Free Sword of Rome: Standard Bearer by Richard Foreman

again
someday Mr Raffles.”
    “I look forward to it. Note that you may need
to change your tailor though should you wish to get in and encounter me at one
of my clubs,” Raffles smilingly countered, riling the brute even more.
    It was only when my former tormenters exited –
and I locked the door behind them – that I finally sighed with relief. Raffles
and I then laughed, albeit for what exact reason I knew not. I clasped my
friend heartily by the hand and thanked him, tears welling in my eyes – before
finally giving in to my emotions, for once, and embracing him. It was only when
we were sat by the fireplace, whisky and soda-waters in hand, that I finally
asked,
    “How did you do it? Where did the money come from?
I promise to pay you back A.J – and with interest, should you desire it.”
    “There’s no need to pay me back. As I told you
before old chap, you would be paying off your debt with your own hard earned
money. Well, maybe I was exaggerating about the hard earned bit. Perhaps we
should say, well earned.”
    “But I’m stumped. What money have I earned?”
    “The money from our job this
evening. You were right the other night Bunny.
We needed a target that was wealthy – and whose house would be empty. Some
people rob Peter to pay Paul. We robbed an Alexander, in order to pay
Alexander.”
    My eyes widened in shock, but then in mirth. Things
fell into place, like a tumbler lock within a safe.
    “I had to meet the fence directly afterwards –
and recognising my desperation he robbed us on the price for our boodle – but
your half of the haul more than covered your debts old chap. So cheers.”
    “To a cardinal crime,” I added, as we clinked glasses.
    “Now for that you should be punished Bunny.”
    “You do not think that he will suspect foul
play on our part?”
    “I am a dandified cricketer Bunny, who is
wealthy enough to turn down a bribe to fix a match. I suspect that I will be
beyond suspicion. No, the list of potential culprits will run as long as his
account books. I dare say, as a result of this night, the old miser will be
even more disinclined to venture outside.”
    “Raffles. You are the man who can turn someone’s fortunes at the turn of a
lock. I feel I will be forever in your debt however. Thank you.”
    “You have no need to thank me old chap, it was
my pleasure. Besides, more than you thanking me, I should be apologising to
you.”
    “How so?”
    “ Mea culpa. I ran out of tonic water.”   

 
 
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