by Sam Michaels
‘I’ll be back on pay day.’
Varvara remained silent. She didn’t want to provoke another physical attack but in her mind, she cursed him. As he walked away and out of the door, she felt her legs go to jelly and she collapsed to the floor. She lifted the back of her hand to her mouth. Yes, as she thought, it was bleeding. She muttered, ‘You won’t get away with this,’ and imagined straddling his naked body and sticking a knife in his fat chest. Oh, the thought was so satisfying.
The sound of a car engine pulling up outside distracted her from her murderous thoughts. She pulled herself back to her feet and walked shakily to the window, pleased to see Georgina climbing out of the back.
Varvara ran to the mirror on her dressing table and winced as she dabbed at her split lip. She had to get down the stairs quickly if she was to get a glimpse of her boss. She secured her gown around her as she dashed to the top of the stairs just at the moment Georgina was entering the office.
‘Miss Garrett,’ she called and ran down the stairs.
Georgina stopped and looked up. The woman’s beauty was undeniable and once again, Varvara yearned for more of her.
‘Miss Garrett, I have a problem with a customer but what am I to do if Knuckles is not here?’
‘I can see. Are you all right?’
‘Yes, but he did not pay me enough and as is apparent, he did not like me to point it out.’
‘Your neck… did he strangle you?’
‘A bit.’
‘Come through and sit down. I want to know who did this to you.’
Varvara sat opposite Georgina and again dabbed at her bleeding lip, pleased that she was receiving the attention she craved from her.
‘Benjamin, would you mind getting Varvara a drink, please? Brandy would be good.’
Benjamin didn’t hesitate in responding and when he handed Varvara the glass, she couldn’t help but notice the sympathy in his eyes. She thanked him and wanted to detest him for being a man, but there was something about Benjamin that she warmed to.
‘Who did this to you?’ Georgina asked.
‘Elmer. Elmer Newman. It is not too much bother but without Knuckles in the house, we are all very vulnerable.’
‘Don’t worry, Varvara, from tomorrow, Lash will be here to look after you and the women at Livingstone Road. In fact, you can call Dina in a minute and let her know.’
‘But what about Knuckles?’
‘That’s not your concern but you won’t be seeing him again.’
‘I see. So will Lash be here to stop Elmer from visiting next week?’
‘I can promise you that Elmer will never be visiting any of my businesses again.’
‘Thank you, Miss Garrett,’ Varvara said and though it stung, she smiled.
‘You can take the rest of the evening off. I don’t care if you send any booked customers away. They’ll come back. You must rest now.’
‘Thank you, Miss Garrett,’ Varvara repeated. She desperately wished she could think of something else to say. Anything at all that would keep her sitting at Miss Garrett’s desk, but her mind was blank.
‘That will be all,’ Georgina said, dismissively.
Varvara went through to the back room to call her sister, not that she thought Dina would be bothered one way or the other about what bit of muscle looked out for them. She supposed Lash was better than Knuckles, but she didn’t like him. No matter what, he would never be good enough for Miss Garrett and now that he was the paid pimp, he’d proved Varvara’s point exactly.
*
Benjamin looked across at Victor standing in the office doorway, then asked Georgina, ‘Did it go well with, erm, with Mr Maynard?’
‘After a fashion. He’d already heard about The Penthouse and wasn’t too pleased with me. I managed to smooth it over,’ Georgina answered with one of her charming smiles.
‘Do you mind me asking how?’
‘Don’t worry, Benjamin, it didn’t cost the business any money, though this lot did,’ she answered and placed several boxes of bullets on her desk.
‘How much?’
‘A lot less than David first demanded. The cheeky sod tried to stitch me up. I suppose he thought he could try and take advantage of me being a woman and assumed I wouldn’t know about guns and the like. I think I left him suitably impressed and I know from the books that I paid less than Billy used to.’
‘Good, because after the transaction for The Penthouse has cleared, there won’t be a bulk of spare cash left.’
‘Yes, I’m aware of the finances, thank you. I’ve swapped Victor and the car for Knuckles.’
‘Seriously?’
‘And I’ve agreed to help David with a matter.’
‘Can I erm, ask what matter?’
‘You can, but I’m not telling you. Well, not yet. The less anyone knows, the better. Now, about The Penthouse. I’ll need a manager.’
‘Yes, and a new barman. Betsy is Aubrey’s plaything so I would assume they’ll be running off to Paris together.’
‘Oh bloody hell. I was hoping Betsy would at least temporarily run the place. I think they’re mad going to Europe with all the unrest there at the moment but it’s their lookout.’
He wasn’t surprised to hear Georgina talking about an impending war. She wasn’t the only one who believed Hitler had ambitions of world domination, though the government thought otherwise. Benjamin preferred to believe Chamberlain.
‘Do you think you can help me find suitable replacements for the club?’ she asked.
Now was his chance. ‘I… I think so,’ Benjamin answered. He’d always quite fancied running the place himself and as the club was only open in the evenings, he didn’t see why he couldn’t do that and remain as Miss Garrett’s accountant.
‘What are you smiling at?’ she asked him.
‘I’ll do it… manage The Penthouse.’
‘You?’ Georgina exclaimed, sounding rather incredulous.
‘I know I must seem like a blabbering fool, but I’m a different person when I’m there. Please, Miss Garrett, allow me to be your manager. I won’t let you down.’
‘Fine, if you think you’re up to it. How do you suppose a woman would be received as bar staff?’
‘It would, erm, depend on the woman. You’re not thinking of yourself?’
‘Don’t be daft. She’s very young, but I was thinking of Ivy. She needs to earn her keep, but as I’d prefer to keep her away from men it seems to me The Penthouse would be the perfect place. However, you’re the manager so the decision is yours.’
‘I don’t see a problem, though I’d like to meet her first.’
‘Of course. I’ll bring her in with me tomorrow. I warn you, she’s a cheeky madam so make sure you’re firm with her.’
They heard a light tap on the front door and Georgina instructed Victor to turn away any of Varvara’s clients.
Benjamin began to pack away his pens but looked up from his desk when he heard PC Cunningham’s voice. It wasn’t Monday and unusual for the officer to make unscheduled visits. And it was even more unusual for him to be carrying his policeman’s helmet under his arm.
‘Good afternoon, Miss Garrett.’
Georgina looked irritated at the intrusion but invited the man to take a seat.
‘No, thank you, I won’t, if you don’t mind.’
‘Is there a problem?’ Georgina asked.
Benjamin saw PC Cunningham’s Adam’s apple rise and fall as the man swallowed hard. Immediately, he sensed the officer had come with bad news and by the look on Georgina’s face, she thought the same.
‘It’s Ethel Mipple, isn’t it?’ Georgina asked.
PC Cunningham nodded. ‘I’m so sorry, Miss Garrett, but her body has been found.’
Georgina lowered her head. ‘Tell me,’ she said firmly as she looked at the top of her desk.
‘A couple of young lads were playing by the new power station. They found her in a disused builder’s store. She was bound and gagged but there was no obvi
ous sign of any injury. We believe she starved to death, Miss Garrett.’
‘And Jimmy Hewitt?’
‘No sign of him.’
‘I see. And you’re certain it’s her?’
‘Yes, though we will need a formal identification. I’d suggest someone with a strong stomach. The body is somewhat decomposed and not something her mother should have to see… or smell.
‘I’ll do it. In fact, I think it’s best to keep this to ourselves until I’ve confirmed it’s Ethel.’
‘Yes, of course, Miss Garrett.’
The conversation continued but Benjamin was no longer listening. He didn’t know poor Ethel and had never met her, but nonetheless, it was very upsetting news and his heart went out to the girl’s mother. But he’d known what he was getting involved in when he’d signed up to work for Miss Garrett. He wasn’t so stupid to believe that there wouldn’t be violence and sometimes even death. Yes, it was incredibly sad about Ethel but he wasn’t going to allow it to mar his good fortune – Manager of The Penthouse Club, fancy that! His mind was already whirling with super ideas for the place and he couldn’t wait to get stuck in. If he’d had the money, he may have bought it for himself but that would have left him open to police scrutiny, something Miss Garrett could avoid. He wasn’t the owner but he was the manager with free rein. Whilst Miss Garrett was queen in her world up here, he intended to be king in his world below ground.
19
It was Sunday morning, three weeks since Ethel’s funeral and Fanny hadn’t stopped crying.
‘I’ll never forgive her, Molly, never. It should have been Georgina! It should have been her six feet under, not my Ethel.’
Molly was desperate to offer her mother some comfort. ‘Would it help if we moved away? Started a new life – me, Edward, you, Charlotte and Oppo.’
‘Eh? What are you on about, girl?’
Molly stirred a large spoonful of sugar into her mother’s teacup then sat at the kitchen table with her. ‘It was Oppo’s idea. He doesn’t like the idea of me and Edward being at risk. And well, since Ethel’s death, I think he’s right.’
‘What, move out of Battersea?’
‘Yes, Mum. Maybe out of London altogether. I don’t know that I would have been brave enough to do it by meself but Oppo will look after us.’
‘I’m not sure, love. I ain’t never been outside of Battersea before, let alone out of London. It would mean taking Charlotte away from all her friends.’
‘Yeah, well, that ain’t a bad thing.’
‘I suppose it could work. I wouldn’t have to look at that cow’s face anymore. Honestly, Molly, every time I see Georgina, I’m reminded of my lovely Ethel, dying scared and all alone. It breaks my heart,’ Fanny said and started sobbing again.
Molly gave her mother a few moments, then told her, ‘Let’s do it then. There’s nothing to keep us here.’
Fanny blew her nose. ‘I reckon with what we earn from the business, we could live more than comfortably,’ she said and sniffed.
‘Actually, Oppo suggested that I talk to Georgina and ask her to buy me out. We can’t expect to live on handouts from her if we’re not pulling our weight. If she paid me a lump sum for my share of the company, it would be enough to set us up.’
‘Sounds like Oppo has thought of everything.’
‘He has, Mum. I would have quite happily just walked away but he talked me into selling my shares.’
‘Good on Oppo. That lad’s got a sensible head screwed onto his shoulders.’
‘So, you’ll do it then?’
‘Yes, if it makes you happy. Like you say, there’s nothing to keep me here. Knuckles is the only person who ever bothers to see me and even he don’t call in often.’
‘He’s working for David Maynard now. Anyway, I’m glad you’re on board with us moving. Will you keep an eye on Edward for me? I’m going to pop round to Georgina’s and have a word.’
A while later, Lash opened Dulcie’s front door and invited Molly in. The house smelt of freshly cooked bread and Molly knew that Dulcie had been baking again.
‘Hello, Molly. Are you all alone?’ Georgina asked.
‘Yes, I’ve left Edward with Mum. I thought he might be a good distraction for her. She’s hardly stopped crying since…’
‘Poor Fanny,’ Dulcie said and shook her head. ‘Such a tragic waste. Do you know, I’ve never cried at a funeral, not even when I buried my first husband. But Ethel’s, Gawd, I couldn’t help meself.’
‘Please, Gran, can you stop going on about it. I feel terrible about what happened and don’t need constantly reminding,’ Georgina snapped.
‘It wasn’t your fault, love. Tell her, Molly. She keeps blaming herself,’ Dulcie said.
‘Your gran’s right, Georgina. It wasn’t your fault. But I do agree, I’d rather not keep going over it. If we talk about Ethel, it should be about her life and the good memories.’
‘If you’ll excuse me, ladies, I’ll leave you to it,’ Lash said and gently closed the door behind him.
‘We’re getting married next week,’ Georgina said and a big grin spread across her face.
Molly hoped that what she was about to say wouldn’t wipe away Georgina’s smile. It was nice to see a bit of happiness amongst all the sadness of late. ‘Are you sure you still want to do it with just the two of you?’
‘Yes, we’ve made up our minds. Anyway, what brings you here today? I hope Ivy is behaving herself?’
‘Yes, Ivy’s in her element now she’s working at the club. I think she likes being the only female there and she doesn’t have to worry about any blokes trying it on. The customers seem to like her cheeky personality too.’
‘Are your mum and Charlotte going to be moving into that new house soon, the one she looked at before?’ Dulcie asked, her voice faltering towards the end of the question.
‘Actually, that’s what I wanted to talk to you about,’ Molly said nervously. ‘It’s just that after what happened, you know, to Ethel, I feel I have to keep Edward safe and the best way to do that is to move far from here. He’s always going to be known as Billy Wilcox’s son, and let’s face it, Billy must have made plenty of enemies. I don’t want anyone seeking their revenge through my son.’
‘Blimey, Molly, moving away seems a bit drastic. I’ll look after you and Edward, you know that.’
‘I’m sorry, Georgina, my mind is set. It won’t be easy, but I’m taking my mum and Charlotte too… and Oppo is coming.’
‘Oppo… I hadn’t realised it’d grown serious between you.’
‘It has. But I’ve known him for most of my life so it’s not like we’re rushing into things. Anyway, Oppo thought you might like to buy me out of the business. That way, you’ll have more of the profits.’ There, she’d said it and now Molly bit nervously on her lip as she waited for Georgina’s response.
‘I can see you’ve given this a lot of thought and I know you, Molly. You wouldn’t have taken this decision lightly. If it’s what you want and it makes you happy, then I’ll do whatever I can to support you. But, and it’s a big but… you have to stay in touch and expect regular visits from me and my new husband.’
Molly sighed with relief. She loved Georgina dearly but knew her friend could sometimes fly off the handle. Thankfully, she’d taken the news well. ‘I wouldn’t have it any other way,’ Molly said and wiped away a tear. ‘Oh, dear Lord, this is really happening! It didn’t feel real ’til now, but I’m off to start a new life with Oppo. Who’d have thought it, eh? Me and Oppo!’
*
Mickey was sick to death of staring at the white walls of the hospital and equally fed up with the apples his brother kept bringing him. If he could have, he would have discharged himself and gone straight to Queenstown Road. But he still had a bullet in his spine. The doctors had told him it would be too dangerous to remove it and they’d also said he’d never walk again. Fuck ’em, he thought, fuck ’em all. He would walk again and when he could, he’d march out of this hospital and c
laim back the Wilcox business.
The ward slowly began to fill up with visitors and through the flurry of activity, Mickey spotted PC Cunningham walking towards his bed. The man was out of uniform and greeted him with a friendly smile.
‘You’re looking a lot better, Mickey. How are you, mate?’
‘Not bad, thanks, Frank. Bored shitless.’
Frank Cunningham looked over his shoulder as he pulled out a seat next to the bed. ‘She’s a bit of all right, that nurse. I wouldn’t mind her giving me a bed bath.’
‘Yeah, she ain’t bad but I’m not sure if it’s all working down there,’ Mickey said and indicated to his groin area.
‘Don’t worry, mate. Once you’re up and about, you’ll be back to your old self.’
Mickey forced a smile. He and PC Frank Cunningham were cousins, their fathers brothers. They’d played together as kids, and shared most family Christmases together. When Mickey had taken over the Wilcox business from Billy, his policemen cousin had willingly remained on the payroll. He’d offered his services as more of a partnership and had big ideas for expansion with Mickey. ‘So, any updates?’ Mickey asked.
‘She keeps her cards close to her chest but Knuckles is now working for David Maynard.’
‘You’re fucking kidding me?’
‘No, straight up. She’s got Victor and Maynard’s car in exchange for Knuckles. There’s got to be more to it. There’s no way that was a fair swap and Maynard isn’t anyone’s fool.’
‘Do you reckon she’s screwing him?’ Mickey asked. If she was, it would make his life a lot more difficult. It was one thing to go up against Georgina Garrett but he didn’t have the resources to destroy her and Maynard. At least, not yet.
‘Who knows? She’s got her gypsy bloke and he don’t look the sort to allow her to sleep with other men.’
‘Well, she must be doing him some sort of favour and I’m guessing it’s a big one,’ Mickey replied.