by Sam Michaels
‘Yes, of course I have. You know what a worrier Benjamin is. He had a couple of Miss G’s men come round and dig one out. Not that I used it. To be honest, I just sat here, frozen, listening and waiting. I hope this war don’t go on for too long. I’ll end up prematurely going grey.’
Charlotte laughed. She didn’t think it would matter if Ivy went grey. Her hair was already dyed bright red and she always wore a hat, even indoors. Ivy was only four years older than her but seemed much older than her years. Charlotte assumed it was because Ivy had lived a hard life, being whored out as a child and then attacked by the Dentist, the same man who’d killed Ethel, Charlotte’s sister. He’d taken Ivy’s front teeth out but Charlotte still thought she had a pretty smile.
‘Are you hungry?’ Ivy asked.
‘Cor, yeah, I’m starving.’
‘There’s a packet of biscuits in the sideboard. Help yourself. I’ve got to go to the club this afternoon for a private function. Benjamin is picking me up any minute so keep yourself scarce.’
‘All right, and thanks, Ivy.’
‘That sounds like him now. Stay indoors and keep out of trouble,’ Ivy said as she picked up her handbag. ‘If them sirens go off again, make sure you get yourself out the back. I’ll be home after midnight. Pull them chairs together – you can sleep there tonight.’
‘I will,’ Charlotte answered and waved as Ivy closed the door behind her. At last, she was alone with no-one telling her what she could and couldn’t do. She glanced around the flamboyantly decorated flat and wished it was hers. She hated the thought of returning to the farm with her mother constantly nagging and moaning. As if that wasn’t bad enough, she also had to put up with Molly’s brat, Edward. The child was spoilt and could do no wrong. And Molly was a wet blanket. At least she didn’t see much of Molly’s husband, Oppo. He was always busy seeing to the farm. That was one saving grace.
But the worst of it was the sheer tediousness of it all. She missed the hustle and bustle of Battersea and her friends, though most of them shunned her now, probably on Georgina’s orders. The bitch, thought Charlotte. She hated the woman. She thought Georgina pranced about like she was something special, telling everyone what to do, including her. Well, not anymore. Charlotte wouldn’t stand for it. Georgina Garrett might think she ruled Battersea but she wasn’t going to rule her.
Anyway, why should she bother about Georgina? Her mother repeatedly told her it was because of Georgina that her sister was dead. Charlotte remembered Ethel with contempt. The childlike woman had been stupid. A proper dunce. But Charlotte wasn’t. She was clever and as far as she was concerned, Georgina bitch-face Garrett could go and take a running jump – preferably into the dirty water of the Thames.
*
‘Are you all right, dear? You look rather pasty,’ Benjamin said as Ivy climbed into his car beside him.
‘Yes, I’m fine thank you. Come on, let’s go,’ Ivy answered curtly.
‘All right, missy, no need for the attitude – I was only asking.’
‘Sorry, Benjamin. It was them sirens. Take no notice of me. Anyway, you ain’t looking too clever yourself.’
‘I’m exhausted, dear. Working six nights in The Penthouse and being Miss Garrett’s accountant is quite tiring.’
‘Maybe you should give up one of the jobs? I’m sure Miss Garrett wouldn’t mind finding another manager for her club, or another accountant.’
‘Don’t be ridiculous. I couldn’t possibly trust anyone else to care for Miss Garrett’s financial interests and I’d rather die than hand over management of The Penthouse. It’s my baby.’
‘You could take a couple of nights off and I could look after the place for you. Or don’t you trust me?’
‘Oh, Ivy, of course I trust you. But I love it really. If I wasn’t in the club, I’d only be sitting at home and missing it. Don’t worry, a glass of champagne will perk me up. By the way, those earrings are rather stunning.’
‘Miss G gave ’em to me. I looked after Alfie the other day and Miss G said she had a bag of jewellery in the bottom of her wardrobe and I could help meself. I only took these and a ring. Lovely, ain’t they, and I fink they’re real diamonds.’
‘Yes, my dear, they certainly are.’
‘I’ve never had real diamonds before. I was a bit scared to wear ’em at first.’
‘They suit you and I can see they are very good quality so take care of them.’
Benjamin wasn’t surprised by Georgina’s generosity. And when it came to jewels, she wasn’t one to wear many so he assumed the bag of jewellery would soon be making its way to his father’s jewellery shop. From there, it would be moved to his second cousin’s shop in Manchester, exchanged and sold on. His father had been a fence for years, the name Ezzy Harel synonymous with stolen quality jewels. It had made him quite a wealthy man.
Twenty minutes later, Benjamin unlocked the doors to the club and turned on the lights of the winding corridors that led down to the basement where the private members’ club was located. ‘I think someone’s been in here,’ he whispered.
‘Don’t be daft. The place was locked up when we arrived.’
‘Yes, I know, Ivy, but I can sense something.’
‘You can sense someone’s been in here?’
‘Yes! I’m sure of it. Wait here, let me check.’
‘No way, I’m coming with you.’
‘All right, but stay behind me.’
Benjamin felt Ivy yank him back and she was now marching ahead of him. ‘I’m a damn sight tougher than you,’ she said, ‘so I’ll go first.’
He didn’t argue and followed behind, his heart pounding. Once in the basement, Ivy pulled open the doors and shouted, ‘Hello… Anyone here?’
No-one answered but Benjamin’s nostrils twitched at the faint whiff of burning.
‘Can you smell that?’ Ivy asked.
‘Yes, I can. Quick, have a look around. I’m sure something is on fire.’
Ivy dashed one way and Benjamin another. As he approached the stage, the smell became stronger but there was no sign of any flames. Then he realised. ‘The dressing room,’ he called to Ivy who was now running towards him.
The door was closed and Ivy went to reach for the handle.
‘NO!’ Benjamin shouted and grabbed her arm. ‘Wait,’ he said and felt the door. It was cool so he hoped that meant if there was a fire, it wasn’t a fierce one. With trepidation, he slowly opened it. Thick black smoke wafted out and he and Ivy turned their faces away.
‘Fetch water,’ Benjamin said quickly as he waved his arms around to clear the smoke and went into the room. There, in a wastepaper bin, he found the fire. Thankfully, it was contained and Ivy soon appeared again and threw an ice bucket of water over the smouldering flames.
They heard a sizzle as the fire was extinguished and then the sound from behind of the club doors as they banged closed. Both quickly turned to look and Ivy ran in that direction. Benjamin was sure he’d seen the shadow of a man fleeing up the stairs. He tried to keep up with Ivy but she was like a hare out of a trap. They hurried up the stairs and along the corridors. Moments later, Benjamin gasped for breath on the pavement and blinked his eyes, adjusting them to the bright daylight. He looked up and down the deserted street. There was no sign of anyone in sight.
‘He’s gone,’ Ivy said, sounding deflated.
‘Who do you think it was?’
‘I dunno – someone who wants to destroy the club. How the hell did he get in?’
‘I’ve no idea. I’d better call Miss Garrett. Are you all right?’ he asked.
‘Yes, I’m fine. Good job we got here early today. If we’d have opened at our normal time, there wouldn’t have been a club left.’
‘You stay here. Keep an eye out. I’ll be back after I’ve spoken to Miss Garrett.’
Benjamin made his way back down with his mind whirling, trying to think of who could be responsible for attempting to raze The Penthouse to the ground. Whoever it was, they didn’t seem to
have a grudge against him or Ivy, as the intruder hadn’t tried to attack them. Mind you, there was always someone lurking in the shadows to try and take over from Miss Garrett. She’d destroyed many men who’d threatened her position as the boss of Battersea’s underworld. Perhaps this was someone with a vendetta or maybe another challenge?
Minutes later, Benjamin was back outside in the daylight.
‘Is she on her way?’ Ivy asked.
‘Yes, and she said to check the toilets and carry on as normal. So let’s get the place ready. We’ve got the birthday boy and his friends arriving in an hour. Goodness knows how we’re going to get rid of the terrible smell.’
‘Spray your expensive French perfume on the candles. That oughta do it.’
‘I don’t think so, dear. I’m not wasting my Houbigant. It was a gift from Aubrey sent all the way from Paris,’ he answered in a haughty tone.
Back in the club, Ivy busied herself waving bar towels around to try and dispel the singed aroma in the air. Benjamin was preparing the bar but kept a close eye on the door. He feared that whoever had attempted to torch the place might come back and try again with them inside. ‘Hurry up, Miss Garrett,’ he whispered under his breath. He wouldn’t feel safe until he saw her.
The minutes ticked by like hours, but eventually, Georgina marched in, her stride purposeful. Her black shiny hair was neatly clipped behind her ears and her violet coat matched her stunning eyes. But Georgina’s beauty was lost on Benjamin. He was more concerned about the attack on the club.
‘Is everything in order?’ she asked as Johnny Dymond and Victor searched the premises.
‘It appears to be. I can’t work out how the person got in,’ Benjamin answered.
‘I’m taking a guess that he was locked in here last night when you closed up.’
‘Surely not? If that was the case, the fool risked burning himself to death.’
‘Some people aren’t too bright, Benjamin. There’s no other explanation.’
‘What if he returns to finish the job?’
‘Don’t worry. I’ll leave Johnny here with you today and I’ll put an extra man on the front door for the next few weeks.’
‘That puts my mind at ease. Now you’re here, can I tempt you into a glass of bubbly?’
‘No, thank you. I’d like to get back to my husband and son. By the way, tell your father that I’m sorry but I couldn’t retrieve the jewellery that Bobby stole from him though I’ve made sure he won’t get any more problems from him.’
‘I’ll tell him. Bobby was an idiot to cross you. He should have known better. Oh well, rest in peace.’
‘He’s not dead but he won’t be walking for a while. Anyway, I’m off. See you tomorrow.’
Georgina flounced off with Victor walking just ahead. The giant of a man never left her side and rarely spoke. But Benjamin knew Victor would lay his life on the line to protect Miss Garrett. He thought Johnny probably would too. She had a good team around her and though Benjamin’s life involved elements of danger, he loved the thrill of it and had come to care deeply for his incredible boss.
*
Charlotte finished the box of biscuits that Ivy had left for her, stood up, brushed off the crumbs and left the empty packet on the armchair. As much as she admired Ivy’s flat, the boredom of being cooped up inside was driving her mad. She wandered around the two rooms until her eyes fell on Ivy’s cosmetic box.
Charlotte had never worn make-up before. Her mother wouldn’t allow it. She pulled out a stool and sat in front of the dressing table mirror then rummaged through the box. Most of the colours were very vibrant, but Charlotte applied some lipstick, mascara and rouge. She looked in the mirror and pouted, admiring her reflection. Yes, a bit of make-up suited her and made her look older. But with no-one to see it, she felt her new glamorous look was wasted. She sighed deeply. It was no more fun being stuck indoors here than it was on the farm. Bugger it, she thought, and decided to take her chances outside. Anyway, so what if Georgina found her. She couldn’t make her do anything she didn’t want to.
Once her mind was made, Charlotte almost ran out of the door and took the stairs down two at a time. As the evening sun hit her face, she felt liberated and seeing as she was now a grown-up, she had to refrain from skipping along the street.
Sunday early evenings were always quiet in Battersea. The shops were closed and most people would be having their weekly soak in their tin baths. Charlotte had never had that luxury growing up. She’d had to make do with a shivering strip-wash at the one tap in the scullery. She pushed thoughts of her deprived childhood from her head. That was all behind her. She was a woman now, in charge of her own destiny and didn’t care if she never saw her mother or Molly again. Charlotte had ambitions, big ideas, and wouldn’t allow her stupid mother or sister to hold her back. She wanted the good life. The glamorous one she’d seen on the silver screen. Silk evening dresses and expensive jewellery. Not rotten vegetables and mud, like on the farm.
Several streets away, as Charlotte passed a public house, she heard a deep voice call her name. She turned to see Tobias Rowland, leaning against a wall and smoking a cigarette. He wore his flat cap lopsided, which gave him a cheeky look.
‘I thought your lot had moved out of London?’ he asked and threw his half-smoked cigarette into the gutter.
‘Yeah, we have, but I’ve come back,’ Charlotte answered as she sauntered towards him.
Tobias was several years older than her. He’d been in the same class as Molly but had never spoken to Charlotte before.
‘The country air has done you good. You look nice,’ he said, looking her up and down.
‘Thanks,’ Charlotte replied and looked into his hazel eyes, noticing how good-looking he was. Then an idea began to form in her head. ‘Is your dad still the landlord of this pub?’
‘Yeah, and he’s got me working here. Says I need to earn me keep.’
‘Can you sneak us a bottle of something?’
‘Leave it out, you ain’t old enough to drink.’
‘Oh, go on. I’m not a child.’
‘I can see that,’ Tobias answered, his eyes slowly roaming over her.
‘We can share it, have a laugh.’
‘I dunno, Charlotte.’
‘Have you got anything better to do?’
‘No, I ain’t. All right then, but I’ll have to get you upstairs without me dad seeing you. Come round the back; I’ll open the door.’
At last, thought Charlotte, some excitement. She scurried round to the back of the pub where Tobias was waiting with the door ajar.
‘Shush, come on, up the stairs right to the top.’
Charlotte followed him up and tried not to giggle. She could see he had a bottle of something, probably brandy or whisky. They tiptoed up two flights until they were outside the attic room door.
‘I’m in here,’ Tobias said and quietly closed the door behind them.
Charlotte looked around. She’d never been in an attic before and was surprised at how large the room was. The ceilings sloped down on one side and there was a small window that overlooked the street though it seemed a long way down.
‘My dad got this ready for me when I got back from my time doing military service. It’s all right, ain’t it?’
‘It’s great. Will your mum and dad hear us up here?’
‘Nah, I doubt it. Me mum will be unconscious by now. She drinks more than the punters. And me dad’s as deaf as a post.’
Charlotte walked across the room and sat on the edge of his bed. Tobias joined her and after taking a couple of glugs from the bottle, he handed it to her. She’d never tasted alcohol before and couldn’t say she liked it. The liquid burned the back of her throat and made her chest feel hot. But she wanted to appear grown-up in front of Tobias so didn’t pull a face and pretended to enjoy it.
‘What’s your mum gonna say when you go home stinking like a navvy?’ he asked.
‘My mum’s in Kent and I ain’t going back there.’
‘Where are you staying then?’
‘At my mate’s place but only until I find my own. I’ve got to keep me head down ’cos Molly will have Georgina Garrett out looking for me.’
‘Huh, don’t mention that name in here!’
‘What, Molly or Georgina?’
‘Georgina Garrett.’
‘Why? Don’t you like her?’
‘I can’t fucking stand her. She swans about like she owns all of Battersea. Her blokes come in here once a week and demand money off my old man. He coughs up ’cos he’s too scared not to. There’s a fucking bullet hole in the ceiling downstairs from her.’
‘Yeah, I know what you mean. I don’t like her either. My mum reckons it was her fault that our Ethel was killed.’
‘I heard about that. Sorry. Ethel was a sweet girl. How was it Georgina’s fault?’
‘Long story. But me mum will never forgive her and if Miss High and Mighty tries sending me back to Kent, I’m gonna tell her what she can do with herself.’
‘Good on ya. She showed me right up once. Made me look a right mug in front of me mates.’
‘What did she do?’
‘Punched me bloody lights out. It was years ago, when we was just kids but fuck me, she can hold her own in a fight. It ain’t right though, is it? A girl fighting. We all thought she was a boy at the time. It was a bit of a shock when we found out she weren’t. She’s a right looker now and I don’t think a fella should ever hit a woman but I’d like to wring her bleedin’ neck.’
‘I think you’ll find there’s a queue. Anyway, enough about her. Give us another swig of that bottle.’
After several more mouthfuls, Charlotte’s head was beginning to feel fuzzy and she leaned back on the bed. Tobias drained the last of the brandy and lay on his side next to her.
‘You’re all right,’ he drawled.
‘You too,’ Charlotte answered but felt nauseous and the rafters above her were going in and out of focus. ‘What’s the time? I should probably be getting back.’
‘Don’t worry about that now,’ Tobias husked and kissed her.
His tongue in her mouth and the smell of stale tobacco made Charlotte feel even more sick but before she could push him off, she felt his hand slide into her knickers. Her head was swimming, her thoughts fuddled, and her blouse was pushed above her breasts. She was sure Tobias had pulled her knickers off and now she felt the weight of his body pinning her onto the mattress. He managed to spread her legs and though the alcohol had numbed her, Charlotte was aware of being in pain as his body entered hers. Just a few moments and several grunts later, her stomach felt wet as Tobias ejaculated over her. Then he rolled to his side, panting.
