The Girl from the Docklands Café

by June Tate

  ‘Very well. Thank you for a lovely evening, Jessie. Let’s hope it’s the first of many.’ He pulled her into his arms and kissed her until she was breathless. He stared into her eyes. ‘I think we both should call it a night before this gets out of hand.’ He kissed her fingers and led her to the stairs. ‘You go on, I’ll just check the house. I’ll see you in the morning.’

  Jessie walked into her bedroom, closed the door and leant against it. Larry had kissed her again! She waltzed around the room, singing softly to herself. She hadn’t felt this good for a very long time. She now felt she could be happily married to Larry. How could you not love a man who’d saved your life, who obviously cared so much for you? He’d always told her she didn’t know him, years ago when they’d first met. She now felt secure with him. He would always take care of her and she’d never have to worry about a thing if she was with him. How wonderful that would be!

  Undressing and climbing into bed, the memory of the music and the dancing uppermost in her mind, she eventually fell asleep.

  The following morning, Larry picked up the mail and seeing a brown envelope, opened it. He frowned as he read the contents. Jessie walked into the kitchen as he was still reading. She was about to greet him when he looked up from the letter.

  ‘Harry Briggs’s case comes up in court in three weeks’ time.’

  Jessie suddenly felt sick. She looked stricken. ‘I’ll have to give evidence, won’t I?’

  ‘Yes, I’m afraid so. Because when he was charged, he pleaded not guilty.’ He walked over to her and put an arm around her shoulder. ‘I’ll get you a good solicitor. Try not to worry, it’s an open-and-shut case, but it will have to go through the legal proceedings.’ He gazed at her now-pale face. ‘I’ll be with you all the way, Jessie, and when it’s over, we’ll go away for a few days and celebrate! Now, you need some breakfast.’

  ‘I couldn’t eat a thing.’

  ‘Rubbish! You will eat. You can’t let that man win. Now sit down and do as you’re told.’

  ‘Yes, sir!’ she snapped, but she knew he was right. She had to be strong and show that bastard Briggs he had picked on the wrong woman.

  Before they left the house, Larry phoned his solicitor and made an appointment for Jessie to see him the next day. When he told her, he saw the worried expression and understood her anxiety. Not only would she have to give evidence, but she’d have to see Briggs as he stood in the dock. The whole terrifying experience would be relived once again.

  Chapter Thirty-Eight

  The following afternoon, Larry took Jessie to see Walter Cummings, his solicitor, who clearly remembered Jessie being abducted and Larry’s rescue. It had been in the local paper for days. Cummings stood up and shook Jessie’s hand.

  ‘Please take a seat, Mrs McGonigall. I’m so pleased to see you are happily recovered from your ordeal, but I can imagine your anxiety now you will have to appear in court to give evidence.’

  ‘Yes, you’re right. I suppose I shut away the fact that this would happen after I was told he’d been caught, now I can’t do that any more, but … I aim to make sure that devil is put away for what he did to me. Had it not been for Mr Forbes, I probably wouldn’t be sitting here today.’

  ‘I understand. I can’t see any difficulty in getting the right verdict. There’s no doubt that the man is guilty, but we must never take anything for granted. I’ve contacted a barrister friend of mine in London and he will be representing you.’

  Jessie looked concerned. ‘What do you mean “we must never take anything for granted”? Are you saying this bugger may get away with this?’

  ‘Not exactly. But he may put forward a plea of not being of sound mind at the time, hoping for a lesser sentence. We must be prepared for every eventuality.’

  ‘He knew what he was doing! He was perfectly sane, I can tell you that!’ Jessie was fuming.

  ‘Calm down, Mrs McGonigall! You have every right to be angry, but I must warn you that when you give your evidence, you must remain calm. Your barrister will school you. He’ll lead your questions. You just answer them concisely, don’t do more than that, and you must keep calm at all times or you may put your case in jeopardy. Now, when you go home you need to sit down and write out exactly what happened to you, from beginning to end. Tomorrow afternoon, Rupert Grantham will be here to go over the case with you. He’s an excellent man, just do as he says.’

  Jessie felt utterly deflated as she left the solicitor’s office. Looking at Larry, she said, ‘Well so much for being a done deal. I thought I would stand up in court, tell my story and watch that bastard being taken down to serve time! Now he could try and get out of it. That’s not justice!’

  Larry tried to placate her. ‘It’s the way the law works. Whoever is defending Briggs will try to do the best for his client.’

  ‘Even if he knows he’s guilty?’

  ‘I’m afraid so.’ He saw the stricken look on her face and put an arm around her shoulders. ‘Come on, darling, where’s that fighting spirit?’

  ‘Oh, well according to Mr Cummings, I have to maintain a calm exterior! That isn’t me!’

  ‘Not true, Jessie. Remember the fire? You were calm then and very brave, as I recall.’

  ‘Oh, Larry! Is there no end to all these problems?’

  He stopped her walking and held her by her shoulders. ‘Look at me!’

  She was so surprised, she did so. ‘This is it! Once this is over, life will be so sweet you won’t know you’re born. We will be together. Your problems, if there are any, will be mine. Now stop being negative, this is not the woman I know and love.’

  Jessie was shocked for a moment, then she started to grin. ‘Oh, I do love a strong man! Of course, you’re right. I was so angry at the thought of that bastard getting away with what he did that I was carried away.’ Tucking her arm through his, she said, ‘I will behave, I promise.’

  The next afternoon when she and Larry met Rupert Grantham at the solicitor’s office, Jessie was impressed by the barrister who was tall, with a cultured voice, well dressed. He had an imposing air about him and suddenly Jessie felt secure. They all sat round a table and she went through her evidence with him. He questioned in such a way that she now understood what the solicitor meant about him leading her, bringing out the important points.

  At the end of the session, Grantham spoke. ‘Well, Mrs McGonigall, if you do as well in court we will be fine, but please don’t elaborate, just answer the question and do the same when the defence cross-questions you. Do not lose your temper but remain calm.’

  She smiled at him. ‘You’ve been warned about me, then?’

  ‘I couldn’t possibly say.’ But his eyes twinkled with amusement.

  During the days that followed leading to the court case, Jessie was naturally tense. Larry tried to take her mind off things as best he could, but in one way when the day came they were both relieved, wanting to get it over.

  They arrived at the Crown Court and were met by Walter Cummings and Rupert Grantham, wearing his black gown and wig. He looked elegant and businesslike as he walked over to her.

  ‘You and Mr Forbes will wait outside the courtroom until you are called to give your evidence. You will be taken to the stand where you will take the oath. Then I want you to take a deep breath and answer my questions. I’m there to take care of you, Mrs McGonigall, just trust me.’

  ‘Thank you, I will.’

  Larry led her to a long bench where they sat down. He took her hand in his. ‘It’s going to be fine, you’ll see.’

  She just gave a nervous smile in reply.

  Inside the courtroom, the jury took their places after being sworn in and Briggs was brought up the stairs and into the dock, flanked by two policemen. Shortly after, the door opened and the judge made his appearance.

  The clerk of the court stood up to say, ‘All rise!’ Everybody got to their feet until the judge sat down, then they too settled.

  The judge turned to the jury to inform them of their task a
nd what they were expected to do. They listened intently until he’d finished. Then they turned their attention to Rupert Grantham who, as the prosecutor, stood up to put his case to them, but before he could begin, the solicitor defending Briggs stood up.

  ‘My Lord, forgive the interruption, but my client wishes to change his plea from not guilty to guilty.’

  A buzz was heard from the spectators and the press. This was most unexpected.

  The judge looked at the prisoner. ‘Is this your wish, Briggs?’

  Looking pale and haggard, Briggs answered, ‘It is, My Lord. Guilty!’

  ‘In which case, gentlemen,’ he said to the two lawyers, ‘that ends today’s proceedings. The prisoner will return at a later date for sentencing.’ He then left the court.

  Briggs was taken down the steps and back to his cell and Grantham hurried out into the corridor to Jessie and Larry to convey the good news.

  Jessie was confused. ‘I don’t understand.’

  ‘My guess would be that Briggs has changed his plea because by doing so, they will reduce his sentence, but it means, Mrs McGonigall, neither you or Mr Forbes will have to give your evidence. You are spared from having to relive your experience.’

  ‘But after this is over,’ said Larry, ‘I’m taking him to court for embezzlement, so he’ll have extra years for that on top of what he’s given.’ He looked at Jessie. ‘It’s over. Done and dusted!’

  She was still stunned by the news and continued to sit.

  ‘Jessie! We can go home now, darling.’ Larry took her arm and helped her to her feet. ‘Come along, a walk through the park to the tram stop will help clear your head.’

  Jessie turned to Rupert Grantham. ‘Thank you so much.’

  ‘I didn’t have to do very much, Mrs McGonigall.’

  ‘I know, but if we’d had to go into court, I know you would have done a good job.’ She shook his hand and left the building with Larry.

  It was a glorious sunny day as they made their way through the park and suddenly Jessie’s spirits lightened. It was over! Briggs would be sentenced and she wouldn’t have to stand in court, able to see him as she gave her evidence. Seeing the man stood in the dock listening to her had been her worst nightmare. She could still hear his cruel laugh as he told her he was leaving her to die. His words had chilled her and when she allowed herself to think about it, they still did.

  ‘Feeling better?’ asked Larry.

  Looking up at him and remembering how he’d saved her, she beamed at him. ‘Oh yes, much better.’

  ‘Me too. When we get home, I think we both deserve a large brandy and tonight we’ll go out and celebrate.’

  ‘Could we stay at home and celebrate?’

  ‘Yes, if that’s what you want.’

  ‘It is, I just want a quiet evening with you.’

  He looked pleased. ‘Then that’s what we’ll do.’

  When they arrived at the house, Larry made a pot of coffee and took it into the living room, then poured two brandies into goblets and handed one to Jessie, then he poured the coffee.

  Lifting his glass, he asked, ‘What do you think we should drink to on such a day?’

  Picking up her glass, she gazed at him for a minute, then said, ‘We should drink to us!’

  He raised his eyebrows. ‘To us, Jessie? Does that mean you’ve reached a decision?’

  ‘Why don’t you ask me and find out.’

  He took her free hand with his. ‘Jessie McGonigall, indomitable woman that you are, will you do me the honour of being my wife?’

  ‘Larry Forbes, the most intriguing man I’ve ever known, I will!’

  He put down his glass, then hers and drew her into his arms. His mouth explored hers in a slow but deeply passionate way until he reluctantly released her. ‘Oh, Jessie, I’m so happy you said yes. We’ll have such a good life together. In the hospital when you were still unconscious I promised to take care of you, and I will.’

  She gave a contented sigh. ‘I know and I’m happy too.’

  ‘Mind you,’ he continued, ‘I realise that I’ve taken on a load of trouble, but I’m sure that will only add to the enjoyment.’

  Jessie started to laugh. ‘You have no idea what you’ve let yourself in for!’

  ‘Oh, believe me, I have but I’m looking forward to it.’ And he kissed her again. ‘Tomorrow, I’ll take you to the jewellers and buy you a ring in case you change your mind.’

  ‘You know I won’t do that. You know when I take something on I don’t back down.’

  ‘I know that more than anyone. Remember how we met, me wanting to take over the cafe?’

  They began to reminisce about their first meeting and what had happened along the way, bringing them to this moment.

  Then Larry suggested, after they became engaged, they go to Bournemouth for the weekend to celebrate the ending of the court case and their engagement, and Jessie agreed.

  When they arrived at the office the next morning, neither of them spoke about their engagement. They wanted to keep the news to themselves until they returned from the weekend, so during the lunch hour, they went to the jewellers, where Jessie chose an emerald ring, flanked by diamonds.

  ‘Surely with red hair I have to wear an emerald,’ she had said as they entered the shop. And that was what she chose, much to the assistant’s delight. Larry put the ring on Jessie’s finger and kissed her. Then they returned to the office.

  It was when Jessie handed a file to Helen that her assistant noticed the ring. ‘Oh, Mrs McGonigall! You weren’t wearing that ring this morning. Does that mean what I think it does?’ she asked, smiling broadly.

  Jessie looked down at her finger. ‘Yes, Helen, Mr Forbes and I are engaged. But we’re keeping it quiet until next week.’

  ‘I promise not to say a word, but congratulations!’

  Secretly, Jessie was delighted that she could share her news with somebody.

  Just before they closed the office for the day, Larry said he was going to call the hotel and book for the weekend. ‘Do we need one room or two?’

  She leant forward and kissed him. ‘Do you really need to ask?’

  Chapter Thirty-Nine

  The two of them sat alone in a first-class carriage of the train as it journeyed down the coast to Bournemouth. Jessie leant back against the seat and placed her head against the pristine white headrest cover. First class! Why was she surprised? She was with Larry Forbes, who always did things with style – and it felt good.

  Larry held her hand. ‘Are you as happy as I am, Jessie?’

  She looked at his expression of contentment. ‘Absolutely! You know I feel as if I’ve come through a bad illness and suddenly I’m better.’

  ‘Well, that’s one way of putting it.’ He laughed.

  They chatted happily, watching the passing countryside, making plans for spending these precious two days together.

  ‘While we’re away, we must talk about the wedding. Do you want a big affair?’

  Jessie looked horrified. ‘Gracious, no! I would like it to be small, with just my closest friends and whoever you want to invite. A nice dinner somewhere. Yes, a small wedding cake would be nice, but not a big splash – if you don’t mind?’

  ‘That sounds perfect to me.’

  Turning to look at him, Jessie asked, ‘Do you have any family? Only you’ve never mentioned them.’

  Larry didn’t answer for a moment and Jessie saw the sad expression in his face as he seemed lost in thought. ‘No, I have no family to speak of. I was an only child, my parents both died when I was nineteen. They were in a boating accident and drowned. It was a difficult time. I suppose I have relations somewhere, but I’ve never kept in touch with them.’

  ‘You mean you’ve had to fend for yourself ever since?’

  ‘Yes, Jessie, as did you, I believe. We are more alike than you realise. We are both survivors and ambitious, and we get things done. Let’s face it, we haven’t done badly, have we?’

  ‘Put like that, no, w
e haven’t, but you’ve done better than me. You’re a wealthy man, not like me, a poor church mouse.’

  ‘Ah, but I was left some money, so that gave me a start. You had to begin from scratch. There is a difference. But we were successful in our own way and it was harder for you, being a woman.’

  They both sat back with their own thoughts, but Jessie could now understand even more why Larry said he was lonely and she felt sad for him.

  They arrived at the hotel and Larry signed the register. They left their cases with the concierge to be taken to their room and then they walked along the seafront. It was a warm, balmy day and people were sitting on the beach in deckchairs, others were swimming. There was an air of peace about the place and little sign of the war raging across the Channel, unlike the constant troop movements in Southampton. They bought an ice cream and sat in two deckchairs.

  ‘When the war is over, Jessie, we’ll make plans for the future, maybe open another hotel.’

  She looked at him and grinned. ‘Do you still dream of having a chain of hotels?’

  ‘Why not? It worked well before the war, why not after? It’ll take time for the country to return to normal. Businesses will recover. The factory will probably close. The requirement for army uniforms will not be needed on such a scale, but I can find a use for it, I’m sure.’

  As Jessie sat listening to him making plans, she was filled with admiration at Larry’s business acumen. But of course, he’d come up the hard way, his success had been earned. She felt excited to think she’d be a part of such plans.

  ‘Do you want children, Jessie?’

  The sudden question caught her off guard. Of course she did! She longed for children, but now she’d have to tell him it wasn’t possible. Things had developed so quickly in their relationship, a family hadn’t even occurred to her. Would that make a difference? Would Larry still want to marry her? She was filled with dread, and suddenly her elation and happiness evaporated.