Victory for the Ops Room Girls

by Vicki Beeby

  ‘You must have some idea what you enjoy doing,’ May said.

  ‘I like what I’m doing now.’ Her head still full of her unspoken secret, she had blurted it out without thinking. It was, she had to admit, the truth. Her WAAF work gave her a sense of achievement she didn’t get from acting. She thrived on the responsibility. ‘I wish I could think of a peace-time job I would enjoy as much.’

  From Evie and May’s expressions, she could tell they couldn’t think of a suitable job either.

  Jess sighed. ‘So that leads me back to acting. I enjoy it, even if not as much as being a filterer. And in the meantime, I’d be an idiot not to take advantage of the contacts I’ve made through the film.’

  Evie’s lips twitched. ‘In other words, you have to go to the party.’

  ‘What can I say? It’ll be a bore, but my career depends on it.’

  ‘Then go and enjoy it.’

  ‘I’ll do my best.’ She slapped her hands on her knees and rose. ‘Anyway, I’ve got stockings to darn. Such is the life of luxury I lead.’

  As soon as she was out of sight, she slumped against the wall and closed her eyes briefly. If she’d been able to confess, it would have been over and done with by now. Putting it off would only make it harder.

  ‘You all right, Halloway?’

  Jess started upright and opened her eyes to see Laura Morgan eyeing her with concern. ‘Right as rain. Just tired.’

  She forced a smile and ran upstairs as soon as Laura had moved away. She might have chickened out this time, but she didn’t want to keep Hannah a secret from Evie and May much longer. At the next opportunity, she would tell them.

  * * *

  As Christmas approached, however, Jess couldn’t seem to find the right moment. Not that she didn’t have plenty of time alone with Evie and May, but there never seemed to be an appropriate opening in the conversation. Though she had to admit, she still flinched from their reaction, and didn’t try too hard.

  The V2s continued to rain destruction upon London, and while Jess was relieved Hannah and Vera were safe, she missed them with a persistent ache of longing. After being separated for nearly five years, she had cherished being posted near to them and found that even in a few short weeks she had grown used to them being only a ride on the Underground away. It had been wonderful to be able to visit in her free time without the need to arrange leave. Now their absence was a constant ache. She had particularly been looking forward to celebrating Hannah’s sixth birthday in January; now they would yet again celebrate the day apart.

  Her hours in the Filter Room were as demanding as ever. She emerged from every watch with her muscles aching. Now the nights were drawing in, she, Evie and May had less time to go for walks on the common to work out the muscles stiff from contorting themselves in odd positions to reach the tracks they were monitoring. Weeks merged into one long blur of work and sleep with precious little entertainment to brighten her days.

  The only light in the darkness was Milan. He, too, was busy, seemingly having to cram the same amount of flying hours into fewer daylight hours. He only managed two further visits in the run-up to Christmas. With time so precious, Jess didn’t want to waste it by provoking an argument about Leo, so kept quiet about him taking her to the party. When the party invitation had arrived from the film company, sure enough, it had been for her and a partner. She had immediately invited Milan, but he’d told her he wouldn’t be able to get away. Her conscience salved that he did at least know about the party, she had held her tongue about going with Leo and let him believe she was going on her own. Which she was, really. Leo had just offered to give her a lift, that was all. She closed her mind to the voice that sounded remarkably like Evie’s, asking why Leo had contacted her before the invitations had gone out, and before she had seen she would be invited in her own right.

  As soon as her shift ended on the day of the party, Jess rushed back to Bentley Manor to have a bath and change into her best uniform. The skirt and tunic she had worn when going to Hannah and Vera’s rescue had been mended and washed and was smart enough to wear on most occasions, but she was glad her second tunic and skirt were far smarter. By the time she had to go and meet Leo, who had parked his Bentley on Stanmore Hill, outside the WAAF officers’ Mess, she was sporting bright red lipstick, her hair rolled above her collar – only lightly pinned so she could let it down the moment she was out of sight of her superior officers – and a pair of new nylon stockings that she had been delighted to find on her last shopping trip.

  ‘Very nice,’ she said, admiring the gleaming car. ‘How did you manage to get petrol?’

  Leo tapped his nose. ‘Friends in high places. That’s all I can say.’

  Once she was in the car, Leo handed her a long, flat box. ‘I think you’ll find this more suitable than your uniform.’

  Puzzled, Jess opened the lid and gasped when she lifted out a cascade of scarlet silk. ‘Where did you get this?’ She didn’t like to ask how he had got it, bearing in mind clothes rationing and the scarcity of silk, which was needed for parachute production. It was a gorgeous evening dress, falling in soft folds in a vee neck over the bust, cinched to a high, tight waist, then flaring into a full skirt.

  Leo looked shifty. ‘Contacts in the States, you know how it is.’

  Jess didn’t but refrained from comment. ‘I can’t wear this. I have to stay in uniform.’

  ‘No one will know.’

  ‘They will if our photo ends up in the papers again.’ At least then she had been in uniform. She dreaded to think what her CO would say if she was photographed wearing this admittedly fabulous gown. Or what Milan would think. She ran her fingers over the beading upon one of the shoulders. She could almost feel the swish of silk around her legs, so soft and light compared with her heavy uniform skirt. She hadn’t worn anything as beautiful as this since the parachute silk ball gown she had worn when playing Cinderella at Amberton four years ago.

  Feeling as though she were losing a part of her soul, she replaced the dress in the box and closed the lid.

  Leo scowled. ‘I don’t think you understand how important this evening could be for you. There will be influential people there. They want to see a film star, not a dowdy WAAF.’

  Jess bristled to hear herself described as dowdy. ‘I’m not a film star and I am a WAAF.’

  ‘You won’t be a WAAF all your life and you could be a film star. But I guarantee no one will take you seriously if you appear in battle dress.’

  Jess raised the lid then let it go, shaking her head. ‘I can’t wear that for a very good reason.’

  ‘Which is?’

  ‘It would look ridiculous with these shoes.’ She pointed at the black leather lace-ups that went with her uniform. Trust a man not to consider the full outfit. She’d need more than a dress and shoes. A good outfit also required the best underwear and stockings. And what about a bag and a wrap? Jewellery? She used to spend hours considering the correct hair and makeup to set off an outfit. What was Leo expecting her to do – take off her cap and comb her hair with her fingers?

  ‘Look in the bag on the back seat.’

  It was the shoes that decided her. With some reluctance, she’d peered into the box on the back seat, half dreading that the shoes might be worth the risk. And, oh, how they were. Gold and silver peep-toe sandals with high heels and diamanté studs decorating the ankle strap. She had never in all her life imagined she would ever possess such beautiful shoes. She had to wear them.

  ‘All right. Start driving, and keep your eyes on the road.’

  She slid into the back seat. Once the car was safely away from Bentley Manor, she wriggled out of her uniform, thankful for once for the blackout, and into the dress. It felt even better than she’d imagined and fitted perfectly. The draped neckline wasn’t too revealing, meaning the underwear she’d chosen to wear didn’t show. Thank goodness she’d decided to wear prettier underwear than the passion killers she usually had on under her uniform.

  The
shoes pinched a little, but she wasn’t going to let that spoil her evening. Further investigation in the boxes contained in the bag revealed a cream cashmere stole and a tiny beaded handbag. Also a thin belt in the same scarlet as the dress; it would show off her narrow waist perfectly. No jewellery, but the matching beading on the shoulders and belt clasp was decoration enough. She arranged her skirt around her legs, enjoying the fine whisper of silk with every movement. Despite her misgivings over appearing out of uniform, she felt like a princess and decided whatever punishment she got for wearing civvies, it would be worth it.

  There was no sign outside the club that a party was going on within, apart from the strains of ‘Swingtime in the Rockies’ that drifted into the night air whenever the door was opened. The west end street where Leo parked was so dark Jess had to strain her eyes to see the white paint marks that indicated the kerb. She took Leo’s arm, purely to keep her balance in the dark on her high heels, as he led her through the doorway, down a steep flight of steps and into the club. A man in evening dress was checking invitations before letting people into the main room, although when he saw Leo he just gave him a deferential nod and waved them through. After the frosty chill outside, the heat and smoke hit Jess like a solid wall.

  Any lingering resentment she held over being browbeaten into partnering Leo faded when the director approached them with an invitation to sit at his table. Jess plastered her brightest smile on her face as she took her seat and accepted a glass of champagne. She looked around the club in awe. It looked as though all the lights that had been unlit throughout the blackout had been moved into this room. A huge mirror ball swung in the centre of the dance floor, sending dazzling sparkles through the smoke haze. Everyone from the film was there, from the cameramen to the costume and makeup artists to the actors and director.

  ‘Good to see you again, Jess,’ the director said.

  His wife sat next to him. She leaned forward and said, ‘Everyone’s been eager to meet the woman who tamed Leonard Steele’s heart.’ She looked Jess up and down, making her feel like a thoroughbred horse up for auction. Although Jess wasn’t usually short of words, she felt a chill of horror at the woman’s assertion and before she was able to utter a denial, the woman continued, ‘I must say I’m surprised he’s chosen a WAAF. Such a dull uniform.’

  Jess couldn’t let this pass. She raised her chin. ‘Perhaps he sees the girl under the uniform.’

  ‘I’m sure he does, darling,’ the woman drawled. ‘England is full of service women dying to show Leonard what’s under their uniform. Nevertheless, I can see you possess a certain sparkle that makes you stand out. If I were you, I’d get his ring on your finger before any of these other young things get their claws into him.’

  Leonard, who had been standing a little way off, talking in low tones to a man Jess recognised as his agent, now ended the conversation with a clap on the back and approached the table. Before she could assure the director’s wife she had no such designs on Leo, he had swept her onto the dance floor. Jess would rather have sat for a while; her feet still throbbed and her back ached from hours of bending over the table in the Filter Room. However, she didn’t protest, glad to get away from the superior woman. And, if she was honest, she enjoyed the admiring glances cast her way.

  ‘Have you given any more thought to acting after the war?’

  Jess looked at Leo in surprise. When they had danced together before he hadn’t engaged in conversation, being too concerned with putting on a show for their audience. ‘I’ve been considering it,’ she said.

  ‘Excellent,’ Leo said. ‘There are great opportunities for actors now the Hollywood studios are looking to extend production in England. The war has shown them how lucrative the British market can be. There has never been a better time for a British actor – or actress – to break into Hollywood.’

  He turned them on the dance floor. The room became a blur of spinning lights and faces to match the jumble of thoughts careening through Jess’s head. When she had thought of returning to acting, she’d thought of stage roles. She hadn’t seriously expected a small part in a British film to lead to roles in Hollywood. That was for actors who had been to prestigious stage schools, not girls from London’s East End who had struggled for each and every role. The best she had hoped for was a job as assistant stage manager at a repertory company.

  At least, those had been her thoughts until recently. In the last few months, whenever she thought of life after the war, Milan always seemed to feature.

  When they stopped twirling and returned to a steady foxtrot, Jess shook her head and laughed. ‘You’re having me on. Hollywood eats the likes of me for breakfast.’

  ‘Don’t do yourself down.’

  ‘But they wouldn’t take me on based on the tiny part I had in a minor British film.’

  ‘British films have done well in America since the start of the war.’

  Jess kept waiting for Leo to burst into laughter and tell her it had all been a big joke. She studied his expression. It was deadly serious. ‘I’m just an East End girl.’

  ‘The Americans don’t know that. To them, you’re an English Rose. Think about it. We could be like Gable and Lombard, Olivier and Leigh.’

  It only occurred to her after the dance ended and they returned to their table that he had named Hollywood couples rather than individual actors and actresses.

  The evening passed in a whirl of laughter and dancing. While Jess managed to dance with some of the other cast members, she found Leo monopolised her. It wasn’t like a date with Milan, though. Milan was always interested in what she thought. Her idea of the perfect date had changed dramatically, she realised. Whereas she had always used to dream of an evening just like this, with beautiful dresses, music and dancing, now she couldn’t help wishing she was strolling through the woods with Milan, holding hands, talking through everything that had happened since they had last met. Leo, on the other hand, only seemed interested in showing her off, making her feel like nothing more than a pretty ornament. Her shoes still pinched, but when she asked to sit down, Leo insisted on one more dance. It wouldn’t have been so bad if it had been a sedate dance, but the band chose that moment to strike up a lively tune, and Leo pulled them into an intricate quickstep.

  How she kept a sparkling smile pinned to her face, she didn’t know. When the last chord died away, she applauded the band and then returned to her table. She could only pray that Leo wouldn’t expect her to dance any more. She thought wistfully of the cosy anteroom in Bentley Manor, and curling up in an armchair in front of the fire, chatting with Evie and May.

  A waitress approached Leo. ‘There are two gentlemen outside, sir.’ The way the girl pronounced gentlemen made it sound as though she thought they were anything but. ‘They don’t have an invitation but they refuse to leave until they’ve seen you.’ She handed Leo a calling card. ‘One of them asked me to give you this.’

  Leo glanced at the card. For a brief instant his expression froze, and Jess could swear he turned a shade paler. Then he recovered and gave the waitress a smile. ‘It’s all right. I’ll go and talk to them.’

  He turned to Jess. ‘Please excuse me. This won’t take long.’

  The other occupants of the table were all on the dance floor. Jess took the opportunity to ease the tight shoes from her feet under cover of the table. She bit back a groan of relief as she flexed her toes, feeling the blood return to their tips. She didn’t mind if Leo spent hours talking with the newcomers; there was no way he was dragging her onto the dance floor again.

  The door Leo had disappeared through opened. Fearing it was him already returning, Jess shoved her feet back into her shoes and fled to the ladies’ powder room. She gazed at her face in the mirror. ‘Chin up, Jess,’ she muttered, after a quick glance at the cubicles to make sure she was alone. ‘They say you have to suffer for your art.’ Pulling her powder compact from her bag, she repaired her makeup, taking as much time as she thought she could get away with before Leo
sent someone to look for her. Away from the smoky atmosphere and the loud music, she found herself feeling a flutter of excitement at Leo’s assertion that she might land herself work with a Hollywood studio if she played her cards right. She wouldn’t contemplate a move to Hollywood – there was no way she would live so far from Hannah – but hadn’t Leo intimated some major studios were planning on setting up operations in England? Despite her misgivings about an acting career, she’d be mad to turn down a significant film role, wouldn’t she? Anyway, it wasn’t as if she had her heart set on a different career.

  She seemed to hear Evie saying, ‘You can do anything you put your mind to.’

  Still, she ought not dismiss anything out of hand. It would be easier to make a decision once she knew exactly what jobs were on offer. As for Leo speaking of them as though they were a couple, it was out of the question, and she would make that clear. She shut her compact with a snap and tucked it back into the beaded handbag. It was high time she returned. She slipped out of the powder room and was about to walk down the passage to the door leading into the club when she heard voices drifting in from an open window.

  ‘I’ll get you the money soon, I promise.’ That was Leo. His voice lacked its usual self-assurance; in fact, it held a distinct thread of anxiety. Jess’s senses tingled.

  Another voice spoke. A deep male voice that oozed menace. ‘You said that last week.’

  ‘And the week before,’ said a third voice that sounded as mean and dangerous as the second.

  ‘I know. I know. Look, I can give you the first instalment on Wednesday.’

  ‘Any reason we should believe you this time?’ the second man said. ‘Why shouldn’t we just make a mess of that pretty face of yours right now?’