The Black and the Grey: The Gentlemen Robbers and the China Dolls

By KP

The Gentlemen Robbers - two men, known as Mister Tall and Mister Small, renowned for their calm and mannered approach to robbery. They exert control through polite enforcement and persuasion, and have never been known to harm anyone they visit.

The China Doll Gang - an all-female group of robbers, clad in grey save for their white faces, and also renowned for never ever speaking, using gestures and implied threats to control and contain those they call on.

For the first time, this collection brings together two dozen of their best known stories, from a mother and daughter to a village church woman's group, and from one reporter's encounter to a visit which brings unexpected visitors. Each tale illustrates a different aspect of the groups, but together they demonstrate why they are so renowned.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Oct 7, 2014
• ISBN: 9781326040499

Book preview

The Black and the Grey: The Gentlemen Robbers and the China Dolls

The Black and the Grey: The Gentlemen Robbers and the China Dolls

By Kev Pickering

Copyright (C) 2014 Kev Pickering,

All rights reserved

ISBN: 978-1-326-04049-9

This work is licensed under the Creative Communities Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.  To view a copy of this license, visit

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/

or send a letter to

Creative Commons

171 Second Street, Suite 300

San Francisco, California 94105

USA

http://www.kppresents.com

From Little Acorns…

The first two stories I ever actually wrote featured two groups that have become amongst my most popular characters – two men in black, and three (or sometimes more) in grey.

I never knew when I started on this what was going to happen, but now I’m proud to offer you this selection of tales, that reflect the uniqueness not just of the Gentlemen, but the Dolls as well.

Enjoy

Kev Pickering.

The Gentlemen Robbers

the_gentleman_robbers__family_ties_by_achast-d7hi8d6.jpg

Drawing for Family Ties by Achast

Like Mother, Like Daughter

Now remember, so long as you do as we tell you then no-one needs to be hurt.

The house was in a well-to-do suburb of a Northern city, the sort of place which middle-class people had bought in the early 80’s to live and raise a family in, and then had then seen the value rise far more than they had ever expected.  It stood a little way back from the main road, with a neat landscaped garden in front and a row of small bushes providing some additional privacy from the pedestrians as they passed.  On this particular Saturday, if someone has chanced to glance towards the house they would have seen the blinds drawn in the main room downstairs, presumably to keep the bright summer sunlight out of the eyes of whoever was currently there.  They would not have realised that the real purpose was to keep those outside from looking in and discovering what was really happening……….

They had been watching the house for a few days, studying the occupants and their daily pattern.  They knew there were three people resident there – two adults and a young girl that presumably was their daughter.  The father owned one of the larger stores in the town – not a department store like John Lewis or Debenhams, but one that catered to the furnishing needs of the local community.  On this particular weekend, they knew from a contact within the firm that he was away on business.  It had cost them a small sum for that information, but in the scheme they had concocted they saw that as a reasonable investment.  After all, in his position he must have acquired a fair amount of expensive items, and they would not be too difficult to fence elsewhere.

In addition, they knew that the mother and daughter regularly went shopping on a Saturday, and tended not to return until the later afternoon.  Discreet visits to the area over the previous few days had shown that there was a quiet access road that ran along the rear of the street the house stood on, and that it would not be too difficult to get access by that road to the house.  It seemed a simple job – get in, get anything they could carry and sell later, and get out.  Being naturally cautious, however, they had planned for the possibility of their being disturbed while at work………….

On this particular Saturday morning, the two men watched as a red Skoda Fabia with two women inside left the driveway of the house, and turn in the direction of the road to the town centre.  As the car drove into the distance, they stepped out of the van that was parked a little way down the road, and hoisted a pair of small rucksacks onto their backs.  Both were dressed casually, with black leather jackets, jeans and boots.  They walked in the opposite direction to the way the car had gone, and turned into the rear access road.  Within a few minutes, they had reached the rear of the house they had been watching.  Although there was a high fence around the rear, they had noticed a few loose planks in their previous visits.  With great care, they moved those planks out enough to allow one of the men to clamber through and unlock the gate from the other side.  Replacing the planks so as to hide their way in, the other man moved through to join his companion, and they both made their way to the kitchen door at the rear of the house.

The taller of the two men took a lighter and a screwdriver from his backpack, and heated the blade of the screwdriver.  He then used the heated blade to force the lock on the rear door of the house, and both men quietly slipped inside.  Closing the door behind them, the taller man went to cool the screwdriver at the sink, while the smaller went to disable the alarm system.  This was the way they always tended to work when starting a job – one doing the physical work, the other taking care of any electronic and other alarm issues.  As Tall dried the blade, Small came back in.

Simple alarm system – managed to disable it without any problems.  They don’t even seem to have a feedback loop to the local police station – the system must be an old one!

Fair enough – you start looking upstairs, and I’ll check the main rooms for anything.

Small nodded, and started to head up the staircase to the bedrooms.  Tall made his way into the main front room, and started to discreetly search the cupboards and bookcases.

It was while he was doing this that he heard the sound of a car turning into the driveway.  Tall stopped for a moment and listened intently.  Car doors were heard to open, and there followed the sound of footsteps approaching the front door.

Damn, he thought, we’ll need to spend a little longer here than we thought.  With that, he reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a balaclava mask and a short knife……….

I know it’s a pain that we’ve had to cancel the shopping trip, but that accident means by the time we get there, it will be time to come back.  The older women put her key into the door and opened the lock.  She was in her late 40’s, with short bobbed blonde hair.  Her daughter was about 17, and looked very much like her mother with the exception that she wore her blonde hair long.

I know – but I was so looking forward to seeing Joan and Sue again.  At least they understood when we called why we couldn’t make it.

Tell you what – I’ll go and put the kettle on, and we’ll have a cup of coffee while we decide what to do with the rest of today.

The two women entered the house, the younger one closing the door behind them.  As the mother went into the kitchen, the daughter headed into the living room to put on the radio that was there.  As she entered the room, however, she was suddenly grabbed around the upper body, and a gloved hand was slapped over her mouth.

Don’t say a word – I have a knife here and believe me, I won’t be afraid to use it.  Now, when I take my hand away I want you to be perfectly quiet and not to move.  Nod if you understand.

Terrified, the young girl nodded her head.  Removing his hand, Tall put the blade of the knife against her back.

Did you say something….  The mother entered the room, and saw her daughter being held by a tall man in a black leather jacket and jeans, and with a balaclava mask over his head.  She raised her hands to her mouth, as much to stifle a scream on her own part as in horror.

Tall spoke.  Don’t make any loud noises or sudden movements.  This is a robbery, and we had hoped you would not return until after we had left.  Mr Small, would you join us for a moment or two, please?

Turning round, the mother saw a smaller gentleman entering the room, dressed identically and with a small pistol in his hand. She found her voice.

Wh…. Who are you?

I am Mr Tall, and my companion here is Mr Small.  As I say, we are robbers, and we don’t want to hurt you in any way.  The fact that you have unexpectedly returned means we may have to – prevent you from getting in our way, but so long as you do exactly what we say we’ll all get along just fine.  Do you both understand?

Both women nodded.

Good. Would it be impolite to ask your names?

The mother spoke.  My name is Grace, and my daughter’s name is Clare.

Well, Clare, why don’t you go and stand next to your mother.  Mr Small will watch you as well, so please do not try to do anything heroic.

Clare moved quickly over and hugged Grace.

First, would you please give Mr Small your handbags?

Both women handed their bags to the smaller gentleman, who removed from them a pair of mobile phones.  He switched them both off, and then placed the phones and bags on a small table in the room.

Thank you, Mr Small.  Would you please now go and make sure the main telephone is disconnected?  In the meantime, ladies, please take off your jackets and place them on the chair beside you.

Do as he says, Clare.  Grace undid the buttons on her beige overcoat, and slipped it off her shoulders.  Clare unzipped the red leather jacket she was wearing and placed it on the chair, followed by her mother’s coat.

Mr Tall noticed that, in the case of this particular mother and daughter, the identical looks went further than just the hair and facial build.  Both women were virtually identically dressed.  Clare was wearing a white sweatshirt, blue jeans and knee length zipped black leather boots.  Her mother was wearing a white Argyle sweater with a patterned scarf around the neck, jeans and black leather boots with cuffs at the top.

Now remember, so long as you do as we tell you then no-one needs to be hurt.  Grace, would you please close the window blinds, without raising the alarm, or else Clare here will not be happy?

Grace went to the side of the window and closed the Venetian blinds.

Now, please would you both sit down next to each other on the couch there?

Both women went to the long couch and sat down at one end.

Kindly put your feet up on the footstool in front of you, and then put your hands behind your head with the fingers interlocked.

As they did this, they watched as Mr Small took one of the rucksacks that they had brought in, and began to bring out lengths of rope.  Clare shuddered.

You don’t have to tie us up – we won’t cause any trouble.

Mr Tall laughed.  My dear girl, I did say that we would have to prevent you from interrupting us while we work.  I do promise you, however, that I will make you and your mother as comfortable as possible, and that we will detain you no longer than necessary.  Now, if you do not mind, please cross your ankles.

Clare, just do as he says.  Let’s try to get through this in one piece.

Clare reluctantly crossed her ankles.  Thank you, said Mr Tall.  Mr Small, a length of cord please.

Mr Small passed him a length of white cord, which Mr Tall used to bind Clare’s ankles together.  Making a loop in the rope, he passed the cord several times around her ankles and then cinched the rope tight.  Taking a second length of rope from Me Small, Mr Tall then proceeded to tie her thighs together above her knees, cinching the rope again to ensure it was secure.

There – please keep your hands behind your head until you are told to move them.  Mr Small, thank you for your help for now, but could you please return to searching the upstairs bedrooms?

Clare, are you all right?,Grace asked.

Yes, Mum – it feels a little strange, but it’s not too painful.

Thank you for the compliment, Mr Tall replied.  Now, Grace, if you could do the same as your daughter please?

Grace crossed her ankles, and Mr Tall proceeded to tie her ankles and legs in the same way as Clare.  Tell me, Grace asked, Why are you tying our legs first?  When we were robbed before………

We’ve been robbed before?  When? Clare asked.

Some years ago dear – you were at school at the time.  When we robbed then, they tied my hands first and then my feet.  Why are you doing it this way round?

Simple – the way you are seated, you can’t use your hands, and I know you will not place your daughter in any danger.  This way I can be sure you will not try to run away, and my colleague can get back to the job we are doing.  With that, Mr Tall finished cinching the rope around Grace’s legs, and stood back to check the work.

Now, however, I am afraid I do have to make sure your hands are secured.  Clare, we will take care of you first.  Please put your hands together in front of you as if you are praying.

Clare brought her hands round from behind her head, and did as Mr Tall asked.  He quickly bound them tightly together, ensuring the ropes were cinched, and then tied them down with a short length to the rope around her legs, giving her some room to move but not enough to free herself.  As an added precaution, he then took a long length of rope and used it to tie her upper body, effectively immobilising the arms.

There, Mr Tall said, I trust that is not too uncomfortable.

Clare wriggled a bit, but had to admit she was unable to move far.

Mr Small entered the room carrying a second rucksack.  She went to the handbags the women had deposited earlier, and started to take money from them.

Mr Small, you will find a small safe behind that portrait on the wall.  Grace, I realise it is an imposition, but you could please give Mr Small the combination, otherwise……. And he looked over at Clare with a glint of menace in his eye.

All right, I’ll give him it.  Grace gave Mr Small the combination, and he went to work on the safe.  Thank you, Grace, now would you please turn towards your daughter and place your hands behind your back?

Doing as she was asked, Grace felt her wrists been lashed together and cinched behind her back.  She then saw a long length of rope pass over her upper body, and passed several times above and below her breasts.  These were then cinched with a further length passing over her shoulders and around her neck.

Thank you, Grace, you may now sit back.

Both women were trying to move, but the ropes around their body were holding firm.  As they struggled, Mr Small closed the safe door, and began to gather up the loose ropes from the floor.

Mum, Clare said, What happened the last time we were robbed?

I’ll tell you about it another time, dear.  It was certainly more terrifying than this occasion, but I learnt then to do what was asked and nothing bad would happen.

Mr Tall took the bags from Mr Small, and then asked Mr Small, I wonder if you could return to the upstairs bedroom and find something suitable to silence these lovely young ladies with?

Both women looked at Mr Small in horror.  You don’t have to gag us, Grace said, we won’t call out.  I promise.

Nevertheless, Grace, I cannot take that risk.  It is more than my liberty is worth, but I assure you it is only for a little while.

Mr Small returned with two small chiffon squares and two larger scarves.  Handing one of each to Mr Tall, he went behind Clare’s head.

Please, Clare, open your mouth and allow us to silence you for a little while.

Clare looked at her mother, who nodded.  She opened her mouth, and the chiffon square was balled up and placed inside.  The larger scarf was then rolled into a thin band and tied into her mouth to keep the gag in place.

Now, Grace, we will alert the police to your predicament in one hour.  When they come, you can tell them The Gentlemen Robbers called here today.

I suppose I should thank you for only tying us up and not hurting us?

Your thanks are accepted.  Now, open wide.

The small scarf was placed in Grace’s mouth, and then the larger scarf was rolled into a band and a knot tied in the middle.  This was then placed in Grace’s mouth, and tied tightly behind her head.  The ropes on both women were then checked, and the two men headed for the door.

Ladies, we bid you a fond adieu.  May we never meet again.

The two men left through the kitchen door, headed out the back gate and made their way to their van, removing the masks as they went.  Hearing their departure, both Grace and Clare tried to free themselves, but it proved too difficult to reach the knots until, exactly an hour later as promised, the police arrived and freed them.  As for the Gentlemen Robbers, their career was only just beginning to gain the notoriety it deserved…………

The Play’s The Thing

So remind me again – this was meant to be a rehearsal for you, right?

Yes, and I’m so sorry it’s turned out like this, I really am

Auntie Belinda, Auntie Belinda – you’ll never guess what’s happened!!

Rose ran up to her aunt, who was seated at the café table.  She was a student at the local drama college, and Belinda was one of her strongest supporters in this.  So much so that she allowed Rose to live in her house while she was studying, so that Rose could save on the cost of renting a room.

Sit down, Rose, and tell me what has happened, Belinda said, waving the waitress over and asking for two more coffees.

I’ve got the lead role in the next student production!!  My name at the top of the cast list, everything.

Rose, that is fantastic!!  What is the play?

It’s not a play – it’s a musical, and I have a few solo numbers to learn.  Do you think you can help me learn them at the piano?

Of course I can – you only have to ask.  Belinda was a music teacher, and she sometimes took in young people for lessons at home.

There is something else I need to ask your help with, but I don’t want to discuss it here.  When will you be home tonight?

Belinda looked at her watch.  Not until late, I’m afraid – I have a meeting after school.  Are you free tomorrow morning?

OK – we’ll talk then.  See you later, auntie!

The next morning, Rose was sat at the kitchen table eating her breakfast when Belinda came down.

So – what was it you wanted to talk to me about yesterday? Belinda asked as she made herself a mug of coffee.

Rose blushed.  It is a little embarrassing.  I’m not even sure you’ll want to help in this way when I tell you.

Belinda sat down opposite her niece. Go on – I’m listening.

Well, this musical is called Urinetown.  Have you heard of it?

I remember reading about it – why?

Well, I’ll be playing a character called Hope, who is held hostage for a good part of the musical – and apparently I have to be tied to a chair for most of that time.

Belinda put her mug down.  Tied to a chair?  You mean, actually physically restrained?  That’s a bit unusual, isn’t it?

Yes, but it is vital to the plot.  The thing is, Auntie, I’ve never been tied up before – and I don’t know if I’m going to like it.

Rose took a drink of her own coffee.  Auntie – I was wondering if you could help me to find out what it is like to be tied up.

Oh – and how do you think I can do that?

I don’t have anything to do this morning – could you help me by tying my hands and feet and leaving me in the front room?  I could watch the television, and you could go off to do the shopping you were talking about.  You used to be a guider, so I presume you do know how to tie knots….

Belinda sat for a few moments, lost in thought.  There had been a few occasions in her younger days when she had found herself in one or two tight situations, but she never thought she would be asked to do it to someone else.  Eventually, she stirred herself.

All right – I did promise I would support you in your studies, and this sounds like part of that study.  Look, how about we get ourselves cleaned up and dressed, and in about – oh, an hour, meet me in the front room.  I’ll see what I can find to help us in the meantime.

Later that morning, Rose was sitting in the front room of the house when Belinda came in carrying some lengths of rope.  Rose was wearing a brown sweater with a denim jacket over it, denim jeans and sneakers.

Is that how you’ll be dressed on the stage? her aunt asked.

No, Rose replied, but as it’s the first time I’ll have experienced this I want to have some sort of protection around me.

Belinda looked at her niece, wondering if this was going to be alright.  She was wearing a gingham-style dress with a white t-shirt underneath, and wondered how she would feel if what she was about to do was done to her.

So, you want to go ahead with this?

Yes, I do.

Very well then – I want you to be as comfortable as possible, so I’m going to tie your hands together in front of you.  You’ll also be able to see what it looks like.

Rose nodded, and put her hands out in front of her, wrists together.  Belinda took a length of rope, found the middle and looped the rope around her niece’s wrists.  A few minutes later, she was tying the knot off between her wrists, and Rose tried to move her wrists around.

How does it feel?

Tight – and not as uncomfortable as I expected.  Now, can you tie my ankles the same way?  I don’t want to be able to move easily.

Belinda took a second length of rope, and tied Rose’s ankles together in the same way as her wrists were bound – some loops around both, then the rope was used to cinch the loops and prevent Rose from moving her ankles apart.

Right – are you sure you want to stay like this? Belinda asked as she stood up.

Yes, Rose replied, can you put the television on for me?

Belinda turned on the television set, and then picked up her handbag and keys.  I’m heading into town now, and I should be back for lunch.  Try not to hurt yourself while I’m gone.

Rose waved her bound hands at her aunt.  See you later.  She watched her aunt leave the room, and then heard the front door close behind her.  The sound of her footsteps on the path faded into the distance, and Rose sat back to make herself as comfortable as possible.

Rose woke up with a start.  At first, she wondered why she couldn’t move her hands, and then she remembered the fact that she was tied up.

I must have dozed off for a few seconds, she thought to herself.  She could hear noises coming from the kitchen, and figured that Aunt Belinda must be back from her shopping.  "Aunt Belinda,