The Dennis Wheatley 'Museum' - The Post War Years

A great deal had to be done to the house, and fortunately the local builder, Mr Bower, had apparently not heard of the war-time regulation that not more than £50 might be spent on repairs or redecorations. He cheerfully put in work that cost me £1100 odd.

This very nearly landed us in serious trouble. When the work had been completed, a local dealer, who had been using ‘Grove Place’ as a storehouse came to see me one morning and threatened to inform the police that I had illegally spent a far greater sum on redecorating the house than was allowed by the regulation, unless I made it worth his while to keep his mouth shut. I said I would think the matter over and let him know of my decision if he would come and see me again at the same time the following morning.

When he had gone I hurried off to see Bower and told him about the danger we were in. We then made a plan. When the dealer came the following day Bower was in the next room with the door just ajar. Having led the dealer to repeat his demand I called Bower in and said to the old crook, ‘You are attempting to blackmail me and I can call Mr Bower as a witness. One word about the decorations and I’ll have you in jug.’ So that was the end of that.

Drink & Ink pp233-4