by Sam Michaels
‘See, you take the piss out of me watching all them films but they come in handy sometimes,’ Dan said, looking pleased with himself.
‘We’ll see about that. But when Garrett is pushing up daisies, I’ll make sure you’ve got free tickets to the Granada cinema whenever you like.’
‘Would you come with me, Wayne? You wanna see this knockout actress, Carole Lombard, a blonde, right funny too. Cor, she’s a stunner. You don’t see birds like that round here.’
‘No, you’re all right, thanks. I’ll be too busy screwing Garrett’s tarts, giving them some proper Wayne love,’ he answered, grabbing at his groin and laughing.
‘Poor fucking women,’ Dan replied, smirking. ‘I’ve seen your “Wayne love”. It’s a fucking monster.’
‘That’s right, Dan. And so am I. And once I’m done with Garrett, Battersea is gonna wish Billy Wilcox was still alive. They all thought he was a bad bastard, well, they ain’t seen nothing yet.’
6
Georgina had been shown through to David’s office and the moment she walked in, she could tell he was tense.
‘I wasn’t expecting you,’ he said, his mouth set in a grim line.
It was unusual for him not to be pleased to see her and his unwelcoming manner made her feel uncomfortable. ‘I didn’t realise I needed an appointment,’ she answered curtly, consciously aware of hiding any fear.
‘No, you don’t, but I’m busy.’
‘Fine, good day to you,’ she said and spun on her heel.
As she marched towards the door, she heard David’s voice. ‘Wait,’ he called, and she turned back to look at him.
‘Sorry. That was very bad-mannered of me, especially as you’ve come over from Battersea. Please, take a sit, I’ll get you a drink.’
‘Are you sure you have time for me?’ she asked with a note of sarcasm.
David came towards her and took her gloved hand, then lifted it to his lips and kissed the back of it. ‘I’ve always got time for you, Georgina,’ he husked. ‘Now, come and sit down.’
She felt a hot sensation rise through her body and tried to dismiss the fluttering in her stomach as she followed him to the sumptuous sofa. He handed her a champagne flute and held her gaze as they clinked glasses.
‘Cheers,’ he said, and knocked back the contents.
Something was definitely amiss; she could feel it. He would never normally drink so quickly. He seemed restless and she could see his jaw was clenched.
‘What brings you unexpectedly to Lewisham?’ he asked.
‘I’ve brought this photograph of Molly Wilcox’s sister, Charlotte Mipple. She’s run away from the farm, presumably to Battersea but she could be anywhere. I’d appreciate your men keeping an eye out for her.’
David took the black and white grainy image. ‘Of course; it’s unlikely any of my men will recognise her from this,’ he said. ‘But I’ll pass it round.’
‘Thank you. As you can imagine, Molly and her mother are worried sick.’
‘I’m sure they are. I’ll do what I can.’
Georgina noticed David glance at his wristwatch.
‘I’m sorry, I’m keeping you from important work,’ she said and drank the rest of the champagne in her glass. The bubbles caught in her chest and she uncontrollably burped. ‘Oh dear, excuse me,’ she said, embarrassed.
‘That was very cute.’ David smiled, adding more to her embarrassment. ‘I don’t mean to hurry you but I’m expecting someone.’
‘I only called in to drop off the photograph,’ she fibbed as she rose to her feet. The truth was, she could have arranged for the photograph to be delivered and simply made a telephone call to David. But she liked the thrill she got from visiting him and now she felt a stab of jealousy. Was he trying to get rid of her quickly because the person he was expecting was a woman? If it was, she’d like to hang around and see what this other woman looked like and how David behaved around her. Would he flirt in the same way he did with her? Would he give the other woman a long stare, one that would make the woman’s insides squirm yet want more? She was being ridiculous and felt guilty for having such envious thoughts. After all, she was a happily married woman and would never allow David or anyone else to come between her and Lash.
Her mind was eased when David said, ‘You know you’re always more than welcome here but the man who’ll be arriving any minute now is one you’re better off never knowing. In fact, I wish I didn’t but dealing with unprincipled people is part of the territory.’
‘I’m like you, David, I prefer to know about anyone who could be a possible threat to me. Is this man someone I should be aware of?’ she asked.
‘Aware of, yes, possibly. Afraid of, yes, definitely. But he’s no threat to you or your business and you’re better off staying out of it.’
‘Oh, come now, David, it feels like you’re teasing me.’
‘Trust me, you don’t want to know.’
‘I do now. He sounds most intriguing.’
‘Intriguing isn’t a word I’d use to describe him. He’s dangerous and belongs to a group who are way above us.’
‘What do you mean?’ she asked, unable to imagine anyone David would be wary of.
‘You know more about politicians than me so you must know their power. This war, it was started by politicians and is run by politicians. It’s not a world I’d like to dip my toes in to but it seems I have.’
‘Politics… you? Surely not?’
‘Not by choice, I can assure you.’
‘You’re not thinking of a career in Parliament?’ she asked jokingly, and chortled.
‘No, not with those charlatans who line the benches of Westminster, especially after what I’ve discovered. Not everyone who works in the Houses of Parliament is on the side of the British government.’
‘David, you’ve said too much already so just tell me what is going on.’
‘All right, but you can’t breathe a word of it to anyone. If you do, I can’t guarantee your life won’t be at risk and there’ll be little or nothing I could do to protect you.’
Georgina swallowed hard. She’d never seen David so serious and he looked rather pale. ‘Go on,’ she urged, wanting to know more about what had caused his unease.
‘The Nazis… they work in government too. Our British government.’
‘What? That can’t be possible.’
‘That’s what I initially thought until I did some very discreet digging. I was approached by someone who wished to remain anonymous. He said he worked for a group who required arms and I don’t mean just a couple of shooters. This bloke wanted big arms, grenades, machine guns, you know, the weapons of war. And he wanted as much as I could supply. I couldn’t fulfil a request like that without knowing more. There’s no way I’m going to sell that sort of machinery to anyone without knowing what it’s for. I was told the minimal amount of info but enough for me to find out more using my own means. And, Christ, Georgina, what I found out shocked me to my core.’
‘You found out there’s Nazis in our government?’
‘Yes, and in the police, the army, even amongst the royal ranks. There’s a covert group of them working together, the Fylfots. They have a network in Britain, all underground, top-secret stuff. They’re Nazi sympathisers who plan on paving the way for Hitler when he defeats Britain. They’re dangerous and could have you or me or anyone else easily silenced. I shouldn’t have told you but I suppose there’s always the chance that they could cross your path one day.’
Georgina sat back down and slumped backwards on the sofa. ‘Wow,’ she said as she tried to take in the enormity of the situation.
‘Exactly. I only managed to uncover one name. Harold Conte. He seems to be one of the leading players. He’s a barrister, working on behalf of the coalition government. I don’t have any other names yet but I can tell you that the Fylfots are sophisticated and they’ve penetrated just about every major institution. The best advice I can give you is don’t get involved. It’s too risky. But
keep that name in your head and steer clear of him and his group.’
‘Yes, I will,’ Georgina said, feeling giddy. She wasn’t sure if the champagne bubbles had gone to her head or if it was the effect of David’s shocking discoveries. ‘I can see why you’ve been keen for me to leave.’
‘Yes. I only want to protect you.’
‘Thank you, and thank you for being so candid with me.’
‘Go, now. I don’t want you running into one of the Fylfots in the corridors.’
Georgina didn’t need telling twice and left hastily. In the street, as she climbed into the back of her car, her eyes scanned the area. She saw a black car parked further along the road and as Victor pulled away, the car slowly crept forward. She couldn’t see who was inside but knew it had to be members of the Fylfots. Well, she thought as she twisted her mother’s wedding ring, if they stayed out of her way, she’d most definitely stay out of theirs.
*
In Balham, Nancy Austin paced the room of her luxury apartment, waiting for Harold to arrive. He was late again. His tardiness was becoming more and more frequent and some evenings, he didn’t show up at all. But how she could she complain? After all, she was only his mistress and his money paid for the opulent lifestyle that she’d become accustomed to, including the apartment in Du Cane Court, one of London’s exclusive residences.
She sat on the large chesterfield and sipped on her third gin and tonic, crossing one slim leg over the other. The gold-plated carriage clock on the marble-top sideboard showed nine-fifteen. She doubted Harold would turn up this late but then she heard his key in the front door and she jumped to her feet. As Nancy smoothed down her neatly waved blonde hair, Harold came into the room but there was no tender kiss from him. Instead, he removed his heavy wool coat and threw it over the back of an armchair before marching to the drinks cabinet.
‘Good evening, dear. I was beginning to think you weren’t coming tonight,’ she said, pleased that his arrival had punctuated her boring evening.
‘It’s been a long day,’ Harold replied, picking up the ice tongs and dropping two cubes into his whisky.
‘Have you eaten?’ she asked, feeling her own stomach grumble.
‘I’m not hungry.’
His answer left her disappointed. She’d skipped dinner hoping Harold would be taking her to one of the elite restaurants they often frequented.
Harold knocked back his drink and poured himself another, then sat on the sofa and finally offered her a smile, though Nancy could see it didn’t reach his eyes.
‘Is something troubling you, dear?’ she asked.
‘No. Nothing for you to worry about. Come, sit beside me,’ he answered and patted the sofa.
Nancy sashayed towards him, exaggerating the wiggle of her thin hips. ‘I wish you’d talk to me like you used to,’ she said, recalling the days when she’d worked alongside him as his legal assistant. Back then, four years ago, she’d been his confidante. He’d bounce ideas off her, ask her advice and include her in just about everything. But it had all changed when he had taken her to his bed. Then she became his lover and he’d persuaded her to give up her career in law and to leave her prestigious position. He couldn’t have his wife unearthing their affair so Nancy had to break off their friendship too. In fact, Harold had made her cut ties with all her old friends and now she only had him in her life and occasional visits to see her brother.
Nancy rested her head on Harold’s shoulder. ‘Would you like me to rub your shoulders?’ she asked.
‘Yes, that would be most welcome,’ he answered and removed his suit jacket and loosened his tie before undoing his crisp, white shirt.
She walked behind him and slipped her hands under his shirt, squeezing his taut flesh. She could feel the knots in his neck muscles and gently kneaded them.
‘Oh, Nancy, you’re very good at this,’ he groaned.
Yes, she was, but she was also a clever woman – though Harold rarely gave her credit for that these days. She missed using her intellect and having stimulating conversations with him. Where once they’d had heated discussions about politics and law, now their relationship was based purely on the physical.
‘Come, sit on my knee,’ he told her.
She could tell by the tone of his voice that he’d become aroused and knew he’d make love to her on the sofa, have another whisky and then leave to return to his wife. Her heart sank and she wished he would stay the night in her large, plush bed.
Nancy lifted her satin dress, revealing the white flesh of her thighs above her stockings. On Harold’s request, she never wore panties.
‘Sit on me,’ he instructed as he fiddled to undo the buttons of his trousers.
She turned around and with her back to him, lowered herself until she felt him enter her. She writhed around until it felt comfortable. He moaned in delight and then she felt his hands on her hips and he guided her up and down until he quickly finished. She climbed off him, and as usual, she was left wanting more.
With Harold breathless on the sofa, she went to the bathroom to clean herself. When she returned, he was finishing another glass of whisky. ‘Will you stay a while longer?’ she asked hopefully.
‘Not tonight.’
‘I’m so lonely, Harold. You’re spending less and less time with me lately.’
‘I realise that but there’s a war on, Nancy. Be patient and you’ll be well rewarded.’
‘What do you mean?’ she asked.
Harold placed his empty glass on the drinks cabinet and walked towards her. He pulled her into his arms and lightly kissed her forehead. ‘You are going to make me a very proud man,’ he said and this time when he smiled, it reached his eyes.
‘How?’
He stepped back and his eyes roamed over her. ‘Look at you, you’re the perfect woman for me to have on my arm. Blonde hair, blue eyes, pale skin. Perfect. Except you could do with looking a little sportier, you know, healthy. Perhaps you should take up a sport. Join the tennis club or swimming.’
‘But I don’t enjoy tennis or swimming,’ Nancy said, her brow knitting as she frowned.
‘Then find a sporting activity you do enjoy.’
‘Why?’
‘Because I want you looking robust as well as beautiful. You’re too thin. It will do you good.’
‘What does it matter how I look? I never meet your friends or colleagues. You only ever take me to restaurants where you’re sure your wife’s friends don’t go.’ Nancy hadn’t hidden the anger she felt and it had shown in her tone.
Rather than be dismayed at her outburst, Harold seemed amused. ‘I told you, be patient. When the war is won, you will be on display for all to see and I promise you, our lives will be very different.’
‘What about your wife?’
‘Her heritage doesn’t suit my plans. With a fine-looking woman like you alongside me, I will be the envy of every man. Our leader will approve.’
‘Our leader?’ Nancy asked, confused.
‘Yes. When the war is won, our country will be very different and I will be in a powerful position. But for now, there is work to be done. We must all bide our time, my sweet.’ Harold pulled his coat on. ‘I’ll see you tomorrow night,’ he added, and left.
Nancy flopped onto the sofa, his words going through her mind. She didn’t understand what he meant but it appeared he was planning on being with her. A divorce would be costly for him but she doubted there would be many lawyers who’d contest him in court. Nancy felt sorry for his wife. After all, the woman had once been her friend. But as Harold often told her, ‘All is fair in love and war.’
7
Charlotte had tried her best to disguise herself by wearing a hat belonging to Tobias. And considering she had to stay out all day, she thought it best to get out of Battersea to avoid running into Georgina or one of her men. With her head down, she wasn’t in a good mood as she traipsed over the bridge towards Chelsea, her teeth chattering in the cold wind. This wasn’t how she’d pictured her life wo
uld pan out when she’d run away from the farm. And if she stayed with Tobias, she couldn’t see it getting any better.
Charlotte felt out of place mooching round the upmarket borough. It was clear for anyone to see that her attire was worn and cheap, a contrast to the wealthy women who resided on this side of the Thames. She watched with envy as a well-dressed young woman passed her. The woman was probably only a year or two older than Charlotte but she imagined how different their lives must be. No doubt she lived in a large house that had staff. She most likely had a closet full of expensive clothes and a she’d dine on the finest foods in the best restaurants. Her hair would be styled in fancy salons and her fingers would sparkle with diamonds. Charlotte wanted to be that woman.
She stopped to look in the window of a shop selling exquisite chocolates. The hand-made decorated treats made her mouth salivate. Oh, if only she had money in her purse or a rich man to buy her gifts, she thought with a disheartened sigh. Glancing over her shoulder, she saw the young woman cross the street. She reckoned that woman had probably tasted chocolates like those in the shop window. And Charlotte knew she’d never get to experience such luxuries unless something drastically changed for her. Her only shot at a good life would be to find herself a man of means. But that was easier thought than done, especially considering she wasn’t far off looking like a ragamuffin.
Charlotte crossed the street following in the woman’s footsteps. She wondered if she was on her way home or perhaps shopping. Either way, with nothing better to do, she hurried to catch her up. Now walking just several paces behind, she followed her into a hat shop.
As the middle-aged gentleman who probably owned the shop went rushing towards the woman, Charlotte hung back, trying to look inconspicuous as she crouched behind a display of large, feathered hats.
‘Ah, Miss Somerfield. How delightful to see you again,’ he greeted her, gesturing for her to take a seat at the end of his glass-topped counter.
‘Thank you, Gordon,’ she answered gracefully, sitting down and peeling off her gloves.
‘Would you care for a tea? Earl Grey or perhaps a rather fine blend, reserved for our distinguished customers?’
