Read Black & Blue: Where it all began…… (D.S Hunter Kerr) for Free Online Page A

I’ve checked - you’ve never worked there.”
    His face took on a startled look. “What gear?”
    For a split-second George’s reply threw him. Recovering quickly Hunter said, “You know what gear I’m talking about – those copper boilers.”
    George shook his head. “Don’t know what you’re on about. Search the place if you want. You won’t find any copper boilers here.”
    His comment caught him aback again. He stumbled for a reply and found none. Instead he darted his finger forward, stabbing George in the chest.
    George tried to avoid it and fell back wards against the edge of the kitchen units. He winced.
    Hunter finally spat out, “ Get your coat on Jud we’ll sort this out back down the nick.”
    “You’re gonna look a fool you know.”
    Hunter stepped back. “What?”
    George returned a sheepish look, “I don’t want to tell you your job or anything, but I ain’t gonna cough anything in interview. It’s gonna be your word against mine.”
    “Your word against mine! I caught you red handed.”
    “And how’s that gonna look with your bosses eh? You let me walk away with stolen gear.”
    Hunter was flabbergasted. He couldn’t believe George Hudson’s cheek.
    “Look young ‘un give me a break and I’ll give you something in return. You’ve had a few house burglaries just lately - yes?”
    Hunter’s thoughts were racing. “What do you know about those?”
    “I hear a lot. I know an old lady was hurt the other night.”
    “You know who did that?”
    George shook his head. “Not yet I don’t, but it won’t take me long to find out who’s done it. What’s say you and I make each other a deal?”
    Hunter fixed him with a penetrating glare.
    “Don’t look like that at me. We’re haggling here over a bit of scrap. You give me a break and I’ll get you promotion.”
    Hunter was going to tell him the job didn’t work like that, but he bit down on his lip. Clearing his throat he said steadily, “So I forget what happened last night, and in return you tell me who’s been doing the break-ins and attacked the old woman – is that what you’re saying?”
    George pushed himself away from the kitchen units and straightened up. The look on his face changed and his eyes lit up. He nodded. “Exactly.”
    Hunter thought about it for a moment. He said, “You’ve pissed me off Jud – no doubt about it. I don’t like anyone pulling the wool over my eyes. Especially a two-bit villain like you.”
    George interrupted, “Look I know, but like I say this is just between us two. You could take me in and I’ll play the system - maybe I get prosecuted or maybe I don’t – that’s the risk you take. The other way is you let me off for nicking the scrap - I promise I won’t do it anymore, and in return I give you a bell the minute I find out who’s done the burglaries. What do you say?”
    Hunter pulled his hand away and thought through what George had said. After a few seconds he replied, “Let me tell you this Jud, if this is more of your bullshit you and I will fall out good style. I’ll tell you now, if I don’t hear from you within the next fortnight I’ll hound you like there’s no tomorrow and I’ll put it out all round the estate you’re a grass.”
    George returned a wide-eyed look and nodded eagerly, “I’ll give you a bell – I promise.”
    Hunter turned on his heel and left the house without closing the door behind him. Inside he was smarting but he knew George Hudson had one up on him. Though, the last thing he wanted was to look the fool in front of his colleagues, especially as this was his probationary period.
     
    - ooOoo -
     
     
     

     
    CHAPTER EIGHT
     
    Hunter checked his voicemail. Nothing. It had been five days since his run-in with George Hudson and he hadn’t heard anything from him. He hoped it wasn’t going to be another one of his ruses. He was double-checking his tray to see if anyone had put a note in there when he felt a tap on his shoulder. He