SHORT FAT STUBBY FINGER STORIES PRESENTS:  THE FINAL COUNTDOWN

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EPISODE 79

NIGHTFALL APPROACHES

Raji arrived at the garage within the three minutes that he had promised; his face ablaze with happiness, the packed duffle bag slung over his shoulder indicating he was ready to hit the road and deliver his prize to the Punjani … then take a long, long holiday.  To Raji’s way of thinking at the moment, he had gone through, and had lost, much, much, more than he was receiving in payment from the Punjani.  He needed a long, long break to clear his mind and his heart.  ‘Perhaps I should visit with my cousin for a while?’  he wondered.  ‘Yes’, he decided in an instant, ‘that is what I will do.  Go back to where it all started.”

  “Ah, Joseph, my friend, I thought you wanted me to break in, but you have made it easier for me.
  “A change of plans, Ravi, however, it was deemed necessary. Time is of the essence.”
  “Of course.  I understand.  The Punjaniti is soon due to arrive.  The statue, it truly is here?  How did you find it?”

  “Harvey found it.  It’s a long story, but we haven’t got the time to discuss it at the moment.  The statue is secure in the back of the van.  Harvey says the tank is full and ready to roll.  I hope you can hot wire it?”
  “Can a chicken lay eggs?”  Raji replied with an even wider grin, “Thank you, Joseph.  Your promises are worthy of your reputation.  It has been a pleasure working with you.  I hope we will meet again in the future.”

   “The pleasure applies both ways, Raji.  But we have no time for formalities.  I need you to be on your way as quickly as possible for my plan to work.  So, if you don’t mind, please get going.  You only have about a minute to get out of here.”
  “Thank you, my friend.”  Raji called out as he dashed off into the semi-darkness and clambered up into the driver’s seat, slamming the door shut behind him … and, within seconds, Joseph and Harvey heard the roar of the engine, the van lumbered by them, and within another one point five of a second, he was out of sight. 

  Joseph rang Martin and upon hearing that everybody had arrived back to the room he turned to face Harvey.

  “Now, Harvey, this is where you go into your routine.  Wait here until I reach the hotel, then allow me ten minutes before you go into the station.  As soon as you tell your story to the chief inspector – get out of there.  Tell him that you have to see the doctor about your accident; say that you think that you may have concussion.  Just get out of there as fast as you can.  I don’t want our friends to see you if we can help it.  Go straight to the conference room and wait for me there.  When I arrive, we will go straight back to see the police.  We may not have a lot of time.

  “Where are you going?”
  “I’ll explain all when I get back.  Give me time to reach the hotel and go into Sharkie’s room, then give me a further five minutes before you go to the police station.  In fact, ring me when you leave.  I don’t want to be caught in the room, or even be seen leaving it.” 

  Joseph took off in a run, and as soon as Harvey saw him enter the hotel, he checked his watch.