‘He is in a bit of a muddle and I have tried to sort him out and give him proper instructions on what he should do with his life,’ Donald said, looking cross.
‘Why did you feel the need to do that? He’s so happy to be back home and loves that job I found for him working on the canal barges. Oh dear, maybe your constant harassment of him was the reason he went in search of a bit of fun and sport, which has landed him in a right mess. Danny doesn’t like you being too strict and controlling, love. I fully understand why that overcomes you at times because of this sense of despondency you’re suffering from, but you need to calm down and stop fretting.’
‘Don’t say that, Evie. I am trying to shut off the pain in my life and recover from those issues, which is not proving to be easy. I thought I was getting a lot better.’
‘So you are, darling, but you do sometimes fall into a grim mood.’
‘I know, much as I try not to. We’ve also lost Megan again. Joanne popped in to say that she’s gone to visit those landladies she sees as her aunts.’
‘I guessed that could be the case,’ Evie said with a sigh. ‘I’ll mek us a cuppa then we’ll have a chat about what I could possibly do to sort this problem of Danny’s out, as well as collect Megan yet again,’ she said. After giving him a kiss, she jumped up to put the kettle on the stove.
Catching hold of her hand, he pulled her back down and gently explained how Joanne had heard their young daughter fully intended to remain in Blackpool. ‘It seems she misses her favourite school and prefers to live with those landladies.’
Evie’s face went pale with dismay. ‘Oh no, why would she decide to do that when I thought she was gradually settling in here? What a mess this war has made upon our family.’
‘Let’s sort out Danny’s problem first, love,’ he said, gently patting her cheek.
‘Aye, you’re right. Surely shoplifting isn’t too bad a crime, not with kids dipping their greedy fingers into displays at Woolies, naively failing to consider the consequences.’
‘Stealing those watches is a much more serious issue.’
‘Don’t say that, love.’
As they sat drinking their tea, they kept on talking and striving to find a solution to both these issues, losing their son and daughter for very different reasons. ‘Willie apparently created problems for Danny before this one and whatever that cocky lad did clearly distressed him. I believe he must have once badly affected a mountain climb Danny was involved in, judging by the way he’s turned against that sport. He certainly has no wish to speak of such details other than with derision, so it must have been pretty scary.’
‘I can sympathize with that, having a similar reaction towards pain and fear in this bloody war. Mebbe Harold Mullins’s son dislikes the fact his father gave you a job rather than him.’
‘Goodness, I hadn’t thought of that. I suppose you could be right there. According to Danny, that lad hasn’t yet found one, even though he’s now eighteen years old.’
‘You have admitted that Mullins is not an easy man and, as I’ve suggested before, it would probably be wise for you to stop working for him.’
Evie firmly shook her head. ‘I wish I could. As you know, I have failed to find other employment and started working for myself. But I’m not yet earning anything from that so we badly need the income I get from him. And if I left that job we’d be thrown out of this house. Considering there are no others available to rent, even though some are starting to be built, we cannot take that risk. In particular, I feel I should try hard to care and accommodate our children. I’m sure Joanne will do her best to persuade Megan to come back home. I know you aren’t fit enough to find employment but you mustn’t worry. I can cope.’
‘Do as I say, wife, and leave this job,’ he snapped, giving her a furious glare, something he repeatedly did whenever she didn’t agree with him. ‘I have a small pension from the Army, so that’ll do for us.’
‘Sadly that’s not enough for us to live on. I do feel the need to do my bit and yes, I will speak to Harold Mullins but I can’t risk messing up our lives even more. There has always been a shortage of decent housing in Manchester, not least before the war. Now, because half of this city was bombed in the Blitz, it’ll take a load o’ dosh to rebuild the necessary number of houses. It certainly won’t be done with any speed.’
‘Don’t be bloomin’ negative.’
Weary that Donald was again becoming argumentative, she felt anxious not to upset him or risk putting him into a flaring temper. Evie gave him another little kiss then washed up the cups and suggested they went off to bed. ‘I’ll give this issue more thought and do what I can to get Harold Mullins’s help. Let’s not worry about it right now. We need some sleep.’
The only possible way she could think of to help Danny escape this charge was to tackle Harold on the subject. Would he be aware of his son’s bad behaviour and be prepared to do the right thing to help save her own lad? She could but hope so.
The train journey from Manchester Piccadilly to Blackpool now only taking about an hour and a half, Joanne was seated with Megan the following afternoon in Stanley Park quite close to the lake. Megan had a sulky expression on her face, as if dreading what she was about to be told, showing no sign of her usual dimpled smile. ‘I’ll like to know what possessed you to dash off without telling a soul,’ Joanne asked quietly.
‘It seemed the right thing to do,’ Megan sternly remarked. ‘It was my decision, not anyone else’s.’
‘Charming, so that’s your attitude to your entire family, is it? You intend to be entirely dismissive of me and Danny, as well as Mam and Dad?’
Giving a heavy sigh, she said, ‘The truth is that living in that place was not only boring but pretty scary, making me feel dull, awkward and unsure of my safety. In particular, I hated that mixed school, packed with horrible lads. That house is a mess too, though thanks to Danny I was no longer stuck in that bed with my mother. But I strongly felt the need to return to the house and school that I like best. What’s wrong with that?’
‘I can understand your difficulty in settling there due to what you sadly experienced, even in that mixed school considering your poor attitude towards lads. Your mother is dreadfully upset not only because she has no notion of the reason why you ran away, but you dashed off without saying a word, unprepared to discuss the issues that were bothering you. Not at all a pleasant thing to do. Most scary for us not to be told where you were going.’
‘Oh, that would have been far too difficult.’
‘Nor do I approve of the way you were still a little unfriendly and uncaring towards her and Dad.’
‘I did sometimes feel a bit withdrawn and tense, but what was the point in hanging around when I wasn’t convinced either of my parents cared a toss about me, let alone loved me?’
‘She’s your mother and absolutely adores you. Why wouldn’t she be thrilled to have you and all of us back home? It was quite heartbreaking for her when she had to see us off on that train at the start of the war. I know we’ve had problems but so has she, worrying where we were and if our dad was still alive, let alone struggling to look after herself with bombing constantly taking place and losing friends and her home. Dad’s problems, having been a PoW, are something we have to live with. He is working hard to find faith in himself and his future, let alone prove his love for you. So show him some sympathy and consideration too.’
A shimmer of guilt was now flickering in her sister’s eyes and a frown creasing her young face. ‘I hadn’t thought about any of that. The thing is, I do feel much safer and happier here, Joanne, even though I badly miss you. I still wish to stay in Blackpool.’
Joanne stifled a sigh. ‘I do appreciate that the high school you are attending here is a good one, but if you’ve no wish to return then maybe you could consider spending school holidays back in Castlefield with Mam and Dad. Will you give that possibility due consideration? And please do attempt to be kinder and more loving towards them. Some children no l
onger have any parents left, as a result of that blasted war. You should appreciate being more fortunate and having a family who loves you dearly.’
Looking most contrite, Megan gave a little nod. ‘I will, I promise.’
Chapter Twenty-Two
‘Are you implying that you’ll do nowt to help?’ Evie demanded of Harold, sounding desperately upset and irritated. Tackling him on the subject was not proving to be at all easy. She had told him that despite his innocence she feared Danny could end up in jail, thanks to his son’s stupid gang, and begged for his assistance. He absolutely refused. They were seated in the Dog and Duck, his favourite pub where he liked to go whenever she asked to speak to him. ‘This could be a bad decision on your part, taking into account I could charge your son for landing mine in trouble.’
Harold burst out laughing, claiming he felt an enormous sympathy for Willie who probably had a few debts too, considering his equal passion for gambling. ‘Your son shouldn’t have been such an idiot as to hang around in Woolies. He should have scarpered off with the rest of his mates. Maybe I’ll give my lad a job once I’m certain he could be properly trained, now that I’m working entirely for myself in my own business, the mill having closed. I would then have to sack you, which would be a shame,’ he commented sharply.
‘You can’t be serious,’ Evie said, a slight tremor in her tone of voice. ‘Why would you do that?’
Harold gave a snort of disgust. ‘Most bosses do not tolerate insubordination from their workers. Nor do I. Few women are free to do as they please these days. If they have families and husbands to feed, they shouldn’t risk offending the man in charge of their income. Women employees need to remain respectful and obedient. I reckon you ought to acquire the habit of being more polite and tolerant of my decisions.’
What rubbish he spoke. Why on earth would women tolerate being so badly treated? Because of the work they’d done during the war in place of men, women had become hardened and independent, which now didn’t always go down well. They were expected to concentrate on caring for a family and home, so what was wrong with her doing that? ‘It’s Danny I’m concerned about, not myself. I thought I’d made that clear.’
‘Aye, but were I to offer to help with this issue, it would cost you summat by way of thanks. If you agree with that it may well lead me into paradise.’
‘I’ve no idea what you’re talking about.’
He chuckled, taking another slurp of his beer. ‘You know that I’ve allus admired you as a fancy lady, so if you agree to accommodate my desire for us to have sex, I’ll make sure your lad will be let off.’
Evie stared at him in stunned disbelief. What a voracious and appalling man he was, a fact she’d been aware of for some time as he constantly attempted to control her. Her tendency to appear reasonably smart whenever she went out and about meant she’d dressed herself in a burgundy pleated frock with Bakelite buttons. Now Evie deeply wished she hadn’t bothered to do that. The last thing she wanted was to give the impression she was endeavouring to charm Mullins into making such a dreadful proposition.
Admittedly, she and her darling husband enjoyed lovemaking only on rare occasions, no doubt because of the mental problems he had as a consequence of being a PoW during the war. Having to change bedrooms to accommodate their daughter hadn’t helped. But now they again happily shared a bed their relationship was much better. There were, however, many nights when he would give her a gentle kiss or stroke her cheek, then sadly admit he couldn’t gather the necessary virility to demonstrate his love for her. Evie lived in hope once he fully recovered their situation would improve. She certainly had no desire to have sex with any other man. If this obscene salacious Mullins imagined he could force her to willingly embark on copulation with him, he was behaving like a self-opinionated cuckoo. ‘Don’t be ridiculous. I’m a happily married woman so why would I ever allow you to do such a thing?’ she staunchly remarked.
‘Why would you not?’ he asked calmly. ‘It’s what we chaps are entitled to.’
Much to her dismay, he reached over to slide his hand over her face, neck and breasts, then, reaching under the table, fondled her thighs, sliding his fingers up dangerously close to her private parts. After frantically pulling herself free of his touch, Evie furiously slapped him across his face, recalling how Joanne had slapped his son, Willie, when he kissed her after that dance. What a dreadful father and son they were.
Unmoved by this attack, he again burst out laughing. ‘We could have great fun, you and me.’
Firmly stabbing her blunt-tipped thumb upon her chest Evie met his amused gaze with a light of battle in her eyes. ‘I’m not stupid, so don’t ever imagine I’ll permit anyone to take advantage of me. Certainly not you. I dread to believe what you’re expecting of me.’
His thin lips twisted in disdain. ‘If you don’t agree to oblige me with this requirement I have of you, not only will you lose your job and that house you’re renting off me, your son could end up in jail for months or mebbe years. I’ll certainly mek sure my lad is safe and yours will have to pay the price for your obstinacy. ’Course, I could allus persuade your beautiful daughter to accommodate me instead.’
Horror echoed through her at the sound of these dreadful threats, her anger and courage swiftly collapsing. How could she ever allow this sickening man to assault Joanne, let alone herself? Far too dreadful to contemplate. And how could she risk ruining the life of her beloved son? She fell silent for some minutes, a cold petrified mix of fear and fury descending within her. Evie felt herself shaking with desperation, questioning herself how she could manage to escape this demand. Surely she’d find some way of avoiding him.
‘The question is, do you want to spare your lad from jail?’ he asked smoothly.
Danny being incarcerated was the last thing she’d wish to happen. Hadn’t he suffered enough during the war, not least because of this dratted man’s son always putting the blame for his ill behaviour upon him? ‘It would break my heart to see his freedom destroyed.’
‘Quite,’ Harold said, giving her a cynical smile. ‘I reckon you’ll find it worth your while to allow me a little pleasure in return for my assistance with this problem.’
Fearful of what might happen to Danny and Joanne too, if she didn’t agree to this man’s demand, Evie sat in stunned dismay at the table, her brain furiously striving to find another solution. She’d tried to convince the police her boy was innocent but they weren’t prepared to listen. Danny could suffer badly if she refused to allow Harold to do what he required of her. A numbness crept over her as she valiantly attempted to shut out concern for herself, concentrating entirely on her beloved children. Taking a deep breath, she said, ‘Assuming I agree to whatever you demand of me, how will you settle this problem?’
‘I’ll speak to the constable at the police station.’
‘When?’
‘As soon as you’ve done what I require.’
She gave a firm shake of her head. ‘No, you must deal with this issue first.’
‘Right, we’ll go now then shall we, my car being quite close by in the street?’
As he issued this order, giving a searing smile, Evie rose slowly to her feet, put on her coat and followed him out to his car, her heart pounding. Seated in the passenger seat beside him, she felt a sense of dread echo through her as he drove off at speed. Had she made a disastrous decision, or could she find some way to escape this problem? Right now she must do battle for her son, so only time would tell.
Anxious for him to succeed in cancelling Danny’s charge, Evie determinedly accompanied Harold into the police station and carefully listened to what he had to say to the desk sergeant. He largely blamed the rest of the lads in the gang who had cleverly run off, claiming Danny and Willie were both innocent but a bit messed up having been evacuees. Nothing of what he said appeared to convince this policeman in charge, any more than what Evie herself had attempted to say in her son’s defence. But then Harold leaned forward to whisper something
in his ear, making a comment that she couldn’t hear.
A flurry of surprise and agreement flickered in the police sergeant’s face. ‘That’s good to know, sir. We’ll drop this charge then, but make sure those two lads don’t involve themselves with that crime gang ever again.’
‘We will indeed,’ Harold said, giving a smirk of satisfaction.
As they left, Evie demanded to know what it was he’d said that had brought about this success. Giving a chuckle, he happily told her. ‘That copper is a client of mine, so I generously offered to cancel his debts if he let both of our lads off the hook, which he happily agreed to do. Now this mess has been settled we’ll take a nice quiet drive and have a bit of fun, eh?’
She felt a soar of a relief that Danny was at last free of this charge but terror again resonated through her as she desperately strived to think of a way to escape this demand. ‘Not right now. I need to speak to my son and tell him he’s free.’
‘You’ll do what I say and when,’ Harold snarled.
Glancing around in panic, wondering if she should just run away, Evie suddenly saw Donald approaching and her heart leaped with joy. Hurrying over to him, she gave her husband a kiss. ‘Hello, love. Are you off to the pub for your usual pint of beer?’
‘’Course I am. You can come and join me if you like and tell me what you’ve managed to achieve for our Danny. Joanne convinced me that you’d succeed. Do hope that’s true.’
‘I definitely have some good news,’ she said, then, turning to meet Harold’s glowering frown, she calmly thanked him for his help and, slipping her arm in her husband’s, walked away. But deep within her was the fear that not having allowed Harold to do what he claimed she must in return for his assistance, how could she be certain he would never attempt to assault her, or Joanne? And he could allow his dratted son to put Danny in difficulties again. She must somehow make sure she kept them and herself safe.
Peace In My Heart Page 19