A Secret Schemer by Charley Dee Page A

Jena he’d be perfect, also Lucas is a fit
guy so if anything kicked off I’m sure they could deal with it
between them.’
    ‘Have you heard the band before
Hun?’
    ‘No, although they have a great
following according to some of the youngsters I’ve spoken to in the
bar.’
    ‘Bring it on let’s hope we have
a great night.’ Jena adds.
     
    Friday night and the band ‘Live
and Kicking’ were setting up in the bar; we had a special machine
installed to monitor the sound levels, so the music wouldn’t
disturb anyone outside of the pub. Fortunately our direct
neighbours are customers. Anyhow my reasoning is if you wish for a
totally peaceful life you shouldn’t choose to live next door to a
busy bar. Tim has called in a couple of times during the week, and
stayed over one night, however tonight will be his first taste of a
live music venue, then he’s sure to realise he can never have a
normal relationship with the landlady of a pub. He will have to
accept my way of life or run for the hills while he has the chance,
because my career comes first, as I’m certainly not a run of the
mill kind of girl…
    By nine o’clock the band had
burst into action and the atmosphere was electric. Andy was on the
door looking every bit the doorman in his black suit and bow tie
(which Jena had rushed out to buy). I’d taken Mary to one side
earlier to explain why we sprayed certain surfaces with WD40, Mary
had little knowledge of drug use, and was bewildered to say the
least. Jena was behind the bar with the guys and I was collecting
glasses, although my main purpose tonight was to be vigilant. Vie
Butler and her buxom mate made an appearance for about half an
hour, this made me curious as to why she hadn’t stayed, was trouble
brewing? That question was answered when we had a visit from the
police at around ten o’clock; I took the police officer into the
restaurant to avoid making a big scene of his entrance.
    ‘We’ve had a complaint about
the noise.’ The officer explained.
    ‘We have the sound monitored
and our neighbours are happy, can I ask who has made the
complaint?’ I ask knowing full well.
    ‘I’m not at liberty to say,
however I can see the sound monitor is working, we do have to be
seen to follow up all the complaints. Enjoy the rest of your
evening.’
    ‘No problem and thanks for
calling in.’
    So this is what I was going to
get every time we had music. I mustn’t let it get to me somehow I’d
put a stop to this detestable woman. As I walked back into the bar
I could see Tim edging his way to get a pint. He’s later than I
expected, although maybe that was a good thing under the
circumstances. I collected as many glasses as possible in the
crowd, the bar was heaving, and so without further ado I slipped
behind the bar to join the others serving the endless display of
eager customers. There was just a sea of hands waving various bank
notes; my secluded thought was that my bank manager would be
extremely happy on Monday morning, along with myself of course. By
the time the band had packed their gear away and all the punters
had left, Archie and Lucas joined me, Jena, Andy and Tim for a
nightcap and a hearty discussion on the evening’s incidents. They
were all interested in what the police had said, however they soon
realised it had been the work of the horror woman.
    ‘She’ll probably ring the
police at every given opportunity.’ Jena declared.
    ‘I’m sure she will; I don’t
think it’ll be long before they suss her out.’ I add.
    ‘I dare say they’re used to
her.’ Archie chipped in. ‘Anyway I’m off guys I love your company
but I’m on a promise.’ With that he was gone like a shot leaving
the rest of us laughing.
    ‘Time I said goodnight as
well.’ Lucas also left.
    ‘I wonder if he’s on a
promise.’ Tim asked.
    ‘I don’t think so he’s a loner
is Lucas.’
    Me and Jena then removed the
tills.’ We’ll be back soon guys.’ We shouted as we left the
bar.
    ‘Lucas