Sowerbutt's Housekeeping

The two men were sitting at the table in the Cheapside flat. Sowerbutt had insisted on covering it with layers of newspapers, “otherwise I’m a dead man. She will kill me if it is marked”.

Spaghetti had a pot of heavy-duty engine grease in front of him and was slowly rubbing it into his wooden cosh. Sowerbutt was cleaning his Smith & Wesson.
“That stuff stinks, Spaghetti, why do you always use it?” “An old boy down at the East India Docks, guv, gave me the tip. He used to tell me stories about the fights in the old days to get jobs. His length served him all his time, he still had it when we used to chat. The ones belonging to the other dockers would splinter on a dustbin lid or an iron bar.”

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Sowerbutt's Melee

Another Irish lad fell before One-Line’s onslaught, then he was caught up in the melee where Sowerbutt’s men were coshing and exchanging punches with their opponents. One of Spaghetti’s cousins was facing down a burly Irishman with his Frosolone flick-knife, opening and closing the razor-sharp blade; the Irishman mesmerised. The cousin jabbed at the big man, slashing his jacket. With a shout, the Irishman swung his fist, dropping to his knees and staring at his bloody arm in disbelief where another lightning-fast lunge had left its mark. The cousin wiped his blade on the stunned man’s jacket, pushed him over and turned back to the fight.

https://www.amazon.com.au/Colour-Red-Deal-Sowerbutt-Novels-ebook/dp/B00RL9FGKM 

Sowerbutt's Cushions

Sowerbutt was looking forward to some time with his lady; a meal at the George Hotel, round the corner in George Street, was the plan. The chef was past the call-up age but still passionate about his cooking. His liver dumplings with fried onions and roast breast of lamb with mint stuffing were legendary across Bedfordshire. Sowerbutt licked his lips thinking about the spiced apple fool.

Smiling, he opened the door to the upstairs flat to be greeted by two shoes followed by the local, thankfully thin, telephone directory. “Ooh, you bastard, I’m running out of things to throw at you,” Polly shouted. Fending off a succession of red, black and gold cushions from the settee, he made his way into the lounge. He never knew what to expect with Polly, anger or amore. 

https://www.amazon.com.au/Colour-Red-Deal-Sowerbutt-Novels-ebook/dp/B00RL9FGKM

Sowerbutt's Diversion

"We’ll create a diversion in the empty building next door to give his lads an excuse to leg it. We’ll tie him up, strip the place and load up our lorries, then drop a match. The silly bastard can hardly complain to the stoppers about his black-market stuff being nicked? It doesn’t exist. Stuff for smuggling to the Russkies," Sowerbutt said.

https://www.amazon.com.au/Colour-Red-Deal-Sowerbutt-Novels-ebook/dp/B00RL9FGKM

Sowerbutt's Fashionwear

Sowerbutt grinned: “My Polly has gone into millinery, George. She has taken over a hat factory in Luton with some talented designers.” He took an elegant toque out of its box and laid a well-cut turban as well on the cluttered desk. His face a picture, the chief buyer at Marshall & Snelgrove held up the toque, bedecked with velvet flowers. He gasped: “Oh my, Mr Sorbay, beautiful, just beautiful. I love it, I could sell this tenfold in seconds. It’s a sensation.” 

https://www.amazon.com.au/Colour-Red-Deal-Sowerbutt-Novels-ebook/dp/B00RL9FGKM 

Sowerbutt's Rules

“You know the rules, son. I’m always ready to talk business with anyone. But no-one comes onto the Family’s patch without permission. If you are too young to know that, you shouldn’t be out alone on the street.”

Sowerbutt nodded to Nero and Tipper. In seconds, the youngsters’ cheap black shoes were off and tossed out onto the road, one landing in a pile left behind by the horse-drawn cart delivering bags of flour to the bakery. Next came the suit trousers and the baggy underpants. Without a second glance, the young street-sellers were racing westwards along East India Dock Road, swerving down a side street to avoid Poplar Police Station and the elderly reservist standing guard on the steps.

https://www.amazon.com.au/Colour-Red-Deal-Sowerbutt-Novels-ebook/dp/B00RL9FGKM 

Sowerbutt's Invasion

Polly would not admit it to her exasperating man but she was worried about the talk of bombings and the imminent German invasion. Sowerbutt's assurances about his Blackshirt contacts were one thing, but England would never be the same again. Besides she and the girls could be hurt in the fighting. 

https://www.amazon.com.au/Colour-Red-Deal-Sowerbutt-Novels-ebook/dp/B00RL9FGKM

Sowerbutt's TV

"Television was starting to take off in the years before Sorbay disappeared." The retired writer for the East London Pioneer, who still has the notebook from his early 1960s interview with Sowerbutt, said: "There was a waiting list for TV sets and money was still tight. Jimmy said he had a cast-iron alibi for the night. But the HMV factory up in Hayes was broken into and TV sets appeared in the East End, particularly in pubs, at a good price. No doubt, others were sold to the nobs in the West End at a much higher price." 

https://www.amazon.com.au/Colour-Red-Deal-Sowerbutt-Novels-ebook/dp/B00RL9FGKM

Sowerbutt's Surprise

Sowerbutt opened the last file and muffled a gasp. The first three sheets were typed in German;  at the bottom of each was the unmistakable scrawl of Rudolf Hess. A fourth letter, written in English, bore the  sloping signature of Walter Funk with the title of Reich Minister of Economics underneath. Glancing at it, Sowerbutt read that preferential distribution rights and manufacturing partnerships were being offered to American companies. A fifth sheet of paper was headed Summary of Tariff  Treaty, Report to Secretary of State Hull.

https://www.amazon.com.au/Colour-Red-Deal-Sowerbutt-Novels-ebook/dp/B00RL9FGKM

Sowerbutt's Marriage

 “Are you going to marry him, Polly? If you don’t mind me asking.” Polly blushed, it was a question she had asked herself many times. “I don’t know, Dot, is the answer. Does Sorbay want to marry me?  He’s never mentioned it, he was married before but never talks about it. Doesn’t talk about the future, not here often enough to talk about anything."

https://www.amazon.com.au/Colour-Red-Deal-Sowerbutt-Novels-ebook/dp/B00RL9FGKM

Sowerbutt's Mission

Churchill growled into the telephone: "Our brothel-keeper and his men will take care of the IRA. Any difficulties and we can release the story of a gang turf war or an IRA shoot-out. Yes, I approve. The brothel-keeper is well-equipped? Where does he get his supplies from? Should we lend him to the Beaver to get supplies flowing for our Hurries and Spitfires? Probably selling the Beaver materials already. I don’t wish to know any more, dear boy. We may well say Mr Sorbay is the man who saved London.”

https://www.amazon.com.au/Colour-Red-Deal-Sowerbutt-Novels-ebook/dp/B00RL9FGKM

Sowerbutt's Hats

Sowerbutt grinned: “My Polly has gone into millinery, George. She has taken over a hat factory in Luton with some very talented designers.” He took an elegant toque out of its box and laid a well-cut turban as well on the cluttered desk.

His face a picture, the chief buyer at Marshall & Snelgrove held up the toque, bedecked with velvet flowers. He gasped: “Oh my, Mr Sorbay, beautiful, just beautiful. I love it, I could sell this tenfold in seconds. It’s a sensation.” 

https://www.amazon.com.au/Colour-Red-Deal-Sowerbutt-Novels-ebook/dp/B00RL9FGKM

Sowerbutt's Memories

Sowerbutt, concealed behind a holly bush, watched as One-Line charged the IRA line, bellowing like an angry bull. He had seen his friend run wild before; outside a pub in Whitechapel where some Reds drank. Three men had tumbled to the pavement like nine-pins, the other three fled. Inside the pub was pandemonium as drinkers dropped their pints on the floor, jumped the bar and raced through the kitchen, trying to escape the wild man.

https://www.amazon.com.au/Colour-Red-Deal-Sowerbutt-Novels-ebook/dp/B00RL9FGKM

Sowerbutt's Ballet Lessons

Sowerbutt had not expected Coach Marigold’s answer when he asked his old friend whether much had happened during his recent weeks away. The gymnasium in King George’s Hall on East India Dock Road had been the same since he boxed there as a boy. The two men always laughed at the Coach’s standard reply, “the only change is that we are getting older”.

Coach would never admit it openly but he was pleased to see the hard-faced businessman back in Poplar. He blurted out: “We’ve started ballet lessons.”

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Sowerbutt's Thanks

"Apart from your good self, Brendan, we owe much to your brothel-keeper friend, Mr Sorbay," Churchill growled. "He helped us save London and persuade the Cousins of the righteousness of our cause. Our coffers would have been empty without him."

https://www.amazon.com.au/Colour-Red-Deal-Sowerbutt-Novels-ebook/dp/B00RL9FGKM 

Sowerbutt's Punishment

A crowd was gathering in Commercial Street to watch the entertainment as the two Russians were stripped and chained to a lamppost outside Toynbee Hall. “Swear words, I’d say, guv,” Cocker said above the shouting as Spaghetti started painting the struggling men with violet gentian.

“Didn’t know you were a budding Rembrandt, Spaghetti. Where did you learn to paint?” shouted a voice.
Spaghetti grinned. “These are the Russkie heroes who did those poor Finns over last year and now they are cosying up to Jerry. Food and steel for the bastards who are bombing us out of our homes every night.”

An angry roar swept through the crowd. As Spaghetti stepped away from the Russians, the first over-ripe tomato from a nearby fruit stall hit, then another and another. A couple of well-aimed stones from the street boys followed, accompanied by handfuls of mud from a burst water pipe. 

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Sowerbutt's Jackpot

Sowerbutt roared with laughter as he and Tipper walked along Savoy Row. “I didn’t realise you found the briefcase, my friend,” he said.

“Wasn’t much in it, guv. Some official-looking papers in Spanish, a couple of scented letters and £200 in fivers. And the bag.”

Sowerbutt peered into the small bag. “So that’s his game - smuggling in industrial diamonds. Flown in from Brazil on the Ala Littoria flights. I know a couple of factories that could put them to good use.”
“A worthwhile visit, guv?”
“Cash, some vital information for Brendan Bracken and a fortune in diamonds. We’ve hit the jackpot.”

https://www.amazon.com.au/Colour-Red-Deal-Sowerbutt-Novels-ebook/dp/B00RL9FGKM

Sowerbutt's Departure

Polly put a plate of field mushrooms on toast and a mug of tea in front of Dorothy who was sitting at the  dining table in the Cheapside flat. “One of the few pleasures off ration these days. Sorbay had some tinned Canadian bacon recently, but that went quick smart. If I ever see the dear man again, I’ll tell him to  leave some stuff for you and the girls. You need feeding up, the rate you all work.”

“If you see him? He hasn’t left you?” Dorothy said.
“Just being sarcastic. Such an exasperating man. He came home in the wee small hours, waking me up. About 4 o’clock, some idiot was banging on the door and Sorbay got up. The next thing, he’s grabbing his clothes and he’s disappeared. No explanation. But leave me, Dot? He wouldn’t dare, he knows I’d skin him alive.” 

https://www.amazon.com.au/Colour-Red-Deal-Sowerbutt-Novels-ebook/dp/B00RL9FGKM

Sowerbutt's Supplies

Churchill growled into the telephone: "Our brothel-keeper and his men will take care of the IRA. Any difficulties and we can release the story of a gang turf war or an IRA shoot-out. Yes, I approve.

“The brothel-keeper is well-equipped? Where does he get his supplies from? Should we lend him to the Beaver to get supplies flowing for our Hurries and Spitfires? Probably selling the Beaver materials already. I don’t wish to know any more, dear boy.
“We may well say Mr Sorbay is the man who saved London.”

https://www.amazon.com.au/Colour-Red-Deal-Sowerbutt-Novels-ebook/dp/B00RL9FGKM

Sowerbutt's Black Market

Sowerbutt relaxed with a glass of Old Bushmills, George Melachrino and his resident band at the Cafe de Paris playing the new Tommy Dorsey number, Indian Summer.  Before he left, he would check with Martin Poulson, the maitre d’hotel, about how the club’s liquor stocks were faring. He knew of several elegant  London residences with fine wine cellars whose occupants had vanished to more remote parts of the country “just for a couple of weeks to re-charge the batteries, old boy”.

https://www.amazon.com.au/Colour-Red-Deal-Sowerbutt-Novels-ebook/dp/B00RL9FGKM

Sowerbutt's Mission

"The brothel-keeper and his men will secure the airfield. Less conspicuous and no official fingerprints, Prime Minister. He and his men were Blackshirts, so it could be described as an attempted coup, led by Jerry, if anything should emerge into the public arena," Brendan Bracken said.

“Sorbay will drive the Jerry envoy to Luton Hoo, 20 minutes away. Good security there being the new Eastern Command HQ."

https://www.amazon.com.au/Colour-Red-Deal-Sowerbutt-Novels-ebook/dp/B00RL9FGKM

Sowerbutt's Diversion

"We’ll create a diversion in the empty building next door to give his lads an excuse to leg it. We’ll tie him up, strip the place and load up our lorries, then drop a match. The silly bastard can hardly complain to the stoppers about his black-market stuff being nicked? It doesn’t exist. Stuff for smuggling to the Russkies," Sowerbutt said.

https://www.amazon.com.au/Colour-Red-Deal-Sowerbutt-Novels-ebook/dp/B00RL9FGKM

Sowerbutt's Supplies

Sowerbutt relaxed with a glass of Old Bushmills, George Melachrino and his resident band at the Cafe de Paris playing the new Tommy Dorsey number, Indian Summer.  Before he left, he would check with Martin Poulson, the maitre d’hotel, about how the club’s liquor stocks were faring. He knew of several elegant  London residences with fine wine cellars whose occupants had vanished to more remote parts of the country “just for a couple of weeks to re-charge the batteries, old boy”.

https://www.amazon.com.au/Colour-Red-Deal-Sowerbutt-Novels-ebook/dp/B00RL9FGKM

Sowerbutt's Peace

A civilian came down the steps of Luton Hoo to welcome the visitor as he alighted from the car. Not a word was said as the black-uniformed man walked stiffly into the grand house, carrying his briefcase which was marked with a small golden swastika.

"Talkative bastard, wasn't he guv?" Nero said as they drove away.
"Regular barrel of laughs," Sowerbutt smiled. "Let's hope he brings peace."

https://www.amazon.com.au/Colour-Red-Deal-Sowerbutt-Novels-ebook/dp/B00RL9FGKM 

Sowerbutt's Welcome

By the time the car reached the hangar, a tall dark-skinned man with thick black hair and sunken eyes was standing by the stationary aircraft. He was wearing a leather flight jacket and pale blue Luftwaffe overalls. “Keep me covered, just in case,” Sowerbutt whispered as he stepped out of the car. “Welcome to England, sir. I have been ordered to take you to Luton Hoo for discussions with our government.” 

https://www.amazon.com.au/Colour-Red-Deal-Sowerbutt-Novels-ebook/dp/B00RL9FGKM

Sowerbutt's VIP

The aircraft slowly turned, lost height and made its final approach, its swastika markings clearly visible to the onlookers in the moonlight. The Hurricanes circled in the distance, their pilots watching every move. “OK lads, as soon as it lands we’ll head out and pick up the VIP,” Sowerbutt shouted.

https://www.amazon.com.au/Colour-Red-Deal-Sowerbutt-Novels-ebook/dp/B00RL9FGKM

Sowerbutt's Visitor

By the time the car reached the hangar, a tall dark-skinned man with thick black hair and sunken eyes was standing by the stationary aircraft. He was wearing a leather flight jacket and pale blue Luftwaffe overalls. “Keep me covered, just in case,” Sowerbutt whispered as he stepped out of the car. “Welcome to England, sir. I have been ordered to take you to Luton Hoo for discussions with our government.” 

https://www.amazon.com.au/Colour-Red-Deal-Sowerbutt-Novels-ebook/dp/B00RL9FGKM

Sowerbutt's VIP

The aircraft slowly turned, lost height and made its final approach, its swastika markings clearly visible to the onlookers in the moonlight. The Hurricanes circled in the distance, their pilots watching every move. “OK lads, as soon as it lands we’ll head out and pick up the VIP,” Sowerbutt shouted.

https://www.amazon.com.au/Colour-Red-Deal-Sowerbutt-Novels-ebook/dp/B00RL9FGKM

Sowerbutt's Robbery

The robbery had gone smoothly so far. Two mail bags were stashed in the car boot and one on the back seat under a blanket. Sowerbutt was ready to speed off as soon as Sally and her friend returned at the agreed time. The lads would head back in the Chevy truck painted in the livery of a non-existent transport company and the Austin builder’s van. The plan was to drop some canvas over the truck’s side on the way back to the Smoke; the builder’s van had been smothered in mud to obscure any names.

https://www.amazon.com.au/Colour-Red-Deal-Sowerbutt-Novels-ebook/dp/B00RL9FGKM

Sowerbutt's Knowledge

Churchill paused by Brendan Bracken’s chair, his eyes twinkling. “Mr Sorbay, dear boy, deserves a medal. He was in the thick of it when we met. What messages does he have for us about his people? How long they can take the bombing? He must know how they feel, he runs half of London. I will question the fellow immediately.”

Bracken could not risk Sowerbutt meeting the Prime Minister again. “Leave it to me, sir. You must not invite him to No 10. The House would not stand for the Prime Minister colluding with a brothel-keeper. Nothing like that has happened since the days of Gladstone, a Liberal, thank God.”

https://www.amazon.com.au/Colour-Red-Deal-Sowerbutt-Novels-ebook/dp/B00RL9FGKM

Sowerbutt's Housekeeping

The two men were sitting at the table in the Cheapside flat. Sowerbutt had insisted on covering it with layers of newspapers, “otherwise I’m a dead man. She will kill me if it is marked”.

Spaghetti had a pot of heavy-duty engine grease in front of him and was slowly rubbing it into his wooden cosh. Sowerbutt was cleaning his Smith & Wesson.
“That stuff stinks, Spaghetti, why do you use it?” “An old boy down at the East India Docks, guv, gave me the tip. He used to tell me stories about the fights in the old days to get jobs. His length served him all his time, he still had it when we used to chat. The ones belonging to the other dockers would splinter on a dustbin lid or an iron bar.”

https://www.amazon.com.au/Colour-Red-Deal-Sowerbutt-Novels-ebook/dp/B00RL9FGKM

Sowerbutt's Melee

Another Irish lad fell before One-Line’s onslaught, then he was caught up in the melee where Sowerbutt’s men were coshing and exchanging punches with their opponents. One of Spaghetti’s cousins was facing down a burly Irishman with his Frosolone flick-knife, opening and closing the razor-sharp blade; the Irishman mesmerised. The cousin jabbed at the big man, slashing his jacket. With a shout, the Irishman swung his fist, dropping to his knees and staring at his bloody arm in disbelief where another lightning-fast lunge had left its mark. The cousin wiped his blade on the stunned man’s jacket, pushed him over and turned back to the fight.

https://www.amazon.com.au/Colour-Red-Deal-Sowerbutt-Novels-ebook/dp/B00RL9FGKM

Sowerbutt's Cushions

Sowerbutt was looking forward to seeing his lady; a meal at the George Hotel, round the corner in George Street, was the plan. The chef was past the call-up age but still passionate about his cooking. His liver dumplings with fried onions and roast breast of lamb with mint stuffing were legendary. Sowerbutt licked his lips thinking about the spiced apple fool.

Smiling, he opened the door to the upstairs flat to be greeted by two shoes followed by the local, thankfully thin, telephone directory. “Ooh, you bastard, I’m running out of things to throw,” Polly shouted. Fending off a succession of red, black and gold cushions from the settee, he made his way into the lounge. He never knew what to expect with Polly, anger or amore. 

https://www.amazon.com.au/Colour-Red-Deal-Sowerbutt-Novels-ebook/dp/B00RL9FGKM

Sowerbutt's Diversion

"We’ll create a diversion in the empty building next door to give his lads an excuse to leg it. We’ll tie him up, strip the place and load up our lorries, then drop a match. The silly bastard can hardly complain to the stoppers about his black-market stuff being nicked? It doesn’t exist. Stuff for smuggling to the Russkies," Sowerbutt said.

https://www.amazon.com.au/Colour-Red-Deal-Sowerbutt-Novels-ebook/dp/B00RL9FGKM

Sowerbutt's Mission

"The brothel-keeper and his men will secure the airfield. Less conspicuous and no official fingerprints, Prime Minister. He and his men were Blackshirts, so it could be described as an attempted coup, led by Jerry, if anything should emerge into the public arena," Brendan Bracken said.

“Sorbay will drive the Jerry envoy to Luton Hoo, 20 minutes away. Good security there being the new Eastern Command HQ."

https://www.amazon.com.au/Colour-Red-Deal-Sowerbutt-Novels-ebook/dp/B00RL9FGKM 

Sowerbutt's Ballet Lessons

Sowerbutt had not expected Coach Marigold’s answer when he asked his old friend whether much had happened during his recent weeks away. The gymnasium in King George’s Hall on East India Dock Road had been the same since he boxed there as a boy. The two men always laughed at the Coach’s standard reply, “the only change is that we are getting older”. Coach would never admit it openly but he was pleased to see the hard-faced businessman back in Poplar. He blurted out: “We’ve started ballet lessons.”

https://www.amazon.com.au/Colour-Red-Deal-Sowerbutt-Novels-ebook/dp/B00RL9FGKM

Sowerbutt's Black Market

Sowerbutt relaxed with a glass of Old Bushmills, George Melachrino and his resident band at the Cafe de Paris playing the new Tommy Dorsey number, Indian Summer.  Before he left, he would check with Martin Poulson, the maitre d’hotel, about how the club’s liquor stocks were faring. He knew of several elegant  London residences with fine wine cellars whose occupants had vanished to more remote parts of the country “just for a couple of weeks to re-charge the batteries, old boy”.

https://www.amazon.com.au/Colour-Red-Deal-Sowerbutt-Novels-ebook/dp/B00RL9FGKM

Sowerbutt's Rules

“You know the rules, son. I’m always ready to talk business with anyone. But no-one comes onto the Family’s patch without permission. If you are too young to know that, you shouldn’t be out alone on the street.”

Sowerbutt nodded to Nero and Tipper. In seconds, the youngsters’ cheap black shoes were off and tossed out onto the road, one landing in a pile left behind by the horse-drawn cart delivering bags of flour to the bakery. Next came the suit trousers and the baggy underpants. Without a second glance, the young street-sellers were racing westwards along East India Dock Road, swerving down a side street to avoid Poplar Police Station and the elderly reservist standing guard on the steps.

https://www.amazon.com.au/Colour-Red-Deal-Sowerbutt-Novels-ebook/dp/B00RL9FGKM 

Sowerbutt's Invasion

Polly would not admit it to her exasperating man but she was worried about the talk of bombings and the imminent German invasion. Sowerbutt's assurances about his Blackshirt contacts were one thing, but England would never be the same again. Besides she and the girls could be hurt in the fighting. 

https://www.amazon.com.au/Colour-Red-Deal-Sowerbutt-Novels-ebook/dp/B00RL9FGKM

Sowerbutt's Mission

"The brothel-keeper and his men will secure the airfield. Less conspicuous and no official fingerprints, Prime Minister. He and his men were Blackshirts, so it could be described as an attempted coup, led by Jerry, if anything should emerge into the public arena," Brendan Bracken said.

“Sorbay will drive the Jerry envoy to Luton Hoo, 20 minutes away. Good security there being the new Eastern Command HQ."

https://www.amazon.com.au/Colour-Red-Deal-Sowerbutt-Novels-ebook/dp/B00RL9FGKM

Sowerbutt's TV

"Television was starting to take off in the years before Sorbay disappeared." The retired writer for the East London Pioneer, who still has the notebook from his early 1960s interview with Sowerbutt, said: "There was a waiting list for TV sets and money was still tight. Jimmy said he had a cast-iron alibi for the night. But the HMV factory up in Hayes was broken into and TV sets appeared in the East End, particularly in pubs, at a good price. No doubt, others were sold to the nobs in the West End at a much higher price." 

https://www.amazon.com.au/Colour-Red-Deal-Sowerbutt-Novels-ebook/dp/B00RL9FGKM 

Sowerbutt's Surprise

Sowerbutt opened the last file and muffled a gasp. The first three sheets were typed in German;  at the bottom of each was the unmistakable scrawl of Rudolf Hess. A fourth letter, written in English, bore the  sloping signature of Walter Funk with the title of Reich Minister of Economics underneath. He read that preferential distribution rights and manufacturing partnerships were being offered to American companies. A fifth sheet of paper was headed Summary of Tariff  Treaty, Report to Secretary of State Hull.

https://www.amazon.com.au/Colour-Red-Deal-Sowerbutt-Novels-ebook/dp/B00RL9FGKM 

Sowerbutt's Prospects

“Are you going to marry him, Polly? If you don’t mind me asking.” Polly blushed, it was a question she had asked herself many times. “I don’t know, Dot, is the answer. Does Sorbay want to marry me?  He’s never mentioned it, he was married before but never talks about it. Doesn’t talk about the future, not here often enough to talk about anything."

https://www.amazon.com.au/Colour-Red-Deal-Sowerbutt-Novels-ebook/dp/B00RL9FGKM 

Sowerbutt's Supplies

Churchill growled into the telephone: "Our brothel-keeper and his men will take care of the IRA. Any difficulties and we can release the story of a gang turf war or an IRA shoot-out. Yes, I approve. The brothel-keeper is well-equipped? Where does he get his supplies from? Should we lend him to the Beaver to get supplies flowing for our Hurries and Spitfires? Probably selling the Beaver materials already. I don’t wish to know any more, dear boy. We may well say Mr Sorbay is the man who saved London.”

https://www.amazon.com.au/Colour-Red-Deal-Sowerbutt-Novels-ebook/dp/B00RL9FGKM

Sowerbutt's VIP

The aircraft slowly turned, lost height and made its final approach, its swastika markings clearly visible to the onlookers in the moonlight. The Hurricanes circled in the distance, their pilots watching every move. “OK lads, as soon as it lands we’ll head out and pick up the VIP,” Sowerbutt shouted.

https://www.amazon.com.au/Colour-Red-Deal-Sowerbutt-Novels-ebook/dp/B00RL9FGKM

Sowerbutt's Welcome

By the time the car reached the hangar, a tall dark-skinned man with thick black hair and sunken eyes was standing by the stationary aircraft. He was wearing a leather flight jacket and pale blue Luftwaffe overalls. “Keep me covered, just in case,” Sowerbutt whispered as he stepped out of the car. “Welcome to England, sir. I have been ordered to take you to Luton Hoo for discussions with our government.” 

https://www.amazon.com.au/Colour-Red-Deal-Sowerbutt-Novels-ebook/dp/B00RL9FGKM

Sowerbutt's Emissary

The aircraft slowly turned, lost height and made its final approach, its swastika markings visible to the onlookers in the moonlight. The Hurricanes circled in the distance, their pilots watching every move. “OK lads, as soon as it lands we’ll head out and pick up the VIP,” Sowerbutt shouted.

https://www.amazon.com.au/Colour-Red-Deal-Sowerbutt-Novels-ebook/dp/B00RL9FGKM

Sowerbutt's Peace

A civilian came down the steps of Luton Hoo to welcome the visitor as he alighted from the car. Not a word was said as the black-uniformed man walked stiffly into the grand house, carrying his briefcase which was marked with a small golden swastika.

"Talkative bastard, wasn't he guv?" Nero said as they drove away.
"Regular barrel of laughs," Sowerbutt smiled. "Let's hope he brings peace."

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Sowerbutt's Ballet Lessons

Sowerbutt had not expected Coach Marigold’s answer when he asked his old friend whether much had happened during his recent weeks away. The gymnasium in King George’s Hall on East India Dock Road had been the same since he boxed there as a boy. The two men always laughed at the Coach’s standard reply, “the only change is that we are getting older”.

Coach would never admit it openly but he was pleased to see the hard-faced businessman back in Poplar. He blurted out: “We’ve started ballet lessons.”

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Sowerbutt's Mission

"The brothel-keeper and his men will secure the airfield. Less conspicuous and no official fingerprints, Prime Minister. He and his men were Blackshirts, so it could be described as an attempted coup, led by Jerry, if anything should emerge into the public arena," Brendan Bracken said.

“Sorbay will drive the Jerry envoy to Luton Hoo, 20 minutes away. Good security there being the new Eastern Command HQ."

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Sowerbutt's Black Market

Sowerbutt relaxed with a glass of Old Bushmills, George Melachrino and his resident band at the Cafe de Paris playing the new Tommy Dorsey number, Indian Summer.  Before he left, he would check with Martin Poulson, the maitre d’hotel, about how the club’s liquor stocks were faring. He knew of several elegant  London residences with fine wine cellars whose occupants had vanished to more remote parts of the country “just for a couple of weeks to re-charge the batteries, old boy”.

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Sowerbutt's Supplies

Churchill growled into the telephone: "Our brothel-keeper and his men will take care of the IRA. Any difficulties and we can release the story of a gang turf war or an IRA shoot-out. Yes, I approve.

“The brothel-keeper is well-equipped? Where does he get his supplies from? Should we lend him to the Beaver to get supplies flowing for our Hurries and Spitfires? Probably selling the Beaver materials already. I don’t wish to know any more, dear boy.
“We may well say Mr Sorbay is the man who saved London.”

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Sowerbutt's Departure

Polly put a plate of field mushrooms on toast and a mug of tea in front of Dorothy who was sitting at the  dining table in the Cheapside flat. “One of the few pleasures off ration these days. Sorbay had some tinned Canadian bacon recently, but that went quick smart. If I ever see the dear man again, I’ll tell him to  leave some stuff for you and the girls. You need feeding up, the rate you all work.”

“If you see him? He hasn’t left you?” Dorothy said.
“Just being sarcastic. Such an exasperating man. He came home in the wee small hours, waking me up. About 4 o’clock, some idiot was banging on the door and Sorbay got up. The next thing, he’s grabbing his clothes and he’s disappeared. No explanation. But leave me, Dot? He wouldn’t dare, he knows I’d skin him alive.” 

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Sowerbutt's Jackpot

Sowerbutt roared with laughter as he and Tipper walked along Savoy Row. “I didn’t realise you found the briefcase, my friend,” he said.

“Wasn’t much in it, guv. Some official-looking papers in Spanish, a couple of scented letters and £200 in fivers. And the bag.”

Sowerbutt peered into the small bag. “So that’s his game - smuggling in industrial diamonds. Flown in from Brazil on the Ala Littoria flights. I know a couple of factories that could put them to good use.”
“A worthwhile visit, guv?”
“Cash, some vital information for Brendan Bracken and a fortune in diamonds. We’ve hit the jackpot.”

https://www.amazon.com.au/Colour-Red-Deal-Sowerbutt-Novels-ebook/dp/B00RL9FGKM

Sowerbutt's Punishment

A crowd was gathering in Commercial Street to watch the entertainment as the two Russians were stripped and chained to a lamppost outside Toynbee Hall. “Swear words, I’d say, guv,” Cocker said above the shouting as Spaghetti started painting the struggling men with violet gentian.

“Didn’t know you were a budding Rembrandt, Spaghetti. Where did you learn to paint?” shouted a voice.
Spaghetti grinned. “These are the Russkie heroes who did those poor Finns over last year and now they are cosying up to Jerry. Food and steel for the bastards who are bombing us out of our homes every night.”

An angry roar swept through the crowd. As Spaghetti stepped away from the Russians, the first over-ripe tomato from a nearby fruit stall hit, then another and another. A couple of well-aimed stones from the street boys followed, accompanied by handfuls of mud from a burst water pipe. 

https://www.amazon.com.au/Colour-Red-Deal-Sowerbutt-Novels-ebook/dp/B00RL9FGKM