Page 91 of Strangers in Time

“One of Matters’s mates.” He turned to Oliver. “I gave you adescription of the boy. If you see him, ring me straightaway at this number.” Willoughby handed him a card.

“Certainly, Detective Inspector. Certainly.”

Willoughby walked off, but looked back once. Oliver waved to him. After he was gone, they went into the shop.

Molly said to Oliver, “So that’s why Charlie has been so miserable. It was his friend who was killed.”

“And his other mate obviously talked to the police.”

“Lonzo Rossi.”

Oliver nodded. “Yes. He’s in jail right this moment, or so Willoughby told me. They caught him when he was trying to enlist in the army.”

“Charlie mentioned Lonzo to me before. Lonzo stole the book you gave Charlie.”

“I see.”

“What will the charges be?” asked Molly fearfully.

“He mentioned rather a whole assortment, I’m afraid. Perverting the course of justice, wasting police time, but the more serious ones were contributing to the death of a constable, attempted burglary, and evading arrest. Inspector Willoughby said it would mean many years in prison.”

Molly looked horrified. “That’s preposterous. Charlie’s only a boy.”

“Nevertheless, the law says otherwise, I’m afraid, since both boys are in their teens. And it’s wartime now and apparently different rules apply.”

“And yet you lied to the inspector, as did I,” pointed out Molly.

“I feel quite guilty having involved you in it. But I didn’t want to give the game away.”

“That’s all right, Mr. Oliver. I would never have done anything to betray Charlie.”

“But the inspector is clearly suspicious.”

“Where is Charlie?” she asked.

“Like you, he left to find gainful employment. I really wish he wouldn’t feel as if he had to do that. I can provide for you both.”

“Well, I’ve just been hired as a nurse auxiliary.”

“Really? Where?”

“The Covent Garden Medical Clinic.”

“Really? As an air warden, I’ve often taken injured people there. They’re quite good.”

“Now, I need you to write a letter, as my father, to give me permission to do so.”

“See here, Molly, do you really think that’s necessary? I can—”

“It pays four pounds a week.”

Oliver gaped. “Four pounds? Aweek? Are you serious?”

“And they provide meals as well.”

Oliver put a finger to his lips and glanced at the till, where there was less than twenty quid left after paying assorted bills. “Well, um, if you’re quite sure.”

“I am. But, Mr. Oliver, we need to make absolutely certain that Charlie and Inspector Willoughbynevermeet.”

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