When Sorry Is Not Enough, page 14
Benny was now crying profusely and Nancy put her arm around him. ‘Cry all you want, love. I’m here and I’ll help to heal you. You see, when I was on the streets there would be men, who because of what had happened to them, were unable to have a proper relationship with a woman. So the poor sods would pick up a …’ she hesitated, ‘… seasoned whore like me to practise on. They would confess to me how they couldn’t quite face having natural sex with a woman after years of being …’ She stopped. She appeared to have run out of steam. But it wasn’t that, it was the knowledge that the abuse that Benny had suffered was still being carried out on other vulnerable young boys that was causing her grief. Sensing her distress, Benny tentatively put a strong, protective arm about her. ‘But Benny, at least at times like that,’ she whimpered, ‘I felt I had done something to help some helpless human being and had not just been used as an expendable commodity.’
‘Know something, Nancy?’
Snuffling, Nancy replied, ‘Well as I’m not a mind reader … not until you tell me.’
‘I’m always amazed at the big words you use. You’re no a dope and you seemed to have helped these poor men that were probably schooled with me so why could you no have helped yourself?’
Raising her head Nancy gazed up into the sky. ‘When my sister committed suicide I lost all heart,’ she mumbled. ‘That was until Sally Mack came into my life … and now you. So now, don’t you know, it’ll be easy for me to live a decent life.’
‘Are you saying you still think we should get married even though you now know I might never be able to … that I’m full of disgust and loathing about that side of life.’
‘Sssh,’ Nancy replied, squeezing his hand hard to draw his attention to the fact that some people had stopped to watch and listen to them. ‘Don’t say anther word.’ She moved closer into him before whispering, ‘Pull yourself together love, and in a minute or two we’ll just get up and walk away quietly.’
He nodded before fishing in his pocket for a handkerchief to wipe his streaming nose and eyes.
The audience didn’t appear to wish to leave so Nancy said, ‘You know, Benny, when I was a wee lassie I used to come here with my mammy on a Sunday afternoon just to listen to the Leith band. They had some wonderful trumpeters. Trained they were either in the Boys Brigade or the Industrial School. Oh, look at the time. Elio’s will be open in ten minutes. Honestly Benny,’ she chorused, patting his hand, ‘you just will never ever have tasted such fish and chips as darling Elio dishes up.’
Nancy and Benny rose together and Nancy smiled at the crowd and said, ‘Hope you enjoyed the peep show. We’re away to eat now but if you like you could always come and watch us through Elio’s window.’
Linking arms the two made their way over the links, up Morton Street and then into Duke Street. ‘Did you mean it when you said we were going to get our tea in Elio’s?’ Benny enquired like a little boy asking for a treat.
‘Of course. Mind you, you’ll be paying. But if you’re good I’ll supply you with a nice cup of tea and some chocolate biscuits when we get home to my place.’
Looking about furtively Benny then whispered, ‘Oh, Nancy, you’ll never need to worry about money again. Sure I’ve been a long-distance lorry driver all of my working life and I always put a wee bit by.’ He cocked his head and winked at her. ‘Would you believe it’s all safely stored in the co-op savings bank?’
Nancy laughed. ‘Did you never go out and enjoy yourself with the boys or go on holiday?’
He shook his head. ‘No. Never trusted anybody enough. Frightened I was that they would find out about me and be … och well.’ He shrugged, sniffed, and sighed before his demeanour lightened. ‘But,’ he began, a wide grin now on his face, ‘all that’s going to change. I’ve now got you and, God willing, I’ll never need anybody else.’ Squeezing her arm tighter he added huskily, ‘I just can’t believe I’ll never be lonely again.’
‘Hmmmm,’ was all she replied, but inwardly she thought, And amen to that.
It had been her intention to do some work on her books. She had sat down on the comfy settee with the cash book on her knee. She noted that the sun was shining brightly through the downstairs lounge window and it seemed only natural to turn her face towards its welcoming glow. Yesterday had been such an awful day – raining relentlessly both outside and in her heart. Closing her eyes she allowed the warmth of the rays to relax her.
The shrill ringing of the doorbell suddenly awakened her and as she jumped up the cash book dropped at her feet. Not waiting to pick up the ledger she ran into the hallway and pulled open the outside door.
Sally had been tutored by Flora, a highland lady, who never resorted to swearing no matter how sorely she was tried. Nonetheless, the gentleman standing on the doorstep had Sally forget herself. ‘What the hell do you want?’ she hissed through clenched teeth. ‘If it’s accommodation, as you can see I have no vacancies and furthermore you are no longer welcome in my home.’
‘I know you’re angry and disappointed in me,’ David Stock burst out. ‘But hear me out and not here on the doorstep where we may be overheard.’
Sally stood back to allow him to enter.
Once they were in her private lounge Sally seated herself down on an armchair. No way was she going to sit on the settee where David and she usually sat intimately together.
Pacing the room David began. ‘I know I should have told you that I had become involved with Barbara. I want you to know that I’m sorry.’
Spluttering, Sally crowed, ‘Involved! Sorry! Have you lost your senses? Your wife was dying. You took advantage of an impressionable lassie who is younger than your daughters. You were her Commanding Officer. You’re supposed to set an example of decency.’
David stopped to look out of the window which meant he had his back to Sally. ‘Look, I didn’t need to come here today to explain myself. But,’ he emphasised, half turning towards her, ‘what I wished to say was that yes – I will do the decent thing and marry Barbara. I will be truthful with her and tell her about our arrangements. She will also require to be accepting that our relationship, which has always been platonic, will continue in that vein.’
Sinking back in her chair Sally looked dumbfounded. ‘David,’ she gasped, incredulity ringing in her voice, ‘if the police force has a head shrinker on hand could I suggest you make an appointment? You’ve lost the place – that is if you ever had it. Surely you are aware of the hurt and humiliation you have caused.’
Before responding he took a few steps towards her but halted when she put up a restraining hand. ‘And who exactly, other than yourself, have I hurt and humiliated?’
Her mouth gaped and her head rocked from side to side as his audacity shocked her. ‘Didn’t you see the effect your actions are having on Elspeth’s parents?’ she spat. ‘How do you think your lassies feel? Their mother wasn’t even dead and you were bedding someone younger than they are.’ Her final taunt was to jeer, ‘David, the humiliation is yours and yours alone. You were the most respected of police officers and now you are the laughing stock – an object of ridicule.’
He advanced towards the door, but before exiting he turned. ‘I take it from what you have said that our relationship is at an end.’
Sally scrambled to her feet. ‘David, why don’t you grow up? Do you think that Barbara won’t put the screws on you once the ring is on her finger?’ She paused to reflect. ‘She has already. After all, why did you come here to warn my brother off trying to get justice for Irish?’ Sally gave a derisive titter before adding, ‘And please note Irish is going to be the death of Phil Watson, your brother-in-law to be.’
‘You think so?’
‘I know so because there is evidence that things were not done by the rules. And David, you never would have wrongly used your position to assist him if Barbara hadn’t wheedled.’
The kettle had just started to sing when the door bell rang again. Surely, Sally thought, that David Stock has not come to my door again for round two.
Opening the door she was again surprised. This time it was Margo accompanied by her father, Harry, carrying a large bouquet of red roses.
A long exhale hissed from Sally’s lips. ‘You know I must go and check the calendar.’
‘Why would you do that, Mum?’ Margo twittered as she proceeded into the house.
‘Because with the goings-on of the morning I am beginning to think it must be April Fool’s day instead of the end of blooming June.’
All three had just got themselves seated in the lounge when Margo pulled a grimace before blurting, ‘Oh Mum, we found out by accident. Well to be truthful it’s the talk of the place, about David Stock.’
‘And?’
‘Mum, Dad and I are here to support you. Both of us are heart sorry that you’ve had such a …’
‘What?’
‘Shock. I mean it was no secret that you cherished hopes that some day you and David Stock would …’
‘That’s very good of you but could I say I don’t require any … anything from anybody, especially you two.’
Harry gave a few guttural coughs before he spoke. ‘Sally, don’t be brave. Now that you and I are going to be grandparents, wouldn’t it be nice to show the world we are one big happy family?’
‘But, Harry, you hardly know our son, Bobby, and you have never met his wife, Lois, so why do you … ?’
‘It’s not Bobby’s baby that’s going to bring us all together but Margo’s. See when she told me!’ He turned to face Margo. ‘It’s over three weeks now since you announced your good news to the world.’ Margo nodded and smiled.
‘Not the world, Harry, just you. And thank you for telling me that I will soon be welcoming another grandchild.’
Sally got up on her feet, made a show of dusting herself down, before spitting, ‘Now if that’s all for today, could I bid you goodbye. I have a lot to tend to and don’t forget to take your roses with you.’
Margo was astounded. ‘Mum, have you nothing to say to me?’ she cried.
‘Not that I would wish a stranger to hear,’ Sally emphasised before indicating with several jabs of her right thumb that Harry and Margo should leave. Flinging the door open wide she smiled sweetly at them as they passed by her.
‘But, Mum,’ pleaded Margo, ‘surely you wish to congratulate me on becoming pregnant. I’m giving you your wish to become a granny.’
‘Ah,’ Sally replied, triumphantly, ‘Bobby beat you to that. And now will you please leave my home and don’t return as long as you think I am an afterthought.’
Harry snorted, ‘Can’t you see that if you take up my offer to come back into your life you will be able to hold your head up. Be respected.’
Sally’s derisive laughter echoed through the house. ‘Take you back,’ she hissed. ‘Oh, Harry, I may be desperate but I’m certainly not suicidal!’
After making sure Margo and Harry had left, Sally sank down on to the settee. Scalding tears rushed to her eyes. I know, she thought, that he is a bounder and no matter what, he will always be yesterday’s man to me. But Margo, you were my first born. I loved and still love you so much, so why do you always have to slap me in the face? She sighed. But, Margo, do you realise that by telling your father first about your baby, the baby that wouldn’t have been if I hadn’t financed your Swiss treatment, may prove to be your long overdue undoing.
She was still sitting quietly when she heard the door open and Luke call, ‘Sally, it’s me. Hope you’re in residence, my lady. Because how about the two of us nipping over to the Rockville restaurant on the other side of the street for a bite to eat?’
‘One good idea,’ Sally answered, ‘because no way am I in the mood for cooking. Besides there’s nothing other than bacon, sausages and black pudding in the fridge.’
The Rockville hotel which housed the restaurant and three letting bedrooms was owned and run by an Italian family. Sally regularly took her family to dine there on a Sunday.
Sally chuckled when Sophia, the mother of the family, approached to pass the time of day with her. During the three, nearly four, years that Sally had owned the bed and breakfast on the other side of the street a genuine interest in each other’s businesses and a friendliness had developed between the families.
‘Busy?’ Sophia asked, handing Luke and Sally a menu.
Sally nodded. ‘Yes. I’m booked out for next week and already the festival is proving a draw for tourists. How about you?’
‘Hmmm,’ Sophia mumbled, taking out a chair and sitting down beside Sally. ‘We’ve got the chance of a prime site in Musselburgh, opposite the race course, so …’
‘Och, don’t tell me you’ll be selling up?’
‘To be truthful I’m not so keen. But we only have the three letting bedrooms and one of them is a single.’ She blew out her lips. ‘Tried to persuade Dom to stay, especially as,’ Sophia leaned in closer to Sally to whisper, ‘I heard, and from a reliable source, that the rundown house three doors along from you is coming on to the market.’
‘Is it?’ Sally exclaimed, looking at Luke.
‘Aye, and won’t that be a good buy for someone who wants something cheap that they can upgrade.’
Sally nodded.
‘You wouldn’t think of taking on that house yourself?’
‘No, Sophia. You see I’ve extended out the back and now have eight letting rooms with facilities and when you add on my private apartment, well that’s more than enough for me.’ Sophia looked despondent. ‘But tell you what, if I think of someone I’ll give them the nod. Mind you, that will only be if you can’t persuade Dom to stay in good old Porty and take the ramshackle place on.’
‘That was an excellent meal,’ Luke remarked as he finished off his tiramisu.
‘Always is. If Sophia and Dom do leave I hope this place will be taken over by someone who knows how to cook.’
Looking about, Luke said, ‘They do have a lot of ground.’ Sally nodded. ‘Then why don’t they extend here?’
‘Don’t know,’ she replied but he felt her thoughts were elsewhere now.
Pouring himself another cup of coffee from the pot Sophia had left on the table, Luke started to make clucking sounds by clicking his tongue. ‘You want to say something?’ he asked.
She nodded her head and then shook it.
Not sure what she was trying to indicate he rested his elbows on the table before tentatively continuing with, ‘Well I have something to say but I’m frightened to open my mouth because you said I was not to mention Josie until … whenever.’
She exhaled deeply before replying, ‘Look, with the day I’ve just had with some that are supposed to be my nearest and dearest, speaking about Josie right now would be the final straw.’
Adding another spoonful of sugar into his coffee, Luke allowed his tongue to click several times before saying, ‘Sally, I met our half-brother, John, in Taylor Gardens and he had a wee lassie with him. A lovely wee bright thing.’
Simpering, Sally chimed, ‘Our Ellen. Great bairn. Mind you I’ll soon be having two wee ones of my own.’
‘Lois is having twins?’
‘No, Luke, would you believe that my Margo just happened to forget to tell me she was pregnant? Mind you she did remember to tell her dad.’ Sally sighed. ‘You have to hand it to my Margo for having the highest polished brass neck going.’
Luke mused. ‘See when I met Ellen I realised I was going to miss the bus.’
‘The bus?’
‘What I mean is if I don’t get hitched soon I’ll be too old to be a doting daddy.’
‘Right enough, you’re racing towards thirty-nine.’
Straightening himself up Luke blustered, ‘Okay, so I am. But I’m wearing well and everybody says I could be taken for twenty-nine.’
‘That right?’
‘Aye, and before you go shooting me down in flames just remember you’re pushing fifty-five.’
‘So I am. But I’m the mother of three adult children and like you I could pass for being ten years younger.’
‘Back to where we should be,’ Luke chanted as he positioned the salt cellar nearer to himself. ‘I was wondering, as I have only another seven weeks leave to go, if you’d like to chum me down to London for a few days?’
‘What?’ exclaimed Sally. ‘Are you forgetting you have to get Irish sorted out? Which means you still have to get Jessie Scott by the throat and try and discover why she gave the testament she did.’
‘I know that we have to work out why she did what she did. And the other things I have to find out are who put her up to it and what was her motive. Mind you, to do that I will have to get hold of her.’
‘What’s keeping you back, Luke?’
‘Just that I think someone may have whispered in her shell-like ear that her testimony was going to be looked at again. And that the powers that be will not be pleased if it can be proved that she lied.’
‘And you get a custodial sentence for trying to pervert the course of justice.’
‘Precisely. So I think she’s done a runner. But knowing Jessie it’ll be just for a day or two then when she’s worked out a plan of action to save herself she’ll surface again. Mind you, the minute she hears that there may be a whole judicial enquiry then,’ he chuckled, ‘she’ll dive right down her bolthole again.’
‘But why would she do that?’
Luke pondered. ‘Well someone killed Marie and I think that Jessie just might know who and that information could cost her dearly.’
Perplexed, Sally muttered, ‘Leave it with me. I’ll ask Nancy where she thinks Jessie might be.’
‘Good. Now back to London. Sally, before I left Hong Kong I was getting real friendly with a lassie. Her father’s been on the force for years. She stays London way with her mother but she comes out regularly to visit her dad.’
‘How old is she?’
‘That’s what’s been holding me back. She’s fifteen years younger than I am.’
‘Oh, cradle snatching, are you?’
‘No quite as bad as your pal David. He’s at least twenty-five years older than Phil Watson’s sister.’
