“You can’t take all those in,” the assistant said, eyeing the bundles of clothes.
“Why on earth not?” Clara asked.
“I don’t have a disc with enough numbers on it.”
“Oh, God, don’t tell me you think we’re shoplifters! Don’t be absurd.” Clara pushed past her and the girl looked as if she was going to cry.
“Look, I promise we won’t steal anything. We just need a whole wardrobe, that’s all. You can keep an eye on us,” Ella explained reasonably.
“OK,” the tearful assistant agreed. This was her first day.
Ella found a seat and flopped down on it. Clara started putting things together and ordering Virginia around. As Virginia tried on the outfits, Clara decided whether they were any good or not. Under the watchful eye of the assistant she made two piles. Virginia would never have admitted it but she was enjoying herself. She tried on tops she thought were too tight but which flattered her figure. She tried on skirts she thought too short but which Clara said showed off her great legs. She tried on jeans that were infinitely more flattering than her usual ones. She felt like she was in a movie. She felt special.
The others in the changing room noticed the three girls. They were all thinking it must be some sort of fashion shoot and they fluffed their hair in case one was a model scout. Clara was oblivious to the interest she was causing as she shouted, “turn round. Let me see your bum. Um, nice but a bit too tarty. No, not sexy enough,” Ella had finally found some enthusiasm and was helping Clara with the decision-making. Eventually Virginia had tried on the last outfit and Clara had shouted her last order. She gave a pile of discarded clothes to the assistant and took an even bigger pile to the till.
As she paid Virginia smiled. She couldn’t stop smiling. Ella smiled too: she was pleased that Virginia was happy.
“Shoes,” Clara announced, as she handed the bags to Virginia and Ella, and marched over to the shoe department. She picked out a pair of flat black shoes, which she said Virginia could wear because she was tall. She then picked up a pair of high heels in case she ever went out after dark. She picked out some trendy trainers, to replace the battered old things Virginia normally wore, and a pair of black wedge-heeled boots. Virginia tried them all on, they all met with Clara’s approval and again she went to pay.
“I can’t believe it. Nothing like this has ever happened to me before,” Virginia said. She felt a child in a toyshop.
“You looked great in those clothes. I have to hand it to Clara, she’s a whiz with fashion.”
“Thank you,” Clara said, as she handed them the bags with the shoes. Ella and Virginia struggled up the elevator after Clara, who was empty-handed. She went outside and found a cab, pushing a businessman out of the way. He scowled as Clara beckoned to the others and they got in.
“My wardrobe isn’t big enough for all this,” Virginia said.
“Your whole flat isn’t big enough for it,” Clara replied.
“True. Oh, well, I’ll just have to be either organised or messy.” Virginia laughed.
“I can’t imagine you ever being messy,” Ella said.
“Yes, but I bet you never imagined me looking like this either.”
“God, no. But I still think you’ll never be messy,” Clara finished.
When they got home they ordered pizza, and Virginia couldn’t resist trying on her outfits again. Clara went to get her cocaine, which she realised was running low. She found her address book and called the dealer whose number Josh had given her. She arranged to see him the following evening. She would have to get rid of the others, or just make some excuse. She decided she quite liked having them living there and not being on her own. It made her feel safe.
***
Their anxiety returned at seven that evening. They couldn’t bring themselves to voice their fears but they all felt the same ones. When Clara’s mobile rang at eight fifteen, she took a deep breath and snatched it up.
“Hello.”
“Clara, where the fuck are you?”
“Out.”
“You’re meant to be with me.”
“I changed my mind.”
“What do you mean?”
“If you really thought I’d ever want to see you again after what you did to me you must be even more stupid than you look.”
“Bitch,” Tim hissed, and Clara hung up.
“Clara, that was a bit much, wasn’t it?” Ella said.
“What if we need another meeting?” Virginia looked worried.
“Well, that bloody journalist of yours had better make sure we don’t.” Clara shot them an evil look and went into her bedroom for more cocaine.
They sat and waited, watching the clock. They sipped wine. Clara and Ella smoked. Virginia looked at her feet. Eventually they went to bed, knowing that sleep wouldn’t visit them that night.
Chapter Thirty-six
When Virginia woke on Saturday it was early and no one else was up. She took a shower and put on her new black trousers from Top Shop, with the pink top and cardigan that Clara had bought her. She dried her hair the way Clara had told her to and she even put on makeup. She loved the transformation more than she had thought possible. She knew she was changing and she hoped it was for the better.
She sat down in the sitting room and put on the television quietly. Although it was only cartoons, she still liked having it on for company. She thought briefly of the last few days. Declan, James, James and James. He was so good-looking and charming. She knew he’d never be interested in her, even the new her. She got up to make coffee just as Ella emerged from her bedroom and went to the bathroom.
When Ella came back she sat on the sofa next to Virginia. “What time are we expecting Declan’s call?” she asked.
“I don’t know, but he’s got the number here so I hope he calls soon.”
“Perhaps he doesn’t want to call too early in case you’re asleep.” Ella was feeling more keyed up than ever. It had been bad enough waiting for Isabelle’s downfall, but this felt even worse. Perhaps it had something to do with the fact that if this one worked, Johnny would be next.
“Maybe I should call him,” Virginia suggested.
“No. We’ve waited before and we’ll wait now,” Ella said. She reached over and squeezed Virginia’s hand. “Virginia, you’ve done a bloody good job. Let’s watch some kids” television and letch over the boy bands.”
***
Declan was at the newspaper office by seven that morning. He prided himself on being able to survive with little sleep, especially when he had a big story. The editor, Georgia Bowman, was checking through the scandals that were going to break this Sunday when Declan went to see her. He handed over the DVD, which Georgia put into the computer. They watched and listened together.
“This is dynamite,” she said.
“I’ve given a copy to the lawyers to check. Then I’m going to get straight to the story. I figure if they give the OK we can run it next week. I know he doesn’t admit directly to being a dealer or a pimp, but the implication is strong enough,” Declan was pleased with himself.
“Fine. And if all is quiet on the celeb front it will make front page,” Georgia liked Declan because he always delivered.
“I’ll get on to it now.”
“Let me have a draft as soon as you’re done,” she said, as he left her office.
He was still writing when Shelby Tyler from the legal department called him and told him he had the green light. If anyone questioned anything, they had the evidence. They would also have to compile a dossier for the police. Shelby requested a draft of the article so they could check it for any possible libel claims. Declan agreed: he was a professional and he knew they had to do this. He gave a copy of the DVD to the production department for them to get pictures for his story. He finished his first draft by ten and got his secretary to e-mail a copy to his boss and to Shelby. Then he remembered he had to call Virginia.
***
When the telephone rang, Ella and
Virginia jumped. Virginia answered. “Hello,” she said, shakily.
“It’s Declan.”
“Hi, how did it go?” She tried to sound casual but she knew she didn’t.
“Fantastic. He gave me cocaine and told me he could supply it to me whenever I wanted. He took me to a private club full of hookers and offered to supply them. He sang like a canary and he bought my Lord Snooty act. Virginia, keep quiet, but it will make next Sunday’s paper.” Virginia’s heart was hammering.
“Thank goodness. What do I need to do now?” she asked.
“Nothing. Sit tight and make sure no one else hears of this. I don’t want any of it getting to Tim. Just buy the paper next Sunday and enjoy the story. Oh, and enjoy spending the money too. I’ll make sure the cheque gets posted this week.”
“Thank you,” Virginia said.
“No – thank you.” Declan hung up.
“Well?” Ella asked.
“It’ll be in next Sunday’s paper,” Virginia said.
“My God.” Ella ran over and hugged her.
“We did it,” Virginia sang.
“We did,” Ella replied, slightly embarrassed by her display of emotion.
“What did we do?” Clara, dishevelled and sleepy, came into the room.
“We got Tim,” Ella told her.
“We did?” Clara’s eyes widened.
“Apparently he sang like a canary and he’s going to be in next Sunday’s paper,” Virginia squeaked.
“Fuck me, we’re brilliant,” Clara said. “Only one more to go.” She danced around the room singing ‘simply The Best”. Ella and Virginia joined her. They laughed, danced and sang, and any observers would have said they were drunk.
When they calmed down, they all became serious.
“We’ve struck twice, only one to go,” Ella said.
“Do we plan Johnny’s revenge now or wait until the Tim story comes out?” Clara asked.
“Wait,” Ella answered. “We still have to see it in print before it’s finished. But I think we can celebrate tonight.”
“I can’t believe how invincible I feel.” Clara laughed.
“Me too,” Virginia agreed. “We really did it. First Isabelle, now Tim. We made this work.”
“I know. God, it feels so good to know that those lowlifes are getting what they deserve.”
“And we’re going to get what we deserve. Just you see!” Clara said, and she hugged Ella and Virginia. They celebrated with pastries and Buck’s fizz.
“I need to go to my flat. And I’m going to pop into the restaurant and see Jackie,” Ella announced.
“OK. I need to go out later too, but we’ll have dinner here tonight,” Clara decided.
“I’ll cook it. It’ll give me something to do,” Virginia offered, wishing she had somewhere to go.
“Deal.” Ella grinned and got up to leave.
***
Ella took a taxi home, leaving her car at Clara’s. She felt a bit merry after the Buck’s fizz, and she was too excited to drive. At home she checked her answer phone for messages and found none. “Shit I’m popular,” she said, as she went through her mail. She opened bills, junk mail and her P45 from SFH. She threw it down. For the first time, the thought struck her that she had to decide what to do with her life. She pushed it away. She would think about it after Johnny. Not yet. She put the clothes she’d brought back from Clara’s into the washing-machine and grabbed some clean ones to take back. She hated to admit it, but she liked staying there. She liked to know that she wasn’t alone while she slept, and she liked the safe feeling it gave her. She tried to work out what was going on and decided to leave it to counsellor Jackie. She called her and told her she was popping by.
When she reached the restaurant, Jackie was talking to a customer. Ella waited until she’d finished and they hugged. Jackie led her to a seat. “God, I thought I’d never see you again,” Jackie said.
“Well, it’s been a bit hectic with the plans,” Ella explained apologetically.
“So tell me. My life is so dull I have to live vicariously through yours,” Jackie demanded good-naturedly.
“OK. Well, you know my plan for Tim and the newspaper. It looks as if it worked,” Ella said triumphantly.
“No! Go on.” Jackie looked eager.
Ella related the tale, ending, “He’s going to be exposed in next week’s Sunday News. But don’t tell anyone – I’m not supposed to.”
“Shit, Ella, that’s amazing.”
A waitress brought over a bottle of wine and some bread. “What do you want to eat?” Jackie asked, while the girl was still there.
“I’ll have a cheeseburger,” Ella said.
“Make that two,” Jackie told the waitress, and poured the wine.
“So here’s to success number two.” Jackie toasted Ella.
“I can’t believe how easy it’s been.”
“Well, not exactly easy. How are you all getting on?” Jackie asked.
“Not too bad. We’ve been staying at Clara’s. At first we had to, to make sure Virginia went to this meeting, then we just stayed. I don’t know why.”
“So you’re becoming friends?” Jackie asked.
“Not exactly. I mean, Virginia’s getting better and, God, she looks like a babe now. It’s amazing what you can do with some clothes, a haircut and makeup. Anyway, sometimes Clara’s quite sweet, but when she takes cocaine she turns into such a bitch. She’s jealous of how Virginia looks, but then she encourages her by taking her shopping. I can’t figure it out.”
“Yes, but what about you? Are you still the cold person you said you were with them, or have you thawed a bit now they know about you?”
“Well, not exactly. I’m trying to be nicer and warmer, but I still feel I should pull back.” Ella drank her wine and looked sad.
“But why? Ella, you were getting on so well with people before you got fired. You were more like the Ella I know. Why can’t you do that now with those two? They know almost as much as I do.” Jackie patted Ella’s hand.
“I don’t know. I was making progress but when I lost my job I felt like it was because I’d let the barriers down. I know it doesn’t make sense, but that’s how I felt. I try with Clara and Virginia, but it’s hard.”
“I do understand, but think about it, Ella,” Jackie begged.
“I will, but it’s all complicated. Virginia and Clara come with their own problems.”
“This is better than a soap opera. I can’t wait until you get your next victim.” Jackie rubbed her hands together.
“We are doing the right thing, aren’t we?” Ella asked.
“Yes. Ella, I hear stories all the time of people getting stamped on by other people – bosses, partners, friends. You’re taking a stand against that, getting the people who stamp on people. They deserve it. Also, remember you set them up but each time so far they’ve created their own fall. No one made Isabelle use that information. No one made Tim talk to the journalist. I think it’s great.”
***
Virginia went to the supermarket and bought food for supper. She was so pleased that she couldn’t stop smiling as she pushed the trolley round. Clara had given her a set of keys and said she might be out, so Virginia had decided that as a thank-you for letting her stay and for the shopping trip, she would clear the flat, put flowers everywhere and make it look nice. She noticed that she drew some admiring glances from male shoppers and basked in the attention. No one had paid her any attention before.
She thought about how far she’d come from the girl who was too scared to speak. Although she still said little, she had gained some confidence lately. Her performance at the lunch with Declan amazed her. She was beginning to feel as though she wasn’t a failure after all.
She bought cleaning products as well as food, because although Clara insisted she had a cleaner, Virginia had seen no evidence of one. Perhaps it was an imaginary cleaner. Clara sometimes seemed mad enough to invent one. Sometimes Virginia wanted to hug her and sometim
es Clara terrified her. She was warming to Ella too. After hearing her awful story Virginia understood her defensive nature and why she showed so little emotion, and she felt Ella was dropping her guard. We’re all changing, Virginia thought, and by the time she got to the check-out, she was ready to change some more.
When she got back to the flat, Virginia set to work. She cleaned it from top to bottom, put flowers in the sitting room and started cooking. She imagined it was her flat, that she owned it. She was the type of person who lived there. She was so caught up in her fantasy that when the bell rang she almost jumped out of her skin. She opened the door to find James standing there.
“Hello,” she stammered.
“Have you moved in?” James asked.
“Oh, we’re staying for a while,” Virginia said, as he walked into the flat. She had almost forgotten how sexy he was. He was tall with blonde hair like Clara’s and the bluest eyes she’d ever seen. She tried to pull herself together. “Clara’s out.”
“Where?”
“I don’t know. She just said she needed to go out. Do you want coffee?” Virginia tried to sound casual; again, she failed.
“Sure.” James smiled at her, thinking she was cute if a little flustered.
Virginia walked into the kitchen feeling heat radiating from her face. She put the kettle on. “You talked to Declan, you can talk to James,” she told herself, as she tried to stop herself going red. “But that was scripted. You don’t have a script now,” a voice in her head argued. She concentrated on the coffee, and made up a tray with a jug of milk and the sugar bowl. As the kettle boiled, she told herself again to keep calm.
She walked back into the room, trying hard not to tremble as she carried the tray. James stood up, took it from her and put it on the coffee table. He poured some milk and spooned two sugars into his cup. Virginia sat on the chair. She didn’t dare drink her coffee for fear she would spill it.
“So, how’s the plotting going?” James asked.
“Fine. I hear you don’t approve,” Virginia said, tentatively.
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