Retribution
Chapter 9 Revised
"So, who or what is Beautiful?"
Before Garrison could formulate a cautious answer, Actor spoke up. "I am."
Terry stared at the handsome man. "I wouldn't call you beautiful," she said, thinking it was too feminine for him.
"Yes, you would," said Craig with humor.
Terry looked at her brother in surprise. "I called him Beautiful."
Garrison nodded.
The girl looked up at the closed face of the older man. "I think you are very handsome, Sir. But I can't see calling you 'beautiful.' Seems a bit derogatory."
The 'sir' and the comment were too much for Garrison and he began to laugh.
"Oh, thank you very much, Warden," said Actor indignantly.
"Warden?" asked the girl. "Oh, I forgot. We're convicts."
Actor gave his character exasperated sigh. "You and he," he pointed to the officer, "are not convicts. The rest of us are. You would do good to remember that." He gathered his dignity around him. "If you will excuse me." He pushed past Garrison and left the room.
"I think I have annoyed him," said Terry.
"You're good at that."
"Oh," she said. "Did I hurt his feelings by not remembering him?"
Garrison gave a short chuckle. "Don't worry about it. He doesn't have feelings to get hurt."
Terry peered around her brother and the door to watch the tall stiff back disappear down the hall. Her expression was dubious.
GGG
It was five hours before Casino returned with the papers. Craig had been sitting with Terry most of that time. The Masons were thanked sincerely for staying with the girl, especially since it was longer than the projected time. After assuring the Lieutenant they would be happy to return at any time if their services were needed, the couple left the hospital.
Chief came to Terry's room to get the Lieutenant. He gave the girl a slight smile.
"Warden, Casino's back. What do you want us to do?" the Indian asked.
Garrison looked at his sister.
"I'm fine," she said, not sure why that drew a grin from Chief. "Go do what you have to do."
Craig nodded and got up from the chair to follow Chief back to the waiting room. Actor was looking at the papers with Casino sprawled next to him on a couch that had seen better days.
"What took you so long?" asked Garrison.
Casino snorted, "You try gettin' away from the Sgt./Major."
"What do we have?" Craig turned his attention to Actor.
"Locations of stolen goods, descriptions of the men who pawned them from the owners of the shops." Actor looked up at him. "I would suggest we find other accommodations, so we may talk with a little more privacy."
"And what accommodations do you have in mind?" asked Garrison with a sinking feeling he knew the answer to that.
Actor stood and handed the papers to Garrison. "Allow me to make a few phone calls and see what is available."
Craig took Actor's seat as the tall man went down the hall to the pay phone. He glanced at each page quickly.
"Uh, Warden," broached Casino, turning his head to look at the officer. "Kid Sister has Terry's car."
"How?" asked Craig in surprise.
"Paolo called Kit, Kit called Collins, Collins told Chris."
He should have known. "We'll deal with that later." Garrison began reading the descriptions of the men. They sounded pretty much like anybody from the seedier parts of London. How did they find out about the Mansion and its contents?
In a short time, Actor returned. "We have our usual suite at the Windsor," he said.
Garrison frowned. "For five of us?" he asked dubiously.
"Three," corrected the con man. At Garrison's still dubious countenance he continued. "Casino and Goniff usually find other sleeping arrangements. If they are unsuccessful, they know how to access the suite without being seen."
Obviously, his men had this down to a routine, thought Craig. This should be enlightening. He could stay at the hospital, go stay in an army barracks, or drop his misfits at the hotel and drive to the Mansion, but he wanted in on this one. The men described in the papers Casino had retrieved had hurt his sister. He wanted them to pay for it, but he would have to keep his men on a tight leash or the assailants would pay for it permanently.
Actor was eying the Lieutenant's uniform. It would raise questions at the Windsor. Hopefully the desk clerks would not remember seeing him before, when Garrison set Teresa on him and Elizabeth. Ah, why couldn't anything be simple.
"Warden, we will need to stop at my bank on the way so I may access my finances. Then we need to get you a set of civilian clothes before we enter the Windsor." He gave the officer a knowing look. "And if you plan on coming with us to reacquire the items taken from the Mansion, I doubt you will wish to be seen in a uniform."
The man had a point, but that presented another problem. "Yes, but if I am seen by anyone in the military who knows me and I am out of uniform, it will not be acceptable to the Army."
Actor smiled. "Of course, it will," he said. "You are simply working in disguise as you do on a mission." With a twinkle in his bright hazel eyes, the Italian added in a familiar British accent, "You have an excellent barrister to represent you."
"Okay, go tell Terry where we're going in case we're needed," ordered Garrison. Even minor payback was satisfying.
The look he received from his confidence man said he had hit a nerve. "She doesn't know me. You are her brother. She would probably appreciate that coming from you."
"I don't know," Garrison shrugged. "She doesn't know me either. And if I let you tell the nurses, it'll be another hour before we get out of here."
This elicited laughs from the other men.
"Really, Lieutenant," objected Actor.
"Really, Actor." Craig gave him a big fake smile. "Do it. She needs to get used to you again."
Obviously unhappy, the Italian strode down the hall toward the girl's room.
"He's gonna scare the crap out of her," predicted Casino.
"Maybe it'll tweak 'er mem'ry, Casino," offered Goniff.
Garrison shook his head. "Come on, let's talk to the nurses so they know how to get hold of us if they have to."
Actor tried to compose himself before entering Teresa's room. He must not have done it well enough. The girl looked up startled at his entrance and peered around him.
"Are you alone?" she asked.
"Yes, why?" he asked.
"Listen, I'm sorry," Terry apologized sincerely. "I obviously said a few things wrong. I wasn't trying to insult you or make fun of you."
Actor gave a small rueful smile and shook his head. "No, cara, you said nothing wrong."
Terry motioned to a chair. "Have a seat," she said.
"I can't," said Actor, smiling now. "I came to tell you we are going to the Windsor to stay until we take you back to the Mansion tomorrow. I am sure the Lieutenant is leaving contact information with the staff. If you need us, please have them call us. The suite will be under the name of Count Mancini."
Terry frowned, "That sounds familiar."
"It should. It is an alias I use on missions," explained the con man. He wasn't about to tell her she had all three parts to his real name in her mind now.
The girl smiled. "I'll be fine."
Actor nodded. "You might feel better when you get to the Mansion and familiar surroundings. Not that this isn't familiar. We have been in and out of here enough times in the past year." He glanced out into the hall. "I should go now. I hope you feel better soon."
"Thank you," said Terry.
Actor turned and walked back out and down the hall. He didn't see Terry lean forward and twist to watch him as far as she could.
GGGGG
An hour and a half later, Actor, Chief and Garrison were finally in the suite. Casino and Goniff would sneak up in a few minutes. Garrison looked around the room. It was maybe not quite as elegant as the Savoy, but not far off. At least they didn't have a butler here. Butlers made Craig a bit uncomfortable.
Chief took the bedroom on the right. Actor picked up his and the Lieutenant's bags and went into the room on the left. At least Casino had the foresight this time to bring a kit for each of them. Looking between the two bedrooms, Garrison gave a shrug and followed Actor. The beds had been divided into two singles.
"I take it we're bunking together?" asked Craig.
The Italian looked over his shoulder at him. "I thought it would be a good idea. Neither of us will probably sleep much until we are back at the Mansion. And one never knows if Goniff will get lucky or come back here. I don't think either of us would like to share a room with him."
Garrison nodded in agreement. He took his bag and removed his uniform, hanging it in the armoire. Actor put his other set of clothes next to Garrison's. The open doors of the armoire afforded Craig with a look at himself in the mirror. He had to admit, Actor had good taste in clothes, among other things. The suit Craig was wearing was a warm brown color and could be made to look formal or casual. The brown shoes were fine quality leather. If Actor had tried to buy him underwear too, Craig would have helped Terry deck him. He still felt uncomfortable allowing Actor to pay for things like clothing and the suites they had stayed in. At least the confidence man had never made any attempt turn it into a bribe . . . yet.
Next order of business was to get Terry's car back. Craig walked back out to the living room portion of the suite and place a call on the black Swedish-style telephone. While the phone was ringing on the other end, he took a seat in the comfortable stuffed chair.
"Hello?" said the familiar feminine voice.
"Hi," replied Craig.
"Are you back?" asked Chris excitedly.
Craig smiled. "Yes, we're back."
"Good! Maybe Kelly will get back tonight."
"Chris, I understand you have an item belonging to your sister," prompted the older brother.
"Yes, it's here. It's fine. Is Terry still in the hospital? I was just going to go visit her."
"You can. She's still there. And you can drop the car off afterwards. We'll get you back home."
"Are you at the Mansion?" the girl asked quizzically.
"No. We're staying in London until we take Terry home tomorrow afternoon."
"You don't sound like you're at the hospital," remarked Chris. "Which hotel has Actor got you stashed in?"
"The Windsor," said Craig obviously unhappy.
The said person strolled into the living room and took a seat in the other chair and mouthed "Christine?" at Garrison.
Craig nodded.
"The usual room and under the usual name?" asked the girl casually.
"And how many times have you stayed here with him?" questioned Craig with exasperation now.
"Just the once with Terry," replied Chris, "But I know the routine."
"Routine huh?"
"Oh, you know what I mean," retorted Chris.
"No, I don't." Craig looked at Actor. "She wants to know if it is the usual 'routine'?"
"Tell her it is," replied Actor with a smile.
"Yes," said Craig into the phone.
"Oh, I guess it's under the same name?" she asked, just to make sure.
"Count Mancini," said Craig in irritation.
"Yes, same name." Chris could tell her brother was peeved. It was too bad. He used to have a sense of humor. "I'll be there as soon as I can," she said. "Someone will take me home? Or I could stay with you . . ."
"We'll get you home," said Garrison firmly. He just had to decide who would do the driving.
Chris assured him she would be there soon and hung up.
Garrison turned his irritated gaze to Actor. The confidence man smiled benignly.
"Is there a problem with Teresa's car?" asked the Italian.
"Besides my youngest sister driving it? No."
"I'm sure she will take the utmost care of it." Actor smiled reassuringly, which did nothing to reassure Garrison.
Before the Lieutenant could say anything more, the door opened, and Casino strode in followed by Goniff. The pickpocket threw himself on his back on the couch. The safecracker knocked his feet off and sat on the end.
"Hey, can we get goin' here?" asked Casino. "We got two dames waitin' on us at the Mucky Duck."
"Mary?" asked Chief, emerging from his bedroom.
"Naw, Ellie and Louise."
Actor looked askance at Casino. "I don't seem to recall those names?" he remarked.
Casino put on a snooty air. "That's because you don't move in our circles."
"Thank goodness," replied Actor with more than a tinge of sarcasm.
Garrison glared at his safecracker. "Did I say you could spend the night with a couple of women?"
"Routine," inserted Actor, trying to hide his mirth. He received a glare from Garrison.
"Come on, Warden," wheedled Goniff. "Wot else we have to do 'til morning?"
It would be quieter in the suite without the two miscreants. "Okay, but back by nine o'clock tomorrow morning." Garrison turned to his second. "And I suppose you want to spend the night with one of your girlfriends or whatever you call them?"
Actor's eyebrow rose. "I told you I would stay here tonight. Besides, I checked with Elizabeth earlier and she has a previous engagement." The con man neglected to say the woman had a permanent, of sorts, roommate now.
Chief wondered why he was being left out of this, but decided it was better he didn't ask. Especially if he wanted to see Christine again. Not that they could even kiss with the Warden around.
Garrison picked up the papers with the list of pawn shops, items which had been pawned and the descriptions of the men who had pawned the goods from the Mansion. He eyed his men. This had turned into a mission, so they might as well brief.
"Tomorrow morning, we visit these places, try to get a better description of the men and find out how much this is going to cost the Army to buy back the Mansion's belongings. We have to have a figure to give to Major Richards."
Casino shook his head and chuckled. "Warden, if we take you into the pop shops, you're gonna have to lose the attitude." This drew a sharp look from the officer. "Hey," the safecracker continued, "You might be wearin' real clothes, but you look, sound and act like military. They aren't gonna want to talk to you."
Garrison tossed the papers on the table and glared at his men. An angry Lieutenant was not a good thing, even if it was rather humorous, so Actor stepped in.
"No Casino," he cajoled. "You know how well the Warden pulls a con on missions. Just because this is England does not mean he cannot do the same here."
"Wanna bet?"
"No, he doesn't," said Garrison firmly.
Chief had not seen the papers yet, so he picked them up and started scanning them. With a frown, he went back and read them a little more closely. His frown caught the safecracker's attention.
"They could be anybody," said Casino.
"What's the matter with you guys?" demanded the Indian. "Don't you look at faces when you're bustin' their chops?"
"What do you mean?" asked Garrison.
"These are the ones who were with the guy who knifed me at the Doves."
There was silence as they all stared at the Indian. Actor stepped forward, holding out his hand. "May I?"
Chief handed the papers to him. Actor leafed slowly through the pages, eyebrows coming together as he re-read the descriptions.
"He's correct," said the con man, "these are the men from Manchester. But why are in they in London and not back in Manchester?"
"Easier to lose the stuff, Mate," replied Goniff. "Why carry it across England?'
"You think they're smart enough for that? Casino scoffed.
"Why not?" added Garrison. "They were smart enough to dump Terry's car."
"Okay," admitted Casino. "So now what are we gonna do?"
Garrison grinned wickedly. "We don't wait until morning to call Major Richards. He can get someone on it with the police station in Brandonshire. See if we can find out where these men might be hiding."
"Then what?" asked Chief.
"Depends on where they are, and how much of a fight they put up." Craig hoped they would be very uncooperative.
"We still can't do anything here until morning," said Casino. He grinned. "We can do a lot at the Mucky Duck."
"Nine, Casino. You be back by nine in the morning or both of you will be spending a long time in the stockade," Garrison gave his threatening look.
It didn't faze the safecracker. This time they would be on time. Both he and Goniff wanted in on this one. Especially if they went after the men who had done this to Terry. Still, it wouldn't do if the Warden changed his mind. Casino stood up and slapped Goniff's knees.
"Come on, Mate, before the girls find someone else to take home."
Goniff was up in an instant and following his friend out the door.
Garrison turned a questioning look at Chief. "You're not going with them?"
The Indian made a face of disgust. "No thanks, Warden.
8
