Bandit
Sir, this is the last stop! Are you getting off, or should I take you back into town?
Max opened his eyes, took in the empty bus, glanced at the driver, and then silently headed for the door. Once he stepped off the bus, he allowed himself a smile.
Home at last… Twenty-five years since Ive stood here. Hard to believe how time gallops by.
*****
Maxwell Jennings, please, take a seat, old boy. You know what they say, theres no truth in tired feet, said the boss with a relaxed wave towards the chair. Any idea what Id like to chat about?
Mr. Anthony Griffith, you do insult my intelligence, Max replied with a grin. I knew a week before I left hospital what youd want to discuss today. Retirement, isnt it? Ive got my years intime to put my feet up, yes?
Well, youve earned it, Anthony admitted. Besides, youll have your disability allowance. Thats no small thing.
Oh, what joy. Finally, Ill be living the life.
No hard feelings then, I hope?
No, not at all. Im old enough to understand…
The doctors say you survived by pure chance, Max.
Mm.
And honestly, how are you supposed to chase criminals if you can barely walk these days? Anthony said, almost apologetically.
Max shot him a quick look but soon turned his gaze out the window to where he watched sparrows perched on a tree, peering back at him with matching curiosity.
When Max was a boy, he’d listen closely to the sparrows chatter, then tried to imitate them: cheep-cheep, cheep-cheep! He’d sit under the tree, and the sparrows would answer, though neither quite understood the other.
They talked, and yet said nothing.
A pity, really. He often wondered what the birds discussed, what ideas flittered in their tiny heads.
His curiosity and thoroughness he got from his father, whod served in the police, and who…
…had died in the line of duty.
Many gathered at his funeral, and many fine words were said.
One officera colonel, if memory servedshook young Maxs hand firmly.
Not as a child, but as a man.
Hope youll make the right choice, the man said, giving his shoulder a pat.
Thats when Max decided, after all, to join the police toodespite having once dreamed of being an ornithologist.
Naturally, his mother was against it, but when Max came back from National Service, shed recently passed away. Drank herself to death, whispered their neighbour, Mrs. Oxley.
Are you even listening to me? Anthonys voice drifted in, pulling Max back from his reverie.
Max shook himself free from the past, turning his attention back to his chief, who was still outlining why a seasoned detective was being put out to pasture.
They dragged you back from the brink, Max, you understand? Back from the great beyond! Anthony poked a finger at the ceiling. And they didnt do that so you could end up there again. Lets be frank: you shouldnt have tried to arrest an entire gang alone. Shouldve waited for backup.
Its the job. More preciselythe service. No time to wait when actions needed.
Servicea tough one, Ill grant you. But youre no superman, Max. None of us are. Were mortal, and we ought to take care of ourselves.
I did my best. Its just how things turned out.
Youre a lucky one, Max. Most dont get a second chance. Time to count your blessings and move on to something useful. Theres plenty of work. Youre not an old fossil yetyou could settle down, start a family. Grow a son, plant a tree…
And wholl catch the criminals, then? Youve always said there arent many good detectives about.
Theyll find someone. You know, no ones irreplaceable. Youve done your duty to the nation, Max. If your father were alive, God rest him, hed be proud. Heretake a look at the order, if you wish. Then hand over your cases, see HR and…
And I can be as free as a sparrow, eh, Mr Griffith? Max quipped, getting to his feet.
Why a sparrow? Anthony looked puzzled, then grinned. Ahyour surname! Yes, Max, youre as free as a sparrow. Like it or not, I dont like to see you go. Thank you for your service.
They shook hands firmly, and Max, limping slightly, hobbled towards the door.
An entire department was waiting outside for him.
Every member wanted to say their goodbyes to Captain Jenningsa man well known and respected throughout the county, especially since hed managed to single-handedly take down a dangerous gang. Yes, hed nearly paid with his life, but he saw it through.
Outside the station, Max stopped a moment, unsure what civvy life would bring him.
He had no desire to work as a private security guardthey wouldnt take him now, given the limp.
Night watchman? No, not for him.
What useful thing could I possibly do if the only thing Im good at is catching crooks? he wondered.
But he knew one thing for sure: he wouldnt stay in the city. When youre out every day, chasing criminals on your feet, never sleeping, the city has purpose. But to stay and do nothing? He couldnt live like that.
At best, hed drink himself into oblivion.
So, weighing his options, Max decided to return to his childhood village, to his family home.
*****
Sir, last stop! Will you step off, or shall I take you back to town?
Max opened his eyes again, glanced about the empty bus, eyed the driver, and silently left the vehicle. He took a moment to look around before smiling.
Home at last… Twenty-five years.
He hoisted his bag onto his shoulder and made his way toward his old house, hoping the place hadnt fallen to pieces in the past quarter-centuryfor if it had, hed be sleeping rough.
At the wooden garden fence, which sagged but somehow endured, Max let out a relieved sigh. The house still stood, windows intact and roof holding. Itd need a touch of TLC, but it was livable.
He reached the gate and was immediately confronted by a woman’s sharp voice:
Excuse me, sir, what do you want here? Theres been no one living in that house for ages.
Turning, Max spotted an elderly woman across the lane, shovel in hand, eyeing him with suspicion.
Mrs Oxley! Max recognised his childhood neighbour and smiled.
I asked, what do you want? she repeated, frowning deeply. Shall I call the bobby?
Mrs Oxley, surely you recognise me? Max placed his bag beside the gate and took a few steps toward her.
No, cant say I do… I know all the villagers. You must be new.”
Its Max. Jennings.
It cant be! she gasped, dropping the shovel. Little Maxwell? Is it really you?
Thats me, Mrs Oxley.
Well, I never… Didnt recognise you. It must be what, twenty
Twenty-five years, Max nodded.
Exactly! Last saw you as a slip of a boy. Now look at youa proper man, just like your dad. Though, you werent limping, were you? Was it a crooks bullet?
Thats the one, Max smiled.
So, are you visiting, or…?
Not sure yet. Planning on staying a whileperhaps for good, if all goes well. Fix the place up, live quietly here. Much calmer than the city.
Thing is, Max, your house isnt empty.
I beg your pardon?
A bandit lives there now, Mrs Oxley whispered. Not in the house itselfoutside, but still. He keeps everyone out.
Does he indeed? But Im not exactly a stranger, Max chuckled. But seriously, what kind of bandit moved in?
Its a dog. Huge thing.
A dog?
Yes. Bandit used to live on the next street. His owner moved here about six years ago you wouldnt know him. After the wife left, the man drank himself silly and died recently.
Mrs Oxley paused, recollecting. Six months backgive or take. His children sold the house but left the dog behind.
A common tale, Max sighed.
It is, sadly… The mutt tries to find a home, but whod want a dog with a drunkard owner? He drifted over since this house was empty and wont let anyone near. A month ago, Tony Simmonsyoull remember him; just got out of prisontried breaking in here. Bandit chased him off. Tore his trousers to shreds.
And who feeds him, then?
He hangs around the shop. Annie Chapman, the shop girl, keeps an eye on him. Youll remembershe used to leave flowers under your window, though youd always turn your nose up at her. Claimed she was too young…”
Annie? Of course I remember. Didnt she marry that lad, Charlie Bishop, and move away?
She planned to, but cancelled the wedding. Bishop was a womaniser, turned out. Annies still herenever married, shes thirty-five now.
Thanks for the update, Max smiled.
She gives Bandit scraps, and I throw him a bone so he doesnt see me as the enemy. No one else will go near. Everyones scared of that dog.
Whys that?
Youll see. Hes got a proper bandits face. Just looks nasty, you know?
Max chatted a bit longer with Mrs Oxley, then walked to his gate, bracing for his first encounter with Bandit.
He opened the gate and stepped into the garden, where a large dogs head poked from a battered kennelonce home to Maxs fathers dog. He does look like a proper bandit, Max thought.
Keeping calm, he took a few steps forward. The dog bared his teeth and growled lowa clear warning: best turn back while you can.
Max ignored the threat, stopping just a few feet away.
“Hello, Bandit. Names Max. Im the owner of this house and this garden.”
Grr…
Understandably, taking my word for it might not convince you. But Ive documentsand the keys. See? Max dangled house keys with a jingle.
Grr…
Fair, not enough to go on. Still, would I come here if this werent my home?
Max crouched, took a couple of pasties from his bag, bought at the station but yet uneaten.
He kept one, tossing the other to Bandit with a friendly nod.
Its funnyspent my whole life chasing bandits, never treated them gently, and now Im having to negotiate with Bandit just to get into my own home. If someone had told me that, Id never have believed it.
The dog watched Max, listening for any sign of hostility. Seemingly satisfied, he approached the pasty, sniffed, nibbled a corner, then began to eatthe hunger winning out.
Thats it. Good lad. Now, heres an idea. Ill be living here on my own. Gets a bit lonely, you know? Judging by your eyes, you know exactly what I mean. So, what do you sayjoin me? Retired detective and a Bandit. Could be a proper team.
Bandit cocked his head.
Easy terms tooI feed you, you guard the house and garden. Deal?
Grr…
No, mate, I need a definite answer. Yes or no. Straight talk, thats all I ask of you.
Woof!
Brilliant. Much prefer dealing with you than other bandits Ive known. Now, if you dont mind, Ill nip inside, have a look about, and sort out dinner. Well, first Ill have to pop to the shop. If you fancy a walk, come along. Itll be more lively, and we can have a chat on the way.
*****
As Max and Bandit neared the shop, a police car was parked outside.
Must be the village bobby fetching some groceries, Max thought, and stepped in.
Inside, he found Annie Chapmanthe very same whod once had such a crush on himtalking with the village constable, a lad barely out of training.
The young constable was scribbling notes while Annie, teary-eyed, fiddled with her apron.
So, you didnt see anyone, is that right? he asked.
No, I was in the stockroom taking in deliveries. Only gone about ten minutesfifteen at most.
And you didnt hear the shop door?
NoI was busy with the lorry delivery. When I came back, the charity box was gonethe one for the church roof fund.
Strange, that,” muttered the constable. “Youre sure nobody came in?”
“Of course someone did! Who else wouldve taken the money?!”
Max approached and coughed to make his presence known.
Shops closed while we investigate,” the constable grumbled.
Really? Shame that. Mind if I askwhats happened here? Afternoon, Annie.
Max? Is that you?
Course.
HowI mean, how are you here?
Came back to the village. Seems youre having a spot of bother?
Someones nicked the church fundmoney everyones been donating to fix the roof. No idea whoeveryone heres local. I cant even guess whod do such a thing.
And you are? the constable asked, putting on a formal tone.
Maxwell Jennings. Retired Detective Inspector, Metropolitan Police. This is my home village, I grew up just down the lane.
Hold on, Jennings? Werent you the one who single-handedly took down a gang about half a year back?
The very same, Max nodded.
Heard loads about you! Guess that makes us colleagues, then.
Not quite colleagues, but close enough.
How do you mean?
Well, I served in the old bill for twenty-five years. You, I take it, are in the police now? Only just started, right?
Does it make any difference? Police is police, surely?
Makes a world of difference to me, but thats beside the point. What do you think about the theft? Any suspects?
Havent much to go on. Annie here says she saw and heard no one. And there are no cameras. So, two options: some outsiders drove in, saw the ring was clear, and nicked the cashor, he glanced at Annie, she herself took it and is trying to put one over on me.
Me?! Annies voice trembled with frustration. Of course not!
Well, there was no one else hereand the cash is missing.
Tell me, Annie, Max cut in, while you were in the back, did you notice anyone strange hanging around outside?
Nojust the lorry driver bringing the goods, nothing odd. Didnt really have time to look. And, well, we all know each other here. If Im not at the counter, folks always shout for me.
Max pondered, looking at the constable, then Annie, and stepped outside, where Bandit waited.
He scanned the area and spotted a pile of cigarette butts near the shop door.
Someones certainly been lurking here… he mused. Waited for a chance to slip inthat means they knew when the delivery came, so its likely someone local. Judging by all these butts, at least twoone acted as lookout while the other entered.
If only you were a tracker, Max said to Bandit with a smile. Wed crack this in no time.
Bandit gazed at Max, then went over, sniffed the spot, and barked loudly.
Thats it! They’ve left a clear scent trailcan you follow it?
Woof! Woof!
Lead on, then! Wed better find them before the constable blames Annie.
With nose to ground, Bandit trotted off, Max hobbling along behind.
*****
What do you want? Who are you? barked a scruffy man of about forty-five as they approached a gate, Bandit at his side.
Hello there, Tony Simmons, isnt it?
Do I know you?
Max Jennings. Remember?
Max? Blimey, didnt recognise you, Tony shifted uneasily, eyeing Bandit. That dog with you?
He is. Word is you tried to break into my house, but Bandit here saw you off.
ThatI, uh, spirit of curiosity, thats all. Didnt mean to nick anything. The dog came out of nowherebarely escaped with my trousers intact.
Dont worry, not here about that.
Then what? Busy day, cant chat.
Got a cigarette to spare?
Sure, Tony pulled out a pack, offering it to Max.
As I suspected, Max thought. Same smokes as outside the shop.
Are you going to take one? Tony asked, holding out the pack.
No thanks, I dont smoke. Tell me, Tonywhyd you steal the money?
W-what money? I told you, I didnt get into your house.
Im not talking about my house. I mean the shop. You were there todaywith your mate. Waited for the delivery, slipped in when Annie was out back, and took the collection box. Bet youre trying to open it now, arent you?
What? Wasnt at the shop. My mate, Greghes inside nowcan vouch weve been here all afternoon, quietly having a pint.
Bandit says otherwise. Traced the scent straight from the shop to your door.
The man chuckled. Who do you believe: a lifelong villager, or a dog with a villains mug whose master was a drunk? Dog could have led you anywhere.
Who do I believe? Max paused. The dog, Tony. Hes got no reason or ability to lie. You, on the other hand, have form. Youve done this beforeand your mate Greg, Ive no doubt, is the same.
Youve got nothing! You cant prove a thing! Tony yelled, suddenly flushed.
Oh, Tony, if only you knew how many times Ive heard that and still got my man…
And anyway, youve no authority. Youre not police nowclear off!
Max swung open the gate, seized Tonys arm, and nodded to Bandit, who took up position, growling softly.
Come on, inside.
*****
Half an hour later, Max, Bandit, and two dejected men with their hands tied behind their backs returned to the shop. Max proudly carried the untouched charity box.
The constable, in the middle of putting Annie in his car, goggled at the sight.
Whats… whats this? Who have you brought?
Why, the thieves, Max replied cheerfully. Here are your criminals, and the missing charity box, lock still on.
Well, Ill be
Youll have to let Annie go. Shes clearly innocent. And these two, Max nodded at Tony and Greg, theyll be making full confessions now, right?
The men both glanced nervously at Bandit, then nodded in unison.
Blimey, the constable muttered, releasing Annie. Your reputations well deserved.
Just a matter of doing the job right.
The next day, all through the village people spoke of how Max Jennings and his dog Bandit solved the theft and caught the culprits whod taken the church fund.
Everyone came up to thank them. Even Bandit, once feared, became something of a local hero.
Not a bandit after allbut a champion, with four legs and a wagging tail.
Half a year later, Max and Annie had a quiet wedding, and a year after that, welcomed a son. Max had never imagined life would change so much.
Seems those upstairs had decided to reward an old detective for years of good work.
Now, he had a loyal dog, a loving wife, and a little Jennings Jr. Watching the boy in the garden, trying to puzzle out the secret language of sparrows, Max found himself contentfor the first time in many, many years.
