A Daughter's Courage

by Kitty Neale

‘Thanks, Dottie, you’re a real good mate. I’ve got something else to ask you, but I don’t want to put you out.’

  ‘Ask away.’

  ‘Would it be OK for Malcolm to come here to see me?’

  ‘That’s fine with me. Adrian, you won’t mind, will you?’ Dorothy asked.

  ‘No, of course not.’

  ‘That’s settled then,’ Dorothy told Nelly. ‘He can call in any time he likes, and I expect your family will want to visit you too.’

  ‘Yes, if that’s all right. Malcolm said that if I cleared it with you he’d call in on Sunday and I’m really looking forward to seeing him. Will you do something nice with my hair?’

  ‘I can do better than that,’ Dorothy answered with a smile. ‘My hairdresser mentioned she does home visits so we’ll get her to come here and pamper us both, my treat.’

  ‘Blimey, Dottie, I’ve never seen a hairdresser in my life! You know my mum always cuts and sets it for me. Cor, I really am being spoilt.’

  ‘I think we should invite Malcom to join us for Christmas dinner too. What do you think, Adrian?’

  ‘Yes, good idea,’ he said as he dipped his toast into his runny fried egg. It was good to see Dorothy so animated and having the confidence to spend money without asking for his permission. Perhaps at last she was really beginning to feel like his wife rather than a housekeeper.

  Chapter 24

  It was funny how things worked out, Robbie thought. It was Christmas Eve and this time last year he’d stolen cash and booze from a pub. Now he was about to commit a riskier crime and his nerves were jangling. The last time he’d watched the unit, he had seen the middle-aged woman and the young man returning from the bank. When they’d pulled up outside, the woman had taken a cloth bag from the car that looked like it was bulging with money.

  Now Robbie was back again, and this time he was set on getting that cloth bag out of the woman’s hands. He’d parked a little distance away, watching, and as expected they climbed into the car and drove off. He waited until they were out of sight then quickly drove his car closer. He then did a three-point turn so that he was facing the right way for a quick getaway, parking the Ford where their car had been. On their return he would spring into action, but for now he would have to wait. His nerves were still jumping and he held his hands out in front of him. They were shaking. Pull yourself together, he told himself as he slouched low in the seat. They wouldn’t be long, forty minutes at the most, but the time passed slowly for Robbie.

  Eventually he heard the murmur of an engine, and sat up to see the target car coming into focus. As it drew closer Robbie’s heart thumped hard in his chest, and he took several deep breaths as he slouched low in his seat again. It crossed his mind that it might not be as easy as he’d first thought, but steely determination and the greed for easy money spurred him on.

  As the car pulled up behind Robbie he started the Ford’s engine whilst looking in his rear-view mirror to see the young man get out and walk round to open the door for the middle-aged woman.

  This was it: time to react. Robbie leaped from his car, leaving the door open, and ran towards the other car just as the woman climbed out with the cash bag. The young man saw Robbie, and for the briefest moment the two locked eyes, but before the chap could react Robbie had his hands on the cloth bag and was tugging it hard to pull it from the woman’s grasp. She struggled and tried to keep hold of it but she didn’t have the strength, and her shrill screams didn’t deter Robbie. It took very little to yank it from her hands, but as he turned to run the young man was blocking his path.

  ‘Oi, you, give it back,’ he shouted as he made a grab for the bag.

  Robbie had expected a confrontation and was ready for it. He pushed hard on the man’s chest, shoving him so violently that it sent him flying onto the pavement, leaving Robbie unrestricted to flee to his car and speed off.

  Robbie raced through the streets, heading out of Southsea, relieved not to hear the sound of police sirens. His heart was still pounding, but he glanced at the bag of money beside him on the passenger seat and laughed heartily.

  It had been so easy, much easier than he had estimated. He had a small flick knife in his jacket pocket, and with one hand on the steering wheel he fished around for it with the other, then threw it out of the window. He hadn’t wanted to use the knife and risk being done for armed robbery, but had brought it with him just in case. If the young man had been able to restrain him, he’d have been forced to use the knife against him, yet he had resolved to make sure he only stabbed the man in his arm or leg – just enough to escape.

  Pleased he hadn’t needed to use that sort of violence, Robbie began to relax and to believe he had literally got away with daylight robbery. He kept driving, heading for London, aiming to put as much distance between him and the local police as possible. He wanted to pull over to count his haul of stolen money, but didn’t dare risk stopping yet.

  However, sure that with Christmas bonuses there was a lot of cash in the bag, Robbie knew he’d be able to pay off his debts. He thought about Adrian. His brother’s face would be a picture when he handed him the money he owed him.

  Robbie had hated the way Adrian looked at him every time he’d asked to borrow a few quid, and now the risk he’d just taken was worth it if only to knock that patronising expression off his brother’s face.

  Dorothy washed up, dried her hands and smoothed down the front of her skirt. It would be Christmas Day tomorrow and she was dreading it. She would have to prepare Christmas dinner knowing it was the last meal her mother had cooked.

  With a determined effort, she took a deep breath and walked through to the living room, where Nelly was lying on the single bed that Adrian had bought for her. He was such a generous, considerate man and though she didn’t regret marrying him, there was still something missing. She hadn’t fallen in love with him, and wondered if she ever would.

  ‘I’m looking forward to tomorrow,’ Nelly said as she eyed the pile of gifts under the Christmas tree.’

  ‘Yes, me too,’ Dorothy lied.

  ‘You can’t fool me,’ Nelly said kindly. ‘I know this must be hard for you, and Adrian does too, but try to remember that your mum wouldn’t want to see you unhappy.’

  ‘Yes, I know,’ Dorothy said softly.

  ‘I bet Adrian will give you some lovely presents.’

  The only thing Dorothy really wanted was a baby, but she still wasn’t pregnant and it added to her unhappiness.

  ‘Thanks for getting my present for Malcolm. They’re lovely gloves and I hope he likes them.’

  Dorothy hoped so too, but, wanting to turn the talk away from Christmas, she said, ‘Time’s getting on so I’d best pop along to the butcher’s to pick up the turkey I put on order, and then go to the greengrocer’s for the vegetables.’

  ‘All right, love, but don’t get too many sprouts. I can’t stand the bloomin’ things.’

  Dorothy put her coat on and after tying a scarf around her head she hurried out. Her energy dissipated when she reached the high street; the shop windows were dressed with garish Christmas decorations and her heart sank. It was impossible to ignore the time of year. She whispered to herself, ‘Oh, Mum. I miss you so much.’

  Chapter 25

  Whilst Dottie was out, Nelly’s ears pricked, sure she had heard Bill call out. She grabbed her crutches, cursing how uncomfortable they were to use as she manoeuvred her way along the hall. Dorothy’s father rarely made any sort of noise, and would just sit all day gazing out onto the back garden. Dottie often put the radio on in his room, hoping a programme would stimulate him, but so far there had been no reaction. Maybe that was what she’d heard, Nelly thought. Perhaps it was the radio. However, as she limped into Bill’s room she was astonished when he turned to look at her and a smile spread across his face.

  ‘You all right there, Mr Butler?’ she asked.

  Bill didn’t answer and turned his head again to the window.

  ‘Can I get you anything? A cup o
f tea? I’m sure I can manage to make one.’

  ‘Bad leg,’ he answered slowly.

  Nelly thought, if she hadn’t been on crutches, she would have fallen over with shock. The man had spoken his first real words in years! What a dreadful shame Dorothy wasn’t home to witness it.

  ‘Yes, Mr Butler. I got hit by a car and my leg is broken. What about you? How are you feeling?’ She held her breath, hoping for a response.

  Nelly waited but was disappointed when he remained silent. She hadn’t imagined it though; he had spoken and acknowledged her plastered leg. She was reeling with excitement at hearing Bill’s voice, and she couldn’t wait to tell Dorothy, who would no doubt be over the moon.

  As Nelly headed back to the living room, there was a knock on the front door. She tutted, but at least she was already on her feet. She struggled along the hallway, but when she opened the door it was her second shock of the day – though this one filled her with doom.

  ‘Well, well … Nelly the News. Don’t tell me you’re shacked up with my brother? Bloody hell, he must be either blind or desperate.’

  Nelly couldn’t believe her eyes and blinked hard, but it was true – Robbie bloody Ferguson was back and that could only mean trouble. She refused to be baited and ignored his nasty remarks, asking instead, ‘What do you want?’

  ‘That’s really none of your business, Nelly. More importantly, what are you doing in my house?’ Robbie answered, his tone unfriendly.

  Nelly panicked. Dorothy would be home any minute, and, worried that her friend still harboured feelings for Robbie, she gabbled, ‘You can’t be here. The police are probably still after you for that jeweller’s robbery, and this isn’t your house, it’s your brother’s, so clear off!’

  ‘The police have got nothing on me, and who the hell do you think you are, telling me to clear off? I’ve got more right to be here than you have, unless of course you really are shacking up with Adrian.’

  ‘Don’t be bloody ridiculous!’ Nelly snapped, her newly learned diction forgotten. ‘How could I be? Just piss off, Robbie, you ain’t welcome. Your brother and Dottie are happy and they don’t need you turning up to ruin things for them.’

  ‘What are you talking about? I intend to spend Christmas with my brother so move over and let me in,’ said Robbie as he tried to push past Nelly.

  ‘No, Robbie. They’re married and Dottie lives here now,’ Nelly said through gritted teeth while she tried to hold one of her crutches across the threshold.

  ‘Married? My brother and Dottie? No way! You’re kidding, right?’ Robbie stepped backwards. It was obvious he didn’t believe her.

  ‘No, I ain’t kidding. They got married about six months ago and they’re very happy together.’

  Robbie took another step backwards and for a moment he just stood there, his eyes narrowed in thought, but then he sneered and said, ‘Funny, I never took Dottie for a gold-digger, but the only reason she’d marry my brother is for his money. Huh, and with you living here too the pair of you have really landed on your feet. Well, you can tell Adrian from me that I’ll be seeing him … and soon.’

  Robbie spun on his heel to march towards an old grey car and when he drove off Nelly closed the door, her stomach in a knot. From what he’d said, she knew it wouldn’t be the last they would see of Robbie Ferguson.

  Dorothy was pleased to arrive home. Her shopping bags were heavy and made her arms ache. She trudged down the hallway to the kitchen, but just as she put the bags down, Nelly called her.

  ‘What’s wrong? Are you in pain?’ Dorothy asked as she walked into the living room to see Nelly looking agitated.

  ‘No, I’m fine, but I’ve got something to tell you.’

  Dorothy could tell from her friend’s expression that it was something serious. ‘What is it?’

  ‘Sit down, Dottie.’

  ‘Nelly, just spit it out.’

  ‘Do you want the good news first or the bad?’

  ‘The bad … give me the bad.’

  ‘I hate to tell you this, but … but Robbie is back.’

  Dorothy’s mind reeled as she stood, transfixed. Robbie back. No! Oh, no!

  ‘Are you all right?’ Nelly asked urgently. ‘You’ve gone as white as a sheet.’

  With a supreme effort she found her voice, and managed to sound nonchalant. ‘I’m fine, Nelly. I knew this would happen one day, but I’m well over Robbie. I’m married to Adrian now and I’m happy.’

  ‘You don’t look fine.’

  Dorothy gripped the back of Adrian’s armchair to steady herself. ‘How do you know he’s back?’

  ‘He knocked on the door, as bold as brass, but I sent him off with a flea in his ear. He didn’t look too happy when I told him about you and Adrian.’

  ‘He was upset to hear we’re married?’ Dorothy asked, unable to help feeling a surge of pleasure, but then common sense took over. ‘Actually, it doesn’t matter if he was. Forget I asked. What’s the good news?’

  ‘You won’t believe this, but it’s your dad. He noticed that I’ve got a bad leg and spoke to me. I could hardly believe it myself, but honestly, he smiled and said a couple of words.’

  This was the news Dorothy had waited years to hear, but the return of Robbie had marred it. She tried to smile and pretended to be delighted, even though her mind was still reeling. ‘I’ll pop in to see him. This could be the first step in the right direction, but what a shame my mum missed it.’

  ‘I know, but one step at a time. Don’t expect too much.’

  Dottie found her father sitting in his usual chair, facing the window. She placed a hand on his shoulder and spoke softly. ‘Hello, Dad. Nelly tells me you spoke to her today.’

  There was no response, but hoping to pique his interest she continued, ‘There aren’t any flowers in the garden at this time of year, but if you’d like to plant some spring bulbs, I’m sure Adrian wouldn’t mind.’

  Bill began to rock back and forth in his seat, but didn’t answer, his eyes fixed ahead.

  ‘I don’t know when bulbs need to be planted, and I can’t tell a daisy from a daffodil. I expect you miss your job in the park. I can just remember the flowers you used to bring home for Mum. She loved them.’

  Bill shook his head from side to side and began to flay his arms wildly. ‘Alice … Alice …’ he grumbled.

  Dorothy tried to hold his arms down while pacifying him. ‘It’s all right, Dad,’ she said, repeatedly, but instead of calming he became more agitated. He managed to break loose from her grip and swung an arm back, his elbow thumping into her face, just below her eye.

  Momentarily dazed, Dorothy stepped back, and when she lifted her fingers to her cheek she found blood on them. ‘Nelly, help, it’s Dad,’ she called, watching as he thrashed around in his seat, still shouting for his wife.

  It felt like ages before Nelly appeared, struggling on her crutches. ‘Your face, Dottie! You’re bleeding!’

  ‘Don’t worry about me. Look at my dad – he’s going berserk and I don’t know what to do. Oh, no, he’s foaming at the mouth now!’

  ‘You can move quicker than me. Call the doctor,’ Nelly ordered, ‘and Adrian.’

  Dorothy ran to the telephone in the hall. She rang the surgery asking for an urgent visit and then replaced the receiver to ring Adrian. That done, for just a moment she paused, her thoughts again on Robbie’s return. She felt sick with guilt. How could she think of Robbie at a time like this? She felt awful, but the image of his face remained in her mind even as she tried hard to dismiss it.

  Robbie was back and Dorothy feared the impact it was going to have on her life.

  Chapter 26

  Robbie had driven to the other side of Battersea and pulled over outside a pub that seemed to attract most of the local villains. He owed Stan and Brian nearly a hundred quid between them, and though the two men ran separate gangs, they worked together when it came to debt collection.

  He had received threats from them before he’d done a runner, and feared t
heir heavies seeking him out, so on his return he decided that for his own safety he’d better repay the debts first.

  Robbie killed the engine but sat holding the steering wheel, his mind still on what Nelly had said. Dorothy was probably the best-looking girl in Battersea so, apart from his bank balance, what on earth did she see in Adrian? He scowled and then shrugged. He wasn’t bothered. His brother was welcome to his cast-offs, though it would be amusing to see Dorothy’s face when she discovered that Adrian wasn’t the only one with money now.

  He reached under the passenger seat for the stolen cash bag, which he’d found contained just over four hundred pounds. There was more than enough to pay off his debts and leave plenty to enjoy the high life. He counted out one hundred and fifty pounds for Stan and Brian, calculating that the extra fifty-pound payment on top of his original loan would be enough to pacify them.

  Robbie got out from his car and nervously sauntered towards the pub. This wasn’t a meeting he was relishing and his normally confident demeanour was in tatters. He pushed open the door and paused a second while his eyes adjusted to the gloom, caused by the shuttered windows that were designed to stop prying eyes from seeing what went on inside. The bar fell silent as the punters stopped talking to check who had come in. Strangers weren’t welcome.

  ‘You’ve got some nerve, showing your face in here.’

  Robbie didn’t see who had spoken, but recognised Brian’s hoarse, raspy growl. All eyes were on Robbie as he spotted Brian and walked over to his table. ‘I’ve come with the money I owe you,’ he said, in the hope it would pacify the man enough to save him from a beating.

  ‘It’s about time.’

  Robbie saw that Stan was there too, and on a nearby table were three of their heavies. ‘I’ve got your money too.’

  ‘Pull up a chair,’ Brian said with a snarl as ash fell from the cigarette hanging from the side of his mouth. ‘We need to have a little chat.’

  Robbie uneasily did as he was told, and noticed that Stan was looking at him as if he was a bad smell under his nose. It was Brian, though, who spoke. ‘You’ve taken the piss out of us, Rob, and we’re none too pleased.’