Nice To Meet You Cally (Calliaster Doyle Book 2)

by S G Read

  The cab driver walked over but when he tried to help Dermot up and he was assailed by the nauseating smell, he let him fall again.

  ‘You don't want a cab, you want a hearse. I am not having him in my cab smelling like that!’

  Ignoring Cally's pleas, the cab driver jumped into his cab and drove away. Cally started to cry. She struggled to help Dermot up on to his one leg and they started walking, trying to get as far away as they could before trouble arrived. A truck turned the corner and Cally recognized it.

  ‘Stay there Pa!’ She ordered and stepped out into the street to wave to the truck.

  Drummond spotted her. When the truck stopped beside Cally and her father, Drummond was the first out and threw his arms round Cally.

  ‘Don't ever do that to me again!’ He scolded. Then kissed her. Barbara saw what was going on and was soon there, not only because she too had missed Cally. She wrapped her coat round Cally and they laid Dermot in the back of the truck then they drove home. As they turned out of the street Archie saw Zicci's car turn in.

  Chapter 9

  The fat woman left the court room. She was mad! She led Fromes to an empty room.

  ‘We are not beaten yet. We just have to make sure that no one from that family arrives for the hearing!’ She said quietly.

  ‘What! We can't go round killing people left right and center!’ Fromes replied.

  ‘Oh we don't have to kill them. Just keep them out of the way until I have the boy, then we get the money and cross the state line in case of trouble.’

  ‘What about the boy? He'll know what we've done!’

  ‘I have a plan and all in all it should discredit them and give us custody of the boy and his money.’

  She steered Fromes toward the door.

  ‘Come. I will explain and you will find me somewhere I can put the family, until we are long gone.’

  ‘I don't like this.’ Fromes answered, still a little unsure about the idea of kidnapping an entire family.

  ‘You will when you have your cut.’

  Barbara cleaned Dermot up and dressed him in clean Pajamas. With Dermot complaining all the time Barbara was working on him.

  ‘I didn't know I could miss your complaining!’ She cried when she thought enough was enough. ‘At least you no longer smell like a dead goat!’

  ‘Do you know what it was like being here with you but not be able to touch you, or even speak to you?’ Dermot replied.

  ‘Well you sure can speak to me now all right!’

  ‘I can do more than that now.’ Dermot answered with a smile and held out his hand.

  Barbara took it and they kissed.

  ‘Is there any hope for a one armed one legged men who is out of work?’ He whispered.

  ‘It depends on what else we can get working?’ She replied with a wicked smile.

  Zicci knocked the door and Dill opened it.

  ‘How did it go Bertram?’ He asked.

  ‘Fine Mr. Zicci. There are two bodies upstairs to be disposed of.’ Dill replied.

  ‘The right two I hope?’

  Dill nodded.

  ‘Are the books here?’ Zicci asked.

  ‘Yes. I'll go over them with your book keeper.’

  ‘No need. As far as I am concerned this is a new area and you will be in charge. As a book keeper I know you'll keep things in good order.’

  Dill was surprised.

  ‘You look surprised Bertram. I believe in repaying good work just the same as I repay bad work. I take it you can manage the two areas Emil and Michael used to run?’

  ‘I have been for four years now.’

  ‘Just as I thought. I will send you eight men to start you off, if you want any more, you hire them. Any problems come to me and we'll sort them.’

  Zicci left Bertram standing there, what a turnaround. From sitting in the warehouse with concrete boots on, now he was now the boss!

  When Dermot was settled in bed, Barbara phoned the hospital.

  ‘Doctor Palmer please.’ She said when someone answered. She waited until a man spoke.

  ‘Doctor Palmer.’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘It's Barbara Doyle, Archie Scott's daughter. We have the money for the operation now, when can you do it?’

  Barbara knew the money would speed things up but she did not know just how much!

  ‘We can operate tomorrow but as I explained there is only a fifty-fifty chance of full recovery.’ The doctor warned.

  ‘But whatever happens he will be better than he is?’ Barbara asked.

  ‘I did explain the procedure fully when he came in to see me last time. Do you want to go ahead?’

  ‘Yes please.’

  Barbara replaced the hand set and sought out Archie.

  ‘Hi pa.’ She greeted and put her arms round his shoulders from behind him.

  ‘I've heard that before. What are you after?’ He replied.

  ‘Nothing. I have some good news for you, that's all!’

  Archie pulled her round holding her right hand, to where he could see her face.

  ‘And what is this good news?’ He asked.

  ‘You have your operation tomorrow!’

  ‘Oh no I don't. The money is to get this place up and running. If there is any left over, then and only then, will I consider wasting it on an operation that will probably not do any good anyway?’

  ‘There's nothing to be afraid of. Dr Palmer did explain everything before.’ Barbara placated.

  ‘Who said I was afraid? Did you hear anyone say I was afraid?’ Archie spluttered.

  ‘Are you afraid?’ Drummond asked.

  ‘That's it, all gang up on me why not!’ Archie complained.

  ‘I only asked.’ Drummond replied. ‘There's no need to bite my head off! Don't you want to walk again?’

  ‘Of course I do Drummond but what if it doesn't work and I know I'll be useless the rest of my life? I don't think I could stand knowing that.’ Archie replied.

  ‘But if you don't you're being like those things in Australia that stick their head in the ground. An Ostrich, that's it an ostrich!’

  ‘Where did you learn about Australia?’ Cally asked.

  ‘From Caleb. He was a college professor until he went blind, then they kicked him out in the streets.’ Drummond answered.

  ‘I wish I'd a known him for longer.’ Cally said sadly.

  ‘And you young lady are going to finish school.’ Barbara said sternly. ‘And I'll hear no arguments from anyone. Tomorrow you have the operation and when you're fit you and Dan can fix this place up, it will be cheaper than getting someone in!’

  The morning came too quickly for Archie and despite his last minute attempts to wriggle out of it, he was forced into the truck. Dermot stayed in his bed, at least now he could read the paper. Dan had rigged up a board with two pegs on it to hold the pages in place. With his one arm he could turn the pages and peg them to stop them falling forwards. While he read the paper he wiggled the little finger of his left hand. He had told no one about the movement and was saving it as a surprise but first he wanted to move more than just his little finger. He heard the truck drive off and smiled, at least Archie would have a chance to walk again. He felt a tear run down his cheek and wiped it away, feeling sorry for himself would help no one!

  The truck parked in the hospital car park and despite his objections, Archie was forced to ride in on a wheel chair. Soon he was tucked in bed waiting for the operation with everyone round his bed. Now that they were paying customers the rules were soon relaxed and no one bothered them until it was time for Archie to go to the operating theatre. Barbara stayed with him until she had to stop and let him go on alone, then she returned to his bed where Cally, Drummond and Dan waited.

  ‘What have I done?’ She said suddenly afraid that it was the last time she would see he father alive. ‘What if he dies?’

  ‘Don't be silly ma, no one could kill grandpa!’ Cally said trying to sound as though she believed it herself.

&
nbsp; ‘He's a strong man,’ Dan added, ‘and they give him a fifty-fifty chance of a complete recovery.’

  ‘You go back to the home Dan and take these two love birds with you, I am going to stay here until I know that he is going to be alright.’ Barbara replied. ‘And you Calliaster Doyle, start acting like a young lady for once. The kitchen needs cleaning and the old ones need their food, you can get young Drummond to help you.’

  ‘Are you sure you mean young lady and not a servant!’ Cally answered.

  Barbara turned as though to rebuke her but hesitated. ‘I'm sorry Cally, I'm worried about pa. You go and rest up you've been through a lot lately, I'll do the cleaning when I get back.’ She said gently.

  Cally hugged her mother.

  ‘I don't mind the work ma but I'd like to stay and wait for grandpa to be alright too.’ She said and tears ran down her cheeks.

  ‘You stay here Cally.’ Dan ordered. ‘Me and Drummond can look after things at the ninety ninth precinct.’ He looked to Drummond for backing and despite wanting to stay there with Cally, Drummond agreed.

  Dan drove back to the home and after doing all the work he was going to do, he walked up to Dermot's room and sat next to the bed. They talked for some time before Drummond interrupted them.

  ‘Barbara called. He's out of the theatre but he won't be awake until the morning, so she wants you to bring her and Cally home.’

  ‘I'm on my way.’ Dan replied, standing up and stamping the blood back into his feet. ‘You can stay here and keep Dermot company.’

  Drummond wanted to argue but he remembered something Caleb had said about people who were paralyzed. ‘They still have feelings.’ He sat in the chair Dan had vacated not knowing what to expect. When Dan returned with the others Drummond was deep in conversation with Dermot. He decided Dermot was a very intelligent man, nearly as intelligent as Caleb. They talked about a lot of things. Drummond’s life before he met Caleb, then after he met Caleb. They talked about Cally when she was younger and Dermot was interested in their flight from Clo and his gang. The conversation was halted by Cally coming into the room.

  ‘High Pa.’ she greeted. ‘You'll be pleased to know that grandpa has had his operation and he's still alive. They won't know about his back for a couple of days but they say it went well.’

  ‘Well at least the money has come in handy for something, I was beginning to think it had all been a waste of time!’ Dermot replied. ‘Did they say when he is coming out?’

  ‘Three days.’ Cally answered. ‘They wanted him to stay longer but Ma said she could look after him at home to save money. They said he was to stay of his feet until they said it was okay for him to try to walk!’

  ‘Just like your ma, always looking to save money. Still she is a good nurse, I should know.’

  ‘She says you're always bellyaching!’ Drummond accused.

  ‘Oh I don't let her know I think she's a good nurse, she likes me to complain.’ Dermot answered with a smile. ‘Now I'll get a little shut eye before she comes up to sort me out. I'm sure you two can find something to do.’ He winked as he spoke.

  ‘I didn't know you could wink pa!’ Cally said in surprise.

  ‘Do I get to call you pa now?’ Drummond asked. ‘As you've nearly adopted me.’

  Dermot took his hand.

  ‘Of course you do son, now scoot.’

  Drummond smiled and followed Cally out.

  ‘Well? Have you found somewhere?’ The fat woman asked as Fromes walked in to her office.

  Fromes smiled.

  ‘Just the place. It's a disused mill on the outskirts of the city with a cellar. There is a trapdoor with a ladder. We only have to invite them to go into the cellar, then pull up the ladder and they're stuck there for as long as we want them!’

  ‘Good. Now as a private detective you should know where to get hold of some bootleg whiskey?’

  ‘I know where but I don't drink the stuff!’

  ‘I'm not asking you to drink it, just get me two bottles of it. Here's five dollars, you can keep the change.’

  ‘What do I do with it?’

  ‘Just bring it here, I'll look after it until we need it.’

  Fromes shrugged his shoulders.

  ‘It's your money. When do we need it by?’

  ‘Monday morning but don't leave it until the last minute and get caught in a raid or something.’

  ‘Are you kidding? I know where all the raids are going down, if it's a client I warn them. I have to earn extra money somehow with what the county pays me!’

  Fromes walked to the door.

  ‘At least it's a regular income and I do have my own restrictions. If I could afford to pay you more, I'd up my own wages.’ The fat woman answered.

  ‘You don't look as if you go hungry.’ Fromes replied as he went out.

  When Archie woke Barbara was there holding his hand. He looked about, then he remembered what was going on.

  ‘Well?’ he asked.

  ‘Well what?’ Barbara replied.

  ‘Will I walk woman?’

  ‘They said the operation went as it should but you have to stay off your feet until they say you can try to walk or you could end up worse than you were! So lay back and rest.’

  ‘When do I get out of here?’

  ‘Three days. Then I get to look after you!’

  Archie looked at her.

  ‘From what Dermot says, I'll be in good hands.’

  ‘What, with him always bellyaching! The sneaky little-’ she stopped and smiled. ‘He does say the nicest things but only when I'm not about.’

  ‘I know he loves you woman and now that he doesn't work for Clo anymore and I am retired, there's no reason why you shouldn't be a family again.’

  ‘Is that why you arranged that thing with your friend Judge Parker?’ Barbara asked. ‘Not that I have any objections to adopting the boy.’

  ‘That woman is up to something and I want to find out what!’ Archie declared.

  ‘That is the policeman talking again, I thought you retired?’

  ‘She's up to no good! It obviously involves Drummond and I aim to find out what it is!’

  ‘Just make sure you don't do anything you shouldn't or you'll be back to square one or worse!’

  ‘Don't you worry your pretty head none, I give you my word I won't use my legs or try to stand up until you say I can.’

  ‘Just remember what you promised and I'll sleep a lot easier at night.’

  Dan arrived and after a short chat he drove Barbara back to the home.

  Barbara was there the next morning until Dan arrived to take her home. On the hall table there was a letter addressed to Dan. He picked it up and obviously recognized the writing, as he immediately put it back down where he had found it.

  ‘A letter for you?’ Barbara asked. ‘Is it a lady friend?’

  ‘It's from my daughter.’ Dan replied. ‘I recognized the handwriting.’

  ‘Well aren't you going to open it?’ Drummond asked.

  ‘Give me time. I was responsible for her daughter's death!’

  ‘No you weren't!’ Drummond replied. ‘You didn't know she was there! As far as you knew they were gone and you weren't going to see her anymore. It was her pa's fault for making them go so far away just to find work. He could have gone off and got a job then sent for them!’

  ‘I'm afraid of what it will say, I wish I hadn't written now!’ Dan said dejectedly.

  ‘I'm not afraid to open it!’ Cally said and picked up the letter.

  ‘Cally put that down at once. The mail is private and it's against the law to tamper with it!’ Barbara cried.

  Dan looked at Cally and came to a decision.

  ‘No you read it out Cally, I'm just being a silly old man. If it's bad I'll know not to write again.

  Chapter 10

  Cally tore the envelope open and read the letter before she spoke.

  ‘Oh no!’ She said finally, while the others waited. ‘Hang on I'll read it.

&
nbsp; Dear pa

  Thanks for writing. You were right, we should have stayed put Alexander has left me for another woman and I am now homeless as I've been thrown out of my lodgings through having no money! Little Samantha is very poorly and I don't know how I'm going to keep her. I've thought about leaving her at the church but I just can't although it would be best for her. I am glad you are well and have found somewhere other than that leaky old boat to stay on. At the moment I am sleeping under a bridge on canal street but it is almighty cold at night for little Samantha.

  All my love

  Helen

  There was a long silence. A silence that was broken by Drummond.

  ‘I know what I'd do if my granddaughter was ill and my daughter was living on the streets!’ He said quietly.

  ‘When do we go?’ Cally asked.

  Dan looked at Barbara.

  ‘Go and get her Dan! Here's twenty dollars to cover expenses and gas. Drummond you stay here, if there's a problem they may not be back by Monday and we have to be in court on Monday morning!’

  Cally and Dan left without delay leaving Drummond to watch them go and wave goodbye.

  ‘Right young Drummond while we are cooking the food, you can tell me all about the time you and Cally were being chased by Clo's gang.’

  While they talked Dan and Cally were driving they had a long way to go and Dan wanted to be there sooner than later, he did not want to lose another granddaughter, especially one he had only just found out about!

  The fat woman looked round the mill where they were going to leave the family until they had made good their escape. The water was now diverted away from the mill wheel and the gully was dry where the water used to run. She smiled her usual wicked smile and drove off to find something to eat, she always ate when she was happy. Soon she would be rich and that is enough to make anyone happy! Fromes sat opposite her, watching her eat.

  ‘So how do they get out after we've gone out of state?’ He asked.

  ‘Simple we phone someone to go and let them out.’

  ‘Who?’

  ‘I don't know; the land agents, the fire truck, the rat killer or even the law! It won't matter to us as we'll be long gone.’