by Carol Rivers
With his arm around her waist he hurried her out of the club. She felt a sense of urgency as he held her hand and walked with her into the dark city night. He had never been like this before. Never said these things before. With the sound of late night traffic in their ears, Bella looked into his eyes.
They were dark and exciting. They promised her so much. In that moment she knew she would do whatever he wanted. Go wherever he took her. He was hers now and she was his.
Chapter 13
It was late on Christmas Eve and Bella had begun serving fry-ups at eight o'clock that morning. At midday there had been a rush for the Christmas menu, roast chicken and Christmas pud. They had sold out by three. But none of the regulars wanted to leave the carefree atmosphere of the cafe. They knew they had to return home to face the demands of their wives and family before they could get down to the pub for some serious drinking that evening.
'Let's park ourselves on a comfy chair and have a tipple before we clear up,' Gina suggested as she turned the sign on the door to Closed and walked back to the kitchen. 'Open that cupboard there and you'll find half a bottle of gin. Don't worry, it's kosher, not Lenny's rubbish.'
'The till was going non-stop today.' Bella's cheeks were flushed as she took out the gin and two glasses, following Gina into the cafe. 'If they'd been available, we could have sold twice as many dinners.'
'To be honest, it caught me on the hop, Gina admitted as they sat at the back table. 'I've never had a Christmas like it. At least, not since before the war and even in the old days, Mum only opened for a couple of hours on Christmas Eve. You know what? I'm going to spend all morning in bed,' she sighed as she pushed one shoe from her foot and massaged an unsightly corn. 'You and Terry are coming to us tomorrow teatime, right? I've saved some cold ham and we'll use the left-overs in the kitchen for bubble and squeak.'
Bella smiled but secretly she was disappointed. Even though he was supposed to be taking her out tonight, there had been no mention of taking her back to Piper Street for Christmas.
'So how are the two love birds?' Gina asked, unable to hide the note of sarcasm in her voice as she poured gin and a splash of lime into their glasses. 'He can't keep his hands off you lately.'
'You know Micky,' Bella said, blushing. When he came into the cafe now, he followed her out to the kitchen and started kissing her. She found it embarrassing in front of Gina and always quickly pushed him away.
'Oh, yes, I know Micky.'
Bella had thought that making love with Micky would be the most wonderful thing in the world. From the time he had taken her to the Indigo and she had woken up at Piper Street in the big double bed that belonged to Micky's parents, she had imagined their first night of romantic night of passion. The dream had been so real that she thought it would come true one day. She wanted to wake up like they did on the films, safe in the arms of her hero. To find herself in a dingy hotel room on the Tottenham Court Road had shattered her dream. There had been nothing romantic about the single electric light bulb hanging by a cord from the ceiling above them or listening to the dripping of water from one of the rusty taps ground into the dirty sink. Micky had taken off his clothes at once and jumped into the rumpled looking bed. He didn't seem to notice the dowdy setting or Bella's apprehension as she shyly removed Gina's lovely dress, trying to still her trembling fingers. Micky had just laughed and grabbed her, pulling her roughly down beside him. Without pausing for the tender moment that she had expected, his lovemaking had quickly become frightening.
Lying awake as he slept, she had stared up at the dim light bulb and wondered what she had done wrong. She had expected so much more, or some tenderness and romantic words. As Micky had finally taken her, she couldn't help remembering Jack Router. Why had the picture of his face appeared in her mind? She'd immediately blocked it out and hoped Micky would stop his rough behaviour. But instead, he'd hurt her and she had tried to hide her tears, though that wasn't very difficult as it was almost as if she wasn't there. This morning she'd woken up feeling sore and unhappy. The trouble was, even one kind word from Micky made her think she was expecting too much. And when he'd dropped her off at Gina's and kissed her, giving her that smile that always melted her heart, she had begun to think that her imagination was working overtime.
'What's the matter, ducks?' Gina asked as if she could read her thoughts.
'Nothing. Just a bit tired that's all.'
'In that case, get a drink down you.' She slid the glass closer and reluctantly Bella took a sip.
'So where's Micky taking you this evening?'
'I don't know. He just said he'd call round if he can get away.'
'The question is, get away from what?' Gina raised her eyebrows.
'Work, of course.'
'I'm sure.'
Bella didn't like the way Gina kept making hints about Micky. It was the same with Micky who was always sniping at Gina. They had a strange relationship and sometimes Bella felt trapped between the two of them.
'What about Terry?'
'Micky said he could come with us.' He hadn't; it was Bella who had insisted they take Terry along. It was Christmas Eve and she didn't want him to be alone.
'Well, chin, chin,' Gina said, raising her glass. 'Let's drink up and be merry.'
They grinned at each other and just as Gina threw back her head and swallowed her drink there was a knock at the front door.
'Who's that?' she demanded, thrusting down her glass and jumping to her feet. 'Can't they read? We're closed and the sign says so.'
Bella saw two familiar faces pressed up to the glass. 'Oh, it's Dolly Taylor and Percy! Could they come in for a minute?'
Gina peered at them. 'As long as they don't want feeding, they're welcome.' She went to the door and slid open the bolt. Dolly entered, full of apologies. Percy stood uncertainly, looking very decent, Bella thought, dressed in a smart grey tweed coat and polished brown shoes. His hair had grown to collar length and his smile was wider than ever. 'Season's greetings one and all,' he cried. 'Hope we're not disturbing you?'
'Not if your friends of Bella's you're not,' Gina said as she closed the door and held out her hand. 'I'm Gina.'
Dolly shook it. 'I'm so pleased to meet you, Gina.' Dolly gazed at Gina in open admiration.
'My felicitations,' Percy beamed, pumping Gina's hand.
'Dolly and me was at school together,' Bella explained as Gina led the way back to their table. She felt guilty that she hadn't made any effort to see Dolly since the summer. When they were all seated, she looked at her friend and frowned. 'I meant to get in touch Dolly, but I've been busy. How did you know where to find me?'
'I saw Micky and asked him.'
'When was that?'
'Last weekend when me and Percy went up West to see the Red Shoes. Oh, it was lovely, all about a beautiful ballerina and a handsome composer – ' Dolly stopped as she saw the look of impatience on Bella's face. 'Anyway, we was in the queue and Micky was walking by. He was with his pals, said he was going up Hammersmith Palais.'
Bella didn't say that Micky hadn't taken her out last Saturday because he said he was too busy working. She didn't want Dolly to know that he'd lied to her.
'Anyway, Bella, I've got some news for you,' Dolly hurried on eager to expound as she pushed out her hand. 'Look, me and Percy are engaged!'
Bella gazed at the sparkling engagement ring on Dolly's finger. It sparkled expensively and made Dolly's plump, square hand look attractive. 'Oh, Dolly, congratulations!'
Gina picked up the bottle. 'This calls for another toast.'
'Oh, not for us Gina, thank you,' Dolly refused politely as Percy looked disappointed. 'I'd be tipsy before I got home.'
'When did you get engaged?' Bella asked.
'At the weekend. When Percy asked me I nearly fainted.'
'She nearly did an' all,' Percy agreed. 'Had to give her a dose of her mum's smelling salts.'
'Oh Percy, I wasn't that bad. Not really.'
'Good job I didn't ask y
ou to elope.'
'You can never take him seriously, you know.' Dolly fluttered her eyelashes. 'And anyway, we didn't need to elope. Dad gave his permission as soon as Percy asked. Then we went out and bought the ring in Oxford Street. Do you like it?' She splayed her short, stubby fingers on the table. 'It's a real diamond, isn't it, Percy?'
'Course it is, Dol. You can pawn it for two-and-six any time.'
Dolly's eyes rolled. 'Oh, be quiet you.'
'It's lovely, Dolly, gorgeous.'
'When is the wedding?' Gina enquired.
'Next summer.' Dolly went redder than ever. 'Bella, would you be my bridesmaid? I know it's a long way off, but you're always so busy I thought it was best to ask you now. And of course, it would be lovely if Micky could come, and you Gina and – ' Suddenly tears filled Dolly's bright eyes and Percy put his arm around her.
'What's up, my treasure?'
'I don't know. I'm just being silly.'
Gina sipped at her replenished drink. 'Tears of joy, no doubt.'
'It's all been such a shock,' Dolly gasped. 'I never thought this would ever happen to me, plain old Dolly Taylor.'
'You'll be Mrs Percy Shine,' Percy pointed out as he squeezed her shoulder. 'We'll be two shiners together.'
Dolly and Percy laughed.
'Where are you going to live?' Bella asked.
'We're saving up to rent a place. Somewhere near Poplar we thought. It'll only be a couple of rooms, but at least it will be ours.'
'One for me and one for you.' Percy winked.
Dolly began to talk about her wedding and what they had planned already. It was to be held at Christ Church, the reception at Chapel House Street and the honeymoon in Devon.
Bella was envious. Her friend had everything that she had always wanted herself. A romantic fiancé, a real engagement ring and a white wedding with all the trimmings, not forgetting the honeymoon. But most of all, Bella knew that Percy respected Dolly's wishes and would wait until their wedding night to make love to her.
Bella felt sad. There was no way she could see Micky walking up a church aisle and sliding a gold band on her finger. The last time he had been to church was when his mother died. He had vowed never to go near one again. She didn't even know what his views on marriage were. There was so much she didn't know about him. So much they hadn't talked about or discussed. And yet they had done the most intimate thing that two people could do together. Why hadn't she made him wait? Why had she gone to that dreadful hotel and thrown away her dignity?
The answer was, because she had been desperate to have him, call him her own. And she had been willing to do anything that he wanted. When it should of course, have been the other way round.
The months leading up to Christmas had been a big success for the Blue Moon. Ronnie was a contented man. They were on the brink of a new year and business was brisk. He had installed more billiard tables and games of dice and even though February was a known black hole for cash, the tables were busier than ever.
Ronnie surveyed the discreetly lit room and listened to the hum of conversation, the soft laughter and occasional joke. There was no trouble to be found here, no escorts, bottle parties or vice. His members sought the thrill of a challenge and a discreet wager. He provided all this without fuss, eliminating the element of real danger that came from being directly outside of the law. He was gaining a reputation for fairness and respectability and he liked that. Although it wasn't to say that he would turn his nose up at a good deal if it was offered. And he had plenty in mind over the next few years. He was going to buy bomb-damaged properties, do them up as he had done with the club and sit on them, bringing in rents from those who could afford it. He would keep books and see that it was all legit. At least, as legit as it was possible to make it.
He had seen the effects of extortion, the protection rackets and black market when he had returned from service. The rich had got rich and the poor, poorer. And this had depressed him. The Watney Streeters had been top dog in the war, a gang known for their violence and greed in the East End. But even these men were now looking for new pastures as the Hoxton boys and Islington mobs, the Italians and Maltese, even the Jamaicans and Jews were cutting themselves a slice of cake. It was like the Wild West. The gold was there, and in Ronnie's eyes he had discovered it. He was now about to stake his claim and officially, so it couldn't be taken away again. Even Micky saw the sense in becoming legit. Dad would even agree, if he was here. And at that thought Ronnie smiled inwardly. The old man had been a canny totter, one of the best. A creeper of the first class, had indulged in everything a bit iffy unbeknown to Mum, because where there was a profit Dad had his own philosophy. Take from the rich and give to family first and then to the poor and his sons loved him for it. It was a wonder they hadn't all been kitted out in Sherwood Green on the day they were born. But the world was a different place now and the Blue Moon was proof of it.
Just then Ronnie saw Gino nod in his direction. He walked casually to the bar and smiled at the customers. He sat on a stool, watching Gino expertly pump ale into a pint glass.
When the money was taken and rung into the till, Gino approached him. 'Not to worry you unnecessarily, Mr Bryant.' Barely moving his lips the young man slid his gaze to the right. 'It's them over there. They're the Indigo's boys.'
Slowly Ronnie adjusted his position. He noted two men sitting at a table in the corner. 'You're certain?'
'Positive. The big one is Sammy Stratton's doorman, the other is a runner for Tony. I used to work there, only for a few weeks, but I never forget a face.'
'Any idea why they're here?' Ronnie asked curiously.
'I wouldn't like to guess. But just now I got a touch of the old eyeball.'
Ronnie studied the two men, then nodded. 'Ok, leave it with me.' Turning to make his way up the blue carpeted stairs to the foyer, he reflected that Sid and Bernie weren't due in for an hour, after their stint at Joyce's. That left him only with Gino and the waiters and his doorman, Henry.
Ronnie approached the well padded, dark-suited figure and smiled. 'Henry, a word in your ear.'
'Sure, Mr Bryant.'
'How did Tweedledum and Tweedledee get in?' Ronnie nodded to the strangers.
'They had cards, Mr Bryant.'
'Remember their names?'
'Jones or Smith, I think. Something ordinary anyway.'
'Have you seen them before?'
Henry squinted, narrowing his small eyes in his big hairless head. 'Nah. Are they trouble?'
'Probably not, but Gino tells me they're the Indigo's men. Leave the door to me and go round to Piper Street. Fetch Micky and Sean, ok?'
'I'll be back before you know it.'
'Good man.'
Ronnie watched him unlock the door and leave. Casually turning back to study the room he wondered if it was coincidence that had two new faces turning up on Saturday, the busiest night of the week. All the club chairs were taken and tables booked.
Ten minutes later the two men rose and made their way to the bar. The bigger of the two rudely pushed in between the customers, spilling drinks and causing a disturbance. Ronnie felt his stomach contract. An argument broke out and the other man grabbed Gino. Ronnie was down the steps and across the room in an instant. He registered shock on his customer's faces as they quickly scattered. An impromptu visit from the law was a result none of them welcomed.
'You two faced little runt,' the big man snarled. 'Call this a full measure?' He threw the contents of his glass into Gino's terrified face.
Ronnie clamped a hand on the man's shoulder. 'What's your problem, pal?'
The large, domed head turned slowly. 'Ah, Mr Bryant himself.'
'You know me?'
'Let's say, I'll be getting to know you.' He looked around him, screwing up his eyes in his fleshy, red face. 'And I'll be getting to know your turf even better. Sammy said this club was a joke and he was right. Look at all them ponces, running off like girls.'
'A matter of opinion,' Ronnie replied
smoothly. 'Now, my compliments to your boss, but you're taking up valuable time. If you've got something to say, say it. Then you can get the hell out of here.'
The big man smirked. 'Your muscle has just walked out of the door. You're on your own here and my mate is a real charmer.'
A nasty laugh came from behind him. 'Yeah, Mr Stratton said you was a hard nut to crack. Which is why I brought me jemmy along. It's just the job for smashing up a spot of resistance.' With a smile on his face, he demolished the glasses on the bar with the iron bar and taking another swipe, he put paid to the row of optics. Ronnie tried to move, but a bear-sized paw stopped him. 'You're going no where, sonny boy. You got a ringside seat for this act.'
Ronnie watched the last of his customers flee, Gino and the waiters among them. Angry with himself for not heeding Joyce's warning, he knew he should have taken her seriously, doubled security. He had ignored good advice to his own cost. Sammy Stratton had tested his strengths and found them to be lacking. The man was evil and this was going to be an all out howler.
As he listened to the splintering of glass around him, he considered his options. Without a weapon, he was powerless. As much as he valued his property, he valued breathing more. Unless Henry arrived back with the reinforcements, he was going to be totalled. What was troubling him, was Sammy Stratton's motive. It was hard to believe they had none, except jealousy. They knew he would retaliate. His revenge would be sweeter than anything they could accomplish. He would make sure of that. It would be war and they knew it. But did the Strattons need that kind of aggravation? They were big names, had fearsome reps and were respected. What had he done personally to upset them?
Looking into the ugly face before him, Ronnie said lightly, 'You've made your point, I am listening. Are you going to tell me what Sammy wants and save us all a lot of trouble?'
'You'll find out soon enough,' the man grunted, pushing Ronnie backwards. 'When we've finished with this dump, you're making a little visit, chauffeur driven, to the other side of town, where Mr Stratton's got a few questions for you and that runt of a brother of yours.'