Dulcie had got used to having Victor around. Where Georgina went, Victor followed. He was sat bolt upright on her sofa whilst they listened to Georgina and Lash upstairs arguing again. It worried her. They seemed to be doing a lot of shouting at each other lately. She could understand Lash’s frustrations but she knew how stubborn her granddaughter could be. If Lash wanted to take Georgina for his wife, Dulcie knew the man would be spending his life backing down to her demands. Still, she thought, if he loves her as much as he claims to, he’ll let her have her way.
She heard the front door open and watched as Victor jumped to his feet to check who was coming in. Ivy appeared in the front room and offered a gummy smile.
‘Hello, love. What are you doing here?’ Dulcie asked.
‘I’ve walked round with Molly,’ Ivy answered and stepped to one side to allow Molly to pass.
‘Hi, Dulcie. I can hear Georgina is home but she sounds a bit busy,’ Molly said and grimaced.
‘Yes, they’re at it again. Gawd knows what Mary next door makes of all this blinkin’ commotion. Be a sweetheart, Ivy, and make us a cuppa. There’s a sponge in me cake tin, help yourself.’
Ivy went through to the kitchen and Molly sat on the sofa. Victor, ever polite, remained in the passageway.
Dulcie noticed Molly’s worried brow and asked, ‘Is everything all right?’
‘No, not really. It won’t be until we know what’s happened to Ethel.’
‘I know, love. It’s been two weeks now, your poor mother must be out of her mind.’
‘She is, Dulcie, we all are. And it don’t help that Charlotte hasn’t been to school again. Knuckles went to meet her but Charlotte weren’t there. He’d dropped her off in the morning but her teacher said she must have slipped out. Turns out her and a friend have been missing from school most afternoons. She’ll turn up, at dinner time, like she always does, but me mum could do without the added worry.’
‘I bet she could. But at least Knuckles is doing what he’s been told to do. It was a good idea of Georgina’s to show that there’s protection around us all. Tell you what, bring Charlotte round here. I’ll give her what for, the little madam. You know what they say, spare the rod, spoil the child. That girl needs a bloody good spank across the back of her legs.’
‘Maybe, but my mum won’t allow anyone to hit us. She reckons we saw enough of all that when my dad was alive.’
‘Your father used to knock your mother around, not you kids. There’s no talking to Charlotte. The only thing she’ll listen to is a good bleedin’ clout.’
‘There’s something else, Dulcie…’
‘Go on, love, what’s wrong?’
‘Nothing, really, but…’
‘Spit it out, girl.’
‘It’s Oppo.’
‘What about him?’
‘Well, you know we’ve been seeing each other?’
‘Yes, though sitting in your kitchen ain’t exactly romantic.’
‘I know, but I couldn’t enjoy meself, not while I’m worried sick about Ethel. But it’s nice to have Oppo pop in. He’s so easy to talk to.’
‘He is, he’s a lovely lad. You could do a lot worse, you know!’
‘I have,’ Molly answered, ‘Billy Wilcox. Anyway, the thing is, Oppo’s worried about me, and Edward. Especially after Ethel going missing.’
‘I should think he is. But you’ve got Knuckles around a lot.’
‘Yeah, but I mean in the future. He’s concerned about my involvement with the business.’
‘You don’t really get involved though. Georgina sees to everything.’
‘But it’s my name, Dulcie. Everyone knows I’m Mrs Wilcox, Billy’s widow.’
‘What are you saying?’
‘I don’t want nothing more to do with it. I realise I’ve got Edward’s future to think about, but this isn’t the future I want for my boy. Ethel could be dead, Dulcie, and I can’t even bring meself to think of anything terrible happening to Edward. Once Ethel has been found, Oppo wants to take me away from all of this. Away from Battersea. Somewhere where no-one knows who I am or that Billy Wilcox is Edward’s father. We just want to live a quiet and normal life.’
‘Well, that’s a lot to take in.’
‘How do you think Georgina will react when I tell her?’
‘I don’t suppose she’ll be happy but you’ve got to do what you believe is right for you and your son. Georgina’s tough, but she’ll miss you. You two have been best friends since you was knee high to a grasshopper. Are you sure this is what you want and you’ve not been talked into it by Oppo?’
‘I’m sure, Dulcie. I’ve thought about it long and hard. What’s happened to Ethel has been an eye-opener. I can’t have my son at risk and as long as we stay in Battersea, he always will be.’
They heard a door slam upstairs and Georgina’s footsteps stomping down the stairs.
‘I shouldn’t mention it just yet,’ Dulcie whispered. ‘Sounds like she’s in a foul mood.’
The door swung open and Georgina marched in. ‘He’s driving me bloody bonkers!’ she ground out through gritted teeth. ‘Why do men have to be so bloody manly? If the boot was on the other foot, no-one would think twice about him being in charge. He wouldn’t like it if I questioned everything he did! I love him but there’s times I feel like throttling the man!’
Dulcie chuckled. ‘You sound like every married woman I’ve ever known. You wait ’til you get his ring on your finger. If you think he’s a pain now, I’m telling you, it doesn’t get any better.’
Georgina rolled her eyes then smiled at her friend. ‘Sorry, Molly. Hello. All right?’
‘Yeah, I suppose.’
‘I realise you’re worried sick about Ethel but I’ve still got people out looking for her, including the Old Bill.’
‘I know you have, Georgina, thank you.’
Ivy brought in the tea and then excused herself to go back to the kitchen.
‘She’s looking a lot better,’ Georgina commented.
‘She is. She was astounded at me feeding Edward. She said her mother fed them all on diluted Carnation milk so she could go out to work. From what I can gather, her mother left Ivy to bring up her brothers whilst she went to work in service.’
‘What happened to her family?’ Dulcie asked.
‘I think her dad was in the Merchant Navy and died at sea. Her mother couldn’t cope so Ivy and her brothers were sent to a council home. She was in the girls’ dorm and separated from her brothers. She couldn’t stand it there and ran away. She went back to her mother’s house but the woman had moved away. From then on, Ivy had to do what she could to look after herself.’
‘I suppose that’s when Billy’s gang got hold of her. I’ll find her some work soon. Is Knuckles at home with your mum?’
‘Yes. They get on like a house on fire. She likes his company, which is a bit of a surprise.’
‘There’s no accounting for taste but I suppose it’s nice for your mum to have someone to talk to. As for Jane, the hospital have said she’s going be in for some time yet. They said they’re going to send me written reports every month but she’s far from ready to accept visitors.’
‘Poor Jane,’ Dulcie said and tutted.
The door opened again and Lash stuck his head around. ‘Have you told them?’ he asked Georgina sheepishly.
‘No, give us a chance,’ she replied, then added, ‘Me and Lash are getting married.’
‘Yes, we know that,’ Dulcie said.
‘What I mean is, we’re going to do it as soon as possible. But it’ll just be the two of us. No fuss or nothing. It doesn’t seem right to be celebrating or having a do, not without Ethel.’
‘Can’t you wait?’ Dulcie asked.
‘We want to be husband and wife, sooner rather than later.’
‘Fair enough. It’s your decision and if that’s how you want to do it, then it’s up to you. I would have liked to see you all dolled up but given the circumstances, I think you’re doing it the right and respectful way.’
‘Congratulations,’ Molly piped up. ‘But it’s such a shame Ethel won’t be here to see it,’ she said and sniffed as she began to cry. ‘I’m sorry, ignore me. I’m really happy for you.’
‘Thanks, Molly. Like I said, no fuss. We’ll get it done and nothing much will change, except Lash will be moving in here. We was hoping to get me dad sobered up first but that’s going to be harder than we thought.’
‘Don’t get me started about your bloody father!’ Dulcie said. ‘He’s following in Percy’s footsteps and if he carries on like he is, I’ve a good bloody mind to put him in the ground too!’
‘Gran!’ Georgina snapped.
Dulcie realised she’d said too much and now Molly and Lash were looking at her. ‘You don’t want to know, it’s a long story,’ she said and hoped they wouldn’t push her. She thought Molly was far too nice a girl to understand and worried Lash might not feel comfortable living in the house if he knew the truth. After all, what man would want to sleep in a bedroom that overlooked the rotten corpse of her husband buried in the backyard.
‘I’ve got to go and see David Maynard now, so I’ll see you all later.’
‘Why do you need to see him?’ Molly asked.
‘To find out if I can keep Victor. Oh, and I’ve got a little explaining to do. I sort of used David’s name in securing the deal for The Penthouse Club. I hadn’t meant to but it saved anyone from getting hurt, though I think Johnny was disappointed that he didn’t get to shoot anyone.’
‘What are you on about? Why would Johnny be shooting anyone?’ Dulcie asked. There was clearly more to the deal for the club than Georgina had revealed. It sounded like it’d been dangerous and Dulcie realised her granddaughter was getting more deeply involved with the criminal underworld.
‘I’ll tell you about it later, Gran, or Lash can fill you in but I’ve really got to get going. Molly, do you want me to drop you and Ivy home?’
‘No, thanks. We’ll be fine,’ Molly answered.
Lash saw Georgina out and Dulcie waited to hear the front door close. She leaned forward in her chair and whispered to Molly, ‘You’re right, love. Get out of this business. Get out as soon as you can.’
*
Varvara was positioned on all fours on her bed. She didn’t mind her client taking her this way as it meant she didn’t have to look at his ugly face and could instead picture Georgina’s.
‘You filthy whore,’ Elmer said with venom.
His voice broke into Varvara’s thoughts and irritated her. Then she felt a searing pain in her scalp as he grabbed a handful of her hair and yanked her head back. It gave him better leverage and he thrust himself inside her deeper.
Elmer spoke again. ‘This is all you’re good for, you slag.’
She wanted to scream at him to let go of her hair but she was sure he was close to finishing and didn’t want to delay it.
‘Slut… you love it inside you…’
Huh, thought Varvara, if only he knew the truth. She hated it. She hated him. She hated men.
Elmer pulled out of her. ‘Turn around,’ he ordered.
Varvara was disappointed he hadn’t yet climaxed and rolled over onto her back. Before she had a chance to do it herself, Elmer roughly spread her legs. She expected him to climb on top of her and turned her head. She knew how badly his breath smelt and didn’t want to get another stomach-turning whiff of it. But then Elmer grabbed her calves and pushed her legs to where they were almost over her head. She felt him enter her again and closed her eyes.
‘Look at me, you dirty whore,’ Elmer growled.
Varvara opened her eyes to see the hatred in Elmer’s glaring back at her. She didn’t know why the man seemed to dislike her so much yet seemed to enjoy using her body.
‘That’s it… tell me how much you want it… TELL ME!’
‘Oh, I love it, it feels so good,’ Varvara lied.
‘Yeah… yeah… do you like this?’ Elmer said and before Varvara could protest, he managed to slip out of her and roughly shoved his penis up her bottom.
Varvara yelled in pain, which made Elmer move faster.
‘This will cost you extra,’ she spat.
‘Shut up, bitch,’ Elmer spat back and pounded her until thankfully, just a few grunts later, he was done.
Elmer climbed off the bed and after wiping himself clean, he dressed. Varvara stood up and pulled a gown around herself. Her behind felt sore but she’d had customers before who preferred it that way, though normally she’d lubricate first.
‘You’ll pay for that,’ she said, ‘double the flat rate.’
‘Fuck off. You’re a whore. A hole’s a hole,’ Elmer answered and threw some coins on the floor. ‘Get down on your knees and pick them up,’ he said.
Varvara wasn’t one to look as if she was grovelling to any man but there was something menacing in his voice that unnerved her. With her eyes fixed firmly on him, she knelt down and gathered the coins. Elmer smirked.
‘This isn’t enough,’ she said as she rose to her feet.
Elmer moved closer to her. ‘It’s all you’re getting,’ he sneered.
‘Fine, but don’t bother coming back here again. You can take your stinking breath and your pathetic dick and fuck the street whores instead. I’m too good for the likes of you.’
She was about to walk away but Elmer suddenly clasped his calloused hand around her throat and pushed her back until she was up against the wall.
Varvara found herself struggling to breathe and then felt Elmer’s stale breath on her cheek.
‘I’ll screw you whenever I want to screw you because that’s what you’re paid to do,’ he said quietly and snidely.
Much to Varvara’s relief, Elmer released his grip and she sucked in lungful’s of air, which made her cough. Then, when she thought he’d had his say and was about to leave, he swiped her face with the back of his hand. His knuckle caught the corner of her mouth and she tasted the distinct metallic flavour of blood.
‘I’ll be back on pay day.’
Varvara remained silent. She didn’t want to provoke another physical attack but in her mind, she cursed him. As he walked away and out of the door, she felt her legs go to jelly and she collapsed to the floor. She lifted the back of her hand to her mouth. Yes, as she thought, it was bleeding. She muttered, ‘You won’t get away with this,’ and imagined straddling his naked body and sticking a knife in his fat chest. Oh, the thought was so satisfying.
The sound of a car engine pulling up outside distracted her from her murderous thoughts. She pulled herself back to her feet and walked shakily to the window, pleased to see Georgina climbing out of the back.
Varvara ran to the mirror on her dressing table and winced as she dabbed at her split lip. She had to get down the stairs quickly if she was to get a glimpse of her boss. She secured her gown around her as she dashed to the top of the stairs just at the moment Georgina was entering the office.
‘Miss Garrett,’ she called and ran down the stairs.
Georgina stopped and looked up. The woman’s beauty was undeniable and once again, Varvara yearned for more of her.
‘Miss Garrett, I have a problem with a customer but what am I to do if Knuckles is not here?’
‘I can see. Are you all right?’
‘Yes, but he did not pay me enough and as is apparent, he did not like me to point it out.’
‘Your neck… did he strangle you?’
‘A bit.’
‘Come through and sit down. I want to know who did this to you.’
Varvara sat opposite Georgina and again dabbed at her bleeding lip, pleased that she was receiving the attention she craved from her.
‘Benjamin, would you mind getting Varvara a drink, please? Brandy would be good.’
Benjamin didn’t hesitate in responding and when he handed Varvara the glass, she couldn’t help but notice the sympathy in his eyes. She thanked him and wanted to detest him for being a man, but there was something about Benjamin that she warmed to.
‘Who did this to you?’ Georgina asked.
‘Elmer. Elmer Newman. It is not too much bother but without Knuckles in the house, we are all very vulnerable.’
‘Don’t worry, Varvara, from tomorrow, Lash will be here to look after you and the women at Livingstone Road. In fact, you can call Dina in a minute and let her know.’
‘But what about Knuckles?’
‘That’s not your concern but you won’t be seeing him again.’
‘I see. So will Lash be here to stop Elmer from visiting next week?’
‘I can promise you that Elmer will never be visiting any of my businesses again.’
‘Thank you, Miss Garrett,’ Varvara said and though it stung, she smiled.
‘You can take the rest of the evening off. I don’t care if you send any booked customers away. They’ll come back. You must rest now.’
‘Thank you, Miss Garrett,’ Varvara repeated. She desperately wished she could think of something else to say. Anything at all that would keep her sitting at Miss Garrett’s desk, but her mind was blank.
‘That will be all,’ Georgina said, dismissively.
Varvara went through to the back room to call her sister, not that she thought Dina would be bothered one way or the other about what bit of muscle looked out for them. She supposed Lash was better than Knuckles, but she didn’t like him. No matter what, he would never be good enough for Miss Garrett and now that he was the paid pimp, he’d proved Varvara’s point exactly.
*
Benjamin looked across at Victor standing in the office doorway, then asked Georgina, ‘Did it go well with, erm, with Mr Maynard?’
‘After a fashion. He’d already heard about The Penthouse and wasn’t too pleased with me. I managed to smooth it over,’ Georgina answered with one of her charming smiles.
‘Do you mind me asking how?’
‘Don’t worry, Benjamin, it didn’t cost the business any money, though this lot did,’ she answered and placed several boxes of bullets on her desk.
‘How much?’
‘A lot less than David first demanded. The cheeky sod tried to stitch me up. I suppose he thought he could try and take advantage of me being a woman and assumed I wouldn’t know about guns and the like. I think I left him suitably impressed and I know from the books that I paid less than Billy used to.’
‘Good, because after the transaction for The Penthouse has cleared, there won’t be a bulk of spare cash left.’
‘Yes, I’m aware of the finances, thank you. I’ve swapped Victor and the car for Knuckles.’
‘Seriously?’
‘And I’ve agreed to help David with a matter.’
‘Can I erm, ask what matter?’
‘You can, but I’m not telling you. Well, not yet. The less anyone knows, the better. Now, about The Penthouse. I’ll need a manager.’
‘Yes, and a new barman. Betsy is Aubrey’s plaything so I would assume they’ll be running off to Paris together.’
‘Oh bloody hell. I was hoping Betsy would at least temporarily run the place. I think they’re mad going to Europe with all the unrest there at the moment but it’s their lookout.’
He wasn’t surprised to hear Georgina talking about an impending war. She wasn’t the only one who believed Hitler had ambitions of world domination, though the government thought otherwise. Benjamin preferred to believe Chamberlain.
‘Do you think you can help me find suitable replacements for the club?’ she asked.
Now was his chance. ‘I… I think so,’ Benjamin answered. He’d always quite fancied running the place himself and as the club was only open in the evenings, he didn’t see why he couldn’t do that and remain as Miss Garrett’s accountant.
‘What are you smiling at?’ she asked him.
‘I’ll do it… manage The Penthouse.’
‘You?’ Georgina exclaimed, sounding rather incredulous.
‘I know I must seem like a blabbering fool, but I’m a different person when I’m there. Please, Miss Garrett, allow me to be your manager. I won’t let you down.’
‘Fine, if you think you’re up to it. How do you suppose a woman would be received as bar staff?’
‘It would, erm, depend on the woman. You’re not thinking of yourself?’
‘Don’t be daft. She’s very young, but I was thinking of Ivy. She needs to earn her keep, but as I’d prefer to keep her away from men it seems to me The Penthouse would be the perfect place. However, you’re the manager so the decision is yours.’
‘I don’t see a problem, though I’d like to meet her first.’
‘Of course. I’ll bring her in with me tomorrow. I warn you, she’s a cheeky madam so make sure you’re firm with her.’
They heard a light tap on the front door and Georgina instructed Victor to turn away any of Varvara’s clients.
Benjamin began to pack away his pens but looked up from his desk when he heard PC Cunningham’s voice. It wasn’t Monday and unusual for the officer to make unscheduled visits. And it was even more unusual for him to be carrying his policeman’s helmet under his arm.
‘Good afternoon, Miss Garrett.’
Georgina looked irritated at the intrusion but invited the man to take a seat.
‘No, thank you, I won’t, if you don’t mind.’
‘Is there a problem?’ Georgina asked.
Benjamin saw PC Cunningham’s Adam’s apple rise and fall as the man swallowed hard. Immediately, he sensed the officer had come with bad news and by the look on Georgina’s face, she thought the same.
‘It’s Ethel Mipple, isn’t it?’ Georgina asked.
PC Cunningham nodded. ‘I’m so sorry, Miss Garrett, but her body has been found.’
Georgina lowered her head. ‘Tell me,’ she said firmly as she looked at the top of her desk.
‘A couple of young lads were playing by the new power station. They found her in a disused builder’s store. She was bound and gagged but there was no obvious sign of any injury. We believe she starved to death, Miss Garrett.’
‘And Jimmy Hewitt?’
‘No sign of him.’
‘I see. And you’re certain it’s her?’
‘Yes, though we will need a formal identification. I’d suggest someone with a strong stomach. The body is somewhat decomposed and not something her mother should have to see… or smell.
‘I’ll do it. In fact, I think it’s best to keep this to ourselves until I’ve confirmed it’s Ethel.’
‘Yes, of course, Miss Garrett.’
The conversation continued but Benjamin was no longer listening. He didn’t know poor Ethel and had never met her, but nonetheless, it was very upsetting news and his heart went out to the girl’s mother. But he’d known what he was getting involved in when he’d signed up to work for Miss Garrett. He wasn’t so stupid to believe that there wouldn’t be violence and sometimes even death. Yes, it was incredibly sad about Ethel but he wasn’t going to allow it to mar his good fortune – Manager of The Penthouse Club, fancy that! His mind was already whirling with super ideas for the place and he couldn’t wait to get stuck in. If he’d had the money, he may have bought it for himself but that would have left him open to police scrutiny, something Miss Garrett could avoid. He wasn’t the owner but he was the manager with free rein. Whilst Miss Garrett was queen in her world up here, he intended to be king in his world below ground.