Beer, Darts and Friends
They were back in the mansion and everything was good. Command was happy with their latest mission in France and Garrison was in a reasonably good mood, good enough to let them go to The Doves pub in the village – as long as they behaved. He'd given Actor, Goniff and Casino a dressing down earlier about what they'd done but it was halfhearted, perhaps he was still hungover!
The three cons grinned at each other as they left the Warden's office to get ready to go out and pulled up short. Chief was standing outside the door, he twirled his knife in his right hand as he glared meaningfully at them, he silently turned on his heel and walked away. They looked at each other and breathed out in relief.
That night Chief stayed at the mansion when they went out to The Doves. He hadn't been asked to join them and didn't want to invite himself along, it didn't feel right. Maybe he'd got it all wrong about the 'friends' stuff after all, perhaps they were still afraid of him. He'd previously actively encouraged that attitude in order to have no contact with them so he only had himself to blame. He sat down and contemplated the next move he was going to make in the chess game he was playing with the Warden on the board in front of him. Ten minutes later Garrison came in and sat opposite him. "You ready?"
Chief smiled confidantly and moved his knight. "Checkmate in two Warden."
Garrison laughed and knocked over his king. "I hoped you hadn't seen that, you're getting good at this." He set up his pieces and waited for Chief to do the same. "This time I won't go easy on you."
Chief moved a pawn. "Do your worst Warden."
GG-GG-GG
The next day Goniff was in the common room playing solitaire when he heard a continual thud from outside. He sauntered over to the window and watched Chief as he practiced throwing his knife into a target. He hit centre every time.
Goniff considered this and, whistling chirpily to himself, wandered over to a cupboard. He took out a dartboard and some darts and strolled nonchalantly down the stairs out into the courtyard. "Chiefy me old mate, have you heard of the traditional English game of darts?" he enquired innocently.
Chief pulled his blade out of the target. "No, what's that?"
"This is," said Goniff as he set up the board, turned, paced out about seven feet and drew a line in the dirt with his foot. He handed the darts to Chief. "What you do Chiefy is stand here and throw these darts at the board over there and take off what you scored. You start off at 301 and work your way down to zero, but you have to end on a double."
"What's a double?" said Chief as he hefted the darts, feeling their weight.
Goniff walked over to the board and indicated the outer ring. "This is a double, this is a treble, this is the bullseye – its worth fifty and the outer bullseye is worth 25, you can see the other numbers around the edge. This is how you throw." He walked back, took a dart from Chief, aimed and threw it overarm at the target. Chief copied but missed the board, he frowned, tried again and hit the edge.
Goniff ran up and collected the darts. He brought them back and Chief tried again. The first two darts hit the edge of the board again. Chief weighed the dart in this hand. "This feels wrong Goniff I wouldn't throw 'em like that."
Goniff looked at him with interest. "How would you throw 'em then mate?"
Chief faced the board and threw the last dart underarm – it quivered as it flew in with a thud. He walked up and retrieved the three darts, returned to the line and threw them again – one seventeen, a nineteen and a twenty.
Goniff watched closely as Chief took out the darts and returned to the line. He weighed each dart in his hand again and looked intently at the board. He threw the darts – one bullseye and two outers.
Again, he walked up to the board, retrieved the darts and stepped back to the line. He threw the darts – three treble twenties in a nice neat line.
He walked up to the board, retrieved the darts and returned to the line. He threw the darts – three bullseyes! "Easy Goniff," he declared.
Goniff gave him a huge grin and rubbed his hands. "Chiefy why don't you come down The Doves with us tonight and we'll have a little fun and make a big profit out of Casino!"
Chief grinned. "Sounds good to me!"
GG-GG-GG
At seven o'clock Casino, Actor and Goniff prepared to climb out through the severed bar of the window in the common room. They'd secretly made the escape route just after they'd arrived at the mansion so they could sneak off down to the village and have a pint or three and a few games of darts at The Doves without the Warden knowing. Chief had reckoned if he stayed in he could have a peaceful few hour's sleep before the others returned, talking loudly and reeking of beer and cigarettes. Instead he used it to get out so he could go for his early morning runs with Garrison.
"Why don't we ask Chiefy if he wants to come with us tonight," enquired Goniff innocently.
"Why Limey? He's never wanted to go out with us before. After the other day I don't think he'd want to be anywhere near us except to scalp us with that pigsticker of his," answered Casino, eager to get out for a pint.
"Don't be like that mate. Perhaps you haven't asked him right," said Goniff as he turned to the figure sitting at the table, studying the chess board. "Hey, Chiefy have you ever tried traditional English beer? I'll stand you a couple of pints down The Doves if you fancy comin' with us."
Chief played along with the misdirect. "No I haven't Goniff. Ok, I'll give it a try if you're buyin'."
Actor's sixth sense alerted him to a con, he looked up sharply and narrowed his eyes, he knew it wasn't aimed at him. Someone was about to be shaken down big time, he had a good idea who it was and was more than willing to play along. "It's an acquired taste Chief, but very refreshing," he added.
They shifted the bar to one side and climbed out down the ivy-covered wall. They trotted across the lawns, climbed the outer wall and walked the two miles down the lane to The Doves.
Half an hour later they were sitting in the bar, each with a pint of beer before them. Chief looked around as he sipped on his drink, listening to the chatter going on around him, he'd never been in a pub before. The locals acknowledged Actor, Goniff and Casino and included him in their greetings as part of the group, there was no sign of prejudice against him, he was just one of the gang.
Eventually Casino wandered off to join a few men playing darts, he was reasonably good and the games were even. Chief glanced at Goniff, who nodded and inclined his head towards the board, he got up, wandered over and appeared to take an interest. He stood to one side and watched the darts as they went into the board. "What you playin' Casino?" he asked innocently.
Casino waved a hand expansively. "This, my friend is darts, a quaint old English game of skill and marksmanship."
Chief looked at the board in puzzlement. "How'd you play?"
Casino explained the rules, how to hold the darts and throw them. Chief listened intently but seemed to fail to understand the basics of the game. He turned away to go back to the table.
Casino called out. "Hey, Geronimo. Why don't we have a little game for a couple of quid?"
Chief slowly shook his head. "Don't have much money Casino."
Casino decided to feel generous. "No sweat babe, I'll spot you for ten ok?"
"Ok," said Chief reluctantly. Casino peeled off some notes from a wad in his pocket and handed them over.
Actor leaned forward eagerly – the game was on and he wanted in on it. "Goniff, can Chief really play darts?" he asked quietly out the corner of his mouth.
Goniff grinned as he watched the two men. "Like a bloody demon mate, but let's play it out slow. Don't want to let Casino know what's happenin'."
Actor eyes lit up, "Alright!" Chief seemed to have a real, unexpected talent for the con game he thought and watched intently as events unfolded.
The games carried on. Chief threw overarm and lost every time, the darts went all over the board and some even fell out on the floor. He seemed to get more and more despondent whereas Casino grew more and more confident of his superiority and, fuelled by beer, felt invincible.
At last Chief ran out of money and turned to go. "Hey Geronimo let's carry on playin' how's about I spot you another fifty." Casino peeled off some more notes from the wad in his pocket, handed them to Chief and turned to Goniff and Actor, "Anyone else want to bet on the game?"
"Sure Casino, I'll bet fifty on Chief," said Actor, putting his money on the table with a smile.
"Ditto mate," said Goniff, winking at Chief and adding to the pile.
"Count me in Pappy," said Chief as he slapped his money on the table to join the rest.
Casino started to smell a rat as Actor, who was always the banker for their bets, shuffled the notes into a neat pile and waited for Casino to hand his over. "That will be a hundred and fifty to cover the bets Casino."
Casino counted out the money and slammed it down on the table. "Ok, but we start at 501 this time," he declared.
"Hey that's not fair, don't change the rules," shouted Goniff, but he smiled to himself - Chief would wipe the floor with him! A local stood at the chalkboard ready to score the game.
Casino walked back to the board and waved expansively for Chief to go first, he took his place on the line and threw underarm. Bang, bang, bang – three treble 20s – 180.
Chief retrieved his darts and smiled at Casino as he took his turn. Bang, bang, bang – three twenties – 60.
Chief stepped up, he didn't even seem to take aim. Bang, bang, bang – three treble 20s – 180. He retrieved his darts.
Casino walked to the line glaring at his opponent. Bang, bang, bang – treble 20 and two 20s – 100
The locals in the pub gathered round, excitedly watching the masterclass in progress, private bets were being exchanged on the outcome.
Casino was sweating, what the hell was goin' on? He had a damn good idea and looked sharply at Goniff and Actor who were sitting at their table, enjoying their drinks and the game. They smiled and raised their glasses towards him.
Chief walked up to the scorer. "What do I need to win?" he enquired. He already knew but it was fun to rub Casino's face in it a little longer.
The scorer looked at the board. "There's 141 left so you'll need treble 20, treble 19 and double 12 or, if you'd rather, treble 17, treble 18 and double 18. Chief looked closely at the board as if trying to see where the numbers were and walked back to the line. He turned to the dartboard. Casino closed his eyes. The darts flew. Bang, bang, bang
The onlookers broke into loud cheers and applause, several of them raised their glasses to the new champion. Casino opened his eyes, he didn't need to look at the board. "You got 141 didn't you?" he muttered through clenched teeth.
Chief smiled. "Uh huh."
"I declare Chief the winner!" Actor loudly announced to the gathered throng.
Goniff punched the air in triumph. "That's my boy, well done Chiefy you showed him!"
Casino whirled round and jabbed an angry finger at Chief. "I want my money back. You cheated, somehow you cheated!" he complained loudly.
"Stop your whinin' Casino. You were beaten fair 'n square," shouted Goniff, picking up his pint.
Casino was furious. "He's a damn ringer. You cheated you rotten little Limey. I'll break you in two you crumb!"
"Chief, have you ever played darts before today?" called out Goniff.
"Never," answered Chief truthfully.
"Taught him this afternoon. He's got natural talent!" Goniff declared to the whole pub, waving a hand at his protégé.
Casino knew when he was beat and accepted defeat with bad grace. Goniff and Actor split some of their own winnings with Chief, adding to the pile of money on the table before him. They ordered another round of beer.
Goniff leaned forward. "Well done mate. We could clean up in this place if you keep on winnin' like that. Fancy carryin' on?"
"Like takin' candy from a baby," laughed Chief, taking a sip of his fresh pint.
A stranger walked up and addressed him. "That was amazing, do you fancy another game for a round of drinks?" The man indicated for Chief to follow him.
"Sure I'd like that," drawled Chief as he picked up his glass and got up.
The man pointed to his friends. "Come over and meet the rest of the gang. Is this your first time here? Never seen you in here before. Do you work at the base? I'm Mike, this is Jack, this is Fred, this is Bert and that one over there is Jeremy. I'm sorry, what's your name?"
"Chief."
"That's unusual. Where do you come from Chief?"
"Arizona."
"That's in the USA isn't it? You must tell us all about it." He addressed his friends. "Guys, this is Chief from Arizona, USA and, as you've seen, he's a bloody good darts player, even if his style is a little unconventional. We must get him on the team."
The men crowded around, slapped Chief on the back and chatted about darts and beer. A foaming pint was pressed into his hand.
The team watched in amusement. "Aww. Looks like our Chiefy's got a fan club," remarked Goniff.
"And he hasn't killed anyone yet for touching him," observed Actor drily.
"Have either of you considered the money we could make out of him playin' darts?" asked Casino as he replayed the game in his head.
"Lots," said Actor.
"Yeah," said Goniff with a huge smile on his face.
Chief was bemused by all the attention over a silly little game. He'd never been the centre of so much attention before unless it was a posse, but these people genuinely enjoyed his company. They weren't bothered about him being an Indian, he was accepted for his prowess at darts and that was all that mattered to them. He looked back at his team mates and they waved him over with big smiles. He made his excuses and returned.
They raised their glasses as he approached. "To Chief, the new champion of The Doves darts team," toasted Actor. "Long may he reign supreme."
"I'll drink to that," said Goniff.
"Hey babe, you beat me fair 'n square, but I'll get you back at cards," grinned Casino. He inclined his glass towards Chief. "To good friends."
Chief looked at his drink and then to his team mates. "To good friends," he replied quietly.
Goniff rubbed his hands. "Right mates let's make some cash! Ready Chiefy?"
GG-GG-GG
Garrison was rudely awoken at 2 am by the sound of loud laughing, singing and people stumbling around outside. He swore, got up and padded to the window. "They are grounded," he said to himself. He pulled the curtain aside and watched as four figures stumbled across the courtyard towards the window that was their secret exit. He knew all about how the bar had been carefully cut to look like it was still solid, he'd looked for it after Chief started to join him on his early morning runs. It was his little secret now too!
He turned away and suddenly stopped. There were four? He turned back to watch as Actor and Casino walked arm in arm up to the wall. Chief staggered along behind, he was holding Goniff up. Casino bowed low to Actor and gestured for him to go up the ivy covered wall first. Actor gave an exaggerated bow in return and they bumped heads. Each stumbled back and then walked up to each other and clapped one another on the shoulder, laughing out loud.
Garrison chortled at the antics below him. "Oh God, what on earth have they been up to?" He hadn't had a call from the local police to go down and bail them out so he knew they hadn't gotten themselves into too much trouble.
Actor bowed again and started climbing up the wall, he fell down and landed on his backside. Everyone laughed and slapped each other on the back. Actor pulled himself up using the ivy and tried again with the same result. Goniff laughed, put his hand up to his mouth, staggered away from Chief and threw up in a flowerbed.
"Children, I've got four children on my hands!" laughed Garrison, he pulled on his trousers and went downstairs. He unlocked the front door, opened it and walked out, he leaned against the pillar at the top of the steps, crossed his arms and surveyed the scene with a mock glare on his face.
"Oops, Warden's here," slurred Chief, swaying gently.
Casino looked up and saw two Wardens wavering in front of him. "Hey, Wardens baby," he burbled. "You'll never guess, Gero.. Geromino... oops, dammit, Chiefy here is one ….hellova darts player. He beat ever.. ever..everyone in the pub tonight. Won us loads of moneeeeeey." He hiccupped and waved a gracious hand in the direction of his new best friend, realised he was pointing at Goniff and looked blearily around. "There you are. He's a damn ghost – always disappearin'."
Chief smiled and waved.
"Geronimo's had too much firewater, still he got us back in one piece. Only fell in the ditch once didn't ya Chiefy boy?" shouted Goniff from the flowerbed and then turned away to throw up again.
"Would you mind if we came in via the door tonight Warden? The ivy seems very un..un..cooperative," asked Actor as he weaved on the spot. He couldn't quite focus on the Lieutenant.
The glare vanished as Garrison tried unsuccessfully to hide a huge grin, he shook his head. "Go on, get in before you break your stupid necks climbing the wall."
They stumbled past him. Chief paused and pointed to the wall. "You...you know 'bout that?"
Garrison smiled and nodded. "Yes Chief and, as long as you behave, you can still use your little escape route."
"Ok Warden," Chief raised a finger and saluted him before he turned to go upstairs.
Garrison closed the door, locked it and looked round: Chief was slowly climbing the stairs holding on to the handrail for grim death, Casino was going up on all fours, Actor had given up and was collapsed in his chair in the library, Goniff sat on the bottom step with his head in his hands groaning. "Come on Goniff," he said as he hauled the thief to his feet and helped him up to the common room. He put him to bed, pulled a blanket over him and looked around. Casino had fallen, face first onto his bed, he was snoring loudly and drooling on the pillow, Garrison put a blanket over him as well.
Chief had made it to his bed, fallen on his back and half pulled a blanket over himself. Garrison carefully pulled it the rest of the way up, keeping his distance, he didn't want to disturb him and get a knife for his troubles, although Chief had seemed unusually amiable earlier.
He grabbed a blanket off Actor's bed and went downstairs to put it over him.
"My team," he grinned and went back to bed.
GG-GG-GG
A few hours later Chief was waiting outside as usual for their early morning run. Garrison noticed that he was looking a little pale. "Good night last night Chief?" he enquired solicitously.
"Don't even ask Warden." Chief was trying to decide whether a beer and whisky hangover was worse than one caused by red wine mixed with brandy, he declared it a tie and wondered if there were any painkillers left. Breakfast was definitely out of the question.
They had a gentle trot round the track as they were still suffering from their injuries but it helped to loosen up stiff muscles, the fresh air helped clear Chief's head, he still beat Garrison on the final sprint back to the mansion as usual, but today it was a very close run thing.
"Think I'll go back to bed," said Chief, looking decidedly under the weather.
Garrison watched his scout drag himself up the stairs to the door and go in. He smiled, at last they were a team, 'Garrison's Gorillas'. Garrison knew that's what everyone on the base called them, he knew the team had known about it for a while. It was supposed to be an insult but they'd taken that nickname on with pride.
"I like it," he thought and then went in to shower, put on his uniform and go to his office.