Desperate Measures (7 page)

Chapter Ten

Betty was puzzled. She’d heard Cheryl’s story and felt sorry for her, but why had Val seemed so eager that Cheryl recount it to someone who, let’s face it, was a stranger? It had been the same with Paula, the girl talking about her terrible ordeal when they first met, and what did Cheryl mean about Val helping them? How was she supposed to do that? Betty felt there was something going on, strange undertones, something she couldn’t put her finger on, but when Val said she was running Cheryl home, she knew it was her signal to leave.

It was only nine o’clock and a long evening stretched out in front of her with just a wireless for company. Though she was saving to buy a television, it would be a long time before she had enough money, and now that she was baking again, there was a lot less going into the kitty. When there was a knock on her door, Betty went to answer it, surprised yet pleased to see Val.

‘I’m sorry, Betty, when I offered to drive Cheryl home it felt as if I was chasing you out. However, on the drive home I’ve been thinking, and if you’re not busy, can we talk?’

‘Yes, of course.’

Val took a seat, then pulling out her cigarettes said, ‘Do you mind if I smoke?’

‘No, go ahead,’ Betty told her, fetching an old saucer that Val now used for an ashtray.

Val lit up and took a long pull on the cigarette, releasing a stream of smoke before she spoke. ‘I wanted you to meet Cheryl, to hear her story, but I shouldn’t have been evasive about the reason. It was wrong of me, and I’m sorry. I should have been open with you from the start and can only say in my defence that I have to be cautious.’

‘I don’t understand. Cautious about what?’

‘You know what happened to me, Betty, how Mike Freeman ruined my life, my career. You’ve heard that Paula was raped, and how Cheryl was swindled, but you may not have noticed that we all have something in common.’

‘We’ve all been badly hurt. Is that it?’

‘Yes, but in every instance the men who hurt us got away with it. In my case, Mike’s career has flourished, and the dealer who swindled Cheryl gained financially too. The man who raped Paula is still free, living his life without punishment–and there’s always the risk that he might rape another poor young woman.’

‘I know, and I thought the same. What happened to me was awful, but like Cheryl, I think it’s nothing compared to Paula’s ordeal.’

‘I’d hardly call it nothing. Your husband cheated on you, and from what you’ve told me he’s living the good life whilst you struggle financially.’

Betty heaved a sigh. ‘Yes, that’s true.’

‘Wouldn’t you like to pay him back? Wouldn’t you like to see him suffer for what he did to you?’

‘Yes, but I don’t see how.’

Val leaned forward, her expression earnest. ‘Betty I think I can trust you so I’m going to tell you what Paula, Cheryl and I are going to do. If you want to join us, you’d be more than welcome, but if you’d rather not, can I have your promise that you’ll keep what you’re going to hear to yourself?’

‘How can I promise that when I haven’t got a clue what you’re talking about?’

Val’s smile was thin, but she nodded. ‘Yes, I see your point, but we’re friends and, as I said, I feel I can trust you. You see, Betty, we’ve all suffered, and as I mentioned, in each case the men responsible have got away with it. What we plan to do is to get our own back. We want revenge, because only then can we move forward. Take Paula, for instance. We want to see the man who raped her in jail. Instead of walking the streets, maybe stalking his next prey, we want to see him punished for what he did.’

‘Yes, I can understand that, and it’s no more than he deserves.’

‘Then there’s the man who cheated Cheryl. As far as I’m concerned, no matter what the law says, he’s a criminal. We want him to pay for what he did too. As for me, I want Mike Freeman to be sacked, hopefully with his reputation in the industry ruined, like mine was.’

‘Val, I know you’re hurting, but what good would that do?’

‘He stole my job, my life, my career–and I can’t bear it.’

‘Yes, maybe, but I don’t see how you can get him sacked.’

‘As a group we’ll find a way, and, if you like, a plan to make your husband pay too.’

Betty lowered her eyes, thoughts racing. Only that morning she’d received an electric bill that would be a struggle to pay. Richard didn’t struggle, though, or Mel with her cleaner to do all the dirty jobs. She had dreamed of reconciliation with Richard, that Mel would leave him, but knew it wouldn’t happen now. Mel was pregnant and the thought still made her feel sick inside. Yes, she would love to pay Richard back, to see him, and Mel, suffer. But how? ‘I don’t see how I can get back at Richard.’

‘That’s the beauty of this, Betty. You won’t be alone any more. With four of us working together, we’re sure to come up with a plan. In fact, I already have something in mind for the man who raped Paula.’

‘Have you?’

‘Yes, and I’d like you to join us, Betty, but before you make a firm decision, I must tell you that to ensure that he goes to jail, we’ll have to lie to the police.’

‘Oh, no! I don’t think I like the sound of that.’

‘Hear me out first, and if you don’t want to join us, there’ll be no hard feelings.’

Betty listened to Val’s plan, thinking that it could work, should work, and that maybe the end justified the means. Val explained that there were things to be ironed out, but if they were careful the risk of discovery would be minuscule. Even so, the thought of being involved with the police made her stomach lurch in fear.

‘Well, Betty, what do you think?’

‘Val, I’d be useless. I’ve never done anything like that in my life and the thought of lying to the police terrifies me. I’d be such a nervous wreck that it would give the game away.’

‘I think you underestimate yourself, Betty, and remember, you won’t be alone. We’ll all be working together, and each of us will have our turn for revenge. When we implement the plan for Paula, she won’t be involved, and in that way the police won’t have any reason to be suspicious. The same goes for when it’s your turn. We’ll make the plans, but when we carry them out you won’t be involved, so again no suspicion can fall on you. That’s the beauty of this, Betty, and I’m sure you’ll come to realise that.’

Betty shook her head. ‘I’m sorry, but I still don’t think I can do it.’

Val’s smile was sympathetic. ‘I know this must have come as a shock. It’s a lot to take in and a big decision. I don’t expect your answer now, so why don’t you sleep on it?’

‘Yes, all right,’ Betty agreed, relieved when Val rose to leave. She showed her out, her mind reeling as she got ready for bed.

An hour later, Betty was still awake. They would have to lie to the police and the thought of prosecution if they were discovered had her trembling with fear. She scrunched her pillow, mind still churning. Her life had been ordinary, dull, and–since moving to London–lonely. Meeting Val had changed all that and it would be awful to lose her friendship. If she didn’t join them, would Val drop her? Oh, and that meant she wouldn’t see Paula again. She hardly saw her son, and Anne’s infrequent visits were short, so much so that it felt like she’d lost them, that she was no longer needed in their lives.

In such a short time, Val and Paula had become almost a replacement family, Paula like another daughter: one who needed her; one who, unlike Anne, craved affection. The thought of losing them, of being alone again, was unbearable.

Still Betty couldn’t make up her mind. She went over Val’s plan again and suddenly found that her trembles of fear turned to shivers of excitement. She tossed and turned, scared, yet wanting to join the others, wanting not only revenge for herself, but for them too. Could they do it? Could they really pull it off?

Finally, after another hour of agonising, Betty made a decision, at last drifting off to sleep.

Chapter Eleven

It was another glorious day, the sun a bright, golden orb in a blue sky. With rain forecast in the next few days, Cheryl was determined to make the most of her Saturday off, and for now pushed her worries about Val’s plans to one side.

Paula was waiting at Clapham Junction, looking nervously in each direction until she spotted Cheryl striding towards her. A smile lit up her face and for a moment Cheryl saw a flash of her beauty, but as usual Paula was dressed in clothes that were far too old for her. Since they’d met ten months ago, Cheryl had become fond of Paula and was protective of her, as though she were an older sister.

‘Hello, Paula, sorry I’m a bit late.’

‘I’ve only been waiting for a couple of minutes.’

The two of them moved off, walking along Falcon Road, both beginning to perspire as the sun beat down on them. ‘Maybe we should have caught a bus,’ Paula complained.

‘Yes, but we might as well carry on walking now. I’m looking forward to seeing Betty again. You’re right, she’s nice.’

‘She’s great,’ Paula enthused. ‘I wasn’t sure at first, but once she invited us back to her flat for tea, I found her really kind.’

‘Do you think she’ll join us?’

‘There’s a good chance–and, anyway, you know how persuasive Val can be.’

‘Yes, she can certainly win you round,’ Cheryl agreed. When she’d first made an appointment to see a solicitor about the painting, she had been overawed by his tall, sophisticated receptionist. Initially Val appeared coldly efficient, but Cheryl soon found out that it was just an outer shell–that underneath Val was a warm and caring woman. They had become friends, and she’d been introduced to Paula, soon after hearing about their plans. Cheryl realised then that Val had set out to recruit her, yet it hadn’t stopped her from joining them. Now though, once again, doubts assailed her mind until Paula snapped her out of her reverie. ‘Sod it: these shoes have given me a blister,’ she complained.

‘Hold on, I’ve got a packet of plasters in my bag.’

When Paula slipped off her shoe, Cheryl bent down to apply the plaster, and now Paula was able to walk comfortably again, they were soon on their way. At last the park gates came into view; as they entered, Cheryl’s eyes quickly took in their surroundings. They passed a football pitch, and then after a while took a path that bordered the lake, where she saw rowing boats for hire by the hour, with several people already out on the water. The sun reflected on the surface in a dazzle of rippling lights that made Cheryl squint, but then they were approaching the tearooms. ‘It looks packed. I hope we can get a table.’

‘Maybe Val and Betty have already snagged one,’ and Paula’s comment proved to be right as they saw an arm waving to attract their attention.

‘Hello, you two,’ said Val as they reached the table. ‘I didn’t think you’d want to join the queue so I ordered your usual drinks.’

‘Thanks,’ Cheryl said as she took the proffered Cola from the tray, and passed sparkling orange to Paula.

‘Thanks, Val,’ Paula said as she sat down, immediately sucking on the straw.

It struck Cheryl that they looked an odd gathering. There was Paula, the youngest at twenty–two, her clothes as usual dowdy and dark. In complete contrast, Val was beautifully dressed in cream linen worn with amber beads. Beside her Betty looked old–fashioned in a plain navy skirt and prim white blouse, a cameo fastened at the neck, all topped by tight curly hair that was threaded with grey. Then there’s me, Cheryl thought, Miss Wholesome, in her flowery summer dress and skin she knew would be turning an unflattering pink in the heat. Val suddenly leaned forward, saying quietly, ‘Betty told me on the way here that she’d like to join us.’

‘Blimey, that’s great,’ Paula enthused.

‘I must admit it wasn’t an easy decision. I tossed and turned all night.’

Cheryl nodded. ‘I can understand that, and you do know the risks?’

‘Yes, but as Val said, they’re minimal.’

Val’s eyes flicked to the other tables, and when she was satisfied that they couldn’t be overheard, she said, ‘Betty, you’ve heard what happened to us, but Cheryl and Paula don’t know what you’ve been through.’

‘Oh, I…I thought you’d have told them.’

‘I wouldn’t do that without your permission. Do you think you could talk about it again?’

Cheryl saw how Betty paled, her voice hesitant at first but gaining in confidence. As she listened, it sickened Cheryl that Betty’s husband had been so cruel. All right, he might have fallen out of love with his wife and met someone else, but there was no excuse for moving his girlfriend into their home and forcing Betty out. Then, to make things worse, he had virtually robbed Betty, conniving to make sure that she came out of a marriage of over twenty years with hardly a penny.

When Betty stopped speaking, Paula was the first to respond. ‘Blimey, what a bastard. Oops, sorry.’

‘It’s all right, Paula,’ said Cheryl. ‘I think that hearing about Betty’s husband is enough to make a saint swear.’

Val smiled. ‘We’re glad you’ve agreed to join us, Betty, but there’s one proviso. Once we start, there’s no pulling out. As I said, we’ll take one case at a time, starting with Paula. Once we’ve pulled that one off, we’ll have a talk to see who’s next.’

Betty straightened her shoulders, her voice resolute. ‘I won’t pull out.’

‘Right, then there’s no reason why we shouldn’t get started. We’ll need to plan every last detail but, as we don’t want it known that there’s any connection between us, from now on we must make sure that we aren’t seen together.’

‘Val,’ protested Betty, ‘how are we supposed to do that when we live in the same block of flats?’

‘You’ve been living in Ascot Court for a while, but we’ve only met recently. Have you met any of the other tenants?’

‘No, I hardly see them.’

‘Well then, as long as they don’t see us going into each other’s flats, and we stay apart when outside, it won’t be a problem. Cheryl, until we’re ready to put the plan into action, we’ll talk mostly on the telephone.’

‘What about me?’ Paula asked.

‘You’ll have to stay away from all of us until it’s over.’

‘Oh, but—’

‘No “buts,” Paula. When we start on the next case, for instance, Cheryl’s, you’ll be involved, but she won’t. If this is to work, we must stick to the rules.’

‘Will…will I be able to talk to you all on the blower?’

‘Yes, I should think that’s safe, but make sure you don’t discuss our plans if you can be overheard.’

‘Val, I’m still not sure I can pull off my part,’ Cheryl said. ‘I mean, look at me. I hardly look the type that attracts men and I’m not sure that the police will believe me.’

‘Of course they will. You look so innocent, and as a nurse they’ll have no reason to doubt you, especially with Betty and me as witnesses.’

‘What…what if they want to examine me?’

‘You know what happened to Paula when she reported her rape. She was told that for an examination to be of any use it has to be done immediately, before any evidence is lost. The plan covers that and, as you’re willing to have a few bruises, that should suffice.’

Cheryl lowered her eyes, doubts still flooding her mind. When it had just been talk, the planning hadn’t really seemed real, but now the full force of what they intended to do made her stomach clench in fear. If the police found out she wasn’t telling the truth, they were sure to prosecute, and her career would be in ruins. ‘Oh, God, I don’t know if I can do it.’

‘Cheryl, there’s no way the police will suspect that we’ve set Ian Parker up; after all, why should they? We’ll appear three strangers, one a woman who has been raped, the other two witnesses who happened upon the scene.’

‘But other than your door numbers, you’ll both have the same address. Don’t you think that’ll look suspicious?’

Val frowned but, thinking on her feet, she said, ‘We can say that it happened in the park, that Betty and I saw it from our windows.’

‘Yes, good idea,’ Betty enthused. ‘We’ve both got a good view so it would be perfectly plausible. My goodness, I’m actually starting to enjoy this.’

‘I’m glad somebody is,’ Cheryl said. ‘I just wish I could say the same.’

‘You’ll be fine–we’ll all be fine and Ian Parker will be behind bars where he belongs.’

‘I bleedin’ well hope so,’ said Paula. ‘I don’t think I’ll rest until he is. Every time I leave my bedsit I’m terrified I’ll see him.’

Cheryl looked at Paula, saw the distress in her eyes, along with the way her hands shook as she lit yet another cigarette. In the short time they’d been there she had already smoked two and her racking cough was worrying. Paula was drinking heavily too, and though Cheryl had tried to talk to her about it, she insisted it helped her to sleep. The rape haunted her, had turned her into a recluse, and with a sigh Cheryl knew that she couldn’t back out now. For Paula to have any chance of recovery, Ian Parker had to be punished. ‘All right, I’m on, and I’m sorry for my last–minute nerves.’

‘It’s understandable,’ Betty said. ‘I know I said I’m excited, but I’m nervous too.’

Cheryl smiled gratefully, comforted to know that she wasn’t alone in her feelings. ‘What about you, Val? Are you nervous?’

‘Of course I am. I’d be mad not to be; so much so that we must ensure that not one tiny thing can go wrong. To start with, when we make our accusation, we have to make sure that Ian Parker can’t offer up an alibi.’

Cheryl felt reassured as she listened to Val. She was such a clever woman and, with input from all of them, the plan should be watertight. Cheryl just hoped that she’d be able to play her part convincingly. If she couldn’t persuade the police that she’d been raped, the plan would fall at the first hurdle.

Paula’s eyes darted from side to side, praying that Val and the others would succeed. Along with her fear of bumping into Ian Parker, there was hate too. She had seen the sort of life her mother had led, the succession of men who shared her bed. All through her childhood, no matter how many times they moved, it didn’t take the neighbours long to discover that her mother was a tart. She’d heard the gossip, red–faced with shame, and had grown up determined to be different. She had dreamed of marriage, of walking down the aisle a virgin, of living in a nice house with a couple of kids. Their lives would be stable, with a mum and a dad–unlike her own childhood. She would shower them with love and cuddles, something that she had never known, and her life would be perfect.

Ian Parker had taken her virginity and destroyed her dreams. Along with that, he’d left her with a fear of men, a fear of ever being touched again. She would never forget the pain, the way she’d been left feeling used and dirty. Yes, she hated Ian Parker–but most of all she feared him.

‘Are you all right, Paula?’

She turned to look at Betty, almost crumbling when she saw the sympathy in her eyes. If she could have chosen a mother it would have been somebody like Betty, and if they weren’t sitting in the park she would run into her arms. Instead she lowered her head, just saying, ‘Yeah, I’m fine. I…I’m just gonna miss you all.’

Betty scrabbled in her handbag and, pulling out a piece of paper, she wrote on it before handing it to Paula. ‘Here’s my phone number–you can ring me any time.’

‘Fanks, it’s good of you, but it won’t be the same.’

‘It won’t be for long,’ Val said. ‘Once we make sure that everything is covered, that nothing can go wrong, I think we can make our move in about a month.’

‘A month! But that’s ages,’ Paula gasped, horrified at the thought. She went to work all week and was stuck in every evening, with only her weekend meetings with them to look forward to.

‘It’ll soon pass,’ Cheryl said, ‘and it’ll be worth it to see Ian Parker behind bars.’

Paula nodded, but was still unhappy. Since the rape she had stopped going out with her old friends, too afraid and too ashamed to tell them what had happened to her. Val, Cheryl, and now Betty had taken their place, and she would miss them something rotten. She had never expected to have friends like Val and Cheryl, both older than her and both so different. Val was the eldest, an upmarket sort of woman with a good heart, whilst Cheryl was a nurse, who she now saw as a sort of older sister. They had both taken her under their wings; and now there was Betty too–a kind, motherly sort, she felt, though she’d had little time to get to know her. Despite this, she felt safe with Betty, safe with the others, felt a bond, but now…

As though aware of her feelings, Betty reached across the table to pat the back of Paula’s hand, saying gently, ‘Never mind, love. As Cheryl said, the time will soon pass.’

‘Yeah, I suppose so.’

Treacle began to whimper, straining at his lead, and with a small shake of her head, Val said, ‘He wants a walk so I think it’s time to break up. As I said, from now on we mustn’t be seen together. When you get home, go over my plan again, and if you can think of anything that I’ve left out, give me a ring.’ She then turned her head. ‘Betty, we’ll go home separately, but as long as none of the other tenants sees us, we can meet up either in my flat or yours.’

With a gulp, Paula managed a small smile as Val said goodbye, then shortly afterwards Betty stood up to leave, her smile kindly as she said, ‘We’ll meet up when this is all over, but until then, take care of yourself.’ She then said goodbye to Cheryl, lifting a hand to wave as she walked away.

Cheryl touched Paula’s hand. ‘You were right, Betty’s nice–but, come on, no matter what Val said, I don’t think it’ll do any harm if we walk home together.’

‘It feels like we’ve only just got here and it’s still early.’

‘Yes it is, so let’s go for a stroll around the park before we leave.’

‘What if Val sees us?’

Cheryl grinned. ‘If we go in the opposite direction, I don’t think she’ll spot us.’

‘You’re on,’ said Paula, relishing the thought of a little more time outdoors before she returned to her poky bedsit. Four weeks, just four more weeks, and Ian Parker would be locked up–and with that would come her freedom.