by Cathy Sharp
Andy flushed. ‘It’s very good of you, sir.’
‘I’ve got to look after my best runner on the rounders team,’ Mr Barton said and laughed. ‘Now, let’s get Keith and then we’ll get off down the police station.’
Andy sought out Sister Rose after tea that evening. He knocked at the door of the sick ward and was invited to enter. Rose smiled encouragingly as he went in.
‘Are you feeling unwell, Andy?’
‘I’m all right thank you, but it’s only because Mr Barton stopped him …’ He told her what had happened outside the school and how the teacher had taken him and Keith to see the police.
‘That was unpleasant for you, Andy. What did the police have to say?’
‘They said they were taking the complaint seriously and had asked Arthur in for an interview, but when Mr Barton told them what he’d seen Sergeant Sallis said he would have him arrested and questioned. It seems that although the doctor told them that both Beth and me had been beaten, they can’t prosecute him without more evidence. At the moment it is only my word against his … no one has witnessed anything …’
‘Yes, I see …’ Rose frowned, because Doctor Henderson had been so certain his report would result in Arthur Phillips being arrested for assault immediately. The delay was putting Andy and his sister at risk. ‘It was fortunate that Mr Barton was there.’
Andy agreed and explained the teacher had offered to take Keith and him with his own family into the country for a picnic and a driving lesson on private land.
‘We can drive there even though we’re not old enough to hold a licence,’ Andy said. ‘He’s great – and he says one of our carers can come too.’
‘I’ll ask Nancy if she has time,’ Rose promised. ‘If not perhaps Jinny could spare the time … it depends who is on duty …’ She hesitated, then, ‘Unless you would like me to come?’
‘Beth trusts you,’ Andy said. ‘If you’ve got time?’
‘Well, I’ll see if Nancy would like to go – if not, it is my day off. I would need to be back by six at the latest …’
‘Mr Barton said we’d be back in time for tea …’
‘Then in that case I’ll come,’ Rose promised. ‘If it’s what you’d like?’
‘It’s why I came,’ Andy said and grinned. ‘Everyone likes you, Nurse Rose. You’re always so thoughtful and kind to us …’
‘Then I shall certainly come,’ Rose agreed. ‘Go and tell your friends and I’ll see you on Sunday …’
‘So is it tonight you’re going out with Nick Trent?’ Wendy asked when they met as Rose came on duty the following morning. She smiled as Rose nodded a little apprehensively. ‘It’s the third time, isn’t it?’ She arched her brows teasingly as Rose nodded.
‘It’s dinner again tonight … last time it was a drink …’ Rose smiled. ‘We went to a lovely hotel that time and the food was wonderful … It’s ages since I went anywhere like that … and Nick was really considerate. He opened doors for me and everything …’
‘Careful, you’ll be getting serious soon …’
‘It’s just friends … that’s all I want for now anyway.’
‘Maybe for you – but I think he might want more – a lot more …’
‘Do you think so?’ Rose asked. Wendy had lost two men she’d loved, both as a result of the war, and yet she’d rebuilt her life and was now going steady with a man she spoke of as a friend, but who took her out regularly and bought her flowers and chocolates; he wanted to marry her but Wendy wasn’t sure she wanted marriage. Rose shouldn’t let one unpleasant incident with Mike Bonner put her off men for life. He’d been a careless, selfish man, but she was over him now. ‘I hope Nick isn’t too serious just yet. I’m being silly but …’ She broke off as Kelly entered the sick ward and started to speak heatedly.
‘It’s happened again. Two pounds is missing from the petty cash. I counted it yesterday after I put my two bob in – and now it’s short. I know we said last time it happened it was probably a mistake and we wouldn’t bother Sister Beatrice, but I think she ought to know we have a thief at St Saviour’s . .
‘Oh, that is a nuisance,’ Rose said. ‘I thought we could save up for the Christmas party, buy some presents for the kids, but if this is going to keep happening we shall have to put the box somewhere else.’
‘Why not put it in a drawer in the nurses’ office up in the attic?’ Wendy suggested. ‘We can lock that file and stop whoever it is from pilfering.’
‘Good idea,’ Rose agreed. ‘It’s a shame though, because it’s not pleasant to know that someone would steal from us …’
‘I noticed we were short a couple of weeks back,’ Kelly said. ‘I wasn’t certain enough to say anything, but this time I know, because Sandra made it so easy to see after you suspected some money might have gone. We’ve had that box there for years and it was always safe … Who do you think would take money from our savings?’
‘We’ve still got the builders in … but I’m sure Rob wouldn’t,’ Wendy said and sighed. ‘I hate to think it’s one of the children. We’ve never had this sort of trouble before. I suppose it might be one of the girls from next door … some of them were caught stealing from shops … and they do come in sometimes after school …’
‘Muriel used to say the kids sometimes sneaked into her pantry to steal food, but money is different,’ Kelly said. ‘I know you didn’t want to upset her, but I think Sister Beatrice should know.’
‘Well, I suppose we ought to tell her,’ Rose agreed. ‘I know it’s not nice, but unless something is said it will continue. Sister Beatrice should be the one to say something about it – perhaps before supper …’
‘I’ll tell her then,’ Wendy agreed. ‘I’ll pop into her office before I leave – but she won’t like it, because she’s always thought we were like a family here and who would steal from their family?’
The three women looked at each other uneasily. None of them were under suspicion, because they’d all been paying in so that they could provide treats for the staff and kids at Christmas.
‘But who would do something like that?’ Wendy looked upset.
‘I don’t suppose …’ Rose began and the others looked at her. ‘I thought it was just a coincidence … No, I’m sure it was nothing.’
‘What?’ Kelly demanded. ‘Have you noticed anything?’
Rose hesitated and then shook her head. It wouldn’t be fair to mention the fact that she’d seen Jinny leaving the staff room with a tray and when she’d entered a few minutes later she’d seen the drawer where the cash box was kept was slightly open. Rose hadn’t mentioned it then and she hadn’t investigated the contents at the time, because it hadn’t crossed her mind that the young helper she liked could have been stealing their money – but since then she’d been sure money was missing on more than one occasion. Two pounds was a lot and it wasn’t fair on the girls who’d been saving for their Christmas do.
‘I’ll take the box up to our office in the attics and lock it up,’ Wendy said. ‘And then I’ll tell Sister Beatrice what I’ve done and why …’
Kelly watched her leave and then turned to Rose. ‘You’ve seen somethin’, haven’t you?’
‘Yes, but I don’t want to point the finger of blame without proof. I can’t be sure what I saw had anything to do with her … and it wouldn’t be fair to cast suspicion on her without some proof.’
Kelly screwed up her forehead, her gaze narrowed. ‘Are you thinkin’ it might have been Jinny? Or Mavis – she’s new here too … or one of us?’
‘Of course not,’ Rose said, but avoided her eyes. ‘I’m not going to say unless I know for sure – and I don’t.’
‘Jinny wouldn’t steal from us,’ Kelly said and looked annoyed. ‘No, I know I was angry because the money had gone, but I like Jinny. She needs this chance and she’s grateful. I know she wouldn’t touch a penny.’
‘It’s just …’ Rose sighed. ‘This is between us and only because you guessed – I saw Jinny leaving
the staff room with a tray the other afternoon and when I went in, the drawer was slightly open …’
‘You didn’t check the money?’
‘No, it didn’t occur to me then,’ Rose said. ‘I knew we were a few bob short a couple of times, but I thought it was mislaid or miscounted – and someone might have bought biscuits or tea or something … It was only when I noticed the ten-shilling note was missing that I started to wonder and I spoke to Sandra … and she told me in confidence that money had gone from her desk too.’
Wendy looked thoughtful. ‘Jinny fills our tin with stuff she’s made and she refills our sugar pot – and the food Mrs Davies has been serving up recently hasn’t been very nice. I only eat a sandwich here now or a bit of cake if Jinny made it … She can’t be the thief or she wouldn’t do nice things for us.’
‘Yes, I’ve noticed some of the children turning up their noses at lunchtime recently,’ Rose said. ‘I’m the same, I hardly ever ask for more than a sandwich or a piece of toast these days … and twice I’ve been told there’s no ham, only cheese or corned beef …’
‘The kitchen always supplied everything before Mrs Davies took over. She insisted that we should buy our own tea and coffee, because her budget wasn’t big enough to supply the staff room as well.’ Wendy sighed.
‘When Angela was here she brought in proper coffee, tea and sometimes biscuits – but Muriel baked fresh every day, and then Nancy took over …’
‘Angela was always getting fruit and stuff free for the kitchen,’ Rose said. ‘I suppose that’s why Muriel never complained about her budget, but Mrs Davies doesn’t seem to be so capable at buying – and her food certainly isn’t as good either. That beef pie the other day had gristle in it … I couldn’t eat it.’
‘Did you tell her about it?’ Wendy asked.
‘I wouldn’t dare,’ Rose grimaced. ‘She would probably walk out on us … I think the kids eat most of it …’
‘They like what Jinny makes for tea best …’
‘Yes, well, kids always like sweet stuff, don’t they?’
‘Thank goodness for Nancy and Jinny,’ Kelly said and gave Rose a straight look. ‘Jinny isn’t the thief. I’d swear to that on my life.’
‘I’m sure you’re right,’ Rose agreed. ‘Someone is though. I expect one of the kids found the box and thought it was fair game. I’m really sorry for even doubting Jinny for an instant – but you must admit it is a nasty business …’
Jinny brought a tray up for Rose mid-morning. Besides a plate of sandwiches and little cakes for her patients, and a bowl of jelly and evaporated milk for the recovering tonsillitis case, there was a jug of barley water and a pot of tea. She knocked at the door and waited until Rose invited her to enter and then set the tray down carefully on the desk before asking if there was anything else Rose or the children needed.
‘No, this is lovely,’ Rose said. ‘You’ve gone to a lot of trouble for us, Jinny. Thank you.’ She looked at the jug of evaporated milk. ‘I did ask for some ice cream with the jelly …’
‘Mrs Davies says she can’t manage ice cream out of her budget … You bought the last block we had and that’s all gone.’
‘I’ll get another block and bring it in tomorrow,’ Rose said and frowned. ‘I don’t understand it. Muriel always had ice cream in the fridge, especially after Angela got us that lovely big one with an icebox …’
‘It’s a shame, because it’s something all the kids love,’ Jinny answered cheerfully. ‘I love working here and it’s a pleasure to get things ready for you nurses and the children … and I wish I could write the menus …’
After Jinny departed, taking with her some used mugs to wash, Rose felt really guilty for even thinking that the young girl would help herself to money they were saving for little celebrations. She’d even put in her two bob since she joined them so she knew how important it was and it was ridiculous even to consider it. No, it had to be one of the kids – even though Sister Beatrice wouldn’t like that suggestion very much …
Rose had more or less put the unpleasant thoughts from her mind when she left that evening to change and get ready for her dinner with Nick Trent. Washed and dressed in a pretty voile blue and white dress with a tight bodice and a floaty skirt, Rose was outside St Saviour’s by five minutes to eight. She was a little surprised when he drew up at the kerb in a smart black Morris car. He got out and opened the passenger door for her to get in, smiling at her.
‘You look lovely, Rose. That dress suits you …’
‘Thank you.’ She blushed slightly as he tucked her dress in and closed the door carefully so as not to catch the skirt and spoil it. It was a long time since any man had been so attentive. Besides, Nick looked as though he really meant it. ‘Where are we going?’
‘It’s a small Italian restaurant I know well,’ he said. ‘I did the renovations for Signor Cantonelli and they always give me a decent table and the food is very good.’ His gaze seemed to caress her. ‘I think you’ll like their cooking, Rose – but you don’t have to choose Italian-style food; they do plenty of meat and fish dishes that are very simple but just beautifully presented.’
‘It sounds delicious,’ Rose replied, feeling the vague shadows that had seemed to hang over her most of the day fade away. She was looking forward to the evening, because she enjoyed this man’s company. ‘I’m hungry …’
‘Good.’ He looked so pleased that she laughed, any lingering restraint melting away.
Rose stretched in the warmth of her bed and smiled as she remembered she wasn’t due in until later that afternoon. She’d been late in last night, using her key and walking softly upstairs so as not to disturb anyone. It was seldom that Rose broke the rules and came back later than ten thirty, but it had been so pleasant sitting drinking wine and then coffee in what was rather like a garden room. Because the night was warm, Signor Cantonelli had opened the big glass windows that overlooked his courtyard garden and allowed the guests to feel they were dining outside. The smell of roses, honeysuckle and English lavender had floated to them and the tinkling of water as it cascaded into a small fountain was enchanting.
They’d sat on for ages after their meal, talking, sipping wine and then the delicious coffee their genial host had provided.
‘It’s so quiet you’d hardly think we’re in the heart of London,’ Rose said, because although she’d known places like this did exist, she hadn’t been to any. ‘And I do like Italian food, Nick. Thank you for bringing me here.’
‘It’s one of my favourite places,’ he said and reached across the table to touch her hand. ‘I thought you might like it, Rose.’
‘I do,’ she assured him and sipped her coffee. ‘I think this is one of the nicest restaurants I’ve been to …’
‘I’m so glad. I’d like to show you more of my London,’ Nick told her. ‘Perhaps we could go somewhere again soon?’
‘I’d love to,’ Rose said. ‘But perhaps I could cook a meal for you at your house one day?’
‘Thank you, I’d like that,’ Nick said, ‘but I’ve got two tickets for a musical next week … I thought we could go there and then have supper somewhere?’
‘When is it?’ Rose asked and nodded when he told her. ‘Yes, I’m not on duty that evening. I should like to come …’
Shrugging off the bedcovers, Rose put her pleasant thoughts to one side. She gathered her things and made for the bathroom, which was unoccupied. She wanted to do a little shopping before she went on duty that afternoon …
‘The money was missing from my bag,’ Kelly was saying as Rose walked into the staff room that morning. ‘I left it with my coat in here yesterday – and I know I had three pounds, because I wanted to buy some shoes I’d seen and do my food shopping for the weekend. When I got to the till to pay for the shoes there were only two pounds in my purse, so I had to pay a deposit on the shoes and leave them until next week. My father will be furious, because he gave me two pounds to buy them for my birthday …’
‘Oh
, Kelly no,’ Wendy said. ‘This is awful – it’s even worse than money going missing from the petty cash. We’ve got that in a locked drawer in our office now, but I don’t know who would steal from you.’ She looked really upset and Rose felt a bit sick.
‘You’re quite sure you didn’t spend a pound anywhere – or put it somewhere else in your bag?’
Kelly shook her head. ‘It was all in my purse. I never bring so much out with me unless I have special shopping to do and I’m really annoyed. Dad saved hard to give me the money for those shoes and he will be upset.’
‘Whoever took it must have looked for the cash box and then decided to go for your bag, Kelly. It’s bad luck. I think we shall have to put all money and valuables in the nurses’ office and lock them up in future.’
‘I told Sister Beatrice about the petty cash last evening and she was most put out,’ Wendy said. ‘I don’t know what she will say to this – two thefts within two days are just too much …’
‘Yes, it is too much,’ Rose agreed. ‘What did Sister suggest?’
‘She asked me if I had any idea who might have taken the money, but I said no because I just can’t believe it has happened …’
‘Nor can I,’ Kelly said. ‘I never dreamed anyone would touch my bag. The cash box is one thing but … a bag is personal …’
‘It’s very unpleasant,’ Rose said. ‘Until we catch the thief it casts a cloud over us all, because it could be anyone … Oh, I don’t mean us, but the children and Rob and … Jinny …’
‘Why Jinny?’ Wendy asked and frowned. ‘She put her two bob in same as the rest of us and told me she thought it was a lovely idea. I’m sure she wouldn’t touch it, Rose – and she would never go in Kelly’s bag. I’m sure she wouldn’t … and what about Elsa or Mavis – but Mavis hasn’t been in today so you can rule her out.’
Kelly was frowning. ‘Rose is right though,’ she said. ‘If we told the police we’d all be under suspicion. Nothin’ like this has ever happened before and we trust one another, but no one else would … it just makes everythin’ uncomfortable for us all.’