I’m also hoping young Ronnie Brown is working today as I’d like to thank him as well. He was always friendly and spoke to me in the same way he would speak to his best mate despite the age difference. That means a lot to me.
Chapter Nineteen
JAMES
As I walk in the front entrance, I’m happy to see George standing by the reception desk. He’s chatting to Belinda Grant, the main receptionist. I think he has a soft spot for her. When I’d seen them together they were always laughing and smiling at each other.
As I walk over to the desk George turns and looks at me. At first, he’s not sure who I am, but then he recognises me.
“Hello, my friend. You look good. I guess these days you can afford to walk in the front door. Welcome to the Albion Hotel. Have you come to stay in one of the rooms or do you want your old ‘suite’ back?” He grins at me.
His last comment brings a big smile to my face. “I’m not sure I can afford the prices here,” I say, smiling. “It’s great to see you, George. I wonder if we could have a little chat. Perhaps we could sit in the bar and have a drink?”
“I’ll take a coffee with you, if that’s okay?” he says as we walk through.
The bar also acts as a coffee lounge. It consists of a dozen circular tables with four brown leather chairs around each of them. We find a secluded table, which isn’t difficult as only three other tables are taken. The waitress comes over and I recognise Stella instantly. She’s not a woman that any hot-blooded male could miss. She says hello to George and then asks what we would like. George orders a cappuccino and I opt for a latte. Once she moves away, I turn my attention to George.
“George. I came here today to tell you just how much having the sleeping quarters at the back helped. I noticed the things you did for me. I want to truly thank you for your kindness and say, from the bottom of my heart that I appreciate everything you did.”
George looks at me and from his expression I can tell that he doesn’t have a clue regarding what I’m about to do. He gave me a home when I needed one, a place where I could feel relatively safe, and his acts of kindness went above and beyond.
Now it’s his turn.
“George, the average cost of a new house in the upmarket parts of Trentbridge is around £170,000. It would probably cost an extra £10,000 to furnish it, so I’ve decided to round it up a little so you can perhaps have a luxury holiday as well. Why not take someone with you? Maybe Belinda needs a holiday? Anyway, I’d really like you to accept this cheque for £200,000 as the only way I can truly thank you for everything you’ve done. To be in the position where I can now repay your kindness means I’m probably going to get more pleasure out of this than you are.”
George looks me squarely in the eyes and I can see tears forming in his. He remains speechless for a few seconds.
Just then Stella comes over with our coffees. She sees the state George is in and looks concerned. “What’s the matter, George? Is something wrong?”
“No, Stella, nothing’s wrong. It’s just this man’s act of kindness has caught me off guard.”
Stella gives him a big smile now she realises everything is all right, and places the coffees on the table in front of us.
Her concern for George surprises me. She’s always seemed a bit of a tough cookie. I obviously don’t know her as well as I thought. Even an ex-detective can get it wrong sometimes.
George takes a few seconds to compose himself. I can see from his face that he’s trying to take it all in. I know that feeling from when I discovered I’d won the Lotto.
After a few seconds, his gaze comes back to me. “This means so much. I can get a place of my own. It’s a dream come true. If there’s anything I can do in the future to thank you, just let me know.”
I beam. “I’m glad you’re pleased. Being able to do this for you, that’s my reward.” I add, “Now I wonder if you could do me a favour? Is young Ronnie working at the moment? He always treated me well, so would it be possible to have a word with him?”
“Yes. He’s a nice lad, and a hard worker,” says George.
He tells me that he’s sure Ronnie is around and goes off to try to find him.
After a couple of minutes, I see them both coming back.
“Hello, Ronnie. Please have a seat. I’m not sure if George has told you but I’m the guy who used to sleep out the back. From time to time, you’d come and talk to me on your ciggie breaks.”
“Hello. Yes, I remember you, but you look a lot different now. I heard about your big win. It’s been the talk of everyone here.”
“Would you like a coffee or something to drink?” I ask.
“No, I’m fine.”
He looks a little awkward, uncertain of what this is all about. I decide not to keep him guessing. “Ronnie, I remember your kindness towards me so I’d like to thank you in a way which I hope shows you my appreciation.” With that, I hand him the envelope with his name on. He opens it and I can see the unexpected joy on his face as he reads his name plus the amount of £15,000.
“Blooming ’eck. That’s more than I get in a year. I didn’t expect this.”
“How could
