Part 39 (1/2)

Mitch.e.l.l watched dumbfounded as Galloway turned on his heels and walked out of the room. Slowly he stood up, holding his aching ribs as he reached out for the envelope. He was still counting the money when Billy Sullivan put his head round the door.

'My bloke wants ter 'ave a word wiv yer, if it's all right,' he said.

Mitch.e.l.l nodded as he pocketed the envelope. 'Tell 'im ter come in.'

Danny Tanner walked in, followed by his father, and immediately held out his hand. 'No grudges?' he asked.

Mitch.e.l.l smiled as he gripped the young man's palm. 'No grudges. Yer a good fighter. I reckon yer'll go a long way,' he said, sitting down heavily. 'If yer take my advice, though, yer'll get out while yer in one piece, before the likes o' Galloway gets their 'ooks inter yer.'

Will Tanner stepped forward and held out his hand. 'I gotta say yer got a lot o' guts, Jake,' he said. 'Most would 'ave stayed on the floor but you didn't.'

The battered fighter shook his hand and smiled painfully. 'Fanks, mate. By the way, I'm lookin' fer work as from Monday mornin'. If yer 'ear of anyfing, I'd be grateful fer a nod.'

'Yer mean Galloway sacked yer, jus' 'cos yer lost?' William asked him in a shocked voice.

Mitch.e.l.l nodded. 'It seems 'e only backs winners.'

William leant against the wall and looked intently at Mitch.e.l.l. 'Tell me straight, Jake. What's yer feelin's terwards Galloway now?' he asked quietly.

Mitch.e.l.l spat, 'As far as I'm concerned, 'e can rot in 'ell.'

'Will yer do me a favour before yer go 'ome? Will yer 'ave a word wiv a pal o' mine?' asked William.

Mitch.e.l.l nodded. 'Why not?'

The Tanners left the room and William walked quickly over to Joe Maitland who was waiting in the yard. ''E said 'e'll see yer. Good luck, Joe.'

Florrie Axford was sitting in her parlour with a mug of tea at her elbow. Joe Maitland sat facing her, his face impa.s.sive as she questioned him.

'Well, tell me 'ow yer come ter get the proof yer needed then,' she coaxed.

He grinned finally. 'As a matter o' fact, Jake Mitch.e.l.l come up trumps,' he said. ''E told me 'e was in the yard office when that crooked 'oreson of a copper put bets on wiv Galloway. What's more, 'e said 'e's actually seen the inspector at a couple o' the fights. Best of all, Mitch.e.l.l's willin' ter make a statement.'