The Orphan Thief

by Glynis Peters

  ‘Tommy, want a milk?’ she called through into the shop.

  ‘No, he doesn’t,’ Earl’s voice growled through from the meeting room. ‘He’s business to deal with. Boy, it’s time.’

  Ruby chose to ignore him and walked into the shop with a glass three-quarters full of creamy milk and a sweet biscuit. She put her finger to her lips as she handed it to Tommy and pointed to the far corner of the shop, out of view from the meeting room. Tommy hesitated, but the pull of the drink and biscuit was too strong and he sat cross-legged, sipping his treat.

  ‘Where’s my coffee?’ Earl’s voice yelled out.

  ‘I’m coming. And please show a little respect. This is my shop after all,’ Ruby retorted. She made the coffee weak in the hope he’d never return.

  As she placed it onto the table he snatched at her wrist and gripped it tight.

  ‘Ouch! Let go!’ Ruby shouted.

  ‘Quiet. Get this straight, girly. I’m in charge around here. I call the shots. You only have this place thanks to me. Show a bit of gratitude.’ Earl snarled out his words and Ruby’s dislike for him rose to another level.

  ‘You will let go of me right now. I might be a girl, but I will not be bullied. I’ll report you to your superior,’ she said and rubbed at her wrist when he released her. Her legs trembled and her stomach rolled over, creating a nausea she suppressed by inhaling deep and slow.

  ‘You’ve got a wild spirit and I’ll tame it, have no fear,’ Earl said. ‘And next time, don’t be so stingy with the coffee powder – or sugar.’

  Ruby’s temper flared and she could no longer stand the man’s presence. To her relief, Fred walked through the door. She saw by his face he’d heard the conversation. Her wrist burned and when she looked down at it she saw a wide red weal running full circle around it; before Fred saw it, she snatched up her cardigan and pulled down the sleeves.

  Fred entered the room, gave Ruby a brief glance then turned to Earl.

  ‘I think it’s time you left, sir. Go – and take your bullying ways out on our enemy. Show courage against grown men; don’t try to frighten young girls. I fought in the last war and know a coward when I see one. Where’s your uniform, man?’ Fred’s voice was the loudest and strongest Ruby had ever heard. His elderly hand shook with age rather than fear as he pointed at Earl.

  Earl stood tall. His menacing eyes bored into Fred’s face. ‘That’s for me to know, old man. I’m no coward, I assure you, and if you call me one again you’ll not be able to walk—’

  Ruby sensed she must calm the situation before it grew out of hand. She interrupted Earl’s verbal assault. ‘Fred, thank you, I’ll be fine. You head home; I’ll see you later.’

  She gave Fred a hug and smiled as his stubble grazed her cheek. ‘Have you lost your razor?’ she said with a giggle.

  ‘Cheeky girl. So long as you’re sure,’ he said and turned to Earl. ‘Don’t touch a hair on her head. Hear me?’

  Earl scowled back at Fred, and Ruby encouraged Fred out of harm’s way and waved him off.

  Back inside, she smoothed her hands down the front of her skirt, composing herself. The atmosphere outside was warm and muggy; inside, it was tense. She re-joined Earl. He was a man who’d continue with aggressive reactions if she went back to him with attitude so, against her desire to throw everything at him, she opted for a humble approach.

  ‘Earl, Fred means well and he’s protecting me. I think it might be wise for you to leave. I’m a little sensitive today; it would have been my little brother’s birthday. So, as you can see, I have not controlled my feelings properly and may have come across as a little rude. I appreciate all you’ve done for me with regard to this place.’

  Whilst she was talking she waved and flicked her hand behind her back to attract Tommy’s attention. She’d seen him move closer to take in the adult conversation, but Ruby knew he’d suffer the backlash of anger Earl would unleash once he left the building. Fortunately, Tommy saw her signal and ran. Unfortunately, he ran straight into a customer, knocking the wind from him. He hesitated and, unable to get into the street, turned around and ran to Ruby’s side. She looked down at him and stroked his head. His frightened eyes stared up at her and portrayed him for the little boy he really was, and her heart went out to him. She knew from that moment she would protect him from his uncle. She needed to speak with his mother, and possibly his aunt.

  A sudden movement and the utterance of a few unsavoury words from Tommy’s uncle brought Ruby back to the present. Before Earl could open his mouth to question Tommy as to why he was still around, Ruby turned to the customer. For a fleeting second her stomach fluttered when she saw it was John.

  ‘Good afternoon. I hope you weren’t too winded by Tommy,’ she said, her voice cold and businesslike.

  John didn’t smile. ‘No injuries. Had he been a few pounds heavier it might have turned out a different story. Your son is fast on his feet, though.’

  ‘John, he’s … I –’

  Within seconds, Earl moved forward, interrupting Ruby. He held out his hand and nudged Ruby to one side. ‘The name’s Earl. That’s a fine piece of equipment, and not British services, I’ll wager,’ he said, giving John a hearty handshake.

  Ruby took the opportunity to stand between both men, and noted Earl’s fake smile lifted his painted moustache. It was so black compared to the last time she’d seen him, she was convinced that too was fake. She waited for him to claim Tommy and enjoy lording it over John by putting him straight about being his uncle. It amazed her when all he did was reach out and touch the camera around John’s neck. The two men were complete opposites. One pretending to be a man and the other everything she imagined one to be. Ruby had never before been in a position where she could compare men; her father and grandfathers – and Fred – were the only men she’d held close in her life, hardly romance material.

  ‘John Clayton. And thank you; it is a vital piece of machinery. As much so as a gun.’

  John might have taken Earl’s hand, but his eyes were on Ruby when he spoke and she hated the warm sensation rising from the base of her neck to her cheeks. He always made her blush, even when she tried to control her feelings of attraction towards him.

  ‘Mrs Shadwell, and Tommy, I’ve come to apologise for my rudeness yesterday,’ he said, and held out his hand to Ruby.

  ‘John, I … um … yes, thank you, but I’m not M—’

  An irritated Earl switched the conversation back to the camera before she could correct John about her being Tommy’s mother. ‘Yes, a lovely piece of equipment. You’ve met Ruby before?’ he asked.

  ‘Yes, we’ve met a few times. I took photographs of a bombsite and your wife pointed out I needed to be more sensitive; it was once somebody’s home.’

  Ruby gave a brief shake of her head. ‘You caught me at a bad moment, and I’m n—’

  ‘Where in the world are you from, John? That’s an accent I don’t recognise.’ Earl draped his arm across John’s shoulder and guided him towards the community room. ‘Tea for our guest, Ruby,’ he said abruptly.

  Another surge of irritation launched itself; she needed to get him away from John. Ruby gave a tut. ‘Earl, let the man sit and enjoy a cup of tea before you interrogate him. And, no matter where you’re from in the world, a cuppa is always welcome. John?’ She directed her gaze to John, who nodded. He wore a strange look on his face, and she longed for one of his smiles to break the awkward atmosphere between them. The heat in her body made her uncomfortable, and her thoughts confused her. Why on earth would she fantasise about a virtual stranger stroking her cheek, or touching her lips?

  Then she remembered Tommy, and set about getting him away from Earl.

  ‘Tommy,’ she called softly when she reached the kitchen, and beckoned him to her. She bent to look into his face. She stroked a piece of his lank hair back behind his ear. His whole being screamed out for love and attention. For care and nurturing. Something told Ruby she was the person chosen to set him on the right path.
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br />   ‘Run to my house. Stay there with Fred and Beatty. Tell them I said you are to stay the night. You can enjoy a bath and a bite to eat. I’ll tell your uncle you left – said you had something to do. Or tell him the truth, that you’re staying over for a treat.’

  ‘I can’t – ’e’ll kill me. You don’t understand. It’s best I do as ’e says. See you anover day.’ Tommy glanced over his shoulder, his nervous tension obvious.

  And, before Ruby could argue, Tommy left the shop. She rushed after him, but watched as his scuffed shoes and skinny legs disappeared around the corner. She looked back into the shop, torn between wanting to chase after him and going inside to give Earl a piece of her mind. Her heart sank. Tommy might be frightened of his uncle, but she wasn’t and, although he made her uncomfortable, she was not prepared for him to take over her life as he had Tommy’s.

  She strode with confidence back into the meeting room. Both men were deep in conversation. Earl turned to her. ‘You took your time. Where’s the boy?’ he said.

  ‘Gone to carry out your errand,’ Ruby said, her voice blunt and firm.

  ‘Our friend, John, is from Canada. Of course I know where it is, but you wouldn’t have heard of it,’ he said and sniggered, giving John a wink.

  Earl’s patronising assumption infuriated Ruby, and she placed the teapot on the table a little harder than necessary.

  ‘As a matter of fact, I do know whereabouts in the world Canada is, and I know Queen Victoria chose Ottawa to be its capital city. I will confess I have no idea where that is, but I do know a little geography, thanks to having an education, much to the surprise of some people.’

  Ruby bit back a triumphant smile which she suspected had a hint of smugness about it and John looked up, raising one eyebrow.

  ‘Ah, but you know very little about war, and the important part some of us play in it,’ Earl spat back.

  ‘I understand this war – possibly better than you, Earl. I’ve experienced the sharp point of the enemy’s intention,’ Ruby retorted, but stopped herself from saying any more when she noticed Earl’s knuckles whiten as he gripped his hands together. She wasn’t stupid enough to ignore he’d use them if provoked too much.

  ‘Mind you, I reckon you know far more than me, Earl. Being a travelled soldier and wiser to the ways of the world,’ Ruby said in a pacifying tone – one she’d heard her mother use on her father whenever his temper required dampening. Although it took a lot to make her father’s rise, Ruby noticed Earl’s temper never subsided. Each time she’d met him, he came across as an extremely angry person.

  ‘Yes, well …’ Earl said, and preened his top lip once again.

  John smiled at Ruby. ‘You serve, Earl?’ he asked.

  With a slight cough, Earl ran his finger around his collar. He sipped from the cup Ruby handed him.

  ‘I do. Not always in uniform, though. You understand?’ Earl winked and tapped the side of his nose.

  The action made Ruby more curious about his business within the British forces, but she dared not aggravate him by asking questions. John could handle Earl, and she’d find out more by taking a back seat and listening to their conversation.

  She moved into the shop and, as quietly as she could, she closed the door and turned the sign. Customers would be a distraction. She sat and listened.

  ‘Ah, Secret Service,’ John said, but Ruby picked up on a slight mocking tone. Earl did not.

  ‘Well, least said and all that.’

  Ruby peered through the gap between the door and its frame, and cringed as once again he tapped his nose.

  ‘Silence is my code,’ John said, and mimicked Earl’s nose-tapping.

  Ruby wanted to release a squeal of laughter. She walked into the room and, behind Earl’s head, she raised an eyebrow. John did the same. Earl preened his top lip and now, bored with listening to him hint about his secret life, Ruby daydreamed whether he’d be able to fire a weapon in between preening.

  Earl made her jump back from her daydream by slapping his hand onto the table.

  ‘Enough about me. What about you and taking pictures? How does that contribute towards the war effort, John?’

  This time, Ruby heard Earl mocking John. Something inside snapped; she could no longer bear hearing the snide remarks of Earl. She wanted to hear more about Jean-Paul Clayton, but dared not tread that road for fear of Earl’s ability to render her dumb and silent.

  ‘I take it you also have things to do. I have to close shop. I think you need to look for Tommy; he’s been gone a while,’ she said to Earl.

  John jumped to his feet. ‘Let me take a photograph of you both. Stand together.’

  Horrified by the very idea, Ruby stood where she was and looked over at Earl. Fortunately, he looked as eager as she, and he tapped out a cigarette on the back of his silver cigarette case. ‘Can’t do, old pal.’

  Ruby knew the nose-tapping would follow and before she released the pent-up mirth bubbling inside, with relief she’d not have to stand beside a man she disliked and have their image captured forever, she moved to the front door and opened it wide. ‘Enough of the questions, Earl. I think we should let Mr Clayton leave. I’m sure he needs to get back to camp.’

  John settled his cap on his head, shook Earl’s hand and followed through with a firm shake of Ruby’s. ‘Thank you both for your hospitality. I’ll keep an eye out for Tommy and send him home.’

  As they saw him from the premises and watched him walk away, Ruby stepped to one side and pointed to the street. ‘And you, Earl. As I said, I’m shutting up shop and heading home. It’s time for you to go – perhaps back to your camp too.’ Ruby resisted tapping the side of her nose.

  ‘I’ll be back. You’re too young to have to deal with foreigners, especially foreign servicemen,’ Earl said, stepping onto the pavement.

  ‘Don’t put yourself out on my account. I’m sure you’re busy with secret meetings. I’m not so important as our great country. No, don’t worry about coming back, Earl. I’ll cope.’

  Before she could blink, he’d grabbed her arm again. He bared his teeth. ‘The Canadian might not be who he says he is, and a danger to the country with that camera. He thinks you’re my wife, and Tommy’s our kid. We’ll keep it that way. Understand?’ He pulled her closer to his face. ‘I know where you live, and who lives with you. Old and frail fall all the time. Dead by the time they hit the floor. Understand?’

  Petrified at the thought of Fred getting caught up in this man’s violent threats, Ruby nodded. Earl stepped into the doorway and pulled her closer. He jammed his mouth to hers and she squirmed her way free.

  ‘Just for appearance’s sake.’ Earl let her arm go and walked away. Frightened of him returning, she shut the door, turned the key and walked away in the opposite direction as fast as she could, her heart racing as she turned over Earl’s threat in her mind before heading for Eagle Street.

  CHAPTER 21

  Ruby talked herself into calming down. Earl had no true hold over her, and she would speak to Fred when she got home. She shook herself free from the fear and offered a smile to a regular customer as she crossed a road, grateful for the distraction.

  ‘They look pretty. From an admirer?’ the woman said, and pointed to the flowers in Ruby’s hand. The small posy of flowers – made up of Michaelmas daisies and yellow roses collected from her garden – were in honour of her little brother, and she wanted to lay them close to his resting place.

  ‘Would have been my little brother’s birthday today,’ Ruby said.

  ‘Aw, duck. I’m that sorry. So sad …’ the woman replied.

  ‘It is, but he’d have liked these. He loved the garden,’ Ruby said and lifted the flowers for the woman to smell.

  ‘Lovely thought. You take care of yourself, Ruby, and you know where I am if you need anything.’ The woman touched Ruby’s arm and walked away.

  Ruby gave a nod. ‘Likewise, Maude,’ she said and moved onto the land where her home had once stood.

  She stood
on the ground beside the now filled crater, and it took her by surprise to see the dark hole no longer existed. She’d known it would happen one day, but hadn’t expected it when presented with its disappearance. The lack of a dark pit meant the end of hoping to see a familiar face stare back at her. A dull ache took residence in her chest. There was no relief, nor sadness, and Ruby made a mental note to speak with Helen as soon as possible, to find out what the plans were for the land. The grave of her family.

  Burying her nose into the flowers, Ruby inhaled their sweet perfume. She kissed the petals and knelt down, leaning forward to place them on the charred soil. No tears fell, but a shuddering sigh heightened the ache inside. She placed her hand across her pounding chest and held back a scream or some form of verbal reaction. She could not – would no longer – allow despair to take over her life every time she visited the spot. She lifted her head to the sky, then dipped it towards the ground as if in prayer, but if anyone could read her thoughts they’d see they were far from generous towards their enemies as she renewed a vow to create a happier place, and not let them take away her right to enjoy life – to make her live with guilt every day.

  Something rustled behind her and disturbed her thoughts. She snapped her head to her right and upwards, to see John standing a few feet away. ‘Were you following me?’ she asked and made no attempt to stand.

  ‘No, I think it’s the other way around. I’ve been here since I left your shop. Seeing you today made me want to return to see the green wallpaper, but look –’ he pointed behind him ‘– it’s gone and, for some strange reason, it saddened me. You made me see it in a different light. I’ve seen a lot of things differently since that day.’

  Ruby’s brief annoyance with him was squashed when he gave her a beaming grin. There it was – the way to her heart. John released the ache inside her chest and replaced it with another sensation – a butterfly tremble in her stomach. A happy moment.

  ‘What sort of things do you see when you look through there?’ she asked, and pointed to the camera. ‘I mean, I know you see objects, and record things for the war, but why – what is it you see to make you want to turn it into a photograph?’