by Sam Michaels
‘He bled out. Big H will dump him later.’
‘Do we know who he is?’
‘I ain’t sure. Big H had already done a job on him. He weren’t talking. What details have you got in the diary?’ Johnny asked Nancy.
‘Oh… umm…’ she said and sprung to her feet. One moment,’ she added as she hurried out of the door.
‘Is she all right? She’s a bit jumpy,’ he said.
Georgina looked at Benjamin and rolled her eyes.
‘Oh, I see. You’ve given her a dressing-down. Go easy on her. I don’t suppose she’s used to this sort of environment,’ Johnny said.
Georgina glared at him and was about to give him a dressing-down too but Nancy returned to the office with her diary. ‘I have him registered as Mr Walter Neal. I’m sorry, that’s all the details I have but believe it’s his first visit.’
‘You can go now,’ Georgina told her and waited for the door to close. ‘And it’ll be his last visit,’ she said to Johnny.
The name wasn’t familiar to her but they didn’t ask for identification. He could have been anyone. As far as she was concerned, there’d be one less nasty nutter on the streets to worry about.
25
Nancy hadn’t liked being reprimanded by Miss Garrett. It had really put her back up. The woman had no right to speak to her the way she had and Nancy wouldn’t stand for it again. Though it had made her think about her position and she’d come to the conclusion that if she was to stay, she’d need to be more assertive. Of course, she could resign her position and leave the brothel but she had nothing to go back to. Her life with Harold was over and so was everything associated with him. She had no wealthy friends to turn to for help and had been out of work for so long, she doubted anyone would take her seriously now. And she’d given Miss Garrett all the money she had. But Nancy had never been in charge of anything before. She was used to jumping to do Harold’s bidding and he had controlled most aspects of her life. Here, working for Miss Garrett, she was the one telling others what to do. She enjoyed the freedom that came with the power. It was better to be in control of her own fate rather than handing it over to a man. She decided she’d stay and she’d prove to Miss Garrett that she could be a strong woman too.
She’d start with that wretched cleaning girl. Her office hadn’t been swept since she’d been there and neither had the desk been polished. Nancy would have a word with her and she wouldn’t ask her nicely. She’d tell her exactly what she expected and demand her office be thoroughly cleaned at once. And then she’d have words with Tilly. The woman had hung her stockings in the bathroom. It wasn’t acceptable. And Babs needed reminding that if her customers paid for a full hour, that’s what they should receive. Not the fifty minutes that she’d been giving some of her men.
Nancy stood from her desk and pushed her shoulders back and held her head high. ‘It’s about time that I showed them what I’m made of,’ she said, determinedly. And who knew, she thought, maybe she could progress to more than just running the brothel. Perhaps she could take on other aspects of Miss Garrett’s business. After all, she was far more intelligent than her and though she’d heard the woman was fearsome, all she did was dish out her orders. Nancy could do the same and probably better too. But one thing at a time. She couldn’t let her fanciful thoughts run away with her. First, she had to show she was in control. And whilst she was at it, she’d do a bit of probing and see what she could discover about Miss Garrett.
*
Charlotte had been back in Battersea for two weeks and hated it. She also detested working for Georgina. But she’d not been given any choice. Her mother had made it more than clear that Charlotte wasn’t welcome at home and Georgina had promised she’d relent on any punishment if Charlotte pulled her weight and did as she was told.
So that’s what Charlotte did – worked hard and obediently. At least when she was working, it kept her mind from wandering into the memories of what she’d seen on the streets of London. But at night, alone in the dark, she couldn’t stop the terrors from creeping in and giving her nightmares. She wished she could turn back time and had never run away from the boring farm. It felt safe there, away from the Blitz that terrorised the cities.
Charlotte poked the sheets in the copper pot. She’d scrubbed them until her knuckles had bled and soon they’d be ready to put through the mangle. The dirty bedding from the brothels seemed endless and when she wasn’t doing laundry, she’d be mopping, dusting and polishing. Her menial tasks were done in silence. Georgina had given instructions for no-one to talk to her. That suited Charlotte. She had nothing to say and preferred to get on with her jobs without distraction.
‘Bring me a cup of tea and a reheat some of that corned beef hash from yesterday.’
The voice made Charlotte jump and she looked up from the wash pot and through the steam to see Nancy in the scullery doorway. She thought the woman was so skinny that if she turned her on her head, she could use her as a broom.
Before Charlotte could agree, Nancy spun on her expensive high heels and went back to her small office adjoining the scullery. Charlotte wiped her brow, seething inside. It was one thing to accept orders from Georgina but who the hell did Nancy think she was to tell her what to do? But obligingly, she lit the gas range, warmed the food and made the tea. She placed it neatly on a tray, then covertly glanced round before gobbing up a mouthful of phlegm that she spat into Nancy’s lunch. Charlotte smiled wickedly to herself. That would teach the stuck-up cow.
‘Put it on the table there,’ Nancy told her when Charlotte carried the tray through.
She did as she was told, happy in the knowledge that she had one up on the woman.
‘You seemed to have overlooked the cleaning of my office. I shall expect it done this evening.’
Charlotte nodded and as she went to leave the room, Nancy called her back.
‘So, tell me. How have you come to be a skivvy for Miss Garrett?’
Charlotte shrugged her shoulders with no desire to get into a conversation with her.
‘A little bird told me that you attempted to murder Miss Garrett. Is that true?’
Again, Charlotte shrugged.
‘You must dislike her very much?’
This time, she huffed but remained silent. Yes, she disliked Georgina but she didn’t like Nancy any better.
‘I was under the impression that all of Miss Garrett’s staff are loyal and think highly of her. Is this not the case?’
‘I’m busy. I’ve got work to do. I ain’t got time to be gossiping with you,’ she answered and stomped away.
Back in the scullery, she attended to the laundry but Nancy’s questions replayed in her head. The woman was fishing for something. She was up to no good; Charlotte could tell. And oddly, she found herself feeling somewhat protective towards Georgina. Granted, her boss treated her like a slave but that was a light punishment compared to what Charlotte had expected. And she’d let Tobias off the hook. Prison was nothing, given the alternative. She didn’t imagine there were many people still walking who’d tried to kill Georgina. Charlotte was one of the lucky ones and the more time she spent around her boss, the more she realised that Georgina was a fair woman.
‘Pack it in,’ she told herself. ‘You hate the bitch, remember.’ And she had. But being on the streets and witnessing how the prostitutes were treated by their pimps, she’d now come to realise that Georgina looked after her women with respect and even kindness. The street whores Charlotte had encountered would have given their right arms to be under Georgina’s protection. So whatever Nancy thought, she was wrong. Georgina’s workers were all loyal and did indeed think highly of her. And Charlotte could see why.
*
Benjamin felt as if he was walking on air. He’d been dating Rupert for over a week now and was totally besotted with him. The man was everything Benjamin had dreamed of – tall, dark and handsome with a good job in banking to boot. The only fly in the ointment was Aubrey and Cuthbert. They’d made it mo
re than clear that they weren’t keen on Rupert, saying that he made them feel uncomfortable and they found him to be rather aloof. Well, stuff them, thought Benjamin. He’d wanted his friends to be happy for him but they’d chosen to be negative and not make Rupert a part of their group.
He looked across The Penthouse to where Aubrey and Cuthbert were sitting and would have liked to have been in their company but Rupert was due any minute now and that thought made Benjamin beam like a Cheshire cat. He could feel his stomach fluttering and his pulse quickened. Then, right on cue, to Benjamin’s delight, he saw the broad silhouette of Rupert come through the doors and walk towards him.
Benjamin jumped down from the bar stall and clicked his fingers at Ivy to bring them champagne. He wanted to run towards Rupert and embrace his lover but played it calm and leaned casually on the bar.
‘I’ve missed you,’ Rupert said after he’d kissed Benjamin’s cheek.
‘It’s only been two hours since I left for work.’
‘I know, and I can’t wait to be back home with you. I wish you didn’t have to work every night.’
‘I’m afraid I do. But I thought you liked being here?’ Benjamin asked.
‘I do, but not every night. Can’t you take some time off?’
‘Oh, I don’t know. I’ve never left Ivy in charge.’
‘I’m sure Ivy is more than capable. It’s ridiculous that you work all day and night for Georgina Garrett. The woman sounds like a slave driver.’
‘She doesn’t force me to, Rupert, I choose to. This place is my baby. I’d feel I was abandoning it if I wasn’t here overseeing things.’
‘Come on, Ben, even parents get in a babysitter for a night out occasionally. Just once or twice a week… for me?’
Benjamin sipped champagne from a fluted glass. He reasoned Rupert wasn’t being unreasonable and agreed to take some time away from The Penthouse, though the thought of it caused him to have palpitations.
‘Thanks, Ben. It’ll be nice to spend some quality time with you and away from them two,’ Rupert said and nodded his head towards Aubrey and Cuthbert.
‘They’ll come round – give them time.’
‘Fuck them,’ Rupert snarled.
The sudden anger in his voice took Benjamin by surprise.
‘You don’t need them, Ben, you’ve got me now.’
He smiled weakly at Rupert. Granted, his friends were a little standoffish with Rupert but they were polite enough to him. Rupert’s reaction had shocked Benjamin.
‘Ivy,’ Rupert called, and beckoned her over. ‘Benjamin has something to tell you.’
Benjamin looked at his lover, confused.
‘About taking some time off,’ Rupert prompted him.
‘Oh, that, yes,’ he said.
Then Rupert cut in, ‘Benjamin will be taking every other night off so you will be in charge. Do you think you can handle that?’
‘Hang on a minute, Rupert,’ he said. He didn’t recall agreeing to taking every other night off.
‘Yes, that’s great. It’s about time Benjamin relaxed,’ Ivy said and smiled before she flaunted off in her kimono-style red silk dress.
‘Good, that’s sorted. See, it wasn’t so difficult. Cheers,’ Rupert said and held his glass towards Benjamin.
‘Yes, cheers,’ Benjamin repeated. Although he didn’t feel right about it, he didn’t want to upset his lover.
Later that evening, Benjamin tapped his foot to the jazz tunes being played on the piano and hummed along to his favourite act singing Billie Holiday songs.
‘Excuse me,’ Rupert said and squeezed Benjamin’s thigh before leaving the table.
Benjamin saw he was heading towards the toilets but didn’t take much notice. He was too busy enjoying the music and the vibrant atmosphere in the club. Oh, he was going to miss this tomorrow night but Rupert seemed much happier knowing that they would be together at home instead. He wasn’t sure how long Rupert had been gone, but when his lover returned, Benjamin noticed his mouth was set in a grim line.
‘Everything OK?’ he asked.
Rupert smoothed his hair back. ‘Yes, fine. Your so-called friends won’t be bothering us again.’
It was then that Benjamin saw Aubrey and Cuthbert rushing towards the exit. Aubrey briefly looked over his shoulder towards Benjamin but then darted out. He thought his friend had thrown him a strange look – one of fear, perhaps?
‘What’s going on?’ he asked Rupert.
‘Nothing.’
‘Well, something obviously is. What have you said to Aubrey?’
‘Why are you worrying about him? He doesn’t give two hoots about your happiness.’
‘Yes he does! Aubrey and I have been friends for many years.’
‘Not anymore. Just drop it, will you, Ben. I won’t have those two coming between what you and I have. I know we’ve not been together very long but what we have is special. You feel it too, don’t you?’
‘Yes, but…’
‘I’ve waited years to be with someone as wonderful as you and as selfish as it sounds, I just want you to myself without any outside influences marring it.’
‘But Aubrey is my best friend, Rupert.’
‘Was your best friend. You don’t need him, Ben. I can give you everything you need and more.’
‘But I want to be friends with Aubrey.’
‘I’d rather you didn’t. Look, the man has made no secret of his dislike for me. Aren’t I important to you? Don’t my feelings count for anything?’
‘Yes, of course you’re important to me, but so is Aubrey.’
‘Ben, there’s a war on. People are being killed every day. We might have the rest of our lives together but a bomb could drop on us tonight and it’ll be over. Let’s make the most of the time we have together. I want to get to know everything about you and spend every minute of every day making you happy. Aubrey will do all he can to stop you from being with me because he wants to keep you to himself. Can’t you see? He doesn’t care about your happiness, not in the way I do. Anyway, he’s got Cuthbert so stop worrying about him. You deserve this. We deserve this.’
‘I… I think you’ve got it all wrong about Aubrey.’
‘For Christ’s sake, Ben, don’t contradict me. I’m telling you, I know what is best for you. Now drop it and drink up. We’re going home.’
Benjamin was once again taken aback at the anger in Rupert’s voice and it rattled him. But he didn’t want to upset the man and quickly finished his glass of champagne.
‘I’ll, erm, just let Ivy know that we’re going,’ he said as he stood.
‘No need, I will. Fetch our coats; I’ll catch you up.’
Benjamin nodded reluctantly, too nervous to speak up for himself.
As he waited for Rupert upstairs, he began to question what he was getting himself into. Rupert was showing a side that Benjamin didn’t like. He’d stupidly thought that the man had been perfect. But of course, no-one is ever without their flaws. He tried to think of reasons why Rupert would have displayed such anger. Was he tired? After all, he worked hard. Perhaps it was just being in the club night after night. Maybe some time away would be good, for both of them. And did Rupert have a point about Aubrey? Yes, they’d been friends forever, which is why Benjamin had been disconcerted when Aubrey had said he didn’t like Rupert. Perhaps Rupert was right? Aubrey didn’t care about Benjamin’s happiness.
He was snapped from his thoughts when he felt Rupert’s hand on his shoulder and his voice in his ear.
‘We’ll take my car. You can leave yours here.’
Benjamin readily agreed. There’d been enough upset tonight and he didn’t want to cause another uncomfortable atmosphere.
As he sat beside Rupert in the car, he looked across admiringly at the man’s strong profile but still the thought of Aubrey worried him.
‘What are you thinking?’ Rupert asked.
Benjamin turned and stared out of the side window. ‘I was just wondering what you said to Aubrey tonig
ht,’ he answered.
Suddenly, he felt a hard thump on the back of his head, which forced his face forward and he whacked it on the window. The car swerved. Benjamin was left dazed. What had happened?
‘I told you to drop it,’ Rupert growled.
Benjamin slowly turned his head to look at the man and saw his eyes were blaring and his mouth contorted into a twisted line.
‘Your nose. You’re bleeding,’ Rupert said, his face softening. ‘Here,’ he added, and pulled a handkerchief from his coat pocket.
Benjamin took the handkerchief and held it to his bloodied nose. He couldn’t believe it. Rupert had hit him!
‘God, look what you made me do. I’m sorry, Ben, but you must learn not to provoke me.’
Benjamin’s head and nose throbbed. He thought he might throw up.
‘It won’t happen again, I promise. But no more talk of your friend. That way, we’ll all be a lot happier.’
Benjamin didn’t answer. He was too scared to open his mouth. He should have seen the warning signs before he’d climbed into the car with this maniac. But now there was no escape from him. Now he’d have to spend the night with a madman who could hurt him at any time. If he remained compliant and put on a good act, maybe he’d come out of this unharmed. At least, he hoped so. But Benjamin knew it was going to be a very, very long night.
*
Later that night, Georgina sat in Segal’s restaurant opposite David Maynard and was careful about how much wine she drank. She didn’t want a repeat of the last time they’d met and still cringed at the memory. With tact and a few white lies, she’d managed to avoid him since the incident in his car, but this evening he’d called on her unawares and she couldn’t think quickly enough of a plausible excuse to evade dining with him.
‘I’m surprised Dog isn’t joining us this evening. I hear he goes everywhere with you,’ David said sounding bemused.
‘Dog is a very loyal companion. He’s normally well behaved but I didn’t trust him not to try and pinch your steak off your plate. So I sent him home with Charlotte.’
‘You’ve got Charlotte staying with you now?’