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walked across and sat down, just as Pathe news started up loudly on the screen. Then it was all about Robin Hood who promised to be coming soon, but not played by an Englishman, no, the essential English hero of the people was to be portrayed by Captain Blood himself Errol Flynn. Royle rolled his eyes in the darkness and made a promise to avoid that little gem when it came out. Then came the cartoon, which he found very funny and he hoped that like Porky, he too might get the girl and a little romance for a change.
    At lights up, before the main feature, he made a point of walking over to the cigarette girl and buying another packet of Woodbines and a box of matches. Taking a little too long to hand her the money, he felt her slim white gloved fingers give his own a slight squeeze and they both exchanged smiles, before parting.
    As promised the film was good, not Royle considered in the same league as Thirty-Nine Steps, but good all the same. He waited back for as long as he could and then turning up his collar against the night air, he exited the Regal. Outside he lit yet another cigarette and leaned back against the wall. He was onto his third cigarette when a man's voice disturbed his quiet smoking.
    "And what might you be doing?"
    A lamp shone in his face and below it, he could make out the uniform sleeve. Looking up at the owner, he could clearly see the police officer's unmistakable helmet. Harry Royle froze in the lamplight, his fingers hesitated above the heavy coat pocket. He decided to bluff it out, this was real life, not the pictures and besides which, he was no Jimmy Cagney, more like Robert Donat, who was a gentleman and would talk his way out.
    Handcuffed and on the run, was all Harry could now see, Donat in the 39 Steps.
    "Remove your hat, please Sir?"
    "Hey love you in trouble for flashing those legs again?"
    Both men looked around at the smiling woman in the dark green coat. It was the cigarette, girl. Without another word, she brushed past the officer and kissed Harry full on the lips. She then turned and addressed the policeman directly.
    "Honestly officer I can't leave this young man of mine alone for ten minutes without him getting in trouble. The last time it was impersonating a film star, what's this charge?"
    The police officer grinned and took a step back. Harry realised the play and moved in.
    "You've got me constable, honest I'll come quietly."
    With this, he held out both hands ready for handcuffs, in pantomime fashion. The officer waved him away.
    "Miss I trust you can vouch for his good character, so I'll leave him to you. Take him home he looks cold."
    "Will do constable, I always obey the law."
    Harry offered the woman his elbow and she linked his arm. He felt her warmth as she leaned in close. The policeman's noisy footfalls fell away as the couple picked up the pace.
    "Susan, by the way, and you are?"
    Royle smiled.
    "Harry, pleased to meet you. About that kiss?"
    She looked at the pavement and he could sense her blush.
    "Oh, that. Coppers, you know, they're always annoying folk and I didn't really think, I was just hoping he wasn't going to ask me your name, otherwise what would he have thought? Honestly."
    With this they both laughed. They walked and talked for more than half an hour, and Harry was lost in more ways than one when they came to the end of the journey. At the door, Harry kissed Susan goodnight and took the offered telephone number, but held back from being pushy. She was a nice girl and he didn't want to overstep the mark. The faded brown door closed behind her.
    Harry turned on his heel and then remembered that he didn't know where he was and didn't even know in which direction the Regal was in. He still had some money and if he could walk through to the main road, he would be able to hail a taxi. He pushed his hands into his coat pockets and suddenly felt the cold steel of the gun. Despite the cool air, he felt warm, too warm, as a hot flush rushed through his body. He knew