Desperate Measures (8 page)

Chapter Twelve

During the following weeks, Val and the others were so consumed with their plan that they seemed unaware of what was going on in the world around them. Cheryl was still worried about pulling off her part convincingly, of her lies being discovered, and was finding it hard to keep her mind on her work.

Val too was nervous. The plan was hers, the onus on her, and it had to be perfect. If anything went wrong she would never forgive herself. As she sat in reception now, typing a letter, Val cursed when she hit a wrong key. Tutting with impatience, she reached for the Tipp–Ex, knowing that any mistakes in her plan wouldn’t be wiped out so easily.

Paula had taken to ringing Betty two or three times a week, but now on a Saturday in mid–August they were nearly ready, with one last thing to do. Betty was worried about Paula. It was going to be so hard for her, but Val insisted it was necessary and, in reality, she had to agree. When the telephone rang she went to answer it and wasn’t surprised to hear Paula’s voice.

‘Hello, Betty.’

‘Hello, sweetheart, and how are you feeling?’

‘I’m all right, but nervous about tonight.’

‘You won’t be alone, sweetheart. We’ll all be with you.’

‘Yeah, I know.’

‘Have you heard from your mum this week?’

‘Nah, she hardly ever rings me.’

Betty asked the question that had been on her mind. ‘Does your mother know about Ian Parker? What he did to you?’

‘After it…it happened, I was in a state, and a couple of days later, I went to see her. I don’t know why I bothered. She just said that I was a silly cow and should have kneed him in his bollocks.’

After hearing about Paula’s upbringing, Betty wasn’t surprised by the crude words she sometimes used, or her mother’s callousness, but in this instance she had hoped that Paula would have been shown a little more support. ‘Maybe your mother was shocked and that was all she could think of to say.’

‘Yeah, and pigs might fly. It would take a lot more than that to shock my mum.’

The more Betty heard about Paula’s mother, the less enamoured she felt. The woman had virtually abandoned her daughter when Paula was just eighteen and it broke Betty’s heart that the girl seemed so alone.

They chatted for a while longer, Betty doing her best to again reassure Paula that everything would be fine that night, and then, saying goodbye, she replaced the receiver. She sighed heavily, hoping she was right. If Ian Parker spotted them, it could ruin everything, and all their careful plans would be in ruins.

An hour later there was a knock on her door, and Betty smiled with delight when she saw her daughter. ‘Anne, it’s about time. It’s been a month since I’ve seen you.’

‘Sorry, Mum,’ Anne said as she stepped inside. ‘I’ve been a bit busy, but I’m here now.’

‘John hasn’t been to see me either, but at least he rings me now and then.’

‘I haven’t heard from him. Is he still seeing the same girl?’

‘Yes, and I think it really is serious this time.’

Anne snorted with derision as she sat down, but Betty ignored her, instead asking, ‘And how are things with you?’

‘To tell you the truth, I’m a bit fed up. I didn’t get the promotion I was hoping for and I might look for another job.’

‘But, Anne, you’ve been with that company for years. Do you really think it’s wise to leave?’

‘That’s just it. I’ve been there for so long that they see me as part of the furniture. I’m taken for granted, but maybe if they think I’m leaving it’ll make them sit up a bit.’

‘I hope you’re right,’ Betty said as she went through to the kitchenette to find a bottle of Coke for her daughter.

When she returned, Anne had risen to her feet and was standing with her arms folded across her chest, shoulders hunched as she gazed out of the window. For the first time in ages, Betty could see a trace of vulnerability in her daughter, and impulsively she put a comforting arm around her. ‘Don’t let your job get you down, love. I’m sure it will all work out.’

‘It isn’t work that’s upsetting me, it’s Mel. The way she’s been carrying on has been a bit of an eye–opener.’

‘Why, what’s she been doing?’

‘Lately she’s been behaving like an absolute bitch. Oh, I won’t deny that I like her, but you’d think she was at death’s door instead of pregnant. All right, she had a bit of morning sickness, but she’s using the pregnancy as an excuse to do absolutely nothing. When I go to see Dad I end up like a servant, waiting on her hand and foot. I’ve tried to tell him that pregnancy isn’t an illness, but he won’t listen and still treats her like an invalid. Dad’s so wrapped up in Mel that he hardly notices I’m there.’

So, Betty thought, her daughter was jealous. Her precious father was showing his wife more attention than her. Anne had always been a daddy’s girl, but now felt she was coming second in his affections. ‘I didn’t have any help when I was carrying John, or you, and you’re right, pregnancy isn’t an illness.’ Betty shrugged. ‘Still, you never know, maybe there’s a problem.’

‘Dad did say something about her blood pressure being high, but she looks all right to me.’

Betty loved her daughter, but Anne had always shown a selfish streak. Yes, and I’m getting as bad, she thought, because in truth she was pleased that Anne was less enamoured with Mel. She’d been jealous of their relationship–jealous that they’d become friends. She too had had high blood pressure when carrying Anne, but there’d been no chance to rest. It hadn’t done her any harm and Betty was sure it would be the same for Mel. She held out the glass. ‘Here, Anne, drink your Coke.’

Anne took it, gulping it down and then saying, ‘Right, I’m off.’

‘But you’ve only just got here!’

‘Oh, Mum, you always say that, but I need to buy a few things and I promised Tony I’d be back before two. We’re going riding, and I’m trying out a new horse. I don’t know how many times I’ve told you that I’d love to see more of you, but it takes up most of the morning just getting here and driving back.’

‘Anne, don’t exaggerate. I’m not that far away.’

‘You are to me, Mum. I wish you hadn’t moved away from Farnham.’

Betty felt a lump in her throat. Anne was making her feel that she’d abandoned her, just as Paula had been abandoned, but it just wasn’t the same. Anne was a grown woman, already living away from home when she’d left the area; even when she had lived close by, Anne hadn’t been a frequent visitor. ‘I’m sorry I left, darling, but it’s a good job and the pay is better in London. I do love you, you know that, and I’m always here if you need me.’

‘Take no notice of me, Mum. I’m just a bit fed up, that’s all.’

Betty kissed her daughter’s cheek, pleased to find her kiss returned, and then Anne hurried out. Before she had met Val, her daughter’s short visits were all she’d had to look forward to, but now Betty realised she only had herself to blame. Oh, but she really had been struggling to find well–paid work, her move to London easing the financial strain a little. She’d been lonely since moving away, her life mundane–just work, home and the occasional visit to the shops. She’d had nobody to talk to, but thankfully all that had changed. She now got up looking forward to each day, knowing that she had friends, their plans bringing meaning and excitement to her life. It was too late to change things now, too late to go back to the country; even if she did, would she really see more of Anne? Betty doubted it.

It was eight o’clock on Saturday evening, and in Battersea Bridge Road, all four women were sitting in Val’s car. Betty was beside Paula and holding her hand, but the poor girl was still shaking from head to toe.

‘Paula, I hate putting you through this,’ said Val, ‘but if we don’t know what Ian Parker looks like, we won’t be able to pick him out of an identity parade.’

‘I…I know,’ she said, her eyes fixed on the Ethelburga Estate. She wanted to bolt, to run a mile, as memories of the rape flooded her mind. Just the thought of having to look at him again made her stomach churn: his face, his hands, the way he had grabbed her. Bile rose in her throat and she almost choked, forcing it back down, her mouth filled with the bitter taste.

They were parked facing the most likely exit, but so far there had been no sign of Ian Parker. ‘We’ve been sitting here for ages. What if he doesn’t come out?’ Cheryl complained.

‘I…I don’t think he’d stay in on a Saturday night,’ Paula managed to say.

‘All right, but what if he spots us, Val? Surely Paula’s description is enough.’

‘No, Cheryl, it isn’t a chance I want to take.’

‘If you ask me, this is riskier, and you were the one who said we shouldn’t be seen together.’

‘If there are similar men in the line–up, we could make a mistake. On this occasion I think it’s worth the risk. As long as we keep our heads down, he won’t spot us.’

‘Is there still a gap in the park railings?’ Cheryl asked, now changing the subject.

‘Fortunately, yes. The park is locked at night and if the railings had been repaired, we’d have been forced to call it off. We’re lucky the gap isn’t highly visible or the park maintenance crew would have been on to it like a shot.’

‘There he is,’ Paula cried, pointing to Ian Parker before swiftly ducking down. Oh God, she was going to wet herself–she needed the toilet. ‘Val, get me out of here!’

‘It’s all right, Paula–it’s all right,’ Val assured her. ‘He isn’t even looking our way and we’ll be leaving soon.’

Though Val’s words calmed her a little, Paula kept low, terrified that he’d spot her.

‘Did you all get a good look at him?’ Val asked.

‘Yes,’ Betty said.

‘Me too,’ said Cheryl.

‘He’s gone now, Paula, and he didn’t even look in our direction as he drove off,’ Val said as she started the engine.

Paula was so relieved that tears flooded her eyes, but she still kept her body low as the car moved away.

Betty reassured her, saying, ‘It’s all right, darling, you can come up now. Oh, don’t cry. I know that seeing him must have brought it all back, but it’s over now.

Paula sat up gingerly, unaware that Val was looking at her in the rear-view mirror, her eyes showing concern.

Val had heard the terror in Paula’s voice and saw how pale she was. They’d set the date for the plot for the coming Thursday night, but she wondered now if Paula would have the strength to play her part. Val hadn’t wanted to involve her at all, but when they’d hit a sticking point over Ian Parker’s alibi, it was Paula who had come up with an idea. The problem was that she was the only one who could pull it off, and now Val asked, ‘Paula, are you sure you’ll be all right on Thursday night?’

‘If it’s too much for you, it isn’t too late to back out,’ said Cheryl.

Val shot Cheryl a look. Her tone sounded eager, almost as if she wanted Paula to pull out, but then Paula said, ‘Don’t worry. I…I’ll be all right.’

‘Right then,’ Val said, ‘we’re all set. If it’s all right with you, Paula, I’ll drop you off at the end of your street.’

‘Oh…do I have to go home?’

‘I’m afraid so. We’ve already risked being seen together and must break up now.’

‘Never mind, love,’ Betty consoled, ‘it won’t be for much longer.’

Val glanced again in her rear–view mirror to see that Betty had an arm around Paula’s shoulder. The two of them had taken to each other and though Val knew why, she wouldn’t dream of voicing her opinion. She had come to know Betty well since their first meeting in the park, and had heard a lot about her two children. They were both grown up with thriving careers and neither seemed to need their mother. It was Paula’s neediness that drew Betty–the girl’s craving to be mothered; their relationship symbiotic. She felt a surge of envy, wishing that she were able to show Paula more affection, show her that she cared, but instead Betty had taken that role.

Soon they were close to Clapham Junction and at the end of Paula’s street. Val pulled into the kerb, twisting round in her seat to smile at Paula, saying warmly, ‘Bye, love, and I’ll ring you tomorrow.’

‘Yes, all right,’ she said, her expression downcast as she said goodbye to the others. Paula climbed out of the car, her hand lifting in a desolate wave as she walked away.

They watched her for a moment, and then Val said, ‘Right, I’ll drop you off next, Cheryl, and we’ll meet up at my place on Thursday night. Wait till it’s dark and make sure you’re not seen sneaking into the block.’

‘That’s going to be risky too.’

‘It’ll be fine,’ Val said, but once again she was worried by the tone of Cheryl’s voice. It wasn’t Paula who was proving to be the weakest link, the one who would back out. If anything, it was Cheryl.

Chapter Thirteen

For once, the time passed too quickly for Paula. They had talked about the best night to carry out the plan, and she had suggested Thursday. It was the last night before pay–day, and with any luck Ian Parker would be short of money and likely to stay in.

Paula was now regretting her suggestion. She hated going to the Ethelburga Estate, was terrified of bumping into him, and scared out of her wits to walk the streets at night. It was only the thought of what Val and the others were risking for her sake that finally prised her out of the bedsit.

Thankfully Ian Parker lived in a different block from her friend Nicky, yet even so she shot into the entrance, running in fear to knock on her door.

‘Come on in, Paula. Blimey, talk about long time no see. You could have knocked me down with a feather when you rang.’

Paula followed Nicky into her living room, relieved to be out of sight, and seeing a bloke lounging with his feet up on the coffee table, she forced a smile.

‘That’s Eddie, me boyfriend,’ Nicky said.

‘Watcha,’ he nodded in greeting.

Paula nodded back then, turning to Nicky, held out a bag containing the silk designer shirt that she and the others had clubbed together to buy. ‘Nicky, here’s the gear I told you about.’

She pulled out the shirt to inspect it. ‘Yeah, it’s a nice bit of stuff.’

Paula continued with her well–rehearsed lies. ‘If you can get a quid for it, you can keep half. The only thing is, I want you to offer it to Ian Parker.’

‘What, that creepy git in the next block?’

‘Yeah, that’s right.’

‘I’d still like to know how a single bloke got a council flat. I reckon it’s a sublet and the council knows nothing about it.’

‘Yeah, probably. Someone once offered me their council flat, but I couldn’t afford the rent. They wanted twice what they pay the council.’

‘Subletting sounds like a nice little scam,’ Nicky agreed, ‘but why do you want me to offer this gear to Ian Parker?’

‘’Cos he owes me ten bob and won’t pay it back. I nicked the shirt so it cost me nothing, and it’ll be doing you a favour at the same time.’

‘It’s good of you, Paula, but why don’t you flog it to him yerself? You’d be ten bob up then.’

Paula knew her story was weak and was glad that Nicky wasn’t all that bright. ‘We fell out and if he knows it’s my gear he won’t buy it. You’d best keep it to yourself that it came from me.’

‘If he doesn’t want it, I know another geezer who might.’

‘All right, but try Ian Parker first.’

Nicky gave her a hard stare, but then shrugged. ‘All right, but I’m taking Eddie with me. You’ll have to keep an eye on me nipper, but I’ll be back soon.’

With her boyfriend in tow, they left the flat whilst Paula sank down beside the grubby–looking toddler asleep on the sofa. Her stomach churned as she waited, hand to her mouth as she nibbled stumpy nails. Nicky would keep her mouth shut, she was sure of it, and Ian Parker would have no reason to link the supposed knocked–off shirt to her. Not only that, he would never admit buying hooky gear to the police. Anyway, with the timing, there was no way he could use Nicky’s visit as an alibi.

Paula continued to nibble her nails impatiently. She had one last thing to do and that was to ring Val as soon as she knew that Ian Parker was alone. If he was, the plan would go ahead, but if he had company! Oh, please, please let him be alone.

At last Nicky and her boyfriend returned, saying as she marched in, ‘Bloody hell, Paula, it was like getting blood out of a stone. Still, in the end he could see it was really good gear and broke into his rent. I got a quid, so here’s your share.’

Paula took the money, trying to sound offhand as she asked, ‘Was he on his own?’

‘Yeah, and I’m glad I took Eddie with me. I’ve heard he’s a bit of a funny bugger so I didn’t fancy going into his flat on my own.’

‘Really? What have you heard about him?’

‘Oh, nuffin’ much, I suppose, but Jenny went out with him once and said he was a bit rough.’

Yes, he’s rough all right, Paula thought, but Jenny was on the game so she wouldn’t have fought him off. She’d have held out her hand for payment when he’d finished. Paula forced a smile, saying, ‘Well thanks, Nicky, and I’ll see you around.’

‘It’s me who should thank you. That’s the easiest ten bob I’ve earned in ages. See you, Paula, and if any other stuff comes your way, let me know.’

Once again Paula forced a smile. She had hated seeing Nicky again; was glad to be away from her old circle of friends. When living with her mum, a life dependent on crime was all she’d known–some of her friends and her mother were always bringing home dodgy gear. They’d all lived for the moment, enjoying themselves when the pickings were good, but dodging the rent man during leaner times.

It was only after Ian Parker had raped her that she’d broken away from Nicky and the rest of her crowd, soon realising that if she hadn’t, despite trying to deny it, they would have eventually sucked her into their way of life. She could remember a trip to Oxford Street with Nicky, the pair of them trawling the shops and Nicky laughing at her when she refused to nick anything. When they arrived home, Nicky proudly displaying her haul, Paula could remember feeling a surge of envy. She had to work in shitty factories to earn enough to buy cheap clothes from the market; whereas, in one morning, Nicky had bagged a smashing dress, blouse and skirt for nothing.

Ashamed now that she had been tempted to do the same, Paula left Nicky’s block, but once outside, she was hit by nerves. Her eyes flicked around, and, though there was a telephone box right there, she was too scared to stop and use it. Instead she ran almost all the way home, breathless when she arrived, but felt safe to ring Val now. She fed coins into the box and after only two rings, Val answered.

‘Val, it’s Paula. He’s on his own.’

‘Well done. It means we can go ahead now. We won’t be ringing the police until after midnight, so don’t wait up. Try to get some sleep and I’ll call you in the morning when it’s all over.’

‘Sleep, you must be kidding.’

‘I know, but there’s nothing more you can do. As I said, I’ll ring you as soon as I can, but rather than disturbing the other tenants in your house, it won’t be until morning.’

‘Shit, I hate not having my own phone,’ Paula wailed.

‘I know, but goodbye for now–and please, do try to get some sleep.’

With that Val hung up, and Paula was left staring at the receiver. She slowly replaced it, going into her room with her heart thumping in her chest. It was happening–it was really happening! She sank onto the side of her bed. Please, please let it work, she begged, and please, keep them all safe.

Val too replaced the receiver and, turning to Betty, she said, ‘We’re on.’

‘Thank goodness for that. I’ll stay with you until Cheryl arrives if you like.’

‘She won’t be leaving her colleague’s flat until eleven–fifteen, so I doubt she’ll be here before eleven–thirty I’ve booked the day off work tomorrow, but you haven’t.’

‘I’ll be fine.’

‘I can’t believe how calm you are.’

Betty smiled. ‘Do you know, neither can I, but to be honest, I’m only playing the part of a witness, so I’ve not got much to do.’

‘This plan was mine, and it’s down to me if it goes wrong.’

‘Stop worrying. I’m sure it won’t. Now for goodness’ sake, sit down and try to relax.’

Val at last took a seat, going over the plan again and again in her mind. It had to work, it just had to, and impatiently she looked at the clock. ‘I’ll make us a drink,’ she said, rising to her feet again.

‘Not for me, thanks. I feel like my stomach’s swimming with tea.’

‘What about a sherry?’

‘You know I don’t drink and I don’t think you should have one either. We need to keep our heads clear.’

Val sighed. ‘Yes, you’re right, but one won’t hurt me.’

‘All right then, and at least it might calm your nerves.’

The time seemed to drag and their conversation was fitful. Unable to sit still, Val constantly went to the window, until at last she saw Cheryl approaching the flats. She opened the door, saying as soon as Cheryl was inside, ‘We’re on.’

Cheryl looked pale and tense as she flopped onto a chair. Concerned, Val asked, ‘Are you all right?’

‘Yes, yes, I suppose so.’

‘Did your colleague think it was odd that you stayed so late?’

‘No, it wasn’t a problem. As I told you, she took up midwifery, leaving the hospital to work in the community. She acts as a district midwife for women who want to have their babies at home, and she loves it. I told her I might be interested in taking up midwifery too, and with so much to tell me, the time just flew past. God, listen to me, I’m gabbling. Oh, Val, I hung around outside my colleague’s flat for ages, sick with nerves, with doubt. I…I’m not sure that I can go through with this.’

‘Cheryl, you can’t mean it. Don’t say you’re going to back out now?’

‘I’m scared. What if it all goes wrong?’

‘It won’t. We’ve planned everything down to the last detail.’

‘I know, but I still think there’s the danger they’ll want me examined.’

‘We’ve been through this. When Paula was raped she was told an examination is pointless after a bath. They’ll see your bruises, and with us as witnesses, that should be enough.’

‘What if it isn’t? When Paula went to the police she wasn’t taken seriously and it’s worrying me to death. It might be different for me, and if I have to have an examination, a doctor will be able to tell that I haven’t been raped.’

‘Val, she’s right,’ Betty said, her face now etched with concern. ‘I thought we had everything covered, but now I’m having doubts too.’

‘Let me think,’ Val said as she began to pace the room. They couldn’t pull out now, they just couldn’t. She went over and over it, at last realising that there was still a chance, but felt her cheeks redden as she said, ‘Cheryl, I’m sorry to ask, but are…are you a virgin?’

‘No, I’m not.’ Her eyes then flicked to Betty. ‘Don’t look so shocked. I’ve only been with a couple of men and that was some time ago.’

‘I’m not shocked. How can I be when my own daughter is living with a man with no sign of them ever getting married?’

Val spoke again. ‘Cheryl, as long as you aren’t a virgin, if you made a fresh…err…penetration, do you think it would fool a doctor?’

Betty’s eyes widened in shock as she spluttered, ‘Val, how can you suggest that?’

Cheryl lowered her head whilst Val held her breath. Had she gone too far? Oh, please, don’t let her back out now.

At last Cheryl looked up, her smile thin. ‘It’s all right, Betty. Done properly it should work, so yes, Val, I…I’ll do it.’

‘Well, rather you than me,’ said Betty, her expression showing her distaste.

Worried that Betty’s attitude would make Cheryl change her mind, Val said brusquely, ‘Betty, it’s getting on for midnight so I think you’d better sneak back upstairs. I’ll tell the police you saw what happened, and they’ll probably come up to question you.’

‘I’ll be ready for them,’ she assured her and, after a somewhat sheepish smile at Cheryl, she let Val poke her head outside to see if the stairs were clear before hurrying out.

Val closed the door, saying to Cheryl as she did so: ‘Oh dear, I think I shocked her.’

‘It would take more than that to shock me. As a nurse you wouldn’t believe some of the things I’ve seen women do to themselves.’

‘Such as?’

‘I’ll tell you some other time,’ she said, smiling at last, ‘but right now it’s time to sort out my bruises.’

Val was surprised by the sudden change in Cheryl’s attitude. It was as if all doubts had been cast aside, leaving her sounding brisk and efficient. ‘What do you want me to do?’

‘My skin is very pale and marks easily, but as I can’t go to work with bruises on show, make sure they’ll be covered by my uniform. Grip the tops of my arms, dig your fingers in, and that should suffice. After that you’ll have to mark my thighs.’

Val hesitated, but Cheryl said, ‘Come on, don’t be squeamish.’

‘It’s all right for you, you’re a nurse,’ Val said, suddenly wondering if that was why Cheryl’s demeanour had changed. It was almost as if she had put her nurse’s hat on, becoming calm, controlled and in charge. ‘Do you know, for a while there I thought you were going to back out.’

‘I was scared of being caught out by a medical examination. Thanks to your idea, that’s covered now, so come on, let’s get this over with.’ Cheryl unbuttoned her blouse, showing no sign of embarrassment as she stood in just her brassiere.

‘Ready?’ Val asked, hesitant at first as she gripped Cheryl’s arms, but told that she wasn’t digging her fingers in hard enough, she increased the pressure.

‘That should do it.’ Val was amazed to see that marks were already forming on Cheryl’s upper arms and, when Cheryl took over to scrape her own nails across her breasts, the lines flared a vivid red.

Cheryl then slipped off her skirt, once again unperturbed by her state of undress. Val though found her cheeks burning as she dug her fingers into Cheryl’s inner thighs and was glad when it was over.

‘Great, that should do it,’ Cheryl said, then saying that she needed the privacy of the bathroom for the next bit.

As the door closed behind her, Val paced the room, trying not to think about what Cheryl was being forced to do to herself.

When at last Cheryl returned, her face even paler than usual, she said in a matter–of–fact manner, ‘Right, all done, and I’ve managed to make it look rough.’

‘Oh, Cheryl, I’m so sorry. I should never have asked you to do that.’

‘I’m glad you did. I feel safer that my story will be believed now, and as far as I’m concerned, being a bit sore is worth it. Mind you,’ she grinned, ‘talk about pain without any pleasure.’

Val smiled back, feeling a little better now. ‘I’ll ring the police shortly–I doubt it’ll be long before they arrive.’

While waiting they went over their stories again and, as predicted, it didn’t take them long to turn up. Val hurried to answer the door, admitting two police officers. She led them to Cheryl, worried at first to see her shaking badly, but then realised that it actually helped to give credence to her story.