Chapter Seven

 

A few- weeks later Thomas was at his market stall when Cedric came up to him.

‘Years since I’ve seen one of those,’ he said, looking at the instrument in the big man’s hand.

‘Yes, it’s like a large oboe, but I’ve no idea what it’s called.’

‘It’s called a cor anglais. You are quite right when you say it’s a type of oboe, and it’s quite rare these days. My dad had one, but he never let me play it, as he said it was quite valuable. Mind if I give it a go?’

Cedric shook his head. Thomas lifted the instrument to his ear, shook it, listened, and then put it to his lips. He wiggled his fingers over the keys, checking that they all opened, and when satisfied started playing. He obviously knew what he was doing, because he played the recognisable tune to the ITV soap ‘Emmerdale’. His playing attracted others to listen, and trade ceased at surrounding stalls. When he finished, there was an impromptu round of applause. He took a bow.

‘What was that song?’ asked Cedric.

‘Theme to Emmerdale. Interesting history of this instrument. It’s traditionally been used for classical pieces, but also jazz, Paul McCandless, Sonny Simmons, Vinny Golia.’

Cedric looked puzzled.

‘Never heard of them? Okay, remember Send in the Clowns, it was used a lot in that, as well as various other pieces. All right, it’s not one of the most popular instruments, but can be used in a lot of musical genres. Is it yours?’

‘Sort of.’

‘What do you mean, sort of?’

‘Well, a friend has asked me to look after it for him, and he’s not coming back, as he’s otherwise detained.’

‘How much do you want for it?’

‘How much is it worth?’

‘More to you than it is to me. I’ve got to take a punt on it, as there’s only a limited market for one of these. I will have to find a buyer, but before I do, will have to take it to pieces, make sure it’s in top bollock condition, replace anything that’s not quite right, which isn’t easy as parts are hard to come by, and then satisfy the buyer that it’s not hookey.’

‘Okay, you’ve got a hard job on your hands before you can even consider making anything out of it. Spare me the sob story, bottom line, what’s it worth to you?’

‘I’ll go to a carpet.’

Cedric laughed. ‘Double carpet and I might be listening.’

‘I’ll shake your hand on a monkey.’ Thomas put his hand out.

Cedric took it, with five hundred pounds handed over.

Rick Thomas looked Cedric directly. ‘Okay, what’s the real reason you’re here?’

The big man stared right back. ‘There’s a message for you.’

‘Who from?’

‘The men who own the club.’ No further explanation was necessary.

‘What do they want?’

‘You and me to go into partnership. Find a band, a silver band, and take over. Nothing too grand, doesn’t matter how good, or bad, they are, just a band, and we’ll arrange trips out of the country. The men then tell us what to do.’

‘What’s in it for me?’

‘Same as for me. A healthy life, a long life, and lots of money.’

‘And if I don’t want to do it?’

‘Don’t even go there. Serious consequences for me, as well as for you.’

‘Do I have any options?’

‘Yes. Live or die.’