Chapter 9 begins

      After a brief embrace and short goodbye with Gertrude, her son Norman went back out with Xavier to the waiting car downstairs. "Listen, I need to stop back at the suite and collect my things." Xavier said as he reached out shaking Norman's hand. "I will leave my room key on the table in the foyer, and..." he paused a look of concern coming over his face as he said "Now, my friend, just be careful of who you bring back to the hotel."
     "Nah! Don't worry my son, I am done with all the scumbags and drug addicts!" Norman said proudly "I'm ready for a different class of people, a better circle of friends. Especially since I have all that cash stashed about!" Norman laughed with a wink and a smile.
     "Right then!" Xavier said speaking in the manner of his friend. "I have my final exams before holiday break. My sisters are coming for Christmastime, so I'll call you next week after I visit the brokerage house about the I.B.M. stock, and you should definitely check out a shop location and everything you talked about! You, my friend are on the verge of greatness!" Xavier said with the utmost confidence in Norman.
     "I'll talk to ya' then mate!" Norman said with a strong slap to Xavier's broad shoulder as the two said their goodbyes, for it would not be until New Year's Eve until the two saw one another again. "Send the car back! Cheers mate! Thanks a lot!"
      As for now Xavier had to get back down into London to the hotel in Hyde Park to gather all his new clothes, shoes, money, etc... from the hotel and back out west, across town to his dorm at the University. Now when Xavier rolled up in the long black Rolls-Royce, in front of the Residence Hall, laden down with eleven large bags from Harvey Nichols, a few of the students gave the good looking, Foreign, sophomore  strange, envious looks as Xavier Antonio de la Rosa Diaz merely laughed saying "My parents came up for a visit." even though this was a complete, and utter lie, Xavier did not care for he was so wrapped up in his momentary financial wealth that the look on his jealous classmates face's meant more to him the hand tailored designer suit he was wearing.

End Chapter 8

     Now, before the sun arose that day, Xavier told Norman he was very impressed with his business sense and so Xavier handed over two thousand pounds of his, ill gotten, money saying he wished to help him with an initial investment. Xavier wanted very much for his friend to succeed. Of this, Norman was well pleased. So it was after a few more glass of champagne the men got up with a stretch and a yawn retiring to each of their rooms, where each man collapsed onto the comfortable beds and slept soundly for the next five hours.
     A short wake up call later and the two were dressed in their best, most stylish attire ready to climb into the back of the black Rolls-Royce they had hired, with a driver, for the rest of the day. Old Gertrude Pierce was both shocked and delighted when her son and his new Latin friend pulled up in front of her building. The dear, sweet woman felt like the belle of the ball as she was escorted to Sunday Sermon at the old church, her place of worship, where the Vicar gave a wonderful reading from the Beatitudes and even Xavier felt a brief closeness to God in the ancient stone church with the beautiful stained glass panels depicting the story of Jonah. It was nice for him to sit with the congregation and Xavier's spirit was lifted, albeit slightly.
     After the nourishment of their souls Xavier and Norman waited for Gertrude to pause and say hello to her friends, the older ladies of the group; which she delighted in introducing her son and his foreign friend to, proud so was she having her big boy looking dashing and suave in the church that day. Norman said a proper hello and how do you do, as did Xavier, whom bowed slightly taking each old pale, blue veined hand in his, giving each lady a little thrill as he kissed the back of their hand, as gentlemen were want to do in the previous generations. Xavier made flirtatious comments to the elderly ladies, who thoroughly enjoyed meeting the tall, dark eyed, youth. One of the ladies commented how Xavier bore a striking resemblance to Rudolph Valentino; to which Xavier replied that he agreed with her, saying she reminded him of Rita Hayworth. It was a most pleasant Sunday afternoon and, although the weather was cold with a hard, non stop drizzle, the smiles and laughter exchanged between the group was warmth enough on a cold day like today.
     Then it was Gertrude's turn to be treated to a bit of luxury so Norman and Xavier escorted her out to Mayfair, off Brook Street, to Claridges for a sumptuous lunch; over which Xavier told her all about himself, his studies, his wealthy family, his plans for helping Norman with his business. Here he lied to the old woman saying he had given a much larger investment to Norman, to cover for Norman's sudden, new found style and wealth. Every word that came out of Xavier's mouth she believed, and most everything he said was true. Sated with the best meal the poor woman ever had in her life, Gertrude sat at the table with a smile on her face, a brightness to her eyes, and a rosy glow to her cheek, and a little bit tipsy from the delicious red wine. Then she said how she wished she could cook a meal like that; to which  Norman added that she could make a meal like that in her kitchen, all she needed was the right ingredients. Now this sent them straight to the Food Hall in Harrods where Norman and Xavier let Gertrude shop to her hearts content, running up a three hundred pound bill. Loaded down with endless bags of white truffle oil, a few bottles of white wine, caviar, bottles of expensive olive oil and balsamic vinegars, fresh, whole salmon, a dozen lamb chops, saffron, spices etc... the trio made their way back through the streets of London, driving up to Islington where Norman and Xavier helped her, with all the groceries, upstairs to her tiny, third floor flat. Xavier bade Gertrude goodbye and she wished him a Happy Christmas in case she did not see him again over the next few weeks. With a warm embrace from her, Xavier kissed her on the cheek and she invited him again to stay for Sunday dinner, but he had to get back to his dorm and get ready for finals at the end of the week. She wished him luck with his studies thanking him once more for his generosity to her and her son. Xavier reassured the old woman that they both deserved it, for they had taken care of him when he was attacked and Xavier promised that he and his family would always be grateful to her and her son.

Chapter 8 continues

      "First off," Norman said as Xavier sat smoking, listening to his friend's plans "I want to keep this suite for a few more days. Now, first thing Monday morning I'm going to go look at any available spaces, maybe in Soho. I just need a small shop for all my new equipment! Maybe with a flat above it. Get rid of the answering service, have my own line upstairs and downstairs, maybe hire some young bird to answer the phones and help customers."
     "You should install a wall of post office boxes, a lot of men have them so their wives do not see all the bills and bank statements. You could also do well to put in an automated teller." Xavier said trying to help his friend with ideas on how to grow his small business.
     "Automated what? Teller?" Norman looked confused.
     "It is a computerized machine that dispenses money to people, if they have an A.T.M. card from their bank. You would be paid a certain amount every month from the bank for letting them place the machine in your establishment. The more people use it, the more money you make." Norman had never heard of such a thing so Xavier explained that the Bank of America had the machine designed and built for the brokers on Wall Street on the island of Manhattan, who needed access to fast cash on weekends when the banks were closed way back in 1968.
     "What, the coke dealers and prostitutes wouldn't take a check?" Norman asked laughing knowing just exactly what a man would need fast cash for on the weekend. He was absolutely correct.
    The two men shared a laugh, then spoke of the new work van Norman wanted to buy. Now as he smoked more of the marijuana cigarette Norman's dreams and plans for wealth grew more in breadth, width and scope. Of all this, Xavier was well pleased to hear for he was glad to see his good friend did, indeed, have ambition. For ambition was extremely important to Xavier Antonio de la Rosa Diaz, who, when Norman had finished telling of his financial aspirations, began to tell of his plans for the sudden, unexpected cash.
     "Have you heard of a company called I.B.M.?" Xavier asked as Norman shook his head no. "They are making huge advances in computer systems. No longer does one computer take up an entire room, they now are small enough to sit on a desk." Norman did not look too interested, mainly because he knew nothing of computers, or science, or the new modern age of technology. In fact, Norman was still amazed by the pager he had from the answering service that would beep to let him know to call the service operator. Nonetheless Xavier did his best to enlighten Norman. "Back in April, I.B.M. introduced the Apple II at a Computer Faire on the West Coast, in California, we have one at the University, but it's for upperclassmen only right now. From everything I have heard, and the promises from this company, I am absolutely astounded."
     "What promises?" Norman asked as he inhaled off the smoldering spliff.
     "They say in ten or fifteen years the computers will be smaller, faster and people will live in 'electronic villages' where you can do all your work from home, read newspapers, magazines, take classes, order clothes and food and such." Xavier said with a spark of enthusiasm, wide eyed, heart racing "And one day, you will be able trade stock on your computer, it's all done through the phone lines." Norman knew Xavier was working hard on his degrees in business and finance, and he was happy to see his friend get so excited about something. "So I have a class project for next year. Each finance student must invest in a company with our own money and manage the portfolio as if we were our own clients, and thanks to you! I now have more than enough to buy some stock." Xavier said as he reached over slapping Norman on the knee as he smiled.
     "Wha'd'ya gonna invest in, then mate?"
     "I.B.M. of course! They are the way of the future."
     Now Norman knew nothing of stock, or price quotes, or capital gains, or puts or calls, but he had a great big, fat, pile of cash and he had a gut feeling to trust Xavier's intelligence in the matter, so he said "How much are the shares?"
     "Well, it's an American company and on the New York Stock Exchange it was going for $28.00 a share at the closing bell on Friday.., that's about 18 or 19 pounds here. Why?"
     "Look, if I give you, say a thousand pounds, how many shares would that get me?" Norman asked with a serious, clear eyed expression.
     "You want to invest in the stock market?" Xavier said his mouth hanging open.
     "Why not, what could be the harm, besides if I lose it all, then it was only a thousand pounds, not like it was really my money to begin with in the first place." Norman laughed along with Xavier who set his clever mind to the numbers, calculating the investment.
     "52!" Xavier said "52 shares, that is what a thousand will get you." Xavier informed him assuring him I.B.M. stock would only go up, due to the companies computer engineering advances. So Norman went over to his new leather attache case and pulled out ten, one hundred pound notes handing the money over to his friend.
     "Listen I can put an order to sell when ever you want this back." Xavier reassured him, though Norman needed no assurance, for he had a good feeling about this deal having the utmost faith and fully confident in Xavier, whom he felt would never steer him wrong.

More Chapter 8

     As soon as the men made it back to their room each collapsed down, Norman on the sofa, Xavier in the chaise lounge. They lie motionless for a moment or two before Norman sat up and pulled out his pack of Marlboro reds. Xavier did not wish for Norman to smoke in his presence especially after the exquisite meal they had just consumed. However, Norman reached in his breast pocket and pulled out a little bindle of paper filled with a bright green strain of marijuana, Norman referred to as 'Afghani Queen'. Xavier watched intently as he, himself, had never seen anyone hand roll a joint in front of him. Xavier was fascinated by the nimble dexterity of his friends sausage shaped fingers. Now Xavier became confused when he noticed Norman setting the unrolled joint down, resting it safely upon the fold in the pack of cigarette papers, Norman called 'skins'. When he saw him crack open a cigarette Xavier asked "What are you doing?"
      "Oh, we add tobacco to our spliffs."
      "Why?" Xavier questioned him further.
      "Mary Jane's expensive, makes it last longer." Norman answered truthfully.
      "Yes, but it also would ruin the taste of the herb." Xavier explained then added "Besides, you do not have to worry about the expense today, and also, I despise the taste and smell of tobacco."
      "Yeah?" Norman laughed "You should'a said something mate! Fuck I've been smokin' in front of ya the whole time. Sorry mate, I know cigarettes smell awful, the smoke gets in my clothes, my mouth, my finger tips..." Norman sighed "It's just so fucking hard to quit!" Norman said frustrated as he rolled up a pure cannabis cigarette, as large as a ladies pinkie.
     "Well, you are either a smoker, or you are not a smoker." Xavier said trying to give him a bit of encouragement to quit. "You just have to decide which one of those you want to be."
     Norman said nothing just taking the little seed of support his friend had planted in his mind then he lit up the sweet aromatic, class 1 drug, inhaling deeply the foreign herbaceous substance. Norman passed the joint to his buddy and Xavier took a long cool drag off the pungent 'joy stick' as Norman referred to it. As the acrid smoke expanded in his lungs the canabinoid and beta canabinoid traveled up through his blood stream directly to the neuron receptors in his brain; which controlled the output of serotonin and dopamine. Within 45 seconds Xavier felt a warm, deeply relaxing feeling sweep over his entire body, as he seemed to sink down into the chaise lounge; which oddly was so much more comfortable now then two minutes ago. With every puff, as Xavier lie back smoking like a dragon, all was calm in his mind. The act of smoking this 'controlled substance' helped to ease his rapacious stomach, as it churned trying to digest the huge quantities of meat and red wine. Now a deep abiding peace overtook the warmth he was feeling, Xavier just wanted to sleep.
     "I am so full!" Norman shouted as he took a few more tokes before stubbing out the joint in the crystal ashtray on the coffee table. "I don't think I can move for the next thirty minutes."
     "Listen, let's just take a nap for an hour or so, then will get up and go out on the town and find some gorgeous women to keep us company." Xavier said as he grabbed one of the tartan wool throws by the fireplace covering himself with the warm blanket. Xavier waited for Norman to reply, but Norman was already fast asleep on the long, comfortable sofa. So each of the intoxicated men slept soundly in a quite rest in the silence of the posh hotel suite. However, it would not be until a quarter past 4 o'clock in the a.m. before Norman and Xavier would awake from their 'food induced coma's'. The clubs were closed and everyone had gone home, but our dear boys had awoken well after all the parties and party goers had called it a night. The two opened up a chilled bottle of champagne from the mini frig and continued smoking the rest of the huge joint. With a yawn and a deep stretch Xavier sat up and was glad to have Norman's company, so the two sat and talked with each other for a few hours. "So what are your plans for your money?" Xavier asked as he saw a twinkle come to Norman's eyes as he remembered the twelve grand he had left over.
     A rosy glow came over Norman's face as he smiled and said with exuberance "Well, I'll tell you..," he paused as he rubbed his hands together with glee.

Chapter 8 begins

     "Are you hungry?" Xavier asked sitting beside the lit fireplace as he poured himself another glass of expensive, cold champagne as Norman lay back on the long sofa playing with his new gold wristwatch.
      "I am famished!" Norman said as he felt a rumble in his stomach.
     "Where shall we go?" Xavier wondered. "I'm in the mood for a good steak." he added.
     "The Guinea!" Norman exclaimed his eyes wide as he sat up quickly.
     "What did you just call me?" Xavier said with an offended look.
     "The Guinea, it is the oldest steak house in London! Fuck! Of course, we should definitely go there. I have always wanted to eat there but it is so fucking expensive!" Norman said as he stood up as if ready to walk out the door so taken was he with the prospect. "Yeah! This place was a pub in 1423! The Guinea opened up way back in 1888. They get all the beef from Aberdeen. It's over in Westminster off Mayfair and St.James. I'll call for our car and driver!" Norman said with a child like excitement as he phoned the car service dispatcher. Now with the fifteen minutes the two men had to wait to leave for dinner they both hurriedly tried on different suits and shoes, wanting to look their best for a Saturday night out in old London town.
     Now shortly thereafter, Norman Pierce, dressed in a double breasted, athletic cut, black Merino wool suit, a white, queens broadcloth, button down shirt, and a black and white, french silk tie, donning a black camel hair coat, just like Harry the Bastards, and a pair of black, Italian leather, wing tip shoes, he was also proudly wearing his new, gold, Chopard Gran Torismo, chronograph watch, with a crocodile strap, as he slid into the back seat of the black sedan. Never had Norman looked and felt so good in is life as he and Xavier were driven through the old familiar city of his birth. Norman felt proud, extremely pleased with himself, in a bright and cheery festive mood. Norman sat in the back of the chauffeur driven Jaguar as he gazed out at the Christmas decorations and twinkling lights; which lit up his beloved city. Norman wanted to live this lifestyle forever and he would do what it ever took, no matter how hard the work, or how high the cost, Norman was determined to succeed at his dream of wealth and privilege. Now, having Xavier Antonio de la Rosa Diaz as his friend would only help him in this endeavor. Xavier looked back in the rear view mirror from the passengers seat glad to see the smile on the face of his friend and Xavier was thankful for knowing Norman thinking how good it was to have such a giant of a man on his side. Xavier was happy to know Norman accepted him from the beginning, even though Xavier was catholic and from a South American country Norman did not care and had no trace of racism or religious intolerance in him whatsoever. For this Xavier respected Norman above all other people and he hoped the two would always be friends. Also Xavier knew Norman could probably kill him with one punch from the brute so he would always treat Norman with the utmost kindness and favor.
     As for this celebrated restaurant, Xavier was impressed by the age of the ancient building. He and Norman marveled at the old bar; where they had a shot of Johnnie Walker Blue before being seated at a nice table close to the warm fire; which crackled and lit up the dining room with a soft glowing amber light. The ambiance was elegant, the dark walls filled with classical art, gilt chandeliers, fine linen covering the tables laid with crystal and fine porcelain dishes all trimmed in gold. The heavenly aroma of roasting meat and vegetables filled the nostrils of the two hungry friends. Whom were delighted to dine upon appetizers of Scottish smoked salmon, Rossmore oysters,  basil and walnut goat cheese salads. Followed by a nice, very expensive bottle of Vega Sicilia Valbuena, a rich, full bodied, deep red wine, with oakey notes; which was a wonderful accompaniment to the 24oz Porterhouse and lamb chops served with Dauphinoise potatoes, creamed spinach and grilled asparagus in hollandaise sauce, a favorite of Xavier.
      Now this long savored meal was both delicious as it was exquisite, never had Norman tasted such tender, juicy delicate morsels of beef and lamb. This one dinner was worth waiting a lifetime for and, though he was not a religious man of any significance, Norman, half way through the meal, put his hands together and said aloud "Thank you Dearest Lord for this meal!"
     "Amen." Xavier added as the two decided what to have for dessert. They settled on two orders of the most wonderful sticky toffee pudding; which was so tasty they ordered another round of the delicious warm dessert.
     Norman and Xavier sat back at their table, two hours after they had arrived, full and completely sated as they sipped black coffee and Grand Mariner. "You know something?" Norman said as he looked across the table at his friend.
     "What is it?" Xavier asked with a yawn and a stretch.
     "Wish me mum was here with us tonight. She would have enjoyed it." Norman said a sad note to his tone.
     Xavier realized they should have included the sweet old lady. "Tell you what."
     "Yeah?"
     "What time does she go to church tomorrow?"
     "'Round about half past ten. Why?"
     "Well, we should go pick her up in a nice car, take her to church, then we can go have a nice brunch, with champagne. She will be so happy. I will take care of everything, to repay her for the kindness she showed me, when she took care of me when I was injured. She knows my family is rich, so you can tell her I gave you the watch and everything." Xavier said with a prideful smile as Norman wholeheartedly agreed. However, Sunday morning was far away, and it was only 9 o'clock on a chilly, Saturday night, so the two paid their enormous bill, leaving a generous tip for the excellent service, before they headed back to the hotel to rest a little while as their stomachs were so full and engorged they thought surely their bellies might burst, just like Mr.Creosote, in that Monty Python film. For they could not possibly eat anymore, not even a wafer thin mint.
    

End Chapter 7

     Norman sat on his bed with the money all splayed out across the duvet, the feeling of self satisfaction in his heart was immense as he looked over at Xavier and said "Holy fuck! Never in all my years have I ever seen this much money at one time!" a beaming smile came across Norman's face, his eyes as big as saucers.
     "What should we buy first?" Xavier asked, just as pleased with himself as Norman.
     "I have a pretty good idea." Norman said as he sat up straight reaching for the telephone.
     This is how their adventure, and life long friendship began. It started with a phone call to East End Cars out on Bethnal Green Road. Norman hired a car and a driver who hastened to get Norman and Xavier out of their tiny hotel room at the Old City Inn off Mare Street and out to Chelsea, where they made a long stop at Harvey Nichols, on Knights Bridge and Sloane, where the two spent the next three hours getting fitted for fine suits and lots of shopping. The two giddy men spent about 2,000 pounds in the Pret-a-Porter collection of several well known designers, along with purchasing several pairs of shoes, cologne, etc... and a visit to the Salon for hot shaves, hair cuts, well in Norman's case, a clean shave for his bald head; which the young woman rubbed warm aromatic oil into after the shaving processes, gently massaging his scalp causing Norman to became deeply relaxed and aroused by the treatment. Now after a calming manicure Xavier convinced Norman to have a pedicure, as he himself a Polo player used to take very good care of his feet, and so with a bit of coaxing Norman put his feet in the warm tub of water and allowed the process to continue. Norman sat back in the plush comfortable chair, wrapped up in a white terrycloth robe, the emblem of Harvey Nichols embroidered on the robe in gold thread. Then two beautiful young ladies, with low cut blouses took each of his feet in there small strong hands spending the next thirty minutes massaging all the tension and stress out of his body by way of his feet. This was the best day of Norman's life, he had never been so happy and relaxed. Norman was even more ecstatic because he still had over 13,000 pounds of his own money left over. Norman looked over at Xavier who had his eyes closed as he sat back in his chair relaxing as one of the young lovelies finished buffing his nails.
     "So then, it's good we taught those girls a lesson." Norman gave a knowing smile as Xavier laughed a little.
     "What will their parents think of them now?" Xavier said as he pictured in his mind the girls waking up this afternoon to find the two strangers they picked up, gone, along with their mother's car, and most of her jewelry. Xavier and Norman only laughed at the two stupid girls misfortune, for though they were lovely creatures and well practiced in the bedroom, they were young, 17 and 18, and rich and foolish, it was their own fault the Fates had frowned upon them. So the two clever, cunning friends enjoyed every bit of the relaxation, comfort and style the ill gotten gains would bring them. However, Norman and Xavier had a good idea how to invest this money wisely, but as for 5 o'clock, on this cold November Saturday in Chelsea 1977 Norman and Xavier had nothing to do but relax and enjoy their day.
     After a long day of shopping, spa treatments and massages their driver took them over to King's Row where the two checked into the executive suite at the Sheraton Park Tower hotel. Norman and Xavier paid cash, of course, and had a bottle of champagne and some caviar sent up to their luxurious two room suite. Surrounded by all their shopping bags full of clothes the two sat looking out the window at the fabulous view of Hyde Park; which was covered in a light dusting of snow. The two friends smiled together, overjoyed by the small delights the ill gotten fortune and all that it meant to them. Xavier, no longer begging his mother for money and able to regain a bit of his wealthy lifestyle. Poor, working class Norman, who never even had a chance to live like this, if even for a day. Yet Norman had plans for the rest of the money because he wanted more out of life than what he had scraped out for himself. Norman wanted a nice car, a nice home, his own shop, a bigger better work van, money in the bank, and everything that the good life had to offer. Norman knew full well all this opportunity was afforded to him only by his friendship with Xavier, who was handsome and intelligent, from a wealthy family, athletic etc... all the girls loved him and all the boys wanted to be like him. This young, Latin, 19 year old kid owed his life to Norman, whom had saved Xavier from the beating of a lifetime. This was the incident that served as the glue that bonded Xavier and Norman together in friendship. Now, even as the two men stood looking out the window, that cold day in November, Norman had a deep feeling he would be friends with the handsome Argentine as long as he lived. However, our poor Norman could have no idea what the future would bring.

Chapter 7 continues

     "Oh My Christ!" Harry exclaimed as he sat on the side of the bed reaching out for a pear shaped diamond and platinum ring. Harry had been dealing in jewelry on the side for over thirty years, to help keep his dry cleaning business afloat, and never in all that time had Harry seen such a rare piece.
     "What's it worth Harry?" Norman asked sitting down next to his old family friend as he took a jewelers loop from his coat pocket and began examining the stone.
     "First off Norman. Well done my son! Well done, indeed!" Harry said with a bright smile "What you've come across is a Golconda white diamond. And this..," he paused looking through the loop explaining "Golconda's are very rare because they contain no trace of Nitrogen so they turn white in the sun. This is about a 3 carat, pear shaped stone, with a D color rating and is flawless! Do you realize how rare this is? It's purity and clarity, I have never seen such a finer stone in all my born days!" Harry said his palms sweating as his heart began to beat faster so excited was he to hold the piece.
     Norman and Xavier gave an enthusiastic look to one another as they too became enthralled at the prospect of the coming fortune. "So how much is it worth?" Norman asked again squirming a little where he sat as Harry laughed and answered.
     "How much is it worth? Or how much am I willing to give you for it?"
     "Come on Harry, I need this money to grow my business, get a new van maybe a corner shop to work out of." Norman said in all seriousness.
     Harry stopped put the stone and the jewelers loop down and turned to look at Norman. "Is that right? You mean you're finally ready to take my advice? I'm proud of ya' lad! Gettin' your head in the game, be bigger and better than all your loser friends. Make a name for yourself lad."
     "That's what I'm trying to do but I need lots of cash for my cow!" Norman laughed as Xavier waited nervously to see how much it was fucking worth.
     "Listen, honestly on the open market, this ring is worth about 35,000 to 45,000 pounds." Harry paused took another look at the diamond and said "However, I can only give you about 20,000." Norman went partially deaf as a ringing came to his ears as Xavier whom had been standing sat down quickly on the opposite bed as the sound 20,000 pounds entered into their disbelieving brains.
     "Whadya' say? Twenty..,"
     "Twenty Thousand pounds." it took a moment for this to sink in for Norman and Xavier, who suddenly felt numb unable to react. Now as they sat 'shell shocked' Harry went through the rest of the items: a long gold filigree 18 karat, book-link chain, with a small Faberge pencil on the end of it. This was a great find as it was small, pale translucent blue enameled, set in yellow gold foliate design with a rose gold cap. Harry found two Russian Hallmarks dating the little pencil to 1910. The slim little item including the chain was worth about 3,550 pounds but Harry would only pay 1,500 for it. He also was pleased to see an 18 karat white gold pocket watch; which was made by the world renowned watchmaker Patek Phillipe. Opening it up Harry discovered it was an 18 jewel movement made around 1935 and had a 3 finger bridge movement. It was worth on the open market around 7,000 pounds. There were a few other smaller items of lesser value but still high quality merchandise and Harry was ecstatic to come by these gems by what ever nefarious means.
"All totaled I can give you, with all this and the Patek Phillipe.., how's 28,000 pounds sound?"
     Norman gave a careful look over at Xavier, who looked like he was about to jump out of skin when Norman replied "Well, Harry, it's just..,"
     "Just what?" he asked not wanting to haggle with Norman.
     "We've got to split it up between us and if we could get Fifteen Thousand each, I mean it would just be easier that way." Norman said giving the old man a friendly, sad look.
     "Well that sounds fair." Harry smiled standing to his feet as he shook Norman's and Xavier's hands "So we have a deal." All were happy with the bargain and Harry went to the door and knocked on it; which Xavier thought was odd, until a tall gentleman, nearly as big as Norman stepped in through the doorway. He was a large dark haired individual who looked familiar to Xavier. "Norman you remember my son? Henry."
     Here the two men nearly the same in age lit up at the sight of one another exchanging pleasantries. Henry asking after Shelia and Norman telling of the break up. Then Harry interrupted the two 'magpies' and told his son to pay the boys for the jewelry. Henry pulled out a large stack of notes and counted out to each man fifteen thousand pounds. With each 100 pound note the excitement rushing through Xavier's body felt like an electrical storm in his veins. Never had he felt such a thrilling wave of happiness and joy. Before he knew what was happening Harry and his son Henry were gone as quickly as they came and Norman and Xavier sat there for a moment in silence as they each sat atop their little beds in the tiny hotel room, all the money spread out before them and Xavier and Norman had never been so happy to see so many little a the pictures of the Queen on all that cash.
     Now truth be told Harry held on to that rare diamond ring, but in 1993 he finally sold it to a wealthy American for $255,000. U.S. Dollars. You see he had lied to Norman the ring was worth far more than he had told the two stupid boys. With the money Harry bought a fine sail boat and retired to the Costa Del Sol in Andalusia. As for Norman and Xavier they were at the very beginning of their story, but first they had to decide to do with the money.

Chapter 7 begins

     Xavier was lulled to sleep by the gentle purr of the cars engine, inside the vehicle all was warm and toasty as he reclined back in the plush Napa leather seats as Norman drove back to where the van was parked. He handed Xavier the keys dropping him off to let the old work van warm up a little while he ditched the Jaguar a block or so away. It pained both of the men to have get out of the fine automobile. Each wishing in their hearts they had a car like that. This was even more so difficult for Xavier as he missed his '75 Aston Martin V8; which his mother sold to pay for the medical bills of the boy he had crippled on that terrible day in July.
     So Xavier climbed out into the cold with a heavy heart, sickened by his conscience as he waited in the old cold van for Norman to return. A little while later the two drove out to the East End where they found a room at the Old City Inn off Mare Street. The room was tiny with two small beds, a little television and a phone, but most importantly it was clean and well heated. Now Xavier just wanted to sleep forever, so tired was he from the long nights festivities. Collapsing on to the beds the two men covered up under the warm, thick duvets and fell fast asleep.
     Several hours passed as the men stirred not from their rest as the time passed by quickly in silence, save for the gentle snoring of Norman who sounded like a bear deep in hibernation. However, the serene peace of their dreams was disturbed by the loud beeping coming from Norman's pager. Groggy and half asleep Norman fumbled for the large plastic device and  switched it off. He sat up in his bed and called his answering service, whom Norman informed he was unavailable to take any jobs this weekend as his mother was ill. They believed his lie and he went back to sleep.
     Xavier and Norman slept most of the morning away, it was not until Xavier was awoken by the rancid aroma of burning tobacco that he finally got up. Xavier hated cigarette smoke but he made no complaint to his friend; which Norman would not have minded if he did. Through great lungs full of smoke Norman told Xavier a man was coming to pay a visit to them to look at the items they were going to sell. Xavier was nervous as he had never partaken in such a criminal deed, but he was young and having fun, and in desperate need of money, lots and lots of money, money his mother could not take away from him.
     As he was washing his face off in the en suite sink Xavier heard a loud knock at the door followed by the sound of Norman greeting an older gentleman who spoke in a deep Scottish brogue. He hurried to dry his face and slip on his t-shirt when he stepped out to see a finely dressed, older man, with hair dyed jet black, a face full of well earned wrinkles, tall, slim, attired in an expensive pair of Italian leather shoes, a hand tailored grey suit and a tan camel's hair wool trench coat, a bright blue silk scarf wrapped around his neck. He smelled of fresh linen and lavender. Xavier was happy to see a smile on this man's face as he stepped in giving Norman a firm handshake, as his eyes lit up a little, for he was glad to see this strapping lad, the son of his dear friend Gertrude Peirce.
     "Norman lad, good to see you again, it has been too long!" he said cheerfully giving Norman a slap on the shoulder.
     "Harry! You old bastard!" they laughed as Norman continued "Mum's doin' well, Harry, doin' well."
     "Well, thank the Good Lord for that! World needs more women like your mum!" he gave a bright eyed smile to Norman then he turned and gave Xavier a strange look as if to say 'Whose the fucking foreigner?' "So Norman, whose this then?"
     "Harry I would like you to meet my good friend Xavier Diaz, he's up here from Argentina, studying finance and he is one helluva' polo player." Norman said proudly.
     "Good to meet you sir!" Xavier said extending his hand out to the well heeled 'big wheel'.
     Harry paused, a look of shock on his face "Sir? What's this Sir business?" Xavier looked mortified thinking he had somehow insulted the distinguished looking gentleman. "No sir, just call me Harry!" he said as he took Xavier's hand in his and gave it a hard squeeze as he slapped Xavier on the shoulder firmly, he laughed and said "Only teasin' ya son! Lighten up, don't be so nervous!" Norman and Harry had a good laugh and Xavier began to feel more at ease. "Now then, I don't have all day show me what you've 'found'."
     Here Norman took all the items from the night stand drawer laying them down carefully on the small table. Now when Harry saw the fine selection of gold and diamond jewelry his eyes lit up like a kid on Christmas morning.