Family Betrayal

by Kitty Neale

  ‘What's brought this on, Ivy?’

  ‘Oh, I dunno. It's just that we don't fit in. I may have been born a Draper, but we're treated like outcasts. Linda was the only one who bothered with me, but now she's living with her parents again and I'm stuck on my own, day in, day out. Yvonne and Norma are snobs, and though Sue's as common as muck, she doesn't give me the time of day.’

  Steve wanted to tell Ivy why – to tell her that it was her own fault – but if it meant getting out of Drapers Alley, he'd continue to keep his thoughts to himself. The truth was that instead of trying to make friends with any of them, Ivy made mischief, playing one off against the other. It had worked at first, but they had soon got wind of what she was up to and now they avoided her like the plague.

  He shifted in his seat, smiling at the thought of leaving the alley. He could go back to totting, but in fact he'd do anything to earn a bob or two, anything but work for the Drapers. No more fear of getting stopped by the police – of them finding the bloody films he was delivering. He could be his own boss again!

  ‘Get on to the council first thing in the morning, love,’ he said, standing up to give his wife a swift hug.

  ‘Yeah, I will, and I might even ask if we can be housed outside of the borough.’

  ‘Suits me, love,’ he said, winking before adding, ‘and how about an early night?’

  ‘All right, you're on.’

  Steve smiled. Ivy may not be an oil painting, but beggars couldn't be choosers, and, with his loins stirring, he eagerly followed her upstairs.

  Next door, Maurice was getting his usual earful from Norma, his voice tired as he answered, ‘I've told you business is slow, and until things pick up you'll have to make do with what I can give you.’

  ‘Make do! Do you think I can conjure shoes for Oliver out of thin air? Yes, I can cut down on food, bulk up with vegetables, but I can't force Oliver's feet into shoes that are now a size too small. You should be thankful that Oliver takes care of his shoes, unlike Sue's boys, so they last a good while. However, he can't help it when he grows out of them.’

  ‘With what they cost, they should last. Anyway, can't you get him some cheap plimsolls for now? I used to wear them as a kid and they didn't do me any harm.’

  ‘Are you mad?’ Norma shrieked. ‘They're only fit for PE, and I am not sending Oliver to school wearing plimsolls. You'll have to give me extra housekeeping this week and that's that!’

  ‘Enough, Norma!’ Maurice snapped. ‘I'm sick to death of your demands! When you're not nagging me to leave Drapers Alley, you're on about money. You'll get what I give you and I don't want to hear another word about it!’

  Maurice had to hide a smile when he saw the shock on his wife's face. Her mouth opened and closed, for once floundering for words. He rarely lost his temper, rarely stood up to her, in fact for a quiet life he seemed to spend most of his time placating Norma. It felt good to take a leaf out of Danny's book, but this thought was wiped out when Norma found her voice again.

  She rose to her feet, her face red with anger. ‘How dare you speak to me like that? I'm not asking for money for myself, I'm asking for money to buy our son a decent pair of shoes. I don't know what's come over you lately, but I won't be spoken to like a common fishwife.’

  Maurice quickly broke in. It was all right for Danny to talk about controlling their wives, but if he didn't calm Norma down she'd go on and on until he couldn't stand it any more. ‘All right, I apologise. I shouldn't have snapped at you like that. It's just that with Dad in hospital and the loss of trade at the yard, I'm feeling a bit stressed.’

  Norma stood glaring at him, arms folded across her chest, but then exhaled loudly. ‘All right, Maurice, I know you're under a lot of strain at the moment so I'll let it pass, but there is still the question of new shoes for Oliver.’

  ‘I'll see what I can do,’ he said, hoping that it would be sufficient to placate her for now. If only she'd be content with plimolls or a cheap pair of shoes, but no, Oliver always had to have the best. That had been fine in the past, and no doubt there'd be more money available soon, but for now they really did have to tighten the purse strings. His brothers' wives seemed to have accepted that, so why couldn't she?

  Maurice found his chest wheezing as he took a breath. ‘I really am bushed, Norma. If you don't mind, I think I'll go to bed.’

  ‘I'll just tidy up, then I'll join you,’ she said, her voice clipped.

  Maurice wearily went upstairs, but as he undressed and climbed into bed, his chest was whistling, his breathing so laboured that he had to prop himself up on several pillows. He closed his eyes, finding that, as usual, his thoughts turned to his father. It was such a relief that the old man had survived George's beating, but it looked doubtful that he'd recover from the stroke. It meant that Danny would continue to be in charge, and now Maurice's chest heaved as he fought for air. He didn't trust Danny lately and was worried about where he was taking the business. Yes, they'd agreed to hard porn, and there was no doubt that they needed to make more money, but he couldn't dismiss his fears. Garston and other competitors weren't going to take the intrusion into their territory lightly and they were sure to retaliate. Under their father's leadership, they'd had little to worry about, with Drapers Alley a safe haven. Now, though, with taking on the hard stuff, all that could come to an end, and Maurice feared the future. His chest tightened and in panic he fought for air, sweat beading his forehead. For the first time he understood why Norma wanted to leave, and was horrified by the thought of Oliver in danger.

  ‘Maurice, you look awful. Here, drink this.’

  He turned his head, grateful for Norma's ministrations. Yes, she was a nag. Yes, she drove him mad sometimes, but when he was feeling like this, unable to breathe, his heart beating wildly in his chest, Norma always tended to him. Taking a cloth dipped in cool water, Norma bathed his forehead, whispering reassurances until at last he was able to fill his lungs with air.

  ‘You poor darling. Are you feeling better now?’

  ‘Yes, thanks, love.’

  He watched now as Norma undressed and when she climbed into bed, she snuggled close. All right, he may not be the boss, unable to control his wife like Danny, but none of this mattered now as Maurice closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep.

  * * *

  Sue and Bob were still up, snuggled on the sofa as they listened to the radio. The room was untidy, a pile of ironing still untouched, but Bob hardly noticed as Sue ran a hand along his thigh.

  ‘Was your dad any better this evening? Did he manage to say anything?’

  ‘No, and as usual he seemed agitated. Mum thinks he wants to see Danny, but he didn't turn up.’

  ‘Pet came to see me after school. She knows that your father had a stroke.’

  ‘Yeah, Maurice told her, and Danny wasn't too pleased about it.’

  ‘She isn't a child now, Bob.’

  ‘She's still only fourteen.’

  ‘Oh, for God's sake, Pet leaves school soon and it's about time you all let her grow up. She hates being treated like a child.’

  Bob ran a hand over his face, changing the subject as he blurted out, ‘Sue, I can't stand it that Danny's in charge. It ain't right, and I reckon we should all have an equal say in the running of the business.’

  ‘It's only a builders' merchants. Surely it doesn't take much to run it.’

  Bob swallowed. Blimey, he'd have to watch his mouth. ‘Yeah, well, we should still have an equal say.’

  ‘Never mind,’ Sue consoled. ‘Things could change. When your dad's home in familiar surroundings, he may get better.’

  Sue continued to stroke his thigh and, glad of the distraction, Bob twisted in his seat. ‘If you don't stop doing that I'll have to take you to bed. I wouldn't say no to a bit of slap and tickle.’

  ‘I thought you'd never ask,’ Sue said, smiling teasingly as she quickly stood up. ‘Come on then, big boy, let's see what you're made of.’

  Bob made a grab for her, and Sue sq
uealed, giggling as he chased her upstairs.

  Through the thin walls, Yvonne heard Sue's squeal and felt a surge of jealousy. For the first time in ages, Danny had come home early, but instead of the fun and games that she could hear next door, she felt only the pain of rejection. Danny had hardly spoken to her, and not long after ten he had gone to bed, saying he was tired and needed an early night. She had followed him upstairs, but he'd fallen asleep as soon as his head touched the pillow, whilst she had lain beside him, frustrated. It had been over a month since he had touched her, held her, or even kissed her, and now she was in despair. There was another woman, Yvonne was sure of it, and knew from past experience that he wouldn't make love to her until his affair ran its course. Was this one serious? Would he leave her?

  Unable to sleep she had got up again, and after making herself a cup of cocoa, she sat alone in the living room. An hour passed, and still wide awake, Yvonne rose to her feet to look out of the window. She pulled back the curtain, but as usual there was little to see, just the factory wall and the entrance to the alley. A shape appeared, and as it passed the bollard, she saw it was Chris. Yvonne frowned. It was late and she wondered where he had been, but then she shrugged. Unlike Danny, Chris was a single man, and a nice-looking one at that. Secretly, he was Yvonne's favourite brother-in-law. Chris was always polite, always thoughtful and, unlike Danny, she felt that when he finally settled down he'd be faithful. She stepped back from the window, knocking the small side table and sending her empty cup crashing to the floor. Swiftly Yvonne bent to clear up the mess, startled when she heard a voice.

  ‘What are you doing? Why aren't you in bed?’

  Yvonne looked up to see her husband framed in the doorway. ‘I … I couldn't sleep so I came down to make myself a drink. I'm sorry I woke you.’

  Instead of berating her, Danny said softly, ‘Leave that until the morning. Come on – come to bed.’

  Yvonne left the broken china where it was to follow Danny upstairs. She threw off her dressing gown, surprised when she got into bed to feel Danny's arms snaking around her. She turned her head, and in the soft glow from the bedside light, she saw his slow smile. Yvonne knew that look and felt a thrill of anticipation. Danny made love to her, slowly at first, but then with increasing passion. Yvonne revelled in the feelings that he aroused, ones that were mixed with relief. Her fears dissolved. Danny may have been seeing another woman, but as always, he had come back to her.

  Chris, the last member of the family to arrive home, carefully unlocked the door, trying to make as little noise as possible as he went upstairs. He didn't want to wake his mother, not when she was under so much strain lately. She had always been distant, remote, but he was seeing another side of her now. She was so focused and protective that it was like seeing a mother guarding her child, instead of a wife with her husband. Chris's lips tightened. She had never been protective of him. Instead, as a child, it had been his father he had to run to when he was upset or in trouble. He had longed to feel his mother's love, longed to be held in her arms, but when he had gone to her, she had pushed him away. Chris had never forgotten it and her rejection still haunted him. With older brothers he had hidden his feelings, knowing that if he cried they would have called him a sissy. Instead he had tried to toughen up, and when he was old enough his father had initiated him into the family business.

  Chris felt a surge of pain. It broke his heart to see his father now – the man he had looked up to and admired, reduced to a babbling wreck. George had done that to him. George had all but destroyed their father.

  His guts tightened and his heart rate rose as he moved past his mother's room. He wanted to fling open her bedroom door, to confide in her, but she would never understand. It was impossible. He had to keep his secret, not just from his mother, but from his whole family.

  ‘Hello. You're late,’ Pet said, stepping out of her bedroom. ‘I can't sleep and I'm going downstairs to make a drink.’

  Chris fought to pull himself together. ‘Shush, you'll wake Mum.’

  ‘Can we talk?’

  ‘Yeah, all right,’ Chris said as the two of them went quietly downstairs, and it was only when they were both sitting at the table that he spoke again. ‘I'm surprised you're still awake. What do you want to talk about?’

  ‘This family. Dad's ill in hospital and I know that he had a stroke. Until now, I've pushed everything else to the back of my mind, but he's coming home soon and I can't stop thinking about it.’

  ‘Thinking about what?’

  ‘The fact that Dad, and all of you, are criminals.’

  ‘Don't be daft, that's all in the past.’

  ‘Don't bother denying it, Chris.’

  For the first time Chris saw the change in his sister. She looked harder, her eyes less innocent. He'd been so wrapped up in his father's recovery and the changes to the business, that he'd hardly noticed or given a thought to his little sister. ‘What makes you think we're criminals?’

  ‘It started with George and the way he treated his wife. I saw the violence, and Dad's reaction was just as bad. Then when I went to the dance at the youth club I met a chap, but as soon as he found out that I'm a Draper, he ran off, obviously scared out of his wits.’

  ‘It's just as well. You're too young to be going out on dates.’

  ‘Stop it! You're treating me like a child again. Tell me the truth, Chris. Just what is this family involved in? What made that chap run off like that?’

  Chris lowered his eyes. For years they had kept Pet in ignorance, fobbing her off by telling her that they now ran a legit business, but she was growing up and blokes were starting to sniff around. With the family's reputation he wasn't surprised that one had bolted as soon as he found out that Pet was a Draper. Bugger it. He'd have to give her some sort of explanation, but it could hardly be the truth. ‘Look, we ain't really criminals. Until recently we did a bit of money lending, and for a backhander we offered local business protection. That's all, Pet. If businesses didn't stump up, or anyone welshed on a loan, we sometimes had to be a bit heavy with them and it gave us a bit of a reputation.’

  ‘Heavy. What does that mean? Did you beat them up, is that it?’

  ‘Well, not exactly beat them up, but if they weren't wary of us, they'd have tried to get out of paying their dues.’

  ‘Don't take me for a fool, Chris. What you're telling me is bad enough, but if it was true, I'm sure I would have heard about it. What are you really up to?’

  Chris abruptly stood up. He had done his best, but he hadn't fooled Pet. He'd have to have a word with Danny. Maybe his brother could come up with something to fob her off, but he'd have to get to him in the morning before Pet did. In the meantime, he didn't want to face any more questions. ‘Look, I've told you the truth, but if you don't believe me, ask Danny.’

  ‘Oh, I will, but what about Mum? Did she know what you were up to?’

  ‘Of course not. Dad ain't proud of what we did, but at the time the yard wasn't making enough to support six families so it's something we got into to make a few extra bob. Dad doesn't want Mum to know about it, so keep your mouth shut. Now it's late and I'm going to bed. With school in the morning, I suggest you do the same.’

  ‘Yes, I'll go to bed, but you needn't think I've swallowed your lies. I'm not giving up until I hear the truth.’

  Chris felt his temper flare. ‘And what good would that do? If you find out the so-called truth, do you think it will make any difference? Do you think it will make your life any better? Believe me, it won't. You'd be better off remaining in ignorance.’

  On that note, Chris turned on his heels, this time forgetting to tread quietly as he went upstairs. In his room, he threw off his clothes before flinging himself onto his bed. He'd made a mistake telling Pet that they were loan sharks, but he shouldn't have lost his temper. Maybe he should have told her that they were thieves, robbers, because even that would be preferable to her finding out what they really did. If she ever discovered their secret – his s
ecret – he dreaded to think what her reaction would be. Despite saying she wasn't a child now, Pet was still innocent, untouched, and finding out that they were involved in the seedy world of porn could destroy her.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chris had managed to talk to Danny before Pet was up the next morning, and now his brother was scowling. ‘She's just a kid. Tell her to mind her own bleedin' business.’

  ‘I don't think that'd work. Pet's growing up, and she's seen too much lately. She won't be fobbed off with the story I came up with.’

  ‘I'm not surprised. Did you really expect her to believe that we offered protection and loans?’

  ‘It was all I could come up with at the time.’

  ‘Leave Pet to me. I'll have a word with her, but unlike you, I'll make sure she keeps her nose out of our affairs. Despite what you say, she's still just a kid, and a girl at that. What we men do to put bread on the table is none of her business and I'll make sure she understands that.’

  Chris doubted that Pet would stand for it, but he kept his thoughts to himself. Danny had made it clear that he was running the show now, and that meant sorting out any problems within the family too. That was fine with Chris. He knew that he was considered to be Mr Nice Guy, and he wanted it to stay that way.

  ‘Yeah, right, I'll leave Pet to you. Are we making another film today?’

  ‘Yeah, I think we'll do a hospital theme. It seems apt, and a lot of men fantasise about nurses.’

  ‘Ain't we done that before?’

  ‘Yeah, but it was a while ago. To be honest, I'm running out of ideas. If you ask me, we've covered just about everything.’

  ‘I don't suppose it would hurt to use all the themes again. We just have to rotate the girls and their partners and make a few adjustments to the storylines. What have you got in mind for the first hard-porn film?’

  ‘It's got to be good, different; something that will top anything Garson has come up with. I was thinking of three in a bed.’

  ‘Ain't that a bit old hat?’