Read Online Tuppence to Tooley Street by Harry Bowling - Free Book Online Page B

road.’
    Danny sipped his beer and paid little attention as Johnny Ross attempted to bring him up to date with the news in dockland. Kathy had seen him now. Her eyes caught his and held his gaze for an instant, then she deliberately moved around slightly so that she was out of Danny’s line of vision. Her stocky companion was still in view however, and Danny could see him nodding his head vigorously. More people crowded into the bar and soon he could not see either of them. It was getting stuffy in the saloon bar and presently Johnny nudged his pal. ‘Let’s move inter the uvver bar, there’s more room in there,’ he said.
    The small room that separated the saloon from the public bar was mainly used for darts. A few regulars sat around against the wall, and customers came through to use the toilets. Danny bought more drinks and leaned against the counter.
    Johnny jerked his thumb in the direction of the clock. ‘We’re goin’ roun’ Tony’s soon’s the pub closes. We’ll take a crate wiv us, jus’ ter show we’re willin’. By the way, Elsie said she’s comin’ round later.’
    ‘Who’s Elsie?’ Danny asked.
    ‘Elsie’s that darlin’ be’ind the bar. ’Er ole man’s doin’ bird, an’ Elsie’s lonely.’
    Danny shook his head and grinned. ‘You’ll be lonely if ’er ole man finds out.’
    Johnny shrugged his shoulders. ‘Elsie’s ole man’s doin’ a long stretch. From what she tells me, ’e was always playin’ around ’imself.’
    ‘That makes no difference,’ Danny persisted. ‘’E mus’ get visits. Somebody’s only gotta grass yer up an’ ’e can soon get one of ’is mates ter sort yer out. It wouldn’t be the first time it’s’appened.’
    ‘Don’t worry, Danny boy, Johnny Ross can look after’imself. ’E don’t scare me.’
    Danny Sutton raised his glass. ‘’Ere’s to yer, Johnny. I ’ope yer stay ’ealfy.’
    Johnny clinked his glass against Danny’s. ‘Nice ter see yer’ome in one piece. Now yer gotta start earnin’ some shekels. First of all though, yer gotta get fixed up wiv a bird. Yer don’t wanna start mopin’ about, do yer?’
    Danny grinned and looked back into the crowded bar. Johnny puffed hard. ‘’Ere, ’old up! You ain’t finkin’ o’ takin’ up wiv that Kathy again, are yer? I’d leave well alone. She’s got a villain on tow, an’ as it ’appens them two are comin’ ter the party. We don’t want claret all over Tony’s carpet, ’e would get the needle.’
    ‘Don’t yer worry, Johnny. I’m finished wiv fightin’, an’ I’ve got me discharge book ter prove it.’
    It was almost closing time when Kathy walked into the small bar. Her cotton dress hugged her figure and Danny noticed how her large brown eyes seemed to sparkle as she gave him a smile. ‘’Ow are yer, Danny? Connie told me you was ’ome.’
    ‘I’m fine, an’ you?’
    ‘I’m okay.’
    Danny shuffled uncomfortably. ‘Johnny tells me yer might be goin’ ter Tony’s party.’
    ‘Yes, I’m just off ter powder me nose,’ Kathy laughed.
    ‘I’ll see yer there then. We can ’ave a chat,’ Danny said, catching Johnny’s dark look.
    Kathy began to look uncomfortable. ‘Matter o’ fact I’m wiv somebody,’ she said.
    ‘That’s okay,’ Danny said with a shrug of his shoulders. ‘We can still say ’ello, can’t we?’
    ‘Course we can,’ Kathy said as she walked off to the ladies’ room.
    The loud voice of the barman calling time spurred Johnny into action. ‘C’mon, me ole son. Give us an ’and wiv the crate.’
    Danny reached into his pocket and Johnny stopped him. ‘There’s nuffink ter pay. The guv’nor owes me. I done ’im a favour last week. ’E’s gettin’ off lightly.’
    The crate containing a dozen bottles of light ale was passed over the counter, and they each took hold of a handle. ‘C’mon, Danny, let’s get roun’ there, it’s only in the next turnin’,’ Johnny said, winking at Elsie as he walked to the