The Toff and the Stolen Tresses (16 page)

BOOK: The Toff and the Stolen Tresses

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âHe took it for granted Jones would know the reason,' Grice said. âThe queerest mistake was in breaking up the Blakes' home. He thought they were Jones's relations, of course; he liked to work on families. Do you know why he heaved the hair tied to bricks through Ada Jepson's window?'

âNo,' said Rollison.

âAda Jepson knew the girl called Goldilocks. Next morning, she heard about her hair being cut off. And Ada Jepson was then told by telephone that if she betrayed her brother no one would be safe.'

âWallis hardly missed a trick,' Rollison said, âbut he hadn't all the trumps.'

âHis worst mistake was in attacking Jolly,' Grice declared. âThat was the thing that really got you going. I'm told Jolly's out of danger.'

âYes, thank God,' said Rollison.

It was late autumn.

The trials were over, and Wallis had been sent down for fifteen years. There had been no prosecution against Reggie Jepson, who gave evidence for the crown, and left the box, a trembling, frightened man.

âHe really is going abroad for a holiday,' Ada said. âThe trustees have decided that it's no use expecting him to be any good in the business, and he'd never live this down at home. We're going to draw in some new blood on the board.'

âStarting with Jimmy Jones?'

âHow did you guess?' asked Ada, and she gripped Rollison's arm, while her face became radiant. âIf you only knew how much I love him! When he was attacked I realised why, and I think that meant more to me than Reggie's reputation. I felt that I couldn't say a word to the police, and Wallis could make me do anything he wanted. When I came to you, I hoped that you might work a miracle, but I couldn't go on.'

âAll I want to hear now is that Jimmy's fallen in love with you,' Rollison said, âand has completely forgotten a girl named Goldilocks who has lovelier hair than ever.'

Ada laughed. âI'm not worried about Goldilocks! As a matter of fact she's leaving the offices and becoming a model at one of Donny's shops. Sheâoh, Rolly, I knew there was something I wanted to ask you. Is it true that you're going to be a judge at the Beautiful Short Hair competition? Goldilocks thinks she's almost certain to win.'

âBelieve it or not, I shall be one of the judges,' said Rollison, âand she will win if I can see to it honestly.' He turned to his trophy wall as Jolly came in with drinks; a Jolly who was quite himself again, and whose scars showed hardly at all. âAh, thanks, Jolly. When are we going to add the new souvenir to the trophy wall?'

âAs a matter of fact, sir, I thought that it would be wise if we were to wait until the competition has been won and then try to obtain a small lock of the winner's hair,' said Jolly. âI feel sure she will be co-operative.'

Goldilocks won by the solemn vote of all the judges, and waved triumphantly to James Matthison Jones as she stood on the dais, surrounded by the runners-up, all girls with hair so beautiful that most of it seemed unreal. Jimmy Jones was sitting in a box with the other directors of Jepsons, and Adonis Sampson was standing a little to one side, looking as if he could not wait to go up to the winner and begin to dress her hair.

Series Information

Published or to be published by

House of Stratus

Dates given are those of first publication

Alternative titles in brackets

'The Baron' (47 titles) (writing as Anthony Morton)

'Department 'Z'' (28 titles)

'Dr. Palfrey Novels' (34 titles)

'Gideon of Scotland Yard' (22 titles)

'Inspector West' (43 titles)

'Sexton Blake' (5 titles)

'The Toff' (59 titles)

along with:

The Masters of Bow Street

This epic novel embraces the story of the Bow Street Runners and the Marine Police, forerunners of the modern police force, who were founded by novelist Henry Fielding in 1748. They were the earliest detective force operating from the courts to enforce the decisions of magistrates. John Creasey's account also gives a fascinating insight into family life of the time and the struggle between crime and justice, and ends with the establishment of the Metropolitan Police after the passing of Peel's Act in 1829.

'The Baron' Series