Maybe This Time

by Anna King

  Lowering his gaze, he rubbed the back of his neck and said in a quieter tone, ‘Sorry, Josie. I wasn’t thinking. It’s just… Well, yer know how I feel about Barney Hobbs. And it’s not the first time he’s had a go at Jane, that’s why I couldn’t believe it when I heard Jane defending him to me mum. She clammed up when she saw me, and I couldn’t get anything outta Mum either. So I thought maybe you could shed some light on what went on today. I know you probably think I’m overprotective of Jane, but she’s me little sister and—’

  ‘You sure it’s Jane you’re thinking of, Rory?’

  Josie pushed past him, her anger rising at his cavalier attitude. Barging into her home without a by- your-leave. The bloody cheek of him. Sitting back down in the chair, she picked up a towel placed in front of the fire and began drying her feet.

  ‘What d’yer mean by that, Josie? You ain’t sticking up for Hobbs, are yer?’ A belligerent tone had crept into Rory’s voice.

  ‘What I do or say ain’t got nothing to do with you, Rory; not any more. But I’ll tell you what I meant, only because I want to, not because you’ve come storming into me ’ome demanding an answer. I don’t know if Barney was in the market on purpose or by accident, and to tell the truth, I don’t really care. Jane wasn’t badly ’urt, and that’s all that matters. I’m not saying you wouldn’t have wanted to get your ’ands on the men who attacked her, any brother would. But that’s not what’s really worrying you, is it, Rory? The fact is, you’re obsessed with Barney Hobbs, you always have been. You’re both as bad as each other, always trying to score points off each other. The pair of you have been fighting since we was at school, but now it’s different, ain’t it? Ever since Cathy Meadows came back you’ve been terrified she’s gonna dump you as soon as your money runs out… Oh! Don’t worry, your mum ’asn’t said anything to me; well, she wouldn’t, would she, not in the circumstances.’

  She stared up at him, enjoying his discomfort. It was comforting to have the power to make him squirm. Somehow it gave her back some of the self-respect that had taken such a battering at New Year. Concentrating on her feet, she continued to rub them, even though they were now dry.

  ‘It ain’t that difficult to work out, we did used to go out with each other, didn’t we? I know all about your savings. I should do, you were always talking about the money Annie was putting by for you. You was gonna do so much with it one day, weren’t you? If I remember rightly, it was a toss-up between going around the world, and starting your own business one day. You were never satisfied with being like the other men in the street, you ’ad to be something better, and I don’t blame you for that. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to better yourself, I should know. But there’s a big difference between wanting to make something of your life and thinking you’re better than everyone else. And what did you end up doing with all that ’ard-earned money, eh? You’ve gone and chucked it away, or as good as. All you do now is save every penny while she’s back with her fancy man, just so you can act the big man when she decides to come back for one of her visits. And now Barney’s taken over the family business, ’e’s even more well off than he was before, and that’s what sticks in your throat. I wonder what Cathy will say when she finds out ’ow much Barney’s worth now.’

  Rory, his face looking like thunder, said harshly, ‘You’re enjoying this, ain’t yer? But you ain’t exactly as innocent as yer make out. Shaun’s been walking round like death warmed up since yer decided yer didn’t need his services any more. You did well outta him while yer ’ad the chance, didn’t yer? All that painting and decorating ’e did for yer, you didn’t mind ’im ’anging around then. Not when there was furniture to be shifted and extra locks put on your doors.’ His lip curled back over his teeth as he bent his head towards her. ‘There’s a name for women like you, Josie, only I never—’

  Before she realised what she was doing, Josie had raised her arm and brought the back of her hand down across his cheek. Springing to her feet, she spat out, ‘That isn’t true and you know it. I’ve been honest with Shaun from the start. The reason I stopped seeing ’im was to spare ’im the pain he’d feel if I let our relationship go on any longer when I knew there was no future for us; Shaun’s too good a man to mess about. He’s twice the man you are. Now get out of my ’ouse, you’re not welcome here, not any more.’

  ‘Don’t worry, I’m going.’ Rory’s face was now almost as red as his hair. ‘I should have known better than to come ’ere. Only I didn’t think you could be so spiteful. I ’ope you’re pleased with yourself,’ he added childishly.

  When Josie remained silent, Rory, his chin wobbling with anger and resentment, growled, ‘Well! Ain’t yer got nothing to say for yourself?’

  Josie advanced upon his retreating figure.

  ‘Oh, yes. In fact there’s two words I could say to you, and the second one is off.’

  They stood still, glaring at each other like old adversaries, neither of them wanting to back down. But the tension was too much for Rory. Flinging himself away from her, he stormed down the hall and out of the house, banging the door behind him with as much force as he could muster.

  Josie ran upstairs to her bedroom. Carefully lifting the corner of the net curtain, she watched the tall, lean figure march across the road and into the house opposite. When he had disappeared from view, she let the curtain fall back into place. Her hand clenched into a fist, and she pushed it against her mouth and bit down on it.

  She hated him. She did. She didn’t care if she never saw him again.

  She stayed by the window until she suddenly became aware of her bare feet and the coldness of them. Then, her face set, she went back downstairs and curled up in the armchair, the book she had been looking forward to reading lying open and ignored on the hearth.

  Chapter Seventeen

  ‘Looks like you’ve got company, guv.’

  Pat looked towards his hut and saw three well- dressed men obviously waiting for someone, and that someone had to be him.

  ‘Cheers, Bob. Put young Johnny on the cement mixing, but keep an eye on ’im. I don’t want ‘im sticking ‘is ‘ands together like he did last week.’ Pat grinned.

  ‘Righto, guv. I’ll watch him, don’t worry.’

  Walking towards the waiting men, Pat pulled out a grimy handkerchief from his trouser pocket and wiped his hands as best he could. As he neared the trio, he recognised the youngest of the men and groaned under his breath. Putting on a pleasant face, he approached them.

  ‘Afternoon, gentlemen. What can I do for yer, Mister Hunter?’ He directed his attention to the man he knew only by sight. ‘How’s yer dad? Hope he’s feeling a bit better.’

  Matthew Hunter, the owner of the construction site, had suffered a heart attack the week before. Fortunately it had been a mild one; nevertheless, he had been ordered to rest. Pat had visited his employer in the hospital, not just because he was the man who paid his wages, but because he was genuinely liked and respected by all the men who worked for him. Matthew Hunter had told him he would be back at work as soon as the doctors allowed. In the mean time he had asked Pat to take care of the work in progress, and keep him informed of any troubles that might arise in his absence – and Pat intended to do just that.

  Robert Hunter’s eyes raked over Pat as if weighing him up.

  ‘I’m afraid my father’s health has taken a turn for the worse, that’s why I’m here. As from today, I’ll be taking over the business.’ Aware of the curious eyes trained on him, he added loftily, ‘Perhaps it would be better if we continued our discussion in private, Flynn.’

  The condescending tone in the man’s voice immediately raised Pat’s hackles. Warning himself to remain civil, he replied shortly, ‘In that case we’d better talk in the hut.’

  Without waiting for an answer, Pat opened the hut door and entered, going straight to his desk. Moments passed, then Robert Hunter appeared in the doorway, his boyish face clearly showing his annoyance at Pat’s indifferent attitude.

&n
bsp; Pat surveyed the well-dressed man, smiling inwardly. Snotty little git. Probably expecting me to click me heels to attention. How a man like Matthew Hunter could have a son like this one beggared belief. Pat had worked for Matthew Hunter for nearly ten years, and had always found him to be both fair and hard-working. Over those years his employer had often rolled up his sleeves and worked alongside his men when necessary; Pat couldn’t imagine the son dirtying his hands. Still, he had better be polite, until he’d heard him out.

  ‘Take a seat, Mister Hunter, we don’t stand on ceremony here.’

  Robert Hunter’s eyes swept over the empty chair disdainfully.

  ‘I’ll stand, thank you. What I have to say won’t take long. As I’ve just informed you, my father’s health has deteriorated. On doctor’s orders and my mother’s insistence, both my parents embarked on a cruise yesterday. My father would have liked to come here to tell you of his plans in person, but my mother made the arrangements so quickly, he simply didn’t have the time. During his absence I’ll be overseeing the work site. I see from my father’s files that this building’s deadline is for August; I’d like to see it moved forward to April at the latest. I’ve already signed a provisional contract for a further building to start the first week in May. I’ve also decided not to renew our contract with Barnett’s. As foreman you must be aware that that contract expires in two weeks, so I’ve made arrangements to purchase our supplies from Murphy’s; to take effect from the end of this month.’

  Pat stared at the foppish figure, hardly able to believe his ears. Then he was on his feet.

  ‘You’re ’aving a laugh, ain’t yer? Me and my men work flat out every day bar Sundays. That’s why we’re on schedule for August. We’d be able to bring the deadline forward by about a month, six weeks top, but no way can we finish the work here any sooner. We’re halfway through February already. What you’re asking is impossible. Even with overtime, there’s no way we can complete the work by April. And as for Murphy’s… Huh! They’re nothing more than a bunch of crooks. All their materials are shoddy. Your father would never buy any supplies from them, he—’

  ‘But my father is no longer in charge of this project, as I’ve already made abundantly clear,’ Robert Hunter interrupted impatiently. ‘I’ve studied the plans carefully, and I’m aware the work can’t be completed in time with the current workforce. That’s why I’ve hired temporary help. They’ll be starting work tomorrow. I’d like you to assure your men that their jobs are in no danger. Indeed, they should be grateful for the extra help. But as a concession, I’m prepared to raise their wages until the work is completed. The labourers I’ve hired will of course not be paid as much as your experienced crew. I’m sure if you explain the situation—’

  ‘’Ang on. Let me get this straight.’ Pat leaned across his desk, his eyes hard. ‘You’re gonna take on unskilled navvies, and buy materials from a firm that no reputable builder would use. ’Ave I got that right?’

  The face in front of him flushed, the body becoming rigid.

  ‘I don’t like your attitude, Flynn. May I remind you that you are merely an employee, and as such will do as you are told. May I also remind you who pays your wages, and those of the men under you. If your scruples are the issue, there are plenty of other men who would be only too happy to take your place. But if you wish to hold on to your job, you will treat me with respect and address me as sir in any future discussions…’

  Robert Hunter’s face took on a bewildered look as Pat began to laugh. Drawing himself up to his full height, he rocked back on his heels and said haughtily, ‘I fail to see any humour in the situation, Flynn. I must also warn you that the only reason I’ve tolerated your behaviour so far is because my father thinks so highly of you. If you continue to behave in this manner I won’t hesitate to dismiss you. Now then, what do you have to say?’

  His face sombre now, Pat sat back down in his chair and said quietly, ‘If you wanna bring in jerry-builders there’s nothing I can do to stop yer, but I’m ’aving no part in it, and neither will any of me men. As for showing yer respect, yer can shove it. I don’t call any man sir, except for me dad; and of course the King, if he ’appened to drop in. He likes to keep in touch with us commoners, does our Bertie, God bless ’im.’

  Holding his gold-topped cane in both hands, the irate man stared down at Pat. Robert Hunter had expected his demands to be accepted without question; now he knew better and was in a quandary. Like it or not, he needed the Irishman more than he would care to admit. Unlike his father, Robert Hunter was motivated by money, and had no qualms as to how he could acquire it. His father’s condition wasn’t as bad as he had led Pat to believe. The truth was, his mother, badly shaken by her husband’s heart attack, had insisted on taking him away for a complete rest. They had left on a cruise yesterday, and if his mother had her way, they wouldn’t be back for a while. During that time Robert Hunter was determined to make as much money as he could. His father had already halved his allowance and delivered a warning to start pulling his weight or risk having that allowance completely withdrawn. As things stood, his heart attack couldn’t have come at a better time for Robert.

  Remembering his rising gambling debts, a knot of fear gripped Robert’s stomach. The men he owed money to weren’t the type to wait patiently. He needed money and he needed it fast. And he would have to make a lot of it, because when his father returned and found out what he had done to his good name, he would be thrown out on his ear. But to do so he needed the belligerent Irishman’s help. Swallowing hard, he adopted a more conciliatory tone.

  ‘Look here, Flynn, let’s not be hasty. There’s a good deal of money to be made in the building trade, as you well know.’ He attempted a smile, then felt it slip as the stony-faced man remained silent. Stumbling on, he added, ‘What I mean is, you won’t lose by it. I’ll see you all right; do we understand each other?’

  Pat held Hunter’s gaze a moment longer, then pushed back his chair and came around the desk.

  ‘Yeah, we understand each other all right. I think it’s what the police would call bribery. If I was you, Mister Hunter, I’d get going. I’ve got work to do.’

  A wave of panic rushed through Robert Hunter’s slender frame. Nothing was going the way he had anticipated. He hadn’t expected a subordinate like Flynn to stand up to him. Telling himself to act as his father would do in such a situation, he tried to adopt an authoritative tone, and was dismayed when his voice came out in a high squeak.

  ‘I think it would be a good idea if you allowed your men to make up their own minds. Unless, of course, you feel you have the right to categorically speak on their behalf.’ His body relaxed slightly as he saw Flynn’s sudden indecision, and he pressed home his advantage. ‘I’ll return tomorrow. You can let me know the men’s decision then. Good day to you, Flynn.’

  Pat glared at the now smug face, fighting down the urge to give the baby-smooth skin a good slap. He could, however, vent his anger and wound the young man’s vanity with words.

  Jerking his head towards the two burly men waiting outside, he said in a scathing voice, ‘I think yer baby-sitters are getting restless. Mind you, it’s nothing to be ashamed of. It can be a dangerous place, the East End, if yer are of a nervous disposition.’

  Robert Hunter’s face turned scarlet. He opened and closed his mouth, trying to find the words to put the smiling Irishman in his place, and salvage some pride into the bargain, but none came. His lips pursed tightly, he said, ‘I’ll be back tomorrow, Flynn. We’ll soon see who has the last laugh then. Your men may not be as loyal as you think.’

  ‘Yeah! Yeah! Whatever.’ Pat was seated at his desk, his head bending over a pile of invoices, his hand waving dismissively.

  When the hut door slammed shut, he leaned back in his chair, his face thoughtful, all trace of humour gone as he realised the enormity of the situation he found himself in.

  * * *

  ‘So what you’re saying is that this Hunter bloke is trying to make some
money while his father’s away, and he’s offering ye a bribe to turn a blind eye. Is that the way of it, lad?’

  ‘That’s about the scope of it, Dad. Old Mister Hunter will do his nut when he gets back. He’s spent years building up a good reputation, and that stuck- up little sod’s going to ruin it all if he gets his way.’

  Paddy looked around the table at his sons, for this affected them all.

  ‘What’s to be done, lad?’ he asked of Pat.

  Finding all eyes on him, Pat shifted about uncomfortably on the hard kitchen chair.

  ‘I honestly don’t know, Dad. I mean, what can I do? It’s all right me blowing off steam, but he’s got me… well, all of us, over a barrel. If we all down tools he can easily sack the lot of us and bring in more unskilled navvies. There’s plenty of them about. At least if we’re on the spot we can keep an eye on what goes on, and maybe minimise the damage… Oh, hell. It’s a bloody mess all round.’

  And such was the gravity of the situation that Annie, who had been listening intently, didn’t reprimand her son for swearing.

  ‘Look, I’ve gotta get home. Freda will be wondering where I’ve got to.’ Pat looked longingly around him, as if reluctant to go, then he shrugged and left.

  There was silence in the room, then Rory, pushing back his chair, said, ‘I’ll go after him. He shouldn’t ‘ave to take all the worry on himself. What d’yer think, Dad?’

  Paddy shook his head.

  ‘Jasus, lad, sure an’ I don’t know what to think. One thing I do know is that I’d never be able to live with meself if any work I’d had a hand in caused injuries or even the lives of innocent people. No amount of money’s worth that, son. But you’re right. Get away after your brother, let him know he’s his family behind him, whatever he decides.’

  Rory ran out into the street, calling out loudly, ‘’Ere, wait up, Pat.’