by June Tate
Victoria was delighted to hear from Bruce. She knew he’d been busy and so had she and she welcomed the opportunity for a change.
‘That would be lovely, Bruce. I thought you’d gone off with some young woman from your office.’
‘As if I would dream of such a thing!’
They arranged to meet at the club, later that evening.
Bruce arrived on time and greeted Victoria warmly, kissing her soundly as they stood at the bar, to the delight of the female members of the staff, who eyed the good-looking captain with some envy.
‘Bruce!’ Victoria protested. ‘Think of my position.’
He raised his eyebrows. ‘Well, if you insist.’
‘Come on, let’s go before you embarrass me further.’
Outside, they climbed into his car and drove to the Cowherds Inn on the common, a large expanse of land with lakes, and wide open spaces where on bank holidays the fair would set up their stalls and rides to entertain the locals.
They were taken to a table in the far part of the dining room, affording them a modicum of privacy, and handed the menu. They ordered a starter and fish as their main course. Bruce chose a bottle of wine and then smiled at his companion.
‘You look lovely,’ he said softly.
‘And you look very handsome; a man in uniform always has that something extra I always think.’
He laughed. ‘It’s the gold braid, darling, it gets the ladies every time!’
The chatted easily, catching up with each other’s news, enjoying their dinner and relaxing when suddenly, over Bruce’s shoulder, Victoria saw a figure approaching the table, grinning broadly at her.
‘Good evening, Victoria,’ said Johnny Daniels. ‘What a pleasant surprise to find you here.’ He nodded at Bruce then turned back to his companion. ‘Looking as ravishing as ever. We must drive out to the New Forest again sometime soon. Enjoy your meal.’ And he walked away.
Bruce gazed at Victoria, his jaw set. ‘The New Forest? Well, it would seem you haven’t been as busy as you led me to believe!’
‘Oh, that was ages ago. Johnny is a member of the club and invited me to lunch as he’d been busy and needed a break and wondered if I needed one too, that’s all.’ But she could feel her cheeks flush as she spoke.
‘Well, he’s a cheeky bastard, coming on to you like that, right in front of me.’ He looked at her quizzically. ‘So, do you intend to accept his invitation?’
‘Of course not! He called at a time when I needed a change of scene and I enjoyed getting out of the town for a day. That’s all, Bruce!’
He let the matter drop, but it had unnerved him. He knew he was ready to settle down but perhaps Victoria was not and that was a concern. However he didn’t want to spoil the first evening they’d spent together for some time and made no further mention of the encounter.
Later, when they were in bed together, he nibbled her ear and kissed her. ‘Are you my girl, Victoria?’
‘Of course I am, why ever did you ask?’
‘I just like to know where I stand in your life. I know what I want but I’m damned if I know what’s in your mind.’
She smiled provocatively. ‘You must know what’s in my mind, darling, I’m lying here naked, for goodness’ sake!’
‘That’s not what I mean and you know it,’ he said, insistently. ‘Tonight at the Cowherds with that young man, I wondered if I was barking up the wrong tree, that’s all. I’d much rather know now than find out later.’
She put her arms around his neck. ‘Bruce, darling, do stop nattering like an old woman and make love to me . . . please.’
He knew it wasn’t an answer, but how could he resist? It would have to do for now, but he wasn’t going to give up Victoria without a fight, not to any man.
The following morning, when Victoria returned to the club, it was to find a large bouquet of flowers had been delivered to her. Curious, she took out the card and read it.
Hope I didn’t get you into trouble last night? But you looked so lovely I couldn’t resist saying hello. Johnny.
Shaking her head, she couldn’t help but chuckle. This man was outrageous! But that was part of his attraction, of course. Although she knew that Johnny could cause trouble between her and Bruce if she encouraged him, she couldn’t help but relish the situation. What woman wouldn’t enjoy the attention of two men at the same time? It was flattering. Bruce, she felt deep down, was her future and Johnny Daniels was a dangerous game – if she was to play it. Knowing this made it the more inviting. Besides, she wasn’t ready to settle down yet. She’d enjoyed the freedom the navy had given her, away from parental control. She’d enjoyed the odd affair before Bruce came into her life. During her navy days she felt she’d grown up, become a woman in her own right and now with her own business, she was wholly independent and didn’t have to answer to anyone. But if she became engaged to Bruce her freedom would be curtailed and she wasn’t ready to relinquish it just yet.
Despite their extensive enquiries, the Southampton police had been unable to shed light on the burglary at Chilworth and Henry Charterhouse was not happy when he called into the police station to talk to the detective in charge of the case.
Detective Inspector Black tried to explain. ‘I’m really sorry, sir, but the perpetrators were professionals. No fingerprints, the alarm had been doctored when they called supposedly to service it, and so it didn’t go off here when they entered the building.’
‘But there were no signs of a break in.’ Henry said, interrupting, ‘which would have alerted my housekeeper when she returned.’
‘One can only assume they had the tools to pick the lock on the front door and they knew what they came for. After all, they left a lot of valuable stuff behind.’ He scratched his chin. ‘I would say they had a buyer all lined up for the books and the painting. A private collector, of course, one that won’t be showing off his latest acquisition to anyone, that’s for sure. I trust you were insured?’
‘Of course I was, I’m not an idiot! Now the premiums will go sky high.’
‘We’ll keep our enquiries open, but frankly, Mr Charterhouse, I don’t think there’s much hope of you getting the stuff back. I’m sorry, sir.’
Henry left the police station and made his way to his friend’s house in Basset. Roger Bentley was one of his friends who regularly played roulette at the Club Valletta. He was a wealthy barrister and his house was furnished with priceless antiques. He had an office in London but worked from home when he could. He welcomed his friend into the house.
‘Be with you in a moment, old chap, I’m just talking to Mr Daniels about some work I need done on the roof. You may have seen him at the club, come along in, I’m nearly done.’
Henry followed him into the impressive drawing room.
‘Just been to the police station.’ Henry complained. ‘They haven’t a damned clue about what happened to the things that were stolen from my place.’
Johnny Daniels caught his breath as he overheard the conversation as the men entered the room.
‘Daniels, do you know Henry Charterhouse?’
Johnny smiled a greeting. ‘No, we haven’t been introduced, but of course I’ve seen you both there together, chancing your luck in the gaming room.’
‘Well, poor Henry’s luck ran out when he was burgled. I expect you read about it in the Echo?’
‘Yes, yes I did. Terrible business.’
‘Well I hope your security is tight here, Roger,’ his friend remarked.
‘But didn’t I read that your housekeeper let two men in who said they’d come to see to the alarm?’ Johnny casually asked.
Henry mumbled angrily. ‘They showed her their credentials which looked all right. Can’t blame her for that. Clever sods!’
Johnny just wanted to leave before he became too involved in talking about this further, knowing that it was his father’s men who’d pulled the job.
‘Right, Mr Bentley, I’ll get my men here on Wednesday of next week. We’ll soon g
et the roof back in shape. It shouldn’t take too long.’ And he made his escape.
Outside, sitting in his car, he breathed a sigh of relief. That was too close for comfort and he cursed his father. He wouldn’t feed him any more information, he decided. It would only screw up his reputation if his clients got wind of his background and he had a lot of business lined up in the forthcoming weeks.
Once back in his office, he rang the club and asked to speak to Victoria. He felt the need for a bit of fun after his encounter and there was only one companion he wanted to share this with.
‘Hello?’ Victoria answered the phone herself.
‘Miss Teglia, this is your secret admirer speaking,’ he said, teasing her.
‘Johnny! Thank you for the beautiful flowers.’
‘You’re very welcome . . . did I get you into trouble with the handsome captain?’
‘You did that on purpose, coming over to the table and talking about the New Forest. You are truly wicked!’
He could hear the amusement in her voice. ‘Well, he looked far too comfortable; I thought a shock would do him good.’
‘Oh, Johnny, what am I going to do with you?’
‘Come out with me, let’s go and have some fun together. I’m feeling restless.’
‘What had you in mind?’
‘Miss Teglia, you really don’t want to know what’s in my mind, but I’ll settle for your company and a meal. Let’s drive out to Hamble, we can look at the boats and have lunch, overlooking the water. What do you say?’
‘When?’
‘Are you free now?’
Victoria hesitated before answering, knowing she should refuse, but it was the beginning of the week when lunchtime trade was slow. She could easily get away and she made up her mind. Why not? It was only lunch.
‘All right, give me half an hour and I’ll be free.’
‘I’ll wait outside for you,’ he replied. He didn’t want Coleman glaring at him if he waited for her inside the club. The man made him uncomfortable.
They drove out to Hamble, chatting about inconsequential things until Johnny parked the car and they walked around the jetties looking at the various boats moored there.
‘Have you ever wanted one of these yachts?’ Victoria asked.
‘No, not me! The sea is a dangerous element; you have to know what you’re doing on a boat. Besides, in a heavy sea, I don’t like the way the yachts lean over and look as if they’re going to capsize. Four wheels and a motor will do thank you.’
They sauntered back to the inn and ordered lunch. It was reasonably quiet and they had a table overlooking the water.
‘Must be nice living round here,’ he said, somewhat wistfully.
‘I thought you were a city boy, coming as you do from London.’
‘I like London, don’t misunderstand me. It has a buzz about it and the theatres . . . but it’s noisy and dirty. Here, it’s clean and peaceful. A pleasant change.’
She looked at him quizzically. ‘You never fail to surprise me.’
‘In what way?’
‘You mentioned the theatres. I wouldn’t have thought you’d be interested in such things.’
‘You know nothing about me, Victoria, but it’s obvious that you’ve already made up your mind as to the sort of person I am and that’s hardly fair!’
‘So who are you? Tell me.’
‘That’s no fun at all.’ He was teasing her again. ‘If we were to see more of each other, think how many surprises you might have.’
‘There might be some I wouldn’t like,’ she said, looking at him with twinkling eyes.
‘You’ll never know until you try,’ he said, laughing at her. Then, handing her the menu, he asked, ‘Would you like a dessert?’
After their meal he drove her along a narrow lane and parked the car in a deserted area, overlooking the Solent where the passing ships showed on the horizon and several yachts were sailing by. He put an arm around her shoulders and slowly and deliberately pulled her towards him.
‘You, Victoria Teglia, are a very desirable woman!’ And he kissed her.
Victoria closed her eyes as his mouth explored hers. His hands caressing her, sending shivers down her spine. She knew she shouldn’t be enjoying this, but she was and she returned his kisses with a fervency that surprised her.
When eventually he released her, he gazed into her eyes. ‘That was even better than I envisaged,’ he said softly, and kissed her again.
As his caresses became more ardent, Victoria broke away from his hold.
‘We need to go,’ she gasped, breathlessly
‘You don’t really mean that,’ he coaxed.
‘Yes, Johnny, I do.’
He didn’t argue further, but turned on the ignition, put the car into gear and drove back to the club. Neither of them exchanged a word during the journey, both lost in their own thoughts. Johnny was pleased with his progress with this lovely woman whilst Victoria was surprised at her own passion in the arms of this fascinating man, whom she felt could completely unsettle her life.
Johnny pulled up and parked outside the Club Valletta and, turning towards Victoria, kissed her briefly. ‘I’ll see you soon,’ he said.
‘I’m not sure that’s such a good idea,’ she replied.
He caressed her cheek. ‘You know you don’t really mean that.’
She didn’t reply and got out of the car and walked away.
He watched until she’d entered the club, then he drove back to his office with a smile of satisfaction. There would be another time, of that he was certain.
Eight
‘What do you mean he hasn’t come up with the rest of the money?’ Pat Daniels demanded as he sat at the desk of his London dockland office.
One of his men stood before him and tried to explain, somewhat nervously. Daniels was not a man to upset even if you were a member of his gang of criminals.
‘As you know, he paid half the money for the books up front and was coming to London with the rest of the cash, but he sent a message to say he was too busy and couldn’t get away.’
‘Too fucking busy! Who does he think he’s dealing with?’ Pat swiped the papers off his desk in anger then he picked up the telephone and dialled. ‘You know who this is and I’ll give you seven days to come up with the dosh you owe me. If you fail you’ll have to face the consequences.’ He slammed the receiver down.
On the wall was a calendar. He rose from his chair and marked a cross against the date, seven days hence. ‘He’d better come across or he’ll be very sorry,’ he told his man. ‘He thinks because he lives in Scotland it’s too far away from me to have to worry. Well he couldn’t be more wrong! Now he’ll have to pay interest on the days he’s late and he won’t like that. Well tough! I’ll be up his arse before he knows it.’
As the man left the room, Pat sat and fumed. These people with money thought they could treat him like some minion. He wasn’t some small-time hoodlum, he was a man with a lot of power as some who’d tried to cross him in the past had found, to their detriment. A Scottish laird was just another customer, his wealth and title didn’t mean a thing. It didn’t make him foolproof. Accepting stolen goods, to satisfy his own ego, made him just as much a criminal as any other who broke the law, so all the airs and graces in the world wouldn’t make any difference to the outcome. If he tried to welch on a deal, it would not be tolerated.
Victoria’s mother, Lily, was also busy on the phone, talking to George Coleman, keeping check on Johnny.
‘What’s the situation between my daughter and Johnny Daniels?’ she asked her old friend.
‘He sent her flowers the other day because I made it my business to look at the card and, although Victoria didn’t tell me, she went out with him yesterday. I saw him waiting outside. She was only gone for a few hours. Maybe he took her out to lunch,’ he told her. ‘Naturally I didn’t question her on her return. I didn’t want her to think I was spying.’
‘No of course not,’ said Lily. ‘I t
hink it’s time she knows about his background. I’ll be in touch.’
She sat quietly pondering the situation. Victoria should know who she was dealing with, she decided, before she became too involved with the young man. Charm or no charm, his background was one she didn’t want Victoria anywhere near. She must warn her now, before it was too late and, to this end, that evening she rang the club and invited Victoria to go shopping with her the next day.
Victoria was looking forward to a day spent with her mother, whom she adored. With both of them being in business, they didn’t see so much of each other these days and they always had such fun together.
The two women trawled the shops looking for dresses that didn’t scream utility. They bought odd items of make-up and ended up in a hat shop, trying on all the models, before purchasing one each, in the knowledge that millinery didn’t require clothing coupons.
‘Come on,’ said Lily, ‘I’m famished. Let’s get something to eat. We’ll go to Gatti’s. I know the head waiter there; he’ll rustle up something special.’
Victoria laughed. ‘There aren’t many people in the town that you don’t know, Mother.’
‘And very useful it is too, you’ll see.’
They were escorted to a table by the head waiter who greeted Lily warmly and who suggested she leave the choice of menu to him, which she readily agreed to. Consequently, they ate very well.
As they tucked into a very fine steak, Victoria said, ‘This is delicious, I wonder where the chef found this supply?’
‘Best not to ask,’ Lily chided. ‘I expect your chef has a few secrets up his sleeve, I know mine has. I never question him, it’s better that way.’
After dessert, they ordered coffee and a liqueur and Lily asked after Bruce.
‘Have you seen the handsome captain lately?’
‘Yes, we had lunch together a few days ago. He’s fine, busy and if the truth be known, he can’t wait to be given his own ship again. Bruce is truly a man of the sea.’
‘That means he’ll be away, won’t you miss him? After all, you both seem to be very close.’
