The Docklands Girls

by June Tate

  Belle told her about her visitor. Cora looked shaken. ‘Oh my God! What are you going to do about it?’

  ‘Frankly, I don’t know, but if he does spill the beans, it could ruin my business. He’s going to be a menace, holding such a threat over me. He won’t leave it alone if I don’t do as he asks.’

  ‘You wouldn’t!’

  ‘No, I bloody wouldn’t. If I did, heavens knows what else he’d demand. It certainly wouldn’t stop at a bit of sex. I know his type. I just need time to think. He won’t do anything in a hurry, it wouldn’t pay him to do so. He’s in a position of power whilst he can threaten me, so he’ll not do anything yet.’

  Cora realised the significance of the situation. All Belle’s hard work and her life savings could be at risk through this creep of a man. How on earth were they going to be able to keep him quiet? How long would he wait and when he realised that Belle wouldn’t agree to his demands, how long before her character was so besmirched that she’d be out of business? Then what? Would Belle be forced to sell up and start again elsewhere?

  Knowing how devastating this was from her own experience with Simon, Cora cursed beneath her breath. Wasn’t it ever possible for a person to leave a dubious past behind? Would it be forever something that would emerge only to ruin a life?

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  During the following couple of weeks, Belle still shopped at the butchers as normal. She was determined not to let Tom’s brother intimidate her and every time she walked into the shop she would try and be served by Tom – although Kev would sometimes get to her first. He was always polite, asking what he could do for her, but there was often an underlying meaning beneath his words.

  Tom became aware very quickly that as soon as the two of them met in the shop, the atmosphere changed. His lovely, chatty and happy Belle became different. She was hostile towards his brother and he couldn’t fathom the reason why. His brother was polite and didn’t say anything out of line. It was a puzzle.

  He questioned his brother one day after he’d served Belle and she’d left the shop.

  ‘What have you done to upset my favourite customer?’ he asked.

  Kev looked surprised. ‘Whatever do you mean?’

  ‘It’s obvious to me she doesn’t like you. Why is that? Belle gets on with everyone … except you. I want to know why.’

  Kev laughed. ‘You’re imagining it,’ he said and walked away.

  But Tom wasn’t convinced and he was determined to get to the bottom of it.

  Later that evening after the butcher’s shop closed and Tom had showered and changed, he walked along the road until he came to Belle’s house and banged on the door.

  Belle opened it and was surprised to see her butcher standing there.

  ‘Hello Tom. What are you doing here?’

  ‘May I come in for a moment?’

  Somewhat puzzled, she stepped back so he could enter. She took him into the kitchen and pointed to a chair beside a table. ‘I’m just going to make a cup of tea, will you join me?’

  ‘Thanks, that’d be lovely.’ As she pottered about, he looked around the well-equipped kitchen, clean and tidy, with a delicious aroma coming from the oven.

  Belle put the cups and saucers, then the tea pot on a tray and took it over to the table. ‘Do you take sugar?’ she asked as she poured the tea.

  Shaking his head, he said, ‘No, I gave it up when it was first rationed.’

  Placing his cup before him, she handed over the milk jug. ‘Help yourself.’

  ‘Now, Tom, why have you called?’

  ‘I want to know what’s going on between you and my brother Kev?’

  She was startled. ‘Going on? There’s nothing going on, whatever do you mean?’

  ‘It’s obvious you don’t like him and I wondered if he’s upset you in any way.’

  Belle thought quickly. Tom mustn’t suspect that she and his brother knew each other. That wouldn’t do at all.

  ‘I just don’t like him, if I’m truthful. I think he’s smarmy and I don’t like him serving me.’

  ‘And that’s it?’

  ‘What else could it be? I would prefer you to serve me in future.’

  He seemed to relax and sat back in his chair. ‘I admit he’s not a likeable bloke. We never really got on as boys, but he came to me after he was demobbed with no job and asked for my help.’ He shrugged. ‘What else could I do?’

  ‘Tell me about your brother,’ she asked. ‘You seem so different from one another.’

  ‘He’s three years younger than me and was spoilt by my mother. He was always in trouble at school. If it wasn’t for my mum’s intervention, he would have been expelled at one time for bunking off and stealing from the general store. She paid for the goods to keep from having the police involved.’

  ‘Oh my goodness, what a worry for her.’

  ‘As a teenager, he was always in fights. In fact, when he was called up we all breathed a sigh of relief.’

  ‘And now?’

  ‘We still don’t get on. I don’t trust him, if I’m honest. I make sure I check the till carefully every night, but he’s only got to make one wrong move and he’s out on his ear.’ He sniffed the air. ‘My word, Belle, something smells good.’

  She smiled at the compliment. ‘I’m making a rabbit pie. Cora’s gone to the pictures tonight and I’m alone. Would you like to stay for supper? I’ve got apple crumble for after.’

  He beamed at her. ‘Would I? I certainly would. After my wife died, I had to be chief cook and bottle washer, but although I’m a passable cook, there’s nothing nicer than a home-cooked meal done for you.’

  ‘Then that’s settled. I’m glad of the company.’

  When Cora arrived home later that evening, she was surprised to find the butcher and Belle sitting in the living room together, drinking coffee with a glass of brandy.

  Belle smiled at her. ‘Good film?’

  ‘Yes,’ she said. ‘Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall in The Big Sleep. He played Philip Marlowe. It was excellent – any coffee left?’

  Tom rose from his chair. ‘Best get home,’ he said. ‘Thanks Belle, I don’t know when I’ve enjoyed a meal so much. Perhaps you’ll allow me to take you out to dinner soon to repay your kindness?’

  Belle actually blushed. ‘Well, that’s really not necessary, but yes, I’d love to. Thank you.’

  As he walked to the door, he said, ‘Don’t you worry. Whenever you come to the shop in future, I’ll make it my business to serve you.’

  When Belle walked back into the room, Cora gave a sly smile. ‘So, what’s been going on behind my back, Belle Newman?’

  Looking a little embarrassed, Belle said, ‘Absolutely nothing. He came to see me about his brother and stayed for a meal.’

  ‘What about his brother?’

  Belle told her what had transpired. ‘Apparently he’s always been a bad lot, which doesn’t surprise me. Even his own brother doesn’t trust him, but I’m still playing with fire.’

  ‘How long before he makes a move do you think?’

  Shaking her head, Belle said, ‘I’ve no idea. But he’ll get tired of waiting eventually and then I’ll really have a problem.’

  Cora sat wracking her brains trying to come up with a solution, but there was no way she could think of an answer and she was really worried that Belle’s carefully laid plans for her future were to be ruined by this scumbag.

  When Belle next entered the butcher’s shop, Kev stepped forward, but Tom put his arm out to stop him. ‘I’ll look after Belle, thank you,’ he said firmly.

  Belle saw Kev’s mouth harden in a fine line and he glared angrily at her, but she ignored him, bought her meat, handed over her ration book, paid and left the shop.

  Kev tackled his brother. ‘What was that all about?’ he asked. ‘I’m perfectly capable of serving all your customers.’

  ‘You are, but in future I’ll take care of Belle myself.’

  ‘Fancy her, do you?’ his brother sne
ered at him.

  ‘Just get on with your work,’ Tom snapped. ‘That piece of lamb wants cutting into chops.’

  Kev sauntered away, saying, ‘Don’t get too close to her, Tom. Women can be very devious.’

  His brother just glared at him and turned to serve a customer who’d just entered the shop.

  As he cut up the meat, Kev fumed. Had Belle said something to his brother? Then he thought she certainly wouldn’t have told him the truth. She wouldn’t want anyone to know of her past – but something had been said. He smirked to himself; there’s more than one way to skin a cat. He would find a way to worry her until she had no choice but to meet his demands and once he had wormed his way into her bed, he would ask for a cut of her takings. Oh yes, he was on to a good thing if he played his cards right. He was a reasonably patient man if the end prize was a worthy one. He thought back to the days of the war when he was a client of the voluptuous Belle. He’d always left her feeling satisfied and looked forward to enjoying her again in the future.

  ‘Haven’t you finished yet?’ Tom called. ‘We haven’t got all day!’

  Kev stifled a retort. He didn’t want to upset his brother because he needed a job and a roof over his head. Maybe later, he could move into Belle’s home. That was a thought. He picked up the chops and placed them in the window.

  Belle, sitting in the garden alone, was deep in thought. What if eventually Tom’s brother did start telling folk about her past. Would it make a deal of difference? It would here among the locals in Shanklin, for a while anyway and she’d always be tagged with the label prostitute. The people who replied to her advertisements wouldn’t know, but they might find out from village gossip. But if they were happy and satisfied with her home and food, would it matter?

  She was trying to work out the percentages if the worst should happen. No way would she give in to his demands. She’d rather cut her own throat – metaphorically speaking, but how much would it cost her in revenue and self-respect. She knew she was well liked in Shanklin; she had always been gifted in dealing with people. Would it be a seven-day wonder? She gave a rueful smile. Tom would be disappointed to learn the truth, of course. Just like Simon. Pity, she really liked the butcher. Well, she’d just have to wait and see. She walked back into the house. From next week she was booked up and she wanted to sort out her menus.

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Simon Pritchard had been seconded to Southampton headquarters. The Met had sent him there to work in a different station to further his experience before he took his sergeants’ exam. He was pleased with the move. Secretly he hoped to take the opportunity to meet up again with Cora. He’d deeply regretted the way that they had parted and he knew in his heart he still had strong feelings for her. After making enquiries, he had discovered she was in Shanklin, working with her friend Belle and on the first Sunday he was free, he took the ferry to the Isle of Wight.

  Cora was sitting in the garden, drinking a cup of tea after cleaning the rooms and making the beds. Belle had told her to take a break whilst she did some paperwork before they started to prep the evening meal.

  She lay back, eyes closed, breathing in the sea air, feeling the warmth of the sun on her face when she heard footsteps. Thinking it was Belle, she opened her eyes and saw Simon approaching. She felt the blood drain from her body with the shock.

  ‘Hello Cora.’ He stood in front of her smiling. ‘What a lovely place you two have here. How are you?’

  ‘Simon!’ For a moment that’s all she could say. Then … ‘I’m fine, how are you? What are you doing here?’

  He gestured towards a chair. ‘May I join you?’

  She nodded. ‘Yes, of course.’

  It was hot in the sun and he loosened his tie. ‘I’ve been sent to work in Southampton for three months and I heard you and Belle were here, so I thought I’d come and see how you were getting on. I must say you look very well.’

  ‘Thank you. Yes, we’ve been open for business since Easter.’ She just couldn’t seem to find the words to chat normally and everything she said sounded stilted. It was a relief to see Belle walking towards them carrying a tray of coffee. She put the tray down on a table and looked at Cora.

  ‘Well, what a surprise,’ she said beaming at her friend. ‘I opened the door and this young man told me who he was and that he’d come to see you.’ Her eyes twinkled mischievously.

  Simon spoke up. ‘I’m in Southampton for three months and it would have been a pity not to have looked for Cora. Nice place you have here, Belle.’

  ‘Thank you. I fell in love with it when I was looking for somewhere to open a B & B. I knew this was the house and I was fortunate that it was on the market. Will you stay and have some lunch with us?’

  Cora looked askance at her friend, but Belle ignored her.

  ‘After all, we can’t have you coming all this way without feeding you.’

  Simon was delighted. ‘How very kind. Thank you.’

  ‘You stay here and talk to your friend,’ she told Cora. ‘Lunch will be in an hour, I’ll give you a call.’ With that, she left them alone.

  Taking out a cigarette case, Simon held it out to Cora. She took one and he lit it for her. ‘I’ve thought about you often you know,’ he said quietly. ‘I hated the way we parted.’

  She didn’t know what to say. Looking at him, he was as she remembered, but there was something different about him that she couldn’t define.

  He continued. ‘I was a complete fool, I know that now and I’ve regretted it ever since.’ He gazed at her, waiting for a response.

  Cora was lost for words. She had put Simon out of her mind with her past, but now seeing him again, she was utterly confused.

  ‘I don’t know what to say to you, Simon. You coming here has taken me completely by surprise.’

  ‘I’m hoping that you can forgive me for being so insensitive. I really didn’t mean to hurt you, honestly.’

  She didn’t want to be reminded. ‘Let’s leave that behind, I don’t want to talk about it.’ She needed to get away from here and this intimate chat. It was too painful.

  ‘Let’s walk down to the beach, we have the time before lunch. Leave your jacket here and take off your tie, it’s far too hot to wear it today.’

  Belle watched them walk down the path from her kitchen window and smiled. Maybe, just maybe, things were looking up for Cora. She hoped so. She’d liked Simon immediately, but time would tell. Knowing Cora as she did, trying to push her would have the reverse effect. She would make her mind up in her own time.

  The two of them walked along the beach and Cora took off her shoes and, walking into the water, paddled. She looked back at Simon.

  ‘Take your shoes off and come in – the water’s lovely.’

  He did so, tucking up his trouser bottoms and joining her. ‘This reminds me of my childhood when my parents would take me to the beach. We’d sit and have a picnic and, when I was really small, I would paddle in the sea with my mother.’

  ‘And when you were older?’

  ‘My dad taught me to swim. They were happy days,’ then he suddenly remembered that Cora had lost her parents. ‘Oh, I’m sorry, that was insensitive of me.’

  ‘No, it isn’t,’ she assured him. ‘I have my happy childhood memories too. I had sixteen years of things I remember and they are very precious. The rest … well, that we’ll never know. But there are so many people who lost loved ones during the war. You eventually learn to live with it because there is no alternative. At least I had a happy childhood to remember.’

  Smiling softly at her, he said, ‘You are an amazing woman, you know. But I only realised that far too late.’

  She heard the regret and the affection in his voice, but she wasn’t ready to recall their happy times together, not yet.

  ‘We’d best get back to the house,’ she said hurriedly. ‘Belle will have the lunch ready.’

  They put on their shoes and left the beach.

  ‘We went paddling, Belle,’ said
Cora as they walked into the kitchen. ‘It was lovely, the sea was a bit cold but very refreshing.’

  ‘When it warms up, we should go for a swim,’ Belle suggested. ‘Mind you, I’d have to buy a costume, I don’t remember when last I wore one.’

  ‘Me neither,’ agreed Cora.

  The lunch went well, with the three of them chatting away. Simon telling them about his work and impending exam. Belle gave him a tour of the house, which he really liked.

  ‘You should do well, Belle,’ he said. ‘This is such a pretty village, the house is lovely and I can vouch for the food. Give me some of your business cards and I’ll hand them round at the station.’

  She beamed at him. ‘Thank you, Simon, that’s really good of you.’

  They spent part of the afternoon in the garden until Belle said she had to prepare the evening meal. Cora offered to help, but Belle refused.

  ‘I did most of it before lunch,’ she said. ‘Why don’t you walk Simon to the ferry, by the time you come back I’ll be ready for your help.’

  It was said in such a way that Cora knew not to argue, so Simon thanked Belle for her hospitality and they left.

  Just before he boarded the ferry, he caught hold of Cora’s hand.

  ‘I can’t tell you how good it is to see you after so long and looking so well. May I come and see you again soon?’

  As she looked at the smiling face that had meant so much to her, Cora relented. ‘Yes, that would be nice.’

  There was a look of relief in his eyes. ‘Thank you, I’ll call you.’ He leant forward and kissed her cheek. ‘Take care,’ he said and walked up the gangway.

  When she got back to the house, there was no time to chat, it was time to get the dinner cooked as their guests would soon return. It wasn’t until dinner had been served and cleared that they sat down before doing the washing-up.