by Sam Michaels
David removed his trilby, revealing his brown greased-back hair, and placed the hat on her desk. ‘I’m bored of waiting for you to accept my invitations so I’ve bought you a restaurant. As the new owner of Segal’s, I think it’s only right that you should come and inspect your business.’
‘Segal’s on Lavender Hill?’
‘Yes, the French place.’
‘What do you mean, you’ve bought it?’
‘As I explained – I purchased the business for you. It’s yours.’
‘But… you can’t do that… They pay me to look after them.’
‘I know, they told me. But old Claude was very keen to sell me his restaurant when I told him how much I was willing to pay for it.’
‘David, you’re bonkers.’
‘Yes, but it’s the only way I could think of to get you to agree to dine with me.’
‘I don’t believe this,’ Georgina muttered, shaking her head.
‘Come on then, let’s go and try out your new restaurant,’ David said, rising to his feet and placing his hat back on his head. Then he turned to Victor. ‘You can take the rest of the day off. I’ll look after Miss Garrett.’
‘Hang on, David. Victor goes everywhere with me.’
‘Then I’m sure he’ll be pleased to have a few hours to himself.’
‘Fine,’ Georgina answered, somewhat irritated.
Twenty minutes later, when they pulled up outside the restaurant, she noticed two of David’s men outside. His driver opened the car door for her and she climbed out, then David took her arm and led her through. The restaurant was panelled with dark wood and the tables spread with red cloths and smart white napkins. It was dimly lit inside, giving the place an intimate atmosphere, and Georgina saw a waiter directing them to a table in the corner.
Claude came from the kitchen to greet them. The short, older man, with salt and pepper hair and a dark pencil moustache kissed her on both cheeks and said what an honour it was to work for her.
Georgina was quite taken aback by it all and sat on the seat the waiter had pulled out for her.
‘So, do you like your new place?’ David asked after he’d ordered the finest wine.
‘Yes, I suppose, but I don’t get it. Why would you do this?’
‘I already explained. Now, what would you like to eat? I see Claude is charging five shillings for meat. That’s top Soho prices, the cheeky git.’
‘Well, it is rationed.’
‘By the way, the sale includes Claude. He’ll be running the restaurant on your behalf. I trust you’re agreeable with that arrangement?’
‘Yes. I don’t know the first thing about French food. This is mine? This restaurant is really mine?’
‘Yes, Georgina. The paperwork is in the car. I’ll make sure Benjamin gets it.’
The waiter poured their red wine and David picked up his glass. ‘Congratulations to the new owner of this fine establishment,’ he said and clinked her glass.
‘I don’t know what to say,’ Georgina said, unsure if she felt happy about it or manipulated.
‘Nothing. I’m just pleased to be in your company for lunch.’
They ate two courses and the wine flowed, leaving Georgina feeling light-headed and relaxed. She found herself opening up to David about the tense situation with Nancy and fear of Harold Conte and his Nazi supporters. David told her she was mad to protect Nancy as the risk of danger to herself was high. He gave her a telling-off, and reminded her that he’d already warned her to stay clear of anything to do with Harold and the Fylfots. Georgina already knew that she’d been foolhardy and regretted taking on the woman but at the same time, pitied her and didn’t want to see her come to any harm.
‘Have you considered going to the security services?’
‘As Nelly or Nancy said, who does one trust?’
‘What about getting rid of this Conte bloke?’
‘We don’t know who else is in his group. It could lead to further trouble. I believe the best thing to do is nothing. Just sit tight and hope they don’t come looking for her.’
‘And if they do?’
‘I’ll deal with it,’ Georgina answered but lacked conviction.
‘You’re tired, I can see. This has been troubling you, hasn’t it?’
‘A bit, and then there’s the problem with Charlotte Mipple,’ Georgina answered and told him the whole situation over another bottle of wine.
‘You should get her working for you,’ David suggested.
‘You’re kidding? Why would I want her working for me? I don’t trust her. Did you not hear the bit where I told you she tried to poison me?’
‘Yes, I heard every word. But if she’s working for you, you can keep an eye on her. You must know the saying, keep your friends close and your enemies closer?’
Georgina was feeling a little stupefied with the alcohol but she had to agree with David: it wasn’t a bad idea. ‘Do you mind if we leave now?’ she asked, her eyelids feeling heavy.
‘Not at all. It’s been a very pleasing afternoon and I shall look forward to many more in your swanky new French eatery.’
Georgina stood up but had to grab the edge of the table for balance. ‘Oh, dear, that wine seems to have gone to my head,’ she said, swaying.
David placed his arm around her waist and she was grateful for his support as he led her back to his car. Once seated, the motion of the engine sent her drifting off to sleep.
She awoke to David’s voice. ‘You’re home now,’ he said softly.
When she opened her eyes, she was embarrassed to find she’d been resting her head on his shoulder.
‘Oh, I’m sorry,’ she mumbled, still half asleep.
‘Get some rest. I’ll leave a man on your door until Victor arrives in the morning,’ David said and leaned towards her, then gently left a lingering kiss on her lips.
Georgina hadn’t been expecting it but didn’t pull away. Though numbed by the wine, she enjoyed the feeling of his mouth on hers.
‘I’ll see you soon, Georgina, unless you’d like to me to come in?’ he whispered, smiling at her.
Suddenly feeling very sober, she said nothing and reached for the door handle. She marched towards her house, aware that David’s eyes were following her, and without a glance behind, went inside and closed the front door. Here, she held her breath until she heard his car drive away.
‘Oh my God,’ she said, ‘what just happened?’
She took her coat off and threw it over the newel post and left her hat and gloves on the stairs, the whole time her heart hammering. Her mind turned over the scene in David’s car. The kiss. Her pleasure. The lustful look in his eyes. Then she thought of Lash and guilt consumed her.
Georgina went through to the front room and dropped onto the well-worn sofa. The wine had dropped her guard and she’d allowed things to go too far. She’d have to nip this in the bud, but it wouldn’t be easy, not now that she’d given him mixed signals. David wouldn’t be pleased with rejection and did she know him well enough to be sure of his reaction? He could turn nasty; after all, David Maynard had a reputation for getting rid of anyone he didn’t like. But she’d have to risk upsetting him. Either that or become his lover and that was out of the question. He’d want to rule over her, control her and be the big man. No, she couldn’t get romantically involved with David, not ever.
*
Benjamin arrived at The Penthouse as a storm brewed overhead. With that, the blackouts and the bombs, he assumed he’d have another quiet night. But Aubrey and Cuthbert had promised to come in tonight so at least he had their visit to look forward to.
Ivy arrived minutes behind him and he thought she looked even more colourful than usual. Her burnt orange fishtail skirt clashed wonderfully with the yellow blouse she wore, finished off with a twenties-style diamante headband and peacock feathers. Her style was unique, fashioned by The Penthouse customers, and she carried herself with pride. Benjamin worried if she’d ever find a man to love her. She wasn’t like
ly to meet one in the club and she only ever went out with old Mr Hartley. Her life evolved round The Penthouse, but then so did Benjamin’s.
‘Sorry I’m late. I caught the bus in and jumped on the wrong one. Bleedin’ blackout, I couldn’t see the number and the conductor never said where we was going.’
‘Not to worry, you’re only a few minutes late.’
‘Am I? Oh, that’s a relief. You can’t see your hand in front of your face out there. It ain’t so bad on a clear night but the clouds have covered the moon. It’s gonna pour down tonight,’ Ivy said as they stocked the bar.
‘Yes, but at least the rain might quench the fires that are still burning.’
‘I hope so but they’ll start up again with the next lot of bombs,’ Ivy said sullenly.
‘Probably, but no more doom and gloom. You’re in The Penthouse now, dear, so smile, please.’
‘As it’s quiet, I thought I’d have a bit of a clean-up in the stock room. Is that all right?’
‘Yes, Ivy, but be sure to wear a pinny to keep your clothes nice.’
Ivy took a mop and bucket and popped out the back just as Aubrey and Cuthbert arrived.
‘Benny, dahling, it’s dreadful outside. We just made it in before the heavens opened but Cuthbert tripped up the kerb in the darkness. You really should paint it white outside. It’s a death hazard you know.’
‘Yes, good point and good timing. Go and sit at our usual table. I’ll be over shortly with drinks. Are you hurt, Cuthbert?’
‘No, just my pride. No Ivy tonight?’ he asked.
‘She’s in the back with her mop.’
Benjamin filled a bucket with ice and a bottle of champagne. As he carried it to the table, he noticed three men walk through the doors. Instantly, his hackles rose. They weren’t members and didn’t look friendly. He wondered how they’d got past the security. Bob and Larry were discreet but careful about who they allowed entry.
Aubrey had his back to the doors and hadn’t noticed the unwanted visitors. ‘Cuthbert was just saying that you should take a night off and come to the theatre with us.’
‘Mmm, perhaps,’ Benjamin answered and placed the bucket on the table and his eyes on the unknown men. The men were coming towards him now and his heart began to pound.
‘Who are they?’ Cuthbert asked quietly.
‘I’ve no idea but they’re not here for pleasure,’ Benjamin answered and swallowed hard.
The first man, tall and slender, immaculately dressed in an expensive suit, stood in front of Benjamin and lit a cigarette. He blew the smoke into Benjamin’s face then turned to Cuthbert and asked, ‘Where’s Nancy Austin?’
Benjamin heard himself gasp as he realised the men must be part of the Nazi group Nancy had fled from.
‘I don’t know who you’re talking about,’ Cuthbert answered but Benjamin could hear Cuthbert’s voice was shaky.
‘We know she’s your sister. You need to tell us where she is.’
‘I don’t know. I haven’t seen her for months,’ Cuthbert lied.
The second man stepped forward and, without warning, smashed Aubrey’s face down into the table. The sickening thud made Benjamin squeal. Cuthbert sat opened-mouthed and Aubrey looked dazed and bloody. Benjamin felt dizzy with fear and thought he might faint but then the first man spoke again.
‘Where is your sister?’
‘I… I don’t know… I swear,’ Cuthbert answered, sounding panicked.
The second man grabbed Benjamin and pulled his arm behind and up his back. Benjamin made a few groaning noises but didn’t resist. The pain was excruciating and he thought his shoulder was being ripped from the joint.
‘I’ll break his arm. Where is she?’
‘Stop with the nonsense,’ the third man said and pulled a gun from his pocket, which he held to Aubrey’s head. ‘Tell me where to find your sister or I’ll shoot your boyfriend. You have five seconds to decide. One… two…’
‘Just tell him, Cuthbert, please,’ Aubrey begged.
‘Three… four…’
‘She’s working for Georgina Garrett,’ Cuthbert answered.
The man then looked at Benjamin. ‘You work for her too.’
Benjamin nodded and moaned in pain.
‘Bring Nancy to me or your friends will die.’
Benjamin nodded again.
‘Midnight tomorrow. Under Battersea Bridge. You give me Nancy and I’ll release your friends. If you’re not alone with her, they die. If you tell your boss, they die. If the police are informed, they die. If you fail to deliver Nancy, they die. And once your friends are dead, I’ll come for you. Is that clear?’
‘Yes,’ Benjamin answered.
His arm was released and the three men left, forcing Aubrey and Cuthbert to go with them. Benjamin almost collapsed onto a seat. His whole body trembled and his arm hurt.
‘Benjamin, what on earth is the matter?’ Ivy asked, rushing over to him and looking concerned.
‘Check the doors. Lock up everything. Where are Bob and Larry?’
‘Hey, slow down. What’s happened?’
‘Just do it, Ivy. Lock the club. Don’t allow anyone in.’
Ivy ran out and up the stairs. Benjamin worried what she’d find and hoped Bob and Larry were alive.
Moments later, she returned. ‘I’ve locked up. There’s no sign of either of ’em. What’s going on?’
‘Call Miss Garrett,’ he answered gravely.
He’d had instructions not to tell her but he knew he couldn’t deal with this alone. He just hoped Georgina would know what to do. Aubrey’s and Cuthbert’s lives depended on it, and so did his own.
23
Nancy Austin sat in front of Georgina’s desk with her hands held over her face and fought to stop the tears from flowing. They’d found her. She’d known it would happen. This was it. Tonight at midnight, under Battersea Bridge, she would be executed. ‘I don’t want to die,’ she said, thinking out loud.
‘You won’t. Not today,’ Georgina said.
Nancy lowered her hands and looked at Georgina wondering if the woman really would risk dying for her. It wasn’t as if they were friends or Georgina owed her anything, so why would she put herself out for Nancy?
‘They want you dead to protect their secret. So it stands to reason that they’d also want to eliminate Benjamin, Aubrey and Cuthbert. If you and Benjamin meet them under the bridge tonight, they’ll have all four of you together and none of you will come out of it alive.’
‘But what do we do?’ Benjamin asked. ‘If I don’t take Nancy, they’ll kill Aubrey and Cuthbert.’
Nancy stared at Georgina desperately waiting for an answer.
‘I’ll go instead of Nancy.’
Nancy didn’t protest. If Georgina was mad enough to take her place, she wasn’t going to try and talk her out of it!
‘But… but…’ Benjamin stuttered.
Georgina cut in. ‘I’ll wear one of Fleur’s blonde wigs. It’s dark, especially under the bridge. They won’t notice that I’m not Nancy until it’s too late.’
‘But… but…’ Benjamin repeated.
‘And Johnny can wear your glasses, Benjamin. You’re about the same height, though he’s twice as wide as you, but I reckon he’ll get away with it. They won’t be expecting me and Johnny. We’ll have the advantage with the element of surprise.’
Nancy thought it was as good a plan as any and, best of all, she’d be well away from the firing line. Though she still couldn’t understand why Georgina and now Johnny too would do this for her.
Georgina stood and walked across the office towards the door, saying, ‘I’ve always fancied going blonde. I hope Fleur has a wig that suits.’
When the door closed, Nancy turned to Benjamin. ‘Why would Miss Garrett do this for me?’ she asked.
‘It’s how things work here. We look after our own and you’re one of us now, albeit through association.’
Nancy had never known this sort of honourable code of conduct. In law, it w
as far more cut-throat, everyone out to look after their own interests, even before that of their clients. And she’d always looked down her nose at people like Johnny Dymond and Miss Garrett but now felt very humbled. Georgina hadn’t had a privileged upbringing or been educated, yet she showed more integrity and intelligence than anyone Nancy knew. The woman didn’t speak correctly, she swore and would readily resort to violence. Nancy would have called her uncouth and common. She would have thought of Georgina as below her, not up to standard. A mere peasant, Harold would have said. How wrong she’d been. The prostitutes, thieves, extortionists and killers with whom she now associated had shown her more kindness and respect than anyone else. Nancy liked it and felt fortunate to have been accepted into their shady world. She had no intention of leaving, regardless of what would happen tonight.
*
Georgina and Johnny approached the bridge in silence. Her scalp itched under the cheap blonde wig but that was the least of her worries tonight. Benjamin had told her that three men had been involved in taking Aubrey and Cuthbert. Confident that she and Johnny could handle three, she hoped it would be just them under the bridge and not more.
All of London felt eerily dark and quiet. The air raid sirens had sounded earlier but so far, the German bombers had left the city in peace tonight. It seemed some other unfortunate town was getting it. The papers would be full of information in the morning and there’d be hourly updates on the wireless. She just hoped there wouldn’t also be a report of two bodies found in the Thames, a man and a woman with bullet holes in their heads.
Georgina tried to dismiss the thought but she was scared, more so than usual. She’d been up against nastier men than Harold Conte but this was different. She understood the likes of Billy Wilcox, Mickey the Matchstick, Kevin Kelly and Wayne Warner. They were thugs. Gangsters. Tough men who’d fought their whole lives to gain position and respect. Children of the slums, from poverty, who’d made better lives for themselves by a rule of fear.
But Harold Conte was different. He had a political agenda and she had no idea how far his influence penetrated. Nancy had said that top men from positions of power within the army, the police force and even the House of Lords were in the Fylfot group. It worried Georgina. She was taking on an unknown enemy and one whose tactics she couldn’t foresee. But in her line of work, she couldn’t pick and choose her fights and she believed she attracted trouble like iron filings to a magnet.