“And it’s in Peebles?”
“No, nearby, a village called Innerleithen.” Andrew smiled,
“That is strange you know. You’ve just triggered off a distant memory of a joke my father played on me when we had a job at the Tartan Hydro in Peebles.”
“A joke?”
Andrew smiled again whilst recalling the details.
“Yes, you see we had a job there refurbishing the pool, changing rooms and steam room, items like new tiling and doors. To us it was a major opportunity at the time. We could select the colour scheme and textures.”
“Go on.”
“Well the hotel owners approved of our scheme. In the steam room lobby we were installing a band of new mirror tiles about a foot square. They were specially made for the hotel and imported from Holland. The standard method of sticking the tiles to the walls was to put five blobs of adhesive on the back and fix them. After the first day my father noticed that you could see the adhesive marks showing through on the mirrors when the steam room door was left open. The condensation caused it to show through just like a dice. I remember that he checked out the specification with the hotel management and they subsequently gave the green light for us to continue putting them up. When I turned up to help him a few days later he told me to watch closely the new area of tiles he’d completed. He opened the steam room door and magically there appeared a plan of a village. He’d drawn it using the adhesive behind one of the lower tiles.”
“Did you know where it was or what it represented?”
“I knew that he was looking for a holiday home but when I arrived at the hotel that day he showed me the ‘map’ and confirmed that the house marked with an ‘X’ was his. Later that day we drove over to Innerleithen to view it. This is strange, I’d almost forgotten that incident till now. Amazing, it occurred years ago.”
Harry looked at his watch,
“Andrew I must go. That’s enough background information for today. What I’ll do is go and see Eileen tonight and hopefully set things straight between us. If everything works out then I’ll let you know and we can start organising the trip to Kintyre.”
“As I said earlier treat Eileen carefully, she was only trying to help Dermot.”
“I will. Thanks for the drinks.”
Harry left Andrew’s flat and made his way on foot towards the Royal Stuart. There was still sufficient daylight remaining to enable him to see clearly down each street that he passed by. Out of curiosity he looked for the Temple Garage and discovered that Andrew had been correct in saying it was on route to the Royal Stuart.
He saw the sign, large black lettering on a white background that was secured at ninety degrees to the first floor brickwork. ‘Temple Garage, new and used vehicles always available. Servicing and repairs undertaken. Prop. S Beecham & T Bunn. Tel. Glasgow 37201 (3 lines)’. As he approached he noticed that one of the three showroom windows had been damaged, possibly in an air raid, and had a replacement, much smaller, pane fitted into a wooden screen. The centre window had another sign in large white enamelled lettering arranged in an arch pattern saying, ‘Slightly used car specialists.’ Harry peered through the windows and found none of the promised new cars on display, just two very used Standard twelve’s only. Next to the showroom was an open archway leading to the yard behind. On one side of the entrance were two petrol pumps that had overhead swing arms that extended over the pavement onto the road. There were two doors in the archway, one to the showroom and one to the office on the other side. The office door opened,
“Harry, hello I thought it was you.”
Tommy Bunn came out and shook hands. Harry felt the firm pressure on his knuckles as in the previous night’s greeting, this time Harry did the same to determine what reaction might be forthcoming.
“A customer at last do come in.”
“I’m not a customer, I’m afraid, I just was intrigued to find where you based yourselves.”
Tommy led Harry into his office and asked a young typist to make tea for them.
“Here you are have a seat. What brings you this way?”
“I stopped by at Andrew’s first and now I’m on my way to meet up with Eileen.”
“Are you on the square too?”
This question initially threw Harry until he realised that the handshake which he had reciprocated was recognised.
“No, no, I’d thought about it, you know in the past, but I haven’t pursued …”
“It was just your handshake, someone must have taught you.”
“Ah, no, sorry. I was just being playful; I wasn’t really sure what I was doing.”
“Well if you need any help you’ve only to ask, with all the lads away overseas we are always seeking new members.”
“It’s down to me to ask, you say?”
“Yes, you should never be invited to join. It’s down to potential candidates to seek out members and ask them for guidance in obtaining membership.”
“Right. Well just by luck I must have got the handshake technique correct but for the time being I’ll stay as I am.”
The telephone rang.
“Excuse me Harry I’ll just take this.”
Whilst Tommy was on the ‘phone Harry looked around the office. There were three wooden filing cabinets against the wall opposite the window; in front, an enormous wooden desk with a ripped leather writing insert. Tommy was seated behind this whilst still busily engaged talking to some supplier. Scattered across the floor were various dog-eared cardboard boxes and transfer cases containing invoices and statements. There was a smaller desk and chair by the window for the typist. A black ‘Stevenson’s’ typewriter covered most of its surface. The remaining space was taken up with carbon paper, rusting mesh filing trays and evidence of decades of careful application of coffee and tea stains. The rings all linked up in a series of bands, similar to an Olympic flag Harry thought. The office walls were painted cabbage green above the dado rail with dark brown embossed wallpaper below. The only variation to the drabness was a loud ticking wall clock, a calendar and some sepia prints of pre-war car models. Apart from the fast fading daylight coming through the window the room was illuminated by one light pendant hanging in the centre of the ceiling, its bare bulb shaded by a brown stained cone of what was once white china. Tommy finished his call just as the typist emerged with mugs of tea.
“Thank you Vera, just here will do.”
Tommy dragged an envelope across his desk to indicate where the mugs should be placed. Harry noticed that the envelope was much cleaner than the desk being protected.
“That will be all for today love, you can go now; I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Oh thank you Mr Bunn, goodnight then.”
With this Vera grabbed her coat from the back of her chair and rushed out.
Tommy called after her,
“Vera!”
She reappeared; her face now bright red.
“Vera, the post you forgot the post.”
Now even more embarrassed she bit her lip and quickly picked up a few letters from Tommy’s desk and this time successfully made it out onto the road and away.
Harry sipped his tea and turned his face to Tommy. Although he already knew the answer to his next question he felt he should not just rely on what Andrew had told him,
“Tommy you’re probably aware that I may be going on a recce next week, but if it’s confirmed what do I do about transport?”
“Well that’s easy - no problem at all. We can loan you one of our showroom cars, Standard twelve probably. It’s up for sale but at the moment it’s a bit difficult to shift them along. We can also sort out fuel, you know, a full tank and a five gallon reserve to take with you.”
“Excellent, thank you. Tell me something, with the shortage of new cars and dearth of fuel how do you manage such a business as this?”
“Well
it was a worry to begin with but we are fairly fortunate in that we started servicing and repairing Police and Ambulance vehicles about two years ago. Their own garages were closed when most of their staff we’re called up for service, so we took their remaining mechanics and provided what they needed. We also have a few business contacts from the lodge down the street that send their vehicles into us.”
“So you keep things ticking over?”
“Yes just about, still, when the war’s over and if the building here remains intact, we should be in a good position to start up properly again.”
“Do you mind if I ask you where Steve is today?”
Tommy shifted his position in his chair before replying.
“Steve? He’s away at the moment at the local council offices trying to draw in some of their business our way. Look Harry, I’m really sorry about last night, it wasn’t meant to have been so heavy but Steve gets a bit carried away - still thinks he’s in the force I guess.”
“No real harm done, except my best shirt!”
“I’m certain we can buy a replacement.”
Harry looked at the clock,
“Tommy, sorry I didn’t realise the time was moving on, I need to meet up with Eileen.”
“That’s OK. It was good to have a little chat anyway. Again, I’m sorry if Steve upset you. He can be a little over-enthusiastic at times. Anyway, please feel free to pop in anytime. Remember if you do decide to go scouting next week we can provide transport.”
With that Harry shook hands again and was careful not to repeat the grip he’d tried earlier.
“So long for now and thanks for the tea.”
With this Harry closed the office door and resumed his walk to the Royal Stuart.
Chapter 7
Harry entered the bar and immediately saw that Eileen was very busy with a queue of customers eager for her attention. He found a seat in a corner and watched as she smoothly provided the drinks for each of them. To him it appeared that she was coping effortlessly with the crowd, she was confident, smiling and professional. After serving three customers she looked up and scanned the room but she didn’t see him. In his mind he had already forgiven her for passing on the information about him to the group the previous evening. He kept staring across at her, watching each turn she made walking up and down the bar, bending, reaching high shelves, smiling again and chatting with her ‘guests’ as she referred to them. Suddenly she looked again and their eyes met momentarily, enough for her to acknowledge him sitting there with a quick smile and a nervous wave of her left hand towards him. Harry responded by waving back but she missed his gesture, she was already preparing a drink’s tray for one of the waiters. Harry sat back in his chair and lit a cigarette and continued to watch her. She was wearing black this evening, a tight fitting black dress with white lapels. Just then the waiter came into view and approached him,
“A drink from Eileen sir.”
“Thank you, I’m grateful.”
He looked across but she was too busy to acknowledge him.
“She said to say that she will be over in about ten minutes if you would like to wait.”
“That’s fine, thank you.”
Harry looked up and raised his glass to her just in time to notice that she had been watching him for a few seconds.
A few sips of the whisky and he became even more relaxed, until distracted by a noisy crowd in the far corner. He turned to see Steve Beecham with two younger women who had obviously had too much to drink. The women screeched louder as they laughed at almost every word Steve uttered. Guests at nearby tables turned to see what was going on, some decided to move away to a quieter area. Steve tried to quieten the women, as he did he spotted Harry and stood up to invite him to join their table.
“No, it’s OK I’ll stay here.” Harry mouthed across.
He looked back towards the bar and to his surprise Eileen was standing in front of him.
“Hello Harry, how are you?”
He looked up and smiled briefly,
“Eileen, good to see you, please sit down. Would you like a drink?”
Eileen appeared a little anxious he thought.
“No I don’t need a drink, perhaps later.” She pulled a chair closer to the table and smiled weakly at him.
“Have you finished your shift?”
“Yes thank goodness, it’s been really busy so far. Look I need to explain…”
Her eyes lowered focusing on her hands,
“I’m so sorry for…”
“Don’t look so sad.”
They both spoke at the same time and laughed as they were both interrupted.
“You go first -” Harry said, “But don’t worry I know why it happened.”
“It’s just that Dermot’s a close friend of mine, has been for many years. The other night I noticed your tattoo with The Royal Sussex wording. I just guessed that you were in the army at some time and in a subsequent conversation with Dermot he mentioned that Andrew was going to introduce you to him. In all innocence I said I thought you may have been in the services and then he asked me to explain how I knew…so…”
“It’s OK. Eileen; Andrew has since explained a bit more to me.”
She began to cry.
“Dermot’s really been kind to me. My response to him was well intentioned, I wasn’t trying to spy or tell on you. It just came out in conversation.”
“Smile Eileen, don’t look so sad. Everything’s OK, if it wasn’t I wouldn’t be here waiting would I?”
“I’m so relieved; I didn’t mean to do any harm, I didn’t want to lose you…”
“What about that drink now?”
Harry reached across and held her hand.
“Yes, I think I could use one now. Thank you.”
She smiled, wiping away a tear with her fingers.
Harry beckoned the waiter over and ordered. He then turned back to Eileen,
“I see Steve’s in tonight and having a party by the look of it?”
“Yes he’s been here since opening time.”
“And the girls?”
“They’re from the Civic Restaurant in town. Once they finish work they tend to drift anywhere for a free drink. They were with Steve and the gang the other day.”
The waiter brought their drinks to the table. Harry raised his glass,
“To us.”
“That’s sounds good. Harry, you don’t know how pleasing that sounds. I’ve been so worried.” Eileen said as she sipped her drink.
“Tell me Eileen do you fancy a few days off to come with me next week?”
“I don’t need to think about it. As long as I can get some cover here there wouldn’t be a problem. But where shall we go?”
“Well Dermot has suggested we both go so I’m certain he’ll arrange for any cover required.”
Harry went on to explain the project in Kintyre and the need to do some reconnaissance first,
“We could stay in a pub over there for a couple of nights. Do you know the area at all?”
“’Fraid not, but it’ll be fun to explore. Has this to do with Darlath again?”
“Yes. I believe he’s provided a few projects in the past for the group.”
They continued talking and relaxing for about an hour then Eileen suggested that she should take Harry back to her flat.
“It’ll be warmer and more comfortable than my place.” Harry said, “So the answer is yes, lets go!”
The couple turned to wave farewell to Steve but he appeared to be preoccupied in whispered conversations with his ‘guests’ to notice them leaving.
Chapter 8
The next morning Harry travelled over to the garage to meet up with Steve and Tommy. From there he telephoned Andrew and Dermot to explain that he had agreed to go to Kintyre and that Eileen was delighted to accompany him. St
eve appeared to be suffering from a hangover.
“A hard day yesterday was it?” Harry asked.
“The day was alright but the night developed into a real swine, too much spirit and ‘two’ many hangers on.”
He held up two of his fingers to indicate the second ‘two’ as the women that had remained with him.
“Never again, ever.”
“Vera’s making another brew so that may help.”
Tommy ventured in a quiet voice. He then turned to Harry,
“I spoke to Dermot earlier and assuming you were going on the excursion he’s asked us to fund your trip and supply a car. So you might as well take one of the old Standards today. I’ve also got an identity card for you.”
Tommy opened his desk drawer and gave Harry the card.
“Here, don’t raise any questions and, if you’re asked, don’t reveal the source.”
“I understand. Thanks, I’m grateful.”
“Andrew supplied me with your current address in Argyle Street which is entered here and the previous details shown were small guest houses in Glasgow and London that have all been abandoned through bomb damage. There’s enough misinformation contained to confuse anyone interested if you’re ever stopped.”
“That’s a big help, thanks again Tommy.”
Vera came into the office with a tray of tea. She nervously edged the tray onto the desk. Although desperately trying to avoid it, all the mugs slid and clinked together causing some of the contents to splash onto the surface of the desk. She left without looking at anyone, her cheeks now bright red with embarrassment. Tommy retrieved an old duster from the drawer and dabbed his desk, a remedy that he had carried out apparently without complaint on numerous previous occasions.
“Have you thought of the route you’ll take Harry?”
“Yes, I had a look at a map earlier. Out towards Dumbarton, the Loch then Arrochar, Invarary and south to Glenbarr. It looks a pretty remote area to me.”
Steve agreed,
“Yes, before the war it was mainly used by walkers and cyclists but not so many now, especially at this time of year anyway. The roads are a bit rough so take it easy. Another thing, when you do find a suitable beach or cove to land a boat remember to watch out for any minefields.”
Shadows of Deceit Page 8
