by Joan Jonker
Brian Bradley fled around the corner of the nearest street, Corker in hot pursuit. But when the big man turned the corner, there was no sign of him, the street was deserted. ‘My God, he was quick!’ Corker stroked his beard, knowing it was useless to carry on. The entries running along the backs of these houses were like a maze, easy to get lost in. It would be like looking for a needle in a haystack.
He turned and retraced his steps. If he’d had time he would have continued the chase, but he was late as it was … he should have picked Ellen up half an hour ago to take her to the pub on the corner, where they’d arranged to meet up with their friends for a few drinks to celebrate Steve and Jill’s engagement. By rights, Jill shouldn’t be allowed in the pub because she was only seventeen, but a quiet word in the manager’s ear had worked wonders. Particularly when it came from the man who spent more money there when he was home on leave than the rest of the customers did all the year round.
Hurrying now to make up for lost time, he told himself he should have listened to his conscience and kept away from the pub where he knew his shipmates would be congregated. His common sense should have told him that the one drink he’d promised himself was impossible. It always led to another, then another, as each man insisted on buying his round. The trouble was, when you’d had a few drinks you lost all sense of time. As he neared the Clarkes’ house, Corker felt in his pocket for the packet of Victory V lozenges. He popped one in his mouth and sucked furiously, hoping it would take away the smell of drink. There’d be merry hell to pay if Ellen knew he’d been knocking the pints back while she was patiently waiting for him. She wasn’t the size of sixpennyworth of copper but she could certainly stick up for herself. She could get into a right little paddy when she was annoyed. Still, Corker consoled himself as he rapped on the door, I’ve got some news that will please her.
‘Here’s wishin’ yer both all the luck in the world.’ Corker raised his glass and smiled at the young couple. ‘May yez always be as happy as yer are now, and never know what it is to want.’ He drank deeply, then wiped the froth from his moustache with the back of his hand. ‘And may I say that yez make a real handsome couple.’
‘I’ll drink to that!’ Nellie was perched on a stool, her legs wide apart and showing her knickers. ‘Mind you, with me as his mother it’s only natural that our Steve’s good-lookin’.’
‘I’m saying nothin’.’ Molly raised her brows and hoped the expression on her face was one of scorn. ‘But then, I don’t have to, do I? I mean, yer only have to look at our Jill to know who she takes after.’
Nellie bristled. What could she say to beat that? But she couldn’t let her friend get one over on her. ‘Funny yer should say that, girl! I’ve always thought your Jill resembled Tucker, the coal man.’
Bridie gasped, ‘Sure, now, that’s not the kind of talk yer should be usin’ in front of the young ones. ’Tis ashamed of yerselves yer should be, the pair of you.’
‘Ay, don’t be blamin’ me, I haven’t said anything!’ Molly could see the laughter in everyone’s eyes and knew that out of respect for her mother they were trying hard to contain it. She was trying herself, but she couldn’t keep it from bubbling over. ‘I mean, I could have said I’ve always thought Steve looked like Mr Henry, the rent man! But I didn’t say it, did I?’
Even Bridie joined in the roar that followed. Dabbing at her eyes with a wisp of a hankie, she croaked, ‘Molly me darlin’, you’ll have a lot of explainin’ to do when yer get to the pearly gates, so yer will.’
‘Oh, she’s not goin’ up there!’ Nellie feigned a look of surprise. ‘She’s comin’ down below with me! Where I go, me mate goes! I’ve got two shovels ready, ’cos bein’ new arrivals, the Devil is bound to put us on stokin’ the fires.’ She turned to Molly, ‘Ay, girl, I wonder if the Devil is one of Tucker’s customers?’
Every head in the pub turned when Corker’s laugh boomed out. ‘Why d’yer ask, Nellie? D’yer think yer can get him a discount?’
Molly threw her hands up. ‘Nellie McDonough, yer can just forget about that! I mean, that’s taking friendship a bit too far.’ She jabbed a stiffened finger in the air, ‘I have every intention of goin’ up there, so if yer want to come with me yer’d better start mending yer ways.’
Bridie didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. ‘May the good Lord forgive the pair of yer.’
Corker, sitting next to her, patted her hand. ‘Oh, I’m sure He will, Bridie me darlin’. After all, it’s well known He has a good sense of humour.’
‘He’ll need it,’ Bob said drily, ‘if these two ever make it up there.’
Jill and Steve sat holding hands, enjoying the banter. Being engaged was still a novelty to them and they were as happy as two people could be. ‘Are you all right, sweetheart?’ Steve leaned sideways to whisper in her ear. ‘Enjoyin’ yerself?’
‘Oh, yes!’ Their eyes locked and sent a thrill like an electric shock through their whole bodies. Jill turned away quickly and glanced around the table to see if they were being watched. Satisfied that the company were deep in conversation, she whispered, ‘I love you, Steve McDonough.’
Steve groaned. ‘An’ I love you more than words can say. I want the next few years to fly over, so I’m out of me time and can afford to get married. Then we’ll have our own little house an’ yer’ll be there every night when I come in from work.’
Their dreams were interrupted by Molly. ‘Wake up, you two! Uncle Corker’s been talkin’ to yer but yer were miles away, in another world!’
‘Sorry, Mam, we were only talking.’
‘Well, he’s gone to the bar now, but I told him yer didn’t want another drink ’cos I think yer’ve had enough.’
‘I have.’ Jill laughed nervously. ‘I feel tiddly now.’
‘Yer’ve only had one glass of sherry!’ Steve put his arm across her shoulders. ‘I’m glad you don’t drink much … I hate to see a woman drunk.’
Corker came back with a tray of glasses and set them down. ‘You can help yerselves, folks.’ He took his seat next to Ellen, a thoughtful expression on his face. Should he tell her the news now? She’d had her coat on when he’d called for her and had come straight out, not giving him a chance to tell her where he’d been that day. But she got embarrassed so easily, she might not take kindly to discussing their business in front of their friends. Still, they had to find out some time, it might as well be now. ‘I went to see a solicitor today, love.’
Ellen could feel the colour drain from her face and hoped that no one would notice in the dark, smoke-filled room. Filled with apprehension she said softly, ‘Oh, yes?’
‘Yes, one of me mates recommended a bloke in Dale Street. I explained about Nobby, and what the doctor had told us, an’ he said that under the circumstances he couldn’t see any reason why you wouldn’t be granted a divorce.’
There was silence around the table for a few seconds, then Molly said, ‘That sounds hopeful, doesn’t it, Ellen?’
When Ellen didn’t speak, merely nodded, Corker went on. ‘He said it would take about two years, so the sooner you apply the better.’
Out of the corner of her eye, Ellen could see Bridie’s lips set in a thin, straight line. She knew that the older woman objected strongly to divorce on religious grounds, and she wished fervently that Corker had waited until they were on their own before bringing the subject up. ‘We’ll talk about it later, shall we?’ she said quietly. ‘This is hardly the place.’
Molly and Nellie exchanged glances which said that Corker was going to need some support in persuading Ellen to make a move. ‘Don’t take too long talkin’ about it,’ Nellie said. ‘Get it over an’ done with.’
‘The sooner yer set the wheels in motion, the better yer’ll feel. It’ll be a load off yer mind.’ Molly gave Jack a sharp dig in the ribs. ‘Don’t you agree, Jack?’
‘Yes I do! If I were you, Ellen, I’d go with Corker and see this solicitor bloke.’
‘I agree with me dad.’ Jill surprised herse
lf and everyone else by the strength of her feelings. She’d never hated anyone in her life before. Never thought it possible to dislike another human being as much as she did Nobby Clarke for the way he’d treated Ellen and the children. ‘You go with Uncle Corker, he’ll know what to do.’
Ellen’s face was set, and seeing that she wasn’t going to be drawn, Corker changed the subject. ‘By the way, have any of yez seen anything of the Bradley family since they left? Do they ever come around?’
‘You’re joking, aren’t yer?’ Molly grimaced. ‘They wouldn’t ’ave the nerve to show their faces … the neighbours would flay them alive.’
Jack looked interested. ‘Why, Corker?’
‘No reason, I just wondered.’ Corker decided to keep quiet about what he’d seen. After all, it was possible he’d been mistaken, but he didn’t think so. If the lad had nothing to hide, why had he scarpered like that?
The bell behind the bar sounded. ‘Time, please,’ Les called, putting the towels over the pump handles. ‘Drink up an’ let’s be havin’ yer.’
They were walking up the street when Corker said casually, ‘I’ll have to call in an’ see Miss Clegg while I’m home. I suppose it’s too late now, she’s probably in bed.’
‘No, look,’ Molly pointed, ‘the light’s still on. Since Phil’s been there she doesn’t go to bed so early.’
‘I wonder if she’d mind if I knocked now? I mightn’t get another chance before I go back.’
‘She’d be made up to see yer,’ Nellie told him. ‘She loves visitors.’
‘Right, I’ll slip over for five minutes.’ Corker took his hand from Ellen’s elbow. ‘Put the kettle on, love, an’ I’ll be back before it’s boiled.’ His long legs covered the cobbled street in a few strides. ‘I’ll bid yez good night, folks.’
The chorus of ‘good nights’ was fading when he lifted the knocker and rapped softly, not wanting to frighten the old lady. He would have left it until tomorrow, but Phil would be at work then and it was him that Corker wanted to see. There was a question niggling at the back of his mind which Phil might be able to answer.
It was Phil who opened the door, and when he saw Corker his eyebrows shot up in surprise. ‘Hello, Mr Corkhill! We couldn’t make out who’d be knockin’ this time of night.’
‘I know it’s late, son, but when I saw the light was still on I thought I’d call an’ see how Miss Clegg is.’
‘Come in, she’ll be glad to see yer.’ Phil let Corker pass then closed the door. He was tall himself, had never had to look up at a man before, but he felt dwarfed by the size of the big man. ‘We’re just havin’ our supper.’
‘I’ve just had mine,’ Corker chuckled, ‘six pints of ale.’
‘Well I never!’ Victoria’s hands fluttered. ‘This is an unexpected pleasant surprise.’
‘It’s only a quick call, just to see how yer are.’ Corker held his cap in his hand, his fingers running back and forth along the shiny peak. ‘I must say yer looking well … the picture of health!’
‘I’m fine, Corker. Phil looks after me, makes sure I keep warm and eat all me dinner.’ She pointed to a chair. ‘Won’t you sit down?’
‘No thanks, me darlin’, I won’t keep yer from yer supper. I’ll come in one day and we’ll have a good old natter.’ Corker turned to Phil, who was standing by the door. ‘I’m glad she’s got you here to keep an eye on her. You’re doin’ a good job, too, from the looks of things … she looks great.’
Phil blushed. ‘It’s her that looks after me, not the other way around. I’ve never been so well fed in all me life.’
‘I can see yer like two bugs, snug in a rug.’ Corker twisted the end of his moustache, bringing it to a point which defied the laws of gravity. ‘I believe yer family moved out?’
Phil nodded. ‘I think it was a case of goin’ before they were pushed.’
‘He’s seen his mam, though, haven’t you, Phil?’ Victoria’s eyes were bright. ‘She met him outside the factory, and guess what? She told him all about his real dad, and even gave him a photo!’
‘Really? Well, that was a turn-up for the books, wasn’t it?’ Corker smiled to ease the boy’s embarrassment. ‘Yer’ll have to tell me all about it when we’ve more time.’ He hesitated for a second, then asked, ‘Have yer seen anythin’ of the rest of the Bradleys … do they ever come around here?’
‘No.’ Phil lowered his eyes but wasn’t quick enough to hide the guilt written in them. He’d never told Aunt Vicky about Tom Bradley’s visit because he didn’t know how to do it without frightening her. It had been on the tip of his tongue dozens of times, but her trusting eyes and her gentle frailty kept him from speaking the words. ‘I don’t want to see them, either! They can rot in hell for all I care.’
‘Aye, well, happen they’ll do that eventually.’ As Corker put his cap on, he was thinking that the lad wasn’t telling the truth, was keeping something back. ‘Anyway, I’ll be on me way an’ leave yez to eat yer supper in peace.’ He dropped a kiss on the fine, snow-white hair. ‘Now I know yer all right, I’ll sleep easy in me bed tonight.’
‘You will call again, won’t you, Corker?’ Victoria asked eagerly. ‘It’s always a tonic to see you.’
‘Have no fear, me darlin’, yer’ll be sick of looking at me by the time I go back. Like the proverbial bad penny, I’ll keep turning up.’
Phil opened the door and stepped back to let Corker pass. The fluttering in his heart and tummy was an indication of the apprehension he felt at having to admit he’d told a lie. But better that than living with the knowledge that he was no better than the Bradleys.
‘Can I have a quiet word, Mr Corkhill?’ Phil pulled the door to behind him. ‘I didn’t tell the truth in there because I didn’t want to upset Aunt Vicky. But me dad did call here one night … it was the night of Jill’s party, thank God, so she wasn’t in.’
‘I thought there was something, son, because yer not a very good liar. It was written all over yer face.’ Corker’s heart was gladdened by the boy’s admission, it showed that his judgement about him had been right. ‘What did he want?’
‘He was after money. Wanted me to cough up a couple of bob a week … said it was me mam’s idea. But I know she hadn’t sent him because I’d seen her a few times. I didn’t tell him that, though, ’cos she must have kept quiet about it.’
‘The cheeky sod!’ Corker exploded. ‘I hope yer told him in no uncertain terms where to go to!’
Phil nodded. ‘I sent him packing with a flea in his ear. But I’m worried, Mr Corkhill, ’cos he threatened to get his own back.’
‘Huh! I wouldn’t worry about that, he was just tryin’ to sound tough. He can’t do yer no harm, son.’
‘You don’t know him like I do, he’s a sly, crafty beggar. I’m not afraid for meself, he doesn’t scare me one bit. But I’m worried about Aunt Vicky … I wouldn’t put it past him to get at me through her.’ There was a catch in Phil’s voice. ‘She’s been so good to me I’d go mad if I brought trouble to her door. I’m worryin’ meself sick every day in work in case he comes … she’s so inoffensive and trusting, she’d probably let him in.’
Corker took his cap off and ran his fingers through his hair. The lad was right: Victoria was of the old school where you didn’t keep people standing on your step, you invited them in. ‘I don’t want to add to yer troubles, son, but yer’ve been honest with me and I’ll be honest with you. When I got off the tram tonight I saw your Brian lurking in one of the shop doorways. I went after him, but he legged it down a jigger an’ I lost him.’
A groan of anguish left Phil’s mouth. ‘Oh, no!’
‘I’m afraid so! I was suspicious, that’s why I tried to nab him, but he was too quick for me.’
‘D’yer know, Mr Corkhill, for the first time in me life I’m beginning to get a bit of pride in meself. Aunt Vicky can be thanked for that … she treats me as though I am somebody. But talk about yer past coming back to haunt yer, well, that’s goin’ to be my lot in life
from the looks of things. I’ll never be free of my past.’ Phil opened the door a little and glanced down the hall before continuing. ‘The best thing I can do is get out of her life. They’ll leave her alone if I’m not here.’
‘And break the old lady’s heart? That’s not the answer son, ’cos she’s the one would get hurt the most. Anyway I’m blowed if I’d let the buggers run me out!’ Corker could feel his anger rising. ‘Don’t you do anythin’ until we’ve had a chance to talk it through. We’ll come up with something, so don’t worry. But for heaven’s sake, don’t say anythin’ to Miss Clegg about leavin’, ’cos it would only upset her.’ Putting his cap back on, he said gruffly, ‘Come over to the Clarkes’ house tomorrow night after yer’ve had yer dinner. You can always make some excuse … say I’ve promised to lend yer a book.’
‘Okay. An’ thanks for bein’ so understanding, Mr Corkhill, I appreciate it.’
‘Think nothin’ of it, son,’ Corker said as he stepped into the street. ‘I’ll see yer tomorrow, God willing.’
It was two o’clock in the morning before Corker slipped the front door key into the lock. The house was silent and in darkness. He took his shoes off before climbing the stairs in case he woke his mother. It had been a long day and his whole body felt heavy with tiredness. But his mind and heart were at ease. At last Ellen had agreed to go with him to see the solicitor about setting the wheels in motion for her divorce from Nobby. It was going to be a long two years of waiting, but he didn’t mind that. After all, what were two years? Hadn’t he been in love with her for the last twenty?
