Max looked through the list of called numbers on the dead courier’s phones, and made notes. Several people rang whilst he worked, desperately asking for drug deliveries.
Using one of the other phones, Max called the last person who had phoned a few minutes ago. This caller had never called that particular number, so he would not recognize the number as that of the dead courier.
“Hi! My mate said you might know where I can get some stuff. My supplier has disappeared and is not taking my calls,” lied Max.
“Who was that then?” a young male voice snapped back, suspiciously.
Max repeated the number of the phone the young male had just called. He recognized it at once and referred to the courier as Pete, the acrobat biker.
“A tall, fit guy, about twenty, a vicious prick with a long, thin bladed knife?” offered Max by way of confirmation.
“Yes, that’s the cunt; still, he was cheaper and quicker than anyone else. What’s happened to him?”
“Fucked if I know, fucked if I care, as long as I can get some stuff. I need it now. Do you know anyone?” Max hoped the man on the other end would feel Max was now a mate, and would give him a lead.
“Meet me at Narrow Lane in half an hour; my guy is like Pete, carries all sorts on him. You will have to help me out with a bit of cash though, intros aren’t free. Who are you anyway?”
“Just call me Dave, and you?”
“Huh, that’s my fucking name as well.” He scoffed in astonishment.
“So you will have no trouble recognizing me then!” joked Max and immediately hung up.
Max was far from happy about going to Narrow Lane again. Perhaps Dave was one of the users buying from Pete the other night. If so, there was a good chance he would be recognized, leading the police looking for Pete’s murderer right to this door.
Max had still not worked out what he would do when he got to Narrow Lane. He was in no position to pay for any drugs, much less to pay Dave for the intro. As for tackling the courier and Dave, perhaps others as well, it would not be possible, even if he were fit and well. Still, he had to raise cash somehow, and this was the quickest way he knew.
“Star, go and ask Bill if he has a length of strong nylon string, at least eleven yards long. And does he have a car or moped we could borrow? We have to be at Narrow Lane in less than half an hour.”
Star ran off without question and he assumed she had heard both sides of the phone conversation as she was nearby when he called Dave.
Max was surprised when she raised no objection to helping him. Perhaps she reckoned she would lurk in the safety of the shadows and leave all the dirty work to him.
While Star collected a roll of strong, woven nylon cord and a penknife to cut it, Bill pushed his battered Lambretta scooter out to the street. He then gave her instructions on how to get to Narrow Lane.
Max dressed in the tight jeans, hoody and brogues. The camel coat would increase the risk that Dave might recognize him, even though he needed it for warmth. Without the coat, he was not sure where to hide Vlad and Goodnight, so Max went unarmed.
En route, he outlined his basic plan to Star.
“I intend to tie the nylon cord tightly to rainwater pipes across my end of the alley at head height, the courier should be thrown off his bicycle and stunned long enough for me to rob him. I’ll fix the cord while the deal is going down.
When the courier had collected all the money, I want you to shout “Police”, driving everyone towards me. The courier will hit the cord first, being well ahead of the others on his bike, because the users will be running. I will then cut the cord so that it drops in the dark and the runners might just assume that the courier fell off his bike. Hopefully, they will continue running for fear of the police.”
When Max and Star arrived, there was a large crowd of people talking and arguing, but no courier. Star dropped Max off, drove round the block and waited at the other end of the alley with the scooter. Max fixed the cord across the other end and hid. The courier arrived and hastily got down to business. If Dave was there, he was not bothered that his new mate Dave was not there.
With business done, the courier turned back towards Star. She let out a piercing scream and ran up the alley, shouting “Police!” This drove everyone to Max.
The courier was standing on his pedals to drive the bike faster, so the cord caught him across the chest. The elasticity of the nylon cord was awesome. Max was sure it would break, but it didn't. The cord dragged the rider back and snagged under his chin, dumping him flat on his back in the road.
Max cut the cord from his side and rushed to check the courier was still alive; he was. Whilst the running crowd of users charged past and into the safety of the night, Max searched the unconscious man and relieved him of wads of money and four phones.
Star removed all traces of the cord, then fired up the scooter and returned to their room. Max threw the courier’s bicycle over a wall and waited in the shadows for him to regain consciousness. He planned to secretly follow him home where he could hit the courier again for more cash, if needed. While he waited, Max checked their haul: £2500. Presumably, with Pete dead, this courier had picked up extra business.
Just a few minutes later, the man regained consciousness. He got up, checked what was missing, cursed viciously, and looked around for his bike. He soon gave up the search and limped home. Max noted the man’s address. When the lights came on, indicating which flat he lived in, he returned to Star.
The kettle was on for tea and her face lit up when Max walked in.
"I paid Bill, so we are up to date with him. Here is £200 for you to say thanks for your help so far. Now we can plan for the next phase, get some real money, and get away from here," said Max encouragingly, and brought her up to date.
She looked quite relieved, which made him wonder what was going on in her mind. Perhaps she felt insecure and suspected she might be out on the street again. He fully appreciated what a terrible life it was without money, food and a safe roof over one’s head. He could not throw Star out; he still needed her. Essentially, he felt obligated and her loyalty had to be rewarded. Anyway, he liked having her around.
"Thank you, Max. You didn't have to give me anything though. I just appreciate having somewhere to live. Come and have a cup of tea, you deserve it."
Star smiled and looked deeply into his eyes. She had decided that Max was hers, even if he did not realize it yet.