‘Oh goody!’ Lily was hopping about in delight. ‘When can we go and see him?’
‘Tomorrow evening should be all right,’ Winnie told them.
‘We could go as soon as you get home, couldn’t we, Dora?’ Lily was gazing expectantly at her big sister. ‘Did you get enough money for our fares? We could sell some more things if you didn’t.’
‘We’ve got enough. Don’t you worry about that, sweetie.’ She gave their visitors an embarrassed smile as Lily beamed.
After listening to that exchange, Winnie frowned. ‘How short of money are you?’
‘We can manage.’ Dora smiled confidently.
Winnie wasn’t convinced. ‘You’ll come to us if you’re struggling, won’t you?’
‘We’re doing all right,’ Tom said, relieving Dora of the need to answer.
Reg stood up. ‘We must go. Thank you for looking after June for us.’
‘We’d be happy to do that any time.’ Dora saw them to the door. ‘And thank you for telling us about Stan. It’s such a relief to know he’s all right.’
Once they were away from the house and June was dancing along several steps ahead of them, Winnie’s mouth set in a grim line. ‘They’re selling things. That job of Dora’s can’t pay much. She’s beginning to struggle to keep her family together. How can she continue to pay the rent and keep those children in school? She’ll need a better job. Why isn’t she looking for one?’
‘Win!’ Reg stopped his wife. ‘We can’t force them to take help from us. They’ve got their pride, you know, and at the moment they must feel that’s all they’ve got. They’re sensible and they’ll manage for a while. But I realise it’s urgent for us to find their mother – dead or alive. Then the children will be all right. I promise.’
‘I wish I knew what was going on because I can’t see how you can make a promise like that.’
‘I’ll tell you as soon as we know we’re not following a false trail. Now stop fretting, love. We’ll keep an eye on them, and Stan will see they don’t starve.’
‘You’re right, of course. I’ve always been a worrier, haven’t I?’
‘And I love you just the way you are.’
Winnie relaxed then, and smiled. ‘You can be a real charmer at times, darling.’
He smirked. ‘That’s why you married me, isn’t it?’
‘When can I get out of this bed, nurse?’
‘Not yet, Mr Crawford.’ She gave him a stern look. ‘Don’t be impatient. You don’t want to undo all the doctor’s good work, do you?’
‘Can I at least sit up?’
‘Is he giving you trouble, nurse?’ Dr Burridge appeared suddenly.
‘Mr Crawford wants to sit up, sir.’
‘I see. Well, let me have a look at him first.’ The doctor took his time, and then stood back. ‘I can give you something for the pain if it’s too bad.’
Stan shook his head. ‘It isn’t as bad as it was before you operated.’
‘That’s a good sign.’ He turned to the nurse who was patiently awaiting his instructions. ‘Mr Crawford is well enough to sit up. I’ll help you because we don’t want to disturb his leg.’
It was good to see something other than the ceiling. He rested back on the pillows and sighed. ‘That’s better, thank you.’
Dr Burridge nodded. ‘Now you behave yourself, my boy, and we’ll soon have you back on your feet.’
The nurse straightened his blankets as the doctor left the ward. ‘How about a nice cup of tea?’
‘Thanks. Ah, can you make that two?’ Reg was striding towards his bed.
‘It isn’t visiting time, Mr Crawford, but seeing he’s a policeman I’ll allow it this time.’ The nurse hurried away to get the tea.
‘You look a lot better today.’ Reg pulled up a chair and sat beside the bed, pleased to see the improvement in his brother-in-law.
‘I feel it. Something must have happened to bring you here in the morning. Have they found her?’
‘Ah, I see your mind’s in good working order again. I went to the station before coming here, but there’s no trace of her. They are taking it seriously now, and they’ve agreed there might be a connection between Bentley and Duval. I’ve asked for permission to do a thorough search of the flat. They’re going to let me know when it’s agreed.’
‘Damn!’ Stan closed his eyes for a moment, then opened them again. ‘And I’m stuck in this bed for who knows how long. I hope to goodness you find something to connect them soon, because we haven’t got anything else to work on.’
‘I’m convinced it’s the same woman. The name’s coming up too many times for it to be otherwise, Stan.’
‘I know. How are they?’
Reg told him what Lily had said about the Bentleys selling things. ‘They’re coming to see you this evening, but don’t say I’ve told you about this. Dora will be embarrassed.’
‘I won’t say a word. Poor little devils!’ Stan became agitated. ‘Don’t let them move out of that house. I’ll deal with this as soon as I can. And you can tell them at the station I’m coming back to work!’
‘I’ll be pleased to do that.’ Reg stood up. ‘And don’t tell Win I’ve been here making you think. She’ll never forgive me!’
Both men gave amused grins, then Stan waved him away. ‘Get going. You’ve got investigating to do.’
As soon as his brother-in-law had gone Stan rested his head back and closed his eyes, but the case was running through his head, denying him rest.
An hour later the nurse found him scribbling away, listing everything they had found out about the case so far in an effort to clear his mind. There must be something – some small detail they had missed. The longer this went on, the harder it was on Mrs Bentley’s children.
‘Mr Crawford!’ the nurse scolded. ‘You’re supposed to be resting.’
‘I’ve been resting all day, nurse. And I’m only using my mind,’ he joked. ‘This is important.’
‘It may well be, but visitors will be arriving in fifteen minutes.’
‘Ah, sorry.’ Stan quickly tucked his notes under the pillows, then rested back while his bed was straightened. He had an idea, and he hoped Reg would come back this evening.
His first visitors were the Bentleys, and he was so pleased to see them. The more he got to know them, the more he liked them – all of them, not just Dora. When their faces lit up with smiles as they walked towards him, he was determined to make a full recovery so he could look after them.
Lily was the first to reach him. She whispered, ‘The nurse said I could come in if I behave myself.’
‘And do you think you can?’ he teased.
She giggled, holding on to his hand while her brother and sister greeted him. She prodded Tom until he pulled an apple out of his pocket and handed it to her. ‘This is for you. I’ve polished it.’
Stan accepted the shiny piece of fruit, looking suitably impressed by its magnificence. ‘Why thank you, Lily. I’ll enjoy that very much.’
Looking pleased, the little girl now turned her attention to his leg, swathed in bandages and being held immobile in a cradle. She gave him a shy smile but said nothing.
‘Find some chairs, Tom,’ he said, ‘and you can tell me what you’ve been doing.’
They spent the next half hour telling him about school and the Wandsworth house. Stan listened intently, watching their expressions. They never mentioned their mother, but he was uneasy. The strain was showing in their eyes, especially Dora’s. He wanted to take her in his arms and tell her everything was going to be all right. But it wasn’t. And that hurt him.
The nurse appeared. ‘You have more visitors, Mr Crawford, and you aren’t allowed more than two at a time.’
Dora was immediately on her feet. ‘We’re just leaving, nurse.’
After making them promise to come and see him again, Stan watched them leave the ward. Alan came in, walking confidently. Stan prayed that he himself would soon be able to do the same.
‘
You look good, Alan.’
‘I feel it. And you don’t look too bad yourself, considering. I saw the doctor as I came in and he said they had high hopes for you.’
‘It’s going to take time though, and patience has never been one of my virtues.’
‘Or caution, and I thank you for that. If you’d hesitated I wouldn’t be here now.’
‘You’d have done the same.’ Stan changed the subject. ‘How are you getting on?’
‘Fine, I’ve even found myself a job.’
‘That’s good news.’ Stan was pleased for him. Alan had never expected his men to do anything he wasn’t prepared to tackle himself, and that had earned him respect among the ranks. Stan liked him as a man as well. Although he obviously came from the middle classes, he treated everyone with the same easy attitude. ‘What are you going to do?’
‘I was studying law before the war, and I’m going to work for a firm of solicitors. I’ll take up my studies again and try to qualify.’
Stan gripped Alan’s left hand. ‘Congratulations!’
‘Thanks, we might find ourselves working together sometime if you go back into the police force.’
‘Or against each other.’ Stan grinned at the thought.
‘That too.’ Alan glanced at his watch. ‘Your sister and brother-in-law are waiting outside, so I’ll make room for them. I’ve asked Dora and her siblings to wait for me. I’ve bought a car, so I’ll be able to take them home. I’ll come again.’
‘Bring a bottle with you next time!’
Alan winked in agreement, then left.
Stan rested his head back, beginning to feel drained.
‘Are you all right, Stan?’
At the sound of his sister’s concerned voice he opened his eyes and smiled. When he saw Reg was with her he was immediately awake. ‘I’m doing fine – so they tell me. How’s June?’
‘Waiting outside the ward. One of the nurses is letting her help make tea.’
‘You can bring her in. Lily’s just been in to see me.’
‘Nurse said she’d let her in to see you about ten minutes before the end of visiting. She’s quite happy, Stan.’
He nodded and looked at Reg. Both men were bursting to discuss the case, but thought it unwise while Win was there.
‘Who was that man with you?’ Winnie asked.
‘That was Alan. I knew him in the army.’
‘Hmm.’ Winnie pursed her lips. ‘Nice-looking man. Dora’s waiting for him. Is he a friend of hers?’
‘He was one of the doc’s patients.’ A slight smile touched Stan’s lips, guessing just what his sister was thinking. ‘He won’t hurt Dora, because he knows if he does, he’ll have me to deal with.’
That made his sister shake her head in disbelief. ‘You couldn’t deal with a kitten at the moment.’
‘No, but give me a couple of months. Now, why don’t you go and see if June’s all right. I want to talk to Reg.’
She sighed and raised her hands in resignation. ‘I might have known it. You’ve been working, haven’t you?’
He merely looked innocent, and chuckled when his sister left them. He turned to Reg. ‘I think you ought to see Roger Grant again. It’s only a hunch, but I’ve got a strong feeling he’s implicated in some way or another.’
‘I trust your hunches. I’ll be at that factory as soon as the gates open in the morning. And if I can find any proof that the man had a relationship with her, I’ll have him down the station at once.’
‘A night in the cells might jog his memory.’ Stan rested his head on the pillows, drained.
‘You’d better rest now.’ Reg stood up and looked down at his brother-in-law. ‘Try not to worry too much, Stan, we’ll find the truth in the end, no matter how long it takes.’
‘Whatever that is!’ Stan pulled a face, aware that the truth could turn out to be unpleasant.
There was no further chance to talk as June came running into the ward, with her mother right behind her.
‘Get back on your feet, Stan,’ Reg murmured. ‘We all need you.’
Chapter Twenty-One
True to his word, Reg was through the factory gates as soon as they were opened.
‘Can I help you, Constable?’ The gatekeeper stopped Reg, eyeing him in his uniform.
‘I’d like a word with Mr Roger Grant, please.’
‘Don’t know if he’s around, but I’ll take you to the boss. He’ll probably know where his son is.’
‘Thanks.’ Reg fell into step beside the man.
‘One of your blokes was here not long ago. You still looking for that missing woman?’ When Reg nodded, the man shook his head. ‘If you ain’t found her yet, then she’s dead. Here we are.’ The gatekeeper knocked on a door and opened it for Reg to enter the room.
Mr Grant senior stood up and shook hands with Reg.
‘They’re still looking for that woman,’ the gatekeeper informed his boss, then left immediately.
‘I don’t know how I can help you. I told your colleague everything we know.’
‘Just routine enquiries, sir. Your son worked on the night shift. I wondered if I could have a word with him?’
‘Roger? I’m not sure if he’s here. I’ll send someone to look for him.’ Mr Grant left the office, but was soon back. ‘Might take a while, this is a big place. I’ve ordered tea for us while we wait.’
They had drained the teapot before the door opened. A man of around thirty walked in, and Reg studied him carefully. He was of average height with dark brown hair and eyes, very much like his father. And the policeman in Reg didn’t trust him.
‘This officer wants a word with you, Roger. You can use my office.’ With a nod of his head he walked out.
As Roger sat in his father’s chair, Reg thought it strange that his father hadn’t stayed. It would have been a natural reaction to a policeman wanting to interview his son about something concerning the factory. Perhaps he knew his son too well?
‘What can I do for you?’ Roger asked. He was clearly nervous, but trying hard not to show it.
Removing his notebook from his top pocket, Reg pretended to read from it, taking his time before speaking. When he looked up there was a hint of perspiration on Roger’s face. The man was anxious, and he wanted to keep him that way. ‘When was the last time you saw Mrs Duval?’
‘Who?’
‘Duval.’ Reg smiled. ‘I believe you knew her.’
‘Never heard of her.’
‘Perhaps you knew her as Bentley?’ Reg shrugged as if confused. ‘Not sure what name she’s using, but it was definitely Duval when she worked here on your night shift.’
‘Duval.’ Roger gazed into space as if trying to remember. ‘Now I come to think about it, there was a woman by that name, but I didn’t know her very well. Kept herself to herself. Why are you asking about her?’
Reg felt a tingle of excitement. Roger’s voice had risen slightly, showing he was lying. ‘She’s missing. Hasn’t anyone told you?’
‘Oh, that one. Jim did mention it to me, but as I didn’t know her very well I didn’t take much notice.’
‘So, when was the last time you saw her?’
‘How the hell am I supposed to remember? She must have left when we closed down the night shift!’
Good, now the man was getting angry. ‘She left about six months before that.’
Roger tried to look uninterested. ‘That was the last time I saw her then.’
‘You didn’t meet her outside of work?’ Reg persisted.
‘No, I bloody well didn’t!’ Roger stood up suddenly. ‘I’ve got work to do and I’m not answering any more of your questions.’
After writing in his notebook, Reg tucked it back in his pocket and stood up, holding out his hand. ‘Thank you for your time, Mr Grant.’
When they shook hands, Roger’s was wet with perspiration, and Reg left the factory feeling as if they had something to go on at last. He would be seeing Roger Grant again, that was for sure!
He’d pop into the hospital and see Stan. He’d want to know about this.
It had been a busy day at the house and Dora loved being here, but she couldn’t help feeling guilty that she wasn’t out looking for a job with better pay. Dr Burridge was relying on her more and more. She had taken over his office work, and he called on her quite often to help with the men. Sometimes they just needed someone to pour out their troubles to. There were often tears of despair from these shattered men, and it gave her immense satisfaction to see a smile appear on their faces again.
Word about the house was spreading and a constant flow of young men now came daily. This was where she wanted to be, and the thought of leaving upset her. She was now working a full week, some of it without pay. Tom was adamant that she should stay, assuring her that they would manage. He had wanted to get a job after school, but that was impossible as he had Lily to look after until Dora arrived home. She didn’t dare look too far into the future. The prospects were frightening.
‘Ready to go, Dora?’
At the sound of Alan’s voice she turned and smiled. ‘You mustn’t keep doing this,’ she scolded. ‘I can get the train.’
‘Why, when I’ve got my car outside? And this is the last time I’ll be able to drive you home. I’m starting work tomorrow.’
‘Oh, that’s wonderful.’ She knew how much these men wanted to work; to regain a little of their dignity.
He gave his usual easy grin. His features were perfectly sculptured, and his grey eyes seemed to show his every emotion. The only time they became veiled was when the war was mentioned. This was a kind man, and she knew Stan had great respect for him.
‘And you said you’d come dancing with me when you knew Stan was all right.’
‘I don’t know that I can, Alan. What about Tom and Lily?’
‘We could ask Stan’s sister to have them for the evening. I’m sure they’d be pleased to do that for you.’
He was hard to resist, and she realised that she would like to go out with him. Just to have an evening where she could put all the worry behind her – and have fun. It made her feel selfish to be even considering it, but she had never been asked out before … The thought of doing something so normal was tempting.
Diamonds in the Dust Page 16
