The Girl from the Docklands Café

by June Tate

  ‘Well, do you like it?’

  ‘Yes, I do. It’s very smooth … like you!’

  He laughed quietly. ‘I’m not sure if that’s a compliment or not.’

  She leant forward. ‘Get to the point, Mr Forbes. What do you want?’

  ‘That’s what I like about you, Jessie. No messing – cards on the table. No games.’ He sat looking at her, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

  She waited, silently.

  Eventually, he spoke. ‘You have a fine business brain. You know how to deal with the public. You are a woman ahead of your time and you don’t even know it. If you so desired, there is nothing you couldn’t accomplish with the help of the right person.’

  She didn’t react to his remarks, just slowly sipped her wine and stared at the man sitting opposite her, but her mind was working furiously. What’s this bastard after? He’s here for a reason, yet … and yet, she was intrigued. In this mood, he was a different man. Beguiling, even. ‘And?’ she challenged.

  ‘I think we could do business together and be very successful. You could do far better than this.’ He motioned to the room in which they sat. ‘Not that I’m denigrating the work you’ve done here, the improvements, your reputation. You worked hard to achieve all that. But I see you in a class above all this. You have the looks, you have the skills – you could do anything you wanted, really.’ He leant toward her. ‘Jessie McGonigall, you are worth far more than a workman’s cafe!’

  ‘I totally agree with you, and one day I’ll have something even better!’

  ‘But how long will you have to wait? Do you have the finance to furnish your ambition?’

  ‘Not yet.’

  ‘If you had, what would be your next move?’

  She sat quietly thinking. ‘I would like a small hotel. One with about ten rooms. I would employ a chef to do the cooking and the staff to maintain it and I would be in charge.’

  ‘That’s a big ambition in this day and age, a woman in such a position.’

  ‘It doesn’t mean it can’t be done,’ she said with a note of defiance.

  ‘I agree, but it would take a great deal of money, more than I imagine you’d be able to raise.’

  Jessie knew that he was correct in his assumption. The bank would hardly finance her without collateral. Her skill and ambition were the only things she had to offer. But she wasn’t going to back down.

  ‘It will just take time to save,’ she said.

  ‘What if I offer to back you financially?’

  Jessie was taken by surprise. ‘Why on earth would you do such a thing?’

  ‘Because I think you’d be successful.’

  Her eyes narrowed as she looked at him suspiciously. ‘What would be in it for you, Mr Forbes?’

  He stared back at her, his gaze almost hypnotic in its intensity. ‘I’m sure we could come to an agreement that would suit both of us.’ He finished his wine and stood up. ‘Think about it. We’ll talk again soon.’ He walked to the door and let himself out.

  Jessie sat alone, sipping the rest of her wine, stunned by the conversation, her mind in a whirl. She had just been handed an opportunity for a better life. Something that could lift her and Conor above their working-class roots without any worries about the future. No more concerns about meeting the bills. Conor would no longer have to work in the docks, which would be good for him as she knew his leg troubled him and that worried her. He could work in the hotel with her. Her mind was in turmoil. But then would her husband agree to taking up the offer? Would he be happy that she would be beholden to Larry Forbes – and what exactly did Mr Forbes really want out of such a business transaction? He hadn’t said and, although today he had been charm itself, she remembered his ruthless streak when he wanted to take over the cafe. Did he want to take her over too? If she turned him down, would he renew her contract? If he didn’t, she would have nothing!

  She picked up the glasses and, taking them into the kitchen, washed and put them away. She needed time to think. She decided not to tell Conor at the moment, until she learnt more from her landlord. After all, he had said they’d talk again.

  While Jessie was in turmoil, Larry Forbes was feeling very pleased with himself. He knew how ambitious Jessie was and how she would be pondering over the prospect of fulfilling her plans, which at this stage would have been nothing but a pipe dream, yet now was a possibility. He also realised she was a canny woman and she’d be wondering why he, of all people, would consider financing her. Well, he really wasn’t too sure himself. He was a shrewd businessman and was convinced she’d be a success, but he was aware that, at last, she’d have to answer to him and that had given him immense satisfaction. All he needed now was to find a property that would be viable, then he thought Jessie McGonigall wouldn’t be able to turn down his offer. Her ambition would be too much for her to refuse.

  When Conor arrived home that night, Jessie could see he looked drawn and he was limping slightly. She didn’t comment on it, but when she filled his bath, she put a handful of Epsom salts in the water to help alleviate his aches and pains. While he was soaking in the bath, she prepared their evening meal, thinking all the time that if she took up Forbes’s offer, Conor would be spared this discomfort. But she kept her counsel and said nothing of the offer she’d received. As Conor climbed out of the tin bath in front of the fire, she couldn’t help but think how marvellous it would be to have a proper bathroom and an inside toilet. That would be a luxury she’d really enjoy!

  As they sat at the table, Conor was telling her about his day, but Jessie was only half-listening. Her mind was on how different their life could be and she was trying to plan how Conor could help her in the hotel if it came to fruition. He was a charmer and would be good with people, but he’d have to have a proper role. He’d need to feel he was working, doing a proper job, or he would feel less of a man and that would never do; he was too proud for that. He would definitely want to be making a contribution to the running of the business or he’d be hard to handle.

  Suddenly, she was aware that Conor had stopped talking and she looked at him. ‘What?’ she asked.

  ‘You’ve hardly heard a word I’ve said; you are a million miles away.’

  ‘Sorry, darlin, it’s been a long day. I’m just tired.’

  He leant across the table and took her hand. ‘I know – me too. If only I was in a position financially to take us out of here and to another life I would.’

  She wanted to tell him that it was a possibility, but remained silent; after all, she had only had an offer of the finance, but not any other details. It was far too soon to make a decision.

  She squeezed his hand. ‘I know, but we’re doing just fine. I’ll get the pudding.’

  That night in bed, she was beset by dreams. She was running a hotel, Conor was sweeping the carpet in a corridor with a stiff brush, looking very unhappy, and Larry Forbes was sitting at the bar, drinking. She woke suddenly in a bath of perspiration. Beside her, Conor was sleeping peacefully. She went downstairs and, taking a torch, went outside to use the toilet. It was dark and cold, and walking back a cat sped across her path, making her jump. She went inside and made a cup of tea, thinking, I can change all this if I want to. It was unsettling.

  Chapter Sixteen

  During the following two weeks, Jessie was on edge. Forbes hadn’t contacted her and she was in a quandary. Would he offer her a new contract for the cafe or had he come up with something else? If he did, would she accept? And if she didn’t, what then? The uncertainty kept her awake at night, she was short with Conor and she was becoming a nervous wreck.

  While Jessie was on pins and full of uncertainties, Larry Forbes was searching for small hotels in various trade papers and estate agents, but as yet nothing he had seen was right. He left his name with various agents asking them to contact him should something suitable come onto their books. Time was running out and he didn’t want Jessie to sign another contract which would tie her to the cafe. He wanted her to be free to take
up an offer from him if he was successful in his search. He decided he’d go and see her at the end of work the next day.

  When Larry Forbes entered the cafe just as the last customers were leaving and sat at an empty table, Jessie felt a sense of relief. Now she’d find out if she still had a job. She asked him if he wanted anything to drink, but he refused. He just sat and watched her with her final customers, chatting and joshing as she opened the door for them. She was a natural with people and he could see why she was so popular. Eventually, the place was empty and Nancy, too, had gone home.

  Jessie removed her white apron and sat opposite Forbes. ‘What can I do for you?’

  He admired her demeanour. After all, she had no idea what was ahead of her, whether she had a new contract on offer or if he had other plans for her, but she appeared calm.

  ‘As you know, you have two more weeks before the new contract is needed for you to carry on here.’

  She just nodded.

  ‘I’ve been searching for a small hotel.’ He saw her eyebrows rise in surprise, but she didn’t comment. ‘Now, I don’t want you to be tied down here just in case a viable hotel comes on the market, so I suggest when the contract runs out, we keep it on a monthly basis.’

  Jessie mulled this over in her mind for a moment. ‘And if a hotel does come onto the market?’

  ‘Then we both sit down and come to an arrangement … or not!’ He sat back in the chair and waited for her response.

  ‘Tell me, Mr Forbes, what kind of an arrangement had you in mind?’

  ‘I would buy the hotel, supply a working budget to begin with until it was up and running. You would draw a salary as befitting your position and, eventually, a percentage of the profits.’

  ‘I see. Does that include my living arrangements? I will be living on the premises? At least, that’s what I expect to do.’

  ‘Of course. You’d have to be there to be on call at all times.’

  ‘That’s good. Now, how much of the running of the hotel would be in your hands, Mr Forbes?’

  ‘The finance, obviously. Any structural changes needed.’

  ‘What about the decor, the choosing of the staff?’

  ‘The decor we could choose together; you have good taste and so do I. The staff would be your responsibility, apart from the chef. I know one or two whose food I’ve eaten and who would work for me for the right incentives. After all, a small hotel can still have a fine reputation in the dining room. This would bring people in to dine and drink at the bar and recommend the accommodation. This is not a bed and breakfast, after all, but a tasteful if small hotel. It would be like finding a pearl in a small oyster.’

  At this, Jessie started to smile. ‘I had no idea you could be so poetical.’

  ‘As I’ve told you before, Mrs McGonigall, you don’t know me at all. So what do you think? A monthly rental of the cafe until we have something more suitable to run?’

  The more she listened to Forbes, the more she liked the idea. His terms were reasonable. She’d be salaried and share the profits when the business took off. She could move out of her council house, have a bathroom and indoor toilet! She tried not to look too excited.

  ‘Yes, that sounds sensible. Let’s do that and see what happens.’

  Larry Forbes beamed at her across the table. He hadn’t been sure of her reaction. Jessie McGonigall was an unknown force and unpredictable, but she had agreed and that was great. He rose from his chair and put out his hand. ‘Will you shake my hand this time?’

  Cocking her head to one side, remembering how she’d declined to do so in the past, she hid a smile and put out her hand. ‘Why not?’

  Jessie wasn’t the only one with a secret. Conor had been told that Dave Jennings had been seen loitering around the docks. He’d not seen him himself, but one or two of the dockers who knew of the trouble between them had told him of their sightings.

  ‘You watch your back, Conor,’ one warned. ‘He’s a miserable bugger when he’s been crossed and now you have his job, that wouldn’t go down well, I’m sure.’

  Conor thanked him and was watchful when he was at work. He’d not seen a van in the docks like the one Jennings drove at him, but whenever he heard any vehicle, he would turn quickly to see what was coming his way. He tried to behave as normal around his gang, but he was tense and sometimes it showed.

  ‘Everything alright with you, Conor?’ asked Bill Brown as they walked home together at the end of a shift.

  Conor gave a puzzled look. ‘Yes, fine. Why do you ask?’

  ‘You’ve been a bit jumpy lately and that’s not like you. I wondered, that’s all.’

  Putting an arm across the other man’s shoulders, he laughed. ‘No, Bill, I’m fine. Maybe a bit weary, nothing more,’ and they continued on their way. But as Conor reached his front door, a movement at the end of the empty street caught his eye. He recognised the figure of Jennings just as he turned the corner! Running as fast as he could, he reached the corner and looked along the road, but apart from various pedestrians, and the horse and cart of the coalman, Jennings was not to be seen. He stood watching for a while before walking slowly back to his house.

  What was that bugger after? he wondered. The fact that the man was near his home was unnerving. He could understand Jennings skulking around the docks. A confrontation there was understandable, but here…? This was far more serious. This could put Jessie in danger, if the troubled man had some devious plan. He didn’t think it wise to go back to Jennings’ house again. Last time he’d caught him by surprise, but that only worked once. What was he to do? The one thing he mustn’t do was to let Jessie know. He didn’t want her worried; this was his problem, but how to solve it? He’d have to think about it.

  Dave Jennings peered out from the doorway of a house where he’d taken refuge when he realised that Conor had seen him. All seemed clear now, so he walked quickly away. It had been foolish of him to even contemplate being around Conor McGonigall’s home and he had no idea why he’d done so. He walked into The Glasgow pub, ordered a pint of bitter and sat down. Looking around, he searched for a face he knew, but there was none. He was a lonely man, he admitted. He’d never married; his job in the docks had been his life. He could cook, after a fashion, and if he needed sex, he paid for it. These days he had to go further afield for a woman after his run-in with the girls in The Ditches. But now, without his life in the docks, he was without purpose, except for paying back the man who now held the job that had been his life. But he had to be careful, especially after the beating he took from Conor. He’d had to have his nose reset and it had never looked the same since. Yet another reminder. But one day, one fine day, I’ll pay that young bastard back for the trouble he’s caused me, he vowed silently.

  Chapter Seventeen

  It was now the end of August and life for Jessie was without any worries. She was still running her cafe, now on a monthly basis as her benefactor was yet to find a hotel that was suitable. She wasn’t particularly concerned. She was still in business and making a living, with the promise of a better life in the future. She could wait, she told herself.

  As for Conor, after seeing Jennings disappearing from his street, things had quietened down. Conor had been vigilant when working, but there had been no sign of his adversary and he began to hope that the man had eventually lost his taste for vengeance.

  It was the school holidays and Conor had suggested that he, Jessie and the next-door neighbours, Percy and Maisie, take the boys to Leap Beach for a picnic, and he would try and teach the children to swim. An idea that Conor had had after the incident at the pier, when the boys almost drowned.

  It was a warm, sunny Sunday and they eventually arrived, laying rugs on the sand, slipping out of their clothes and donning swimsuits. The boys were pleased to paddle and nobody pushed them to do anything else, letting them get used to the water. Then they enjoyed a picnic the women had made, played ball on the beach, built sandcastles, until the two men said they’d go for a swim. Jessie took
the boys to paddle at the water’s edge, then walked them just a little deeper, but not enough to frighten them. They stood in the water up to their thighs, allowing them to still play with a beach ball she had taken.

  Conor swam back and joined in. After a while, he took Jessie by the shoulders and the two of them floated together on their backs in the shallow water. The boys watched with interest. Jessie was kicking her feet and laughing, showing her enjoyment in the hope that the children would see she had no fear of the water.

  Then they stood up and, going over to Jack and Tommy, casually asked if they wanted to try. At their hesitation, Conor spoke. ‘You can each climb on our backs and have a ride, like a piggy back but in the water. Like this …’ Jessie lay on his back, holding his shoulders as he floated. ‘Only here in the shallows, not in deep water. You’ll be perfectly safe and it will be such fun.’ He waited. If the boys said no, then he’d leave it, but Jack, who was the more adventurous, said he would.

  Tommy watched as his brother climbed on Conor’s back. Conor swam up and down, keeping in shallow enough water that just allowed him to keep afloat. Tommy began to relax and started laughing.

  Jessie looked at Tommy. ‘We can’t let them have all the fun, can we? Come onto my back and we can join in. What do you say?’

  Not wanting to be outdone by his brother, he climbed onto Jessie’s back, keeping tight hold of her. ‘Right now, I’m going to lean forward into the water, you just hold on.’ She slowly lowered herself into the sea and started to swim slowly, talking to Tommy all the time until she felt his little body relax.