Goniff wandered along the wide border that ran along the west wall of the back garden, taking the time to enjoy all the color and smells from the flowers that were blooming there. When he reached the opening at the edge that led out towards the parkland he was surprised to be met by Casino, and the pungent odor of newly turned earth. "What'r you up to, then?"

The square-built con scowled up at the little cockney who stood grinning down at him in the morning light. "None a you'r business!" He rocked back on his heels and pushed to his feet, turning he jabbed a stiffened finger into the middle of the cat burglar's chest. "And it's none a the other guy's business either!"

"Get over yourself, mate. Who gives tuppence what you'r about anyway?" He knocked the man's hand aside, something he didn't normally do. "Beside we already know you like a little putter round the garden."

Casino stood there frowning to himself as Goniff moved off down the path. He'd been real careful about stashing the tools when he was done with them and he always checked to make sure none a the other guys were out around this part of the yard when he came out to mess around with the bushes… He turned on his heel and followed after the second story man. "How!? How'd you find out?"

Goniff glanced back over his shoulder and grinned. "Those bloody shoes a yours for one, mate. Chiefy took a look at 'em and decided you couldn't get that much dirt worked into the soles if it wasn't freshly dug up… Actor figger'd it wasn't no accident since it kept happenin'. I noticed the knees a your trousers was stained and a bit sprung." He shrugged his shoulders as he continued on his way. "And when I asked the Warden 'bout it he told me to mind my own business. He said that everyone d'served a hobby…even the likes a you."

"It's not a hobby!" He growled. "It's just… It's… Well, Ma had a rose garden see, and I used to help her keep the bushes trimmed up and when I spotted these it didn't look like there was anybody around to see to 'em and….well…." Casino came up short when he looked up to find Goniff standing there in front of him grinning. "Oh shut up!"

"Me?" Goniff tried his best to look offended before he broke out in a grin. "I ain't said a word."

Rudy Solari December 21, 1934