The Burnley Boys

by Drew Black

  "You'll have to bring him round to meet me, maybe he could give me a few tips."

  "Jack nodded, "Can I get you a cup of coffee or tea?"

  "Oh, I hate coffee, but a cup of tea would be lovely, milk two sugars, thanks."

  "Listen," Jack called back from the kitchen, "I've arranged for someone to call in on you, do some shopping, cleaning, that sort of thing. She'll call round every afternoon until your better. That's as long as you’re okay with it?" Jack said walking back into the lounge.

  "Of course, it's okay. Are you sure though, I mean I've imposed on you enough as it is. In fact, if I'm being honest, I'm beginning to feel distinctly guilty about the whole affair."

  Jack shook his head. Strangely, he was glad that she'd come to his door, she was a lovely girl. The only thing he couldn't quite fathom was why someone hadn't snapped her up years ago? "You shouldn't." he said their eyes locking on one another's. The moment was broken by the kettle's whistle.

  4

  Maggie pulled up outside number 32 Dorset Rd, double checking the address that Jack had jotted down for her. Philippa Marsh she mused. She liked that name, it had a certain ring to it, it had class. You could go places with a name like that, much further than you could with a name like Maggie Townsend. Come on Maggie, stop dreaming and do your duty she told herself. Any job that needed doing just give it to Maggie she thought with just a hint of cynicism. Yeah, good old Maggie, she could turn her hand to anything from shagging rich businessmen to caring for old ladies. She supposed she was nothing if not versatile.

  Maggie knocked on the door and went straight in. Apparently, the old dear had broken her leg, probably from falling down or something. "Hello, it's Maggie," she called out, "I've come to help out, is anyone home?"

  The wallpaper in the hall was tasteful enough, it looked new as well.

  "Yes, I'm through here Maggie, the first door down on your left."

  Maggie flinched, that was certainly not the voice of an old lady, mind you thinking about it, she couldn't remember Jack ever mentioning that she was an old lady, she supposed it must just have been the way he'd talked about her that had given her that impression. She shook her head and walked down the hallway. She pushed open the frosted glass door to be confronted by one of the most beautiful women she had ever laid eyes on. Philippa was sat with her legs up on the sofa she had the most stunning red hair and startling green eyes.

  "Hi," Philippa said holding out her hand, "I'm Philippa Marsh, pleased to meet you." The woman's beauty had knocked Maggie totally off balance, maybe this had been compounded by the fact that she was expecting to meet an old lady, or at least someone much older than the woman sat in front of her.

  Philippa smiled.

  Maggie eventually shook Philippa's outstretched hand. "I'm sorry," she said, "I was just expecting someone much older. I'm Maggie, Maggie Townsend. I work for Jack."

  Philippa immediately wondered if Maggie had a thing for her boss. She sincerely hoped not because she was pretty and young, and the last thing she needed right now was to have to fend off a love rival, especially with a broken leg! "Please, sit down Maggie." Philippa said soothingly.

  "Err, I'll make us a cup of tea first, shall I?" Maggie said regaining a little composure.

  "Yes, if you like. I take mine with milk and two sugars please, the kitchen is right at the bottom of the hallway."

  This woman wasn't from round here Maggie concluded has she made her way to the kitchen, it wasn't just her accent, which in fairness, was fairly neutral, it was her manner which despite being pleasant, had a seen it all done it all quality about it. What she knew most of all was her and Philippa Marsh were going to get on.

  "Here you are Philippa; may I call you Philippa?" Maggie said handing Philippa her tea.

  "Yes, of course." Philippa said, "I truly appreciate you calling round Maggie. The days just seem so long dragging this thing around with me all the time."

  Maggie smiled before taking a sip of her tea which she cradled in both hands. "It's Jack you ought to thank," she replied laughing a little self-consciously, "I am being paid." Why did you have to say that she thought, it sounded awful, rude even. She's going to think your ignorant, or common, or both.

  "Yeah, but even so, you didn't have to do it."

  Maggie shook her head; "I suppose not. Have you lived here long?"

  "Just over a month, I moved up from Manchester."

  I knew it Maggie thought congratulating herself on her perceptiveness. "What made you move up here from Manchester?"

  Philippa laughed; "Everybody asks me that." she said. "People from Burnley, don't deem to realise when they're well off. It's gorgeous up here; the countryside, the people, I much prefer it."

  Maggie raised her eyebrows.

  "My parents left me quite a bit of money, and I finally decided to take the plunge."

  "Do you need any shopping?" Maggie asked.

  "Yes, I do if you don't mind. Honestly, I feel really awful."

  "Don't be silly," Maggie replied, "that's what I'm here for." The room was lovely she thought, the sun shone brightly through the window giving it a lovely warm feel to it. She couldn't wait to have a look round the rest of the house, but then she had always been inquisitive, hadn't she.

  "Thanks ever so much Maggie, there's a list on the mantlepiece."

  "Right, I'll get going in a minute then." she said draining her cup.

  "Stay a while, if you like." Philippa said. "It's driving me crazy being on my own all the time."

  Maggie smiled, "Of course I will." she said taking the cups into the kitchen. She returned and sat down.

  "Can I ask you something personal Maggie?" Philippa ventured wanting to know straight away if Maggie was sweet on Jack.

  "Yeah, no problem, fire away."

  "You and Jack, are you involved?"

  Maggie put her hand to her mouth and shrieked with laughter. Oh my God, she thought, I bet she fancies him, and now I've probably gone and upset her. "Me and Jack? No, what makes you ask?" Maggie could feel herself getting warm.

  "No reason, I just got that feeling, that's all."

  She really does fancy him Maggie concluded. "I mean he's a nice enough guy," she said backtracking, "and he's not bad looking either, but if I'm being honest, he's not really my type." She was going to add how well off he was, but then decide against it. "Do you like him or something?" Maggie asked tentatively.

  "He's not bad." Philippa said smiling.

  Maggie retuned her smile; "How do you know Jack, that's if you don't mind me--"

  "Maggie, rule number one with me is ..."

  Oh shit, Maggie thought, what's coming now?

  "... say exactly what you think, I much prefer it."

  Maggie nodded, "Okay," she said, "I might shock you every now and again though."

  "That's fine by me. How do I know Jack? I got this outside his house." she said pointing at the cast. "Me and my dog were run down."

  "Did your dog get killed?"

  Philippa nodded; "The bastard didn't even stop. To be honest though, if Jack hadn't been around, I don't know what I would've done. You just don't contemplate things like this happening when you move to a strange town. Well, I certainly didn't anyway."

  Maggie nodded, "So that's why you like him then because he's been kind to you?"

  "Yes, he has been fantastic with me, but apart from that, I think he has something about him. When you get to my age, you look at men slightly differently than you did when you were a young girl. Not that I'd ever date anyone I didn't fancy, but let's just say your priorities change as you get a bit older.”

  "How old are you Philippa? You did say to tell you exactly what I was thinking."

  Philippa laughed and clapped her hands together, "I did, didn't I? How old do you think?" she asked sitting up slightly.

  "Oh gosh, I'm hopeless at guessing people's ages - twenty-eight?"

  "Thirty-three and counting." Philippa replied

  "That's okay, thirty-three
isn’t old."

  "I know it's not old but gone are the days I used to fall for a guy just because of how good-looking he was. As you get older you start thinking about settling down with someone you could actually live in the same house with."

  "Tell me about it." Maggie said raising her eyes.

  "Not that I'm thinking of Jack in that manner, but yes, I do like him. But do me a favour Maggie."

  "Of course."

  "Please don't tell him what we've discussed, I'd be absolutely mortified if he knew that I fancied him."

  "My lips are sealed." Maggie said making a zipping motion across her lips. "No, seriously, I won't say anything, but listen, I'd better get to the shops, do you mind if I do the cleaning tomorrow? Only I've got an early start tonight, there's a band on at the club, so the manager's asked us all to go in a bit earlier."

  "No, of course I don’t mind. To be honest Maggie, between me and you, the cleaning's not such a big problem, it’s just good to have someone to do the shopping, and of course to chat to. I really do appreciate it."

  "It's a pleasure, I think I'm going to enjoy working here. You must tell me all about Manchester tomorrow, I've only been there once, and that was during the day."

  "I'll look forward to it, I just hope you’re not disappointed by it, that's all."

  "Don't worry, I won't be." Maggie enthused. "I honestly thought you'd be an old lady; I'll see you later."

  Philippa went to get up.

  "No, it's okay, I'll see myself out, you stay where you are."

  "Nonsense," Philippa replied, "I've got to get used to moving about anyway." Philippa got up a little unsteadily, and Maggie went to help her.

  "Thanks." Philippa said putting an arm on Maggie's shoulder.

  She smells gorgeous Maggie thought putting an arm around Philippa's waist and helping her forward a few steps.

  "I think I can manage now Maggie, thanks."

  Maggie let go of her slowly, just in case she stumbled. "Be careful now." she said looking up into Philippa's liquid-green eyes.

  "Oops, I nearly went then." Philippa said, holding her arms out for balance.

  "Come on Philippa' please sit back down again, we'll do walking practice tomorrow, I promise. Where's your bed, surely you're not having to climb the stairs?"

  Philippa nodded, "I go up and down on my bottom." she said sounding slightly embarrassed.

  "I don't believe it; we'll have to sort that out."

  Philippa shook her head, "It's not too bad, it just takes a little longer, that's all."

  "What abbot the toilet, I presume that's upstairs too, is it?"

  "Yes, it is, but honestly Maggie, it's no big deal, I promise you."

  Maggie helped Philippa back to the sofa, "If you don't mind me asking, how do you get your hair looking so straight and sleek, or is it just natural?"

  "Nothing's just natural Maggie, I'll show you tomorrow, and a few more tricks of the trade, if you’re interested. I used to work on the hair and beauty department at Lewis's in Manchester."

  "Oh, that would be brill Philippa, you mean I can get my hair to look just as shiny as yours."

  "Sure."

  "would you like another cup of tea before I set off for the shops?"

  Yes, my dear, that would be lovely, you’re such a kind young girl." Philippa said in a wizened old ladies voice.

  Maggie pursed her lips and smiled.

  5

  Gerald Emerson pushed his glasses up on his nose before massaging his forehead, "We're not as far ahead as we were Jack, Quilter seems to be gathering more support by the day. He's never been so bloody popular."

  "Bollocks Gerald, the only reason he's reeling us in is because of me. If I'm being honest, my heart hasn't been in it these last few months since, well since you know when. However, that's all about to change. Tom, Helen, and Jane are gone. I'll never get over it for as long as I live, but I just know that they'd want me, us to carry on. I feel one hundred percent sure that they would. It's time to move on Gerald."

  Gerald smiled and nodded.

  "I went up to the lake the other day. You know I much prefer to go up there to talk to Tom than the cemetery. It's funny that, isn't it?

  Gerald shook his head.

  "The day we became friends we went skimming stones on that lake. That's the place I feel closest to him. Up there I feel like I can virtually reach out and touch him." A tear rolled down Jacks cheek and it was quickly followed by another. "He's gone Gerald, and he's never coming back." Jack removed his glasses, put a hand to his eyes and started to sob.

  6

  Gerald heard the toilet flush. Maybe Jessop had been wrong to bring his kids, as he affectionately called them, into the Burnley Boys. He had turned forty when he'd finally managed to get enough cash together to buy the house that was now Jacks. Jacks wealth however couldn't be far short of making a reasonable bid for Buck Palace but was he happy. Perhaps that was a stupid question because he knew for a fact that none of them were happy, they were all just so used to treading the hamster wheel though, that none of them knew how to get off it. "Listen Jack, we can do this tomorrow, if you like, there's no rush, we still have six months before the elections. I don't think one day's going to make that much difference, do you? Gerald said sympathetically.

  "I'm fine now Gerald, honestly, and yes I do think one day could make all the difference. We've got to be superior to them in every department." Jack said with steely-eyed determination. "From here on in, we're going to outwork them, outthink them, out fight them, even, if necessary. They won't win Gerald; I won't let them. Have you thought anymore about what I said about Spain?"

  Gerald hesitated.

  “What is it?” Jack asked.

  “I'm not convinced it's such a good idea Jack." Gerald said pushing his glasses up on his nose. “We never made any money out of the French and Belgian operations. I'm convinced the only reason John kept them going as long as he did was because he viewed them as a symbol of his success. I just think that The Boys would look upon it as a mistake to ty Europe again, especially in the current climate. It could cost us dearly Jack."

  Jack frowned as he thought about what Gerald had said, "I appreciate your honesty Gerald, but Spain's different, and besides one of its benefits is to give us an escape route if the shit ever hits the fan. Britain has no extradition treaty with Spain, so providing we could get out quick enough the Old Bill wouldn't be able to touch us. That's surely got to be a vote winner. What price for someone’s piece of mind? We wouldn't even have to spend that much money. How much would it cost for a decent sized factory, hotel, or whatever out there?

  Gerald shrugged his shoulders.

  "Come on Gerald, in the grand scheme of things, we're talking peanuts, and it shows them that we’re thinking about their futures, about what happens to them if all this comes to an end."

  Gerald tapped the coffee table with his pen.

  "We could even let them have cut-price holidays for Christ's sake."

  Gerald smiled and shook his head.

  "What's up?" Jack said getting up from his chair. He started to pace the room. "Come on Gerald, spit it out, what's wrong?"

  "Nothing's wrong." Gerald said smiling. "It’s just that you reminded me of John there for a second. Come hell or high water; you could never change his mind either, not once he was set on something."

  Jack smiled, "We are going to win them over Gerald with our financial expertise. I mean, what the hell does Quilter know about finance?

  "Very little. However, you could use the same argument about us and operations."

  Jack threw out a dismissive hand.

  "All I'm saying Jack is that Quilter has made up a lot of ground on us. So much in fact that if they held the elections today, I'd wager we'd lose."

  Jack turned on his heel; "Lose! You honestly think that if the elections were held today, we'd lose?"

  Gerald nodded.

  "Bollocks! After all we've done for them, all the fuckin' money we've made for
them."

  Gerald adjusted his position on the sofa to directly face Jack who was now sat cross-legged on his easy-chair. "I'm only calling it as I see it Jack, maybe I'm wrong?"

  Jack stared at Gerald for a good few seconds. "No, I trust your judgement implicitly Gerald. How far do you reckon we're behind then?"

  Gerald shook his head, "Not too far, but he is gathering momentum. This time last year, you were untouchable. Churchill would've struggled to beat you. Now though, I think they've got their noses in front."

  Jack nodded slowly, "Okay," he said finally, "we'll start as we mean to go on then. Every Monday night we meet here to discuss the campaign. The meeting goes ahead no matter what else crops up. I've obviously taken my eye off the ball, and that toe-rag has taken full advantage of it, but from here on in, we go to work. Before I forget; there's something you should know. Remember I told you about Philippa the girl I've been seeing recently."

  Gerald nodded he had a feeling he knew what was coming next, and for some reason, he knew he didn't want to hear it.

  "Well, she'll be moving in with me at the weekend. It's only for three or four weeks, until she gets her cast removed, but honestly Gerald, she can't cope alone any longer. She's done amazingly well to manage as long as she has but I think she's at the end of her tether."

  "Well, we'll need to get her checked out Jack."

  Jack nodded.

  "You need to speak to Quilter about her."

  "You speak to him Gerald but tell him to be discreet. She's a really nice girl, and I don't want her to get the wrong impression. Then when he gives you the feedback, do your own checking. I don't trust that bastard as far as I can throw him."

  Gerald smiled.

  7

  Philippa Marsh lay back on her bed. She'd done it, she was in! There were times when she'd thought she wouldn't make it this far, but whatever happened from here on in, she was at least guaranteed another big pay day. Davies had made a real effort in here, the poor bastard, she thought looking around her room which was actually the house's second reception room which he'd had converted into a bedroom for her. The room was exceptionally pleasant, together the picture window and patio doors afforded her a wonderful view of the house's large garden. The bed was situated against the room's back wall in a fairly central position and much of the room's conventional furniture had been removed and replaced by a pine wardrobe and dressing table. Philippa was fairly certain that both items were new because they had that new feel and smell about them. She shook her head; it was patently obvious that this guy had more money than sense. The room had even got its own television set. She'd been amazed at how little pressure Quilter and Jenkins had applied on her thus far. She'd anticipated continual interference but had actually experienced the total opposite. However, that would probably change now she was in situ. If only she could get rid of this damn cast. It was such a handicap to her. It was weird, but it even seemed to affect her personality, she didn't feel as confident, if anything it made her feel downright awkward, not to mention vulnerable. Thank God Jenkins hadn't actually broken her leg, she thought gratefully. She wondered if he'd held back on purpose. Whether he had or not, it was irrelevant, all that mattered now was that in another three weeks she'd be rid of it, but the burning question was would that be long enough for her to stake her claim for permanent residency in the Davies household. It would have to be because she was determined not to fail now, not after she had come so far. However, she was fully aware of how fiercely independent a man living alone could become, and a plaster cast wasn't the ideal accessory for the job at hand. By the time it was removed, he would probably be only too glad to find an excuse to get rid of her. Maybe it had been a mistake to move in so early. She remembered Jenkins telling her that there was no rush, but then again maybe he had just been trying to put her at ease with the situation.