The Orphan Thief

by Glynis Peters

  ‘John, thank you for the photographs – I will treasure them. But Beatty is right. Earl is a—’ Her words faltered when Tommy raced into the shop. His lip was split and tears streamed down his face.

  ‘Tommy!’ Ruby yelled and ran to him, just as he fell to the floor.

  John moved in and lifted Tommy into his arms.

  ‘Bring him through here. We’ll make a space on the floor. Grab those blankets.’ Beatty barked out her orders and Ruby followed her into the community room.

  ‘Tommy … Tommy.’ Beatty softly called the boy’s name and stroked his cheek. All three adults let out a sigh of relief when his eyelids fluttered and his eyes opened. Fear shone back at them all and in an instant Ruby knew this was Earl’s doing.

  ‘We’ll get him back to ours. John, I think Earl will come back and I’d rather you leave. Going by this, his temper is at its worst and we’ll all suffer. You especially; he’ll be gunning for you. Beatty?’ Ruby looked to her friend for support.

  ‘The girl’s right, young man. You don’t want to become involved in a brawl. My advice: leave and stay clear. I’ll calm him down and Ruby can care for Tommy. Now go, quickly.’

  John’s face no longer smiled back at Ruby; it expressed something she couldn’t interpret. Concern? Upset?

  ‘Beatty’s right. Go now, while you can. And thank you. Thank you for offering to help. I’ll never forget it, but I don’t want you getting hurt on our behalf.’ Ruby turned back to check on Tommy. ‘Come by this evening. Six-ish. When things are calmer.’

  CHAPTER 23

  ‘Sleeping like a lamb,’ Ruby said as she removed the damp towels from the floor.

  ‘Going by the colour of those towels, that boy’s not washed for a year.’ Fred pointed to the pile in her arms.

  ‘He’s exhausted. When I get my hands on that Earl … What does he think he’s doing, letting the child run around in that state? And as for that Canadian lad … He’s too keen, Fred. We need to watch him round our Ruby. She’s only invited him round – he’s due any minute now.’ Beatty puffed her way through her speech and pointed to the clock.

  ‘He’s concerned about Tommy, and you know he is. If he’s keen on anything, it’s to give Earl a piece of his mind and a good hiding.’

  A knock on the door gave Beatty no opportunity to reply.

  ‘Right on time too,’ Fred said.

  Ruby, flustered, flapped her hands at Fred to open the door, but he took his time standing up and brushing crumbs from his shirt. The knock became a loud hammering, and Ruby’s blood ran cold.

  ‘It’s that man! Fred, it’s Earl – be careful,’ Beatty cautioned and reached for the fireside poker.

  ‘What will you do with that?’ Ruby whispered at her, petrified Beatty might render a serious injury to Earl and find herself on the wrong side of the law.

  ‘Is he here? Where’s the boy?’ Earl’s voice echoed loud around the house and he pushed past Beatty. Fred followed, holding his elbow. Earl had used force on him, and a surge of anger ran through Ruby’s body.

  ‘What are you doing here? This is our home. How dare you?’ She stood with her hand on the back of a dining chair, not wanting to lose her balance if he pushed against her.

  ‘Get out!’ Beatty shouted and lifted the poker. Ruby moved in front of her.

  ‘Beatty’s right – get out.’ Ruby pointed beyond Earl’s shoulder. ‘This is our home. You have no right to come bursting in and shouting at us. Tommy is asleep. He fainted in the shop. He’s been fed and washed.’

  ‘Get him now. His mother’s worried sick,’ Earl shouted.

  ‘She’s not been so worried about him before. He looks like a Victorian waif, poor kid,’ Fred interjected. Earl moved towards him with clenched fists, so fast Ruby feared he’d hit out at Fred.

  ‘Get out of my way, old man. Move!’ Earl snarled and spittle hit Fred’s face. Fred wiped it away and Ruby noticed his hand tremble. As brave as he’d like to be for her, Fred was old and frail and could not match the strength of Earl. She had to distract him. She reached out and tugged his sleeve.

  ‘Earl! Leave him be, I warn you. Fred was worried. We all are. Tommy’s mother can come and fetch him in the morning. Tell her he’s fine. He just needed to slow down and eat.’ Ruby subdued the rage in her voice in the hope he’d calm down as he backed away from Fred.

  ‘Bring the boy to me, and then I’ll go.’ He leaned into her body with his shoulder. ‘You think you are so very clever, little slut. Well, let me tell you this – be careful, be afraid. Now, get the boy!’

  ‘Did you know he’s taken a beating? Your sister – I assume he’s your sister’s son – she wouldn’t harm him, would she?’ Beatty pulled herself tall and folded her arms across her stomach, the iron poker on full show. Ruby recognised the stance, and had seen Beatty win a verbal match with many a man who’d crossed her, but knew this time it would result in violence on both sides.

  Ruby watched as Earl’s fists clenched. Panic set in; she needed to defuse the situation. Two elderly people and a girl were not a match for the likes of Earl.

  ‘Earl, calm down. I’ll fetch Tommy. We only wanted to do something kind for the boy. He had a scare. I’m sure he’ll be better off with his uncle … Beatty, fetch his things.’ She gave Beatty and Fred a warning glance to stay where they were.

  A sleepy Tommy, now dressed in clean clothes brought home from the shop, stood scrubbed and pink-cheeked. His mop of hair fell over one eye and everyone looked his way. Beatty produced a brown wool coat, and busied herself dressing him.

  ‘Come here, little’un. Auntie B will help you. Poor little lamb.’

  Earl watched on and Ruby saw his jaw clench more than once. He oozed impatience.

  ‘Hurry up, woman.’

  ‘Bye, Tommy. See you soon,’ Ruby said and gave the boy a cuddle. For once he smelled of fresh soap.

  They stood back as Earl dragged him by the arm and Tommy’s steps were forced into a run beside his uncle. Once they were in the street, Ruby pulled back the net curtain just in time to see Earl clip Tommy’s ear. ‘I think the best thing we can do for Tommy is feed him if we see him, give him fresh clothes and stop annoying his uncle. Poor little dear’s just had a clump for being here. His mother is either weak or uncaring. I can’t work it out.’ Despite her words, Ruby knew she’d try and do more for Tommy than just feed him. When he was around her she always felt a natural instinct to protect him.

  She pulled the curtains as if to shut out the scene. Tommy’s bag of toiletries and new clothing lay on the floor where Earl had thrown them on his way out, declaring he looked after his own, and if Ruby had any sense she’d look after hers.

  The three sat around the table catching their breath when there was another knock on the door. Beatty gave a silent scream.

  ‘It’s John … Relax, Beatty. I’d almost forgotten he was coming. Earl won’t be back tonight. He got what he came for – poor little Tommy,’ Ruby said and patted Beatty’s hand.

  ‘I’m all of a dither. That man played havoc with my nerves,’ Beatty said and then looked over at Fred. ‘Your turn. I’m in no mood for opening doors,’ she said and laid the poker back into its rack.

  Fred grinned over at Ruby. ‘Ready?’

  ‘Wipe that grin off your face, Fred Lester,’ Beatty said and Ruby appreciated her attempt at making things normal again. ‘He’s here to ask about the boy. We’ll tell him, and then he leaves. I think Ruby’s suffered enough drama for one day.’

  Ruby’s heart went out to Beatty. She clucked like a mother hen on Ruby’s behalf, and for the first time in a long time Ruby enjoyed the fuss of a motherly figure.

  ‘It will be fine, Beatty. Let him in, Fred, but no drinking, you hear?’

  ‘I’m never drinking again,’ Fred declared, and pulled a face at Beatty.

  Nervous anticipation at seeing John again made Ruby’s stomach roll with excitement. It also churned with worry in case Earl returned.

  It startled Ruby when Beatty rushed
across the room and claimed her favourite seat, then placed a newspaper on Fred’s. The two spare ones were opposite each other with a wide corridor of space between them, and very obviously left for Ruby and John.

  Ruby had a silent giggle and slowly shook her head at Beatty with an amused grin. ‘Good evening, Fred.’ John’s voice sounded calm and gentle after the raging boom of Earl’s.

  ‘He’s always polite, I’ll give him that, but you be careful, young lady. He’s a good couple of years older than you. Seen more of the world,’ Beatty whispered.

  ‘Shh,’ Ruby whispered back, embarrassed by the attention given to John and her friendship with him.

  ‘Come in, lad. Come in.’ Fred ushered John inside and showed him into the room. ‘Look who’s come to pay us a visit, ladies.’

  ‘John, lovely to see you. Come in, and sit down,’ Ruby said as he entered the room with Fred close behind, and pointed to the chair opposite her.

  ‘Good evening, ladies,’ John said, but remained standing, holding out something wrapped in a piece of newspaper. ‘I’m sorry I’m late.’

  ‘No apologies needed; we’re pleased to see you,’ Beatty said and Ruby knew she told the truth. John was a breath of fresh air after the evil presence of Earl in their home.

  ‘How’s Tommy? I’ve worried about him. He’s such a vulnerable boy. My mother would call him a lost soul.’ John sat in the chair and made himself comfortable.

  ‘You’ve just missed him; he’s with Earl,’ Ruby said, waving her hand in the general direction of the window, desperate for something to say before Fred and Beatty took control of the whole visit. Seeing John flustered her and she knew Beatty was watching her every move.

  ‘Glad to hear the little guy has recovered, but not so much now Earl has him in his clutches again. Shame I missed him, though. I bought him this; it’s a model airplane,’ he said and held out the parcel. ‘I passed a carpenter who whittles them from scrap wood to earn a few coins, and knew it would be the perfect present for an injured boy.’ John unwrapped the package and held up the plane. ‘It’s nothing special, but I thought the kid would enjoy it. I’ll leave it with you and maybe you’ll give it to him when you see him again.’

  Ruby took the plane from John’s hand and his fingers brushed hers. It was a deliberate move and she spotted the hint of a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. The usual rush of butterflies in flight she felt when in John’s company tumbled around her stomach. She eased her hand away from his with a slow movement. She didn’t want Beatty and Fred noticing the intimate moment, but was saddened she could no longer enjoy the pleasurable feeling of his touch.

  ‘That’s very kind of you, John. Tommy will love it. I think I’ll keep it at the shop so he can play with it there. Can we offer you a drink?’

  ‘That’s kind of you, but I have to say no, thank you. I came to check on the boy and to say goodbye; I’m leaving tonight. I’ve received fresh orders – I’m being sent to another unit. It’s temporary, but I’m not sure for how long. More into the thick of things, from what I gather.’

  Fred patted John’s shoulder. ‘Good luck to you, lad.’

  Ruby stood in silence. A cold shiver ran through her body.

  With a sudden flurry of movement to and from the kitchen, Beatty moved faster than Ruby had ever seen. ‘Take this with you. It’s a pie. Spam and egg. Keep your strength up.’

  Once again, Ruby watched Beatty fuss around like a mother hen, her protectiveness towards Ruby now transferred to John.

  ‘That’s generous of you, but I won’t be able to eat it in time, nor take it with me. I won’t forget your kindness, though. If I get an opportunity I’ll write, if that’s acceptable to you all?’

  The butterflies in Ruby’s stomach ended their dance and were replaced with a heavy, dull, brick-sinking sensation. John was leaving. ‘Of course we’d love to hear from you. Feel free to write, if you get the chance. I’m sure one of us will reply if you add a return address,’ she said and hoped the disappointment she felt didn’t reflect in her voice. ‘We can only wish you good luck. I’ll pass this along to Tommy. Don’t let us keep you.’

  Not wanting to rush him from the house but eager to stay in control of her emotions, Ruby held out her hand for him to shake. John frowned and took her hand and she noticed his clenched jaw. His head moved with the slightest of flicks towards the door and his eyes widened, and Ruby sensed they sent a message that he wanted to speak alone.

  ‘I’ll see you out,’ said Ruby, and knew this was a chance to offer a small hint of her feelings for him.

  They walked down the side of the house and stopped before they reached the street.

  ‘John … Before you go, I want to tell you something.’

  John looked down at her and Ruby desperately wanted to feel his lips on hers. The depth of feeling she had for him scared her. He put his finger on her lips. ‘Shh. It will keep. I have to go. I’ll write, I promise,’ he said.

  ‘Kiss me, John. Kiss me before you go.’

  In what she knew Beatty would call a brazen act, she put her arms around his neck and moved her hips tight into his. She crushed her lips to his and he gave in to her demand. A few seconds later he manoeuvred her away from him.

  ‘I’ve longed to do this, but would never presume you wanted the same.’ John’s lips teased her face with light kisses, and soon they lingered on her lips in another urgent moment of passion. John eventually eased himself away from her and Ruby saw tears glisten in his eyes.

  ‘I’ll try and come back to you, Ruby. I can’t make any promises. Give me a smile to take with me.’ John lifted her chin and kissed her again, and when they parted she gave him a shy smile.

  ‘Stay safe, John. I’ll wait for you, I promise. Just come back to me.’

  Ruby leaned back into the shadows and listened to the last echo of John’s footsteps as he walked away, before returning inside.

  ‘All right, duck?’ Beatty asked and glanced up from her knitting.

  ‘Fine. Why wouldn’t I be?’ Ruby replied, a little sharper than she’d intended.

  ‘Touchy. Show respect,’ Fred said with a tut.

  ‘Leave it, Fred,’ Beatty warned, and gave Ruby a knowing look.

  Before leaving for her bedroom, Ruby spoke to them both. ‘I’m tired, sorry. It was kind of John to drop by and ask to keep in touch with us all. It shows we made an impression with our friendship. I don’t like the thought of him – or anyone we know – putting themselves in danger. I realise it is war, but it still upsets me they’ve put their lives in danger to protect us.’

  ‘So, he’s just a friend then?’ Fred remarked and Ruby scowled at him.

  ‘Will you give over, Fred?’ Beatty’s telling off continued as Ruby left them to go to her room. She pulled out the photograph she’d taken of John. She touched her lips and remembered their kiss, but it brought no comfort. The dull ache of loss had returned, and a black sorrow overwhelmed her. Every day was a challenge, fraught with worry about rationing, escaping bombs, and now she added Tommy and John to her list. Her heart sank when she thought of John leaving, and the possibility she might never see him again. Ruby prayed their kiss wouldn’t be their last. Or that he’d move onto another girl, one closer to his age and not a cripple.

  Placing his picture back in the drawer, Ruby readied herself for bed and cried into her pillow until the early hours of the morning.

  CHAPTER 24

  The morning showed itself to be as damp and miserable as Ruby felt, and she walked beside Beatty as far as Helen’s office in silence. Beatty made small talk, and Ruby was thankful for her discretion in not mentioning John, or her reaction to Fred the previous evening.

  ‘I’ll be about half hour, Beatty. See you later. I hope Earl doesn’t come causing trouble today; I’m really not in the mood. Just make him a brew and give him the newspaper to read.’

  ‘He’ll feel the sharp end of my broom if he steps out of line,’ Beatty said.

  ‘I think the defence uni
t should arm our women with them and send us to fight off the enemy. You’re scary when you’ve a broom in your hand, Beatty,’ Ruby said and dropped a kiss on Beatty’s cheek and they both laughed before going their separate ways.

  Helen’s office was in a state of disarray when Ruby entered, and she stood back to allow a tall man carrying several boxes to leave the room.

  Helen looked up from her kneeling position in front of a large filing cabinet. She was flanked by orderly piles of paper. The face which turned to look at Ruby wasn’t a bright smiling one. Dark circles under sad eyes told of illness and distress.

  ‘Gracious, Helen. What on earth is going on?’

  ‘I’m leaving, and my files are moving to Housing and other departments. I was going to come and tell you later,’ Helen said and rose from the floor, stretching her back and knees.

  ‘Leaving? What – office or town?’ Ruby asked.

  ‘I’ve had a telegram. My sister’s husband was killed and she needs my support. I telephoned her and it’s obvious she needs the support of someone, and I’m her last living relative. I’ve agreed to move in with her. She lives in Yorkshire. Lovely house. Plenty of room and fresh air. News of Coventry last year sent her into a pit of despair … Now she’s a widow, she only has me to worry about, and it’s made her quite … I hate to say it, but mad.’ Helen dipped her head, and Ruby could see she was burdened by grief and worry. She had no intention of adding to it, although not having Helen in her life would be strange.

  ‘I’ll be lost without you, but family comes first. Of course you must go to your sister,’ Ruby whispered.