by Sam Michaels
‘And you,’ Temi said to Johnny.
Johnny pushed his shoulders back in defiance. He wouldn’t be told what to do by this greasy Maltese man.
‘He stays,’ Georgina snapped.
‘You failed to kill The Top.’
‘I didn’t fail. I chose not to. There’s a difference.’
‘Why would you allow him to live?’
‘I have my reasons. You’ve got your money back. That’s an end to it.’
‘We had an agreement.’
‘Let me make this quite clear, Temi. I don’t work for you, therefore I can do as I see fit. If you want to go after The Top, that’s up to you but I don’t want to be involved.’
‘He’s paid you off, hasn’t he?’
‘No, but even if he had, it’s none of your business.’
‘Aren’t you forgetting something?’
‘I don’t think so.’
‘You owe me.’
‘For intervening with Oleg? I don’t think so. I never asked for your help and I didn’t need it. In fact, I should be billing you for the repairs to my club.’
Temi laughed loudly. ‘You’ve got some nerve.’
‘Yes, I have. Now, I think we’re done here. Good day.’
Georgina had walked in boldly and she marched out with just as much gusto, her chin jutting forward and standing tall. Johnny admired her courage but worried that she was maybe being a little foolhardy in not giving the Zammits, and David, the respect they commanded.
‘That told him,’ she said, sitting beside him in the car.
‘It’s not my place to tell you how to run the business, but ain’t you cutting off your nose to spite your face?’
‘What do you mean?’
‘Well, you’ve told Mr Maynard to go and take a running jump and now you’ve pretty much told Mr Zammit to bugger off too.’
‘I know what I’m doing, Johnny. I have to show these men that they can’t push me around and that they don’t intimidate me.’
‘I get that, but—’
‘—No buts,’ Georgina cut in. ‘Take me home. I’m taking the rest of the day off.’
‘Yes, Miss Garrett,’ Johnny answered, biting his tongue.
He dropped Georgina off in Alexandra Avenue. She told him she was moving into Lord Hamilton’s flat and would spend the day clearing through his things. Johnny had offered to help, but thankfully she’d politely declined his offer. This gave him more time to spend with Elsie. He was looking forward to arriving home early for a change and hoped he’d be able to persuade her to have an afternoon nap. Though a nap wasn’t really his intention.
As Johnny opened his front door, he could hear Elsie singing. She still hadn’t mentioned getting sacked from the café. He hadn’t wanted to upset her so he hadn’t broached the subject either. ‘It’s me, sweetheart,’ he called.
‘In here,’ Elsie called back from the bedroom.
He walked in to find her holding a dress against herself and looking in the mirror. ‘What do you think?’ she asked, twirling round.
‘Very nice. Is it new?’
‘Yes, and this one too,’ Elsie answered, holding up another dress that had been on the bed.
‘Lovely. Erm, Elsie, how did you pay for them?’
‘With the money from behind the clock.’
‘Oh, Elsie, that was the rent money.’
‘Was it? Oh dear.’
She didn’t appear to be the least bit concerned that she’d blown two weeks’ rent money on two dresses. But she was smiling so widely and looked so happy that he didn’t have the heart to have a go at her.
‘Did you bring me home a gift today?’ Elsie asked.
‘No, sorry, sweetheart, I haven’t had a chance.’
‘Aw,’ she said, pouting sulkily. ‘Well, you can make up for it tomorrow and bring me two gifts. Something to go with each of my new dresses.’
‘Sure, love, if that’s what you want.’
‘It is. After all, it’s not like I’ve got much else to look forward to, is it?’
‘What do you mean by that?’ Johnny asked, feeling slightly put out.
‘I’m bored, Johnny. Really bored. You’re at work most of the time and the only thing that I have to entertain me is shopping.’
‘I know, but if I didn’t work, you wouldn’t be able to afford to shop.’ Johnny gave her a knowing look but didn’t mention her losing her job.
‘I suppose. But you hardly earn a fortune, do you?’
‘I earn enough and you don’t go short.’
‘You don’t understand, Johnny. I’m having to make do. These new dresses are cheap and nasty. I’m used to the expensive clothes that Jacob used to buy me.’
‘Sod Jacob! He might well have dressed you in expensive clobber but you paid a high price for it. And anyway, there’s a war on. Everyone is having to make do.’
‘There’s no need to snap.’
Johnny sucked in a deep breath and walked out of the room. He’d lost any enthusiasm for taking an early afternoon nap with her. If anything, she’d managed to put him in a foul mood. It’s not that he expected her gratitude, but he found it infuriating that she kept harping on about what Jacob used to buy her. Maybe there was just no pleasing some women!
*
Georgina looked sadly at the three piles of clothes from Lord Hamilton’s wardrobe. He’d always dressed smartly and they were of good quality. She decided the items could go to charity. Though the shirts and trousers weren’t the normal sort of attire that men in Battersea would wear, she was sure the items would be of use to someone. It was silly really, she hadn’t known him for very long but she missed him and his elaborate stories.
She shook her head, thinking death follows me, and an image of the Grim Reaper standing behind her flashed through her mind. Then her mind wandered to David Maynard. She still loved the man. She couldn’t deny that, but she was too angry to even consider forgiving him.
‘This won’t do,’ she said aloud, and decided she needed to get away from everything for a few days. She would visit the farm in Kent. Molly would be pleased to see her and make her welcome, as would Oppo. Fanny, Molly’s mother, probably wouldn’t be so happy but fuck her, Georgina thought, her mind made up.
She went back downstairs, and after packing a few things she found a pen and paper to scribble a note to Charlotte, explaining that she’d be back soon. Yes, this was just what she needed, she thought, and smiled. The café was ticking over nicely, The Penthouse was closed for now and the Barkers were making lots of money selling the black market goods. They had enough supplies to last them for at least a week. A short break away from Battersea and everything associated with it would do her good and give her a chance to collect her thoughts.
A few hours later, the train from Clapham Junction pulled into the station at Kent. Georgina had telephoned ahead and as arranged, Oppo was waiting to meet her.
‘Now there’s a sight for sore eyes,’ he said, his arms outstretched.
‘Hello, Oppo,’ she said, and hugged him.
He took her small case and led her to his van, limping as he had done since he’d been a child. ‘Molly’s thrilled to bits that you’re coming to stay with us.’
‘I’m guessing Fanny isn’t?’
‘She didn’t say much, just shrugged her shoulders.’
‘Blimey, Fanny didn’t say much. Well, that’s a first.’
Oppo just chuckled and they were soon trundling down the quiet country lanes towards the farm. The air smelt so fresh and clean, and already Georgina could feel herself relaxing.
‘I hope you’ve brought some sensible clothes,’ Oppo said, glancing sideways at her elegant coat, hat and gloves.
‘No, why would I? I’m not planning on working out in the fields with you,’ she said and laughed.
When they drove up the driveway, Molly was standing at the open farmhouse door, bouncing a baby on her hip.
‘How’s Steven?’ Georgina asked Oppo.
‘He’s
a good baby and settled in fine. Eddy loves having who he thinks is his little brother around.’
‘That’s good,’ Georgina said, pleased that though she had thrust Steven at Molly, it was working out well.
‘I’m sorry you never got to see Alfie and Selina but you will soon. I think the war is close to ending. Germany is losing ground.’
‘I hope you’re right,’ Georgina answered and swallowed hard as a lump formed in her throat. She yearned to see and hold her children. She’d known that her feelings of desperately missing them would resurface at the sight of baby Steven and Molly’s boy, Edward.
As Georgina climbed from Oppo’s small truck, Molly rushed towards her.
‘I’ve missed you,’ Molly gushed.
‘Yeah, I’ve missed you an’ all. I hope the kettle’s on, I’m gasping.’
‘Of course, and Eddy’s waiting up to say goodnight to you. Come on, let’s get you inside in the warm.’
It felt so homely in the farmhouse and after popping up to say goodnight to Eddy, Georgina was fed a wholesome meal. Later that night, as she lay in bed, engulfed in the quiet of the countryside for the first time since she’d escaped from prison, Georgina slept long and peacefully.
28
Georgina had been away for four days, which had given Johnny plenty of extra time to go out nicking to get gifts for Elsie – though he kept a close eye over his shoulder for the Old Bill. If they ever caught up with him for shooting that copper in the alleyway, he knew he’d swing for it.
Johnny had brought Elsie an array of gifts – handbags, jewellery, scarves and hats. Yet she still wasn’t satisfied and continued to complain. That evening, he arrived home with a porcelain cup and saucer. He could picture her delicately sipping tea from it and enjoying a fine biscuit from a box that he’d nicked from a posh shop in Chelsea.
‘Hello, sweetheart, I’m home,’ he called through his flat.
When Elsie didn’t answer, Johnny placed the gifts on the kitchen worktop and then went from room to room in search of her. But Elsie wasn’t home and he couldn’t find a note from her either.
The minutes ticked by, and then hours passed. Johnny looked at his watch again. It was after nine. Where was she? As the time passed slowly by, he was becoming more and more worried. He wracked his brains trying to think of where she could be. As far as he knew, she didn’t have any friends to visit and the shops would be closed now. It made no sense. Something must have happened to her. Maybe she had been involved in an accident? It was the only explanation.
Johnny grabbed a pen and paper and left a note for Elsie to say he had gone out to look for her and if she came home, she was to sit tight and he’d be back soon. He signed it with three kisses.
Later, after hours of traipsing the streets and checking the local hospital, Johnny returned home, hoping to find Elsie there. But he found his flat empty and now he was at his wits’ end.
*
The next morning, tired but anxious, Johnny drove round to see Charlotte. He hoped she may have news of Elsie, though he doubted it. Charlotte had disliked her and Elsie reciprocated those feelings.
‘Bloody women,’ he cursed under his breath as he tapped on Charlotte’s window.
After a minute or two she pulled back the curtains, looking surprised to see him.
‘You timed that well,’ Charlotte said, when she opened the front door.
‘Timed what well?’
‘I was just about to leave for work. You can give me a lift.’
‘Yeah, sure,’ Johnny replied. As he set off for the café on Lavender Hill, he asked, ‘Have you seen anything of Elsie?’
‘No. Should I have?’
‘I dunno. I’m worried. She didn’t come home last night. It ain’t like her. I don’t suppose you’ve got any idea of where she could be?’
‘No, not a clue. But good riddance to her. If you ask me, you’re better off without her.’
‘I didn’t ask you, so I’d appreciate you keeping your opinions about Elsie to yourself.’
As they pulled up outside the café, Johnny noticed a familiar figure standing outside, but surely his eyes were deceiving him? ‘Do you know who that is?’ he asked Charlotte.
Charlotte eyed the woman up and down, then turned to Johnny. ‘No, I’ve never seen her before but she looks a bit well-to-do. Do you know her?’
‘Yeah, I think I do. I’m pretty sure that’s Temi Zammit’s wife.’
‘Blimey! What’s she doing here?’
‘I dunno but I’d better find out,’ he answered and climbed out of the car.
As Johnny walked towards Lora Zammit, he thought she looked nervous. She was holding a handkerchief to her nose and glancing up and down the street.
‘Mrs Zammit,’ Johnny said and doffed his hat.
Lora removed the handkerchief for long enough to say, ‘I’m looking for Georgina Garrett.’
‘She’s away at the moment. Can I help you? I’m Johnny Dymond, I work for Miss Garrett.’
‘No, you can’t help me. I need to speak with Georgina.’
‘Charlotte’s just opening the café. Would you like to come in and have a cuppa?’
‘No.’
‘I’m sure you’ve had a long journey here. A coffee instead?’
‘No. I don’t have time. I shouldn’t even be here.’
‘Yeah, well, the fact that you are means it’s obviously important. Miss Garrett should be home any day soon. Can it wait? Or do you want me to pass her a message?’
‘No, it can’t wait. Do you have her telephone number?’
‘I have a number for where she’s staying, but she doesn’t want to be disturbed.’
‘Mr Dymond, please. This is serious. I need to speak to her immediately. Her life may depend on it.’
It was Johnny who looked up and down the street now. Seeing that no one was watching, he quickly bundled Lora inside the café.
‘What do you think you’re doing? Get your hands off me,’ Lora demanded.
Once inside, Charlotte closed and locked the door. Lora didn’t put up any resistance as Johnny managed to easily pin her to the wall. He faced her squarely with his hands on the wall at each side of her head. In a low, growling tone he asked, ‘Why is Miss Garrett’s life in danger?’
Lora glared angrily at him and he snapped threateningly, ‘You’d better start talking.’
‘You know who I am. Therefore you know who I’m married to. My husband would kill you if he knew you were threatening me.’
‘Yeah, but I’m sure you won’t tell him, will you, Mrs Zammit? After all, you’ve said you shouldn’t be here.’
Lora lowered her head. ‘No, I daren’t,’ she said shakily. She fought to compose herself and Johnny felt awful for intimidating her. But Miss Garrett’s wellbeing had to come first. ‘Would you like that cup of tea now?’
Lora nodded.
Charlotte dashed behind the counter and Johnny urged Lora towards a table near the counter and away from the window.
Charlotte brought them both tea and pulled out a seat too.
‘Best you leave me and Mrs Zammit to have a chat,’ Johnny told the girl.
Thankfully, the normally mouthy Charlotte didn’t protest and slipped into the storeroom. Johnny leaned back in his seat and asked Mrs Zammit, ‘Do you want to tell me what this is all about?’
‘How do I know I can trust you?’ she asked.
‘I tell you what. There’s a telephone in the office. You tell me why you want to speak to Miss Garrett and if I think she needs to hear it, we can ring her and you can talk to her. How does that sound?’
‘I’d rather talk to her first.’
‘That’s not going to happen. Don’t take this the wrong way, but if you don’t tell me what the fuck is going on, I’ll ring your husband and ask him. I’m sure he’d be interested to know why you’re sitting in Miss Garrett’s café.’
Lora’s eyes widened. ‘No, you mustn’t say anything to my husband!’
‘Fine, sta
rt talking then.’
Lora drew in a long breath and then said, ‘Mrs Flowers visited my husband yesterday. After she talked to him I heard him issuing orders for Georgina’s death.’
‘Elsie? Elsie Flowers?’
‘Yes. I think Temi paid her very generously for information about a robbery at his father’s jewellery shop. He believes Georgina was behind it and now wants her blood. She killed one of his best policemen.’
Johnny could feel his jaw clenching. This explained Elsie’s disappearance but he’d never expected her to sell him out. She’d dropped Miss Garrett in it too, but another thought crossed his mind and he asked, ‘Why are you going behind your husband’s back to warn Miss Garrett?’
Lora lowered her eyes but Johnny had already seen they were filled with unshed tears as she spoke. ‘I don’t always agree with my husband’s business practices and this is one of those occasions,’ she answered, and dabbed at her nose with her handkerchief.
‘You’re risking everything just because you don’t agree with him?’
‘Something like that. Look, Temi puts on a good show. Everyone thinks he’s the perfect husband and I’m the spoiled wife. But believe me, Mr Dymond, behind closed doors he’s a very different man. He frightens me. He’s had many mistresses, but he won’t let me leave him. He’ll never let me go.’
‘So you’re here to get your own back on him?’
‘No, it’s nothing like that. I like Georgina, it’s as simple as that. I saw something in her that I admire and wish I had her courage. Temi made a move on her, I’m sure of it. He wouldn’t have been able to resist. But Georgina turned him down. There’s no woman I know who would say no to Temi. And I don’t believe that Georgina had anything to do with the robbery. It doesn’t seem her style.’
‘You’re right, she didn’t. It was me. But I didn’t know it was Temi’s father’s shop.’
‘Even if Temi found out, it won’t make any difference. You work for Georgina so I’m afraid she’s being held responsible. And from what I could tell, Mrs Flowers laid the blame solely at Georgina’s door.’
‘I don’t know why she’d do that. She knows it was me.’
