Nobody’s Girl (24 page)

A month passed and at five one Saturday afternoon, Kevin was sitting on the side of their bed, Pearl beside him. She was looking scrawny and miserable, and he tensed, fed up with her constant complaints.

‘I’m at the end of my tether, Kevin. I don’t feel that Johnny is our baby. Your parents seem to have him all the time, and every morning when I wake up I find him in their bed.’

‘Whose fault is that? You still don’t hear him crying in the night, and you should thank God that my mother does. She looks awful lately, with dark circles under her eyes from lack of sleep, but you don’t hear her complaining.’

‘I can’t understand why I don’t hear him. I wasn’t a heavy sleeper before Johnny was born, so why now?’

‘How should I know?’ Kevin shifted on the bed, hoping that Pearl had said her piece, but no, she was off again.

‘I’m grateful that she hears Johnny, but it’s getting me down that she undermines everything I do. I’m fine with Johnny when we’re on our own, but when your mother’s around she acts as though I’m incapable of looking after him and it’s turning me into a bundle of nerves.’

‘Don’t exaggerate, and I’m sure she only telling you what’s best for the boy.’

‘What’s best in
her
opinion. But Johnny’s our son, not hers. As soon as the café closes your mother shoots up here to take him over. Where is he now? He’s not in here with us, that’s for sure. He’s in the living room with your parents.’

‘He’s their first grandson and they’re bound to be a bit doting.’

‘Please, Kevin, go and get him.’

‘Why me?’

‘Your mother won’t give him to me. Please, love, she won’t say no to you.’

With a sigh Kevin rose from the bed. ‘All right, anything for a quiet life.’

As Kevin stepped into the living room it was to see Johnny on the floor, his mother changing his nappy. He grinned as his son’s fists waved, but then his chubby little hands moved down, one of them touching his tiny penis.

‘Stop that,’ Dolly admonished as she slapped his hand away. ‘You’re a dirty little boy.’

Kevin’s face darkened and, rushing over, he snatched his son up into his arms. ‘Don’t say that, Mum. It ain’t right.’

‘Say what?’

‘That he’s dirty when he touches himself. He’s only a baby, for Christ’s sake, and doesn’t understand.’

‘It’s best to start as you mean to go on, and I intend to break
that
nasty habit as soon as I can.’

Kevin’s anger mounted, words spilling out of his mouth without thought. ‘It’s perfectly natural – something that grown men do too. What’s wrong with giving ourselves a bit of pleasure?’

‘Kevin, don’t speak to me like that – it’s disgusting!’

Johnny started to cry and Kevin heaved a deep breath in an effort to calm down, his voice now registering controlled anger. ‘Mum, there’s nothing disgusting about masturbation. In future, if my son wants to play with himself, he can. You made me feel dirty as a child – even going so far as to tell me you wouldn’t love me if I touched myself. Well, you ain’t doing the same to Johnny.’

He saw his mother’s jaw gape, but before she had time to speak he turned to leave, managing a mocking smile as he added, ‘And anyway, you needn’t worry. I think it’ll be some time before Johnny manages to toss himself off.’

‘You filthy boy! How dare you speak to me like that? Get out of my sight.’

‘Don’t worry, I’m going,’ Kevin snarled as he stomped from the room.

Pearl took Johnny from his arms, comforting the squalling child, whilst Kevin flopped down beside her. The baby quietened and Kevin watched as Pearl expertly folded a nappy, laying their son across her lap as she fastened the triangular shape in place with a pin.

Kevin was still seething. Deciding that he was safe, that the coast was clear now, he was filled with renewed determination. ‘It’s about time we found a place of our own, Pearl.’

Her head swung round, her eyes wide with delight. ‘Oh, I’d love that.’

‘Right, and to raise some money I’d better see about finding a job.’

‘The local paper is due out tomorrow. There’s bound to be something advertised.’

Kevin smiled faintly. It wasn’t employment he was seeking, but Pearl didn’t know that. What he needed was to raise money quickly and that would be impossible, working in a sodding engineering factory.

He stretched out on the bed, already formulating a plan. He’d considered this job ages ago but, thinking it too risky, had discarded the idea. Now, though, the need to get away from his mother overcame his doubts.

* Sleep eluded Pearl. At last Kevin was going to get a job. Excited about the future, unusually she was still awake after midnight.

She turned onto her side, but had just snuggled under the blankets when the bedroom door swung slowly open. In the dim light Pearl saw her mother-in-law creeping into the room, moving stealthily to the cot, her hands reaching inside.

Pearl swiftly turned on the bedside light. ‘What are you doing?’

Dolly visibly jumped, her voice blustering as she said, ‘I thought I heard Johnny crying.’

‘He hasn’t made a sound.’

‘How would
you
know? When was the last time
you
heard him crying in the night?’

‘What’s going on?’ Kevin asked as he pushed himself up on one elbow. ‘Can’t a bloke get a bit of sleep?’

‘Your mother said she heard Johnny crying, but I’ve been awake all this time and can assure you he didn’t make a sound.’

‘Well, I must have been mistaken,’ Dolly snapped. ‘Anyway, now I’m here I might as well take him. No doubt he’ll want a bottle soon.’

Anger gave Pearl the courage to speak, her voice quiet but firm. ‘There’s no need. I’ll see to him, but thank you anyway.’

To her surprise, Dolly said no more, just throwing Pearl a dark look as she turned on her heels to storm from the room.

Pearl didn’t speak until the bedroom door closed. ‘Kevin, have you ever heard Johnny in the night?’

‘No,’ he said shortly, plumping up his pillow.

‘Don’t you think it’s a bit strange that neither of us have heard him crying?’

‘Let it rest, Pearl. I want some sleep.’

‘I can’t. Your mother came to take Johnny, but he wasn’t making a sound. I think she’s being doing it every night.’

He turned onto his back, yawning widely. ‘Yeah, you could be right.’

‘Kevin, don’t you see what this means? She’s been accusing me of being an awful mother, but I’m not,’ Pearl cried, her voice high with indignation. ‘I didn’t hear Johnny because he wasn’t in his cot.’

‘Yeah, and I’m sorry, love. I don’t know what my mother’s game is, but I should have listened to you before. Well, we know what she’s up to now, and don’t worry – we’ll be out of here soon.’

Pearl smiled as she flung back the blankets, hurrying to the cot. Despite the noise, Johnny remained undisturbed and it seemed a shame to wake him. Sure now that she would hear him if he cried, Pearl climbed back into bed. ‘Oh, I can’t wait for us to have a place of our own,’ she whis pered as she flung an arm round Kevin, only to find that he had already gone back to sleep.

It didn’t matter, Kevin was on her side now, and for once she felt him an ally against her mother-in-law’s games.

Johnny had woken once during the rest of the night and Pearl was immediately roused. Her eyes were bleary as she fed him, changed him, and then settled him down again. She wanted to confront Dolly, but fear still held her back. Kevin had assured her that they’d be in their own home soon and, dreading a face-to-face argument with her formidable mother-in-law, she decided it would be best to say nothing.

Pearl climbed wearily back into bed, relieved that it was Sunday and she didn’t have to get up early. Kevin turned over and, though asleep, his arms enfolded her. She smiled softly, enjoying the closeness as she snuggled in. With Dolly around, she was still tense, and Kevin had given up trying to make love to her. She didn’t blame him, but things would be different in their own home. They’d have a normal love life – a normal marriage – and she couldn’t wait.

Warm and snug, Pearl closed her eyes, immediately drifting off to sleep and was surprised to find when she woke again that it was after seven.

She went to the cot but Johnny was still asleep, one little hand tucked under his chin. Kevin moaned softly, stretched his arms and then pushed himself up on to one elbow. His hair was tousled, his face relaxed and she couldn’t miss the growing resemblance. ‘Do you know, Johnny is getting more and more like you.’

‘Is he? Then he must be a handsome little devil.’

‘Oh, he is,’ Pearl said, adding with a smile, ‘but his head isn’t as big as yours.’

Kevin grinned and Pearl’s heart swelled with love. Johnny stirred and she picked him up, placing him in Kevin’s arms. He gazed at their son, his affection obvious, and once again Pearl’s heart soared. He was a good father, and now their future together looked rosy.

‘Yuk, he’s bloody soaking.’

‘Well, you’d better change his nappy then. I’m off to make his bottle.’

‘Leave it out, Pearl. That’s women’s work.’

She shook her head, feigning exasperation. Some things would never change and sorting out their son’s nappy was always going to be down to her.

After changing Johnny, Pearl went to the kitchen, relieved to find that her in-laws weren’t up. She made the baby’s bottle and a cup of tea, returning to the bedroom with everything balanced on a tray.

Johnny was squalling and Kevin held him out. ‘He wants his grub.’

Pearl placed the tray on the chest of drawers and, perching on the side of the bed, she gave the baby his bottle, watching as he pulled on the teat.

‘Kevin, if you don’t mind, I think I’ll pop over to see Bessie later.’

‘Why you bother with that old ragbag is beyond me, but I’m going out too so please yourself.’

‘Bessie’s been good to me and I’m fond of her. Where are you going?’

‘I’ve got someone to see – a bit of business to sort out.’

‘Oh, is it to do with a job?’

‘Yeah, you could say that,’ Kevin said, smiling enigmatically as he threw back the blankets, heading for the bathroom.

Johnny finished his feed, and after Pearl had winded him he contentedly drifted off to sleep. She gently placed him in the cot, smiling down at him for a moment before leaving to rinse out his bottle. Dolly was in the kitchen now, making a fresh brew, but she totally ignored Pearl. The atmosphere was awful, tense, and when Kevin finally showed his face, he received the same treatment.

Dolly continued to bang around, slamming doors, driving them out of the kitchen and, soon after, the house, earlier than they’d anticipated.

‘We might be in for a bit of a rough ride,’ Kevin said as they left the café. ‘My mother can sulk for England, but she can stew in her own juice as far as I’m concerned.’

Pearl grinned. ‘Any more metaphors before we part company?’

‘You cheeky bitch,’ Kevin said, but his smile took the sting out of his words. He leaned over to give her a swift kiss on the cheek, gave Johnny the same, calling, ‘See you later,’ as he sauntered off.

Pearl pushed the pram across the road, feeling that something had shifted in their relationship. Kevin seemed warmer, more relaxed, his nerves completely gone and a swagger back in his step.

‘Hello, ducks,’ Bessie said as she opened the door. ‘Come on in.’

Pearl lifted Johnny from his pram and followed the old woman upstairs, but her nose wrinkled as she walked into the living room.

‘Get that sour look off your face,’ Bessie said. ‘I know the place is a mess, but after running the shop all week, I’m too knackered on my day off to worry about housework.’

Pearl took at good look at the old woman and didn’t like what she saw. Bessie looked pasty, her eyes hooded with tiredness. ‘You look awful.’

‘Thanks and it’s nice to see you too,’ she retorted, flopping onto a chair and holding out her arms. ‘Blimey, he gets bigger every time I see him.’

When Pearl laid Johnny in Bessie’s arms, the old woman tickled him under the chin, but he remained undisturbed, sleeping soundly. ‘He sure likes his kip.’

‘Yes, he’s a contented baby,’ Pearl replied before turning on her heels to head for the scullery. ‘I’ll make us a drink.’

The room was in an awful state, dishes piled in the sink, all her work when she had lived with Bessie undone. She shook her head and set to, but it was some time before she returned to the living room.

‘Here,’ she said, placing a cup of tea beside Bessie.

‘Blimey, it’s about time. What have you been doing out there?’ Before Pearl had time to reply she sailed on, ‘Huh, I can guess. You’ve been cleaning up. It’s good of you, but I’d have got round to it eventually.’

‘You said you’re worn out, and I think a rest is more important.’ She took Johnny from Bessie’s arms, laying him gently on the sofa. ‘While he’s sleeping, I’ll tidy up in here.’

‘Leave it, love. Other than the occasional card reading, you’re the only person who visits me, so what does a bit of mess matter?’

‘It won’t take long.’

‘What is it with you and housework? I’d rather you sat down for a chat.’

‘We can talk while I’m working.’

‘How are things over in the café?’

Pearl paused, a pile of old newspapers in her arms. ‘You wouldn’t believe it if I told you.’

‘For Gawd’s sake, you’re making my neck ache. Leave the bloody tidying up and sit down.’

Returning the newspapers to where she had found them, Pearl flopped beside Johnny. ‘I don’t know where to start really but, as you know, I haven’t been hearing the baby at night.’

‘Yeah, and I know it’s upsetting you.’

‘It was, but not now. I couldn’t sleep last night, and Johnny wasn’t crying, but it didn’t stop Dolly from sneaking into our room to take him.’

Bessie straightened in her chair. ‘Bloody hell, and do you think she’s been doing that every night?’

‘Yes, I’m sure she has.’

‘Huh, with the way she’s been trying to take him over, I should have guessed.’ Bessie chuckled. ‘Blimey, you’ve got Dolly well and truly scuppered now and I bet she doesn’t like that. I hope you gave her what for.’

‘Er … not really, but I didn’t let her take Johnny and she wasn’t too happy about that.’

Bessie’s brow lifted. ‘In other words, you’re letting her get away with it.’

‘Oh, Bessie, the atmosphere is awful now and there’s no point in making it worse, especially as Kevin is getting a job and we’ll be in our own place soon.’

‘Huh, I wouldn’t count your chickens before they’re hatched.’

‘What do you mean?’

‘Look, it’s nothing. Forget I said anything. I’m just annoyed that you’ve let Dolly get away with it but I should have kept my mouth shut.’

The old woman had her head down, and Pearl looked at her worriedly. She’d heard metaphors from Kevin, but Bessie’s felt somehow prophetic. ‘I can’t just forget it. You inferred that something is going to stop us from getting a place of our own. Have you had another vision?’

‘I told you, it’s nothing. It happened a while ago, after I gave someone a reading, but it was just a flash.’

Bessie was still avoiding eye contact so Pearl didn’t believe her. She had seen something bad, Pearl was sure of it, and her heart began to thump.

‘Bessie,’ she begged, ‘you can’t leave me up in the air like this. Please, please, tell me what you saw.’

A sigh escaped Bessie’s lips and finally she turned her head. ‘Christ, me and my big mouth, but I can see you ain’t gonna leave me in peace until I tell you. All right, if you must know, I saw Kevin in some sort of trouble.’

‘What sort of trouble?’

‘I told you it was only a flash. All I saw was Kevin surrounded by policemen.’

‘Oh God! Was it an accident or something? Was Kevin all right?’

‘
I don’t know!
It was unclear and, if you ask me, best left alone.’

‘You don’t know!’ Pearl shrieked. ‘But you must have seen if he was all right.’

‘Bloody hell, why do you think I didn’t want to tell you? I knew this would happen and that you’d want answers I can’t give you.’

Pearl’s cries had disturbed Johnny and he awoke, squalling. She picked him up, rocking him in her arms. ‘When is this going to happen?’

‘I don’t know, but I think soon.’

Pearl closed her eyes. Bessie had seen Kevin surrounded by policemen. What did it mean? Oh God, she prayed, please let him be all right.

The road was quiet, few people around early on a Sunday morning. Kevin stood in the opposite doorway, gazing across at the shop. When he’d first considered this job, he’d thought about ambushing the old man when he took his takings to the bank, but after following him a few times he’d seen there were always a lot of people about, making it far too risky.

His eyes took in the alarm box above the jeweller’s. He’d foolishly hoped to get in that night, but the system was state of the art and too hard for him to crack. Kevin scowled. He didn’t want to bring Nobby and Dick in on the job, but what was the alternative?

Kevin emerged from the doorway and walked across the road. The only alternative would be to hit the shop when it was open, a risky move but, thinking of the mass of gems inside – which he didn’t want to share with Nobby and Dick – he licked his lips. If he covered his face and got in and out quickly, maybe he could get away with it.

Kevin peered through security grids on the windows, seeing large displays of jewellery, and knew that even if he managed to get only the stuff on show, it would fetch a pretty penny. He moved into the deep entrance now, taking in the side windows. To the right he saw watches and clocks, and to the left more fine jewellery. The door was covered by another thick grid and, hearing a key turning in the lock, Kevin’s eyes widened as it slid back. The door then opened, an old man emerging.

As their eyes met, both froze for a moment, but it was Kevin who moved first. Bloody hell, it was fate, it had to be. He shoved the old man back into the interior, kicking the door closed with his heel. Christ, who’d have thought the jeweller would be in the premises on a Sunday. Talk about luck!

Kevin took in the shop, seeing that, like outside, the internal windows were covered by security grids. He pointed at them, voice thick with menace as he growled, ‘Give me the keys.’

The old man was trembling. ‘I’ll get them for you, but please, don’t hurt me.’

‘If you do as I say, you’ll be fine. However …’ Kevin left the threat hanging in the air.

‘Th … they’re behind the counter,’ the jeweller muttered, and Kevin pushed him roughly forward.

The old man shuffled behind the counter, fumbling underneath whilst Kevin’s thoughts raced, his adrenalin high. This was great and he still couldn’t believe his luck. It was so easy, the geezer obviously terrified and under his control.

At that moment an alarm sounded, jangling loudly in Kevin’s ears. He looked around in panic, his eyes wild as they turned to the jeweller.

‘You bastard! You set off the alarm!’

‘I … I know you. I’ve seen you somewhere before,’ the old man spluttered, unaware that his words sealed his fate.

With a cry of rage Kevin swept up the only thing to hand, a heavy chair in front of the counter. He lifted it high before swinging it down with all his might, smashing it on to the old man’s head.

The bastard had recognised him! His rage now out of control, Kevin ran behind the counter, hitting the man again with the only thick piece of wood left in his hand.

The alarm still sounded, jangling loudly, but Kevin hardly heard it now. He couldn’t leave the man alive – he had to silence him – and seeing only a wall of red before his eyes, he smashed into the jeweller’s skull over and over again.

Blood spurted from the old man’s head, but mindlessly Kevin carried on, only stopping when a hand seized his arm from behind.

The grip was vicelike and, looking over his shoulder with sweat pouring down his face, Kevin saw the hand belonged to a policeman.