by Jane Corrie
`I can't say I've ever thought to put it to the test,' smiled Sonia.
A uniform was found near enough her size as to look presentable. 'Watch out for those camp Romeos,' Maisie advised. 'Some of them think they've bought the place for a fortnight, including the staff. If you get any trouble report them to Mr Parks, he'll sort them out.'
Sonia looked at Maisie. 'Do they know why we're here?' she asked. 'The guests, I mean?'
Looking scandalised, Maisie said, 'Of course not ! You know what people are. Give a dog a bad name and all that. No, wealthy as they are, and they have to be, this place is exclusive, they'd be bound to try it on—well, some of them anyway. They'd say they'd misplaced things, you know, and sue the management. Some folk,' she
added bitterly, 'get a kick out of that sort of thing.'
Sonia felt relief. It was bad enough being accused of something you hadn't done, without added insults being given by dissatisfied customers.
A chiming bell announced lunch, and Maisie led Sonia to the staff dining-room. Anything less like prison quarters would be hard to imagine, Sonia thought, as she glanced round the spacious room—bright striped curtaining and gay checked tablecloths, individual tables, polished floors, and everything sparklingly clean.
They joined a queue at the self-service counter. Sonia found herself undergoing discreet scrutiny by other members of staff. They were, she noticed, mostly middle-aged, and she could only see two reasonably young offenders, although she knew there could only be a small proportion of the actual staff present. She looked at the younger ones. The man was tall and well muscled, with bright blond hair, the girl, a thin brunette, older than herself, probably around the thirty mark, Sonia surmised.
Arriving at the food counter, she was surprised at the choice of dishes available. As Maisie had said, they more or less had the same as the guests. When the selection had been made, Maisie chose a table in the centre of the room, and when all were seated, she introduced Sonia.
`She's working, at the pool, children's section.' She looked directly at the large blond man. `Atlas, you'll watch out for her, will you?'
He grinned, 'Sure will, Maisie.'
Maisie turned to Sonia. 'Atlas will put you right. He's in the gym section, but he also keeps an eye on outdoor sports.'
It soon became obvious that Maisie was the organiser. At five foot nothing in her stockinged feet, she ruled the roost.
Lunch over, Sonia was taken on a guided tour of the camp. As she walked beside Maisie, listening to her directions as to where the recreation room was, the kitchens, and stores section, even a hairdressers, and fancy goods departments, she marvelled at the layout. It was a world within a world, like being on board a large liner at sea. She was too interested to worry about her position; she'd think about that later. As they passed various staff, Maisie would murmur, 'Pickpocket,' or 'Shoplifter like me.'
Atlas, Sonia learned, was a con man, the slim, tired-looking brunette his accomplice. 'They won't stay,' said Maisie. 'It's a pity really. We shall miss Atlas when their time is up. They'll head for the mainland and start up again somewhere else. Now they're known they'll have to get right out of the area.'
`Doesn't anyone get sent over to the mainland?' Sonia queried curiously.
Maisie looked surprised. 'Oh yes,' she answered. 'Hardened criminals, of course. Atlas now, he'd have gone only for the fact he saved a child's life just before he was picked up. He could have got away, but he spotted this kid out of his depth and in trouble. Maureen—well, she's just a bit weak, crazy over him of course, just follows where he leads her. They're not really bad. A spell in real gaol will cure the pair of them.' She gave Sonia a considering look. `You were lucky you weren't sent over.'
Sonia had already begun to realise this fact. `Perhaps because I was a first offender,' she said lightly, then grimaced and met Maisie's eyes. 'I didn't do it, you know,' she said quietly. `Someone planted them on me.'
Maisie was not wholly convinced. 'Never mind,' she said kindly. 'How long did he give you?'
Sonia sighed. 'I don't know, he didn't say.' Patting her on the arm, Maisie murmured consolingly, 'Well, it's not so bad, is it?'
Sighing again, Sonia thought it could have been worse, it was true.
Arriving back at the staff quarters, they found a message to the effect that Sonia was to report to the manager's office immediately. Maisie frowned. 'Perhaps you've got vistors,' she said. As she hurried over to reception, Sonia fervently hoped she was right. Nice as the place
was, she had no wish to stay. She tried not to get too hopeful. If George had managed to get through to her, there were still a lot of unaccountable happenings to be accounted for. She remembered the contract and stopped dead in her tracks. Would he now lose it? Remembering Rory Maragal's grim expression, Sonia thought he probably would, particularly when the relationship was established. She now walked more slowly, less keen than she had been for the meeting.
When she entered the small room off the manager's office, Chloe all but fell on her neck. `George is seeing Rory,' she said as she hugged Sonia, then she pointed to a heap of parcels. Sonia stared, and watched Chloe unwrap a pair of silk sheets plus pillow slip, soaps, and various items she referred to as 'little comforts'. In spite of her fascination, Sonia's heart sank. She was not apparently being released, hence Chloe's thoughtful contributions.
When the gifts had been put aside, Chloe looked at her. 'I haven't quite got over it yet,' she said bewilderedly. 'Rory didn't tell us much, just that the eagle had been found in your luggage and you were being held until they got to the bottom of it. Poor George was astounded.'
Sonia came out of her depressed state. 'If he was astounded, how do you think I felt ?' she retorted indignantly. 'If I hadn't actually seen
the police officer produce it out of my coat pocket, I'd have accused him of planting it ! ' She sighed. 'Well, someone did. Any ideas, Chloe?'
Chloe threw up her hands. 'I've gone over it time and time again, I know you didn't, but that's as far as I get.' She looked at Sonia, a rueful expression in her eyes. 'I thought it was Rory at first. A ruse on his part to keep you here.'
Sonia smiled wryly. 'I see he soon helped you to dispel that idea, as he did me when I accused him outright.'
Chloe nodded gloomily. 'I wondered about Barbara,' she mused. 'She didn't like playing second fiddle to you one bit.'
`So did I,' said Sonia. 'But it won't wash, she had a clear field, she wasn't likely to arrange for my continued presence here.'
`Except,' said Chloe slowly, 'for the fact that Rory is no longer interested in you. He's a proud man. He's not likely to forgive or forget someone who stole the family's most treasured possession. And,' she added triumphantly, 'there's something else we forgot ! That contract ! The Dilsons lost out to George, didn't they?'
Sonia looked depressed. 'I suppose they'll get it now, will they?'
Chloe looked surprised. 'Oh no,' she said, 'it hasn't changed that. I think Rory said some-
thing about George not being responsible for your actions.'
`That was big of him, I must say ! ' commented Sonia with flashing eyes.
`Well, as a matter of fact, I thought it was,' said Chloe mildly.
Patting her on the hand, Sonia said softly, `Yes, dear, I'm sorry. I'm not seeing things too clearly right now.'
Chloe tried to brighten up. 'Well, George will sort it out. He hasn't said much, but as I've said, it took the wind out of his sails.'
`I hope he doesn't sink on me, then,' muttered Sonia glumly. Rory's labouring under the impression that I had an accomplice.'
Chloe gasped. 'Who, for heaven's sake? Me?' Sonia smiled at Chloe's horrified expression. `No, dear—Kirk.'
`Kirk?' Chloe looked thoughtful.
Sonia watched her closely. 'It doesn't surprise you?' she asked.
Chloe was still thinking. 'No,' she said abruptly. 'Kirk's been in trouble before.' She frowned. `Surely he wouldn't have been such a fool. He'd just about reached the e
nd of the line with his father. One more slip and he was on his own.' She .shook her head. 'I can't see him stealing from his father's business associates. That would really cook his golden goose.' She was silent for a while. 'Still, he did have the opportunity,
didn't he?'
`So did a dozen others,' Sonia reminded her. `You don't lock up at night, do you? And that coat was in full view of anyone opening the front door, it was highly unlikely I would search the pockets before taking it with me.'
Chloe sighed heavily. 'Back to square one,' she muttered.
Sonia got up hastily and started to clear the wrappings from Chloe's parcels. 'Well, that leaves yours truly,' she said. 'Keep the food parcels coming, dear, I've a feeling I'm here for a long spell. Oh, that reminds me, you know that case I left for you and George to bring on to me in Nassau? Well, I've got some textbooks in it. Could you bring them in to me? I might as well do some studying, I've my interims to take this year, I don't know whether they'll accept postal entries, I just might get out in time to collect my diploma personally in two years' time!'
`Oh dear,' wailed Chloe, 'I don't seem to be much help, do I, dear ?'
Sonia was saved the necessity of answering by the arrival of George. He didn't walk in, he stamped in.
`If this is some kind of a joke, Sonia, it's gone far enough,' he said crossly.
Sonia looked at him in astonishment. 'You don't think I took the wretched things, do you?' she exclaimed
Chloe began, 'Really, George ! ' but was forestalled by his holding up an imperative hand. He gave Sonia an exasperated look. 'Just tell Rory the truth. He annoyed you, didn't he? What were you going to do? Post them back to him after giving him a fright?
Sonia stared at him, then her eyes started to spark. 'Thank you for your confidence in me,' she said coldly. For once and for all, I did not steal those jewels.'
`Who,' demanded George, 'said anything about stealing? Of course you wouldn't steal anything. Good gracious, as if I didn't know that! I do know you're liable to remove things if someone's annoyed you.'
`George !' burst out Chloe, unable to keep silent any longer.
He looked from Chloe to Sonia. 'I remember a time,' he said in a matter-of-fact voice, 'when a whole set of my golf clubs went missing.'
Blinking in astonishment, Sonia exclaimed, 'I was only fourteen then!'
`And the time,' went on George implacably, `when my best bowler hat was found on the manure dump, full, I might add, of unspeakable contents.'
Chloe stood grinning in the background. `I was only ...' began Sonia.
`Nevertheless,' continued George, 'the pattern was the same, wasn't it? I refused to let you
go camping in the Hebrides with the Scouts.'
`Guides,' amended Sonia, unable to suppress a grin. 'Did you really think they were Scouts, George? No wonder you refused to let me go !'
George was not amused. 'So,' he went on, as if the whole explanation was within his grasp, `just own up. Rory will understand. You'll get a lecture, of course, but I shall explain things to him,' he ended grandly.
`Don't you dare!' ground out Sonia. 'If you say one word about the golf clubs or the bowler hat, I'll never speak to you again ! He'll never believe I'm innocent if you do.'
He was somewhat taken back by this outburst, and stared at her. 'You didn't take them?' he said in half-surprise.
Sonia clenched her teeth. 'I keep telling you so,' she said crossly.
`Well, in that case,' said George stoutly, 'we must find out who did.' He marched to the door, then turned and looked at her as he reached it. `Don't worry, Sonia, I'll soon get you out of here. I'm going to have another word with Rory.'
Chloe and Sonia looked at each other. 'See,' said Chloe. 'George will get to the bottom of it.'
A loud tap on the door indicated that visiting time was over. Chloe started and looked woefully at Sonia. 'I don't want to leave you here to rot,' she said miserably.
Sonia grinned. 'I'm not exactly rotting, dear. In fact I'm quite enjoying myself—but don't tell Rory Maragal that or I shall get pushed over to the mainland. Now that I know someone is doing something about it, I don't feel so bad.'
`Well, you can be certain George and I will do something,' Chloe assured her. 'I don't ,know what, but we'll think of something.'
George popped back after Chloe had left. `Afraid you'll have to stay here for a while, Sonia,' he said glumly. 'I don't know what's got into Rory, absolutely insists on keeping you here.' He patted her on the back. 'Don't worry, you're in good hands, neither of us will rest until the truth's unearthed.'
Sonia stood looking at the closed door. She just couldn't see George as a sleuth, and she most certainly didn't see Rory Maragal as Dr Watson. She felt extremely depressed.
CHAPTER NINE
THAT same afternoon she began her duties. The children's pool was alongside the adults' main pool. Quite a few mothers were relieved to see her, and handed over their offspring to her care. It didn't take long for Sonia to get organised. The depth of the pool was about three feet, but one still had to keep a watchful eye on the more adventurous children. Their ages ranged from two to five years. After about an hour Sonia's dress was soaked, and there wasn't a great deal she could do about it. She was extremely relieved when Mr Parks, making his rounds, and she suspected, keeping an eye on her, remarked, 'It might be as well if you wore a swimsuit, Miss Wells.'
The following morning Maisie found her a sedate one-piece, in the same green as the uniforms, but with the name 'Mainsprings' sewn like a badge in the front of the costume. She was on duty each day, from ten to twelve-thirty, and from two till four each afternoon, the time when teas were served. The hours sounded very lenient, but Sonia found there were a few more duties lined up for her. Help was always required
in the vast kitchens, such as washing up, or the peparation of salads and vegetables. From seven p.m., her time was her own. There were plenty of books to read. The recreation room was amply provided with leisure pursuits—table tennis, snooker for the men, wireless, etc. It was an ideal time for studying, and Sonia hoped Chloe would be able to get her books to her within a day or so.
On her third day she caught sight of Rory's tall form in the distance. He had a group of elderly men around him. Sonia thought she saw him look her way, and immediately went down to the far end of the pool away from his searching eyes. She had been given to understand that he rarely visited the camp. Mr Parks was in full control and reports were phoned through at regular intervals to Soya Sands. Why then was he there now? Sonia bit her lip; had he come to gloat over her enforced labour? She glanced back at the pool and was just in time to stop a child attempting to drown his baby brother.
`John! For goodness' sake, what are you doing? Are you all right, Brian?' she asked as she caught the shivering child to her, thanking her lucky stars she had come to in time.
`He's got my wings ! ' John declared indignantly.
`My wings !' gasped the still breathless Brian, glaring at his brother, and lunging at him.
Sonia separated them. She looked at Brian's rubber floats. 'How can you tell they're yours?' she asked John.
"Cos he stuck a pin in his,' shouted John. `See, they're over there.'
And indeed they were—what was left of them. Sonia was now in a quandary. She could not leave the pool unattended at that precise moment, not with John intent on claiming his wings and Brian just as intent on keeping them. She saw the stalwart figure of Atlas on the nearside terrace. 'You all right, Sonia?' he called.
`Atlas, be a dear and fetch me another pair of floats, will you?' she shouted.
He waved acknowledgement, and disappeared.
Sonia looked at the two boys. Now who's going to have a brand new float?' she said, which turned out to be an unfortunate way of putting it, as both boys claimed it. She looked appealingly at John. 'You'll want your own back, won't you, John?'
John's lips set stubbornly. 'I want the new ones,' he said belligerently.
Brian
helped enormously by taking off the floats and throwing them at John. 'Don't want your old wings, you can have them.'
The boys threw themselves at each other. Sonia took the brunt of the attack by standing between them. She scooped one up under each
arm, legs and arms flailing in space, and sent up a silent prayer for Atlas to put in an appearance soon. The smooth voice of Rory Maragal floated down to her from the upper terrace. 'I see you're coping nicely, Miss Wells.'
Sonia stiffened, but would not demean herself to glance up towards the voice. He would have to see that, wouldn't he? He couldn't be around when things were going smoothly !
To her untold relief, Atlas appeared. He carried not one but two floats. She stared at him. 'Atlas, I love you!' she declared fervently. `How did you guess?'
He grinned sheepishly. 'I didn't,' he confessed. `Mr Maragal thought two would be required.'
Putting the two boys down, she glanced up to where the voice had come from. Rory was still there. He gave her a mocking salute, then moved away.
Two days later, Chloe's 'Do something', landed with a vengeance on Sonia's unsuspecting head. She was sent for during the afternoon, and arriving in the manager's office, found herself meeting the cynical eyes of Rory Maragal. He told her to be seated, then threw the news at her.
`Your fiancé's arrived,' he said curtly.
Sonia blinked, then made a rapid recovery. Who else but George and Chloe would have
thought that one up? Rory's eyes never left her face.
`He demands to see you,' he went on, adding dryly, 'seems to think you've been wrongly accused and are being badly treated.'
Sonia barely heard him. She was busy working out just who this fiancé was ! George must have thought the situation called for desperate measures, but not that desperate, surely? She swallowed.
