Scissors, Paper, Stone! (4/5) By Bob Spence

(1/5), (2/5), (3/5), (4/5), (5/5).

The box was jemmied open with a wooden handled chisel, and gleaming in the light lay the body of a well-oiled Sten gun. The box carried about 5, so the knowledge was clean for all we had brought into the warehouse probably 20 weapons to an Irishman. 'Seamus, as you can see we have a clean delivery, and all that remains is to conclude with the financial arrangements.' Crockford turned confidently to the Irishman and gestured to move to a more confidential position.

'Money. Oh yes the money. Well I was thinking along the lines of a credit note.' Crockford looked quizzically at the gunrunner and said 'So you are not able to accept delivery?'

'Oh yes I can manage I think.' Crockford walked over to the opened box lid and began to push it down. 'You came to me with impeccable credentials, but credit is not good business I am afraid.' 'My credit is good I think.' From the shadows emerged two hard looking thick set men with revolvers in their hands and a purposeful air.

The shorter one wore a Navy blue reefer and had a ruddy face with eyes that seemed to have no focus. He moved toward Crockford. 'In my own city you threaten me?'

To be fair Tommy Mulgrew was game and no onlooker. He turned and opened his jacket to shoot a bullet across the front of the truck; the echo was violent and extreme. But it was not one shot. As he rolled under the lorry another blast had rebounded off the concrete and dust had swirled. Mulgrew had been hit in the exchange and lay face down in absolute agony holding his arm. How could someone be so successful with only half a shot?

'Good evening to you gentlemen. Let me introduce to you members of the Third Londonderry Battalion of the IRA, and we will have to be moving on now, so I suggest you help your mate here and we will be on our way.' So they were Republicans from Ireland coming to collect weapons from the Northeast's top gangster, and the difference between a violent man and men of violence was very evident.

'You will hear from me O'Riordan, you can't kill us all, and Tug Wilson who introduced us from the Glasgow boys won't be happy.' 'Oh Mr Wilson. He had an accident yesterday and will be a little indisposed, and as for you my friend'- A snub-nosed Luger pointed at the perspiring Crockford.

Two coughs from the shadows, and for no clear reason the partner of the Irishman fell forward, O'Riordan dropped his gun and blood splashed the concrete from his left hand. It bled badly. The second Irishman spun round and in the clatter it was not clear what happened, but a red dot appeared on his forehead and he fell to his knees.

Continued ...next page

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