Spoils of War (20 page)

Bethan had never refused him anything physical because she had never pretended that their sex life was any the less important or enjoyable for her than him, but he couldn’t help wondering if she thought of him or David when they switched off the bedroom lights. Skilled but perfunctory – that was the best description. Who had coined the phrase ‘intimate strangers’?

Their lovemaking, like their relationship, wasn’t what it had been before the war. Or was it his memory that was defective? Was his present disillusionment the result of their long separation? Had he remembered their marriage as it had never been, during all those long years in the prison camp? Had he woven dreams into a reality that had never existed outside his own mind, or had it simply turned sour between them like so many couples he saw in his surgery? Men who asked if there was any way to find out if the child born during the war was the result of a brief leave or
‘a fling between the wife and a Yank’.
Because they’d heard rumours – there were always rumours. And it wasn’t just the men. There were women who wanted to know the symptoms of venereal disease because they were convinced that their husbands had strayed in the forces and passed it on to them. And there were others who asked if their husbands had it – and if they did, was that why they hadn’t touched them since their return?

He left the chair and switched off the light. So many unhappy couples and miserable people, why did he and Bethan have to be among them? He climbed the stairs, looked in on his sleeping son and daughter, and decided that when the weather broke and the first signs of spring appeared, he would drag Bethan and their family off to the chalet on the Gower. Away from everything and everybody including David Ford. There he’d finally have it out with her and force her to face the deterioration in their relationship, because he’d rather risk what was left of their marriage in the hope of recapturing what he believed they’d lost than go on the way they were.

‘You seem to be having difficulty in understanding the word no, Will.’

‘Where’s the risk, Alma? You’ll be getting your “off the ration” meat delivered along with your regular order. Long before any inspector can catch up with it, you will have cooked and sliced it, or baked it into pies and pasties. And who’s to say what’s in the pies you sell?’

‘I say, Will. One of the reasons the shops are doing so well is that I list all the ingredients including the percentage of meat in all our products. If I suddenly start selling double the poundage of cold, sliced beef or twice the number of pies, the inspectors will want to know where the meat came from. And there’s no point in my increasing the percentage of meat in the fillings because the customers won’t pay any more for our pies and pasties.’

‘But I’m offering you a chance to double your turnover.’

‘Plus a ride to the local police station, a visit to the magistrates’ court and a prison sentence. I have Theo to think about, Will. I’ve gone through the war without dabbling in the black market, and I’ve done all right. I’m not about to start risking everything I’ve built up now.’

‘You won’t even consider my offer?’

‘I have considered it.’ She picked up the teapot and refilled both their mugs. ‘But that’s not to say I won’t put some legal business your and Ronnie’s way. I’ve got one van on the road and the driver’s always being asked if he can supply other shops with our products. Sooner or later this rationing is going to ease and I’ll be able to get the supplies to fulfil all the potential orders – legally.’ She gave him a ghost of a smile. ‘When that happens I’ll need another vehicle. I’ve applied for permits and extra petrol coupons and I wouldn’t mind buying another van ready for when they come. So if anything suitable comes up, you’ll let me know?’

‘New or second-hand?’

‘Preferably new, but I wouldn’t turn my nose up at a relatively new ex-army vehicle – as long as it is above board,’ she added emphatically. ‘David Ford and Dino were in here yesterday. They’ve succeeded in tracking down a couple of missing US army vehicles and mentioned that they will probably go for auction.’

‘Thanks for the tip. I’ll go and see them.’

‘And …’ she looked around to make sure none of her staff were within earshot, ‘if you ever have smaller quantities of anything off the ration –’

‘Like?’ he broke in quickly.

‘A pound of cheese, butter or bacon, or a couple of pounds of sugar, I’d be interested.’

‘In other words you wouldn’t say no to any extras you can put on your own table?’

She thought of another table she’d soon have to fill as well, ‘Exactly.’

‘I see, you’re like everyone else I’ve talked to this morning, won’t turn down the offer of more than your allotted rations but you’re not prepared to run any risks to get them.’

‘You wouldn’t be running any risks if you’d been around the last couple of years and read the court reports in the
Pontypridd Observer.
Some of the magistrates can be savage.’

‘So I’m finding out.’

‘It’s not worth taking a chance, Will.’

‘That’s what Ronnie said.’

‘You should have listened to him.’

‘It’s funny to think you once worked for him as a waitress, then Charlie as a shop assistant and now you’re not only handing out advice on how to live and run a business but also managing the most successful shop chain in the area. This war’s turned everything topsy-turvy.’

‘A lot of water has flowed under the Old Bridge since I worked for Ronnie Ronconi,’ she said easily. What seemed even odder to her was that while she’d been Ronnie’s waitress she’d also been his mistress. But then that had been before either of them had married. Looking back now, it was almost as though it hadn’t been her but some other woman who’d waited tables in Ronconi’s, cleaned and locked up every night and climbed the stairs to the small cold room on the first floor to make love to him afterwards.

‘I heard about Charlie’s first wife.’

‘I expect the whole town has by now, Will. Please, don’t tell me how sorry you are.’

‘I’m too fond of you as an ex-employer and friend to pretend I’m delighted.’

‘And I can’t be sorry the poor woman survived.’

‘You’re one tough woman, Alma. And not only in business.’

‘I had a good teacher, and not only in business.’

‘Ronnie?’

‘No, Charlie, but they’re not unlike one another in some ways. The quality I’ve always admired in both of them is their single-mindedness. If they want something, they go for it whether it’s business, pleasure or family, and to hell with the consequences. If I’ve been successful it’s because I’ve tried to foster that attitude in myself. But single-mindedness doesn’t mean being downright reckless.’

‘I get the message: no black market goods through the back door of Charlie’s cooked meats and pies.’

‘None, but thank you for thinking of me.’

William finished his tea. ‘In that case I’d best be on my way. I only hope Angelo and Alfredo can use a whole cow in the restaurant and café.’

‘People talk, Will. A sudden glut of meat will get noticed and Ronnie won’t like it.’

‘He’s already told me he won’t. Any suggestions?’

‘Be cautious. What Angelo can’t lose in Ronconi’s normal turnover, chop into manageable pieces and spread around. I’ll take four pounds, your mother will take another couple, and then there’s your Uncle Huw, your Uncle Evan …’

‘And no one will notice I’m humping meat around my family?’

‘Not if you borrow Angelo’s Trojan. He goes up the Graig Hill at least once a day.’

‘Thanks for the advice. And I won’t forget about the van.’

‘Ianto used to service the one I’ve got. Did you keep his mechanic on?’

‘Afraid Ronnie or I might try our hand at fixing things we know nothing about?’

‘Not Ronnie – you. And I’m still smarting because you didn’t come back to work for Charlie. You could have taken your pick of the shops. Managed anyone you liked. You’re a good worker, Will.’

‘It’s time to move on. I have a wife to support.’

‘If I was the betting sort, I’d back Tina on keeping you rather than the other way round any day.’

‘Don’t tell Ronnie that or he’ll go into partnership with his sister instead of his brother-in-law.’ He kissed her cheek. ‘Take care of yourself, and if you want to waste an evening bring Theo over to Bonvilston Road. Tina and I’ve moved into my Uncle Huw’s old house.’

‘For good?’

‘If Tina decides she wants it we’ll buy it, but you know what women are like.’

‘Kinder, sweeter, gentler and far more sensible and reliable than men.’

‘That doesn’t deserve an answer.’ He turned round as the back door opened and Bethan walked into the kitchen. ‘Cold enough for you, Beth?’

‘I thought you’d be wishing it colder.’

‘Not me. After Italy I like it warm enough to bake bread.’

‘But meat keeps better in cold weather and I’ve heard you’ve got a whole cow’s worth.’

‘Is there anyone in this town who doesn’t know everyone else’s business?’

‘You’re back in Ponty, boyo,’ she joked.

‘So I’ve discovered. Well, if I’m going to get rid of my ill-gotten gains before the coppers catch up with me I’d better go out there and start selling.’

‘You can put me down for a couple of pounds and my father – oh and my father-in-law.’

‘The upright Dr and Mrs John from the Common?’

‘We’ll take it up as a present.’

Will kissed her cheek. ‘I’ll drop six pounds off in your house.’

‘Thanks, Will, and be careful,’ she warned.

‘It’s all right, I’ve had the full lecture from this one.’ He gave Alma a brief hug. ‘She needs looking after.’

‘What is it with the men since they’ve come back,’ Bethan grumbled as he left. ‘They seem to think we need instructions on how to behave towards one another all of a sudden.’ She saw the expression change on Alma’s face. ‘I’m sorry, that was tactless of me. I don’t know how you’re managing to keep going without Charlie.’

‘Perfectly well,’ Alma lied unconvincingly. ‘Tea’s still warm, want a cup?’

‘Just a quick one. I came to see if there’s anything I can do to help in the house.’

Alma shook her head. ‘Mrs Lane was putting the finishing touches to it this morning. I’m going over there now to give it one final check-over before they …’ She faltered, then smiled determinedly. But Bethan knew her too well. She was aware just how much of a struggle it was for Alma to retain her composure. ‘Move in.’

‘Would you like company?’

‘No, thank you. As I said, it’s just going to be a quick in-and-out. And shouldn’t you be preparing for your journey? You are still travelling down to Tilbury with Charlie?’

‘Late Tuesday, Andrew’s booked us berths on an overnight sleeper.’

‘Sleeping on a train sounds like fun. I haven’t done much travelling. Charlie always said we would after the war …’

‘Alma …’ Bethan hugged her.

‘I’m all right, Beth. Really. Just finding it a bit difficult to organise my life without him but I’ll get used to it. I’ll have to, seeing as how I have no other option. Now if you’ll excuse me, I really do have to go if I’m going to be out of the place before Charlie arrives.’

‘You’ll be up for tea on Sunday with Theo?’

‘Of course, and I’ll see you then.’ She gave Bethan a brittle smile, leaving her no option but to walk away.

‘It happened about half an hour ago, Dr John. I thought you’d want to know right away as you’ve taken such an interest in the case.’

‘Have you informed the family?’ Andrew asked the sister.

‘No, I assumed you’d want to do a full examination first.’

‘And she’s conscious now?’

‘She was when I left. We called Dr John senior as well. He’s with her now.’

Irritated by the sister’s officiousness, Andrew ran ahead, down the corridor and into the ward to Diana’s cubicle. He could hear the soft murmur of voices and recognised Diana’s voice – weak and subdued – responding to his father’s gruffer tones.

‘Sleeping Beauty’s finally decided to join the land of the living,’ his father said as he pushed open the door.

Andrew nodded to the nurse standing in front of the window, before turning to the bed. Diana was lying back, thin, pale and drawn, but her eyes were open. Gleaming brown pools in a pinched, bleached face.

‘Well, hello there. You had us all worried for a while.’

Diana looked at him blankly for a moment, then murmured. ‘Andrew.’

‘How are you feeling?’

‘My head hurts.’

‘That’s hardly surprising.’

‘That’s what I said, and she’s having problems moving her left leg and arm but I told her not to worry.’ Andrew’s father smiled down at Diana. ‘She’s been in bed a long time. I doubt there’s anything that exercise, care and rest won’t cure.’

‘Do you remember what happened?’ Andrew asked.

‘No.’

‘But you do know where you are?’

‘Dr John told me, I’m in hospital.’ She looked from Andrew’s father to Andrew. ‘How long have I been here?’

‘Over seven weeks.’

‘Seven weeks! Billy …’

‘Hey, young lady, no moving until we say you can.’ Andrew’s father pushed her gently back on to the pillows.

‘Your mother is looking after both the children,’ Andrew reassured.

‘Both?’ She looked at him in bewilderment.

‘Billy and Catrina.’

‘Who’s Catrina?’

Andrew’s father gave him a warning glance and shook his head.

‘You know your mother,’ Andrew chose his words carefully. ‘Apart from missing you, Billy’s having the time of his life.’

‘That’s good. Does Wyn know I’m here?’

Andrew struggled to control his features and keep the shock from registering on his face. Diana’s first husband, Wyn Rees, had been killed in a munitions’ factory explosion in December 1941.

‘Everyone knows you’re here,’ he replied cautiously.

‘But you’ve been very ill, my dear,’ Andrew’s father murmured soothingly. ‘We’ve had to restrict your visitors.’

‘But I must see Wyn. He’ll be so worried …’

‘First, I think we’d better send for a specialist and see what he says. We don’t want you slipping back into another coma.’ He pulled a prescription pad from the pocket of his white coat and scribbled on it. ‘Nurse, would you get these from the pharmacy for Mrs … this patient’s headache.’