‘You told them that?’
‘Aye, I did.’
‘You’re a man after my own heart, an independent spirit.’
Sir Charles turned now and glanced at Rupert who was standing to the side of him, smiling, and be said, ‘Something must be done in that quarter. Make a note of it.’
‘Yes, sir.’
‘Would you like to come in and have a cup of coffee, sir?’ Nell motioned towards the sitting room. And now Sir Charles, looking at Rupert again, said, ‘How’s the time going?’
‘I don’t think there’s enough left for coffee, sir.’
‘Well, in that case we’d better get along.’ He turned to Fiona: ‘You’ll be going back to the hospital today?’ he asked.
‘Oh, of course.’
‘Well, will you phone me of his progress?’
‘Yes, yes, I will.’
‘And I’ll look in tomorrow and see him myself. Well, goodbye everybody.’ Then giving all his attention to Sammy, he said, ‘Goodbye, young man. We’ll be meeting again, rest assured on that.’
Fiona walked with Sir Charles down the drive, Mark and Nell with Rupert and the children dancing along. From the gate, they watched Rupert help the old man into the car, and Nell said, ‘I wouldn’t mind having the price of one wheel of that.’
‘Oh, it isn’t the wheels that cost the money, Nell,’ Mark put in, ‘it’s the engine. I’ll go for the engine.’
‘One day I’ll have a car like that.’
All eyes had been on the disappearing car but now they rested on Sammy, and no-one, not even Katie, said, ‘Some hope,’ because if someone like him could save their father, and had been the means of telling his own father, as it said on the wireless this morning, where the would-be murderers were, at least one of them, then having a Rolls-Royce would be a simple matter.
It was fifteen minutes later when Nell and Fiona had the sitting room to themselves, and Fiona said, ‘How are they next door?’
‘Oh, as they used to be. I can’t believe it. And the relief they’ve experienced since Sammy’s father caught that man. Well, it’s taken years off both of them. As Mam said, there was still a strong suspicion in the police inspector’s mind that Dad had done it. But enough of them. How did you really find Bill?’
‘Oh Nell.’ Fiona sat down on the couch. ‘They told me last night there looked as if there was nothing left of him that hadn’t been battered almost to a pulp, his arms, his legs, his head, a knife in his stomach.’
‘Oh, those fellows should get life, and whoever’s put them up to this. As Bert said, it’s been a planned job from the beginning. Have you any idea at all? I mean, did Bill say anything?’
Fiona could look at Nell now and say, ‘You mean, who’s behind it? No. No, we’ve no idea. Likely somebody who’s jealous of him and his success.’
She said this because she knew that Bill would do nothing to bring further hurt to Sir Charles. And it wasn’t because of his strong backing of him to get this great contract, the contract that was going to alter all their lives, a contract that might never have come off but for little Sammy Love.
Her mind kept going back to the child. They had adopted one child because Bill had wanted to do so; they could adopt another because she wanted it. But in this case there was an obstacle, a huge obstacle, the father. He loved the boy and the boy loved him. Still, there were things that could be done for him, and she already had it half planned in her mind; and for the father too. Yes, for the father too. By the time Bill came home she would have it all cut and dried and he would be so pleased, because right from the first meeting with Sammy Love he had associated himself with the boy. In some way they were akin.
Chapter Eleven
It was a full six weeks later when Bill came home. He’d had two further operations, but for the past fortnight he had regained fresh strength to such an extent that he had soon been sitting up, then walking about his room.
He had naturally become a favourite with the staff. The first words he spoke to the sister when he had become fully conscious and seen the flower-decked room and the dozens of get-well cards arrayed around it had been, ‘I never knew they decorated the morgue like this.’ And the day following his second trip to the theatre he said to Fiona, ‘I want a divorce because I’m going to marry Nurse Campbell here.’ He indicated the plump cheery face of a twenty-four-year-old girl before adding, ‘You see, she knows about places inside me that you’ve never dreamed of.’ And Fiona had answered, ‘Oh, that’s all right. I’m sure she’ll love to take on your whole adopted family.’ She had nodded across the bed to Nurse Campbell, adding, ‘There’s only four of them.’ Then looking down on Bill again, she had ended, ‘I didn’t know how to tell you, but this lets me out. I’d been planning to start a new life with Rupert. You know, Sir Charles’ secretary.’
The nurse had gone out of the room shaking with laughter, but Bill had looked up at her and said, ‘Look, woman, I’m allowed to make jokes like that, but not you. There’s no truth in my line, but with you it’s different. There’s no smoke without fire, you know. And he’s a good-looking fella, an’ related to the old bloke too.’
‘Well, I thought it was about time we both had a change.’
‘Fiona.’ The look on his face, the sound of his voice brought her face down to his, saying, ‘Oh, Bill, Bill. It isn’t fair. You can joke like that and I can’t.’
‘I’m always afraid.’
‘Oh, that hurts me,’ she had said. ‘There’s nobody and never will be anybody in my life but you. All I want is for you to get well, really well, and come home. They’re all longing for you. The house isn’t the same. My bed is cold. I hug your pillow at night.’ He had slowly lifted his hand and touched her face, saying, ‘I’m a lucky fella,’ then had added, ‘Talking of Rupert, that leads me to the old fella. He’s worried in his mind, isn’t he, about what I’m goin’ to do? And that inspector keeps poppin’ in. Whether the big fella gave him any hint when he was picked up of who was behind this, I don’t know. But as Davey said, the little bruiser seemed to think that his partner was in the dark as well as himself. Anyway, if that big lout knows it was her, she’s promised to pay him enough to keep his mouth shut.’
‘What are you going to do about it then?’
He surprised her when he said, ‘I don’t really know,’ because she had imagined that he wouldn’t do anything that would disturb Sir Charles further. And then he had added, ‘It narks me to the very core to think that bastard of a woman, because that’s what she is, a bastard, will get off with this. And all because I turned down her offer. You can’t believe it, can you, dear?’
‘Oh, yes, yes, I can believe it. It’s a dreadful thing to be spurned.’
‘How would you know anything about that? Nell would, but not you.’
‘Oh well, perhaps not quite, but I have experienced a cousin to it, say. Because: there were long stretches when I was ignored, I was there only to be used in various ways as a cook, a cleaner, a shopper, a bearer of children, a satisfier of needs…without love. I was scarcely eighteen when I married. I knew nothing about men or marriage. Well, if I thought of men I thought they were like my father. I really married to escape from home and my mother. You can understand that. But there were times even during the first year when I longed to be back.’
‘Oh, Fiona; I…I didn’t know. I didn’t realise. And the kids have always seemed so…so happy and…’
‘It’s a dreadful thing to say, but they became happy after he died, and so did I. And I swore I’d never marry again.’ Her smile widened. ‘And just look what I did. Just…look…what…I…did. And oh!’ Her mouth fell onto his and it was some seconds before she finished, ‘How I thank God every day that I did it.’
‘I had thought I knew everything about you; but you now somehow appear like a stranger. No, no; not a stranger, someone new, someone who hasn’t been touched by anybody but me, and never will…Have you told me all this because you don’t want me to take the matter further?’
&nbs
p; ‘Yes and no. I…I want her brought to justice, I really do; at the same time the exposure would hurt the old man, because I really think he loved her more than he did his own children…his own daughters. And likely his affection was heightened because she’d had a dirty deal in having to marry Brown.’
‘Aye, there’s that in it. You’d rather that I let it rest then?’
‘Well, if you don’t there’ll be a court case, and she’d go to prison. And I think the old man would rather go himself than see her suffer that. But you’ve got one satisfaction: those two individuals will, as Mr Love would say, take a long holiday in Durham.’
‘Funny, isn’t it, how he and his lad have come into our lives? But it seems they had to, else I wouldn’t be here now. I’m going to do something for him, you know.’
‘Are you?’ She widened her eyes and raised her brows.
‘Oh yes, definitely. I don’t know what yet, but I’ll think up something.’
‘Well, I’d leave it till you come home, eh?’
He was due to go home on the Saturday, and he guessed there’d be a reception awaiting him. What was worrying him was whether he would feel fit to stand up to it. But on the Friday night, and without preliminary thought, he was forced to face a reception: his room was invaded by eleven men, some awkwardly carrying flowers, some with square boxes which suggested cakes, some with tall boxes that suggested the kind of spirit forbidden in hospitals. And they all stood around his chair. It wasn’t the first time they’d been there, but it was the first time they had arrived en masse. And it was Barney McGuire the oldest of them, who, being spokesman, said, ‘We would like to have come the morrow, boss, but we knew it would be your family’s do. So we decided to come the night and to say we’re all looking forward to your gettin’ back on the job. Although that’s finished, all but tidyin’ up.’
‘Works better than if you’d been there, boss.’ Jos Wright nodded towards him with a solemn face yet with a twinkle in his eye, and Bill answered, ‘The same to you, Jos. And may I hope your next lot of leeks are pulled up again.’
There was a burst of laughter, and Tommy Turnbull said, ‘Their case comes up next week, boss. We’ll likely know who’s behind them then, if anybody.’
‘I doubt it,’ Jack Mowbray said. ‘Me cousin Lisa’s goin’ with a young bobby. He’s only just come this way—he was transferred from across the river—but he says it’s his opinion that it’s been organised from the beginning to sort of break us, you know. Well, break you, boss; first through us, sort of, with the car and the bikes and the lot of them. He thinks they’ll likely keep quiet because it’s his opinion there’s big money behind it. Somebody, you know, with dough, boss, who wanted the contract an’ wanted to put you out of business. In any case’—he grinned now—‘we’ve got a bet on: thirty quid who’s nearest the stretch they’ll get.’
‘And what d’you think they’ll get, Jack?’
‘Well’—Jack wagged his head—‘I’d say five years. I hope it’s more, for I reckon it could have been murder you see. If the kid hadn’t found you it could have been murder.’
‘If the kid hadn’t found me, Jack, there’d be no case next week because I’d be well down among the dung by this time; that park lake held a lot of silt and slush.’
‘Aye. Aye, boss, there’s that in it.’ And the grim thought of this, caused a few shuffles all round and Bert Ormesby to say, ‘I would keep off the subject if you don’t mind, boss, because our mute and shy friend here, Mr David Love, has talked of nothin’ else since. He’s thinkin’ of sendin’ the lad to Eton.’
There was a general movement, a spluttering; then quite quietly Davey said, ‘Well now, friend Bert, I’ve kept me tongue quiet for this length of time so’s you could all get yer nebs in. But, as they say, there’s many a true word spoke in joke an’ you’ll be surprised if you knew where that lad is headed for.’
‘Surprise us then,’ said Morris Fenwick.
‘Well now, I’ll do just that,’ said Davey. ‘He’s headed for a private school, the same as ever the boss’ son goes to. Oh aye, ’tis all been arranged. The boss’ wife herself saw to it, and I meself went to the headmaster only last week. “Would you like yer son to attend my school, Mr Love?” said he; an’ said I, “I would, sir, I would indeed.” “We’ll be proud to have him, Mr Love,” said he.’ A small titter to his side caused Davey to turn and look at Tommy Turnbull. And he said, ‘I had afore mentioned the boss’ wife, Tommy. If I was after imaginin’ things or makin’ things up I wouldn’t have brought her name into it, now would I? But for two pins I feel like bustin’ somebody’s mouth, and it’s me own, ’cos didn’t I promise her that I wouldn’t say a word of it till himself’—he pointed to the figure in the chair—‘put in an appearance the morrow. I’m sorry, boss. It’s me weakness to open me mouth when I should keep it shut.’
‘Well, good for you, Irish,’ said Harry Newton. ‘I’ve got three youngsters, and I’d be pleased to send them along there an’ all. See what you can do, Davey, will you?’
‘Such honours have to be worked for, Harry, and I think my Sammy has worked for his. What d’you say, Boss?’
‘I say, you’re right; Davey. Yes, you’re right: Sammy’s worked for the honour. And I could tell you all something else that would raise your eyebrows’—he now looked from one to the other—‘but it can wait.’
‘You’ll have to go to court next week, Davey. Are you expectin’ a medal for bustin’ that bloke up?’
‘No, no,’ one of the others put in now; ‘he knows what’ll happen: the judge will pat him on the shoulder and say, six months for assault and battery. Stand down.’
‘You could be right at that, Tommy, you could be right at that. There’s queer things happen in this world,’ said Davey, laughing now.
As often happens after laughing, there was silence for a moment in the room; then Bill said, ‘You’re all ready for the big show?’
‘Ready and willin’, boss,’ came from different quarters, and all their heads nodded.
‘You know I’ll have to take on a pretty large crew, don’t you?’
‘Aye, aye.’ Barney McGuire was nodding at him again.
‘Well now, this is what I’ve got in mind. Not one of you will be doin’ your own job, at least you’ll be doin’ it but through others. You’ll each be in charge of a gang for your own particular work. And you know what I’ve always wanted from you, so you know what to get out of them. And as I’ve said afore, you don’t find gold nuggets among the workers the day, but pick out the silver and let the dross go down the drain; in other words, get rid of them. There’s plenty now needing jobs and there’re some good fellas about. And there’ll always be shirkers, but you know how to deal with them. When I get home we’ll have a meetin’ an’ we’ll discuss your wages. But apart from that you’ll have to meet the architects and the overall works manager. I’ll have to have him until I’m fully on me feet. You understand? And there’ll be an office staff and a sort of quantity surveyor type of accountant, perhaps two, one to keep the other straight.’
There was laughter at this; then Barney, stepping forward now and shaking Bill’s hand, said, ‘From me, I say thanks, boss. And I think that goes for all the rest.’
‘Aye, aye, I’ll say,’ was the general chorus.
‘And we’ll be goin’ now because, after havin’ seen this lot perhaps they’ll keep you in another week, you’ll need so much more rest.’
Then came the sound of a gasp from the doorway and a nurse, indignation in her voice, said, ‘What on earth do you mean crowding in like this! You know there’s only two visitors allowed in at a time. You’d better not let Sister see you.’
‘We’re going, nurse, we’re on our way.’
‘Goodnight, boss.’
‘Goodnight, boss.’
‘Goodnight, boss.’
One after the other they shook his hand and filed out laughing, and the last one to leave, by accident or design, was Davey Love, and what he said was,
‘I’m never lost for words, but I’ll have to find some new ones to express what I’m feelin’ inside this minute, boss. Any road, see you the morrow.’
‘Aye, see you the morrow, Davey.’
When Fiona brought him home there were only the family, Nell and Sammy to greet him. And when he was at last ensconced in the armchair in the sitting room, Mamie on his knee, Katie in the circle of one arm, Willie in the other, Mark kneeling at one side of the chair, there was Sammy Love at the other.
Sammy was dressed in a pair of well-fitting, long grey trousers. He had on a pale grey shirt and a bright blue tie. And over the shirt he wore a blue pullover. His hair was brushed flat, his nails were clean, and on his feet were the same trainer type shoes as Willie was wearing.
Willie now looked down on his friend’s head before he turned to Bill and said, ‘Sammy’s got something to tell you, Dad.’
‘Aw, it can wait till me da comes with the present. He should be here now.’ Sammy looked towards the door; but Willie persisted, ‘It won’t come as such a surprise then ‘cos there’ll be other things. Go on!’ He dug his fist into Sammy’s back. ‘Tell him, man.’
After a moment’s hesitation, Sammy twisted round on the carpet, cast his eyes to where Fiona was sitting smiling at him, then looked at Nell, where she too was sitting smiling at him. Then he looked at Bill and said, ‘Guess where we live.’
‘I know where you live.’
‘No; that’s where we used to live. Guess where we live now.’
‘Aw, Buckingham Palace.’
‘Don’t be daft.’
There was a giggle from the children, and Bill, looking at Fiona, said, ‘That’s something to come home to in your own house and be told that you haven’t got to be daft. Well, how am I to guess? All the streets and places in this town, and you ask me to guess where you’re livin’. Not here?’ He pulled a face, and Sammy said, ‘No; not here. But not very far away.’
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