Pete Willis

The rush hour cars were easing through the Exeter streets, as Redbourne parked just off the Cathedral Square. A group of French tourists thronged the pavement outside the Royal Clarence. Piles of plush luggage was piled up around them as they scanned the road for their coach. Redbourne elbowed his way through their midst and Steele pointedly gave a kick to a large purple suitcase that toppled onto its side. A small vocal Frenchman protested but was ignored.

Once inside the foyer, they made their way to the bar. Pete Willis was already there sitting on a bar stool and drinking a large whisky. Despite being smartly dressed in a dark grey suit, the man had something of the spiv about him and he looked as though he'd be more at home in the East Street market than at this rather exclusive hotel in Exeter. Willis was a heavily built man with closely cropped black hair and rather protuberant grey eyes. His complexion was sallow but his overall physique indicated he would be no pushover in a fight.

On seeing Redbourne and Steele, he grinned. "Well, well. Just like the old days! Could be back at the Fox on Denmark Hill, eh? Remember the last time we was there?"

Redbourne clapped him on the back and nodded towards a table in the corner, away from the bar and the listening ears of the barman. "Ted, get us all a whisky and soda." He handed him the cash and headed for the table.

"So, Rex, what's the problem? I'm surprised you need any help from me!"

"Remember that copper - Temple? The one who was a right pain in the arse for all of us?"

"Sure I remember him. He got my brother sent down, the bastard. Always looked as though he was still on parade in the army. Don't tell me 'e's down here."

"The bugger's not only here - he's getting right up my nose!"

Steele returned with the drinks and a bowl of crisps. "Compliments of the house, I was told." He handed out the glasses and sat opposite Willis.

"So," Willis asked, "you two been up to no good. Must've been otherwise Temple wouldn't be giving you grief."

"We're doing alright, Pete." Steele said. "Least ways, we was till Temple stuck his nose in." Redbourne nudged Steele to keep his voice down.

"So," Willis leaned closer, "Temple been sticking his nose in where it ain't wanted? Spoiling your little games, eh?"

"He has and it's time we put a stop to him for once and all." Redbourne spoke purposefully.

"You saying, what I think you're saying?" Willis asked. For response, Redbourne nodded. "Like ... finish him off?"

Steele sat forward and looked at Redbourne, "If there's any finishing off, that's my job, Boss."

"Don't be bloody daft. You're too well known in these parts. You'd be an obvious suspect. No, we need Pete here. No one in the sticks would tie us in. You, me and Davey need to be well out of the way with good solid alibis. Use your bloody head for once in your life!" Steele sat back and pondered what he'd heard.

"Willis leaned forward again, "How and when do you want it done?"

"The 'how' is up to you. You've handled this type of thing before. You'll be well paid. As to when, as soon as you like. The sooner the better."

"Since this would be a hanging matter being a copper an all - it'll damn well need to be worth it."

"You'll get £1000 up front now. Then £3000 after the job's done. How does that sound?"

"'Bout right."

"I'll ring you tomorrow and give you details of where he lives and the number of the car he drives. Then it's up to you." He pulled a small parcel out of his pocket and handed it to Willis. "There - £1000 in used notes. When you tip me the wink it's done, Ted'll bring the rest. Okay?"

Willis tried to stuff the packet into his pocket but it was too thick, so he self-consciously put it under his arm before standing up. "As ever, Rex, it's a pleasure to do business with you." He left the bar and Redbourne watched as he went out into the Cathedral Square.

Steele sat sullenly watching Willis, before turning to Redbourne. "All that bloody money. I'd have done it for half that! Is it worth it?"

Redbourne drank his whisky. "Listen, Ted, you, me and Charlie will make ten times that once Temple is off our backs. 'Course it's bloody worth it."