by Jill Barry
“Is that your car?” Charlotte peered through the window.
“Unfortunately not,” he said. “It belongs to my Commanding Officer and he’s given me the use of it for a few hours. I’m not on ops again until tomorrow.”
“Aren’t you the lucky one? So where are you off to?”
“Where do you want me to take you?”
Charlotte chuckled. “You’re incorrigible, Phil. I should call your bluff and say let’s drive down the coast and have lunch.”
“That’s a terrific idea, Charlie. Off you go and powder your nose or whatever while I settle up with your young mechanic. Nice lad, very polite by the way.”
“He’s doing very well and I’m quite happy to take your money, thank you. Seriously, Philip, how can you plan to go joy riding with petrol supplies the way they are?”
He tapped the side of his nose. “All sorted, my dear. Will you come with me? Seriously, I mean.”
“Seriously no, Phil. I can’t abandon the garage on a whim. I’m surprised you haven’t got Pearl in tow.”
He shook his head. “I haven’t seen her for a few days.”
“So you thought you’d go for second best?” But Charlotte was smiling.
The corners of his mouth drooped. “Definitely not the case but I thought it was worth a try. How’s that fiancé of yours getting on? Heard from him?”
“I have. He doesn’t say much but I love getting Robert’s letters and writing back of course.”
“I envy him.”
“Being an Army despatch rider? Surely not?”
“Having a beautiful fiancée to come home to,” said Phil, straightening his tie.
“You’re such a flatterer. Maybe you should try concentrating on one girlfriend instead of a string of them.”
“Maybe I should.” He grinned at her. “I might call round Pearl’s house and see if she can come out to play.” He watched Charlotte’s face. “Oh dear, what have I said now?”
“You know perfectly well why I’m frowning. Pearl’s spoken for.” Even as she said it, Charlotte remembered her friend’s comment about not wanting to miss an opportunity for a bit of harmless fun.
“I know Pearl’s your brother’s girlfriend but I do like to spread a little sunshine wherever I can. I would’ve thought Don would be pleased I’m thinking of her welfare.”
“I give up. Are you still seeing the nurse?”
His face glowed. “Yes. Little Nurse Compton is a super girl but she seems to work all the shifts under the sun. I rang the nurses’ home this morning.”
“Ah, so I’m actually your third choice!”
He reached across and gently chucked her under the chin. “I’d better go before I put my foot in it even deeper.” He peered through the window, reaching for his wallet. “Your lad’s given me four gallons and it looks like he’s putting the airline away now. I’ll give him a little tip.”
“That’s up to you, Phil but there’s really no need.” Charlie took the bank note from the pilot and counted out his change.
“Least I can do. He’s cleaned the windscreen as well.”
“All part of the service.”
“See you around, Charlie,” said Philip. “Don’t worry about your friend’s reputation. I’m quite happy to take her ma out too, provided Pearl squashes into the back seat. Cheerio!”
Charlotte was still smiling when Jack walked into the office.
“What did you think of the daredevil pilot, Jack? He used to be part of the Flying Circus before he joined the RAF.”
The lad shuffled his feet. “He’s a friendly sort of bloke, for a Brylcreem boy. He gave me a nice tip but I’m a bit taken aback.”
“What’s troubling you?” Charlotte couldn’t think what had happened to make the young apprentice look so uneasy.
“I couldn’t help noticing what he had on the back seat. It was when I was checking the tyres and the spare one, like George taught me.”
“Go on.” Charlotte held her breath.
“I saw a blooming big box of posh chocolates. I’ve never seen the like of it before but I didn’t say a word.” Jack bit his lip. “When he came out after talking to you, he asked me how things were at home.”
“What did you say?”
Jack shrugged. “Something like we manage cos my dad’s got an allotment and he shoots the odd rabbit sometimes.” Jack’s cheeks reddened. “He’s not a poacher. Dad don’t trespass on nobody’s land.”
“Of course not,” Charlie soothed. “Maybe those chocolates belong to Flight Officer McGirr’s commanding officer.” She spread her hands. “He’s the one who owns the car, Jack. They might even have been bought before rationing began. We mustn’t jump to conclusions.”
“I s’pose not.” Jack’s voice was wistful. “What wouldn’t I give for a box like that to give my ma. Strawberry creams, cherries in brandy and Russian Caramels … flippin’ heck.”
Charlie nodded. “Mrs Bennett’s got a sweet tooth. We make a good pair – she has my sugar ration and I have her butter coupons.”
“I s’pose the chocs would’ve had to have been bought before rationing began,” said Jack. “You’d need all of our street to give up their coupons before you could buy a box like that.”
He turned back to the workshop leaving Charlotte to ponder why anyone would ride around with a luxury item openly displayed on the back seat of their car. Even if the chocolates were purchased legitimately, before the advent of rationing, it didn’t set a very good example when most people were making do and wishing things could be different.
Maybe Phil planned to drop off the box at the nurses’ home for his lucky young lady. With all her heart Charlotte hoped there wasn’t something more sinister to worry about. After all, Philip could have been passing the time of day when he questioned Jack about his family’s circumstances. It didn’t mean he was checking whether the lad might be interested in purchasing black market goods.
She shivered. This war hadn’t been going a year and already she was heartily sick of it.
Chapter 11 - Suspicion and Shock
The year progressed, letters and cards from Robert infrequent though cheerful. Sometimes Charlotte’s eyes brimmed with tears as she tried to imagine the conditions under which he and his fellow-soldiers existed.
Always careful to conserve her petrol ration, somewhat better than the standard one, because of the work she performed, Charlotte drove Eleanor to Huddlesham where they collected Mr Moore, Sergeant Moore to be accurate, from the camp gates before driving into the town.
They found a good restaurant where they enjoyed a lunch that made Charlotte and her godmother exclaim over the portions. Mr Moore seemed well, listening enthusiastically when his daughter spoke about the garage and how good it was to see Robert’s dad and mum enjoying their roles, not forgetting Jack of course.
When the lunchtime conversation turned to the political situation and the war’s progress, Charlotte’s father shook his head, the lines around his eyes and mouth deepening.
“We’re in for a very tough time,” he said. “Shock waves will affect us all. I’m relieved Peel Bay, though it’s on the coast, isn’t slap bang close to the air base.”
For a moment Charlotte wanted to mention Philip’s box of chocolates but thought better of it. She had no proof of shady goings on and hadn’t seen the pilot since. Pearl had mentioned seeing him at the base in the course of her duties but to Charlotte’s relief, her friend seemed to want to speak more and more of Don, asking for snippets of information about him and proudly producing a pair of socks she’d knitted for her sweetheart.
Charlotte said as much to her father as he ate the last of his Bakewell tart.
“That’s good to hear,” he said. “It means a lot to a man fighting far from home to know he has a wife or sweetheart caring about him.”
Charlotte noticed Eleanor look down at her plate, rather than catch anyone’s eye. She’d gone through this whole tragic business during the First World War of course. Even though
Mr Moore wasn’t on active service, he, like many other British citizens, was vulnerable to all kinds of unpleasant situations. Hopefully he’d be able to return home before too long, though knowing her dad, Charlotte suspected he wouldn’t let the small matter of celebrating his fiftieth birthday soon deter him from what he considered his duty.
Charlotte looked at her watch. “Thank goodness for the lighter evenings,” she said. “We don’t have to rush back. Do you two want to wander off somewhere? I’d like to look at a few clothes shops and I need to buy some airmail notepaper. My supply’s a bit low.”
“Well, you mustn’t run out, that’s for sure,” said her father. “Do you fancy a walk along the river, El? They say it’s very pleasant.”
“So long as you’re happy to go off on your own, Charlotte?”
“I’m quite happy alone, thanks. Shall we meet up for a cup of tea, two hours from now?”
“There’s a teashop opposite the cathedral,” said Eleanor. “It has a kettle painted on its signboard. I noticed it when we walked from the car.”
They gathered their belongings and Charlotte set off alone, pleased with her idea. Eleanor and her dad rarely had time to themselves and since she and Robert began courting, she realised how precious those moments in one another’s company were.
Besides, she wanted to visit the cathedral, not only to admire the architecture and beautiful stained glass but also to spend a few quiet moments in prayer. There was much she wanted to say and she hoped the ancient sacred atmosphere would have a calming, healing effect.
The huge grey stone building loomed ahead but Charlotte decided to explore the shops first. Then she could linger in the cathedral for the remainder of the time. There were several drapers and ladies’ outfitters dotted around the town centre and she browsed these until she spotted a stationer’s and went in to buy her stationery.
As she walked up the flagstone path leading to the cathedral’s main door, she wondered how many others had preceded her. The labour invested in these holy buildings always made her feel overawed by the levels of determination and commitment. In that way, it was rather like the war effort, she supposed.
Wandering along the main aisle her gaze focused upon the largest of several impressive stained glass windows. The fruit gum colours of the panes glowed green, raspberry, amber and violet in the afternoon sunshine. Charlotte walked on towards a secluded side chapel, descending the short flight of worn stone steps to sit quietly, meditating and asking the questions popping in and out of her head at such regular intervals.
Why does such evil exist in this world of ours? How can we bring this ugly war to an end? How can we keep peace for the future?
Finally, when will Robert come home to me? She knew it was a selfish thing to ask but somehow couldn’t help herself. She knew he’d no control over his own destiny but she prayed with all the strength of her pent up longing for his safe return and also for that of her brother.
There remained a few minutes before she was due to meet her father and godmother. Charlotte picked up her tan leather shoulder bag and rose from the pew. She gave a special smile to the statue of a female saint who seemed to be looking straight at her, before returning to the main area. A few sightseers lingered, also people seated in the pews, lost in prayer or simply relishing the peaceful atmosphere. It was hard to imagine the dark scenes taking place all those miles away, the clatter of artillery, the yells of the men, the rumble of heavy vehicles on the move. Here she was experiencing England at its best. It was dreadful to think of such tranquillity being threatened.
Out in the sunshine she squinted against the brightness, almost mowing down a young man in uniform.
“I’m so sorry,” she gasped. “It was my … Phil! What are you doing here?” Stunned, Charlotte hitched her bag back on her shoulder and shaded her eyes to look up at Philip the Pilot.
“Charlie, old girl, what an amazing surprise! What the devil are you doing here?”
“I asked you first,” she reminded him.
“So you did. Well, I have a pal flying Spitfires out of Dales Cross.” He scratched his chin. “Of course, I remember now. Your father’s at the training camp near here, isn’t he?”
Charlotte eyed Philip with interest. He looked distinctly uncomfortable as he put down the small suitcase he’d been carrying.
“Eleanor and I drove up today,” she said. “I’m meeting her and Dad of course, just across the way. Would you like to join us? You’re very welcome.”
A spasm of what she could only describe as panic crossed his face. “Oh, my dear, you’re very kind but I have an appointment.”
“At the cathedral? Don’t tell me you’re marrying the nurse.” Charlotte couldn’t resist the jibe.
Phil’s laugh sounded a little forced. “Um … well, I have to meet someone at the hotel just up the road. I’m rather early so I thought I’d go inside here and sit quietly for a while. You know how it is.”
“Quite. Well, I’d better go and join the others.” She caught hold of his arm. “You will take care, Phil, won’t you? There are some very strange folk around.”
“You sound just like my dear mama,” he said, leaning to kiss her cheek. “I’m looking out for myself, Charlie, I really am. I’ll, er, try and call at the garage soon.” But he didn’t meet her eyes.
She watched his retreating back. Something was going on. Why wouldn’t he go into the hotel to wait? He loved cocktail bars and chatting to all and sundry. Why the sudden interest in a religious building? It didn’t sit right but she didn’t have time to shadow him and if she said anything to her father, he’d doubtless advise her to keep her nose out of the pilot’s business.
If Phil McGirr should be up to no good, she’d be better off distancing herself. The words rang clear in her head as if her dad had already said them. Charlotte squared her shoulders. She’d say nothing about her fears but as soon as she could, she’d talk to Pearl and see if she had any ideas on the subject. Black marketeers trod a precarious tightrope but plenty of them, like the smugglers she’d read about during schooldays, were prepared to take the risk. If only she could have peeped inside that small brown suitcase.
The day after the Huddlesham trip, Charlotte decided to call on Pearl’s mother. She learnt Pearl’s next visit was expected two days later so she left the brief note she’d written ready for her friend to open when she turned up.
In due course, Pearl, dressed in a mint green costume and cream blouse, arrived at the Corner Garage just as Charlotte was about to do her banking.
“Come with me,” Charlotte begged. “I can’t delay the banking but I really need to ask you something.”
“All right,” her friend agreed. “As long as I can get home again for tea with Mum at five.”
Charlotte always took her paying in book, little wads of bank notes and moneybags, bundled up like fish and chips in newspaper, inside a wicker shopping basket.
“You look like Red Riding Hood,” teased Pearl as they walked along.
“It’s the Wolf I’m more interested in.”
“What wolf?” Pearl glanced sideways at Charlotte. “Are we speaking in code now?”
“No, but we must be careful not to be overheard. I’m concerned about a mutual friend. His initials are P M.”
Pearl’s pace slowed. “Peter Martin? The butcher’s son who had his eye on you a few years ago?”
“Gosh, Pearl, I’d forgotten about Big Pete. No, think Flying Circus.”
“Ah. I get it. What about him?”
“I have certain suspicions.” Charlotte explained Jack’s surprise at seeing the enormous box of confectionery. She mentioned how the pilot asked Jack how his family were managing. Then she described her chance encounter outside Huddlesham Cathedral. Pearl listened but seemed unimpressed.
“Honestly, Charlie, Phil comes from a well-off family, you know. He might’ve been given the chocs and decided to pass them on to his ladylove. As for asking Jack how his family was doing – surely that was only bei
ng polite?”
“Odd that he’d hoped to take you or, as a last resort, me, out for a drive don’t you think? Why would he risk being questioned over the chocolates?”
“I don’t know. Maybe he planned to turn up at the hospital and ask for his little nurse.” Pearl made a tutting sound. “You know what he’s like – he could charm the starched cap off a ward sister in a twinkling.”
“I agree. Maybe we should give him the benefit of the doubt. But he seemed so shifty when we bumped into one another. He put his suitcase down and moved so his legs concealed it.”
“Charlie, I just don’t know. I haven’t been out with him since that night at Randalls. I knew deep down Don wouldn’t like me keeping company with another fellow. I’m not stupid and I really am fond of that brother of yours.” She linked her arm in Charlotte’s.
“What do you think I should do?”
“If you’re worried that much and you think someone should talk to him, I could maybe have a word,” offered Pearl. “But I don’t always see him. My duties vary, you know. What about writing him a letter?”
“To say I suspect he’s running a black market operation and he should stop immediately?”
“Or, if he doesn’t bring you some nylon stockings soon, you’ll spill the beans. I think not, Charlie. This needs diplomacy, in my humble opinion.”
“Pearl, please don’t put yourself in difficulty just because of my suspicions.”
“You do sound worried, dearie. I’ll do my best but I can’t promise anything will come of it.”
“At least I’ll feel I’ve tried.” Charlotte sighed. “If he’s only dabbling, he might decide not to get in any deeper.”
“This is getting more and more like a spy thriller,” said Pearl. “Here we are. I’d better see you inside just in case we’re being followed.”
They caught one another’s eye and giggled. Just for a moment, Charlotte felt it was like back in the good old days, when gossiping and giggling in the company of her dearest friend formed a large part of her life. Pearl was trying to cheer her up but Charlotte hoped Phil wasn’t walking on the dark side. Even though he wasn’t a close friend, she cared about him in a sisterly way. Also, she hated to think of the implications if he should be guilty and faced retribution. If only Don or Robert was around. They’d soon discover what was happening.
