Diamonds in the Dust (15 page)

True to his word, Reg was through the factory gates as soon as they were opened.

‘Can I help you, Constable?’ The gatekeeper stopped Reg, eyeing him in his uniform.

‘I’d like a word with Mr Roger Grant, please.’

‘Don’t know if he’s around, but I’ll take you to the boss. He’ll probably know where his son is.’

‘Thanks.’ Reg fell into step beside the man.

‘One of your blokes was here not long ago. You still looking for that missing woman?’ When Reg nodded, the man shook his head. ‘If you ain’t found her yet, then she’s dead. Here we are.’ The gatekeeper knocked on a door and opened it for Reg to enter the room.

Mr Grant senior stood up and shook hands with Reg.

‘They’re still looking for that woman,’ the
gatekeeper informed his boss, then left immediately.

‘I don’t know how I can help you. I told your colleague everything we know.’

‘Just routine enquiries, sir. Your son worked on the night shift. I wondered if I could have a word with him?’

‘Roger? I’m not sure if he’s here. I’ll send someone to look for him.’ Mr Grant left the office, but was soon back. ‘Might take a while, this is a big place. I’ve ordered tea for us while we wait.’

They had drained the teapot before the door opened. A man of around thirty walked in, and Reg studied him carefully. He was of average height with dark brown hair and eyes, very much like his father. And the policeman in Reg didn’t trust him.

‘This officer wants a word with you, Roger. You can use my office.’ With a nod of his head he walked out.

As Roger sat in his father’s chair, Reg thought it strange that his father hadn’t stayed. It would have been a natural reaction to a policeman wanting to interview his son about something concerning the factory. Perhaps he knew his son too well?

‘What can I do for you?’ Roger asked. He was clearly nervous, but trying hard not to show it.

Removing his notebook from his top pocket, Reg pretended to read from it, taking his time before speaking. When he looked up there was a hint of perspiration on Roger’s face. The man was anxious, and he wanted to keep him that way. ‘When was the last time you saw Mrs Duval?’

‘Who?’

‘Duval.’ Reg smiled. ‘I believe you knew her.’

‘Never heard of her.’

‘Perhaps you knew her as Bentley?’ Reg shrugged as if confused. ‘Not sure what name she’s using, but it was definitely Duval when she worked here on your night shift.’

‘Duval.’ Roger gazed into space as if trying to remember. ‘Now I come to think about it, there was a woman by that name, but I didn’t know her very well. Kept herself to herself. Why are you asking about her?’

Reg felt a tingle of excitement. Roger’s voice had risen slightly, showing he was lying. ‘She’s missing. Hasn’t anyone told you?’

‘Oh, that one. Jim did mention it to me, but as I didn’t know her very well I didn’t take much notice.’

‘So, when was the last time you saw her?’

‘How the hell am I supposed to remember? She must have left when we closed down the night shift!’

Good, now the man was getting angry. ‘She left about six months before that.’

Roger tried to look uninterested. ‘That was the last time I saw her then.’

‘You didn’t meet her outside of work?’ Reg persisted.

‘No, I bloody well didn’t!’ Roger stood up suddenly. ‘I’ve got work to do and I’m not answering any more of your questions.’

After writing in his notebook, Reg tucked it back in his pocket and stood up, holding out his hand. ‘Thank you for your time, Mr Grant.’

When they shook hands, Roger’s was wet with perspiration, and Reg left the factory feeling as if they
had something to go on at last. He would be seeing Roger Grant again, that was for sure!

He’d pop into the hospital and see Stan. He’d want to know about this.

It had been a busy day at the house and Dora loved being here, but she couldn’t help feeling guilty that she wasn’t out looking for a job with better pay. Dr Burridge was relying on her more and more. She had taken over his office work, and he called on her quite often to help with the men. Sometimes they just needed someone to pour out their troubles to. There were often tears of despair from these shattered men, and it gave her immense satisfaction to see a smile appear on their faces again.

Word about the house was spreading and a constant flow of young men now came daily. This was where she wanted to be, and the thought of leaving upset her. She was now working a full week, some of it without pay. Tom was adamant that she should stay, assuring her that they would manage. He had wanted to get a job after school, but that was impossible as he had Lily to look after until Dora arrived home. She didn’t dare look too far into the future. The prospects were frightening.

‘Ready to go, Dora?’

At the sound of Alan’s voice she turned and smiled. ‘You mustn’t keep doing this,’ she scolded. ‘I can get the train.’

‘Why, when I’ve got my car outside? And this is the last time I’ll be able to drive you home. I’m starting work tomorrow.’

‘Oh, that’s wonderful.’ She knew how much these men wanted to work; to regain a little of their dignity.

He gave his usual easy grin. His features were perfectly sculptured, and his grey eyes seemed to show his every emotion. The only time they became veiled was when the war was mentioned. This was a kind man, and she knew Stan had great respect for him.

‘And you said you’d come dancing with me when you knew Stan was all right.’

‘I don’t know that I can, Alan. What about Tom and Lily?’

‘We could ask Stan’s sister to have them for the evening. I’m sure they’d be pleased to do that for you.’

He was hard to resist, and she realised that she would like to go out with him. Just to have an evening where she could put all the worry behind her – and have fun. It made her feel selfish to be even considering it, but she had never been asked out before … The thought of doing something so normal was tempting.

Alan bent slightly so he could look into her eyes. ‘Does this hesitation mean you’ll come?’

‘I’ll have to see Winnie first.’

‘We’ll go there now, and then I can take them to visit Stan.’

They were both soon in the car and heading for Winnie’s.

Reg was also at home when they called and Alan didn’t hesitate. ‘We’ve come to ask a favour. I want to take Dora out dancing, but she’s concerned about leaving Tom and Lily alone for the evening. Would you be kind enough to look after them?’

Dora was uncomfortable, and she spoke quickly. ‘We’ll understand if you can’t do it.’

‘Of course we can.’ Winnie smiled at Alan. ‘When would you like to go?’

‘Tonight? I’ll drive you to see Stan, and we’ll collect the children around eleven.’

‘Oh, that’s far too late for Lily!’ Dora protested.

‘Why not let Lily sleep here?’ Reg suggested, glancing at his daughter who was beaming from ear to ear at the prospect. ‘I’m sure June would be happy to share her bed.’

‘Excellent idea! That’s very kind of you.’

Dora could only stand there feeling helpless as Alan arranged everything. ‘I can see you’re used to giving orders, Captain!’

He broke into a lazy smile, and Dora could see that Stan’s family were just as captivated with him. June had remained quiet, never taking her eyes off the tall man.

‘We’ll be back in an hour,’ Alan announced as he guided Dora out of the house.

He was chuckling quietly to himself as they got back in the car. ‘There, that wasn’t any bother, was it?’

Dora blew out a pent-up breath. ‘Oh, no trouble at all. You never gave them a chance to refuse.’

‘Are you saying I’m bossy?’

‘Yes!’ Dora glanced at him and they burst out laughing.

When they reached the house, Alan organised Tom and Lily with the same authority. Cramming seven in his car was impossible, so he drove Winnie and all the children to the hospital first and then came back for Reg and herself.
They dropped Reg off at the hospital and Alan whisked Dora away, wasting no time.

‘I thought we were going in to see Stan for a couple of minutes?’

‘Take too long, and you can see him tomorrow.’

He drove to a private officers’ club in Piccadilly. It was only when they walked in that Dora realised Alan was not middle class, as she’d assumed, but a step up from that. After her hat and coat had been taken from her, she tipped her head to one side and studied him thoughtfully.

‘What?’ he asked.

‘I was just wondering if you have a title.’

‘No.’ He slipped her hand through his arm as they walked into the dimly lit room. There was a small dance floor surrounded by tables. He led her over to one near the band and held the chair for her. Then he sat down and raised his eyebrows to the waiter.

‘Yes, sir?’

‘Champagne, please.’

‘Certainly, sir.’

Dora gazed around with interest. This was a very different world from the one she lived in, but she had no fears that she would disgrace herself. Their mother had taught them how to behave, no matter what class of society they found themselves in. Dora had never given it much thought before but now she wondered, how had her mother known so much about etiquette?

‘Hey.’ Alan touched her hand. ‘I’m being ignored here!’

‘Sorry, that’s rude of me.’ Dora picked up her glass and took a sip. ‘Are you a member here?’

‘No, too stuffy for my liking. I prefer the Wandsworth house. They let me in because my father’s a member.’

‘Is he an army officer as well?’

‘Not now, he’s retired.’ Alan stood up and bowed elegantly. ‘Will you dance with me, Miss Bentley?’

‘Thank you, sir. I’d love to.’

The time seemed to fly by, and for a short while Dora relaxed enough to push away the horror of her mother’s disappearance. Alan was good company, charming and attentive. He had a dry wit, making her laugh often.

They were about to leave when a distinguished couple came in and walked straight up to Alan. He introduced Dora to Brigadier Stanton and his wife.

After the introduction, the brigadier turned his attention back to Alan. ‘How’s the General?’

‘He’s fine, sir.’

‘Good, good. Tell him I’ll be in touch.’

‘I’ll do that. He’ll be pleased to see you.’ Alan took Dora’s arm and led her out.

She stopped when they were on the pavement and stared at him. ‘General?’

‘Hmm, retired.’

‘And what does the
General
do now he’s retired?’

‘He’s a barrister.’

‘Alan!’ Dora was shaking her head in astonishment. ‘What on earth are you doing taking me out? I’m nothing more than a housemaid!’

‘Don’t you ever put yourself down like that!’ He spoke sharply. ‘You’re a lovely caring girl, and obviously well
educated. You’re as good as anyone else – and don’t you forget it!’

‘No, sir!’ The laughter faded from her eyes when she said, ‘You sounded just like my mother then. She always told us that.’

‘And she was right,’ Alan said softly. ‘The war has changed a lot of the old ways, Dora. The class barriers aren’t so important now. We all fought and died together. Things will never return to the way they were, and that’s a good thing.’

‘Yes, I agree.’

Two weeks later Stan had had enough. Reg hadn’t been able to make any progress with the investigation. Bloomsbury police had given him access to their findings in the hunt for Mrs Duval – which were next to nothing – but had not considered the connection with Mrs Bentley strong enough to give him permission to do a thorough search of the flat. Both men were frustrated about this, but there was nothing they could do until they had some proof that the missing Mrs Duval was indeed Mrs Bentley. And another thing fretting Stan was the fact that Alan was seeing far too much of Dora.

‘Damn it, Doc!’ Stan swore when Dr Burridge appeared at his bedside. ‘How much longer are you going to keep me tied to this bed?’

‘Is he always this bad tempered, Nurse?’ he asked mildly.

‘I’m afraid so, sir. If he could get hold of a pair of crutches he’d be out of here as soon as my back was turned.’

Stan calmed down and grinned. ‘She’s hidden them.’

‘Hmm, very wise. I’ll have a look at your back first. How does it feel?’

‘Better than ever. There’s no pain there at all now.’

‘It’s healed well.’ The doctor examined Stan’s leg, nodded in satisfaction and sat on the edge of the bed. ‘It will be at least another two weeks before you can put any weight on your leg, but it’s looking good. Your back’s now strong enough for you to use crutches. Nurse will find a pair for you, if she can remember where she’s hidden them.’

‘Can I go home?’ Stan asked eagerly.

‘In a day or two. I want to see how you manage first. You’re going to be rather weak when you start to move around, but you’re a tough man and it shouldn’t take you too long to get back to normal.’

The nurse appeared with the crutches. She was accompanied by a young man.

‘Ah, good, you’ve brought help. Let’s get Mr Crawford on his feet before his language gets any worse, shall we?’ The doctor stood up and moved away from the bed.

Stan’s head swam alarmingly when he stood up.

‘Take deep breaths,’ the nurse ordered, seeing his difficulty.

As his head cleared he straightened up. ‘I’m all right now.’ The walk to the other side of the ward and
back was hard, but he made it and was satisfied.

‘Use the next couple of days to get your strength back,’ the doctor said, giving him a stern look. ‘And remember,
don’t
put your foot on the ground until I say you can.’

‘I’ll be careful,’ Stan promised, grateful he was moving around again at last. ‘Thanks for everything you’ve done for me.’

‘Glad we could help.’ The doctor’s eyes glowed with amusement. ‘One of the first things you’ve got to do when you get out of here is to stop Dora going out with Alan. He isn’t the man for her.’

Stan’s mouth opened in astonishment. ‘I agree with you, but what makes you think I can do that?’

‘I’ve got eyes in my head, and I have every faith in your powers of persuasion.’ The doctor began to turn away, then faced Stan again, his expression serious now. ‘And you must find out what’s happened to her mother. That poor family aren’t going to be able to get on with their lives until this mystery is resolved.’

Stan nodded. ‘I’m convinced she’s dead.’

‘Then find the body and let them bury her. It’s important, Stan. Dora’s putting a brave face on things, but she has the added responsibility of her brother and sister. That weighs heavily on her. She needs an end to this nightmare.’

‘I won’t let her down, Doc.’

Dr Burridge nodded, then left the ward.

‘Look at you!’ Reg strode in. ‘You’re out of bed.’

‘And I’ll be home in a day or two.’ Stan was pleased
to see his brother-in-law. Reg never bothered with official visiting times, he just came in whenever he felt like it and no one stopped him.

‘You must come and stay with us until you’re completely recovered.’

‘Thanks, but I’d rather be in my own home. I can manage well enough.’ To prove this he did the walk again, smiling all the time. ‘See. I’ve got to use the crutches until my leg’s healed, then the doc’s sure I’ll be able to walk again.’

Reg smiled with relief. ‘I’ve told them at the station that you’ll be coming back on the force. Now, sit down and I’ll bring you up to date with things.’

Stan settled, hoping there was some progress.

‘I’ve finally convinced the Bloomsbury police that there could be a connection between the two women, and they’ve agreed to let us search the flat. But I want to wait until you can come with me. You’ve got a sharp eye and might see something I’d miss.’

‘We’ll go as soon as I’m out of here,’ Stan said eagerly. ‘Anything else?’

‘Nothing solid.’ Reg sat back and sighed deeply. ‘One minute I’m convinced Duval is Dora’s mother, the next I’m sure she can’t possibly be.’

‘I know the feeling, but it’s all we’ve got to go on, Reg. Have you spoken to Roger Grant again?’

‘Yes, but he’s still denying he knew her. I’m sure he knows more than he’s telling though. He’s uneasy and evasive, and he couldn’t get away from me fast enough.’

‘Leave him to stew for a while. We’ll get back to him later. All we’ve got are suspicions that he’s hiding something from us, and that isn’t enough.’

Reg’s expression was grim. ‘I wish we could find her. We’re worried about those youngsters. Lily won’t talk about her mother any more. It’s as if she’s closed her mind because it hurts too much. Tom’s masking his worry with anger, he’s convinced that their mother has just abandoned them. And then there’s Dora …’

‘How is she, Reg? I haven’t seen much of her lately because Alan’s been taking her out, I believe.’

‘They’ve been out a few times, but it’s hard to tell how she’s feeling. We do know they’re struggling and are pawning things to survive. Every time we offer to help she just smiles brightly and tells us they’re quite all right.’ Reg slapped the bed hard in frustration. ‘If that woman’s dead there must be a body somewhere. Why the hell haven’t we found any trace of her?’

‘London’s a huge city and an easy place for people to disappear in.’ Stan held his brother-in-law’s gaze. ‘She might be in the Thames.’

Reg was shaking his head. ‘The river gives up her dead eventually. She’d have surfaced by now. But our immediate concern must be for the children. Dora’s too proud to ask for help. We need to do something!’

‘That’s all we bloody well keep saying!’ Stan muttered irritably. ‘When the Bentleys came to me for help I never dreamt this would become such a tangled web.’

Dora was thrilled when Winnie told her that Stan was coming home the next day. ‘Is he staying with you until he’s fully recovered?’

‘No, he’s insisting on going back to his own house. I’ve talked myself dry trying to persuade him to live with us for a while.’ Winnie gave a helpless shrug. ‘But he’s determined to manage on his own, and you know how stubborn he can be.’

‘I do,’ Dora agreed. ‘But don’t worry. I’ll keep an eye on him to make sure he’s all right.’

‘Thanks, that does ease my concern. Alan’s going to collect him tomorrow evening and bring him home in his car.’

‘That’s good.’

‘You look tired,’ Winnie said gently. ‘Is there anything I can do?’

An expression of anguish suddenly appeared on Dora’s face, so intense that it nearly made Winnie cry. ‘Oh, my dear …’

‘Why haven’t they found her?’ Dora’s self-control wavered. ‘It’s nearly six weeks. We’ve got to know. We can’t go on like this! I’ll soon have to find us somewhere cheaper to live.’ She spun in a circle as if lost. ‘But where? Lily and Tom like it here, they love their schools. I can’t ask them to leave. It’ll break their hearts. Tom’s doing so well. He’s a clever boy. I’ve been trying to find another job, but even if I do I’ll never earn enough for us to stay here. I don’t know how Mum did it after Dad was killed. Where did the money come from? Where is she? What’s going on, Win?’

‘Dora!’ Winnie stopped the distressed girl. ‘I know you’ve got a thousand questions running through your head, it’s only natural. And things do look hopeless at the moment. But you have friends. Stan is coming home and he’s going to be well again. We’ll all help because we care about you.’

Taking a deep breath, Dora stepped back. ‘I won’t take money from any of you. You can’t afford to help in that way. Your own family must come first. I’ve got to sort this out myself or we’ll end up in the workhouse.’

‘No!’ Winnie was horrified that things were this bad. They’d been so concerned about Stan that none of them had noticed Dora’s struggle. And knowing the girl as she now did, she was certain Dora had not told her brother and sister about this. ‘That will never happen!’

Dora was standing, head bowed and arms hanging limply by her sides, a picture of dejection. Then her head came up, mouth once again set in a determined line. ‘No, of course not. Please forgive my outburst, but it’s so hard.’

‘You don’t have to ask forgiveness, my dear. I doubt there are many people who’d cope as well as you. Be proud of the way you’re managing this terrible tragedy. Now, I’ll walk you home.’

‘That isn’t necessary.’ Dora spoke with conviction. ‘I’m quite all right, I just have to let it all out sometimes or I’ll burst! I only wish Stan and Reg would tell us what they’ve found out. I believe it’s something they don’t want us to know, because they’ve stopped talking to us.
I haven’t said anything while Stan’s been in hospital, but we need to know, no matter how bad. Will you tell them that, Win?’

‘Of course.’ She watched Dora leave the house and walk up the road. Her head was held high, but Winnie now recognised the terrible strain Dora was under. She cried for all three of Mrs Bentley’s children, but mostly for the eldest who was giving all her love and support to others when she was the one most in need.

An hour later Reg arrived home, soon after June had finished school for the day. ‘You’re early.’ Winnie kissed her husband. ‘We can all go and see Stan tonight.’

‘Hmm.’ Reg studied his wife’s face. ‘You’re upset. Is there something wrong? Stan’s all right, isn’t he?’

‘He’s fine. But you’re right, something has happened. I’ll tell you about it later. Stan needs to hear this as well.’ She was now very cross. Stan and Reg had no right to keep anything from the youngsters, and she was going to make sure they damned well knew it! But she wasn’t going to discuss this in front of June in case she said something to Lily and upset her.

‘Can’t you tell me now?’

‘No, I need the two of you together.’

The corners of Reg’s mouth twitched. ‘Ah, I know that tone of voice. I think we’re in trouble. What have we done?’

‘It’s what you haven’t done that’s the trouble. Now, sit down and have your tea, then we can go to the hospital.’

‘Is Dora coming with the children this evening?’

‘No, I don’t think they can afford the fare. Not that Dora would admit to that.’

Reg frowned. ‘Alan brings them sometimes.’

‘He’s busy.’

Her husband noted the sharp tone and was wise enough to let the subject drop.

They were waiting outside the ward before visiting hours. June was already being amused by one of the junior nurses, and Winnie couldn’t wait to see Stan.

As soon as it was time, she marched into the ward, but Reg beat her to Stan’s bedside.

‘Oh-oh! I know that look. What have we done, Reg?’

Winnie waded straight in. ‘You can wipe those smirks off your faces. I don’t know what you’ve found out about Mrs Bentley, but whatever it is you’ve got to tell her children. This can’t go on! I’ve just found out Dora’s situation is getting desperate. She might do something stupid like marry Alan to give Tom and Lily a secure future.’

The amusement drained from Stan’s face. ‘Tell us what the hell you mean by that!’

Winnie sat on the edge of the bed and told them what had happened when she’d seen Dora this afternoon. By the time she’d finished her eyes were clouded with tears, and both men were silent.

Stan leant back against the pillows, his mouth set in a straight line. ‘Thank God I’m getting out of here tomorrow. We thought we were protecting them, but all we seem to have done is made things harder for Dora.’

‘You see you put this right as soon as you can. I got the impression that Dora would rather have any news than nothing at all, even if it is bad.’

Reg took hold of Winnie’s hand. ‘Don’t upset yourself so, darling. We’ll tell them everything we know – though it isn’t much. Won’t we, Stan?’

‘As soon as I’m home.’