She nodded again, enthusiasm showing on her face. ‘I like reading and looking up words I don’t know, but I can’t always say them properly. You speak like a gent.’
Bill chuckled, a deep musical sound, making no attempt to answer her obvious curiosity. ‘Go and have a wash, Vicki, and I’ll keep watch to see you’re not disturbed.’
‘You’re not to come in. I’m taking the iron bar with me.’
‘I promise to stay right here. You can trust me – but I have the impression there haven’t been many in your life you could trust.’
Her laugh was devoid of humour. ‘None is the answer to that. You can’t be too careful.’
‘Indeed. Go and clean up, Vicki.’
She gave him a suspicious look. How do I know you will keep your word and stay out here?’
He held out his hand. ‘I found a key inside and it locks the door. Take it.’
Taking a cautious step forward, she snatched it out of his hand and quickly stepped back. ‘Thank you. You needn’t wait.’
The outhouse was surprisingly clean. All the rubbish was piled in a corner, leaving the sink and privy uncluttered. Vicki nodded approval. Bill had done well, but she still didn’t trust him. She might be young, but the men she had grown up around never did girls favours unless they wanted something in return. She locked the door.
When she came out a while later, she was annoyed to see he was still there, leaning against an old machine of some kind, reading his book.
He looked up and smiled. ‘Feel better?’
‘Yes, thank you.’ She locked the door behind her and studied the key in her hands. ‘You found this, so do you want it back?’
‘No, you keep it.’
She nodded, relieved, but still wary of this man. ‘I ain’t gonna give you nothing for being kind to me.’
With a sigh, he pushed himself up straight. ‘I’m not helping you for a reward, Vicki.’
‘Then what you doing it for?’
He thought for a moment, and then said, ‘I like to start my day by doing someone a good turn.’
‘Oh, mister!’ she snorted. ‘You don’t expect me to believe that, do you? I might be from the slums, but I ain’t daft! No one does things for nothing.’
‘You may not believe it, Vicki, but some people take great pleasure in helping others – and expect nothing in return. You have obviously had a harsh life.’
‘You could say that.’ She looked down at the ground and kicked at an old piece of tin while she blinked the moisture away from her eyes. The last thing she must do is show weakness of any kind.
‘What are you going to do now?’ he asked gently.
‘I’m gonna make something of myself and make my dad sorry he chucked me out!’ When she looked up, her expression was fierce with determination. ‘And don’t you dare laugh!’
‘I wouldn’t dream of laughing at you, Vicki, but if you are to achieve your dream, we are going to have to do something about your speech.’
‘We’re not going to do nothing, mate! I’ll manage on my own. What’s wrong with the way I talk, anyway?’
‘Your accent is rough, you use a double negative often, and it would sound better if you didn’t say “ain’t”.’ He pulled a small book from his inner pocket and handed it to her. ‘This should help you understand.’
Curious, she took it, admiring the beautiful leather-bound volume. ‘English Grammar? Er … can I borrow it?’
‘You can keep it.’
‘What?’ Her head shot up. ‘I can’t take this from you. It must be worth a lot of money. This looks like real leather.’
‘I don’t need it, and I would like you to have it.’ He smiled. ‘When you’re rich and famous, you can return it to me if you want to.’
She giggled. ‘All right, that’s a promise, but you ain’t … aren’t likely to get it back.’
‘Oh, I have a feeling I will.’ He put his head on one side, his expression thoughtful. ‘I have every confidence in you. Now, let me do one more thing for you today, and that is to buy you a good breakfast.’
‘You’re full of good turns, aren’t you? Don’t you think you’ve done enough for me already?’
‘Indulge me, Vicki. I can afford to buy us both a good meal today.’
Her instinct was to refuse; her stomach had other ideas, however, because at that moment it growled in anticipation, so she nodded. ‘I’ll put my things in a safe place and see you out the front.’
Two
After making sure that Bill had walked away and couldn’t see where she was going, Vicki squeezed through the window again, relieved to see her barricade was untouched. She changed into her other frock and rolled the rest of her meagre belongings in the blanket. She stowed it behind a sturdy cupboard and then piled wood against it, but the book she put in her frock pocket. That was too precious to leave here; anyway, it didn’t belong to her, so she had to keep it safe.
Bill smiled when he saw her running towards him. As they walked together along the road, she glanced up at him, still puzzled why a man like this was homeless. Didn’t he know how good-looking he was? If he was in trouble, he could have found a woman of means to support him, surely? That sort of thing did happen, she knew.
A deep laugh rumbled through him. ‘I can practically hear your mind working, Vicki.’
She grinned at him. ‘You don’t miss much, do you? I’m just trying to make some sense of you. I like to get the measure of people, but I can’t figure you out at all. Your clothes have seen better days, but I can tell from the material and fit that they had been expensive. What the devil are you doing sleeping rough?’
‘It doesn’t matter what background one comes from; anyone can find themselves in difficulties.’ His ready smile appeared again. ‘But, like you, I intend this to be temporary.’
She nodded. ‘You’ll make it back, and I’ll try my hardest to get out of this mess, no matter how long it takes.’
‘Whatever it takes, Vicki?’ he asked.
‘No! There’s things I won’t do. I won’t sell myself, I won’t steal and I’ll try never to hurt anyone unless my life depends on it. I’ve seen too much of that kind of thing. And do you know—’ she glanced up at him, her face serious – ‘it don’t do no one any good to be cruel and dishonest. It always seems to come back on them somehow.’
‘I agree.’ He stopped and turned her to face him. ‘I want you to promise that, no matter how tough things become, you won’t drop those standards.’
‘There’s no fear of that.’ She tapped her chest. ‘Them feelings are deep in here!’
‘Promise me, Vicki.’
‘I promise.’ She frowned. What a strange man he was. It sounded as if he really cared what she thought and did, but that was daft. He didn’t even know her. ‘It was sticking to what I feel that got me into this mess, but I’ll get out of it my way.’
‘Good girl.’ The smile was back. ‘Are you going to read and study that book I gave you?’
‘Of course. Is that another promise you want me to make?’ she teased.
‘No, I’ll take your word for that.’ They began walking again. ‘We’re nearly at the cafe I use. Hungry?’
‘Starving!’ In fact, she was so hungry she was prepared to spend her few precious coins on a good meal. Bill had said he would pay for her, but she doubted he had enough money for the both of them. And, anyway, she couldn’t take whatever money he had. It wouldn’t be right when he was in the same situation as her.
It was a workman’s cafe and busy at this time of the morning. Bill held the door open for her as if she was a real lady, and the gesture made her feel good. Much to her surprise, Bill was greeted by some of the men who obviously knew him.
‘There’s a table by the window, Vicki,’ Bill told her as he led her to the only vacant seats in the place.
When he held her chair for her, a broad smile crossed her face. ‘You got lovely manners,’ she said.
‘There is no need to drop my standards just beca
use I am in changed circumstances at the moment, is there?’
She shook her head.
‘Hello, Bill.’ The owner came up to them, all smiles. ‘The usual, is it?’
‘Yes, please, Frank, and the same for my guest, Vicki.’
‘Nice to meet you, Vicki. The food will be right up.’
She watched Frank weave his way through the tables, and then turned her attention back to Bill. ‘You must come here a lot because they all seem to know you.’
‘I eat here quite often. The food is good and the helpings are generous.’
When a plate was put in front of her, she gasped, seeing what he meant. There were two eggs, fried bread, bacon and even a large sausage. She watched in astonishment as a pot of tea and a plate of bread and butter were also put on their table.
‘Eat up; don’t let it get cold.’
‘But … but … I can’t afford grub like this!’
‘I’m paying, remember?’ Bill told her gently, seeing the distress on her face.
‘But this feast will cost a lot, and I can’t let you do this.’ She fished in her pocket and slipped two pennies across the table towards him. ‘That’s all I’ve got, but it will help a bit.’
‘Vicki!’ Bill said sternly. ‘I am paying for our breakfast. Are you going to insult me by refusing to eat it?’
‘Oh.’ She was taken aback by his tone. ‘I don’t mean to do that, but I’m not happy that you might be spending your last bit of money on feeding me.’
‘I know.’ He smiled then, the gentleness back in his voice. ‘But I can afford our meal, so you keep your money. Now eat up or Frank will think you don’t like his cooking.’
The smell of the food was too much for Vicki. She put the coins back in her pocket, picked up her knife and fork, and began eating. She was ravenous, and there was enough food here to fill her up for the rest of the day.
They worked their way through everything on the table, and, when they had drained the teapot, Vicki sat back sighing contentedly. ‘I’ve never had so much to eat at one meal,’ she told Bill. ‘There was enough food there for a week.’
‘Would you like another helping?’
‘Oh, no. That was more than enough! I enjoyed every mouthful, and it won’t matter if I don’t have anything else today. If I can earn some money, I’ll buy you a meal next.’
‘I won’t be around, Vicki, because I’m moving on today.’
‘Are you?’ The stab of disappointment she felt surprised her. Why should she care if he was going to disappear? They had only just met. But, of course, she knew why. Bill had been kind to her, and that was something she was not used to. ‘Have you got somewhere to go, then?’
He nodded, stood up and walked over to the counter. Vicki watched as he paid for their meal and talked to Frank; then they both came back to the table.
‘When you need something to eat, Vicki, come and see Frank. He will see you are all right.’
Frank nodded and smiled at Vicki. ‘Bill has told me of your plight, so it doesn’t matter how much money you’ve got, I’ll see you have something.’
‘Thank … thank you.’ She didn’t know what to say, feeling quite overwhelmed by such kindness. However, she knew she wouldn’t come in here begging for food, no matter what Frank said. No, there would have to be enough money in her pocket first. She knew her stubborn pride was daft, considering the situation she was in, but that was how she was.
‘You mustn’t starve.’ Bill looked at her sternly as if he could read her mind. ‘You’re a growing girl and need regular food.’
She nodded, quite lost for words that these two strangers should feel any concern for her.
Vicki and Bill then left the cafe, and she looked up at him. ‘Good luck, wherever you’re going, Bill.’
‘The same to you, Vicki. It’s been a pleasure meeting you. Take care of yourself.’
She watched him stride away and had the feeling she could have liked and trusted him if they’d had time to get to know each other. Perhaps it was just as well, though; it would be silly to start depending on anyone. She had always been alone, and it was best if it stayed that way.
Right! If she was not going to starve, she had to earn some money. That had been a good start to the day – better than she could have hoped, thanks to Bill. But that wasn’t going to happen again; it was up to her now. She turned and headed towards the market where she knew some of the traders.
The street was busy. Many traders had already set their stalls ready for the day, but a few were still unloading. Vicki made her way along, looking for any opportunity.
‘Doris!’ she called, when she saw the woman struggling on her own. ‘Do you want help with those boxes?’
‘I could use some, Vicki,’ she answered, straightening up and holding her back. ‘Ted ain’t too good today, so I’m on my own.’
Vicki hurried over. ‘You look worn out, Doris. Sit down and I’ll soon have this done for you.’
‘Thanks.’ Doris sat on an old rickety chair, sighing with relief. ‘I’m glad you came along. Stay with me for the rest of the day and I’ll feed you, and give you a bob for your trouble.’
‘I ain’t got nothing else to do today.’ Vicki couldn’t believe her luck. Food and a shilling at the end of the day would be wonderful. If she did well, then Doris might even want her tomorrow, too.
With a smile on her face, Vicki began hoisting the heavy boxes of goods, unpacking them and arranging everything in neat sections. Ted and Doris sold just about everything, except food. There were curtain materials, tools, household items and many more odds and ends.
Vicki soon had the job done and stood back to survey her handiwork. ‘Is this how you want it, Doris?’
‘Lovely and neat, lass.’ She nodded her approval. ‘All we want now are the customers. I couldn’t miss a day’s trading, but I didn’t know how I was going to manage on my own. Now, before we start getting busy, go to the cafe and get us both a mug of tea. I’m gasping for a nice strong cuppa. Oh, and make it a bun each, as well.’
Vicki wasn’t hungry yet, but she wasn’t going to say no to any food. It could be wrapped up and saved for later, she thought, taking the money from Doris and then running across the road to the little cafe all the traders used.
By the time she was back, the market was starting to throng with shoppers, and the sounds of traders shouting their wares began to fill the street. Determined that she was going to earn her keep this day, Vicki stood in front of the stall, doing her utmost to entice customers.
Doris was smiling as she served the people Vicki had persuaded to stop.
Trade was steady, and the day went well. After they had packed everything away, Doris gave Vicki the promised shilling. ‘Will you need help tomorrow?’ she asked, hopefully.
‘I expect Ted will be all right by then, but come along, just in case.’
‘Thanks. I’ll do that.’ Happy that she had been able to get work for the whole day, Vicki ran across to the cafe. Now that she had more money in her pocket she felt able to spend the tuppence Bill had refused to take. She bought a pie for her supper, and the owner kindly filled an old bottle with water for her. The pie and the bun she had saved would fill her stomach nicely for the night.
Arriving back at the warehouse, she was relieved to see the small window hadn’t been touched. She checked that she wasn’t being watched, then squeezed through the window and rushed over to inspect her barricade, letting out a sigh of relief to see it was still in place. She should be safe again tonight and, hopefully, she would be able to get some sleep because after such a busy day she was tired. Before settling down, though, she would read some of the book Bill had left with her. She had promised him she would, and as he had been so kind to her, it would be wrong not to try to do what he had suggested. If she spoke better, she might be able to get a proper job.
Vicki glanced around at the squalid surroundings and pulled a face. She must try very hard to get out of this awful place. Pulling the book out
of her pocket, she propped herself up against the wall under the window to get the best light, and began reading.
An hour later she gave up. Not only was it now too dark to see clearly, but she hadn’t been able to make any sense of what she’d read. Clutching the book to her, she bowed her head and muttered, ‘Oh, Bill, whatever made you think this would help me? I’m just a kid from the slums, with poor schooling. I know I was way ahead of the other kids, but the teachers didn’t even try to give me harder lessons. They only worried about the slower ones, so I never got any further, and they threw me out at twelve.’
The book was put away safely, and Vicki sat munching her food, deep in thought. It was going to be hard, but she would keep trying. If she gave up, then the life in front of her would be bleak, and probably short. There were many damaged men back from the war roaming around, and she would never be safe living like this. She had to get out of here as quickly as possible.
The early morning sun was streaming through the window when Vicki woke up. Not wanting to miss the chance of another day’s work, she washed quickly and ran to the market.
It was a terrible disappointment to see Ted there. Not that she wanted him to be sick, but she had hoped he would take another day to rest.
‘Hello, Vicki.’ Ted smiled. ‘Thanks for helping Doris yesterday.’
‘That’s all right. I’m glad you’re feeling better. Do you need help today?’
‘No, we can manage, lass.’
Vicki smiled, waved to Doris, and began to walk through the market to see if there was work at any of the other stalls.
Three
It was sheer luck her hiding place hadn’t been discovered for so long, but that was where her good fortune ended. The bitter March wind was ripping through Vicki’s thin coat and she was so cold she could hardly move. To add to her misery, it was beginning to snow again. She looked up at the small window and wondered where she was going to get the strength to pull herself through. She knew she must, though, because if she collapsed out here it would be the end.
It was with sheer desperation that she managed to struggle through, and, with the last reserves of her strength gone, she fell on to the concrete floor. That was where she stayed for a while, gasping with relief. After that first hopeful day, things had become more and more difficult. In the struggle to earn enough money for food, ten months had slipped by. Her fifteenth birthday had come and gone unnoticed, and now her situation was frightening. She was so weak and scruffy that no one would give her a job. To her shame, she had started begging at the railway station. Several times she had stopped outside the cafe Bill had taken her to, but just hadn’t been able to make herself go in and ask for something to eat. The man had said she could, but she couldn’t go in there looking like this, and she wasn’t sure if he’d only said that because Bill was there. If she went in begging for food and got thrown out, then that would be the end of her. No, she just couldn’t do it.
Two Strangers Page 2