On Monday morning, Georgina called into Ezzy’s jewellery shop to see Benjamin and came out carrying two large brown envelopes.
She climbed into the passenger seat of the car and told Johnny, ‘Right, now to Temi Zammit’s office.’
‘What’s in the envelopes?’ he asked.
‘Money. It’s Temi’s money and I’m returning it.’
‘How come you’ve got Temi’s money?’
‘It was for my kids if I died. I didn’t die so now he can have it back.’
‘What? He was in on you taking out The Top?’
‘Yes. He wanted him dead too.’
‘How’s he going to react when you tell him that The Top is still alive?’
‘I don’t know and I don’t really care.’
Johnny thought Georgina’s lax attitude could get her into trouble. It seemed to him that if she’d been working with Temi Zammit to bring down The Top, the man wouldn’t be happy that she hadn’t kept her side of the bargain. ‘Are you going to tell Mr Zammit who The Top is?’
‘I don’t see any reason why I should keep David’s secrets.’
Johnny didn’t think that was a good idea. She could end up pissing off the Zammits and David Maynard! Granted, the woman was strong, but Georgina didn’t hold the power she once had. Either the gang from the West End or south-east London could be a threat to her precarious position as she tried to wrestle back control in the south-west.
They soon arrived at Temi Zammit’s club and as Georgina strode in, Johnny followed, half expecting to be told to wait outside. He was surprised when she allowed him to enter the office with her. Johnny had an uneasy feeling about this. If anything kicked off, he’d be no match against Mr Zammit’s six men.
‘I’ve been expecting you,’ Temi said, without his usual friendly smile.
‘I’m returning your money,’ Georgina said, her tone equally frosty as she threw the two large envelopes on top of his desk. ‘It’s all there.’
‘Leave us,’ Temi instructed his men.
They filed from the office but Johnny waited for Georgina to tell him what to do.
‘And you,’ Temi said to Johnny.
Johnny pushed his shoulders back in defiance. He wouldn’t be told what to do by this greasy Maltese man.
‘He stays,’ Georgina snapped.
‘You failed to kill The Top.’
‘I didn’t fail. I chose not to. There’s a difference.’
‘Why would you allow him to live?’
‘I have my reasons. You’ve got your money back. That’s an end to it.’
‘We had an agreement.’
‘Let me make this quite clear, Temi. I don’t work for you, therefore I can do as I see fit. If you want to go after The Top, that’s up to you but I don’t want to be involved.’
‘He’s paid you off, hasn’t he?’
‘No, but even if he had, it’s none of your business.’
‘Aren’t you forgetting something?’
‘I don’t think so.’
‘You owe me.’
‘For intervening with Oleg? I don’t think so. I never asked for your help and I didn’t need it. In fact, I should be billing you for the repairs to my club.’
Temi laughed loudly. ‘You’ve got some nerve.’
‘Yes, I have. Now, I think we’re done here. Good day.’
Georgina had walked in boldly and she marched out with just as much gusto, her chin jutting forward and standing tall. Johnny admired her courage but worried that she was maybe being a little foolhardy in not giving the Zammits, and David, the respect they commanded.
‘That told him,’ she said, sitting beside him in the car.
‘It’s not my place to tell you how to run the business, but ain’t you cutting off your nose to spite your face?’
‘What do you mean?’
‘Well, you’ve told Mr Maynard to go and take a running jump and now you’ve pretty much told Mr Zammit to bugger off too.’
‘I know what I’m doing, Johnny. I have to show these men that they can’t push me around and that they don’t intimidate me.’
‘I get that, but—’
‘—No buts,’ Georgina cut in. ‘Take me home. I’m taking the rest of the day off.’
‘Yes, Miss Garrett,’ Johnny answered, biting his tongue.
He dropped Georgina off in Alexandra Avenue. She told him she was moving into Lord Hamilton’s flat and would spend the day clearing through his things. Johnny had offered to help, but thankfully she’d politely declined his offer. This gave him more time to spend with Elsie. He was looking forward to arriving home early for a change and hoped he’d be able to persuade her to have an afternoon nap. Though a nap wasn’t really his intention.
As Johnny opened his front door, he could hear Elsie singing. She still hadn’t mentioned getting sacked from the café. He hadn’t wanted to upset her so he hadn’t broached the subject either. ‘It’s me, sweetheart,’ he called.
‘In here,’ Elsie called back from the bedroom.
He walked in to find her holding a dress against herself and looking in the mirror. ‘What do you think?’ she asked, twirling round.
‘Very nice. Is it new?’
‘Yes, and this one too,’ Elsie answered, holding up another dress that had been on the bed.
‘Lovely. Erm, Elsie, how did you pay for them?’
‘With the money from behind the clock.’
‘Oh, Elsie, that was the rent money.’
‘Was it? Oh dear.’
She didn’t appear to be the least bit concerned that she’d blown two weeks’ rent money on two dresses. But she was smiling so widely and looked so happy that he didn’t have the heart to have a go at her.
‘Did you bring me home a gift today?’ Elsie asked.
‘No, sorry, sweetheart, I haven’t had a chance.’
‘Aw,’ she said, pouting sulkily. ‘Well, you can make up for it tomorrow and bring me two gifts. Something to go with each of my new dresses.’
‘Sure, love, if that’s what you want.’
‘It is. After all, it’s not like I’ve got much else to look forward to, is it?’
‘What do you mean by that?’ Johnny asked, feeling slightly put out.
‘I’m bored, Johnny. Really bored. You’re at work most of the time and the only thing that I have to entertain me is shopping.’
‘I know, but if I didn’t work, you wouldn’t be able to afford to shop.’ Johnny gave her a knowing look but didn’t mention her losing her job.
‘I suppose. But you hardly earn a fortune, do you?’
‘I earn enough and you don’t go short.’
‘You don’t understand, Johnny. I’m having to make do. These new dresses are cheap and nasty. I’m used to the expensive clothes that Jacob used to buy me.’
‘Sod Jacob! He might well have dressed you in expensive clobber but you paid a high price for it. And anyway, there’s a war on. Everyone is having to make do.’
‘There’s no need to snap.’
Johnny sucked in a deep breath and walked out of the room. He’d lost any enthusiasm for taking an early afternoon nap with her. If anything, she’d managed to put him in a foul mood. It’s not that he expected her gratitude, but he found it infuriating that she kept harping on about what Jacob used to buy her. Maybe there was just no pleasing some women!
*
Georgina looked sadly at the three piles of clothes from Lord Hamilton’s wardrobe. He’d always dressed smartly and they were of good quality. She decided the items could go to charity. Though the shirts and trousers weren’t the normal sort of attire that men in Battersea would wear, she was sure the items would be of use to someone. It was silly really, she hadn’t known him for very long but she missed him and his elaborate stories.
She shook her head, thinking death follows me, and an image of the Grim Reaper standing behind her flashed through her mind. Then her mind wandered to David Maynard. She still loved the man. She couldn’t deny that, but she was too angry to even consider forgiving him.
‘This won’t do,’ she said aloud, and decided she needed to get away from everything for a few days. She would visit the farm in Kent. Molly would be pleased to see her and make her welcome, as would Oppo. Fanny, Molly’s mother, probably wouldn’t be so happy but fuck her, Georgina thought, her mind made up.
She went back downstairs, and after packing a few things she found a pen and paper to scribble a note to Charlotte, explaining that she’d be back soon. Yes, this was just what she needed, she thought, and smiled. The café was ticking over nicely, The Penthouse was closed for now and the Barkers were making lots of money selling the black market goods. They had enough supplies to last them for at least a week. A short break away from Battersea and everything associated with it would do her good and give her a chance to collect her thoughts.
A few hours later, the train from Clapham Junction pulled into the station at Kent. Georgina had telephoned ahead and as arranged, Oppo was waiting to meet her.
‘Now there’s a sight for sore eyes,’ he said, his arms outstretched.
‘Hello, Oppo,’ she said, and hugged him.
He took her small case and led her to his van, limping as he had done since he’d been a child. ‘Molly’s thrilled to bits that you’re coming to stay with us.’
‘I’m guessing Fanny isn’t?’
‘She didn’t say much, just shrugged her shoulders.’
‘Blimey, Fanny didn’t say much. Well, that’s a first.’
Oppo just chuckled and they were soon trundling down the quiet country lanes towards the farm. The air smelt so fresh and clean, and already Georgina could feel herself relaxing.
‘I hope you’ve brought some sensible clothes,’ Oppo said, glancing sideways at her elegant coat, hat and gloves.
‘No, why would I? I’m not planning on working out in the fields with you,’ she said and laughed.
When they drove up the driveway, Molly was standing at the open farmhouse door, bouncing a baby on her hip.
‘How’s Steven?’ Georgina asked Oppo.
‘He’s a good baby and settled in fine. Eddy loves having who he thinks is his little brother around.’
‘That’s good,’ Georgina said, pleased that though she had thrust Steven at Molly, it was working out well.
‘I’m sorry you never got to see Alfie and Selina but you will soon. I think the war is close to ending. Germany is losing ground.’
‘I hope you’re right,’ Georgina answered and swallowed hard as a lump formed in her throat. She yearned to see and hold her children. She’d known that her feelings of desperately missing them would resurface at the sight of baby Steven and Molly’s boy, Edward.
As Georgina climbed from Oppo’s small truck, Molly rushed towards her.
‘I’ve missed you,’ Molly gushed.
‘Yeah, I’ve missed you an’ all. I hope the kettle’s on, I’m gasping.’
‘Of course, and Eddy’s waiting up to say goodnight to you. Come on, let’s get you inside in the warm.’
It felt so homely in the farmhouse and after popping up to say goodnight to Eddy, Georgina was fed a wholesome meal. Later that night, as she lay in bed, engulfed in the quiet of the countryside for the first time since she’d escaped from prison, Georgina slept long and peacefully.