The Shop Girls of Lark Lane

by Pam Howes

  ‘We’ll just nip to yours and pick up your case and then we’ll be off,’ he said. ‘Mine’s already in the boot because I stayed at the Legion last night. Winnie insisted on it so she could help me to get ready! Tell you what, gel: it’s so quiet first thing up there. All I could hear were birds singing and pigeons cooing. Bliss. No nosy neighbours to disturb us or hear what we’re doing. Very private and I like that. It’s perfect, in fact.’

  Alice smiled, relaxing back in her seat. Although she liked all her neighbours on Lucerne Street, it was the sort of place you could keep nothing to yourself. It would be lovely to enjoy some privacy for a change. She dashed into the house as Jack pulled up outside and picked up her case from the hall floor. This was it. She would be coming back here on Monday a new woman, ready to share the future with Jack and the kids.

  * * *

  The room on the second floor of the Clifton Hotel on Talbot Road in Blackpool was quite spacious, clean and nicely furnished. Alice ran her hand over the pink candlewick bedspread that toned with the pink brocade curtains at the window, and matched the lampshades on the bedside table lamps. There was a sink in the corner with a cold tap and a large enamel jug sitting underneath. A wardrobe stood in one alcove of the chimney breast and a chest with six drawers in the other.

  ‘It’s a lovely room,’ Alice said to the tall, chubby-faced landlady, Mrs Swann.

  ‘Thank you, dear. I’m sure you’ll be very comfortable, Mr and Mrs Dawson. Hot water for washing is down the landing in the bathroom where you will also find the toilet for this floor. Baths can be taken in the evening but you will need to book first thing in the morning and it’s an extra shilling a time. Breakfast is at nine o’clock prompt and your evening meal will be served at six thirty. All rooms are to be vacated by ten am and no returns before four. Now, I’ll leave you to unpack and will see you shortly in the dining room.’

  ‘Thank you,’ Jack said, seeing her out and locking the door behind her. He raised an eyebrow in Alice’s direction. ‘Wouldn’t like to meet that one down a dark alley.’

  Alice grinned. ‘She’s a bit stern. We’d better get a move on and unpack our bits and bobs and get ready for tea. Can you get some hot water in that jug then we can freshen up a bit.’

  Jack took off his suit jacket and dropped it on the bed. He bent to pick up the jug and winced.

  ‘What’s wrong?’

  ‘My foot’s giving me gyp. Been on my feet most of the day and then dancing and driving, it’s set the nerves off tingling. I’ll take a couple of Anadin with a drink of whisky later. That’ll take the edge off.’

  Alice frowned. ‘Should you take painkillers with alcohol?’

  He shrugged. ‘It’s the only thing that helps ease the pain. You want a nice wedding night, don’t you? One to remember.’

  She nodded. ‘Of course.’

  ‘Then I’ve got no choice.’

  He limped from the room carrying the jug, leaving Alice staring after him. Perhaps it was time he went to see a doctor again about that foot, she thought. Get some proper painkillers that worked better than Anadin and whisky. That combination couldn’t possibly be good for him. She’d suggest it when they got home, see what he thought. She unpacked her case and put the diaphragm in her handbag. Depending on his mood later, she might well need it tonight.

  * * *

  Granny Lomax walked back from St Michael’s Sunday morning service with a feeling of deep shock in her gut. The after-service coffee morning had proved to be a source of information she hadn’t expected to hear. Not that she liked to gossip, but when she’d overheard two women talking, and her ex-daughter-in-law’s name crop up in conversation, she’d tuned in to what they were saying.

  ‘Well, personally I think she was mad to marry him, a nice girl like Alice, and after everything she’s been through and losing her husband like that,’ one woman said. ‘He’s nothing but trouble. And I believe she’s sold her house as well so that he can take on the Legion when Winnie and Arnold retire. All that money she’ll be handing over and it’ll soon be wasted knowing him. Everyone down our street knows what a boozer he is. He’s just like his father was; handy with his fists and all. Harry Dawson was always knocking their mother about when he couldn’t get his own way. We used to hear her begging for mercy on a Friday night when he’d come home from the pub kaylied. I know the walls were thin, but not that thin. She’d be screaming, poor woman. And there was nothing we could do. Always had black eyes and bruises everywhere. It was a blessing when he corked it. At least she had a bit of peace then until she died as well. The oldest boy was never any bother, but that Jack was always a cheeky little sod; and cocky as hell at giving lip. His father used to tan his backside but it made no difference.’

  Granny Lomax had sipped her tea as the other woman began. ‘Yes, I feel sorry for poor Alice. She’s no idea what she’s letting herself in for. And she’s got that lovely little girl as well and her brother that she looks after. I wonder if Jack’s told her about his own kiddie that he abandoned during the war. She’d be about four now. Poor little mite. He didn’t want to know and left that poor Susan girl high and dry. Swore blind it wasn’t his. Susan’s mam’s done a good job of bringing the kiddie up as her own though. They’re all better off without Jack Dawson in their lives. If he hadn’t shot himself he’d never have got involved with Susan and put her in the family way. He should have been in bloody Germany like all our lads were. Flaming coward, he was. Made sure he didn’t do too much damage, but just enough to get him off the hook. He wants locking up.’

  Granny Lomax had got to her feet and put down her empty cup and saucer. She’d heard enough and felt sick to her stomach at what she’d just learned. She herself had heard rumours about Jack, but these two women appeared to have been close neighbours in the street he’d grown up in, and knew the family in fact.

  She’d hurried outside and taken several deep breaths to calm herself. Before she said anything to Alice she’d need to prove everything was true and for that she’d have to find evidence. As she’d stood there, her head whirling, the two gossiping women had come out of church and walked past her. She’d decided to take a chance.

  ‘Excuse me,’ she called. The women turned around.

  ‘Yes, love?’ one of them said. ‘Are you okay? You look a bit pale. Do you want me to fetch a chair out for you?’

  ‘Er, no, that won’t be necessary, thank you.’ Granny Lomax apologised for being nosy and told them what she’d overheard them discussing and how it had distressed her. Both their faces lit up. They nodded when she asked if they could help her and she told them that she was Alice’s ex-mother-in-law and was extremely worried about her family. After a lengthy conversation they had written down the address of Susan and her mother and told her that Jack had lived in the same street. They’d wished her well and gone on their way.

  Now, Granny hurried back home and let herself in. She’d left a small chicken cooking that her farmer friend had brought round yesterday, and the good smell that met her in the hall was appetising. Maybe Cathy and Brian would call in today while Alice was away. She’d bet that Marlene, who she’d seen take the children under her wing when she’d sneaked into the Legion grounds yesterday for a quick peek at her granddaughter, would be at home cooking Sunday dinner for her own big family.

  She set to and peeled enough potatoes just in case. She could walk round and invite them if they were at home. She pulled the chicken out of the oven and put it on a plate to cool. Deciding to hurry round to Alice’s before she prepared any more veg, she picked up her handbag and keys and locked up. As she rounded the corner she saw Brian and Cathy walking down the road and her heart swelled. Cathy let go of Brian’s hand and ran towards her, her little face alight with joy.

  ‘I was just on my way to see if you wanted to have your Sunday dinner with me,’ Granny said, enfolding Cathy in a hug.

  Brian beamed. ‘Oh, yes please. I’m starving. So is Cathy. Marlene cooked us a nice breakfast but she’s had to
go home for a few hours. She made us some jam sarnies, but we’ve eaten them already.’

  Granny laughed. ‘That’s my boy. Come on then. It’s roast chicken with all the trimmings.’ The way to Brian’s heart had always been through his stomach. She was going to enjoy the afternoon with the children and then tonight she would sit quietly and work out a plan to put together as much information about Jack Dawson as she could. Now Alice was married to the man, there wasn’t much she could do about that. Alice had made her bed, but she would make sure her granddaughter was protected if it was the last thing she did.

  18

  Alice sighed when Jack cried out in pain as he removed his boot. He hadn’t been very happy to begin with, as they’d had to walk around in the rain that had started not long after breakfast. They’d walked the length of the promenade and strolled up the South Pier. They’d had a bite to eat in a pub at dinnertime and a couple of drinks and then wandered aimlessly around the Pleasure Beach until they were allowed back in their room again to dry off and get ready for the evening meal. Jack had been on his feet all day now and he’d told her he was in agony as they climbed the two flights of stairs up to their room. He lay back on the bed and Alice got him two Anadins from the packet in her handbag. He washed them down with a swig from the half bottle of whisky he’d bought earlier from an outdoor licence up the road.

  ‘I’ll just shut my eyes for ten minutes while they kick in,’ he said.

  ‘Okay. I’ll use the bathroom and get changed ready for our meal.’ She hurried down the corridor, shaking her head and wishing they’d gone home today. One day away was enough really when they had so much to do back in Liverpool. Mind you, if the weather had been nice they could have sat on deckchairs on the sands and relaxed. Nothing worse than wandering around in that fine rain that wets you through. She wondered what Brian and Cathy were doing right now and hoped they’d had a nice time with Marlene, who would no doubt have spoiled them. There was a queue for the bathroom, with a woman and two small boys in front of her.

  ‘Mam, I wish that fat man would hurry up,’ the eldest said, fidgeting from foot to foot. ‘He’s been in there for ages. I’m gonna wet meself in a minute.’

  ‘Shh,’ his embarrassed mother said. ‘He’ll hear you.’

  ‘Mammy, I need a wee-wee,’ the little one said, ‘and I can’t wait.’

  The young woman turned to Alice and whispered, ‘Do you think the landlady would mind if we used the bathroom on the floor below? I mean, it is a bit ridiculous, all these rooms up here and only one toilet.’

  ‘I don’t see why she should,’ Alice replied. ‘He’s going to have an accident if you don’t get him in soon.’

  ‘Me dad said the landlady reminds him of Eva Braun,’ the older boy piped up.

  Alice stifled a giggle. ‘Shh, she might hear you. I’d take a chance and go downstairs,’ she said to the young woman.

  She rolled her eyes and dragged the little boy down the stairs and the other one followed her. Alice strained her ear to the locked door. She couldn’t hear a thing and knocked gently.

  ‘Hello, are you okay in there?’ No reply. She chewed her lip and knocked again. A faint sound reached her ears. It sounded like someone calling for help. ‘Oh lord,’ she muttered. ‘Hang on a minute,’ she called. ‘I’ll go and fetch help.’ She ran down the stairs, past the woman and her two little boys and into the reception area.

  ‘I think someone is in trouble in the top-floor bathroom,’ she gasped to Mrs Swann, who was busy booking in a family at the welcome desk. ‘A man went in ages ago and he’s still in there calling for help.’

  ‘Albert,’ Mrs Swann called out to her husband. ‘Top-floor bathroom. It sounds like someone’s collapsed in there. Can you go and see? I’ll be up when I’ve finished here.’

  Alice followed Albert up the stairs and waited while he banged on the bathroom door. A faint cry for help sounded again. He tried the door but it was locked.

  ‘He’s put the bolt on. I’ll have to break the door down. Just hope he’s not behind it. Can you go and ask the wife to phone for an ambulance, love, just in case.’

  Alice nodded and ran back downstairs, where Mrs Swann was handing over a key and pointing out the stairs to her new arrivals.

  ‘Room five is facing the top of the stairs. Right dear,’ she turned to Alice, ‘what’s happening?’

  ‘Mr Swann said can you phone for an ambulance please,’ Alice gasped. ‘He’s breaking the door down.’

  ‘Oh dear. So whoever is in there has taken poorly?’

  ‘It looks that way.’

  ‘I bet it’s Mr Simpson, one of our regulars. Can you go back and help my husband and I’ll make the call right away. I’ll be with you as soon as I can.’

  Alice shot back up the stairs to find Mr Swann bending over a portly man. The man’s face was grey and clammy and he was moaning in pain and clutching his stomach.

  ‘Ambulance won’t be long,’ she said, kneeling beside Mr Swann. ‘Shall I get a pillow and blanket?’

  ‘In the cupboard behind you,’ Mr Swann said, pointing.

  Alice made the man comfortable. ‘Is there anyone with you?’ she asked.

  He shook his head. ‘On my own,’ he whispered. ‘Wife died last year.’

  ‘Can we get in touch with any family?’ she asked as Mrs Swann came rushing up the stairs.

  ‘No one,’ he said, licking dry lips.

  ‘Five minutes,’ Mrs Swann said. ‘Won’t be long, Mr Simpson. Are you in a lot of pain?’

  ‘My stomach,’ he said. ‘Think I’ve got another blockage.’

  Alice looked at Mrs Swann, who patted the man’s arm comfortingly. ‘Bowel cancer,’ she muttered to Alice. ‘I used to be a nurse. I know he’s got it. Has had for some time.’

  Alice chewed her lip. Poor man. No wonder he was in such pain. She still needed to use the toilet though and excused herself.

  ‘I’m going to have to pop to the first-floor bathroom,’ she whispered. She’d been ages. Jack would wonder where she was. She didn’t want to antagonise him when he was on a short fuse with pain.

  ‘Yes, love, you get on. We’ll see to the evening meals when the ambulance has been,’ Mrs Swann said. ‘Everything’s ready.’

  Back in the room, Jack was sitting on the edge of the bed, face like thunder. ‘Where the hell have you been?’ he demanded.

  Alice explained what had happened and went to sit beside him, but he pushed her away. The whisky bottle on the bedside table was now empty and she realised that, between the whisky and the two pints he’d had at dinnertime, he was now very drunk. And he’d been taking painkillers.

  He got up, hobbled to the door and locked it. ‘Bet you’re making that up,’ he snarled. ‘Have you been up to something? Your face is all flushed.’

  Alice gasped. ‘Don’t be so stupid. Jack. Of course I haven’t.’

  He crossed the room and lashed out at her, catching her on the chin. Stunned, she put her hand up to her face.

  He bent and yelled in her face, ‘Don’t you ever call me stupid again. Do you hear me? Now you apologise.’

  ‘I… I’m sorry,’ she mumbled, feeling his spittle on her cheeks and shocked by his outburst. His eyes looked wild and an angry red circle had appeared high on each cheek. He didn’t seem to be in pain any more though.

  ‘And so you should be. Now get ready to go down for our evening meal.’

  He swilled his face at the sink and ran a comb through his hair while Alice remained seated, still shocked and holding her chin. She reached for her handbag, got out her comb and lippy and tidied herself up. She could see a red mark on her chin in her compact mirror and dabbed on a bit of crème puff powder to cover it. She hoped it wouldn’t bruise.

  The dining room was buzzing with talk of how Mr Simpson had been taken away in an ambulance. Mrs Swann came over to thank Alice for her help. Jack ignored the landlady and Alice waited for him to tell her he was sorry for not believing her, but he was busy gazing around at each ta
ble, frowning as he studied the guests.

  ‘So which one was it?’ he slurred. ‘Which one had his tongue down your throat while I was lying on our bed in agony?’

  Alice chewed her lip and looked down at her plate of sausage and mash. She ignored his comment, which only seemed to rile him more, but she didn’t want to cause an argument in front of all these people. They finished their meal in silence.

  Back in their room Jack pulled on his jacket and made for the door.

  ‘Where are you going?’ Alice asked. ‘Aren’t you waiting for me?’

  Jack turned, his lip curled in a sneer. ‘Out,’ he announced. ‘Two can play at your game.’ And with that he was gone, slamming the door behind him.

  Alice sat on the bed, tears filling her eyes. Should she go after him? Would it make things worse? He’d had far too much to drink and with the painkillers on top it was a bad mix. The nice Jack she’d married only yesterday had vanished along with the sunshine. One day into their marriage and he’d walked off, threatening to find another woman. What had she let herself in for? She hoped he remembered that Mrs Swann locked the front door at ten thirty.

  * * *

  Stretched out on the bed fully clothed, Alice lay awake, waiting for Jack to come home. It was ten fifteen according to her watch. Mrs Swann had popped up earlier to let her know that Mr Simpson was comfortable in hospital and to thank her for the help. Not that she’d really known what to do, Alice thought, but her being quick to respond had been better than nothing. She didn’t dare let her thoughts dwell on what might have happened if she’d done nothing.

  She sat upright as the door handle turned and Jack stumbled into the room. He smiled lopsidedly and said, ‘Hiya, gel,’ as though nothing had happened earlier. Alice watched him take off his clothes, drop them on the floor and flop down beside her naked. Within seconds he was flat out and snoring. She slid off the bed, folded his discarded clothes and placed them on a chair. She couldn’t detect any scents of other women or strange perfume on them and hoped he’d just been drowning his imagined sorrows in a few pints. At least with him sleeping she could relax and not have to worry about him being rough with her. So much for their honeymoon. She hoped this was a one-off and not a sign of how things were going to be for the rest of her life. The thought that she’d made a huge mistake filled her with panic at what might be to come.