by Sam Michaels
She tumbled forward, her legs falling over her body and head as she flipped down. Then the somersault broke and she fell down the last few steps head-first on her back until landing crookedly on the floor.
Jacob had watched with pleasure, though he hadn’t liked the sound of her body thudding on the hard stairs. He could see and hear she was conscious and walked down to her, wondering if she had obtained any broken bones.
‘Oh my dear wife, what have you done?’ he asked, crouching beside her.
Her face was contorted in pain and she looked pale.
‘Don’t move,’ he said, ‘I’ll call for an ambulance.’
Minutes later, he stood over her again, disconcerted at her laboured breathing and now she appeared only semi-conscious. He’d only been gone a short time but her health appeared to have rapidly deteriorated. Yes, he’d wanted her injured but not dead! He knew he couldn’t live without her. Kneeling beside her, he lightly patted her cheek.
‘Speak to me, Elsie, speak to me.’
She made a garbled sound, her words impossible to understand.
‘An ambulance is on the way. Goodness, Elsie, I’ve warned you about that loose carpet at the top of the stairs on many occasions. I feel awful for not repairing it.’
‘My arm,’ she groaned, her words clearer, ‘hurts.’
‘Yes, Elsie, just lie still. The ambulance will be here shortly. And remember… you tripped on the loose carpet, didn’t you?’
‘Yes,’ she whispered, ‘Tripped.’
He heard the sound of the ambulance bell arriving and went to open the street door before rushing back to Elsie’s side.
‘You tripped. Understood?’
Elsie nodded affirmation. He knew he didn’t need to threaten her to make her obey. He could have said he’d cut out her tongue or something equally abhorrent but he was confident he didn’t need to. After all, Elsie Flowers was fully aware of his brutality. It was all she’d ever known.
*
Georgina tapped her foot impatiently as she waited for Lord Hamilton to return with a sizeable amount of cash from the sale of at least one of the paintings. She felt sure she could trust the man but wished she’d been able to accompany him. But with the police probably still searching for her, she knew it would be foolhardy to make unnecessary trips outside.
Charlotte looked to be daydreaming as she dusted the furniture. Georgina could guess where the girl’s thoughts were – with PC Batten. She’d come home the night before with a stupid grin on her face and everything she said had been Tim this and Tim that. It was nice to see her happy but she worried that Charlotte was going to end up with a broken heart. After all, Tim worked for the police and as far as Georgina was concerned, they were more bent and corrupt than most criminals she knew.
‘I was thinking about Christmas,’ Charlotte said, turning to look at Georgina.
‘What about it?’ Christmas was little over a week away but it was the last thing on her mind.
‘Well, we should do something nice. Gerty’s here, Johnny doesn’t have any family and I’m sure Lord Hamilton would like to join us.’
‘I’m sorry, Charlotte, but I’d rather Christmas passed me by. It’s just another reminder that I haven’t got my children with me.’
‘Oh… yeah… sorry, that was thoughtless of me. Shall we keep it just us two then?’
‘What’s Tim doing?’
‘He’s going to his sister’s. He, erm, invited me but—’
‘—Go. Tell him you’d love to spend Christmas Day with his family.’
‘But I can’t leave you by yourself.’
‘I’d rather you did. I’m not in the mood for Christmas or being jolly. In fact, if Father Christmas comes down that chimney saying ho ho ho, I think I’ll shoot the fat bastard.’
Charlotte laughed, which made Georgina smile. ‘You go with Tim, and don’t give a second thought about me.’
Before Charlotte could protest further, they heard a tap on the window and Dog jumped up barking. Charlotte pulled the curtain back.
‘It’s Benjamin,’ she said and rushed to let him in.
His unannounced visit didn’t come as a surprise to Georgina. She’d expected he might call in today and rose to her feet to greet him.
‘Good morning, or is it erm, afternoon,’ he said, looking awkward as usual.
‘Hello Benjamin. Please, sit down, Charlotte will make you some tea.’
Benjamin perched on the edge of one of the armchairs, placed his briefcase on the floor beside him and pushed his round-rimmed glasses up his nose. ‘I have some, erm, bad news but also some good.’
‘Tell me the bad news.’
‘The police raided The Penthouse building last night. They smashed their way in. They had a tip-off that you was hiding there.’
‘Yes, I know,’ Georgina replied.
‘You know?’
‘Yes. It was me who tipped them off. I wanted to see their reaction.’
‘I see. There were over fifteen officers. Was that the reaction you’d anticipated?’
‘To be honest, I thought they might send half a dozen coppers but not more than twice that amount.’
‘They obviously want you back.’
‘I think I’m going to have to put my plan into action sooner rather than later.’
‘Dare I ask?’
‘It’s best you don’t, Benjamin. So, what’s the good news?’
‘The, erm, bicycle shop sold quickly, which was surprising, and works are underway on the renovations to the restaurant. You’ll be needing someone to manage the place.’
Charlotte came back into the room with cups of tea. ‘What about Gerty?’ she suggested.
‘That’s not a bad idea. Pop upstairs and ask her to come down.’
‘Gerty’s here?’ Benjamin asked, sounding surprised.
‘Yes, it’s a long story. I’ll tell you about it later,’ Georgina answered and rolled her eyes. It was a long story that had landed her in a load of trouble with the Zammits and was now costing her a lot of money to resolve.
A few minutes later, Gerty followed Charlotte into the room and beamed when she saw Benjamin.
‘Mr Harel, how lovely to see you,’ she said.
‘Yes, and you Gerty.’
Georgina eyed the girl up and down. She looked smart enough and had a friendly manner. Best of all, she knew she could rely on her. ‘Gerty, I have a proposition for you. My restaurant on Lavender Hill is going to operate as a café. I’d like you to work there and manage the place.’
Gerty glanced at Charlotte then back to Georgina, the colour draining from her face.
‘What’s wrong?’ Georgina asked, thinking that the girl looked scared.
‘Nothing. Nothing’s wrong. It’s just, well…’
‘I don’t bite, Gerty, just spit it out.’
‘Well, I appreciate the offer and everything but I’d rather keep the job I’ve already got.’
‘As a prostitute? Working for the Zammits at Piccadilly Circus?’
Gerty shoved her hands in her dress pockets and looked downwards. ‘Yeah. I know it ain’t everyone’s idea of a good job but it pays well and I’m me own boss. I wouldn’t earn as much if I worked in the café.’
‘Suit yourself,’ Georgina answered disappointedly.
‘But if you don’t mind, Miss Garrett, I can recommend someone else.’
‘Who?’
‘Babs, miss. I’m sure she’d be pleased to work there. I know where she lives and can take you to her.’
Georgina thought for a moment. Babs had been one of her women from Livingstone Road. She’d been a good worker and trustworthy too. She was quieter than Gerty but a nice girl. ‘All right. But you’ll have to bring Babs to me.’
‘I will, Miss Garrett. I’ll go straight round there now.’
*
Just over an hour had passed when Gerty returned alone.
‘Where’s Babs?’ Georgina asked.
‘I’m sorry, Miss Garrett, b
ut she couldn’t come. It was ’orrible, broke my heart to see the state of her.’
‘What’s wrong with her?’
‘She’s got the cancer, miss. It looks like it’s eating her alive. There’s nothing left of Babs, thin as a bleedin’ rake, she is, and in terrible pain. I didn’t know ’cos I ain’t seen her for a year or more. She’s got a kid now an’ all.’
‘I see. Is there anyone looking after her?’
‘No, miss. Babs ain’t got no one. She’s worried sick about who’s gonna look after her baby when she dies. She reckons she’s only got weeks left. She’s in so much pain and hoping she don’t last much longer, but she’s holding on to have Christmas with the baby. Her poor lad, he’s gonna go in the children’s home. Me heart bleeds for him, I know what them places are like.’
Georgina rubbed her finger where her mother’s wedding ring had been, an idea formulating in her head. If Babs couldn’t come to her, then she’d go to Babs. ‘Take me to her,’ she told Gerty.
What she was about to propose to Babs would be a big ask. But if she could persuade the woman to agree with her suggestion, they’d both be better off.
13
Tim had the weekend off from work and had told Charlotte he was keen to spend it with her. She’d readily agreed, encouraged by Georgina and excited at the prospect. Georgina had said she had plans in place and Tim was a part of them. So now the pressure was on Charlotte to bring Tim onside. She felt terrible for deceiving him, until Georgina had reminded her that recruiting Tim had been the original plan. She could have kicked herself for allowing her heart to rule her head.
In Woolworths at Clapham Junction, Tim picked up a poorly constructed wooden train set, moaning, ‘Look at this, it’s shabby, especially for the price.’
‘Just like everything else, there’s shortages,’ Charlotte replied with a shrug of her shoulders.
‘I would have liked to buy Arthur a Meccano set for Christmas but they’re not making any. The factory is producing goods for the war effort instead.’
‘Why haven’t your sister’s kids been evacuated?’
‘She wouldn’t have it. I tried to talk her into it but she refused.’
‘Are you sure she doesn’t mind me coming for Christmas?’
‘Of course not. She’s really looking forward to meeting you but she hasn’t stopped complaining about the lack of turkeys. We might be having lamb instead.’
‘I don’t mind,’ Charlotte said, tentatively adding, ‘but I know where to get a turkey, if you want one.’
Tim quickly glanced around before grabbing her arm and pulling her to one side away from other customers. He leaned towards her, his voice a whisper. ‘Shush, Charlotte. You can’t talk about things like that in public.’
‘What? All I said is I know where to get a turkey.’
‘Yes, but it’ll be on the black market and you know a lot of folk don’t like it.’
‘What about you?’ she asked teasingly. ‘Wouldn’t you love to see your sister’s face light up when you hand her a fat, fresh turkey? I could get you some nylons for her too. And some sweets for the kids if you like?’
She wondered if he might be appalled at her suggestion but could see by his face that he was tempted by the idea.
‘I realise some of your friends are a bit on the dodgy side but you’re asking me if I’m willing to break the law, the very thing that my uniform stands for.’
‘No, I’m not, Tim. I’m asking you if you’d like to see your sister’s delighted face if you was to give her a turkey.’
‘Don’t split hairs. To do that would mean I’d have to break the law.’
‘It’s up to you but it’s not like you’re murdering someone.’
Tim sighed, ‘Come on,’ he said shortly.
Charlotte cringed. Her suggestion hadn’t gone down well and now she was dreading how he’d react to her request about helping Georgina evade capture.
Once outside, as they walked towards Arding & Hobbs department store, he took her hand in his. ‘It was a lovely idea, thank you,’ he said, giving it a gentle squeeze.
‘The offer is still there,’ she pushed cheekily.
‘I must admit, I’m sorely tempted. Her husband has been missing in action for over a year now and something like a turkey on the table would cheer her up a bit.’
Charlotte stayed quiet, giving Tim time to mull over the thought.
‘And nylons, you say?’ he asked, giving her a mischievous grin.
‘Yes, nylons, sugar, chocolate, fruit, pretty much whatever you want.’
‘I know she’d appreciate some extra sugar and fruit to make a Christmas pudding. She reckons the shop only has four puddings in stock and there’s a waiting list of over sixty women in front of her. She wants to make Christmas special for the kids, you know, on account of their father missing.’
‘Well, if it was my sister and her husband was missing, I’d do whatever it took to put a smile on her face. She deserves it and why shouldn’t she have a turkey on her table? If it ain’t on hers, it’ll be on someone else’s.’
‘Do you know what, Charlotte, you’re right! I’m going to make sure my sister has a smashing Christmas. Can you introduce me to your friend?’
‘Just give me a list of what you want,’ Charlotte suggested, ‘And I’ll get it for you.’
‘Thanks, but I can’t ask you to break the law on my behalf. I’d rather deal with it myself.’
Charlotte swallowed hard and asked hesitantly, ‘But… well… but… what if I introduce you and then you arrest him?’
Tim stopped in the street and held Charlotte squarely by the shoulders. Looking her straight in the eye, he said, ‘I would never do that to you. You can trust me.’
‘Really? Can I?’
‘Charlotte, I’m not daft. I know all about your involvement with Georgina Garrett and her gang but that hasn’t stopped me falling in love with you.’
Her eyes stretched wide and her mouth gaped.
‘Yes, that’s right. I’m falling in love with you, Charlotte, and there’s nothing I can do to stop it.’
‘But, Tim, you don’t know the ’alf of it.’
‘I know all I need to know and don’t think I haven’t wrestled with myself. My sarge had a stern word too and warned me to steer clear of you. They’ve got files you know, in the station, and he put yours in front of me. It made for some interesting reading.’
Charlotte gasped. ‘Why didn’t you tell me any of this?’
‘I’m telling you now.’
‘What’s in that file about me?’
‘Reports. Things about your background and investigations into your activities.’
‘You’ll know I was on the game then? I got nicked once for soliciting,’ she said defensively.
‘I know,’ Tim answered, releasing her shoulders and bowing his head.
‘See, you’re ashamed.’
His head snapped back up to meet her accusing eyes. ‘No, Charlotte, not ashamed. I’m not happy about it either but you did what you had to do and it couldn’t have been easy. But it’s in the past and that’s where it’s going to stay.’
Charlotte shook her head incredulously. ‘How can you claim to be falling in love with me when you know what I’ve done? I don’t believe you. Johnny was right all along… you’re setting me up… using me to try and get to Georgina.’
Tim rested his hands on her shoulders again. ‘No, no, Charlotte, I swear it’s not like that.’
She shook him off, spitting, ‘Yes it is! You don’t love me. You’re just looking for an arrest and snagging Georgina would be the arrest of your lifetime! Well, I hope breaking my heart was worth it.’
She whirled round and went to stomp off but Tim clutched at her arm.
‘Ger orf me,’ she growled, pulling from his grip.
‘Charlotte, please, you’re causing a scene. Let’s go someplace quiet and talk about it.’
‘I don’t give a monkey’s and there’s nothing to talk about.’
‘You’re so infuriating but this is one of the things I love about you! Hot-headed, independent and not afraid to say it as it is. But you’re wrong about me. Very wrong.’
‘Yeah? Prove it!’
‘How?’
Charlotte thought for a moment. She could have him right where she aimed to get him. But on the other hand, could she trust him? Risking everything, she quietly blurted, ‘I know where Georgina is.’
To her surprise, Tim didn’t appear shocked. ‘Did you hear what I said?’ she asked.
‘Yes.’
‘Well?’
‘Well, what? Are you expecting me to arrest you and take you in for questioning? Or am I supposed to ask where she is?’
‘Don’t you care?’
‘Not really. I probably should, but right now you’re all I care about and I don’t like seeing you upset.’
The ice that had formed around her heart began to melt. ‘I won’t lead you to her, if that’s what you’re hoping?’
He pulled her into his arms and held her there, saying quietly in her ear, ‘Stuff Georgina Garrett and stuff the police. This is about you and me, none of that matters.’
She stayed there, comfortable in his embrace. ‘Just the one turkey?’ she asked, lightening the mood.
Tim chuckled. ‘Yes, just the one.’
*
In Soho, Georgina followed Jacob Flowers as she strode through one of Temi Zammit’s clubs, Johnny close on her heels behind her. She’d expected better from the Zammits, something with more class, not a dimly lit seedy little club tucked away up a back street.
She held her head high, her chin jutting forward, and tried not to cough when she was shown into Temi’s office. Five men looked up from their seats when she entered the smoke-filled room. Two were playing cards on a coffee table, one was clipping a cigar and the other two were sat each side of Temi. The man himself was stood behind his desk with his back to her, seemingly looking at a fussy painting on the wall. She could feel an aura of power surrounding him which unnerved her, causing her heart to thud unnaturally fast.
Keeping his back to her, Temi spoke, his voice gravelly. ‘It’s always fascinated me, this picture. The bird is consuming that man like he would a worm. But there’s no emotion in his eyes. Look, come see how cold they are.’
