The Circle Now Is Made (King's Way Book 1) Read Online Free PDF Page A

to turn his attention to his companion, Terry ‘Ten’ Tennant. Almost as unremarkable as his partner, the one-time chauffeur to Penmaric provided the perfect foil for the double act. Unlike Hud, he was tall and stringy, with large, ill-fitting dentures.
    “When he smiles he looks like he's got a mouth-organ stuck in his trap,” said Eddy without a hint of amusement. “Which fortunately isn't often - I reckon Hud got 'em for him. And have you seen the ex-War Department hearing aid? Like something out of Cash in the Attic. ”
    Greg pretended he was laughing at something else as the group in question fell silent: Ten had obviously twigged that he was the subject of the conversation, so Nigel decided to break the uneasy silence.
    “Ten, d'you reckon the Ulster will make it to across Northern Spain and back?”
    Ten puffed amateurishly at a cigar Hud had forced on him: there was little respect for tobacco laws and less still for their enforcement in the Holly Tree. “That old motor would go right round the world. But why do you want to risk it in that when there are two roadworthy motors in the garage? It would be a cryin' shame to use the Ulster.”
    Nigel started to explain that he was taking it to a rally when Hud cut in.
    "Genuine enthusiasts don’t drive ‘em that sort of distance. They transport 'em, so as to keep 'em in perfect nick.”
    “Mmm, discerning types eh? Is that why you have your vehicles delivered by lorry?” interjected Eddy, though the square man ignored him and continued:
    “If you want something to make the journey for sure, I can fix you up...”
    “Yes but the whole point is that he’s going to show the car !” intervened Eddy. "He needs an old car to go with the goggles and helmet for Christ's sake!"
    “We can rig something up,” continued Hud undeterred, “those dagos know fuck-all…”
     “Thanks for your advice,” cut in Nigel, “But I’m taking the Ulster whatever the outcome. The old banger’s in perfect nick, and hasn't done a great mileage, despite her age.”
    “No, I’ll give you that,” agreed Ten, "Never drove it much: been a showpiece most of its life.”
    The ex-chauffeur went on to explain that the only times the car had been used were on its monthly excursions to the Worcester-Hereford area, where the old man had friends. Penmaric used to disappear on his own for indeterminate periods, insistent on driving himself."
    "Did he have a woman up there?" joked Greg.
    "Don't think so," replied Ten, almost indignantly. "Liked a flutter, and he'd a few upper-class connections up there." Ten tapped the side of his nose with a bony finger. "But he never made the journey without seeing that the Ulster was checked thoroughly: carried all sorts of spares and tools in case of trouble. Not as he'd have done repairs himself, mind - the on'y thing 'e ever had a go at was the trip meter, and that ain’t worked since.” He banged his empty glass on the counter for Hud’s benefit. “Do you know,” he added, “he even carried a tin of original touch-up enamel in case a stone chipped it. No flies on that old beauty.” 
    Nigel confirmed what Ten had said. “Worshipped it till the day he died. Anyway Greg, I'll leave details with Eddy here so that, hopefully, we can organise something.”
     
    "Are you really serious about that lot?" queried Eddy as Nigel left. "Thought you had a dog?"
    Greg was quickly deflated by the remark. "Mmm - was nice to dream for a while."
    At that stage, Jan left to collect Jamie, and the company, after discussing other peripherals, eventually disbanded. Only Greg and Eddy remained in the bar, so Greg chose the opportunity to acquaint himself better with the barman. He had a good feeling about Eddy, and felt comfortable confiding details of recent events with him.
     
    "So that's what brought you to Trevelly in a hurry?" summed up Eddy eventually.
     "Yes, but it's not a bad place to be." Greg decided it a good time to learn more of the intriguing