by Carol Rivers
Marie gave her a little shake. ‘You have to stop this or you’ll never get well.’
‘Sometimes I don’t want to. Sometimes I—’
‘That’s enough of that,’ said Marie sternly. ‘We’ve had all the dramatics. They don’t work any more. Not even on me.’ She stood upright.
Vesta stared up at her, looking astonished.
Marie couldn’t keep a straight face. She burst into laughter. Suddenly they were laughing together. Marie felt so relieved. She had finally got through to Vesta.
‘Now come on, try this dress and put on some make-up.’
‘Yes, Mum.’
Marie helped her sister undress and put on the new underwear. She tried not to think about how thin and bent she looked. Instead, she kept talking about the shopping trips they were going to take when Vesta was well and, to her surprise, Vesta eagerly joined in.
‘We never got to Lyons,’ Bing sighed later that evening as he took off his jacket and threaded it over the back of the chair. They had just got back from Sphinx Street, where the meal had been shared by all, including Elsie, who had brought with her the usual bottle of port. ‘I’ll put the kettle on,’ he told her, but Marie went to the fireside chair and sat down.
‘Come and sit with me first.’
‘Reckon it wasn’t a bad day, after all.’ He stretched out his long legs and grinned.
‘Vesta looked pretty in that dress. And with a bit of make-up on, almost as good as new.’
‘And your mum and dad and Elsie all perked up.’
Marie nodded. ‘Do you think everything will be all right now?’
Bing looked into the empty grate. ‘I think your sister’s going to get well again, at least on the inside.’ He glanced up at Marie. ‘I don’t know what’s going on in her head, though.’
‘She misses the things she got used to with Teddy.’
‘Yes, but they came at a big cost.’
‘She knows that now.’
‘As for living back home again,’ he continued, ‘only time will tell. Your dad told me there have been a few ups and down between Vesta and your mum. That much ain’t changed.’
‘Mum is only trying to look after her.’
‘Yes, and you’ll do the same for our kids one day.’
Marie looked into his eyes. ‘I hope so.’
‘Any news on that front yet?’ Bing asked, going a little red.
She knew he meant was she expecting. And she would have loved to have said yes, but she’d had her periods and was impatient herself. She shook her head.
He stood up and lifted her against him. ‘Don’t matter. Just gives me the excuse to try harder.’ He laughed.
‘I love you so much,’ Marie whispered.
‘I’d like that in writing, please.’
‘Get the paper and pen then.’
She held his face between her hands. ‘Do you really think we’ll have kids?’
‘Are you joking? We’re going have a football team at least.’
‘Vesta got pregnant quickly.’
‘You’ve had a lot of things to worry about. That can’t help.’
‘I’m not worried any more.’
He kissed her passionately. ‘No better time to give it another go than now.’
‘You’re a good kisser.’
‘Is that why you wanted to marry me?’
‘I don’t know. But it didn’t take me long to fall in love with you.’
‘I told you, I’d always have kept trying.’
‘If only Vesta can find someone like you.’
Bing’s eyebrows rose. ‘She could have had Charlie if she’d wanted.’
‘Yes, but she never really liked him.’
‘He gave up his girl for her. But it was Teddy she wanted.’
‘I don’t want to talk about any of that now.’
‘Let’s get cracking on that football team, then.’ As their lips touched, she was glad they hadn’t gone to Lyons. She wasn’t going to feel guilty for having Bing as her husband. As he’d reminded her, Vesta had won Charlie’s affections and it was Charlie who had suffered for it. Today Vesta had shown a glimmer of her old self, and Ada and Hector were happy once more. Now, all she had to think about was giving Bing his football team.
As they went to the bedroom and undressed, she knew she could never do what Vesta had done. Breaking people’s hearts like Charlie and his girl’s could only bring unhappiness. Next time Vesta fell in love it would have to be with the right man. And it would have to be for the right reasons. Not money and fame, but because she’d found someone who really loved her and would be her true friend and loyal lover all her life.
The banging noises woke Marie with a start. Bing’s arm was still around her from their lovemaking as she sat up in bed. ‘There’s someone at the front door.’
‘What time is it?’ Bing threw off the bedclothes and switched on the light. He blinked at the mantel clock. ‘A quarter to two!’ he exclaimed, reaching for his trousers. ‘Who the devil can that be?’
By the time Marie had slipped on her dressing gown, the banging had stopped. She hurried to the front door.
A small figure stood on the doorstep with Bing.
‘Wippet!’ Marie exclaimed as the small man tried to get his breath. ‘What’s wrong?’
‘Teddy’s turned up.’ Wippet’s eyes were big and round in their dark sockets. His small chest was rising sharply under his collarless shirt. ‘I was woken by shouting, so I went downstairs. Elsie was very upset. She told me he tricked her into unlocking the door. Then he forced his way into your parents’.’ Wippet put his hand on his chest, trying to catch his laboured breath. ‘I couldn’t do anything to help.’
‘You did right to come here,’ Bing said as he grabbed his jacket from the peg. ‘Marie, get dressed. We’ll take the car.’
She didn’t see the dark streets and houses as Bing drove them towards Sphinx Street. From the happiness and hope they had all shared just a few hours ago, now they were all thrown back into fear.
Chapter 40
Bing nodded at the vehicle parked in the road. ‘That’s Teddy’s motor,’ he muttered, drawing the car to a halt. ‘We’re not too late.’
They all hurried into the hall; the door to Ada and Hector’s rooms was ajar. Bing opened it. Teddy’s back was to them. Marie saw Elsie and Hector sitting stiffly on the couch. They were wearing their dressing gowns and slippers. Neither of them moved. Fear shone from their eyes as they stared up at Teddy.
‘What’s going on?’ Bing demanded and Teddy spun round. Marie saw his cruel mouth curl.
‘I thought you might turn up,’ he muttered. ‘Always ready to poke your nose in where it’s not wanted, Brown.’
‘It’s you that’s not wanted,’ Bing replied, glancing round. ‘Where’s Vesta?’
‘I told her mother to help her pack.’
‘No!’ Marie stepped forward. ‘She’s ill. And doesn’t want to go with you.’
Once again Teddy’s lips drew back in a snarl. ‘Ill? I don’t think so. Her services have been paid for by a very wealthy client of the Scoresbys. Now she has to get back to work.’
‘Both him and you can take a running jump,’ Bing growled as he stepped forward. ‘Get out or I’ll call the police.’
This time Teddy laughed. ‘The police? They would lock her away for what she’s done.’
‘It was you that made her do it,’ Marie accused. ‘She very nearly died.’
‘She got in trouble.’ Teddy shrugged, squaring his shoulders under his raincoat. ‘It was nothing to do with me.’
‘It was your baby she was having.’
‘Prove it,’ he challenged. ‘It could have been anyone’s.’
‘The baby was yours,’ said a small voice suddenly. Vesta and Ada came in from the bedroom. Their faces were white. ‘I loved you, Teddy. But you betrayed me. I should have known at Christmas when I saw what you were really like. But I didn’t want to accept the truth.’
‘You silly
cow. You were never anything to me. And you weren’t exactly fighting off Dearlove when he took you to bed.’
Marie felt Vesta shudder beside her.
‘Have you got your things?’ Teddy snapped.
‘Don’t let him take her.’ Ada rushed to Bing.
‘She’s leaving because if she don’t go with him, he’ll do Hector in,’ Elsie explained. Her long, thin hair hung down over her black and gold robe and trembled as she spoke.
‘I’d rather it be me,’ Hector said, shuffling forward. ‘I thought by working at the Duke’s I’d be able to protect my family, but you made that impossible.’
Teddy tossed his head. ‘What would I want with a stupid old man like you? You’re lucky you’re still around.’ He turned to Vesta. ‘Come here. We’re leaving.’
‘Stay where you are, Vesta.’ Bing put up his hand. ‘You’re not going anywhere. It’s him that’s leaving.’
Marie saw Teddy’s face darken. He went to Vesta and grabbed her. Bing caught him by his sleeve, ducking as Teddy threw a punch. He returned a blow of his own and blood spurted from Teddy’s nose.
Teddy looked shocked as he put his fingers up to touch it. ‘You’ll be sorry for this,’ he muttered, wincing in pain. ‘By the time the Scoresbys get through with you, you’ll wish you’d never been born.’ He took hold of Vesta again. ‘Now, for the last time, get out of my way.’
Marie wanted to pull her back, but Bing grabbed Teddy again. ‘You don’t scare me, you lowlife. You won’t get the chance to ruin anyone’s happiness again. I’m going to make sure of that.’
Teddy wiped the blood from his face. ‘Stay away from me, Brown,’ he muttered as he reached into his pocket. ‘I came for my property and I’m taking it.’ He drew out a gun. ‘Try to stop me and you’ll be the first to go.’
Marie held Vesta close. Would Teddy really shoot her husband? She was terrified.
‘You’ve not got the balls, Teddy,’ Bing challenged. ‘And anyway, look around you, there are witnesses.’
‘Witnesses?’ Teddy laughed. ‘They know better than to go against me and the Scoresbys. Hector will tell you what happens to people who get in the way, like old Sid and Irene and that tart Joanie.’
Bing stiffened his spine. ‘You’ll never get away with it.’
‘Won’t I? They’ll fish you out of the river in a few weeks and no one will be any the wiser.’
‘I’ll see you hang first.’ Bing lunged towards him.
Marie felt Vesta break away. Her scream echoed as she threw herself between Bing and Teddy. The gun went off with a loud retort and Marie saw her sink slowly to the ground. She lay there, limp and unmoving. Teddy stepped forward and stared down at her, his hand trembling as he clutched the gun. Slowly, as if unable to believe it was he who had pulled the trigger, he shook his head.
Ada’s scream made him jerk. His eyes were suddenly wild as he looked around him.
Marie felt that what happened next was in slow motion. Everyone rushed to Vesta but it was Marie and Ada who were there first.
‘Vesta? Vesta?’ Ada sobbed as they cradled her in their arms. With tender fingers, she wiped away the blood from her face.
‘Is she . . . is she . . .?’ Hector groaned as he kneeled beside them.
‘Vesta, come back to us,’ Marie breathed. She could see Vesta’s eyelids flickering as though she were struggling to open them. ‘Oh, Bing, what can we do?’
‘I’ll go for the doctor,’ he said as he got up from his knees. But then Vesta’s eyes opened. They were pale and unfocused.
‘Dad, Mum?’ Vesta tried to move her hand and Marie clasped it. Her fingers were very cold.
‘You weren’t to blame, any of you,’ she whispered so softly that they all bent close again. ‘It was only me. I’m sorry. I . . . didn’t . . . listen.’
‘Oh, love, you were just a baby, an innocent,’ Ada said through her tears. ‘It was that madman there—’
They all looked up, but Teddy had gone.
‘I couldn’t let him kill Bing.’
‘Don’t talk,’ Marie whispered. ‘Save your strength.’
‘I love you all. Don’t forget me.’
Ada let out a cry of pain. Marie’s eyes filled with hot tears. She heard Bing’s heavy footsteps as he ran from the room. But it was Vesta’s last words that rang in her ears.
Wippet stood, once again powerless to help his friends. There was blood on Ada’s hands. He heard the sobs and saw the tears of disbelief. He saw them all as he would always see them, no matter how long he lived – if he was to live – with grief carved in their features. Like his darling Nina, Vesta had had her life ruined by Teddy and the monsters he worked for. Wippet turned away from the scene and climbed the stairs.
His body felt weak and tired. He knew his span of years was almost over. The pain in his chest grew tighter. It clenched him in a vice so tight that it was all he could do to walk up three flights of stairs. In his small room he took the phial from the drawer and swallowed the laudanum. Seconds passed and, as the drug took its effect, slowly the agony eased. His heart had answered his dearest wish and it would not stop beating this moment. Wiping his sweating brow, he glanced at the window.
Still dark. Enough time to act before dawn.
Just as he’d always planned.
A soft chattering came from Kaiser’s cage. Wippet gently took the little monkey in his arms and dressed him in a green felt waistcoat. Then, kissing his small head, he inhaled the monkey’s familiar smell. The fairground returned: the sawdust, the heat and applause. They had played to many audiences in their time. People who waited with bated breath to see a man wrestle himself free from his chains, whilst trapped in a tank full of water. Or watch a little brown monkey with a white chin and owl-like eyes climb to the top of the tent and smoke a cigarette.
‘Justice, my friend,’ Wippet whispered as he stroked the warm, furry skull. ‘Justice shall be had tonight. After all, what is there to live for without love, little treasure?’
Kaiser accepted the box of matches and pushed it into the pocket of his green waistcoat.
‘Well done,’ encouraged Wippet. ‘You haven’t forgotten. Now, take these, your special treats.’
Excitedly Kaiser turned the packet of Woodbines in his spindly fingers. ‘Here, you may have one for the road, my trickster. And as many as you like when we reach our destination.’
Wippet waited as Kaiser performed his trick. When the cigarette was lit and the smell of tobacco enveloped them, Wippet gathered the tools of his former trade. Sliding the lock pick onto the bunch of keys on his leather belt, and a sheet of folded newspaper into his waistband, he nodded with satisfaction.
On the half-landing, he gazed at Nina’s door. He smiled, recalling the day he had first seen her at the fairground. He had bobbed up to the surface of his tank, having successfully unlocked his chains. Gasping breath into his thirsty lungs, he had found love. True love. There had stood true beauty, applauding his feat of bravery. He had never stopped loving her since.
Wippet slid his stumpy fingers affectionately down the length of Kaiser’s back. ‘Our finest hour!’ he whispered. ‘Our most heroic adventure yet!’
Making no noise, he crept down the stairs and closed the front door behind them.
Chapter 41
Vesta lay asleep on the bed with Ada watching over her as Marie closed the bedroom door. She followed the doctor back to the front room.
‘Well?’ Hector asked as Dr Tapper appeared. ‘Is she going to be all right?’
Dr Tapper nodded. ‘The bullet grazed her skull, but will leave no permanent damage. I’ve given her something to make her rest and in the morning I’ll call again.’
‘Thank God,’ Elsie sighed in a voice rough with tears, her face lined and aged under her long, wispy hair. ‘What she’s been through, God only knows.’
‘This time it must be reported,’ Dr Tapper answered. ‘A few inches to the left, and the bullet would have killed her.’
‘He was
n’t aiming at her,’ Bing pointed out. ‘Vesta threw herself in front of the gun to protect me.’
‘She done a very brave thing,’ Elsie nodded.
‘But we’ve got no proof.’ Bing looked at the doctor. ‘It’s his word against ours. He could come up with any old nonsense. That it was Vesta who had the gun and he snatched it off her.’ He shook his head slowly. ‘Or deny he was here at all and get the Scoresbys to vouch for him.’
Elsie sat down on the chair with a sigh. ‘So where does that leave us? It will all come out about Vesta and what she did, which was why we didn’t call ’em before.’
‘We can’t put her through more pain,’ Hector insisted wearily, pushing back his untidy dark hair.
‘But someone’s got to stop them,’ cried Marie. ‘Teddy could have killed Bing. And it was only by chance the bullet missed Vesta.’
‘Already we’ve waited too long,’ Dr Tapper protested. ‘You saw it and are witnesses. He will be caught and tried.’
‘No, he won’t,’ Hector said flatly. ‘I worked at the club long enough to hear and see things that made me realize there is no justice in the evil world of those men. Teddy’s as much a part of that evil as the Scoresbys. They are a law unto themselves.’
The doctor was silent.
‘Hector’s right,’ Bing said with a sharp nod. ‘They’re a rotten package and the cause of what’s happened to Vesta. We could get the law in on it, but it wouldn’t do us any good.’
‘If they started asking questions,’ Marie agreed, ‘we couldn’t hide the truth. It would come out about the baby.’
‘There must be another way to go about this,’ Bing said angrily. ‘I know some blokes in the docks—’
‘Young man, if you’re suggesting what I think you are,’ Dr Tapper interrupted, ‘you would be very unwise to take matters into your own hands.’
‘No, Bing.’ Marie went to him. ‘Dr Tapper’s right. You mustn’t do that.’
‘They’ve got to be stopped.’
‘But you can’t do it. I don’t want you in trouble or put in prison.’
He put his arm around her. ‘That wouldn’t happen.’
‘One thing’s for sure,’ Elsie said calmly, ‘we’ve got to think about this carefully. Not do something we’ll regret. It’s bad enough as it is. But Vesta ain’t dead. And nor is Bing. We’ve got to work out what’s best for the family.’