“Talk pleasantries with the Jerry you are escorting, reassure him about his journey, but discuss nothing else," Brendan Bracken said. "One more judgement call for you. Kill him instantly if he tries any nonsense, I’ll take care of the body." The red trolleybus slowed next to the bus stop at Poplar Rec. Sowerbutt smiled. “Time to get off, Mr Bracken. I have some urgent arrangements to make.”
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"Last time we met Sorbay, I mentioned the Official Secrets Act of 1911. That still applies, particularly as the gentleman you are escorting is a Jerry who is kindly helping us out with a few matters," Brendan Bracken said. “You may not repeat what I have just said to a soul, not even to your lady. I cannot save you from a long term of imprisonment if word gets out. And no chance of cooking the beak, as you and your friends say."
https://www.amazon.com.au/Colour-Red-Deal-Sowerbutt-Novels-ebook/dp/B00RL9FGKM
"Rationing continued for years after the war, but Jimmy worked out a good ruse." The retired writer for the East London Pioneer, who still has the notebook from his early 1960s interview with Sowerbutt, said: "He had a deal going with the undertakers across the East End. As soon as they got a client, they tipped him off for a consideration. He'd pop round to the grieving family and buy the deceased's ration book.
https://www.amazon.com.au/Colour-Red-Deal-Sowerbutt-Novels-ebook/dp/B00RL9FGKMReady supply of ration coupons - no-one ever checked up."
"Jimmy did some big deals after the war." The retired writer for the East London Pioneer, who still has the notebook from his early 1960s interview with Sowerbutt, said: "Petrol was scarce with the currency restrictions and ordinary civilians didn't get their allocations back until '48. He had big cash reserves from the war and invested thousands of pounds in petrol, bought from the GIs. He stored it in tanks on the disused airfields and sold it gradually for a fortune. Made his money back many times over."
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"One of the biggest laughs we had in the dark days after the war was the Battle of the Signs." The retired writer for the East London Pioneer, who still has the notebook from his early 1960s interview with Sowerbutt, said: "They took down all the street signs in 1940 so that Jerry would get lost if he invaded. In Poplar, they started putting them back up in '46. Some streets had disappeared in the Blitz, so that got them puzzled. Other signs were put on the wrong streets and had to be re-done. Come nightfall, the street boys got out and changed the signs over. Went on for months. People loved it.
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"Another jingle we remembered from the war was the Potato Song," the retired writer for the East London Pioneer, who still has the notebook from his early 1960s interview with Jimmy Sowerbutt, said. "They were played on the wireless over and over again.
"Potatoes new. Potatoes old"Jimmy had a great sense of humour," the retired writer for the East London Pioneer, who still has the notebook from his early 1960s interview with Sowerbutt, said. "When I interviewed him about the war, he kept whistling the Potato Pete tune. It was one of the jingles they pushed on the wireless to get us to eat our vegetables. Used to drive us potty."
"Here's the man who ploughs the fieldsSlumping into one of the leather chairs in Coach’s tiny office, Sowerbutt exclaimed: “I’m looking forward to this cuppa, old friend. That is some tough lady, I’m exhausted. What gave you the idea of ballet lessons?”
“Something you said, Jimmy. Remember you talked about employing Madame Komarovski to change One-Line’s walk? I got to thinking she might help the way our lads move about in the boxing ring. Give them a bit of an edge.”“How many lads has Shapiro got, Nero?” “Half-a-dozen, Mr Sorbay. But nothing to worry about, he treats them like dirt. I heard them talking about the old bastard in the Rose and Crown.”
“Better and better. 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."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
"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
"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."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
“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 had not expected Coach Marigold’s answer when he asked his old friend whether much had happened during his 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
"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 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
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.
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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.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.”
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.
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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.
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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.”
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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 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
"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
"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."
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.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
"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 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
"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
"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."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
"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
"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
"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."
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
“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
"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
