by Anna King
Handing out portions of the tempting food Ted chuckled. ‘You don’t have to mind your words in front of Ellen, Mum. I don’t think she’ll go into a swoon if she hears the word arse, would you, love?’
Ted’s eyes were fixed on Ellen, and Nora, her heart sinking, saw the adoration shining from Ellen’s eyes as she answered cheerfully, ‘I very much doubt it. Working in the East End has toughened me up considerably. Mind you, I probably would have a couple of years ago before…’ Her voice trailed off, her manner suddenly solemn as she remembered Arthur waiting at home on his own. But she felt so at ease here in Ted’s home. She already knew Nora from the shop, and although their home wasn’t a patch on her own rooms above the bakery, she felt more comfortable here than she’d ever felt anywhere else since her parents’ death. Aware she was in danger of putting a damper on the evening, and realising that Micky needed to be in a positive atmosphere she said brightly, ‘Goodness, I’m starving. I haven’t had anything to eat since one cream cake on the train coming back, and that smell is heavenly.’ Shifting her position to ease Micky from her side she said softly, ‘Come on, Micky. Sit up properly and have your supper.’
His arms clinging to Ellen, Micky said tremulously, ‘I ain’t ’ungry.’
Gently but firmly Ellen extracted herself from Micky’s fierce hold. ‘Now look here, Micky. I know…’ She looked at Ted and Nora. ‘We all know how worried you are, but like I’ve already told you, that man hasn’t got Molly. Agnes said…’
Micky twisted angrily away from her. ‘I don’t believe that old cow. I wouldn’t believe anything she said. It was her fault I was nicked, just to get me outta the way so that pervert could get his ’ands on my Molly. He’s been after ’er for months, but I looked after ’er. I protected ’er. But now… now… he’s got ’er. An’… an’…’ He broke off, his voice failing him as he dissolved into heart-rending sobs.
The three adults looked at each other helplessly, but it was Ellen who quickly took charge of the situation, making Nora realise that despite her youthful appearance, Ellen had a good head on her shoulders, which was more than could be said of some of the women Ted had brought home, none of whom had lasted long. But Ellen was speaking, bringing Nora’s attention back to the two young people cuddling on her sofa.
In a strong, firm voice, Ellen took hold of Micky’s shuddering shoulders and said, ‘Now look, Micky, that man hasn’t got your sister.’ As Micky tried to pull away from Ellen’s grasp, he found his face cradled in two soft hands, then his chin was lifted upwards and he was staring into Ellen’s blue eyes.
‘I don’t blame you for not trusting Agnes, especially after the way she set you up for shoplifting. But think, Micky, think! If that man had got hold of Molly, then why would he have come back to see Agnes? And why would he have attacked her? Because he thought she had told on him. Either that, or she had changed her mind and got to Molly first. If that evil man had Molly, he’d have been long gone by now. He certainly wouldn’t still be hanging around the East End.’
Micky’s eyes flickered as he tried to take in Ellen’s words. Part of him wanted to believe that Molly was safe somewhere, but his tortured mind was afraid to get his hopes up. Yet what Ellen was saying made sense. The only reason Kenneth Wells had sucked up to that old cow Agnes was to get his dirty hands on his beautiful, innocent sister. But if he didn’t have Molly, then where was she? Oh Gawd, his head hurt, his stomach was churning, and he had a sensation in his chest he hadn’t experienced since the death of his parents. He couldn’t think straight. All he wanted to do was curl up in Ellen’s comforting arms, and wake up to find his sweet Molly’s face smiling at him.
‘Micky! Micky, have you been listening to what I’ve been saying?’
Like an old man, Micky shrugged his shoulders and nodded wearily. ‘Yeah, I heard you, and… and I want to believe what you’re saying ’cos it makes sense. But if… if that’s true, then where is she?’ He looked at Ellen, then Ted and finally Nora, as if praying one of them would say something to reassure him, but they all averted their gaze, unable to endure the pain and terror in the frightened eyes.
Another awkward silence descended on the room. This time it was Nora who stepped into the breach. Clucking her tongue impatiently, she barked, ‘Well, we’re not gonna be able to think on an empty stomach. Now then, get that food inside you all before it goes stone cold. And while we’re eating, we can ’ave a think an’ maybe one of us’ll come up with a brainstorm.’
Not bothering with the plates she had set out on the table, Nora plonked the still warm, greasy parcels into everyone’s laps. No one in the room would have thought they could eat at such an emotional time as this, but their empty stomachs soon proved them wrong. With the food consumed, followed by two mugs of strong, sweet tea, the occupants of the small, cosy room, their bellies full, their strength returning, began to talk.
Taking a long, loud slurp of her tea, Nora said, ‘Now then, let’s get our thinking caps on. From what Micky’s told us, young Molly wouldn’t ’ave left their ’ouse, unless she was really desperate. Now the way I see it, the poor little cow probably got frightened when Micky didn’t come ’ome and wandered off trying to find him. She probably only intended to go outside so she could have a proper look up and down the street so she would see Micky as soon as he turned the comer into their road. We’ve all done it when we’re waiting for someone. It’s like if we keep looking outta the window, or out in the street, it’ll make that person turn up quicker. Maybe she only intended to walk up to the top of the road, then lost her bearings. She’s only eight, an’ she ain’t used to going out at night, an’ what with it being dark… Well, like I said, she probably got lost and she’s hiding out somewhere waiting for Micky to come and find her.’
Nora smiled at the anguished face of the young boy, her smile fading at the look of utter hopelessness on Micky’s deathly pale face.
Sitting on the edge of the sofa, his legs apart, his arms hanging limply between his knees he said flatly, ‘What! For two nights? So where’s she been sleeping?
And what’s she been doing for food and drink? Who you trying to kid, Mrs Parker? I ain’t stupid, you know.’ His voice cracked and, sinking to a whisper he said, ‘Someone’s got her, and if it ain’t that Wells bloke, it might be some other pervert. ’Cos he ain’t the only man who likes little girls, is he?’ Raising his head he looked directly at Ted and asked simply, ‘Why are some men like that, Ted? I don’t understand. Are they born like it, or do they change as they get older? Before this happened I couldn’t wait to grow up. Now I ain’t in such a hurry, ’cos right now I feel ashamed to be a man.’
Startled, Ted could only look to his mother for help, but on this occasion Nora wisely thought that this particular topic was best left to a man. Gathering up the greasy papers she said to Ellen, ‘Give us a hand clearing up, will you, love? I think I’ve still got some fruit cake left for afters. That’s if Ted ain’t finished it off, greedy sod. He must ’ave hollow legs, ’cos the amount he eats he should be like the half side of an ’ouse.’
Ellen, as eager to leave the room as Nora, gratefully followed the stout woman into the scullery. ‘What would you like me to do, Mrs Parker?’
Rinsing the mugs under the cold tap Nora looked over her shoulder saying, ‘You can drop the Mrs Parker for a start. Me name’s Nora to me friends, and I’d like us to be friends.’ As the words left her mouth Nora was amazed she had uttered them. Only a short while ago she had been trying to think of ways to stop Ted from seeing the young woman who was smiling at her so openly. Yet, painful as it was to admit her son wasn’t going to give up easily in his pursuit, and that ultimately there would be a high price to pay, Nora couldn’t help but warm to Ellen. If only she wasn’t married, she, Nora, couldn’t have wished for a better daughter-in-law. But there it was, she reflected sadly, life was rarely easy, or fair. Which brought her mind back to the wretched boy desperately looking to Ted for answers that no ordinary person could possibly answer. From t
he other room she could hear Ted’s low, soft voice and her heart went out to him, and the young boy whose world had been turned upside down in the cruellest way imaginable.
Nodding towards the open door she said flatly, ‘It don’t look good, does it, love?’
Ellen too looked towards the sitting room and said simply, ‘No, it doesn’t.’
They were seated at the kitchen table, neither of them anxious to return to the other room.
‘Micky’s right, you know.’ Nora’s voice was heavy, both with fatigue and worry. ‘His sister ain’t wandering round the streets looking for him. John Smith’s got all the coppers on the beat looking out for ’er. And when it’s a child gone missing, all coppers from miles around go that extra mile to find them. It ain’t unknown for a lot of ’em to carry on looking even when they’re off duty. Every derelict ’ouse’ll be searched. Every man seen walking along with a young girl’ll be stopped and questioned. An’ it ain’t only the coppers’ll who’ll be looking for her. Most of the East End knows what’s ’appened by now an’ they’ll be keeping a look-out an’ all. So, if she was out there, and she ain’t been found by now… Well! Like I said, it don’t look good… ’ere, you all right, love? Yer look clapped out.’
Ellen smiled tiredly, the long day finally catching up with her. ‘I am tired, but I think it’s more mental than physical tiredness. I still can’t quite take it in. I mean Micky having a sister and living in a filthy ruin, both terrified of being caught and sent back to the workhouse. The poor, poor little souls. What they must have been through, and now this, it’s just… just too cruel… Oh, I’m sorry…’ Ellen dabbed quickly at the tears springing to her eyes. ‘You’ve enough on your plate without me falling to pieces as well.’
Immediately all motherly concern, Nora made to comfort the distressed girl, but Ellen, sensing her intention, quickly composed herself. There would be plenty of time for tears later when she was on her own – and she still had Arthur to face! Thinking of the confrontation to come she gave her eyes a good wipe with her handkerchief and said shakily, ‘No, you’re right, God help them, it doesn’t look good. But if the worst has happened, I only hope the poor little mite didn’t suffer, and that she’s found soon. At least then Micky can mourn her. Because the more time goes by the more he’s going to suffer. But whatever the outcome, he’ll always blame himself, and it’s much harder to forgive oneself than to forgive others.’
Nora gave a derisive snort. ‘Yeah, it is normally. But I doubt young Micky’ll ever forgive Agnes Handly for her part in this whole sorry mess – my Ted too for that matter. Gawd! When he found out what she’d done! I’ve never seen him so angry, and I’ve seen him in many a foul temper, I can tell yer. It’s lucky she’s a woman, ’cos if it’d been a man, my Ted would ’ave beaten the shit outta him.’ Darting a furtive look towards the front room, Nora lowered her voice and, leaning across the table added, ‘I’ve tried ter reason with him, especially since I heard ’er side of it, but he ain’t ’aving any of it. For what it’s worth, I believe her. Like you, there ain’t no love lost between me and Agnes, but I remember back when we were younger, yer wouldn’t ’ave recognised ’er then. She was always good fer a laugh was Agnes. Oh, I know it’s hard ter believe now, but she was a nice young girl. Felt a bit sorry fer ’er, to be honest. Stuck in that ’ouse, with her mum. Right old cow, she was, Audrey Handly. No wonder old Billy slung his hook when he did. Give ’im his due, he waited till Agnes left school. But the first week she brought ’ome a wage packet, he was off. No one ever saw him again…’ Her words trailed off as she realised she was babbling. And the reason for her sudden discomfort was sitting only inches away from her. For the past hour, Nora’s thoughts had been focused on Micky’s troubles, but now, the worry of her Ted and Ellen Mitson came flooding back to torment her frayed nerves.
Seeing the elder woman’s distress, and sensing the reason for it Ellen impulsively reached out and took hold of the plump hands lying on the table. ‘It’s all right, Nora. I know it must be awkward for you, having me here, I mean. But don’t worry, I’ll be going shortly… And, Nora…’ She caught Nora’s gaze and held it firmly. ‘I don’t intend making trouble. I’m a married woman, not happily married…’ She tried to smile at her attempt at humour and failed. Dropping her gaze she whispered, ‘I’d better be going. Arthur will be wondering where I’ve got to. You know how fussy he is.’ Now she was the one babbling. ‘I’ll just say goodbye to Micky. I only wish I could take him home with me, but I can’t. I doubt he’d come with me even if it were possible. No! Micky’s far better off here with you and Ted. You can give him hope and stability, and that’s what he most needs right now, especially Ted. Micky looks up to him and feels safe knowing Ted’s around.’
‘I know. He ’as that effect on people, does my Ted.’ Nora’s voice was filled with motherly pride as she followed Ellen back into the sitting room.
‘Yer ain’t going, are you, Ellen?’ Micky, his bright blue eyes staring piteously out of a white, strained, pinched face. He would have run to her side if Ted’s strong hand hadn’t stilled his flight.
Gripping the thin shoulder Ted said, ‘Now then, Micky. We’ve already been over this, ain’t we? You know she can’t stay here. You don’t wanna get her into trouble, now, do yer?’ Gently folding his fist into a ball Ted playfully brushed Micky’s cheek. ‘You stay here, mate, while I walk Ellen home. Me Mum will look after you until I get back, so don’t you go giving her any trouble while I’m gone, d’yer hear?’
Ellen was shrugging her arms into the light blue summer coat she’d had on since leaving Southend, her head coming up sharply as she heard Ted’s jocular words. Buttoning up the linen coat she glanced quickly towards Nora and saw plainly the anxiety etched on the plump face.
Turning all of her attention to the task in hand, Ellen, her heart thudding at the prospect of being alone with Ted, fastened the last button saying brightly, ‘Oh, that’s all right, Ted. It’s still light outside, and besides, it’s only a few minutes’ walk from here.’ Putting out her arms to the slight frame huddled up in the wide, comfortable armchair she said softly, ‘Do I get a hug, Micky?’
The words were scarcely out of her mouth before Micky rushed into the warmth of the slim arms. Caught off balance momentarily Ellen stumbled, her hands grasping at Micky’s wiry body in an attempt to remain on her feet. Then Ted was holding them both, and to the fearful Nora watching the sombre trio, they seemed to belong together. Even she, here in her own house, felt out of place. It was as if she was being shut out, put aside, and she knew then how Arthur must be feeling.
Jerking herself out of her reverie she said over-loudly, ‘Be careful, lad. You nearly had the lot of you over.’ Bustling around the room she added in an offhand manner, ‘Don’t yer worry about Ellen, love. I’ll walk her ’ome. Like she says, it’s only a few minutes away, an’ I need ter pick up a few things while I’m out.’
‘And where yer gonna get anything this time of night?’ Ted asked sardonically, knowing full well the reason why his mother was anxious not to let him and Ellen spend any time alone together. ‘It’s nearly half nine now, it’ll be dark soon. So don’t give me any old flannel about having ter get some shopping, all right? I’m walking Ellen home and that’s an end ter it.’ Giving the forlorn Micky’s shoulder a firm squeeze of reassurance, Ted stood back as Ellen bent to kiss the pale cheek.
‘I’ll be back first thing in the morning, Micky, all right?’
Micky nodded listlessly, the pathetic action jerking at Ellen’s already frayed emotions. Avoiding Nora’s glance, she said, ‘’Bye, Nora… And thanks.’
Nora, now standing by Micky’s side, merely nodded as the young couple left the house.
* * *
At the same time in the top floor in a tenement building in Shoreditch, Sadie North, her face devoid of make-up and wearing a pale blue woollen dress, was tucking her newly-found charge into the brass-headed double bed Sadie had slept in alone since she’d bought it over 15 y
ears ago. Her policy of not bringing her punters home had never wavered. This two-room flat was her haven, her escape from the sordid world she lived in. When she had first moved in, the flat had been in a disgusting state; it had also been cheap. Over the years she had gradually renovated the two rooms, discovering she had a talent for spotting good, second-hand furniture. The final touch to her new home had been the purchase of two off cuts of carpet, which she had proudly fitted herself. No one else in the building had ever been invited into Sadie’s domain, the other occupants of the tenement block preferring to keep themselves to themselves, which suited Sadie just fine.
But now she had been landed with an unexpected guest and was at a loss as to what to do about the child she had taken under her wing.
‘I don’t suppose yer’ve remembered the name of that bakery, or the names of your brother’s friends, ’ave yer, love?’ she asked hopefully. At the time, taking the child home with her had been the only option open to her, but she had hoped that Molly’s brother, after reading the note left for him, would turn up to collect his sister. Now, after two days, Sadie had to face the possibility that something had happened to the boy. And the only way to find out was to track down Micky Masters’ friends. Taking a deep breath she tried again. Tucking the eiderdown round Molly’s neck she asked quietly, ‘Your brother must ’ave told yer where he was working, love. If I know where to look, I can go and find him. You do want ter see him again, don’t yer?’
But the girl remained mute, only her eyes showing her apprehension and fear, and it wasn’t hard to understand why the child was so frightened.
That first night, the young girl hadn’t stopped talking about her brother and every word and action had been filled with pride. Yet even then Sadie had detected a note of fear. And she had been right. For the next day Molly could barely remember her own name. The poor little cow was scared her brother wasn’t coming back for her, not because he didn’t want her, but because he couldn’t. If that was the case then Molly must be hoping that Sadie would look after her. Her heart sinking, Sadie looked down into the large blue eyes staring out of a heart-shaped face. What on earth was she going to do if the brother couldn’t be found? Smoothing down the bedcovers, she gently stroked the soft cheek saying, ‘All right, love, don’t worry. You ’ave a good night’s sleep and perhaps you’ll remember something in the morning. ‘Night, love.’