by June Tate
‘Of course I’ll miss him, but, as you know, the club keeps me occupied, so it won’t be quite so bad.’
‘And of course you’ll have that dashing Johnny Daniels hanging around, to keep you from getting bored!’ She stared at her daughter, trying to read her reaction.
Victoria blushed, which filled Lily with some trepidation.
‘Johnny is a member, that’s all.’
‘You have never been able to lie to me, Victoria, so don’t start now. I can understand you being attracted to him, for goodness’ sake. I’ve been in your shoes when I was younger and the dangerous men were always the most interesting.’
‘He’s not dangerous!’ Victoria protested.
‘No? His father is known as Big Pat Daniels. He’s a known criminal and works out of London Docks. He’s in the same construction business as his son, all quite legitimate. It’s a good front for his criminal activities.’ She saw the shocked look on Victoria’s face. ‘How do you know that Johnny Daniels isn’t setting up the same down here? A new family branch, if you like.’
Victoria didn’t know what to say. All this had come as a terrible shock to her. Deep down she’d always had a feeling that there was a dangerous streak in Johnny but she had never envisaged a criminal one. She’d just thought it was because he was attractive and would be like a magnet to women. But a criminal?
‘How do you know all this?’ she demanded.
‘I made it my business to know after George found out about his father. He never trusted Johnny from the beginning.’
Now Victoria was furious. ‘You’ve both been spying on me!’
‘No, we have been looking after you! Do you want to become part of this young man’s world and finish up like your father?’
‘You became part of it!’ Her eyes flashed angrily.
‘Yes, I did. At the time I had no choice. But believe me, I knew it was a dangerous thing to do. Despite being attracted to your father, I would never have become involved with him if I had any other means of keeping life and soul together. I won’t stand by and see you make the same mistake. You have a business, you can keep yourself and you have Luke and me . . . and you have Bruce, he would take care of you for the rest of your life, given the opportunity, I’m sure. You are in a different situation. You don’t need Johnny Daniels!’
‘I know you mean well, Mum, but I’m a big girl now. I can make my own decisions. I cut your apron strings when I joined the navy!’
Lily was deeply hurt by this remark, but she was determined to get her point across.
‘Of course you are a grown woman and I’m immensely proud of what you’ve achieved, I just don’t want to see it all go down the pan because of an unsuitable man.’
‘I don’t think of him like that and anyway, he can’t help who his father is! It doesn’t mean to say he’s the same.’
‘This is true, but you need to know about his background, that’s all. After all, darling, forewarned is forearmed.’ And she dropped the subject. The joyful atmosphere had changed though and the two of them parted company soon after.
Lily walked back to her hotel without real regret, only that Victoria was angry with her, but that she could live with. She felt she had done her duty as a mother, now the decision was her daughter’s. She couldn’t run her life for her after all – but she could watch her back.
Victoria walked slowly, trying to make sense of the information she’d been given. She wanted to believe that Johnny was not like his father, but now she couldn’t help but wonder if the burglary at Henry Charterhouse’s had anything to do with him? Was he in the same business as his father and setting up his own branch of the business here in Southampton as her mother had suggested? Her thoughts were in turmoil. Yes, she was attracted to him and when he’d held her and kissed her, she’d enjoyed it far too much.
In his small flat in London, Sandy was feeling restless. He was tired of the city, his latest amour had dumped him and he felt in need of a change. He packed a bag and caught a train to Southampton. It would be nice to visit a few old friends, see Lily and Victoria and visit some old haunts. There he could relax. It would be like old times, but better. He’d saved a bit of money for his retirement. After all, he didn’t want to play piano in pubs for very much longer. He wanted to enjoy the years left to him. Perhaps he could find a cheap flat and move back to the town which held so many memories.
It was with great surprise that Victoria saw her old friend walk through the doors of the club just as the lunchtime trade was nearing its end. She rushed forward to greet Sandy.
‘What are you doing here, you old reprobate?’ she asked, giving him a hug.
‘I decided I needed a holiday so I’m down for a week. Got a room free I can stay in?’
‘As a matter of fact I have. A nice single which will suit you very well, but first let me buy you a drink.’
‘I thought you’d never ask.’ He walked with her to the bar. As he did so, George Coleman saw him and wandered over. The men shook hands.
‘Haven’t seen you for ages, Sandy, how’s things?’
‘Not bad, but I’m weary of the old life. I’m thinking of retiring.’
‘You are? Victoria chipped in. ‘I thought you’d be pressing the keys until you kicked the bucket.’
Sandy sipped the beer he’d ordered. ‘No, darling, I want a bit of fun in my life before then and as they say, only the good die young, I reckon I’ve got a few years left!’
Laughing, she asked, ‘How long do you want to stay?’
‘About a week I should think, is that all right?’
She put an arm round his shoulders. ‘Of course, no problem. You’ll be my guest. It’ll be lovely having you around. Look, it’s quiet now so why don’t you join me for lunch?’
‘Thanks, I am hungry. I didn’t stop for breakfast other than a cup of coffee.’
Whilst they ate, Sandy asked about the business, her mother and all the gossip that was available and he told her about his life in London. ‘I may look around for a flat to rent while I’m here,’ he told her. ‘I’m getting tired of working for a living, I want to take some time to sniff the daisies and what better place than Southampton?’ They ate and enjoyed an hour or so of hilarious conversation.
After lunch Victoria took him to his room. ‘Let me know if you need anything. I’m off home until this evening but you only have to ask the staff, they’ll look after you until I come back later.’
Sandy unpacked, then he took a walk around the streets of Southampton’s docklands, somewhat changed after the Blitz, but to him still full of nostalgia and he knew that he would come back and stay permanently. This was where he belonged.
Later that evening he walked downstairs and sat at the bar, reading the Southern Evening Echo, catching up with local news and the programmes being shown at the cinemas in the town.
Victoria arrived and they were sitting and talking when the club door opened and Johnny Daniels entered. He walked over to them and slapped Sandy on the back.
‘You are a bit out of your way aren’t you?’
Victoria looked from one to the other. ‘How do you two know each other?’
‘Johnny and his father use the pub I play in,’ Sandy told her.
This bit of information intrigued Victoria after the conversation she’d had with her mother and she was delighted. What better person than Sandy to be able to answer the questions that plagued her mind about this young man? She decided to put them to him after the club closed. At least she would get an honest answer about Johnny’s character and if anyone knew if he was involved in the underworld it would be Sandy.
‘Well, Miss Teglia,’ said Johnny, ‘you’re looking marvellous as ever. When am I to have the pleasure of your company again?’
Looking at him she couldn’t help remembering how she had felt being held in his arms. She felt her cheeks flush. ‘At the moment I’m really busy,’ she told him.
He smiled softly. ‘I can wait . . . as long as I have to.’
>
Sandy looked intrigued. What had been going on between these two?
Victoria quickly excused herself and Johnny sat on the stool beside Sandy, who looked at the young man mischievously.
‘That wouldn’t be the good girl you spoke about by any chance?’
The young man chuckled. ‘Nothing gets past you does it you old devil? As a matter of fact it is. I think she’s marvellous and I do believe she likes me a little.’
‘She’s far too good to be just another conquest.’ Sandy ventured quietly.
‘Believe me, Sandy, this one is special. She’s definitely in a class of her own. How do you know her?’
‘I’m a good friend of her mother and I’ve known Victoria from the day she was born. I’ve watched her grow up and she’s very dear to me and you need to know that!’
Johnny raised his eyebrows quizzically. ‘You warning me off by any chance?’
‘I’m telling you to treat her right, that’s all.’
‘Her mother told me the same thing not so very long ago. Now there’s a formidable woman.’
‘You take my advice, young man, tread carefully or the wrath of God will descend on you and you’ll wonder what hit you!’
‘George Coleman, you mean? He really doesn’t like me, he made that very clear some time ago.’
‘Then, young Johnny, you are treading on very dangerous ground. Be warned. Now I’m off to search out a few of my favourite drinking places. I’ll see you again soon.’
Daniels sat pondering the conversation he’d had with the pianist, but, nevertheless, nothing was going to stop him seeing Victoria Teglia, not even her father’s right-hand man. He looked at his watch, drank up and, seeing Victoria across the room, he caught her gaze, blew a kiss in her direction and left the club.
Victoria looked for Sandy but he wasn’t there. She couldn’t wait to put a million questions to him before she went to bed that night. She wanted answers. Good or bad, she needed to know the truth.
Nine
Sandy returned to the club just before it closed, a little the worse for wear. He’d trawled the pubs he used to frequent that were still standing and had met several old friends. It had been a good night.
Victoria saw the somewhat glazed look in the eyes of her friend and sent a waiter for a pot of black coffee. ‘Here,’ she said when it was served, ‘get some of this down you or you’ll have a hell of a hangover tomorrow morning.’
His words were slightly slurred as he grinned at her. ‘Thank you, Mother! I’ve had such a good time tonight. Thank God most of my old pals are still about. Mind you –’ he leaned closer – ‘they haven’t worn as well as me, darling!’
Victoria sent for a tray of sandwiches also. She needed to sober him up before she could pump him about the Danielses. But slightly inebriated he might be more forthcoming with his information.
Eventually she posed her first question. ‘Tell me about Johnny Daniels and especially his father. He’s never mentioned him in any of our conversations.’
Sandy had sobered up enough to know what was going on and he thought for a moment about how much he should tell her – and decided on the truth.
‘Don’t suppose he has, he wouldn’t want you to know about Big Pat.’
‘Why not?’
‘Because he’s a villain, that’s why. In London, the underworld treats him with respect and leaves him and his patch alone.’
‘What do you mean, his patch?’ Victoria was now intrigued.
‘All villains have their own territory, darling, and believe me they don’t invite tourists from another gang. That’s a dangerous game to play.’
‘Does Johnny belong to this world too? Is he a villain? Tell me the truth, Sandy, I need to know.’
‘To be honest, Victoria, I’m not sure. He worked with his father in the construction business until he knew enough to start up on his own. How much involved he was in the other side of the trade I don’t know. And that’s the truth. However, a few weeks ago he was up in London talking to his dad and I just felt that something was going down. A gut reaction, that’s all.’
She frowned as she asked, ‘Can you remember when this happened?
When Sandy told her, she realized it was just before Henry Charterhouse was burgled and she paled. ‘Oh my God,’ she muttered.
‘What is it, Victoria?’ asked Sandy.
She told him of her fears and asked, ‘Do you think Johnny set it up?’
‘Was he questioned by the police, do you know?’
She shrugged. ‘No, but then he wouldn’t tell me, would he?’
‘If he knew about it, no doubt he had a watertight alibi. These men are so bloody clever, that’s why Daniels senior is still walking the streets; no one has been able to pin anything on him. He’s a clever bugger!’
‘Is Johnny anything like his father?’
‘No, darling, I’m happy to say he isn’t. Pat is a hard case; he hasn’t an ounce of charm in the whole of his body, unlike young Lochinvar!’ He paused. ‘You like him, don’t you, Victoria?’
‘Yes, Sandy, I do.’ She hesitated. ‘There’s something about him that I find intriguing. I can’t help it – and what’s more I know it’s unwise.’
He caught hold of her hand. ‘Sadly the most enjoyable things in life are unwise, darling. Look, I’m bushed; I need to get my head down. Just be careful, that’s all.’ He kissed her cheek and made his way to his room.
Victoria poured herself some coffee and mulled over her conversation. Her mother had been right all along, but now what? Not only did she have her own feelings to consider but she had the responsibility to her clients to safeguard them and their belongings. If Johnny was using her club to line up victims for his father, she’d have to put a stop to it. There was only one thing to do and that was confront him.
The following morning, she rang Johnny’s office and said she wanted to meet him that day.
He was delighted. ‘Well, Victoria, this is a surprise, but a very pleasant one. Where would you like to go? Just say the word.’
She thought quickly. It needed to be somewhere quiet and private. ‘You know the lake beside the Cowherds Inn?’
Somewhat puzzled he said he did.
‘Then I’ll meet you there in twenty minutes.’ She ordered a taxi and left her flat.
Meanwhile, Johnny got into his car and drove along the avenue to the common. He parked the car outside the Cowherds and walked to the lake, where he saw Victoria feeding the swans.
‘Hello, gorgeous,’ he said as he kissed her cheek. ‘Why here?’
‘Because it’s quiet and we can talk undisturbed.’
‘There was something in the tone of her voice that made him realize that this was not the romantic meeting he’d thought it was going to be. They walked to a bench and sat down.
‘What’s on your mind, Victoria, because something certainly is?’
She was very direct. ‘Did you have anything to do with the burglary at Henry Charterhouse’s home?’ She stared into his eyes waiting for a response.
‘What?’ This was not what he expected and he knew he had to think quickly to allay her suspicions. ‘What on earth are you talking about?’
Victoria was not a fool and she saw him stiffen slightly when she asked the question. ‘I know all about your father, Johnny, so please don’t pretend you’re innocent.’
He knew immediately that Sandy had been talking to her. ‘My father is his own man, what he does has nothing to do with me! I run a legitimate business and I’m really hurt that you should think I had anything at all to do with that incident.’
She was unfazed by his denial. ‘Let’s face it, Johnny, you have the perfect cover. Yes, I know you do good work. After all, several of my clients at the club speak highly of you, but how convenient for you. How easy it is for you to choose the members who are wealthy who have houses stuffed with valuable objects. Things that would bring in a lot of money if they were given to a fence to sell.’
He started to
laugh. ‘Oh, Victoria, you’ve been reading too many thrillers. Yes, it would be a great set up, but a very dangerous one if it were true. How long do you think I could get away with such a thing? Not very long before two and two would make four.’
He put an arm round her shoulders, but he could feel the rigidity in her body. ‘Tell me you don’t really believe me capable of such a thing.’ He held her gaze, willing her to believe him.
She stared back at him but his gaze didn’t falter and for a moment she was confused. Could she be wrong? Was it possible that he was telling the truth? She wanted to believe him, but dare she?’
‘If I thought for one moment you had anything at all to do with this, I’d report you to the authorities! I’ve worked my fingers to the bone to make the club a success and if you did anything to destroy it, I would really make you pay.’
For one moment, Johnny could see why her father, Vittorio Teglia, was a feared man. This was no idle threat, his daughter meant every word and he knew if she was proved right, she’d set out to destroy him – without hesitation.
‘Victoria, darling, I would never do anything to hurt you, honestly. Don’t you realize that I’m falling in love with you?’
She felt her resolve weaken – but only for a moment. ‘Don’t think you can sweet talk me, Johnny, because it won’t work. Just be warned, that’s all.’
‘You have my word, I had nothing to do with it,’ he lied. ‘If I recall correctly, on that day I was in the docks, waiting for a shipment. The customs and docks police can vouch for that, should you care to ask.’
‘How very convenient!’ Her tone was like ice. ‘But you still see your father. If you have nothing to do with his crimes, why do you visit him?’
‘My father has never been imprisoned or charged for any crime, Victoria, so you’re taking a lot for granted!’
‘Neither was mine but he was still a villain and I know because I’ve learned from others when I was older that he broke the law many times but was too clever to be caught.’
‘Then you should understand my position. I’m not answerable for my father, Victoria. I run my own life and I’m very proud of what I’ve achieved, as you are with your work. You are not your father’s daughter after all, only by blood, as am I with mine!’
