Christmas to Come: a heartbreaking coming of age saga set in London's East End

by Carol Rivers

  Bella knew the time would come when Gina would apply the same pressure to her. But even though she owed Gina a lot, she owed more to her baby.

  It was the last Friday in March when finally there was news of Sammy. Or at least, news of his body parts. Gina was cooking as usual and Bella was slicing tomatoes, helped and hindered by Terry. All action stopped in the kitchen as Lenny, who had been working out in the yard, entered with Ronnie. Dressed in a dark suit, white shirt and tie, he looked his old self and his expression was relaxed as he smiled at them.

  'Hello, stranger!' Gina exclaimed and Bella's heart beat fast as she looked over his shoulder for Micky.

  'How are you, love?' Gina asked and Ronnie nodded.

  'Thanks to you both, on the mend.'

  'Is Micky coming?' Bella couldn't wait to ask.

  'No, but listen. Sammy Stratton's remains were confirmed by the coroner twenty-four hours ago. A verdict of misadventure was given as there was no evidence to the contrary.'

  'How did they know it was him?' Gina walked towards him, her mouth falling open.

  'They found his gold teeth. The others bodies remain unidentified, which is not surprising as Sammy was known for hiring and firing on a frequent basis. The warehouse itself wasn't insured and no one is claiming an interest. The police themselves are eager to see an end to the matter because of the Stratton's involvement in vice and the thorn in their side that Sammy was proving to be. All in all, I would say we had the best result possible.'

  'I can't believe it,' Gina gasped, 'how gullible can the coppers be?'

  'One hundred percent when they choose.' Ronnie shrugged. 'My informant tells me they are clapping their hands that Sammy is now out of the frame and Tony a permanent sleeper.'

  'What about me?' Lenny asked, his face weighted with strain. 'Did my name come up?'

  'Not yours or Micky's, so you can relax.' Ronnie took a package from his overcoat pocket and laid it on the kitchen table. 'But I suggest making yourself invisible for a while.'

  Gina stepped quickly forward, the cooking forgotten. She opened the large envelope and smiled. Looking up at Ronnie, she nodded. 'This is handsome, Ronnie. It's been a pleasure doing business with you.'

  'Can I see Micky - now - today?' Bella felt she couldn't wait a moment more. The month they had been separated felt like a lifetime.

  'Jump in the motor and I'll drive you.'

  Bella looked anxiously at Gina. 'Is that all right?'

  'Don't ask me.' Gina looked disapproving. 'You're a big girl now. And anyway, I'd be wasting my breath, wouldn't I?'

  'I need to see him and you know why, Gina.'

  'Well, I think you're a stupid bitch, but you have my blessing.'

  It was the best thing that Gina had ever told her.

  Ronnie was standing with Micky in the backyard of Piper Street and his temper was rising. There was a young girl sitting in the front room who Micky had used over the years for his own gain and although Micky wouldn't see it like that, it was the truth. His nature was to exploit when it suited him, even his own family as Ronnie had discovered personally. Micky was a law unto himself but it had taken the recent events to open Ronnie's eyes. Now as he looked as his brother and watched the colour drain from his face, he was determined to see fair play done.

  'I don't even know if it's my kid!' Micky raised his hands exasperatedly. 'Just because she says it is, I am supposed to believe her?'

  'You know it's yours, Micky,' Ronnie answered shortly. 'She wouldn't look at anyone else. She only has eyes for you, always has.'

  'Then what was she doing with that prat Raymond Taylor?'

  'Nothing, as I understand it.'

  Micky looked insulted. 'What would you do if it was Joyce who was seeing someone else?'

  'That is a different situation,' Ronnie replied. 'We are business partners first and foremost. And trust each other.'

  'I don't trust any female,' Micky said scathingly. 'They've always got an ulterior motive.'

  'And you haven't?' Ronnie demanded, his tone incredulous. 'The kid has no idea you were using her at the still, as you and Lenny used Terry and Sean. Odds on she is ignorant of the fact you have been servicing Ivor's women and God knows how many others.'

  Micky's face darkened. 'I dunno what you mean.'

  'Your presence at Club Afrika has been well and truly noted as I discovered when I chased up Sammy's whereabouts.'

  Ronnie watched his brother in grudging admiration as he coolly took a packet of Players from his pocket. Lighting one, he deliberately turned his back and walked casually away. 'There's no law against enjoying yourself, bruv.' He leaned against the yard wall, savouring the tobacco. 'You've got your own way in every other respect. I am minus my business, my future income, you should be happy.'

  'The hooch was poison, Micky, and you know it.'

  His brother suddenly stepped forward. 'Listen Ron, it was you who buggered off to France in the war and didn't give a toss about me and Sean. We were left trying to earn a crust whilst flaming Adolph nearly wiped us off the face of the earth. We had to survive in your absence, build up what Dad had left us. And we did it. Sean and me. With no thanks to you.'

  'I was called up, Micky. I had no choice.'

  'Course you did,' Micky returned, disgust in his voice. 'You could've ducked and dived, found ways to stay at home. But no, as usual, you had to play the conquering hero. Well, me and Sean survived the war, but we did it in our own way and would be continuing to do so if you hadn't stuck your oar in with Sammy.'

  'You manufactured a volatile substance, Micky.'

  'The Yanks didn't care! Why should you? Anyway, I don't believe my booze done in Tony Stratton. It was Sammy's word against mine and you believed him.'

  Ronnie felt his temper snap as he listened to the same old record being played. Micky heaped the blame on anyone else's shoulders and put himself in the clear. But not this time. He exhaled slowly to calm himself, watching his breath curl in the fresh air. He walked over to his brother and looked into his eyes. 'I am not arguing with you Micky. If you are intent on going your own way, then so be it.'

  Micky's eyes glittered. 'You won't tell me what to do, Ron. No one will.'

  'Then we had better call it a day.' Ronnie narrowed his eyes, seeing Micky in a new light. 'Take your clobber and get the hell out of here.'

  For a moment Micky stared back at him unable to believe his own ears. Then laughing, he shook his head. 'You can't throw me out.'

  'I can and I will if I have to.'

  'Mum would disown you.'

  'Mum's not here.'

  Micky dropped his cigarette, his eyes searching Ronnie's as real fear suddenly spread over his face. Ronnie knew that Micky was considering the possibility that he meant what he said and it was not going down well.

  'I never said I was against you.' Micky's gaze wavered and Ronnie knew that for the moment, he had won. It was a back-down, but he was not going to let Micky off the hook.

  'The East End is not what it was when we were kids, Micky. There are major outsiders threatening to carve chunks out of our turf for themselves and their own. So I want no misunderstandings. You resume your business, go your own way but if you do, it will not be from under this roof.' Ronnie stared long and hard at his brother. He had given him an ultimatum, one that was long overdue. It was the making or the breaking of the Bryants and they both knew it.

  Chapter 16

  It was a dazzling morning in May and Bella looked radiant. Though she didn't have a long white dress and train to walk up a church aisle in, she was deliriously happy. Her wedding dress, made by a seamstress friend of Joyce's, was calf length white and buff chiffon, with a Peter Pan collar and three-quarter sleeves. It was gathered at the waist to hide her bump and fell gently around her legs. Joyce had clipped a delicate white veil on her satin half-moon hat and carefully arranged her auburn waves beneath. Bella felt like a bride, even though she wasn't dressed like one in the traditional sense. Micky stood beside her as they pause
d on the steps of the registrar's office, his tailored black suit, crisp white shirt and silk tie, a stark contrast to her pastel colours. Bella acknowledged all the Bryants as handsome men, but with his piercing blue eyes and thick, dark hair, Micky was outstanding. Lenny and Terry were both wore dark, plain suits and Ronnie wore grey. Sean and Ashley were dressed to the nines, Oxford Street suits and cheeky bow ties.

  Bella's heart was bursting with pride. This was her new family. She was Mrs Michael John Bryant and the man on whose arm she leaned was her husband. Her dreams had all come true and she was still pinching herself to believe it.

  'Say cheese, you two!' Joyce was standing in front of them holding her Brownie box camera. Bella thought how stunning she looked in a figure-hugging navy and white suit. Even though it was May, she was wearing a single fox fur looped around her shoulders. She looked the most expensively dressed woman amongst them. Even Gina, with her glossy black hair rolled up into a cone shaped hat of bright orange to match her full skirted tangerine frock, didn't outshine her.

  Both Micky and Bella smiled. Then she lifted her bouquet of white carnations and roses and threw them into the gathering. She heard Dolly scream and saw her reach out, but they landed in Joyce's arms.

  'Nah, Ronnie's not the marrying type,' Micky whispered in her ear. 'You should have bunged them in Gina's direction.'

  'I closed my eyes so I didn't cheat,' Bella whispered back as he led her down the steps to the waiting cars. Black and sleek with white ribbons tied to the windscreens, Bella could hardly believe they were about to travel in these luxurious limousines. Friends and family threw confetti as they came down the steps. It was the most wonderful day of her life.

  Micky lifted the white veil from her eyes. 'Congratulation, Mrs Bryant.' He kissed her passionately and a cheer went up.

  'Oh Micky, I'm the luckiest girl in the world.'

  Micky was grinning as Dolly threw herself forward. 'Oh, Bella you look gorgeous.' Her eyes went down to her waistline. 'You can't even see a bump.'

  'I hope not.' Bella giggled, hugging her friend. 'It took me all evening to let out the sides. I'm getting so fat.'

  Bella could hardly believe it was herself talking. She loved being the way she was with the baby growing inside her. Even the sickness had gone now and she was eating for two.

  'Do you like this hat, Bella? I bought it especially for today.' Dolly was gazing at her expectantly, her hazel eyes wide under her feathered hat.

  'You look stunning, Dolly.'

  'Percy said I look like his gran's budgie. And I'm twice your size even though you're expecting!'

  Bella gasped. 'I hope I get my figure back after the baby in time for your wedding. You couldn't have your matron of honour still wearing her maternity dress!'

  The girls giggled and Micky took hold of Bella's hand. They ran along the pavement as the others chased them, throwing confetti.

  Bella glanced at her husband and fell in love with him all over again. The family she belonged to now was united and she was determined to keep them that way. She couldn't imagine life without Micky in it. He was her be all and end all. And she dearly hoped she was his.

  And, as Ronnie said, new blood was coming into the world. Their baby would be the first of the new generation and Bella's heart raced at the thought.

  The Blue Moon was sparkling; there wasn't a glass in the place that hadn't been washed and dried to perfection, nor a table or chair that hadn't been polished to the highest degree. Bella had helped Joyce set out the buffet early that morning before the ceremony at the registrar's. The club had been thoroughly aired, all its windows and doors thrown open.

  Ronnie had refused to consider another venue for the reception and even though Micky had hinted that his brother's intention was simply to publicize the new image of the club, he had nevertheless gone along with Ronnie in every respect.

  Bella was standing at the top of the stairs welcoming the guests as they gazed admiringly around them. The new ruby red carpet that had replaced the blue one was causing a stir. As was the magnificent new bar that Gino was once more attending. Reflecting the room behind him were new, full length mirrors that made the club look twice its normal size. The card tables in the next room had been discreetly covered and a buffet spread over them.

  Ronnie had honoured them by holding the celebration here in their honour. Even though Bella didn't know some of the guests, she greeted them warmly. Well dressed men and couples who Ronnie told her were connected to his business. And as Bella shyly examined the unfamiliar faces, they smiled back, taking her hand and congratulating her.

  The wedding gifts were all placed on a table for opening after the speeches. Micky was going to make one and Ronnie. As there was no father of the bride, just witnesses in the form of Gina and Lenny, Ronnie had thought it more appropriate that tributes were kept short and to the point.

  And even if Bella had fleetingly entertained the thought of inviting her mother, no one had suggested it. Even Terry never talked about home any more. She knew it was becoming a fantasy for them both, a bad dream that time was slowly dissolving.

  Someone pulled her round and embraced her. It was Percy, his eyes full of admiration. 'Blimey, this is a bit swish!'

  'Glad you like it. Where's Dolly?'

  'In the Ladies, fluttering her feathers.'

  Bella giggled. 'Go over and get yourself a drink and there's plenty to eat.'

  'I'd have worn my top hat and tails if I'd known,' Percy said as he gazed around him. 'The invite just said refreshments after.'

  'Ronnie and Joyce put it on for us as their wedding present,' Bella admitted. 'They've even paid for us to stay overnight in a hotel.'

  Dolly rolled her eyes as she appeared, hearing Bella's last words. 'Oh Percy, that's so romantic.'

  'It will be your turn next,' Bella reminded her friends. 'I'll have to be a matron of honour because I'll be an old married lady!'

  They all started laughing as Gina and Lenny walked into the club with Terry. He was wearing a smart suit and tie that Ronnie had taken him to a gents' outfitter in Poplar to buy. Bella had parted his hair on one side and applied Brylcreem to keep it in place, although it was still thin and fell out in lumps. He was smiling, looking at everyone and everything and Bella's heart went out to him. Like Micky, he missed the still and working with Lenny and now they were living at Piper Street, he had nothing to do all day.

  Suddenly Bella felt someone beside her. She turned expectantly, hoping to find Micky there. But it was Joyce and Ronnie, Sean and Ashley and some of their friends. Introductions were made and congratulations given. Soon the room was filled to capacity, faces she knew and those she didn't, but to Bella, it didn't matter, these people were her life now. She wanted Micky to be beside her though, and she searched the room for his tall figure. Right up to the moment the registrar had married them, she had been unable to believe that Micky really wanted her. In her heart she felt that married life had been thrust upon him because of the baby. But Ronnie had assured her that his brother was a family man at heart, even though Micky was reluctant to admit it.

  At last she saw him, standing at the bar. He was head and shoulder above the group of men and she felt a wave of love and pride. He was so handsome that she couldn't believe he was really her husband now. She was his wife and no one could take that away from her. As Ronnie had put it at the last family meeting, the Bryants were respected in the East End. They had been tested and come through the worst.

  'Ronnie has done you proud,' Gina said as she swallowed the last of her gin, smacking her lips together as she returned her empty glass to the table.

  Bella smiled at her friend's flushed cheeks, jarring slightly with her tangerine dress. It was a beautiful shade of orange though and suited Gina's Spanish colouring. As they sat together in a cosy corner, watching the guests eat, drink and be merry, Bella felt the baby move inside her. Inadvertently she placed her hand over her bump.

  'Kicking a ball around is he?' Gina asked perceptively.
'Well, at least you know it's a boy.'

  Bella smiled. 'I'd like a son for Micky of course. But little girls you can dress up, spoil a bit.'

  'Whatever you have is going to be spoilt rotten with a family like the Bryants. Just look at them over there, like the blooming Mafia!' She nodded towards the group of men standing at the bar drinking, smoking and talking together. Bella studied her husband and two brothers-in-law and nodded.

  'I'm still trying to convince myself I'm married to one of them.'

  'Don't try too hard. It will dawn on you soon, I promise.'

  'Oh, Gina, I know you don't trust Micky, but things are going to be different from now on.'

  'Course they are, love. I'm just an old cynic. You know I miss you, girl. The place is not the same without you.'

  'I miss you too.'

  'Lenny does his best, but he don't look as good as you in an apron. He's not a natural mover, that's for sure and I'll be drawing my pension before he manages to serve a proper breakfast. Still, at least I've got him where I can see him. And, if I'm honest, if he was to settle down to the business, I might consider making us legit.' She put up her hand as Bella's eyes widened. 'Don't get excited now. It's only an if. Lenny has a streak in him for branching out into the unknown. It's a natural trait of dishonesty that I'm working to eradicate and at the moment, because he was scared after the fire, he's behaving himself. But as you can see – ' she sighed as she looked at the all male contingent surrounding the bar, 'he's thick with your Micky and in their case, the pair of them together spell trouble.'

  'Ronnie won't let that happen.' Bella sounded confident as she watched Lenny and Micky laughing. She felt that Gina was over critical of Lenny, who was doing his best to please her. He had been happier at the still, but Bella would never point that out to Gina. It was more than her life was worth.