‘You look like you’ve been dug up,’ Mrs Blundell said, commenting that he looked pale as death. Supporting her bosom on her folded arms from which a large basket dangled, she winked at Mrs Heap. ‘It’s surprising what turns up when t’weather turns bad.’
Mrs Heap rolled her eyes ceilingwards, and drily remarked, ‘He’s after a bite of the apple,’ which brought a crimson rush of colour to his cheeks, much to the ladies’ delight.
Bella emerged down the stairs at a run, as always, dashing out into the street and striding away before Dan had realised she’d even appeared.
‘Na then, don’t stand there like a wooden clothes horse, shape theeself.’
Dan was off like a shot, racing out of the door and at once skidding to a halt to check in which direction Bella had gone. He caught a fleeting glimpse of the hem of her coat as she turned a corner and vanished from view. Off at the gallop again, he finally caught up with her, out of breath and startling her by his abrupt and sudden appearance at her elbow.
Bella, fancy seeing you here.’ He was glad now that she hadn’t spotted him hanging around in the shop. Much better that their meeting appeared accidental.
She was staring up at him, eyebrows raised as if asking a question, yet she said nothing. Not even hello.
Dan filled the silence by clearing his throat. ‘Sorry to make you jump but I’m glad I ran into you.’
‘You’re not still following me, are you?’ She half glanced back over her shoulder, seeming suddenly nervous. ‘I thought somebody was but ... Never mind. What did you want?’
‘I was hoping for a word.’
‘Oh?’
So she wasn’t going to be make it easy for him then. She was carrying a large carpet bag that seemed stuffed with papers and books but when he offered to carry it for her, she shook her head. Dan gathered his courage and ploughed on. ‘Could I happen buy you a drink? In the Ship? We used to enjoy going in there.’
‘We used to enjoy a good many things.’ She turned from him and began to walk away. Startled, he remained where he was for a full half second before rushing to catch up with her, measuring his pace to hers.
All those months of agonising over whether he should take up with her again, endlessly asking his mother for advice and being irritated when Violet refused to give it. He’d watched events at Seedley Park road, seen her family fall on hard times and face life in ‘ordinary street’. He’d noted how Bella had struggled to piece her life back together, even read the further nasty pieces which had appeared from time to time in the local paper until it finally became clear that Bella Ashton was not pregnant with Quinn’s or anyone else’s child. After a while, the paper had grown bored with its campaign and someone else was put in the firing line to be gossiped over. He’d felt some shame then over his jealousy, though Dan told himself that he’d believed less than half of it, and never once stopped loving her.
And you had to hand it to her, not for a minute had she given up.
Then, seemingly overnight, she’d turned a corner and changed herself into an icon, a popular public figure who couldn’t put a foot wrong. It no longer seemed to matter that some might try to bring her down. The Liverpool Street Mothers’ Clinic had been given the stamp of approval and folk of consequence were falling over themselves to donate to it. He’d felt pleased for her, proud he’d once been able to call himself a friend. Wished he still was.
Now he felt nervous about making this first approach. Dan worried that he’d maybe left it too late. ‘Happen we could again. Enjoy many things, I mean ...’ He stopped, kicking himself for sounding so gormless but all common sense, along with the carefully rehearsed phrases, had deserted him now that he was actually with her.
‘I know what you mean. At least, I think I do, and the answer s no.
‘I beg your pardon?’
‘You think because the babies are all gone to new homes and I am, once again, unfettered by the responsibilities of children, we can pick up where we left off. Well, it’s not quite so simple, Dan.’
‘I didn’t expect it to be simple.’ He could feel his confidence seeping away.
Good.’
She hitched the bag higher up her arm but not for a second did she slow her pace. He’d forgotten how quickly she walked, copper hair flying in the cool breeze, crocheted hat screwed up tight in one fist. Perhaps an indication of her feelings? Glancing sideways he studied the smooth line of her cheek, flushed with exertion or emotion, he wasn’t sure which; the tilt of her firm chin, as forceful as ever but adding to rather than detracting from her beauty. How he loved her! Dear God, why had he ever listened to those so-called mates of his? Why hadn’t he taken her word rather than theirs? Why hadn’t he believed in her, stood by her, been the friend she needed? No wonder she’d have nowt to do with him now. He’d let her down good and proper.
‘I was hoping time would have healed matters between, that we might at least be friends. Mebbe more than friends. One day. When you’d forgiven me like.’
She stopped then to consider him, the expression on her lovely face giving him no clue to the feelings within, but hope was strong in him, refusing to burn out completely. ‘And what about Quinn?’
‘What about him?’
‘You’re not still jealous of him then?’
‘You said it was all over.’
‘And you believe me now, do you? Don’t you still want to know what we got up to when we were together? What I let him do? Or do you imagine that I might give you a taste of it too, now that I’m a woman with a reputation? Is that the way of it?’
‘The only reputation you have now is for doing good. You’re a woman of influence, Bella. One who can make things happen; make people sit up and take notice. Nay, love, you know that I’d never think bad of you. Never.’
‘Do I? I’m not sure that I know you at all, Dan Howarth, or even want to.’ So saying she strode away, leaving him standing alone in the middle of the road, and this time he knew better than to hurry after her.
Violet strove to keep her opinions on the differences between her son and her young friend to herself, for all it went against the grain to do so. She appreciated that, if anything, the gulf between them had widened in recent months but it broke her heart to see Dan sitting around the house night after night, mooching about the place, looking as miserable as a wet washing day. When he wasn’t doing that, he was fretting and sulking, or sitting with his head in his hands as if he carried the weight of the whole world on his great shoulders.
‘I seen it coming’, this. What are you gonna do about it?’
‘Leave it be, Mother. I don’t know, do I?’
‘Eeh, thee’s as daft as a tackler. Anyone would think thee’s had thi brains taken out. Thee has to do summat. It won’t fettle itself.’
‘How can I fettle it? How can I ever make it right again? She won’t have anything to do with me. I’ve blown my chances and that’s that.’
Cyril said, ‘Leave well alone, Mother. It’s nowt to do with us.’
Violet buttoned her lip and said no more. Men! Where was the point in arguing with them? She’d sat back all through a long cold winter and into spring, waiting to see how events shaped up, yet still there was no sign of improvement on either side. Violet came at last to the conclusion that her intervention was called for. If the pair couldn’t see what was plain as a pikestaff to everyone else, that they were meant for each other, then they’d have to be told straight. And who better than the lad’s own mother for the job? She wrapped her shawl about her head and went to call on Bella, to tell her, in the kind of blunt language for which Violet was famous, that if she didn’t think on, she’d lose all chance of snapping up Dan.
‘He’s a gradely lad, no doubt about it. Give him a chance, at least. He’s chucked his cap in the ring, what more can he do?’
Bella had the grace to smile, albeit sheepishly. ‘I don’t know, Violet. I really would like us to be friends again but I’m not sure. He let me down, do you see? He believed all t
hose nasty stories about me. Wouldn’t even consider keeping little Holly, so I lost her too. I’m not sure it would be wise for us to - to try to get back to the way we were.’
Violet shook her head in doleful despair, her chubby jowls vibrating in sympathy. ‘Nay, that sounds bad, I will admit.’ And then, brightening, added, ‘But he’s been up to his oxters in childer all his life. Thee can’t blame t’lad fer wanting a rest, now can ya?’
‘No, I do see that. I do really but ...’
‘And your behaviour weren’t exactly the soul of discretion, were it? Bothering with that piece of muck. Thee needs yer head lookin’ at.’
Bella sighed. ‘We both made mistakes, I do agree, but ...’
‘Don’t you miss him? Thee was always laughing over summat, pair on you. Happy as sandboys, you were. Not that it’s any of my business,’ Violet added, as if she hadn’t made it such.
‘Yes, of course I miss him. How could I not? He’s in my mind day and night. It’s as if I’ve lost a part of myself. Oh, I’ll think about it, I will really, but I’m not making any promises so don’t grin at me like that. Violet. Don’t you dare give him any hope. I need time to think.’
‘Me lips is sealed.’ Her bright little eyes, however, sunk within their layers of flesh, were shining with new hope.
Dan stood on the canal towpath facing his enemy. Recalling all too clearly Bella’s startled reaction to his approach, the way she’d constantly glanced back over her shoulder throughout their brief conversation, he felt he could at least make sure she was safe. Even if she no longer loved him, never wanted to speak to him again, he could at least do that much for her.
He told Quinn, in no uncertain terms, to stay out of Bella’s life. ‘Don’t you see what you’ve done? You’ve damaged her. She used to be full of confidence and happiness, a lovely, laughing girl with a free spirit. Now, despite having come up in the world, which is more’n you’ll ever do, Billy Quinn, she’s still nervous, always looking over her shoulder as if expecting to find your ugly face not far behind. I thought I’d made it clear, when I beat you fair and square in that fight, that you were to leave her well alone. Were you wanting another pasting, happen?’
Quinn gave his wolfish grin. ‘It might prove interesting.’
‘Don’t push your luck, Quinn. I’ll have your head on a platter if you so much as touch her.’ Reaching forward with both hands, Dan grasped him by the collar and almost lifted him off his feet. ‘You’re frightening her, so lay off. Or I’ll teach you the real meaning of fear. And just in case that message still hasn’t got through, let’s wash your ears out.’ After dangling him for a few precarious seconds by his lapels, Dan casually dropped him into the canal. Quinn sank in the filthy brown water, came spluttering back to the surface to find a sea of faces on the canal bank all laughing down at him, their mouths agape with the pleasure of witnessing the Irishman get a taste of his own medicine for once.
By the time he’d clambered out to stand dripping on the path, Dan had gone.
‘Len! Where the ‘ell are you when yer needed?’ Len came hurrying over, looking anxious. ‘Why didn’t you stop him, ye great eejit? Don’t stand there gawping - get me some bleedin’ clothes. You and me has to talk.’
Dusk was falling as Bella walked home later that same afternoon. Still too early for the lamplighter, the streets were surprisingly quiet as people gathered indoors eating their supper or preparing for the night shift. She hurried on her way, as always these days, her gaze darting to right and left, constantly checking that she wasn’t being followed. The moment she heard the scrape of clog irons on the setts behind her, she half swung about to see who it was. Perhaps Dan, coming to make yet another apology.
She never got the chance to see before everything went black. Someone had thrown a sack over her head. Arms were holding her tight, lifting her off her feet, and the next instant she was being slung over someone’s shoulder. Then she was being carried away, her abductor running at a fair lick over the cobbles. Though she kicked, screamed and shouted as hard as she could, she held out little hope that anyone would hear her.
Emily Ashton gazed at Violet as if she’d dropped in from another planet. ‘Abducted? What on earth are you talking about? Have you women nothing better to do than to spread tittle-tattle about my daughter? Who is it she’s supposedly run off with this time?’
Violet stood stolidly in the centre of the small shop which was as yet only dimly lit as dawn peeped in through the shutters. She folded her arms and planted her legs firmly. Only a tank could have shifted her and stopped her from speaking her mind. ‘Thee were ready enough to believe the gossip last time, when it weren’t true, so why not now when it is? Bella’s gone. Vanished. Disappeared off the face of the earth. She didn’t land home last night. Tilly’s been going frantic. Then this morning she should’ve met Dr Syd at the new clinic and hasn’t turned up for that neither. We’ve looked everywhere and don’t know where to look next. I’d call in the police, excepting’ they’d be no use. She’s a grown woman and can do what she likes in their opinion, even vanish for no reason.’
‘Perhaps she’s with this - this man she took up with.’ Emily spoke as if there were a nasty smell under her nose.
‘We’ve been to Quinn’s house on Bromley Street. He isn’t there. Hasn’t been seen for months, or so his neighbours say. Though there’s talk he’s happen taken another house, some place else. We’re trying to find out if anyone knows where that might be. I wondered if you’d heard owt?’
‘Why should I know anything? I’m only her mother.’
Violet ignored the caustic remark and, looking about the dark little shop, asked if Mr Ashton was at home. On being told he was at the market going about his business, she gave up and left. It seemed nobody cared one way or the other what had happened to Bella, except her friends. And Dan. He was out of his mind with worry.
Bella’s ‘ladies’ all gathered together in the room over Aunt Edie’s shop to chew the matter over. They all knew, in their hearts, that Bella wouldn’t simply disappear. Not for a moment would she consider running off or going anywhere without telling one of them where. Wilful and headstrong she may be but never reckless, never stupid. They also knew that ever since the attack by Quinn, she’d lost some of her usual confidence and took even greater care. It was obvious to all who was the most likely culprit, particularly once Dan had confessed to his latest encounter with him. The question was how best to deal with the matter.
Dan said, ‘I’ve checked out all Quinn’s usual haunts. He’s not at any of them. He must be somewhere we haven’t thought of.’
‘He’ll be keeping his head down, lying low for a bit,’ Violet agreed.
‘But why would he take her? What has she ever done to him? I thought he was keen on her, even fond of her in his way.’
‘Obsessed more like. who knows how that rat’s mind works, but she did throw him over. Happen he objects to that, or to you giving him a ducking.’
‘He deserved it. I was telling him to lay off.’
‘Aye, well, you didn’t succeed. Thee’s only made matters worse.’ His mother wagged a finger in his face.
Mrs Solomon politely intervened in the family row. ‘It’s pointless to speculate. What matters is how we deal with it. We have to find the poor lass before it’s too late.’
‘Too late?’ Dan’s face went chalk white.
‘Aye. Too late,’ Mrs Stobbs solemnly repeated. ‘Remember what happened to Sadie, and there’s some as say he were behind Harold’s disappearance too.
‘I’d like to see his bits and pieces fried on toast.’ This from Mrs Blundell, who else?
‘Mrs Solomon is right. We should stop arguing and put our brains to steep.’ Violet propped her rolls of fat against the edge the table, making it creak in agony while she chewed on her lip, deep in thought. Almost at once she began to speak them out loud. ‘He must have her hidden somewhere, mebbe in some secret place he doesn’t use very often, or a place he used to call his own.
A cellar or pub perhaps, or else a room somewhere. The question is where, and who would know?’
Dan said, ‘Jinnie! Why the hell didn’t I think. of her before!’ He was off like a shot, flying out of the door and halfway down the stairs before his mother’s shouted word gave him pause.
‘When you finds her, lad, come back here and tell us what she has to say. Any plans have to be made careful like, or that devil will win.’
Chapter Twenty-Nine
The cellar was cold and damp. It smelled of dogs and sweaty fear. The fear, she realised, was her own. She couldn’t see anything because of the blindfold but Bella could hear the animals whimpering and felt a kinship with them. They were being forced into this hell hole to do their masters bidding, as was she. No, she wasn’t quite like them. She had a will of her own and would make certain that she exercised it. What his plans were for her she daren’t even think, but she’d make damn sure that he never carried them out.
First he’d locked her in a room overnight which hadn’t been too bad for all there’d been little air beyond the stink of drains, the windows being boarded up. It was no wonder that she’d barely slept a wink. Len had even brought her breakfast though of course she’d declined to eat it. Bella remembered feeling a strong sense of outrage and had asked Len why she’d been taken, what Quinn was intending to do with her.
‘He’s tried blackmail and ruining my reputation. If he hopes to get money from my family for my release, he’ll be disappointed. Even if my father had any money left, which he hasn’t, he wouldn’t pay a penny to get me back. Quinn has seen to that too. So what does he hope to achieve?’
‘Nay lass. It’s safer not to ask. Eat up. It might be your last chance today.’
But she’d stubbornly ignored the plate of bacon sandwiches, despite their tantalising smell. Len hadn’t returned until late afternoon and then only to put the sack back over her head and bring her here. All he’d said when she’d asked him where he was taking her, was that there’d been a change of plan. Now she felt so sick and weak, with fear as much as hunger, that Bella wondered if she’d been quite wise to refuse the food. She would need all her strength to survive this ordeal.
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