A Promise Between Friends Page 8

  ‘You’ve put on your little show, but now that’s the end of it,’ he told her. ‘I’m not a patient man, girlie, as you’ll find out.’

  Ruby winced as he breathed into her face. ‘My name is Ruby, not girlie,’ she told him.

  Charles just laughed.

  ‘Put a smile on your face as if you’re enjoying yourself,’ Charles said under his breath as he took her upper arm and thrust her through the couples. His grip was very firm.

  ‘Let me go,’ she protested as they left the dance floor. ‘Where are you taking me?’

  ‘If you make a fuss I’ll tell the staff you’re a whore and touting for custom,’ he said in her ear as he forced her through reception.

  Ruby tried not to panic. Who would believe her against Charles?

  She looked for help. But the doormen were greeting new arrivals and the other staff were busy waiting at tables. There was no one she knew. There were no friendly faces she could call on.

  A cold blast of air and Ruby was forced out into the night. She was entirely alone with Charles and she gave out a scream as he pushed her across the darkened car park.

  ‘Shut up, you little wretch,’ he shouted and gripped her arm so tightly that tears sprang to her eyes.

  ‘W-where are we going?’ she cried as he dragged her along.

  ‘For a nice quiet ride in the Bentley.’

  ‘No!’ she shrieked, but he pulled her even harder.

  When they got to his car, she remembered how exciting it had felt to sit on the leather seats and watch Anna and Gwen drink the champagne from the bottle in a small walnut compartment. But now, as Charles fumbled to open the door, she knew what awaited her inside.

  ‘Get in,’ he yelled as she screamed again, but the flat of his hand soon silenced her.

  ‘Do as you’re told!’ he stormed, hitting her again. But this time, she managed to lash back, tearing the skin of his cheek with her nails. ‘What have you done to me?’ he howled, looking furious. ‘I’m bleeding!’

  His face creased in agony and, as he cupped his cheek with his hands, Ruby bolted. She ran towards the Manor but the heel of her shoe snapped. She shook both her shoes off and ran barefoot. But before she’d gone far Charles caught up with her. He began dragging her back towards the woods, hitting her when she tried to resist.

  Ruby found herself in a daze and suddenly crashed to the ground. Charles climbed on top of her, pulling up her dress and clamping his hand over her mouth as she tried to scream.

  ‘You’ll pay dearly for what you’ve done to me,’ he threatened as he pushed open her legs.

  Ruby fought hard, but he was too strong. Pinning her wrists above her head, he slapped her again sending her head to the side with a snap.

  She could only sob bitterly as he ripped away her clothes.

  Nick Brandon drove up to the Manor and parked the Buick by the ivy-covered walls. He was later to arrive than he’d planned. Trade at his warehouse had been brisk. He’d made a killing on his latest deal, selling the bankrupt stock at knockdown prices; solid teak Danish furniture, stylish upholstered classics, radios, telephones, clocks, mirrors, cameras and a host of household appliances. A little cash Christmas bonus the taxman would never know about. Then closing up shop, leaving no trace behind him.

  As he left the Buick, his thoughts turned to Ruby. Would she be waiting for him? He hoped Anna wasn’t about to make life difficult. The irony was, Anna could have recruited any pretty face she happened to fancy. But, of all people, she’d found Ruby Payne. Now, that was uncanny!

  Nick nodded to the staff who welcomed him as he entered. He slid off his navy-blue overcoat and handed it to the cloakroom girl, then straightened his black bow tie in the wall-sized mirror behind her desk. Flipping open the buttons of his dinner jacket, he double-checked his gold cufflinks on his white dress shirt.

  Making his way to the bar, he dug in his pocket for his Gauloises. Then realized he’d left them in the Buick.

  Returning the way he’d entered, he hurried back to the car, unlocking and sliding his hand along the dashboard to retrieve the soft package. He lit up and stood for a moment, enjoying the thick taste of the tobacco. Noticing how bright the stars were, he listened to the silence as he filled his lungs.

  Music drifted from the building, lights glimmered. There was an occasional hoot of an owl in the tall firs. And now, something else.

  A scuffling. A muffled cry. A woman’s scream.

  He dropped the cigarette, turned towards the sound and saw a movement. ‘Hey!’ he shouted. ‘You there! What’s going on!’

  The cry came again, the shadow evaporated and Nick hurried forward into the trees.

  Ruby’s scream came out like a gurgle. Charles’s fingers tightened around her throat, slowly crushing her windpipe. As if from outside herself, she saw her eyes bulge, her mouth gape open. Little dots of light speckled the darkness, until finally she lay limp on the ground.

  How long she fought him, she didn’t know, but suddenly, unbelievably, he was climbing off and she was gasping in oxygen. She went on all fours and retched. Her throat felt very sore. Where was he? Why had he let her go?

  The moon shone an eerie light through the trees. She could smell the damp undergrowth. Her arms and knees and legs felt bruised, her dress was ripped. Charles had tried to strangle her.

  Suddenly she heard footsteps. The crackling came through the undergrowth, closer and closer. Once again terror filled her. Was it Charles?

  ‘Hello?’ a voice called.

  She peered fearfully into the night, at the trees and a small crack between them that must have been the lights of the Manor. She could see his silhouette.

  ‘Is someone there? Do you need help?’

  ‘Here!’ she called on a sob, recognizing the voice. ‘I’m here, Nick.’

  The figure came through the darkness. ‘My God, Ruby?’

  ‘Is he there? Did you see him?’ she asked in panic, certain Charles would appear.

  ‘Who?’

  ‘Charles. He tried to—’ She swallowed. She couldn’t say what sounded so bad when put into words.

  ‘Are you hurt?’

  ‘Only a bit,’ she sobbed.

  He took off his coat and put it round her. ‘Stay here. He can’t be far off. I’ll find the bastard.’

  She grabbed hold of him. ‘Don’t leave me. Let him go.’

  ‘But he attacked you—’

  ‘Stay with me, please,’ Ruby pleaded.

  ‘He didn’t—’

  ‘No. You scared him off.’

  ‘Thank God for that.’ He gently cupped her face and stroked the hair from her eyes. ‘My poor Ruby.’

  Ruby stifled a sob. She could feel her bare toes poking through her laddered silk stockings and Anna’s lovely dress was ruined. What would Anna say when she saw it?

  Suddenly she burst into tears.

  Nick drew her into his arms. ‘You’re all right now. I’ve got you.’

  She couldn’t stop shaking and clung to him.

  After a few minutes, he said softly, ‘You’d better come home with me.’

  Ruby nodded. She couldn’t face going back into the Manor and confronting Charles. After all, Charles would deny what he’d done and who would believe her anyway?

  Chapter Eleven

  Ruby lay in a narrow bed in Nick’s spare room. Her head, although going round and round, was comfortable on the spongy pillows. The piping-hot water of the bath she had just taken had soothed her. She had put back on her petticoat, knickers and bra and Nick had given her his bathrobe to wear.

  She could hear sounds coming from the kitchen.

  ‘Hot soup,’ he told her as he pushed open the bedroom door. ‘From a tin, I’m afraid. How are you feeling?’

  ‘The aspirin and hot bath helped. And the cream stopped the grazes on my knees from stinging.’

  ‘My poor little wounded soldier.’ He sat down on a chair and crossed one leg over the other as Ruby sipped the hot soup. ‘Thank you for the roses,
’ she said. ‘They were beautiful.’

  ‘My pleasure.’ He tilted his head enquiringly. ‘Do you want to talk about what happened tonight?’

  Ruby put the mug on the bedside cupboard. ‘I’ll never forget that horrible man Charles.’

  He frowned. ‘How did you meet him?’

  ‘He’s a friend of Anna’s and drove us to the Manor. At first he was all right, although very boring. Then he started to drink and wouldn’t stop.’

  ‘Drinking is no excuse for what he did.’

  ‘He forced me to go outside, then tried to get me in his car. But I fought him off.’

  ‘Good for you.’

  ‘But if you hadn’t come along I dread to think what would have happened.’

  ‘This man should be reported.’

  Ruby shook her head. ‘But who would believe me? He threatened to say I was a working girl and touting for custom.’

  Nick dug in his pocket for his cigarettes. ‘Tell me about yourself. Have you family – sisters, brothers?’

  ‘My mum and dad live on the Isle of Dogs. My older brother Pete – he died.’ She stared down at the bedclothes. ‘He was only twenty-one.’

  Nick nodded thoughtfully and passed the lit cigarette from one hand to another. ‘That’s very tragic.’

  ‘Life hasn’t been quite the same since.’

  ‘Was his death an accident?’

  ‘It might have been.’ Ruby looked into his steady gaze. ‘You see, I found Pete one morning with a bottle of aspirin and some alcohol in his bedroom. We were told it was a combination of both that killed him. But the mysterious thing is, Pete wasn’t a drinker and he never took drugs. He was a very clean-living person.’

  Nick was silent, then leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. ‘I was a kid when I lost both my parents in a flu epidemic. My late gran brought me up but I know what you mean about things never being the same. It did, however, make me realize you have to live for the day. I grew a tougher skin from then on.’

  ‘Yes,’ Ruby said eagerly, ‘I do feel like that sometimes. But others—’

  ‘You are resilient, Ruby,’ he interrupted. ‘Pete would be proud of you.’

  ‘I hope so.’ She lifted her chin and said tearfully, ‘If he’d told me what was worrying him, I’m sure I could have helped him.’

  Nick smiled regretfully. ‘It’s often painful to discover that we’re not as important in someone’s life as we imagine.’

  Ruby wondered if he was thinking of someone special in his own life. But rather quickly he ground out his cigarette, stood up and walked to the window. He stood, staring out at the dark night. There were no curtains to draw, Ruby noticed. It was a rather cheerless flat. But it would only take a woman’s touch to improve it.

  Nick gestured to the hall. ‘I’m sleeping in the far room. The bathroom is opposite. If you need me, just give a shout. I’m a very light sleeper.’

  Ruby smiled. ‘Thank you.’

  ‘Sleep well,’ he said and turned off the light, closing the door behind him.

  Ruby stared into the darkness. Her whole body ached and her mind wouldn’t stop ticking over. She thought about what Nick had told her about himself. She thought about Anna and what she would say in the morning when she heard about Charles. She also thought of Anna’s beautiful dress which was now in the dustbin. And of her lost shoes somewhere in the grounds of the Manor.

  This wasn’t a good way to start her new career. Her last thought was of Nick’s rescue. If it hadn’t been for him, things tonight would have turned out very differently indeed.

  Ruby was still asleep the next morning when Nick came in. She opened her painful eyes to see him standing beside the bed. He placed a cup of tea on the cupboard. ‘Did you sleep well?’

  ‘Y-yes, I think so. But I do feel a bit bruised.’

  ‘I’m afraid you have an impressive black eye.’

  She put her fingers to it. ‘Ouch.’

  ‘Before I take you to Anna’s we’ll put a cold compress on it to reduce the swelling. There’s a toothbrush and clothes on the chair and a mac and jumper. They will be rather large on you, as will the bedroom mules, but as you’ll only have to go from my car into Anna’s, no one will see you.’

  Ruby tried to smile but her face was very stiff. ‘Thank you.’

  ‘Give me five minutes to have my shave, then help yourself to the bathroom.’

  She sat up after he’d gone and drank the hot tea. A pain went through her face. How many times had Charles hit her?

  Slowly, aching all over, she climbed out of bed and looked in the small wall mirror. Her hair was full of tangles. She was white, except for the ugly black eye. Below the collar of the bathrobe was a purple-and-yellow bruise.

  Her eyes filled with tears. But they soon dried, as it was very uncomfortable to cry.

  ‘Ruby, where are your clothes?’ Anna stood in the hall of 10 Dower Street, her bright red nails going up to her face.

  Ruby choked back a sob. ‘There’s so much to tell you.’

  Anna took her in her arms. ‘Where have you been? Did you leave the Manor with some friends?’

  ‘No, I would never have done that.’

  ‘There, there, come along. We’ll talk in the drawing room. You can sit here and tell me everything.’

  Ruby dried her eyes on a handkerchief Anna gave her. Taking a deep breath, she began to explain about Charles. When she came to the part where Charles had almost strangled her, she pulled down the collar of the jumper. ‘He did this.’

  Anna gasped. ‘You poor girl!’

  ‘He was very drunk.’

  ‘You must have been frightened.’

  ‘I couldn’t see you or Gwen anywhere. He said if I didn’t do what he wanted he would tell everyone I was a tart touting for custom.’ Ruby began to cry. When she finally drew a breath, she mumbled, ‘If Nick hadn’t come along, I think Charles would have raped me.’

  ‘So you’ve been with Nick?’

  ‘He put me up in his spare room.’

  Anna stared at her, eventually nodding. ‘I hope he behaved himself?’

  ‘He was very kind,’ Ruby said at once. ‘And gave me this mac and jumper to wear as I’m afraid Charles ruined your dress.’

  ‘I can’t believe this of Charles,’ Anna said, shaking her head.

  ‘He said I was there to please him. He thought I was playing hard to get.’

  ‘But that’s ridiculous!’ Anna exclaimed. ‘Why would he think that?’

  ‘He said some very nasty things about Gwen. I thought they might have fallen out and that was why he was drunk. Perhaps I should have left him earlier, but you said he was an important person.’

  ‘He is. But that doesn’t give him the right to attack you.’ Anna gave a long sigh. ‘My dear, I had no idea this was happening. I would have called the police if I’d known. Did Nick report Charles?’

  ‘I didn’t want him to. There would only have been a fuss. And no one would have believed me.’

  ‘You poor, poor girl.’ Anna sat closer, patting her arm. ‘I’ll get Janet to bathe your bruises.’

  ‘Nick put some cold towels on my face. It is a little easier.’

  ‘What Charles has done to you is inexcusable. I shouldn’t have left you alone with the man. But he’s never shown the slightest inclination to – well, be violent.’

  ‘Not even with Gwen?’

  ‘Especially not Gwen. She is very particular. Charles has never put a foot out of place. I can only think the drink got the better of him.’

  ‘I’m sorry about your dress.’

  ‘Think nothing of it.’ Anna held her close again. ‘We must be grateful for your timely escape. I’ll have Janet put out some fresh clothes for you and make sure you are comfortable.’

  Ruby listened to Anna’s comforting words but fear began to creep in. Was Anna just being polite and pretending to believe her? He was, after all, someone she had known for some time.

  Ruby looked away. ‘After last night, I d
on’t think I’m cut out for the agency.’

  Anna took her hands. ‘Don’t let one ghastly experience upset you.’

  ‘I might attract the wrong type.’

  ‘What nonsense! Charles is to blame here. Not you. I’ll make certain you have an apology.’

  ‘I never want to see him again.’

  ‘Listen, tomorrow you’ll feel much better. Last night’s incident was regrettable but not insurmountable. I assure you that you will recover given a few days of rest.’

  Ruby sniffed. She still wasn’t certain what Anna really thought of her. Charles could easily say that it was she, Ruby, who had led him on.

  ‘Enough for now,’ Anna said, helping her to her feet. ‘Let’s not think about last night. I want to see you looking ravishing again and dressed in something other than men’s clothes.’ She smiled encouragingly. ‘We’ll go upstairs and Janet will help you change. After which, I’ll make up your face so well that no one will see the bruises. Then I’ll join you in a light lunch. How does that sound?’

  Ruby nodded. Anna was sympathetic and kind. But what was she really thinking?

  Ruby was still very unsure of the situation as she waited for Janet to join her upstairs. Did Anna really still want her for the agency? Only time would tell, Ruby decided, putting her hand up to her sore face.

  Ruby sighed and looked around. This room was so beautiful. Pale winter sunshine flooded in from the tall windows. The polished wood sparkled, the walls gleamed. Even the smell of the room was luxurious. She didn’t want to forfeit all this because of one night’s bad experience.

  Well, not entirely bad, she corrected herself. She had made a friend in Nick. He had told her he would see her again if she wanted.

  And yes, she wanted – very much indeed.

  Chapter Twelve

  It was Christmas morning and Bernie lifted the PLA grain sack out of the car. He swung it as he sang an old Perry Como number, ‘Frosty The Snowman’, and opened the creaking ground-floor door to the stairs leading up to Kath’s.

  He was in a good mood, as the sack was stuffed with presents. He was wearing his best navy suit, white shirt and dark tie to celebrate the most unseasonal Christmas he could ever remember. Dry, mild and overcast, it was more like a spring day. As usual at Christmas, he’d put on a silly red hat and done his impression of Santa to all who cared to listen. His audience being the blokes at work, his landlord, his mates down the pub on Christmas Eve and now, hopefully, Kath and Ruby.