#48: INCONSIDERATE INTERRUPTION!

As Drake and his butler took cover on the floor, the sniper picked off the other mug of tea and a vase of rhododendrons.

“Perhaps it would be prudent to arrange for the house to be refitted with bulletproof windows, sir,” suggested Nickelby.

“Right,” agreed Drake. “Remind me to contact Oscar Roscoe later and ask who supplies the panes for the bank.”

Nickelby took a mental note.

“I take it you have a plan, Master Drake?” he asked.
Drake just signalled for his butler to stay put and began commando crawling to the armoury. After a few minutes, he returned with several firearms of his own.

“Has our mysterious gunner fired any more shots?” Drake asked.
“Just two, sir, we lost another window.”

Drake handed Nickelby an MP5 submachine gun and an AK-47 assault rifle. He slung the modified MP40 over his shoulder, and then pocketed his Auto-revolver.

“I’m sorry Nickelby,” he said apologetically, “I know I promised not to give you any jobs today, but I need you to provide a diversion while I sneak around behind.”

“Well, these ARE extenuating circumstances,” said Nickelby, examining the magazine of the MP5. “Using blanks I see, sir,” he observed.

“I don’t want a death on my hands if I can help it.”

“As long as it isn’t yours, Master Drake.”

Drake grinned lopsidedly at his butler then crawled out the back door...