Bingo Hall

Sindy eyed the amazing raffle prize table on the first floor of The Ritzy, on opulent display by the plush Bingo Hall entrance next to the lounge bar.

It was Wednesday evening and she was meeting all her friends, even Granny would be coming; Sindy could only dream of what she would do with the top prize of one hundred pounds.

Suddenly a strangely familiar figure rudely barged past her and hovered by the office door.

It wasn’t long before the girls arrived, giggling and joking about the tempting prizes on display.

“Ooh, I’d love a lava lamp, they are so trendy.” Mindy exclaimed.

“What a sweet Teddy Bear.” Cousin June showed her age.

“Thats Granny’s favourite perfume.” commented Sindy, “I hope she wins it.”

Everyone had bought many strips in the hope of winning one of these glittering prizes, very soon the large hallway was crowded, all holding their tickets avidly awaiting the official draw.

Darius, the mysterious and very rich owner, would pick the number out of a hat at 6.50 ( just before the Bingo started)

It was all over very quickly with the top prize going to …. the strange ginger haired man with the big nose.

Sindy was sure she’d seen him before, she just couldn’t place where from.

As Darius handed over the huge cheque, Sindy’s dreams of a holiday at Morecambe were instantly dashed; soon the other prizes were dished out to the excited winners.

Poor Sindy, she never seemed to win anything, so fingers crossed for tonights Bingo games.

That man, it was really bugging her now, where had she seen him?

He marched heavily off down the hall towards the mens toilets, she was sure he was wearing a wig

‘No one has hair that colour!’ she thought.

The jolly Bingo caller was whipping the excited room up into a gaggle of laughter, comedy Ken was so funny, tonight he was dressed as a cowboy and put on a silly American Accent; everyone was in hysterics.

“Are y’all ready ?”

Yeah they shouted in reply.

“Then it’s EYES DOWN – a full house wins tonight prize.”

The hall cooed and gasped as Ken waved a handful of cash high up, flicking the crisp notes in front of the the averous players.

Drinks were downed and cigarettes extinguished ready for their full attention to the numbers.

Sindy glanced around the room excitedly while finishing off her snacks.

‘What! That man…it’s him.’ Sindy was sure now, she couldn’t mistake that brown leather jacket, its the same man from the Casino last week, the one that won all the games, its the SAME man who has only just won the raffle outside.

“Do you know who he is?” she whispered to Mindy.

“No, shh its just starting.” Mindy glanced over and shook her head.

Bingo caller Ken was still shouting out the numbers in a broad American accent and making the ladies laugh at his silly phrases.

“Danny La Rue has a poo number 52” …

“Red Raw back door number 64 – oooh Missus!”

“Sweet and keen, jelly bean just 15”

Sindy, Mindy and Granny were deep in concentration as they avidly waited to match up the numbers on their card.

The atmosphere in the room was electric as more and more balls rolled down and the numbers were called out.

“Dirty Gertie getting flirty number thirty.”

“HOUSE!”

Sindy glanced around for the winner…no way, she thought, I don’t believe it.

Bold as brass and practically the only man in the whole Bingo hall, there he stood in that familiar brown jacket, this time wearing a bowler hat but it was obviously the same fellow.

Sindy whispered her suspicions to Mindy as the rest of the hall grudgingly clapped the winner, he went up to collect that cash prize and seemed to be in a hurry to go; Ken kept him chatting.

“Congratulations….what’s your name?”

“Er…. Mr Cheque.” He mumbled awkwardly at being put on the spot.

“Well done Mr. Check, and what will you be spending your winnings on?”

The man was looking more and more uncomfortable at the attention and made a grab for the cash

“None of your business.”

“OOOOHHHHH” shrieked Ken in a highly camp way, “Hark at her.”

The crowd laughed and applauded, everyone loved Ken.

“You’ve got to tell someone he’s a fake.” Mindy egged Sindy and quickly called over to the rest of their table.

Granny told Dolly on the next table and within seconds the news spread like wild fire, everyone was furious, a Bingo cheat is the lowest of the low.

Sindy told them what she’d seen last week at the casino, there is nothing more scary than a wronged woman, except this was not just one, this was a whole room full!

“And that man was cheating.” Ken couldn’t believe it when Sindy told him.

“No one can cheat at Bingo dear,” He explained, too late the room was buzzing with angry voices.

As they all watched the drama unfold with startled gazes, not quite knowing what to do, it only took one very angry (and a little bit tipsy) woman to lead the mob into action.

Barbie staggered after the Bingo winner as he attempted to make his escape,

“Hey Mister…” she grabbed at his coat in the foyer.

“Get off me you ….” He turned angrily and tried to shake her off,

“I know you,” Barbie shouted accusingly, “You’re that dodgy model agency guy, I thought they locked you up…you should be ashamed of yourself.”

Sindy remembered that awful time she’d had dealing with him, Jimmy the Snap, she’d blanked that unfortunate episode from her memory.

It turned out that many ladies there had had bad experiences involving this man, one had all her wedding photos ruined when he forgot to put any film in his camera, another said he owed them money, one very angry lady said he’d made lewd suggestions to her grand daughter.

Within minutes the mob had got out of control and a full on bacchanalia was in progress, screaming frenzied women, kicking and pummelling as an array of bingo cards fell from his pocket.

“And that raffle was rigged.” someone screamed.

“Cheat”

“Fraud!”

“Faker.”

“Scumbag.”

He scarpered as fast as he could, out of the door and disappeared leaving his winnings where they fell.

As fast as it started, the red mist evaporated and calm descended to the slightly ruffled ladies in the hallway.

Lurking worriedly in the background, Darius slinked off quietly to his office. These people weren’t as stupid as he thought, he was concerned that his empire would collapse if it got out there was underhand dealings afoot so he never tried it on again.

It’s true crime does not pay and cheaters always get caught.

The next week Granny won the top prize and took everyone for a steak dinner in The Ritzy’s Penthouse à la carte restaurant.

©Juliette Dodd 2019

Casino Nights

Friday evening and Barry was taking his girlfriend Sindy for a night out at The Ritzy, the Mecca of entertainment in this town with something for everyone, a veritable hub of non stop excitement; meeting place of the beautiful and glamorous people.

“Oooh Barry Bingo night is next Wednesday, I can’t wait.”

“Not my thing Sind, you take your granny.” Barry had actually never been so he didn’t know what the sheer ultimate thrill of ‘Eyes down for a full house’ could offer.

“Yes, she loves a good National game with big prizes.”

“Casino night tomorrow though, wanna come?”

“No you can’t go, not after last week.” A couple were arguing loudly in the foyer.

“It’ll be different this time Babe, I promise I’ll get you another TV when I win.”

Sindy looked questioningly at Barry.

“I’ve never been to a real casino, whats it like?”

“Put your best dress on and come and see.” Barry knew that would tempt her, Sindy loved dressing up.

“Alright, tomorrow at 7 0’clock, I’ll meet you in the foyer.” She was already mentally going through her wardrobe for the perfect outfit.

Saturday evening at 6.50 p.m, Barry was early and dressed to kill. He’d been to many Casinos while in Her Majestys service and he loved the high stakes and the adrenalin rush ( he really should have tried Bingo first though)

Sindy’s bus was late making Sindy late too, she rushed up the street and panting appeared slightly flushed in the foyer and straight into the arms of the very smart and handsome Barry.

“I hope we didn’t miss anything?” Sindy had no idea what to expect at ‘The Casino’

Just as they chatted a large man barged past and marched straight towards the Casino doorway.

Barry and Sindy watched as this stranger greeted the owner Darius, followed by a suspicious whispered conversation.

“Come on Sindy, lets get some chips.”

“But Barry, I’ve had my tea.”

Inside the plush Casino suite, Barry was accosted by a familiar face.

“Hey big boy, where did you disappear to?’ Barbie jested, she’d had her room keys returned by the concierge.

Barry had a clear conscience but still didn’t want any trouble.

Sindy was nudging him and whispering “Who’s that?”

“This lady lost her room keys and I found then and sent them back.” A semi truth is better than a lie.

“Oh yes, …anyone could have got into my room, I’m so glad you found them first Barry.”

Barry quickly changed the subject by explaining the game on the table to his lovely girlfriend.

They watched first as the burly ginger haired man from the foyer rolled the dice and seemed to win with every throw.

Sindy still wasn’t sure how this game worked but watching the red haired man throw high scores again and again was mesmerising, she really wanted a turn.

Barbie was getting closer and closer to the winner and it wasn’t long before he’d cleared out the table.

Sindy was most impressed, ‘It’s all bravado’, she thought, ‘And nothing like Bingo!’

Collecting his huge winnings, the mystery man quickly made his way out of the door, opening the table to all the other eager players.

Barry was itching to have a go.

Barry wasn’t very lucky tonight and within a few throws he’d lost half his weeks wages.

“Don’t worry, I have some pocket money to play with.” Sindy reassured him.

Poor Barry was brassic and it was only 8’o’clock.

Suddenly another contender entered the room, although he seemed strangely familiar. Barry and Sindy watched him sauter over to the table egged on by Darius, hovering in the background.

Out came a large wad of notes and the dice were thrown again and again.

No way, every time a winner, it was almost unbelievable!

There was something about this new man, Barry just couldn’t put his finger on what though.

The Moustached stranger cleared the table and quickly cashed in his winnings, to the amazement of the room; goodness, that was more than Barry earned in six months!

The table was bustling with eager punters trying to better the last chaps good luck, he’d made it look so easy, but the dice were cruel and left everyone broke.

Out of the corner of his eye Barry half recognised a familiar figure, the same build, the same jacket but ….how odd, he’d not seen this man before?

Deep in conversation with dodgy Darius and holding a rather large amount of crispy five pound notes, he hovered in the shadows.

“Hey Sindy do you see that man?”

“Yes, why?”

“Does he look familiar?”

“I’m not sure but that jacket is all the rage and everyone seems to be wearing one.”

“Lets go Sindy, I’ve no money left and I’ve a feeling there’s something afoot here.”

“Did you say chips Barry? It’s still open if we hurry.”

To be continued…

©Juliette Dodd 2019

Buffet Party

Sindy was getting really excited about tonight, it would be her very first Buffet party and she’d invited all her friends and neighbours.

The food was lovingly prepared following all the latest recipes, oh it was so very modern and she really wanted to impress her guests with exotic delicacies.

After a relaxing soak in a bubbly bath to freshen up, Sindy tried hard not to feel tense and nervous.

Meanwhile Barry was also in the bath getting ready for the weekend after a long and heavy working week, his latest job as a bin man wasn’t as much fun as others he’d had and it made him sweat bucketloads.

‘Oh no is that a spot coming’, she was devastated at the prospect.

Preening in the mirror, Sindy had just the product that would sort this problem out and it was quickly applied.

His trusty back scrubber reached those hard to get places perfectly, Barry was now truly as clean as a new pin in every possible place.

‘I feel pretty, oh so pretty…’ Sings Sindy as she beautifies herself, the building excitement is beginning to give her butterflies in her tummy.

‘As close as a man can get,’ is the slogan to this part of Barry’s routine, he wants to impress and knows how Sindy can’t stand bristles.

‘Not too much lipstick, keep it subtle,’ Sindy applies her make up, ‘I’m NOT a tart!’

“What you looking at?’ Barry puts on a pretend American accent.

“You talking to me?”

“You talking to ME?” He flexes as he poses, what a handsome fellow, a fact no one could deny.

‘Just some extra napkins to fold’, Sindy has prepared everything beautifully and laid a table fit for a King, now its just a case of waiting for the guests, soon her nerves were twitching.

‘Just a small taster to see if everything’s nice,’ Sindy ate to calm her and she enjoyed every savoury mouthful.

‘Who’s that?’ she thought as she heard the back door open and slam shut.

Barry waltzed into the dining room loudly opening a pocket of crisps.

“Nice spread, Sinders.” He remarked as he eyed the sumptuous table heaving with goodies to eat. She hated that nick name.

“I’m so glad you’re here to help me Barry.” She really was relieved he come early instead of stopping off at the pub first ( it has been known).

Barry greedily sampled every dish on the table, he was starving although he didn’t think much of those green olives, yuk, too wet and salty.

“NO BARRY! Wait until the guests arrive.” Sindy chastised him in an affectionate way. just as he reached for (another) devilled egg.

She didn’t like him eating eggs as they had an unfortunate and very anti-social aftermath.

The guests all arrived on time at 7 ‘o’clock on the dot, her best friend Mindy and her cousin June plus a host of neighbours; things suddenly got very busy at Sindy’s buffet party.

“Is that your boyfriend then?”Asked Cousin June curiously.

“He seems to be very friendly with her?” Commented Mindy.

Barry was deep in conversation with …Sindy wasn’t sure exactly who that girls was, a niece of her neighbour maybe?

Busy being the perfect hostess Sindy couldn’t help but notice Barry was STILL chatting to her some time later. If looks could kill, that poor girl would have been mortally wounded by now.

‘Oh yes please.” Cousin June grabbed at a succulent sausage as Sindy mournfully gazed over to her boyfriend while offering the final meat platter around.

“I’d never let my boyfriend talk to the likes go her.” Mindy ranted, although she didn’t have a boyfriend anymore, not since Paul had come out.

Shortly afterwards the uninvited guest made her excuses and left early.

“Bye bye and thank you for coming,” Sindy called out politely as she disappeared through the door.

Things got a bit awkward quite quickly as everyone else made their excuses and slinked away.

“Who was that girl you seemed so engrossed with?” Sindy may have had a few more sherrys than she was used to.

Her friends left the scene.

“Barry!”

“I was just being nice to your friend.” He didn’t think there was a problem, Sindy was being a little over the top.

“She wasn’t my friend.”

“How was I to know, I’m not a mind reader, I’m off till you calm down.” Barry grabbed his jacket and the last devilled egg and walked out the door, leaving Sindy suddenly all alone.

‘Nooo.” She wailed as the door slammed behind him.

“I didn’t mean….”

Before she knew what she was doing the secret stash of chocolate had come out and she was scoffing for England

Caramac, Marathon, Bounty and Curly Wurly bars, the whole confection selection was consumed.

Just beginning on a huge family sized chocolate bar did Sindy come to her senses.

Gosh, that’s better.

“I am a silly billy and with all this washing up to do!” She cleaned her teeth and busied herself with the Buffet party aftermath, although all of the food had gone ( except the olives)

Meanwhile, Barry had route marched his frustration down to the town centre, as he passed the bright inviting lights of The Ritzy he was drawn into the lush interior and the promise of a quiet drink at the bar.

‘Have you got any change for the Duke box?” Called a sweet voiced as he stormed like fury through the foyer.

Barry fumbled in his pocket but he only had a nice crisp fiver from yesterdays payday, he never liked to go out with a pocket full of shrapnel.

“Ooh, mines a cocktail, if you’re offering?” she giggled, Barry wasn’t but how could he refuse such big beautiful eyes and pretty smile.

“A blue cocktail, to match you’re eyes.” He really knew how to flatter a girl and it worked a treat.

Her other admirer had stocked up the records and the joint was jumping once again.

“You must come here more often, I work here most nights.” She tittered while sexily swaying to the latest tunes. Barry was certainly interested.

He was a lonely man in need of comfort.

“Come up and see me.” She seductively handed him her hotel room keys, number 304 and winked.

Barry was shocked, never in his wildest dreams did he imagine this would happen to him, it was like a film story.

Now he was flung into a moral dilemma.

Should he stay or should he go?

Her big beautiful eyes said yes…..

What would you do?

This story continues in the ‘Bingo Hall’

©Juliette Dodd 2019

Bank Holiday Bike Ride

It was not the sunniest day for a British Bank holiday but Barry was determined to take his girlfriend Sindy for an extra special day out whatever.

After a long and chilly ride they finally arrived in the seaside town of Hastings, amid the deafening rumble of hundreds of other bikes. Barry was glad to get off and stretch his legs, Sindys side car ride had been slightly more comfortable.

Barry couldn’t wait to have a look around and see all the other shiny fast motorbikes lined up in the seaside car park, every make and model from this country and abroad, it was bikers heaven.

In his element, Barry was almost lost in the mechanical delirium until a rather bored and slightly whiny voice broke into his beautiful daydream.

“Barry, I’m hungry, lets get some chips.”

“Ew, you’ve put too much salt on.”

Just the way I like them thought Barry, scoffing the lot.

“Can we go to the beach now, the sea looks lovely.” Sindy pleaded.

Not really quite what she expected but, yes they were on the beach.

Next stop, down at the amusement arcade, Barry splashed his cash – for a pocket full of loose change, he was feeling lucky.

Sindy was impressed, even more when he swaggered over to a one armed bandit and won at the first pull.

‘Wow’

“Ooh Barry, you’re so clever.” she cooed at his prowess.

“What about that one,” as she pointed to the shooting range, how could he refuse; as he grasped the barrel and laid aim…hit, hit, miss, miss..miss…oh dear, next time maybe.

Another try, Barry hated losing, as he took a very careful shot….

“Sindy!” he almost squealed.

“Don’t be a silly, I’m just getting some coins.” She tutted, but too late, he’d been put off his flow and lost the game.

“I just wanted some crisps,” she said innocently, how could Barry be cross with such big blue eyes?

“Oh Sind, you’re my best girl.”

It was true love.

Barry soon got stuck into a really flashy loud pinball machine as Sindy gazed around the busy arcade, she was more eager to get on with enjoying the sights and sounds of what this holiday town had to offer.

“Not long now Sind.” Barry could sense her frustration but the huffs and puffing sounds she made got louder.

Was Sindy bored?

A little, maybe

Barry quickly made it up to her with some chocolate and a fizzy drink; this day was filled with sensations from all directions.

Oooh Spangles!

“Just one more game before we go.” Promised Barry, he was desperate to please his lovely girlfriend.

“Oh ok then, you smooth taking bastard,” she joked, nudging him firmly in the kidneys.

A quick canoodle and Barry was back on form, showing off his ultimate arcade skills, after years of wasted pennies and wrist exercise, it had all finally paid off…he’d get THE PRIZE.

“Oooh you won one!”

“Just for you Sindy.” As he proudly handed her the revered trophy.

A Pink Flamingo

“Barry, my hero”….she fluttered and giggled at the gift, while Barry’s chest puffed up like a pigeon on heat.

King of the Slots

The day was getting late and the sun wasn’t planning on showing it’s head.

“Time to go back home, Princess, ” Barry ushered his best girl back outside into the daylight, away from the bright flashing lights and hypnotic, repetitive tunes of the amusement arcade, to his waiting chariot.

©Juliette Dodd 2019

Burt Meets Barbie (again)

Old sailor Burt likes to be useful and often helps Dolly the Landlady of the ‘Puppet Masters Arms’, a popular Free House near the park; this morning he’s installing a fire extinguisher behind the bar in exchange for a few free pints.

“My saviour, Burt, how can I thank you?” Dolly was more that happy to have him around, since her husband disappeared it’d been hard trying to cope alone but at least she was the boss now.

Dolly may have more than a soft spot for rugged Burt, she often dreamt of running a harbour side pub with him as Landlord.

But she never declared it.

Meanwhile he took his coat off to start work before the pub opened, Burt had no idea of the raging longings that bubbled under the cool and coiffured surface of the friendly landlady, he just liked free pints.

“It’s regulations,” Dolly explained,

“Every public bar has to have one.”

“No problem, glad I brought me tools.” Burt diligently got on with the job,

“Are you sure you want it here Doll?”

“Yes Burt dear, in case someone sets the carpet alight with their fag butts, like the rabble I get in at the weekend, you wouldn’t believe what they get up to!”

Dead on 11 o’clock Dolly unlocked the pub doors, almost at once a sudden blast of fresh air cleared the stale smell of beer sodden carpet momentarily.

“What can I get you, Madam?” Dolly asked in her poshest voice, it wasn’t often she got a lady in her bar so early, especially such a well dressed one.

“Martini and soda and a lemonade, s’il vous plait.” replied the chic lady in her heavy French accent.

Burt turned around on hearing her familiar voice.

“Barbie!”

“Oh mon Dieu! Burt!” she exclaimed almost as shocked as he was, although keeping her French cool.

This roused the attention of Dolly,

“Oh you two know each other then?” she asked curiously.

“Oui oui, a long time ago.” Barbie explained.

“In Paris.” Continued Burt but that was all he was willing to say about that troubled time of his youth.

The drinks were served

“And a packet of crisps for Babette.” Barbie requested, Burt only then noticed the pretty dark haired girl standing next to her.

“Burt, you look so…handsome, I love the beard, it suits you. ” she was genuinely pleased to see him.

“How long ago? It must have been 1959, you left Paris without saying goodbye, one minute you were there, the next poof, gone without a trace!”

“Yes, I joined the Navy to see the world.”

“And you? A mother?”

They both looked over to the girl happily munching the packet of crisps.

“My daughter, Babette, she is my world.”

“How old is she?”

“Eleven, almost a young lady,” Replied French Barbie proudly.

Burt tried to do some mental arithmetic and the sums added up to a big question.

“Babette, this is my old friend, he used to be a artist and paint me when I was young and beautiful.”

“You are beautiful, Mama.” Babette also spoke with a French accent but a slight Lancashire lilt.

She offered Burt her crisps.

“Thanks, pet.” He politely took some.

“Can I ask you something, Barbie?” Burt had to know, after a decade trying to forget, this surprise meeting re-surfaced a swirling cauldron of repressed emotions.

“Oui, I have so much to ask you too, Chéri.”

“Another drink? Dolly love, same again and a pint for me.” Burt needed this beer badly.

“So you’re married?” Burt asked the leading question.

“Non, Chéri.”

Burt’s puzzled expression made her laugh.

“Did you miss the swinging Sixties with free love and non-conformity?” Little did she know he did, the Navy was a strict Mistress.

“But what about that other Artist….” Burt was pained to say his name, “Maurice?”

“Oh, oui Maurice, he started the biggest commune in the whole of France, the man is a genius, some say it was a cult but to the Art world he was a God.”

“Was?”

“He become a Buddhist monk in Tibet, that was five years ago and no one has seen him since.”

Burt took a long gulp of beer and braced himself.

“Tell me, who is her father?” Nodding his head in the direction of the girl.

French Barbie stayed quiet, starting intently into Burt’s eyes.

“She is a child of Love, Burt.” She whispered.

“But we have to go now and catch our train.” Brusquely French Barbie finished her Martini.

“Must you?” Burt was filled with questions as she fussed over the girl.

Who, where, when and how?

Maybe she didn’t know and if she did, she wasn’t telling.

“Burt, mon Chéri, such a lovely surprise to see you again, adieu pour toujours.”

“Not forever? Where are you going?” Burt was even more disturbed.

“Tibet.”

“Au revoir, monsieur,” waved the smiling girl as they swiftly left as fast as they arrived, a blast of fresh cold air swirled through the empty room as the public bar door slammed shut.

Silently Burt got back to the job he’d started, fixing up the new fire extinguisher under the counter.

Dolly busied herself wiping down the bar, intrigued by the overheard revelations of Burt’s past life, he never was much of a talker; she had no idea he’d once been an Artist in Paris, but then she didn’t really know who the real Burt was.

Another pint was supped as Burt collected his tools, silently thoughtful of distant times and past adventures, wallowing in a sea of ‘what ifs” and ‘maybes’.

Then he remembered he had a hot date with that redhead from the Travel Agents later.

“Bye Dolly, see you tomorrow.”

“Ta ta Burt, I’ll make those scotch eggs you love.”

©Juliette Dodd 2019