Born to Dance (9 page)

Rob Andrews changed and decided that he would take Bonny out to celebrate, but when he knocked on the dressing room door, it was Shirley who opened it.

‘I thought I’d take Bonny for a meal,’ he said and stepped into the room.

‘You’re too late; she left a quarter of an hour ago.’

‘Left for where?’

‘The Savoy, I believe.’

‘With whom?’ he demanded.

‘Mickey O’Halleran.’

‘The boxer? I didn’t know she knew him.’

‘Oh, yes, we were introduced to him after we watched his title fight and he came here tonight to see the show.’

Rob looked around, saw his bouquet – and then the other. He picked up the card that came with it, read it and put it down, turned on his heel and left the room, his face like thunder.

‘Oh dearie me,’ Shirley muttered, ‘he didn’t like that.’

Rob left the building, barely acknowledging the stage doorkeeper, who wished him goodnight and congratulated him on the show. As he strode away down the street he asked himself why he felt so angry. After all, Bonny was no more to him than a talented dancer and his partner. But nevertheless, he was furious.

Bonny, however, was having the time of her life. When she entered the Savoy grill with Mickey O’Halleran, they were greeted warmly by the maître d’, who led them to a table by the window and made a great fuss of the boxer. ‘Congratulations, sir, on a magnificent fight the other night,’ the man said.

Mickey thanked him and introduced him to Bonny saying, ‘This young lady is going to be a big star. We want a bottle of your best champagne to celebrate her opening night, then we’ll look at the menu.’

The Irishman was charming company, Bonny discovered. He told her about his family, how he started boxing, his hopes and
dreams for the future and how delighted he was that they had met.

She wasn’t sure what she had expected from the man. Probably that he might be loud and maybe a little rough round the edges, after all he was in the fight business, but Mickey was gentle, considerate, with a aura of quiet calm about him. When he spoke of his family it was with a great feeling of responsibility. Through his success, he was able to help them financially, making sure that his parents were comfortable, his siblings behaving. A father figure – which she found endearing. And even in so short a time of making his acquaintance, she found she was more than a little attracted to him.

So enamoured was she that she didn’t see Giles Gilmore enter the room, accompanied by Peter Collins.

The two men made their way to the bar before being taken to a table. It was then that Peter saw Bonny and Mickey, deep in conversation. As he sat down he pointed them out to Giles. ‘Your young star is enjoying herself.’

Giles looked up from the menu and followed Peter’s gaze. He frowned momentarily, then excused himself and walked out of the room, returning a short time later.

‘Where did you dash off to?’ Peter asked.

‘I rang the news desk of several papers to make sure when Bonny leaves here with O’Halleran, she’s photographed. It should make the morning papers. After all, the publicity will be good for Bonny. I made sure they knew who she was.’

Collins shook his head and smiled. ‘You never miss a trick, do you?’

‘Listen, old man, I’ve got a lot of money invested in that girl and this was a perfect opportunity. I wouldn’t be where I am today if I missed it.’

Later, when Bonny and Mickey walked out of the Savoy Hotel, they were met by a barrage of flashing bulbs from the myriad of photographers waiting for them.

‘This way, champ. Smile, Miss Burton.’ Instructions were called out to them.

Mickey, used to the fame, smiled, talked to the reporters and urged Bonny to do the same.

Eventually, when they climbed into a taxi and escaped, Bonny sighed with relief. ‘I wasn’t ready for that.’

‘Listen, darlin’, you must learn to take all the publicity you can and always with a smile. Those boys will treat you well if you do the same to them. They can make or break you in the press. It’s a double-edged sword.’ He smiled and took her hand. ‘You’d better get used to it, young lady. It will become part of your life very soon. Tonight was just the beginning.’

As the taxi drew up outside her digs, Mickey helped Bonny out of the car, took her to the door and kissed her gently on the lips. ‘Goodnight, princess, I will be in touch very soon.’

‘Thank you for a lovely evening and the beautiful flowers,’ she said, her head in a whirl.

‘It is the first of many, Bonny darlin’. Take care and good luck for tomorrow night. I’ll be thinking about you.’ And he kissed her again.

When she walked into the sitting room, Shirley was waiting for her. ‘Come up to my room and tell me all!’ she demanded.

After she had heard all about the evening, Shirley said, ‘Rob came looking for you just after you left.’

‘What did he want?’

‘He wanted to take you out to celebrate, but when I told him he was too late, he looked furious.’

‘Whatever for?’

‘He read the card that came with Mickey O’Halleran’s flowers. He didn’t like it one bit! I reckon he fancies you!’

‘Don’t be so daft. He doesn’t think about me like that. You should see us rehearse, he can be a devil. I can assure you he doesn’t have any sentimental feelings towards me at all. I’m off to bed now, all this excitement has drained me and we have a show tomorrow.’

But once in bed and alone, Bonny thought of the times Rob had kissed her unexpectedly and she began to wonder if her friend was right.

Foxy Gordon sat in the saloon bar of a pub in a seedy part of the East End of London. The pub, the Four Feathers, was a meeting place for the boxing fraternity and members of the underworld. It was here that many a crime was planned and the result of a dodgy boxing match decided.

Wally Cole, the leader of the Firm, a collection of the toughest villains in London, was in deep conversation with Foxy, an old schoolmate of his. They were talking over old times. ‘Do you
remember how we sorted that bastard of a school master, Jim Bradbury, who liked to beat young boys before he took them into the toilets?’

With a wide grin, Foxy thought back. ‘He was a wicked bugger. I’ll never forget young Derek Green. Poor little sod. Remember how we found him, crouched down in a corner of the gym, hiding behind a stack of matting, crying his eyes out?’

Wally nodded. ‘What a state he was in. It took some time before he’d tell us what had happened.’

‘I remember it very clearly and I remember you told him it would never happen again. And it didn’t.’

Putting his head back, Wally roared with laughter. ‘I’ll never forget the look on old Bradbury’s face when we caught him coming out of the bog. Especially when we pushed him back inside the cubical and shoved his head down the lavatory bowl and pulled the chain. He thought he was going to drown.’

‘That was nothing to his shriek of pain when you squeezed his nuts.’

Both men chortled at their recollections.

‘I wonder if the Head was surprised when he resigned?’

‘I wonder what excuse he gave?’

‘Whatever it was, it was better than waiting for us to tell his wife what he’d been up to, as you threatened to do.’

Foxy grinned. ‘I told her anyway.’

‘I never knew that!’

‘I didn’t see why his resignation should let him off the hook. I took young Derek Green round to see her. I made him tell her what happened. Why do you think she left him?’

‘I wasn’t aware that she did.’

‘Oh yes, that woman has some spirit. She was so shocked and disgusted she threatened that if he ever tried for another teaching job, she’d spill the beans about him, so in the end he lost his wife, his home and his livelihood. Serves the bugger right!’

Wally ordered more drinks. ‘If only our troubles could be so easily solved these days, eh?’

Foxy asked, ‘You got some sort of problem?’

‘Some new young shaver on the block is trying to flex his muscles, that’s all. It happens. He’ll be sorted by the weekend.’

Foxy knew better than to ask how.

The conversation turned to boxing. ‘Your lad O’Halleran put
up a good fight in his last bout. I won a bundle on him.’ Wally looked pleased with himself. ‘Who’s he up against next?’

‘I’ve got a couple of irons in the fire, but as yet nothing has been decided.’

‘Ah well, he’ll be the favourite to win whoever he meets. No money to be made there – unless, of course, he should lose.’ Wally stared hard at the promoter.

‘Knock it off,’ said Foxy. ‘I went down for the last fight that was thrown. I’m legit these days. I’ve got a world contender on my hands and nothing will get in the way of that!’

‘If you change your mind, let me know,’ said the villain as he got up from the table.

Foxy lit a cigarette and drew deeply on it. The hackles at the back of his neck were bristling. Wally Cole never made an idle suggestion. Gordon knew that he’d be back in the future, sometime, to persuade him to his way of thinking. It made his blood run cold at the thought. Cole was not a man to be crossed, but Foxy had great plans for his fighter and no one was going to screw that up.

On his way to rehearsal, Rob Andrews called into the newsagent to buy his morning paper, as was his habit. He was more than surprised to see pictures of Bonny and Mickey O’Halleran on the front pages of several editions, alongside the national news. He bought copies of three different papers.

Giles Gilmore sat at his desk with all the nationals featuring his new star laid out before him. He sat reading them with a self satisfied smile.

Foxy Gordon also smiled as he read the articles featuring his champion with the up-and-coming young dancing star. This was working out just as he had hoped.

But by far the most excited by the news was Shirley. She spotted the photographs walking along with Bonny on their way to the theatre. ‘Bloody hell, Bonny, look! You’re on the front pages of the daily papers!’ And she rushed inside the newsagent’s, emerging minutes later with several in her arms. The girls stopped to read what the headlines said:

IRISH CHAMPION ON THE TOWN WITH MAJOR NEW DANCING STAR.

Shirley continued to read. “‘Mickey O’Halleran was seen leaving the Savoy Grill with Bonny Burton, the new star of the latest West End musical,
Let’s
Dance.
He says she will be the next sensation in the West End theatre.” Blimey!’

Overcome with embarrassment, Bonny said, ‘Well, he’s Irish. You know what they’re like. They all have the gift of the gab. Come on or we’ll be late for rehearsal and then Rob Andrews will be angry with us.’

Rob was in a foul mood. He put the chorus through stringent rehearsals, tightening up their routines, and then called Bonny up on stage to go through a couple of numbers with her and the full assembly.

He was relentless in his execution of the steps, berating Bonny constantly – until she suddenly stormed off the stage.

There was a deadly silence and then Rob went rushing after
her, yelling at the top of his voice. ‘How dare you walk out of one of my rehearsals without my permission?’

Bonny turned on him. ‘And how dare you speak to me like that in front of everyone, making me look an idiot when there is nothing wrong with my dancing?’ She walked into her dressing room, slamming the door in his face.

He burst in. ‘Just because your picture is in every newspaper with that Irish mauler doesn’t make you a star yet. You still have a
very
long way to go!’

Eyes blazing, Bonny looked scornfully at him. ‘That’s what this is all about, isn’t it? There’s nothing wrong with my dancing, oh no, it’s because I was seen out with Mickey O’Halleran. Well, Mr mighty Andrews, what I do in my own time has nothing at all to do with you!’

‘It has everything to do with me. You’re my partner; we are starring in this show. We have to be very careful of our public image.’

She bristled with indignation. ‘My being with Mickey, who I might say is a perfect gentleman, will do absolutely nothing harmful to my image, as you call it. For your information, he knows how to treat the press, they love him. And they were very nice to me, treated me with respect, which is more than I can say about my musical director and dancing partner.’

Rob realized he had gone too far but he was still angry. ‘Well, are you coming back to rehearse or not? We still have work to do.’

‘As long as you are reasonable – but be
very
careful.’ Bonny swept past him and along the corridor to the stage.

The cast, waiting with breathless anticipation, wondered what was going to happen next, but Rob continued, still being a hard taskmaster but without nagging Bonny.

As they left the theatre, Shirley tucked her arm through her friend’s and asked, ‘What was all that about back there then? We were all flabbergasted when you stormed off.’

‘Bloody Rob Andrews! What it really boils down to is that he was furious about me being out with Mickey. As if it’s any of his business … and I told him so.’

Shirley was triumphant. ‘There! Didn’t I tell you? He fancies you.’

Bonny, still a bit fraught, was in no mood to hear this. ‘Don’t you dare start that again, Shirley, or you and I will certainly fall out!’

The show was doing well, playing to packed houses, and Peter Collins had been approached about doing a special charity show on a Sunday. He was very enthusiastic about this, as it would be attended by many of the stars of the West End, and VIPs too, which would be great publicity. It was to be a red carpet affair and all the national press would certainly be in attendance.

The cast of
Let’s
Dance
were thrilled by the prospect. Jack Buchanan had booked seats for a party of friends, Noel Coward was said to be coming as well, and Peter had arranged for an after-show party to be held at the Cafe Royal in Regent Street.

It was a reasonably balmy September evening on the night of the charity show. The red carpet was laid, waiting for the guests to arrive, spotlights were erected, the press were out in full force, and backstage the air of excitement was tangible.

Cars started to arrive. One of the first contained Jack Buchanan, who stepped out of the vehicle, resplendent in evening dress, accompanied by Elsie Randolph, in a glamorous gown, with a fur cape around her shoulders and wearing sparkling jewellery.

The press went wild. ‘This way, Jack. Smile, Miss Randolph.’

Ralph Reader of the
Gang
Show
joined the stars on the carpet, as did Noel Coward, who smiled and waved to the crowd. But the biggest cheer was for Mickey O’Halleran, accompanied by Foxy Gordon, the fight promoter.

‘Going to watch your girlfriend dance, champ?’ called a cheeky reporter.

The boxer grinned broadly. ‘Sure, where else would I be? She was born to dance. The girl’s a sensation, mark my words.’

‘Are we going to see a wedding in the near future, Mickey?’ called another.

O’Halleran just pointed to the reporter. ‘Now then, don’t be naughty!’ And he walked towards the entrance, signing autographs for his fans as he did so.

Giles Gilmore and Bernie Cohen, the talent scout, arrived together. Giles spent time with the press, giving them good copy for their morning columns, telling them about the new show he would be producing, starring Bonny Burton. He made no mention of Rob Andrews.

At the final curtain, the applause was thunderous. Bouquets were carried on to the stage for Bonny – so many that a stagehand came on to help carry them off.

As she walked back to her dressing room, Bonny was in a state of euphoria. The show had been a great success and the routines with Rob had gone really well. Now she had to get changed for the party. Before she could do so, there was a knock on her door. When she opened it, she was astonished to see Jack Buchanan standing there.

‘Hello, Bonny. We meet again.’

‘Mr Buchanan,’ was all she could manage to say.

‘I just wanted you to know how much I enjoyed your dancing, and later at the party I may not have the opportunity. You have a great future ahead of you, my dear. Enjoy it, and who knows? Maybe we can dance together on stage one day.’ He took her hand and kissed it, smiled and walked away.

Bonny was flabbergasted. One of the biggest stars in the West End wanted to dance with her! As she made to close the door, Mickey O’Halleran appeared. He picked her up in his strong arms and swung her round. ‘Well, darlin’, you wowed the audience out there tonight and I’m going to escort you to the party before some other man comes to claim you.’ And he kissed her. ‘Bonny, I’m so proud of you. You were a sensation.’

She was by now completely flustered but thrilled by his praise. ‘Do you really think so?’

‘I know so. Now go and get changed, I’ll wait out here for you.’

Her heart aflutter with all the excitement, Bonny closed the door. Giles Gilmore had sent her to a high-class store to buy a dress for the occasion. He had told her, ‘You must look the star you are. Tonight you will be the centre of attention and I want you looking fabulous, as a star should be.’

She took down the dress. It was the softest green, which complimented her auburn hair and green eyes. The style looked simple, but the cut of the material meant it fitted her like a glove. And Giles had hired a necklace and matching earrings of emerald and diamonds for the night, which highlighted the whole ensemble. She brushed her hair, wearing it loose, which only accentuated her youth and good looks. Draping a matching stole over her shoulders, she emerged from the dressing room.

Mickey let out a long low whistle. ‘Princess, you look good enough to eat. Let’s go.’

As they walked along the corridor, Rob Andrews emerged from his dressing room. ‘Bonny, I was just coming to collect you.’

‘Sorry, sport, but Bonny already has an escort,’ Mickey said and, taking her arm, walked on.

That night, the Cafe Royal was the venue for the best impromptu performance of the year. Noel Coward sat at the piano and entertained the guests with some of his witty songs, Jack Buchanan sang with the orchestra, Jessie Mathews also sang, and when the dancing began, Jack Buchanan asked Bonny to dance. ‘Just in case we never have the opportunity to do this together on the stage,’ he said.

Bonny stood up and took his arm. ‘My mother will never believe this,’ she said.

Jack laughed. ‘Dear Bonny, don’t ever change. This business can ruin people, I’ve seen it happen. You are a complete delight; I wouldn’t like to see that happen to you.’

‘If you do see that happening, give me a quick kick in the shins, will you?’ she teased.

‘I promise. How is your mother? Did she get the photograph I sent to her?’

‘Yes, thank you, she did. It is in a special frame by her bed. I’m surprised that you remembered,’ she said in astonishment.

‘Really? Don’t ever neglect your fans, my dear, or believe me they will soon forget you.’

At the end of the extraordinary evening, Mickey escorted Bonny home. As they drove in the taxi, he took her hand in his. ‘You are very special to me, princess. I hope that we will be seeing a lot of each other in the future.’

‘I’d like that,’ she told him.

‘Perhaps next Sunday we can spend a quiet day together. Are you free?’

With a look of disappointment she said, ‘I have promised to go to see my parents in Southampton.’

‘How about I come with you?’

Her eyes lit up. ‘Really? My dad would love that, he’s a great fight enthusiast,’ she told him.

‘Right. I’ll be in touch.’ And he kissed her, at first gently and then with a mounting passion that took her breath away.

‘Goodnight, princess,’ he said and climbed back into the taxi.

Foxy Gordon was feeling very pleased with himself as he journeyed home. He had managed to invest a chunk of money in
Giles Gilmore’s new production. He’d used a nom de plume in which to do so. Giles would be completely unaware that the man he sent to prison was now a major shareholder in his new venture.