by June Tate
‘Business is fine, thanks. You still making a fortune?’
The old man looked at him through narrowed eyes. ‘What do you really want, eh? You didn’t come here to ask about my health; in fact I thought you might have called before now, to look up an old friend, maybe?’
Johnny took out a cigarette and lit it. ‘Nothing gets past you, Solly.’ He then told him about Victoria and the club and about the two men who had called on her the previous night. ‘I want to know who they work for.’
With a sly smile, the tailor gazed at his visitor. ‘Yeah, I’ve heard about the daughter of The Maltese. A looker, I’m told. You got the hots for her, Johnny?’
‘Now then, old man,’ Johnny chided, ‘that’s got nothing to do with you, I just want to know what’s going on.’
Solly sat back in his chair, undoing his waistcoat which was more than a little tight around his ample girth. ‘You’re not the only newcomer in town, Johnny boy. About a month ago, some man called Max Reynolds moved in. Nobody knows much about him. He opened up a house-clearance and furniture-removal business. In the Chapel area he has his office. Apparently he’s a tough bugger and the men working for him aren’t much better. His game? I don’t know, but he’s made a few waves around town. Upset a few villains, so I hear.’
‘In what way?’
‘Making his presence felt around the pubs, lording it up a bit from all accounts. But a move he hasn’t made as yet . . . unless at the Club Valletta last night, he did?’
Johnny described the two men, then added, ‘Make a few enquiries, Solly. If these men are his, give me a ring, will you?’ He handed him his business card.
Solly looked at it. ‘In the same business as your father, I see. How is Pat these days?’
‘Same as ever,’ Johnny replied, ‘but I’m on my own now, making an honest living.’
The old man raised his eyebrows in surprise. ‘Is it straight you’re going, my boy?’
‘Yes, Solly, I am. I don’t want any more of that kind of life. Dad can’t understand me, but I’m not him. I am my own man.’
‘Then why are you getting involved with Reynolds?’
‘I’m trying to safeguard Miss Teglia, that’s all.’
With twinkling eyes, Solly smiled. ‘Ain’t love grand! I’ll do what I can and next time you need a suit you come to me, I give you a good price.’
Laughing, Johnny rose to his feet, shook the other man’s hand and left the shop. But he frowned as he walked along Canal Walk. The last thing he wanted was to be involved with any gang, but he’d thrown down the gauntlet and he knew that wouldn’t please whoever was behind the protection racket. Things wouldn’t end there.
In the office of Reynolds Removals, Max Reynolds was listening to the two men who’d visited the Club Valletta and were regaling him about their encounter with the son of Pat Daniels.
Reynolds looked angry. ‘I didn’t know that Daniels’ son was in the area. What’s he like?’
‘Smart, good looking, and from the way he spoke I’d say he and the Teglia girl have a connection,’ said one of the men.
The other man chipped in. ‘We don’t want to mess with the old man, boss, he’s bad news.’
‘I’m not having any young whippersnapper telling me what I can and can’t do!’ retorted Reynolds.
‘If we leave the club alone, I don’t think he’ll bother us,’ said the first man. ‘We don’t want to go looking for trouble, do we? After all, we haven’t got established here yet.’
Reynolds gave this some thought. ‘All right, we’ll leave the club for the moment and see what happens. I’ve got other plans lined up. But if young Daniels tries to interfere with my business, then he’ll be in trouble. I’m not scared of him or his father!’
Victoria had told Sandy not to tell her mother or Luke what had taken place. ‘They’ll only worry,’ she told him. ‘Besides, Johnny sorted it out and I’m sure they won’t come calling again.’
But she hadn’t mentioned Bruce and when he came to the club the following evening and he and Sandy sat having a quiet drink, Sandy told him what had happened.
Seeing the look of concern on the captain’s face, Sandy tried to reassure him. ‘Don’t you worry, Bruce. I rang Johnny Daniels and he came round in a flash and sorted it.’
‘What do you mean, sorted it?’ Bruce asked sharply.
Sandy told him what Johnny had said.
‘And why should the mention of his father frighten these men away?’
It was then that Sandy realized that Bruce knew nothing of Daniels’ background, but now he had no choice but to tell him.
Bruce looked appalled as he listened to the facts. ‘Whatever is Victoria thinking of allowing him here as a member and, even worse, going out to lunch with him as she did some time ago?’
‘Well, to be honest, Bruce, I don’t think Johnny has any part of his father’s life.’
‘Come on, Sandy! How can he live with a villain and not have been involved? You can’t be that naive!’
‘I’m not saying he hasn’t got a past, but I do believe he’s now making an honest living. This is the first time he’s set up his own business and by all accounts he’s doing well and people like him.’ Sandy put to the back of his mind his suspicions when he saw Johnny and his father plotting together a while back. He liked Johnny and was prepared to give the boy the benefit of the doubt.
But Bruce was furious. ‘I can’t have Victoria getting mixed up with him; God knows where that could lead. I’ll have a word with her later.’
Sandy cursed quietly. This was the last thing he wanted and he wished he’d kept his mouth shut, but now it was too late and as he watched Bruce and Victoria leave the club he wondered just what the outcome would be.
Bruce didn’t broach the subject as they drove to the Bellmore Hotel, where they settled down at a table for a quiet drink. He told her his news, that very soon now he hoped to be given his own vessel.
Victoria was delighted for him, knowing how much he missed being at sea. ‘Will you be away for any length of time?’ she asked.
‘Not at first, we’ll just be on manoeuvres for a while, so we’ll still be able to see one another.’
‘And after?’
He didn’t want to tell her that he might be sent to Malta for several months as he had hoped she might agree to marry him before that and accompany him, at least for some of the time.
‘I don’t know, darling, it all depends on the navy. So how are things with you?’
‘Fine. We’re reasonably busy, most of the rooms are booked and the lunchtime trade is healthy – and of course we’re busy at the weekends, so I’ve no complaints.’
‘And that’s it?’
Puzzled by the tone of his voice she said, ‘That’s it. Why do you ask?’
‘You didn’t think to tell me about the two men who called on you demanding money for protection?’
Victoria realized that Sandy had been talking. ‘It was nothing to worry about.’
‘What do you mean, nothing? That’s demanding money with menaces, it’s against the law! Did you report it to the police?’
She saw the anger in his eyes. ‘I didn’t want the police involved, it’s bad for business. Anyway the whole thing was sorted out then and there.’
‘By Johnny Daniels, so I’m told. And that’s another thing you’ve kept from me, Victoria: this man’s past! For Christ’s sake, we are engaged; shouldn’t you be sharing all this with me?’
‘Johnny’s past is his own business and not anyone else’s, certainly not yours!’ Now her face was flushed with anger.
‘It damned well is my business when he’s around you. You’ve even been out to lunch with him and consorting with a criminal is not good for you or the business you’re so concerned about!’
‘Johnny Daniels is not a criminal!’
Bruce lowered his voice. ‘Are you absolutely sure about that, Victoria?’
She hesitated for just a moment. ‘Yes, I am.’
Bruce sipped his drink, gazing at her over the rim of the glass. ‘You’re not sure at all. Darling, I know you so well, so please don’t pretend with me.’
She didn’t answer, what could she say? She wanted to believe that Johnny was leading a life without crime, but he’d used his father as a threat to the two men who’d been in the club. A threat that had the desired effect. She was now confused.
Bruce leaned forward. ‘Look, darling, I’m just concerned for you because I love you, but I have to be honest, this thing between you and Daniels worries me.’
‘What on earth do you mean . . . this thing?’
‘It’s as if he has some kind of hold over you.’ He shrugged. ‘I don’t know what it is but when I see you together . . . like the time he came over to us when we were dining at the Cowherds. He did that deliberately. Why?’
‘I have no idea!’ she exclaimed.
‘Well maybe I should ask him.’
‘You can’t do that!’ She was shocked at the idea.
‘Why ever not? He needs to know that you and I are getting married, that you will be my wife – and that he needs to back off.’
Bruce wasn’t easily angered but now she could see that he meant business and, if Bruce tackled Johnny, she wasn’t at all sure what he would say, remembering clearly how he took the news of their engagement.
She tried to reason with her fiancé. ‘Truly, there’s no need for all this, Bruce darling. There’s nothing between Johnny Daniels and me. He’s just a member, that’s all, and Sandy thought I was in trouble and called him.’
‘And he couldn’t get to you quickly enough! You may not have any feelings for him, but maybe he thinks differently.’
She held out her left hand. ‘I’m wearing your ring, aren’t I? That should tell you something, I’d have thought.’
Bruce let the matter drop but the rest of the evening was spent with an unspoken atmosphere between them.
When they returned to the club, Bruce didn’t go in. He helped Victoria out of the car, held her close and kissed her longingly. ‘Remember I love you,’ he whispered against her cheek.
‘And I love you,’ she said and watched him drive away with some relief. That had been a difficult evening, she thought as she stepped through the club door. The first person she saw sitting at the bar, smiling at her, was Johnny Daniels.
Thirteen
‘Hello, gorgeous!’ said Johnny, kissing her cheek. ‘I thought I’d missed you. What would you like to drink?’
‘Nothing thanks,’ she said, ‘I’ve got a lot of work to catch up on.’
‘How’s the captain?’ he asked quietly. ‘Only, the barman told me you were with him when I asked after you.’
Victoria looked at Johnny, asking herself exactly what was the hold he had over her. Was it purely sexual? He only had to smile at her and she seemed to be under some kind of spell. She longed for him to reach out and touch her, and, in unguarded moments, wondered what it would be like to be made love to by this handsome but dangerous man. The idea excited her and whenever she told herself the whole idea was more than foolish, it didn’t make a bit of difference. Perhaps the only way to lay this ghost to rest was to find out.
‘He’s fine, thanks, but he’s not too happy about you being around.’
Johnny found this most amusing. ‘I bet he isn’t!’
‘What on earth do you mean?’
He took her hand and stroked it with his thumb. ‘He knows that I want you, it’s as simple as that.’
His touch, though gentle seemed to imprint every movement on her skin. ‘Do you want me, Johnny?’
His gaze never left her face. ‘Oh yes.’
She held his gaze for a long time, battling with her emotions, making choices, wondering just what to do. Then, quietly, she spoke.
‘Well, let’s go.’
He didn’t answer but just rose from his seat still holding her hand and led her out of the building. They drove in silence and, when they reached his flat, he led her to the door, opened it and then without hesitation, took her into the bedroom.
‘Come here,’ he said as he took her into his arms and kissed her.
Victoria lost herself in the moment, returning his kisses with mounting passion until they were both breathless. He slowly undressed her, kissing and caressing parts of her lithe body as he threw each garment aside until she was naked in his arms.
‘You are even more beautiful than I ever imagined,’ he told her as he cupped her breast in his hand, running his thumb over her now pert nipple.
She moaned quietly as he laid her on the bed, swiftly took off his own clothes and then proceeded to tease her with his deft fingers and mouth, until her senses were swimming.
When eventually he was on top of her, she was ready for him and forgot about everything else, enjoying every thrust of his strong body until they lay replete and exhausted in each other’s arms.
Johnny said not a word as he held her close, caressing her gently, kissing her softly until they both fell asleep.
Victoria was the first to wake. She stirred then opened her eyes. Johnny’s arms were holding her close and she turned her head and studied the face next to hers on the pillow. No one had made her feel like that during love making, not even Bruce, who knew her body so well. She felt a stab of guilt. She shouldn’t be here, after all she was wearing Bruce’s ring, had promised to marry him. Earlier she was convinced the only way to cure herself of Johnny Daniels was to be with him just once – and then he’d be out of her system, but in fact it had only made matters worse.
She ran her finger softly over his mouth, the same mouth that had given her so much pleasure. His eyelids fluttered then he opened his eyes . . . and smiled.
‘Hello,’ he said softly and, gathering her even closer, kissed her, slowly. Then he slipped his hand between her thighs . . .
The same night, Max Reynolds and some of his men broke into the warehouse where Johnny Daniels kept the tools of his trade and his work vehicles and slashed the tyres and window screens of the three vans parked there.
‘Just a small lesson for Mr Daniels to teach him not to interfere in my business,’ Max remarked as he was driven away. ‘He needs to know I’m not a man to be messed with – whoever his father might be!’
In the morning Johnny was about to enter his office whistling happily only to be stopped by one of his men.
‘You’d better come with me, Mr Daniels,’ he said.
Something in the tone of the man’s voice made Johnny cease his whistling and follow him to the warehouse, where he saw the damaged tyres and smashed screens.
‘Who would do a thing like this?’ his man demanded. ‘And why?’
Without answering, Johnny turned on his heel, walked quickly to his car and drove to the Chapel area where he found the office of Max Reynolds and, pushing the door open, walked in.
Reynolds was sitting behind a large desk. He looked up, saw his visitor and smiled.
‘Johnny Daniels, I presume,’ he said mockingly
‘What’s your point, Reynolds?’ asked Johnny without preamble.
‘Don’t interfere in my business, son. That’s my point!’ He sat back in his chair and stared at the young man in front of him.’ And don’t threaten me with your father, it won’t wash!’
Johnny remained calm. ‘I don’t give a shit what you get up to in this town, Reynolds, but you leave the Club Valletta alone! That’s my point.’
‘You got it made with the daughter of The Maltese, is that it?’
‘Miss Teglia is none of your business; you just keep your hoods away from her and her business.’
‘Or what?’
‘Let’s not go there. I’m sure you don’t want trouble, it only brings in the coppers and you wouldn’t want that, would you?’
Reynolds didn’t like being told what to do but at the same time he wasn’t looking for trouble either. The two men glared at each other for a minute, then Johnny walked out of the office, fuming. If he was still p
art of his father’s operation, this incident would have been dealt with gangland fashion, but he wanted to put that world behind him, so he walked away, which really stuck in his craw and put him in a bad mood for the rest of the day as he paid for repairs to his vehicles. Which, in this day and age, was no mean feat . . . and expensive.
Whilst all this was going on, in London, Pat Daniels was planning his next job in Southampton. The house in Romsey, according to his son, housed some priceless antiques, which was manna from heaven as far as old man Daniels was concerned. There was a ready market for such things and he had the buyers lined up, waiting, which meant he didn’t have to keep the goods for long, which was a much safer bet. Unlike the books he’d retrieved from the Scottish Laird, which were still hidden in his warehouse.
He instructed his men to go down to Southampton and find a cheap bed and breakfast and then visit Romsey to find out what they could about the house in question.
‘Whatever you do, don’t stay in Romsey itself, it’s too small a place, people will notice strangers who are around too long. Day trippers go there all the time, so then you’ll blend in with them.’
After they’d left, Pat considered his son’s reaction if he managed to pull the job, but Johnny would just have to get on with it. He’d made it clear that he was now on his own so there would be no more useful information coming from him and this was too good an opportunity to be missed.
When she left Johnny’s flat, Victoria went to her own and had a bath and changed, ready for work. She found herself humming and smiling as she dressed. This was madness! She tried to collect her thoughts, but all she could think about was the feel of Johnny Daniels, the scent of him, his mouth on hers, his hands as he’d caressed her, the thrill she felt as they made love – and she realized she had to decide what to do. This wasn’t fair on Bruce. He was an honourable man who loved her, he didn’t deserve to be treated so badly and now she felt really guilty. But she knew in her heart she wasn’t ready to settle down and it was only right that Bruce should be told. She picked up the telephone and dialled his number.
