Let it Shine

by Let it Shine (retail) (epub)

  ‘I said no, you weren’t.’

  Holding her hands he continued to gaze on her. He didn’t say anything. He didn’t want to spoil the moment. He had one question though. ‘And what did you think to him flirting with you?’

  Ellie glanced at Peter, who was about to go out the main doors. ‘I didn’t like him either.’

  ‘You do right not to like him.’ Releasing her hands, he followed her gaze to Peter Williams. ‘They say he’s a dark, secretive devil. Wealthy too. He’s got money in the bank that would keep you and me in luxury for the rest of our lives – and our children behind us.’

  Realising what he’d said, he fell silent for a moment, looking into Ellie’s eyes and wanting to take her in his arms, but knowing it would be wrong. Unbeknown to him, Ellie was secretly wishing he would take hold of her. When, instead, he told her to hang on while he locked the back doors, her heart sank. When he strode away, her gaze followed him. ‘Why didn’t you kiss me?’ she murmured. ‘I know you wanted to. And I wouldn’t have minded at all.’ In truth, it would have been the most natural thing in the world.

  * * *

  Outside, Tilly Partridge’s great-nephew, John, was making his way to the factory doors. After learning from Tilly and Bertie that Ellie was now working at Brindle’s shoe-factory, he had recalled how Mick had told him there might be work going here. So here he was, but not with any serious job-hunting motives. It was the thought of Ellie that had brought him here, and the chance of a good time.

  With that in mind he came bounding round the corner, straight into Peter Williams. ‘Hey! You bloody young idiot, what the hell do you think you’re doing?’

  After quickly collecting his belongings from the pavement, where the impact had sent them, Peter grabbed John by the coat lapels. ‘What are you hanging around here for anyway? Up to mischief, are you, eh? Looking to get inside and see what you can make off with, is that it?’ He shook him hard.

  ‘I’m no thief!’ Squirming from his grasp, John explained, ‘I’m here looking for work. I know people who work here. The foreman told me there might be a job going.’

  As he argued, John noticed the wallet lying on the ground. His quick mind deduced that here was a man of means and influence. If he kept the wallet he’d more than likely have the police on his back in no time at all, and he could well do without that. In the long run the best thing would be to hand it in. So, looking after his own scrawny neck, he pointed to the wallet. ‘You’d best take that with you,’ he told Peter, ‘afore some real thief makes off with it.’

  Seeing how his fat and full wallet was lying in the gutter behind him, Peter was astounded. He was also curious. ‘What’s your game, eh?’ Putting the wallet in a safe place, he eyed the younger man with interest. ‘You could have kept your mouth shut and made off with it. Why didn’t you, eh? And don’t tell me it never crossed your mind.’

  Because he had nothing to lose, John came clean. ‘Oh, it crossed my mind all right,’ he admitted, ‘only I can see what kind of influential gent you might be, an’ you’ve also got a hell of a quick temper on you, too. If I were to have made off with that wallet, like as not there’d come one dark night when I’m walking down some alley – and I’d be left there with my head kicked in. Am I right?’

  Peter nodded. ‘Right and sensible,’ he replied approvingly. ‘Anyone who takes from me is sure to get their comeuppance. You do well to know it.’

  John wanted rid of him. ‘So, I can be on my way now, can I?’ he asked cheekily. ‘Much like yourself, I’m a busy man. I mean to find work before the end of the day.’

  ‘What kind of work?’

  ‘Anything that pays a good wage.’

  Peter looked him up and down. He observed how John was built well, and possessed that certain street knowledge that would keep him out of trouble. More importantly, he knew how not to overstep the mark with his betters. ‘I can give you work, if you’ve a mind for it.’

  John didn’t like this bloke much, but beggars couldn’t be choosers. ‘What sort o’ work might that be then?’

  Reaching into his pocket, Peter took out one of his business cards, which he handed over. ‘Monday afternoon, round about four o’clock. And be sharp. I don’t take kindly to time-wasters.’ He pointed to the card. ‘You’ll find the address there.’

  With that he strode away, leaving John staring after him. ‘Hmh! He is a strange bugger an’ no mistake!’ He saw Peter turn the corner and wondered about him. Glancing down at the card, he read aloud, ‘A and P Williams, Property Management.’ Smiling, he rammed it into his pocket. ‘Can’t lose nothing by going to see the bloke,’ he mused. ‘Come to think of it, I might even have done myself a favour. Monday afternoon, eh? Yes, why not?’

  As he went away, all thoughts of seeing Ellie had vanished, because now he was more interested in what this certain gent had to offer.

  * * *

  Ten minutes later, Ellie and Mick finally left the premises. As they walked along, the conversation went back to Betsy.

  ‘I can’t think where she could have gone,’ Ellie fretted. ‘She never said anything to you, did she, Mick?’

  He shook his head. ‘No, but I’m sure she’ll be home when you get there.’

  The talk turned to Larry. ‘Will it be all right if I come back to Buncer Lane with you and see him?’ Her brother had been lodging with Mick for some time now. The arrangement suited both young men very well.

  Mick was thrilled. ‘’Course it’s all right. But won’t Peggy wonder where you’ve got to?’

  Ellie had a confession to make. ‘I know I should have checked with you first, but I did tell her that Betsy and I might be calling in on Larry before we went home tonight. I said not to make us any dinner, and that if we were to come straight home after all, we’d call in at the fish and chip shop on the way.’

  Mick smiled down on her upturned face and as always when she looked at him out of those rich blue eyes, he felt a rush of something wonderful. ‘You had it all worked out, then?’

  Blushing beneath his intense gaze, Ellie looked away. ‘So, I’ll come and see our Larry on my own with you, if it’s all right? I’m hoping Betsy will turn up there later. Maybe she went off to do some shopping first.’

  ‘’Course I’d like you to come!’ It was just what he craved – to spend a few more, precious hours in her company, especially on her own without her irritating twin.

  On the tram they sat side by side, talking in earnest about this and that. ‘I’m really proud of you,’ he told Ellie. ‘The boss puts great store in you.’

  Ellie asked after Betsy’s progress, but even though Mick tried his best to reassure her, she knew her sister was going the wrong way. ‘Help her, Mick,’ she pleaded. ‘I know she’ll come right in the end.’

  ‘I’ll do what I can,’ he promised, ‘but there’s only so much I can do.’ He didn’t tell her the boss already had his eye on Betsy. He thought it better to wait and see how it all panned out. Wisely changing the subject, he told her, ‘I know it’s only been a week or so since you last saw Larry, but you’ll be amazed at how he’s come on in that short time.’

  Impulsively, Ellie grabbed his hand. ‘It’s thanks to you,’ she said excitedly. ‘Oh Mick, you’re the best mate in the world!’

  Again, those wonderful blue eyes touched his soul, and he thought how… right then and there in front of all those people, he would have taken her in his arms and kissed her until she could hardly breathe.

  But he couldn’t. Not yet.

  He didn’t know how the very same emotions were taking hold of Ellie. In the dark outside, she could see his reflection in the window. He was looking down, his thoughts elsewhere. In that moment he seemed incredibly sad. Ellie sensed that he was thinking of his mother. And she loved him all the more for it.

  Chapter Thirteen

  As usual, Larry was delighted to see her. ‘You stay there, sis,’ he told her, and then, to her concern and delight, he got out of the wheelchair and very hesitantly be
gan walking across the room towards her.

  Halfway across, he made her gasp when his legs buckled beneath him and he fell, lopsided against the wall. When she made to go forward, he put up his hand. ‘No, sis!’ And so, her heart in her mouth, she waited until he righted himself and continued what to both of them seemed like a never-ending journey.

  When he fell into her arms, she held him for an age. ‘I’m so proud of you, Larry,’ she murmured, the tears rolling down her face. ‘So very proud.’

  All those agonising moments while Larry struggled to reach his sister, Mick had seen how Ellie was silently willing him on, desperate to help him yet knowing she must not. Knowing he had to make it alone.

  In that moment, Mick’s love for her had never been stronger, nor his determination to make her his wife. As he looked on at the pride and suffering she shared with her brother in her heart, taking every slow, difficult step with him, Mick knew Ellie was a very special young woman. But then, hadn’t he always known it?

  Unaware of Mick’s observance of her, Ellie held on to her brother, her heart swelled with love. After a moment, in case he should weary, she drew away. ‘Let me help you back?’

  He looked down on her, and she was humbled to see that he, too, was crying. ‘I did it!’ he said brokenly. ‘I did it!’

  Through misty eyes she smiled back at him. ‘I always knew you would,’ she whispered. ‘I never doubted it. Not for one minute.’

  He kissed her then on the forehead – a fond, brotherly kiss that said thank you for being here. Then he allowed himself to lean on her as she went with him to his wheelchair beside the fireplace.

  When he was settled in the chair and Ellie was curled up on the rug beside him, Mick stepped forward to shake Larry’s hand. ‘You’re a stubborn devil,’ he said jokingly, ‘but Ellie ain’t the only one who’s proud of you.’

  ‘I’ve been practising all day, on and off,’ Larry admitted. ‘A few steps forward then back, until I felt I really could go right across the room.’ Sighing happily, he told Mick, ‘It’s brought on a thirst though.’ He glanced towards the kitchen which, after his lone trek, seemed a very short distance away. ‘I’ll mek us a brew.’

  ‘Hey!’ Seeing how that walk across the room had drained him, both Ellie and Mick offered to do the honours, but he wouldn’t have it. ‘I’ll mek the brew,’ he insisted. ‘One of youse nip down to the chip-shop.’

  Mick knew his mate well enough to realise that neither he nor Ellie would change his mind once it was made up. ‘I had a mind for a fish and chip tea anyroad,’ he confessed. ‘Right! What’s the order then?’

  Ellie said she wouldn’t mind a packet of chips and a dab. ‘I’ll do the bread and butter while you’re gone,’ she offered, giving Larry a look that said, ‘You’re mashing the tea, Mick’s going to the chip-shop, so doing the bread and butter is my contribution!’

  And, rather than argue with her, he merely grinned and said, ‘Don’t forget – I like a plastering of butter on mine, and thick-cut bread, mind! None of your paper-thin rubbish.’

  Ellie laughed. She hadn’t forgotten.

  ‘So, what do you want?’ Mick was still waiting for his pal’s order. ‘It’s Friday night, don’t forget. There’ll be a queue out the door if I don’t get a move on.’

  ‘Right. I’ll have a large fish and chips with a dab,’ Larry answered. ‘Oh, an’ a portion o’ mushy peas. I reckon I’ve earned it.’

  Mick cocked his head in admiration. ‘I’m sure nobody’s gonna argue with that, our kid,’ he said. He grabbed his jacket and was gone in a minute, out the door and down towards the chippie at full run.

  Larry took hold of his sister’s hand. ‘You can’t know how good it is to see you.’

  ‘It’s good to be here,’ she answered, ‘Although I always hate to see our old house all boarded up. It makes me feel so sad. But to see you walk like that…’ Lost for words, she shook her head. ‘It’s just wonderful, Larry.’

  ‘Where’s Betsy?’

  ‘She’ll be here.’ Though Ellie couldn’t be sure.

  He grinned. ‘I’m not sure I can do a re-run of going right across the room, but I can show her a few paces, or my name’s not Larry Bolton.’

  While Ellie prepared the bread and butter slices, Larry made the tea. ‘I’ve got the hang of all this now,’ he said, as he pushed himself from one end of the kitchen to the other. ‘Mick’s put everything within easy reach for me. Honest to God, Ellie, I don’t know what I would have done without him. He’s a great bloke.’

  Ellie smiled to herself. She didn’t need telling that, because she knew it already.

  No sooner was the tea made and the bread and butter on the table, than Mick was back. ‘No plates,’ he instructed Ellie. ‘Fish and chips are best straight out the paper.’

  And that was how they enjoyed it. Fat, moist chunks of fish, thick chips with crispy edges, lots of salt and vinegar, all washed down with a steaming mug of tea. ‘By! That were grand.’ Full to bursting, Larry crumpled the chip paper on his knees. ‘I don’t mind telling yer, I were ready for that.’

  Ellie cleared the rubbish away and Mick took it outside to the midden. ‘It doesn’t look like Betsy’s coming.’ Larry was obviously disappointed.

  Inwardly angry, Ellie assured him, ‘There’ll be a good reason why she didn’t come.’ She was tired of making excuses for her sister, but what else could she do? ‘I’m sure she’ll make it tomorrow night.’ Even if I have to drag her all the way, she thought.

  ‘You’d best be off,’ Larry reminded Ellie, ‘or you’ll have Peggy sending out the searchers.’

  Before she left, Ellie told him again how thrilled she had been to see him walk across the room. ‘But you mustn’t overdo it,’ she warned. And he promised he wouldn’t.

  ‘I’ll see you as far as the tram-stop,’ Mick suggested. Bringing her coat, he helped her on with it. ‘You never know who’s lurking about in the dark,’ he said, then could have bitten his tongue.

  Before she left, Ellie had one last hug for her brother.

  ‘Take care of yourself,’ she said. ‘When I see Grandad, I’ll tell him how well you’re doing.’

  She and Mick were on the outer step when Larry called Mick back.

  ‘Hang on, love,’ Mick said. ‘I’ll not be a minute.’ Rushing back inside, he found Larry standing by the table. ‘I’ve overdone it.’ He was grey in the face with pain. ‘I think I need a hand back to the wheelchair.’

  Taking him by the underarms, Mick eased him back; with every step they took, Larry gave a groan. When he was settled in the chair, Mick stood over him a moment, looking down on this friend of his, whose heart was as big as a lion’s.

  Stooping to his knees, he looked Larry straight in the eye. ‘I might have known you’d overstretched yourself, walking all the way across the room like that. Jesus! I don’t know how you did it, but what I do know is this – it was too far, too quickly. You have to be so careful. That’s what the doc said, wasn’t it? Be careful not to rush things. A few steps at a time, until your leg muscles begin to cope normally.’

  For a moment, Larry gave no reply. Then, with a choked, angry voice he told Mick, ‘I haven’t got time to be careful! It’s been three years, Mick, and I’m still a bloody cripple. And he did it to me. Every minute I’m locked in this wheelchair, every day that passes, the bastard who tore my family apart is out there, with two good legs. And a life to which he has no right.’ He could say no more; emotion had overwhelmed him.

  Mick’s suspicions were right. ‘I thought as much. It’s all still eating away at you.’ For the life of him, he could not blame his pal for that.

  Tears of rage sped down Larry’s face, as he admitted with passion, ‘Yes, it’s eating away at me. Yes, I’m driven by it. Not a minute passes when I don’t long to take his neck in my hands and wring it, until that wicked life is snuffed out for good an’ all! Just like he snuffed out my parents’ life!’ Emotionally and physically spent, he put his two hands over his face. �
��I need to know why, Mick. I have to know. Why were they killed? Who would want to do a thing like that?’

  After taking a moment to compose himself, he spoke to Mick in the softest of voices. ‘You’d be the same, wouldn’t you? If that evil devil had done that to your family… you would feel the same, wouldn’t you?’

  Mick had never seen Larry like this before. He was not a man easily given to tears of rage or emotion. Yet here he was, baring his deeper emotions for the first time; his face the face of a man crippled both outside and inside. It was plain to see that until the person responsible had been made to pay for the carnage he had caused in that delightful family, then Larry would have no peace of mind.

  To Larry’s question, Mick could give only one answer. ‘Yes, you’re right,’ he said heavily. ‘I would feel the very same.’

  Larry leaned back in his chair, exhausted. ‘I knew you’d understand, Mick. You of all people.’

  Sensing that Larry had not yet finished, Mick waited a moment. When the question came, it shook him to his roots. ‘You’re fond of our Ellie, aren’t you?’

  Startled, Mick scrambled to his feet. ‘In what way?’

  ‘You know what way.’

  ‘What meks you say that?’

  ‘Because it’s my legs that are damaged, not my eyes. I couldn’t help but notice the way you were looking at her tonight.’ When he saw that Mick was about to say something, he put up his hand. ‘It’s all right. I know all the arguments… she’s not yet sixteen, and you’re a few years older an’ all that. But you’re not that much older, and you’re a good man, Mick Fellowes. I know you’ll do right by her.’

  Mick gave a sigh of relief. ‘I would never do anything to harm her, you know that.’ Suddenly self-conscious, he lowered his gaze. ‘I really love her, you know.’

  ‘Aye. And she loves you.’

  Mick looked up, his face wreathed in disbelief. ‘No!’ He shook his head. ‘Oh, I had hoped that one day… but do you really reckon she loves me back?’ He grinned like a happy schoolboy. ‘No!’