by RJ Hunter
As with Sally, Frank knew the complete whereabouts of Albert Chater. He knew exactly what time the old man took his meals, and what time he went to bed. But more importantly, Frank knew where he kept his cheque book. Frank had visited Albert before, on several occasions, and why not, he was after all family now.
Unlike Pauline's parents, who lived a somewhat Spartan existence, her grandfather was rather well off. Like many who had spent their lives in honest toil and had learnt from the harsh realities of two world wars, Albert knew the importance of thrift. He had stayed loyal to the banking industry for all his working life, and never boasted of his wealth. Starting out as a messenger for the Bank of England, the young Albert soon showed promise and rose through the ranks to eventually become manager of one of the high street banks in his local town. Retiring due to ill health, Albert hoped he had enough years left to enjoy some of the things that he and his wife, Lillian had deprived themselves of for so many years. However, despite Albert's good intentions, his thriftiness remained as strong as ever, and his most ambitious act of self-indulgence was to take Lillian for a two-week break to the Isle of Skye. Then, just a year ago, his beloved Lillian passed away. It was to surprise him, as much as it would grieve him, since Albert had always expected to be the one who went first.
Lillian's death affected Albert in the most uncharacteristic manner. He began to give his money away, albeit, this was in relatively small amounts compared to what Frank wanted now, and of course it was only given away to his immediate family. Albert had decided he was far too old and ill to spend it, and why should the likes of, Pauline, Tina and Jamie have to wait until he was dead to enjoy the benefit of the money. After all, he had proved the doctors wrong, and could perhaps, live for another ten or so years.
That had been like music to Frank's ears. Immediately he set about parting Albert from his money as quickly as possible.
Frank poured himself another drink and decided to pay a personal visit to Pauline's grandfather in the very near future. He couldn't see the problem, this was no different from before, it just involved a lot more money that's all.
He stood up and went across to the mirror. He then practised his smile, before stubbing out his cigar and finishing his drink. He couldn't foresee a problem with what he was about to do. If he had read the signs correctly, and Sally had been out with him before, there was no reason why she wouldn't be adverse to re-kindling their little fling from two decades earlier.
Sally sauntered in to the front room, she felt good about herself and couldn't resist doing a little twirl. She had decided not to wear the slightly revealing dress that Lizzie had recommended. The slinky, black velvet number was certainly something she would have worn a few years ago, but now it just filled a space in her wardrobe. A part of her simply wouldn't allow the dress to be thrown out, it was a reminder of what used to be, and discarding it would be like severing a part of her life that she wasn't quite ready to relinquish.
Instead, Sally chose a somewhat conservative, silk three-quarter length dress in navy blue. It had tiny white polka dots, and was something that not only flattered her figure, but was comfortable and cool to wear.
"Well, what do you think?" She asked, tossing her head back in glamour-model fashion.
"You look great Mum!" Exclaimed Penny, amazed to actually see her mother out of jeans for a change.
Turning to Jonathan, Sally went over and peeped around the Socialist Worker he was reading.
"What about you Jonathan? After having me eat practically all those chocolates, do you think your mother can still look the part?"
Jonathan laughed, he was confused about the chocolates, but was clearly taken aback by his mother's transformation.
"Penny's right, Mum - you look absolutely stunning. Why not forget this Frank bloke, and let me take you out instead?"
"Don't push your luck, Jonathan Peddlescoombe!" Joked Sally. "You're not quite off the hook just yet, I can't be bribed that easily!"
"Come on Mum, I've seen the light, you'll see a new, caring, responsible side to my character. With determination, I too shall become a respected pillar of the community."
"Shut up, Jonathan - you talk such a load of old crap at times!" Shouted Penny at her big brother.
"Penny, who on earth teaches you to speak like that? It's not very becoming for a girl of your age." Replied Sally, as she checked her lipstick in the mirror above the fireplace.
"It's nearly eight, and Mum's getting edgy!" Remarked Penny, cheekily.
"Don't be silly, of course I'm not getting edgy." Replied Sally, before asking Jonathan what time it was for the fourth time.
"Mum! There's a huge car pulling up outside!" Squealed Penny, peering out of the window. "It must be him! Isn't it romantic?"
"Quick, Jonathan - go and let him in!" Flapped Sally, not knowing which way to turn. "Penny, do you think my lipstick is the right colour?"
Jonathan heard the crunch of gravel beneath expensive shoes, as Frank got out of the car, and walked towards the front door.
"Hello, you must be Frank?" Asked Jonathan, putting out his hand.
"You must be Jonathan?" Laughed Frank, taking the younger man's hand in a vice-like grip, and automatically stepping into the house. "Here, perhaps you could give these to your mother?" With that he thrust a bouquet of red roses into Jonathan's arms.
Penny couldn't resist coming out into the hallway to get a glimpse of her mother's date.
"Mum wont be long, she's just gone upstairs to change her dress!"
18. THE DOUBLE DATE
The journey seemed to take ages. First there was the long wait for the train. It always meant bad news when the train indicator simply read 'District and Circle Lines' rather than giving the time of arrival in minutes. Then, after they had boarded, there was an unexplained stoppage between South Kensington and Gloucester Road. Tina got very anxious during this time, she hated being stuck in confined spaces, and the carriage being full to bursting point certainly didn't help matters.
"Do you know anything about these so-called dates, or where they're planning to take us?" Asked Laura, trying to take her companion's mind off the journey.
"No, I'm sorry. I didn't think to ask. He just said to meet at the Devonshire Arms, opposite the hospital." Replied, Tina, her face somewhat pale, and voice nervous.
"Well, this truly is a blind date then?" Said Laura, with a hint of reservation.
"I haven't had much experience with boys, Laura. Perhaps, I should have found out a bit more. But you said yourself how nice he was?"
As the train pulled into High Street Kensington tube station, Laura was beginning to have pangs of regret about getting involved in the first place. She decided to telephone Jonathan at the first opportunity, and see if she could be rescued sooner rather than later.
Tina was probably the first person off the train, and she immediately looked and sounded much better as soon as she was safely on the platform.
"Come on, Laura - we're only ten minutes late, that's not bad considering the time it took you to get ready."
Laura was a bit irritated with Tina's remark,
but decided to let it go.
"You've just learnt the first rule of dating, Tina. It's always the woman's prerogative to be late. Now slow down!"
It quite surprised Laura that someone had actually rang Tina on the ward, and asked her out. It wasn't that she was unattractive or anything like that. In fact, Tina was very pretty in her own elf-like sort of way. Even though she looked under weight, it seemed to suit her. She had a pointed, almost child-like face, framed by jet black, shoulder-length hair, which she normally wore in a pony tail. Tonight, however, she had decided to have it loose around her shoulders, which matched her black camisole top, blue jeans and leg-warmers.
Laura felt ashamed of herself for thinking such a thought, and began to feel a little protective over Tina. But something didn't seem to add up, and Laura was having misgivings of what might lay ahead of them.
As they
neared the rendezvous point, Laura, realised that she might just be jealous of Tina. Yes, that had to be the reason, she surmised. Just because Tina was so unassuming and seemed to take a back seat in life, didn't mean that men wouldn't find her unattractive.
"Tina, I'm sorry if I don't sound too enthusiastic about all of this."
"No, Laura - please don't apologise. I didn't think anything of the sort. In fact, it's me who's got the problem about tonight." Replied Tina, the worried look re-appearing on her face.
Laura stopped and turning to her colleague, decided to try a more open approach with her new friend.
"Look, I know you didn't appreciate it too much before, when I tried to help you. It was rather thoughtless of me to think you would just confide in a stranger. Anyway, the offer is still there, if you want to talk. You know about my father being killed in a car accident, so you see, Tina - I too know something about pain."
"Thank-you, I'll remember that. I was sorry to hear about your father. Sometimes it's not to easy to talk. Talking can bring back far too many memories, ones that are best left well alone." Replied Tina, with a hint of emotion in her voice. "Now, it's my turn to apologise. You see, I feel like I've bamboozled you into coming with me tonight. But I am grateful, Laura. I couldn't have come on my own."
"I think we're both a bit fragile, Tina. Come on, let's see if we can make the best of it."
It was a Friday night, and the Devonshire Arms was busy, judging by the noise coming from inside. It was a popular pub, situated along Marloes Road, which connected the Cromwell Road to High Street Kensington, and was conveniently sited directly opposite St. Mary Abbot's where both Laura and Tina were currently deployed. Outside was a pleasant, well-maintained beer garden, complete with cascading hanging baskets, and tables bearing brightly-coloured sun-shades. As the two women passed by, Laura immediately recognised a few familiar faces from the hospital, and hoped she wouldn't be recognised out of uniform.
"Listen Tina, you can wait here if you don't want to come inside? I'll go in and see if I can see them."
"No, it'll be okay, Laura. Just give me a few seconds. I wonder where the toilets are?"
Laura poked her head in through the open doors and saw a sign pointing to upstairs.
"They're up there, Tina. You go up, and I'll get us some drinks, and meet you back out in the garden, alright?"
Tina nodded and scurried like a frightened rabbit through the thong of customers, and disappeared up the staircase. Do You Really Want To Hurt Me by Culture Club was playing on the jukebox as Laura squeezed through to the bar. It was smoky inside, and she couldn't help feeling slightly nervous herself, as she hummed along to the record while waiting to be served.
"Have your shoes dried out yet?" Inquired the friendly male voice behind her.
Turning around, Laura found herself staring straight into the brown eyes of the young porter who had spilt the porridge over her.
"Oh those? No, I threw them out in the end." She replied, noticing how different he looked out of his blue porter's outfit.
"Really? That's terrible. Look, it was my fault - you must let me replace them."
"Don't worry, they were old, and besides, I had another accident with a bedpan later that morning, so I had to buy a new pair anyway." Said Laura, realising what a pathetic conversation they were having.
"Well, at least let me buy you a drink then." Smiled the young man, captivated by the blonde's sparkling blue eyes. "Are you here for this double date thing?"
"Blind date, you mean!" Replied Laura, returning his smile.
"Yes, that's more like it. So is Tina with you?"
"She's just using the washroom."
He allowed his eyes to roam up and down Laura's body, and he liked what he saw. Like Tina, Laura was wearing her tight jeans, and an equally tight Gingham check blouse.
"So does your friend realise what she's letting herself in for with Roberto?"
"Roberto! Are you saying that Tina is here to meet, who I think you mean? Gasped Laura"
"Yes, that's right," replied the porter. "I'm a little surprised myself. But Roberto is very excited about it. Look, he's over there. Shall I call him over?"
Laura couldn't quite believe her eyes as she looked to the far end of the bar, and saw Roberto. He was dressed in a light brown, cowboy-style buckskin jacket, with fringes and a leather Stetson to match. Beneath the jacket, he sported a black lace shirt, unbuttoned to the navel, his customary leather trousers, and the usual array of necklaces and medallions.
Roberto was totally immersed in a game of spoof for drinks, with some very unsavoury-looking characters. The game involves each player having three coins, then presenting a closed fist. Inside the fist would be either none, one, two or three coins. Taking turns, each player then has to guess the total number of coins held in all of the participates fists to win the game. Roberto, or Colombian Bob, as he was affectionately known was very adept at this and had in the past, won lots of money, and got extremely drunk as a result of his finely honed skills.
Fortunately for Laura, he was far too pre-occupied to notice her, and his colleague's attempts to gain his attention.
"Wait!" Called out Laura, reaching up to stop him waving. "There's obviously been some sort of mistake. Tina thinks she's here to see you, whatever your name is?"
"Oh, I'm sorry, my name is Nick." Replied the young man. "But I don't understand. It was definitely Tina who Roberto spoke to on the telephone. I know because I was there when he made the call."
"Well, Tina obviously thought it was you." Exclaimed Laura, as the thought began to dawn on her, that she could end up as Colombian Bob's date herself.
"Oh shit!" Muttered Nick under his breath. "What an awful mess, and you still haven't told me your name yet?"
Laura sensed someone immediately behind her.
"Nick, this is Tina, and I'm Laura. Nice to meet you."
Frank was dressed immaculately in a dark suit, just as Sally had imagined him to be. Like a perfect gentleman, he escorted her over to the car, and opened the door for her.
"Sally, before you get in, I just have to say that you look stunning tonight."
Sally felt embarrassed and was lost for words. It had been a long time since she'd been complimented by a man.
"Thank-you, Frank, how sweet of you. You look very dashing yourself." She replied, thinking that may have been a bit too forward. Frank laughed, and made sure she was safely inside the car before closing the door.
The sounds of the outside world were barely audible as she sunk back in the sumptuous, soft, doe-skin seat and allowed herself to be chauffeured in style to an unknown destination. Frank was quiet as they drove, and Sally, believing he preferred this in order to concentrate on the road, remained silent too.
The journey only took about half an hour, before Frank pulled up in a side street in Chelsea. He turned off the engine but left the ignition on, so they could still hear the music from the car's speakers.
"Sally, you always struck me as a very cultured person, a woman who enjoys the finer things in life. Am I right?" Asked Frank, as he turned to face her.
"Well, yes, I suppose you could say that. But I'm sad to say that I've become a little bit boring these past couple of years. In fact, this is the first time I've been out in recent memory."
Frank moved closer towards her to inhale her delicious fragrance.
"Nonsense. You mustn't say such things. Tonight, I want you to have the time of your life. That's why I've brought you here. You deserve it Sally, after all that you've been through. I want to make you happy."
"Thank-you, Frank. What a lovely thing to say. But where are we?"
"It's a club I'm thinking of buying. Let's go inside, I bet you've never been here before?" With that, Frank got out of the car, and went around to open Sally's door. They walked about twenty five yards, before coming to a grand-looking building, manned by a doorman with a top hat.
"What is this place?" Asked Sally, like an excited schoolgirl, as Fr
ank led her up the steps, past two stone pillars, and into a plush, marble-floored lobby.
"This is Swann's. I'm sure you'll like it," replied Frank, grinning proudly.
The doorman welcomed the couple, and took Sally's coat, before leading them through into the main area of the club.
Swann's was one of the most exclusive clubs in London, and according to Frank's information, was just about to come onto the market. It was a gold mine, and the prestige of owning such an establishment made Frank drool with pleasure. He would need to come up with at least a million deposit to be taken seriously. That's where Sally could come in handy. If Frank could worm his way back into her life, he could delay buying her home, and wait for another buyer. If that went to plan he would begin to manipulate Scarlet's boutique, selling his own home, the mini-cab business, and Lake's Club in the process. Bringing Sally here was the first stage. He knew she would be impressed, and tempting her to get involved with it would be that much easier.
Sally felt quite overawed by the luxurious surroundings. Magnificent, huge chandeliers hung from the high ceilings, and situated around the perimeter of the spacious, main hall were tall arches that led into cosy, candle-lit alcoves, each with its own elaborate winding staircase. Everywhere the eye could see were hand-sculptured statues and busts intermingling and complimenting intricate balustrades.
It certainly must have been very exclusive, as Sally had never heard of Swann's before, nor had she ever heard Lizzie mention it. Perhaps the two of them were just out of touch, she thought, feeling old.
In the centre of the main hall were about twenty tables arranged around a dance floor and a stage area. Over to one side was a long bar and service area, where several scantily-clad waitresses stood, eagerly waiting to avail themselves.
