realised he might have spoken out of turn. His boss noted his hesitation,

  “It’s alright Gerald, if Bishop knows, then half the town must be in on my secret

  Sally sprang to Gerald’s defence,

  “I’m afraid it is, that’s all people are talking about. Whoever is taking over will have a lot to live up to meet your standards Mr Evans”

  It was the shopkeeper’s turn to colour slightly,

  “Thank you for your comment Sally, but with Gerald still here I’m sure people will be happy with the service they receive”

  The woman raised her eyebrows in Gerald’s direction causing more discomfort to him, made her purchase and left the two men to their thoughts.

  “So, what’s it to be, Gerald or Gerry” Evans asked his assistant “we’ve always known you as Gerald, yet Sally seems to have special privileges”

  Gerry coloured once more and said quietly,

  “Sally thinks the name Gerald makes me sound too old so she prefers Gerry, I don’t mind either”

  He slipped back into the rear of the shop before his boss could comment further. However, a memory of the previous New Year’s celebrations was rekindled and he was so deep in those memories he didn’t notice Catherine come into the room to pack an order for a customer. She greeted Gerry but got no response so she playfully gave him a dig in the ribs,

  “What’s her name then mister starry-eyed?”

  “Sorry? Did you say something Catherine” Gerry asked?

  “Never mind! Listen Gerry, can I ask you something?” she said quietly. He nodded.

  “I need to tell someone about this, it’s driving me barmy and I’ve got to get it off my chest”

  Unsure of what she was talking about he looked quizzingly at her. She continued in hushed tones,

  “You know I’m leaving after Christmas to go to work in Newmarket before going to university next autumn. Don’t tell my Dad but I don’t know if I want to go to uni after all. I’d much rather stay in Newmarket to look after horses”

  “When did you have
a change of heart? You’ve done nothing but talk about how excited you are regarding your move to Cambridge”

  She was silent for a few moments,

  “Dad has always been keen on someone from the family to go to uni and we all thought Colin would go one day but he opted for the Royal Navy instead. If I pull out now, well, I don’t want to think how Dad will feel”

  Gerry was about to speak when Evans called out from the shop,

  “Gerald, can I have a hand here please, we have customers waiting to be served”

  He went back to the shop and served two customers before returning to join Catherine.

  ”Right, where were we?”

  Catherine shook her head,

  “It will take too long to explain now; I’ve got to catch the last post with this parcel. Meet me in the library at seven o’clock, its open late tonight” she said, picking up the package while leaving him to his own thoughts.

  After Catherine had left, the shop was quiet again and her Father said innocently,

  “You and Catherine were in deep conversation earlier, anything I should know?”

  Taken aback by the direct question Gerry could only blurt out,

  “She was talking about university and Newmarket and how…” but his boss interrupted him.

  “I hope she is looking forward to university, but if she has any reservations I would prefer her to be honest and tell me. The last thing I want is for Catherine feeling she has no choice in the matter

  Another customer came into the shop so he went to serve him.

  Gerald heaved a huge sigh of relief, now he had some good news for Catherine.

  Meanwhile she was approaching the post office but her path was suddenly blocked by Graham Bishop. “Well, if it isn’t the shopkeeper’s would-be university graduate! And what’s in the parcel? I reckon that might pay a small part of what daddy owes me. Hand it over!” and he tried to snatch the package from her grasp.

  But Catherine had read his intentions and stepped back out of his reach.

  “Get your hands off! This is already paid for and I’m going to make sure it goes to the right person” she shouted back at him.

  Bishop made another attempt to grab the package from her, this time he managed to get a handful of her jacket collar. Despite her struggles he held on and dragged the girl towards himself. He had hold of the package with his free hand and was about to run off before a loud voice caused him to hesitate,

  “Bishop! Let go of her right now!” Ernie Newsham’s voice held enough of a threat for the assailant to release his grip.

  “Are you ok, Catherine? Not bothering you is he?” he said while still keeping both eyes firmly on Bishop.

  “I was on my way to post this package to a customer when he grabbed me” she replied.

  Ernie took the package from Bishop’s hand and gazed at the address,

  “Sorry Graham, it’s not got your name on it, what makes you think it was for you?”

  Bishop remained silent and Ernie nodded to the girl and passed the package to her,

  “ Well, off you go love, before the post office closes”

  She gave him a quick smile, nodded her thanks and glared at Bishop before turning on her heels and headed towards her destination. Ernie waited and watched her until she disappeared inside the post office. He then turned to Bishop,

  “Let’s you and me go and have a little talk somewhere quiet Mr Bishop” the sarcasm and threat in his voice was not lost on the other man but he stood his ground defiantly,

  “You and me don’t have anything to talk about; you’re not a copper anymore in case you’d forgotten”

  Ernie took a step closer to the man and spoke quietly but forcibly,

  “Oh yes we do! I now run a security patrol around here and a couple of my new customers have told me that you are their biggest concern”

  When Bishop said nothing Ernie continued,

  “Threats to my customers could suddenly become very unhealthy for you. Stick to your normal game of burglary, but not from my clients. Savvy?”

  “You’re saying I can do burglary outside your area and you’ll do nothing about it? What’s your game Newsham?”

  Ernie spoke even quieter,

  “My game is this. If you come across any stuff that’s too hot to handle, maybe we can do business. That’s all I will say and, of course, deny this conversation ever took place if you think of speaking out of turn. Who do you think anyone would believe, you, a known villain or me, an ex-copper”

  Bishop glared and said,

  “I’ll think about it” and went to walk away but Ernie grabbed his arm,

  “Not so fast friend Graham. You’re staying here until Catherine comes back so that I can escort her home. Just in case you had other ideas! “

  The two men stood in silence until Catherine re-appeared and Ernie walked with her back to her father’s shop. When they entered the premises together Evans looked a little concerned,

  “Are you alright Catherine, I was expecting you back about ten minutes ago. I’m about to close up and Gerald has gone home”

  “No, I’m fine Dad. Mr Newsham and I bumped into each other and he said he would walk back with me, just like a gentleman would” and she gave Ernie a little smile before walking past her father into the rear of the shop.

  Evans waited until he and Ernie were alone.

  “Is that right Ernie, you just bumped into each other?” the scepticism written all over his face.

  “Well, there were a couple of dodgy characters hanging around so I thought it would be wiser to make sure she got back safely. Anyway, what’s this I hear about taking early retirement? And who is taking over”

  Evans smiled,

  “Matthews’ hardware are buying me out in January. I don’t have the energy or inclination to carry on and besides, I couldn’t compete with his prices”

  “Price isn’t everything David, quality plays a big part also, which I’ve heard Matthews doesn’t get anywhere near matching you”

  “Nice of you to say so Ernie. How are things at the Leisure Centre, going well I hope?”

  Ernie smiled, “Couldn’t be better”

  Catherine, the only customer, was by the book section on horses when Gerry came in to the library. Sally greeted him as he entered,

  “My, we are honoured, come to return that book, excuse me what was it called now. Ah, I remember! ‘In Praise of Older Women’ ? Or have you got something else on your mind?”

  Gerry smiled and spotted Catherine and Sally nodded in realisation.

  “No funny business you two or I’ll have to ask you to leave!” she said in mock seriousness, then added, “can I interest you in a cup of coffee?”

  Catherine called out,

  “Yes please, and can I have one of those chocolate muffins as well? I haven’t had my dinner yet”

  “Getting into the student habit already Catherine? Don’t skip too many real meals or you’ll end up like the rest of the crowd, relying on the booze for your energy”

  When Sally saw Catherine’s reaction she bit her lip and left to organise the beverages.

  Gerry reached his co-worker’s side and said quietly,

  “Hit a raw nerve did she?”

  Catherine merely nodded and took the book she had been reading to a table in the far corner and Gerry followed. They sat in silence until Sally had returned with the coffee and a cake for each of them. She wanted to apologise for her earlier comment but decided to wait for a more appropriate moment.

  Gerry finally spoke after taking a bite from his cake.

  “So, what’s giving you doubts about Cambridge then?”

  She finished her cake, looked around to make sure nobody else had entered the library before answering,

  “It’s all this talk about boozing and the thought of Fresher’s Day just gives me the idea that it will just be one long hangover. I like a drink, but to get paralytic and throwing up all over the place is just not me. I know it’s supposed to be abou
t bonding and the like but I don’t want to go through that just to be one of the in crowd!”

  “What about the subjects you chose, I thought you liked art. I’ve seen some of your sketches and think they are brilliant” Gerry said softly.

  “Thanks Gerry, but I honestly believe my A level art will be enough to get me through what I want in life. Why is it so vital that we must all have degrees to be looked on as being a successful person?” the last part of Catherine’s comment was said loud enough for Sally to hear and she looked at the couple briefly.

  Gerry finished his coffee before replying.

  “Sounds like you’ve convinced yourself that Cambridge is not for you. Seems to me you should speak to your Mum and Dad. Somehow, I don’t think it will be that difficult to bring them round to your way of thinking. Have you thought about other universities, what about your school friends, where are they going to study?”

  She looked down at her half-eaten cake and pushed it in front of Gerry,

  “Most are going to Bristol but there are no places left there, but the culture will still be the same. Maybe you’re right about talking to my parents. Here, have this, I’ve lost my appetite”

  “Thanks. What about Newmarket, is that still in your plans?”

  “Too right it is! That could be my dream move”

  They both stood up, picked up their cups and plates and walked back to the counter where Sally was waiting. Catherine said,

  “Might as well get it over and done with right now”

  Sally hesitated before speaking,

  “I couldn’t help hear you two talking but Catherine, take this from one who’s been through the same quandary. University can be a great place if that’s what your heart is set on but on the other side of things it can be a gut buster, if you get my meaning”

  Catherine nodded her thanks. Sally continued,

  “You should listen to Gerry sometimes, not always mind; he’s not just a pretty face and freckles”

  “I don’t have freckles!” Gerry protested.

  Sally laughed,

  “Oh yes you have Gerald! And I know exactly where but he doesn’t have them in the usual places Catherine”

  “Tell me” the younger female said,