by Sam Michaels
‘Yes. It’s the best way to keep an eye on her.’
‘Aren’t you worried she’ll sneak into your room in the night and slit your throat?’
‘I wasn’t, David, so thank you for putting that thought in my head.’
‘I’m kidding. I’m sure you know what you’re doing.’
‘She’s changed. She isn’t the girl she used to be. Charlotte used to be a right mouthy little madam, stubborn too. But she’s as quiet as a mouse now and does as she’s told with no backchat. I don’t know what happened to her in that year she was away but it seems to have knocked the stuffing out of her.’
‘Are you pitying the girl who wanted you poisoned?’
‘No… I don’t know. I’ve watched her grow up and she never had an easy life. I know none of us did and it’s no excuse but her mother warped the girl’s mind. Fanny never got over losing Ethel and still blames me. Charlotte has heard nothing but nastiness about me. It was bound to have an effect.’
‘Don’t go soft, Georgina. Remember, you could have been killed. As it is, you’ve been extremely lenient with her. Someone like her, you give them an inch and they’ll take a foot.’
‘Maybe, but Charlotte doesn’t seem to have any fight left in her. I think something awful happened to her and it’s made her mind ill. You know, depressed.’
‘I don’t believe in all that Sigmund Freud stuff. You’re either right in the head or you’re not, and if you’re not, then you should be locked up in an institution. Anyway, enough about that. How’s your fish?’
‘Fishy,’ Georgina answered with a smile.
The meal was enjoyed though the morbid conversation about the devastation of Coventry two nights earlier had lowered the mood for a short time. But then David surprised Georgina when he changed the subject and in a direct approach he stated, ‘I’m no fool. I know you’ve been avoiding me.’
Georgina swallowed hard and twisted her mother’s wedding ring. But there was no point denying it and she answered, ‘Yes, I’m afraid I have.’
David dabbed his mouth with his napkin and placed it on the table beside his empty plate. ‘I thought we were friends, Georgina, so would you care to explain why?’
‘Yes, of course we’re friends but I’ve been embarrassed.’
‘What about?’
She could feel her cheeks burning. ‘Friends don’t, you know, kiss in the way we did.’
David threw his head back and laughed. ‘Bloody hell, Georgina, you’re a grown woman acting like a child. We had a few glasses of wine and shared a goodnight kiss. No big deal. I can’t believe you’ve been hiding away from me for two weeks over it.’
She knew her face would be flame red now. He’d made her feel silly and it was clear that their intimate moment hadn’t meant as much to him as it had her. ‘All right, it’s not that funny,’ she said with indignation.
‘I’m sorry, I shouldn’t tease,’ he answered and looked at her, his expression becoming serious. Her held her gaze and though she wanted to pull her eyes away, she felt transfixed.
‘Will you marry me, Georgina?’ he asked in seriousness.
The question left her reeling and she wasn’t sure how to react and stared at him blankly.
‘Did you hear me?’ he asked.
‘Yes,’ she answered.
‘Yes, you’ll marry me?’
‘No, I heard you.’
‘So will you?’
Georgina gulped. ‘Erm… er… Excuse me,’ she muttered and scraped back her seat and grabbed her clutch bag. ‘I… I… I need to powder my nose.’
David rose to his feet too but Georgina squeezed clumsily past him and dashed to the ladies’ toilet. Here, she clasped on to the ceramic sink and drew in several long breaths before lifting her face to look at her reflection in the mirror. Where moments earlier her cheeks had been burning with embarrassment, now the colour had drained from her face and she looked deathly pale.
How could she accept David’s proposal? But if she didn’t, how would it affect their special relationship? She felt attracted to him, she always had, but did she love him? Then the thought of Lash entered her mind and she felt the familiar feeling of guilt that always came with his image whenever David was in her headspace too.
David was dangerous. She reminded herself again that he was capable of cold-blooded killing. He owned a significant part of London and as her husband, would he expect to own her too? She’d got away with being Georgina Garrett with Lash but doubted David would be so understanding. Yes, he admired what she’d achieved but as his wife, she assumed she’d have to hand over the reins of her business to him. Could she do that? Could she be happy as a wife and mother, protected by one of the country’s most feared men? David was wealthy; she’d never want for anything, except maybe her own life. One in which she made her own decisions. In marrying David, she’d be giving up her independence and free choice. It’s what was expected of a good wife.
But in her heart, she knew she couldn’t do it. Only now she had to walk back into the restaurant and decline David’s proposal. And the thought of how he might react sent a shiver down her spine.
26
The next morning, Georgina sat at her desk staring into space with thoughts of David on her mind. When she’d come out of the ladies’ toilet the night before, David had already left the restaurant. It had been a relief but his unanswered marriage proposal was still hanging in the air.
‘Where’s Mr Harel?’ Johnny asked.
‘I don’t know. It’s not like him to be late,’ Georgina answered, only mildly concerned and expecting him to walk in at any minute.
‘Are we gonna wait for him? Only I’ve got people owing money that I need to see today.’
‘No. Benjamin doesn’t need to know the details of the job. He’s only bothered about how much money it will cost and what the return will be.’
‘Fair enough. Right, I’ve acquired an ambulance like you asked. Ned has been casing the joint so I’ve worked out the best time to hit it.’
‘Do you have to speak like a gangster, Johnny?’ Georgina asked with a smile.
‘Miss Garrett, we’re planning to rob another gang’s loot. I think that qualifies me as a gangster.’
Georgina rolled her eyes. ‘If you say so. Anyway, when’s the best time to hit?’
‘Saturday night. From what Ned has seen, they leave the place unattended and go out on the piss. Should be straightforward enough.’
‘Good. But make sure we’re all loaded, just in case.’
‘Yeah, I’ll let the others know to check they’ve got ammo. Max the Axe is sorting the tools we’ll need to get in. The Barker twins will be doing the heavy work ’cos Ned reckons there’s a good few pallets of gear out the back of the shop.’
‘I’m sure there is, Johnny, which is why we are doing this job. It wouldn’t be worth it otherwise.’
‘Yeah, right. I’ll drive. That was a stroke of fucking genius, Miss Garrett. The Old Bill ain’t gonna pull over an ambulance. It’s the perfect getaway and plenty of room in the back for the stuff we’re gonna relieve the Thompsons of.’
‘I’m glad you like my idea. You’d better get yourself a uniform to wear and all.’
‘Yeah, I will. What did you find out about the Thompsons?’
‘They ain’t nothing special. Pa Thompson heads up the operations. His three boys work for him but it’s all small-time stuff and local bully-boy tactics. They run everything from a pub, very much like how the Vauxhall mob used to. Pa Thompson’s daughter married a butcher and that’s how they got to use his cold rooms as their storage facility.’
‘I’ll get meself a nice leg of lamb whilst we’re there.’
‘You do that, Johnny. Take whatever you want. The rotten bastards have been looting all over North London, helping themselves to whatever they can lay their hands on from their local shops and pinching anything of value from bombed houses. They’re getting rich on other people’s misery.’
‘Fuck ’em, eh. W
e’ll take the fucking lot off ’em. That’ll teach ’em, the thieving scumbags.’
‘Indeed. I don’t advocate looting but they’ve done it, so we’ll nick it. Easy pickings for us.’
‘Advocate… that’s a big word. Has Nancy been giving you elocution lessons?’
‘Oi, you cheeky bugger, watch your lip or I’ll set Dog on you.’
‘Yeah, he’ll more likely lick me to death,’ Johnny said and patted the dog’s head.
The medium-sized, long-haired black pooch wagged his tail and Georgina summoned him back to her side.
‘He is a bit of a soppy sod, ain’t ya, Dog?’ she said and tickled behind his floppy ears.
‘So are we all set for Saturday night?’ Johnny asked.
‘Yep. Get the job done and drop the load at Clapham. Until then, keep the ambulance out of sight. You can move the goods on straight away but I’ll get Benjamin to assess any jewellery. Talking of which, where the bloody hell is he?’
‘I dunno. Do you want me to drive past his place and check on him?’
‘No, thanks, Johnny. I’ll get Victor to run me over there later.’
‘All right. I’ll see ya tomorrow.’
‘Yeah, see ya, Johnny,’ she answered but she was looking at Benjamin’s empty desk and beginning to worry about what could have kept him from work this morning. There’d been no raids on Battersea last night so it wasn’t that. And she knew he wasn’t one to skive.
‘Victor, take me to Benjamin’s,’ she said with urgency as a bad feeling began to creep over her.
*
Nancy was surprised at how much she’d enjoyed the warmed-up lentil and beef stew. She hadn’t expected her palate to find cheap food so tasty. She was used to more refined meals, mostly served in chic restaurants. But there were many things about living and working amongst the lower classes that she found appealing. Especially being in charge. Miss Garrett pretty much left her to run the brothels and though Nancy had never officially been given the title of manager, she felt she was the boss. After her initial wobble and with her new-found determination, she’d discovered she liked to give out her commands and delivered them harshly. No-one questioned her authority and for once in her life, Nancy felt empowered.
The war had changed a lot of things, especially for women. As men were called up to fight, more wives, mothers and daughters were working. It wasn’t unusual to see a lady in a bus driver’s uniform or coming out of a factory and going into a public house. That would have been unheard of before the war. Nancy didn’t see herself carrying out menial tasks and she’d lost her career when she’d begun the affair with Harold. But here, in the criminal underworld of Battersea, she could be someone. And that thought greatly appealed to her.
As she sipped her tea, there was a light tap on the door.
‘Enter,’ she called, then fixed a smile on her face when Big H walked in. ‘Ah, just the man. Take a seat.’
Big H sat opposite her, his large frame drowning her own. As was usual, his fine, red hair stood on end and his shirt appeared to struggle to stay fastened over his enormous stomach.
‘I must say, Big H, I think you’re doing a spiffing job.’
‘Thank you, Nancy, but it ain’t hard to wallop blokes who step out of line.’
‘Yes, well, you do more than just that. You make us all feel safe and I appreciate you being around. Do you have any concerns you’d like to discuss?’
‘No,’ he answered looking confused. ‘Should I have?’
‘Not at all. But I was wondering if you’re happy working for Miss Garrett?’
‘Yeah, I suppose so.’
‘You don’t find her to be a bit abrupt with you?’
‘A bit, I suppose, but it don’t bother me. She’s the guvnor.’
‘Personally, I think you deserve better. She talks to her stinking mutt better than she talks to you, but if you’re happy about it, then it’s fine.’
‘Well, I dunno, it would be nice if she was a bit different but it is what it is.’
‘Well, if I was in charge, I’d treat you very differently.’
‘Huh, then it’s a shame you ain’t.’
‘Between you and me, I believe I could do a far better job. I’m smarter than Miss Garrett and just as capable. Wouldn’t you agree?’
‘I suppose.’
‘I wonder what it would take to overthrow Miss Garrett. Any idea?’
‘I dunno. I’ve never thought about it.’
‘Have a think, Big H, and get back to me.’
‘Why? Do you wanna take over from her?’
‘No, not at all. But if I did, would you help me?’ Nancy asked, and fluttered her eyelashes at him.
‘I don’t fink so, Nancy. It wouldn’t be worth the risk.’
‘What if I was to make it worth your while?’ she asked.
‘How? How would ya do that?’
‘Money, Big H. Lots of money.’
Big H sniffed, then answered, ‘I might be tempted for the right price.’
‘Good. You tootle off now and have a think about what I asked. We’ll continue this discussion tomorrow. And, Big H, mum’s the word.’
Nancy sat back in her seat and looked around the poky, windowless room. She believed what she’d told Big H – she was smarter than Miss Garrett. And Nancy thought she could be just as ruthless. From what she’d seen, Miss Garrett got her men to do her dirty work. And Nancy didn’t find anything impressive in that. In fact, she was sure she could do just as well. Hadn’t she already proven it by the way she ordered the whores around and that pathetic cleaner girl?
What had started as just a fleeting thought had now developed into something real and attainable. Oh yes, Nancy fancied herself in Miss Garrett’s shoes, sitting in the large office with twenty-odd men at her beck and call. And of course, with Johnny Dymond by her side and hopefully in her bed.
She hid behind her door and waited for Johnny to emerge from Georgina’s office. She’d taken special care on her appearance this morning and knew her blonde hair looked sleek and her lips rosy red. The extra effort was a bid to catch Johnny’s attention.
The office door opened and Nancy saw him coming out.
‘Johnny,’ she called as he headed towards the front door.
When he turned and saw her, she was pleased to see his eyes light up and he offered a genuine smile.
‘Could I have a word please, in private?’
‘Sure,’ he answered easily and sauntered towards her.
He followed her into her room and she told him to close the door, then she leaned against her desk and tried to look seductive.
‘What can I do for you, Nancy?’ Johnny asked as his eyes looked her up and down.
‘It’s more like what I can do for you,’ she purred.
Johnny raised his eyebrows and Nancy continued. ‘You see, Johnny, a woman like me requires… stimulation. The only people I get to interact with are whores, perverts and Big H. It’s all very tiresome and I’m finding myself seeking something more. Fun, a giggle. Anything rather than this daily drudgery. Perhaps we could discuss my needs further over dinner?’
Without hesitation, Johnny answered, ‘Yeah, all right. I’d love to know more about your needs. I’ll pick you up at seven. See ya tonight,’ and then he winked at her before he left.
Nancy smiled wryly to herself. That had been a doddle. Now she had the pleasure of a flirtatious evening with Johnny to look forward to and the added benefit of coaxing information out of him about Georgina’s operations. She’d questioned Big H but he hadn’t been able to tell her very much. It seemed Big H was purely a bit of muscle employed for the brothels. Whereas Johnny was Georgina’s right-hand man. He’d know everything there was to know and hopefully soon, so would Nancy. As Harold had once told her. Knowledge is power. Know everything and you’ll see your opponent’s weak spot.
Now she’d have to try and manipulate Big H. He’d already shown an interest in working with her, if the price was right. But she’d need
money before she could persuade any of Miss Garrett’s men to switch allegiance and that was a problem. She’d handed over all her ready cash to Miss Garrett in exchange for protection. But it probably wouldn’t have been enough. No, she needed lots of money. Enough to influence the loyalties of the woman’s hardened men. Enough to buy herself the power she craved.
*
Benjamin lay silently in his bed, trying to block out the sound of the hammering on his front door.
‘Benjamin, are you in there?’ Georgina called through the letter box.
He had no idea of the time but the sun had been up for at least a couple of hours. He should have realised he’d never get away with skiving from work and that Georgina would come looking for him, but how could he explain away his swollen eye and fat lip?
‘Benjamin, open the door or I’ll get Victor to kick it down,’ she called.
He couldn’t ignore her any longer and climbed out of his bed, his body aching and fully clothed in yesterday’s shirt. He glanced in the mirror. His eye wasn’t just swollen, it was bruised too.
He traipsed downstairs and pulled the door open.
‘Ah, you are in,’ Georgina said and then frowned. ‘Who did that to you?’ she asked, pointing at his black eye.
‘No-one. I erm, walked into a cupboard.’
‘Yeah, and I’m Cleopatra of the Nile. And did that cupboard give you a smack in the mouth too? You’ve never lied to me before so don’t start now. And look at the state of your clothes. They’re all wrinkled. I’m coming in and you’re going to tell me exactly who did this.’
Benjamin pulled the door opened wider and looked down at the floor as she walked past.
‘Victor, make tea,’ she said and went through to the lounge.
Benjamin followed her in but, ashamed of what he’d allowed to happen, was still unable to meet her eye.
Georgina sat on the sofa and crossed her legs. ‘I knew something was wrong when you didn’t show up for work today. Care to explain?’
‘No, not really,’ he answered. ‘The thump from the er, cupboard door left me with a headache, that’s all.’
‘Try again, only this time I want the truth.’