by Kitty Neale
‘Hey, slow down, Mo. What’s wrong?’ Sarah asked.
‘Nothing. Nothing’s wrong. I just don’t like it in here,’ she answered through gritted teeth.
Just as they began to descend the stairs, Mo stopped in horror as she saw her brother Danny walking up towards them. There was no mistaking him, he had the same red hair as her. ‘Quick, run,’ Mo said, and pulled Sarah back through the beauty department.
‘What’s happening? Where are we going?’ Sarah asked as she trotted alongside Mo.
‘It’s my brother! He’s on the stairs. Oh, God, I hope he hasn’t seen me.’
‘What are we going to do? Hide?’
‘Yes … yes … in the ladies’ toilets. No – we won’t know when he’s gone. Bloody hell, let’s just get out. This way – quick. We’ll use the lift.’
Mo pressed the button to summon the elevator, and was glad to see no one else was waiting. She looked over her shoulder, grateful to see no sign of Danny. He was unlikely to be on this floor, amongst the cosmetics. No, as she’d suspected, he’d be heading for the record department.
The lift stopped and a short, thin man in a smart purple uniform and cap opened the doors. ‘Which floor?’ he asked politely.
‘Ground,’ Mo answered quickly.
The lift operator closed the gated door first, then the inner door, and moved the lift down. It wasn’t going fast enough for Mo, and she could feel her panic increasing. ‘Come on … come on …’ she muttered.
‘It’s all right, Mo, we’ll soon be out and clear of him,’ Sarah whispered.
Soon enough, they were on the ground floor, and Mo fled for the exit with Sarah closely following. As she came out onto the street, she turned right and began to run up Lavender Hill.
‘Mo, wait … you’re safe now.’
She heard Sarah speak, but her own heartbeat was pounding so hard it was ringing in her ears. ‘Are you sure?’ she asked breathlessly.
‘Yes, it’s fine. There’s no one following us. He couldn’t have seen you.’
‘I’m so sorry, Sarah. I had a feeling I was going to bump into him today. My mum always said I had the gift of foresight, but I never understood what she meant. She told me to always listen to my gut. Now I know what she was on about. I knew it, I bloody knew he’d be in there.’ Mo cursed herself for daring to be bold and ignoring her instinct. She wouldn’t make that mistake again, but now, though she hated feeling like a prisoner in her own home, there was nothing she wanted more than to get back to her room and wait for Samuel to return from work.
Chapter 24
Sarah could see the lights of the fair ahead. George had picked her and Tommy up in his van, even though she’d insisted they could walk to the park and meet him there. He’d found a convenient place to park, then turned to Sarah. ‘Wait there,’ he said, and got out of the van.
Sarah sat bemused as George walked around to the passenger side, then opened the door, and with a sweeping gesture of his arm, said, ‘Milady … If you’d care to join me.’
Sarah climbed out of the van and smiled. She hadn’t wanted to come tonight, but already she was enjoying herself and they weren’t even at the fair yet.
George opened the back doors and Tommy clambered out happily and exclaimed, ‘That was so much fun … I’ve never been in the back of a van before.’
‘If you thought that was fun, just wait ’til we get on them rides!’ George said.
Tommy squealed and grabbed Sarah’s hand as he yanked her towards the bright lights. ‘Hurry up, come on, Mum,’ he urged.
Sarah was walking as fast as she could and was looking forward to seeing Tommy’s face when he would have his first ever ride. She’d never been to the fairground herself, but she wasn’t as keen as Tommy. From what she’d seen, most of the attractions looked ever so big and fast. The fair had been built two years before for the Festival of Britain, but it cost sixpence to get in, and Sarah had never had the money. The Pleasure Gardens were free though, and she and Tommy had spent many hours being amazed and amused by the Guinness Clock. It was at least four times as tall as her, and decorated in wide black and white stripes. When it chimed, the clock’s performance would take at least four minutes to run through, with funny characters popping up and out of little doorways, and windmills spinning around. It would fascinate Tommy and he would try to guess what was going to happen next, but it always surprised him.
As they approached the fair, Sarah could see the words ‘Funfair’ in lights over the entrance, and yellow-painted booths. George walked ahead, but Sarah caught him up. ‘I hope you don’t think you’re paying for me and Tommy to get in,’ she said.
‘Of course I am. What sort of bloke would take a woman and kid out and expect them to fork out for themselves?’ George asked, his expression one of hurt, so Sarah grudgingly allowed him to pay.
Once through the booths, she watched as Tommy’s eyes widened and could see he wasn’t sure where to run to first. ‘He’s going to have the time of his life. Thanks, George,’ she said, though she still would have preferred to pay their own way.
‘Follow me,’ George said, ‘I’ve been here more times than I’ve had hot dinners. If we go on the Ferris wheel first, once we’re up the top it’s so high you can look around and see what you want to go on next. When we’ve done all the good stuff, I’ll take you through the tree walk.’
‘Yes!’ Tommy agreed eagerly.
Sarah wasn’t so keen. Her hands were already feeling clammy at the thought of sitting so high above the ground, and walking through the tree canopies.
‘No sweets before the rides though, Tommy. We don’t want you chucking up halfway round,’ George said with a laugh. ‘My mate ate a packet of Spangles before going on the Rotor and threw ’em all back up afterwards.’
‘What’s the Rotor, George?’ Tommy asked.
‘It’s a big circle thing that you stand in and it spins round so fast that you stick to the wall. It don’t ’alf leave you feeling giddy and ill though.’
Sarah pulled a face, and George added, ‘But I don’t think we’ll be going on that ride today.’
A few minutes later, Sarah found herself on top of the Ferris wheel, clinging on to one of the safety bars and barely able to open her eyes.
‘Look, Mum, can we go on that?’
Sarah opened one eye to see Tommy pointing towards something on the ground. She felt too afraid to speak. She feared if she opened her mouth, all that would come out would be an ear-piercing scream. Thankfully George intervened.
‘Ah, the Jets. You’ll love ’em, Tommy. There’s a stick you can hold that controls the plane going up or down.’
Once they had disembarked the Ferris wheel, Tommy led the way to the next ride. As they stood in the queue, Sarah felt weak at the knees. ‘I can’t do it,’ she said to George.
‘Can’t do what?’
‘I can’t get on that ride. I’m going to sit this one out. I think the horses on the merry-go-round are going to be my limit.’
George chortled. ‘You big chicken,’ he said. ‘Not to worry, Tommy and me will wave at you.’
Feeling relieved at being let off the hook, Sarah stepped out of the queue to look for a good vantage point. If she couldn’t enjoy the rides, she could at least watch Tommy appreciating them. She found a place that offered a good view and waited for the ride to start. As it began to spin, she could hear squeals of laughter and a few anxious screams. As the ride began to speed up she felt queasy just looking at it and was glad she’d opted out. Tommy looked delighted when she spotted him and seemed to wave at her as a second thought. She waved back eagerly, but the airplanes were whizzing past so fast that she had trouble keeping her eyes on him. She saw a couple walking towards her, and suddenly, her stomach flipped, only this time it had nothing to do with the rides. Ron Lyons was approaching, presumably with his wife.
Sarah wanted to run and hide, but it was too late, he’d seen her and she noticed his face pale and his smile vanish. She stared at him,
transfixed and terrified at what he might do. She felt intimidated, and as he walked past her, he grimaced threateningly. She kept her eyes on him, too afraid to look away, and eventually he walked around a ride and out of sight.
Tommy appeared in front of her. ‘Did you see me, Mum? Did you see how high we went?’
‘Yes, love,’ Sarah answered, but she was looking out for Ron.
‘You feeling all right, Sarah? You look a bit peaky,’ George asked.
‘Er … yes, I’m fine, George. Can we go in the Happy House next?’ she asked, thinking it would be the ideal place to hide for a while.
‘Ow, but that’s boring,’ Tommy moaned.
‘How do you know? You’ve never been in there,’ George said, ‘and I think it’s only fair that Sarah picks a ride too.’
The Happy House was dark, but had many long mirrors that reflected a distorted image, each mirror giving a different reflection. Tommy ran from one to the other, laughing at himself with an extra-long face and tiny legs, and giggling at another that made him look three feet wide.
‘Something happened when me and Tommy was on the Jets, didn’t it?’ George asked while Tommy was out of earshot.
Sarah sighed. ‘Yes, I saw Ron Lyons and he didn’t look very happy to see me.’
‘Why not? I thought you said he isn’t your dad.’
‘He denied it, and though I shouldn’t tell you this, he … he sort of threatened me … told me to keep my mouth shut. Oh, George, you should have seen the way he looked at me just now. I grew up with my mother throwing evil eyes at me all the time, but honestly, she never made me feel as scared as Ron just did. There’s something about him that frightens the life out of me.’
Sarah stiffened as George put his arm over her shoulder and gave her a quick squeeze. ‘Don’t worry about him. If he comes near you, I’ll look after you, I promise. Now come on, put a smile on your face. We don’t want to spoil Tommy’s fun.’
She glimpsed herself in one of the mirrors, and thought about her mother. There were many things she hadn’t liked about her, the list was endless, but her mother was brave. She’d never let men intimidate her, and for once Sarah wished she had more of her courage. Twice today she’d found herself running and hiding from bullying men, so it was comforting to know George would be there for her.
However, as much as she appreciated his promise, Sarah now wished she had kept her mouth shut. She didn’t want George hurt and wasn’t sure that, if it came to it, he’d be a match for Ron Lyons.
Chapter 25
It had been over a month since George had seen Sarah at the funfair in Battersea Park. He’d dropped her off that night and had arranged to pick them up the following Saturday to take Tommy on the boating lake, but Sarah had cancelled, owing to Tommy coming down with a nasty cough. She hadn’t been to the market since either, and he was worried he’d done or said something to upset her.
His mother came into the kitchen, and George noticed she was still in her dressing gown. ‘Ain’t you going to work today?’ he asked as he looked her up and down. She looked well enough, so he didn’t think she was feeling poorly.
‘No, George. I’m having meself a bit of a holiday. I’ve taken the week off so today I’m going to clean out the larder, then get my hair done. Tomorrow, I’m going with Kath to Brighton, and then to the cinema on Wednesday with Joan. Thursday I thought I’d get the train over to Croydon and see your Aunty Min. I’ll be stopping over with her but I’ll be back in time on Friday to do your tea.’
‘Well, well, well, you have got a busy week, but who’s looking after the shop?’
‘Sarah, of course. She said she could do with the extra hours and she’s more than capable.’
George felt his pulse quicken. She’d only be up the road and he could call in to see her under the pretence of checking how she was getting on alone. It was perfect! ‘But what about Tommy?’ he asked.
‘I’m picking him up from school tonight and popping into the hairdresser’s on the way home. Mo is going to help out the rest of the week. I think Sarah is going to get her in a bit of shopping to say thank you. She gets a good discount so it’ll be worth more than bunging her a few quid.’
‘So, is Sarah coming here tonight to pick up Tommy?’
‘Yes, love, and I said I’ll have some dinner ready for her. I should think she’ll be bushed after doing a full day by herself.’
George jumped up from the kitchen chair and planted a big kiss on the top of his mother’s head. ‘Mum, you’re a diamond,’ he said, and walked towards the kitchen door.
‘Hang on, son, not so fast. Come here and sit down. I want a little chat with you.’
George could see his mother’s face was serious, and did as he had been instructed. ‘What do you want to talk to me about? You’re not ill or nothing, are you?’ he asked, concerned.
‘No, I’m perfectly well. It’s about Sarah …’
‘What about her? Have I upset her? I ain’t seen her in ages. Has she said something to you?’
‘Not in so many words, but I think she’s keeping her distance ’cos she’s worried she might have given you the wrong impression.’
‘So, she has said something then?’ George asked, beginning to feel irritated with his mother.
‘Like I said, not really. I just mentioned that you was fond of her, and well, she said she was fond of you too … as a friend.’
George was annoyed with his mum for revealing things like that to Sarah, but pasted a smile on his face. It hurt to hear that she wanted no more than his friendship, but deep down he already knew. ‘That’s all right with me. Anyway, I reckon she likes Roger.’
‘Yeah, I think you’re right. When his name came up in conversation her eyes lit up. I didn’t say anything to her, but you know my thoughts on that man.’
George did, and again his mother’s words felt like a hefty blow. He thought it was probably time to stop lusting after Sarah and chasing a dream that was never going to come true, yet he knew it wouldn’t be easy, not when he couldn’t stop thinking about her.
Lena was pleased with her cut and set and even happier that she’d got home from the hairdresser’s with Tommy before the rain had started. The weather was always a bit iffy in May and she hoped it would brighten up for her trip to Brighton the next day. She ruffled Tommy’s hair. The lad had been as good as gold, even though he must have been bored stiff while she’d been sitting under the hairdryer. ‘Tommy, go up to George’s room and have a look under his bed. He’s got an old train set under there, and I’m sure he wouldn’t mind you playing with it.’
‘Cor, thanks,’ Tommy said, then ran from the kitchen and up the stairs.
That’ll be the last I see of him ’til teatime, Lena thought, remembering how George would spend hours in his room playing with his trains. She made herself a hot drink, then sat in the front room with her legs up on the sofa. She must have dozed off, but was woken by the sound of the front door closing and George calling out hello. She checked the wooden clock on the mantel. He was early, and she could guess why. It appeared her little chat with him this morning had fallen on deaf ears.
She got up and walked to the hallway as Tommy came flying down the stairs to greet George. The boy was unmistakably taken with him, and Lena thought it was such a shame that Sarah didn’t feel the same. She thought he’d be a smashing stepdad and a doting husband too, but if Sarah couldn’t see past his scars to see that, then the girl was stupid.
‘You’re home early, love.’
‘Yeah, I thought you might want a hand with this little monster,’ George said and scooped Tommy up from the stairs.
‘Oh, he’s no trouble,’ Lena said, pinching the end of Tommy’s nose. She pretended to accept George’s reason for his early arrival, but she could see straight through him and knew he’d come home to spruce himself up for Sarah. She’d have loved to see her son happy with a woman, and thought it such a shame that he was wasting his time on a girl who had no interest in him. She was blin
ded by Roger and his looks, which was a crying shame.
Later that evening, as Sarah walked through her front door, Mo appeared at the top of the stairs. ‘The kettle’s on if you fancy a cuppa?’
‘Thanks, Mo, but I’m done in. I just want to get indoors and lie on my bed with a good book.’ Sarah knew Mo was lonely as Samuel was working long hours, but she was so tired, she doubted she’d be good company.
‘Oh, OK. Have you both eaten? I could do you some sandwiches and pop them down?’
‘We’ve just had our tea at Lena’s, but thanks again. I’ll see you bright and early in the morning with Tommy. I warn you, he’s very energetic and excitable before school.’
‘He’ll behave himself for his Aunty Mo, ain’t that right, Tommy?’
Tommy nodded but was unusually subdued. Sarah wondered if he was just tired and hoped he wasn’t coming down with a bad chest again. ‘Night, Mo,’ Sarah called as she walked through to her room.
When Sarah changed into her night clothes, she saw that Tommy was sitting very quietly on the edge of his bed. In fact, when she thought about it, she realised he’d been behaving out of character all evening. She sat on the bed next to him, then lowered her head to look at his face. ‘You all right, Tommy?’
Tommy nodded but Sarah wasn’t convinced. ‘You know you can talk to me about anything that’s bothering you?’
Tommy nodded again and glanced sideways at her. ‘It’s … I don’t understand. George said he sold all the treasure we found, but he lied and you told me lying is naughty.’
‘What on earth makes you think George has lied?’
‘I saw the stuff in a box in his wardrobe.’
‘Are you sure?’
‘Yes, Mum, honest, it was all there. The bracelet, clock and ring.’
‘What was you doing in George’s wardrobe?’
‘I was just playing. Lena said I could play with his train set. Am I in trouble?’
‘No, you’re not in trouble, but I know a man who is.’
Sarah settled Tommy down and got him ready for bed, and as she tucked him in, said, ‘What you saw in George’s wardrobe … it’ll be our secret, OK?’